I used to overanalyze decisions, stew about how others treated me, and turn small disappointments into major crises. Seemingly petty concerns over everything mounted as I prepared for my wedding at age 30, turning me into a bridezilla terrorizing myself and everyone else over what was supposed to be one of the most joyful occasions of my life. Weeks before the wedding date, my mom handed me a copy of Loving What Is by Byron Katie. This amazing author introduced me to something called The Work and a radical idea: it wasn’t life or other people causing my unhappiness – it was my thoughts. And if my thoughts were the cause, then questioning them could be my way out.
What I learned from Katie’s book about how to investigate my thoughts didn’t just help me navigate wedding stress—it transformed how I handled everything.
The more I questioned, the more my assumptions unraveled. The stress of perceived rejections and painful comparisons lessened remarkably. Grudges I’d held for years softened and in some cases completely disappeared. When something happened in a personal or professional relationship that hurt me, instead of stewing for weeks (or months!), I would come to clarity and understanding in days, hours, or sometimes just a few minutes.
At first, self inquiry helped me improve my relationships—diminishing my unreasonable expectations, my fears of vulnerability, and the loneliness that I carried with me even when I was with other people.
But as I worked through my personal struggles, I realized the same patterns were playing out on a bigger scale. My deep concern for the planet was an overwhelming burden. In my professional life as an environmental advocate, it was easy to find things to fight about – injustice, pollution and war seemed to be everywhere. The weight of the world felt personal, like a boulder I was always pushing uphill, and it prevented me from seeing the beauty and vitality of this world that I was trying to protect.
With continued practice of self inquiry, I discovered a new way to engage. Instead of battling against reality, I started working with it. My passion didn’t fade—it became clearer, more effective, and revitalizing instead of exhausting. I even ran for the mayor of Toronto, running a positive campaign offering thoughtful solutions.
I’ve been practicing self inquiry since learning about it in 2000. First just with my pen and paper, then one on one with professional practitioners of The Work of Byron Katie. As my enthusiasm grew, I participated in multi day immersive workshops by other practitioners and finally got to meet Byron Katie herself at her life changing School of The Work. Now, I guide others through the process of self inquiry, helping people move from stress to calm, from struggling with problems to seeing solutions and transforming conflict into peace.
If you’re ready to discover what changing your relationship with your thoughts and the world around you will do for you, I’d love to help.
There are many ways I can support you, so book a free call with me here to find out how we can work together. And if you want to listen to me work with my clients, tune into my podcast, “Your Thoughts At Work”.
“After many months facilitating a 3-student art class in my home, during the course of Sarah’s 4-week workshop, and eye-opening partner-work, etc., I feel more confident charging for my class; two new students have asked to join. ” – Reed S, California
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