In today's Live and Learn video, I discuss how we all have automatic ways of thinking that can sometimes cause us problems. Luckily, there are strategies we can learn to use to combat these unhelpful thinking styles (aka cognitive distortions). https://youtu.be/9xHhV9TyTt8
As the Easter holidays have just passed, it's a good time to contemplate the role of faith in our lives. Although the specifics of faith can take many forms, having a belief system is a strong source of hope when we are struggling. Just as we benefit from surrounding ourselves with supportive people, we also benefit from faith that there is a bigger picture even if we don't know what it is right now. Having such faith provides much needed motivation to get through the dark…
We all need a strong community or tribe of supporters in our journeys as this quote from Alex Elle suggests. You can find her work and her blog over at another sunday - she is a fabulous woman with words and images that are inspiring and hopeful. I love how she chooses to reframe her experiences in ways that benefit herself and so many others who follow her.
Whether it is a getting stuck in a traffic jam, choosing the slowest line in the grocery store or awaiting test results, we all experience impatience at times. Mindfulness teaches us that this impatience arises partly from not being comfortable in the present moment. We become hooked with anxiety as we become caught in our anticipation of future events, good or bad. We want this moment to be over so that we can get on with what we believe is coming next. This is a perfectly…
Living with a health condition can challenge our concept of ourselves and our place in the world. It can be extremely difficult to embrace the journey. I am privileged to once again present the content of Dr. Brené Brown this spring. Dr. Brown's research explores how we can live with courage, compassion and connection through practices that allow vulnerability and resilience. My co-faccilitator, Karen Gilbert, and I will be tailoring the curriculum to address issues that are particularly relevant to those living with a health condition. From…
As promised, today's video/audio is a short guided sleep relaxation. In this recording, you will visualize relaxing and falling asleep in a safe cozy cloud. Sleep is an integral aspect of well-being and yet it can be elusive at times for many people. Please let me know in the comments below if there are other topics/meditations you would like to hear or if you would like a longer sleep meditation. The background music is courtesy of http://www.bensound.com/royalty-free-music.
This quote embodies how I strive to live my life and how I hope to help you live yours.
I regularly work with clients to explore and allow all thoughts, feelings and sensations and to cultivate a sense of curiosity and openness regarding what we find. However, I also recognize that there are times when we need to break free from a difficult situation or an unhelpful thought pattern. It is perfectly okay to utilize a distraction knowing that you can return to present awareness once you have taken a needed respite from the pain or distress. The folks over at the TED blog recently published a…
Sleep can be elusive and those of us who struggle with getting enough know the vicious cycle. You lie awake, thoughts and worries running desperately through your mind, knowing that you need to sleep and panicking that you will not function well tomorrow if you can't get that sleep. This fear causes more anxiety and even less sleep. There are extensive resources on the Internet regarding sleep hygiene (if you haven't already, I urge you to google the term "sleep hygiene" for more information) and sleep disorders. Today I offer up three…
Sometimes life circumstances can feel overwhelming and it can be hard to believe that you can cope with the situation, let alone thrive. This is frequently the case with those who must deal with sustained health issues. In today's video/audio post, I will guide you on a "mini-break" where you will take an imagined journey through a forest. As you listen to this relaxation script, I hope you are able to experience some relief from the difficulties of life. Even in the midst of struggles, you DO have inner strength and resources.…