There are many misconceptions about therapy and what it is like to be in counselling. Recently, I contributed my thoughts to an article on this topic. Please follow the link to the article below to learn more about one man's experience and thoughts about therapy. What I Wish Someone Had Told Me About How Therapy Actually Works
This month's recommended reading is new to me, but not new to the world. Gavin De Becker is a security specialist and he published the first version of this book in 1997. My mother suggested it to me a few months ago; I hesitated to read it at first, but in the end found the information quite valuable. It is a surprising page turner that offers insight into how we can avoid trauma and violence by paying attention to the warning signs around us. I worried at first…
The Live and Learn video series is my new monthly feature. In this series, I will offer up one wellness practice or exercise for you to try out. I welcome your feedback and requests. Today's post is about a basic mindfulness practice called the Body Scan Meditation. The first video provides an overview and introduction, while the second provides a guided meditation - the main focus is the audio with calming pictures if you prefer to keep your eyes open while you meditate.
Justin Hines produces beautiful music that always manages to lift my spirits even in the midst of difficulties. I think the name of this song, 'Somewhere in the Middle' captures where most of us are in life at any moment. Though it may feel like we just need to accomplish one more task or tackle one more challenge and then we can relax, the reality is that we are always somewhere in the middle. In the middle of all the ups and downs and twists and turns that make up our…
I love this quote and image as they both resonate so deeply for me. The internal battles are sometimes not visible to the world but that doesn't mean they are not being fought valiantly.
A regular theme here is that sometimes dealing with a chronic illness can be quite lonely. For those of you who would like to be able to connect with and learn from others with diabetes, I highly recommend this site: TuDiabetes Though I linked directly to the blog listing, there is a wealth of information throughout the site, including expert interview, user blogs and also a community discussion / forum area. Be aware that the site might not be everyone. I have found it to be a…
Recently, I was fortunate to learn of the author Toni Bernhard and her inspiring works on chronic illness. Ms. Bernhard writes from a Buddhist perspective on practices that she has found helpful in dealing with her own sudden and debilitating chronic condition. She writes with compassion for her own situation and a beautiful grace regarding her current limitations. A grace that she acknowledges has taken her time and consistent effort to achieve. A grace that still fluctuates. If you are looking for a resource on some new ideas…
Self-compassion is a key element in mental well being. Please watch the video for more information! Here is the link to Dr. Kristen Neff's website on self-compassion: http://self-compassion.org/
My post is a little later than usual this week in order to coincide with my story/words being published on the Inspire Me Today website! I invite you to read my inspiration on InspireMeToday.com and browse through the wisdom of more than 1000 other Inspirational Luminaries. In the words of the site itself: As members of the human race, we all have one thing in common, and that is the desire to better our situation and improve our lives. For many, it's far too easy to…
I came across this brief article recently that discusses the importance of beauty as an essential human experience. Why Beauty Matters I find that the essential aspect of beauty is often heightened in the midst of health challenges. When we are trying to cope with unpleasant symptoms or an uncertain future, beauty is a gift that simultaneously brings us into the present while also offering a reprieve. Being exposed to acts or objects of beauty (whatever that means to you) is calming and nurturing. For some, this might mean a beautiful…