“Be where your feet are.” I am not sure when or where I first heard this. Apparently, it comes from the sporting world. But for me, it means to be mindful. To be present. To focus on the things I can control. So when I am confronted with something unfamiliar or uncomfortable I can respond […]
The Art Of Acceptance Read More »
What I am most grateful for in this life are the people who fill my days. My family. And my friends. For me, my birthday month is the perfect time to reflect on all the love that I feel. Joseph Parry’s quote is one of my favorites, “Make new friends, but keep the old; Those
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The actual definition of gratitude is “the quality of being thankful; readiness to show appreciation for and to return kindness”. Things to be consistently thankful for: Living in a time of such abundance we forget how blessed we are for the simple things in life that ensure our survival. And come to us so much
I came across a YouTube video with Dr. Tara Swart, Neuroscientist and MD. According to her website, “Tara is passionate about disseminating simple, pragmatic neuroscience-based messages that change the way people live and work.” She is truly fascinating!! Dr. Swart says, “There’s a lot of scientific evidence for the benefits on your mental health and
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This picture is of a Balinese gratitude offering. The Balinese people make these every morning, place them on their own private alters, pray and then light incense. It is believed that the smoke from the incense carries their gratitude and prayers to God. A beautiful ritual. They return to their alter mid-day and again in
Happy May 1st. May Day. Today is actually, according to ancient European beginnings, a time to celebrate the start of Summer. Even though Spring is only about half over and the Summer Solstice isn’t until June 20th. The Celts believed that this is the time to bring life back into the world. So they celebrated
Neuroplasticity is “the ability of the brain to form and recognize synaptic connections…”. In other words, to learn. By taking in new information and linking it to previously known knowledge the brain can rewire and change, adapting to different experiences. It was previously thought that the brain stopped growing and learning during late teens. That
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The brain likes patterns. That is why children thrive in predictable settings. Like “Routines”… getting up at the same time each day, going to school and having afterschool activities on specific days. And “Procedures”…having dinner, then bath, then story, then bed. These “Patterns” convince the brain that we are safe. And the brain, like any
Keeping Small Promises Read More »
I am often asked, “What does it mean to be mindful?” Mindfulness is simply being aware. Awareness of what is being thought. Awareness of what is being felt. Awareness of what the senses are taking in. Awareness without judgement. Slowing down. Being curious. This can be done through a variety of breathing techniques, different kinds
Forever ago I heard of a study that compared “affluent” children with “disadvantaged” children. What was the difference? Why did “affluent” children do better in school? Why were they more adaptive? What did “affluent” even mean? The findings showed that children that grew up in “affluent” households had three advantages that set them apart from
The Art Of Self-Care Part 2 Read More »