We had a few days with bad storms and I hate storms. It’s not the rain or wind that’s scary, it’s the lightening. Growing up in the Caribbean, I never liked the thunder and lightening and would always cover my head to drown out the sounds. When I moved to the US, I still had a fear of storms (who am I kidding…that fear never left), but when there is a tornado watch my anxiety goes from 0 to 100 in 1 second! However, I’ve been learning how to manage my weather related anxiety and during these last storms I was pretty proud of myself for being more calm than usual and on one night, I even left the blinds up to watch the storm roll in. That is progress!
Recently I participated in a program where each day we were guided through a morning practice by Lama Willa Blythe Baker . One day, she shared this beautiful excerpt of a poem by Rumi. I had heard it before, however, listening to her say these words while in deep contemplation was deeply moving and powerful.
I’m sharing excerpt of The Guest House that Lama Willa has in her book, and offering some reflection prompts
This being human is a guest house.
Every morning a new arrival.
A joy, a depression, a meanness,
some momentary awareness comes as
an unexpected visitor.
Welcome and entertain them all,
For each has been sent as a guest from beyond
Reflect on these prompts:
what are you welcoming today?
how do you usually respond when you have an unwelcomed visitor?
what can you learn from an unexpected visitor to your human guest house?
May is Mental Health Awareness month and I thought it would be a good time to pop in to remind you that your mental health matters! We all have various experiences that impact the quality of our mental health, however, it is really important for you to know about your own mental health, triggers for stress, and ways of coping that work best for you. Overall, the quality of your mental health can impact the way you think, feel, behave, and cope with life.
Here are some helpful links to learn more about general mental health information:
Most of us look forward to the weekend and often have a sense of “I don’t want the weekend to end” on a Sunday night. While Monday may be the start of new opportunities, new plans, and new goals, sometimes facing Monday mornings can be a challenge.
How come?
Monday is the beginning of the work week for most people. You dread opening emails and the never-ending list of things to do/accomplish during the week. Often, the way we approach Monday mornings may set the tone for the week. If you have a hard time practicing acceptance of all that Monday brings, here are a few mindfulness based suggestions (and it’s a note to self!):
journal what comes up for you when you think about Monday morning. As you write, notice how you feel in the moment and how you respond or react to your thoughts and feelings about Mondays
have an affirmation that is specific to Mondays – as you recite your affirmation, stay grounded in the moment and tune in to your body and breathing
create a guided meditation to start your week. As you listen to this meditation, bring awareness to your breathing and to your thoughts. Notice what comes up and release any limiting beliefs about your week
find at least one activity that brings you joy and engage in that activity on Mondays to set a fun and pleasant tone to your day. While you engage in the activity, avoid any distractions and be fully present.
find a positive reframe to Mondays!
See if you can bring a change to your Monday vibe!
I’ve been thinking a lot about growing older and how our lives change as we age. I’ve been thinking about this from my own experiences and watching my loved ones get older. I’ve been paying closer attention to how our bodies change, how our coping skills change, and the increased need for emotional and physical support.
When I think about my own experiences, I’ve noticed how much I have changed (or maybe grown?) in the past couple years (mentally, emotionally, and physically) and some of those changes were forced or unexpected due to the pandemic. Most times I am okay with these changes and other times I wish I had a bit more control (don’t we all). Can I be real for a moment? Growing older suddenly became a high anxiety experience for me and at times I wish I could go back to the pure excitement I felt about getting older. Okay, to be fair, the excitement is there, it’s just not as “loud’ or “big” … it’s more of a “ah, okay, here we go” type of energy now.
A couple months ago, I had a pretty significant experience that caused a major shift in my life. It’s also very obvious to me that my perceptions about growing older shifted drastically after that experience. I’m now thinking about things I didn’t consider before and I have a different lens through which I’m seeing life. I think that’s okay.
When I think about growing older, I think about the ways I have been successful and the things I have accomplished in life to this point and I feel, for the most part, content. I think about mistakes and decisions I made in the past and how those shape who I am now. While it might be easy to shift into regret and blame, I like to think of the past as a guide for the present and future. It helps me to stay hopeful and comforted knowing that I am growing every day, and each day I create memories for the future. I also recognize that the way I take care of myself as I get older is shifting, and figured I would share a few things to consider:
take a moment to reflect on what has gone well and is going well in life
make a list of the people, place, and experiences you are grateful for
pay attention to your coping skills and notice how your needs might be changing
schedule an appointment with a licensed counselor to talk about the changes you are experiencing
I think growing older is a privilege and a sacred experience. Each day when I wake up, I am thankful for another day to create memories, make mistakes, connect with others, and learn. Growing older is a blessing that I receive each day, and I often reflect on these beautiful words which I want to share with you:
“Waking up this morning, I smile. Twenty-four brand new hours are before me. I vow to live fully in each moment and to look at all beings with eyes of compassion.”
― Thich Nhat Hanh
How are you spending every 24 hour cycle? What are you thoughts on growing older?
Well & Mindful 