Giving is a funny thing. On one hand, it's a highly prosocial behavior that brings both the receiver and the giver the warm fuzzies. Biologically speaking, these feelings are designed to help us form deeper connections and strengthen bonds within our communities.
Move Slow and Build Things: The Power of Mindfulness in a Fast-Paced World
The Healing Power of Nature: How Ecotherapy Can Improve Mental Health and Well-being
Gratitude in Times of Struggle: A Thanksgiving Reflection
And if all else fails, nature is always there to remind me of life’s beauty. The trees, flowers, oceans, mountains, and quiet moments in nature all fill me with a deep sense of peace. I’ve become particularly to birds’ songs, reminding me that as long as they are singing, we’re okay in this moment.
Staying Present in Difficult Times
How to Be Mindful of Emotions
So if emotions are SO useful, why have they gotten such a bad rap?
Well... to begin with they feel pretty freakin’ uncomfortable. As humans, we do whatever we can to avoid pain, which can be useful to our health and safety. It keeps us alive. But avoiding all discomfort can cause other problems.
We need the information that our emotions are communicating to us to have clarity, make useful decisions, and lead fulfilling lives.
Why We Have Emotions
How to Be Mindful When Being Interrupted (by Construction)
How to Deal With a Jerk
Something I didn’t address in my mindfulness of others post is how to be mindful when someone is being a real a-hole.
Now I know we’ve all had those moments.
When people aren’t willing to be mindful of us.
How to Be Mindful of Others
If we want healthy relationships with people, we have to practice mindfulness in our interactions with them, just as we would in all other areas of life. Deep down, we all just want to be loved and understood, and being mindful of others is how we’re able to both give and receive that love and understanding.
Feelings vs Emotions: What's the Difference?
Walking Can Be a Meditation
When most people hear the word mindfulness, they automatically think of meditation, which is one form of mindfulness. They also think that meditation is sitting incredibly still and incredibly silent. While that is a traditional seated meditation practice, meditation can be practiced in other ways too.
How to Make the Right Decision Every Time
Decision making can be a real pain in the arse sometimes. Italian or Mexican for dinner? Which route to work? Go to the party or go to bed? Look for a new job or stay with the current one? Get married? Have kids? Move to outer space? It’s endless. I tried to find research to see how many decisions we actually make in a day, but there doesn’t seem to be anything conclusive so I’m going with a whole heck of a lot.
How to Reduce Stress During COVID-19 (And Other Things We Can't Control)
One major thing this Coronavirus pandemic has called our attention to, is how little control we actually have in life. This has been and always will be the case. Viruses and other threats to our well-being have always existed and will always exist. I don’t mean to create even more anxiety by saying this, but we’re all about the facing the truth here. Even when it’s not a truth we like.
It's Always a New Year!
It’s well past January 1st so why the heck am I writing a New Year’s resolution post now?
Well, because I didn’t then. And ever day is a new year! In fact, every moment is a new year. An opportunity to make a fresh start, to make changes, to set new goals.
And how many of you have already given up on those resolutions you set back at the start of 2021?
No judgment here. But I will give you some tips to keep setting goals any dang time you feel like it!
The Dark Side of Mindfulness
Mindfulness will definitely lead to all kinds of “good” stuff, but (And you knew there was going to be a but.) being mindful also means that you’re fully aware of and present for EVERYTHING that’s going on in our life. And life isn’t always rainbows and butterflies. Sometimes it’s painful, frustrating, and downright uncomfortable.
How Mindfulness Helps
Now you’re at the part of your mindfulness journey where you get that it means being fully in the present moment (If you have absolutely no idea what I’m talking about, check this article out first before continuing.). But now you might be wondering, well, that sounds all fine and dandy, but why spend the time trying to do that?
A Reminder of What Mindfulness Is
Introducing Mindfulness IRL
On World Mental Health Day: A Few Favorite Mental Health Hacks
October 10th is World Mental Health Day as observed by the World Health Organization (WHO). I think we could all use some help with our mental health about now so here are a few of my favorite mental health tips in the style of an infographic!