“Mindfulness isn’t difficult. We just need to remember to do it.” -Sharon SaltzbergIn a recent article, I had discussed how a state of mindfulness is not just a mental or psychological exercise. Done properly, it can also have a number of physical benefits as well. After writing that article, I got a couple of questions asking how exactly one would get started if they’ve never done so before. It’s my hope that this article answers some of those questions and serves as a basic introduction to mindfulness meditation.
Mental Health
MINDFULNESS – THE REAL DEAL
“Wherever you are, be there totally.” -Eckhart TolleIn this day and age, there’s a myriad of articles, tips, advice to focus on our mental state of mind in order to have more control, if not completely conquer. I myself have written countless posts on this topic for this site as well. But why is that? To the best of my knowledge, none of us really possess an ability of telekinesis to where if smiling will magically get rid of a virus or a backache. And yet, there is more emphasis on a mind-body connection today then ever before. What makes it so? What exactly makes the art of mindfulness so efficacious in practical terms?
TOUCH
OUR DAILY WISDOM WORD TODAY IS TOUCH. TOUCHING IS ONE OF THE THINGS IN LIFE THAT IS BEAUTIFUL AND HUMAN TOUCH IS ALSO SOMETHING WE NEED. I AM GOING TO TALK ABOUT TOUCH, AND ALTERNATIVES WE HAVE FOR IT. “SOCIAL DISTANCING” IS NOW RECOMMENDED DUE TO THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC OUR WORLD IS EXPERIENCING. ACCORDING TO … Read more
ARROGANCE VS CONFIDENCE
“There’s a thin line between confidence and arrogance. It’s called humility. Confidence smiles. Arrogance smirks.” -UnknownIn all my articles for this site, I have always sited confidence as a key factor to get ahead in any endeavor. If you don’t believe in yourself, than nobody else will either. But as today’s quote says, there’s a thin line between confidence and arrogance. Once you cross that line, that path that you’re on becomes much more dangerous to tread on with a lot more one-way streets.
VALIDATION BE DAMNED
An amazing thing happens when you stop seeking approval and validation: You find it. -Mandy HaleHow necessary is it to for us to have validation? I have been asking myself this for the last few months. As an aspiring writer, there are times when, perhaps necessarily, seek validations from writers who I respect. Every time I come out with new story or poem, my mind always wonders “What will so-and-so think?”
PANIC
COVID-19 BRINGS IT, PANIC. PANIC IS ALMOST A PART OF WHAT WE ARE ALL EXPERIENCING TO ONE DEGREE WITH THE CURRENT WORLD SITUATION DEALING WITH THE CURRENT PANDEMIC. IT IS STRANGE HOW NAIVE I WAS AS RECENTLY AS TWO MONTHS AGO. I REMEMBER THE DATE, MARCH 7TH. I KNOW THIS BECAUSE I REMEMBER THE DATE … Read more
COVID-19 & MENTAL HEALTH CORRELATION
“Success is a lousy teacher. It seduces smart people into thinking they can’t lose.” -Bill GatesCOVID-19 is undoubtedly the biggest pandemic in at least a century if not more. Elderly people who have been through various recessions, the great depression and major wars such as World War II have all said there has never been outbreak like this in their lifetime. Even the people who were the most nonchalant about it in the beginning are now gripped with fear and anxiety with each passing day. And then, there are people with mental health issues such as myself who are observing the situation and thinking, the world FINALLY understands.
LAUGHTER – MEDICINE OR BAND-AID?
“Laughter is the best medicine.” -UnknownYou’ve heard it. I’ve heard it. The whole world, irrespective of culture, religion or language has heard today’s quote. But what exactly does it mean besides the literal sense of it? And how accurate is it scientifically or biologically?
INTROSPECTION AND EASTER
“Knowing yourself is the beginning of all wisdom.” -AristotleHappy Easter, everyone! I realize I have a lot of catching up to do as due to various technical glitches and a broken ankle, I was not able to put up posts all this week. As far as my understanding, however, all the glitches have been rectified so hopefully, there should no more issues. I had started talking about introspection in my last post.
WORRY
5/19/2020 TODAY’S DAILY WISDOM WORD IS WORRY. I FEEL WORRIED FOR OUR FUTURE, ESPECIALLY MY FAMILY WHICH INCLUDES MY CHILDREN, MOTHER AND GRANDCHILD AND OUT OF STATE BROTHERS AND SISTERS. WORRY AND FEAR CAN ZAP OUR ENERGY AND DESTROY ANY POSITIVITY WE MAY FEEL. THIS PANDEMIC CAUSES ME GREAT STRESS AND WORRY. ALSO KNOWN AS … Read more
SUICIDE & STAYING SAFE
“If you were born, you have a purpose. If you lived to be a certain age, you have a purpose. If you’re a human being, you have a purpose. Don’t kill the quest of finding out that purpose prematurely.” -UnknownAmidst everything going one, I’ll going to take the liberty of keeping this post shorter than usual. There is one difference between this post and my other posts. I have not one but two messages of advice for readers.
SELF-HARM & CUTTING – REVISED
“‘See no scars.’ But it’s all lies. They only check wrists…not thighs.” -UnknownToday happens to be a very special day for me. Not because it’s St. Patrick’s Day although admittedly, its modern day traditions of wearing green, parades, etc do indeed hold a fascination for me. But as most of the world celebrates the inclusion of Christianity in Ireland (and perhaps pinch a friend or two in jest who is not wearing green) I’m celebrating something else: It’s been one whole year since I last cut myself.
Here-And-Now
THIS ARTICLE ENTITLED, “HERE-AND-NOW” IS BY DR. SHANNI DOVER Hello again, dear Reader. Today I will discuss the phrase “here-and-now” (also known as “mindfulness” and “being present) and how this concept relates to your life. Background: The phrase, here-and-now has been around for many years, typically used to describe a state of being. “This … Read more
GIVING THE FINGER(S)
“Just because you can’t see the complete picture, it doesn’t mean it is not there.” -Nara LeeWhat can you do with your fingers? Grip something? Wiggle them? Flip someone off? There is one more thing you can do that is not always a common answer from most people: Create positive energy.
DEPRESSION NO NO’S
“My silence means I am tired of fighting…” -Aarti KhuranaIn many of my previous posts, I’ve talked about mental illness and depression because it’s a subject that is very personal to me for obvious reasons. However, one topic I have not addressed in detail is for the outsider looking in.
Opioid Epidemic – Part 2
“Realizing and listening to what your body and mind is telling you — that’s most important.” -Author Tianna G. HansenIn yesterday’s post, I discussed a few but certainly not all, of the factors that may have contributed to the current opioid epidemic. In this part, it’s my hope and my goal to not only carry that conversation forward but to also give hope to people that there can be a life beyond dependancy on opioids and a positive one at that. Before I go any further, a disclaimer here is necessary. I am not a doctor nor do I have any kind of expertise in medicine or mental health. What I do have to offer is my own experience as well as a few others who have spoken about their own experiences. It’s important to note while reading this post that every mind and body operates differently and uniquely and a single medical philosphy can never be universally applied. As today’s quote states, you have to listen to your own body and mind to decide what works for you.
Opioid Epidemic – Part 1
“The worst thing about prescription medication is that sometimes it works too well.” -Unknown“A doctor was arrested for writing X number of prescriptions.” In the past month alone, I’ve read about twelve or thirteen such headlines in the news. I’ve also read countless accounts of people going bankrupt to fulfill the need of an addiction. All of the above stems directly or indirectly from a topic that has everyone buzzing these days: The opioid epidemic.
Bipolar Disorder
“Bipolar disorder is a challenge but it can set you up to be able to do almost anything else in your life.” -Carrie FisherFor as long as I can remember, my personal battle with mental health has always been centered on depression. And while that certainly doesn’t imply a lack of knowledge about other common disorders such as anxiety and bipolarism, I always read accounts on those subjects a bit nonchalantly.
The Power of the Written Word
“One book, one pen, one child, and one teacher can change the world.” -Malala Yousafzai I do it. Every contributer to this site does it. And everyone reading this post probably does it too. It’s one of the most theraputic and cathartic activities ever. And yet, it still remains grossly underrated. I’m talking about writing. … Read more