Happy New Year! As you begin 2019, do so with a strong dose of self-compassion. After all, there is science that says it's worth it... http://ccare.stanford.edu/uncategorized/the-scientific-benefits-of-self-compassion-infographic/
As the holidays are upon us, here are some tips to supporting a friend or family member who is dealing with a chronic condition: Ask about his or her experience. Each person has a unique set of symptoms (even within a single disease) and each person deals with these symptoms in a unique matter. It can be a gift when someone cares to check in and ask what is going on. Unless otherwise specified, keep inviting them. Although you might hear the answer 'no' a lot…
A colleague recommended this book and I now pass on the suggestion to you, my readers. It is a fascinating exploration of depression and anxiety from a socio-cultural lens. I learned a lot and many themes resonated with my personal experiences and those of the clients I serve. It seems that we might need to rethink our assumptions about the causes of these conditions and to develop new ways of approaching treatment. Lost Connections - Johann Hari
I'm happy to share with you new workshops in collaboration with Karen Gilbert, OT and certified Daring Way Facilitator. If you live in the Vancouver area, I invite you to join us for an evening in August and/or a weekend in September. We will be exploring aspects of curriculum developed by Dr.Brené Brown (have you seen her TED talk on vulnerability? If not, pop over here now and check it out!: Brené Brown on Vulnerability). These workshops focus on applying the themes of Dr Brown to people…
Someone recently contacted me asking for some advice on how to support their loved one who is facing some serious health issues. It's a great question and it highlights how helpless we can feel when someone we care about is going through a difficult time. Here are some great tips from the Huffington Post: 8 Ways to Support Someone Dealing with a Health Crisis
A humorous take on the power of animals today...
Anxiety frequently goes hand in hand with health issues. Whether you are facing a new change or long term management, it is normal to have fears and worries. The many uncertainties relating to your health may feel overwhelming and impossible to manage. Anxiety BC is a great resource for those of us who deal with anxiety. It offers multiple resources for coping with anxiety including downloadable worksheets, videos, and the MindShift™ App. Although the app was designed primarily for youth, it offers useful tools (such as instructions on…
How do you cope with losses in your life? No matter how much good fortune we have in life, each of us will at some time face loss. Beyond the death of a loved one, this could be the loss of a job, a relationship, our health or a dream. Coping with losses is a process that cannot be rushed nor prescribed. Each of us has the right to attend to our suffering in the ways that are most nurturing to us. Time may lessen the…
On a particularly difficult day for me last month, a friend gave me a book that he knew would lift my spirits. It was a collection of quotes and drawings that contained simple wisdom for living a life of peaceful presence (I've mentioned the work of Francois Lange at Sketches in Stillness on the blog before - I remain a huge fan). Having experienced that thoughtfulness and kindness myself, I was reminded of how offering up a gift is a powerful act for both the receiver AND…