Amid the pandemic, how solavis will continue moving forward!
All in Psychology and Wellbeing
meaning making
We are mired in challenging, stressful, distressing, scary, and heartbreaking moments right now. That fact cannot be avoided. Frankl tells us, “When we are no longer able to change a situation, we are challenged to change ourselves”. That’s what I the hope and the message I wish to share right now.
duality
By maintaining mindfulness even amid the challenges of our own uncomfortability we learn to tolerate it. This can then be applied to the pain, frustration, and unease of the dualities of life. The dualities of this challenging moment in time.
In response.
In response to the pain of the world, I return again (and again and again and again) to lovingkindness. It breeds compassion. It makes it impossible to ignore our interconnection:
For the many communities impacted by violence and oppression:
May you experience healing.
May you be healthy.
May you be safe.
May you know peace.
For the families who have lost loved ones to disease:
May you experience healing.
May you be healthy.
May you be safe.
May you know peace.
For all of us:
May we experience healing.
May we be healthy.
May we be safe.
May we know peace.
glad.
Gladness just felt….easier. Like breathing in cool air. Being a cynic, particularly in some of the areas I’ve lived and in some of the social circles I’ve been a part, is often a valued trait. Skepticism, I’ve found, is carried like an armor to denote depth and a certain kind of knowing. It’s exhausting.
Is what I'm feeling normal?
The lines between stress and crisis and trauma are often razor thin. Every day since this pandemic has taken hold, I am encountering people who are experiencing this crisis with a sense of how they should be somehow doing it differently - doing it better. That kind of self judgment, always but especially in a crisis, is so harmful.
Meditation goes virtual!
Meditation amid global pandemics. Find resources here!
Get better sleep.
As we approach daylight savings time, here’s a quick tutorial about SLEEP. Why, how much, what disrupts it, and what you can do about it. Sweet dreams!
introduction to self-compassion.
What is mindful self-compassion and how can it help me? Here is a brief introduction and a real life example of how this practice can change your habitual ways of thinking.
Is cold better than SAD?
Just because it’s cold outside doesn’t mean we need to hide indoors. Boost your mood, and your overall health, by exploring the world of winter outside!
Please don't earn your turkey.
On this turkey eve, I am sharing my journey up and down a scale, through a myriad of pant sizes, and on a quest to love what I see looking back at me in the mirror. Full truth.
{Photos above are from 2009, 2014, and last month.}
The Vishuddha Playlist
When difficult things can’t be spoken, maybe they can be sung. One easy strategy for unblocking the throat chakra through song.
Doing less.
A look at our compulsive busy-ness and how to just be.
Something for your ears...and mind and soul.
A quick review of my favorite podcasts related to all things mindful, meditation, and Buddhism (and a little psychology, as well)!!
Small Victories
“If you don’t know where you are going, you might not get there.” ~Yogi Berra
On gratitude.
“Given time and focus, it becomes easier to find value and something positive in just about any challenge one may face.”
May is for Mental Health
“Why do we have a mental health awareness month? Because with awareness comes opportunities for education, and hopefully attention toward prevention, treatment, and a reduction in stigma. I’ve always been pretty open about my own struggles with depression, particularly after the birth of my second child, and anxiety - but not everyone feels comfortable sharing their story. “