We all know incorporating mindfulness into our days provides many benefits, the least of which is less anxiety. But similar to other routine habits, mindfulness grows stale or we lose interest in practicing. Recently grappling with my inconsistent attempts at mindfulness, I found a creative solution which breathed life into my practice. Combining journaling and mindfulness techniques, I developed 3…
Read More
3 Journal Practices For Improving Mindfulness
Joy’s Reflection of God’s Image
Reflections; real but illusory. Yet we often base our knowledge on reflections; those fine lines around our eyes indicate unwanted aging, the new shade of lipstick is just the right color, those snippy words reflect her impatience or his prompt arrival at work every day reflects his strong work ethic. Pondering a stray comment by a friend referencing my “abiding”…
Read More
Redeeming Interruptions with Improvisation
Improvisation is a true art form; when done well it is a beauty to behold. We often connect improv with comedy or entertainment, but it offers a valuable skill for every day life. Redeeming interruptions with improvisation helps you think on your feet while staying in the moment. Resulting in the ability to find opportunity rather than irritation in life’s…
Read More
Spending Time in the Garden
Come sit with me in my garden, the peacefulness, fragrances and beauty beckon me, “rest”. It’s my favorite spot after a hectic day of work demands or anytime I feel overwhelmed. Sometimes I walk, visiting each little area on my property or take a longer walk over the fields behind our lot. Other times, I seek a quiet place to…
Read More
How to Proactively Strengthen Your Mental Health
The month of May is Mental Health Awareness month, drawing our attention to a largely under treated health issue. We may not struggle personally with a mental health disorder, but many of us know someone who does. Learning how to proactively strengthen your mental health in these challenging times is vitally important. Staggering US statistics report: one in five US…
Read More
Hope When Mother’s Day Hurts
Mother’s Day looms ahead in a few short days. As the third highest selling holiday for flowers and plants, and the busiest day of the year for restaurants, many mothers look forward to these special honors from their families. Sadly, not all mothers find this day especially joy-filled. As soon as May 1st arrives, I begin dreading the arrival of…
Read More
Musical Mindfulness Respite
Recently receiving a music library donation at the hospice where I work, permitted me an unusual music experience listening to music generated by a vibraphone. A vibraphone is a percussion instrument very similar to an xylophone in appearance, but distinct in its sound. The family of a hospice patient recently deceased donated the music for use in our hospice inpatient…
Read More
Five Reasons to Choose Faith Over Fear
A familiar verse to most Christians, in 2 Corinthians 5:7, the Apostle Paul reminds us we walk by faith, not by sight; but on any given day the converse proves true. A recent self inventory revealed many of my actions resulted from an attitude of thorough calculation rather than stepping out in faith. Uneasy with the implication my actions thus…
Read More
Using Color For Anxiety Relief
Everyone at one time or another grapples with anxiety. Life’s uncertainties breed anxiety in even the most composed individuals. For most, a simple distraction or re-focusing technique breaks the fretful spell. But for those with heightened tendencies toward anxiety, a more functional approach provides the best support. Using color for anxiety relief imparts an easy, pleasant alternative to the normal…
Read More
