I’ll admit it – I’ve had iPhone envy since they came out a couple of years ago. I’ve had the minimalist cell phone for what seems like forever. I’ve always liked gadgets, so that made the iPhone all the more tempting. My studies of Buddhism, mindfulness, the psychology of happiness and well-being and so on …Read More
Seven Thoughts That Are Bad For You
Dec 6, 2009
In our day to day lives, most people experience a number of emotions throughout the day—some positive, some negative. When, however, an individual experiences more negative emotions, these emotions can start to take a toll on both an individual’s sense of well being and health. A recent article on www.livescience.com entitled “7 thoughts that are …Read More
The Paradox of Choice – Why More Is Not Better (Part 2)
Nov 12, 2009
Making the “right” choice, in the face of so many options, can be a daunting challenge. How do we decide? I think one of the answers comes from becoming more mindful. There are a number of posts on “mindfulness” within this blog. Just run a search and many will pop up. Mindfulness is the idea …Read More
The Paradox of Choice – Why More Is Not Better (Part 1)
Nov 10, 2009
There are some fundamental assumptions in just about every Western industrialized nation, Swarthmore College psychologist Dr. Barry Schwartz, argues: (1) Freedom is endemic to the human condition…that it is inherently good to have. (2) Providing more choices is a way to maximize freedom. It is a form of liberation. (3) If freedom is maximized, individuals …Read More
The Health Benefits of Yoga
Nov 8, 2009
“Relax your body and mind and let your Spirit soar high.” – Remez Sasson Yoga is a way to relax both your mind and body which allows your spirit to shine. Originating as an ancient Indian practice, yoga is a type of meditation that involves stretching and other exercises including deep breathing and maintaining an …Read More
Building Resiliency
Oct 26, 2009
According an article in Monitor on Psychology, a publication for the American Psychological Association, nearly 20 percent of today’s children will experience depression at some point in time. This has led researchers to question if it is possible to utilize curriculum and teaching strategies to decrease the risk for depression symptoms. The researchers found that …Read More
Mental Illness Awareness Week
Oct 17, 2009
The first week of October marked the 19th annual mental illness awareness week. Awareness and education is imperative in decreasing the stigma surrounding mental health conditions. According to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), approximately 26% of adults suffer from a diagnosed mental disorder in a given year. Mental disorders are the leading cause …Read More
Creativity and Depression
Oct 9, 2009
“Music expresses that which cannot be said and on which it is impossible to be silent.” – Victor Hugo Creativity is another way to transform depression into healing and well-being. Expressive arts such as painting, writing, sculpting, or making music can be cathartic ways of working through feelings of stress and depression. When words fail …Read More
Multi-Tasking: Are We Really Getting More Done in Less Time?
Oct 7, 2009
In today’s fast paced society, it seems like everyone has a to-do list that is a mile long. Most of us possess numerous media tools, such as iPhones, Blackberries or netbooks, that supposedly allow us to multi-task in order to increase our productivity. A recent study at conducted at Stanford University (http://www.newsweek.com/id/213088), however, suggests that …Read More
Depression, Anxiety, and Exercise
Sep 29, 2009
Exercise is another way to help manage feelings of depression and anxiety. Maintaining a regular exercise routine throughout the week can improve your mood and alleviate tension caused by stress. Exercise can also help prevent feelings of depression and anxiety during difficult times in your life by not letting stress build up until it becomes …Read More