Owning Mental Health

The Rocky Road To Natural Highs

Emma French — Wed, 29 May 2013 16:52:05 +0000

I realise that a very high proportion of what I do in my life is in pursuit of natural highs, so I figure I am a sort of purist-hedonist type. This is probably one of the reasons I have always loved to express my creativity by concocting stuff, which I do from food and herbs and waxes and essential oils and some other stuff that is a bit naughty to concoct with – but that was mostly when I was a bored young teen with slightly bratish tendencies. And I have rarely put all of the aforementioned elements together in the same recipe, because that would be like too many cooks spoiling the broth…My wish is to stimulate your imagination so you feel encouraged to experiment with all manner of exquisite and health-giving gustatory and aromatic concoctions. But that will have to wait for another installment. First, a description of what has led me to natural highs….

The True Power Of No

Midge Greentree — Thu, 16 May 2013 05:00:00 +0000

I'll always remember my first, real, big no in the work world. A new supervisor, who wanted to look good on paper, who wanted to impress, I guess, began suggesting that I conduct my business in unethical ways. Soon, the suggestions became recommendations. And then came the closed-door directive.

Don't Believe Everything You Think: A Short Chainsaw Story

Allison Crow — Wed, 08 May 2013 05:00:00 +0000

There we were, 14 of us in a sacred circle sharing our hearts. We’d been there for a bit, and would be there for a bit more. One by one, each sweet soul shared their story, opened their soul -- when we were interrupted by the whirl of a chainsaw.

BRUZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ.

Loud. Obnoxious. Interrupting.

I rolled my eyes and grimaced as the sound of the annoying yard maintenance equipment began taking away the goodness of our sacred circle. And then, in an instant....

“It’s All In Your Head” ~ A Psychologist’s Take On Mind Over Medicine

Leslie Carr — Mon, 06 May 2013 05:00:00 +0000

When Lissa Rankin first told me that she was writing a book about the impact that our thoughts, feelings, and beliefs can have on our physical health, I was enthralled. Million of neurons began to fire while I recalled what I’ve learned about this subject, and I felt like my brain had been set on fire.

I hope that doesn’t sound too dramatic.

You Deserve To Be Happy. Here’s Why.

Bethany Butzer — Thu, 02 May 2013 05:00:00 +0000

Lately, I’ve been feeling extremely blessed. I moved to an amazing city, I have a great job, and I’ve been traveling to sunny beaches and yoga retreat centers. But something didn’t seem right. There was a feeling inside of me—a sort of guilt—that kept popping up every time I thought about the gifts I’m being given at this time.

How Can You Relieve Stress? Start By Releasing Judgments

Laurie Erdman — Sat, 27 Apr 2013 05:00:00 +0000

Stress cannot be avoided. We live in a 24/7 world and it’s just unrealistic to believe you can eliminate, reduce or avoid stress. In fact, believing you can eliminate, reduce or avoid stress will only stress you out more.

Be More By Doing Less: Removing The Distraction Of Busyness

Ashley Ryan — Tue, 16 Apr 2013 05:00:00 +0000

re“It’s not enough to be busy. So are the ants. The question is: What are we busy about?” ~Henry David Thoreau

Growing up I didn’t think much of myself. I grew up poor, and spent much of my childhood alone. My father wasn’t around and my mother worked full-time, so I had to look out for myself from a very young age. This created emotional baggage, which I carried for many years.

How To Be Your Own Civil Rights Activist

Amanda Berlin — Mon, 15 Apr 2013 05:00:00 +0000

How to Be Your Own Civil Rights Leader: Three Ways to Take Inspiration from the Legends

If you support marriage equality, you probably recognize that every human being should enjoy the same rights and privileges. Period. Have you ever thought about that in reference to your own internal community? Are there aspects of your personality that cause you pain, jealousy, guilt, sadness? Would you just rather ignore them, because they make you feel uncomfortable?

Free Yourself From Emotional Debt: Moving Beyond Pain From The Past

Ashley Ryan — Sat, 30 Mar 2013 05:00:00 +0000

“He who is brave is free.” ~Seneca

We all know what debt is. Some of us, most of us, still have a few we’re paying off.

Student loans, car payments, mortgages.

It’s A Cliche For A Reason

Leslie Carr — Wed, 13 Mar 2013 05:00:00 +0000

Lately a number of people have expressed to me that they think it’s surprising and strange that their past circumstances contribute to their current reality. More than one person has told me that it literally feels like a “cliche” to them that their relationship with their parents, for example, bears weight on the way that they see the world.