In many apps there is a feature called infinite scroll. This is a technique that automatically loads more content, such as videos, as you scroll. This can cause it to be harder to stop since there is no definite end. Many people find themselves losing a lot of time, even hours or days, scrolling through... Continue Reading →
There Is No Chaos in a Pinball Machine
Our lives can feel very chaotic at times. We bounce around from one thing to the next. We are thrown off course occasionally and fall upon something else. We bump into one thing and are then pushed into another. Only to bounce off that thing and freefall until we hit a bottom. What I am... Continue Reading →
An Attitude of Gratitude
Years ago, I found myself at a very low point. First, my boyfriend broke up with me. Later that same month, my dog passed away. The next month, my stove broke. The same week my stove broke, my car failed the emissions test. It was time to let the car go and purchase a new... Continue Reading →
Mindfulness and Jing Ping Music- Part 3: Steel Pan
Steel Pan music emerged from the tradition of enslaved African people creating new musical inventions to compensate for their drums and other instruments being taken from them by slave owners. Slave owners often thought that the drums and other instruments were communication tools being used by slaves to plan revolts and uprisings. Therefore, they were... Continue Reading →
Mindfulness and Jing Ping Music: Part 2: Djembe Drum
Over the last nine months since I have been an intern at Olive Branch Counseling Associates in Tinley Park, I have had the opportunity to provide counseling services in various settings. Among them are Roseland on the south side of Chicago, and West Garfield Park on the west side. Clients in both of these communities... Continue Reading →
Mindfulness and Jing Ping Music Part 1: Accordion
Depression and anxiety are among the mental health challenges of most concern around the world. Mindfulness training is a common approach used to help people to manage various aspects of depression and anxiety. According to Erford (2020: 96), “By nature, humans are self-aware and attentive. But people vary in these characteristics, and how they cultivate... Continue Reading →
Sleep and Mindfulness
Mindfulness can be defined in many ways, but a simple way to define it might be intentionally leaning into the present moment and engaging your senses in a way that grounds you. Leaning into this moment creates awareness, connection, and acceptance. The practice of mindfulness is often helpful for anxiety, depression, and many other challenges... Continue Reading →
Engaging Mindfulness on Thanksgiving
Thanksgiving is traditionally a day to eat delicious comfort food, watch football, and spend time with family. However, sometimes this day produces uncomfortable feelings or situations. Perhaps you have a complicated relationship with food, or perhaps your extended family makes you feel angry. Maybe you are hosting and want to make sure everything is perfect,... Continue Reading →
Building Emotional Awareness
Recognizing and naming our emotions can be tough. Sometimes we are so busy we rarely notice our feelings. Other times, our emotions can be so intense that we don’t even take a moment to recognize them before we react to them. Maybe you grew up in a family where you didn’t talk about your feelings,... Continue Reading →
