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Showing posts from March, 2020

40 days of mindfulness meditation leads to structural brain changes and improved quality of life : By Christian Rigg

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https://www.psypost.org/2020/03/40-days-of-mindfulness-meditation-leads-to-structural-brain-changes-and-improved-quality-of-life-56228?fbclid=IwAR240OSCP85-a5eoP3CzW1_UQFqCsnkhXBQtgzlHj-O4gw96o1tW7S8NXEM

Social Comparisons may Fuel the Inner Critic : By Mairead Ashcroft

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The world is social distancing due to Coronavirus (COVID-19) and most of our communication at the moment is through text, video chat, Instagram and other social media. We are unsure how long social distancing will be in place but most of us agree that we are potentially saving lives in doing so.   During this time, we may be tempted to become engrossed in other’s media lives and their seemingly interesting and stress free experience of social isolation or at worst quarantine. Lighthearted video’s and memes can create laughter, reducing stress by flooding us with endorphins and feel good hormones. We all want more of that.  There may be, however, a danger of the opposite effect occurring when we choose to compare these short snippets of other’s lives to our personal experiences of being. Hilarious pranks, argument free relationships, perfectly behaved children, bubbly personalities and endless fun may be the impression we are given in these well-lit and orchestrated presentati

How Trauma Can Damage the Brain for Generations and Can Be Reversed : By Best Brain Possible

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https://thebestbrainpossible.com/epigenetics-trauma-brain-reversed-mental-health/?fbclid=IwAR2m5fm32HiuZpaVUXUSW4kD-jQugsewmjtlViJKcP0W362JRvrBD2xA1UE

Understanding Emotions through Art and Science - Part 1 : By Kristen Olson

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https://francescaelizabethwilliams.com/blog/understanding-emotions-through-art-and-science?fbclid=IwAR2bBQr9wYAeakkyjWcG3BL_AxfOin5_te9olb61EiHiE3znxN1U-FgToCE

The song that made Billy Connolly cry and become the man he is today.

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https://www.facebook.com/FansBillyConnolly/videos/604355557075613/?from=bookmark

That Discomfort You’re Feeling Is Grief : By Scott Berinato

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https://hbr.org/2020/03/that-discomfort-youre-feeling-is-grief?fbclid=IwAR0KrKrtgxbGT045CecjcmtZbrZIJTeQmBw-hGSzbt_NdBBIlJBN7a6zv1w

How Emotions Are Made : By Debbie Hampton - Best Brain Possible

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https://thebestbrainpossible.com/how-emotions-are-made/?utm_content=buffer7d629&utm_medium=social&utm_source=twitter.com&utm_campaign=buffer&fbclid=IwAR2PJ7Nc7TOBwslgEU584M8KSqUfGIr3nEY3VuHtcmKaV-IN7-oq5e5PvVw

Understanding some of the anxieties that we are wittnessing during this pandamic. By Mairead Ashcroft

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I have been in a very unique position to take part in my own little study about the uncharacteristic behaviours that we have all been seeing and hearing about since the Coronavirus first entered our vernacular. If you have been living in a void for the past two months, I am talking about the hording of large quantities of household products and food items, and the physical altercations, verbal abuse and aggression displayed by some over wanting to purchase the last item on the shelf. I am a trauma counsellor who lives in an apartment above a supermarket. I have been curious about why many in my little community have decided to clear the shelves, denying others the ability to purchase basic needs. I know many of these people. They are wonderful, caring members of the community.  What might be going on? WE CANNOT KNOW OR ASSUME THE INTRACIES OF ANOTHER PERSON’S STORY Many of us may be feeling as if our lives are out of our control. We might be placing all of our focus and sel

Healing arts: Recovering from sexual assault through creativity : By Emily Dean/

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https://cronkitenews.azpbs.org/2020/02/18/art-heals-assault/?fbclid=IwAR1Qv-iDE58bV_ILCSQjUwlLow6DN3eWByJ1De jEMYdcqS86T8N6IA7GS7o

Help Kids (and adults) Manage Anxiety around the Coronavirus - 3 Expert Videos : by Renee Jain and The ultimate kids' guide to the new coronavirus : By Live Science Staff

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https://gozen.com/coronavirus-anxiety/?fbclid=IwAR0mh8tdhq5jeLYis92hAcHZh-Ip7jNDHAK95h9xPOFgfkf753c7W2Jb1rw COVID-19 is q uite beautiful under a microscope, no less magnificent than the echinacea flowers below.  Taking advantage of this world event and transforming it into an opportunity of exploration and learning about our glorious universe. The ultimate kids' guide to the new coronavirus By Live Science Staff https://www.livescience.com/coronavirus-kids-guide.html?fbclid=IwAR3lCzeuwwg2Xyi2tZJZnqQYFpvpbV6H6HKNph5_KC1Dk5-SIKKPGrITbg0  

Mental Health 5 Things You Need To Know About Your Mental Health Today : By Debbie Hapmton

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https://thebestbrainpossible.com/5-important-things-you-need-to-know-about-your-mental-health-today/?fbclid=IwAR37RkrJoqPaM1tDwCvEc5XWU6wzqRz8ZirwOIpQVIPMK69J_NN6HnW1shE

Feeling Anxious? Here's a Quick Tool To Center Your Soul : By Allison Aubrey

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https://www.npr.org/2020/02/03/802347757/a-conversation-with-tara-brach-mindfulness-tools-for-big-feelings?utm_term=nprnews&utm_campaign=npr&utm_source=twitter.com&utm_medium=social&fbclid=IwAR33FUB0FJdvQOwlIK8UJ5pSbSXMiCw88ZL4wvxAl-_4gM-wPtBu35Unan0

What Is Catastrophizing? By Psychology Today

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https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/basics/catastrophizing In ight of the Corona Virus, it would seem that we are experiencing greater levels of anxiety, fears and feelings of doom. Catastrophizing about events that may or may not happen, with information that may or may not be correct may set us up for unhelpful patterns of thought and/or behaviours.

Music - Moonlight Mood- Indie/Folk Playlist, 2020

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Decolonizing mental health - The importance of an oppression-focused mental health system : By Karina Zapata

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https://calgaryjournal.ca/more/calgaryvoices/4982-decolonizing-mental-health-the-importance-of-an-oppression-focused-mental-health-system.html?fbclid=IwAR0aKKV6FM9cb9yNtdLGSA_Q7w44gDrmr_T38nCf7FY2UD8K-zHnIKoKxdk

International Women's Day 2020 - This year's theme is Gender Equality : By Mairead

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I am very fortunate to have had access to an education and the ability to work while raising my family. I am grateful for being in this privileged position. I am no longer reliant on any other person for my welfare, housing or happiness and am lucky to share my life with a supportive husband. We are fortunate that we have healthy children who are now beautiful and intelligent adults. Life was not always so blissful for me. In the past, I have battled sexism, and blatant workplace bullying, domestic violence, poverty and abuse. I am lucky enough to live in a city where health care, the legal system and social security are available to those in need. I also have the literacy and computer skills needed to follow the procedures to access the services. There are now, finally better social services, literacy and interpreter services available to assist those in need but a whole lot more needs to be done, particularly around computer literacy and access for services. Other women, h

How Memories of Kindness Can Make You Happy - A new study compares how we feel when performing or just remembering acts of kindness : By Shanna B. Tiayon

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https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/article/item/how_memories_of_kindness_can_make_you_happy?utm_source=Greater+Good+Science+Center&utm_campaign=8794fe26e0-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_GG_Newsletter_Feb_4_2020&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_5ae73e326e-8794fe26e0-51396739&fbclid=IwAR1QHHfllY8QJwYRya5BBX5uz41JA33JvJQcmIFjxAQLnYcAUgXhml0p4ok

How to Use the Polyvagal Ladder : By Trauma Geek, Janae Elisabeth

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https://medium.com/age-of-awareness/how-to-use-the-polyvagal-ladder-c68835f0fe19

What is a Super Moon (Perigee) and why is humanity attracted to it? : By Mairead Ashcroft

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We are about to experience one of two Super Moons for 2020. The first will be on Tuesday 10th March and the next will be Wednesday 8th April. The occurrence of the two super moons appearing in the sky, seemingly turning night into day to our ancestors has had spiritual significance for thousands of years. Today, many religions continue to practice rituals on and during these events. A Super Moon appears when a Full Moon or New Moon occurs at a time when the moon is closest to the Earth in orbit. March 10th and April 8th are both evenings of the Full Moon.  Throughout history and across many cultures, the moon is believed to hold divine feminine energy and is commonly referred to as Sister Moon. During her monthly elliptical cycles, she orbits around the Earth in an egg shape, creating Perigee (Super Moon) or Apogee (Micro Moon) The sacredness of the moon has been connected with the basic rhythms of life and the universe, known to influence the tides , seasons, the behaviours of

How to Not Be Offended : By Shemsi Prinzivalli

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https://www.filmsforaction.org/articles/how-to-not-be-offended/?fbclid=IwAR2S910hMZ6JLMWltBWy7DFgT-QQbZ1X_vVT7_DpDt2-CxKpKnAsgkM43uw

Music - Still Corners - Strange Pleasures [FULL ALBUM STREAM]

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How To Do A Cut Off From the Narcissistic Family System : By Patrick Teahan

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Polyvagal Theory in Psychotherapy: Practical Applications for PTSD Treatment : By Dr. Arielle Schwartz

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https://drarielleschwartz.com/polyvagal-theory-in-psychotherapy-dr-arielle-schwartz/?fbclid=IwAR3N8ZG4gb-wT3eHss9prnCFRYeBG1dFfzDvdEAcZa8kXg3NiWe0EfZtwwE#.XmAypW5uJPZ

Art as Therapy : By Alain de Botton - 2 versions to select from : 45 or 11 minute version

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45 Mins 11 mins

Fight Flight Freeze … and “Fawn”?? Can People pleasing be another sign of trauma? 30 Min Podcastt By the Un Sencored Therapist

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https://www.therapistuncensored.com/episodes/tu116-fawn-ptsd/?utm_source=Therapist+Uncensored+Master+List+2018&utm_campaign=7b82f596cd-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2020_02_28_09_16&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_19e4127924-7b82f596cd-450513701&mc_cid=7b82f596cd&mc_eid=3713e65820&fbclid=IwAR19TUoltirKSeanfMQ59foghi6771Iqpr0BRx4jVOdDru1sGWtHblZpC3g#next

Expressive Arts and the Social Brain Community and connection via the arts reduce loneliness : By Cathy Malchiodi

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https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/arts-and-health/202002/expressive-arts-and-the-social-brain?fbclid=IwAR2hLeE9n97JbgIbZy3J_kClpZvNm0w6wUSY-54kg0wnovC9bfkk2tO8fU0

Perfectly Imperfect : By Sara Roizen - Art Therapy Spot

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https://arttherapyspot.com/2020/03/01/perfectly-imperfect/?fbclid=IwAR3yNkxXqcrkuABIZIZGLojqMhRjSuI2MOJp0TT_Ju6qFnrlm7IAxR2tYkA The imperfection of the cracked pavement creates a unique abstract design.

Learning How to Say No : By Gretchen Schmelzer

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http://gretchenschmelzer.com/blog-1/2015/1/23/yes-and-no?fbclid=IwAR3anesribWEnhtXe6NfYATW6szRoxi71hZN94fsO5U-UIN7aTPIsIDE8K0

Woman - This is ME! By Mairead Ashcroft

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If you or friends are looking for a group of women who are on the cusp of transformation and self discovery, "Woman -This is ME! " might just be the Women's Tribe for you. Bring your Strengths, Vulnerabilities, Gifts and all that is YOU to our gatherings, twice monthly, or share your thoughts and ideas on this page, to experience, share and learn from our Collective Feminine Wisdom We honour and welcome all who identify as female. As your facilitator, I will ensure you are safely held and respected while on your unique path, whatever it may be. Although this is not a counselling group, our gathering will still be focusing on confidential, strengths based, fun and positive experiences, offering authentic giving, receiving and witnessing. Medicine Women,   Sacred Feminine,   Self Care, Philosophy, Spirituality, Working Women,   Intimacy,   Sexuality,   Shamanism,   Health, Empathy,   Nature and the Universe