Posts with the category “relax-the-mind”

“You, yourself, as much as anybody in the entire universe, deserve your love and affection.” – BuddhaAs the holidays start creeping closer, life can feel like it’s moving at lightning speed. Suddenly, there’s a long list of things to do, people to see, and deadlines to meet. It’s like we’re expected to somehow hold it all together, with a big smile, no less! But here’s the thing - sometimes, we en...  Read More

Life has its way of presenting us with moments that can feel so challenging and it can throw curveballs at us when we least expect them. Some days, even the simplest tasks can feel   Read More

The present moment is filled with joy and happiness. If you are attentive,you will see it.” – Thich Nhat HanhHey there, wonderful community!So, it’s mid-October, and I don’t know about you, but things are starting to feel a little… hectic. It’s like one minute we’re soaking up the crisp autumn air, and the next, we’re juggling a hundred things at once. Between work, family, and the holidays creepi...  Read More

“Autumn shows us how beautiful it is to let things go.” – UnknownHello, lovely community,Can you believe it? October is already here! Autumn is officially in the air, and with it comes that magical shift of seasons. It’s such a beautiful time – the crisp mornings, the changing leaves (Mother Nature is amazing), and, of course, sweater weather. Then there’s hockey season starting and going for walk...  Read More

Hi there! Well, after that whirlwind of uncertainty, I'm thrilled to share that we are finally settled into our new home in Stoney Creek. The limbo we lived in for just over a week now feels like a distant memory, and we’re focusing on making this house our own.Once we moved in, one of the first things we noticed was the attention to detail the previous owners had put into this home. I’m still dis...  Read More

Moving homes is often touted as one of life's most stressful events, right up there with changing jobs or navigating a significant relationship shift. It's a process filled with excitement, hope, and the promise of a fresh start. But for many of us, it's also a journey laced with unexpected hiccups, hidden emotions, and surprisingly profound life lessons.Take, for instance, the move that I’m curre...  Read More

my husband and I decided to embark on between 6 to 12 months ago. We called it our "low carb" and "keto-ish" journey. It was supposed to be a 30-day challenge...  Read More

Embracing the Simple Pleasures of Everyday LifeHello, fellow health and wellness enthusiasts! As we approach the new year, what better time to explore a transformative concept perfect for starting the year on a positive note? In this blog, we're delving into a transformative concept: the power of noticing and cherishing small, pleasant moments in our daily lives. This practice, deeply rooted in mi...  Read More

The golden hues of falling leaves, the cozy embrace of a chunky sweater, and the first sip of a pumpkin spice latte — the fall season is known for its charm and picturesque beauty. However, beyond the aesthetic and romanticized depiction of autumn, for some it can also bring with it a shift in our mental well-being. Understanding the impact of the fall season on our mental health can be important ...  Read More

It's that time of the year again. The aisles of stores are lined with fresh notebooks, vibrant pens, and, of course, brand-new  Read More

Q: Why do mindfulness students love going to airports?A: Because they might get a free body scan!Laughter is a universal language that has the ability to uplift us, connect us with others, and infuse our day with positivity. From a mental health perspective, laughter serves as a balm, a restorative force that reduces stress, anxiety, and depression while boosting our mood and outlook on life. As t...  Read More

As a psychotherapist with 23 years of experience, I've had the privilege of working with many clients, each with their unique needs and circumstances. I've found that not all therapeutic modalities suit everyone. That's why I'm constantly exploring different approaches that cater to my clients' diverse preferences. One of these innovative strategies is "Walk and Talk Therapy," a method that's been...  Read More

As the pace of life quickens, and with an overwhelming influx of information and stimuli, maintaining a healthy state of mind can sometimes feel like an uphill battle. However, amidst all these challenges, a beacon of hope emerges in the form of an increasingly popular therapeutic approach - Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT). This is now an evidence-based 8-week program that now has decad...  Read More

Brainspotting therapy is an innovative form of therapy that is gaining popularity among mental health professionals and clients alike. Colleague friends who have been trained in both EMDR and Brainspotting shared that they had been preferring Brainspotting, which prompted an interest in getting trained.  After two years and three levels of Brainspotting training and consultation, I am now a Certif...  Read More

As the winter months drag on, many of us tend to experience a dip in our mood and energy levels. In some cases, this can develop into a more serious condition known as seasonal affective disorder (SAD). However, there are some ways to overcome the winter blues, and one of them is through mindfulness. In this blog post, we will explore how you can use mindfulness to boost your mood, and also touch ...  Read More

Unfortunately, mental health problems are a growing concern in Canada. In fact, at least 1 in 5 people will experience a mental health  Read More

As we commemorate Bell Let’s Talk Day, it’s the perfect time to think about what mental health is all about. Mental health is obviously a complex thing. It’s not simply the absence of mental illness symptoms but it’s about feeling balanced physically, emotionally, relationally and spiritually. But each individual is so different and what’s right for one person might not be right for another. That ...  Read More

Although at this time of year, many people are talking about trying to make things different, there is actually significant value which exists in accepting reality just as it is.“The curious paradox is that when I accept myself just as I am, then I change” ~ Carl RogersAccept myself…as I am??? (yikes!) This is a challenging concept for so many and for others it can feel impossible. Self-criticism ...  Read More

The holidays are a time of happiness, joy, and celebration. But for many people, they can also be a time of stress and anxiety. If you're already starting to feel overwhelmed this holiday season, don't worry, you’re not alone. There are things that you can do to tap into your inner peace and boost your mood before, during and after the festivities.Where does most holiday stress come from? What can...  Read More

One thing we know for sure, is that life is filled with ups and downs. The up times bring happiness, joy and satisfaction, as well as hope that the good times will last as long as possible. Yet, no matter how blessed you are, challenges are part of life. The down times can obscure those feelings of peace and important to...  Read More

If you’ve had some extra stress lately, maybe some anxiety or overwhelm, you’re not alone. You might’ve had some low mood symptoms, as it’s not uncommon, even when the weather is warmer. From a mindfulness perspective, all of these mood states and emotions are welcome  Read More