Here are some of my favorite things right now...
booksThese are a mix of some of the books I am reading right now- I'm always reading a few at a time and some of my all time favorites to read over and over. Everything is figuroutable by Marie Forleo. "Everything is Figureoutable is a whirlwind of power, humor, pragmatism, and grace. Marie Forleo writes exactly the way she lives—with full-on enthusiasm, no-bullshit directness, and a ferocious commitment to self-accountability. This woman is the real deal, people. This book will change lives." —Elizabeth Gilbert, author of Eat, Pray, Love and Big Magic Maybe You Should Talk to Someone by LoriGottlieb. A candid and addicting memoir about psychotherapeutic practice as experienced by both the clinician and the patient. Buddha's Brain by Rick Hanson. A practical guide to attaining more happiness, love and wisdom in life. It aims to empower readers by providing them with practical skills and tools to help unlock their brains' potential and achieve greater peace of mind. You Are a Badass at Making Money by Jen Sincero. “Your heart is the most powerful muscle in your body. Do what it says.” ― Jen Sincero, This book helps you address your own personal conflicts with money and the act of making it. Books for morning & evening contemplation and reflection.... Wake Up to the Joy of You by Agapi Stassinopoulos Yoga 365:Daily Wisdom for Life on and off the mat by: Susanna Harwood Rubin |
practices Adding rituals and practices to my day, week life makes me happy! Here are a few of my latest favorites. So after listening to a podcast with guest Kim Snyder; mysolluna.com/blog/category/recipes/ she highlighted beginning and ending each day with a hot drink-and not right into the caffeine as I normally do! So I switched up my morning ritual... 6A hot water and lemon (while I stretch and meditate) then the espresso drink when I get moving for the day. On the other end of the day I have been experimenting with; warmed almond milk with spices like cinnamon, cardamon and ginger or turmeric. This is so cozy up in bed while I read, and has definitely helped relax the body for sleep. You can experiment to see what you love. 
Thinking about starting a meditation practice? My new favorite FREE app. to get you started (it's always easier to be led)
Insight Timer: insighttimer.com Here are a few things to think about when creating a new ritual: 1. What is the best time day for you? This will be based your work/school/life schedule. Are you willing to get up a bit earlier? A meditation practice is perfect to start in bed every morning as a slow roll to your day. I promise you will get more out of it then reaching for your phone first thing and scrolling social media. 2. Can you just commit to 7 days? It's an experiment this way. You don't need to commit for life! 3. Give yourself positive feedback each day for doing it! |
media-podcasts-moviesYes, I'm podcast crazy and I listen to them while I cook. For me these two are a great combo... I enjoy cooking while listening to other's experiences, and learning something new. My recent favorite; The Marie Forleo Podcast. This episode will help you in this time of reflection, to review not this year but this past decade- you have accomplished A LOT! And learned from your mistakes as well... BRING IT 2020! https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/marie-forleo/the-marie-forleo-podcast/e/65736239 Fresh Air with Terry Gross- an oldie but goody. If you need more proof about the importance of sleep... have a listen. If nothing else her lovely voice will lull you to sleep! www.npr.org/sections/health-shots/2017/10/16/558058812/sleep-scientist-warns-against-walking-through-life-in-an-underslept-state MORE PODCASTS! The Science of Happiness is one of my favorites- science backed happiness practices. Check out this episode on facing your fears ... |
Below are some resources to use at home.
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Here is short, fun video with a few postures to try just in the moment when you need a break.
Focus on your breath and allow the body to sink in. Start with just trying 1 or 2, maybe as part of preparing for bed. You can add music, candles.... voila you have a ritual! |
I lead clients in mindfulness in most every session, and it's usually about 10 minutes at the beginning or end of the therapy session. Clients really feel this part of their therapy is very valuable and at the same time can often have difficulty continuing the practice at home. It is so much easier to be led, I agree!
So this is pretty much what a typical mindfulness practice in my office is like. Sometimes there may be a focus and I may offer different ways to end, depending on what is going on with the person I'm meeting with. Settle in and have a go... |
SLEEP HYGENE 101. Getting good sleep is something everyone is interested in. It is so important to our well being and good mental health. So the first thing is prioritizing it. You must commit to making some changes. Start small by experimenting with what works. -Choose a bedtime and a wake time, as in same time every day. -Give yourself a 45 minute window to start to come down from the day.In that window you could; look at your schedule for the next day, jot things down you need to remember, have tea, take a shower/bath, stretch. -Log off social media, TV watching and general phone use about 30-45 minutes before bed. So in other words do not be checking your Facebook while in bed. -If your phone must be in your room, have it away from your bed and face down. -Read; a hardcopy book/magazine in bed -You may be experiencing hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) If you are low on glucose, your body releases adrenaline to provide glucose. So adrenaline will wake you up in the middle the night. Try eating protein 30 minutes before bed; half an avocado, a handful of almonds, cottage cheese etc, can assist in sleeping through the night. -Experiment with giving up alcohol for 1 week, even if you are a moderate drinker. It can still interfere with your sleep cycle. What did you notice? |
Check it out...When Mark Pines MA LMFT started private practice 10 years ago, he quickly realized that he could not realistically see EVERYONE who needed low-fee counseling. He wanted to do my something to help, and the results is the website OpenCounseling.com. It is a directory of non-profit counseling centers throughout the US. Check out local counselors with sliding scales free counseling options. https://www.opencounseling.com/massachusetts/somerville