Healthy Intentions Community

MINDFULNESS MONDAY

As human beings we are all wired with 2 goals or wants in common. We may strive to achieve these goals in different ways, but we all want to be happy, and to avoid pain. This week we are going to focus on the first of these, happiness.

There is more than one type of happiness. There is the superficial and temporary happiness that comes from outside of us- from getting what we want. This is temporary because the nature of all things is to change. Our new car will become old, the new relationship will change, the unexpected winnings in the lotters will be spent eventually.

The other type of happiness is what we are focusing on today. This happiness comes from within. It comes when, for example, you are fully emersed in an activity that you cherish, you recognize happiness in your loved ones, or you…

MINDFULNESS MONDAY

This week we are going to shift the focus back onto the school age kids in our lives. This activity can be used as adults in a stressful situation, or before a big presentation or test as well.

If your child gets tense or stressed during schoolwork or testing, this exercise could help to get centered before beginning these activities.

A suggestion for the week: Practice this with your child.

· Sit in a comfortable position with your hands in your lap or on the desk.

· Notice the sounds you hear and anchor yourself in the present moment.

MINDFULNESS MONDAY!

Today we are going to do a little bit of self-improvement with taking a new perspective on emotions through meditation. With meditation’s help we are able to learn that there is space between our emotions and our awareness of them. When we give ourselves that space, our emotions are able to do their thing and then move on.

When we are experiencing an emotion that is particularly strong, or frustrating, or if we feel that we are ‘stuck’ concerning that emotion, it’s the perfect time to stop and explore.

A suggestion for the week: Meditating on emotions

· Take a comfortable seat in a quiet and safe place.

· Set a timer for 5, 7 or 10 minutes (or more!)

MINDFULNESS MONDAY

This week we are going to do an awareness activity of how busyness feels inside. With this activity we want to remain non-judgmental and just bring awareness to our feelings.

In looking at busyness in our lives I am referring to our busy and overbooked schedules, our busy minds, our busy routines, etcetera. How are we able to take care of ourselves, let alone care for others in all of the busyness in our lives? You cannot give 100% to others if you do not have 100% to give.

Today we are looking from the perspective of knowing that you have to take care of yourself before you can adequately take care of others. This activity helps us to focus our attention to hopefully bring about honest and open awareness of our feelings.

A suggestion for the week: You can either write out your responses to the followi…