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Everywhere you look there seems to be an emphasis on achieving “happiness”, the elusive state of mind that promises a carefree existence and the absence of strife and struggle.  In our quest to arrive at this place,  we experience real life difficulties and situations that may cause self-doubt: “Why aren’t I happy despite all I have?”  “What am I doing wrong?”

Perhaps we should be asking a different question: What gives me purpose and meaning?  

Recent research shows a difference between the short-term “happiness”, likened more to pleasure in the moment, and longer-lasting satisfaction gained from meaningful experiences and opportunities to act purposefully toward our values.  Ask yourself, what is important to me and how can I take a small step toward living that value?

Read more here: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/friendship-20/201803/5-questions-help-you-find-your-sense-purpose?collection=1119097

The start of fall and a new school year often brings with it a return to routine and structure.  This shift in our day-to-day can be accompanied by various emotions: anxiety about new friends, new school, new endeavors, relief that our schedules have some predictability, and energy to organize, reflect and regroup.  Journaling can be a great way to put some of these emotions and thoughts into words, helping to process and then move into action. Just five minutes a day can be what you need to prepare to enter a new season with purpose!

So you’d like to try meditation but worry it requires incense, loud chanting or long periods of silence? An easy introduction to mindful meditation can be to try paying attention to your breathing without judgment and bringing yourself back gently each time your mind wanders (that’s what minds are supposed to do, of course). Or, try a mindfulness app! https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/urban-survival/201508/what-mindfulness-app-is-right-you

Join us starting September 4 for a 5 session introductory class on Mindful Self-Compassion. Patients are encouraged to attend for all 5 sessions but may drop-in for one or more classes. Classes will meet Tuesdays 12-1pm at Mindful Connections of Minnesota, 348 N. Prior Ave #102 St. Paul MN. Attendance is limited, so please have patients contact me for more information and to reserve a spot at jackie.henry@mindfulconnectionsmn.com.

Summer can be so wonderful!  Vacations, family time, outside activities…we try to soak it all up before the slow pace of winter returns.  It’s easy to be caught up in the activity and the interaction and can be difficult to set boundaries and routines for ourselves and our family during this high-energy season.  What if we considered boundary setting as an act of love?  A prioritization of our values of rest, well-being and self-care.  Try viewing a decision to stay in or catch up on quiet time as an important refueling for the energy we’ll need to get back into the life of cabins, backyard grill-outs and beach days.

We all have judgmental thoughts.  As an experiment, try to replace a judgmental thought with a curious one: Instead of “Why do I always do that?!!”, try “I wonder why I reacted that way.”  Being curious can invite more self-acceptance, calm and rational reflection so that we may be able to learn from experiences and proceed in a different way more reflective of our values.  Falling into judgment only serves to add shame and distress to our psyche, which aren’t typically good motivators for change.  Let me know what you’ve tried!

With so many demands on our time and attention, it can be difficult to carve out time for silence and reflection.  We may be in the habit of busying ourselves just to feel “productive”.  I challenge you to make space for a breath or a rest and consider it part of your productivity for the day.  It may be difficult at first (thoughts may continue to spin even as you rest), but with practice, these little oases of space can be just what is need to sustain your energy and focus through the day.

Listening to a discussion on the latest Deloitte report on Millenial insights sparked some reflection on the importance of purpose in both our work and our personal life.  I feel better when I have direction and goals: more motivation, drive and creativity. Values are a part of that purpose. They can act as a road map, a general direction toward what is important to you. A goal is like going to California while a value is heading west.  Happy trails!

https://www2.deloitte.com/insights/us/en/topics/talent/deloitte-millennial-survey.html

 

 

Jumping into any new adventure can bring a mix of emotions including anxiety, fear and excitement.  As we open our doors to a new chapter of professional practice, I’m trying to remember to make space for all of those emotions.  Looking forward to meeting with you!