What is Play Therapy?

July 13, 2014 by
0_0_0_0_259_171_library_5884

"It is in the playing and only in playing that the individual child or adult is able to be creative and to use the whole personality, it is only in being creative that the individual discovers Self."  ~ D.W. Winnicott In essence, play therapy relies on the child’s natural language of play to communicate and facilitate healing.  It is much easier for children to express themselves through play rather than sitting on a couch and talking as an adult.  Rather than just playing, trained play therapists utilize resources such as carefully selected toys, art, puppets, dolls, play-doh, … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Child/Teen Mental Health, Expressive Arts, Integrative Wellness, Mental Wellness

Peaceful Mind Quotes

July 13, 2014 by
balance

Here are some quotes we found inspirational related to having a peaceful mind. “PEACE. It does not mean to be in a place where there is no noise, trouble, or hard work. It means to be in the midst of all of those things and still be calm in your heart. ” ~ Unknown “Peace begins with a smile...” ~ Mother Teresa “Peace is a journey of a thousand miles and it must be taken one step at a time.” ~ Lyndon B. Johnson “I can have peace of mind only when I forgive rather than judge.” ~ Gerald Jampolsky You'll never find peace of mind until you listen to your heart.” ~ George … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Inspiration, Motivation

Mindful Resources

July 13, 2014 by
MB900234686

Here are just some of the many wonderful resources related to neuroscience and mindfulness... NeuroScience and NeuroPsychology: Daniel Amen, MD: www.amenclinics.com Daniel Siegel, MD: www.drdansiegel.com Rick Hanson, MD: www.rickhanson.net, www.wisebrain.org Jack Kornfield, PhD: www.jackkornfield.com Jon Kabat-Zinn, PhD: www.umassmed.edu Bonnie Badenoch, PhD, LMFT: www.brainwisetherapist.org Bessel van der Kolk, MD: www.traumacenter.org PsychAlive: www.psychalive.com National Institute for the Clinical Application of Behavioral Medicine: www.nicabm.com “The mind is … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Integrative Wellness, Mindfulness, Neuroscience, Resources

Mindfulness Meditation in Practice: The Neurobiology of Mindfulness

July 13, 2014 by
calm beach

Mindfulness, mindfulness meditation, or even meditation are all terms that are thrown around a lot in the media. But what is mindfulness meditation? Mindfulness meditation describes a concept that involves concentration, being aware of the present moment, and an overall transformation in how we use our minds. Mindfulness meditation practices are being incorporated into all aspects of life. Schools, chronic pain treatment programs, even the military is utilizing mindfulness meditation as a way of calming the body, decreasing stress, and strengthening the brain. Mindfulness techniques like … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Attention/Focus, Integrative Wellness, Mental Wellness, Mindfulness, Neuroscience, Spiritual Health, Stress/Anxiety, Trauma

Mindfulness, Meditation, and Integrative Relaxation

July 13, 2014 by
Peggy.meditation

It is easy to get lost in time dwelling on the past (what happened, what should have or could have happened) or worrying about the future (what's going to happen).  When we get caught up in the past or future, we are not able to enjoy NOW.  We believe one key to living life joyfully is finding the delicate balance of mindfully staying present in the moment while also keeping the bigger picture in mind. Mindfulness basically refers to the ability to stay present and aware of each moment without judgment, fear, regret, or anxiety.  Jon Kabat-Zinn, founder of Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Breath, Depression, Integrative Wellness, Mental Wellness, Mindfulness, Spiritual Health, Stress/Anxiety

Sound Healing

July 13, 2014 by
william ward

by Sam Gileadi, Sound Engineer for Crystal Tones There are several elements to the sound of the Crystal Singing Bowls that make them incredibly suited for meditation and sound healing purposes. Unique to the Crystal Singing Bowls is the presence of what are called vocal formants. Understanding what formants are is as simple as singing vowels such as ‘ahh’ or ‘oooh.’ Formants are the elements of sound that makes vowels sound like they do. The bowl or bell shape gives the sound similar characteristics to the human voice. This quality is why they are known as singing bowls. The use of both … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Integrative Wellness, Sound, Stress/Anxiety

Power of the Breath

July 13, 2014 by
breathe2

From Judith Kravitz, Founder of Transformational Breath Foundation and the co-creator of the Transformational Breathing process. "Effective breathing is your most important tool for physical, mental, and spiritual well-being. 1. Oxygen is the most essential natural resource required by our cells.  It has been said that we can go without food for up to 40 days and without water for three days.  Yet in just three minutes without taking a breath we die.  From a purely physical viewpoint, then, breath equals life. 2. Breathing stimulates the electrochemical processes of every cell in our … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Adult Mental Health, Breath, Integrative Wellness, Mental Wellness, Physical Health, Physical Illness

What Does Transformational Breathing® Do?

July 13, 2014 by
breathe

Opens and clears restricted breathing patterns producing… More energy, increased detoxification, better health, improved respiratory capacity, a strengthened immune system and more balance. Clears the subconscious mind which allows us to… Resolve stress, create the relaxation response, and permanently clear repressed emotions, such as anger, fear, anxiety, guilt and depression.  Also removes old mental tapes and programs of limitation and lack, which creates more peace, creativity and clarity.  It releases past traumas located in the cellular memory. Allows easier accessibility to … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Breath, Integrative Wellness, Mental Wellness, Physical Health, Stress/Anxiety, Trauma

Sound Therapy

July 13, 2014 by
MB900064950

The following information courtesy of Crystal Tones: www.CrystalSingingBowls.com Vibrational Sound Everything that moves vibrates, from the smallest molecule to the universe itself.  As long as it is vibrating, it is making some kind of sound.  We may not perceive the sound, as it may be below or above the threshold of our hearing.  The human ear can sound vibrations between 20 and 20,000 cycles per second, although we also perceive sound by skin and bone conduction, ingesting and consuming it with the whole body. Scientific studies show that sound can produce changes in the … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Integrative Wellness, Mental Wellness, Physical Health, Sound, Stress/Anxiety

Laughter Medicine

July 13, 2014 by
laughter yoga woman

Benefits of Laughter Laughter really is the best medicine – physically, mentally, and emotionally. No prescription needed; no unpleasant side effects; it’s non-fattening, legal, and free. Get your daily dose! Laughter is a universal language, connecting and uniting people. Reduces stress, depression, anxiety, and negative thoughts and feelings Increases joyfulness, peace, and wellness Internal jogging – laughing provides a good massage to all internal organs, especially the intestines, improving blood supply, and helping the bowels move properly Strengthens the immune system and … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Depression, Exercise, Integrative Wellness, Mental Wellness, Other Integrative Health, Yoga