This is the second edition of MIND-BODY-FOOD and I am delighted to share it with you. If you missed the first issue, you can find it (here).
 

The purpose of MBF is to bring information to you that is thought provoking, relevant to cultivating goodness and kindness and provides sensible nourishment for the mind and body.

Tasty Update:

My business is growing – I am excited to announce that I am accepting new mental health therapy clients. While I cover a scope of issues, my specialty areas are:

• Perinatal challenges

• Marital challenge 

• How to communicate effectively

• Boundaries for life balance

• Parenting and the new family 

You are welcome to forward this news and newsletter to all your favorite people!

Visit here to find out more about my mental health practice.

Savor this Flavor:

"FORGIVENESS IS BRILLIANT GOODNESS FOR OUR MENTAL HEALTH”

It is understood by many that forgiveness is divine. Perhaps you’ve noticed that some people are wired to ask for forgiveness, and it looks so easy. Others, accept an apology so gracefully and genuinely. And then there are some who have an internal battle to do anything related to apology and forgiveness.
 

For our own sake, holding on to hurts and grudges is a heavy weight to carry. The longer we hold on, the more power we give to the torment and tormenter. We owe it to ourselves to find a way move forward and establish a renewed identity that leaves the hurt or grudge far away. Forgiveness is the best way to accomplish this.
 

Are you ready to forgive? A new study shows letting go is good for health.

A Nibble:

WHAT DOES MINDFULNESS REALLY MEAN AND WHAT DOES IT ACTUALLY ACCOMPLISH?

The word has been ingrained in our culture and language, and for a while there, it was everywhere. Yet, can we describe what it is and how beneficial it is in 30 words or less?

Here’s my bite sized definition: It is an intentional practice that enables us to directly observe our mental thoughts and habits with curiosity and discernment instead of critique and judgement, without being consumed by them.

Dip in here

Today’s Bite:

HOW CAN SOMETHING SO BAD CONTINUE TO ENDURE ?

No matter how old we are, the word and practice of bullying seems like it’s been around forever. In fact, I would venture a guess that we have all had some sort of brush with it. Undoubtedly, objectively speaking, it is a destructive and aggressive behavior.

THEN WHAT FOR? The common thinking is that it is a way for children and adults alike to feel as if you have gained social strength and status. The motivation behind it is that people who feel badly about themselves believe that they can build their own self-image, and possibly even, become more popular and seem more confident or funny. Many tend to grow out of it as the need to practice empathy and understanding develops with maturity. Regardless, the consequences are dangerous, destructive and as we know, sometimes tragic.

Bully prevention tips for parents and schools.

Full Course Meal:

ROOM TO GROW

James Clear’s book Atomic Habits is about making tiny changes that lead to remarkable results. It begs the thought that what we really want to do we really can do. Small changes, practiced with consistency over time really do add up. Ask the athlete, the ADHD doctoral student, the new parent, couple in marriage counseling, the dieter—ask anyone!

Take a behavior you want to cultivate, make it tiny, find where it fits naturally in to your everyday life, and nurture its growth by practicing it. In order to design successful habits and change your behaviors, you must do these three things.

• Stop judging yourself.

• Be clear about your goals.

• Break them down into tiny parts.

This will set you up for greater success. Start cultivating!

POETRY WITH PURPOSE

The nourishment I received from this exquisite piece is the profound reminder that anyone or anything that comes in to my life has a meaningful purpose.

NOTE TO SELF: I can learn something from everything that will grow goodness and resilience in my mind and heart.

Setbacks are a good thing! The key is to learn how to work with them rather than fight them, and to adopt an attitude of self-kindness rather than self-judgment.

This being human is a guest house.
Every morning a new arrival.

A joy, a depression, a meanness,
some momentary awareness comes
as an unexpected visitor.

Welcome and entertain them all!
Even if they’re a crowd of sorrows,
who violently sweep your house
empty of its furniture,
still, treat each guest honorably.

He may be clearing you out
for some new delight.

The dark thought, the shame, the malice,
meet them at the door laughing,
and invite them in.

Be grateful for whoever comes,
because each has been sent
as a guide from beyond.

by the Sufi poet Jalalludin Rum

Senior Mindfulness Instructor reflects on opening the door to the

pain that was present and welcoming mindfulness to her body.