Mindfulness Practice

The Hidden Cost of Constant Hustle: Why Rest Is Not a Luxury Yesterday, I told a friend to rest. His response? “What’s that? Please define it.” He said it half-jokingly, but it struck a chord. Another friend shared that as someone who works for himself, he finds it nearly impossible to do nothing—there’s always another task, another deadline, another thing to be done. Their comments lingered in my mind, reminding me of my mother. She was an incredibly capable woman, running her own successful business with a grace that made it look easy. But things took a turn. When everything fell apart, so did she. She had a breakdown, and the woman we once knew—strong, driven, unstoppable—became someone we barely recognised. Then, there’s James. Dear James. He, too, was wildly successful, the epitome of what society applauds: hard-working, relentless, always achieving. Until one day, he couldn’t cope with the mounting pressure. The demands became too much, and the idea of surviving the workday felt ...

Journaling for the Soul: A Path to Inner Peace In a world that often feels overwhelming, where responsibilities and distractions pull us in every direction, finding time to connect with ourselves can seem impossible. Yet, deep within, our souls yearn for stillness and reflection—a sacred space where we can untangle our thoughts and reconnect with our inner essence. This is where journaling for the soul becomes a transformative practice. What Is Journaling for the Soul? Journaling for the soul is more than just putting pen to paper. It is an intentional and intuitive process of self-discovery, healing, and connection. Unlike traditional journaling that might focus on recording daily events, this practice is about delving deep into your emotions, dreams, and the whispers of your heart. It's a safe space to explore the questions that linger in your mind, express your fears, and celebrate your triumphs. Think of it as a heart-to-heart conversation with your truest self.

Holding Space: The Art of Showing Up Without a Toolbox Let’s face it—sometimes life throws curveballs, and our first instinct is to become a fix-it wizard. Got a problem? We’re ready with advice, duct tape, or at least a meme to lighten the mood. But what if the secret to being truly supportive is to do... absolutely nothing? Enter the magical, slightly misunderstood art of holding space. Holding space sounds fancy, like something a yogi or life coach would whisper during meditation, but it’s surprisingly simple. At its core, it’s about being present for someone without trying to change, solve, or improve their situation. Think of it as emotional parallel parking—you’re just being there, quietly, without bumping into their feelings or offering unsolicited roadmaps. How Not to Hold Space Imagine your friend is upset about a breakup, and you respond with: “Have you tried manifesting a better relationship?” “You just need to move on!” “Oh! This reminds me of my breakup...” Helpful? Nope....

Why Do I Self-Isolate? Let’s face it: self-isolation has become the personality trait I didn’t ask for but somehow ended up owning. Maybe you’re like me. Maybe you’ve canceled plans because suddenly the walls feel like friends. Or maybe you’ve spent 45 minutes debating if you should text “can’t make it” or fake an elaborate illness. Sound familiar? Well, pull up a chair—unless, of course, your chair is already your best friend—and let’s dive into the why behind our self-imposed hermit status. It’s Not You, It’s Me (But Mostly, It’s You) Let’s start with the obvious: people are exhausting. Sure, socialising can be fun, but small talk? Torture. I can only fake enthusiasm for “How’s work?” so many times before my brain starts buffering. Then there are the group hangouts where everyone talks at once, and you’re left wondering if you’ve gone temporarily deaf or if the universe is just punishing you for leaving the house. Plus, let’s not forget the emotional labour of trying to be “on” in so...

When Anxiety Takes Over It’s a regular Sunday night. I'm lying in bed, staring at the ceiling, trying to will myself to sleep. Then it hits. My heart starts racing, my mind starts spiraling, and suddenly I'm  replaying every awkward moment I've ever had. Sleep? Forget it. I'm now hosting a 2 a.m. anxiety party, and my brain has invited every worry I've ever had. We’ve all been there, right? That overwhelming sense of dread sneaks in uninvited, turns the volume up on every worry, and leaves you wondering why your brain can’t just chill.

Stuff my Mom used to say So firstly I feel I need to tell you what an incredible woman my Mom was.  When I say my mom experienced childhood trauma, I mean it was off the scale! I am not surprised she battled mental illness her whole life but through it all we always knew we were loved and she absolutely did her best. She was an incredible wife, mother, grandmother, friend, human being and old goat (😂 - this my friends will be another story).  Many things my mom did and said made us all laugh and here are a few of them. I think I will be updating this blog fairly often. Warning: contains explicit language.  "You know that little Russian fellow? Tufski Shitski." "Would you like a tampon to get you through this difficult period?" Once she stopped at an intersection and opened her boot and asked the driver behind her if he wanted to climb in.  "Take a teaspoon of cement and harden the fuck up" But my mom also used to say: "I love you." "You can...

I did not write this but I loved it when I read it! "This hit home for me! When a flashlight grows dim or quits working, you don’t throw it away, you change the batteries. When a person messes up and finds themselves in a dark place, do you cast them aside? Of course not, you help them change their batteries! Some need AA... Attention and Affection; Some need AAA... Attention, Affection, and Acceptance; Some need C... Compassion; Some need D... Direction. And if they still don’t seem to shine... simply sit with them quietly and share your light."

Dysregulation: When Your Emotions Go Off the Rails Ever had one of those days where you feel like a car without brakes, careening downhill while blasting sad breakup songs? That, my friend, is what dysregulation can feel like. It’s not just a fancy word therapists throw around—it’s a real, human experience where your emotions, thoughts, or body seem to throw their hands up and say, “Good luck, buddy!” Let’s break it down in a way that won’t require a psychology degree (or tissues). So, What Exactly Is Dysregulation? Dysregulation is what happens when your emotional, mental, or physical balance goes rogue. Instead of handling life’s stressors like a Zen master, you might overreact to small things, shut down entirely, or find yourself stuck in an endless loop of “Why did I say that?!” It’s like your internal thermostat is broken. One minute, you’re cool and collected, and the next, you’re either melting down or freezing everyone out. The Main Types of Dysregulation Dysregulation doesn’t ...

Today I Didn’t Want to Get Out of Bed: The Raw Reality of Depression This morning, the alarm rang. My mind registered it, but my body didn’t move. It felt like every cell in me was weighed down by something invisible yet unbearably heavy. I stared at the ceiling, hoping for a spark of motivation, a reason to roll out of bed and face the day. But nothing came. This is the raw reality of depression. It’s not just sadness or a bad day. It’s an all-consuming fog that steals your energy, numbs your joy, and whispers lies about your worth. It tells you that you’re alone, that it’s too hard, that nothing matters. And sometimes, you believe it. Today was one of those days. The Silent Battle Depression is a battle that often goes unnoticed. To the outside world, it might look like laziness or indifference. But for those of us living it, we know it’s a war—a fight to reclaim even the smallest fragments of normalcy. Getting out of bed, brushing your teeth, or eating a meal feels like climbing a m...

My Mom Used to Say, "If You Can't Say Anything Nice, Don't Say Anything at All" You’ve probably heard it a million times—"If you can't say anything nice, don't say anything at all." It’s that one piece of parental wisdom that somehow manages to stick with you, even when everything else they said seemed to vanish into the ether. I’m sure most of us remember our moms or dads giving us this little gem at some point, usually after we’d just made an unflattering comment about someone’s questionable haircut or overenthusiastic dance moves at a wedding. But here's the thing: I’ve realized over time that my mom wasn’t just trying to shut me up. (Although, let’s be honest, that was part of it.) This saying is a whole philosophy, one that I wish more people would take to heart—especially on the internet. The Power of Silence (Or, Why I Don't Need to Comment on Everything) At first, I thought it was just about being polite, like some kind of boring etiq...

Imposter Syndrome: How to Fake It Until You Feel Like You Belong If you've ever felt like a fraud in your own life, congratulations! You're officially human. Welcome to the wild, wacky world of imposter syndrome—where no matter how accomplished you are, you’re convinced everyone will one day discover you’ve been winging it. What Is Imposter Syndrome? Imposter syndrome is that pesky voice in your head whispering, “You have no idea what you’re doing, do you?” It’s the sneaky suspicion that your success is just a fluke and any second now, someone will burst through the door yelling, “Gotcha!” But here’s the kicker: Everyone else feels this way too. Yep, even Beyoncé probably side-eyes herself in the mirror some mornings and thinks, “Am I actually running the world?” The Symptoms How do you know you’ve got it? If you’ve ever: Brushed off a compliment with “Oh, it was nothing!” when it was actually something monumental. Avoided applying for that dream job because you’re convinced yo...

Stop Judging, Start Living: How to Chill Out and Enjoy Life Let’s face it, life’s too short to spend it stressing about the future, dwelling on the past, or giving side-eye to people who double-park. Yet here we are—scrolling on our phones, overthinking that embarrassing thing we said in 2007, and silently judging the person in front of us at the grocery store for buying eight kinds of cheese. (Okay, fine, maybe we’re just jealous.) But what if we flipped the script? What if we learned to actually live in the moment and stopped giving so many free passes to judgment-ville? Spoiler alert: It could make life a whole lot better—for you and the people stuck behind you in traffic. Living in the Moment: Why It’s Basically a Superpower Here’s the thing about living in the moment—it’s the only moment you’ve got. The past? Gone. The future? Not here yet. Right now? It’s happening, baby. But we spend so much time mentally elsewhere that we miss the good stuff—like the smell of fresh coffee, your...

Escaping the Mental Prison: A Journey to Freedom Life can often feel like a mental prison, trapping us in cycles of negativity, fear, and self-doubt. But true freedom is possible when we confront our inner struggles and take deliberate steps toward healing and growth. This journey is continuous and personal, but it is always worth the effort. Facing Our Inner Demons Freedom begins when we face what’s holding us back. It requires us to stop blaming others for our problems and take responsibility for our growth. We must stop avoiding our issues and start dealing with them directly. Letting go of secrets, guilt, and shame, and processing unresolved grief, allows us to heal. We also need to confront traits like stubbornness and resentment. By releasing these emotions, we can free ourselves from their grip. Facing our fears, learning to stop judging, and forgiving ourselves and others are all essential steps in breaking free from this mental prison. The journey to mental freedom is ongoing....

The Art of Manifestation: Unlocking Your Inner Power Manifestation has taken the world by storm, becoming a cornerstone for those seeking to transform their dreams into reality. It is the practice of consciously shaping your life by aligning your thoughts, beliefs, and actions with your desires. While some dismiss it as mere wishful thinking, others swear by its ability to unlock untapped potential. So, how does one master the art of manifestation. Understanding Manifestation At its core, manifestation is about harnessing the power of your mind. It involves setting clear intentions, cultivating a positive mindset, and taking purposeful action. The idea is rooted in the law of attraction—the belief that like attracts like. By focusing on positive energy and aligning your actions with your goals, you can create the life you envision. Steps to Manifest Your Dreams 1. Clarify Your Vision The first step is knowing what you truly want. Vague or conflicting desires can dilute your focus. Writ...

The Benefits of Mindfulness While Studying In today’s fast-paced world, distractions are everywhere. From the constant buzz of notifications to the overwhelming pressures of academic deadlines, staying focused while studying can feel like an uphill battle. Enter mindfulness: a powerful practice that can transform the way you approach your studies, boost your academic performance, and improve your overall well-being. What is Mindfulness? Mindfulness is the practice of being fully present in the moment without judgment. It involves paying attention to your thoughts, feelings, and surroundings with a sense of curiosity and openness. While often associated with meditation, mindfulness can be applied to everyday activities – including studying. Why Mindfulness Matters in Studying When you’re mindful, you engage with your studies in a deeper, more meaningful way. Here’s how mindfulness can make a difference: 1. Improved Focus and Concentration Mindfulness trains your brain to stay present an...