I'm reading the August 2009 edition (yes I am a little bit behind in my reading) of Yoga Journal and I am reminded once again of all the benefits yoga has to offer in one's struggle for peace of mind and mental health.
Is it just me, or does everyone seem to be a victim these days? Even White males are now claiming to be persecuted. The problem with having a victim mentality is that it fosters depression. Is it any wonder that depression rates are skyrocketing?
It seems most Americans like to think of themselves as thinking beings who happen to feel. But research into the human brain shows that we are instead feeling beings who are able to think. I believe our failure to recognize this causes untold frustration and the current epidemic of people being diagnosed with depression.
My video collection is inexplicable, unless you understand its purpose. The only movies I actually purchase to keep are those which are safe and make me laugh. I know no one dies, there is no violence, no animals are killed or harmed in the viewing of this movie and it makes me laugh.
Virginia Satir was a renowned therapist who developed a mandala to illustrate the many aspects of a human being - all of which need to be fulfilled in order for us to be happy. I find this mandala to be especially important when working with clients struggling with depression or recovering from substance abuse.
She's about to come out of her skin. She attributes this to her period and/or her psychiatric medications. She says that she doesn't know what is wrong, but she just feels like crying. Some days, counseling is not rocket science. It's just reallllly simple. "So cry!" I tell her. If you feel like crying, cry. It really is that simple.
Intent.com's topic for the week is "How to Be Happier". They are asking the question, "what can we all do as individuals or communities to make ourselves happier?" What an excellent question!