Whether you have a literal or figurative “happy place,” count yourself lucky. It’s that kind of peaceful distance we get from life’s problems that help us find tranquility during tough situations. Everyone should have one of those spaces in their … Read More
Plug in Your Creative Outlet
Part of the false romanticism about addiction is that our creative limits are only as high as we are. Coming out of a residential setting and back out into the world where your addiction flourished, being creative might be the … Read More
Communication: Taking a Look at How You Communicate With Yourself and Others
We’re constantly communicating. Whether we’re texting with a friend, participating in a 12-step meeting, or exchanging glances with a friend from across a room, communication is one way that we move through the world. In recovery, we learn that there … Read More
Why Reading is So Important for Mental Health
Most of us have been told since we were kids that reading is important. It makes us smarter, more aware of the world around us, and more in tune with ourselves. Reading broadens our vocabulary, gives us insights into other … Read More
Neuro-linguistic Programming (NLP) 101
Neuro-linguistic Programming, or NLP, is all about delving into the connections between human behavior and the mind. NLP seeks to understand human behavior and communication at conscious and subconscious levels. Developed in California in the 1970s, the underlying principle of … Read More
Getting to Know the Stages of Depression
We all experience feelings of depression at various stages in life. It can feel overwhelming, sad, and confusing. While there are various levels and severities of depression, it’s empowering to know the different stages and signs of this common ailment. … Read More
Kundalini Yoga Practices for Mental and Emotional Health
Kundalini Yoga is an ancient yoga practice that differs from much of the yoga that’s practiced in the west. There aren’t any vinyasa flows or downward dogs. It’s based on the idea that there is latent kundalini energy at the … Read More
The Dangers of Feeling Invincible
When we enter recovery, life can feel as if it’s been turned on its head. Everything is upside-down and we’re scrambling to figure out what to do and how to respond. Our brains are in the process of changing and … Read More
Screen Time: How Much is Too Much?
Americans look at their phones an average of 47 times each day according to a study conducted by the Deloitte Institute. Screens are everywhere and they often interfere with our ability to be fully present. Research has also shown that … Read More
Transitioning into Fall: Meditations
The transition from summer to fall can be a jarring one, especially in Portland, when the autumn months often mean the return of dreary days and rain. Transitional periods are times of growth, reflection, and moving forward and as such, … Read More