We often hear about the importance of keeping an open mind and avoiding judgment. Keeping an open mind has myriad benefits for recovery and overall well-being. Let’s take a look at how to keep an open mind and some of … Read More
Don’t Take It Personally: How to Cope with the Emotions of Others
When people who are close to us are dealing with something difficult, it can be hard to stay in our own lane and stay grounded in our own recovery. Emotions are similar to waves in the ocean — they come … Read More
Rage 101: How to Work Through Anger in Constructive Ways
When a wave of anger washes over the mind, it can be difficult to react in healthy and constructive ways. Anger can feel like an intense and unpredictable heat rising in your body. Anger itself is not a problem. In … Read More
Breathing Techniques for Stress Relief
Breathing is something that our body does automatically in order to keep us alive. If you take a minute to tune into your breath when you’re feeling relaxed, you’ll notice that your breathing patterns are slow and steady. Likewise, if … Read More
Energetics: Yin and Yang, Masculine and Feminine, Balance in Body and Mind
You’ve probably heard of the yin yang symbol, which is an ancient Chinese symbol for the union of opposites — the masculine and feminine energies that are present in all of life. Yin is the feminine life force of receptivity, … Read More
Breaking Male Stereotypes
Stereotypes are socially-ingrained ideas that are grossly oversimplified. Stereotypes are dangerous because they deny our humanity and seek to box us in. Additionally, these stereotypes are often so omnipresent that we internalize them without even realizing it. In this sense, … Read More
Creating Space in the Mind: Freedom from Boredom
Sometimes, boredom can be a threat to sobriety. When we feel bored, it can create a sense of ennui or apathy and especially when we’re new to recovery, these feelings can trigger destructive thoughts. At the same time, mental space … Read More
Science-backed Facts about Nature, Mental Health, and Recovery
When we spend a day in the woods or an afternoon at the beach, we feel better. Something shifts. Connecting with nature is the original and most available way to improve our mental health. When we feel disconnected from nature, … Read More
Getting in Touch with Creativity: Tips and Tricks
Creativity simply means engaging our imaginations. As kids, we do this naturally. Unfortunately, adulthood tends to put a damper on our right brains. Creativity and imagination can offer support and joy in our recovery and our lives. The word “creativity” … Read More
Mindfulness Summer Practices
How can we mindfully connect to the summer season? When we’re not fully present in the moment, it’s easy for beautiful natural experiences to just pass us by. This is a guide to getting more connected to perhaps Oregon’s most … Read More