mindfulness

Just Don’t Serve them Tea

photo looking out from a traditional Japanese house to a natural looking wooded garden

When I was in my teens and early 20s, I had a severe panic disorder. It peaked in my second year of University, when I was so anxious that I only attended a handful of lectures. As my world shrank, I realised that I had to do something.

Creating a Mindful Morning Routine

Image shows a cat on a chair by the window. In the foreground is a table with a vase of flowers and two coffee mugs

This morning routine was not developed overnight but, instead, was crafted slowly over time, with lots of trial and error. It took realizing and accepting my morning reality, and then working with it intentionally. Eventually, a routine developed that created an excellent flow to my day and I knew I hit paydirt.

For me, mindfulness has become one of my techniques that allows me to make sense of the world around me. It allows me to take control of my thoughts and bring into context how frequently they are overstimulated.

Constructive Adventing

Image is of a sunset through summer grasses

This year I’m adding a new tonic to the mix. My advent calendar won’t be alcohol, nor sugar, nor treats, I am going to give myself the gift of time.