Green Psychotherapy

Its Here!!!

2010-10-03T18:57:00.003-04:00

The weather is finally cooler! I have been anticipating this for weeks and weeks. I think its partly because I want the cooler weather, and partly because I enjoy the season...Thanksgiving, Christmas, etc...

My goal is to enjoy the feel of Fall, live in the moment, and not complain in a month or two that "It's Too Cold"!!!!!!!

Anticipating Fall

2010-09-12T21:36:00.003-04:00

Fall is right around the corner. I can't wait! I can see some leaves starting to fall, and I know it won't be long. Its still amazing to me how Mother Nature transitions us so well. By the time we're getting enough of the summer heat, a new season approaches.

How awesome! New season, new beginnings, new anticipation!!!

Progress?

2010-01-30T18:28:00.003-05:00

There has been a surprising and welcomed change in my community! Our local trash pick-up service now offers a recycling service as well! WOW!!! This is great progress for the area that I live in. There's hope yet! Some of my skeptics are even on board with this.

Even though the service only picks up plastic bottles and paper products, that's still progress in my eyes. Surely the rest will come.

Just Dance

2009-07-25T20:50:00.004-04:00

I, like many others, watched the wedding entrance dance of a couple that just got married. It was funny, uplifting, and wonderful to watch. Too often life is just too serious!!! It was good to watch a couple (as well as the wedding party) enjoy life, and the start of 2 lives together!!

If you haven't seen the video, view it on my blog.

1 Small Step!

2009-06-17T21:01:00.003-04:00

I'm noticing that more and more stores and markets are making recycling more convenient for its customers. One local supermarket is finally taking plastic bags, and although it's a small step for them, it's still remarkable because I live in a small town. I am holding out hope that more and more places will encourage people to recycle. I still believe that every step counts, and no effort is wasted. I even saw an interesting report on the news recently where this student is working to invent a paper/part-plastic bottle, which, if usable, could eventually replace the traditional plastic bottle. Innovative! Small steps can be remarkable!!!

Earth Day continues...

2009-05-03T12:25:00.003-04:00

April 22nd has come and gone, but hopefully the concept behind Earth Day will remain. There are so many ways that being environmentally friendly saves money also. Maybe the economy will make converts of some who might still be reluctant to take the plunge!

For example, shopping at Farmers Markets helps the environment while at the same time, saves money....Turning off the water while brushing does the same...Buying in bulk...ditto...Carpooling also saves money while protecting the planet...Buying perforated paper towels, or none at all also saves tremendously...unplugging cell phone chargers from the wall as soon as the phone is charged does the same. The list is endless.

I still think knowledge is power, and more would do it if they only knew how very important it is. "Saving money" might just be the door to open the communication about reducing our carbon footprint.

Economic Times

2009-03-13T22:37:00.004-04:00

During this touch economy, it seems that all we see on television is more and more doom and gloom. It's especially important to focus on things that we can control, such as our relationships and time with family and those close to us. Controlling and focusing on our day to day household finances as opposed to the overall national economy also helps to ground us, and hopefully reduce stress.

Eco-Friendly Tip

2009-02-14T21:23:00.004-05:00

Did you know that when you charge your cell phone, and unplug it from the charger, you are still using energy if you keep the charger plugged into the outlet? We can all use less energy by simply unplugging the charger from the outlet when we're done charging our cell phone, laptop etc... just another way to protect the environment.

Champions!!!

2009-01-25T17:58:00.005-05:00

Our new President has challenged each of us to make a difference...make change happen...do our part to make the world a better place. Champions are everyday people, like you and me, who take this challenge and do "seemingly" small things to impact society. It might be in the form of running errands for someone in need, volunteering our time, mentoring a child, donating some goods to a food bank, recycling instead of trashing, or cooking a meal for someone who's struggling to make ends meet. This list goes on and on. It doesn't matter how large or small the effort is because every part counts, and every good deed leads to another.

Champions do seemingly small things that have LARGE impacts!

Just "being"

2009-01-21T22:14:00.002-05:00

Today I came home from a long day at work, and did absolutely nothing! Boy, I didn't realize how relaxing just "being" actually is. Can't do it every day, but today sure was good!

2009!!!

2009-01-02T18:05:00.004-05:00

WOW! Another year! I wish prosperity, love, and abundance to everyone. If all of our positive energy is released, 2009 is bound to be better than 08.

Hope

2008-12-30T20:20:00.006-05:00

Once again, I heard an inspiring news report. It featured a clip from a CBS affiliate station about getting rid of things in 2008 that we don't want to take into 2009. People were literally lined up to shred things (in this super huge shredder) that they don't want to take along into the New Year....everything from school grades to bills. It was a light-hearted feature, but the reality of it is that people are ready to move on, and look for better things in 2009. Are they optimistic??? I don't know...Are they ready to give 2009 a try??? It looks that way. The message that I got from this feature was that, despite the challenges and struggles that might have defined much of 2008, many are still looking to greater things, and ready to look ahead.

That's what I call 'HOPE'...HOPE in spite of the past. Light-hearted feature-yes. Light-hearted message-No.

Home Recycling Centers-go figure!

2008-12-27T06:53:00.006-05:00

I ran across an interesting show that focused on home recycling centers. Builders and home-buyers were installing these in new home. I thought...WOW...this is innovative...not because of the overall idea, because a home recycling center can simply consist of bins placed in the garage or kitchen to hold these items. What WOW'd me though was the fact that builders were finally grasping the concept, and home-buyers were actually embracing it. This gives hope. My optimism just jumped a notch! (This show was on HGTV).

Finding Purpose

2008-12-14T20:33:00.004-05:00

As the year comes to a close, many of us will enter 2009 with resolutions for the new year. Resolutions are sometimes about finding purpose to life, and committing to following that purpose, whatever it may be.

When and if you make a New Year's Resolution, remember that treating yourself better than you did in 2008 should be first on your list of "must do-s". Being good to yourself, nurturing yourself, and valuing yourself, will assure success on any other resolutions that follow!

Prevent Holiday Stress

2008-11-21T14:44:00.005-05:00

The Holidays are a wonderful time to enjoy family and friends, but holiday stress and burnout are things that all too often accompany this time of year. Here are a few tips to keep in mind during this busy season:

Make holiday meals less stressful by keeping meals simple. Consider even buying some dishes already prepared, even if you still cook your absolute favorites.

Combine tasks, and consider shopping at only 1 or 2 stores if possible. Keep in mind my previous blog on holiday gift-giving.

Don't take on more than you can handle. Say 'No'.

Rest. When your body tells you it's tired, stop and relax. This is so-o-o important!!!

Lastly, keep the meaning of the season in perspective. When all else fails, this should ground you!

Holiday Giving

2008-11-08T21:46:00.004-05:00

It's predicted that this holiday season will be like no other. People are not predicted to do a lot of spending since the price of everything from food to gas has gone through the roof. What, then, can people do when they want to give, but just don't have a lot of money? Here are a few ideas:

1. Donate some time. For example, if you love to cook, you might offer your "chef" services for dinner as a gift to a family member or friend.

2. Make something. If you have a talent...painting, photography, gardening, this is a great way to give a unique, valuable gift. A garden plant or painted picture to a friend can mean more than one purchased at a store.

3. Have lunch. Get together with friends and do lunch. Lots of laughs...no gifts needed.

4. Find out what hobbies your friends or family members have. A thoughtful item that reflects someone's hobby can be very inexpensive, but a terrific and memorable pick!

5. Recycle. Think about what you have at home that someone else would love. It may be a new item that you just never used, or a gently used item that someone close to you has been admiring and would like. The key here is to know your recipient, and know their likes, dislikes, and style. You'll be amazed at what you already have that someone else would love!

Gift-giving is not about expensive gifts. It's about giving from the heart! Now that's priceless!!!

Snooze Button

2008-10-31T21:28:00.002-04:00

The time will be changing soon, and it's always good when you can "steal" an extra hour of sleep. Most times, we fail to get enough rest at night. This is either due to busy schedules, or simply because our body has just been trained to push itself to the limit before collapsing. Either way, most of us need more sleep than we're currently getting. There's something to say about good, peaceful sleep. It energizes, stimulates, and sets the pace for the whole day...just like eating breakfast! Without it, things just don't seem to go right. So for all of us sleep-deprived individuals, happy snoozing as you set the clocks back an hour!

Resolutions...Now?

2008-10-18T20:31:00.011-04:00

Weather changes, Fall, and the changing leaves have prompted me to make some changes in myself. I think I'll call them Fall Resolutions. I plan to do a serious self-inventory, and think about what I can do to make this season better than the one before. I don't think I need to wait til the New Year to do this. Maybe I'll center around the environment, my health, and helping others. Wish me luck.

Clean Out and Pass It On

2008-10-12T21:57:00.005-04:00

The change of seasons often leads to cleaning out and clearing away items that we no longer use or need. Consider selling or giving these items away instead of throwing them away. Not only will it protect the environment, but it will help someone else, and may even put some money in your pocket in the process. Clothes, shoes, coats, etc. can be donated to clothes closets at local churches, for example. Old appliances, electronics, or equipment can be sold for cash, or taken to recycle centers. There is a useful place for just about everything that you might consider throwing away!

Fall

2008-09-27T20:29:00.008-04:00

Fall came in as a nice, pleasant cool breeze last week. I enjoyed working outside for most of the weekend, and just enjoying the season. Although this is a time when many people look forward to the weather changes, others may dread the season because it sometimes makes the lonely feel more alone, and the sad feel sadder. Regardless of how the season effects you, it's important to nurture yourself, give yourself some extra pampering, and surround yourself with people and things that comfort you and bring you joy. Most of all, be good to yourself.

Carbon Footprint

2008-09-17T22:01:00.007-04:00

I recently measured my carbon footprint. I wondered during the calculation if I was accurately accounting for my "mark" on the earth. I'm passionate about taking care of the environment, and reducing the effects of global warming, so I was somewhat apprehensive about finding out just what my score would be. End result: I realized that I am way off the mark as it relates to all that I could be doing to reduce my carbon footprint. Simple steps that I need to remember to take are shopping more in bulk, unplugging my cell phone as soon as it finishes charging, and being more conscious about buying locally grown fruits and vegetables. I want to leave a mark on society, but I don't want it to be in the form of a carbon

footprint!!!

Kindness Recycles Too

2008-09-14T16:38:00.008-04:00

Wow! I have experienced several "WOW" moments this week. The most recent one happened a few days ago. My neighbor stopped by and dropped off a plant...for no reason other than to be kind. We don't talk or even see each other regularly In fact, we probably haven't gotten close enough to speak in several months. Schedules conflict, people live their lives, and sometimes people co-exist without really crossing paths on a regular (or even semi-regular basis). When I saw the plant, I thought, 'what a great deed'. How about recycling kindness, sort of like we recycle other things. Instead of discarding it, pass it on. Maybe I'll separate the plant, and pass some along to another neighbor, or friend, or family member. Yes, kindness can be recycled!

Hypermiling-all hype or not?

2008-09-13T13:27:00.004-04:00

I love hypermiling! It works!!! Not only does it save money, but it is 'earth-friendly'!!! Sometimes a catchy phrase, and a popular news show can open the eyes of the skeptics who still don't see the benefits of slowing down and conserving energy. I for one love to hypermile. All it really takes is leaving a little earlier, looking ahead, being aware of traffic, and learning how to coast. Other benefits...stress reduction and enjoying some scenery along the way. Imagine that!!!!!!!!

Slowing Down

2008-09-10T21:57:00.006-04:00

This is a busy time of the year for a lot of people. School is back in, summer vacations are over, and it seems like there are a million and one things that need to be done "yesterday". I'm guilty of often failing to take my own advice when it comes to slowing down. My mind races on what I want to get done, and when I want it to happen.

In the hustle and bustle of "life", sometimes "life" gets overlooked. It may sound simple, but one way to really get things in perspective is to just stop and look around you. Really look around you....at nature, the earth, sky, birds, etc. Sometimes a quick look around makes those "must-dos" seem less urgent.
Today...Slow it down!!!

Holiday Planning Already?

2008-09-07T15:02:00.006-04:00

It's amazing that the holidays are only a few months away! Here are some "green holiday ideas" that I thought were note-worthy enough to include in my blog:

Hold onto the comics from the newspaper and use as gift wrap. Not only is this green-wise, but it also saves money on wrapping paper.

Hold onto jars or plastic containers that would work as gift containers. Jars or containers can turn into neat, decorative gift "bags" or "boxes".

Give green gifts to friends or family members. There are lots of items out there that make perfect gifts, while protecting the environment. Even items such as perfumes, soaps, and lotions can be environmentally friendly. It just takes a little extra effort to shop for these items.

Kindly ask for eco-friendly gifts in return. Friends or family will likely be glad to honor this request.

Recycle the tree, paper, containers, and all other recyclables when the holidays are over. So many items that can easily be recycled are thrown in the trash during the holiday season. Some of it's due to haste, some due to lack of knowledge, and unfortunately, sometimes it's due to simply not caring enough to make the effort. Now is not too early to start thinking about it!

School Goes Green

2008-08-28T22:26:00.011-04:00

My child's school is going green!!! I was so glad to see that they stepped up to the challenge of going paperless during one of the most hectic times of year--- student orientation. Once again, a simple step makes such a tremendous difference for the environment. Instead of distributing paper that gets tossed in the trash, parents were instructed to download the forms that they needed. How simple is that!!! Why can't all schools do this? I know it takes lots of work and planning on the front end, but the benefit was seen immediately. Instead of having to take home tons of paper that would be tossed in the recycle bin, we just printed what we knew we would use. Better for us...and even better for the environment. Pass it on!!! Schools need to go green. What a message this would send to our future environmentalists-our children!

Unclutter, Renew, Revitalize

2008-08-22T11:37:00.003-04:00

There's a lot on the news this week about tropical storms and hurricanes. Nature has a way of forcing us to make preparations and sometimes change plans at the last minute. Lots of people are making changes such as cancelling vacation plans, re-routing travel, and boarding up their homes. In the wake of change, sometimes it's good to take a personal inventory and think about renewing ourselves while nature makes plans to renew and cleanse itself. Uncluttering is a good start to doing this (uncluttering our mind of negative energy, negative thoughts, bad habits, anger, fear, resentment, etc. ). Sometimes change is a good thing!

Olympic Race

2008-08-16T21:35:00.002-04:00

I'm sitting here watching the Olympics, and see the look of determination, perseverance, and sometimes pain, on the faces of the women running in the 26 mile marathon. I am yet again amazed at what the body can do once the mind had decided upon it. These women rock! Despite their obvious pain and exhaustion, they continue running. Imagine what we all can do once we commit to "running" for a cause. The possibilities are endless.

Country Life at its best: Bailing Hay

2008-08-13T22:16:00.003-04:00

Had to pass this picture on. I was riding around and saw this awesome sight of hay being bailed. Had to go back and take a picture. Most of it had been cleared away by the time I returned, but I did manage to get this shot before all of it was removed. Talk about recycling! There are going to be some happy cows and horses this month!!!

Pilates:Miracle Cure??

2008-08-13T21:19:00.004-04:00

I made an amazing discovery a few weeks ago, and have been testing it out ever since. I actually thought that it was just a coincidence, but surprisingly (or not), Pilates actually works for so much more than just toning and weight loss. I have lately been suffering from what I will gingerly call "aging". Symptoms: muscle aches, stiffness, and "hurting all over". Because I did not feel a trip to the doctor was the answer, I started using a Pilates video that was collecting dust on the shelf. I noticed an improvement immediately! After only using the video for 20 minutes a day, the stiffness and aching subsided. I mean, totally! I'm not saying that this would work the same for everyone, but it sure convinced me that Pilates is my "miracle drug" for now. As a therapist, I ask myself, What is Pilates all about? Stretching, breathing, relaxing and tensing muscles. Seems a lot like Relaxation Therapy to me.
Relaxation Therapy and Pilates---Go Figure!

Olympics-come together

2008-08-09T16:59:00.003-04:00

It's amazing to see so many people from around the world come together for a cause-the Olympics. How awesome it would be if we came together for other causes. How about coming together to fight pollution, global warming, violence, poverty, etc? Talk about powerful! I plan to watch the Olympics with excitement and hope... Excitement over the competition, and hope for world unity.

Home Spa Book

2008-08-08T22:26:00.003-04:00

I am excited about a book that I just bought. It's a Home Spa book that gives step-by-step instructions for bringing the spa into your home. I'm excited about it because it gives numerous ways to pamper yourself in your own home. As you know by now, I am all about nurturing the body and soul...and don't forget the earth. I'm committing to doing something from this book at least twice a week. What are you doing to take care of yourself?

Green Challenge

2008-08-03T19:14:00.003-04:00

Our family is young in 'green' years, but we are still amazed at how much recyclable stuff we used to throw away due to lack of education and awareness. I look in our recycle tubs filled with newspapers, plastic containers, egg cartons, etc. and I am baffled at how fast it accumulates. It piles up faster than we can take it to be recycled. We are so much more conscious of the items that we purchase, and the paper that we use, but we still see the piles growing every day. This made me realize just how much stuff we used to just toss in the garbage! It also makes me realize that knowledge is power, and awareness is even more powerful!!!! I see my son using less, and recycling more every day. I see his efforts to use cloth napkins instead of paper towels, and I see his efforts to reuse things that he would once throw away. My challenge is this: For one day...just one day, keep a mental diary of what you toss in the trash. Ask yourself: Is this recyclable? Can I use it again? Sounds simple, but it may be an eye opener. Just one small effort makes such a big difference. Imagine what a commitment will do! I challenge you.

Vacation Spot

2008-07-29T05:21:00.000-04:00

I recently visited a nearby resort. It was only 2 hours from my home, but the location was serene and relaxing. I could actually have seen myself staying there forever! I wish that I had taken pictures to post, but I will definitely do this when I revisit it later this year. Not only did it have numerous pools and spas, but it also has rights to transport guests to an uninhabited island nearby. Uninhabited. Imagine that. I wondered why this location is my favorite spot to vacation, and it didn't take long to realize that it's because it takes you back to nature, and reconnects you with the beauty of the world around you. I left with a recommitment to doing my part to preserve the earth, and a recommitment to taking care of myself. Funny how the two are connected, isn't it? Take care of the earth and I assure you that it will take care of you.

Pamper Yourself

2008-07-26T21:43:00.000-04:00

Take time out of your day to do something special for yourself. I personally think that I will exhale from a long, mentally strenuous day, and pick out a good book to read. Maybe I'll read and meditate for the rest of the evening. Remember, no matter how busy you are, the most important person that you must take care of is "yourself"!
Relax, unwind, put your feet up, and BREATHE!

Reconnect With Your Passions

2008-07-25T09:00:00.000-04:00

"Reconnecting with the earth will also lead to reconnecting with your Passions"

One of the easiest things to do is to get so bogged down in our everyday routine that we forget those things that once inspired and moved us. Thing things, I call "passions". They take different forms for different people. One person may take great pleasure and pride in writing, while another person truly enjoys drawing or painting. The thing that makes these passions unique is the feeling that's associated with them. Sometimes life becomes so busy and complicated that we forget what our passions are. We become so overcome with the day-to-day routine of simply "living" that we turn our back on the simple things that used to give us pleasure. How do you get it back? Well, I believe that there are 2 steps to doing this.

Step 1:
Reconnect with your inner self. This is the passionate part of you that is pure and genuine. It's the part that told you to write, or to garden, or to drive those 3 hours just to sit and watch the waves come in. It's the part of you that took up scrapbooking, cooking, or photography. In order to reconnect with this part of you, you must reflect, meditate, and revisit in your mind what you associate with peace, joy, and contentment. If those things were true passions, it will not take long to reconnect with them.

Step 2:
Get input from others. As simple as it sounds, it can really work. It's amazing how those close to us know what our dreams and passions are. They're usually the ones whom we dreamed with, or dreamed to. They may have been the ones to push us towards pursuing our passions in the first place. Ask them what you used to dream about..what used to move and inspire you. After you ask, then listen, and see if the spark reappears. You may find that your inner child is still there...just waiting to come out!

We all have passions in life.
Embrace Yours!

Simple Green Tips

2008-07-24T20:23:00.000-04:00

Even though these are not new ideas, it doesn't hurt to be reminded that all of us can make a difference in some way when it comes to preserving the environment. Here are some of the green steps that our family's taking. No effort is too small!!!!

We've started:

Ditching traditional paper towels and buying either recycled ones or none at all...
Using cloth napkins more often...
Replacing light bulbs with energy efficient ones...
Recycling...recycling...recycling....
Buying green household products...
Planting trees...
Thinking about the life cycle of products before we buy them...
Passing the word...Educating...

My Inspiration

2008-07-24T17:41:00.000-04:00

Green Psychotherapy was inspired by my belief that there is a connection between taking care of yourself and taking care of the environment. I truly feel that mental and physical wellness is linked to something greater than ourselves. Nurturing and taking care of the body and mind in which we reside is deeply tied to taking care of the earth that we also reside in. Valuing your mind and body will inevitably lead to valuing the earth and doing whatever is necessary to preserve it. In turn, valuing the earth will also lead back to valuing yourself, and doing what is necessary to preserve both your psyche and your body. In other words, a greener earth will lead to a greener you (and vice versa)!

The connection is so strong in my mind that although I'm a psychotherapist, I believe that it's impossible to truly nurture your psyche without nurturing the earth.

Does that mean that one is linked to the other??? I'm afraid so. So what do you do??? EMBRACE IT!!!