Show 199 - Creativity In the Middle of Chaos

One of the things we might need to do is have a tighter grasp on our creativity.

In this short episode, a look at some of the resources you can use to understand how creativity can help you get an understanding about anxiety, or help you cope during isolation or remind yourself to have something to look forward to.

We all need that.

We really do.




If you need support contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255, the Trevor Project at 1-866-488-7386 or text “START” to 741-741.

Resources Mentioned: 

From Boing Boing, a trip back to the musical past of 1969 with Tom Jones wailing with Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young.

Céline Terranova post on "Don't let anxiety kill your creativity" from The Part-Time Artist.

Artist, author, dad and blogger Austin Kleon e-mail newsletter has pulled me out of a depressive dive or two.

There is a 2014 TEDxCharlotte talk from Sharon Dowell about Anxiety as Fuel for Artistic Creativity. There is also a 2015 TEDxProvidence talk from Jeffrey Sparr on Using Art to Combat Anxiety.

Felt Magnet How can I be more creative as an adult? There are ways to tap into that inner stream.

Austin Kleon, How to Make A Zine From A Piece of Paper, a very short video.

Disclaimer: 

Links to other sites are provided for information purposes only and do not constitute endorsements. 

Always seek the advice of a qualified health provider with questions you may have regarding a medical or mental health disorder.

This blog and podcast is intended for informational and educational purposes only. Nothing in this program is intended to be a substitute for professional psychological, psychiatric or medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

Show 198 Reframing Affirmations

In this episode, a look at affirmations. Not as a linguistic vending machine. Or a means to be financially powerful. I'm viewing affirmations as a tool to support healing.

Not the only tool to be used but as a means of support, nourishment, encouragement and self-care.

We are humans. And are hard wired to seek certain things in order to be functional and stable. We don't have those things and we get a little crazy. And then a lot more crazy.

Affirmation are not for everyone.

There are people who are task or function specific. Speaking words of encouragement to themselves isn't comfortable to them. They view it as a waste of time. Easier to take a pill.

Some people do believe that there is a separation between the mind and body and only want to focus on their symptoms.

Whatever you believe, I hope that you would try to see affirmations as option to be kind to yourself.





If you need support contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255, the Trevor Project at 1-866-488-7386 or text “START” to 741-741.

In housekeeping news, posting new episode will be more fluid. Spending too much time on the computer makes my eyes unhappy. Probably shifting to the weekends. I do know that I will be posting with a day ending in y.

Resources Mentioned: 

Ronald Alexander, Ph.D has a post on Psychology Today on 5 Steps to Make Affirmations Work for You

Ezz at Through The Phases has a whole list of affirmations specifically for anxiety conditions like OCD, general anxiety and social anxiety.

Verywell Mind Has a post on Positive Affirmations to Relieve Anxiety and Stress.

Louise L. Hay was an author, motivation teacher and became a publisher of affirmation and spiritual books, video and now podcasts.One of her books to consider is You Can Heal Your Life. The link is to an audio study course version of the book.

Her company, Hay House, is still in existences and produces new materials. There is a section of the website that contain free resources like the Affirmations Coloring Book. This is a 96 page PDF, however, due to the file size, it can take a long time to download, even on a decent connection.

Disclaimer: 

Links to other sites are provided for information purposes only and do not constitute endorsements. 

Always seek the advice of a qualified health provider with questions you may have regarding a medical or mental health disorder.

This blog and podcast is intended for informational and educational purposes only. Nothing in this program is intended to be a substitute for professional psychological, psychiatric or medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

Show 197 Feeling Fractured and Finding Spackle

It is a mess. It is a time and wowzer, every day a pip. Trauma is waving the freak flag and there are people that are hurting. This includes you and me. What should have been and what's going to be are not something that can be predicted.

We have been changed. We are in a state of change and along with the bad stuff is the potential for some good stuff too. But first, we have to recognize that we are fractured and need some healing invisible Spackle to get ourselves in a better place.




If you need support contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255, the Trevor Project at 1-866-488-7386 or text “START” to 741-741.

Resources Mentioned: 

In an article for Prevention Magazine, Carson Daily talks about having general anxiety disorder and how he treats with Cognitive Behavioral Therapy.

From Zagat Stories, Chef Eric Ripert uses meditation as a tool to run his kitchen and bring calm to his life.

Leslie Sanson has a series of videos for walking at home. To get a sample of what that is like check out the YouTube channel. There is also Walk At Home Digital Access is a subscription service that provides training and motivation to have daily in-door walking exercises.

Mindful Magazine Digital Special Edition on Difficult Emotions. For those that want the pulp version you can get that too.

Also on Mindful is an additional resource: Four-Minute STOP Practice from Rhonda Magee, how to re-set a potentially testy situation.

At the Chopra Center is a post on seven affirmations for self healing.

Ananda Leeke has a blog post about We are resilient. She also has a podcast on Soundcloud.  She gives tips about how to reconnect with the power source inside of you.

Disclaimer: 

Links to other sites are provided for information purposes only and do not constitute endorsements. 

Always seek the advice of a qualified health provider with questions you may have regarding a medical or mental health disorder.

This blog and podcast is intended for informational and educational purposes only. Nothing in this program is intended to be a substitute for professional psychological, psychiatric or medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.