Tag Archives: summer

Nature’s Invitations

Posted by: Angela Herzog on August 18, 2015 2:43 pm

Nature speaks truth into our lives on a daily basis.

So often, I lose sight of this simple truth, as my attention begins to zero in on tasks, appointments and concerns.

I was blessed to have a couple of weeks of summer holidays immersed in nature. Through this, my gaze began to widen again and I was able to receive some of nature’s invitations.

Have I ever looked at trees and been amazed at how they are not falling despite their height?

The tree invites me to nurture my roots.

Have I noticed how leaves respond gracefully and receptively to the wind?

What external forces am I fighting against?

Have I enjoyed watching the freedom flight of a butterfly with a knowing of its journey to flight?

How can I trust the process within seasons of constriction that feel like a cocoon? Continue reading →

*The views expressed by our authors are personal opinions and do not necessarily reflect the views of the CCPA

Resources for Coping with Anxiety in the Summer Time

Posted by: Tanya Levy on July 20, 2015 2:11 pm

July 20th, 2015

Summertime can be a beautiful time for rejuvenation and rest. It offers fresh air and sunshine for walks in nature, gardening or time at the beach. There is also opportunity for reconnecting with family and friends or for solitude and time alone. For some, reconnecting with family can bring up old feelings which can lead to anxiety before, during and after visits. Here are some suggestions and resources for dealing with anxiety:

1. Recognize what anxiety feels like for you
Anxiety can feel different for everyone. You might have racing thoughts, sweaty palms, or feel short of breath. If you can simply notice the symptoms and say to yourself, “here I go getting anxious”, it can take the pressure off of having to do anything. Sometimes noticing is enough. To help you notice how you are feeling in your body, one technique is to do a body scan. Here is a 10 minute body scan practice video to help ground you by Elisha Goldstein http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zsCVqFr6j1g

2. Cultivate Mindfulness
Noticing allows us to be mindful and focused on the present moment. Dr. Russ Harris has a helpful section on mindfulness on his website and free resources too. Check out http://www.thehappinesstrap.com/ . Meditation can also help you become more present focused. Being present and focused allows you to focus on now and let other thoughts go. Here is a mindfulness meditation with Jon Kabat Zinn to help you be more mindful. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3nwwKbM_vJc

Continue reading →

*The views expressed by our authors are personal opinions and do not necessarily reflect the views of the CCPA

A Little Mindfulness for the Summer

Posted by: Jennifer Morrison on July 20, 2015 8:25 am

Working in public education has many challenges but it has many perks as well. Two months off in the summer is pretty nice after 10 months of action filled days. Many teachers will take time in the summer to take courses or other professional development opportunities. For us it is the best time to devote ourselves to learning. This summer, in between a few books and time with my children, I have decided to do some colouring.

I purchased a mindfulness colouring book for adults. So, when I get the time, I pull out my book and colouring markers, sit in my chair and let my mind shut down the stresses of the day and focus on what is right in front of me. I have to admit it feels great. Sometimes I am lucky and I get 30 minutes to colour and other times I may only get 5 minutes. No matter how long the time is I am still able to be in that moment with my body and my mind. It truly is a calming experience.
Continue reading →

*The views expressed by our authors are personal opinions and do not necessarily reflect the views of the CCPA

An Online Summer Reading List

Posted by: Dawn Schell on July 14, 2015 2:36 pm

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again. Summer is the perfect time for catching up on all that reading you intended to do in the fall and winter. A time to curl up on the nearest deck chair and luxuriate in reading.

What’s on my list this summer?

Well, for starters – the entire issue of the British Journal of Guidance & Counselling, Volume 43, Issue 1, which was published in January 2015.

The editors, Goss and Hooley, say this issue on Online Practice in Counselling and Guidance, “looks at the impact of the online environment on the practice of guidance, counselling, psychotherapy and related services…. it explores…ongoing (technological) changes and in places looks forward to ways in which the future development of the disciplines might be influenced by current technological trends”.

Written from several different perspectives I can see it will be a very thought provoking read. Continue reading →

*The views expressed by our authors are personal opinions and do not necessarily reflect the views of the CCPA