Sometimes you don’t know what you don’t know. Until you come up against new information, you have no idea that you were ignorant. Sure, there are subjects that I can confidently say that I know nothing about: engineering, haute couture, mining, and the history of Malaysia, to name just a very few. I’m comfortable knowing… Continue reading Becoming Aware Of Knowledge
Category: Mental Health
Granny Secrets
I learned to crochet during lockdown. Along with a lot of other people, I found the repetitive motions, soft textures and cheerful colours a welcome sanctuary from the extreme stress of the news. Why does crocheting sooth my brain? Sensory Activities For Students. Crocheting is among some of the recommended sensory activities that can help… Continue reading Granny Secrets
Why Does Your Foot Like Your Mouth?
So many times in my life, the words that have come out of my mouth have not expressed the intention in my brain. There is immediate regret or embarrassment because the words have been harsh, or awkward, or just plain opposite to what I intended. I’ve cut people off, sounded ungrateful and appeared to celebrate… Continue reading Why Does Your Foot Like Your Mouth?
Intentional Music Medicine
In recent years, music has entered my life as background sound: a catchy tune on the radio in among all the other daily noise. I sing along, or not, and life goes on. Recently on a long trip home, I realized that I may have been overlooking the power that it has to be medicine… Continue reading Intentional Music Medicine
When Your Plans Get Cancelled
Having plans for the day is a joy. The anticipation can carry you through the mundane or difficult stuff that you have to do in life. Having them cancelled by something out of your control, such as forest fire smoke, is crushing.* It’s not just a simple case of rescheduling or adjusting. It’s a full… Continue reading When Your Plans Get Cancelled
Going BIG
How much space do you take up in the world? I am staying small. It’s a choice. After three years of the pandemic telling me to keep my world small to stay safe (remain home, avoid others), I’ve found that it’s become my normal state. But unless there’s a pandemic, a war, or a lion… Continue reading Going BIG
A Day Of Wander
A few years ago, I found myself alone downtown on a Saturday morning. I had to drop something off before nine. Done. Suddenly, there I was with my notebook, a novel and a water bottle in my bag on a sunny, warm morning, and no plans for the rest of the day. No one needed… Continue reading A Day Of Wander
Can’t Avoid Triggers
I recognize when my body goes into a stress response: tight jaw, overheating, nerves all a-buzz. I’ve spent time watching my body to recognize these physical responses. I’ve also dedicated a lot of time to journalling over that past six months. It’s helped me to identify four specific situations that provoke a stress response in… Continue reading Can’t Avoid Triggers
Out Of My Control
It’s very difficult to let go of control. As a teacher, I felt the pressure to “control my class” which really meant keeping them quiet and engaged. I never quite managed the peaceful part of that. I preferred to keep my students noisy and engaged. However, there are times that I have had to acknowledge… Continue reading Out Of My Control
The Power of Glimmers Over Gratitude
Most people are familiar with the term, triggers. They are events or words or places that can cause a person to relive the stress of a traumatic experience. As I grieve, I find there are many triggers in my day. But have you heard of glimmers? Glimmers Are Personal. A glimmer is something that recalls… Continue reading The Power of Glimmers Over Gratitude
Retired, And Now What? 