“Lighthouses don’t go running all over an island looking for boats to save; they just stand there shining.”
— Anne Lamott, American novelist
Yoga and therapy have taught me how to quiet my mind in order to access my guiding light. Younger versions of myself could have benefitted from slowing down, noticing what is happening, and mindfully proceeding towards what actually matters.
The core concepts of Flexible Minds Wellness Center are the foundation of how I intend to move through each day. I encourage you to take a moment to read through each concept, AND notice what lighthouses guide you & your life.
Agility.
Being mentally agile means having the ability to quickly adapt to changing situations, think creatively, and find solutions to problems. It is important because it allows you to navigate complex and uncertain environments, cope with stress and challenges, and stay productive and focused in the face of distractions.
Core concepts to teach & uphold
Bend.
Cognitive flexibility is a cornerstone for personal growth and healing. Embracing adaptability empowers us to challenge old patterns, explore new perspectives, and find innovative solutions to life's challenges. By fostering openness to change and diverse viewpoints, therapy facilitates deeper understanding, resilience, and effective coping strategies.
Create.
Creating opportunities for change is a fundamental step towards achieving goals and fostering personal transformation. By actively implementing plans and engaging in behavior that aligns with therapeutic objectives, individuals can break free from stagnant patterns and create momentum towards positive outcomes.
Attunement.
Attunement involves cultivating a state of present moment awareness and acceptance of our thoughts (observing thoughts without judgment), noticing our feelings (focusing on emotions that arise and naming them), and paying attention to our bodily sensations (for example: the rhythm of our breath). This practice can lead to increased clarity, calmness, and overall well-being.
Break.
Breaking unhelpful habits is vital because it can lead to negative consequences and become automatic thoughts in our brains. To break a habit, we need to be aware of it and intentionally replace the habit with a useful behavior. This can be challenging but can lead to many benefits, such as improved mental and physical health, increased productivity, and creating a more fulfilling life.
Compassion.
Leading with compassion guides our interactions. When we approach others with empathy, kindness, and acceptance, it fosters a supportive and nurturing environment for growth and healing. Additionally, approaching relationships with curiosity encourages us to listen actively, seek to understand, and appreciate the perspectives and experiences of those around us.