The post Creating a New Consciousness – BahaiTeachings.org appeared first on Minds Valley.

Inclusion

August 15, 2023 | By Joshua Farrington

To most outsiders, the TV industry looks like a hotbed of inspiration and creativity. But for many of the people behind the scenes, the reality is more like 18-hour shifts and 1 a.m. calls derailing the next day’s carefully laid plans. 

After nearly two decades of surviving the cutthroat competition of TV, Nina Elegba was burnt out and in need of a change. For her, creativity was still what mattered, and it was in her creativity that she found an escape. Using her hands, getting messy and learning to play again was her outlet and her way to find mindfulness — and from that realization, Recess Living was born. 

“The idea for Recess Living started with my own experiences with stress and burnout,” Elegba says. “I’ve always used creativity and making to help me achieve my mindfulness. So I wanted to help other people reconnect with creative play and show them the benefit of mindfulness through making, and art is such a great way to do that.” 

Recess Living is a creative wellness-events brand that supports individuals and workplaces in creating healthier ways to live and work by prioritizing their mental well-being. It’s built around workshops, such as pottery classes, for those looking to slow down and find mindfulness through creativity — “meditation for doers,” as Elegba calls it.  

Watching her clients find their own moments of calm is hugely rewarding. “You can see the stress literally leave people’s bodies, and they leave that room so much calmer and more peaceful than when they first came in,” she says. But running a business, even one built around well-being, is still inherently a stressful enterprise — and one that always benefits from support. 

Nina Elegba demonstrates the marbling technique for an event hosted by her wellness business, Recess Living. (Photo courtesy of Nina Elegba)

For Elegba, that support came in the form of Strive UK, part of a global initiative of the Mastercard Center for Inclusive Growth that helps entrepreneurs access the tools and mentorship they need to build resilience and grow. In the U.K., small and micro-businesses like Recess Living make up 99.9% of all businesses and employ nearly half the labor force. Many scrambled to embrace digital tools and have survived, but a third say they are still seeking guidance for digitization — a number that rises to 49% for ethnic minority business owners.

Through its partner Be the Business, Strive UK helps the ethnic minority business owners succeed in the digital economy and become more resilient. Along with mentoring, it also offers a “boards” program, which gives small business owners the outside perspectives of successful leaders, who serve on an advisory board for 12 months. 

“You’re always going to wish that you’d saved more money, tested your idea more, did one more course before you started, but you don’t need those things. You’re going to learn along the way. So just get started and just do it.” 

Nina Elegba

“I’d been searching for more support and mentorship,” Elegba says. “I first learned about Be the Business and Strive UK via a workshop guest, and it just landed at exactly the right time I needed it in my business. It came with the unique opportunity where they basically hand-pick a team of four board mentors for you, all based around your business and the needs and your goals that you have … It’s just been amazing to be able to get in a room with four professionals at the top of their game and have them share their knowledge and expertise with me.” 

With the support of her board, Elegba has been able to tackle some of the big decisions facing Recess Living and plot a course for greater growth and even bigger opportunities. 

Her advice for other aspiring entrepreneurs is to make the leap. “Just get started. My biggest hurdle starting Recess Living was my own self-doubt. You’re always going to wish that you’d saved more money, tested your idea more, did one more course before you started, but you don’t need those things. You’re going to learn along the way. So just get started and just do it.” 

Source link

The post This entrepreneur is creating mindfulness in business appeared first on Minds Valley.

1. Seek Professional Help

The first step in managing depression is to seek professional help. A mental health professional can help you understand your symptoms and develop a plan to manage them. This can include talk therapy, medication, or a combination of both. You can also consider joining a support group to connect with others who are going through the same struggles.

2. Practice Self-Care

Self-care is an essential aspect of managing depression. This can include getting enough sleep, eating a healthy diet, and exercising regularly. You can also practice mindfulness techniques such as meditation or yoga to help you manage stress and anxiety.

3. Connect with Others

Social connections are crucial for mental wellness. Try to connect with family and friends regularly, or join a community group or club that interests you. This can help you feel less isolated and provide a sense of belonging.

4. Set Realistic Goals

Setting realistic goals can help you feel a sense of accomplishment and boost your self-esteem. Start small and work your way up to more significant goals. Celebrate your accomplishments, no matter how small they may seem.

5. Challenge Negative Thoughts

Negative thoughts can fuel depression. It’s important to challenge them and replace them with positive thoughts. Try to focus on your strengths and accomplishments, and practice self-compassion.

6. Create a Routine

Establishing a routine can help you feel more in control and provide structure to your day. Try to wake up and go to bed at the same time each day, eat meals at regular times, and schedule time for self-care and relaxation.

7. Practice Gratitude

Practicing gratitude can help shift your focus from negative thoughts to positive ones. Try to find something to be grateful for each day, no matter how small it may seem.

In conclusion, managing depression is an ongoing process that requires dedication and commitment. By creating your own path to mental wellness, you can take control of your mental health and improve your quality of life. Remember to seek professional help, practice self-care, connect with others, set realistic goals, challenge negative thoughts, create a routine, and practice gratitude. With time, patience, and perseverance, you can overcome depression and live a fulfilling life.

The post Creating Your Own Path to Mental Wellness: A Self-Help Guide for Depression. appeared first on Minds Valley.

OCEAN SPRINGS, Miss. (PRWEB)
June 20, 2023

Reverend Wendy Vann MS, LPC, M.MSC announces her return to the publishing scene with the release of “Interviews with the Fabric of the Universe” (published by Balboa Press). Co-authored by her son, Jesse Alexander Vann, they offer a practical guide to help others unlock their full potential. Here, Wendy and Alex share their personal journey of discovery while discussing the four important universal concepts: “All is equal; All has reason; God is love; and I am Will.”

This guide is structured as a series of dialogues between Alex and Wendy, in which Alex channeled answers through interviews with the fabric of the universe, the whole of existence. These messages originated from the source of love and light that compose the fabric of the universe. Interviews with the fabric of the universe shows how incorporating the understanding of acceptance, purpose, love, and the use of free will provides others with practical ways to create the peace desired. Knowing how to create peace in one’s life and then directing one’s thoughts to building the life one wants is an amazing journey.

“This journey the world is now being forced to walk due to the shifting of society both external and internally is a harsh one. We only hope this text provides people guidance in how to treat themselves with love and kindness during the harsh walk,” the authors say. They add, “The text in this book comes not just from us but from higher beings who have watched us hurt each other and forget ourselves. They want us to know how to see that which we hide. Our own desires and joy. The things that feed and connect as a species. Our love for all.”

When asked what they want readers to take away from the book, the authors answered, “We offer this information as a gift to you. It is your choice to receive and do with it as you wish. This book comes from our understanding of these universal concepts. You can gather your own understanding and incorporate these into your own life. Use what fits you. Through this journey, we learned many concepts. We feel that God’s perfect design will one day be seen by all religions and science. The years of debate and fighting will cease, and the core concepts will be clear to all.” For more details about the book, please visit https://www.balboapress.com/en/bookstore/bookdetails/839160-interviews-with-the-fabric-of-the-universe

“Interviews with the Fabric of the Universe”

By Reverend Wendy Vann MS, LPC, M.MSC

Hardcover | 6 x 9in | 80 pages | ISBN 9798765240946

Softcover | 6 x 9in | 80 pages | ISBN 9798765240939

E-Book | 80 pages | ISBN 9798765240922

Available at Amazon and Barnes & Noble

About the Authors

Jesse Alexander Vann began helping others through spiritual messages at age of 14. He received formal metaphysics training in 2016 for three years.

The Reverend Wendy Vann, MS LPC, MMSC, became a counselor in January 1989, focusing on families and children. Wendy and her son, Alex, the book’s co-author, began helping others in the spiritual field in 2008. She received formal mindfulness education in 2016 and became a reverend in 2022. This is her second book.

Balboa Press, a division of Hay House, Inc. – a leading provider in publishing products that specialize in self-help and the mind, body, and spirit genres. Through an alliance with the worldwide self-publishing leader Author Solutions, LLC, authors benefit from the leadership of Hay House Publishing and the speed-to-market advantages of the self-publishing model. For more information, visit balboapress.com. To start publishing your book with Balboa Press, call 844-682-1282 today.

Share article on social media or email:

Source link

The post Created by a mother and son duo, new spirituality book offers a look at four important universal concepts integral to creating a peaceful life appeared first on Minds Valley.

According to The National Council for Mental Well-Being, a survey conducted among 750 behavioral health workers and more than 2,000 U.S. adults, (83%) of the nation’s behavioral health workforce believes that without public policy changes, provider organizations won’t be able to meet the demand for mental health or substance use treatment and care.

Only four percent of mental health professionals in the United States are Black, creating a significant problem for Black therapists and patients. Perhaps even more eye-opening is the wage gap for Black mental health professionals compared to other ethnic groups. Black behavioral health workers make an average of less than $49,000 per year, while all other ethnic groups in the field make at least over $50,000 and more per year.

Data graphic from Zippia, verified against BLS, Census, and current job openings data for accuracy.

We urge policymakers to listen to the voices of those in the field. Behavioral health organizations are seeing an increase in the severity of cases, and a backlog of young people in need of care has led to more youth being seen in emergency departments.

Taking steps now to bolster the workforce through increased recruitment and retention efforts and the continued expansion of Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics will give organizations that provide mental health treatment and substance use care the resources they need to meet capacity.”

Chuck Ingoglia, National Council for Mental Wellbeing President and CEO

What Causes Lack of Representation?

13% of the US population is Black and only a third represent Black mental health providers; you can see where there’s a disconnect or disparity which is caused by an increased need that COVID exacerbated.

6 out of 10 mental health providers state that they can’t accept new clients, and 72% state new patients must wait longer to be seen than pre-COVID.

Over 150 million Americans live in an area with mental health care shortages. American Medical Colleges predicts that mental health professionals across the board will be overtaxed in the coming years due to the rise in need since the pandemic.

Lack of representation is tied to race-related issues, such as:

• Financial Barriers
• Lack of Training & Mentorship
• Unsupportive Educational Environments
• Biased Licensure Testing

Wealth disparities can leave Black students at a disadvantage in regard to paying for essential post-graduate training.

There isn’t much support for people of color with behavioral health training and mentorship. Black, Indigenous and people of color (BIPOC) have a more challenging time getting letters of recommendation and finding a place within the industry than whites.

According to this Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) report, BIPOC test-takers are less likely than white test-takers to pass the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) exam, and biased test questions are considered the problem.

How to Support Black Mental Health Providers?

Lyra Health started a program in 2022. Amber Herrera, senior clinical training lead and director of the fellowship program at Lyra, says it provides those seeking licensure with a much easier process than most associate clinical social workers face. Herrera says, “Being part of a program that really focuses on supporting fellows is something special.”

The National Alliance of Mental Illness (NAMI) and NAMI Texas; has a program called Sharing Hope, an excellent resource for Texas residents.

Here you can find help in Texas with:

• Adult Mental Health
• Children’s Mental Health
• Crisis Services
• Adult & Youth Substance Use

Mental health is a serious issue, especially coming out of a pandemic. Mental health professionals need adequate support as much as patients; without them, everyone loses.

Related

Source link

The post Huge Numbers in Black Mental Health Therapists Creating Burnout appeared first on Minds Valley.

In today’s world, where negativity seems to dominate the news and social media, it is more important than ever to spread kindness and positivity. If you have a passion for helping others and want to create a world of kindness, writing a self-help book may be the perfect way to make a difference. Here are some tips for writing a self-help book that inspires readers to embrace kindness.

1. Identify your target audience

Before you begin writing, it is important to identify your target audience. Who do you want to help? What are their struggles and challenges? Understanding your readers’ needs and desires will help you create content that is tailored to their specific needs. For example, if you want to write a book for parents, you may focus on how to raise kind and empathetic children.

2. Develop a clear message

Once you have identified your target audience, develop a clear message that resonates with them. What is the main idea or theme of your book? What do you want your readers to take away from it? Your message should be concise and easy to understand. For example, if your message is that small acts of kindness can make a big impact, your book may include examples of simple acts of kindness that anyone can do.

3. Use storytelling

Stories are a powerful tool for inspiring and motivating readers. Use real-life examples to illustrate your points and make them relatable to your readers. Share stories of people who have overcome adversity through kindness or who have made a positive impact on others. By using storytelling, you can create an emotional connection with your readers and inspire them to take action.

4. Provide practical advice

While inspirational stories are important, readers also want practical advice that they can apply to their own lives. Provide tips and strategies for incorporating kindness into daily routines. For example, you may suggest starting a gratitude journal, volunteering in the community, or simply smiling at strangers. Make sure your advice is actionable and easy to follow.

5. Be authentic

Readers can sense when an author is not being authentic. Be honest and vulnerable in your writing and share your own struggles and challenges. By being authentic, you can create a sense of trust and connection with your readers. They will be more likely to take your advice and be inspired by your message.

In conclusion, writing a self-help book that inspires kindness can be a powerful way to make a difference in the world. By identifying your target audience, developing a clear message, using storytelling, providing practical advice, and being authentic, you can create a book that inspires readers to embrace kindness in their own lives. Let’s work together to create a world of kindness, one book at a time.

The post Creating a World of Kindness: Tips for Writing a Self-Help Book that Makes a Difference appeared first on Minds Valley.

Mental health is an essential aspect of overall health, and it is crucial that employers prioritize their employees’ mental wellness. A supportive work environment can contribute significantly to employees’ mental health, leading to increased productivity, reduced absenteeism, and improved job satisfaction.

Here are some ways employers can create a culture of wellness and support their employees’ mental health:

1. Provide Mental Health Resources

Employers can provide access to mental health resources, such as employee assistance programs (EAPs), which offer confidential counseling services to employees. Employers can also offer mental health training for managers to help them identify and address mental health concerns in the workplace.

2. Encourage Work-Life Balance

Employers can encourage work-life balance by offering flexible work arrangements, such as remote work or flexible schedules, to reduce stress and burnout. Additionally, employers can encourage employees to take breaks and prioritize self-care by offering paid time off and setting clear boundaries around work hours.

3. Foster a Supportive Work Environment

Employers can foster a supportive work environment by encouraging open communication and creating a culture of inclusion and empathy. Employers can also offer support groups or peer mentoring programs to help employees connect with others who may be experiencing similar challenges.

4. Lead by Example

Employers can lead by example by prioritizing their own mental health and well-being. This can include modeling healthy behaviors such as taking breaks, seeking support when needed, and promoting work-life balance.

5. Address Stigma and Discrimination

Employers can address stigma and discrimination by creating a workplace culture that values diversity and promotes inclusivity. Employers can also provide training to employees on mental health issues and offer support and resources to those who may be experiencing discrimination or stigma.

In conclusion, creating a culture of wellness that supports employee mental health is essential for both employees and employers. By providing mental health resources, encouraging work-life balance, fostering a supportive work environment, leading by example, and addressing stigma and discrimination, employers can support their employees’ mental health and well-being, leading to a happier, healthier, and more productive workforce.

The post Creating a Culture of Wellness: How Employers Can Support Employee Mental Health appeared first on Minds Valley.