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With the demands of our day-to-day seemingly ever-increasing, finding the time to prioritise ourselves can be difficult. Eating healthily can get overlooked for quick, easy options, the needs of our children and families often come before our own, and the dedication to our careers can leave us feeling burnt out and exhausted.

Taking the time out of your day to focus on yourself is something that MasterChef finalist, clinical nutritionist and founder of Good Day Wellness Malissa Fedele is a big believer in, and on Sunday, the 3rd of September, she’s co-hosting her first Mindful Minds, Meals and Movement Workshop with friend and yoga instructor, Ellen from Ellement-House of Wellness.

‘There was a fire in me when I left MasterChef, and I really wanted to share my passion for food and wellness on a bigger level,’ says Malissa. ‘It’s easy to scroll through social media and get information online, but I feel when it comes to giving people something long-lasting, that’s really going to make a difference and impact their lives, it’s so much better when you can connect with them face to face.’

Throughout this workshop, Malissa will not only be sharing her love for good food, but she’ll also be educating and empowering others with the tools to help them be the best versions of themselves (sign me up!).

‘When it comes to health and wellness, there’s not just one thing that’s going to make you feel your best,’ says Malissa. ‘It’s a bunch of little things combined—mindfulness, nutrition, movement—that all play a part in how we feel, and I hope that through this workshop, we can make it simple, practical and easy to understand, so people can implement these practices in their day to day without feeling overwhelmed.

Kicking off at 10 am to 12:30 pm, the workshop will start with a 45-minute beginner-friendly yoga session led by Ellen, focusing on movement that can be used every day to help with anxiety and stress.

Guests will then be guided through a short meditation and journaling session with Malissa, utilising the Good Day Wellness Journals gifted to each participant on the day. This will be followed by an amazing cooking demonstration where Malissa will showcase her ‘Mood-boosting Meals’—created to enhance your mood and support your overall well-being.

‘Going on MasterChef, my appreciation and love for food and cooking just grew, and it made me want to give back more to others in terms of education about food and how what they consume can greatly impact how they feel. Everything we put in our body is going to have a reaction, and when it comes to food and nutrition, I believe that people often think about the physical impact, but they don’t think about the mental,’ says Malissa.

For those that are new to yoga, meditation or mindfulness practices, Malissa assures that this workshop is a great introduction for those who want to learn more. ‘Mindfulness can be different for everyone and doesn’t have to be “woo-woo” “or spiritual,’ says Malissa. ‘Whether it’s journaling, deep breathing, sitting in the sun, walking on the beach—it’s all about finding something that brings you joy and being kind to yourself.’

‘This event is a perfect place to start and is a beautiful space to share, with friends, with your mum—it’s really open to everyone,’ says Malissa. ‘No experience is needed in yoga—the session will help you relax and calm your body—and we will also have a Reiki instructor at the workshop offering healing.’

And Malissa’s cooking demonstration is not just a ‘stand and watch’ experience either—everyone will get to try a delicious creation from the MasterChef finalist too. ‘I’ll be educating people on what my “Mood-boosting Meals” are, what foods to include and how to create and put a meal together at home,’ says Malissa. ‘Plus, participants will also get a recipe to take home, and more importantly, they’ll get to enjoy the food at the workshop too!’.

Tickets for this exclusive, intimate event are available now via the link below and are selling fast, so gather your friends and family and reserve your spot for this empowering workshop with Malissa and Ellen.

‘I’m excited to be able to connect with people in a more personable, intimate space,’ says Malissa. ‘I hope that people not only have a great experience and fun morning, but when they leave, they feel happier, lighter, and have basic tools they can take with them to implement in their everyday life that will nourish both their minds and bodies.’

When: Sunday 3rd September, 10 am-12:30 pm
Where: Chateau Apollo, 74 Frome St Adelaide, SA 5000
More info & tickets: Click here.
Follow: @malissafedele, @gooddaywellness_ and @ellement.wellness

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The post SA’s MasterChef finalist co-hosts inspiring wellness workshop in September appeared first on Minds Valley.

The San Diego Union-Tribune will host its own Festival of Books this August, giving many authors a chance to share their voices and expand their reading audiences. It’s very much a great opportunity for newly published author and entrepreneur Jamaal Wesley. He had arranged an exhibit of his book “Authentically Authentic” with its uplifting message of self-honesty and self-acceptance.

San Diego, CA – WEBWIRE – Friday, August 11, 2023

“To be nobody-but-yourself-in a world which is doing its best, night and day, to make you everybody else means to fight the hardest battle which any human being can fight; and never stop fighting.” – E. E. Cummings.

At the San Diego Union-Tribune Festival of Books, there are plenty of exhibits with newly published books meant to inspire readers and help those searching for themselves.

And for Jamaal Wesley, that search is exactly what he wants to help with his book “Authentically Authentic: It’s a Journey, Not a Destination.” It will be displayed by the self-publishing and book marketing company at the festival with the hope that its message will continue to encourage more people to be true to themselves.

“Authentically Authentic” is both Wesley’s self-help guide as well as his own brave decision to be vulnerable and tell his life story.

For 15 years, Jamaal worked in insurance despite wanting to pursue more creative passions. But in 2020, he experienced a cancer scare that changed his life and his priorities. Today, he is in the middle of developing his own jewelry line and also hopes to relaunch his life coaching company.

The impact of his 2020 cancer scare really made him realize it was time for him to embrace his own fears, desires, and unconventionalities without judgment. He came to grips with where he was living inauthentically and began consistent work to transform his life to live authentically. In his book “Authentically Authentic,” he provides a roadmap to anyone looking to do the same.

Readers can discover this empowering guide by checking out “Authentically Authentic: It’s a Journey, Not a Destination” at the ReadersMagnet exhibit at the San Diego Union-Tribune Festival of Books. The festival will take place on August 19, 2023, at the University of San Diego, 5998 Alcala Park, San Diego, CA. Get the book on Amazon. For updates about Jamal Wesley’s future projects and publications, visit his website at https://myauthenticbook.com/.

“Authentically Authentic: It’s a Journey, Not a Destination”
Author | Jamaal Wesley
Published date | June 6, 2023
Publisher | Independently Published
Genre | Self-Help

Author Bio
Jamaal is an entrepreneur that is developing a jewelry line called Aheri. The jewelry line is from a queer perspective catering to the themes of inclusivity, self-expression, acceptance and pride. He decided to further his creative passions after a cancer scare in September 2020. Before that, Jamaal spent 15 years working in the insurance industry prioritizing stability and comfort. Little did he know how loudly his heart would speak after his life changing experience in 2020. Since the theme of the jewelry line is rooted in self-expression and staying true to one’s self, Jamaal decided to share his own story of self-discovery with the world. “Authentically Authentic” is his story of transforming imposter syndrome, traditions, and societal pressures which empowered him in embracing his sexuality, forgiving others and living unapologetically. In addition to the jewelry company, Jamaal looks forward to relaunching his life coaching company, Living Enlivened, in the coming months.

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The post Queer and Self-Empowerment Author Jamaal Wesley to Exhibit Inspiring Book on Authenticity at San Diego Union-Tribune Festival of Books 2023 appeared first on Minds Valley.

In 1912, a person asked Abdu’l-Baha, one of the central figures of the Baha’i Faith, “What is the purpose of our lives?” He replied, “To acquire virtues.” 

And, Baha’is believe that justice is one of the most important virtues of all. Baha’u’llah, the prophet and founder of the Baha’i Faith, wrote:

The best beloved of all things in My sight is Justice; turn not away therefrom if thou desirest Me, and neglect it not that I may confide in thee. By its aid thou shalt see with thine own eyes and not through the eyes of others, and shalt know of thine own knowledge and not through the knowledge of thy neighbor. Ponder this in thy heart; how it behooveth thee to be. Verily justice is My gift to thee and the sign of My loving-kindness. Set it then before thine eyes.

Abdu’l-Baha never turned away from justice. He showed us what standing up for justice and fairness looks like in the following short stories:

A Short Story About Economic Justice and Fairness

Once, while Abdu’l-Baha was in Egypt, he obtained a carriage so he could offer a ride to a pasha — a man of high rank or office in North Africa and the Ottoman Empire — who was his guest for lunch. When they arrived at their destination, the driver asked for such an unreasonably high fee that Abdu’l-Baha refused to pay the full amount. 

As told by Annamarie Honnold in her book, “Vignettes from the Life of ‘Abdu’l-Baha”: 

The driver, big and rough, grabbed His sash and ‘jerked Him back and forth’, demanding his unfair price. ‘Abdu’l-Bahá remained firm and the man eventually let go. [Abdu’l-Baha] paid what He actually owed him and informed him that had he been honest, he would have received a handsome tip instead of only the fare. He then walked away.

Abdu’l-Baha’s grandson, Shoghi Effendi, was embarrassed that this happened in front of the pasha. “Abdu’l-Baha, on the other hand, was evidently ‘not at all upset’, but simply determined not to be cheated.”

A Short Story About Racial Justice and Fairness

When Abdu’l-Baha stayed at a hotel in Paris in 1911, a poor, Black man was one of the many people who often came to visit him. Annamarie Honnold wrote:

He was not a Baha’i, but he loved ‘Abdu’l-Baha very much. One day when he came to visit, someone told him that the management did not like to have him — a poor Black man — come, because it was not consistent with the standards of the hotel. The poor man went away.

When ‘Abdu’l-Baha learned of this, He sent for the man responsible. He told him that he must find His friend — He was not happy that he should have been turned away. ‘Abdu’l-Baha said, ‘I did not come to see expensive hotels or furnishings, but to meet My friends. I did not come to Paris to conform to the customs of Paris, but to establish the standard of Baha’u’llah.’

RELATED: 5 Abolitionists Who Show Us What White Allyship Looks Like

A Short Story About Not Supporting Injustice

Thomas Breakwell, the first man from England to become a Baha’i, went to the prison-city of ‘Akká to visit Abdu’l-Baha who was a prisoner of conscience there for 40 years until 1908. 

In a conversation with Abdu’l-Baha, “he described his position in the cotton mills of the South in the United States. Breakwell told ‘Abdu’l-Bahá that the mills were run on child labour. Then [Abdu’l-Baha] looked at him gravely and sadly for a while, and said, ‘Cable your resignation.’ With great relief Breakwell hastened to obey Him.”

Although Thomas Breakwell was paid highly by the mill, he finally felt relieved of his guilt once he quit that unjust company. He returned to Paris and lived simply so he could donate as much as he could to the Baha’i Faith, a faith that is anxiously working to bring about world peace and unity.

Numerous corporations support horrific child labor now. Can you imagine how much more justice could be served if the public refused to support unjust companies?

Through these short stories, we can see that Abdu’l-Baha advocated for his own rights and the rights of others, refusing to conform to any unfair practices or support any unjust institutions. As we strive to advocate for justice in our daily lives, let’s draw inspiration from the above stories about justice and fairness and call to mind the following words from Abdu’l-Baha:

Oh, friends of God, be living examples of justice! So that by the Mercy of God, the world may see in your actions that you manifest the attributes of justice and mercy.  

Justice is not limited, it is a universal quality. Its operation must be carried out in all classes, from the highest to the lowest. Justice must be sacred, and the rights of all the people must be considered. Desire for others only that which you desire for yourselves. Then shall we rejoice in the Sun of Justice, which shines from the Horizon of God.

Each man has been placed in a post of honor, which he must not desert. A humble workman who commits an injustice is as much to blame as a renowned tyrant. Thus we all have our choice between justice and injustice.

I hope that each one of you will become just, and direct your thoughts towards the unity of mankind; that you will never harm your neighbors nor speak ill of anyone; that you will respect the rights of all men, and be more concerned for the interests of others than for your own.

The post Inspiring Short Stories About Justice and Fairness appeared first on Minds Valley.

Fatima Banoo, a resident of the border village of Latoo in Kargil district, has earned herself the title of “Lakhpati Didi”; thanks to her successful venture which is a Self-Help Group. Despite having no formal education, Fatima has not only become a successful entrepreneur but also emerged as an inspiration for women in the Kargil district. Her story represents a shining example of women’s entrepreneurship in Kargil, where the Ladakh Rural Livelihood Mission (LRLM) is making significant changes in the lives of local women, enabling them to become economically independent, morally confident, and adept at communication.

Before the formation of their Self-Help Group, Fatima and her co-workers were housewives with no economic activity. They were primarily involved in household chores like cattle breeding, milking cows, and growing vegetables for personal consumption, which did not provide them with any monetary benefits. They were financially dependent on their husbands for any financial needs.

However, recognizing the need for a change, Fatima and other women in her village decided to establish a Self-Help Group that would not only provide economic opportunities but also empower them to become self-reliant. To kickstart their venture, they collected a monthly contribution of 100 Rupees per member for the group’s functioning, and additionally, the National Rural Livelihood Mission provided them with 15,000 Rupees as initial support. With this capital, they decided to start a poultry farm.

However, after assessing the risks involved in poultry farming, Fatima and her team made a strategic decision to shift their business to agriculture. They further divided their group into two sub-groups, with one focusing on agricultural activities and the other running shops.

Fatima’s personal journey is particularly noteworthy. Her success is a result of relentless hard work, starting her day early in the morning by milking cows, tending to vegetables, and collecting produce from the farm. At 8: AM, she then travels approximately 24 kilometers to the town, where she sells vegetables, fruits, and vegetable seeds until 6 PM. With her earnings from agricultural practices, Fatima has achieved financial independence, no longer relying solely on her husband and sons for financial assistance. She is now able to spend on her needs and also generously contributes to charitable causes in line with her religious beliefs.

One remarkable aspect of her success is the strong coordination between Fatima and her husband. They firmly believe in the saying, “you cannot clap with one hand alone,” emphasizing the significance of teamwork and mutual support. Fatima’s husband actively assists in all works including transporting produce to the market, and picking Fatima up from the market in the evening. Their joint efforts have been the key to their business’s success.

With the assistance of her husband, Fatima looks after their agricultural farm and a small garden, where they are experimenting with various trees, plants, and cash crops. The garden boasts a diverse array of fruit plants, including apricot, palm, pear, walnut, peach, mulberry, strawberry, and rose plants. What makes this story even more intriguing is that Fatima is cultivating fruit plants that are not native to Kargil; instead, they brought them from Gwalior, and Kashmir, which includes a variety of flowers, fig plants, banana plants, quince and Chinar tree. Despite the challenging climate for these plants in Kargil, they remain hopeful that their efforts will eventually bear fruit.

Indeed, the success of Fatima’s vegetable and cash crop cultivation is far from ordinary, considering the geographical constraints. Their border village, situated near Pakistan-occupied territories, lies approximately 400 feet above the riverbed, resulting in scarce water supply. Despite these hardships, Fatima and her husband continue to persevere on their farm, manually carrying water in cans from a large water tank filled by her husband from the river carrying in a load carrier vehicle.

To tackle the issue of water scarcity, the administration had installed solar lift irrigation in their village, Latoo. Unfortunately, due to unforeseen reasons, this water supply is currently inaccessible to them. As a result, during drought-like situations or periods of water scarcity, they shift their focus from agricultural practices to cultivating fruit plants, which require less water to thrive. Despite the challenges, Fatima’s determination and resourcefulness remain unwavering.

Fatima, the “Lakhpati Didi,” is not the only successful woman in the Kargil; there are several other inspiring examples. Some have achieved lakhpati status by selling apricots, while others have accomplished it by running cement shops. In total, there are 68 active Self-Help Groups (SHGs) operating in different fields within the Kargil block, according to Cluster Mobiliser Mehmooda Banoo.

During an interview with the Voice of Ladakh correspondent, Assistant Commissioner for Development (ACD) Kargil, Ghulam Mohammad, revealed that there are 443 registered SHGs spread across five blocks in Kargil. These SHGs engage in various trades, with some focusing on reviving local and traditional products, such as apricot processing, apple production, woolen products, sea-buckthorn, local bakery items, weaving, knitting, and tailoring. Additionally, some groups concentrate on cash crops borrowed from other regions, including flowers like lilium, gladiolus, mulberry, and pickle making. On the other hand, certain SHGs have gained recognition by selling cement, producing sanitary pads, bakery items, foods, and beverages.

The establishment and effective functioning of Self-Help Groups receive crucial support from the Ladakh Rural Livelihood Mission (LRLM) in the form of financial and technical assistance. The mission offers a revolving fund of Rupees 40,000 and a Community Investment Fund of Rupees 1,40,000 to the SHGs. Additionally, the SHG members themselves contribute Rupees 100 every month to fulfill their business requirements, as highlighted by ACD Ghulam Mohammad.

Successful functioning of Self Help Groups relies on the coordination and cooperation among their members over an extended period. Recognizing the significance of this aspect, the Ladakh Rural Livelihood Mission has taken the initiative to form village mobilizers voluntarily. These mobilizers offer valuable counseling and guidance on how to effectively coordinate and organize the groups. Moreover, the LRLM also conducts training sessions to equip the SHG members with essential skills and knowledge to enhance their collective efforts.

The products crafted by the SHGs have significantly transformed the lives of the women involved, bringing positive changes at the grassroots level. However, the ACD emphasizes that improving packaging, labeling, branding, and marketing strategies would enable these products to access a broader market beyond the local one. At the grassroots, the SHGs work with various raw materials and produce, including apricots, processed apricot items, sea-buckthorn products, woolen goods, mushrooms, organic vegetables, apples, bakery items, and more. These items hold considerable demand in both the national and international markets. Unfortunately, the lack of proper packaging and marketing poses a challenge in reaching these products to their full potential markets.

Furthermore, the SHGs are confronted with a shortage of machinery for efficiently processing raw materials, such as apricots for making jam or extracting oil from apricot seeds. The lack of access to essential machinery is compounded by the small regional population, resulting in a scarcity of resource persons with the technical expertise needed to guide them in procuring suitable and precise machinery. This limitation hampers their ability to fully optimize production processes and hinders their potential for growth and expansion.

To address these challenges, the LRLM has taken a proactive approach by initiating the purchase of a juice-producing machine and a packaging and labeling machine. These acquisitions aim to ensure that the SHGs can engage in proper packaging and labeling of their products, enhancing their presentation and marketability. Additionally, recognizing the importance of quality and safety standards, the LRLM has assisted the mostly illiterate SHG women in obtaining the FSSAI tag for their products. This valuable support empowers the women to meet the necessary regulatory requirements and further expand their reach into broader markets, boosting their overall success and impact.

Women Self Help Groups (SHGs) are playing a crucial role in women empowerment, with a substantial number of women actively participating in these initiatives. SHGs have proven to be instrumental in empowering women by providing them with sustainable livelihood opportunities and fostering economic independence. As a result, women have gained confidence in making decisions, expressing themselves publicly, and advocating for their rights.

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1. Demi Lovato: Singer and actress Demi Lovato has been open about her struggles with mental health, including bipolar disorder and substance abuse. She’s used her platform to raise awareness and inspire others to seek help.

2. Lady Gaga: Lady Gaga has shared her experience with depression and anxiety, and how she manages her mental health through therapy and medication. She’s also used her music to spread messages of self-love and acceptance.

3. Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson: Actor and former pro wrestler Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson has spoken about his struggles with depression and how he’s learned to manage it through exercise and therapy.

4. Michael Phelps: Olympic swimmer Michael Phelps has been vocal about his struggles with depression and suicidal thoughts. He’s used his platform to raise awareness about mental health and encourage others to seek help.

5. Emma Stone: Actress Emma Stone has shared her experience with anxiety and panic attacks, and how she’s learned to manage them through therapy and mindfulness practices.

6. Prince Harry: Prince Harry has been open about his struggles with grief and mental health, following the death of his mother Princess Diana. He’s used his platform to raise awareness about mental health and encourage others to seek help.

7. Chrissy Teigen: Model and author Chrissy Teigen has shared her experience with postpartum depression and anxiety, and how she’s learned to manage them through therapy and medication.

8. Brandon Marshall: Former NFL player Brandon Marshall has been vocal about his struggles with borderline personality disorder and how he’s learned to manage it through therapy and mindfulness practices.

9. Kesha: Singer Kesha has been open about her struggles with an eating disorder and how she’s learned to manage it through therapy and self-care practices.

10. Amanda Seyfried: Actress Amanda Seyfried has shared her experience with OCD and anxiety, and how she’s learned to manage them through therapy and medication.

These inspiring mental health examples show that recovery is possible, and there are many paths to take. It’s important to remember that seeking help is a sign of strength, and there is no shame in asking for support. With the right tools and resources, anyone can find their way to healing and recovery.

The post 10 Inspiring Mental Health Examples to Help You Find Your Own Path to Recovery appeared first on Minds Valley.

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1. The School of Greatness with Lewis Howes

The School of Greatness is a podcast that is all about becoming the best version of yourself. Hosted by New York Times bestselling author Lewis Howes, the podcast features interviews with some of the most successful and inspiring individuals in the world. From entrepreneurs to athletes, Lewis Howes delves deep into their stories to uncover the secrets to their success.

2. The Tim Ferriss Show

The Tim Ferriss Show is a podcast that is all about personal growth and self-improvement. Hosted by bestselling author Tim Ferriss, the podcast features interviews with some of the world’s most successful people, including entrepreneurs, athletes, and celebrities. The podcast is all about learning from the best and using their strategies to improve your own life.

3. The Tony Robbins Podcast

The Tony Robbins Podcast is a podcast that is all about personal development and self-help. Hosted by renowned motivational speaker Tony Robbins, the podcast features interviews with successful individuals who share their stories and strategies for success. The podcast is all about empowering listeners to take control of their lives and achieve their goals.

4. Happier with Gretchen Rubin

Happier with Gretchen Rubin is a podcast that is all about happiness and how to find it in your daily life. Hosted by bestselling author Gretchen Rubin, the podcast features advice, tips, and strategies for living a happier life. The podcast is all about small changes that can make a big difference in your overall happiness.

5. The Minimalists Podcast

The Minimalists Podcast is a podcast that is all about living a minimalist lifestyle. Hosted by bestselling authors Joshua Fields Millburn and Ryan Nicodemus, the podcast features practical advice for simplifying your life and reducing stress. The podcast is all about living with less and finding happiness in the simple things.

In conclusion, these self-help podcasts can be a great source of inspiration and motivation for anyone looking to transform their life. Whether you’re looking to become more successful, happier, or live a simpler life, these podcasts can provide you with the strategies and insights you need to achieve your goals. So, start listening to these podcasts today and start transforming your life!

The post Transform Your Life with These Inspiring Self-Help Podcasts appeared first on Minds Valley.

Long something that people were afraid to talk about, mental health has been a hot topic in Wichita, Kansas, and across the country.

If Google search trends are any indication, interest in the topic of mental health in Wichita and the surrounding area has been near peak levels over the past year. The Wichita Journalism Collaborative has spent much of the past two years devoting extensive attention to the topic and will host the launch of a suicide prevention zine on Thursday.

But if you want to better understand how to improve your own mental health, what can you do? And where do you start?

Luckily, Wichita’s public libraries have our backs. The library system recently released a list of the top five self-help books checked out in 2022. They range from habit forming to understanding the psyche, but among the list, readers have plenty of choices to find one to fit their lifestyle.

Chosen by the local readers in Wichita, these popular books give a variety of ways to benefit oneself through the struggles of life.

The Wichita library staff has summarized over 1,000 self-improvement books. In the process, they’ve learned a thing or two about habits and discovered which books are most efficient at helping us adjust our behaviors to serve our goals better.

The overarching theme of these books is that it’s okay to look for help in life. The list below is designed to help you find the perfect self-help books for a better understanding your own mental health.
Atlas of the Heart: Mapping Meaningful Connection and the Language of Human Experience

by Brené Brown

Published in 2021

This self-analysis book was the most checked-out self-help book from the Wichita public library in 2022. Brown takes the readers on a journey of places – places to go when we are upset, when searching for connection, and when comparing ourselves to the world. “Atlas of the Heart”contains 296 pages of self-reflection and connection, all while giving the readers an understanding of power and experience.
Atlas of the Heart: Mapping Meaningful Connection and the Language of Human Experience

by Brené Brown

Published in 2021

This self-analysis book was the most checked-out self-help book from the Wichita public library in 2022. Brown takes the readers on a journey of places – places to go when we are upset, when searching for connection, and when comparing ourselves to the world. “Atlas of the Heart”contains 296 pages of self-reflection and connection, all while giving the readers an understanding of power and experience.

Atlas of the Heart: Mapping Meaningful Connection and the Language of Human Experience

by Brené Brown

Published in 2021

This self-analysis book was the most checked-out self-help book from the Wichita public library in 2022. Brown takes the readers on a journey of places – places to go when we are upset, when searching for connection, and when comparing ourselves to the world. “Atlas of the Heart” contains 296 pages of self-reflection and connection, all while giving the readers an understanding of power and experience.

Atomic Habits: Tiny Changes, Remarkable Results: An Easy & Proven Way to Build Good Habits & Break Bad Ones

By James Clear

Published in 2018

Ever felt yourself slipping back into the old habits when times get tough? Well, with Clear’s book “Atomic Habits,” there is a way to break them for good. Clear shares his research on habit formation and reveals practical strategies for making good habits and breaking bad ones. This easy-to-understand guide makes a great read for those looking to peek into their psychology and learn why they do the things they do.

From Strength to Strength: Finding Success, Happiness, and Deep Purpose in the Second Half of Life

By Arthur C. Brooks

Published in 2022

At the height of his career at the age of 50, Arthur Brooks embarked on a seven-year journey to discover how to transform his future from one of disappointment over waning abilities into an opportunity for progress. Brooks shares his knowledge in his book “From Strength to Strength,” wanting others to take the road map to find purpose and prosperity. With dozens of interviews from men and women in everyday wisdom, Brooks tries to refocus the priorities and habits that anyone can learn – no matter the age.

You, Happier: The 7 Neuroscience Secrets of Feeling Good Based on Your Brain Type

By Daniel G. Amen

Published in 2022

Happiness comes from the brain, it’s a scientific chemical that can be controlled —

given patience and time. For those looking to achieve non-stressful, consistent happiness, this Amen’s book, “You, Happier,” aims to increase the control of your happiness in just a month. Amen studied the brain scans of people in over 155 countries, then decoded the brain. In just 343 pages, Amen teaches the readers strategies to influence happiness in our everyday lives – ensure to boost your mood and enlighten your goals.

The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People: Powerful Lessons in Personal Change

By Stephen R. Covey

Published in 2020

Effectiveness is something everyone hopes to achieve, whether it be at home or at work. In Covey’s book “The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People,” readers are taken through outlines to produce manageable and productive habits to increase the productivity of their lives. While on the longer side of 391 pages, Covey walks his readers through the principles of productivity, as well as the importance behind each lesson. This book could be helpful for those struggling to produce your best, consistently.

All of these titles are available for checkout at any of the libraries in the Wichita area. If none of the books mentioned above interest you, the libraries offer 1,294 more self-help books spread out through their locations, including audio/sound books and CDs. They include psychology, technique, habit forming, health, confidence, success, interpersonal relations, and more. You can request a book through their online site by selecting the book and clicking the “Request It” button on the left side of the screen.

Shaylee Gibbs, a student at Sterling College, is an intern for the Wichita Journalism Collaborative this semester.

This story is shared through the Wichita Journalism Collaborative, a coalition of 11 newsrooms and community groups, including KMUW, formed to support and enhance quality local journalism.

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The post Five of the most inspiring self-help books available at local Wichita libraries appeared first on Minds Valley.

To help inspire and motivate those looking to cultivate a mindfulness practice, we’ve compiled a collection of inspiring quotes from some of the world’s most renowned mindfulness teachers and practitioners.

“Mindfulness is simply being aware of what is happening right now without wishing it were different; enjoying the pleasant without holding on when it changes (which it will); being with the unpleasant without fearing it will always be this way (which it won’t).” – James Baraz

“Mindfulness practice means that we commit fully in each moment to be present; inviting ourselves to interface with this moment in full awareness, with the intention to embody as best we can an orientation of calmness, mindfulness, and equanimity right here and right now.” – Jon Kabat-Zinn

“The present moment is filled with joy and happiness. If you are attentive, you will see it.” – Thich Nhat Hanh

“Mindfulness is the aware, balanced acceptance of the present experience. It isn’t more complicated than that. It is opening to or receiving the present moment, pleasant or unpleasant, just as it is, without either clinging to it or rejecting it.” – Sylvia Boorstein

“Mindfulness is about being fully awake in our lives. It is about perceiving the exquisite vividness of each moment. We also gain immediate access to our own powerful inner resources for insight, transformation, and healing.” – Jon Kabat-Zinn

“The little things? The little moments? They aren’t little.” – Jon Kabat-Zinn

“Mindfulness is the miracle by which we master and restore ourselves.” – Thich Nhat Hanh

“Mindfulness is not the path of chasing. It is the path of beautification. When flowers blossom, the fragrance spreads, and the bees come.” – Amit Ray

“Peace is present right here and now, in ourselves and in everything we do and see. Every breath we take, every step we take, can be filled with peace, joy, and serenity. The question is whether or not we are in touch with it. We need only to be awake, alive in the present moment.” – Thich Nhat Hanh

“Mindfulness can help people of any age, race, or background. It doesn’t require any special equipment or training. It asks only that you bring your attention to your breath and your body, and to the present moment.” – Sharon Salzberg

These quotes are just a small sample of the wisdom and inspiration available from the world of mindfulness. Whether you’re just starting out or have been practicing for years, may they serve as a reminder of the power and beauty of being present in each moment.

The post Harnessing the Power of Mindfulness: A Collection of Inspiring Quotes appeared first on Minds Valley.

PRESS RELEASE

Published April 24, 2023

What makes Nicole S Brown stand out in the crowd? How is a so-called regular teacher able to publish so many books? All of them are loved, admired and even applauded.

The reason might be more than just a few simple words. However, one word does become foundational to all of the other reasons. Unapologetic! Yes! This woman, just like the rest of us has faced social and professional challenges for being unapologetically herself. However, this very nature of Brown is one of the reasons we can count on having a real writer in the world.

No, not ‘real’ as in the others are out of ChatGPT. Real as in, is one of those writers that help us go into the depths of our mind, give us reality checks, and bring perspectives that are beyond the nature you and I seem to see.

This African – American schoolteacher from Louisiana has always had the upper hand when it comes to being mindful. The upper hand is the struggles that life showed.

A little background of Brown seems necessary before talking about her book. Perhaps we as readers still require a sense of credibility from the person rather than looking inside ourselves. Brown is a qualified teacher for K-12. We are talking about teaching puberty-hitting young adults that are probably the most difficult forms of humans ever.

While Brown’s forte is mainly chemistry, physics, general sciences, music, and reading her subpar excellence stands in the mindfulness of human emotion. Perhaps this is one of the reasons why she found young minds so easy to understand and dove with her excellence one hundred percent.

What proves my words and her accomplishments is the gratitude, love, and respect her students have for her. This author is never separate from her books as they say. Hence, comes her series of short poems ‘Many More School Days, Holidays, and All Days That Lie in Between’.

This simple teaching guide is for students of all levels that can read, teachers, parents, and every person on the street. As mentioned earlier, Brown is one of the blessed souls that are mindful from within. The mindfulness that was left out came from her struggles. She now enjoys passing on this path to the ones who want to learn. This book is the epitome of her mission – and the inception too.

Social Studies! Let us talk about that, as the first thing that Brown touched on in the book is Social and Character studies.

We all may at some points agree that in this challenging and intelligent era, we may have lost the art of self-learning about characters. Hence, most of us find different ways to blame our children for not understanding or empathizing with the world. Nicole S Brown believes that this problem is because of two reasons. The first is that a subject like social studies is back-benched for middle school students.

Even though she does not say this, her philosophies seem to match Dr. Maria Montessori’s, who believed that under 10 age is the best time to build sociality and character habits within human beings. Identifying these problems, Brown came up with her solution. She experimented with teaching beyond the curriculum alongside the basics like history and culture. Her results were finding those children to have a better understanding of the pragmatic world.

She proves that teaching humanization to children not only helps them in character building but also helps them in understanding various subjects better. Perhaps the idea of connectivity comes into place. This according to Brown is the second problem.

The era of digital has undoubtedly brought about a lot of intelligence in people. However, it also means that human connectivity is lost. As we grow in the modern world, children keep becoming the product of technology and lose the emotional connectivity that is a natural and humane desire.

Rightly so, the answer to this is to connect to human beings through mindful techniques. Learning sociality can help children so. Hence, Nicole found it imperative that this book begins with this chapter.

A reminder to all the readers of the book is that this is not only meant for children or students. Nicole’s way of writing about the human self is for everybody that may find themselves a little dissociated from the world.

The next part of Brown’s book comes as a revelation. Oh, you can feel the frustration and desire of the author to say, ‘I told you so!” Brown expresses how the world has now – when the damage is done – realized the importance of STEM and STEAM in classrooms. She expresses that science education is something that educators should have thought of years ago. Adding to this, she expresses how she was ill-equipped in her classroom as a science teacher. The reason is simple, it was never taken seriously!

Even though it took this long for the world to realize the power of science this late, Nicole still wants to use this opportunity to tell the children that science is important. It needs to be encouraged. Furthermore, she discreetly tells something that may be hard to hear. Science relies on tangible facts and not creativity!

She uses this section of the book to beautifully coerce readers of all ages and natures to believe in the importance and be encouraged.

The third section of the book deals with your creative sides plus something with a little logic. Almost like the classic school curriculum. Brown makes it evident that subjects such as English, Art, and even Music help every individual run their mind. These subjects help sensationalize a person and build them with balance.

Balance! Yes! That is the key phrase! In the entire book, the author does not once give precedence to one subject over the other! You will find in the modern Hallmark-type movies parents of two extremes. Either they want their child to be pragmatic or they want their child to be entirely idealistic. Brown teaches educators and adults that the balance that we lose in life, is important. Through her book, she aims to teach children the importance of every aspect of school and the subjects.

She winds the book down with her experiences. These are perhaps the most important part of the book. They help tell the world that teachers are truly the ones that shape human minds.

They tell what an average teacher goes through but still comes with a big smile and a loud cheerful good morning.

Once again, through her woke nature, Nicole S Brown brings a book that is beyond school days, holidays, and all the days that lie in between.

Book Link: https://www.amazon.com/Many-More-School-Holidays-Between-ebook/dp/B0C2B86X3Y

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Contact Person: Author Nicole S Brown
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Country: United States
Website: https://www.amazon.com/Many-More-School-Holidays-Between-ebook/dp/B0C2B86X3Y

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The post The Inspiring Journey of Nicole S. Brown, Educator and Author appeared first on Minds Valley.