Yin & Yang

YIN & YANG ARE COMPLIMENTARY OR OPPOSITE FORCES THAT EXIST BECAUSE OF ONE ANOTHER.

Photo by: Christian Lischka SJ @lisch

Knowing what your strengths and weaknesses are is invaluable. Some people believe that it’s best to rely on their strengths to attain expert level while others believe it’s more important to focus on improving their weaknesses. It feels great to know your strengths and maybe even earn a living from those strengths. The tricky part is finding comfortability with your weaknesses. Try thinking of five of your greatest strengths and five of your weaknesses. Now think of people you know that posses strength where you are weak. Do those same people have weak areas within your strengths? Becoming aware of these differences is insightful and it helps you to be honest with yourself and others. It also helps with the process of learning to love your whole self as you are which is challenging at times. Be assured that there is a divine balance within each of your abilities. Surround yourself with people to “fill in your blanks” and be sure to acknowledge them for their strengths. Who knows, you may become partners in a success business one day. Be kind and patient with yourself.

Gestalt Psychology

Gestalt Psychology, (Definition from Britannica) “is the school of psychology founded in the 20th century that provided the foundation for the modern study of perception, Gestalt theory emphasizes that the whole of anything is greater than its parts. The word Gestalt is used in modern German to mean the way a thing has been “placed,” or “put together.”

Gestalt therapy, is a holistic form of psychotherapy that centers around the current challenges rather than digging into past experiences and traumas. The focus is on taking responsibility instead of placing blame on circumstances or other individuals. Being a victim to a person or a life event takes control away from an individual taking responsibility for their choices, behaviors and reactions. It does not matter who is at fault and whether or not they are deserving of forgiveness. Cultivating personal responsibility means letting go everything that no longer serves the goal of a mentally healthy future.

Creative activities such as drawing, painting, sculpting or dancing are often used to help regulate emotions and stay present in the moment to gain self awareness.

Weekend Design & Wellness Project

Photo by: Diana Schroder-Bode @yolo_berlin

Do one personal care act this weekend; gua sha, massage or apply a face mask. Then take a look through your closet to see how your clothing could be more tailored for your body and reflect your personality better.

Be sure to make a healthy snack and listen to your favorite playlist throughout the weekend.

Pivot

PIVOT

“the act of turning on.”

Photo by: Timo Wielink @timowielink

Today is about becoming aware of negative statements that seem completely innocent and turning them into positive statements. A statement similar to “I don’t want to lose money on this deal,” could become “There’s a chance I’m going to earn money on this deal,” or “I’m comfortable spending (dollar amount) on this deal.” These subtle transitions shift the way the brain interprets the intent or emotion behind a statement. Make a list of unintentional negative statements you frequently use or have heard many times growing up. This negativity bias is an unconscious wiring in the brain that can be corrected with diligent practice.

Here is some psychology behind negativity bias and how to create a positivity practice

Negativity bias is “the notion that, even when of equal intensity, things of a more negative nature (e.g. unpleasant thoughts, emotions, or social interactions; harmful/traumatic events) have a greater effect on one's psychological state and processes than neutral or positive thoughts.” - Wikipedia

Thanks to neuroplasticity, the brain can alter its circuitry and function through replacement thoughts and actions. To make this conscience shift, positive statements need to average five to one. For every negative statement or thought, five positive statements need to be created to override one negative statement or thought.

Writing these statements out can be very helpful. Start by creating two columns, on the left write the negative statement and on the right leave out the negative words to craft a positive version. The statement can still feel true while leaving room for concern using words and phrases like; “hopefully,” “looking forward to” or “I’d like to see…” so it feels more believable.

For a “Pavlovian” approach, place a rubber band on your wrist and snap it each time you think or use negative phrasing. This method can also be used when thoughts and emotions of anxiety, stress or fear arise. This technique is quite a memorable way to change a behavior and thought pattern. Over time the brain will autocorrect and convert the negative statement before it can utter it aloud.

Gua Sha

Photo by: Viva Luna Studios @vivalunastudios

Gua Sha is a massage technique used to relieve tension in the face, neck and body while boosting blood circulation, lymphatic drainage (reducing puffiness and fine lines) and improves the skin’s elasticity.

Gua Sha also aids in managing chronic pain and inflammation with; Tourette Syndrome, Migraine, Peri-menopausal Syndrome, Engorged Breasts (nursing mothers) and Hepatitis B.

The tools used are a stone of varying shapes and/or a roller in jade or rose quartz. The skin must be cleansed and moisturized before beginning the process. It is best to watch instructional videos to learn effective practices like this one from Gothamista, YouTube Gua Sha.

Giving yourself a Gua Sha facial and neck massage is a great way to begin and end your day.