The Importance of Balance

In order to live our best lives possible, it is imperative that balance be the foundation.  As humans we must recognise that each aspect of our lives includes input from our minds, bodies and spirits; and we can only truly achieve optimal resolution when we integrate all of these into each situation with which we engage.

In the world we currently live, we are constantly bombarded with stressors of all kinds – the demands of work and family can consume most of our time, and sometimes we forget to take care of ourselves.  We forget that if we do not take the time to find balance and to relieve these stressors they can affect our mental, emotional, physical and spiritual health.

Some simple ways to deal with stress:

  1. Exercise regularly
  2. Dedicate time to hobbies/special interests
  3. Meditation/Yoga
  4. Engage in the Arts – Visual and Performing
  5. Laugh (as often as you can)

Remember, if we don’t take care of ourselves and remain balanced and healthy, we won’t be able to take care of anyone else.

How are you celebrating Mental Health Awareness Month this May?

In recognition of Mental Health Awareness Month, the Clinical Lead of our PoS Care Team shared the gift of plants with his Care team Members. Research has shown that men, women and children alike truly appreciate botanical gifts and that people who give plants and flowers as gifts are perceived as successful, caring and more able to express their emotions.

Mental Health Awareness Month 2022

JUST SHOW UP

The basic of all basics in support of mental health challenges is to show up. Just show up.

The opposite is to plan to call, or plan to drop by, or to send some food when you cook: in which case both of you stew, the promiser who can’t deliver and the promised who waits in expectation. Nothing beats the actual presence of a supportive human being when help is needed; who arrives without prejudice, without guile, without a mouthful of advice to administer. Just to be there, to show up in a timely fashion is the best of all medicine.

Listen to MJ as a child: You and I must make a pact; We will bring salvation back; Just call my name and I’ll be there.

When we show up we are saying we are the possible, we are the miracle, we make things happen. Showing up is the eternal wonder of this world we have created for thousands of years; when people show up the loaves multiply.

This is the fine art of the possible: even if you don’t know what to say; or don’t know what to do; not sure what to bring; or can’t even remember the protocol: Just show up; that makes one hell of a difference.

This is the basic ingredient of living as a community. Show up. I’ll be there at your side whenever you need me; through thick and thin; when there is a rainstorm or gruelling heat; Just call my name.

If you don’t show up, it will never exist otherwise through any other medium and the moment will be lost. It is not your business to determine how good it is or effective, how valuable or how it compares with other expressions of support; it is your business to keep the channel open.

The showing up was there in the beginning and it will be there in the end: like a rainbow in the sky.