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Teresa PBG's avatar

As soon as I read these words, it reminded me of Sophrology, yoga and of Buddhist practice.

"Unclench your jaw (even one millimeter). Drop your shoulders (let gravity help). Exhale slowly once, like you are fogging a window. Ask: “What is my body doing as I read or listen to this?” "

So I did. Immediately.

Jeffrey Keefer, PhD's avatar

I hope you found this helpful as well, and can carry some of that peace with you through the day.

AWriter's avatar

I like this article a lot, thank you for your thoughtful words .

Jeffrey Keefer, PhD's avatar

Thank you for your comment, and I am glad you found them helpful.

The Soul’s Story's avatar

These are great practices to teach! I definitely believe in the power of healing in nature.

Jeffrey Keefer, PhD's avatar

Many thanks for your feedback on this. Are there any of these practices that especially stand out to you?

The Soul’s Story's avatar

When you say, “Find one living thing,” I don’t think people always realize how powerful something as simple as a tree can be. You can plant one. Stand near one. Lean against one. A tree gives you something steady to come back to. It slows you down. It invites you to breathe more deeply. To catch your breath. To soften your shoulders. To feel supported without needing to explain anything. This is a simple act to ground.

Jeffrey Keefer, PhD's avatar

This is wonderful! You have weeks of journaling prompts here as well. Thank you for sharing this and for helping us all deepen into it.

Erin Pyper, MSW's avatar

I appreciate your article since it helps others navigate these challenges. I wrote an article addressing how social media affects mental health and brain development. It is related to the topic you addressed. I hope this article can also help students.

https://alliesforinclusion.substack.com/p/how-social-media-profits-from-mental?r=3sqd20&utm_medium=ios&shareImageVariant=overlay

Jeffrey Keefer, PhD's avatar

Thank you for your kind comment; I appreciate that we are both working to meet this related need with our respective experiences.

Christine Weddle's avatar

Thank you for this soothing article! 🙏🏼❤️ And thank you to Michele who shared it!

Michele Stans's avatar

Thank you SO MUCH for this.❤️

Jeffrey Keefer, PhD's avatar

I wrote this to help others while also reminding myself about what I need, too.