The astrology of today is chaotic and things from deep in our collective past are being brought to the surface for us to at last admit we were wrong. For us to feel the vibrations coming from the heartspace of those who have lived in fear and won’t anymore.

The fear shouts out in anger, but also reaches out to link to love. In love, we accept, we honor and we face the wrongs- look at them deeply so we understand the whys and move away from repeating the same things over and over.

You won’t hear it on the news, but there is a shift happening now, an upheaval of norms and a reckoning of wrongs. 

When the dust settles and we all take a deep breath, we’ll see where we went wrong. We’ll know that love is and has always been the answer. We will seek wisdom from the higher powers. We’ll open up to really see nature and stop for a second to listen to the rain and at last look at one another and see the inner light, the wisdom of their years and the love beating in their hearts.

`

Although fish taking the bait is a process of luring them with food, the same happens in our lives. We are lured in by our fears, our thoughts, other people’s opinions, gossip and drama. Since we understand we cannot control our thoughts, and we certainly cannot control other people, we can choose to not take the bait.

Many years ago, when I was struggling with anxiety, I had no idea how to get myself out of the crippling thoughts that haunted me. These thoughts would fill my mind, and I would try endlessly to fight them, which caused even more adrenalin. The more I struggled to free myself, the worse the anxiety symptoms became. It was like pouring gasoline onto an already blazing fire. I was lost, sad and hopeless. I truly believed the rest of my life would be just battle after battle, trying to tame this monster, that consumed my every moment.

Then, one night, when my stomach was churning, and I felt the burning of another familiar panic attack coming on, I thought, let me try something different. I began an internal dialogue with myself. I reasoned, how about instead of fighting and fear, why don’t I try acceptance and peace?

As I lay with my eyes open that evening, trying what was clearly counter-intuitive to my survival skills, I let the panic wash over me, and did not react. The thoughts became stronger, and the physical symptoms more pronounced, trying their hardest to scare me into a reaction. I sat still and just accepted them, as they crashed harder and harder upon my body and my mind. Then, this phrase popped into my mind:

“Don’t take the bait”

I smiled as this came forth, as I knew it was my new mantra. I learned not to take the bait of thoughts or physical symptoms. I understood that all of the anxiety was just manifestations of stress, and as I let them be there, they would reduce. As days turned into weeks, and I used my new mantra, the panic faded, and I found myself no longer bound to the grips of flight or fight. Of course, there were other steps I took to let go of it for good, but this was the pivotal moment, the moment I knew there was a way out of this misery.

I was able to apply this not to just anxiety; but to drama, opinions and gossip. I learned if I did not take the bait, I was happy; but when I did take the bait, I fell into the energy of the lower vibration.

When you learn to accept the fact that there will constantly be bait in your water, but that you have the ability to swim around it and not hook on, you have mastered your peace.

https://www.lovealwayslucie.com/

A hole

That’s exactly what depression feels like.

My family has known mental illness since I was a child. My father’s brother suffered as well as my mother’s sister. I remember when all the cousins would get together we would joke about who the one in our generation would be. Where the next shoe would drop. We joked about it…. but on the inside I think we were all “evaluating” our behavior and feelings probably a little bit more than most. No one wanted to be that shoe. “Hmmm, is this normal?” was my daily mantra.

As an adult, an educated adult, my new mantra today is “what is this feeling and why do I have it?”

See…Normal never existed. Normal means we all fit into the same box. Normal means we all need to think, act and feel the same way. Normal means not being different. Human beings are not normal. Human beings are MADE TO BE DIFFERENT! We are made to form our own thoughts and feel our own feelings.

After fighting my entire life to blend (I was/am a bit of a free spirit in a lot of ways and DEFINITELY an emotional empath—-just ask Marc xo) I finally realized the most important lessons. I hope you don’t mind but I’ll pass them on to you. Most of you know our journey as a family. Most of you know the struggles we’ve had. What most of you don’t know is ….despite so many people saying i should write a book…. my ending hasn’t happened yet. The thing about depression and mental illness is it doesn’t go away. My uncles schizophrenia never went away. My aunts bipolar disorder never went away. The feeling of loss after our second fire never goes away. The sadness one has associated with losing a loved one never goes away. Most of all losing a loved one to Suicide as many of my friends have ….and the emptiness, lack of closure and unseen clarity that comes with that… never ever goes away.

Here are my lessons I’ve learned. Here is the thought process I was so fortunate to have God place in my heart.

LESSON ONE: When you play a sport and get injured …. you look for the why. The how. How did this happen. Why did I injure myself this way and how can I change this to make sure it doesn’t happen again? There are MRI’s, X-rays, muscle tests and physical therapy you can go through to get better.

Feelings are the same way. Like a physical injury it’s not enough to just “know that it’s there”. To know you’ve broken your arm but not do anything more means it won’t heal correctly. It’s the same with a mental challenge. To “know” you feel sad or manic or anxious or numb is the first step. But then you need to take it further.

Understanding why you feel the way you do is LESSON NUMBER ONE. ASKING WHY!
Dani Fox is an amazing woman i met while living in Florida. She taught me a little trick to get to the root of your feelings and Dani I hope you don’t mind if i share! She’s also available for phone appointments and if you’re in Florida and need a tune up she’s amazing!!

Here is the trick. When you’re feeling ‘off’ …… Ask yourself first:
WHAT are you feeling? If the answer is sad ask
WHY?
*I’m sad because there have been changes happening. Then….
*I’m sad because changes are happening WHY? Then…
*I’m sad because changes are happening and I don’t know what will come next. Then….
*I’m sad because changes are happening, I won’t know what comes next WHY?
Get it? Like peeling back the layers of feelings until you get to the exact reason.

Understanding why you feel the way you do stops the confusion!! Confusion leads to despair and despair leads to a lack of insight that there is hope. It’s a vicious cycle. By simply asking WHY enough times we can get to the root of the feeling! There are people who can help you to get there!!! Call, text or email me for info!! So the lesson is dig deep and understand.

LESSON Two: You can create new thoughts.
I know, I know… we hear this all of the time. Here’s what we don’t hear….Someone suffering from a mental challenge doesn’t want to hear this. It makes them feel even more helpless because they can’t seem to get there! They may not have enough energy to change their thoughts. They can’t do it alone.

There’s a story I share in my Mental Health First Aid training. Picture two closed doors ahead of you. One on the left and one on the right. The door on the left is black and behind it total darkness and signifies feeling sad. The door on the right is yellow and a beautiful brilliant glow of light beams stream out from the sides and signifies happiness. You’re asked to choose a door to walk through.

A person in good mental health when feeling down would want to feel better and would choose the light. To a person suffering a mental challenge like depression… the door to the right signifies the fact you need to have faith in the unknown. The door to the left is known. They know how it feels to not leave the house, to not participate in activities they used to love, to want to be alone, to be sad. They don’t WANT to feel this way but the door to the right is just too much work. It means talking yourself into feeling better. To do this alone can sometimes be exhausting! Changing your thoughts is exhausting!! SO… WHY WOULDN’T YOU ASK SOMEONE TO HELP YOU OPEN THAT DOOR??!!

LESSON NUMBER TWO is that Mary Baggs Rower came into my life after the fire. I remember the day she told me she thought I had depression. Oh my goodness the rage I felt!!! I was so indignant!!!! DONT PUT A LABEL ON ME!!! But it’s not a label. It’s a lifeline. It’s a doctor saying your arm is broken. It’s a friend saying “I’ve noticed you haven’t been to the beach this summer” or a fellow student saying “I haven’t seen you at lunch what’s up?” Saying you have depression is the opposite of admitting you’re weak. It’s the first step of having strength to open that door to the right. Happiness is always possible! That is why I’m so passionate about Youth Mental Health First Aid. WE CAN IMPROVE ON OUR OWN BUT… IF THOSE AROUND US KNOW THE QUESTIONS TO ASK, IT REMOVES THE NECESSITY TO DO IT ALONE and replaces the feeling of being alone. It takes a community of people to care. There is help. There are ways that we can help. There is a path to mental health if we are AWARE OF EACH OTHER.

In memory of Kate Spade, Anthony Boudin, the sons, daughters, mothers, fathers, friends, grandparents, aunts, uncles and all of those lost to mental health. To Uncle Walt and Aunt Joan…Understanding and being aware is my mission.

https://www.theawarenessimpact.com/

Focus On Your Breath

The most simple method of meditation is breath awareness, which helps your mind from wandering by focusing your attention on breathing. 

Once in the tank, take slow, deep breaths through the nose and completely fill your lungs with air. Hold your breath for a few seconds then slowly exhale all the air out of your lungs. Focus on the feeling of the breath entering and leaving your body. Repeat as many times as you’d like.

Body Awareness

Once you experience breath awareness, explore body awareness to promote muscle relaxation while floating. Start by taking a deep breath, then direct your attention to a specific area of the body, such as your feet. Concentrate on the body part and allow tension to release as you exhale. Try this exercise with various parts of the body where tension is commonly stored, including your shoulders, neck, hips and jaw.

Relieve Stress Through Visualization

The last method of meditation is visualization. While performing either of the first two exercises, add a visual component, such as light, to help focus your attention. While you inhale, imagine a light permeating your entire body. If you are experiencing any problems or negative thoughts in your life, exhale all that negativity in the form of a dark cloud or smoke. This process can help get rid of issues that hold you back from a more positive outcome.

Floating is linked to a wide range of health benefits. It has been scientifically proven to be a qualified method for reducing stress, depression, anxiety, and can increase optimism and sleep quality. Significant pain reduction has also been reported after using flotation techniques.

Two Locations:

Town Hall Shoppes of Brick at 990 Cedar Bridge Ave., Suite 13B, Brick

3209 Sunset Ave., Ocean Township

732-477-1515

(732) 898-7100

We hope to host you soon!    https://www.truerest.com/locations/brick/     

https://www.truerest.com/locations/ocean-township/

However, this natural inclination is at direct odds with what happens after the holiday season, usually one of the most stressful times of the year. Because of the perceived need to rush from place to place, and overindulgence of food and drink, it is no wonder anxiety pulsates at an all-time high.

While the shopping and frenzy of visitors did not change, you absolutely should take moments for yourself now. It is imperative to your well-being to take the time over these next few months to just be. We live at the shore and are blessed to have the ocean, where you can feel at peace, relax, and recharge your energy.

Anxiety is not something to fight or run from; it is your body speaking to you. It is letting you know that you are overwhelming yourself, and it is time to rest and let go of that which is no longer needed.

Take a tip from nature, slow down and build strength from within, by maintaining a time for you every day. This will carry you after all the festivities in a healthy, balanced way while enjoying a newfound peace beyonfd wonderful chaos.

Photo credits: Surfer Girl -Lucie Dickenson

Join author and StarLight Books publisher Lucie Dickenson for a frank discussion on triggers, anxiety, grief and healing. Lucie has written four books and has helped other aspiring authors get their work published. She brings her years of coaching and speaking about anxiety to our circle.

https://www.starlightbooks.net/

Dr. Kris Sparacino will guide us with the healing vibrations of crystal sound bowls. Dr. Sparacino strives to find the root cause of an ailment and bring his patients back to balance. He brings his years of organic and intuitive treatments to our circle.

https://www.clearriveracupuncture.com/

Our Circle Of Grief is your safe space to look at and honor the grief you have been carrying. By gathering together, we can lift each other up and find support within this circle.

https://ourcircleofgrief.com/

** A portion of all ticket sales will be donated to the ReStore at Coastal Habitat for Humanity**

Click here to reserve your spot!

Dr. Michael Breus, commonly known as The Sleep Doctor, is a huge proponent of Float Therapy for better sleep and is a contributor to the Sleep Program at True REST!

Dr. Breus discusses how floating improves sleep:

Evidence dating back decades demonstrates that float therapy can be effective in treating sleep problems, including insomnia. For example, a study from 1989 found that a series of four 2-hour floatation sessions over a 2-week period led to improvements in symptoms of insomnia.

Participants who received float therapy experienced reductions to their sleep latency—in plain terms, that means they were able to fall asleep more quickly. The improvements to sleep lasted for up to 12 weeks after the float session, indicating that floating as a sleep therapy can have lasting effects beyond the short-term.

“Overall, the research indicates that floatation therapy can be a very powerful tool for stimulating the body’s relaxation response. Like meditation and yoga, floatation is another mind-body therapy that needs to be given serious consideration and attention as a tool to address stress.”

Still not intrigued? Read this testimonial from one of our clients from a sister True REST Float Spa: “Ten years of chronic, constant pain and in one hour I finally got relief! Each time I’ve come back my pain levels are lower than the time previous and the relief lasts longer after each float. Every time I come out of the REST Pod my pain levels return to zero or near zero! WOW! Thank you True REST.”

Two Locations:

Town Hall Shoppes of Brick at 990 Cedar Bridge Ave., Suite 13B, Brick

3209 Sunset Ave., Ocean Township

732-477-1515

(732) 898-7100

We hope to host you soon!    https://www.truerest.com/locations/brick/     

https://www.truerest.com/locations/ocean-township/

Dr. Breus discusses how floating improves sleep:

Evidence dating back decades demonstrates that float therapy can be effective in treating sleep problems, including insomnia. For example, a study from 1989 found that a series of four 2-hour floatation sessions over a 2-week period led to improvements in symptoms of insomnia.

Participants who received float therapy experienced reductions to their sleep latency—in plain terms, that means they were able to fall asleep more quickly. The improvements to sleep lasted for up to 12 weeks after the float session, indicating that floating as a sleep therapy can have lasting effects beyond the short term.

“Overall, the research indicates that floatation therapy can be a very powerful tool for stimulating the body’s relaxation response. Like meditation and yoga, floatation is another mind-body therapy that needs to be given serious consideration and attention as a tool to address stress.”

Still not intrigued? Read this testimonial from one of our clients from a sister True REST Float Spa: “Ten years of chronic, constant pain and in one hour I finally got relief! Each time I’ve come back my pain levels are lower than the time previous and the relief lasts longer after each float. Every time I come out of the REST Pod my pain levels return to zero or near zero! WOW! Thank you True REST.”

Two Locations:

Town Hall Shoppes of Brick at 990 Cedar Bridge Ave., Suite 13B, Brick

3209 Sunset Ave., Ocean Township

732-477-1515

(732) 898-7100

We hope to host you soon!    https://www.truerest.com/locations/brick/     

https://www.truerest.com/locations/ocean-township/

When I was suffering with anxiety I took stock of what I let into my day:

negative people

negative news

negative thoughts

negative food

negative gossip

negative activities

The above list was an eye-opener as to why anxiety would flare up day after day. It is not to say these things were the cause of my anxiety, but they certainly contributed to the increase in symptoms. I had to let go of the negative and find what was positive. This is tough for a person with an anxiety condition because we tend to focus on what could go wrong and believe that holding onto the bad somehow makes it go away. Nothing could be further from the truth though, letting go of the negative made room for all that was good.

At first, it was difficult to find all the good, so I began with small steps. A gratitude list helped. I was literally changing the direction of my life by changing what I chose to focus on. Focusing upon the good let up on the constant flight or fight surging through my system, and my nervous system was able to calm down.

Let go of the negative news and programming. No need to repeatedly watch or listen to this all day long, once is enough if needed. What you fill your mind with is what your brain believes you love. Your connection to the universe is beautiful and will give you more of what focus on. Choose. It is a life changer, it definitely was for me.

It is impossible to hide from all the negative, but be aware of just how much you are letting in.

https://www.lovealwayslucie.com/

Do you know what else aids sleep? Floating- here’s why:

Dr. Michael Breus, commonly known as The Sleep Doctor, is a huge proponent of Float Therapy for better sleep and is a contributor to the Sleep Program at True REST!

Dr. Breus discusses how floating improves sleep:

Evidence dating back decades demonstrates that float therapy can be effective in treating sleep problems, including insomnia. For example, a study from 1989 found that a series of four 2-hour floatation sessions over a 2-week period led to improvements in symptoms of insomnia.

Participants who received float therapy experienced reductions in their sleep latency—in plain terms, that means they were able to fall asleep more quickly. The improvements to sleep lasted for up to 12 weeks after the float session, indicating that floating as a sleep therapy can have lasting effects beyond the short term.

“Overall, the research indicates that floatation therapy can be a very powerful tool for stimulating the body’s relaxation response. Like meditation and yoga, floatation is another mind-body therapy that needs to be given serious consideration and attention as a tool to address stress.”

Still not intrigued? Read this testimonial from one of our clients from a sister True REST Float Spa: “Ten years of chronic, constant pain and in one hour I finally got relief! Each time I’ve come back my pain levels are lower than the time previous and the relief lasts longer after each float. Every time I come out of the REST Pod my pain levels return to zero or near zero! WOW! Thank you True REST.”

Two Locations:

Town Hall Shoppes of Brick at 990 Cedar Bridge Ave., Suite 13B, Brick

3209 Sunset Ave., Ocean Township

732-477-1515

(732) 898-7100

We hope to host you soon!    https://www.truerest.com/locations/brick/     

https://www.truerest.com/locations/ocean-township/