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The Christmas holidays aren't always a time of cheer: especially if you've lost a loved one and are grieving. Paula Stephens knows this feeling all too well. Here she shares 10 practical tips for coping with holiday grief. I lost my Dad on Christmas Eve when I was just 16. The next year my Mom, Grandma and I took our holiday grief on vacation and found ourselves on a beach in Hawaii for the entire festive season. It was a great way to break with the traditions and memories none of us wanted to face. My most vivid memory of that Hawaiian vacation was sitting next to an older gentleman at dinner on Christmas Eve and noticing he was wearing the exact same sweater my Dad would’ve been wearing. Well, this brought my grief right back up to the surface and I left the dinner to go down to the beach and cry. Christmas Grief: 10 Tips For Coping Needless to say, it’s been a long time since I felt untarnished joy and happiness during the holiday season. But, I believe that we are deserving of joy during the holidays, even if it comes balanced with the heartache and longing for the person we love and are missing deeply. In my book, From Grief to Growth, I talk about an essential element of healing that is learning to hold both joy and sadness in the same moment. There is no more challenging time to do this than during the holidays. This is why I've put together these ten easy-to-follow tips that will support you as you navigate coping during the holiday season. I don’t like to say ‘survive the holidays,’ because I want to encourage you to have the mindset that you're always fully capable of more than survival. These are simple, practical tips that don’t require a lot on your part, but are focused to help you manage your Christmas grief and make the most of the festive season. 1. List the events you're most worried about Often, much of our Christmas and holiday grief comes from not knowing what’s going to happen or how traditions and events are going to feel differently after the loss of a loved one. So, take some quiet time to think through what specific traditions you're most concerned about. The best way to do this is to find some time to sit quietly and connect with your breath. Once you’ve centered yourself, ask yourself the question: “What events or traditions are creating the most anxiety for me right now?” Your inner knowing has the answer. You might immediately be pulled to an event or activity. Notice how your body feels, the sensations and energy around the activity. Coping with loss during the holidays is a challenge If nothing comes up immediately then begin to bring your thoughts to various holiday family activities. Check in with each one – tree decorating, cookie exchange, for example. How does each one feel; what comes up? You might find some are more emotionally charged than others. 2. Consider which events/traditions you want to keep Be open to the idea that some traditions you will want to wrap in love and keep, while others will need to be shelved for a while (and maybe for ever). Recognize the traditions you keep will never be the same, but keeping them honors the love you feel for the person you lost. RELATED: Sustainable Christmas: Trees, Decorations, and Gifts That Give Back Every year will be a little bit different, and what feels right this year might not feel the same in the coming years. Grief is a process and you must be willing to evolve with it. Always be open to what will help you move forward in your grief… and sometimes we need to go backwards to go forward! Get out your list from the first tip. Now, let’s take the next steps: • Which events do you want to keep this year? • Which events are too painful this year or don’t feel right? • What or how can you modify an event? If you're undecided on some, come back to your list again later or sit with the idea of doing that event and see what comes up. I know we can’t always control everything about the holiday seasons with family being involved, etc, but don’t worry. 3. Brainstorm how you want to honor your loved one Even if you decide to escape the entire holiday season and fly away to Hawaii for the holidays (been there, done that!), it’s important that you take time to honor your loved one during the Christmas season. It could be with a donation of time or money, or by creating a sacred space or a new tradition. No matter what you decide, be mindful about setting time aside to actively honor your loss. What would you like to do this year to include your loved one in the holiday season? What do you need to do to make this come to fruition? 4. Let the tears flow Quite simply, cry. Don’t be the tough guy or girl who pretends it’s all good – because it's probably not. You’re going through a season or anniversary without someone who was an important part of your life, and coping with holiday grief is part of that. By yourself or with your besties, it doesn’t matter, just let it happen. “Christmas grief comes from not knowing what’s going to happen or how traditions and events are going to feel differently after the loss of a loved one.” Another way to look at this is: are you checking in with yourself to know what’s going on emotionally and physically? Are you filling your days with busy activity to disconnect from the emotional heartache you would feel if you had a moment of downtime? Or, perhaps, you're withdrawing from friends, family and social activities. There isn’t a right or wrong way to deal with Christmas grief, but we need to be aware of our tendencies to protect ourselves, or how we might fall into negative coping strategies. Sometimes a good cry is a better reset than the work we put into avoiding our reality. 5.Tell friends and family how you're feeling Family and friends might not know exactly which activities you’ll struggle with: what might be hard and/or memorable to them might not be the same for you. Generally speaking, they will want to support you, especially with managing your grief during the holiday season. But, you're the only one who knows what you need and how you're feeling, so don’t make it harder for them by expecting them to guess what this is like for you. Tree of knowledge: dealing with Christmas holiday grief We all experience grief differently, so share your fears, concerns and desires. Express what’s important to you or how you would like to handle a specific event. It doesn’t mean you'll always get what you want or need, but it means that you have given voice to your grief and honored your process. 6. Prioritize your self-care Putting yourself first is essential. There's no more important time to focus your energy on self-care than during the Christmas holidays. Lack of sleep, poor food choices, increased alcohol consumption, decreased exercise and increased stress all add up to a massive grief hangover! RELATED: 7 Healing Quotes on Grief to Inspire Essential Oils For Grief: 6 Aromatherapy Ideas How to Help a Grieving Friend Your emotional self is already on overdrive and this will leave your immune system susceptible to illness and your physical body exhausted. Make hydration, sleep, whole foods, stress management, and exercise a priority leading up to and including any seasonal events. Care for yourself by eating a healthy breakfast, drinking more water, going to bed 30 minutes early, journaling, being outside, connecting with nature, and skipping that second (or third) drink at a party! 7. Manage your energy This is a continuation of the last tip. Even if you are taking care of yourself, notice when your tank is getting close to empty. This is especially important if you're the type of person who likes to stay busy to keep their mind off things. Exhaustion (physical and emotional) is often the root cause of emotional meltdowns. And, as you know, grieving is emotional exhausting by itself, then you add the emotional stress of the Christmas holidays and your tank is already half empty. RELATED: How to Protect Your Energy: 7 Science-Backed Techniques So, remember that it’s OK to say ‘no’ to events, or change your ‘yes’ to a ‘no’ at the last minute if you notice you're not feeling up to it. List three ways you know you’re getting low on energy (ie, irritable, fatigue, craving sugar/caffeine). Now list three ways you can fill your tank (ie: take a cat nap, indulge in a bath, journal, read a book). Family matters: pick the events that matter most 8. Prioritize work/social events The Christmas holidays are an especially busy time of year for extra parties – work, neighborhood, and family events are examples. Take time to choose only one or two that are important for you to attend. These might be required for your job or things you just simply don’t want to miss. Be mindful about your selection and take your time to RSVP. For social events that you might have attended with your loved one, ask yourself if you're ready for that situation. Imagine yourself in that environment. Who will be at the event? What will it be like to attend? “We are deserving of joy during the holidays, even if it comes balanced with the heartache and longing for the person we love and are missing deeply.” Then, have an exit strategy! If it’s required that you attend, or you feel like you ‘should’ go, make sure you have a plan for getting out if things get too difficult. This might be driving a separate car or letting the host know you will be not be staying long. 9. Build time in for you As you're planning your social events, make sure you put ‘me time' on the calendar. Whether that's to get out into nature and hike, get a massage, take a bath – it doesn’t matter. Just build in time to recharge your batteries. This could also include making time to be with close friends or family that help you feel connected and loved. Be sure to reach out to these people and let them know you might need some support during the holiday season. Write a list of the people you can connect with and/or activities that soothe your soul. And, again, since people aren’t mind readers, let people know you're taking care of yourself by scheduling time to reflect and recharge. 10. Give back One of the most amazing ways to cope with your Christmas grief during holiday season is to make it a little better for someone else. Unfortunately, there's so much suffering around the holidays – in this we are not alone. So, donate to a charity in your loved one’s name. Give your time to helping others. Buy a gift for someone in a hospital or nursing home. Pay for the person behind you at Starbucks. Volunteer your time. The options for random acts of kindness are endless. Honestly, nothing soothes and heals our own wounds more than helping someone else. How can you help someone else feel comforted this holiday season? Giving doesn’t have to be financial – you can give of your time, you can donate clothes or other items you no longer use. Takeaway: Coping With Holiday Grief Christmas can intensify the weight of grief and loss, making familiar traditions and festive expectations overwhelming. But you can find a gentler way to get through the season — one that honors both your memories and present emotional needs. By acknowledging which Christmas rituals feel comforting and which ones feel too painful, and by giving yourself permission to adapt or let go, you create room for healing amid the holiday bustle. Ultimately, this approach offers a path toward a more compassionate Christmas. Through intentional self-care, honest conversations with loved ones, mindful pacing of events, and small acts of kindness, it becomes possible to find moments of peace even in the midst of grief. I hope my tips will hope you manage and cope with grief this holiday season and that you enjoy this time. You deserve it! ● Images shutterstock/Dusan Petkovic, shutterstock/Zivica Kerkez Written by Paula Stephens Paula Stephens, M.A. is the founder of Crazy Good Grief, an organization that teaches positive growth and resilience after the loss of a loved one. Her work is inspired by the personal loss of her oldest son who passed away unexpectedly while home on leave from the Army. Paula is a speaker, yogi and life coach. She's also the author of From Grief to Growth: 5 Essential Elements to Give your Grief Purpose and Grow from Your Experience. Paula is a practicing Buddhist and recently became the first Buddhist Chaplain to work at the county jail where she lives. She is the mother of four boys and lives in Littleton, Colorado.

Unlike regular massage techniques, holistic Ayurvedic massage therapy balances the body, mind, and energetic field. Rachel Markowitz outlines the techniques and benefits of different types of Ayurveda massage, such as abhyanga, shirodhara and udvartana. Ayurveda, Sanskrit for “life science,” is ancient India’s traditional health system for holistic well-being, still relevant as ever. The vast field of Ayurveda includes regimens for diet and exercise, herbal supplements and medicines, cleansing practices, and various therapies. Unlike conventional healthcare, Ayurvedic treatments depend on our unique inherent qualities, aiming to balance both natural and temporary imbalances. Because of this, Ayurvedic wellness plans are specific to each individual. Ayurveda is all-encompassing, containing a world of principles, techniques, and terminology. However, if you’re curious about Ayurvedic healing, there’s an accessible, risk-free, and relaxing way to experiment with these time-tested customary practices: get a massage! What is An Ayurvedic massage? Although on the surface some types of Ayurvedic therapies appear similar to other massage techniques, the scope of Ayurvedic massage extends far beyond typical spa treatments. Whereas most modern massage techniques focus solely on relieving physical tension and promoting relaxation, Ayurvedic massage therapy incorporates a holistic view of wellness – aiming to harmonize and balance the body, mind, and energetic field. Ayurvedic massage with herbal balls Thus, while Ayurvedic massages can certainly be used to reduce stress or improve health, they also promote overall well-being in all dimensions of life. In fact, in India, doctors often prescribe Ayurvedic massage as an integral component of medical treatments. Types of Ayurvedic Massage Ayurveda is based on the concept that we are composed of a combination of three distinctive energies called doshas – and that each person’s constitution is a unique balance of these energies. A person’s natural composition, called Prakriti, and their current state of balance or imbalance, called Vikriti, both play a role in the healing methods recommended by Ayurvedic health, including massage therapy. Therefore, the following Ayurvedic therapies are typically adapted to their recipients. 1. Abhyanga Abhyanga is a full-body Ayurvedic massage that uses warm, and often herb-infused, oils to penetrate the skin. In Abhyanga massage, a therapist will select or blend massage oils with specific medicinal properties based on an individual’s Ayurvedic constitution or healthcare needs. Abhyanga uses gentle, consistent pressure. It increases energy flow and blood circulation throughout the body with long, rhythmic strokes, which, along with therapeutic oils, help treat the physical body while relieving stress. Although Abhyanga massage is a common spa offering, it is primarily considered a self-massage technique and part of a well-balanced daily health routine. 2. Shirodhara Shirodhara massage is the long-established therapy of slowly pouring warm liquid onto a person’s forehead – the location of the pineal gland and, in the energetic (subtle) body, ajna chakra (also known as the third eye). According to Ayurveda, stimulating this vital point between the eyebrows affects both the nervous system and a person’s flow of life force energy. “Ayurvedic massage therapy incorporates a holistic view of wellness – aiming to harmonize and balance the body, mind, and energetic field.” Although it’s most common to use medicinal (herb-infused) oil for Shirodhara, this therapy can also be performed with milk, buttermilk, water, or coconut water. Like other forms of Ayurvedic massage, Shirodhara calms the mind and balances the doshas. It’s been utilized in India for thousands of years for treating insomnia, headaches, neurological disorders, and mental distress. According to the California College of Ayurveda, this treatment also invites spiritual awakening via the third eye center. 3. Udvartana Udvartana massage utilizes herbal powders – usually dry but sometimes mixed into a paste with ghee. On the surface, the friction from these herbs, massaged in an upward direction, heats and exfoliates the skin. On an inner level, Udvartana stimulates circulation and lymphatic drainage and releases toxins from the body. MORE LIKE THIS: Kundalini Meditation: 4 Key Benefits and How to Practise It 5 Techniques to Balance Chakras and Unblock Energy Flow Conscious Breathing: What is It and How Do We Benefit From It? Udvartana is a common Ayurvedic massage therapy for weight loss and to treat obesity, high cholesterol, and diabetes. It’s also recommended to boost metabolism as part of a daily health routine. In professional treatment settings, Udvartana massage is often followed by an herbal steam bath. 4. Marma Chikitsa Marma therapy, called marma chikitsa in Sanskrit, stimulates points of vital energy that relate to specific aspects of the physical and energetic body. These points, called marma points (or simply marmas), are similar to the acupressure points that form the foundation of Traditional Chinese Medicine. However, unlike acupressure points, marma locations are measured relative to each unique body and can differ from person to person. Targeting marma points through touch or massage techniques releases energetic blockages, leads to overall balance, and can remedy both physical ailments and lifestyle-induced stress. Energy therapy using marma points can also be integrated into other Ayurvedic healing modalities. Approaches to Ayurvedic Massage Ayurveda’s distinguishing methodology includes not only its physical massage techniques, but also its use of natural ingredients and its emphasis on balance. Massage techniques Ayurvedic massages are typically light in pressure. Therapists trained in Ayurvedic practices use specific manual techniques, similar to other types of professional massage, including: Samvahan (Effleurage): Long, smooth gliding strokes, often used at the beginning of a massage to spread oil, warm muscles, and increase circulation and lymphatic flow. Mardan (Petrissage): Deep massage techniques, including kneading and rolling, for working on muscle tension and function. Tapatan (Tapotement): Rhythmic tapping or drumming on the body, either with fingers or hands, to stimulate nerve endings and circulation while promoting healthy skin. Pesin (Friction): Quick movements, back and forth or in circles, to generate heat and increase blood flow and break up knots – often using the thumbs. Use of Oil and Herbs As mentioned earlier, Ayurvedic therapies make use of traditional plant-based medicines. Common base oils used for Ayurvedic massage include sesame, coconut, almond, castor, and mustard. These oils are often blended with medicinal herbal oil blends, known as tailams, that offer specific therapeutic benefits. Shirodhara massage uses oil on the forehead Emphasis on Balance The therapies, oils, and herbs recommended for a person’s therapy depend on their Prakriti, along with their current state of balance. An qualified Ayurvedic healthcare practitioner can often identify your constitution using pulse, tongue, or eye diagnosis. “Like other forms of Ayurvedic massage, Shirodhara calms the mind and balances the doshas. It’s been utilized in India for thousands of years for treating insomnia, headaches, neurological disorders, and mental distress.” However, to know your unique composition and how to balance it, it’s helpful to take a test. Regardless of your constitution or health ailments, Ayurvedic massage therapy aims for health and wholeness on all levels. Benefits of Ayurvedic Massage Along with helping us to simply feel cared for and at ease, the holistic benefits of Ayurvedic massages include: Detoxification Ayurvedic massage therapies release toxins, called ama, from the body by activating the lymphatic system through friction and using herbal medicine to penetrate the skin. According to Banyan Botanicals, massage and other Ayurvedic cleansing techniques work by drawing toxins out of body tissue and directing them towards the digestive tract. Skin health Ayurvedic oils moisturize skin and are infused to provide health benefits to each person’s unique composition and treatment needs. Other techniques, such as Udvartana massage, involve exfoliation and overall skin rejuvenation. Furthermore, Ayurvedic herbs and oils can serve anti-inflammatory, anti-aging, and cosmetic purposes. However, Ayurveda sees healthy skin as the reflection of internal health and not vice versa! Improved circulation Stimulating the body through touch increases both circulation and lymphatic drainage. In Ayurveda, blood circulation is closely related to overall nourishment and health, delivering oxygen, nutrients, and energy to the body. Stress relief Clinical tests validate the stress-relieving qualities of Ayurvedic therapies; in fact, a 2011 study found that participants experienced less stress and a lower heart rate after just a single hour-long Abhyanga massage. Furthermore, clinical research published in the Journal of Ayurveda and Integrative Medicine found that Shirodhara massage treatments effectively induced relaxation and improved stress-related ailments. Balance Regardless of specific health intentions, the dosha-stabilizing effects of Ayurvedic massage lead to an awareness of how to balance the body, mind, and heart. When we begin to take steps towards holistic health, we see positive responses in all dimensions of life. Takeaway: Ayurvedic massage Ayurvedic massage includes traditional therapies customized for each individual, promoting physical, mental, and energetic balance. These practices use various massage techniques, oils, and herbs, and some are recommended as part of a daily routine for self-care and wellness. Ayurvedic treatments are not merely a way to retreat from daily stress, but a path for exploring our current state of health, inside and out. Images shutterstock/ArtSvetlana, shutterstock/Poznyakov happiness.com | The fine art of being: learn, practise, share Are you a happiness.com member? Sign up for free to enjoy: ■ our happiness magazine with practical life tips ■ sharing and supporting others in our happiness forum Holistic Medicine | Acupuncture | Reflexology | Aromatherapy Written by Rachel Markowitz Rachel recently found herself over a decade deep in a worldwide wander guided by what she feels to be true. She’s been facilitating classes and workshops on yoga, meditation, self-exploration, and alternative ways of living since 2012, mostly in Latin America and Asia. These days, she spends most of her time looking at, walking around, or singing to a sacred mountain in southern India. Read more of her words at her to those who wonder blog.

Can our childhood experiences with caregivers shape the relationships we form as adults? Sonia Vadlamani explores what emotional abandonment looks like and how to recognize the signs of abandonment trauma. Being left behind entails a distinct kind of pain – it’s unlike the expected heartache of loss or the closure at the end of a relationship. The trauma stemming from emotional abandonment isn’t always obvious. Its subtle presence influences every decision you make, relationships you build, and even your self-worth – yet you may not identify it as trauma at all. What is Abandonment Trauma? Abandonment trauma is a profound psychological wound that occurs when the consistent care necessary for a person’s emotional and physical well-being is withdrawn during their childhood or later in life. It can arise due to mental or physical abuse, neglect, rejection, loss of a caregiver or partner, or divorce. People struggling with fear of abandonment may develop destructive behaviors, low esteem and chronic self-doubt. They may sabotage relationships by reacting with anxiety or mistrust, creating challenging patterns that are difficult to break without intentional effort and support. Types of Abandonment Trauma Abandonment trauma doesn’t manifest the same way for every individual. In 1969, British psychologist John Bowlby proposed the “attachment theory”, defining attachment as “the lasting psychological connection between two human beings.” He emphasized that the quality of our relationships with our caregivers significantly influences our cognitive and behavioral development, as well as our social connectedness in life. Abandonment issues often stem from childhood neglect or abuse Based on their experiences through childhood and growing years, individuals may develop secure or insecure attachment styles. Individuals with a secure attachment style tend to be responsive, warm, and capable of forming healthy, fulfilling relationships since they can trust others with greater ease. Conversely, children and young adults who don’t receive conscious, consistent caregiving often develop insecure attachment styles – namely anxious, avoidant and disorganized: Anxious attachment style This is often observed in individuals who are clingy, needy and co-dependent in relationships. According to a study published in The Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, almost 20 percent of adults form anxious attachment patterns in their relationships. Adults with anxious attachment usually latch on closely in relationships – whether friendships or romantic partnerships – and can be emotionally reactive, fearing every conflict as a threat of being left behind. They may seek constant reassurance of love, be hypervigilant to behavioral changes or withdrawal, and ignore their own needs to make room for others, consequently struggle to live an authentic life. Avoidant attachment style This pattern often develops when children or young adults are repeatedly dismissed, ignored or rejected emotionally by their caregivers. Individuals who learn that expressing their needs or feelings result in criticism or indifference often adapt by suppressing their needs altogether to avoid disappointment. “Abandonment trauma is a profound psychological wound that occurs when the consistent care necessary for a person’s emotional and physical well-being is withdrawn during their childhood or later in life.” These individuals may appear self-reliant and independent as adults, but often feel uncomfortable showing emotional intimacy, conflict or vulnerability, tending to withdraw when they get “too close” in relationships. Adults with avoidant attachment style due to abandonment may also emotionally stonewall their partners, even in committed relationships. Disorganized attachment style This is considered the most complex and damaging attachment style, typically arising in adults who received fearsome or distressing experiences from their caregivers, often in the form of abuse or neglect. Adults with disorganized attachment tend to struggle with emotional regulation, chaotic relationship patterns, and contradictory behaviors such as simultaneously pursuing intimacy yet dreading closeness. In fact, a study published in Archives of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy found a positive correlation between disorganized attachment style and mental health conditions such as Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD). Signs of Abandonment Trauma If you’ve ever wondered, “Do I have abandonment issues?”, you already may have noticed patterns and behaviors that don’t always make logical sense. Whether it’s the disproportionately intense reactions, the recurrent relationship cycles, or the hypersensitive feeling that you’re just one mistake away from being abandoned – over time, these reactions don’t sit quite right, prompting you to question these patterns. A keen look at the signs of abandonment issues can help you recognize these unhealthy patterns – for after all, awareness is the first step toward healing. 1. Difficulty Regulating Emotions A breakthrough study by Center on the Developing Child at Harvard revealed that the absence of “serve and return interaction” – or consistent care by a caregiver to a child – can disrupt their brain development, potentially leading to serious physiological problems with their learning, behavior and health. MORE LIKE THIS: Inner Child Work and Therapy: How to Heal Past Wounds What is Quiet Borderline Personality Disorder Recognizing and Overcoming Emotional Dependency As adults, those with insecure attachment styles may struggle with regulating their emotions in a healthy manner, swinging between intense expressions and emotional numbness. Consequently, emotional instability and insecurity are some of the most prominent traits in individuals with abandonment trauma, owing to neglect or inconsistent caregiving in their childhood. 2. Fear of Intimacy and Commitment Building close, healthy, and intimate relationships is often a challenge for those with abandonment trauma. Indeed, research published in Journal of Personality and Social Psychology suggests that attachment style plays a key role in shaping romantic relationships. For adults with avoidant dismissive attachment, the fear of being hurt or left again can cause them to avoid deep emotional connections altogether. Abandonment trauma can lead to trust issues in relationships 3. Experiencing Trust Issues “Children and adults may manifest similar emotions and concerns with regard to abandonment trauma, but because of different phases of development, they may contrast with behaviors. Common themes for both can include mistrust of others and feeling inadequate or ashamed within relationships,” explains Elizabeth Keohan, a licensed certified social worker. “Even when their intellect recognizes someone as trustworthy, individuals with signs of abandonment issues often have difficulty quelling feelings of mistrust.” A 2023 study published in Personality and Social Psychology revealed that individuals with insecure attachment styles show significantly lower ability to develop trust in relationships. Indeed, even when their intellect recognizes someone as trustworthy, individuals with signs of abandonment issues often have difficulty quelling feelings of mistrust. 4. Being Hypervigilant Abundance trauma from childhood can trigger the brain to stay on a high alert to adapt to a potentially threatening environment, also known as hypervigilance. The constant lookout for perceived signs of rejection or loss makes such individuals hypersensitive to conflict or disagreement. In fact, a study in Journal of Social Psychology found that individuals with rejection sensitivity exhibit heightened physiological stress responses such as an elevated heart rate, even toward mild criticism or constructive feedback. 5. Experiencing Chronic Loneliness People with emotional abandonment issues – especially those with an anxious attachment style – tend to view loneliness as not just an uncomfortable condition, but a threatening one. A study by researcher Luke Norman and colleagues found increased amygdala activation in response to loneliness in adults with an insecure attachment style, compared to those with a secure attachments. Chronic loneliness is a sign of abandonment issues This fear of loneliness can result in forming unhealthy connections simply to avoid solitude, seeking constant company, and making major life decisions driven by the need to avoid loneliness, rather than by genuine will. 6. Being a People-Pleaser Individuals with history of emotional abandonment often feel the compulsive need to please others, sometimes at the cost of their own values and boundaries. This trait is especially common among adults with anxious attachment styles, who go the extra mile to accommodate others while ignoring their own needs. RELATED: 9 Signs Your Inner Child is Healing The underlying belief here is often: If I’m accommodating and indispensable enough, I will not be left behind. Sadly, this tendency can result in taking responsibility for others’ feelings and emotions, losing touch with one’s own “sense of being” and authentic self over time. 7. Experiencing Physical Health Issues Abandonment trauma doesn’t just affect our mind, but takes a toll on our bodies as well. Research from The Lancet Public Health showed increased risk of mental and physical health problems like cancer, heart disease, and respiratory disease for adults who experienced trauma in their childhood. “Those with a history of emotional abandonment often feel the compulsive need to please others, sometimes at the cost of their own values and boundaries.” Emotional abandonment can also manifest as higher dependance on alcohol, low physical activity, chronic pain, stress-induced digestive issues, and frequent panic attacks – all in response to unresolved emotional trauma. 8. Struggling to Find the Meaning of Life Research suggests that adults with history of childhood trauma often struggle with spirituality or faith later in their lives, often experiencing detachment with their purpose in life. Abandonment issues can also emerge in the form of dissatisfaction and questioning what’s the point of life. Treating Abandonment Issues Healing from abandonment issues starts with self-awareness. Understanding what triggers you and consciously working through those feelings requires support and patience. Some effective approaches include: Seeking therapy to explore your triggers and address your attachment patterns. Trauma-focused methods like somatic experiencing address and resolve your stored stress responses, while attachment-based therapy helps you understand and reshape your attachment patterns in relationships. Breaking your insecure attachment patterns by accepting that it’s OK to be vulnerable and stay in discomfort rather than fleeing or clinging when conflicts happen. Asking for help, building boundaries instead of people-pleasing, and tolerating time alone instead of giving in to fear of abandonment are some ways to consciously move toward secure attachment styles. Developing self-compassion by incorporating mindfulness practices, meditation, or breathwork exercises to stay grounded in the present moment and avoid reacting to triggers. Improving your emotional regulation with clearer understanding of your triggers and patterns. Creating newer neural pathways with these practices, despite setbacks and challenges. Remember, consistent effort in this direction can help you loosen the grip of your abandonment issues and reaffirm that you’re worthy of secure love. Takeaway: Recognizing Abandonment Trauma The trauma of emotional abandonment is often the most painful yet invisible wound we carry through life. It pervades through how we view ourselves and shapes our relationships – often without us even noticing its influence. Indeed, while the signs of abandonment issues such as the fear of intimacy, heightened sensitivity to conflict or disagreement, or difficulty trusting others aren’t character flaws, they actively prevent us from building meaningful connections and leading a purpose-driven life. Recognizing the signs of abandonment trauma from the lens of attachment patterns helps us understand our behaviors and make course-corrections – without self-blame and within a supportive environment. ● Images: F01 Photo, Ministocker, Srdjan Randjelovic happiness.com | The fine art of being: learn, practise, share Are you a happiness.com member yet? Sign up for free and enjoy: ■ our happiness magazine with practical life tips ■ share and support in our happiness forum Assertiveness | Conscious Living | Letting Go Written by Sonia Vadlamani Fitness and healthy food blogger, food photographer and stylist, travel-addict and future-self journaler. Sonia loves to write and has resolved to dedicate her life to revealing how easy and important it is to be happier, stronger and fitter each day. Follow her daily pursuits at FitFoodieDiary or on Instagram.

We’ve all heard karma quotes such as “what goes around comes around” and “you reap what you sow,” but does karma truly exist? Sonia Vadlamani explores the beliefs and psychological impact of karma and benefits of reflecting on quotes about karma in daily life. For most of us, karma is an intriguing notion, something that pertains to the belief that our actions – good and bad – boomerang back to us eventually. Others question if karma is real and if doing good deeds in hope of future rewards really makes any difference. Indeed, karma as a concept is integral to several religions, especially Hinduism and Buddhism. According to these, karma is considered a universal principle of cause and effect, wherein every action creates energy, which returns to us – whether in this life or the next. Though rooted in religion, karma has transcended as a widely recognized and accepted concept. From a Western perspective, karma closely resembles the law of reciprocity, or the idea that kindness is likely to be extended back to you when you help others. Believing in karma thus serves as a reminder to practice compassion, mindfulness, and honesty. Classical religious scriptures refer to different types of karma, including: Sanchita karma, referring to the karma accumulated from our past lives. Prarabdha karma, or the portion of the accumulated karma we’re living through right now. Kriyamana karma, or the karma we’re creating now through our thoughts, choices, and actions. These categories offer an interesting perspective: we’re constantly living with the consequences of our past actions, while also shaping our future with the decisions we make today. Powerful Karma Quotes While science can’t determine whether karma is real, researchers agree that one’s belief in karma influences their behavior. A study published in Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin found that individuals who believe in karma engage more often in prosocial acts, like kindness and generosity. Moreover, evidence suggests that kindness creates a ripple effect in the community – helping others not only makes the recipients happy but also boosts the giver’s wellbeing. Karma can be observed in action here in the phenomenon the researchers call “prosocial loops,” or ongoing sequences of generosity. MORE LIKE THIS: Resilience Quotes: 7 Powerful Sayings to Inspire You 10 Mindfulness Quotes to Inspire and Ground You 7 Healing Grief Quotes to Soothe Your Soul Here’s where quotes about karma can prove to be more than merely “aesthetic” Instagram forwards. They can act as an anchor when you’re struggling with a challenging situation, dealing with loss – or worse – witnessing a toxic person “living their best life” on social media. Karma quotes remind you of the larger forces in play by reconnecting you with your principles and values when emotions threaten to cloud your perspective. Even the lighthearted, funny karma quotes can offer you a laugh and help you look at the bigger picture with a fresh standpoint! Karma Life Lessons Quotes Understanding karma isn’t about waiting for it to catch up with someone else’s wrongdoings. It’s about acknowledging that you influence your present and future experiences through every choice you make. Quotes on karma can help you navigate through life and consciously take charge of your actions and decisions. “Karma quotes remind you of the larger forces in play by reconnecting you with your principles and values when emotions threaten to cloud your perspective.” Depending on the situation you find yourself in, these karma quotes can offer a novel yet grounded perspective to help you handle life’s challenges: Karma Greed Quotes In a world driven by ambition and materialistic pursuits, it’s easy to lose sight of your values and allow greed to take the wheel. These karma greed quotes can serve as gentle reminders to reconnect with your purpose in life and build a life of giving, not merely taking: “Greed, in the end, fails even the greedy.” — Cathryn Louis “Men are not punished for their sins, but by them.” — Elbert Hubbard “There’s a natural law of karma that vindictive people, who go out of their way to hurt others, will end up broke and alone.” — Sylvester Stallone "Karma is a tricky thing. To serve your own interest is bad karma. To serve the interest of others is good karma.” – M.R. Mathias “Manipulation, fueled with good intent, can be a blessing. But when used wickedly, it is the beginning of a magician's karmic calamity.” — T.F. Hodge, From Within I Rise: Spiritual Triumph over Death and Conscious Encounters With the Divine Presence Karma Cheating Quotes Sometimes, betrayal may feel like an apt response – especially if you’ve been wronged or believe it gives you an edge. However, deception inevitably creates complications and chaos, denting your relationships as well as your sense of integrity for ever. Some karma cheating quotes to remind you why deceit ultimately returns to haunt the deceiver include: “A relationship built on deceit cannot last. Karma always collects the rent for borrowed trust.” — Unknown “By each crime and every kindness, we birth our future.” — David Mitchell “Karma is justice. It does not reward or punish, because we have to earn all that we receive.” — Mary T. Browne “Karma comes after everyone eventually. You can't get away with screwing people over your whole life, I don't care who you are. What goes around comes around. Sooner or later the universe will serve you the revenge that you deserve.” — Jessica Brody, The Karma Club “Violence does, in truth, recoil upon the violent, and the schemer falls into the pit which he digs for another.” — Arthur Conan Doyle Karma Gossip Quotes The words we speak about others reflect our inner feelings and eventually shape our own social standing and experiences. Indeed, gossiping and putting others down reflect an underlying lack of empathy and can result in social isolation over time for those engaging in it. These karma gossip quotes act as reminders that you can alter your karma by choosing not to spread negativity: “Gossip is a powerful beast, yet karma tames it eloquently.” — Unknown “The sort of words a man says is the sort he hears in return.” — Homer, The Iliad “Gossip is the spark; karma is the flame that burns it.” — Unknown “With karma, the arrow of rumor loses its sting.” — Unknown “What you don't see with your eyes, don't invent with your mouth.” — Jewish Proverb Karma Narcissist Quotes Dealing with narcissism can be draining – after all, nobody likes to engage willingly with emotional or energy vampires. Interestingly, a narcissist’s karma often feels poetic: the more they expect the world to revolve around them, the more likely they are to be deserted and left wondering why they’re alone. These karma narcissist quotes offer insight into how narcissists function and the consequences of self-absorption: “Narcissists don’t believe in bad karma, they truly believe they are somehow exempt.” — Melanie Tonia Evans, Founder – Quanta Freedom Healing “Narcissists are unable to sustain relationships in a healthy kind of way … that becomes its own form of karma.” — Dr. Les Carter, Clinical Psychologist “When we don’t put the brakes on our self-absorption, we have nothing stopping us from total self-destruction. We become the fruits of our actions.” — Zeena Schreck, Beatdom #11: The Nature Issue “They hate the fact that their actions have consequences, that their choices have adverse outcomes, that punishment is coming, that karma is ineluctable.” — Prof. Sam Vaknin, Author, Malignant Self-Love: Narcissism Revisited “Seed of karma is ego.” —Yoga Vasistha (Attributed), Classical Text “Narcissists experience criticism as injury; retaliation is swift, but the long-term karma is isolation as people recognize the pattern.” — Dr. Craig Malkin, Clinical Psychologist Karma Buddha Quotes In Buddhism, karma is viewed as a natural unfolding of cause and effect, instead of a system for rewards and punishments. These karma Buddha quotes offer valuable insight into karma as a spiritual guiding force: “My actions are my only true belongings. I cannot escape the consequences of my actions. My actions are the ground upon which I stand.” — Thích Nhất Hạnh “Even death is not to be feared by one who has lived wisely.” — Buddha “From the Buddhist perspective, it is impossible to build personal happiness on the sufferings of others.” —Daisaku Ikeda “The mind is everything. What you think, you become.” — Gautama Buddha, Buddha - The Gospel “Karma is ego intention, done by an ego we identify with.” — Dolpopa Sherab Gyaltsen, Tibetan Buddhist Master Funny Karma Quotes Sometimes all you need is a good laugh to regain your courage and get back on track after a major setback. These funny karma quotes help you get out of your head and gain a fresh perspective about a difficult situation: “Dear Karma, I really hate you right now, you made your point.” — Ottilie Weber “It’s called karma, and it’s pronounced ha ha.” — Unknown “I must have killed a lot of cows in a past life for karma to hate me this much.” — Katie McGarry "Instant karma is just the universe proving it still has Wi-Fi everywhere.” — Unknown “I heard that karma is vengeful and is also a light sleeper.” — Rudy Francisco “If you're really a mean person you're going to come back as a fly and eat poop.” — Kurt Cobain “You made your own bed, and now curse others for putting you there.” — Wesley Chu, The Lives of Tao Takeaway: Quotes on Karma Karma is much more than a cosmic accounting system – it’s about accepting that your thoughts, beliefs, and actions carry significance and that you hold absolute authority over the karma you create every moment. Ultimately, karma quotes serve as a medium for letting go of negative feelings – whether it’s narcissism, a desire to seek revenge, greed, or the urge to gossip – and redirecting your attention toward what’s truly in your control. ● Image: shutterstock/mohamed_hassan happiness.com | The fine art of being: learn, practise, share Are you a happiness.com member yet? Sign up for free and enjoy: ■ our happiness magazine with practical life tips ■ share and support in our happiness forum Spirituality | Conscious Living | Altruism Written by Sonia Vadlamani Fitness and healthy food blogger, food photographer and stylist, travel-addict and future-self journaler. Sonia loves to write and has resolved to dedicate her life to revealing how easy and important it is to be happier, stronger and fitter each day. Follow her daily pursuits at FitFoodieDiary or on Instagram.

Although there is currently limited scientific evidence about its efficacy, Reiki has become an increasingly popular hands-on energy medicine practice. Rachel Markowitz explores Reiki principles, the benefits and costs of treatment, and how to become a practitioner. I learned about Reiki and experienced my first healing session in 2012 from a dreadlocked European traveler who wanted some practice. During the treatment, I focused intently on trying to feel energetic sensations but was continually distracted by discomfort in my left arm. It felt like the surface below me was tilted, that my elbow was compensating for the slanted massage table, and that my misaligned body was ruining my Reiki experience. However, I eventually relaxed, forgot about my arm, and finished the session feeling surprisingly refreshed. When I asked my newly initiated healer if he had noticed anything about my body, he told me that he perceived an energetic blockage in my left elbow but felt like he had released it. Convinced of Reiki’s healing power and curious to learn more, I sought out my first Reiki teacher shortly thereafter and have been experimenting with energy healing techniques ever since. Throughout the years, I’ve found Reiki to be a simple, straightforward energy therapy that anyone can experience or experiment with. What is Reiki? The word Reiki is a combination of two Japanese characters, or kanji: rei, symbolizing the universe, and ki, representing life energy. However, Reiki refers not only to the concept of life force energy (called prana or chi by other traditions), but also to the practice of using this energy for healing purposes. Healing with hands: a typical Reiki session Connecting with Reiki energy, either on our own or through a Reiki healer, promotes the body’s natural, energetically-balanced state. Though Reiki is a common hands-based energy medicine practice around the world, it was traditionally developed to connect to universal source energy for the purpose of spiritual growth and self-healing. A Brief History of Reiki Reiki dates back to the early 1900s as a documented concept in Japan, and its corresponding healing practice is often accredited to Mikao Usui, who received a spontaneous transmission of Reiki energy during a mystical healing experience in 1922. Usui’s system of Reiki healing, which he called Usui Reiki Ryoho, is the direct lineage that spread throughout the world and popularized Reiki. However, though most modern-day Reiki practices stem from Usui’s teachings, Reiki healing was actually developed, named, and written about in Japan several years before Usui’s discovery. Since its journey to the West in the 1930s, many healers have channeled or developed adaptations and additions to traditional Reiki practices, resulting in what we often classify as “Western Reiki.” There are now a multitude of styles and types of Reiki that can be practised. What are the Reiki Principles? Along with Reiki healing methods, Usui developed a system of five principles (gokai) that give Reiki a moral and spiritual foundation. These principles, also known as “precepts” or “admonitions,” are guidelines that a Reiki practitioner recites at the beginning and end of each day, and before healing sessions. Each Reiki principle begins with “just for today,” giving the practitioner both a manageable obligation and the incentive to repeat the precepts regularly. The Reiki principles are: Just for today, do not anger. Just for today, do not worry. Just for today, be grateful. Just for today, be humble (also interpreted as “work honestly”) Just for today, be kind/compassionate towards others and myself. The Reiki principles, when practiced faithfully, benefit the holistic wellness of a Reiki practitioner even without a hands-on healing practice. According to Usui, authentically contemplating and abiding by these principles is a spiritual medicine that leads to health and happiness. What Happens During a Reiki Session? In a Reiki session, a healer (someone connected to a direct lineage of Reiki energy, by means of a formal initiation process) channels Reiki energy to another being through their hands. This works because the healer becomes a conduit of life force energy, enabling a patient to receive and distribute it in an optimal way. “Reiki is a well-established energy medicine practice that enhances a person’s natural ability to heal. A Reiki practitioner offers hands-on healing to clients.” Reiki sessions typically last 30 to 75 minutes. They usually consist of a pre-session consultation, hands-on healing treatment, and post-session discussion. For those new to Reiki, a healer will provide background information, give an overview of what to expect during the session, and allow time for questions. During a treatment, the patient lies down on a cushioned surface, fully clothed, with closed eyes. While the patient relaxes, the healer lightly places their hands in specific positions on the patient’s body. They may also use various healing techniques, including: Energy Clearing – A Reiki healer begins a session by cleansing their energetic field and the healing space, either before the client arrives or once their eyes are closed. This process involves using Reiki techniques, and perhaps incense, tools, or personal practices to clear and release unwanted energy from a space or person. Invoking – Depending on a Reiki healer’s lineage, they will recite the Reiki principles mentally and perhaps invoke the energy of spiritual guides, ascended masters, or other beings to help with the healing process. The healer may also voice an intention for the session. Scanning – To begin a Reiki session, a healer typically guides their hands over a patient’s body from head to toe, without direct hands-on contact. During this process, the practitioner scans for energetic blockages, places where energy needs balancing, or any other noticeable energetic or intuitive sensations about their patient’s healing needs. This technique, known as Byosen Scanning, helps a healer know where to place their hands during treatment. Symbols and Kotodama – The use of Reiki symbols and the “spirit” of their names (kotodama) are part of a healer’s training and are often employed during treatments. According to traditional teachings, these symbols and their usage should be kept secretively. Beaming – In Western Reiki, “beaming” refers to a particular technique for healing from a short distance. Using this practice, a healer can beam energy to a client several meters away using their hands or eyes, along with intention. Infusing – A healer who practices a modern-day form of Reiki might infuse objects (such as crystals, candles, jewelry, food, water, or oils) with Reiki to charge them with healing energy. “Reiki-infused” can also describe a space, event, or work of art that is intentionally filled with energy and sealed. Meditation – A Reiki practitioner might begin or end a session with a short meditation or several minutes of silence. They may also invite a patient to set an intention or self-reflect to integrate a session’s benefits. Benefits of Reiki One unique quality of Reiki healing is that it involves minimal work on the part of the practitioner; Reiki energy knows where to flow in order for a recipient’s body to heal naturally. Accordingly, the benefits of Reiki healing extend to physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being, as well as overall relaxation. Although it’s unlikely that the patient will feel the exact process going on during their session, it’s typical that a Reiki treatment leaves a person with a sense of calm and inner peace. Reiki involves the channeling of energy to another person Because of its widespread reach, Reiki is becoming a well-known complementary medicine in hospitals and health clinics – with practitioners offering relief and relaxation to cancer patients, children, and others experiencing pain, anxiety, and stress. This list of research findings, published by the International Center for Reiki Training (ICRT), references many of the suggested healing benefits of Reiki. Furthermore, Dr. Ann Baldwin’s book, Reiki in Clinical Practice: A Science-Based Guide, outlines the physical and psychological benefits of Reiki throughout medical studies and public research, through the time of its publication in 2020. What Are the Risks of Reiki? Reiki is generally considered safe. A Reiki practitioner who follows the five principles of Reiki imparts no real risks during treatments, and there are no reported contraindications of Reiki healing. In fact, according to William Lee Rand, founder of the International Center for Reiki Training, one of Reiki’s defining characteristics is that it can do no harm. MORE LIKE THIS: 5 Techniques to Unblock Chakras and Energy Flows 7 Ways Spiritual Coaching Can Transform Your Life The 7 Chakras: Locations, Colors, and Use Within Yoga With this in mind, people experimenting with Reiki or any other natural healing method might experience what is known as a healing crisis – a stirring up and releasing of toxins or impurities in the body or mind that could manifest as negative side effects of a treatment. To mitigate the risk of a healing crisis, it’s helpful to move through healing sessions slowly and intentionally, listen to the body, and maintain consistent eating, sleeping, and exercise habits. How Much Does a Reiki Session Cost? The cost of a professional Reiki session varies widely, depending on the length of the session, treatment setting, and healer’s experience. In the USA and UK, a private Reiki session at a wellness-related establishment or hospital ranges from $30 to 100 USD, with an average cost of $60 to 70 USD per hour. However, some Reiki healers offer sessions for much less. Depending on where you live, you might even find Reiki healing for free, as an exchange, or by donation. Furthermore, those with limited financial resources could consider seeking out new practitioners, Reiki groups, or healing sessions through religious or spiritual communities. “The Reiki principles, when practiced faithfully, benefit the holistic wellness of a Reiki practitioner even without a hands-on healing practice.” Reiki sessions are not typically covered by health insurance, although some medical facilities may include Reiki as a free treatment alongside conventional practice. The best way to find a legitimate Reiki healer within your budget is by recommendation, personal research, or through a feeling of connection to a specific lineage or person. How to Become a Reiki Healer or Master A person becomes a Reiki healer through formal initiations, called attunements, from a certified Reiki Master/Teacher. These days, most lineages of Reiki require one attunement for each of three levels (Shoden – Level 1, Okuden – Level 2, and Shinpiden – Master/Teacher). Reiki attunements not only include an energetic transmission of Reiki energy from Master to student, but also teachings, symbols, mantras, hand positions, meditations, and practical healing procedures that correspond to each level. Therefore, a Reiki Master refers to anyone attuned to Reiki at the Master level – though different traditions of Reiki have respective guidelines or prerequisites for moving from one level to the next. Although some lineages of Reiki will attune students to all three levels in one or two short courses, most would suggest or require new healers to move through each attunement separately, taking time for self-practice between each level. Furthermore, many schools of Reiki require certain levels of experience before an initial attunement or to work professionally as a healer in that lineage. If you’re curious about practicing Reiki on your own, the first step is to find a Reiki Master, healer, or teacher of a tradition that you resonate with and inquire about attunement dates and requirements. Takeaway: What is Reiki? Reiki is a well-established energy medicine practice that enhances a person’s natural ability to heal. A Reiki practitioner offers hands-on healing to clients, and Reiki is also helpful for self-healing and healing from a distance. Like other methods of energy therapy, Reiki is a minimal-risk therapy for improving physical ailments, promoting emotional and mental well-being, and enhancing our connection to life force energy and the spiritual path. We can all awaken the ability to channel Reiki energy and heal with our hands through a direct transmission from a Reiki Master. ● Images shutterstock/Dragon Images, shutterstock/LightField Studios happiness.com | The fine art of being: learn, practise, share Are you a happiness.com member? Sign up for free to enjoy: ■ our happiness magazine with practical life tips ■ sharing and supporting others in our happiness forum Acupuncture | Reflexology | Holistic Medicine | Chi Gong Written by Rachel Markowitz Rachel recently found herself over a decade deep in a worldwide wander guided by what she feels to be true. She’s been facilitating classes and workshops on yoga, meditation, self-exploration, and alternative ways of living since 2012, mostly in Latin America and Asia. These days, she spends most of her time looking at, walking around, or singing to a sacred mountain in southern India. Read more of her words at her to those who wonder blog.

Choosing kindness over negativity or indifference may not be humanity's default setting, but we can cultivate it over time through consistent action. Sonia Vadlamani suggests 7 ways in which we can always be kind towards others – and ourselves, too. The discussion around kindness has heightened ever since the COVID-19 pandemic unfolded, perhaps owing to the rise of various aid groups during lockdowns and contingencies, or because the interruption of life as we knew it caused us to reconsider our priorities and values. Indeed, kindness is undoubtedly considered one of the most prized social currencies, in addition to being the cornerstone for humankind’s virtues. Philosophers and spiritual gurus have hailed the virtue of choosing kindness as a potent gift for centuries, while academic researchers and psychologists have conducted considerable research centered on the power of kindness. Still, at some point in our lives, most of us have been denied a more compassionate approach by someone, or have disregarded the option to extend kindness towards others. For example, we may have regretted our indifferent or judgmental behavior towards others, and some of us may have been abused or bullied as adults. In situations such as these, letting go of resentment doesn't come naturally. So, with the wide-ranging benefits of kindness so well known, why do we even need to be reminded to choose kindness – why don’t we 'just be kind' all the time? Why Choose Kindness? It's fair to wonder why we should have to 'choose' kindness, rather than it being our natural state. However, our perennially busy and fast-paced lives may have rendered us indifferent to the suffering and problems of those around us. Furthermore, our inherent negativity bias may persuade us to react strongly to unfavorable or unpleasant outcomes, instead of assessing the situation in a more objective light. Additionally, human beings are wired to judge others according to their character and actions, while they tend to judge themselves based on the situation. This tendency – also known as “fundamental attribution error” – is based on the inconsistency in our reaction towards other people’s actions or views. While we may attribute our failures or decisions to the circumstances we were caught up in during a situation, we do not readily assess other people’s behavior and problems in the same understanding manner. MORE LIKE THIS: What Goes Around Comes Around: Is Karma Real? How to Forgive Someone: the Benefits of Letting Go of Grudges How to Be Nicer: 9 Ways to Show Kindness to Others For example, if I ever park too close to someone else’s car, then I must have had an emergency, and hence it should be forgiven as a one-off incident. However, if someone else parked outside their line so that their vehicle encroaches on my parking spot, then they must be irresponsible and need to be taught a lesson! Does this line of thinking seem familiar to you? Donating to a food bank is one way to choose kindness Indeed, choosing to be kind can bring about a much-needed shift in the way we judge. Always being kind can teach us to look carefully and objectively at the way we react to external stimuli and assess the circumstances before we react in a rude or harsh manner. How to Always Be Kind “Be kind whenever possible. It is always possible,” as the 14th Dalai Lama famously stated. Choosing kindness poses several benefits for us and others around us, yet costs nothing. To cultivate kindness as a daily practice, Dr Tara Cousineau – renowned psychotherapist and author of The Kindness Cure – suggests that we ponder over the question: how can I bring kindness into my day, in any small way? “Choosing kindness can bring about the much-needed shift in the way we judge. Being kind can teach us to look carefully and objectively at the way we react to external stimuli.” “Kindness is not random,” says Dr Cousineau. She explains that choosing kindness intentionally requires us to be compassionate, considerate, understanding and forgiving, in a consistent manner, even on the days we may not feel like it. Authentic kindness requires genuine intention and effort. The process of always showing graciousness and tolerance to others in this way may gradually get easier once we start experiencing the joy or cheer that being kind sparks. How Does Adopting Kindness Benefit Us? Being kind comes with a wealth of research-backed benefits. Acting kindly can make us feel less anxious, and can ease social avoidance tendencies, allowing us to form meaningful connections. Kindness can also combat psychological distress and alleviate depression. A study by Dr Hans Kirschner from the University of Exeter revealed that being kind switches off our inbuilt threat response, allowing us to feel safe and relaxed. In turn, this promotes tissue regeneration and healing in the body. This ability to switch off the threat response can reduce the onset of disease and boost our well-being. Choosing Kindness: 7 Ways Cultivating kindness in our daily routine begins with consistent action. Researcher Helen Weng compares the ability to practice kindness with the science of weightlifting, wherein one can build their ‘compassion muscle’ and get more adept at helping others with sufficient practise. Here are seven ways in which we can try to do just that. 1. Create a kindness plan It's possible to adopt kindness in the way of small gestures and little things that can spread happiness and brighten someone’s day. Jot down one act of kindness for each day of the month – for others and yourself – that you can carry out, thus encouraging the neural pathways in your brain towards embracing positivity and compassion. The Random Acts of Kindness Foundation shares a comprehensive list of kindness ideas that can be carried out with minimal effort. Some examples of random acts of kindness can include: Buying a few extra items at the supermarket for donations – many supermarkets now have designated areas where you can leave produce. Alternatively, look into ways of donating to food banks. Complimenting a stranger in a friendly way. Befriending an elderly person to help them combat loneliness: inviting them for a chat over a coffee or sparking a conversation at the bus stop. Supporting local businesses by buying their products instead of shopping online. 2. Practise compassionate listening Offering someone our undivided attention in the form of mindful listening can be a simple, effective and free way to choose kindness. Remember, it is essential to keep all technological distractions and our inner judgmental voice at bay while we listen compassionately. 3. Donate or raise funds for charity A 2010 survey conducted by Harvard Business School pointed out that individuals who were more generous financially and made sizeable charitable donations measured highest for overall happiness levels. The study revealed that prosocial spending, or utilizing one’s financial resources to help others, resulted in improved emotional well-being. RELATED: Money Can't Buy Happiness (Except in These 3 Ways!) Raising funds for animal welfare, organizing a fundraiser for the care of cancer patients at your local hospital, helping a neighbor who may be facing a crisis by organizing a charity drive, are some of the ways you could bring about a positive change by choosing kindness. A volunteer litter pick shows kindness to the planet 4. Choose to be kind online While the advent of social media has made us more aware and conscious, unfortunately it also has given rise to rampant cyberbullying and hostile behavior based on one’s appearance, ethnicity, gender stereotypes, and personal beliefs, etc. We can choose kindness online by encouraging positive messages, spreading cheer and love instead of hate, and ignoring negative or hateful content. Even when we disagree with someone, it's always possible to do so in an objective and respectable manner. 5. Choose kindness for the planet While gardening offers several mental health benefits as a hobby, it can contribute towards greener and cleaner living spaces as well. Finding small ways to reduce our carbon footprint and adopting more sustainable practices like picking up litter, packing a waste-free lunch, carrying your own tote to grocery shop, etc, can go a long way to improve the world around us. 6. Practise kindness at work It's important to remember that coworkers have their own challenges, hidden from plain sight. Leading with compassion can improve morale, boost workplace productivity, and ensure higher employee retention, according to research. “Choosing kindness requires us to be compassionate, considerate, and forgiving in a consistent manner, even on the days we may not feel like it.” Leaders in the service industry – and hospitality sector in particular – quite possibly realize the importance of choosing “habitual kindness”, in attempts to deliver experiences that customers will remember for ever. Indeed, consumer decisions are often based on how well their expectations were met and the collective experience, so if you find yourself being loyal to a particular brand or service provider, it's probably because their leadership drives down kindness as their core value. 7. Be kind to yourself Always being kind towards yourself becomes more crucial than ever during adverse times, or when you are feeling low. After all, it’s harder to practice kindness towards others when you’re stressed or overwhelmed. Befriending yourself gently through self-compassion and self-care is the first step towards choosing kindness. RELATED: Be Good to Yourself: 8 Self-Love Techniques How to Stop Beating Yourself Up Self-Forgiveness: How to Forgive Yourself in 7 Steps Psychologist Kristen Neff suggests establishing helpful self-compassion breaks when you find that you’re stressed or being too harsh on yourself. Place a hand over your heart and practice saying to yourself: “May I regard myself in a gentler, fair light”, or, “May I bring kindness to this moment, even when I’m stressed.” These self-compassion statements will help you centre your attention back to choosing kindness for yourself. The Takeaway: Choosing Kindness As the famous saying goes, “In a world where you can be anything, be kind”. While we may not remember every person we ever met by their name, we are likely to remember each act of kindness shown to us. Indeed, choosing kindness as a daily practice can offer a host of physiological and psychological benefits. Deciding to always be kind – especially in situations where our inner voice is telling us to escalate conflict – does take practice, but it can also create long-lasting happiness for others, as well as ourselves. ● Images: shutterstock/BAZA Production, shutterstock/Dragon Images happiness.com | The fine art of being: learn, practise, share Are you a happiness.com member? Sign up for free now to enjoy: ■ our happiness magazine with practical life tips ■ share and support others in our happiness forum Altruism | Empathy | Gratitude | Acceptance Written by Sonia Vadlamani Fitness and healthy food blogger, food photographer and stylist, travel-addict and future self journaler. Sonia loves to write and has resolved to dedicate her life to revealing how easy and important it is to be happier, stronger and fitter each day. Follow her daily pursuits at FitFoodieDiary or on Instagram.

When Jacqui Paterson started gazing at the stars with her kids during the COVID pandemic, it transformed their lives for the better. Discover the power of stargazing and the proven benefits of this awe-evoking – and free – activity. I’m a glass-half-full girl by nature, but even I was struggling during the COVID pandemic. A terrifying virus was tearing across the planet and the entire world had ground to a halt. I was consumed with anxiety; worrying about my family and paying the bills, and whether life would ever be the same again. Then, one evening I went outside and stopped dead in my tracks. The sky was clear and pitch black, and the stars were shining so brightly I literally gasped. As I stood under that twinkling ceiling, gazing at the stars, I was overwhelmed with wonder. I remembered an app I’d downloaded a couple of months earlier, which identifies all the stars, constellations, satellites and planets. Calling my daughters, aged 10 and 12, we raced upstairs, where we had an unobstructed view across the night sky. Using the app, we were thrilled to discover that bright white star hovering over the horizon was actually Venus. We skimmed past Betelguese – a dying red supergiant star 700 times the size of Earth – and through the constellations of Gemini, Auriga and Perseus. Stargazing offers calming, meditative benefits In that moment the world no longer seemed like an unfamiliar place. It reminded me that the Earth had been around for 4.5 billion years and had endured things much more dramatic than a virus, which instantly brought my worries into perspective. Plus, that twinkling night sky was just so beautiful – so stop-you-in-your-tracks gorgeous – I felt happier and calmer just looking at it. It became our family thing to sit at the window every evening, gazing at the stars. Not only did it help us let go of that nervous lockdown energy, for half an hour each day we got to ‘travel’ outside our four walls. What is stargazing? So, what is the meaning of stargazing? For a start, it’s nothing new; for millennia humans have looked to the skies for guidance and reassurance, and to find meaning and purpose in their existence. “The sky has been a part of human experience since we were able to think, in some form or manner,” says Dr Daniel Brown, Associate Professor in Astronomy and Science Communication for Nottingham Trent University. It’s been used to construct time and mark the passage of it, while celestial navigation – using the stars as reference points – has helped us explore the Earth for over 5,000 years. Astronomy has provided us with that link between sky and Earth; a way for us to understand and engage with the heavens. Constellations have always played their own important role too, Dr Brown says. So much so, rock paintings depicting them have been found dating back over 40,000 years. “The sky was clear and pitch black, and the stars were shining so brightly I literally gasped. As I stood under that twinkling ceiling, gazing at the stars, I was overwhelmed with wonder.” Perhaps surprisingly, the constellations have remained practically unchanged since being deciphered and named by Greek astronomer Ptolemy in the 2nd century AD, even resisting an attempt 1,400 years later, by Julius Schiller, to reimagine the stars into biblical and early Christian figures. Its offshoot, astrology (once an accepted part of astronomy, but now considered a ‘pseudo-science’), is also thought to have played a valuable part by helping society to make sense of different people and personalities. How can I do stargazing? Perhaps the biggest advantage of gazing at the stars is that it’s free and accessible to every person on the planet – regardless of how, or where, you live. It can be carried out with the naked eye; alternatively, there are telescopes to suit all budgets and stargazing smartphone apps that bring ancient skies to life with augmented reality technology. The darker the sky the better, as the stars can shine in their full and natural glory. The International Dark Sky Places conservation program has curated a list of parks and reserves that are completely undiluted by light pollution. While these conditions are ideal for gazing at the stars, you can try it anywhere with a view of the clear sky (you might need to focus more in urban areas to block out distracting light and noise). Dress appropriately – you don’t want your meditation cut short because you’re cold – and find yourself a safe, comfortable spot with a clear view of the sky, like open parkland, or your back garden. If you’re planning to stargaze in the city, get as high up as you can; good spots include rooftop gardens, skylights or even looking out of large windows. RELATED: Outdoor Meditation: How to Meditate in Nature Living on a Houseboat The 6 Science-Backed Benefits of Living Simply Turn off all the lights you can, allow your eyes time to adjust to the darkness, then scan the skies for a particular spot or star to concentrate on. Soften your gaze and look slightly away from your target to see it more clearly (this is called averted vision and works because the cells in the sides of our eyes process low light better than the ones in the centre of your eye). Use an app to identify stars and constellations, and even the odd satellite looping overhead, or go ‘old school’ with a penlight and a stargazing guidebook. Alternatively, don’t even try to work out what you’re looking out, just lie back and enjoy the celestial show. While gazing at the stars, be conscious of your breath slowing and your body relaxing. Take in the sights, but also the sounds and sensations. Let your mind drift where it may; if irrelevant thoughts intrude, acknowledge them and let them go. Stargazing gets kids used to asking bigger questions Try not to feel frustrated if your meditation doesn’t go to plan, says Mark Westmoquette, author of Mindful Thoughts for Stargazers:Find Your Inner Universe. If the night is overcast, focus instead on the movement of the clouds and the way the stars intermittently peek out, he suggests, and appreciate the sky’s beautiful, changing nature. The benefits of gazing at the stars Westmoquette has a rare insight into both the science of stargazing, and its meditative effects. In 2013 he left a career in astronomy research to become a full-time yoga and meditation teacher. Today he melds both worlds by running monthly stargazing evenings from his home of St Helena, a tiny volcanic island in the South Atlantic. “I began to see how the tools of mindfulness could equally apply to stargazing, and how it could be a very mindful activity,” he explains. “During periods of worry and anxiety, when you find yourself lying awake at night, the familiar constellations and the slow wheeling of the heavens can be a reassuring source of comfort,” says Westmoquette. “Looking up at the stars can become a silent retreat into wonder and awe. I find that considering the enormity of space and time and the existence of our tiny planet within that, always helps put my personal worries into perspective.” The eternal nature of the heavens can also bring comfort. When we look upwards, we’re essentially seeing the same stars and planets as our ancestors, and their ancestors and their ancestors before them, Westmoquette says. There’s something comforting about having that constant, especially when the world is in a state of flux. “While stargazing, be conscious of your breath slowing and your body relaxing. Take in the sights, but also the sounds and sensations. Let your mind drift where it may.” According to psychologist Dr Katie Sparks, time spent in nature helps our bodies return to a natural rhythm. “We are part of nature, but we have become detached from it,” she says. “The demands on our attention from our fast pace of life are exhausting us both mentally and physically.” When we return to nature – by going for a walk, or gardening, or gazing at the stars – this calming contrast becomes obvious, she says. “The focus is shifted off our minds, which are constantly churning, and into our bodies. This helps to relax us physically, as we can then notice any bodily tension and breathe into it. It also helps us relax mentally by giving ourselves a break from our thoughts.” RELATED: Lunar Living: Harnessing the Power of the Moon Daaji on Parenting and Sparking Curiosity Why Reconnecting With Nature Is Essential During the pandemic, when school had been turned upside down, gazing at the stars became a fun educative activity to enjoy with children, and continues to be so. When they ask, ‘what is stargazing?’ you can reply by teaching them astronomy, or philosophy (opening up conversations about why we’re here, and whether there is a higher power, or a grand design), or even by discussing legends and folklore. You can even watch the International Space Station arcing across the sky, and imagine what the astronauts are doing as they look back down on the Blue Planet. Learning about the infinite worlds beyond our own can help replace their anxious thoughts with ones of fascination and wonder instead. In fact, studies have shown that experiencing a sense of awe – a feeling of reverential respect mixed with fear or wonder – prompts us to think outside of our own selfish needs and increases humility, helping us to accept and appreciate life. So, next time you’re feeling anxious and overwhelmed by life, the solution could be, literally, written in the stars. • Want to try stargazing? There are over 130 officially accredited ‘Dark Sky Places’ internationally, including Exmoor National Park, UK, Snowdonia National Park, Wales, Cosmic Campground, New Mexico, US, Death Valley National Park, US, Grand Canyon National Park, US, Warrumbungle National Park, Australia, and Aoraki Mackenzie, New Zealand. Search the International Dark Sky Places website for the full list. Images shutterstock/Dudarev Mikhail, shutterstock/VARUNA, shutterstock/KIDSADA PHOTO happiness.com | The fine art of being: learn, practise, share Are you a happiness.com member yet? Sign up for free now to enjoy: ■ our happiness magazine with practical life tips ■ share and support others in our happiness forum Stress Management | Family activities | Spirituality Written by Jacqui Paterson Jacqui has been a true-life and travel journalist for over 25 years, and has travelled all over the world telling people's stories. Originally from New Zealand, she's now based in the UK, where she also wrangles two pre-teen daughters, and runs her lifestyle blog, Jacqui Paterson.com.

A wandering mind isn’t necessarily a happy mind. Sonia Vadlamani explores science-backed strategies to help you get out of your head and reconnect with the present. It happened again as I sat by the beach on a work retreat, supposedly enjoying the sunset, but instead replaying the meeting earlier, dissecting every small detail. Did I get to lead the event by fluke? Was my joke really funny or inappropriate? What if I fail everyone by tanking the project? And then I noticed a pattern – this repetitive analysis left me mentally drained, yet I couldn’t stop rehashing the event, even at the cost of losing out on the present, ie, the gorgeous sunset. The reminder was clear: I needed to get out of my head to be able to enjoy the present. If my experience sounds familiar, and you often find yourself stuck in relentless mental replay of past events as well as future worries, you might be part of the vast club of over-thinkers. What Does it Mean to Be in Your Head? Being in your head usually refers to overthinking or over-analyzing a situation. While overthinking isn’t a mental health condition itself, it can stem from one’s negative emotions. Indeed, it can be mentally exhausting, lessen attention span, and impair decision-making if left unchecked. When it spirals beyond control, overthinking can also contribute to anxiety and depression. Learn how to get out of your head and into the present In fact, a study of 2250 volunteers by Harvard psychologists Matthew A. Killingsworth and Daniel T. Gilbert found that people spend about 47% of their waking ours thinking about something that isn’t actually happening in the present moment – and this mind-wandering comes with an emotional cost. The conclusion from the study is profound: a wandering mind isn’t a happy mind. Being in your head isn’t just mindless daydreaming – the persistent cycle of scrutinizing every thought, second-guessing each gesture, and predicting every outcome can leave you utterly drained. 7 Science-Backed Ways to Get Out of Your Head The good news is that it’s possible to break free from the mental prison and get out of your head using simple, research-backed techniques. Here are seven effective tools to ground yourself in the present and reclaim your mental peace. 1.Get your body moving Granted, exercise is often viewed as the foundation for a healthier lifestyle and prevention against chronic health problems such as depression and anxiety. But research shows that a vigorous exercise routine can also help you get out of your head: a meta-analysis of 34 studies revealed that regular physical activity reduces the incidence of a sympathetic nervous system, making people more adept at handling stress and anxiety. “Being in your head usually refers to overthinking or overanalyzing a situation. While overthinking isn’t a mental health condition itself, it can stem from one’s negative emotions.” Therefore, an intense workout can act as a “reset” button by drawing your attention away from rumination and toward external stimuli. The logic is simple: intense activities like sprinting or lifting heavy weights are bound to demand your complete attention, leaving little room for distractions. The key is to choose physical activities that demand intensity and your complete focus, such as: Strength training High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) Dance workouts, like Zumba Swimming laps Boxing or mixed martial arts Boxing requires total focus, taking your out of your head 2. Practise thought-labeling Thought-labeling is a research-backed cognitive diffusion technique that helps combat overthinking by distancing you from your thoughts, so you’re not consumed by them. You can also practise thought-labeling as a guided meditation by allocating a specific time and duration. Here’s how you can practise this approach: Observe, don’t judge: Start with 2-3 deep breaths to calm your mind and gently observe your thoughts without judgment or the urge to change them. Label or categorize the thought: Assign a label to each thought as accurately as possible. The labels could be “planning,” “daydreaming,” or “worrying.” Repeat the process: As you continue to take deeper breaths, you’ll notice some of the labeled thoughts fading away, while others reappear. These recurring thoughts may form the root cause of your overthinking. Keep labeling them and try to note which ones surface more often. Labeling your thoughts in this manner can also help you recognize them as temporary mental events rather than absolute truths, which makes getting out of your head easier. Research also shows that categorizing thoughts activates the prefrontal cortex – the brain’s center for executive functions – while reducing the load on the amygdala, where the fight-or-flight response originates. As Dr Linda Miles, psychotherapist, relationship specialist and author, explains: "Cognitive defusion refers to labeling the emotions and distancing yourself, as if projecting them on a screen outside you. When you label thoughts and emotions you gain awareness of times your inner monologue is helping or hurting you. "Repeat simple words like : 'Angry, angry, angry' or 'Worried, worried, worried.' It helps to repeat the labels several times. In this way, you clarify your thoughts and change directionality in your brain toward the frontal cortex toward good decisions about advantageous action. In my practice as a psychotherapist, I have found it is most helpful when people label-emotion words to let them go." 3.Talk to strangers more often For chronic overthinkers and especially introverts, the idea of striking up conversations with complete strangers may seem daunting. Their need to form meaningful connections, combined with pessimistic expectations and fear of the vulnerability hangover can prevent them from even trying. However, research suggests that talking to strangers can help you get out of your head. A study by psychologists at University of Essex, UK, found that the unpredictable and evolving nature of conversations with strangers makes it nearly impossible to predict or overanalyze the outcome of such encounters, thus compelling us to be present as our authentic selves. MORE LIKE THIS: 7 Strategies to Beat the Habit of Indecisiveness Quotes About Worrying: 6 Powerful Sayings to Free Your Mind How to Stop Overthinking: 9 Steps to Take Start small to not get overwhelmed: pass a compliment, be courteous, smile at people passing by, or make small talk while waiting in line. See where the conversation takes you! Speaking with strangers opens new conversations and 4. Ground yourself with the “5-4-3-2-1” technique This simple yet powerful mindfulness exercise helps anchor your focus remarkably quickly in the present moment. Especially effective when your mind is bouncing, here’s how it works: Look around and name five things you see (the bookshelf, coffee table, a steaming cup of tea, a plant, the cat snoozing nearby, or a crack in the wall). Feel or touch four things around you. This can be your feet on the grass (if you’re outdoors), the breeze, pages of a book, or the cool surface of your phone. Three sounds you can hear (clicks of a mouse, the fan whirring nearby, your own breathing). Two scents you can smell (fresh coffee, your perfume or shampoo). One thing you can taste (mints, coffee, or just the taste in your mouth right now). Researchers Josefsson et al. suggest that interventions with mindfulness exercises can reduce rumination and enhance one’s ability to process negative emotions. By engaging your five senses – sight, touch, hearing, smell, and taste – this exercise helps interrupt the endless loop of intrusive thoughts, drawing your attention firmly to the present. 5. Engage in more “flow” activities Immersing yourself in activities that completely absorb your attention can help you enter a state of flow – an innately positive experience that respected psychologist Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi decribes as essential for a sense of control and overall happiness. “The STOP technique is a practical answer to how to get out of your head. It disrupts the train of involuntary thoughts, making way for calm, deliberate action.” Researchers also consider flow state the antidote to overthinking – when you’re fully engaged in an activity, there’s simply no mental space left for distracting thoughts or rumination. The key to obtaining flow is to choose activities that are exciting and challenging enough to demand your complete focus, but not so intimidating that they trigger overthinking or anxiety. Find your flow: completing a jigsaw pulls you into the present What sparks flow can differ one from person to another – some ideas include learning to play a musical instrument, knitting, gardening, baking, or solving a jigsaw puzzle. 6. Shift your perspective with “self-distancing” technique Self-distancing is an impactful way to step back, see the bigger picture, and stop the incessant train of thought. Remind yourself that our life experiences, cultural beliefs, values, and expectations shape our world view, and thus there are alternate ways to analyze every situation. Getting out of your head is easier by asking yourself questions like: Is there a way I can introduce a fresh perspective here? What advice would I give to a friend in this situation? Will this matter in five years, and if so, how? Shifting your perspective and imagining things from a novel vantage point can definitely help you cut through the mental noise and get clarity. RELATED: How to Stop Thinking About Something: 9 Strategies 11 Life Coaching Techniques and Tools Remember: You Are Not Your Thoughts 7. Master the STOP mindfulness technique The STOP technique serves as a four-step mental checklist that helps you pause and respond to things calmly, rather than reacting on impulse. Here’s what the acronym stands for: S – Stop: Press pause on your thoughts and physical movement. Don’t judge or fight your thoughts – simply prepare to shift your focus elsewhere. T – Take a breath: Breathe mindfully to recenter your attention to the present. O – Observe: Notice how the situation is affecting you to get a better grip on reality. Observe the physical sensations – are you tense or perhaps fidgety? What can you see, hear, feel, smell or taste? Check on your emotional and mental state as well. P – Proceed: Move forward with a response that feels appropriate for the current situation. The STOP technique is a practical answer to how to get out of your head, as it disrupts the train of involuntary thoughts and emotions, making way for calm, deliberate action. Takeaway: Getting Out of Your Head It’s unrealistic to expect your mind to always be perfectly quiet and calm. Getting out of your head doesn’t mean avoiding deep thought or deliberate analysis. Instead, it’s about consciously choosing where to direct your mental energy. Overthinking is a subconscious habit – but one that can be changed with intention and practise. As the Harvard research reminds us, happiness is found in savoring the present moment, not in endless loops of thought. ● Images Marjan Apostolovic, Iryna Inshyna, Roman Samborskyi, LightField Studios happiness.com | The fine art of being: learn, practise, share Are you a happiness.com member yet? Sign up for free now to enjoy: ■ our happiness magazine with practical life tips ■ share and support in our happiness forum Self Care | Positive Psychology | Stress Management | Mental Health Written by Sonia Vadlamani Fitness and healthy food blogger, food photographer and stylist, travel-addict and future-self journaler. Sonia loves to write and has resolved to dedicate her life to revealing how easy and important it is to be happier, stronger and fitter each day. Follow her daily pursuits at FitFoodieDiary or on Instagram.

If you're lacking fulfilment or direction in life, spiritual coaching can help you align your beliefs and values with purpose. Sonia Vadlamani explores how spiritual coaching can change your life’s course for the better, and what sets it apart from life coaching. In today’s competitive, success-obsessed world, many of us reach a point where we feel something is missing from our lives – a deeper sense of connectedness, a purpose beyond worldly pursuits, or a spiritual hunger that no amount of goal setting and accomplishments can seem to fulfil. This is where spiritual coaching can become incredibly helpful. What is Spiritual Life Coaching? Spiritual coaching aims to help individuals connect with their spiritual goals by aligning their values and beliefs to a purpose greater than themselves. While researchers agree that spirituality and wellbeing are interlinked, emerging studies suggest that spirituality also helps mediate the fear arising from uncertainty or challenging times, thus safeguarding one’s mental health and fostering emotional resilience. A spiritual coach acts as a guide or companion on your journey toward spiritual growth. Freud’s renowned Iceberg Theory is useful here: it uses an iceberg as the metaphor for the human mind, where the vast submerged part of the iceberg signifies the human unconscious mind, which has the largest impact on one’s personality and behavior, even though it’s more inaccessible than the visible ‘tip’ of the iceberg which represents the conscious mind. The role of a spiritual coach is to work with both – the visible or external aspects of your life, like your goals, setbacks, and daily activities, as well as underlying, deeper aspects that influence everything you do. 7 Ways a Spiritual Coach Can Help You Simply put, the role of a spiritual advisor is to provide the support and guidance you need to access your inner gifts to create a meaningful, authentic life that reflects who you truly are. Here are some ways spiritual life coaching can help you: 1. Navigate life transitions with ease Handling major transitions in life – whether a career change, moving to a new area, relationship shift, losing a parent and working through the stages of grief, or a health challenge – isn’t easy alone. Whether by choice or unexpected, such life changes can trigger existential questions and a need for expert guidance. This is where a spiritual coach can offer perspective and wisdom, helping you realize that life changes can also serve as stepping stones to personal growth. A spiritual coach will help you tap into your inner resources and overcome challenges and move forward in life. 2. Overcome fear and mental blocks Sometimes we subconsciously carry self-limiting thoughts and patterns that may hold back our growth. These may include ingrained beliefs about self-worth, fears about our capabilities, or doubts about success in career and relationships. Spiritual life coaching can help identify and address these blocks using techniques like energy cleansing, inner child work, and developing a growth or abundance mindset, thus enabling you to realize your fullest potential and live a fulfilled life. Spiritual coaches act as a guide to align your passions with purpose 3. Trust your intuition Each of us has, at some point, experienced a “hunch”, an inner voice, or a “gut feeling” about a decision or circumstance. This “ability to understand something instinctively, without any need for conscious reasoning or an explanation” is what we know as intuition, according to Dr Thomas R. Verny, clinical psychiatrist and author of the blog Explorations of the Mind. While this intuition is often accurate, we tend not to trust the feeling, given our majorly analytical, logic-driven minds. We fail to realize that intuitive thinking isn’t about unlocking psychic powers but about learning to recognize and trust the subtle signs from your body, your environment, and the knowledge accumulated from your past experience. Dismissing intuition sometimes makes us lose out on valuable guidance from our subconscious learning and prior experience. A spiritual coach can help you tap into your intuition and reinforce your connection with inner guidance, so that you can make better, more informed decisions. 4. Strengthen relationships and build community The power of community in creating a happy life can’t be ignored - research agrees that growth thrives when we’re surrounded by like-minded people who uplift us. In fact, studies show that relationships and spirituality are intertwined, suggesting that spirituality boosts the health of relationships, while healthy relationships aid one’s wellbeing and spiritual growth in turn. “Spiritual coaching aims to help individuals connect with their spiritual goals by aligning their values and beliefs to a purpose greater than themselves.” Indeed, a spiritual advisor can help you attract and develop relationships that aid your personal and spiritual development, helping you overcome loneliness, feel valued, and lead a meaningful life. 5. Find your life’s purpose At some point, all of us find ourselves questioning what we’re here to do, what’s the point of life, and where it’s taking us. While pondering about life’s purpose can help us to review their goals and improvise our next moves, it can also lead to confusion, feeling lost, and loneliness, sometimes resulting in depression and anxiety. Spiritual coaching can help you explore the answer to “Who am I?” by encouraging introspection and helping you uncover your unique gifts and strengths. Often this guided exploration goes beyond traditional career choices, enabling you to focus on showing up as the best version of yourself in every area of life. 6. Work through past trauma There’s a growing body of research highlighting the role of spirituality when it comes to healing from past trauma and developing a healthy outlook and building emotional resilience for the future. In her book Traumatic Stress and Long-Term Recovery, author Anna R Harper discusses how spirituality and religion influence how one perceives trauma, as well as the post-traumatic recovery process. Indeed, a spiritual coach can help you process your trauma better, in addition to helping you understand that while your trauma is painful, it’s also your gateway to growth and greater strength. Spiritual coaching helps you to overcome fears and addictions Interestingly, a study of 529 care leavers – or young individuals separated from parental care and placed in alternative care settings – from 11 nations revealed a strong connection between spirituality, well-being, and resilience, even when accounting for challenging life circumstances. Thus, building inner strength and emotional resilience to face life’s storms and uncertainties is another area a spiritual advisor can help with. 7. Overcome addiction One of the most practical ways spiritual coaching can benefit someone is addressing compulsive behaviors and addiction – not only by identifying the addiction itself but also the underlying triggers. In fact, research shows that religious faith and spirituality can play an active role in recovery from substance abuse. “A spiritual coach can offer perspective and wisdom, helping you realize that life changes can also serve as stepping stones to personal growth.” A spiritual coach can help clients realize that their addiction is often an unconscious effort to numb emotional pain or escape reality. Through this awareness, and by incorporating helpful techniques like conscious breathwork, meditation, and journaling, they can help connect individuals to a greater purpose, putting them on the path to a purpose-driven life. Spiritual Coach Vs Life Coach At first glance, spiritual coaching and life coaching can seem similar, as both serve to bring a positive change in individuals. However, they different in the aspects they focus on and their approach. Life coaching typically focus on: Setting, tracking, reviewing definite goals. Devising client-specific productivity hacks Performance and accountability reviews External behaviors and conscious thoughts Spiritual coaching explores deeper with: Exploring and examining your belief systems, thought patterns and values without judgment. Incorporating new perspectives and spiritual practices like meditation, energy work and journaling. Aligning your inner values and beliefs with your life purpose. Addressing your soul’s needs, not just your extrinsic goals. How Do You Become a Spiritual Coach? While the spiritual coaching training space is largely unregulated, some respected certification programs accredited by organizations like the International Coach Federation (ICF) offer training in necessary skills like the tutoring methodology, spiritual advancement techniques, and fair practices. Becoming a spiritual coach involves lifelong learning Most reputed spiritual coaches also study various spiritual practices like meditation and dream interpretation extensively on their own and with the help of their spiritual mentors. Developing core spiritual competencies in aspects like mindful compassion, active listening, radical acceptance, and cultivating safe spaces is helpful as well. Above all, effective spiritual coaching training involves lifelong learning – the best spiritual coaches continue to expand their study and skills through workshops, events, mentorships, and in their personal spiritual practices. Takeaway: Spiritual Coaching In a world driven by achievements and competition, spiritual coaching can guide you toward finding what matters most – living with purpose as your most authentic self, in alignment with your deepest values and goals. In essence, spiritual coaching shows us that there’s more to us than our to-do lists, professional achievements and materialistic pursuits – it’s about finding a purpose greater than ourselves and leading a meaningful life. ● Images: insta_photo, KieferPix, Lopolo happiness.com | The fine art of being: learn, practise, share Are you a happiness.com member yet? Sign up for free now to enjoy: ■ our happiness magazine with practical life tips ■ share and support in our happiness forum Coaching | Leadership | Motivation | Assertiveness Written by Sonia Vadlamani Fitness and healthy food blogger, food photographer and stylist, travel-addict and future-self journaler. Sonia loves to write and has resolved to dedicate her life to revealing how easy and important it is to be happier, stronger and fitter each day. Follow her daily pursuits at FitFoodieDiary or on Instagram.

Sonia Vadlamani explores why making yourself a priority is an essential form of self-care. Learn how to put yourself first guilt-free with these 6 science-backed methods. Plus, get inspired for self-prioritization with some well-known 'put yourself first' quotes. For me, the need to put myself first began with a late-night phone call from a panicked former boss. It was close to 11pm on one of my leave days. I answered reluctantly, only to hear my ex-boss shouting about an incomplete presentation that wasn’t my responsibility – for a client meeting I wasn’t even a part of. “They left it incomplete,” she barked, “and I need your help right now to finish it. My meeting depends on this.” For context, I’d worked on the initial presentation that had helped bring this client in, but not since. Despite my will, my first instinct was to say, “Yes, of course! What do you need?” However, I stopped halfway through to ask myself: 'What’s compelling me to say yes when all I want to do is curl up in bed with a book? ' The answer was shockingly plain – I’d fallen into the habit of putting the needs of others before prioritizing myself. This often left me with burnout and exhaustion, not to mention the frustration and resentment of letting myself down. So, I mustered the courage and told my power-hungry former-boss: “Sorry, I can’t help you. I was just about to head to bed. All the best with your presentation, though.” Prioritize Yourself: Self-care and practice self-compassion While saying this wasn’t easy, it helped me identify an unhelpful pattern I'd carried for years. As I noticed the different scenarios where I put others first – often at the cost of my mental and emotional wellbeing – it became painfully clear that I needed to build healthy boundaries, not just at the workplace but in my personal life as well. The other surprising lesson: it’s important to consider your own needs and put yourself first sometimes in order to be more genuinely helpful for others. The oxygen mask analogy from airline safety makes complete sense in this context – you can only assist others after your own oxygen supply is secured! Similarly, we’re better equipped to care for others only once our own physical, mental, and emotional wellbeing are in check. Indeed, prioritizing yourself is essential. “You yourself, as much as anybody in the entire universe, deserve your love and affection.” Buddha Yet, many of us have somehow convinced ourselves that going above and beyond to fulfill others’ needs is what makes us “better” humans. Experts caution, however, that selflessness can turn into self-sabotage if left unchecked. What is Healthy Selfishness? Contrary to the common perception, healthy selfishness isn’t about neglecting your loved ones or abandoning responsibilities in a narcissistic pursuit. Rather, it’s about realizing that making yourself the priority forms the foundation for everything else in life to function smoothly. You can envision this concept as the difference between a vessel that is replenished and overflowing versus one that’s been drained of its essence. MORE LIKE THIS: When to End a Friendship and How to Do it With Kindness Self-Validation: How to Validate Yourself in 5 Steps I Feel Unheard: Why Does Nobody Listen To Me? Interestingly, psychology experts describe healthy selfishness and pathological altruism as the two paradoxical forms of selfishness, underlining that not all selfishness is necessarily bad, and not all altruism is essentially good. Practicing healthy selfishness, in fact, plays a key role in shaping our sense of self and helping us determine our preferences for people and activities we prefer to engage with (or step away from). “If your compassion does not include yourself, it is incomplete.” Jack Kornfield, Buddhist teacher and author As Dr Scott Barry Kaufman, professor of psychology at Columbia University and host of The Psychology Podcast, suggests, “Loving people have love toward themselves, and it is precisely this affirmation of their own unique self, happiness, growth, and freedom that allows them to love others.” Why is making yourself a priority important? Indeed, it’s true that selflessness – through acts of kindness, radical empathy, and volunteering – can boost happiness. A comprehensive study by psychologists from four universities across Canada revealed that generosity can even improve resilience during challenging times. Put yourself first by setting healthy boundaries However, healthy selfishness isn’t about halting acts of kindness or withdrawing care from others. It simply means prioritizing your own well-being by extending the same kindness and care to yourself first so that you can be in a better position - physically, mentally, and emotionally – to help others. Prioritizing yourself in healthy ways ensures that you feel more fulfilled and happier overall, more present in your relationships, more productive at work, and more resilient during tough times. How to Put Yourself First: 6 Strategies Psychologist Ronald Stolberg describes healthy selfishness as taking charge of meeting your physical, mental, emotional, and social needs. Here are some practical ways I’ve learnt to put myself first without feeling guilty, and you should try them too. 1. Cultivate self-compassion Developing empathy and a kind relationship with yourself is one of the most crucial aspects of putting yourself first. Research even suggests that self-compassion is a strong indicator of overall wellbeing. Practicing self-compassion involves: Acknowledging the myriad emotions you experience, without rushing to fix them. Accepting that mistakes make us human. Speaking to yourself with the same kindness you’d show a loved one. Forgiving yourself for past mistakes. 2. Set and maintain healthy boundaries Establishing clear limits across different aspects of your life – and communicating the same to those around you – is essential for wellbeing. According to Lydia Hall, the eminent nursing theorist who developed Care, Cure, Core, it’s important to regard healthy boundaries as “fences, not walls” – that enable connection while “protecting your personal space.” Here’s what healthy boundaries can look like: Communicating your needs and preferences clearly with romantic partners, family, or friends. Conveying the need for maintaining individual interests and friendships to your romantic partner so that neither partner feels they’ve lost their identity in the relationship. At the workplace, defining your work hours and refraining from checking emails when not at work. Learning to delegate tasks, which a study of almost 11,000 leaders worldwide found to be a gamechanger for reducing stress and preventing burnout. Taking regular breaks from work and daily chores to indulge in activities that you enjoy. 3. Master the art of saying no While saying no can seem daunting, it’s an effective way to create boundaries to stop feeling overwhelmed and emotionally overloaded. Remember, disappointing someone temporarily by saying no is far healthier than burning yourself out trying to accommodate everyone else’s needs. “Self-love is an ocean, and your heart is a vessel. Make it full, and any excess will spill over into the lives of the people you hold dear. But you must come first.” Beau Taplin, Author The reality is that by making yourself a priority, each “no” now means saying “yes” to something you appreciate more. For instance, declining a social event or turning down a coffee invite from an energy vampire helps you create space for doing what you love instead. MORE LIKE THIS: 8 Essential Life Lessons From RuPaul Charles How to Find Happiness Within: 5 Ways to Build Inner Joy Tragic Optimism: An Antidote to Toxic Positivity 4. Make self-care a part of your daily routine There’s more to self-care than bubble teas, face masks, and spa days. It’s a vital part of putting yourself first without feeling guilty, given that a lack of self-care has been shown to cause burnout and compassion fatigue. Including self-care in your daily routine can look like: Including ten minutes of conscious breathing exercises or mindful meditation in your day. Taking care of your physical health through regular exercise, nutritious meals, and restful sleep of at least 7 hours. Sparing a few minutes for gratitude journaling to appreciate everything you have going for you. Stepping out for short strolls during a hectic workday. Setting aside time for hobbies like gardening, knitting, or anything else that sparks joy. Spending time with friends who uplift and energize you. Checking in with your mental health regularly and asking for help when needed. 5. Seek balance Indeed, acts of kindness and volunteering for causes you care about can boost happiness and make life more meaningful. However, helping others should never happen at the cost of your peace of mind, strain your closest relationships, or hinder your work. The key is to find balance – devise a win-win approach where your generosity results in positive experiences for everyone while leaving you fulfilled; not weighed down. All smiles: make yourself a priority 6. Invest in your future self Investing in your personal growth and goals is a fundamental aspect of healthy selfishness. While there's no magic recipe to ensure all your goals are achieved with ease, you can begin by setting so-called SMART goals (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound). “You can't pour from an empty cup. Take care of yourself first.” Eleanor Brown, Author Indeed, goal setting isn’t the end of the story but an ongoing process. Review your progress periodically and revisit the ones you couldn’t focus on earlier. Don’t forget to celebrate small wins and any milestones along the way. Takeaway: How to Put Yourself First Shifting your perspective to healthy selfishness and self-prioritization is the first step toward putting yourself first. Know that looking after your interests should be instinctive, not a luxury. Remember, healthy selfishness is all about being self-focused, not “self-absorbed.” Putting yourself first doesn’t harm others or halt progress. Instead, it simply means that you’re pausing to recharge so you can bring your A-game to everything you do and be your best, authentic self. Find inspiration from our words and 'put yourself first' quotes and start prioritizing yourself! ● Images ShotPrime Studio, Nadia Snopek, Dima Berlin happiness.com | The fine art of being: learn, practise, share Are you a happiness.com member yet? Sign up for free now to enjoy: ■ our happiness magazine with practical life tips ■ share and support in our happiness forum Self care | Empathy | Acceptance Written by Sonia Vadlamani Fitness and healthy food blogger, food photographer and stylist, travel-addict and future-self journaler. Sonia loves to write and has resolved to dedicate her life to revealing how easy and important it is to be happier, stronger and fitter each day. Follow her daily pursuits at FitFoodieDiary or on Instagram.

From meditation to yoga to conscious breathing, discover 5 ways to balance chakras, unblock bodily energy flows, realigning body and mind. By Rachel Markowitz. A few years ago, while working at a yoga retreat center, a guest approached me with concern. An energy healer had told her that her sacral chakra was the size of a peanut, and she felt helpless and upset. Whether the healer truly believed this or not, the incident sticks with me as an example of how chakra-based healing can be confusing, vague, or distorted. This woman’s “healing” session gave her the sense that something was wrong. However, chakra blockages and imbalances are common and often easy to remedy. Signals from the chakras serve as a gateway to understanding our health from a holistic perspective. Thus, by exploring chakra balancing (or realignment) and how to unblock chakras, we can take control of our own healing. What Are the 7 Chakras? Before we discuss specific balancing techniques, it's important to understand the basics of the major chakras and their qualities. Chakras are centers of life-force energy located in the subtle (energetic) body. They are not visible or measurable in the physical world. Although different philosophies use various theories to classify and explain these energetic vortexes, most teachings today focus on seven main chakras. These energy centers ascend from the base of the spine to slightly above the crown of the head along our main energetic channel, Sushumna Nadi. Learn how to unblock chakras and balance bodily energy flow Each of the major chakras controls the flow of life-force energy (or prana) to specific aspects of our physical, mental, and energetic constitution. Accordingly, balancing the chakra system is believed to create an energetic environment conducive to a healthy, peaceful, joyful life. What is Chakra Alignment? Chakra alignment refers to a state of balance where each of the main centers is an open, spinning disk of energy serving its purpose to absorb and distribute prana. When our chakras are aligned, each is functioning optimally, and energy can flow without blockages. MORE LIKE THIS: Balancing the 5 Pillars of Life for Lasting Well-Being Understanding the Different Types of Karma What is Chi? A Guide to Feeling and Healing Life Force Energy In an energetic body with blockages, chakras can end up overactive or deficient. In this case, various practices and methods can assist with overall chakra realignment. Furthermore, if a specific energy center is blocked with stagnant energy, these same methods can be used to heal energy centers individually. How to Unblock and Realign Chakras: 5 Techniques Methods for balancing chakras include traditional practices, self-care routines, and professional healing modalities. Even without specific health issues, these techniques promote well-being by harmonizing energy movement throughout the body. 1. Chakra Meditation Each chakra is associated with a specific location, color, symbol, mantra, sound frequency, and musical note, as follows: Root (Muladhara) – Base of the spine; Red; Lotus flower with 4 petals; Lam; 396 Hz; C Sacral (Swadhistana) – Below the navel; Orange; Lotus flower with 6 petals; Vam; 417 Hz; D Solar Plexus (Manipura) – Core, above the navel; Yellow; Lotus flower with 10 petals, Ram; 528 Hz; E Heart (Anahata) – Center of the chest at heart level; Green; Lotus flower with 12 petals, Yam; 639 Hz; F Throat (Vishuddha) – Throat; Blue; Lotus flower with 16 petals; Ham; 741 Hz; G Third Eye (Ajna) – Center of the brain, between the eyebrows; Indigo; Lotus flower with 2 petals; Om; 852 Hz; A Crown (Sahasrara) – Slightly above the crown of the head; Violet or White; Lotus flower with 1,000 petals; Aum or silence; 963 Hz; B To focus on unblocking or strengthening an individual chakra as part of a meditation practice, we can visualize its symbol, chant its mantra (or its Sanskrit name) silently or aloud, imagine clear light (or a light of its color) radiating throughout your body, or use tuning forks, singing bowls, or digital sound frequencies corresponding to that chakra. “Balancing the chakra system is believed to create an energetic environment conducive to a healthy, peaceful, joyful life.” For overall chakra balancing and realignment, visualize each chakra as a clear white light (or a light of its color) radiating throughout the body. Work your way up from the root to the crown, and end with a visualization of your spine as a column of pure, bright light. 2. Yoga Asana Although typically associated with the physical body, the practice of yoga asana (postures) was originally developed to balance, strengthen, and cleanse the energetic body as preparation for meditation. Essentially, by forming intentional shapes with the body, we can manipulate pranic flow to harness and redirect energy. Carry gemstones which align with the chakra that needs realignment A quick online search will provide asana classes targeted towards aligning the chakras. However, if you are experienced with basic yoga positions, you can practice on your own by following or adapting the following sequence, holding each posture for about a minute with long, deep breathing. Yoga Practices For Chakra Balancing Standing Postures Mountain Pose (Root) Goddess Pose (Sacral) Sitting Postures Boat Pose (Manipura) Camel Pose (Heart) Reclined Postures Plow Pose or Shoulderstand (Throat) Resting postures Child’s Pose (Third Eye) Savasana (Crown) 3. Pranayama Conscious breathing practices, called pranayama in yoga, also work to balance and cleanse the subtle body. Two simple pranayama techniques that can assist with overall balancing of the chakras are Spinal Breathing and Nadi Shodana. You can practice each for a few minutes, as often as feels right. Spinal Breathing Inhale slowly, imagining your breath, or life-force energy, rising from the base of your spine to the crown of your head. Exhale completely, visualizing this energy as it returns from the crown of your head to the base of your spine. Keep your inhalations and exhalations of equal length and intensity if possible. Nadi Shodana (alternate nostril breath) Inhale slowly through your left nostril, using your right thumb to block your right nostril. Pause for a moment and naturally exhale through your right nostril, using your right ring finger to block your left nostril. Continue by inhaling through your right nostril and exhaling through the left to complete a full round. Repeat for several rounds of equal-length breaths to purify nadis (energetic channels). .embed-container { position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.25%; height: 0; overflow: hidden; max-width: 100%; } .embed-container iframe, .embed-container object, .embed-container embed { position: absolute; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; } XX How to practise Nadi Shodana for chakra and energy balancing 4. Intuitive Experimentation Along with the qualities of each chakra mentioned above, fragrances, herbs, foods, and objects that correspond with a chakra’s color can also realign or unblock chakras. With a basic knowledge of these associations, we can integrate practical chakra healing into daily life. MORE LIKE THIS: Exploring Shamanic Healing: What to Expect How Can Dream Analysis Therapy Benefit Mental Health Psychedelic Integration: Honoring the Journey Beyond the Experience Since most of us aren’t attuned to visualizing or feeling energy, the best way to identify chakra imbalances or blockages is to look at the consistent or recurring aspects of our health that we would like to improve. For example, let’s say you experience feeling ungrounded, frequently stub your toes, and struggle with feeling at home in your body – symptoms indicative of an underactive or blocked root chakra. A healing plan for you might include walking barefoot in nature, eating root vegetables, using sandalwood or cedarwood incense or oils, meditating with a chunk of obsidian, or placing a small piece of garnet in your pocket. “In an energetic body with blockages, chakras can end up overactive or deficient. Various practices can assist with chakra realignment.” Essentially, the body’s wisdom combined with the mind’s creativity can provide limitless opportunities for self-awareness, healing, and growth. 5. Professional Chakra Healing Although we recommend using discernment when choosing healers, professional healers who truly see and understand the subtle body can identify energetic blockages, balance chakras, and give advice on realigning them in the future. RELATED: Tummo Breathing a Meditation: A Guide Kundalini Meditation: 4 Key Benefits and How to Practise It Yoga For Happiness: Compassion Yoga A gifted healer will be able to read your energy and may even be able to suggest how to best balance chakras through intuitive or visionary gifts. Professional chakra healing practices often consist of energy work (such as Reiki), but could also include massage, guided meditations, aromatherapy, or sound-based healing. Takeaway: Balancing Chakras Everything in life is a manifestation of energy, and the chakras serve to balance and direct our unique energetic flow. When we attune to our inner environment, we begin to understand how the health of each chakra plays a role in our personal strengths and weaknesses. Therefore, by learning how to unblock and balance chakras through practices and therapies, we become aware of how to heal integral aspects of our physical health, mental tendencies, and spiritual journey. Images: ArtNebula86, vetre happiness.com | The fine art of being: learn, practise, share Are you a happiness.com member? Sign up for free to enjoy: ■ our happiness magazine with practical life tips ■ sharing and supporting others in our happiness forum Herbalism | Healing crystals | Reflexology | Acupuncture Written by Rachel Markowitz Rachel recently found herself over a decade deep in a worldwide wander guided by what she feels to be true. She’s been facilitating classes and workshops on yoga, meditation, self-exploration, and alternative ways of living since 2012, mostly in Latin America and Asia. These days, she spends most of her time looking at, walking around, or singing to a sacred mountain in southern India. Read more of her words at her to those who wonder blog.

Journaling isn’t just for teenagers. As Arlo Laibowitz explains, jotting down your thoughts, plans and reflections helps with self-development and is scientifically-proven to prevent depression. Try these seven creative journaling ideas and discover the multiple benefits these techniques will bring to your life. Many of us have started writing a diary or journal at some points in our lives. And many of us have also stopped writing in them not that much later! Indeed, many famous artists, writers, entrepreneurs, inventors, and thinkers keep – or have kept – journals, and there are many different journaling techniques and ideas you can try. For many, it's a creative necessity and outlet. For some, it's a place for exploration, and yet for others, journaling is an art form in itself. In fact, journaling can be enriching and fulfilling on many levels. It can lead to insights, personal growth, and setting and achieving goals. Journals record our ideas, thoughts, feelings and reflections. In doing so, they create a through-line in our life; a place of refuge and reflection, that we can visit and revisit. Keeping a journal is a proven technique to develop personal growth Personally, I started journaling years ago, as part of the Morning Papers practice of The Artist’s Way. I've written notebooks full of journal entries related to personal growth, gratitude, creative development, project ideas, personal insecurities, blocked traumas, to-do-lists, goals, dreams and much more. Indeed, I've tried types of journaling for weeks or months at a time – and have also not journaled for weeks in between entries. Every time I come back to the practice and sustain it on a regular basis, I feel I can go deeper; explore things more explicitly, and in the process, experience a wonderful journey to my interior. “There are many journaling techniques and ideas you can try. For many, it's a creative necessity and outlet. For others, it's an art form in itself.” So, what are the benefits of journaling? What different journaling ideas and techniques can we employ? And how do we go about starting and – more importantly – sustaining a daily journaling habit? What are the benefits of journaling? Journaling has been identified as a so-called 'keystone habit' – a habit that is defining and catalyses more habits – in multiple studies. As Charles Duhig writes in The Power of Habit, these keystones are “small changes or habits that people introduce into their routines that unintentionally carry over into other aspects of their lives.” Furthermore, the benefits of journaling are emotional, cognitive, creative, and possibly even spiritual. Using creative journaling techniques helps us to: Clarify our thoughts and feelings, reducing internal conflict Release thoughts and emotions, by recognizing and tracking them Increase focus while deepening our learning and problem solving Boost stability and help us let go of the past. Resolve disagreements with others, by detaching ourselves from the conflict and reflecting on it Furthermore, studies show that specifically keeping a gratitude journal offers some added benefits. In fact, people that keep a gratitude journal have been shown to be happier, healthier, more balanced, and generally more optimistic. Furthermore, they are less self-centered, less susceptible to feelings of envy, more relaxed, and better in decision-making. Journaling Techniques: 6 Ideas to Try There are many different methods of journaling you can benefit from. Here are six creative journaling ideas to get you started. You can always try more than one technique at a time and discover what suits you best. 1. Ten Minute Routine An easy creative journaling technique to begin with is practising the Ten Minute routine. Before going to bed, ask yourself so-called “requests” – the things that you're trying to accomplish currently in life – and write them down. Then, in the morning, write down your answers and thoughts on these questions. This way of journaling is especially efficient to review and sharpen your to-do-list and life vision, as they become forged in your subconscious mind. 2. Stream of Consciousness Another tried and tested creative journaling idea is writing daily in a stream of consciousness. Note down any thought, memory, to-do-list, feeling, drawing, or whatever else pops up. Just let it flow as you write, without trying to censor or edit yourself. Keep going until everything in your 'stream of consciousness' is on the page. Start your day with journaling and a clearer mind 3. Morning Memories Another different journaling technique is writing 'morning memories daily'. Schedule your journaling session each morning, before you start your day. Use the same journal every day, sit in the same spot, and when you’re done writing, take time to reflect on what you've written and accomplished in that session. RELATED: Morning Meditation: The Secret To A Great Day 5 Reasons to Make Your Bed Every Day The 7 Steps to Take When Nothing Makes You Happy Anymore 4. Gratitude Journaling Probably the most researched journaling technique is the gratitude journal, as mentioned earlier. For maximum benefit, take 15 minutes per day, three to four times a week, to journal about what you're grateful for on that day. Be specific, choose depth of gratitude over breadth, and try to get personal (being thankful to people is more efficient than to things). Make a note of seeing good things as a gift, as well as savouring surprises and unexpected events. 5. Intensive journal A comprehensive method of journaling is using the intensive journal process. This copyrighted process, which can be learned in specialised workshops, enables the person journaling to get to know themselves on profound levels. The Intensive Journal Workbook is a large notebook filled with paper and divided into four dimensions of human experience: Life/Time, Dialogue, Depth and Meaning. Each of these aspects is divided into several subsections to work through in the path that the method prescribes. Some of these paragraphs are used to write about our memory of the events of our lives as well as dreams and images. Others are more geared towards stimulating insights and creative activity. 6. Ensō drawing There are various techniwues of journaling. We can choose a traditional way, with pen and paper, or write in an electronic journal, or even add art practices to our journaling, such as drawings or collages, or even specialised forms like ensō drawing. “People that keep a gratitude journal are happier, healthier, more balanced, and generally more optimistic.” Ensō originated in the Japanese Zen Buddhist tradition and these circles are considered sacred symbols that represent infinity and enlightenment, emptiness, balance and harmony. Made with one breath and one continuous movement of a brush or pen, the ensō represents the oneness of life and impermanence of the moment. Our vulnerabilities and strengths are all wrapped up in that circle. As drawing an ensō only takes a moment, you could incorporate this practice alongside one of the other journaling techniques listed. 7. Future Self Journaling Future self journaling is one of the newest journal techniques to gain attention. The practice essentially entails getting in touch with your inner self and manifesting the future you want. It works with employing a positive outlook, which helps you overcome creative blocks and navigate life in a more focused way. MORE LIKE THIS: How to Let Go of the Past: 9 Techniques to Try 7 Ways to Tap Into Your Intuition 31 Shadow Work Prompts For Your Psychological Journey Future self journaling involves focusing on your behavior and creating affirmations and strategies to make real changes to them to propel you to a better place. How to Journal Daily There are an endless list of things to journal about and sometimes it can be hard to sustain this healthy practice. Likewise, there are as many ways to initiate and maintain your journaling as there are different forms of journaling. Here are some ideas to keep you at it: A simple way to start journaling is by starting every day with writing down tasks and goals that you have for that day. Only write a few items, to make it easy to start and make progress. It's useful to mix personal and professional things. By keeping each journal entry short in the beginning, it's easy to do. At the end of each day, look back at what you've accomplished, what you've learned, what you want to explore further, and what you want to pursue the next day. Journaling techniques: start putting pen to paper Once you've developed a basic journaling practice, you can dig deeper and expand on it. Some commonly held beliefs and ‘best practices’ include: Writing about where you are in your life at this moment, and building on that in subsequent journal entries. Starting a dialogue with your inner child by writing in your non-dominant hand, and switching back to your dominant hand. For sustaining your gratitude practice, maintaining a daily list of things you appreciate. Starting a journal of self-portraits; draw, write, or collage who you are today, and learn to appreciate and develop yourself. Keeping a nature diary to connect with the natural world: record what you experience in looking at the sky, experiences and how you feel in different weather, or walks in nature. Maintaining a log of successes, starting with big ones that you remember, and then add them as they occur. This can be strengthening to go back to when you are feeling low. Keeping a playlist of your favourite songs. Write about the moods and memories they trigger. If there’s something you're struggling with or an event that’s disturbing you, write about it in the third person to create distance and perspective. Journal Techniques: Travels to Our Interior Journaling is a powerful habit that enables us to get a more in-depth and clearer understanding of the thoughts, feelings and issues we're working through. Whether we use journaling to accompany our meditation, forgiveness, or gratitude practices, or to work through emotional trauma or creative stumble blocks, a daily practice enables us to focus and develop further. Trying different creative journaling techniques and ideas has given me many benefits in life. I wish you the same journey as you explore your journaling practice. ● Images: Rawpixel.com, dekazigzag, Vergani Fotografia happiness.com | The fine art of being: learn, practise, share Are you a happiness.com member yet? Sign up for free now to enjoy: ■ our happiness magazine with practical life tips ■ share and support in our happiness forum Goal setting | Mindfulness | Burnout Written by Arlo Laibowitz Arlo is a filmmaker, artist, lecturer, and intermittent practitioner of metta meditation and morning yoga. When not dreaming about impossible projects and making them happen in the most impractical ways possible, he journals, listens to jazz, or cuddles with his better half.

Many of us have been touched by suicide and the loss of a loved one, family member or friend. Ahead of World Suicide Prevention Day (September 10), Calvin Holbrook has put together these eight powerful suicide prevention quotes to offer hope to anyone in need. It’s estimated that around 15 per cent of the adult population will experience depression at one point or another throughout life. And, accordingly to the World Health Organization, that means there are currently over 300 million people in the world currently living with depression. Whatever the cause, for some of these people, the emotional pain will become too much and they will consider suicide as an option of escape. In fact, around 800,000 people go through with suicide every year, and for each of those, there are around 25 times more suicide attempts. There are many factors alongside and including depression and mental illness that influence a person’s decision to go through with suicide: chronic ill health, guilt, trauma, substance abuse or loss, for example. The tragic thing is that many of those who consider suicide don’t really want to die; they just don’t know how to deal with the pain they’re experiencing. • JOIN US! In need of support? Sign-up free and join a community that cares • If you’ve ever been suicidal or know someone that has, you’ll know that without help, escaping that feeling of wanting to end it all is difficult. If you’re having difficulty opening up to others about your problems, sometimes searching for inspirational words online can offer some psychological comfort and help to get you through the day. We've put together these suicide prevention quotes to give anyone who is considering ending their life a chance to stop, reflect and reevaluate their situation. Inspirational quotes can’t take the pain away, but they may allow someone the chance to shift their perspective just enough to give them a little bit of hope and get through another day. Please feel free to share these powerful messages of hope. Suicide prevention quotes: 8 powerful sayings 1. “Soak up the views. Take in the bad weather and the good weather. You are not the storm.” Matt Haig Author Matt Haig – who lives with depression and has written widely on it – cleverly compares the ever-changing weather to our mental health. Haig himself came close to suicide aged 24 while living in Ibiza, so this suicide prevention quote is particularly poignant. What Haig is saying is that although depression comes and goes, it is not who we are and should not define us. In his best-selling book, Reasons to Stay Alive, he writes: “Understand, for instance, that having a sad thought, even having a continual succession of sad thoughts, is not the same as being a sad person.” His inspirational quote suggests that we should be mindful of our depressive thoughts and recognize that they can – and will – pass. 2. Suicide doesn’t end the chances of life getting worse, it eliminates the possibility of it ever getting any better. – Unknown Those who are deeply depressed and considering suicide usually have difficulty realizing that their life can get better. The aforementioned author Matt Haig is a great example: he was about to kill himself, but now has a successful career and a loving family. If you choose suicide, then you're eliminating future hope and the possibility of finding happiness and enjoyment. When the mind is so dark, it can be hard to see any possibility for future happiness, but it can – and often does – get better. Whether it’s through taking medication, counselling, exercise, eating well, getting into a routine, or setting goals, these steps will help you on your path. Know that it is possible to recover from feelings of depression, pain, and suicidal thoughts. 3. “Never, never, never give up.” Winston Churchill Some people with depression may have been fighting against the illness and/or suicidal tendencies for many months or years. Many of these people don’t actually want to stop living, but they cannot see a way through their despair. Indeed, the act of suicide is often associated with giving up on life. • CONNECT WITH OTHERS Sign-up to happiness.com to openly discuss and prevent suicide • This quote from the British Prime Minister – known for his strong resilience – is a signal to keep fighting. If you have depression and/or suicidal thoughts, you may be in so much pain that you don’t know how you’re going to survive, but if you can just push through each day, it gives hope that things can get better in the future. One day a time, or even one hour at a time. By never giving up you’re quietly building an inner strength and resilience that will fortify you. 4. “If you’re looking for a sign not to kill yourself, this is it.” – Unknown If you’re thinking about suicide and looking for a sign to stay alive, consider this quote your sign. Whether you realize it or not, you have the opportunity to make a positive difference in this world. Somebody out there can benefit from your unique talents and gifts. Sometimes all you may need to keep going is a simple sign letting you know that someone cares and wants you to keep living. This quote is your sign. 5. “The person who completes suicide, dies once. Those left behind die a thousand deaths, trying to relive those terrible moments and understand… why?” – Clark Sometimes people who commit suicide are not fully aware – or are in such a dark place – that they don’t consider that taking their own life will create a huge amount of pain for their loved-ones left behind. Imagine how you would feel if a person you care deeply about took their own life. It's difficult to recover from the death of a loved one, but it’s usually harder if the individual committed suicide. The act of suicide leaves people behind with unanswered questions and feelings of confusion and shame, as well as the guilt around being able to prevent the suicide. RELATED: How to Be Your Own Best Friend: 8 Ideas This suicide prevention quote is realistic because although a suicide may end an individual’s internal pain, the friends and family who loved the person will continue to suffer as a result of their loss. In fact, on average, every suicide leaves an estimated six or more "suicide survivors" — those who've lost someone they care about deeply and are left to struggle with their grief. Furthermore, people who've recently lost someone through suicide are themselves at an increased risk of thinking about, planning, or attempting suicide, further exacerbating the ripple effect of pain and suffering. 6. “If you want to show me that you really love me, don’t say that you would die for me, instead stay alive for me.” – Unknown This suicide prevention quote shows deep sentiment from a friend, family member or a partner in a close relationship. People who are feeling suicidal can often feel like they are a burden to their loved ones, which is not the case. This quote serves as a personal reminder from your loved ones that they would much prefer you to stay in their lives than to leave. If you really want to sacrifice your life, do it by living and contributing to make someone’s else’s life better – rather than eliminating your existence. “Inspirational quotes around suicide prevention can’t take the pain away, but they may allow you to shift your perspective just enough to give yourself a little bit of hope and to get through another day.” 7. “Place your hand over your heart, can you feel it? That is called purpose. You’re alive for a reason so don’t ever give up.” – Unknown Sometimes suicidal people want to die simply because they believe they have no reason to continue living. It may sound simple, but the fact that you’re alive and your heart is still beating and pumping blood around your body can be reason enough to keep living. Many depressed people are struggling because they're unhappy with life and work and cannot find a specific life purpose. MORE LIKE THIS: 7 Healing Grief Quotes to Soothe Your Soul But, in reality, you don’t need a purpose or reason for being alive. However, if you are alive, you still have the opportunity to do whatever you want in life. Although you may not have awakened to a specific life mission yet, while your heart is still beating you have time to explore what your life purpose could be and find happiness. 8. “When you feel like giving up, just remember the reason why you held on for so long.” – Unknown This is a powerful suicide prevention quote that challenges a person considering ending their life to stop and reconsider the reasons why they’ve continued to stay strong and fight up until now. Most people have powerful reasons – such as their children, family and loved ones – for fighting through their pain and anguish. This quote helps you to think about the parts of your life that hold significant meaning for you and that force you to push through the day and keep going – even when you don’t feel like it. So, whether you want to keep fighting to provide for your family, to be there for your partner or to find your purpose in the the world and make a difference, chances are you do have a reason to keep living. • Main image: shutterstock/Jannarong If you're in a dark place and considering suicide, please reach out to someone you know or through one of these global helplines. You can also discuss suicide, depression, anxiety and other challenges over in our forum on suicidal thoughts. happiness.com | The fine art of being: learn, practise, share Are you a happiness.com member? Join free now and: ■ enjoy our happiness magazine ■ share and support in our happiness forum Anxiety | Loneliness | Abuse | Male loneliness Written by Calvin Holbrook Calvin edits the happiness magazine, makes artwork and loves swimming, yoga, dancing to house/techno, and all things vintage! Find out more.

True happiness comes from within, but it takes work. The good thing is, all of us can learn how to develop it. From cultivating resilience to showing gratitude, Sonia Vadlamani explores five science-backed techniques that build lasting inner happiness and joy. For the longest time, I believed happiness to be something that came from outside – like getting a promotion at work, traveling to a dream destination with my partner, or purchasing something from my wishlist. And yes, indeed, these events do make me happy. But in reality I find I’m actually much happier on the days I have some quality “me time” to enjoy all my favourite leisure activities and connect with the people I love. This observation, coupled with research on happiness, helped me understand the simple and profound truth: happiness comes from within – happiness is an inside job. This holds true for most of us: while external events can definitely make us joyful, we also have inherent values and needs that we derive happiness from just the same. The best part? We don’t need to wait for external outcomes to feel content; we just need to learn how to tap into these sources of lasting happiness. Indeed, happiness is a choice, and science shows that true happiness comes from within, consistently and reliably, when we take small, intentional steps to achieve it, every single day. What does it mean to find happiness within? When we talk about finding inner happiness, we refer to what researchers in positive psychology call “internal happiness”, or a steady sense of well-being and contentment that stems from within and doesn’t rely on external circumstances. Unlike the fleeting happiness that we experience from external events like winning some money on the lottery or attending a concert, intrinsic happiness isn’t temporary, but rather a stable foundation for contentment and peace of mind. Where does happiness come from? Start the search within... In contrast, external happiness relies heavily on outside events, possessions and achievements. While these are undeniably necessary for life satisfaction, they only tend to boost our mood and improve happiness levels temporarily. In fact, a study of Stanford student-athletes living under immense pressure revealed that intrinsic factors like mindfulness, self-restraint, and self-esteem were stronger predictors of happiness than external factors such as playing time and scholarships. MORE LIKE THIS: How to Find Happiness: 11 Science-Backed Tips What is Happiness Exactly, Anyway? Discover the 10 Keys to Happier Living Another study by researchers Christopher P Niemiec et al. suggests that while the quest for external happiness alone can adversely impact well-being, focusing on intrinsic happiness benefits one’s psychological health, emphasizing the need for balance between external and internal forms of happiness. “Developing mindful awareness is key to finding happiness within yourself, as savoring the 'now' requires us to pay attention to events unfolding around you.” These findings highlight the need to develop traits that can help us find true happiness from within, enabling us to navigate life’s uncertainties better and build resilience. It’s also important to know that happiness can’t always stem entirely from within, especially for someone with a mental health condition like depression or anxiety, who may need to seek professional help for managing their condition and finding relief. How to Find Happiness Within Yourself The quest for finding happiness within yourself doesn’t mean ignoring external events and life milestones, but rather developing skills and practices that help maintain a sense of peace and inner contentment even through challenging times. So, here are five science-backed ways to help you learn how to find happiness within yourself. Incorporate them into your life one at a time to help build long-lasting joy and contentment. 1. Learn to live fully in the present A Harvard study that tracked the thoughts and moods of 2,250 participants found that humans spend nearly 47% of their waking hours thinking about something other than what they’re doing, and that this impacts happiness. Published in Science, this research corroborated a profound truth: the human capacity to capture joy depends largely on being present in the moment. Indeed, research suggests that ruminating over the past or worrying about the future can fuel negativity and reduce life satisfaction. On the other hand, immersing ourselves fully in the present – wholly engaging with the task at hand – regulates our nervous system and enables a flow state characterized by complete absorption. This can further help instill a sense of control, putting a stop to repetitive thoughts. Develop mindful awareness (and increased happiness) through breathwork Indeed, developing mindful awareness is key to building inner happiness, as savouring the “now” requires us to pay attention to the events unfolding around you. Simple mindfulness practices that can help improve your mood and elevate inner happiness levels include: focusing on your breathing. tuning into what you see, hear and feel at the moment, like eating, walking and doing daily chores. gently bringing your attention back to the present moment when it wanders (it will). setting time aside for mindfulness meditation. 2. Practice radical acceptance If being mindful pertains to developing awareness, acceptance is how we process and respond to this awareness, especially when faced with failure, loss or imperfections. Indeed, a comprehensive review of six correlated studies by researchers Daniel T Cordaro et al. suggests that inner contentment is a distinct positive emotion that is central to overall well-being and happiness. Embracing life as it is, therefore, is a crucial requirement for how happiness comes from within. This endeavor requires us to be aware of and accept the various emotions, imperfections, fears, and desires that make us all essentially human. MORE LIKE THIS: Happiness is a State of Mind: 8 Ways to Develop It Is Happiness Genetic? Here's What Science Says How Can Happiness Be Measured? Radical acceptance relies on practicing self-compassion, which means treating yourself with the same kindness you would show a good friend during a difficult time. It also involves understanding that errors and failure are a part of being human, not personal flaws. Here are some ways to practice radical awareness and self-compassion: Be kind to yourself. Evaluate your feelings with a gentle approach, not harsh self-judgment. When you notice a mistake or flaw, approach the emotions with kind observance and speak to yourself with genuine warmth. Remember that you’re not alone in your struggles – everyone faces challenge in their lives. Learn to forgive yourself for your mistakes and limitations. 3. Cultivate inner resilience Resilience, or the capacity to recover from difficult situations and adapt to life's challenges, is a key predictor for finding happiness within yourself. In fact, a study by researchers Steven M. Southwick et al. revealed that resilient individuals don’t encounter fewer challenges in life; they simply react to them differently. Therefore, your ability to adapt to adversities and overcome challenges can be the answer to how to find inner happiness and well-being. The first step toward developing resilience is reframing your perspective about life’s uncertainties and embracing the unknown. Resilient people look at difficulties as opportunities to learn, not threats to their happiness, and are adept at ‘lemonading’ – making the best of the situation at hand. “Individuals who understand that true happiness comes from within are also more resilient and more capable of bouncing back from life’s trials.” Adopting a growth mindset is another crucial aspect of resilience. Challenge yourself by stepping out of your comfort zone and attempting something that feels uncomfortable. Also, remember to celebrate small wins by tuning your mind to recognize and enjoy the smallest efforts and progress, instead of waiting to celebrate loftier milestones. 4. Develop a gratitude routine There’s more to gratitude than just saying thanks – emerging research suggests it’s a powerful practice that can help rewire our brains to weed out toxic emotions and significantly improve our happiness levels. How to find happiness from within? Keep a gratitude journal A study at University of California, Berkeley, involving 300 participants seeking mental health counseling revealed that the mental health benefits of gratitude practice can be experienced even when it's not communicated to others. While the benefits of gratitude – like improved inner happiness, reduced mental stress, and an optimistic outlook – take time to emerge, they create a positive snowball effect with consistent practice. To cultivate an attitude of gratitude, try these things daily: Write down three things you’re grateful for in your gratitude journal. Express gratitude to people you’re thankful for having in your life. Acknowledge moments of kindness and beauty throughout the day. Set time aside to practice gratitude meditation to truly appreciate all the things you’re thankful for. 5. Nurture meaningful connections While true happiness comes from within, we’re essentially social beings, and having close relationships is a fundamental need for a long, healthy life. Spending time with those you care for helps release happiness hormones, namely serotonin, dopamine and oxytocin. These are also released when you exercise, so in a way, spending quality time with your loved ones is almost as beneficial as getting a workout. To strengthen your relationships: Practice mindful listening and empathy. Really hear others out without judgment or bias. Trust your close friends and family enough to share your authentic self, and avoid the vulnerability hangover trap. Show up consistently, whether to celebrate their wins or be a shoulder to lean on during tough times. Connect over activities you collectively enjoy, like hiking, volunteering, or joining a book club. Where does happiness come from? Friends are a key source Inner Happiness: Clear Health Benefits The happiness derived from savoring life’s small joys is also associated with several other positive outcomes considered the “hallmarks of a happy person”, such as long-lasting relationships, more successful careers, and better health. Individuals who understand that true happiness comes from within are also more capable of bouncing back from life’s trials and uncertainties with better stress-management and decision-making abilities. In essence, the ability to tap into inner happiness helps us experience more positive emotions and achieve more favorable outcomes in terms of success and improved life satisfaction. Takeaway: Happiness Comes From Within Happiness is a journey, and while the path to inner happiness isn’t easy, it is accessible to everyone. As demonstrated by the ample research above, everyone has the ingredients necessary to cultivate lasting joy within ourselves – the practices discussed here simply help you uncover and nurture the happiness that already exists within you. Indeed, in a world that constantly tells us happiness is bound to result from the next purchase or milestone, finding happiness within yourself is a practical and responsible step towards ensuring your well-being. ● Images: feodorina, Peopleimages.com - Yuri A, Oksana Klymenko, Jacob Lund happiness.com | The fine art of being: learn, practise, share Are you a happiness.com member yet? Sign up for free now to enjoy: ■ our happiness magazine with practical life tips ■ share and support in our happiness forum Self care | Empathy | Letting go | Acceptance Written by Sonia Vadlamani Fitness and healthy food blogger, food photographer and stylist, travel-addict and future-self journaler. Sonia loves to write and has resolved to dedicate her life to revealing how easy and important it is to be happier, stronger and fitter each day. Follow her daily pursuits at FitFoodieDiary or on Instagram.

Are chakras real? While not tangible, the importance of chakras within multiple traditions suggests they are. Rachel Markowitz explains the meaning, locations and colors of the seven main chakras, plus the mantras and yoga asanas that activate these unique energy centres. I was introduced to chakras during a yoga teaching training class when a teacher instructed me to chant “ham” repeatedly while inverted in a shoulder stand. This, the instructor said, would open my throat chakra, which was linked to my insecurities, and radically improve my life. At the time, this seemed odd; I didn’t know what a throat chakra was, why it might be closed, how opening it would be helpful, or how chanting upside-down might facilitate this! However, I can now admit that, as a yoga instructor myself, I’ve suggested similar practices to students for a multitude of reasons. Since chakras are not part of the physical body, they often remain a mystery. However, a basic understanding of energetic anatomy is a powerful tool for harmonizing body, mind, and spirit. Let's explore the chakra system together and discover some tips to help ensure your energy flows freely. What are Chakras? Chakras are moving centers of concentrated energy located in the subtle (energetic) body. In Sanskrit, chakra translates to wheel, which serves as an appropriate visual representation of these spinning energy disks. Chakras were first mentioned in the Vedas thousands of years ago – a series of texts that form the basis of Indian philosophy, all branches of yoga, and Ayurvedic medicine – and were later described in the Upanishads, Yoga Sutras, and Tantric texts. There are numerous systems for identifying and classifying these energetic vortexes, and most traditions suggest that we have over 100 chakras throughout the subtle body. It' possible to work on activating chakras during yoga However, according to most modern-day yoga teachings, seven chakras are particularly significant. These major chakras are located along our main energetic channel, Sushumna Nadi, ascending from the base of the spine to slightly above the crown of the head. Chakras govern certain aspects of our physical body, mind, and spiritual path. Each of the seven main chakras corresponds to a color and is depicted by a lotus flower with specific geometrical and symbolic qualities. Each chakra also has a corresponding bija, or seed, mantra. Furthermore, the first five chakras are linked to an element (the last two chakras relate to existence beyond the elements). In an ideal state of being, all chakras are open and aligned. Other healthy-chakra descriptions include “activated,” “balanced,” or “unblocked.”) Why Learn About Chakras? Understanding each chakra and its role in our composition can help us see patterns in our overall well-being, identify and heal imbalances and chakra blockages, and strengthen the body, mind, and aura. RELATED: Yoga For Happiness: Gratitude Yoga Kundalini Meditation: 4 Key Benefits and How to Practise It Fasting and Autophagy: Ancient Wisdom Chakras also offer a unique perspective on the connection between our internal and external worlds. Used as an energy healing therapy, we can work to clear and balance energy in the entire body or focus on each chakra individually. Either way, when we take the time to ensure that prana (AKA chi or ki) or life-force energy, is moving without constrictions or resistance in the energetic body, we encourage optimal health – from the inside out. Exploring the Major Chakras The seven main energy centers are divided into three lower chakras, which relate to the Earth and the individual self, and three higher chakras, which connect us to the universe and spirit. The higher and lower chakras come together at the heart chakra, located in the center of the chest, at the level of our anatomical heart. “Chakras govern certain aspects of our physical body, mind, and spiritual path. Each of the seven main chakras corresponds to a color and is depicted by a lotus flower with specific geometrical and symbolic qualities.” Below is a description of each of the seven major chakras, including location, associations, symbol, color, and mantra – along with a short list of suggested yoga practices that promote chakra health. For strengthening, unblocking, or healing an ailment related to a certain chakra, you can visualize a light at its location, focus on its symbol, chant its mantra, incorporate its color in your daily life, or practice the postures or breathing techniques listed in each section. The 7 main chakras, colors and locations within the human body 1. Root (Muladhara) Chakra The root chakra governs the health of the lower body, from the feet to the hips. In life, it’s connected to basic survival, primal instincts, and foundational physical and material needs. Location: Base of the spine; pelvic floor Color and Symbol: Red lotus flower with four petals Element: Earth Mantra: Lam. Recommended Yoga Practices: Warrior poses, lunges, balancing postures, seated positions 2. Sacral (Svadisthana) Chakra In the physical body, the sacral chakra energetically controls our hips, sexual organs, and reproductive health. It’s also connected to desire, emotional stability, sexuality, pleasure, and anything we create. Location: Below the navel Color and Symbol: Orange lotus flower with six petals Element: Water Mantra: Vam. Recommended Yoga Practices: Happy Baby pose, Goddess pose, hip openers 3. Solar Plexus (Manipura) Chakra The solar plexus chakra is related to the core of our body and our digestive system. Mentally and emotionally, this chakra governs strength, confidence, willpower, ego, and the way we assimilate or “digest” information. It’s strongly linked to the concept of tapas in yoga, our inner fire. Location: Center of the body; near the abdomen and below the ribcage Color and Symbol: Yellow lotus flower with 10 petals Element: Fire Mantra: Ram. Recommended Yoga Practices: Boat pose, twists, Breath of Fire 4. Heart (Anahata) Chakra As mentioned earlier, Anahata chakra is the place where the upper and lower chakras join together at the heart center. In our bodies, this chakra governs the area around the chest, anatomical heart, and lungs. In our lives, the heart chakra is related to love (of self and others), relationships, trust, and compassion. Location: Center of the chest at heart level Color and Symbol: Green lotus flower with 12 petals Element: Air Mantra: Yam Recommended Yoga Practices: Camel pose, Bow pose, Puppy pose 5. Throat (Vishuddha) Chakra The throat chakra governs the throat and neck area, as well as the thyroid gland, and is linked to our sense of speech, creativity, and ability to communicate authentically. Vishuddha chakra is also significant as our center of energetic purification. Location: Throat Color and Symbol: Blue lotus flower with 16 petals Element: Ether (Space) Mantra: Ham. Recommended Yoga Practices: Shoulder Stand, Fish pose, Lion’s Breath, chanting 6. Third Eye (Ajna) The third eye center is closely linked to our pineal gland, nervous system, and sense of intuition and perception. Thus, we often look to ajna chakra for relaxation and visions during spiritual practice. Location: Center of the brain; between the eyebrows Color and Symbol: Violet or indigo lotus flower with two petals Mantra: Om Recommended Yoga Practices: Child’s pose, meditation, Shambhavi Mudra (directing gaze at the third eye) 7. Crown (Sahasrara) The crown chakra connects the individual self to the greater Self. It’s related to cosmic consciousness, self-awareness, and the interconnectedness of all that is. Location: Slightly above the crown of the head Color and Symbol: White, Light, or Violet thousand-petal lotus flower Mantra: Aum (or silent aum) Recommended Yoga Practices: Headstand, Savasana, meditation Are Chakras Real? Chakras are not physical or tangible, but that doesn’t make them less real than other aspects of our physical, mental, emotional, or energetic existence. MORE LIKE THIS: 14 Different Types of Reiki: Which is Best For Me? Understanding the Different Types of Karma Reiki: Principles, Benefits, and Costs One indicator of the validity of the concept of chakras is their appearance throughout various traditions and time. In addition to the yogic systems of chakras, Buddhist, Jain, and other healing modalities also visualize and work with chakras (or similar locations of concentrated energy, such as meridians/Dan Tien in Chinese medicine) as points of focus for meditation and healing. Chakras can be used as focal points during meditation Although science has yet to prove the existence of chakras, research is on the way to doing so. Recent technology is now able to measure the electromagnetic radiance of auras and the energetic body, indicating that our energetic presence, particularly energy emanating from the heart, extends far beyond our physical bodies. “Chakras are not physical or tangible, but that doesn’t make them less real than other aspects of our physical, mental, emotional, or energetic existence.” That being said, the purpose of this article is not to convince you that chakras are real, but rather to serve as an introduction to those who would like to explore deeper aspects of self-awareness. Yoga is a science of getting to know your true self through experimentation and introspection. So, for those of you questioning the nuances of your subtle body and the reality of the chakra system, I urge you to experiment with the basic visualization techniques and contemplation methods indicated above. Takeaway: Yoga Chakras, Colors and Locations According to the science of yoga, chakras are powerful vortexes of moving energy located along our major energetic channel, that govern different aspects of our physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual health. By understanding the role of the major chakras in our bodies and lives, we can begin to identify and balance each aspect of our energetic composition to embark on the path of holistic healing and well-being. ● Images: shutterstock/May_Chanikran, shutterstock/E.Va, shutterstock/New Africa happiness.com | The fine art of being: learn, practise, share Are you a happiness.com member? Sign up for free to enjoy: ■ our happiness magazine with practical life tips ■ sharing and supporting others in our happiness forum Authenticity | Empathy | Resilience | Self care | Reiki Written by Rachel Markowitz Rachel recently found herself over a decade deep in a worldwide wander guided by what she feels to be true. She’s been facilitating classes and workshops on yoga, meditation, self-exploration, and alternative ways of living since 2012, mostly in Latin America and Asia. These days, she spends most of her time looking at, walking around, or singing to a sacred mountain in southern India. Read more of her words at her to those who wonder blog.

Peyote (lophophora williamsii) is a small, round cactus well known for its psychedelic effects. But what are the benefits and risk of this mescaline-containing cactus, and is it legal to consume? Rhianna Quanstrom explores the power, potential and drawbacks of peyote. Peyote is a small, round, spineless cactus famously known for its psychedelic effects. It is native to parts of Mexico and the southwestern United States. While it is commonly referred to as a hallucinogen and even a drug, peyote is a sacred ceremonial plant for the Indigenous peoples of North America. To them, it is not a recreational drug, but a living spirit who opens them to communion with the Divine. Given its cultural complexity, let's explore its origins, benefits, risks, and what to expect if you decide to journey with peyote. Origins of Peyote Peyote (lophophora williamsii) is a native cactus of the desert, with most species growing in Northern Mexico from Chihuahua to Nuevo León and south to San Luis Potosí. In the United States, it grows in a limited range in southwestern Texas. Despite its geographic range, peyote is used as a sacred ceremonial plant by Indigenous tribes throughout Mexico, the United States, and Canada. It is one of the oldest known hallucinogens, and its use dates back to prehistoric times. The people of Mesoamerica have been using peyote for more than 5,000 years. Sacred cactus: flowering peyote Peyote has a rich history filled with myth and spiritual symbolism that is still honored today. It’s believed that a sacred blue deer led the people to the peyote medicine. Traditionally, harvesting peyote is referred to as “the hunt,” and the first peyote cactus found is shot with an arrow. Because of this symbolism, peyote is strongly associated with deer, and hoof rattles and antlers are common aspects of a peyote ceremony. RELATED: What is Huachuma, the San Pedro Cactus? Iboga and Ibogaine: Psychedelic Healing For Addiction What Is Shamanism and What Does a Shaman Do? Historically, it was used by the Aztecs and Mayans, and is currently used in rituals and ceremonies by the Tarahumara, Tepehuán, and Huichol peoples of Mexico. In the United States, it is most commonly used by the Navajo and Comanche peoples. That said, it is also a significant part of the Native American Church (NAC), which uses peyote for religious purposes. Peyote is protected under the American Indian Religious Freedom Act, so it is legal for Indigenous peoples and members of the NAC to use peyote. Outside of those limitations, peyote (and its active constituent mescaline) is a Schedule I drug according to the DEA. As such, it is illegal for non-Indigenous people in the United States to use peyote. How Do You Take Peyote? Peyote is traditionally harvested and eaten fresh or dried and brewed as a tea. When dried, it is ground down into a powder before steeping. Some people also microdose it. Peyote contains more than 60 hallucinogenic alkaloids of the phenylethylamine family, including the active constituent mescaline. According to the study Hallucinogenic drugs in pre-Columbian Mesoamerican cultures, “Mescaline is found within mescal buttons [peyote] at concentrations ranging from 1% to 6% and the minimum hallucinogenic dose is between 0.3 and 0.5g, equivalent to 5g of dried peyote. The typical dose is 4-12 buttons that are extracted from the main stem and cut into slices.” “Peyote is a small, round, spineless cactus famously known for its psychedelic effects. It is native to parts of Mexico and the southwestern United States.” Because of the limited studies available on peyote, it is not fully understood how it affects the body, especially when taken as the whole plant rather than an isolated compound. However, studies do show that the active constituent mescaline affects the body by interacting with the 5-HT2A receptors in the brain. According to Medical News Today, these receptors are involved in how the body uses serotonin. Because other hallucinogens (LSD and psilocybin, for example) also target those receptors, it is likely that they are responsible for the psychedelic experience. How Long Does Peyote Last? After ingestion, it can take about 30 minutes to an hour before peyote starts to take effect and can last up to 12 hours. How peyote affects an individual depends on many factors, including how much they consumed, how they ingested it, their constitution, whether other substances were ingested (such as tobacco), and what they ate beforehand. What to Expect When Taking Peyote While every psychedelic experience is unique, there is the possibility of hallucinations and seeing visions, both inwardly and outwardly. Many journeyers report colorful kaleidoscopic visions; altered perceptions of reality, including time and space; as well as sensations of weightlessness. While hallucinations and visions are common, they are not guaranteed, as it depends on the dose and that individual's unique experience. For example, author Tash Doherty, who took peyote in the Mexican desert, claimed that her journey focused on her ancestral line and that she cried through most of the night. This is one of the realizations she came to during her experience: “I got a very strong sense that right now, each of us that is alive is the sharpest point in the spear. We are the pinnacle of the culmination of everything that our ancestors have lived through and experienced and survived before us, which is an astounding and incredible thing. And soon, we will no longer be the sharpest point in the spear. But we will have carried the energy forward, and we will have been grateful that we were able to live at all.” MORE LIKE THIS: Exploring Shamanic Healing: What to Expect Psychedelic Integration What is Ego Death? Meaning, Symptoms and Causes Similarly, another woman named Anna Heimkreiter, artist and editor of Where Wonder Waits, who took peyote in the Mexican wilderness, shared: “That time, a way stronger Peyote experience than the ones before, was when I truly understood what the medicine was trying to tell me. Underneath a sky full of stars that felt so close as if we could touch them, I felt my inner light as I never had before. "I started to comprehend that there was no darkness within me that I needed to fear. What I discovered underneath the worries of my mind was a soul full of joy. And it was that pure joy and light that streamed from my chest into every last corner of my body that night. The message had come home. I am light and I am here to share it with the world.” “Peyote is traditionally harvested and eaten fresh or dried and brewed as a tea. When dried, it is ground down into a powder before steeping.” Any psychedelic experience you have with the peyote cactus is likely to be powerful and potentially transformative. Because of this, it’s important to approach such experiences with respect, honor, and intention. Peyote (Lophophora williamsii) contains the active compound mescaline Not all psychedelic experiences are enjoyable, and there’s potential to have a “bad trip” on peyote. Like other hallucinogens, it will show you what you need to see — no matter how difficult that may be. Because of this, it’s essential to experience a medicine as powerful as this in a ceremonial way. It is best to be in a safe, well-held container with an experienced facilitator who can help guide and support you if your journey turns difficult. Risks of Peyote The most common side effects of peyote are nausea and vomiting. Additionally, it has also been reported to temporarily cause: Pupil dilation Excessive sweating High blood pressure Increased heart rate Trembling or shivering Headaches Chills Fever Muscle weakness Tension If you’re considering taking peyote, you should talk to your doctor beforehand, especially if you’re on medication, have high blood pressure, or have a history of heart problems. Because peyote is classified as an illegal substance in the United States, many reports incorrectly claim that peyote is unsafe. Some articles say that it can cause persistent psychosis or that people can become dependent on it. However, the National Library of Medicine states: “Most peyote intoxications appear to be mild in nature and are unlikely to produce life-threatening symptoms.” This report also stated that “no evidence of long-term psychological or cognitive problems related to peyote use among the Native American Church ceremonies, [and] peyote use in a religious context does not appear to be associated with hallucinogen persisting perception disorder (i.e., “flashbacks”), dependence, or addiction. “Any psychedelic experience you have with the peyote cactus is likely to be powerful and potentially transformative. Because of this, it’s important to approach such experiences with respect, honor, and intention.” Furthermore, recreational use of peyote is rare. A report found that only 1-2% of the non-Indigenous population in the United States has used peyote. Most peyote is consumed in a ceremonial setting, which helps prevent overdosing or extreme reactions. In addition, studies show that many people have positive experiences with peyote when it is held in a spiritual container. Benefits of Peyote Because of peyote’s psychedelic effects, there is potential for deep healing, insights, and spiritual awakening during a journey. Powerful plant medicines like peyote can completely transform someone's life for the better. Besides the spiritual benefits, studies show that mescaline – the active constituent of peyote – is useful for the treatment of: Depression Anxiety Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) Headaches Alcoholism A study by the National Library of Medicine reported that peyote has been used successfully in alleviating alcohol withdrawal symptoms and helps prevent alcohol relapse. Physically, peyote is commonly used by Indigenous peoples to support and treat: Pain during childbirth Toothaches Breast pain Rheumatism Skin diseases Diabetes Colds The legality of peyote depends on where you live in the world Is Peyote Legal? As mentioned above, peyote is illegal in the United States, except for religious use by Native Americans. Peyote is legal elsewhere in the world, but there may still be restrictions in place. Here are the countries where it is legal: Canada Czech Republic Germany Netherlands Peru Portugal Slovenia Sweden Thailand Ukraine United Kingdom Takeaway: Using the Peyote Cactus Peyote is a sacred plant medicine that has been used in ceremony for thousands of years. It is a culturally significant plant to the Indigenous peoples of Mexico and the United States, who use it for healing and communing with the Divine. While modern science is beginning to uncover its therapeutic potential, the ancient peoples of Mesoamerica and modern Indigenous tribes know how truly valuable and healing peyote is. Whether it be spiritually or physically, this small and unassuming cactus has the potential to transform your life and shift your perception of reality. If you are curious about trying peyote, we recommend seeking out a ceremonial container so that the medicine can be used appropriately and respectfully. ● Images: shutterstock/Raul Luna, shutterstock/jiraporn Suhom, shutterstock/Gleti Written by Rhianna Quanstrom Rhianna Quanstrom is a freelance writer, herbalist, and spiritual seeker with a passion for nature-based healing and sacred wisdom. Her writing draws from years of experience with meditation, shamanic practices, plant medicine, dream work, and the reclamation of the Sacred Feminine. Discover more of her writing and poetry on her Mystic Love Substack.

Curious about cacao? Cacao ceremonies are grounded in intention and can benefit the mind, body, emotions, and spirit. Rhianna Quanstrom explores the power of ceremonial cacao and the history of this ancient practice. Gathered in a circle with a steaming cup of cacao, you enter a transformative experience. The cacao opens your heart and elevates your mind, helping you connect with those around you and to the light within. A cacao ceremony is grounded in intention, and with it come many benefits. Ceremonial cacao benefits all aspects of self, including the spiritual, physical, mental, and emotional. To better understand these benefits, let’s dive into what a cacao ceremony is, including its history, what cacao is, what you can expect during a ceremony, and how you can participate in one yourself. What is a Cacao Ceremony? A cacao ceremony is typically a communal gathering where people come together to receive the medicine of cacao. At its root, it is a spiritual experience that opens the heart and brings people together in harmony. Every cacao ceremony is unique, and traditional ceremonies can differ significantly from modern Western ceremonies. In both settings, there's usually a guide or shaman who leads the ceremony and directs the flow of activities. A cacao ceremony is not limited to a group setting and can be performed by individuals in their home. In essence, it's about receiving the medicine of cacao, which is ultimately a deeply personal experience. Cacao Ceremony History Cacao is deeply rooted in ancient (and modern) Mesoamerican cultures and history. Its use as a ceremonial plant dates back to the Aztecs and Mayans, who revered it as the “food of the gods.” They used cacao in spiritual ceremonies and rituals to unite the community and to honor important life initiations. For example, it was used in ceremonies for births, marriages, baptisms, and funerals. It was also used regularly by the temple leaders as an aid in communing with the Divine. Interestingly, it played an important role in sacrifices to the gods. Candles help create an intentional atmosphere during a cacao ceremony Cacao was sacred to these people and was woven into their culture, mythology, healing practices, and spiritual traditions. As such, their ceremonies held a more religious focus, with cacao serving as a vessel for honoring and communicating with their deities. In Western cultures today, cacao is not used in the same religious ways, though it remains a deeply spiritual experience when used with intention. Its history and cultural significance, however, should still be honored and respected. When participating in a cacao ceremony, it is respectful to acknowledge its origins and the people who have held this wisdom for centuries. As such, this wisdom helps us distinguish what ceremonial cacao is compared to modern chocolate. What is Ceremonial Cacao Exactly? Ceremonial cacao is quite different from the chocolate we know (and love!). Their differences lie in how they are processed and used. High-quality ceremonial cacao comes from native cacao plants in Central and South America. The beans are harvested from these native (and sometimes wild) plants before being minimally processed for consumption. “Ceremonial cacao benefits the mind, emotions, body, and spirit. Both the cacao itself and the community have been shown to improve one’s well-being.” The beans are first fermented and sun-dried, then sometimes lightly roasted before being stone-ground into a paste. This process retains cacao's natural compounds, which are highly beneficial for the body, making cacao a modern-day “superfood.” Furthermore, the cacao butter and solids are not separated in this phase, which is common for modern chocolate. The cacao paste is then simmered in hot water to make the thick beverage used for ceremonies. This drink doesn’t taste like a normal hot chocolate; it's much more bitter and earthy tasting. To enhance its flavor and potency, spices, natural sweeteners, and milk are sometimes added to the simmering cacao. For instance, a pinch of cayenne may be used to help “activate” cacao’s medicinal and spiritual properties. The cacao used in ceremonies is bitter and earthy tasting In contrast, modern chocolate is moderately to highly processed and is usually made from hybrid cacao varieties grown on large-scale monoculture farms. It's processed differently from ceremonial cacao and does not retain the same level of nutrients. Moreover, chocolate is enjoyed as a sweet treat, whereas ceremonial cacao is consumed with intention as a plant medicine supporting one’s spiritual, emotional, and physical well-being. What Happens During a Cacao Ceremony? As mentioned above, every cacao ceremony is slightly different depending on the guide and setting. Even so, you can expect an intentional atmosphere — perhaps with cushions on the ground, candles, incense, or crystals — whether outside or inside. Once the participants of the ceremony have settled, the facilitator opens the space with welcoming words. During this phase, there may be discussion about the history and traditional uses of cacao. Each participant may be invited to set an intention for the ceremony, either inwardly or aloud. After the space is set, the cacao is served. The participants are invited to sit with the energy of the beverage, hold it to their heart, and drink the warm, thick liquid slowly. MORE LIKE THIS: Exploring Shamanic Healing: What to Expect Psychedelic Integration What is Ego Death? Meaning, Symptoms and Causes Once the cacao is finished, the ceremony moves into other activities, and it's here that they can vary greatly. There is typically some sort of movement, such as dance or yoga, conscious breathwork, and meditation. There can also be sound healing (crystal singing bowls, gongs, etc.), group sharing, or creative expression through song, art, or writing. While the outward activities unfold, you may notice a shift occurring within. Cacao naturally increases blood flow and softly opens the heart. You may feel emotions stirring and an easeful receptiveness towards those around you. When the heart softens and opens, love flows more freely and gracefully, and this is the energy that surrounds the sacred cacao ceremony. The Benefits of a Ceremonial Cacao Benefits Along with the love that holds the group together, ceremonial cacao benefits the mind, emotions, body, and spirit. Both the cacao itself and the community have been shown to improve one’s well-being. 1. Physical Benefits Research by the National Library of Medicine confirms that cacao is rich in nutrients and antioxidants, which help prevent and combat oxidative stress. The numerous flavonoids (plant compounds) in cacao have also been shown to improve cardiovascular health, reduce cholesterol levels, regulate inflammation, and support metabolism. Furthermore, cacao contains theobromine, which is a gentle stimulant that increases blood flow. This is what contributes to the heart-opening experience in the cacao ceremony. 2. Mental Benefits The compound theobromine also increases blood flow and oxygenation to the mind, enhancing clarity, focus, and memory. Another study by the National Library of Medicine found that cocoa-rich products improved participants' moods while lowering depression and anxiety. In addition, the practices woven into a cacao ceremony, such as meditation, movement, and breathwork, support mental calm and elevate one’s mood and happiness. 3. Emotional Benefits Energetically, cacao softens and opens the heart. While studies show the physical effects of this, there are also the emotional/energetic effects. When one’s heart opens and softens, emotions can move more freely. Whatever is just beneath the surface can start to rise, which is why it’s normal for emotions to become heightened during a cacao ceremony. It is simply energy moving. “Ceremonial cacao benefits the mind, emotions, body, and spirit. Both the cacao itself and the community have been shown to improve one’s well-being.” Because of cacao’s mood-boosting properties and the energy of the group container, there are typically feelings of joy and happiness during the ceremony. However, there can also be grief, sadness, or anger that rises to the surface for release. In essence, a cacao ceremony creates a safe space for emotional expression, helping one feel lighter and clearer. 4. Spiritual Benefits With the support of the community and cacao’s physical, mental, and emotional effects, one’s energy begins to harmonize. This allows for a deeper connection to self and the light within. This is amplified with the guided meditation and intentional movement that most ceremonies include. When one’s heart and mind are open and receptive, inner wisdom can more easily reveal itself to our consciousness. As such, there is a high possibility for one to leave a cacao ceremony with clarity on their path forward, insight into their healing journey, or peace with the feeling of being at home within themselves. The community of ceremonies brings people together Can I Do My Own Cacao Ceremony? It's possible. One can lead a self-guided ceremony and experience the profound healing, clarity, and sacredness of cacao in the comfort of their own home. However, if you’ve never participated in a guided ceremony, we highly recommend starting with a group cacao ceremony. When people gather together with the same intention and focus, the energy — and the potential for healing and insight — is amplified. Plus, you'll have the experience of working with cacao with a guide before doing it on your own. RELATED: What is the Peyote Cactus and Is It Legal? Microdosing 101: A Modern Phenomenon Rooted in Ancient Times What is Huachuma, the San Pedro Cactus? If you’re interested in ceremonial cacao training, we recommend checking out local or online training. Ceremonial cacao training will equip you with the knowledge and confidence to lead a group and help others experience the transformational healing available in a cacao ceremony. Takeaway: Ceremonial Cacao A cacao ceremony is a powerful, unifying experience that is all about connection — connection to self, community, and the spirit of cacao. With its gentle, heart-opening effects, a cacao ceremony helps one deepen into the love within and to the love of those around them. Along with cacao’s superfood benefits, it's a sacred plant long revered by the people who tend it. It should be treated with respect, and its ancient history should be remembered and honored with each sip. More than just a beverage, cacao is a bridge that connects us to a tradition of seeking the light within and connecting with the harmony of love. Whether you join a group, create an at-home ritual, or begin ceremonial cacao training, you can experience the healing, clarity, and sense of purpose that working with cacao has to offer. ● Images: shutterstock/Jozef Klopaca, shutterstock/Jozef Klopaca, shutterstock/Jozef Klopaca happiness.com | The fine art of being: learn, practise, share Are you a happiness.com member yet? Sign up for free to: ■ enjoy our happiness magazine with practical life tips ■ share and support in our happiness forum Herbalism | CBD | Energy healing | Alternative medicine Written by Rhianna Quanstrom Rhianna Quanstrom is a freelance writer, herbalist, and spiritual seeker with a passion for nature-based healing and sacred wisdom. Her writing draws from years of experience with meditation, shamanic practices, plant medicine, dream work, and the reclamation of the Sacred Feminine. Discover more of her writing and poetry on her Mystic Love Substack.

A lack of self-awareness is a personality trait that negatively affects you and those around you. Dee Marques explains how to spot the signs of poor self-awareness – such as blaming others and failing to handle feedback – as well as offering tips on how to change this behaviour. What’s one thing that most people think they have, but few actually do? According to psychologist and best-selling author Tasha Eurich, it’s self-awareness. Her research has revealed that although 95% of people claim to be self-aware, only 10% to 15% actually are. And, in all honesty, when I look back over the past 15 years and compare the old me with the current me, the biggest difference I find is by far related to my level of self-awareness. In fact, becoming more self-aware has massively improved my quality of life, brought me emotional stability, and helped me feel strongly connected to life. But the truth is, nobody is born with self-awareness. Let's take a look at how to detect when we’re lacking in this crucial skill and what we can do to improve self-awareness. What does it mean to lack self-awareness? Psychologists say that there are two types of self-awareness: internal self-awareness refers to knowing your values, emotions, strengths, and blind spots. When we lack internal self-awareness, we’re out of tune with our emotions, motivations, and patterns. Then there’s external self-awareness, which is the ability to understand how others perceive us and the impact we make on them. If we lack external self-awareness, we’ll most likely have poor boundaries, and either be people-pleasers or find ourselves involved in interpersonal conflict more often than not. The good news is that like all other life skills, self-awareness can be developed. But first, let’s explore some of the tell-tale signs of poor self-awareness. Not listening to others is a sign of no self-awareness 10 signs someone has low self-awareness Due to the nature of poor self-awareness, it's usually hard for those that have it to even entertain the idea of it, let alone become fully conscious of it. Knowing these symptoms or signs is a useful place to become aware of your – or someone else's – possible lack of self-awareness. 1. They’re blind to their blind spots One of the clearest signs of having no self-awareness is a lack of personal reflection. People with a lack of self-awareness often move through life repeating the same mistakes – and blaming others for poor outcomes – because they’ve never examined the root of their actions or the role they played in keeping unhealthy patterns alive. And when someone isn’t aware of their blind spots, they’re creating barriers to their own growth. 2. They act first, regret later Impulsivity tends to be high when self-awareness is low, as people with no self-awareness are usually driven by temporary emotions, without considering long-term consequences or the bigger picture. “People with a lack of self-awareness often move through life repeating the same mistakes because they’ve never examined the root of their actions.” These individuals often live in reaction mode rather than in intention mode, which over time can create a cycle of impulsivity, frustration, and pattern repetition – as well as collateral damage. 3. They respond defensively to feedback While emotionally mature people see feedback as fuel for growth, emotionally unaware individuals feel threatened by it. Even constructive criticism feels uncomfortable for those people with a lack of self-awareness, and they will get defensive or change the subject. This is because lack of self-awareness usually goes hand-in-hand with a fragile self-concept, where feedback is seen as a judgement on personal worth and value. 4. They frequently blame others People with a lack of self-awareness often externalise blame. When things go wrong, they quickly find the cause in someone else’s incompetence or bad intentions. This mindset keeps people stuck in a victim narrative, which makes it difficult to access real empowerment. 5. They can’t read social cues Social interactions are filled with subtle signals that guide respectful communication, but those with no self-awareness often miss these cues. They may interrupt others, misread the mood or tone of the conversation, or fail to notice discomfort in others. In short, lack of self-awareness is a sign of underdeveloped social intelligence. 6. Constantly seeking the spotlight Poor self-awareness can show as steering every conversation back to oneself or undervaluing other people’s experiences and achievements. This reflects a need for validation as well as a disconnection from the deeper self, which makes people mistake external recognition for internal value. Those who lack self-awareness have controlling tendencies 7. They’re stuck in their comfort zone There’s no way around it: growth requires discomfort, and those unaware of their fears or unconscious patterns often prefer to stay safe and comfortable. Instead of seeking new learning opportunities, people with a lack of self-awareness stick to what they know and resist anything that challenges their self-concept and/or status. 8. They lack emotional regulation Emotional regulation is a skill built on self-awareness. Without it, people may lash out when stressed, overreact to small frustrations, or shut down when conflict appears. This lack of regulation is often tied to not recognising emotions and internal triggers early enough to address them and to respond to with intention. 9. They have controlling tendencies Controlling habits like micro-managing people or situations often disguise themselves as “helpfulness” or “efficiency,” but they reflect a lack of trust in one’s own and in other people’s abilities. “Even constructive criticism feels uncomfortable for those people with a lack of self-awareness, and they will get defensive or change the subject.” What’s more, low self-awareness makes it hard to recognise how this behaviour undermines other people’s autonomy, perpetuating the pattern and damaging relationships. 10. They frequently offend or upset others People who have a lack of self-awareness fail to distinguish honesty from bluntness. They may boast about being “brutally honest” or say they “tell it like it is”, but without considering timing, tone, or context, these unfiltered remarks create emotional distance and even resentment in others. Truth can be expressed with compassion – but only when we’re self aware. RELATED: How to Let Go of Resentment and Bitterness in 7 Steps Causes of low self-awareness Here are a few reasons why someone may have a lack of self-awareness – people that have little or no self-awareness may have been exposed to one or more of these causes: • Defence mechanisms Self-awareness brings us face-to face with some uncomfortable truths. To avoid the discomfort, some people may prefer to avoid the revelations that come with stronger self-awareness. • Privilege When people are shielded from adversity, they may never feel called to explore their inner world and to work on their internal self-awareness, as they assume “all is well and it will always be”. • Poor modelling We’re not born being self-aware, so if our upbringing or culture didn’t encourage reflection or introspection, we might grow up lacking in this respect. • Busy or disorganised lifestyle When daily life is stressful or chaotic, it’s easier to live on auto-pilot than to set time aside to reflect on our thoughts, emotions, and reactions. How to improve self-awareness Luckily, self-awareness is a like muscle that can be trained. Here are some great starting points: Find out where you are currently. Take the self-awareness test developed by Dr. Tasha Eurich. Try journaling techniques. Write about your thoughts, emotions, and reactions to events. Here are some prompts you could use: “What triggered me today?” “What could I have done differently?” “How did my actions today align (or not) with my values?”. You can also try shadow work journaling. Ask for feedback. Choose a friend or relative you trust and ask: “What’s one thing I do that you appreciate, and what’s one thing I do that sometimes rubs you the wrong way?” Go into these conversations to listen and to accept the responses, not to defend yourself. The next point is also essential if you do this. Work on your listening skills. Whenever you talk to someone, focus on active listening by giving them your full attention instead of disconnecting to mentally rehearse your reply or steering the conversation towards yourself. This may seem obvious, but research shows that less than 2% of the global population knows how to listen effectively. Deep listening is one step to becoming more self-aware Socialise from a place of curiosity. Ask open-ended questions about other people’s opinions, feelings, and experiences (“What was that like for you?” or “How did you come to that conclusion?”). After, reflect on what this teaches you, how it makes other people valuable, and where it challenges your own assumptions. Think before you act. Before letting unconscious mechanisms dictate your reactions, pause to unpack your thought process step-by-step. Ask yourself the following questions: “What did I actually see or hear – just the facts?” “How am I interpreting this, and why?” “What assumptions am I making about intent or outcome?” “What conclusions am I jumping to?” “What other explanations could there be?” “How will I respond?”. Dealing with someone with low self-awareness Since limited self-awareness is so common, you’re bound to have someone in your social or professional circle who isn’t self-aware. According to a Harvard Business Review survey of different workplaces, 99% of people interviewed said at least one of their colleagues showed lack of self-awareness. Although you can’t do the inner work for others, there are some things you can do to keep the interactions as harmonious as possible. MORE LIKE THIS How to Find Your Authentic Self: 8 Techniques 9 Tips For Constructive Criticism at Work How to Find Yourself Again: 10 Steps in Creating Clarity For example, to minimise defensiveness and encourage introspection, approach with curiosity and avoid direct judgment. Instead of saying “you’re so harsh”, ask open-ended questions like “what exactly would you like to transmit with this?”, “do you think there could be another way to express this?”, or “how would you like other people to think about you?”. Timing is important, so ideally you want to start this type of conversation once the person has shown some frustration at a situation or interaction where they’ve shown no self-awareness. Lastly, know your boundaries. If interacting with someone who has no self-awareness becomes draining, tell them, “I need a moment to process this”. A firm but polite boundary protects your energy while signalling the impact without blame. Takeaway: Self-awareness can be trained Self-awareness isn’t a gift — it’s a skill we can all develop by cultivating curiosity, courage, and compassion. Every intentional check-in and every honest reflection counts when it comes to improving our levels of internal and external self-awareness. And although it’s true that the work needed to develop better self-awareness can expose some uncomfortable truths about ourselves, the rewards are well worth it. As Dr. Eurich says, “developing self-awareness is linked to greater confidence, increased creativity, better decision-making, stronger relationships, and more effective communication.” So, if you live with a lack of self-awareness and you’d like to be more aligned with your truest self and enjoy more grounded living, start by knowing yourself at a deeper level, one day at the time. ● Images: shutterstock/mentalmind, shutterstock/Good Studio, shutterstock/fizkes happiness.com | The fine art of being: learn, practise, share Are you a happiness.com member yet? Sign up for free now to: ■ enjoy our happiness magazine with practical life tips ■ share and support others in our happiness forum Communication Skills | Positive Psychology | Self care | Kindness Written by Dee Marques A social sciences graduate with a keen interest in languages, communication, and personal development strategies. Dee loves exercising, being out in nature, and discovering warm and sunny places where she can escape the winter.

Healing your wounded inner child takes dedicated work and patience. So, how can you tell if you're succeeding? Psychologist Stanislava Puač J. explains the key signs that your inner child is healing, from choosing healthier relationships to responding instead of reacting. Healing the child within can feel elusive and vague at first. Even a little scary. Yet, as you move through the inner child work of listening to and caring for that younger Self, the signs your inner child is healed begin to emerge. It is rarely a dramatic overnight transformation – more of a rewiring behind the scenes. The inner tension starts to soften. Old triggers lose their grip. Bit by bit, you realize that inside of you, there’s now a healed inner child. So, how do you know if it’s working? And how long does it take to heal your inner child? Before we dive in, let’s pause to remember what healing the child within actually means and why it's important to embark on this journey. Healing the Child Within Healing your inner child involves reconnecting with the parts of yourself shaped by childhood experiences — especially painful or unmet emotional needs — and offering them the care they needed but didn’t receive. But why dig out past hurts in the first place? According to psychological research and practice, unhealed childhood wounds tend to cause extensive adversities in adult life, leading to issues such as abandonment trauma. They affect our mental well-being, relationships, and even physical health and longevity. There are many signs your inner child is being healed Luckily, as a recent study by Trivedi, et al published in The International Journal of Regression Therapy shows, an intervention aimed at healing your inner child, “effectively improves participants’ mental health [...]. Moreover, the data show that the positive effects tend to be more pronounced with a longer duration of the intervention”. Whether your inner child work involves therapy, journaling techniques, or using visualization and reparenting techniques, the path is rarely linear. But progress does leave footprints: here are some of the signs your inner child is healed. 9 Signs You’re Healing Your Inner Child A healed inner child doesn’t come to you with a memo saying: “Woohoo, everything’s perfect!” Nonetheless, if you have walked the path for a while, you will start noticing the signs your inner child is healed (or getting there). For me, it was when I realized I wasn’t entering a full panic mode when a man sitting next to me in public transportation started shouting (which would typically be a massive trigger). My healed inner child entered the stage as quietly as that. If you notice some of these signs your inner child is healed, take heart: change is unfolding. 1. You Respond Instead of Reacting Like my personal example above, specific triggers used to make you spiral into shame or lash out. Yet, now, you manage to pause before reacting. You recognize where the emotion comes from, accept it’s there, and choose how to respond. This is one of the most prominent sings your inner child is healed, because it means your childhood hurts no longer take over whenever you hit a bump on the road. 2. You No Longer Abandon Yourself to Keep Peace The moment you choose yourself over what others (or internalized others) expect you to be, everything changes. Carl Jung, the Swiss psychotherapist and psychologist, spoke about this. “Healing the child within can feel elusive at first. Yet, as you listen to and care for that younger Self, the signs your inner child is healed begin to emerge.” And a key marker of a healed inner child is precisely the ability to honour your needs and peculiarities. You are no longer willing to disappear just to keep the peace and avoid making waves. 3. You Feel Comfortable with Healthy Boundaries A natural continuation of the previous sign your inner child is healed is setting healthy boundaries. Your boundaries no longer resemble walls – nor are they non-existent. Nowadays, you have doors with locks you choose to open (or not). When you’re healing the child within, you begin to set boundaries from a place of self-respect. 4. You Can Self-Soothe Instead of Spiral Another vital sign your inner child is healed is when you stop spiralling into ruminating thoughts. Instead of incessantly asking yourself: “Did I do something wrong? Will they still like me if I say no?”, you now reach out for comforting behaviors, such as journaling, conscious breathing, music, and movement. You can now soothe your inner child from the position of a kind, attuned caregiver. A healed inner child will sooth instead of spiral 5. You Reclaim Joy and Playfulness When we live as adults with a hurt inner child, we tend to be overly adapted and efficient. In a sense, we’re a bit too adult. There’s little room for spontaneity. RELATED: What Playfulness Can Do For Your Relationship The moment you start letting yourself be silly and creative, you probably carry a healed inner child inside. Why? That freedom to play signals that the inner child feels safe enough to come out again. 6. You Sit Happily With Your Feelings Healing doesn’t mean you stop feeling sad or angry. But, unlike before, when you wouldn’t trust your emotions, you start acknowledging and validating them. You no longer feel the need to either suppress or dramatize your feelings to be taken seriously. 7. You Attract (or Choose) Healthier Relationships We tend to repeat the patterns from our family of origin. Unfortunately, if these were unhealthy, you have likely picked the wrong people to surround yourself with. Nonetheless, as you start healing your inner child, you begin to expect kindness and honesty from others. And you grow the capacity to give and receive healthy love. “The most profound sign your inner child is healed comes with a quiet sense of worth that doesn’t waver based on productivity, appearance, or approval.” What's more, a 2024 study by Loo Yee Hing from the International Grafinity Association of Malaysia revealed that such healing can be built upon further. A program aimed at healing the inner child among parents resulted in “transformation [that] was characterized by heightened self-awareness, improved emotional regulation, improved parenting skills and strategies, strengthened parent-child relationship that foster a suitable relationship”. 8. You Let Go of Harsh Self-Criticism Your inner critic’s voice has softened. Instead of cruel remarks about how incompetent you are when you make a mistake, you catch yourself offering self-compassion. That shift from punishment to patience and understanding signals your adult Self is making decisions about who and how worthy you are — and not the people who hurt you when you were a child. Dropping self-criticism: one sign your inner child is healing 9. You Know You’re Worthy – Even When You Struggle Finally, the most subtle yet profound sign your inner child is healed comes with a quiet sense of worth that doesn’t waver based on productivity, appearance, or approval. You now judge your worth and have integrity and an identity grounded in self-awareness and recognition of both your strengths and weaknesses. How Long Does It Take to Heal Your Inner Child? If you’re wondering how long it takes to heal your inner child, you’re not alone. It’s a common question, and a fair one. Unfortunately, you’re not going to receive a definite response. As with any self-development work, the road you need to travel before you live with a healed inner child varies. It is your personal path, and it's impossible to say what to expect in general. One friend told me he felt a massive improvement after only two therapy sessions. Most people begin to feel major shifts in a matter of months. Others walk this path for years. It all depends, among other factors, on: The severity of childhood trauma and adverse experiences you’re trying to heal Your current support system Consistency of your healing practices So, rather than aiming for a finish line, it’s more helpful to think in terms of layers. For example, you may heal the outer layer rather quickly, one that is tied to your self-confidence. And then, you might discover a deeper layer around trust or intimacy. Therefore, think about moving in an upward spiral, and peeling one layer after the other. Takeaway: Signs Your Inner Child is Healing Healing the child within is one of the most powerful journeys you can take. It’s as close as you can get to changing your past. No, wrongdoings won’t get undone. But you will transform how your past lives in you. And no, the transformation most likely won’t feel dramatic. Yet, you will wake up one morning, realizing that you have quietly become less anxious, kinder, and more in touch with the world and yourself; that you have shown up for yourself in ways no one else could. ● Images: shutterstock/Undry, shutterstock/dot.studio, shutterstock/Edge Creative happiness.com | The fine art of being: learn, practise, share Are you a happiness.com member? Sign up for free to enjoy: ■ our happiness magazine with practical life tips ■ sharing and supporting others in our happiness forum Confidence | Authenticity | Resilience Written by Stanislava Puač J. Stanislava Puač J. is a psychologist, life coach, and writer with over 15 years of experience exploring how our inner world shapes our interactions, health, and sense of self. Her work blends research, real-life practice, and a holistic view of well-being – spanning emotional regulation, communication, and mindfulness.

Being your authentic self can feel risky in our current screen-obsessed age, wherein we constantly strive to fit in. Sonia Vadlamani explains why it’s essential to let go of the fear of being judged in order to be yourself. Learn how to be authentic with these 8 techniques. Being authentic in this technology-dominated era can be challenging, especially when we’re constantly bombarded with messages of who we ‘ought to be’, what we ‘should’ desire and how we ‘must’ express ourselves. Consequently, many of us have at some point portrayed ourselves as who we think we are or want to be perceived as, rather than representing who we really are. The downside of portraying who we aren’t is that we’re telling ourselves that the real or true version of us isn’t worthy of being seen. This constant fear of being judged or rejected can chip away at our ability for authenticity. Luckily, there are techniques you can learn how to be more authentic, which we will explore later. Why is it Difficult to Overcome Inauthenticity? As children, most of us were taught by parents, teachers and other shaping forces like society and religion to ‘fit in’ or conform to a prescribed set of rules and practices. As a result, we ingrain beliefs, thoughts and emotions and exhibit behaviours which allow us to ‘blend in’ and be accepted, be it to form connections, find love or pursue success. This need to fit in and do as we’re taught is stimulated by our “Adaptive Self”, which primarily plays the role of helping us function and coexist in the society in a purposeful way. RELATED: Inner Child Work and Therapy: How to Heal Past Wounds However, in our constant struggle to carve our niche in the society as we balance our inner-selves and our outer aspects, sometimes we tend to suppress or hide our true selves. This can prevent us from activating our “Authentic Self” and living a meaningful life in tune with our values and purpose. Authentic Self Meaning “Authenticity is the daily practice of letting go of who we think we are supposed to be and embracing who we actually are,” states Brené Brown, research professor at University of Houston. Brown has spent decades studying shame, courage and vulnerability. Authenticity can mean different things to different people, but in general it refers to the ability to live by our values, speaking our truth with assertiveness, and developing the courage to allow our true selves to be seen. How to be authentic: embrace who you truly are Indeed, authenticity is a fundamental component of happiness. A study by Alex M Wood et al revealed that authenticity is an integral part of well-being. Being authentic can also improve self esteem as well as lower stress and anxiety. How to be Authentic: 8 Techniques Discovering our authentic self is essential for happiness and forming meaningful connections. Reclaiming authenticity involves identifying our core values, letting go of borrowed notions of perfection, and changing our perspective to see vulnerability as an act of courage, instead of something to be avoided. So, here are eight practical ways you can take steps to cultivate authenticity and learn how to be your authentic self more easily. 1. Identify your core values Creating a connection with our true nature is essential for finding our authentic self. Start by identifying some values that are fundamental for you: which values make you happy and which are the values you cannot absolutely compromise upon? Incorporating visualization meditation into your daily routine can help the process of value identification. RELATED: 7 Ways Spiritual Coaching Could Transform Your Life For example, some of my core values for a happy and meaningful life are honesty and openness in relationships, kindness and empathy for myself and others, gratitude for the gifts I have in my life, along with constant learning for growth. Indeed, your core values arise from your own expectations, needs and experience, and need not be the same as anyone else’s. “Authenticity refers to the ability to live by our values, speaking our truth with assertiveness, and developing the courage to allow our true selves to be seen.” Once you list your core values, break each one down into three actionable steps that will help you live these values better. Since I value honesty and openness in my relationships I try to practise mindfulness, deep listening, and forgiveness, so that I can live in closer alignment with my core values. 2. Start making conscious decisions Sometimes, we wade through the day in auto mode without even contemplating if our thoughts and actions resonate with our authentic selves. Try observing yourself keenly to learn more about how you react to challenges, what motivates you, the nature of your social interactions, etc. Notice which behaviours and settings evoke responses from your Adaptive Self, and which of these responses feel authentic to you. Once you’ve spotted the discrepancies between your actions and values, you can utilize this self-awareness to devise conscious statements and actions that resonate with your authentic self. 3. Devise and uphold your boundaries “To free us from the expectations of others, to give us back to ourselves — there lies the great, the singular power of self-respect,” as Joan Didion, the renowned American writer famously said. Cultivating authenticity requires us to give up the temptation to appease others and the need to behave in a way that makes us more likeable. Indeed, learning how to be authentic is not always easy when it comes to the practicalities; living fully by your principles may require difficult conversations, a potential job switch, or even ending a friendship. RELATED: 'Who Am I?' A Practical Guide to Self-Inquiry Radical Self Care: 8 Ways To Put Your Well-Being First, Unapologetically Uncomfortable Truths – How to Say 'No' However, by being honest about our boundaries, we’re indicating to our subconscious that it’s OK to not be perfect all the time, thus developing self-validation. Authenticity allows us to share our vulnerability with appropriate boundaries in place, ie, with people who share the same values, and those who you feel comfortable with. Cultivate authenticity by setting boundaries 4. Instill mindfulness If you're curious how to find happiness, mindfulness can help you find contentment in the small joys that each day brings, thus boosting your mood and overall joy levels. Additionally, being mindful allows you to observe and understand how you feel and react towards various stimuli in your environment. Keeping physical reminders of mindfulness quotes and practising mindful listening are some effective ways to improve self-awareness and slowly cultivate your authentic self. 5. Practise letting go In her bestseller book The Gifts of Imperfection, Dr. Brown reveals that letting go plays an essential role in cultivating your authentic self. While Brown’s research on shame and vulnerability largely reveal that most people allow their inhibitions to take over due to the fear of being emotionally exposed, she came across a group of outliers who reacted differently to such potentially uncertain situations. Dr Brown calls these outliers ‘the wholehearted’, and she named this way of living the ‘wholehearted living’. “Learning how to be authentic is not always easy; living fully by your principles may require difficult conversations, a job switch, or even ending a friendship.” According to her research, wholehearted living comprises of embracing imperfections and living life to one’s fullest potential, without letting the fear of other people’s opinions affect their beliefs and actions. Being your authentic self requires you to accept that what others think of you is none of your business, and cultivate the courage to let go of thought-patterns and limiting beliefs that no longer serve you. 6. Exercise compassion towards yourself and others Practising self-compassion allows us to be supportive, kind and accepting towards ourselves, in addition to boosting authenticity in relationships. That’s according to researcher Kristin Neff, who was the first to measure the construct for self-compassion. Furthermore, practising loving-kindness meditation can prove to be an effective tool for reinforcing feelings of connection and kindness with oneself and others, thus aiding the development of one’s authentic self. Practising compassion cultivates authenticity 7. Embrace vulnerability We often shirk away from being authentic due to the fear of being judged or getting distanced from people around us. Start by asking yourself what you are afraid may happen if you put yourself out there in a scenario that makes you feel vulnerable. Next, proceed to imagine what would happen if you avoided expressing your feelings or needs or asking for that raise that you think you undoubtedly deserve. Could the inability to share or express yourself potentially result in depression or self-sabotage? Thereupon, remind yourself why it’s important for you to live your authentic self by overcoming the vulnerability hangover. Further, you can formulate a rational approach or well-devised plan for expressing your feelings and needs, in a way that is in sync with your authentic self. 8. Set goals for constant learning Staying curious, developing a growth mindset, and being open to self-improvement through ongoing learning can help you attain your authentic self at a sustained pace. Your goals should not just be related to the pursuit of wealth and success – research shows that non-materialistic life goals lead to happiness more than materialistic goals. An objective as simple as integrating awe into your life can inspire you to learn new things about yourself and life around you. The Takeaway: How To Be Authentic While we are conditioned from an early age to suppress or hide our authentic self, authenticity is essential for building a life that brings us meaning and joy. Examining our true self to develop authenticity can be a long and cumbersome process, but the rewards in terms of greater life satisfaction and improved relationships make it worth the effort. ● Images: shutterstock/ESB Basic, shutterstock/imtmphoto, shutterstock/GoodStudio Looking how to find your authentic self? Try the 8 techniques above and let us know in the comments below how it goes or if you have any other suggestions. happiness.com | The fine art of being: learn, practise, share Are you a happiness.com member? Sign up for free now to enjoy: ■ our happiness magazine with practical life tips ■ share and support others in our happiness forum Moral Courage | Mediation | Coaching Written by Sonia Vadlamani Fitness and healthy food blogger, food photographer and stylist, travel-addict and future self journaler. Sonia loves to write and has resolved to dedicate her life to revealing how easy and important it is to be happier, stronger and fitter each day. Follow her daily pursuits at FitFoodieDiary or on Instagram.

Failure to self-validate can lead to problems such as impulsive behaviour and the inability to manage emotional responses. Psychologist Stanislava Puač J. explores why many of us fail at it and explains how to validate yourself successfully in 5 steps. Most of us are great at validating others. We acknowledge their emotions, recognize effort and success, and support individualism and self-expression. However, the majority of us are equally lousy at self-validation. We all get angry, disappointed, sad, jealous, scared, demotivated. Ideally, one would accept and be able to regulate these emotions. Instead, many people immediately think: “I shouldn’t feel this way. I’m being ridiculous!” As a result, coping with different experiences becomes exceptionally challenging. Reactions seem to be out of control. If you struggle with similar issues, you probably haven’t mastered the art of self-validation. The ability – or inability – to validate ourselves intertwines with much of what we go through in life. In this article, we'll give you five ways to develop self-validation, so you can get to grips with this essential skill. Why self-validation is essential In simple terms, self-validation is accepting your own internal experience: your thoughts and feelings. Validation and self-validation are widely acknowledged problems in psychology, philosophy , and sociology. The roots of the problem of self-validation lie in the vital human need to be recognized and supported. According to Iser’s work in The Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy, recognition has critical psychological importance. Others’ feedback is essential for one’s practical identity to form. We could also touch upon Hegel’s concept of ‘struggle for recognition’. In its simplest, it points us towards understanding the source of our need to be validated. When we are misrecognized by others, our relationship with ourselves is hindered, or even destroyed. Self-validation means accepting your thoughts and feelings Such strength of humans’ need to be validated by others led many thinkers to voice the significance of self-validation. Rare is a psychologist or a philosopher that would dispute the ultimate value of autonomy and authenticity. The independence that comes with the capacity to be one’s own judge could be expressed with a quote by Fromm: “Obedience to my own reason or conviction (autonomous obedience) is not an act of submission but one of affirmation. My conviction and my judgment, if authentically mine, are part of me. If I follow them rather than the judgment of others, I am being myself.” - Erich Fromm, On Disobedience. What happens if I lack self-validation skills? In slightly more practical terms, the inability to self-validate can lead to a range of adverse outcomes: negating your thoughts and emotions can lead to a paradoxical effect in which you become even more affected by them, as research has demonstrated. When you deny and suppress your inner experiences, you lose control over them. You could think of it as an instruction to not think about a pink elephant. Your cognition still rests on the negated content. You could face many adversities in your personal and professional life because a lack of self-validation can cause impulsive behaviour and emotional dysregulation. You could be more prone to risky behaviours, addictions, eating disorders, to name a few. “Although the potential outcomes of a lack of self-validation sound rather bleak, you should not feel discouraged. That's because learning how to validate yourself is a skill that can be developed.” Your interpersonal skills could also suffer, leading to a range of other problems in your career or relationships. Your love life and friendships could be chaotic, codependent, and intensely challenging for everyone involved. Finally, you might be vulnerable to depression, suicidal thoughts, anxiety, PTSD, and other emotional disturbances. When you cannot validate yourself, you are driven to maladaptive coping. This, however, eventually leads you far away from well-being and mental health. Why do we have a hard time to self-validate? There is no definitive response to the question above. If you don't know how to validate yourself, a few things could have happened: i) Attachment styles If the inborn need to be safe, cared for, and recognized was unfulfilled, we might have become unable to self-validate. For example, you might have developed an anxious attachment style. How your parents interacted with you as a child serves as a blueprint for your adult relationships. MORE LIKE THIS: Inner Child Work and Therapy: How to Heal Past Wounds Radical Self Care: 8 Ways to Put Your Well-Being First, Unapologetically How to Stop Beating Yourself Up: 7 Techniques That Work You might not have learned to be self-sufficient and recognize your worth. As children, we need adequate support from our caregivers to develop a sense of security about our emotions, decisions and actions. Research reveals that people with an anxious attachment style have a strong need for social approval. In other words, they need others to validate them. ii) Modelling Another option was that your caregivers did not make it possible for you to mimic self-validation. When we are children, we acquire many traits and habits by modelling. If your primary attachment figure invalidated themselves, you probably learned to do the same. Research shows that emotional and behavioural self-validation and self-regulation are skills that are transferred from parent to child. iii) Adult trauma You might also have started doubting yourself due to a traumatic experience at any point in your life. Both anecdotal reports and scientific studies confirm that being a victim of abuse, for example, could make you doubt your self-efficacy and self-worth. Most importantly, your readiness to accept, experience and address your emotions could have been disturbed. When one is in an abusive relationship, for example, they gradually lose their sovereignty. Self-validation becomes a distant memory. How to Self-Validate: 5 Steps Although the potential outcomes of a lack of self-validation sound rather bleak, you should not feel discouraged: That's because learning how to validate yourself is a skill that can be developed. Even if your early experience geared you towards invalidating yourself, you now have the opportunity to change that. Try these 5 techniques to develop self-validation. 1. Practise mindfulness Mindfulness and self-validation go hand in hand. You cannot validate what you don’t recognize. You need to develop a non-judgmental awareness of your experiences, as they happen and when they happen, to validate them. Being present is the first level of validation. This means acknowledging your inner experience without avoidance or distraction. Mindfulness will help you regain grasp over your emotions and build up strength to cope with them. It's possible to develop self-validation skills Evidence from fMRI studies supports this argument. Individuals who were grieving a loss of a loved one were taught mindfulness techniques for eight weeks. When they were tested afterwards, their scores revealed a significantly better ability to regulate emotions. They also had fewer symptoms of depression, anxiety and grief. fMRI suggested that the participants learned to gain cognitive control over their feelings. They were no longer overwhelmed by them. 2. Be brutally honest with yourself Being imperfect stings, we know. Indeed, accepting imperfection is difficult for most people, especially so if they were taught that being great at something equals being worthy. If your parents and social environment were too demanding, it might have resulted in unhealthy perfectionism. Such a form of perfectionism has adverse effects on mental health, as confirmed in empirical research. If your sense of self-worth is equated to being flawless, you might have a tough time even noticing (let alone accepting) your blemishes. Nonetheless, when you want to learn the art of self-validation, you need to be brutally frank with yourself. MORE LIKE THIS: Perfectionism and Anxiety: 7 Ways to Cope I Feel Unheard: Why Does Nobody Listen To Me? How to Find Your Authentic Self: 8 Techniques Notice the emotions and thoughts you don’t feel proud of. Admit to yourself your shortcomings. Own up to your genuine reactions and experiences. Yes, there will be many unpleasant facts. It’s alright – no one is watching! 3. Develop your emotional intelligence Although there are a few relevant emotional intelligence (EI) models, psychologist Daniel Goleman’s work is among the most popular. He proposes that EI consists of five constructs: self-awareness, self-regulation, social skill (being able to get along with others), empathy, and motivation. You can notice how EI is necessary for your ability to self-validate. With EI comes the ability to reflect on your experiences and emotions. Luckily, EI is a skill that can be learned. Therefore, learning how to validate yourself means you must also start developing your EI. “Mindfulness and self-validation go hand in hand. You cannot validate what you don’t recognize. You need to develop a non-judgmental awareness of your experiences, as they happen and when they happen.” When you can accurately name what you're feeling, you can then start to acknowledge and accept your emotional response. As a result, you will build healthy relationships with others without needing their recognition to feel good or motivated. You will build emotional autonomy. 4. Connect with your body’s responses Some people have grown so detached from their inner world that they need to tap into their bodily reactions first. In this regard, some elements of body-centred psychotherapies could be used. According to this group of approaches to psychotherapy, the body is not just something we have. We are our bodies. This means we live as a whole, as an inseparable totality of body and mind. When we learn to validate who we are and what we experience, we should include our body’s responses into the equation. Where are your emotions? What does your body do when you feel in a certain way? How does it respond to people and events? What is it trying to tell you about yourself? You could try a body awareness meditation to help you get started. A combination of body awareness with mindfulness and accurate, honest reflection we suggested above will help you develop a sense of being rooted inside of your own experience. Use meditation to connect with body's responses 5. Self-validate by acknowledging your past experiences The final piece of advice in developing self-validation skills is to learn how to validate yourself by acknowledging your past experiences. They fused within yourself and made you into who you are now. You need to practise recognizing both positive and adverse experiences – and their consequences. How will this help you practise self-validation? Let's say that you had an intense reaction to your partner’s criticism of something you did. Try not to think: “You acted like a madman there!” You could self-validate this reaction by saying: “It’s understandable that you felt this way. Your mother/father would punish you harshly for failures, and you are still overly sensitive to criticism”. Such a validation does not mean that you condone erratic behaviour. It means that you allow yourself to feel whatever it is that you're feeling. You also name the emotion and understand its cause. These are the first steps to get into a self-validating mindset. Additionally, these are the first steps towards growing as a person. These five steps build up towards self-validation development as taught in dialectical behaviour therapy (DBT). According to DBT, there are three steps to validate yourself and your emotions – acknowledge, accept and understand. This worksheet could help you practice self-validation in everyday situations, as well as with more intense or past emotions. The Takeaway: Self-validate to Autonomy Self-validation is freedom. Freedom to experience life as it is: both the beautiful and the ugly. It gives you self-determination in picking your path. You get to do it independently of others’ influence, be it conscious or subconscious. When you learn to rely on yourself for validation, you gain the liberty to be genuine and own your experiences. Therefore, in the spirit of autonomy that we are propagating here, we invite you – acknowledge yourself and allow your authentic Self to exist! • Images: shutterstock/Victoria Chadinova, shutterstock/G-Stock Studio, shutterstock/Prostock-studio, shutterstock/Anatoliy Karlyuk happiness.com | The fine art of being: learn, practise, share Are you a happiness.com member? Sign up for free to enjoy: ■ our happiness magazine with practical life tips ■ sharing and supporting others in our happiness forum Empathy | Resilience | Stress Written by Stanislava Puač J. Stanislava Puač J. is a psychologist, life coach, and writer with over 15 years of experience exploring how our inner world shapes our interactions, health, and sense of self. Her work blends research, real-life practice, and a holistic view of well-being – spanning emotional regulation, communication, and mindfulness.

Inner child therapy focuses on accessing and rectifying unconscious emotional experiences and beliefs formed during childhood that may be negatively affecting your life as an adult. Discover how to heal your inner child with this advice from psychologist Stanislava Puač J. Inner child work or inner child healing is a notion you probably stumbled upon if you ever tried to understand why certain emotions or behaviours seem to come from a child-like, vulnerable place inside you. The term gets tossed around quite a lot, so it may sound like a feel-good phrase at times. Nonetheless, it is a valid therapeutic path for those of us who hear our inner child’s voice echoing beneath the surface. I, for example, still get scared like I did as a little girl when someone gets angry or shouts (as if I weren’t nearly 40 and accomplished in all crucial areas of life). And it is that hurt little girl who needs (and deserves) the care and safety she has necessitated all along. Let’s unpack what healing your inner child means – and how to connect with your inner child so you can become all you can be. What Is Inner Child Work and Therapy? Inner child therapy is a healing path focused on accessing and rectifying the unconscious emotional experiences and beliefs formed during childhood. Moments of unmet needs, trauma, adversity, abuse, or even seemingly minor events that felt unsafe or shameful when you were a child lie buried deep inside your psyche. Unfortunately, they are not always integrated and overcome, especially if you didn’t receive psychotherapy or counselling as a child. These past injuries change a child’s neural system and profoundly affect their development. Self-reflect on adult behaviour and start healing your inner child Indeed, a 2017 study published in the International Journal of Play Therapy concluded that: “chronic and highly stressful environments and experiences, occurring during early development, have a strong negative impact on the neural architecture and overall brain development in young children.” It's no wonder many adults feel a need to address these past hurts and learn to respond to life from the present, not from the survival scripts of the past. A Brief History of Inner Child Therapy The idea of an inner child that carries vast wisdom is ancient. However, in modern seminal literature, two authors’ concepts seem to lie at the basis of inner child healing. In the first half of the 20th century, Hungarian psychoanalyst Sándor Ferenczi identified a phenomenon where young children who had been traumatized acquire wisdom beyond their years. He characterized them as ‘wise’ babies. Similarly, Carl Jung, in collaboration with Karl Kerenyi, explored the concept of the ‘divine child’ – a mythological archetype believed to spark healing and intuitive insight in both children and adults. Yet, strictly speaking, it was John Bradshaw in the 1990s who popularized the term inner child in self-help and recovery circles. “Inner child therapy is a healing path focused on accessing and rectifying the unconscious emotional experiences and beliefs formed during childhood.” Nowadays, there isn’t a single therapeutic approach when you wonder how to heal your inner child. It's widely integrated into various therapy modalities, including psychodynamic approaches, schema therapy, IFS (Internal Family Systems), and somatic psychology. Signs Your Inner Child Needs Healing So, how to connect with your inner child and know they need healing in the first place? Well, there are specific signals your inner child may be sending your way, even if you’re not aware of their meaning yet. Here are some common examples: People-pleasing Your fear of disappointing others compels you to bend over backwards for them, neglecting your needs. Difficulty setting boundaries You struggle to assert boundaries and say “no”, or feel guilty when you do. Self-sabotage You carry a deep-seated sense of unworthiness that unconsciously undermines your own goals or relationships. Emotional outbursts or shutdowns Small triggers evoke intense reactions, reflecting unprocessed feelings from childhood. Fear of abandonment or rejection You have a strong urge to protect yourself, so you seek excessive reassurance or avoid closeness altogether. Perfectionism You try to be flawless to avoid criticism or earn affection. Shame and self-criticism Your inner critic works overtime. Addictive behaviours You use food, work, substances, shopping, or screens excessively. Seemingly inexplicable medical concerns A 2015 study from Arizona State University concluded that “childhood trauma may lead to poorer health in midlife through disturbances in the patterns of everyday life events and responses to those events”. Disconnection from joy You find it hard to relax, be spontaneous, or experience awe. These behaviors are coping mechanisms, not flaws or weaknesses. Your inner child adopted them to feel safe, at one point. Now comes the time for inner child healing, because, as you will soon learn, it is a vital element of you realizing your healthy potential. Why Is Inner Child Healing Important? Research supports the idea that experiencing childhood trauma can lead to long-term negative effects in individuals, such as impacting our physical health later in life, be less responsive to coping tools, and making our emotional reactions swing more intensely. RELATED: 7 Ways Spiritual Coaching Could Transform Your Life Healing your inner child isn’t about wallowing in the past, though. Think about it as updating your emotional operating system. Now, as an adult, you get an opportunity to choose how you will respond, instead of falling right into that vulnerable state of mind. Self.compassion is essential in inner child work and healing Inner child work helps you break cycles of emotional reactivity and create space for healthy adult responses In short: healing your inner child liberates your adult self. So, how to connect with your inner child and start healing? Let’s dive right in. How Can I Begin Healing My Inner Child? Healing your inner child usually means revisiting very hurtful experiences: a counsellor or therapist can help if you need professional support. With dedication and patience, you will start to see some of the signs that your inner child is healing. Nonetheless, if you want to start on your own and are wondering how to heal your inner child without a therapist – or as a complement to therapy – here are seven powerful steps grounded in psychological evidence and therapeutic practice. 1. Reconnect Through Visualization One of the most commonly used tools is a gentle meditation where you visualize yourself meeting your child Self in a safe place. What are they feeling? What do they need? Offer comfort and reassurance. If you find it challenging to create that emotional bridge, looking at your childhood photos can help. They will likely spark the connection. 2. Write Letters to Your Inner Child Letter-writing is used in inner child therapy to promote inner dialogue with parts of yourself that might otherwise feel overwhelming. First, write from your adult perspective to your inner child. Then switch – write from your inner child. You might start to notice the needs and past hurts you weren’t aware of. 3. Identify and Reframe Core Beliefs Schema therapy identifies patterns like “I’m unlovable” or “I’ll be abandoned” as emotional schemas (also known as early maladaptive schemas). Gently challenge these beliefs. Ask: Whose voice is this? When did this belief come to be? Is this true today? MORE LIKE THIS: How To Practise Self-Compassion: 6 Proven Techniques Self-Forgiveness: How to Forgive Yourself in 7 Steps How to Stop Beating Yourself Up: 7 Techniques That Work 4. Track Emotional Triggers Whenever you have a disproportionate emotional reaction, note it down. Ask: How old do I feel in this moment? Keeping a journal of these moments helps you spot patterns and develop more adult responses over time. 5. Reparent Yourself Daily Healing your inner child often involves so-called reparenting – intentionally offering yourself the care and love you needed but didn’t receive as a child. “Inner child work helps you break cycles of emotional reactivity and create space for healthy adult responses. In short: healing your inner child liberates your adult self.” Depending on what you need, reparenting could mean setting healthy boundaries, creating healthy life habits, or affirming your emotions instead of dismissing them. The result? Your basic sense of trust (re)built. 6. Play, Create, and Be Silly You can help heal your inner child by playing and being creative. Part of connecting with your inner child means tapping into your child-like energy. Make space for joy, spontaneity, and curiousity. Draw, dance, build something silly. Healing isn’t all heavy lifting. 7. Seek Out Safe Relationships How to connect with your inner child? Sometimes, the answer is in connection with others. Safe attachment can offer corrective experiences – be it with a therapist, a support group, or a trusted friend. Learning it’s safe to be your true Self in front of others is a cornerstone of inner child healing. Takeaway: How to Heal Your Inner Child? Inner child work is about freeing your present Self from invisible strings that formed through childhood adversities. And when you embark on the journey of healing that broken part of your being, you begin to meet your own emotional needs in ways that your childhood Self couldn’t. So, if you’re noticing painful patterns repeating in your life, or feel stuck in ways you can’t explain, chances are your inner child is still waiting to be heard. The good news? You are safe now. You can begin to heal. ● Images: shutterstock/Favebrush, shutterstock/dot.studio happiness.com | The fine art of being: learn, practise, share Are you a happiness.com member? Sign up for free to enjoy: ■ our happiness magazine with practical life tips ■ sharing and supporting others in our happiness forum Empathy | Authenticity | Resilience | Stress Written by Stanislava Puač J. Stanislava Puač J. is a psychologist, life coach, and writer with over 15 years of experience exploring how our inner world shapes our interactions, health, and sense of self. Her work blends research, real-life practice, and a holistic view of well-being – spanning emotional regulation, communication, and mindfulness.

The growing scientific interest and use of psychedelics in treating mental health issues is testament to their possible benefits. Psychologist Stanislava Puač J. explains why psychedelic integration via a coach or therapist should be an essential part of the journey. The use of psychedelic substances is one of those topics that few people are neutral about. Depending on the culture, context, and personal upbringing, these substances are either seen as gateways to deeper insight – or as a doorway to doom. The proponents argue that psychedelic experiences bring forth insights, emotional breakthroughs, or even profound spiritual awakenings. However, speaking from the perspective of psychology and psychiatry, the actual self-development work may only begin after the experience. This is where proper psychedelic integration comes in – a process that helps individuals weave newfound awareness into the fabric of their everyday lives. While psychedelic integration is gaining visibility in mental health, it is essential to acknowledge that the use of psychedelic substances remains legally restricted in many countries. In discussing the use of psychedelics we are not promoting or encouraging the use of such substances. Instead, we are investigating the integration of psychedelic experiences for those who have already had them — whether through legal therapeutic programs, clinical trials, or culturally sanctioned practices. Let’s dive into the world of post-journey transformation and explore the intricacies of making sense of altered states of consciousness. What Is Psychedelic Integration? Psychedelic integration is the process of understanding and assimilating the insights, emotions, and revelations that emerge during a psychedelic journey. It’s about finding a place for those extraordinary experiences in your life and your perception of the world. Psychedelic integration involves assimilating the insights that emerge from a psychedelic journey Additionally, it is more than just reflection. When you undergo psychedelic integration therapy, you embark on a guided journey of: processing your emotions making behavioural changes using your insights for therapeutic growth In recent years, psychedelic integration therapy has gained recognition as an essential part of the healing journey. Even more so, psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy (“professionally supervised use of ketamine, MDMA, psilocybin, LSD, and ibogaine as part of elaborated psychotherapy programs”) is considered a paradigm shift that might assist diagnostics and therapy of even “treatment-resistant” conditions. Psychedelic integration therapy is an essential aspect of these approaches. “Psychedelic integration is the process of understanding and assimilating the insights, emotions, and revelations that emerge during a psychedelic journey.” However, the idea of psychedelic integration is not new. For longer than we remember, indigenous traditions and shamanic cultures have emphasized post-ceremony rituals. The lessons believed to be received during altered states were placed within a broader life narrative with the help of a shaman (which, in the modern Western world, would be a psychedelic integration coach). In many Amazonian cultures, for instance, ayahuasca ceremonies are followed by periods of rest, reflection, and special regimes. RELATED: What is a Shaman and What Does a Shaman Do? What is Soul Loss and Retrieval? Healing Through a Shamanic Lens Exploring Shamanic Healing: What to Expect Today, a psychedelic integration coach and therapist draws from similar principles. The integration process itself can take many forms, depending on the nature of the experience and the individual’s specific needs. This brings us to the different types of psychedelic integration. Types of Psychedelic Integration The process of psychedelic integration should always be highly individualized. Yet, it usually incorporates three main dimensions: physical/somatic, psycho-spiritual, and emotional: 1. Physical or Somatic Integration The body often carries residue from psychedelic experiences. Some people find that the body “remembers” more than the mind, especially when they are new to psychedelic experiences. For this reason, somatic (or physical) integrations are essential. Bodywork, yoga, breathwork, or movement practices can all be used to release tension or even traumatic memories brought forth during the psychedelic journey. Another part of the mix is paying attention to sleep, nutrition, and rest. 2. Psycho-Spiritual Integration Many psychedelic experiences come with ego dissolution, unity consciousness, or encounters with archetypal imagery. Such powerful and extraordinary incidents require sensitive integration, as they can be disorienting as much as they are illuminating. Psychedelic integration therapy may use frameworks such as transpersonal psychology or mindfulness practices to explore these states. The goal is for the client to develop curiosity rather than fear. A coach or therapist should be used with psychedelic integration And in spiritual integration, a psychedelic integration coach helps the individual respond to questions like: “What does this mean for how I live?” or “How does this experience reshape my beliefs?” 3. Emotional Integration One of the most commonly reported effects of psychedelic journeys is the surfacing of buried emotions. Intense grief, rage, love, or vulnerability tend to burst out, and it becomes vital to work on their integration. “One of the most commonly reported effects of psychedelic journeys is the surfacing of buried emotions. Intense grief, rage, love, or vulnerability tend to burst out, and it becomes vital to work on their integration.” Therefore, the emotional dimension of psychedelic integration is about creating space to process these feelings gently and safely. A psychedelic integration coach guides the client through naming and exploring their feelings, identifying patterns, and maintaining a sense of grounding. Some of the techniques used are journaling or creative expression. Why Is Psychedelic Integration Important? Psychedelic integration is vital because it can mean the difference between a fragmented, overwhelming experience and one that becomes a gateway to profound growth. As authors who give practical guidelines on psychedelic integration for mental health specialists argue, psychedelic experiences might be translated as “mind-manifesting experiences”. In other words, the term “refers to the phenomenon of pulling the unconscious material to the conscious surface, allowing it to be accessed and processed”. Psilocybin, found in mushrooms, is a popular psychedelic Therefore, given the depth and intensity of what may emerge – unconscious material appearing in symbolic, emotional, or sensory form – psychedelic integration becomes essential. It is what transforms the experience into a healing one: It helps insights take root and transform one’s psyche. Psychedelic experience therapy helps work through emotional overwhelm, unsettling visions, or unresolved questions. A psychedelic integration coach or therapist provides compassion and structure so that a psychedelic journey can become restorative. It is a vital factor in extending the insights into everyday behaviour, relationships, and a sense of purpose. Without all of this, a psychedelic journey might remain a disconnected and confusing memory. How Long Does Psychedelic Integration Take? Once again, as with any growth process, there is no fixed timeline for psychedelic integration. It can unfold over weeks, months, or even years. Therefore, you’d do best not to be set on any specific “deadline”. You may require ongoing work with a coach or therapist to integrate the insights you received fully. A single session of psychedelic therapy may start a ripple effect that will put everything in its place over time. Or, you may find clarity within days as you experience an “A-ha!” moment explaining the meaning behind your experience. These differences are why you need the help of a psychedelic integration coach. They will help set a pace and guide you through the process. Initially, you may need to focus on grounding techniques and establishing emotional safety. Later, you may be ready for more in-depth work, such as identity shifts, making life changes, or exploring spiritual meaning. “Psychedelic integration is vital because it can mean the difference between a fragmented, overwhelming experience and one that becomes a gateway to profound growth.” Similar to mainstream psychotherapy (especially depth psychotherapies), not everything you will go through during the psychedelic integration will feel comfortable. Integrating these new insights and emotions might require you to grieve old patterns, let go of narratives, or make difficult decisions. Be self-compassionate and take as much time as you need. Where Can I Find a Psychedelic Integration Coach? As psychedelic-assisted therapies begin to enter the mainstream mental health field in some parts of the world, more professionals are receiving training in guiding the integration process. RELATED: What is the Peyote Cactus and Is it Legal? Microdosing 101: A Modern Phenomenon Rooted in Ancient Times What Science Says About Microdosing Magic Mushrooms Given the delicacy of the process, when seeking a psychedelic integration coach or therapist, look for individuals with a license in mental health, trauma-informed care, or spiritual counselling. The person serving as a guide on this path must have training in ethical support practices because integration often brings up vulnerable material that needs to be held safely and ethically. Principal qualities to look for include: Certification in relevant coaching or therapeutic fields Familiarity with psychoactive substances and their psychological effects A non-judgmental attitude towards non-ordinary experiences A grounding presence that helps you feel safe and supported In addition to these qualities, it would be ideal for the coach or therapist to view integration as a process of co-creation and cooperation. They should be the guide, but not dictate the process, as psychedelic insights are non-linear—and your post-experience growth should be the same. Takeaway: Psychedelic Integration Psychedelic integration is the vital piece in the transformation puzzle. Think about it not as a luxury or a bonus part of the psychedelic experience. It is a necessary continuation of the journey. Traditionally, shamans were the guides. Nowadays, more and more mental health professionals are becoming interested and trained in supporting psychedelic integration. However, from ancient times to the present, the message remains consistent: the experience is just the beginning. Actual change occurs when you walk the path after the vision fades. ● Images: shutterstock/agsandrew, shutterstock/Rumka vodki, shutterstock/Rooom27 happiness.com | The fine art of being: learn, practise, share Are you a happiness.com member? Sign up for free to enjoy: ■ our happiness magazine with practical life tips ■ sharing and supporting others in our happiness forum Authenticity | Empathy | Communication skills | Balancing Chakras Written by Stanislava Puač J. Stanislava Puač J. is a psychologist, life coach, and writer with over 15 years of experience exploring how our inner world shapes our interactions, health, and sense of self. Her work blends research, real-life practice, and a holistic view of well-being – spanning emotional regulation, communication, and mindfulness.

Most of us have probably asked ourselves 'what is the point of life'? Indeed, sometimes our time on Earth can seem futile. However, Dee Marques argues that finding meaning in your existence is key, and explores the 3 essential questions you should ask yourself to help find it. There comes a point in our lives where, no matter how successful we think we are, we’re bound to question why we’re here, what we're doing, and where we’re going. Sometimes, posing these questions can help us evaluate our goals and lifestyle and improve them for better physical and mental health. In other cases – perhaps when we're feeling low or vulnerable – wondering what the point of life is can amplify feelings of depression, anxiety and emptiness. As humans, we’re unique in the animal kingdom; among many other reasons because of our quest for finding fulfilment and happiness in life. We aim to do more than eat, sleep, reproduce, and stay safe. This quest for meaning has characterised humans since the beginning of times and it’s a central question in every culture. And, according to scientists, the search for meaning seems to be coded into our nature: our brains are larger and with this comes the ability to appreciate things beyond meeting our basic needs. MORE LIKE THIS: Feeling Defeated By Life? Here's How To Take Back Power Why Do I Hate My Life? 10 Ways to Start Loving It Again Feeling Lost in Life? Move On In 7 Steps And we can do more than appreciate the positive and joyful aspects of life. Trying to find meaning in negative experiences is also an ability that’s unique to humans, and that’s precisely what leads us to ask, 'what is the point of life'. So, how can we go about finding an answer? Let’s look at some practical ideas. What's the point of life? What if the purpose of life is finding a way to forget about the question 'what Is the point of life? Maybe there’s no single thing that brings meaning per se, but the journey itself may be what helps us find purpose. And when we talk about the journey, we mean every aspect of it, from savouring the pleasant experiences to learning from mistakes. Feel life is pointless? It's essential to find meaning and purpose But for the journey to be meaningful, it must be the result of your own choices. Some people try to find meaning in wealth and fame, but this doesn’t have to be your story. As a living being, you’re in a unique position to decide what your purpose should be. We didn’t choose to be born, but we can choose how to live our lives and how to enjoy it. “What if the purpose of life is finding a way to forget about the question 'what is the point of life?'” To do that, it helps focusing on being consciously grounded in the present. Practising mindfulness creates a greater awareness of what it means to be alive. It helps your mind get more in touch with your emotions, reactions, and with your five senses. This type of clarity can open your eyes to things or experiences that help you to live your life with purpose. And mindfulness is not the only thing that can bring us clarity: there are some questions you can ask yourself to inspire your search for purpose. The 3 questions to help you find meaning The quest for meaning in life is so vast that the very thought of getting started can make you feel overwhelmed. Discovering what the point of life is remains a lifelong journey, and the steps and stages won’t be the same for everyone. However, there are three key questions that can put you on the right track to begin the journey of discovery: 1. What would you like to be remembered for? As humans, we tend to focus on the present and the future. If you examine your ambitions, you may find that they’re limited to what you want to achieve this year, next year, on in the next decade. But have you thought about what you’d want to be remembered for? MORE LIKE THIS: How to Find Yourself Again: 10 Steps in Creating Clarity Bored With Life? Here Are 8 Ways to Shake Things Up When Life Gives You Lemons, Try Lemonading The answer to this question is usually related to career or spiritual goals rather than material ones, and thinking about it can help bring into focus the true essence of your being. If you're feeling lost in life, writing your obituary can be a great exercise in confirming what you'd like to be remembered for. 2. If you had super-powers, which problem would you solve first? There’s no shortage of serious problems in the world, and while it’s not always in our hands to single-handedly solve them, thinking about which problem you’d give priority can hint at where your main concerns are. Once you know that, you can start looking for ways of doing your part. For example, if you find that you’d want to end world hunger, you may want to spend some time volunteering at a soup kitchen, or creating a community food garden. 3. What’s the one activity that makes you lose track of time? We all know that time drags when we’re doing something we dislike. But the opposite is also true: there are some activities that make time fly because they get our full attention and bring us a sense of fulfilment. Losing track of time when doing something is known as finding your flow, and it's a clear sign that the activity taps into the things that make us come alive. So, spending more time in those activities can help you enjoy a more meaningful life. RELATED: 7 Ways Spiritual Coaching Could Transform Your Life These thee questions are a great starting point if you are feeling the pointlessness of life. Our guide to searching for meaning in life has even more suggestions to guide you to clarity in what brings What is the point of life? Being enough There’s no doubt that knowing what your purpose in life is can bring you closer to happiness. But if you’ve been trying to find out what your life role is and haven't found an answer, don’t torture yourself. People’s experiences are different and not everyone will find the right answer at the same time. Gratitude: having enough can be enough What’s more, rushing into finding an answer will only put you under pressure and cause stress. Instead, try to see it from a different perspective: if you haven’t found an answer yet, simply “being” should be enough for now. Here are four suggestions on how to make that work: 1. Find abundance in having enough The powers of gratitude are proven by science. Make a list of things you already have in your life that make you feel blessed and grateful. Through mindfulness practice, you can find abundance in these things, and you may find that having enough is, well, enough! 2. Get comfortable with discomfort Life can feel like an uphill battle sometimes, and it's at those times when we might wonder what the point of life is. However, discomfort in life is unavoidable and trying to find meaning in those experiences often leads to frustration. So, try to accept life for what it is and know that the hard times won't last for ever. So called tragic optimism acknowledges adversity while holding space for hope. “Discovering what the point of life is remains a lifelong journey and the steps and stages won’t be the same for everyone.” 3. Let your intuition guide you Finding the meaning of life requires some analytical thinking, but sometimes logical reasoning doesn’t have all the answers. The key is to balance rational thoughts with intuition, which sometimes will contradict all logical arguments. Listen and trust that inner voice because it usually knows what’s good and right for you. 4. Forget what others think or are doing Some people seem to have their life’s purpose figured out, but comparing yourself to them isn’t helpful. The point of life is to live it in your own terms and at your own pace, and that should be the main focus. For the same reason, don’t let other people’s opinions affect you when it comes to what you find meaningful or how you go about finding your ambition, role or purpose. The Takeaway: Avoiding Pointlessness in Life So, what is the point of life? If there’s one thing that holds true for most of us, it's that the point of life is to live and experience things to the fullest, whatever that “fullest” means for you right now. Don’t rush your quest for meaning. Instead, make a point of finding joy in what you already have and try your best to feel grounded in the present. At some point, you’ll find the answer you’re looking for, and in the meantime, enjoy the journey! • Main image: shutterstock/Song_about_summer, shutterstock/WAYHOME studio Written by Dee Marques A social sciences graduate with a keen interest in languages, communication, and personal development strategies. Dee loves exercising, being out in nature, and discovering warm and sunny places where she can escape the winter.

Sometimes the obstacles we face in life paralyze us, leaving us trapped. Stanislava Puač J. shares 8 tips on overcoming challenges and restarting our lives. Even though many of us hope for a carefree life, it just will not happen. Challenges will always be on our path. Sometimes, it may seem as if the walls ahead are simply too high to surmount. Yet, overcoming challenges is a part of how we learn and grow. Indeed, obstacles give us an opportunity to become the best versions of ourselves. History is filled with examples of people who learned how to trounce impediments and develop psychologically from the process. Take Demosthenes, for example. He is now recognised as the greatest of ancient Greek orators. Nonetheless, when he was young, he had a severe speech impediment. He overcame this barrier through a self-designed, disciplined practice. Einstein is another famous example of how overcoming obstacles can result in greatness. Apart from not speaking until he was three, he constantly faced doubt and under-appreciation by adults throughout his childhood and youth. Still, he found a way to develop his talents and become one of the most recognised names in human history. In this article I'll explain how you can perceive overcoming challenges as a means of psychological growth. I'll explain why we need to fight the obstacles we face — and why we need to do it adaptively. Finally, I'll give you eight science-based tips for overcoming obstacles in a way that helps you grow and become braver and more confident. Why you need to overcome obstacles The examples from the introduction illustrate something that is called overcompensation in psychology. When we have an actual or perceived deficit of a sort, we will usually try to offset it by developing it into a particular forte. This strong point will then serve as a counterweight to the shortfall. Overcompensation means going above and beyond what is necessary. Demosthenes could have merely fixed the speech impediment and lived an average life. But no. He became the greatest orator. Dismantling self-doubt is a key step in overcoming challenges Examples of overcompensation reveal how overcoming challenges opens the path to psychological growth in life. Albeit going that far is not necessary for every obstacle we face, we must say that avoidance is usually unhealthy. When we face hurdles, we are presented with a choice. We can either commit to overcoming challenges — or to failing or stagnating. Here’s why. When you avoid dealing with difficulties you risk experiencing a range of adverse emotions. Some of the most common ones are anger (for your aspirations remaining unfulfilled), guilt (because you know that you did not try hard enough), or envy (when you witness others getting what they want). You are also bound to become stressed because problems rarely just disappear. A 2016 study from the University of Amsterdam found that avoidance of difficulties leads to a diminishing sense of control. In turn, psychological well-being and mental health declines as rumination takes over. “When you avoid dealing with difficulties you risk experiencing a range of adverse emotions, such as anger, guilt or envy.” Self-doubt, anxiety and depression could come as a result of continual failure to achieve goals. Even though it might feel good to rationalise the reasons why you did not realise your dreams at first, empirical findings reveal that this defence mechanism is associated with emotional disorders. Therefore, even though overcoming challenges may feel scary at times, it is vital for your well-being. As you progress through hurdles on your path towards attaining goals, you are simultaneously growing as a person. You develop self-confidence, learn to move beyond self-indulgence, and develop adaptive responses to whatever life throws your way. Overcoming challenges: 8 tips How we respond to complications is highly individualised. It could be affected by our past experiences, mental habits, as well as our personalities. Seeking and overcoming challenges seems embedded in some people’s temperament and personality structure. Nonetheless, whether we are naturally geared towards adventure or not, we will hit an impediment here and there. Overcoming obstacles will be easier if you incorporate some of the following tips on productive coping with challenges. 1. Analyse the problem well It may seem obvious, but the first step to overcoming challenges without difficulty is understanding the problem ahead. Still, many of us fail to approach the issue analytically. You may be amazed by how often we succumb to apprehension, avoidance — or daydreaming and unsubstantiated optimism, on the other hand — instead of scrutinising the problem critically. Therefore, examine where the problem truly lies. Is it a real or perceived obstacle? Which aspect is the most important one? In what order do you need to tackle the elements of the difficulty? What is it that you can and cannot impact? What resources do you need — new knowledge and skills, others’ help, time, or determination? 2. Consider it an opportunity, not a threat A common obstacle to successfully overcoming challenges is our mindset. I will be the first to admit that I'm not the type of person who goes about looking for challenges and adventures. Even more concretely, I used to feel threatened by any new and tricky situation. Still, what I found very useful is changing my perspective. What may not come naturally to you could be developed through practice. RELATED: Tragic Optimism: An Antidote to Toxic Positivity Those who enjoy challenges — and thrive facing hitches — see every obstacle as an opportunity to become greater, better, different. You, too, can train your mind to think of hindrances as a chance to learn something new and evolve rather than to suffer. 3. Examine and dismantle your self-doubts Overcoming obstacles is often made more difficult by your own unhelpful thoughts, especially if you're used to avoiding facing challenges. When you look at your records and see but a few instances in which you fought a problem head-on, it's easy to succumb to self-doubt. Doubting your abilities, or even loathing yourself for lack thereof, will get you nowhere. What you need to do is to examine and knock down your lack of faith in your skills. Where does it come from? What thought comes to your mind when you anticipate trouble? How does it make you feel? How realistic is such a belief? Could you think about the situation differently (hint — yes, you could)? Support from friends is a key factor in overcoming obstacles 4. Keep a record of your past successes One helpful way to deal with self-doubt more effectively is to document one’s successes. Studies show that many people tend to overestimate their shortcomings. At the same time, they underestimate how well they can address problems. As a result, their self-perception gets distorted, making them blind to their abilities. Make a CV of your past accomplishments. Do not hold back but praise yourself for everything you have achieved so far. Remember the times when you overcame snags with triumph. What qualities did you need to mobilise to overcome challenges? Write them all down. And then, come to this “CV” whenever you feel a lack of confidence creeping on you. 5. Make a solid plan Once you are clearer on where the problem lies, what unhelpful thoughts might be hindering your success, and which talents you can rally to help you in overcoming challenges, it's time to plan how to do it. In other words, you are highly unlikely to accomplish your goals if you do not combine a belief in yourself with a solid action plan. “The first step to overcoming challenges is understanding the problem ahead. Still, many of us fail to approach the issue analytically.” Define the goal and communicate it to those who need to be involved. Make a step-by-step map of action that is clear and easy to follow. Make sure there are tangible steps and smaller objectives on the way to the final goal. Measure the results — and celebrate them, too. 6. Assemble a circle of support Overcoming obstacles is much easier when you have someone to lean on. Science has shown that social support has been confirmed to be one of the crucial factors in psychological well-being over and over again. Somehow, life problems tend to seem much bigger when you feel alone in dealing with them. RELATED: 7 Ways Spiritual Coaching Could Transform Your Life So, ask for support from the right people. Seek out those who will be supportive, accepting and realistic. Whether it's your friends and family, a support group, or a psychotherapist, an encouraging social environment can do wonders for your self-esteem. It will highlight and nurture your ability to overcome any issue ahead. A helping hand from friends is essential for overcoming challenges and difficulties 7. Meditate Meditation is a technique that can help you integrate the tips we have spoken about above. Meditative practice teaches you to calm your mind and free it from ruminative apprehensions and adverse emotions. It gives you the mental flexibility and physical tranquillity you need for overcoming obstacles with success. Finally, after meditation, you will notice greater clarity in understanding the problem ahead and how you can tackle it. 8. Pledge to self-care Let me be straight — overcoming challenges can be hard work. It's easy to disregard healthy habits when you are entangled with problems. This is why you should commit to a self-care practice and ensure you are well cared for. Broadly speaking, all the tips here can be seen as a form of self-care. When you perceive a problem rationally, address unhelpful beliefs and develop a growth mindset and self-confidence, you care for yourself. The same goes for gathering support or meditating. “Once you're clear on where the problem lies and which talents you can rally to help you in overcoming challenges, it's time to plan how to do it.” However, what we have in mind here is more specific. It's a well-known set of recommendations to make sure you do not neglect to care for your mental and physical needs. Therefore, eat healthily and regularly. Set up a better sleep routine to ensure both the quality and quantity of sleep you need. Exercise to release some of the accumulated stress. Socialise with the right people and consume quality media content. Finally, pamper yourself and treat yourself to something pleasant and healthy, like a relaxing massage. You will find your mental batteries charged as a result of such a self-care routine, and you will be much more willing to embrace the opportunity to grow from overcoming challenges. Takeaway: Embrace overcoming challenges It's perfectly natural to feel anxiety — dread, even — when facing major challenges in our life. The more important the goal, the graver the fear of not attaining it. You may even feel totally paralyzed. However, obstacles tend not to go away just because we look the other way. So, take the challenges life throws at you head-on. This will show you a doorway to an unbounded field for psychological growth. Embrace the hurdles and snags. Be courageous and believe in yourself. Even though overcoming challenges and difficulties may feel like you are in freefall at times, be at ease. There is a new 'you' that will catch you on the other side of the obstacle you're facing. • Main image: shutterstock/Maridav, shutterstock/Viktoria Kurpas, Hitdelight happiness.com | The fine art of being: learn, practise, share Are you a happiness.com member? Sign up for free to enjoy: ■ our happiness magazine with practical life tips ■ sharing and supporting others in our happiness forum Self-help | Authenticity | Coaching Written by Stanislava Puač J. Stanislava Puač J. is a psychologist, life coach, and writer with over 15 years of experience exploring how our inner world shapes our interactions, health, and sense of self. Her work blends research, real-life practice, and a holistic view of well-being – spanning emotional regulation, communication, and mindfulness.