PEACE
change is difficult and may seem even insurmountable. Conceiving the idea of going back to an old way of doing things seems impossible. I believe it is important to validate this concept that going backward to an old way truly is not the answer to instilling true change. Instead, I encourage clients to embrace a new style of life and seek small steps to mold this new life into a new way that includes self care and well many who have been trying to manage a state of “new normal” that initially was to being. Possibly that is a brief routine of being mindful in the morning and evening be a short term inconvenience. when you wake up and go to bed practicing While the impact of the experiences of the pranayama breath. Alternatively, it could be last fourteen months has reached intentionally being present during a walk or unmeasurable levels - one constant exercise routine. Of vital importance is remains. As the Dalai Lama posted on addressing a sleep routine- turn off Twitter May 14, 2021, “Gradually people electronics an hour before sleep, practice are beginning to recognize that peace of relaxation, listen to guided relaxation or mind has an important role to play in our white noise to relax the nervous system. day to day lives. Mental afflictions like Last but very much not least of all, my anger, fear, and frustration detract from clients truly enjoy journaling, whether it’s a our good health, so, all seven billion Gratitude journal to improve negative human beings alive today need peace of thought patterns, a Task journal to write mind here and now.” As a holistic down daily responsibilities and combat practitioner the foundation of my racing thoughts, or a journal to track practice and my own life is built on the patterns of fear and anxiety my clients find overall well being of each individual. It this tool a great resource to begin steps can not be underestimated how sleep, toward well being. Tiny, small and diet, exercise, and mental well being peace of mind impacts each and every one consistent changes in routine that are manageable, attainable, and set us up for of us on a daily basis. I often hear from success are most likely to have profound clients how surprised they are that the lasting effects. slippery slope of the loss of good habits has had a tremendously negative Personal habits are difficult to change, with outcome on their overall functioning, small steps and consistency you can achieve taking away their ability to sleep- focusclarity, generate energy, improve concentrate- taking away their ability to effectiveness and find peace of mind. effectively manage their overall daily Written By: Darcy L. functioning. Coleman, M.Ed., LMHC With all good manners and intent, self Darcy is located in SWFL and care and healthy habits have been specializes in treating Trauma, encouraged and in particular recently in Anxiety and Mood disorders with clients K12 through adulthood both in person and celebration of Mental Health Awareness month across all venues across the globe - through Telehealth private practice. She reminding us these habits are essential to earned her Masters of Education at the overall well being. Yet, for many, once the University of South Florida, Tampa, FL and has been a Licensed Practitioner in the State good habits have been sacrificed for of Florida since 2002, a Qualified Supervisor meeting demands of the ever evolving new way of living life in the “new normal” and Crisis management trainer.
of Mind
Obtaining and maintaining peace of mind is essential to our overall functioning and well being as individuals. Since March 2020 we have been introduced to new challenges, new perspectives, new ways of “doing life”. We have been challenged to compensate, adjust, react, reach out, distance, organize, and reorganize in an ever evolving way. People in all stages of life young to old, student to retiree have made adjustments to their way of living life. Some have been required to distance by staying in the home for work and school or to protect themselves due to pre-existing conditions or age. Others have had to adjust to following CDC guidelines while performing duties in the workplace or school with ever changing demands and challenges. Some who stayed in the home found themselves extending work hours beyond normal boundaries into their personal lives often losing sight of their own needs for self care and rest. Others found themselves isolated from social interaction and support. Some people were actually able to embrace the time to focus on personal health goals and self care. Information being received from various sources began providing conflicting, confusing, and at times misleading, partial or incorrect information that has added stressors to 48
July 2021 InSession | FMHCA.org
