Welcome August
artwork by Jessica M.
Learn techniques to manage stress using guided relaxation and breath practices as you build your self-compassion and empathy. Both practices are powerful tools to explore individuals inner strength to manage stress and cultivate inner peace.. Monday, August 12th at 10:00am by Toivo.
Monday 10:30AM-11:00AM and 1:30PM-3:30PM Wednesday 10:30AM-11:00AM and 1:30PM-3:30PM Friday 10:30AM-11:00AM and 1:30PM-3:30PM
I have been coming to the Mending Art workshops for about a year now. They are interesting and I have liked the Guest Artist visits. I started drawing in high school. I like to draw and paint covered bridges. I also like to play the guitar. When I was fourteen years old I was inspired to pick up the guitar because of rock and roll and heavy metal music. I recently showed my art in the Mending Art exhibit at the Avon Free Public Library and plan to show my art in the Mending Art exhibit at Hartford ArtSpace Gallery this fall!
Though this year’s legislative session is over, there are still ways that you can get involved, or stay involved. The Keep the Promise (KTP) Meetings are held once a month in Middletown and the Independence Center attends. KTP keeps us all in the loop as to what’s going on in the state as far as services, legislative matters, budgetary issues, etc. and many other clubhouses attend as well.
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You can register to vote. 2020 is going to be an important year, as there is a presidential election. The IC has the voter registration cards and will even drop them off for you, since the registrar of voters is at the end of our street! Even if you moved recently, you should fill out the change of address portion of the form. Staff will assist if you need help or have any questions.
Members got out of the city and enjoyed a day at the beach. The salty air and sunshine lifted spirits. We invite you to go outside today to feel the healing power of mother nature!
You can attend the CAG (Consumer Action Group) meetings once a month if you would like to be informed of local (Region 5) area services and mental health and substance issues. Transportation is provided to those too!
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There is a lot going on, so see staff if you are interested in participating in any of the above mentioned activities!
Did you know that right across the street from the Independence Center is an amazing opportunity to improve your wellness? You most likely have walked by this and never even realized it is there! It is the Labyrinth in the Close at St. John’s Episcopal Church’s courtyard. The Labyrinth is a walking meditation for all. You may wonder exactly what a Labyrinth is and how it works. A Labyrinth is a circular path leading to the center and out again the same way. It is a pathway to connect to creation, seasonal cycles and the source of life. It is a path for meditation in motion. There are 3 Stages of the Walk. Releasing - letting go of the details of your life. Illumination - reaching the center and Union - joining with your higher power, or the healing forces at work in the world or whatever it is that you connect with.
Walking the Labyrinth
Begin your walk with a personal intention: a question, an image, a memory, a quest, a concern, a hope As you begin, become aware of your breathing Enter and walk the path at your own pace towards the 6 petal rose center Stop if you wish on the labyrs or quandrant areas Pass others or be passed, stepping off the path as necessary At the center, reflect on your intention Continue on the path, letting go, going forward, renewed Walk the exterior lunations to connect to the lunar cycle Walk alone or with others Each time you walk the Labyrinth it will be a different experience Your may feel something profound or nothing at all Engage in your own experience
History of the Labyrinth Summer 2003 - Planning begins and the Labyrinth site is selected September 2003 - Construction begins with both paid work by professionals and many volunteer hands of the parishioners of St. John’s Church June 8, 2004 - The Labyrinth in the Close at St. John’s Episcopal Church dedicated August 9, 2017-September 29, 2017 - Rehabilitation of the Labyrinth completed by many man hours donated by some of the men at Renaissance West along with parishioner Bob B. October 1, 2017 - Rededication of the Labyrinth in the Close. The IC staff welcome you to join us to walk the Labyrinth throughout the month of August. Each week a different staff member will bring interested members to the Labyrinth and explore the wonders that the Labyrinth provides. Check the calendar for dates and times. We hope you join us! For more information or questions, contact St. John’s Episcopal Parish at 203-754-3116 or email stjohns@stjohnsonthe green.org
For people who hear voices: www.facebook.com/ctheari ngvoicesnetwork or http://www.hearingvoicesus a.org/ Alternatives to Suicide Support Group 399 Franklin Avenue Hartford Wednesdays 4-5pm http://toivocenter.org/ OCD support group http://psychiatry.yale.edu/o cd/patients/support.aspx Alcoholics Anonymous http://www.aa.org/ Narcotics Anonymous http://www.na.org/ Overeaters Anonymous https://oa.org/ Gamblers Anonymous http://www.gamblersanony mous.org/ga/ For additional information on Support Groups in Connecticut, visit http://www.mhconn.org/ed ucation/information or call: 1-800-842-1510
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Infoline CT 211 VEYO 1-855-478-7350 Guiding Path Warmline: 1-860-482-1783 or 1-800-314-2680 5pm-10pm 7 days per week National Suicide Hotline 1-800-273-8255 Sexual Assault Crisis Hotline 1-888-999-5545 En Español 1-888-999-8332 Crisis 1-866-794-0021
Dentists in Waterbury Who take Husky Health Staywell Health Center 203-597-9044 South Main Street 203-756-8021 Phoenix Avenue Community Health Center 203-574-4000 Columbia Dental 1-866-645-0111 Statewide # for Opioid (Opiate) Dependence 1-800-563-4086 You will be linked with walk-in assessment centers
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Antoine “Damon” A. moved back to Waterbury in October of last year. He was living in Bozrah for 12 years prior to moving back and attended three programs while there. Damon has been sober for 13 years and is happy to say that most of his family do not drink either, and they are supportive of his recovery. Damon says attending groups at Western Connecticut Mental Health Network and coming to the Independence Center helps maintain his overall recovery as well. Damon has a good support network and still keeps in touch with his friends in Bozrah. Damon has only been a part of our center since April, but is a role model to others! We wish Damon continued success with all his endeavors!
We would like to congratulate our Culinary crew for receiving a 99% on the inspection from the Health Department! If you are interested in learning about safe food handling, how to follow a recipe, healthy meal options and how to maintain a kitchen, we have the program for you. Every day (Monday - Friday) at 11:00am you are welcome to join us in our kitchen to learn Culinary skills and help create the lunch for the day. You can learn for yourself or to build your skills for employment!
Last month during a mindful workshop we talked about what it takes to succeed in life. When we talked about succeeding in life it was for a broad array of things. The first thing we came up with was to decide on what you want to do or accomplish. Make it clear to yourself with no confusion. Ask yourself “why” then find your answer. Then you have to commit. Put yourself first. You have to be ready to put all your energy into it. Prepare your mental and emotional body as well as your physical self to do what is needed to get you to your goal. Then you have to take action. Nothing will happen until you decide to do it. All the preparation and planning cannot move you forward without you taking action. Remember that this is something that you want. It does not matter if anyone else does not see the importance of what you are trying to accomplish. So, what are you ready to accomplish?
Do you know one of the best ways to improve your mental health? Is it medicine, therapy, groups...think again. The answer may surprise you, it’s laughter! Laugher has been proven to have health benefits, both mentally and physically. Laugher is also good for the soul. Here are some interesting facts about laughter: Laughter relaxes the whole body. A good, hearty laugh relieves physical tension and stress, leaving your muscles relaxed for up to 45 minutes after.
Laughter boosts the immune system. Laughter decreases stress hormones and increases immune cells and infection-fighting antibodies, thus improving your resistance to disease. Laughter triggers the release of endorphins, the body’s natural feel-good chemicals. Endorphins promote an overall sense of well-being and can even temporarily relieve pain. Laughter protects the heart. Laughter improves the function of blood vessels and increases blood flow, which can help protect you against a heart attack and other cardiovascular problems.
Laughter burns calories. OK, so it’s no replacement for going to the gym, but one study found that laughing for 10 to 15 minutes a day can burn approximately 40 calories—which could be enough to lose three or four pounds over the course of a year. Laughter lightens anger’s heavy load. Nothing diffuses anger and conflict faster than a shared laugh. Looking at the funny side can put problems into perspective and enable you to move on from confrontations without holding onto bitterness or resentment. Laughter may even help you to live longer. A study in Norway found that people with a strong sense of humor outlived those who don’t laugh as much. The difference was particularly notable for those battling cancer.
Join us at the IC every Friday in August at 10:00am where we will explore the benefits of laughter and participate in some side-splittingly fun activities. Share the space with your fellow members and get in your laughs for the day. You will leave feeling lighter, happier and connected. We hope to see you there! -laughter health benefits from HelpGuide.org
What do you call a bear with no ears? -B Do you know why you never see elephants hiding up in trees? -Because they are really good at it.
What’s brown and sticky? -A Stick
What’s a foot long and slippery? -A Slipper
I waited and stayed up all night trying to figure out where the sun was. -Then it dawned on me
What did the Buddhist say to the hot dog vendor? -Make me one with everything What did one wall say to the other wall? -I’ll meet you in the corner
Wife: “The weather is lovely, shall we go out for a jog?” Husband: “Hahahaha, I love the way you pronounce, shall we go out for cake?”
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participant of the month: Mark
sense of accomplishment
Who inspires you? Dr. Martin Luther King and Buckminter Fuller.
extra money
contribute to the community
What is your dream job? Computer Scientist and a musician.
make relationships
feel healthier and happier
develop new skills
purpose
Favorite Song: “Awaken” by YES. What has helped you in your recovery? I read a book called, “Bad aXX ways to end Anxiety and Stop Panic Attacks” If you complete the book read it again and again or as needed! This helps me daily. Mark has taken many steps to get where he is in his employment goals and he mentioned how hard it could be at times chasing your goals or dreams. Mark set goals and worked on them every day to succeed going back into the work field. Mark has embraced his skills with writing and editing his resume, followed up on job leads multiple times and pursued the next steps with all force! Mark is very intelligent and is a great advocate for himself and others. Choices Monthly Tip:
5 ways to make a good first impression at an interview.
individualized job search for competitive employment opportunities
1. Dress appropriately for the job you want, professional attire. 2. Arrive on time but not too early. 15 minutes prior to interview.
career exploration
3. Enter the room with confidence, be aware of your facial expressions and physical posture. Entrance is the key to making a positive impression, say hello and smile to anyone who walks by you while waiting.
assistance with completing applications
4. Firm, not too firm hand shake. Stand up when someone enters the room prior to shaking hands.
assistance with building resumes and writing cover letters
5. Don’t open a conversation with careless remarks. Be aware of giving too much information. Beware of topics discussed, you don’t want to offend others. Avoid conversation starters using too-casual or off-color slang.
job seeking and interview skills
on the job support and training
education about benefits and employment
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Have you been trying to find employment or start school? Need assistance with a resume, interview prep, applications, financial aid and more? Choices and Lifelong Learning Supported Education can help! Contact an Independence Center staff member, your clinician, or Choices at 203-757-5431 to fill out a referral.
Emotional intelligence (EQ) is the ability to identify, understand, and use your own emotions in positive ways to relieve stress and anxiety, communicate effectively, empathize with others, overcome challenges, and defuse conflict. When it comes to happiness and success in your relationships, career, and personal goals, EQ matters just as much as the better known, IQ. Emotional intelligence is commonly defined by four attributes:
1. Self-management – You’re able to control impulsive feelings and behaviors, manage your emotions in healthy ways, take initiative, follow through on commitments, and adapt to changing circumstances. 2. Self-awareness – You recognize your own emotions and how they affect your thoughts and behavior. You know your strengths and weaknesses, and have self-confidence. 3. Social awareness – You can understand the emotions, needs, and concerns of other people, pick up on emotional cues, feel comfortable socially, and recognize the power dynamics in a group or organization. 4. Relationship management – You’re able to develop and maintain good relationships, communicate clearly, inspire and influence others, work well in a team, and manage conflict. If you have ever felt like stress, anxiety, depression, or anger was controlling you, if you often act impulsively, doing or saying things you know you shouldn’t, only to regret it later or if you feel disconnected from your feelings and emotionally numb, these can all be signs that you need to work on building your emotional intelligence. Every Monday in August at 11:00 the IC will be running an Emotional Intelligence workshop series. By learning to keep stress and emotions in check, you’ll not only improve how you communicate with others, but you’ll also be able to get off the “emotional rollercoaster,” even out extremes in mood, and bring your life into balance. Staff will be using “HelpGuide’s Emotional Intelligence Toolkit” as a step-by-step guide that can help you to:
Change self-defeating moods and attitudes
Quickly manage stress and anxiety
Stay connected to what you feel as well as think
Follow through on your hopes and dreams
Jeanette
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Join us for Birthday Bash on Wednesday, August 28th at 2:30 p.m. to celebrate!
This fun and educational series will include lectures, videos and hands-on practice to help you improve your Emotional Intelligence and your quality of life! For more information please visit: https://www.helpguide.org/articles/mental-health/ emotional-intelligence-toolkit.htm
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Disclaimer: Articles which show “submitted by” are not written by an IC member. They are articles that our members came across, were inspired by, and brought in to the Center to inspire and encourage other members. Often the authors of these articles are unknown. The opinions expressed in the newsletter are those of the writer and do not necessarily reflect those of the Independence Center’s members, the staff, or the Editor.
Here at the Independence Center we strive to provide the best services that we can to meet the needs and recommendations of our members. We have recently added a suggestion box to the Center. We would love to hear your feedback and suggestions. What do you like? What would you like to see done differently? Any new ideas? Each week we will check your suggestions and do our best to accommodate them into our programming. As always you are welcome to speak to any IC staff member about your thoughts and if you’d rather remain anonymous, use our suggestion box. We look forward to hearing from you!