Beautiful Sarah. I also love cooking (tho I’m not able to right now). You might enjoy the free app called Paprika 3. It’s free! You can import recipes off the web or from emails. Or you can type in your own. You can sort thru thru it to find recipes based on what’s in your cupboard, or a type of recipe (appetizer, snack, dinner etc) and you can create grocery lists. Let me know if you have any trouble finding it. If so I’ll add a link.
What’s keeping me healthy mentally right now is writing. Chronic pain and continued chronic illness has flattened me from pretty much everything else. I’m so grateful for this community.
I find myself shifting btwn my favorite video game, Genshin Impact, and more focused reading/writing on Substack. Also when I keep to my yoga practice it makes a huge difference.
Congratulations on the relaunch and yes, let’s manifest that NYT bestsellers list! You’re going to make it happen. Yes you are!
It’s been a combination of things these past three weeks, Sarah, that have helped my mental health: writing what I want and how I want (not outward/audience-focused but inward focused); reading incredible writing here that makes me pause and exhale and connecting with equally incredible authors; creating in community through the No Phone, Just Art 5-minute invitation that concluded on Friday.
More than anything, it’s been about discernment, I guess…choosing what to write, whose words to absorb, who to engage with.
Right now, Substack is where I feel most present, most nourished, most seen. And I think that’s what’s keeping me mentally healthy, in a nutshell.
I am *so excited* too that you're doing this, Sarah! Everyone needs to read Pathological.
This week, two things are keeping me healthy: First, getting outside for a walk, even if it's in the rain and fog here in North Yorkshire, because I've been sitting at my desk too much. And second, writing. Writing just for me, with a pen, in my notebook, letting the words move over the page in whatever way they want to... Love to everyone on this thread. 💜
Daily evening walk with my hubby has become our new thing. It's nice, no phones, just us and nature and talking about day or hopes and dreams or nothing at all. It's great.
I just said to my husband that we should walk together nightly. I live in Florida near the beach and right now the weather is not horribly humid or hot!
I’m excited for you, Sarah; this is wonderful news!
What’s keeping me healthy this week, on top of stretching and sitting in silence every morning, is listening to myself. Staying warm, lying down when I need to, declining invitations rather than pushing through or going along to be polite or “good.”
I'm literally reading your book Pathological and doing so with two other male psychologists. We formed a book club and were reading a recommended book by the American Psychological Association. I/We couldn't get through it because it was so dry, boring and by the numbers - literally.
So, after a few months of "reading" and then not discussing the work I suggested we switch to your book. Today at 1:30pm EST we meet to disscuss the first 2 chapters of your book. I've found it very interesting so far. I'll let you know.
Besides this, I hike everyday and it's February in New England. Rain, sun, shine, fog, clouds, snowstorm, Nano spikes, raincoat, rain pants, snow pants, snowshoes, expo spikes, hoodies, hiking poles. But I get to see the animals - deer, fox, eagle, hawk, fischer cat, hooded merganser and catch glimpses of the sun for necessary vitamin d enhancement.
Directly answering: doting on my cats, coloring mandalas, listening to music (old favorites and new discoveries alike), and regularly unplugging from technology - at this moment.
Since less than five years ago, the only thing i've at times struggled with are my emotions, mostly anger and sadness-depression. What keeps me mentally healthy now is doing things i like, one of which is practicing German (I've started going to German classes for 4 months. I LOVE LEARNING GERMAN😍😍). The other one is, like a boxer, punching my fears as many times as i can (whenever i feel invigorated, i firmly decide to do what i'm afraid of, such as yesterday when i decided to walk from my home to my German class alone, which was a 30-45 minute walk). And finally, whenever i feel very depressed or furious, i draw in my notebook (i have a small notebook for my drawings. Despite the fact that i have a few drafts waiting in my art studio shelves for me to color them, i can't resist drawing (You can check my "Activity" section to see my paintings).
Right now, right here, being gently aware of and tending to my mental health all through the day is keeping me in equilibrium. A walk outdoors a couple of times a day, with dogs. I take in very small doses of political and governmental mayhem,just enough to be informed by the least strident voices. Yoga, mindfulness in as many moments as I can manage, walking, nourishing myself & my family. Connecting with myhusband and friends, listening better.
For me, it’s important to not locate all my thoughts and emotions in social media….much as enjoy this one. For me …I have to keep on cultivating my Capacity for Joy,something I teach in my own work.
I love LOOKING ..it’s a deliberate act of seeing. They’re two different things in my practice. Flooding my inner and outer eyes with beauty: the regal fir trees in my garden, paintings, arrangements of flowers, hearing the delighted laughter of a child or adult, eating a meal cooked for me, a good cup of coffee in a beautiful porcelain cup, having a connection with someone in a conversation that has depth and the warmth of mutual respect and grace. Finding that last parking space! Feeling ‘met’ and understood….and having a conversation with a child….and other things. Happy Sunday xx
We have a six month old poodle, Camper, whose eyes are amazing. They both look intensely at you and receive you looking at him. He's our first successor to our F1 Labradoodle, Dude, whom we loved for almost 17 years before he crossed the bridge.
Quiet sitting pre-dawn and soaking in inspiration from writers helps keep me mentally healthy. The insight, wisdom, and wit of others fills my heart with gratitude. When I write on my Substack, I feel the generosity of spirit of others flowing through me, as if I am a channel. It fills me with a Zen-like peace even as I sit and contemplate an appropriate word. Pathological is on my bedside table, in line for beautiful reading. Thank you, Sarah.
Sarah, thank you for your teaching. I absolutely agree with everything you said about a mental health with little “m” and little “h”. Very clever of you to put “at that moment” at the end of your question, as otherwise I would immerse into a spiritual explanation. I am joining to you in taking time for cooking and eating 3 meals while sitting at the table (snacks could be in passing). Like your note about the book Pathological 😊.
it's the silliest thing and a little embrassing, but simply chewing slowly has been an important way for me to "healthy." ha, wild how something so banal is so impactful.
I am reeling a little bit right now. I too suffered from serious mental illness for over a decade during my twenties (I'm 73 now). I eventually got past the worst symptoms, and even became a psychotherapist myself, but I still cannot claim to be completely and forever "well." This election cycle has me flipping back and forth between days of calm and peace and days of being on the phone, calling my representatives and reading political Substacks. I cross a line and am no longer well at all, so head back to my creative practices and take breaks. I want to hide, to forget about it all, to bury my head under the covers, but I think of my children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, and I cannot.
Do creative practices is a great thing. But I do hope you know what does it mean for you to cross a line and not be well at all, because it may be a sign, which should not be ignored. Maybe it would be relieving if you said that loudly to a person near you. This person's reaction may surprise you pleasantly. You could say something like: "I need some help. I do not feel well at all."
Thanks, Tajana. When I say "not well," I really mean just feelings of outrage and some low level anxiety due to what's going on...you know...like many in the country and even the world right now. And...I found a fabulous therapist recently too! Have a great week!
Beautiful Sarah. I also love cooking (tho I’m not able to right now). You might enjoy the free app called Paprika 3. It’s free! You can import recipes off the web or from emails. Or you can type in your own. You can sort thru thru it to find recipes based on what’s in your cupboard, or a type of recipe (appetizer, snack, dinner etc) and you can create grocery lists. Let me know if you have any trouble finding it. If so I’ll add a link.
What’s keeping me healthy mentally right now is writing. Chronic pain and continued chronic illness has flattened me from pretty much everything else. I’m so grateful for this community.
I find myself shifting btwn my favorite video game, Genshin Impact, and more focused reading/writing on Substack. Also when I keep to my yoga practice it makes a huge difference.
Congratulations on the relaunch and yes, let’s manifest that NYT bestsellers list! You’re going to make it happen. Yes you are!
It’s been a combination of things these past three weeks, Sarah, that have helped my mental health: writing what I want and how I want (not outward/audience-focused but inward focused); reading incredible writing here that makes me pause and exhale and connecting with equally incredible authors; creating in community through the No Phone, Just Art 5-minute invitation that concluded on Friday.
More than anything, it’s been about discernment, I guess…choosing what to write, whose words to absorb, who to engage with.
Right now, Substack is where I feel most present, most nourished, most seen. And I think that’s what’s keeping me mentally healthy, in a nutshell.
I am *so excited* too that you're doing this, Sarah! Everyone needs to read Pathological.
This week, two things are keeping me healthy: First, getting outside for a walk, even if it's in the rain and fog here in North Yorkshire, because I've been sitting at my desk too much. And second, writing. Writing just for me, with a pen, in my notebook, letting the words move over the page in whatever way they want to... Love to everyone on this thread. 💜
Daily evening walk with my hubby has become our new thing. It's nice, no phones, just us and nature and talking about day or hopes and dreams or nothing at all. It's great.
I just said to my husband that we should walk together nightly. I live in Florida near the beach and right now the weather is not horribly humid or hot!
I’m excited for you, Sarah; this is wonderful news!
What’s keeping me healthy this week, on top of stretching and sitting in silence every morning, is listening to myself. Staying warm, lying down when I need to, declining invitations rather than pushing through or going along to be polite or “good.”
Love this response, Marguerite!
Thank you, Gary!
I'm literally reading your book Pathological and doing so with two other male psychologists. We formed a book club and were reading a recommended book by the American Psychological Association. I/We couldn't get through it because it was so dry, boring and by the numbers - literally.
So, after a few months of "reading" and then not discussing the work I suggested we switch to your book. Today at 1:30pm EST we meet to disscuss the first 2 chapters of your book. I've found it very interesting so far. I'll let you know.
Besides this, I hike everyday and it's February in New England. Rain, sun, shine, fog, clouds, snowstorm, Nano spikes, raincoat, rain pants, snow pants, snowshoes, expo spikes, hoodies, hiking poles. But I get to see the animals - deer, fox, eagle, hawk, fischer cat, hooded merganser and catch glimpses of the sun for necessary vitamin d enhancement.
Hello all...
Directly answering: doting on my cats, coloring mandalas, listening to music (old favorites and new discoveries alike), and regularly unplugging from technology - at this moment.
Since less than five years ago, the only thing i've at times struggled with are my emotions, mostly anger and sadness-depression. What keeps me mentally healthy now is doing things i like, one of which is practicing German (I've started going to German classes for 4 months. I LOVE LEARNING GERMAN😍😍). The other one is, like a boxer, punching my fears as many times as i can (whenever i feel invigorated, i firmly decide to do what i'm afraid of, such as yesterday when i decided to walk from my home to my German class alone, which was a 30-45 minute walk). And finally, whenever i feel very depressed or furious, i draw in my notebook (i have a small notebook for my drawings. Despite the fact that i have a few drafts waiting in my art studio shelves for me to color them, i can't resist drawing (You can check my "Activity" section to see my paintings).
Right now, right here, being gently aware of and tending to my mental health all through the day is keeping me in equilibrium. A walk outdoors a couple of times a day, with dogs. I take in very small doses of political and governmental mayhem,just enough to be informed by the least strident voices. Yoga, mindfulness in as many moments as I can manage, walking, nourishing myself & my family. Connecting with myhusband and friends, listening better.
For me, it’s important to not locate all my thoughts and emotions in social media….much as enjoy this one. For me …I have to keep on cultivating my Capacity for Joy,something I teach in my own work.
I love LOOKING ..it’s a deliberate act of seeing. They’re two different things in my practice. Flooding my inner and outer eyes with beauty: the regal fir trees in my garden, paintings, arrangements of flowers, hearing the delighted laughter of a child or adult, eating a meal cooked for me, a good cup of coffee in a beautiful porcelain cup, having a connection with someone in a conversation that has depth and the warmth of mutual respect and grace. Finding that last parking space! Feeling ‘met’ and understood….and having a conversation with a child….and other things. Happy Sunday xx
Thanks 🦋
Right now, it's a Japanese guitarist named Ise Mitsue. https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZT2D7qT8B/
J. Dudley Gilbert, my 1.5-year-old Doodle, who stares at me with glistening, smiling, brown eyes every waking moment. He is saving my life.
We have a six month old poodle, Camper, whose eyes are amazing. They both look intensely at you and receive you looking at him. He's our first successor to our F1 Labradoodle, Dude, whom we loved for almost 17 years before he crossed the bridge.
Quiet sitting pre-dawn and soaking in inspiration from writers helps keep me mentally healthy. The insight, wisdom, and wit of others fills my heart with gratitude. When I write on my Substack, I feel the generosity of spirit of others flowing through me, as if I am a channel. It fills me with a Zen-like peace even as I sit and contemplate an appropriate word. Pathological is on my bedside table, in line for beautiful reading. Thank you, Sarah.
Sarah, thank you for your teaching. I absolutely agree with everything you said about a mental health with little “m” and little “h”. Very clever of you to put “at that moment” at the end of your question, as otherwise I would immerse into a spiritual explanation. I am joining to you in taking time for cooking and eating 3 meals while sitting at the table (snacks could be in passing). Like your note about the book Pathological 😊.
it's the silliest thing and a little embrassing, but simply chewing slowly has been an important way for me to "healthy." ha, wild how something so banal is so impactful.
It is not embarrassing at all. Thorough chewing is the most important element of healthy eating :)
I am reeling a little bit right now. I too suffered from serious mental illness for over a decade during my twenties (I'm 73 now). I eventually got past the worst symptoms, and even became a psychotherapist myself, but I still cannot claim to be completely and forever "well." This election cycle has me flipping back and forth between days of calm and peace and days of being on the phone, calling my representatives and reading political Substacks. I cross a line and am no longer well at all, so head back to my creative practices and take breaks. I want to hide, to forget about it all, to bury my head under the covers, but I think of my children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, and I cannot.
Do creative practices is a great thing. But I do hope you know what does it mean for you to cross a line and not be well at all, because it may be a sign, which should not be ignored. Maybe it would be relieving if you said that loudly to a person near you. This person's reaction may surprise you pleasantly. You could say something like: "I need some help. I do not feel well at all."
Thanks, Tajana. When I say "not well," I really mean just feelings of outrage and some low level anxiety due to what's going on...you know...like many in the country and even the world right now. And...I found a fabulous therapist recently too! Have a great week!