The video below presents a serious message in a funny way. It is important to know warning signs of a heart attack, stroke, as well as serious illnesses which are life threatening if not caught early. The reason it is crucial is so that prompt and appropriate medical care can be sought. Without that second step, the first becomes meaningless.

The scenario in this video brings to mind a misconception about mindfulness meditation. Many people have begun using the term mindfulness synonymously with simple attention to something as in the idea of being “mindful” or “aware” of whatever one is doing. Even a quick Google search will bring up a variety of mindfully-related terms ranging from mindful eating, cooking, and gardening to mindful speaking, working, and playing. These terms are all offshoots of the mindfulness meditation revolution. While the terminology may be similar, the meaning of the terms may be vastly different when arising simply from an advertising ploy attempting to capitalize on the mindful movement. The result- people are confused as to what mindfulness really is and more and more often I hear people saying they practice being “mindful.”

As a therapist I often hear people reference a variety of character quirks. They may admit that they are angry, anxious, type A, OC, tend to waste time, or some other flaw. Then, invariably, they add some variant of “that’s just the way I am” or “I have always been that way.” This later part, I have learned, Continue reading →