Archives for July 2019

Dear Friends,

I find that acknowledging what I am thankful for keeps me grounded with a sense of gratitude that makes me more appreciative of life around me… for me it’s about having an awareness and being present- truly present and being able to experience joy on a day to day basis.. have a wonderful weekend everyone! 

Look at everything always as though you were seeing it either for the first or last time: Thus is your time on earth filled with glory.

Betty Smith, A Tree Grows in Brooklyn 

Margaret Costello RN, PhD
Associate Professor
Simmons University

Dear Friends,

Jean Watson refers to authentic presence as that which allows for deep connection with another. For many of us, it is this connection in our relationships which provide us with a source of joy, both in our everyday life and nursing practice.

 “When we’re together, paying attention is the most basic and profound expression of love—in a moment when you offer attention, real listening, real presence—in that moment, the heart naturally opens. This is the most basic training in awakening our hearts: Mindful attention. Just being there.”

Tarah Brach

Have a great day everyone!
Margaret 

Happy Fourth of July! Enjoy all the festivities and take time for your own health and rejuvenation.

Judith Moskowitz of Northwestern University is trained as a psychologist and studies the ways positive emotions can influence people’s health and stress. She developed a program for caregivers. Here’s a quick summary of the eight techniques used in Moskowitz’ study to promote joy:

1. Take a moment to identify one positive event each day.
2. Tell someone about the positive event or share it on social media. This can help you savor the moment a little longer.
3. Start a daily gratitude journal. Aim to find little things you’re grateful for, such as a good cup of coffee, a pretty sunrise or nice weather.
4. Identify a personal strength and reflect on how you’ve used this strength today or in recent weeks.
5. Set a daily goal and track your progress. “This is based on research that shows when we feel progress towards a goal, we have more positive emotions,” Moskowitz says. The goal should not be too lofty. You want to be able to perceive progress.
6. Try to practice “positive reappraisal”: Identify an event or daily activity that is a hassle. Then, try to reframe the event in a more positive light. Example: If you’re stuck in traffic, try to savor the quiet time. If you practice this enough, it can start to become a habit.
7. Do something nice for someone else each day. These daily acts of kindness can be as simple as giving someone a smile or giving up your seat on a crowded train. Research shows we feel better when we’re kind to others.
8. Practice mindfulness by paying attention to the present moment. You can also try a 10-minute breathing exercise that uses a focus on breathing to help calm the mind.