 Hey there, fellow creators and calm-seekers! Remember when finding a moment of peace felt like searching for a needle in a haystack? Trust me, I've been there. My phone buzzed non-stop, my to-do list seemed endless, and my mind? Well, it was a whirlwind of deadlines and worries. But here's the thing - I stumbled upon something beautiful: the magical intersection of mindfulness and creativity. And let me tell you, it's been a game-changer. It all started with simple acts - kneading dough for bread and casting on stitches for another pair of socks. These became my sanctuary. When my mind was too scattered to focus on anything else, these activities offered an escape from the chaos swirling around and within me. Now, I know what you're thinking. "Knitting? Isn't that for grandmas and hipsters?" Oh, how wrong I was when I first thought that! From the moment I picked up those needles, something shifted. I was fully present in a way I hadn't been in years. But it's not just about knitting. Whether painting, digital collage, or doodling, the magic happens when you bring your full attention to your actions. It's about being present in the moment, not letting your mind wander off to your to-do list or that awkward thing you said five years ago. Of course, it can be challenging. Some days, focusing feels as difficult as threading a needle in the dark. But that's okay - it's all part of the process. And you know what? This mindful approach to creativity doesn't just make the activity more enjoyable. It spills over into other areas of life, too. I'm more patient when stuck in traffic, observant of the world around me, and better at handling stress. Who knew that knitting socks could be a life skill? So, whether you're a seasoned crafter or just starting out, why not try this mindful approach? You might be surprised at what you discover about your craft and yourself. If this former mindfulness sceptic can do it, anyone can. Remember, it's not about creating masterpieces - it's about creating moments of peace, self-discovery, and joy in our hectic lives. So, grab those knitting needles, open that sketchbook, or boot up that digital art software. Your next creative adventure - and your next moment of mindfulness - is just waiting to begin. Let's explore how creating can transform not just a blank canvas but our relationships with the world around us. Your mind (and your stress levels) will thank you for it!  Want to dive deeper into the world of mindful crafting? Check out my book "Craft Your Calm: The Mindful Creator's Handbook," where I share more personal stories, practical tips, and exercises to help you journey to a calmer, more creative life.
Monika Baechler-Dombay
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MonikaBaechler.com - The Blue Zones Secrets for Living Longer by Dan Buettner
I binge-watched the documentary series in two evenings. It was a captivating journey into the lives of centenarians from around the world, and it left me inspired and filled with a profound appreciation for the joys of life. In "Live to 100: Secrets of the Blue Zones," I had the privilege of experiencing individuals who have not only crossed the remarkable milestone of 100 years but are also thriving in ways that defy conventional wisdom.
What struck me the most was that these centenarians were not confined to impersonal elderly care facilities but were surrounded by the warmth of their families and communities. In a world where we often find ourselves swept away by the currents of modernity, witnessing the unwavering devotion of these remarkable individuals to their friends and communities was nothing short of heartwarming. The documentary provided a unique window into the lives of these beautiful souls who have generously mastered the art of living and shared their wisdom. It was a journey that enriched and enlightened me, and I wholeheartedly urge you to experience it on Netflix. In this article, we'll delve into the profound lessons and insights from the Blue Zones, where centenarians thrive and defy the norms of ageing. These remarkable individuals have unlocked the secrets to longevity, and their wisdom can inspire us all to lead healthier, more fulfilling lives. Let's embark on this extraordinary journey together. Have you ever wondered what it takes to live a long and fulfilling life? The Netflix documentary "Live to 100: Secrets of the Blue Zones" by Dan Buettner explores this question by taking us on a global journey to regions where people consistently live past 100 years. These areas, known as Blue Zones, include Okinawa, Japan; Ikaria, Greece; Sardinia, Italy; Nicoya, Costa Rica; and Loma Linda, California. What being a mother has taught me or "The Mother's Skill Set: A Valuable Asset in the Workforce"9/14/2023  As a mother, you've honed a remarkable set of skills that are not only vital in managing a household but can also be seamlessly translated into the professional world. Let's explore how the essential skills you've acquired through the challenges of motherhood can become invaluable assets in the workforce.
Time Management: Successfully balanced the responsibilities of raising children, managing a household, and supporting a spouse while meeting deadlines and commitments. In the corporate world, time is money. Your ability to juggle the diverse demands of family life while meeting deadlines and commitments equips you with exceptional time management skills. Employers highly value individuals who can optimally allocate their time to achieve maximum productivity. Organisational Skills: Efficiently coordinated various tasks and schedules, ensuring the smooth running of the household and family activities. Organisational prowess is an essential trait in any job. Your experience in orchestrating family schedules and tasks demonstrates your capability to streamline processes and ensure organisational efficiency. Problem-Solving: Developed strong problem-solving abilities by addressing challenges and conflicts within the family dynamic.  For those who aren't familiar with Gratitude, it is a deep appreciation for all that we have in life. It's about counting your blessings and meaningfully and sincerely appreciating them. For example, one person can be grateful for having a roof over their head, while another might be grateful they can eat three meals daily.
Gratitude has been shown to benefit our physical health and mental well-being. In addition, studies show that practising gratitude can lower stress levels, improve sleep quality and strengthen relationships with others. In this article, you'll learn about gratitude's science and how it can improve your life! Gratitude is not a complex concept. It's a positive emotion that arises when we focus on the good things in our lives. It's not about what we lack, but about appreciating what we have. Gratitude can be practised in simple ways every day, even if it's just taking a few seconds to pause and reflect on the blessings in your life. When we practice gratitude, we live happier lives because we feel more content with our current situation. Gratitude The best way to practice gratitude is by keeping a gratitude journal. This can be done in several ways, like writing down your grateful thoughts on paper or typing them up and saving them as a text document. Alternatively, you can use an app like [the Gratitude App], which allows you to record your experiences and emotions over time in photos and videos. Having a gratitude journal will enable you to reflect on what makes you happy - whether it be a memory from the past or something extraordinary happening right now! Here are some other ways that I've found helpful in maintaining my sense of gratitude: Keeping track of good things that happened each day.
I hope this article has opened your eyes to the transformative power of gratitude. It's not just a concept, but a tool that can truly change your life. But remember, it's only effective if you put it into practice. So why wait? Start your gratitude journey today and watch how it transforms your life! According to Harvard University, gratitude is not just a feel-good concept, but a scientifically proven path to greater happiness. It consistently shows strong associations with positive emotions, relishing good experiences, improving health, coping with adversity, and building strong relationships. So, rest assured, practising gratitude is a sure way to enhance your well-being. Monika Baechler-Dombay  Being happy is a choice.
You can decide how your day will go every minute of the day. You can choose to be sad and depressed, or you can choose to get up out of bed and say, "today is going to be a great day!" It's common to wake up in the morning feeling unmotivated, but that doesn't mean anything. Your life isn't as bad as you think; you're in a warm bed. So get up, grab that coffee (or tea) and start your day by making choices that will make you happy! It's important to remember that you can choose how you feel about anything at any time. So if you're feeling down, it's time to start making positive choices like "I'm going to be happy." Or even better, have something positive to say about someone else or compliment them. There are many ways to choose happiness every day. For example, you can choose not to let other people's actions affect your mood or behaviour. You can choose things that make you happy instead of just doing what others want. You can focus on the positive instead of the negative. And you can be grateful for what you have instead of dwelling on what you don't have. Getting angry and wasting energy doesn't do anything but make you unhappy. Anger is a negative emotion that doesn't solve anything and can lead to regret. Instead of getting angry, try to be patient with yourself and others. It's not about what happens in your life that makes you happy, but how you react to it. Baby steps are a great way to get started on the road to happiness. Keep learning how to be happier every day. You can do it! It Where do you start? One way to start becoming happier is to focus on the things you are grateful for. So every day, take a few minutes to think about the things that make you happy or bring you joy. This could be your family, friends, pets, hobbies, or anything else that brings you happiness. By focusing on the positive aspects of your life, you can shift your perspective and start seeing the good in your life. Another way to start becoming happier is to take care of yourself. This means ensuring you get enough sleep, eat well, exercise, and take time for yourself. When you are well-rested and nourished, you will have more energy and a better mood. Exercise, in particular, has been shown to positively affect mood and can help reduce stress and anxiety. Self-care melts into Self-Love. Finally, try to surround yourself with positive, supportive people. Spend time with friends and family who lift you up and make you happy. Avoid negative people or situations that bring you down. By focusing on the positive and surrounding yourself with supportive people, you can become happier. Mona M. Bee |
AuthorMonika Baechler-Dombay is a Certified Nutrition Specialist, writer, and trauma-informed wellness advocate dedicated to helping neurodivergent individuals heal from childhood trauma through nutrition, mindfulness, nervous system regulation, mindfulness and creativity. Her work focuses on bridging the gap between nutrition, neuroscience, emotional healing, and intuitive body trust. Archives
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