Episode 58 - Self-Care Self-Assessments & Inter-Being Scaffolding

The Hopeful Humanist Cafe

Quote: "Right now the world is entirely focused on people's physical health, and for good reason. But I urge everyone to take mental health just as seriously as you do your physical health. Use preventative measures and learn to spot the signs when you are struggling. Reach out to family, friends or medical professionals." - Natalie Romero from her article, "I Am Struggling With Low-Grade Depression."

T-shirt Ideas:

1) Remember, don't forget what you know

2) Somatic Palliation's best friend is action plan, she gets things done

My Self-Care Self-Assessment Inventory Questionnaire:

1) Have I been feeding my mind? (livehappy)

2) Have I been minding my thoughts (livehappy)

3) Have I been watching my words? (livehappy)

4) Have I been keeping good company? (livehappy)

5) Have I been engaged in my daily practice of gratitude, accomplishment, goal?

6) Have I participated in a family game over the past week?

7) Have I done anything physical? Have I exercised?

8) Have I done my morning recitations or engaged in moments of mindfulness?

9) Have I directed energy to a personal learning project?

10) Have I expressed in some fashion my love to those most dearest to me?

Resources:

1) Have you lost your spark? Many of us have and we are not along. Check-out this article from Natalie Romero by clicking here - I Am Struggling With Low-Grade Depression | Learning (cbc.ca)

2) "livehappy: Ten Practices for Choosing Joy," by Deborah K. Heisz. This books offers "stories and wisdom of Everyday Happiness." I found reading this book helpful in terms of coming up with ideas for my Self-Case Self-Assessment questionnaire (Feed your mind, Mind your thoughts, Watch your words, Keep good company). Pick up the book at your local library or get it on Amazon by clicking here - Live Happy: Ten Practices for Choosing Joy eBook: Heisz, Deborah K.: Amazon.ca: Kindle Store

3) "Transcend: The New Science of Self-Actualization," by Scott Barry Kaufman. This book is a personal favourite as it builds upon the foundational thinking of Abraham H. Maslow, who for me, was a grandparent of Positive Psychology. I have always been drawn to the hierarchy of needs as the necessary infrastructure for good mental health. Scott offers a new "Sailboat" metaphor for capturing the essence of Maslow's thought. The new discussion includes a discussion of transcendence in the framework of security and growth needs. Hopefully soon, one will be able to find the book at one's local library, but if not, you can click on this link to Amazon: Transcend: The New Science of Self-Actualization eBook: Kaufman, Scott Barry: Amazon.ca: Kindle Store

4) Scott Barry Kaufman also hosts his own podcast called "The Psychology Podcast," where he explores the depth of human potential. On the most recent episode I listened to with special guest Sharon Salzberg, the conversation was about the benefits of incorporating mindfulness into our lives as we struggle collectively with experiences of anxiety, grief, anger and utter exhaustion (one culprit being decision fatigue). Click here to access the podcast - Homepage | Scott Barry Kaufman

5) To learn "How to Write Your Own Prescription for Self-Care," click here: How to Write Your Own Prescription for Self-Care (winniepalmerhospital.com)

6) Check out this article entitled, "When feeling lonely and unhappy veers into depression: challenges of these pandemic holidays," from CBC news to explore ideas, links and videos about how to stand up to depression. Click here - When feeling lonely and unhappy veers into depression: challenges of these pandemic holidays | CBC News

I hope you find the various resources helpful and perhaps you might add some to your spiritual toolbox. Here my invitation stands: What 10 things would you include on your weekly self-care self-assessment?

Related Episodes:

1) Episode 34 - Seriously? Oh my G.A.A.D! - A Sanity Quickie … (hopefulhumanistcafe.com)

2) Episode 36 - One Word (hopefulhumanistcafe.com)

3) Episode 41 - Morning Prayer to Start Off the Day (hopefulhumanistcafe.com)

Please email me at [e-mail] to share your cool tool resources for others to consider for their spiritual tool boxes and/or any activity that you think can nurture the human need for creativity.

Peace, take care, be well, and share!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!