Holiday Survival for Creatives: Got the Van Gogh Blues?

(Need context for this post? Check out the introductory post for this series.)

I don’t think I’m out of line suggesting that populations of creative people tend to have higher numbers of depression, anxiety, and other mental health concerns. Often it’s the pain of these challenges that turns us to creative work in the first place. Of course the stress and chaos of the holidays can exacerbate mental health concerns and turn the whole season into a burden for anyone with mental and emotional issues. You’re not alone and you can survive. I’m speaking from experience, in case you can’t tell.

The very best meditation resources

- stephanie

I’m pretty sure it’s no surprise that – as a diehard meditation and mindfulness practitioner – I have some picky preferences when it comes to resources. Mindfulness and all it’s New Age trappings are big business these days.

There is a lot of “stuff” out there and lots of “gurus” willing to take your money. I’m pretty skeptical when it comes to anything outside of plopping my butt on the floor and just doing the work. With that said, some resources can be really helpful. These are a few of my faves. (p.s. with the exception of the Amazon link to Dan Harris’ book, none of these links are affiliate links – these are all recommendations straight from the Creative + Mindful regular use arsenal) Read more

The 6 Waves Cresting in the Ocean of Your Brain and How to Ride Them

- stephanie

(this originally appeared on my old Forest of Healing website on December 7, 2012)

(n.b. this is some ultra nerdy shit. I make no apologies.)

Many years ago I taught a week-long soft skills boot camp for a well-known hospitality organization. One of the modules was about stress management. Although I had taken yoga, learned about focusing on my breath and had even tried zazen, I felt a little hokey reading the guided meditation that was supposed to be part of the module. Read more