Sunshine

The Idea of the Week

As we move into the warmer months, you may have the beach on your mind. The good news is that the Beach can be Good for Your Mental Health (a 6-minute article). With access to crisp blue water, fresh air, and warm sunshine, the beach offers a place for you to relax. Plus, the beach also gives an opportunity to interact with others.

But even if you can not go to the beach or do not like the beach, you can still boost your mental well-being this summer. Walking through a park, sitting near a body of water, or even standing outside breathing in the fresh air can help your mind relax and leave you feeling refreshed. 

Did you know that light therapy can be used to treat depression? In this 13-minute video, learn how light impacts your brain and influences your mood and how light therapy has been shown to be an effective treatment for depression. In the video, Emma McAdam also demonstrates light therapy equipment.

The Practice of the Week

This week, we invite you to welcome the sunshine into your life! With moderation, of course. Do not stay in the sun for too long. Make sure you stay hydrated and you protect your skin. 

Below are 20 ideas for you to invite the sunshine into your life:

1. Open your curtains when you wake up and let the sun shine in.
2. Sit outside or near a window with fresh air to wake up.
3. Participate in outdoor activities.
4. Have an activity you, your family, or your team are doing? If possible, do it outside!
5. Take a cup of tea or coffee and sit outside during a break.
6. Practice deep breathing exercises outside.
7. Make time for a quick jog, walk, or bike ride.
8. Practice yoga or meditation outside.
9. When possible, bring your laptop or documents to work outside.
10. Grab a book and read outside. 
11. Play with your pets at a park or in your backyard.
12. Open the windows to let the fresh air in while you work.
13. When you check in with friends, sit outside or go for a walk while you catch up with each other.
14. Participate in geocaching while you go for a walk.
15. Play a sport outside with your friends, colleagues, or family, such as soccer, basketball, badminton, golf, or volleyball.
16. Start a garden or tend to your garden. Even if you live in the city or do not have much yard space, you can build window gardens or start a garden on your balcony/porch.
17. Go outside and take photos of nature or your pet!
18. Take up rock climbing. Find a rock climbing center near you and invite your friends.
19. Go to a drive-in cinema or set up a movie and projector in your backyard.
20. Have a picnic with your loved ones.

News of the Week

Conscious Connected Breathwork Classes

Join Melissa Jacobs of Harvesting Sage for Conscious Connected Breathwork. This is a tool for anyone who has suffered from or experienced overwhelm, fatigue, burnout, anxiety, irritability, or grief.

This potent practice can elevate spirits, liberate pent-up emotions, enhance sleep and relaxation, bolster physical well-being, and offer a multitude of other benefits.
Offered weekly on Thursdays from 8:30am to 9:45 am & Thursdays 5:45pm to 7pm. $30 | Part of a plan
Participate in a Shadow to Light Empowerment Circle on the First Thursday of the month (including this Thursday, June 6) from 7-8pm. 
Unlock the power of your breath to heal and transform!

Register here.

Have you used KAP with us or elsewhere? Join our Psychedelic Integration Circle!

Our Psychedelic Integration Circles are uniquely tailored for those who have embarked on psychedelic (Ket specifically) journeys and seek to meaningfully incorporate their experiences into their lives. Journeys offer a profound shift in perspective and our circles create a space for understanding, acceptance, and transformation.
Tuesday groups – Amelia Peterson, LMHC
Wednesday groups – Meg Tobin, LMHC
Sunday groups – Melissa Compton, LMHC, LCAT

Register here.

Yoga Therapy:
Healing the Mind and Body

Lindsey will be hosting a special 4-week trauma-focused series. Come learn about how your body responds to stress and trauma, followed by Vinyasa Flow Yoga.

This trauma-informed yoga workshop series consists of four sessions. The first half hour of the workshop will consist of psychoeducation covering topics such as the mind-body connection, physiology of trauma, mindfulness exercises, breathwork & more. Following this, students will be led through an hour-long dynamic vinyasa flow.

Each session will have a unique theme, specifically designed to target the body’s physiological reactions to stress and trauma. The themes are

1. Release (focus on hips);
2. Empower (power flow, focus on strengthening postures);  
3. Acceptance (focus on heart openers); and
4. Peace (focus on balancing postures).  

4 Session Series on 6/1, 6/8. 6/15, and 6/22. Sessions are 1 hour and 30 minutes, located at the Breathing Space Studio in Erieville, NY.

The workshop aims to educate and enlighten students about the power they possess to heal from trauma, and release stress.

Register here.

The Thought of the Week

Wishing you a peaceful week!