Lori Hobart, LCSW

Reminder...

Sitting in the garden studying polyvagal theory and interpersonal neurobiology. Perfect setting for learning.

One of my favorite resources! I encourage you to follow them.
https://learning.mindful.org/p/daily-mindfulness-free/?mc_cid=68ae3c44d5&mc_eid=afd54db9e8

Find Calm and Nourish Resilience 30 days of mindfulness to calm anxious thoughts, strengthen emotional resilience, and cultivate compassion and connection.

https://mailchi.mp/drdansiegel/follow-up-to-dans-article-on-attachment-theory-1592903?e=850c332f2b

Timely resource for more calm amidst the chaos I will be deeply grateful for any support you can provide. Please take good care in these rapidly changing times.   Thank you. Be well, Dan “The Gift of Presence is a gift for us all – filled with practical insights and fascinating science about the power of mindfulness. By interviewing ove...

https://www.livescience.com/coronavirus-tips-for-homebound-kids-parents.html

Tips for handling work and kids during COVID-19 isolation Working and supervising children during a pandemic has the potential to create stress and family conflict.

Physical Distancing
but
Social Connecting

There are so many things I don't know today, but I do know that.....

I might get the virus.

If I do get the virus, I’ll have lots of love and support around me.

If I get sick, I have a wonderful chance of a full recovery.

I might be physically alone but I have so many friends to connect with through technology.

Worrying about getting the virus is not helping me stay healthy.

There are specific things that I can do to keep myself and others safe.

I have more time to be creative and have insightful thoughts.

I have the capacity to impact how other people feel during these times.

"Worry does not empty tomorrow of its problem, worry empties today of his strength" (author unknown)

Free Mindfulness Resources to Find Calm and Nourish Resilience During the COVID Outbreak - Mindful Gathering the Mindful community together in order to deliver essential mindfulness resources for calm and resilience for everyone.

Stay Inside and Go Inside

As we stay in our homes and have lots of alone time, it is a perfect time to go inside and learn to quiet our thoughts.
What will you do today to stay calm in uncertain times?
Here is what I am doing (in between work)!
I am bringing spring into my home. I am starting seedlings for flowers and vegetables. This is especially helping my mood after hearing we are going to get 5-8 inches of snow!

Keep a look out for my "Ways to practice Mindfulness" coming soon!!

I am happy to announce that I am able to provide HIPPA compliant Teletherapy and that insurance companies ARE paying for it!

I take most insurances including Blue Cross and Blue Shield, Tufts, Harvard Pilgrim, United Behavioral Health, Aetna, Cigna, Medicare and MaineCare!

As we all navigate uncertain times, and forced to stay inside, it is a perfect time to harness the opportunity to choose to go inside...to slow down, be mindful, listen to our own being. As I search for ways to be mindful, I found a great place to practice. You see...I love to take baths...and I climbed in before it was even close to being full. I felt a tightness in my chest as I caught myself worrying about my children, finances, people I love that I know are struggling. I was being hijacked by anxiety.
I have a regular meditation practice so I caught myself in this negative cycle and started to focus on my breathing...but being in the tub I switched my focus and wanted to share this great idea!

Get in the tub when it is still filling. Close your eyes and listen to the sound of the water filling the tub. Notice the difference between the sound of the water coming out of the faucet and the sound of the water hitting the water in the tub. Try to discern is you can hear the little splashes of water versus the bigger splash. See if you can feel how far the water is filling and covering your body without looking. How is the temperature? Where is your body solid on the tub floor and where parts are more floating? Focus on a floating part (a hand, the small of your back, your shoulder blades) and really pay attention to the sensations there.
Now you may need to mindfully turn the water off!!
Lean back again and notice the movement of the water from your change in position. Notice the water become slower and still. Is it really still or is in gently flowing with your breath? Check the temperature...without judgement. Focus on your bodily sensations of being in the tub. Maybe lay all the way back and put your head under. Notice the change in sounds. Notice the sound of your breathing.
Enjoy the rhythm of your breath and the gentle rhythm of the water following your breath. When your thoughts wander, bring them back to the sensations of being in the tub.

If you use soap, slow down and notice the feel of it on your hands, the smell of it, the texture. If you shave, do it mindfully and slowly. There are so many ways to practice in the tub!!🛁

I hope you will try it! I am definitely going to keep this in my practice!

Audio: Wisdom In The Midst Of Difficulties - Jack Kornfield Audio: Wisdom In The Midst Of Difficulties How can we move through our difficult situations with wisdom and graciousness? This meditation, one of my favorites, shows us how to do so in illuminating, empowering ways. It is almost always helpful.

Brené Brown
15 hrs ·
So many great questions and comments about our first Unlocking Us podcast episode on FFTs (effing first times) and how hard it is to be new at everything - from small things to pandemics.

I especially appreciate all of the comments from teachers getting ready to take their classes online for the first time and parents navigating all of the uncertainty. �

I’m sharing my thoughts in an article on the website: Collective Vulnerability, the FFTs of Online Learning, and the Sacredness of Bored Kids.

https://brenebrown.com/…/20…/03/21/collective-vulnerability/

Open hearts. Clean hands. Spread calm.
Image may contain: possible text that says 'This pandemic experience is a massive experiment in collective vulnerability. We can can be our worst selves when we're afraid, or our very best, bravest selves. In the context of fear and vulnerability, there is often very little in between because when we are uncertain and afraid our default is self-protection. We don't have to be scary when we're scared. Let's choose awkward, brave, and kind. And let's choose each other.'

Collective Vulnerability, the FFTs of Online Learning, and the Sacredness of Bored Kids | Brené Brown These are anxious times. I hope you are well, taking care of yourselves, and finding a way to connect with people you love. If you are a healthcare worker, social worker, counselor, first responder, store employee, food delivery person, or anyone out there on the frontlines: Thank you. You are our h...