Tags: by Phillis Benson | Jul 20, 2016 |
On June 8th, I had the pleasure of presenting at the Mental Health America Conference in Alexandria, Virginia. Later that night, I called my parents in India and learned that my 81-year-old father had a fall and was unconscious for a few minutes. He had survived esophageal cancer recently but was struggling to breathe. So, I decided to cut short my stay at the conference, return home to Portland immediately, and rush to India to see my dad. Unfortunately, by the time I landed in St. Louis en route to Portland, I learned through a social media post that my father had passed away. My whole world collapsed. Riding on his favorite Java motorbike as a little girl, I had thought my father was invincible…I still wanted him to be. He was my hero. The man who twirled me around until I broke into giggles, the man who had taught me to dream big and work hard, the man who called me “Princess” and treated me like one. Heartbroken, I collapsed in my seat sobbing, as the plane taxied. I am deeply grateful to the love and support of strangers on that plane who helped me get off the plane and board my connecting flight to Portland. I am deeply grateful to my husband and daughters who helped me get on a plane to India within hours of landing so I could be with my mother and siblings to grieve and celebrate my father’s life. And, I am deeply grateful to our extended family and friends who held us in their embrace and helped us get through the...
Tags: by Phillis Benson | Apr 12, 2016 |
Each morning, after I meditate and brush my teeth, I drink a glass of water and offer gratitude for its many health benefits to energize, nourish and sustain my body and mind. Water helps boost energy levels, regulates weight, lowers stress, builds muscle and tones, nourishes our skin, reduces kidney stones and helps us stay regular. I invite you to explore the 7 Wonders of Water and hydrate for better health. You Can Recover – Robyn’s Message of Hope Since the first time I met Robyn at the Aleternatives Conference in 2015, I have been in awe of her sense of adventure and huge heart. Although she just turned 50, she has lived and worked in Australia, New Zealand, Canada and the United States, propogating the power of peer support around the world. Diagnosed with bipolar disorder, she has never let other people’s perceptions of what she can and cannot do deter her from living the life of her dreams. When asked what has helped her recover and thrive, she said, “the love and support of her global network of family and friends, her dog, and meaningful work.” Robyn is the embodiment of the quote: “Hope sees the invisible, feels the intangible, and achieves the impossible.” Thank you Robyn for bringing hope and healing to people struggling with mental health issues around the world. You are a HOPEBRINGER! Wishing you wellness, Gayathri Ramprasad, MBA, CPS Founder & President, ASHA International...
Tags: by Phillis Benson | Mar 11, 2016 |
The yogis say “if you can control your breathe, you can control your life.” Our breathe is a barometer of our physical and emotional health. According to a Wall Street Journal article by Sumathi Reddy, “breathing and controlling your breath is one of the easiest ways to improve mental and physical health, doctors and psychologists say. Slow, deep and consistent breathing has been shown to have benefits in treating conditions ranging from migraines and irritable bowel syndrome to anxiety disorders and pain.” “If you train yourself to breathe a little bit slower it can have long-term health benefits,” says Murali Doraiswamy, a professor of psychiatry at Duke University Medical Center in Durham, N.C. “Deep breathing activates a relaxation response,” he says, “potentially decreasing inflammation, improving heart health, boosting your immune system and maybe even improving longevity,” Over the last 27 years, the daily practice of pranayama – deep breathing techniques, have greatly enhanced my physical and mental health. To learn about pranayama and try four different breathing techniques, please click here… And, watch the video above to learn the 4-7-8 breathing technique pioneered by Harvard-trained Dr. Andrew Weil, which is described as a ‘natural tranquilizer for the nervous system’ helping to quickly reduce tension and allowing the body to relax. Go ahead, give these breathing techniques a try, and share them with your family and friends. And, enjoy the healing power of breath. Wishing you wellness, Gayathri Ramprasad, MBA, CPS Founder & President, ASHA International...
Tags: by Phillis Benson | Feb 12, 2016 |
Over the last 27 years, the daily practice of meditation has literally transformed my life. According to Harvard neuroscientist Sara Lazar, meditation not only reduces stress, here’s how it changes your brain I know you might be thinking meditation is hard, I don’t have the time for it. Here are 7 myths about meditation that will help you overcome your concerns and give meditation a try. And, here are several FREE mindfulness and meditation practices to get you started: UCLA Mindful Awareness Research Center The Free Mindfulness Project Go ahead, give meditation a try, and invite your family and friends to join you. You Can Recover – Gitane’s Message of Hope Wishing you wellness, Gayathri Ramprasad, MBA, CPS Founder & President, ASHA International ...
Tags: by Phillis Benson | Jan 14, 2016 |
Each year, I reaffirm my resolve to nurture my health – physical, emotional, and spiritual. Ironically, it wasn’t until I was debilitated by depression that I realized the critical importance of emotional health. Like most people, I went to the doctor when I was in physical pain. But not when I was in emotional pain. I recently saw a TED talk by Guy Winch, who makes a compelling case to practice emotional hygiene – take care of our emotions, our minds, with the same diligence we take care of our bodies. I invite you to watch the TED talk and start practicing emotional hygiene. Need help? Click here to learn 7 ways to practice emotional hygiene. Wishing you wellness, Gayathri Ramprasad, MBA, CPS Founder & President, ASHA International ...
