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 | Aug 31, 2015 |
October 18, 2015 Every race has a cause. No race has EVERY cause…until NOW. The Cause + Event Race Series is unlike any other race series of its kind. The runner (or walker) chooses their favorite registered 501(c)3 nonprofit and their cause will receive at least half of the racer’s registration. Join ASHA International’s HOPEBRINGERS team and help us raise funds to promote mental health awareness, and bring hope and healing to people’s lives. Date: Octobber 18, 2015 What: 5k walk/5k & 10k run Where: Bethany Village, Portland, OR Time: 7:30-8:30 am Cost: $35 includes bib and chip timing plus $15 donation to the cause of your choice. And a Free Kids Fun Run – Tot Trot and 1K To register, please click here Click To Register Under Team Registration, please click on Join an Existing Team Please click on join ASHA International’s HopeBringers and complete the registration form. Thanks! To learn about 2015 Cause and Event please click below Click To Learn More About the Cause & Event Please register today and invite your friends, family, and colleagues to join us. Thank you! If you have any questions, please email Gayathri Ramprasad at [email protected] or call 971 340 7190. We look forward to seeing you at the...
Tags: by Gayathri Ramprasad | Aug 14, 2015 |
Art helps us express our deepest selves even when words fail us. Years ago, I was hospitalized after a suicide attempt. The only thing that kept me alive was the daily visit by my daughter and husband. While I desperately wanted to see my daughter, I was deeply troubled that she would be traumatized by her visits to the psychiatric ward. And, so each day, I created a little gift for her – a necklace, a bracelet with beads, stained-glass Christmas ornaments, or a teddy bear made of yarn. My daughter is now a young woman and it warms my heart that she cherishes these gifts I made for her and remembers her visits to the hospital with fondness not fear. I offer my deepest gratitude to the occupational therapist in the hospital who taught me that even amidst pain, I could create objects that brought joy to another person. I recently had the pleasure of speaking with Jeffrey Sparr, Co-Founder of Peace Love Studios and was inspired to learn how he uses painting to combat anxiety. Jeff is a man on an audacious mission – a mission to make mental illness cool. Not cool to have, but cool to support. Art heals. Art makes us whole. So, go ahead and tap into your creativity and enjoy the healing power of art. The post The healing power of art appeared first on Shadows in the Sun by Gayathri...
Tags: by Gayathri Ramprasad | May 25, 2015 | ted
Happy Mental Health Awareness Month! In April 1989, a stranger came to visit me in the most unlikely of places, a psychiatric ward and gave me the gift of hope that changed my life forever, and continues to transform the lives of thousands of people around the world. Although her visit was short, she taught me that a random act of kindness can give hope and change a life forever. For years, I have wanted to share her story with the world. And, on May 2nd, I finally had the opportunity to do so at TEDx MtHood. Hope my TED talk inspires you to BE THE HOPE, change a life, and heal the world, one person at a time. Please share my TED talk with your family, friends, and colleagues and encourage them to BE THE HOPE. Thank you! The post Be the Hope appeared first on Shadows in the Sun by Gayathri...
Tags: by Gayathri Ramprasad | Mar 30, 2015 |
A couple of weeks ago, I was heartbroken to hear about the suicidal death of a ten-year-old boy in my community. As a mother and mental health advocate, I realize how difficult it is to talk about suicide, a topic that has long been shrouded in shame and secrecy. But, it is time for us to break the silence and talk about suicide. According to the World Health Organization, suicide claims nearly 800,000 lives each year. Every 40 seconds suicide claims the life of a person around the world – someone’s child, brother, sister, mother, father, family member or friend. Suicide is preventable. There is help. There is hope. There are three steps all of us can take to prevent suicide: Awareness: Educate ourselves about the warning signs of suicide Acceptance: Create a culture of acceptance where a person can talk about their suicidal ideation without the fear of being judged, discriminated against or penalized Action: If you, a family member or a friend is feeling suicidal, get help As a woman who has survived several suicide attempts, I have learned that even the darkest moments of despair can be overcome if we can ask and accept help. Life is a precious gift worth fighting for. To learn more about how you can prevent suicide, please click here… The post Let’s talk about suicide appeared first on Shadows in the Sun by Gayathri...
