For Tim Hayes, the COVID-19 pandemic became a reality on a Friday the 13th. The school he works in closed and within a matter of days, everything was happening online, including counseling students, which is what Tim does. From time to time, he's also had to do a bit of self-counseling. Either way, he always offers a blend of compassion and optimism.
We are certainly in the midst of turbulent times, but how do we cultivate mindfulness? What does that even mean? We get some answers from Anne Gosling, who teaches Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction. Just what we need!
Out of the blue, soon after we began staying at home because of COVID-19, I received an intriguing email from a retired librarian who lives in Newfoundland, Canada. This is a story about why she sent me an email and what she has been doing to cope with the pandemic.
"We teach best what we most need to learn." A quote that has helped guide Patrica Raskin throughout her life. She wears many hats, but in her job as a radio show host, she learns a lot from the people she interviews. What interests her most is how to maintain a positive attitude.
Bill Saltzer lives in Maine and the rest of his family is scattered around the country. Seeing each other in person was already difficult. but because of COVID-19, it's now an impossibility. His son writes about the challenges of trying to stay connected.
If you've been staying at home because of the pandemic, do you find yourself being more active or less? Either way, you may be putting yourself at risk of hurting your back. Here are some prevention and treatment tips from physical therapist Jason Adour.
Everybody has a story to tell about how they are coping with the pandemic. This one comes from my brother-in-law Russ, who writes that among other things, riding his bike and creating art help keep him on firm ground.
Been a little lax when it comes to getting regular exercise? You're not alone. Some people have figured out a routine that works for them, but others are struggling. If that's you, here's some motivation and a few how-to videos.
Dr. Dora Anne Mills usually informs us about the current situation with COVID-19. But in this update, she writes about the connection between the pandemic and the recent protests and where it might lead.
Follow the lines, the shapes, the colors in this image. When I do, I am mesmerized and calmed. The image was created by Maine artist Pejj Nunes, who wants to teach her method as a form of art therapy. It's called Shibui Found Image Art and because of COVID-19, she now has to develop a different way of teaching than she had planned.
George Smith, the consummate outdoorsman, now spends most of his time inside. Because of COVID-19, yes, but also because he has ALS. I'm sure George has his moments, but he manages to meet them with grace and humor.
This is a story about finding humor in a complicated, confusing, anxiety-provoking situation. Determined to go by the book when she re-opened her acupuncture practice, Meret Bainbridge was blindsided by something unexpected that happened. She invites us all to laugh with her.
Dr. Fred Craigie teaches and writes about spirituality and says he often talks about what it means “to live a good life.” He contemplates his own answer to the question during these extraordinary times.
For some people, the grief that COVID-19 has wrought is painfully apparent. Serious illness, death, unemployment, isolation, severe anxiety, depression. But even people who seem to be doing ok are feeling grief. Dr. Katie Eastman, a psychotherapist, says right now everyone, including her, is grieving the loss of something or someone.
As COVID-19 continues to spread around the world, including in Maine and the rest of the United States, the information we receive can sometimes be misleading and/or confusing. That's why it's important to get it from a trusted source. One of mine is Dr. Dora Anne Mills.
Do you ever have feelings that you don't know how or what to name? For instance, you miss the way life used to be before COVID-19. You worry about what the future holds. But what are you feeling? Sadness? Anxiety? Fear? Yes, to all but you may also be experiencing grief, something Beth Dolloff understands all too well.
Life these days is challenging for all of us, some more than others. Roxanne Jones realizes that she is among the more fortunate. And for that, she is grateful.
When you are someone who loves being around other people, the thought of being isolated for weeks on end might be unbearable. But Charlie Grindle, a self-avowed extrovert, has discovered some of the upsides.
As COVID-19 continues to spread around the world, including in Maine and the rest of the United States, the information we receive can sometimes be misleading and/or confusing. That's why it's important to get it from a trusted source. One of mine is Dr. Dora Anne Mills.
"Here we are, in this beautiful slowing down that allows us to open and know a different way. Priorities will sift and shift, as we move through this new way of being. A hopefully more loving time, a learning time and a forgiving time will become us." Some lessons from Arlene Wing
Dancing sets her free. Fills her heart and soul with joy. But for the time being, Susan Fekety has set her dancing shoes aside. And instead of feeling her spirit soar, it began to plummet. Three short words have helped lift her up and sustain her during this challenging time: Now. Here. This.
There are a lot of unsung heroes out there right now. I would like to draw your attention to one particular group that I don't think I've heard mentioned yet. Home care providers.
As COVID-19 continues to spread around the world, including in Maine and the rest of the United States, the information we receive can sometimes be misleading and/or confusing. That's why it's important to get it from a trusted source. One of mine is Dr. Dora Anne Mills.
Imagine getting an email out of the blue from someone you met 35 years ago. An email that said thank you. During these uncertain times, Rhonda Montanez has been feeling more reflective and decided to reach out to someone from her past. I am that grateful someone.
In her account of how she is managing life in self-isolation, Jane Dougall writes that she has spent most of her life waiting for something. Now is no different, but what makes this current situation so challenging is the "unknown unknowing". What Jane does know is that "we are not going back to what was."
Every day we hear the numbers. On this day, Wednesday, April 29, 2020, COVID-19 has been confirmed in 1056 people here in Maine. According to the Maine CDC, 615 people have recovered, 52 have died. But the numbers don't include everyone. Ericka Dodge Katz, for instance. This is her story.
We all have our own challenges as we try to cope during the COVID-19 pandemic, some more difficult than others. Carolyn Delaney knows what it means to face a challenge and she also understands that we can learn something from other people's journeys.
I've been noticing a lot of sharing of recipes lately and pictures of incredible looking dishes that people have cooked. Here are some recipes from my sister-in-law. I haven't tasted them, but I'll guarantee they're amazing because that's the kind of cook she is.
Her greatest joy in life is spending time with her grandchildren, but she can't right now. Rather than sit at home this Maine woman decided to come out of retirement and get back to work — nursing.
As COVID-19 continues to spread around the world, including in Maine and the rest of the United States, the information we receive can sometimes be misleading and/or confusing. That's why it's important to get it from a trusted source. One of mine is Dr. Dora Anne Mills.
Bob and Toni have been talking about their retirement dream for a long time. They'd sold their furniture, found a buyer for their house, and begun their journey when the COVID-19 pandemic forced a change of plans.