Blog

Tending to Your Heart-Rediscovering the Meaning of Valentine’s Day

By Melissa Divaris Thompson, LMFT

“How much we know and understand ourselves is critically important, but there is something that is even more essential to living a Wholehearted life: loving ourselves.” Brene Brown February is the month of love. For a lot of people, Valentine’s Day can be a triggering day filled with feelings of unworthiness or sadness. What if you were to break out of the usual V day doldrums and claim the day…

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Conscious Breathing – a quote by Eckhart Tolle

By Melissa Divaris Thompson, LMFT

Conscious breathing, which is a powerful meditation in its own right, will gradually put you in touch with the body…As soon as your habitual state changes from being out of the body and trapped in your mind, to being in the body and present in the Now, your physical body will feel lighter, clearer, more alive.

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Poem ~ Lead me to the song of my heart ~ Danna Faulds

By Melissa Divaris Thompson, LMFT

Lead me to the song of my heart and help me sing it unashamed Help me stand before you in bare consciousness unflinching in your light Lead me to the expression of my soul in all its fullness Let me embrace my humanity yet be anchored in divinity. Help me unfetter the joy that I am. Lead me to the stillness of my soul where love and union dwell as…

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What makes you vulnerable, makes you beautiful.

By Melissa Divaris Thompson, LMFT

“What makes you vulnerable, makes you beautiful.” I recently heard this in a very good Ted Talk by Brene Brown and it resonated with me instantly. For me, it’s so simple and so true. Clients often come into my office trying to hide their true feelings and emotions. At one time or another, we have all done it. We try to hide what really moves us inside. But why? Perhaps…

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Your Interpretation of Reality-a quote from Pema Chodron

By Melissa Divaris Thompson, LMFT

Seeing when you justify yourself and when you blame others is not a reason to criticize yourself, but actually an opportunity to recognize what all people do and how it imprisons us in a very limited perspective of this world. It’s a chance to see that you’re holding on to your interpretation of reality; it allows you to reflect that that’s all it is—nothing more, nothing less; just your interpretation…

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Drawing The Line

By Melissa Divaris Thompson, LMFT

Over the weekend, I had the privilege of being in a Vinyasa yoga intensive with an ex military and sober man, Rolf Gates. He is one of the most grounded and approachable well known yogis that I have met. Included in the massive amounts of yoga, Rolf also included some time for journal writing and working with our intentions for the New Year. He spoke about facing our own internal…

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Conscious New Years Eve

By Melissa Divaris Thompson, LMFT

A few years ago, I took part in a New Years Eve celebration at a wonderful retreat place in California called Spirit Rock. The evening was comprised of dancing, meditation, stories, and intention. As we rung in the New Year, not with champagne in hand, but silently still on our mediation cushions, I felt the power of a conscious New Years Eve celebration. We weren’t pledging to hit the gym…

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Shedding During The Holiday Season

By Melissa Divaris Thompson, LMFT

During one of my favorite yoga classes, I was reminded of the meaning of the Holiday Season. With all the gift buying and preparing to see family, we often forget that this holiday is not all about attaining more ‘stuff’. What if we were able to ‘shed’ during the holiday? To be able to come back to ourselves? In such a potentially hectic time, can we remember that what we…

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Escape the Hustle and Bustle: Tips for De-Stressing over the Weekend from your NYC job.

Introduction to job-free weekends in NYC Living in the heart of New York City can be exhilarating, but it can also be overwhelming. The constant hustle and bustle of city life can leave you feeling drained and in need of a break. That’s why job-free weekends are so important. They offer a much-needed opportunity to unwind, de-stress, and recharge for the week ahead. In this article, we will explore the…

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Thanksgiving: A Holistic Approach to Mental Wellness and Gratitude

Thanksgiving is more than just a traditional holiday; it holds a profound significance for mental wellness. It serves as a reminder to reflect on the blessings in our lives and express gratitude for them. This act of gratefulness has a profound impact on our mental health, promoting positivity and emotional well-being. The essence of Thanksgiving lies in fostering a sense of appreciation, which contributes to a more optimistic outlook on…

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Mental Health at the Holidays in NYC

As the holiday season approaches, it’s essential to recognize the impact it can have on our mental health. The holiday season can bring about a mix of emotions, from joy and excitement to stress and anxiety. For many individuals, the pressure to meet social expectations, financial constraints, and the absence of loved ones can exacerbate existing mental health challenges or trigger new ones.  As someone who has navigated through similar…

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Thriving in NYC: Building Resilience and Mental Well-Being in Your 20s and 30s.

It is essential to prioritize our mental health. The pressures of living in a bustling city like New York City, can significantly impact our well-being. It is crucial to understand the importance of resilience and develop strategies for self-care to navigate these difficult periods successfully. Understanding Resilience and Its Importance Resilience is the ability to adapt and bounce back from adversity. It is not about avoiding stress or difficult situations,…

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The Importance of Prioritizing Mental Health During Challenging Times: A Guide to Self-Care and Well-being

In the midst of challenging times, it is crucial to recognize the importance of prioritizing mental health. Whether it’s due to a global pandemic, financial difficulties, or personal struggles, these difficult circumstances can take a toll on our well-being. Understanding how challenging times impact mental health is the first step towards taking care of ourselves and promoting overall well-being. The Impact of Challenging Times on Mental Health Challenging times can…

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Therapeutic Benefits of Journaling: Expressive Writing for Emotional Wellness

Introduction to journaling for emotional wellness Journaling has long been recognized as a powerful tool for self-reflection and personal growth. As a form of expressive writing, journaling offers a safe space to explore our thoughts and emotions, helping us gain clarity and understanding. In this article, we will delve into the therapeutic benefits of journaling and how it can promote emotional wellness. Whether you’re dealing with stress, anxiety, or simply…

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Coping with Career Challenges for NYC Professionals

Living and working in the bustling city of New York can be an exhilarating experience. The “city that never sleeps” offers endless opportunities for career growth and success. However, with great opportunities come great challenges, and the fast-paced, competitive nature of the city can take a toll on one’s mental health. Understanding the unique career challenges faced by professionals in NYC is the first step towards finding resilience and seeking…

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Revitalize Your Love: How Couples Therapy Can Improve Your Relationship

In today’s fast-paced world, maintaining a healthy and lasting relationship can often be a challenge. The stresses of work, family, and other responsibilities can take a toll on even the strongest of partnerships. That’s why it’s crucial to prioritize the well-being of your relationship and invest in its growth. Couples therapy is a powerful tool that can help you navigate the ups and downs of your journey together, and revitalize…

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