"Self-Absorption in all its forms kills empathy, let alone compassion. When we focus on ourselves our world contracts as our problems and preoccupations loom large. But when we focus on others our world expands. Our own problems drift to the periphery of the mind and so seem smaller, and we increase our capacity for connection – or compassionate action.” Daniel Goleman, Social Intelligence.

The first twenty years of my life have been filled with a decent serving of both highs and lows.

Recently, we put a call out to our The Psychology of It Village to contribute to our very own list of pleasant activities. This is what you made Village!
101 fabulous ideas to fill your cup on days when you need some self-care, self-compassion or some plain old inspiration.
Share this one with your family and friends, print it out, stick it on the fridge, but most of all, let us know if you've found it useful.
Taking ideas for the second edition now!

According to Perinatal Anxiety & Depression Australia (PANDA), one in seven new mothers and one in ten new fathers experiences postnatal depression or anxiety. In this latest Up Close & Personal essay, Diana Kirk shares with us her intimate experience with postnatal depression following the birth of her first son.

It is not uncommon for people to come into the clinic seeking strategies to manage their fears about having an MRI or other scans such as bone scans or CT scans, particularly if they are a part of the monitoring and management of a chronic health condition.

Sometimes we have bad days and sometimes those days turn into weeks. We don't always know why, often because it's what's happening subconsciously that's causing the problems. In those cases, it can help to work backwards to try to figure out what's wrong. I just had one of those weeks and this is what I figured out.

Welcome to the third article in a series of three related to chronic pain or chronic discomfort. The first two articles are located in the Analyse This category, titled A New Way to Explain Pain - The One by the Physiotherapist and The One by the Psychologist. Moving into the Moment is an Up Close & Personal account of how I used mindfulness to cope with extreme physical discomfort due to cancer treatment. The same strategies could apply to emotional discomfort. I hope you find it helpful.

“Mindfulness is awareness that arises through paying attention, on purpose, in the present moment, non-judgementally. It’s about knowing what is on your mind.” Jon Kabat-Zinn

That's a bit melodramatic isn't it? Set me free? I mean what am I, a prisoner? Well, of course not, but sometimes I wonder if I'm a slave to my mind. Do you ever feel that way too?

Just like any stable and reliable structure, good mental health requires a solid foundation. The keys to a secure foundation are balance and consistency.