The Human-Animal Bond: It’s Good For Us!
Many of us are lucky enough to have an indescribable bond with an animal. Growing up, a dog or cat may have been our best friend or confidant. I had two dogs growing up, Ting-a-ling, and then Snowflake. They were truly part of our family. I have two dogs now, Posey and Doug. Posey is older now, and as a senior, she has presented new challenges, and has taught me about patience, being quiet, and unconditional love. Doug lives to play, and loves affection and attention; when I watch him, I think, “That’s what it’s like to live in the moment.” He has also put his head in my lap during difficult times. Animals can be great comforts, friends, and teachers.
Animal-assisted psychotherapy is a burgeoning field that utilizes this unique bond in the service of growth and healing. There has been some fascinating research happening; for example, see the article http://well.blogs.nytimes.com/2015/04/16/the-look-of-love-is-in-the-dogs-eyes/
Here’s a quick review of the mental and physical health benefits of having a dog or cat companion https://helloheartapp.com/dogs-bonding-hormone-reduces-blood-pressure/
There are so many ways that animals can assist people with trauma histories or PTSD; you can read a bit about that here http://blogs.psychcentral.com/healing-together/2010/11/the-power-of-pets-in-the-recovery-from-trauma/
Also, I just found this resource to incorporate relaxation and meditation with time spent with your favorite animal: http://www.mindfulpetitations.org/ It’s called “Petitations” — try out some “Pet-centered meditations”!
The Mental Health Benefits of Spending Time in Nature
Whether I am sitting in a pasture, watching the animals of Doolittle Farm lazily graze, or riding my bicycle down a country road, I feel grateful for the natural beauty surrounding me. The fresh air. The big sky. The glowing sun. The birds singing.
More and more, researchers are demonstrating the benefits of spending time in nature, from reducing stress, to feeling happier and more invigorated, to being more creative and optimistic.
Here are a few articles if you’d like to read more about this:
- http://www.huffingtonpost.com/greater-good-science-center/how-nature-can-make-you-kinder-happier-and-more-creative_b_9368292.html
- http://www.lifehack.org/363786/doctors-agree-hiking-good-for-your-mental-health
- http://well.blogs.nytimes.com/2016/03/17/the-picture-of-health
- https://news.stanford.edu/2015/06/30/hiking-mental-health-063015/
A young person dealing with cancer
I was very moved by this article by Robin Browne, a young woman with cancer, sharing her honest feelings of isolation and how she found connection with others. She also shares useful resources, as well as wonderful wisdom from “Mr. Rogers,”: “Anything that’s human is mentionable, and anything that is mentionable can be more manageable. When we can talk about our feelings, they become less overwhelming, less upsetting, and less scary. The people we trust with that important talk can help us know that we are not alone.” So true and so beautifully said.
http://amysmartgirls.com/whats-my-stage-again-sharing-is-caring/
Art As A Healing Tool For Trauma
Different people have different responses to trauma. Some people who have experienced traumatic events have engaged in dysfunctional or unhealthy behaviors as a way to help themselves heal. Cutting, alcohol, drugs, sex, damaged relationships—these are the responses of a person doing the best they can to cope with painful experiences and memories. These behaviors, that perhaps you have engaged in, as well as the shame or confusion, that you may feel, can be turned around if you are ready to embark on that sometimes uneasy journey with a competent and compassionate therapist. Self-harm can be transformed into self-love and self-forgiveness. Do not give up on your precious self! When you are ready, take the first steps to finding out how to live differently and more fully and wholly.
And art therapy can help move you to this more spacious existence: you might explore your pain through painting or collage, or clay; you might see your beauty in a new light through photography; you might say things you have never said through writing. In addition, you will be given tools to modulate yourself physiologically so that when thoughts and memories arise, you will be ready to face them and keep yourself calm and strong. If you feel ready to begin discussing this journey, please contact me at 720-491-1533.
Taking Another Look At Yourself Through Art
Eating Rituals. Bingeing. Laxatives. Distorted mirrors. Hopelessness. Self-hate/self-doubt. Vomiting. Comparing yourself to others. Distorted or magical thinking about your body. Diets. Advertising. The Scale.
Do you recognize any of these common behaviors, or thinking spirals that conclude that you are “less than” others? Will you spend the precious moments of your life rating yourself on your so-called “flaws,” or on how well you loved, (and yes, that includes yourself!)
There is so much money to be made off of nibbling away at our insecurities: new diets to try and new products to buy. What if we believed that we are beautiful just the way we are? What if you saw yourself the way that others see you? It doesn’t mean you couldn’t work toward changing something so that you’ll feel better or be healthier, but, that you do it in an easeful and accepting way, not in a way that is hurtful or abuse, or that includes magical thinking (e.g., “If I could just drop one dress size, then I could X-Y-Z.”)
A compassionate and knowledgeable therapist can help you explore not only the roots of self-judgment but also will accompany you as you find growing self-love and self-acceptance.
Art therapy and phototherapy are extremely helpful for many people on this journey, and they can serve you too as you face head-on long-standing behaviors and ways of thinking, and as kindness to yourself begins to unfold.
Take just a moment to write down some sources from where you get negative messages about yourself. This could be your family, friends, advertising, etc. These messages were probably received a long time ago and will take some time to excavate, examine and reshape. After each one, could you write one counter-example that invalidates each of those negative messages? Look over all your counter- examples and see if there is one word that encapsulates a quality you’re proud of. Can you take that word and have it be your mantra for a day, just holding close to you and caressing it gently?
I would be happy to hear from you if you’d like to get more information about how art therapy can help you on this journey.