By Kathleen Santora It is the lack of spiritual unification that allows the chaotic world to be. Understanding one's power of light within for the removal of all darkness interrupts wrong-minded projections, leading to extension of light thoughts, having a positive effect on an energetic level. Moving towards peaceful vibration throughout the universal realm of thought amongst the earth's atmosphere. ...
By Barbara Steingas As mentioned in yesterday's article, A Guide to Chakras and Vibrational Energy, our physical, emotional and spiritual bodies resonate with wheels of color and energy known as the chakra system. Since colors have different vibrational wavelengths and frequencies, we can use these frequencies to put our bodies and psyches back into alignment. Below, I've outlined the major chakras of the body, where the energy of that chakra is located, and the frequency, or sound, that each chakra vibrates at. By becoming comfortable with chakra vibration, we can effectively place our bodies back into alignment quickly and easily. The Chakra Vibration and sounds The root chakra: Lam The Root is the first chakra, is associated with the color red and has the vibrational sound of “Lam.” It...
By Barbara Steingas There is a line from a 1960s song by Crosby, Stills & Nash that says, "We are stardust." That is basically true because everything in the universe is made up of the same matter, but at a different vibrational energy level. We are an electrical circuit, similar to the power grid that lights up our homes. Just as that system has transformers (its main energy hubs), we also have energy hubs called chakras. In the ancient language of Sanskrit, the word Chakra means spinning wheels of energy. In other words, our energy centers, are chakra vibrational energy. Understanding the chakra system Initially, I discovered the chakra system in yoga class. Having been healed from an incurable disease, the concept of the chakras intrigued me. We...
PROFILE OF SUCCESS Each month, Mind Key shares the story of one person who is successfully striving for, or has achieved, the life they were meant to live. We love sharing stories of adventure, life lessons and people who took life by the horns and forged ahead. We're excited to introduce you to Eric Bunk, a musician from West Milford, NJ who recently raised his vibration and released a meaningful song he wrote more than 20 years ago, making Ultrablue, a story of success. Tell us about what you're doing and your life path. My life path is really just to try to get the most out of life. Music helps me express some of the energy I have stored up over time. I work a regular job,...
by J.T. Nash, a Fall 2016 graduate of William Paterson University, NJ In a modern society, consumed by psychiatric appointments and psychoactive medications, it is essential to realize that a mere choice of song can provide a sufficient therapeutic effect to remedy some of our psychological afflictions. Music: The vibration of humanity Parents traditionally play classical music for their children to absorb while sleeping--music is a vital element of humanity, serving as a catalyst for our behavior. Due to the profound, impassioned influence that symphonic stimulation supplies, most cultures of the world use music to improve moods, deliver focus, or lull a person into a meditative state. "Music lets you rediscover your humanity, and your connection to humanity," musical icon Moby states in an interview with Thought Economics. In...
INTRO: Eleanora Amendolara dives into the difference between reacting and responding to help you bring a peaceful grasp on each situation you find yourself in. How can you mindfully approach things that seem thrown at you, ensuring to first take care of yourself and your unique process of writing your own song? Reacting or responding: How to master the two By Eleanora Amendolara If I had one wish for you, it would be that you would find the tools and concepts to write your own song. It all begins with how you receive input from the world around you. Do you know the difference between emotions and feelings? Are you able to recognize when you are reacting and when you are responding to a situation? Both emotions and reactions are...
By Seshat Ixchel A note to December Hello, December; you are here at last. We have all been dreading but yet waiting for your return. The year came and went while spinning us out of control and taking so much from us. We are drained but yet hopeful. Who would have thought 2017, the year of manifestation and the fire rooster, would be so catastrophic. So many bridges burned. So many collapsed. So many people screamed in agony, but yet we still stand. Our December astrological report, proves that despite the craziness of 2017, we will in fact finish the year on a high vibrational note! There is hope for high spirits this holiday, despite the at-times overwhelming stress of the season. December Supermoon On December 3rd we will...
By Seshat Ixchel The days grow shorter as they get colder. Everyone is preparing for the holidays. This is a month of gratitude for everything that has transpired throughout the year. As we get closer to finishing the year, reflection starts to set in. What are we truly thankful for? Did we accomplish everything we set out to do this year? As the days get colder our, minds wander to our personal relationships. Are we even happy being around the people in our circles? November's astrological report will offer guidance on how to take the current shifting energies of the universe and turn them your way through the simple act of feeling grateful. Full moon: bringing gratitude for life's unwelcome lessons November 4th is the full moon in...
By Toyreh Blacknell, a Fall 2016 graduate of William Paterson University, NJ Time is short. The not-long-enough 24 hour cycle of light and dark is one of the most prevalent patterns we experience as humans. College and high school students alike struggle with how to use those 24 precious hours a day to balance social life, extracurricular activities, and their studies often among family and work duties. Sleep, which should take up 1/3rd of that cycle, is usually the first element to drop from the equation. Unfortunately, lack of sleep only serves to interrupt other physical, mental and emotional patterns, becoming the silent cause to many common ills. This fact has many parents wondering what exactly is sleep's effect on academic performance? How much do students actually...
by Joseph Gonzalez, a fall 2016 graduate of William Paterson University, NJ The typical American high school environment can be just as enjoyable as it is toxic. In a sense, high school represents the last four years of your life before entering adulthood. Some might argue that it's the best four years of your life, but I would say otherwise. High school bullying takes its toll on everyone, but it doesn't always have to manifest as stolen lunch money, or black eyes. High School Bullying: Through a student's eyes Think back to ninth grade when you found yourself sitting alone at lunch or in class-- we all know this has happened to everyone at some point. You then hear two strangers having a conversation about "Jersey Shore," a...
INTRO: One woman stepped onto a paddleboard for the first time and returned to dry land with a fresh perspective on how to enjoy life, embrace the moment, and see life through waves of gratitude. By Michelle Brook Trying yoga on a paddleboard has been on my bucket list for years! I finally had the opportunity to join Melissa Bee from Country Flow Yoga for a class on the Monksville Reservoir in West Milford, New Jersey. I never knew that Warrior II pose could be so challenging when done on the water. My mouth was agape as I watched other people doing headstands on the water. One of the most memorable moments was simply laying on my back, watching a cloud that was shaped like a cross-legged...
Dr. Doni Wilson, N.D. offers simple tips for making positive changes in your life – and how to break the cycle of being hard on yourself so you can start to rely on yourself. Gain support for breaking bad habits through these simple tips for breaking the cycle. Support for breaking bad habits By Dr. Doni Wilson Making a change in your lifestyle can be challenging. We get into habits that are hard to break. For instance, when helping patients change their diet, they often tell me that they can be very “hard on themselves” when they eat something they know will make them feel worse. Have you experienced the “hard on yourself” vicious cycle? As you can imagine, it doesn’t do you much good. I encourage my patients to...
By Barbara Steingas We all have goals and dreams we want to achieve--or hope to achieve. However, hoping for something is like chasing a carrot we will never catch. Usually we start off confident and empowered about our goals and dreams, especially if the path to those goals are facilitated by someone or something, like by a seminar leader, or by making a dream or vision board. Consciously we really want these goals and dreams and initially feel motivated to achieving them. However, the self-sabotage pattern sets in after scratching the surface of a goal. Self-sabotage is when we say or do something that ruins our success and happiness. We often don't achieve some or many of our goals and dreams because subconsciously, we don't feel...
By Joseph Gonzalez Like everyone else, your new year’s resolution was getting a gym membership, and sticking with it. With your daily commute to the city, and two kids at home, you struggle to even find the energy to walk on that treadmill in the guest room that’s gathering dust. So what’s the trick to making a new habit sustainable? Baby steps: The first step in making new habits sustainable If you want to start a new habit, you should consider the factors that would get in the way. What’s stopping you from starting it? And what can you do to change that? The fact is that if you want to start a new habit, you’re most likely willing enough to find alternative methods for it. For starters, Tiny Habits...
by Toyreh Blacknell, a Fall 2016 graduate of William Paterson University, NJ Time is short. The not-long-enough 24 hour cycle of light and dark is one of the most prevalent patterns we experience as humans. College and high school students alike struggle with how to use those 24 precious hours a day to balance social life, extracurricular activities, and their studies—often among family and work duties. Sleep, which should take up 1/3rd of that cycle, is usually the first element to drop from the equation. Unfortunately, lack of sleep only serves to interrupt other physical, mental and emotional patterns, becoming the silent cause too many common ills. This fact has many parents wondering—what exactly is sleep’s effect on academic performance? How much do students actually sleep? "According to...
By Seshat Ixchel Autumn has arrived! With it comes crisp air, ushering us into Libra season. The time of fairness and love is here. The days get colder and nights shorter while our thoughts are wandering about warmth and partnerships. The month of the bruja (witch) is one of the most revered amongst women and children. Plans of Halloween costumes and parties are underway. Decorations and pumpkin spice is visible anywhere you go. The oranges and reds of the changing leaves ushers in so much beauty it's no wonder so many love fall. Yet, this full moon in the early month of October is bringing so much attention to areas in our lives that must be burned away, breaking patterns and cycles that no longer serve...
By Kelly Rockey Imagine being someone who spends a good part of their life making wishes come true. For Sandy Mitchell, that life is a reality. Sandy is the founder of Project Help for veterans fundraising, an all-volunteer, 501c3 charity in New Jersey. Project Help has one mission and one mission only, to support veterans and their families in times of need. Those needs usually revolve around lack of funds due to lack of meaningful employment, second only to lack of housing, especially when a family is involved. Why Project Help for veterans needs our help Many vets are dealing with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder [PTSD] and Traumatic Brain Injury [TBI] both usually the result of being in the military and being in combat. Neither is curable,...
Jessica Laudati, along with Emily Lawrence are realizing wishes as they open the doors to Seaside Yoga studio in Portsmouth, RI this weekend. We are proud to have these energetic and motivated young women as part of the Mind Key community. More importantly, we are impressed with how Jessica finally decided it was time to achieve her dream, and through intention and a little bit of manifestation, the stars aligned in only a few short weeks to make her dream come true. Here is Jessica Laudati’s story: Opening this studio gives my life such a stronger sense of purpose. I want to share this gift with others and create a space that everyone can revel in together! What makes me more than just an instructor is that...
By Seshat Ixchel The calm after the storm of eclipses and retrogrades has arrived, and with it a new set of energies emerge. August was a very intense month of purging, self realization, meticulous self-evaluation, and listening to your body. August gave us two eclipses which illuminated and activated us into proper action when it came to self-care. The month came and went on a steady pace, but with it came a lot of healing. This month, as we focus on wishes, know that the moon and wishes make a powerful pairing. We’ll offer some insight on how you can use the ever-flowing energy of the heavens to make those wishes come true in a solid and healthy way. Calm among shifting energy September starts with Mercury in...
By Penelope Rodriguez, WPUNJ student writer According to the Ancient History Encyclopedia, there are two complementary principles of Chinese philosophy, those of Yin and Yang. They examine the principles that all things exist as inseparable and contradictory opposites. Examples, provided by Dictionary.com, show that Yin Yang can vary from hot-cold, high-low, female-male, and positive-negative. Dictionary.com also defines Yin and Yang separately, stating that Yin is “negative, dark and feminine,” and Yang is, “positive, bright and masculine.” The interaction between Yin and Yang is thought to maintain the synchronization of the universe and to inspire everything within it. Yin and yang has fundamental philosophies behind history, culture, religion, government and business. There are plenty of differences between females and males through the principles of Yin and Yang. Yin and...
By Anna Plavnicky, WPUNJ student writer From a young age, women are influenced to remain abstinent out of fear of pregnancy. But what happens when the fear changes to, “why can’t I get pregnant?” Luckily, there are many natural fertility options that balance both masculine and feminine energies to promote conception. While many westerners regard sex as pleasure-based, Eastern medicine focuses on successful reproduction. New drugs and treatments enter the western market daily, but Eastern Medicine achieved herbal treatments for infertility since 200 A.D. While the U.S. focuses on medication and artificial insemination, Eastern medicine strives to aid in overall fertility. Therefore placing their focus through balanced energies and traditional holistic methodology. Traditional Chinese Medicine and fertility Traditional Eastern Medicine grounds itself in the balance of energies known as...
by Ana Valentin, WPUNJ student writer When was the last time you acknowledged where your body stood in relation to energy (also known as Qi)? When was the last time you chose to focus on the positive, or minimize negativity? Was it at a time of balance or imbalance? Perhaps it was with the goal of starting a new diet because the body felt broken down and sluggish? This represents a symptom of imbalance in the body. Energy and food go hand in hand to create balanced health. What if you were told balancing out these energies is as simple as eating more of certain foods? In Taoist belief, the concept of yin and yang represents balance. It is vital in every aspect of life, including...
Jason Reilly, WPUNJ student writer In today's changing economy more men are staying at home with their children, becoming stay-at-home fathers. Often, couples find the economic benefits of having a stay-at-home father are greater when the man becomes the caretaker. In a June 5, 2014 New York Times article, family and gender role writer, Claire Cain Miller, writes that the main driver for staying at home is choice. According to Gretchen Livingston, senior researcher for the Pew Research Center, the number of stay-at-home fathers has doubled from 1.1 million in 1989 to reach its highest point—2.2 million—in 2010. Eric Mountford, of Slate online said that he’s a stay-at-home father because although he'd love to put his kids in daycare five days a week, he doesn't have the...
Kaylee Gelenius, WPUNJ student writer Women have been looking for equal recognition in the workplace for decades. Even though more women have risen to high-ranking positions, they have yet to enjoy the same success as men. The Institute for Women’s Policy Research (IPWR) states that as of 2015, women still earn 20 percent less than their male counterparts. Differences between gender diversity at work are equally stark on the personal front. Business executives are just beginning to understand how to wield the different gender qualities to their corporation’s advantage. While a balance between the gender qualities in a workplace is an idea that businesses are looking to instill, today’s world often associates only masculine attributes with success. However, various studies and scholarly articles have proven that each gender brings particular...
By Danielle Freeman, WPUNJ student writer If you have ever felt unhappy with yourself, or as if you just don’t measure up to the idea of a perfect man or woman, you are not alone. The good news is that it is most likely not your fault. One universal interference to happiness is an obstacle commonly known as gender stereotyping, or gender roles. Gender roles have become so normalized in everyday life that we usually don’t think twice when encountering one. The fact is, so many are unaware of the stereotypes that we’re also unaware of all the harm they wreak. Developing an awareness of gender roles in your life can help you attain a much healthier relationship with yourself. Gender roles versus gender stereotyping Gender roles may not...
The start of August brings us a whirlwind of energy. In a blink of an eye, July came and went. The shift in Leo energy was felt and anticipated by all. Everyone’s egos are up and centered, ready to pounce. Cancer season was an emotional upheaval with many changes in the home front. As we enter Leo season, we are being asked to check our powerful yang energy. Retrogrades and eclipses are here to illuminate us and our actions. We start August with Uranus retrograding in Aries, where it will stay until January. With this said, be sure to watch your temper and your words. Think about your actions. Uranus, the planet of surprises, rapid change, and interconnectedness, is here to remind you of your...
By Joseph Gonzalez Life can be easier when taking things one step at a time. But sometimes, we tend to bite off more than we can chew, and this can get in the way of doing what we love. Most of us tend to have busy lives, and it could be difficult to do what we love amid that chaos. Despite this, it’s crucial to keep in mind that it’s not a matter of finding time, it’s about creating time. It’s normal to realize you won’t be able to get to what you love to do immediately. That screenplay you’ve been wanting to write could be perpetually on the shelf because of your job, spouse, kids, and other engagements. It could be months before you are able...
By Maria Reyes Our thoughts are very powerful. “Thoughts become things,” according to Mike Dooley, New York Times Bestselling author, speaker and entrepreneur in the philosophical New Thought movement. What we believe, we conceive. Negative self-talk come from scripts or beliefs that we heard when we were growing up from teachers, parents, peers and society in general. Not only that, but is the number one factor that undermines the process of manifestation and makes bringing the peace, ease and adventure we seek so difficult. Mistaken beliefs and negative self talk Mistaken beliefs are the root of anxiety and keep us from reaching our goals in life. We need to let go of these false beliefs, and by practicing the exercises below, we can battle anxiety and have less stress...
By Rebecca Pall Do you want an organic relationship? To manifest a real connection with someone you just met? Don’t let social media freeze that process! The temptation is real It happens to everyone. Two people who have never met before express interest in each other. They decide they want to go out on a date. They plan that date. However, chances are, one or both have social media accounts. They give into the temptation to find the other person’s Facebook and get to know him or her a bit more before dinner the following evening. But chances are things will come up about what was seen on social media, and soon the date becomes stiflingly inorganic. First dates were once simple—a true feeling of getting to know someone....
By Wendy Watson-Hallowell Do you believe that we are responsible for other people’s reactions to us? If we are told we are hurting others, is it true? Can we really hurt others by simply being ourselves? Or is this just another way of giving away power? So then what is our true power? Power Responsibility Expecting others to help us feel OK because we helped them feel OK is a sure way to lose touch with our true responsibility and how we give our power away to others. What if the reality is that we are only responsible for our response to others? Does this mean that you can’t be ‘hurt’ by anyone else? Quantum physics demonstrates that our experience really is all about our relationship with ourselves – not about...
By Charla Dury Is your body out of whack? Are you emotionally out of whack? Don’t you wish you could just manifest some whack? Wish you knew where they sold some whack so you could replenish your stores? (You can try using your Amazon Prime membership to have some whack shipped overnight, but they don’t sell it! Go figure!) Well, guess what? Mind Key’s got your back. Mind Key’s mission is to be your comprehensive resource for all things wellness… That means being healthy, but it also means being happy in each moment (it’s not easy… but it’s totally possible… which is why we’re here to help.) The first step on the journey to wellness is to fix that which is out of whack...
If you look up the term manifestation in the dictionary, the definition that most resembles what we're talking about this month is: "an event, action, or object that clearly shows or embodies something, especially a theory or an abstract idea." Manifestation within your life can mean something as simple as finding a twenty dollar bill on your afternoon walk when you need money. Something as complex as calling a new relationship into your life. Even balance can manifest itself in your life. Positivity is a powerful tool and the basis of positive manifestation. When you believe you can have something and invite it into your life, there's a chance that you can manifest it. Conversely, negativity and self effacing thoughts can force what you purport to want away...
by Christopher Hallinan, Fall 2016 graduate of William Paterson University, NJ Student loan debt. The cold black mass that hangs over college graduates and follows the millennial generation around like an decrepit, stalking butler. The debt is here to stay, and for many young professionals can be a death sentence, a foot in an early grave if they let it. However, teaching financial literacy may be the key to eliminating this debt completely. A 2017 article published by Student Loan Hero, a resource helping student loan borrowers understand their student loans and make intelligent repayment decisions, found that college loan debt has reached a staggering: $1.3 trillion, or $37,172 per student. A figure that even the best-versed in financial literacy find disheartening to think about, and which...
by Rebecca Pall From a young age, children are taught a very rudimentary idea of trade and exchange: They get dessert if they finish their dinner, they get to play after they clean their room...
By Maria Majet Reyes In the dog-eat-dog world we live in, it is a bit hard to trust other people. There is always that question of, “What’s in it for me?” Take a step back and consider this question instead, “How can I help that person?” This simple question will help you in get what you want by creating a win-win deal. In business you want to work with people you like, and people you trust. You buy from these people, and you even refer your friends to them. But what makes you like another individual? Usually the person makes you feel good about yourself. When people make a deal with each other, they need to feel good afterwards. They can walk away feeling respected because...
By Tamara Rokicki The traditional nine-to-five job is no longer the only way to earn money. We live in a time when traditional living is becoming less applicable. Today, having a sustainable job means making a living doing what you love. People everywhere are discovering that living a full and satisfying life includes doing things that make them happy—hobbies and passions that make them feel alive and well rounded. Many bloggers, Etsy shop owners, and YouTubers own their passions by creating their own little business empire. The Mind Key Project was founded on the belief that everyone is not only entitled to financial freedom through the pursuit of his or her dreams. We also believe that by denying our talents, passions and dreams, we sell ourselves short...
By Wendy Watson-Hallowell How many of us have gone down a career path we didn’t care about, stayed in a job we hated, or worked for someone where we could not be ourselves with the idea it helped us to stay safe and somewhat free? Happiness and financial freedom are a tricky combination. I have compromised many of my own dreams and personal values to make more money, and to ensure more money would come. However, I was always driven by a subtle fear of not having enough money, and felt like I was constantly jeopardizing my safety and freedom. Many of us have given up on our passion, pleasure, and self-respect in the ongoing struggle to make the almighty dollar. We feel we have to...
by Julia Booth, a Fall 2016 graduate of William Paterson University, NJ Could you be a victim of Nature Deficit Disorder? Are you spending more time inside in front of the television/computer screen instead of enjoying the green scenery of nature? Are you noticing a sense of hostility and change in behavior throughout the day? If your answers are yes, you may be suffering from Nature Deficit Disorder. What is Nature Deficit Disorder? Nature Deficit Disorder (NDD) is not something characterized in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM). Although not included in this book used by psychiatrists and psychologists to diagnose and treat mental illnesses, NDD is something very real. Richard Louv, an American author and founder and chairperson of the Children and Nature Network, and...
Today is the first day of spring. With the abundant imagery of seeds bursting forth, things hatching, and leaves unfurling, spring renewal is the perfect time to imagine blossoming into our fullest expression of self. In her post, “The Blueprint,” business consultant and wellness coach, Rebecca Polan, offers her perspective on how the human blueprint is incredibly similar to that of a seed’s. We can use this understanding and imagery to break free of our own fears and barriers. Then we can become the “we” we dream of becoming. Spring Renewal: A blueprint By Rebecca Polan Seeds are potential plants. The seed is at the same time a little package of information about what it will become...
by Melissa Cassiano, William Paterson University, NJ student writer About 28 million Americans are children of substance abusers, 11 million of whom are under the age of 18, according to the National Association for Children of Alcoholics (NACA) Children of Addicted Parents Fact Sheet. The fate of an addict’s children, is directly intertwined to that of the parent. Children of addicts, specifically those addicted to drugs and alcohol, are not destined to become addicts themselves, nor do they always grow to resent their sick parent. How addiction affects families The possibility of abuse is a concern for children of addicts. According to the NACA, an overwhelming number of child welfare professionals claim substance abuse is the number one cause of the dramatic rise in child maltreatment, and that...
By Rebecca Pall, Mind Key intern With spring being a time of renewal in nature, it is also a great time to find opportunities to better our well-being. One of the many changes that people may undergo is finding a new source of employment. The energy of the season notwithstanding, professionally speaking, spring is an ideal time to clean up your resume and begin the hunt for a new job. The best time of year to job-hunt is now According to an article published by Career Sidekick, a website devoted to helping people advance their career and find better jobs, March, April, and May are some of the best times to apply for a new job. This is because employees tend to take family vacations in the...
By Taraleigh Weathers Cyberbullying is prevalent not only with children but among adults, as well. When we are bullied for our beliefs or actions, the ensuing feelings are never pleasant. Whether the result is sadness, lethargy or worthlessness, or whether the bullying elicits anger and hate...
By Wendy Watson-Hallowell The limiting beliefs we carry inside can create enormous levels of stress, struggle, and strife on the outside. Ultimately, this keeps us from making the changes we desire. Changing limiting beliefs to ones that work in our favor can be tricky when those beliefs lie hidden in our unconscious awareness. Yet… beliefs are just thoughts we keep thinking until they become true for us. When we challenge and change the beliefs that are working against us, we can create what we desire, with little effort, in every area of our lives. The key is to move our attention away from controlling ourselves and everything around us. Then we can move our focus to what we have real control over—our beliefs—and the feelings, actions and circumstances...
by Melissa Casiano, student writer at William Paterson University, NJ Everyone understands the importance of getting tested regularly for sexually transmitted diseases. However, the discussion is usually associated with couples who are starting out, people who are sexually “free,” or when people are suspicious of their partner. Veteran couples, on the other hand, tend to forget about sexual health altogether, due to the fact that they trust their partner and haven’t been with anyone else. Monogamy and STD testing don't normally go hand-in-hand, but the landscape on this might change. Why get tested? According to the CDC, symptoms sometimes take years to appear for some sexually transmitted Diseases (STDs), and because some diseases, such as herpes, can sometimes be mistaken for other conditions. Many couples get tested once...
By Colleen Jennings If you are from a Western country, you probably have never stopped to consider the amount of contact you have with the opposite sex throughout the course of your daily life. You went to school with boys and girls and spent all your days with friends and family members of both sexes. Sex, and the understanding of it, is flavored by each of these experiences and encounters. However, if you grew up in the Middle East sex no longer looks the same, as contact with members of the opposite sex was most likely severely limited. How does understanding this perspective offer our more open culture insight into improving the quality of the sexual experiences? In most Middle Eastern countries—but particularly in the more conservative,...
[caption id="attachment_5499" align="alignright" width="300"] relationships are an interesting dynamic of health, emotion, spirituality, and our perception of the world. Image by JoAnna Schillaci[/caption] Sex affects, and is affected by, our health, our personal belief systems and our relationship with those we love most. This interplay makes sex not only a pivotal player in any intimate relationship—but also one of the most talked about relationship topics within our society. At the same time, sexual intimacy is rarely a subject discussed with much depth. This week, The Daily Key strives to break the boundaries of the sex conversation. We are going deeper with discussions on how the relationship with our health, our beliefs, and our cultural upbringing affects our sexuality as individuals, and as a society. To launch the discussion, Ojanae...
By Mary Thorpe, Fall 2016 graduate of William Paterson University, N.J. As a young adult, I am told to enjoy college, because it, “doesn’t get much better than this.” The advice, however, prompts me to think the opposite: stress, hard times, and lack of sleep associated with the college years. Stress and sleep have a delicate relationship. Getting better sleep can go a long way in alleviating the affects extreme stress and sleep deprivation can have on mental health. Stress and sleep in college students Studies from the 2015 National College Health Assessment show that 30% of college students felt stress had a negative impact on their academic performance. A whopping 85% said that they have felt “overwhelmed by all they had to do” within the last twelve...
by Rebecca Pall Relationships are a wonderful and beautiful thing, but keeping things special can be a gray area when it comes to long distance relationships. I started a relationship in the beginning of May, but went away on a travel program for six weeks in the middle of June. Before I left, there was a question of whether or not the relationship would last, or if the distance would be too much for us to handle. The relationship lasted, thanks to the help of technology and social media, but may not have been as successful if we didn’t have technology to assist us. What it means to be in a long distance relationship [caption id="attachment_5441" align="alignleft" width="300"] Social media and technology can actually bring you closer if you...
by Paola Scaduto, Mind Key intern and Fall 2016 graduate of William Paterson University, N.J. Are you happy? Do you have good energy around you and do positive situations occur for you? Are you depressed? Do you feel like your negative feelings might result in negative situations? Positivity is important for not only us, but for those around us. Self-help gurus talk about manifestation In his book, “The Light in the Heart,” Roy T. Bennett writes, “The more you feed your mind with positive thoughts, the more you can attract great things in your life.” Barbara Frederickson writes in her landmark paper that negative emotions are when extreme, prolonged or contextually inappropriate behaviors, “produce many grave problems for individuals and society, ranging from phobias and anxiety disorders, aggression and...
by Dr. Lisa Avila In chiropractic school, a teacher I liked very much mentioned that he found people came into the office in clusters—a cluster of people with shoulder issues, a cluster of low back pain issues, a cluster of digestion issues. One year into private practice, I had already seen this to be true. Recently, the cluster of issues presenting is people feeling marginalized. This trend has persisted every day since last summer, so much so that it has been hard to ignore. Some have used that word, marginalized, and some have used similar words that convey the same message. Some have cried, and some have been very angry. And everyone, all of them, have brought up random moments of being abused within their personal histories. Imagine?...
By Rebecca Pall [caption id="attachment_5333" align="aligncenter" width="630"] Ferris Beuller's Day off , the iconic film of looking around and smelling the roses[/caption] “Life moves pretty fast. If you don’t stop and look around once in awhile, you could miss it.” This quote from the 1986 movie, Ferris Beuller’s Day Off, rings true in today’s day and age more than ever. People have so much going on in their lives that it’s sometimes hard to sit down and really appreciate the time or good experiences that we have in life. One of the best ways to keep track of memories is through a journal. It doesn’t have to be a long entry but, having a journal to keep track of the specifics of a couple special memories, can...
Featured photo courtesy of Carlie Currier Article by Dr. Lisa Avila The idea that time heals all wounds is a lovely, almost romantic sentiment. The suggestion is that distance from the event, in the form of time, is all that is required to heal a broken heart or other form of betrayal. The reality is that I have not seen this to be the truth. Time and distance from a wound merely help take the sting out of it. The wound moves from acute, which can be thought of as a sharp pain, to chronic, which may be thought of as a dull throbbing pain. That is not healing anything. It is merely moving one's emotional pain from one category to another. If it never really resolves into a...
Happy New Year from Dr. Doni! First, let me wish you a happy and healthy 2017! I do hope you had a wonderful holiday season. I love the holidays. I love the cooking, the eating, giving presents and spending time with my loved ones. But I also know the holidays can be a STRESSFUL time for many. By the time the New Year rolls around, we might feel a bit drained once the excitement dies down: We may feel like we ate too much, drank too much, or just plain did too much. We may have eaten foods that increase leaky gut and throw of blood sugar levels. We may have stayed up late and slept less than usual. We may have loved seeing our friends and...
Mind Key affiliate, Taraleigh Weathers, from the amazing TaraLeighLovesYou and leader of the Rock Your Life movement is doling out tips on making 2017 your best year yet. Mind Key is all about your success. Following TaraLeigh's insightful tips and even signing up for her Rock Your Year Program can be the catalyst for your accomplishing your goals. Her three-week intention-setting and action-taking guided course can help you take 2017 by the unicorn horn! ************************************************************************************** Do you want to have the most magical and amazing year ever? Are you ready rock some goals and take a gander into something amazing and fulfilling? [caption id="attachment_5161" align="alignright" width="526"] TaraLeigh is a dreamer[/caption] It takes focus, action, perseverance, support and a little magic. It might not always be rainbows and unicorns, but I know you have what it takes....
[caption id="attachment_5168" align="alignright" width="225"] Photo of the Rhode Island sunset courtesy of Carlie Currier[/caption] The Mind Key Project has been blessed to receive so much light and energy from our community of members, readers and practitioners this year as we built a platform for health, wellness and happiness that may just change the world. What a ride 2016 has been! If your journey has been anything like ours (and I know most of yours have been), it’s been a year of struggle, strife, and incredible growth. Rest assured, even if you don’t see the personal growth you’ve undergone, it’s there! Members of our community have shared their reflections of the past year, and their vision of growth. We hope that, based on our posts on the importance of...
[caption id="attachment_5127" align="aligncenter" width="1024"] Photo courtesy of Carlie Currier[/caption] By Rebecca Pall After a momentous occasion, one may stop and think about the events that have transpired and how their life has been altered. With December bringing the year to a close, one of the most important things that one can do is look back at the year behind them and think about the good and bad that has happened, as well as how they have changed as a result, and what they might have done differently. Time dedicated to reflection is important, and can add a lot to future life events. Jo Ayoubi, an expert in productivity, gives her insight on why reflection is so important. “Reflection can take many forms and encompass many activities,” Jo said....
[caption id="attachment_5123" align="alignright" width="300"] Photo courtesy of Carlie Currier[/caption] I love words that can have more than one meaning. Those words give my card readings multi-layered nuances. For instance, when I read Shaman Oracle Cards for a client, there’s one card called “Shaman of Reflection.” I decide how to interpret it when I look at it and my client together. I'll get a certain feeling. Sometimes I know that it means thinking hard about something, pondering, considering an action and the consequences. Other times I just know it means seeing a reflection of yourself in something else, someone else, or taking a good look within ourselves and at our actions. Similarly, when I was asked to write about “reflection” this month I debated which tract to...
[caption id="attachment_5156" align="aligncenter" width="300"] Giving back with the Mind Key Community[/caption] We see need everywhere. On the news every day we see stories of adults and children struggling to make a living, to feed their families and especially around this time of year, to provide a good holiday season. The holidays are about children, and kids aren’t blind to the need around them--it’s important for them to see it. Studies, such as those published in PLOS and Psychological Science, and Development Psychology have shown that giving to others is our natural human state. What’s more, a study published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences shows that helping others has been proven to improve health and longevity. Social Science and Medicine published a study showing that...
Elisabeth Ladwig works in the medium of conceptual photography, or a photographic artist. Her artwork, often mistaken for paintings, are created from original photographs. Elisabeth began [caption id="attachment_4959" align="alignright" width="200"] When Life Hands you Lemons[/caption] as a graphic designer then later merged her career with her interest in collage art. The subject matter is a manifestation of her interpretations of the world through both observation and study. “Since childhood, I have pretty much synonymized science, nature, and magic,” Elisabeth said. “But what I noticed early on is that, out in society, all the mystery seems to get stripped away once we've found a hard algorithm for something. This always made me sad. I want to view the world with fascination and wonder, so my hope is that my art...
Are you a writer who has written a book? A series of published or publishable essays? Maybe you have just finished yet another year of National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo) this November. In today’s day and age, a book is not a project to be completed alone. Long gone are the days when a finished, or partly finished, book could be sent to an editor or an agent. Today, the publishing industry has become more discerning. Whether in the realm of fiction or nonfiction, the industry expects a clean, well-thought out, deeply woven manuscript with marketing potential, and an author driven to make sales. Those who choose to self-publish are not exempt from these rules. Before any manuscript can be given consideration for publication it must...