Health

Last-minute Christmas shopping and weather-caused delays can combine for an eventful season. Being constantly on the move means your coffee Keurig might not see an off-day until the new year. Outside of coffee, you may be hard-pressed to find beverages that are both quick-to-make, and not too bad for you health-wise. Then, of course, there’s Jahmu Chai tea. Made with good-for-you turmeric and ginger, Jahmu’s flavorful turmeric tea benefits the body and soul in so many ways—from inflammation to blood sugar, to digestion and sleep. It’s the perfect gift for yourself or someone you love. We like to whip this instant version of India’s golden milk into a fashionable turmeric latte, or mull it with cider or wine for a warm, healthy and tasty drink...

food and nutrition Health

Don’t let school be your downfall in the holiday season

November 21, 2018

By Joseph Gonzalez Thanksgiving marks the final stretch of the fall semester for most colleges. Final exams are around the corner–you’re essentially in the home stretch. Yet, managing the holiday school work life balance remains a mystery to most. In the midst of homework and studying, there’s a Thanksgiving dinner you’re sure to attend, and some Black Friday deals might be too good to pass up. Those with jobs, especially in retail, won’t see this weekend as a “break,” especially considering these and other obligations that go hand-in-hand with this time of year. Even after Thanksgiving break, the grind doesn’t stop. Many students work their butts off trying to make back the money they spent last semester, while trying to fit in holiday shopping and family events at...

Health Lifestyle tips and tricks

10 Tips to be emotionally available for others this holiday

November 21, 2018

Energy, Health, Lifestyle, Uncategorized

By John Strzechocki The holiday season is here, and with it comes family gatherings, dinners, and events. It’s always fun to enjoy a Thanksgiving dinner with the family and catch up with what’s been going on in our lives. Arguments are sure erupt over politics when your uncle has a bit too much to drink. However, it’s important to recognize that these little arguments may be more than just family bickering—they may be a cry for help. One thing we all need to be prepared for is to provide holiday support for loved ones who might be struggling this holiday season. Whether it be from a traumatic childhood experience, addiction, or depression, understanding the basis for how loved ones are feeling is one of the best...

alternative healing Lifestyle mental health

Understanding Cannabis: This issue’s TOC

July 31, 2018

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By The Mind Key Community The literature discussing cannabis use, contemporary cannabis issues, and legalization is vast. Cannabis isn’t just about lifestyle. It has become a public health and human rights concern. Regardless of your feelings on the issue, being up-to-date on the changes in laws and regulations is an important element of our changing legal landscape. Regulating medical marijuana Medical professionals have varied opinions on medical marijuana. This complicates the debate as a whole, especially when it comes to legalizing medically. On one side of the debate, Dr. Stuart Gitlow, MD, MPH, MBA, an instructor at Mt. Sinai School of Medicine, is quoted as stating that there is “no such thing as medical marijuana.” Gitlow further argues that there are “already existing medications—safe medications—demonstrated to have value.” Finding...

alternative healing Fitness Lifestyle mental health personal development

Recreational cannabis legal minefields are due to the many issues with marijuana as a possible legal substance.

Your rights as a recreational cannabis user

July 27, 2018

Currency, Health, Lifestyle, Newsbreaks

By Joseph Gonzalez Be on the lookout‒‒recreational cannabis might be coming to your state soon. There are a great many proponents of legalization. That being said, recreational cannabis legal minefields can make it difficult for users to understand what is legal‒‒and what isn’t. A poll done by Marist College showed that more than half of Americans 18 or older have tried marijuana, and almost a quarter of America’s adults currently use it. As medical marijuana is making strides in America, recreational marijuana is right behind it in terms of progression, even if the movement has had slower traction. Slow, but sure progress As of the date of this publication, Statista, a source for statistics, reports that only nine states along with Washington D.C. have legalized the substance for...

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Holistic healthcare considers cannabis in this personal healing account.

Healing with Compassion: A caregiver’s experience

July 24, 2018

Health, Lifestyle, Newsbreaks

Compassionate healthcare considers cannabis use for patients as a way to heal with dignity. Cris McCullough, MA, is a Holistic Counselor with a practice in Portsmouth, RI. This personal account tells of her first-hand experience with medical marijuana in Rhode Island as a caregiver of a cancer patient who was rapidly losing weight due to aggressive treatment. By Cris McCullough, MA, Holistic Counselor It was with some anticipation that we entered a new world together, my BFF of 60 years and myself. As we crossed the threshold of the Greenleaf Compassion Center, we didn’t exactly know what to expect. I had known Marcia since college. She was the maid of honor at my wedding, and godmother to my daughter. We had been through a lot together over...

Medicinal cannabis users: Know your rights

July 23, 2018

Health, Newsbreaks

By Joseph Gonzalez Lawmakers and cannabis users making strides toward legalization have taken charge of the medical marijuana debate. In an ever-changing America, it can be difficult to keep up with the constantly-changing law. A substance that used to be outright banned throughout the U.S., this Schedule I substance is now widely being considered for its medical uses. The legality of medical marijuana With Proposition 215, California, in 1996, became the first state to legalize medical marijuana. As of the date of this publication, the National Conference of State Legislature reports that a total of 30 states, plus the District of Columbia, have followed suit, legalizing marijuana for medical use. Twenty-two of these states, plus Washington D.C., have policies that have decriminalized possession of small amounts of the substance,...

alternative healing Colorado current events NY/NJ personal development Rhode Island

Cannabis research shows CBD aids athletic recovery, performance, and training.

Athletic lifestyle: How cannabis can benefit your training

July 20, 2018

Health, Lifestyle, Newsbreaks

By Kevin Hall Athletes come in all shapes and sizes and are concerned with all manner of endeavors. Many feel the demands of focus, rest and recovery, much as we all do. Without the exertion and discipline of an athlete, however, we may not be as self-aware of these needs. New evidence is showing that cannabinoidiol (CBD) aids athletic recovery and training in different doses and combinations. Be aware, however, that when using THC, the psychoactive contribution of the plant, how you respond is very individual, and so no good dosing guidelines exist. Cannabis to get focused with training Before, and leading up to the actual competition, athletes tend to need to find focus. This takes CBD and, perhaps, THC combined. Many guides, such as this article on...

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Savor cannabis moderately and take care of yourself with balance and harmony in all things.

Moderation is key: Enjoying marijuana without overdoing it

July 19, 2018

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By Joseph Gonzalez Marijuana can be something anyone can enjoy, though it certainly isn’t for everyone. Just like anything else you put in your body, you must learn to savor cannabis moderately. Those who are fond of it can use it for a variety of reasons. Personally, though, this substance brought me closer together with many of the friends I have today. Whenever there was an acquaintance I thought I had nothing in common with, smoking ended up being the one thing we could indulge in together. And this was all that was needed for us to be able to open up to each other. It was a simple, yet effective way to make new friends. Moderation is key As with anything enjoyable, moderation is key. Too much of a...

Cannabis studies substantiate scientific claims that addiction recovery can be aided by marijuana strains.

Overcome addiction with cannabis?

July 17, 2018

Career, Health

By Oneyda Salazar Everywhere you turn, there is a new cannabis study in the news, but did you know that recent cannabis studies substantiate scientific claims that various forms of cannabis are useful in overcoming addiction? When the Marihuana Tax Act of 1937 was implemented, doctors and pharmacists had already been prescribing cannabis to patients—particularly those addicted to opioids. Since then, marijuana has been reclassified by the DEA as a Schedule I substance. This classification indicates no known medical usage, and places marijuana it in the same category as ecstasy and heroin, the very drugs it was originally used to help alleviate addictions from. The US opioid problem According to a recent press release from the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), “Each day, according to the...

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The chemistry behind cannabis: An overview

July 13, 2018

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Understanding and researching cannabis’ chemical breakdown and structure is important to comprehending the overall cannabis debate. What exactly is cannabis? What is its chemical makeup? What’s the difference between the terms, marijuana, hemp, THC and CBD? Are they all names for the same thing? How does this psychoactive drug offer medical relief? What parts of the plant are used, and what properties do they have? What are the plant’s chemical constituents and how do they work within the body? To answer all of these questions would take a series of books, never mind a series of articles. However, Mind Key correspondent, Joey Morelli, attempts to give an overview of this complex, and often misunderstood plant, and how it works. By Joey Morelli The historical use of cannabis Cannabis...

endocannabinoid research expanded in the 1960s, allowing for a greater understanding of how our bodies use cannabis products for health.

Understanding the endocannabinoid system

July 11, 2018

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By Dawn Goodman Only since the 1960s has endocannabinoid research expanded and started to uncover cannabis' role in health and disease. However, the analgesic and healing properties of cannabis have been recognized for many years—in the 1800s doctors in Ireland and the U.S. prescribed it regularly for pain, even to nursing mothers. Cannabis has been cultivated by humans because of its versatile uses as industrial textile fiber, a narcotic and psychoactive agent. The plant has two identified subspecies: Cannabis indica and Cannabis sativa, although studies show there is debate among scientists about the current usage of these terms. Today the plant is mainly cultivated by humans, so crossover is common. Selective breeding to make its effects more potent has altered the original plant. How cannabis interacts...

America’s soil: A brief history of cannabis production in the US

July 6, 2018

Currency, Health, Lifestyle

By Daniel Hollingworth, with Dawn Goodman To understand the complex relationship between Americans and cannabis, it is important to investigate and survey traditional American cannabis products and history. Not just in the U.S., but all over the world, the use and cultivation of the hemp plant, or Cannabis, commonly known as marijuana, is evidenced throughout the ages. Some sources date back 25-30,000 years. To trace the entire history of the plant would be a Herculean task. However, we hope to offer some insight into this plant’s role throughout humankind. What is cannabis? Cannabis is believed to be native to Asia, and is one of humankind’s oldest agricultural crops. It has been found in doctors’ and herbalists’ medicine cabinets for thousands of years. According to "The Health Effects of Cannabis...

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This month, Mind Key will be discussing the multifarious cannabis uses currently in practice, while trying to understand the many facets of use, misuse and abuse, laws, and the history of this drug.

Former gateway drug turns medicinal: An introduction to cannabis use

July 2, 2018

By Danielle Rose Once considered the “gateway drug,” cannabis has now taken on a new definition of health and wellness, and Mind Key is excited to discuss the multifarious cannabis uses currently in practice. We will delve into many questions regarding its uses and history. For example, is cannabis’ evolving definition accurate? If so, what has become of the multitude of claims that marijuana is dangerous? What are the benefits of cannabis? The downfalls? Is it really any better than other medicinal options out there? To clarify, cannabis is the Latin or scientific name for the plant commonly known as marijuana. Marijuana generally refers to the flowers or buds—the part of the plant that contains the psychoactive component, THC (tetrahydrocannabinol). Hemp is the fibrous part...

alternative healing Lifestyle mental health personal development

Living beyond fear

June 25, 2018

Lifestyle mental health personal development relationship with self

By Barbara Steingas Living Fearlessly doesn't mean we have no fears; it means we chase adventure despite fearfulness. We all have a degree of fear. Living fearlessly is when we do things despite our fears. We can only move toward our goals and dreams by pushing through our fears, one layer at a time. Like peeling an onion. Combating fear I've had to do this many times to make progress with the challenges in my life—personally and professionally. We each have different fears that hold us back based on our conditioning, especially during the first five or so years of our lives, usually before we can even remember. Yet, they are so ingrained and automatic that they have a strong impact on our day-to-day experiences. Once we...

Foolery brings joy and you can let go of fear by embracing the ridiculous

Be fearless and embrace your second chances

June 20, 2018

Career, Health, Lifestyle, Relationship

Many of us spend life fearing ridicule and so we avoid the ridiculous when in reality, a little foolery brings joy. We need fun and challenges to move forward toward our dreams. However, we also need those moments of foolishness to let go and experience life in a new way—fearlessly. This article by Marisa Goudy delves into the idea that letting go of our fear and embracing who we are at the heart of us can bring about unexpected surprises. Foolery brings joy: finding courage and taking chances What if I… What if I missed my chance? What if I am leaving an important part of myself behind every time I entered a room? What if there are second chances? It’s August of 2016. Before I arrived at Camp GLP, a...

do what you love Lifestyle mental health mindfulness personal development relationship with self

Don’t be an avoidant destination junkie. Be present.

Conquer your fear of the present: a personal story

June 19, 2018

adventure and travel do what you love Lifestyle mental health mindfulness personal development relationship with self

By Theresa Birmingham Confession: My name is Theresa, and I’ve been an avoidant destination junkie. I’ve spent most of my life seeking adventure after adventure, focused solely on the future. Because of this, I’ve struggled with situations where I must be present. But I’m kind of converted now. . . I still love to travel, of course. I’m still looking forward to the Sam Hunt concert I’m hitting at the end of the month. But my conversion isn’t about feeling or not feeling anticipation for the future. This recovery has been about understanding that the future is not the only thing that can bring me pleasure and joy. I need to be present, something I’ve struggled with for thirty-three years (yes, that’s my whole life). Why I’ve avoided...

Living fearlessly successfully requires self-knowledge

Living Fearlessly: finding freedom from within

June 7, 2018

Career, Health, Lifestyle, Relationship

Contributing authors: Kimberly Marsh, Jonathan Dury, Danielle Rose, and Theresa Birmingham Living fearlessly successfully requires finding freedom from within and understanding your strengths and weakness as well as your passions. Outside your comfort zone Are you merely existing, going through your daily motions with apprehension and timidly? Or are you living boldly, abolishing fear and conquering life with an unquenchable thirst? To live fearlessly is to make commitments outside of your comfort zone, to seek out experiences that may scare you—and may also change you. How can you get to a place where you look fear in the face and boldly move forward? How can you work toward living life fearlessly and accomplishing things that help you grow? For the month of June, we’ll explore ways to do...

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Five tips to set your world on fire and find your passion

May 29, 2018

Energy, Health, Lifestyle, Relationship

Contributing Authors: Marla Funez, Danielle Rose, Theresa Birmingham, Marisa Goudy, Kerstin Zettmar and Jessica Laudati Although it can be difficult discovering or rediscovering passion, you can jump-start healthy harmonious passion in your life. No one can tell you what you love to do. You must figure this out on your own. Your tribe may give you direction or even encouragement, but following someone else's passions or letting another individual live out their passions through you will be your greatest regret in life. Why, you might ask, does passion matter? Passion is the animator, just as Dr. Frankenstein’s corpse was brought to life with lightning. Your passion distinguishes you from that of a zombie walking through life in search of that spark. According to a 2009 study...

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You can jettison healthy weight change and still have a good time.

3 Tips for staying passionate during weight loss

May 16, 2018

do what you love Fitness Food & nutrition Lifestyle mental health personal development relationship with self tips & tricks

By Jessica McWhirt Staying Passionate During Weight Loss Deep down, we’re creatures of habit; however, knowing that our habits are making us unhealthy may be enough to jettison healthy weight change. It’s difficult and challenging to drop fat. If you want it bad enough, though, there are ways to make changes. That being said, a lot of us are set in our routines, and change is hard. If losing weight was easy, everyone would be doing it. In high school, healthy eating and exercise weren’t on my radar. I didn’t care about them and thought it was for the birds. Then, I found cycling and fell in love with the sport. It completely changed my life. I’m the healthiest I’ve ever been and I’m passionate about staying healthy. Yes,...

A passionate individual has strength of will and the determination to follow their dreams.

Finding passion, motivating your life

May 11, 2018

do what you love mental health personal development relationship with self

By Shefaa Ramadan Spirited lives necessitate backbone, and we need that fortitude of will and passion to continue successfully wading through the difficult times in life. Passion is many things. There is no one word to describe it. Have you ever experienced a certain feeling that you just can’t control? A feeling that’s very strong but amazing at the same time? Passion is what gives us that fire inside and makes life worth living. It is overpowering and intense. Passion is the desire, the lust and the motivation to do something. It is that one quality that cannot be taught through a textbook. Passion also, for the most part, is not gained by following a lesson nor can it be learned from our parents or teachers. It comes from...

If struggle fuels passion, then embrace the hardship and turn it into something empowering.

Through hardship we discover passion

May 7, 2018

do what you love personal development relationship with self

By Barbara Steingas Our biggest challenges in life lead to passion and our experience with struggle fuels purpose. It is through these challenges we discover our inner strengths and courage. We become more than we ever thought we could be. This is also how we can give back to the world. We give back by helping others who are experiencing similar challenges and by sharing our trials and tribulations and how we got through them. Struggle fuels purpose and helps us discover our passion When I was diagnosed with Crohn’s Disease after graduating college, I didn’t realize this trip down a dark rabbit hole would end up becoming my mission and purpose in life. Yet, it didn’t occur to me at the time, because I was just...

Is your glass half full or your glass half empty?

Focus on Relationships: From glass half empty to a full life

April 19, 2018

business Lifestyle mental health mindfulness personal development relationship with self stress tips & tricks

by Vera Remes Glass half empty My husband used to be a “glass half empty” guy. Being a police officer, this served him well and kept him alive, I suspect. As a glass half empty guy, he was always thinking how a situation could go sideways when confronting an unknown. When we retired, his glass half empty mentality remained. No matter what was going on, he continued to look at the less positive side of things. That was, until recently, when his focus changed. I’ve learned over the last 28 years of marriage that confrontation does no good and that, if left to marinate, my husband will eventually figure out for himself how glorious life is. That said, I still suffered the initial cringe when I could focus further...

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It is possible to multitask successfully if you focus on splitting up tasks consciously.

Consciously shifting your focus: Successful multitasking

April 13, 2018

Career, Energy, Health, Lifestyle

By Marla Funez What is multitasking? Can humans multitask successfully? To what extent is it efficient? What are our limitations and when is multitasking not the best option, based on these limitations? The simple definition of multitasking is to complete more than one task at a time. Multitasking, however, is much more than that. It is about getting the most done efficiently and in the least amount of time. According to this 2017 study, multitasking is only truly considered multitasking when it is done consciously. This means even tasks that you do not want to do can be multitasked. The choice is in whether or not the tasks will be done simultaneously. Choosing to do multiple, different tasks at once means focusing on different subjects or actions at...

full potential comes from building the new

Focus on what you want, not on what you don’t want

April 10, 2018

do what you love Fitness Food & nutrition Lifestyle mental health mindfulness personal development relationship with self stress

By Barbara Steingas From the time we are born, we are taught our limitations and we are broken of our full potential. Our parents and caretakers, although well-meaning, tell us what we can’t or shouldn’t do in hopes of protecting us. Even though this is intended for our benefit, it teaches us to focus mainly on our limitations. Rather than focusing on our full potential and what we want to have happen, we instead focus on what we don’t want. For example, we are often told, “Don’t forget (something),” rather than, “Remember (something).” We also have the word “no” said to us an incredible amount of times by the time we are about ten years old. The book What to Say When You Talk to Yourself by...

inward focus is key; outward focus is the door

Learning to focus on that which best serves

April 2, 2018

Career, Creativity, Currency, Energy, Health, Lifestyle, Newsbreaks, Relationship

New life and reflection Spring is a beautiful time of growth, inward focus, new life and reflection. There’s a reason we often participate in spring cleaning—the harsh winter is behind us. With the sun and sprouting life comes the desire for a fresh, clean start. With this new start, we allow ourselves the optimum opportunity and setting to enjoy the welcomed season. Spring also allows us to reflect on so many areas of our life. If we are wise, we can use this time to look inward and do a self-spring clean. We can rid ourselves of the habits, attitudes and relationships that are as harsh or unwelcome as the desolation of winter. By turning our focus to the important and beautiful things in life, we...

finances Lifestyle manifestation mental health mindfulness personal development relationship with self stress tips & tricks

Getting a handle on your ego

March 30, 2018

By Libby Reilly During the month of March, we spent time exploring ego, learning to better understand and accommodate our egos. This exploration into the ego has allowed us to better analyze our relationship with others, our relationship with ourselves, and the important— and sometimes ornery— role ego plays in our lives. Do you have a handle on your ego or is it running your life? Learn more about the ego, how it works in our lives, and how we can use it to our benefit, rather than our detriment, in our feature story entitled Who are you? A look at Ego and Personality Development. Check out our other great ego-driven stories this month, as well. God Job In this article, Vera Remes talks about our “God...

do what you love Lifestyle mental health relationship with self

Exhaustion: It’s time to tell a new story

March 19, 2018

alternative healing environment family & kids meditation mindfulness personal development relationship with self spirituality stress transitions

As a woman, as a parent, as simply a person living in today’s fast-paced environment, we could all use more rest and better sleep. Not to mention, better sleep results in better focus. Author and women’s wellness advocate, Karen Brody, has created a 40-day yoga nidra program that makes yoga meditation relevant and accessible to women around the world. In this article, she shares how our ego-driven perspective on rest can be the one factor that keeps us from finding truly healing sleep. By Karen Brody Let's face it, women today are tired. I support busy women leaders, and here is what they tell me all the time: "I spent years getting educated and now I don't have any energy to work." "I love my work, but my kids...

Defining personality, building healthy ego

Who are you? A look at Ego and Personality Development

March 5, 2018

Creativity, Health, Lifestyle, Relationship

by Danielle Rose and Libby Reilly Defining personality and how your ego forms can be a confusing task. This is because, at its heart, personality is who you are. What you are is a daughter, a son, a grandma, a teacher, a friend, a fill-in-the-blank. But who you are is the base of your being. Strip away all the labels and the emotions. Strip away anything but a given situation and how you react to it—that is your personality. Why are we talking about personality types in an issue on ego? Because our personality is part of what shapes our ego, and how we perceive and interact with the world. How do you interact with the world? How can a better understanding of who you are...

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Understanding Ego and the Self

March 1, 2018

By The Mind Key Editorial Team This month, we look into understanding ego and the self. As February comes to end, so do harsh winter days. With March comes the first instances of Spring, along with waves of hope and encouragement for self-reflection. March feels like the perfect time to reflect on the Ego. The Ego, much like a plant, is nurtured and feeds off its natural surroundings. Many things are affected by your Ego such as everyday decisions, some personality traits, and especially your desires! The Ego should never be ignored. And that is what we hope to convey during the month of March. We hope to show you, through a series of articles and meditations, that you can become more aware, and perhaps learn...

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Nothing like a good challenge to shift your view of life

February 12, 2018

alternative healing food and nutrition Lifestyle relationship with self transitions

By Barbara Steingas We all need challenges to help us grow and expand our thoughts and beliefs. We tend to get caught up in limiting perspectives in life and can remain victims of our circumstances. When faced with tumultuous situations, we have an opportunity to see things in a new and different light. Challenging perspectives can change what we previously thought was impossible, to possible. Challenging perspectives, and expansion of thought This is what happened to me when I was diagnosed with Crohn's disease and was told my condition was incurable. Initially, I believed this to be fact. Then I was faced with a crossroads decision: my doctor wanted to put me on an immunosuppressive drug. He advised that the medicine would shut off my defense mechanisms, and I...

Can our triggers help change our perspective of self?

February 8, 2018

Energy, Health, Relationship

In this fantastic repost by Kyla Rose Maher of Long Time Sun Yoga and Apparel, we are encouraged to look at those qualities we don’t necessarily appreciate in others and to see how they manifest in ourselves. On a bad day, this powerful self-practice has the potential to trigger us. Even the best of us may find ourselves in a frenzy of self-doubt. We suddenly realize those things that trigger us may, in fact, be a quality we have. On a good day, this practice can help us recognize our “worst” qualities are often, surprisingly, our best ones. This facilitates both self-compassion and a deeper compassion for others. By Kyla Rose Maher Wait a second, am I arrogant? During October, my boyfriend and I were visiting New York...

mindfulness personal development relationship with self spirituality

God’s Greatest Gifts Are Unanswered Prayers: How perspective changes everything

February 5, 2018

by Vera Remes What is your perspective on the New Year? Are you feeling positive, or are you needing to find a positive perspective for a seemingly negative situation? Even if you are welcoming the opportunity to improve in 2018, are you feeling that 2017 was less than satisfying? Have you made a resolution for 2018 that reads well but seems unreachable? Perhaps you are being affected by the winter blues. Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is real, even if I myself have trouble understanding it. I welcome the short, darker days of winter as a change from the longer sunbaked days of summer. For me, snow and freezing temperatures as a cleanser for the earth to get it ready for spring. I want to live where...

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Sometimes gratitude means nothing: The art of non-gratitude

January 22, 2018

Is it okay to experience non-gratitude? After a life-changing experience, tragedy, or diagnosis, people often comment on what they’ve learned and the good that came out of the experience. Do people go through hard times in order to gain a lesson? Is there always a purpose to trials? For Jessica McWhirt, that was not the case. In a very scary season of her life, she discovered that sometimes things are just hard — and there’s no need to be grateful for them. By Jessica McWhirt Non-gratitude is an art. I was eighteen. It was the size of a bean. And that bean-sized thing meant nothing to me. This was the beginning of how I came to understand the art of non-gratitude. People always discuss how grateful they were for something awful happening to...

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Big companies give back: Primal gives back to the Cycling Community

January 17, 2018

Currency, Health, Lifestyle

By Jessica McWhirt When big companies give back with a product that is a cut above the rest, they make huge strides in changing the way the world works. Primal is a cycling clothing company that offers an opportunity for businesses that have a greater vision. These businesses want to make a larger impact on the world. Mind Key is truly grateful for companies such as Primal, which strive to bring people together and make a difference in a tangible way. Primal’s give-back program Primal offers organizations a chance to take part in their Primal Gives Back program. Through this program, Primal donates 15% of the money made through clothing sales back to participating organizations. For example, anytime someone buys a product through Primal for say, the American Heart...

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Gratitude and your cup of tea: bringing in abundance, gratitude and peace

January 12, 2018

food and nutrition Lifestyle meditation mental health mindfulness personal development relationship with self spirituality

Jessica Filkins is a health coach and owner of Jahmu Chai, a healing turmeric ginger tea. Each month, she shares a tea meditation that can be done quickly and easily during your morning cup of coffee or tea to bring more peace, abundance, joy and healing into all areas of your life. As we look forward into 2018, this gratitude tea meditation helps us recognize all that’s come before to bring us to this place, so we can continue to grow forward. By Jessica Filkins A daily meditation practice can increase your happiness, hone your focus and improve your health. Despite the growing body of scientific research on the benefits of meditation and mindfulness practices, most Americans do not incorporate meditation into their daily lives. However, most...

Life after heartbreak: From a bleak diagnosis to a miracle network of friendship

January 10, 2018

There is hope for life after heartbreak. Mind Key's New Jersey editor, Kelly Rockey, tells her personal story of turning heartbreaking news into a great story of love, friendship and fresh perspectives. When Kelly discovered her son was blind because of a genetic retinal disorder called Lebers Congenital Amaurosis (LCA), she found a support system of parents who had walked this road before. This support system soon became Kelly's best friends, and lifeline during difficult times, instilling in her gratitude and appreciation for things that may initially seem like bad news. We hope that these incredible stories of gratitude and growth during difficult times will help others see that there is hope for a better life after heartbreak. By Kelly Rockey The best Christmas gift At the very end...

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Practicing gratitude as a way to heal, grow and manifest

January 8, 2018

Energy, Health, Lifestyle, Relationship

By Oneyda Salazar As doable as it may seem to practice gratitude, it can be difficult to instill in your day-to-day life. The word gratitude is considered a noun because the intent behind the word is to be in that state of mind. In order to show gratitude, one must apply it as an action. You can't simply be "grateful" without incorporating gratitude into your behavior. Once you practice gratitude more regularly, you will notice how much you appreciate a lot of things in life. This includes very negative moments, sometimes also known as lessons...

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Exercise: It’s not just movement, it’s vibration

December 12, 2017

adventure and travel do what you love environment Fitness Lifestyle mindfulness relationship with self

Ian Rose--Mind Key intern and Senior at the University of Rhode Island Vibrations are a complex phenomenon that cannot be easily defined. When giving or receiving Â positive vibrations, you'll certainly know. The same is true with negative energy. Much debate focuses on how one can improve these energies and cultivate positive vibrations into the greater world. Physical activity in the natural world is directly linked to the raising and tempering of our vibrational frequency, which makes raising your vibration with sports a great option for those who want to cultivate good vibes in a very real and comfortable way. Starting with the simple things, the ones that bring you the most enjoyment, is the easiest path to expressing positive vibes. For many, the best way to begin...

Music is more than a pastime: it’s medicinal

December 7, 2017

Creativity, Energy, Health, Lifestyle

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...

Lifestyle mindfulness music relationship with self stress

Are you reacting or responding?

December 5, 2017

Lifestyle mental health personal development relationship with self spirituality transitions

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...

The Milk, The Myth, The Legend!

October 28, 2017

by Amanda Hollenbeck, Fall 2016 graduate of William Paterson University, NJ Milk, health and hormones? It is believed that in American culture, dairy has become a factor in the decline of health due to hormones and contaminants that can cause obesity, cancer, and even osteoporosis. A poll completed by the USDA Agricultural Marketing Service showed that in 2015 alone, Americans consumed 28 million pounds of low fat milk, which is sometimes assumed to be the healthier alternative to whole milk. Although the link between milk and health problems grows stronger with more revealing research, milk consumption continues to thrive while health problems such as cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and cancer loom over America like a heavyweight. The connection between milk and common health concerns According to the Physicians Committee, a...

Fitness food and nutrition Lifestyle sustainability

Student’s academic performance can heavily rely on sleep

October 24, 2017

alternative healing do what you love Fitness Food & nutrition Lifestyle mental health mindfulness personal development tips & tricks

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...

do what you love Energy mental health relationship with self

From “hard on yourself” to “supporting yourself”

October 12, 2017

Health, Lifestyle, Uncategorized

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...

The Hamster Wheel of Self-Sabotage Patterns

October 11, 2017

mental health mindfulness personal development relationship with self stress transitions

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...

Student’s academic performance can heavily rely on sleep

October 5, 2017

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...

do what you love Energy mental health relationship with self

Finding the Chai: A review of Jahmu, turmeric and ginger spice blend

September 18, 2017

By Charla Dury I first discovered Jahmu on Mind Key’s Marketplace. I have always loved chai tea and, after purchasing chai spices from a local spice shop and discovering I needed more ingredients I didn’t have, I was looking for a simple way to make it at home. What mostly attracted me to Jahmu; however, was owner, Jessica Filkins’, Tea Meditation Project. Stemming from her love of Jahmu, Jessica encourages the idea of meditating during the simple act of drinking a cup of tea, and this seemed like a perfect fit for my life at the time. The combination of meditation, turmeric and spices makes Jahmu more than just a healthy spice tea. What is Jahmu? Jahmu Chai is an instant turmeric and ginger chai tea inspired by...

alternative healing Fitness food and nutrition Lifestyle mental health stress

True Peace at Balance Yoga Studio: A Review

September 14, 2017

By Lizbeth Fabian Taking the drive to Balance Yoga Studio, I tried to calm my nerves about getting back into Yoga. Maybe because I wore the wrong spandex leggings or because I haven’t taken a yoga class in three years, I couldn’t help but think that entire session would be a disaster. Seemed like this was the opposite of finding the balance yoga peace I was seeking. Since this was a free Beginners class in their new studio, my negative thinking had me repeat, “at least I didn’t pay for it” over and over again in the parking lot. Yet the funny thing about over-dramatic negative thoughts is … you’re always surprised on how wrong you can be. The Yoga Studio Although Balance Studio is made up of two...

do what you love Fitness personal development spirituality

Balancing energies: Chinese Medicine as a Path to Fertility

August 16, 2017

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...

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The Yin and Yang of food: Balancing the energies of what we eat

August 14, 2017

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...

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Tips for battling anxiety and negative self talk

July 21, 2017

do what you love environment family and kids relationship with self transitions

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...

manifestation mental health relationship with self

Gait TRC: Therapeutic Riding

July 20, 2017

Career, Health, Lifestyle

As my law practice wined down in the years leading up to retirement, I spent money and lots of effort getting certified as a therapeutic riding instructor with PATH International. Retirement seemed a good time for me to give back and meld my love of teaching special needs students. Teaching is something I had done for 11 years, but my love of horses, I have always had. While I was teaching, I often took one or two amenable students to my barn with me on the weekend, not to ride but mostly to clean or just have fun. Horses touched my students in a variety of ways—encouraging speech, eliciting emotions, controlling aggression. However, it wasn’t until after retirement that I realized how powerful a tool therapeutic...

Are You All Out of Whack? (Mind Key has your back)

July 5, 2017

Career, Energy, Health

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...

Nature Deficit Disorder is a true problem in our tech-advanced society

Nature Deficit Disorder—Could You Be a Victim?

March 23, 2017

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...

environment

Reduce the negative impact of stress by using outdoor stress relief remedies

Outdoor Stress Relief: How Nature Helps You Heal

March 22, 2017

That nature provides the resources we need to relax our bodies and counteract our stress levels may seem obvious. Then why do millions of people suffer from such stress-related conditions as heart issues, high blood pressure, and tensed muscles. Outdoor stress relief is one of the most natural cures for stress-induced health issues. In this new age, people are beyond strained. A 2014 poll conducted by NPR and the Harvard School of Public Health found that one in four Americans had suffered a great deal of stress. Many people understand that being in nature can have a positive impact on our bodies and our minds. Too many, however, ignore these understandings because they do not know the underlying processes of how nature helps. Dr. Doni...

environment

Alternative Addiction Treatment for Alcoholism: Natural and Holistic Options

March 17, 2017

Energy, Health, Lifestyle, Relationship

By Danielle Rose Alcoholism and addiction is often considered a disease. From this angle, as with all diseases, there is more than one way to approach a plan of healing. If recovery feels too clinical, consider working with your recovery team and adding alternative addiction treatment in order to connect and heal through the process of self-renewal. I’ve pulled from my research and personal experience working with those recovering from addiction. In conjunction with expert clinical advice from Dr. Lisa Avila, we've create a shortlist of some all-natural and alternative addiction treatment methods to support a recovery program. This list is by no means all-inclusive. Additionally, these methods should not be attempted without a broader action plan and support group in place. Alternative addiction treatment through dietary...

addiction alternative healing Lifestyle relationship with self

10 resources for addiction recovery

March 15, 2017

A Mind Key follower shares ten well-known addiction resources he has worked with, and offers his personal perspective. As someone still struggling with addiction, we have chosen not to share his name. Perhaps one or more of them could be a resource for you, or someone you love. #1 Alcoholics Anonymous One resource I found many times inspiring, and just the same many times boring, was a type of AA meeting [caption id="attachment_5662" align="alignright" width="300"] There are many different kinds of AA meetings. Try a few to determine which one is the best fit for you.[/caption] called the Commitments. They’re comprised of two or three people who are typically long term AA members. They have worked all 12 steps and are many years invested into sobriety and AA itself....

addiction relationship with self

understanding addiction goes a long way in recovery

Understanding addiction: More than just a disease

March 14, 2017