Things I am grateful for

Things I am grateful for

by | Sep 30, 2022 | Belinda's Thoughts, Gratitude, Mindfulness, Resilience

Things I am grateful for

Today is National Day for Truth and Reconciliation: A day dedicated to honouring survivors of the residential schools as well as those children who never returned home. Itā€™s a time to acknowledge the painful impact these dark periods of our history have had, and continue to have on individuals, families and communities. Public commemoration of the tragic history and ongoing impacts of residential schools has been identified as a vital component of the reconciliation process.

I am incredibly grateful that the words Truth and Reconciliation are given the weight they deserve and are becoming so deeply imbedded within our cultural understanding. We may be powerless to change the past, but as a society we are able to take the time to fully understand the historical impacts of our actions, take stock of where we stand today, and plan for an enlightened future.

On a side note, and in no way to detract from the importance of this day, I also wanted to express gratitude for all of the first responders, hydro and emergency workers who worked tirelessly over the past week to restore power, order and safety to our communities following Hurricane Fiona. My son Albert lives in the 40-unit Dartmouth apartment building that was emergency evacuated in the middle of the night during the hurricane. It was an unsettling time, but the impression that he is left with was the kindness, generosity and positive spirit of neighbours, first responders and volunteers alike. He spoke of the efficiency of an emergency response system that organized warm busses for evicted residents to stay in rather than standing in the raging storm; the kindness and compassion of the Red Cross Workers who handed him a blanket and showed him a cot in the Sportsplex at four in the morning; and the good humour of his neighbours who jokingly commented ā€œthey had always wanted a pool, too bad it was in the living room when they had hoped to have it in their bedroomā€. In true Nova Scotia style, they meet adversity with good humour and a positive spirit.

I am happy to witness the kindness of strangers, generosity of spirit, and willingness of society to undergo a process of self reflection, ensuring all members of our community feel welcomed, respected and cared for.

Warm regards,

Belinda Seagram, Ph.D., R. Psych.Executive Director, Landing Strong

Life Lessons from the bees

Life Lessons from the bees

by | Aug 19, 2022 | Belinda's Thoughts, Friday's Inspiration, Mindfulness, Resilience

Life Lessons from the bees

Last year I planted a small Greek Oregano plant. This spring, it germinated, but instead of being a small herb, it took the form of a woody bush. I thought about cutting it down as it was unsightly, but when I leaned in, realized it was literally a hive of activity. This one plant was filled with HUNDREDS of buzzing honey bees.

This plant that I almost pulled had become the most valuable contributor in the garden

Following injury, we donā€™t always understand ourĀ purpose and may lament the fact that we are no longer the person we used to be. The thing is, our skills and strengths never really disappear. They just show up unexpectedly in forms we might not recognize or be accustomed to. Itā€™s often a matter of simply leaning inĀ and looking more closely.

OurĀ Identity and TransitionĀ program is about knowing who we are outside of our work roles. Mining down to the values that define us.

Creating Confidence and Clarifying StrengthsĀ focusses on reclaiming personal power.

Call now if either call to you.

Warm Regards,

Belinda Seagram, Ph.D., R. Psych.Executive Director, Landing Strong

Things donā€™t always turn out the way you expect

Things donā€™t always turn out the way you expect

by | Aug 12, 2022 | Belinda's Thoughts, Mindfulness, Resilience

Things donā€™t always turn out the way you expectĀ 

Last winter I wrote of my dream of making blue beans almondine with beans grown from my garden. Iā€™m happy to report that I was able to harvest the beans this week, but the dish did not quite materialize as imagined.

When I cooked them, the brilliant blue colour vanished, and I was left with a pot of plain olā€™ green legumes.

At first I felt incredibly disappointed. With a momentā€™s reflection, I realized what had happened was quite special. The beans may no longer be blue, but they are magic!

When any of us are in a period of change or transition, itā€™s easy to be self critical if we donā€™t turn out as expected. I encourage you to examine more deeply the magic that might be stirring within. You may be in the process of becoming something brilliant, but not yet recognize your final destination. Chances are, it wonā€™t be what you expected.

OurĀ Identity and TransitionĀ program is quickly filling up.

Call soon to avoid disappointment.

Warm regards,

Belinda Seagram, Ph.D., R. Psych.Executive Director, Landing Strong

The medicine of meditation

The medicine of meditation

by | Jul 29, 2022 | Belinda's Thoughts, Friday's Inspiration, Gratitude, Mindfulness, Resilience

The medicine of meditation

InĀ The Art of Doing Nothing, Veronique Vienne notes the word meditate has the same root as the word medicine.Ā  All you have to do is look at Buddha to know that he is indeed a happy man.Ā  I mean, it takes effort to smile that much.

Clearing our minds of the traffic jam of daily life is no simple feat.Ā  In fact, few people can maintain a calm composure for more than a couple of minutes.Ā  The moment I think Iā€™m getting there, I suddenly remember theĀ grocery items I have to pick up on the way homeā€¦ or a report I have to writeā€¦ or what Iā€™m going to have for dinner.

Veronique Vienne writes that, paradoxically, it is when we accept that we canā€™t meditate that the meditation starts to work.Ā  Instead of being a success-oriented venture, the practice becomes a humble reminder of how difficult it is for any of us to stay in touch with ordinary reality.

My strategy over this next month is to do a small drawing meditation each day.Ā  Many of you have joined in our artistic sessions atĀ Makerā€™sĀ where weā€™ve learned to do just that.Ā  The focus isnā€™t on creating good art.Ā  Itā€™s simply on creating.

How wonderful would it be for us to draw or write together.Ā  Our SeptemberĀ Identity and Transition programĀ uses meaningful discussion and creative practices to create opportunities for exploring who you are beyond your uniform.Ā  If you havenā€™t yet signed up itā€™s not too late.Ā  Just give us a call or dropĀ JulieĀ a line.

Warm regards,

Belinda Seagram, Ph.D., R. Psych.Executive Director, Landing Strong

The courage to forgive

The courage to forgive

by | Jun 10, 2022 | Belinda's Thoughts, Courage, Forgiveness, Mindfulness, Resilience

The courage to forgive

Iā€™ve been working in the field of trauma for close to thirty years: in womenā€™s shelters, the federal penitentiary system, hospitals, schools and community. In all the dark spaces and allĀ of the dark places, one universal truth Iā€™ve come to understand is that healing and compassion are closely intertwined. Anger and shame anchor us to the past, whereas forgiveness and self-compassion pave the way forward. When we live in anger, we allow others to control the narrative of our journey. Thereā€™s incredible freedom in letting go.


Martin Luther King Jr. understood this when he wrote:

Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.


Desmond Tutu states:

Forgiveness is not weak. It takes incredible courage to face and overcome powerful emotions.


Next Thursday, ourĀ Maintaining HealthĀ Program is going to explore the freedom that accompanies compassion and forgiveness.

If youā€™ve taken a previous program, youā€™re welcome to join. Just drop us a line so that we know youā€™re coming.Ā 

We also still have spots left in theĀ Navigating Next Steps ProgramĀ Series, starting this Tuesday. Creating Confidence and Clarifying Strengths runs for five weeks. It is designed to build trust and confidence, identify strengths and re-affirm values that are most important.

We look forward to seeing you.

Warm regards,

Belinda Seagram, Ph.D., R. Psych.Executive Director, Landing Strong

Noticing the tiny perfect things

Noticing the tiny perfect things

by | May 26, 2021 | Belinda's Thoughts, Community, Gratitude, Mindfulness

I recently watched a charming movie on Netflix called A map of tiny perfect things.  A young couple, caught in their own personal ground hog day, struggle to find meaning when every day seems a repetition of the previous one.  Somewhat like waking up each morning to hear the COVID report. They hatch an ingenious scheme to devote themselves to finding tiny perfect moments that exist within the fabric of each day.  

I love this idea.  Instead of focussing on things that canā€™t be controlled, I want to form my own list of tiny perfect moments.  Itā€™s easy to miss them.   Sometimes we have to look very closely to see.  

Iā€™ll share one from yesterday.  A young man in his late teens is at the Big Stop struggling to get his debit card working. Heā€™s filled his gas tank, but canā€™t pay for it because his card wonā€™t work.  The cashier mentions that she is supposed to call the RCMP in such a circumstance.  Immediately a woman in line steps up and says ā€œdonā€™t do that, how much is the bill?  Iā€™ll get it for himā€.

Embarrassed that I didnā€™t think of it, I offer to cover half.  Turns out the bill is only $20.

That could be the end of the story, but it isnā€™t.  As I am pulling out of the station I see the young man waving his arms and running after me.  He explains that he got his card working and wanted to give me back the $10 I had chipped in, insisting that I take it.  He was articulate, thoughtful and appreciative.

What a beautiful tiny perfect moment to start this weekā€™s collection.

In group we have the opportunity to witness many tiny perfect moments.  Moments when people listen to one another without judgement.  Notes of support that are offered after a difficult share.  Celebratory cheers when there has been an accomplishment.  Or simple quite head nots of understanding when a group member shares something they are struggling with.

There are still two seats left in our Healthy Living Group starting next week.  Itā€™s a chance to ensure the life you are living reflects the person you want to be. Give us a call today if youā€™d like to join.

Warm regards,

Belinda Seagram, Ph.D., R. Psych.
Executive Director, Landing Strong