Use breathing to help focus on needs!

This video is for people experiencing stress and overwhelm due to overthinking, worry and for those with TBI/neurodiverse folksI. If you're having a hard time knowing how to get out of a "rut" this video will help you breathe, consider what emotion you are feeling and identify solutions.

TBI conference of Washington State 2020

Join me as the Emcee at this years TBI conference

This is me, three months post injury! We are so capable of change.

This is me, three months post injury! We are so capable of change.

I have been a part of the Washington State Traumatic Brain Injury conference since 2014. I only wish I would have know and participated in this amazing resource sooner. Join me, April 15-16th at Hotel Murano in Tacoma. To register hit this link- https://web.cvent.com/event/9ad7d431-8ced-4192-8002-b5e169824c40/regProcessStep1

Upcoming Presentation: Washington State TBI Conference

I'll be presenting at the Washington State TBI Conference on April 11 from 2:15 pm to 3:30pm.

"Re-Route the Happy"

Seattle Airport Marriott
April 11, 2017
2:15pm to 3:30pm

Life is harder with a brain injury, and just different. I see things other people do not and feel joy others do not feel. Happiness is something that I choose and there are things that I do to try and help keep my mind at peace so I can experience good feelings: planning ahead, setting myself up for success and really learning to let go when bad things happen. My experience with a severe TBI in August 2006 drew me to mindfulness, yoga and choosing to do less, activities that have helped train me in being happy in life.

Upcoming Class: Effective communication for TBI survivors

Join me on July 14th from 2:00-4:00pm for a workshop
— led by me and hosted by Brain Injury Alliance Washington —
on 'Effective Communication for TBI Survivors.'

Have you encountered difficulties in communicating effectively after your Brain Injury?

I'll be leading a two-hour workshop to learn the skills and strategies needed for mindful communication with everyone you may encounter in your daily life.

I will teach breathing exercises to help keep your cool, as well as the importance of rest and relaxation before having important conversations with others. This class is for survivors and caregivers to learn to communicate better with each other. If you have a family member or friend that you are actively working on communication with, feel free to bring them along!
 

Sign up now! 

Introduction to Mindfulness

Below is an introduction to mindfulness by Donald Hwong. I was lucky enough to be part of this project by contributing the audio. Please use these guidelines to begin your meditation practices. HAVE FUN!

Heart Chan meditation is more than quieting your mind and it is lot more challenging than you can imagine. This 12 minute video introduces the benefits and challenges of Heart Chan meditation.

Source: http://youtu.be/LzIo7obLz6I

Half-moon pose for focus and control

In Hatha yoga, half-moon pose (ardha chandrasana) is a way to gain focus as you work on balance, engage core muscles and lengthen the spine. 

Here's how you can do it at home:

1) Staring at the floor, place right palm directly under right shoulder (modifications such as blocks/wall are great props to use here) and bring left hand to the left hip. Roll the left hip up and back so the hips face the side wall.
2) Inhale finger tips to towards the ceiling. Turn the head to face the side wall and work on turning the whole torso to face the side wall. 
3) Breathe and hold for 3-5 breaths.
4) To release: exhale and slowly bring both hand back to the floor and step the left foot back.