In a recent conversation, a newly made acquaintance asked what I did for a living. The answer was Transformation Coaching, for people who have lost their way in life. “In what way?” “It is different in each individual case.” “What brought you to this field of work?” “I lost my way.” “What did that look like?” “The immediate manifestation was substance addiction.” “So, you’re an alcoholic?” “Yes, thankfully now in recovery….” It was a refreshing conversation...| SoberOasis
The only explanation I could find as to why this `unbearability of being´ had become my daily reality was that there must have been something inherently wrong with me. The only alternative explanation, — that my parents were so overwhelmed that they could not meet my basic emotional needs — would have been too much to endure for a child still dependent upon his parents. Add to these internal ruminations the messaging common in any group trying to function as best it can under severe pres...| SoberOasis
In our hyper-cerebral, post-modern culture, we may have been looking for answers in the wrong place all along. A fellow recently shared the following acronym during a meeting: FAITH = Finding Answers In The Heart. When we have begun to embrace all that resides within us, and only then, can true healing begin. Everything in there belongs to us. There are no bad parts, only those that pull us towards wholeness and those that would attempt to take us backwards, to the status quo of our early chi...| SoberOasis
Fr. Greg Boyle S.J. is the founder and director of Homeboy Industries, the world's largest gang intervention and rehabilitation program, and former pastor of Dolores Mission Church in L.A. Many of those who benefit from the services of Homeboy Industries are living, like me, in long-term addiction recovery. As Fr. Greg, or “Gee”, as the hommies like to call him, points out in his most recent book “Cherished Belonging”, morality has not succeeded in making us moral and has, in fact, be...| SoberOasis
As an addict living in recovery since 2003, I have had plenty of opportunities to get to know and interact with people from the many fellowships now providing support to those of us who wish to recover, all around the world. My experience of recovery is that of a transformative shift from fear to love. A major prerequisite for the success of this transformation is the cultivation and practice of compassion: for self, others, and circumstances. The realisation that: `We are as sick as our secr...| SoberOasis
In my family of origin, as I experienced things, there was no common language for dealing with the multitude of feelings that are integral to the human condition. It was as if we tried, in a group effort, to read Anna Karenina in the original without any prior knowledge of the Russian culture, language, or even the ability to read Cyrillic script. Emotions are sometimes characterised as `feelings in motion´. A wide array of emotions exists. The following list captures those generally identif...| SoberOasis
Running a small business can be overwhelming. Learn how to prioritise your mental health with simple, intentional steps to improve your wellbeing, boost resilience, and avoid burnout. Download Smiling Mind and MYOB’s Fact Sheet for practical tips for small business owners to manage stress and stay focused.| blog.smilingmind.com.au
Learn how small business owners can support their employees’ wellbeing, boost productivity, and create a resilient workplace culture.| blog.smilingmind.com.au
Learn how small business owners can support their employees’ wellbeing, boost productivity, and create a resilient workplace culture.| blog.smilingmind.com.au
Announcing a partnership between Smiling Mind and the Sisterhood Foundation aimed at transforming mental health for Australia's women and girls. Together, we will aim to impact 2 million lives by providing tailored mental fitness resources and programs that address unique challenges faced by women and girls.| blog.smilingmind.com.au
Moving from mental health to mental fitness, smashing the stigma| blog.smilingmind.com.au
Smiling Mind has a refreshed app! Find out what’s changed, and get tips and tricks for navigating the new app interface in this comprehensive guide.| blog.smilingmind.com.au
Teacher burnout is on the rise, and navigating the symptoms alongside work can be overwhelming. This guide offers evidence-based tips to support your mind.| blog.smilingmind.com.au
Australia's recent petition to ban under 16's from social media is backed by good intentions, but a psychologist questions whether it really addresses the problem.| blog.smilingmind.com.au
Master your triggers and lead with confidence. Learn to stay in control, respond thoughtfully, and overcome emotional hijacks.| Jody Michael Associates