Feelings come and go like clouds in a windy sky. Conscious breathing is my anchor.

-Thich Nhat Hanh

 

November’s traditional message is gratitude and thanksgiving. We heartily share those sentiments again this season. Happy Thanksgiving to everyone. Even in an increasingly turbulent world of uncertainty, we are encouraged to express sincere gratitude for the things, people and circumstances that we have in our life. Be sure to read this month’s Inspiration department, "Gratitude is Good Medicine," found in our Online Exclusive section, to learn about the actual physiological consequences of a regular and consistent expression of gratitude.

 

This is also the Mental Health and Well-Being issue. Our quote from Thich Nhat Hanh is a nod to the online exclusive article penned by Cynthia Johannes-Beecher, owner of Your Yoga, in West York, "Mindfulness Benefits of a Daily Breathing Practice." Reducing stress and boosting self-esteem are scientifically validated outcomes of mindfulness, as are improved digestion, lowered blood pressure, strengthened immunity and improved overall sleep.

 

Many of us will be enjoying a holiday meal on Thanksgiving and perhaps over-indulging on our food choices and portions. 'Tis the season, after all, so enjoy. To help you stay mindful of your food choices moving forward, we have two local contributors discussing the relationship between food and mental health. Dr. Tia McLaughlin, owner of Wholistically Simple Rx, in East Berlin, weighs in with an online exclusive, "The Whole You: Mind-Body-Gut-Spirit and the Connections in Between," and Cindy Beers, local mental health advocate, yoga teacher and armed services veteran based in Mechanicsburg with an online exclusive article, "Food and Your Mental Health."

 

Our mental health is as vital as our physical health, and needs daily attention and consistent maintenance, especially in challenging times. Dr. Joan-Marie Lartin, a psychotherapist in Carlisle shares "Adaptation is Key," discussing keys for adapting to change, as a sidebar to our feature. Coping with and processing grief is a large part of the mental health curriculum. Cristina Boyle, LMT, and owner of Happie Soul Wellness, offers her perspective about a potentially useful tool with "Reiki Can Help With Grief," a sidebar to the Wise Words department.

 

Support National Alliance on Mental Heath (NAMI) Dauphin, NAMI Cumberland-Perry, NAMI York-Adams and NAMI Lancaster locally. Reach out to the NAMI National Help Line at 800-950-NAMI (6264) or visit NAMI.org. If you are in emotional distress or suicidal crisis, there is hope. You can get 24/7, free, confidential support by calling or texting 988. This Lifeline three-digit number helps thousands of people overcome crisis situations every day. Let’s take care of ourselves and support each other as we share the planet and the journey to feeling good, living simply and laughing more.