ALUMNI COME TOGETHER FOR LABOR DAY WEEKEND CELEBRATION
On September 4th, Maryville Alumni and their families gathered for good food, good friends, and good conversation. The festivities were held at Parvin State Park in Pittsgrove, New Jersey.
Everyone enjoyed the delicious creations by Maryville's Chef Will Hampton as well as the grilling expertise of Maryville's own Joe Harvey. The hot weather didn't stop anyone from being active, as they played a variety of outdoor games. Older kids rivaled their families in corn hole, bocce ball, washers, and ladder ball while the younger kids had fun on the playground and playing outdoor Connect Four. Adults and children alike spent time together and met new friends.
The day ended with dessert and a beautiful display of sharing among the guests. Alumni recounted their stories and offered inspiration, while the group cheered them on and offered their wholehearted support.
The theme of the day was camaraderie; and Maryville's tribe demonstrated it in abundance.
Our next alumni event will be held on Thursday, October 27th for a Night of Terror at Creamy Acres Farm. Click HERE for more information.
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YOGA ISN'T JUST FOR FLEXIBILITY
Sure, yoga offers a regular practice of stretching, which can have positive effects on your body, but did you know how good it can be for your mind, too?
Yoga is known for serving as an effective stress reducer. It promotes mental and physical relaxation, which helps to relieve anxiety. It can even relieve pain!
With its multiple types, lengths, and skill levels, yoga is a great activity if you aren't used to rigorous exercise. Never tried it? Start with a 10 minute beginner video! Can't get on the floor? Chair yoga might be for you!
Before starting any exercise, including yoga, you should talk to your doctor and make sure it's safe for you. Once you get the go ahead, choose a short, beginner level video to try at home, or take a class at a local gym or studio. Most places allow you to pay for an individual class.
Watch the short TED talk below to learn about the many ways yoga can benefit your physical and mental health. Give it a shot - you may love it!
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Today, October 10th, is World Mental Health Day |
According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, 7.7 million adults and nearly 5 million children have co-occurring mental and substance use disorders in the United States alone.
Online screening tools can help you determine if you are experiencing symptoms of a mental health condition. Click HERE to visit Mental Health America's screening tools.
There is no shame in asking for help!
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WISDOM FROM THE RECOVERING |
Thoughts Become Things by
Kenneth Taylor, Maryville Alum
Thoughts become things. This is just a reminder. Everything you see, use and love began as a thought. Listening to the words of Alan Watts has helped cement this fact in my mind. Studies show that we produce anywhere from 60,000 to 90,000 thoughts, daily. Unfortunately, most of these thoughts are negative. We are unable to control or predict what we are going to think about. However, we can change the thought. This practice gets easier the more we are aware of the potential outcome of ALL our thoughts. When I found it extremely difficult to instantly change a negative thought to a positive, more productive one. I began thinking, how does a motor vehicle switch gears? In order to go from drive to reverse, the car must stop, be placed in neutral, then change course. I have found this comparison very helpful in my thought process. I realize I am having a negative thought or reaction that is not beneficial. I stop and begin to think of alternative thoughts or actions that would produce a more positive outcome. Like anything worth doing, this takes practice. Practice creates habits. Many of us have practiced creating undesirable habits over time, myself included. I am grateful I have been fortunate enough to develop healthier ones since then. I am just as grateful to be able to share things I have found helpful. Thoughts become things. What do you think of and how is it benefiting you?
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If you are a Maryville alum or client and would like to contribute to "Wisdom from the Recovering" or "Coping Corner," e-mail development@maryvillenj.org. |
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