Mental Health Counseling Indianapolis Indiana

Indiana Counselor and Therapist Directory

“I do, but I don’t!”

Does this describe your attitude towards change? Are you tired of yo-yo dieting or a cluttered life? Are you tired of being shackled to the same old negative habit patterns? Ready for TRUE lifestyle change?

Then contact Darlene Graham , MA, CEC Lifestyle Wellness Coach!

Prepare for more than your wedding day- Prepare for your entire marriage. Newly-weds-to-be will benefit from this six–week pre-marital program designed to help start life-long partnership off right. The program will strengthen the bonds of partnership and give couples the tools they need to effectively address the issues they encounter as spouses.
Read more...

The Power of Intentional Idleness

Many years ago when I worked as a paramedic, I had a friend and mentor who taught me how important it is in the midst of life and death chaos to mentally and emotionally slow down. The idea of slowing down in a crisis as a way to accomplish more was certainly a paradox and, when I worked at it, remarkably effective.

Taken to a level beyond the momentary crisis, this same idea expands to encompass the idea of stopping, just when the demands of life seem most immediate, and taking the time to re-charge and re-focus. This "intentional idleness" may be a moment of quiet self-care, a few minutes of relaxation in the midst of stress, a time not to plan (which is just mental "doing") but to let go of all the demands and just settle back into yourself and let your soul and body be restored.

In practice, this can look like taking just 10 minutes for you. (Aren't you worth that?). Set a timer so you don't have to worry about the time. Then sit down, close your eyes, relax and just notice your breathing. Many thoughts will come in. That's fine. Just thank them and let them go, assuring them that in a few minutes you will give them the attention they want. For now however, just keep letting go and noticing your breathing and the feeling of your body relaxing. That is all there is to it. The challenge is to stay with it, allowing yourself to relax as much as you can, and don't worry if you get distracted. It is said that the great teacher Raam Daas has said that if your mind wanders 10,000 times and you bring it back 10,001, then your meditation is successful.