Find Your Still Point

In this episode, Jessica discusses the importance of paying attention to our emotions, and how this awareness can lead to great self-regulation, stress management, and a sense of well-being.  Jessica explains briefly the neurobiology of emotions and discusses in regular terms how this shows up in our lives as stress and unwanted behaviors.  Take listen and learn how when we learn to feel all our emotions, we begin to heal on multiple levels.  

The meditation in the podcast focuses on emotional energy and awareness.  If you are interested in meditation, Jessica leads virtual groups and you may consider filling out this Google Form to sign up for ongoing group mediation led by Jessica.  If you are Wilmington, NC you have the option fo coming into the studio for in person group or this group will be offered virtually to anyone anywhere in the world.

KNOW MORE ABOUT JESSICA by visiting her website.

Ways to connect with Jessica:

Instagram: @jessicakinglcsw or @stillpointilm

Facebook:  www.facebook.com/stillpointilm

[email protected]⁠

Today Jessica King, LCSW talks about how we can help manage our own distress by becoming the observer of thoughts.  Do you ever feel trapped by "monkey mind" or create a storyline in your mind that leads to emotional overwhelm and changes your behaviors?  If so, you are in good company!  As human beings, we think because we can!  Distress happens often when thoughts are stuck in past or future thinking and cultivating presence starts with detaching from the thoughts, not engaging, and attempting to let the thoughts flow.  Learning to become the observer of your thoughts can change the way you feel, the way you think about yourself, and the way you interact with others.

If you would like to learn more after this episode, consider filling out this Google Form to sign up for ongoing group mediation led by Jessica.  If you are Wilmington, NC you have the option fo coming into the studio for in person group or this group will be offered virtually to anyone anywhere in the world.  

KNOW MORE ABOUT JESSICA by visiting her website.

Ways to connect with Jessica:

Instagram: @jessicakinglcsw or @stillpointilm

Facebook:  www.facebook.com/stillpointilm

[email protected]⁠

Guest Episode!⁠

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Today Jessica King interviews Michelle Crittendon.  Michelle is a wife, mother, and yoga teacher in Wilmington, NC.  Today Michelle tells us about her yoga journey while also navigating the craziness of motherhood and business.  She also shows up with us today to speak a little about the intersection of wellness with mental health and how radical acceptance has helped her to step up authentically to show up for herself and be well. Among other things, Michelle discusses the importance of seeking qualified professionals when dealing with mental health issues, the mindset she employs to navigate challenges, and what showing up for herself means.  She so beautifully states, "We are often searching outside of ourselves for the next (thing), but the truth is that we are already whole and it is just turning back towards ourselves [that is needed]."  ⁠

RESOURCES:

CONTACTING MICHELLE:

Join her newsletter, email her, or find out more about her Wilmington, NC yoga classes at:

https://www.solmamayoga.com/

Or connect with her on instagram @solmamayoga

MENTIONED REFERENCES:

Tara Brach:  Books - Radical Acceptance and Radical Compassion

Glennon Doyle - author and activist - on Instagram as @glennondoyle and founder of @together.rising

MENTAL HEALTH RESOURCES

National Suicide Prevention Texting Hotline: Text 741741

National Suicide Hotline:  800 - 273 - 8255

NAMI:  https://www.nami.org

SAMHSA:  https://www.samhsa.gov/find-help/national-helpline

Find a therapist:  www.psychologytoday.com

KNOW MORE ABOUT JESSICA by visiting her website.

Ways to connect with Jessica:

Instagram: @jessicakinglcsw or @stillpointilm

Facebook:  www.facebook.com/stillpointilm

[email protected]⁠

Diagnosable mental health issues are prevalent.  1 in 5 adults have a diagnosable mental health issue and everyday 123 Americans die by suicide.  That is one death by suicide every 12 minutes.  We know teen suicide rates are up too.  AND, we have not begun to understand the impact that COVID-19 will have on mental health statistics.  Guys, here is the truth - Mental health is HEALTH!  It is my truest belief that we cannot separate mental health from physical health.  We are one whole being and what impacts one area of our being impacts another.

In this episode, Jessica discusses how every day stress can impact existing mental health conditions and the normalization of that experience, so that we can decrease the stigma related to mental health and particularly getting help for mental health conditions.  Jessica reminds us that we are built for connection, and we need to let the village rise up in our communities to support those experiencing conditions that otherwise make them feel isolated, alone, or not worthy.  We are all worthy!  And, you are not alone!

RESOURCES:

National Suicide Prevention Texting Hotline: Text 741741 

National Suicide Hotline:  800 - 273 - 8255

NAMI:  https://www.nami.org

SAMHSA:  https://www.samhsa.gov/find-help/national-helpline

Find a therapist:  www.psychologytoday.com

To know more about Jessica by visiting her website.

Ways to connect with Jessica:

Instagram: @jessicakinglcsw or @stillpointilm

Facebook:  www.facebook.com/stillpointilm

[email protected]

TIP OF THE DAY:  STRETCH!!  In this episode, Jessica provides a quick tip around managing stress from a holistic, body based model with all the neuroscience to back it up.  Take a quick listen to learn more about how your body works and a quick tip to improve your overall health.  At the end, she guides you through a short body based practice for stress relief. 

To know more about Jessica by visiting her website.

Ways to connect with Jessica:

Instagram: @jessicakinglcsw or @stillpointilm

Facebook:  www.facebook.com/stillpointilm

[email protected]

Today Jessica King provides some information about stress and how it shows up in our bodies and the purpose it serves being there.  She provides some practical skills to help conceptualize that stress, reframe the way we think about our stress, and ways to process stress and let it move through our body to feel better.  While stress is a normal process that we all must learn to manage, she also highlights by the end, that there may be reasons why managing your stress is not easy, and to always reach out for support if needed.  Her contact resources are below, or you could look for a therapist near you by using Psychology Today.  

To know more about Jessica by visiting her website.

Ways to connect with Jessica:

Instagram: @jessicakinglcsw or @stillpointilm

Facebook:  www.facebook.com/stillpointilm

[email protected]

Today Jessica interviews her own children!  Join us to hear a little more from her family about what it is like to be part of their crazy family, as well as a kid's perspective on stress, how it effects them, and what they do to help themselves.  This episode does a great job normalizing the impact of stress on our bodies, as well as to highlight practical strategies for anyone trying to manage stress and not let it overwhelm your life.  The meditation practice of this podcast is great for both adults and kids, so grab the littlest people in your life and take a listen!!

Parker King is 14 years old and lives in Wilmington NC where he attends 8th grade, enjoys lots of sports, is a music fanatic, and a self-proclaimed stress expert because he is busy guy himself!  John King is 10 years old and in 4th grade.  John also enjoys sports, skateboarding, reading, and playing the drums.  They both provide their own unique experience and remind us that kids today have a lot to carry.  They share their best learned lessons so far on managing stress, and call out their mom on a few topics!  

Resource:  The meditation is an adapted version of "The Magic Shell Meditation" from Meditation for Minis by Debbie Wildi.  The meditation in this recording is not word for word script but rather a remembering of the parts of this written meditation script.  You can find this book on Amazon and other places where you buy books. https://www.amazon.com/Meditation-Minis-Debbie-Wildi/dp/B005886EK4

To know more about Jessica visit: https://stillpointcounselingandwellness.com/staff/jessica-king-msw-lcsw-e-ryt/.

Ways to connect with me:

Instagram: @jessicakinglcsw or @stillpointilm

Facebook:  www.facebook.com/stillpointilm

[email protected]

In this episode, Jessica shares her strategy for intentional and mindful "to-do lists" that will be a game changer!  She shares briefly her personal story of feeling overwhelmed by all the tasks of the day, and how using a strategy called "my three things" has shifted the way she approaches each day and left her feeling more productive and more connected with what matters to her.  The references mentioned in this podcast are listed below, as well as the ways to connect with Jessica.  If you are in need of the support of a therapist, coach, or mentor reach out to Jessica for consultation.  If she is not a great fit for what you need, she will help direct you to someone who will be!!  Be well, friends!!

Resources within Podcast:

Being Well podcast with Dr. Rick Hansen and Forrest Hansen

Episode#118 Maximize Productivity with Mindfulness with Chris Bailey 

Other Chris Bailey resources: 

BOOKS:  Hyperfocus and The Productivity Project

TED Talk:  How to Get Your Brain to Focus

WEBSITE: https://alifeofproductivity.com/the-productivity-project/

CONNECT WITH JESSICA:

[email protected]

@jessicakinglcsw

On Facebook as Jessica King, LCSW

www.stillpointcounselingandwellness.com

@stillpointilm

on Facebook as Stillpoint Counseling and Wellness, PLLC

What is a still point?  And how do you find it?  In this episode, Jessica talks about the struggles she faces finding a still point, as well as her own perspective on what this place feels like.  She takes you on a journey with nature and your breathe to begin to practice and to experience moments of stillness and mindfulness that can help you feel grounded in a spinning, busy world.  She encourages us to become the observer of our thoughts and experiences of life in a way that helps us have freedom in choice and to feel connected to the rhythm of life.  

Below are some resources for further learning and practice.

Jessica will be leading a 90 min yoga, breathwork, and meditation on January 30th from 9 - 10:30 am.  Register for Chakra Balancing Yoga Flow here:

https://stillpointcounselingandwellness.com/chakra-balancing-flow-yoga/

The excerpt Jessica read in the podcast is part of a larger body of work.  Read more from T.S. Elliot here:

https://www.brainpickings.org/2015/11/18/t-s-eliot-reads-burnt-norton/

In this episode, Jessica shares a bit about setting goals and sculpting the life you desire by turning your focus inward and away from external pressures and messages that are not congruent with your authentic self.    She tells about times she has felt driven by these external forces and ways in which she has "chiseled" away at the hard external shells of self we layer on for protection to feel more connected and driven towards achievable goals.  If you are looking to set new year's intention, take a listen to this podcast to shift the way you think about setting goals, as well as yourself.  She notes, "The moral of the story is we are all on this journey and it's a messy one.  Maybe this is the new year that you look inward at your true self for setting intentions and finding authentic purpose and in doing that you achieve success, follow through, and start sculpting the life you desire because it is part of you already".  There is freedom knowing we have a choice to make this shift.  So join me in story, reflection, journaling and grounding to Find Your Stillpoint.

If you would like to connect with Jessica, you can find her on Instagram @jessicakinglcsw or through her business Instagram at @stillpointilm, as well as Facebook (Jessica King LCSW and Stillpoint Counseling and Wellness).  She posts helpful videos and musings on mental health on You Tube at Find Your Stillpoint.  And she can be reached through email at [email protected].

Resource:

Journaling prompts during practice: