Self Help Resources

Here we want to capture some of the many resources that the people we have worked with have found to enrich their lives, or deal with stress, or improve their relationships, or find peace and a sense of purpose and belonging. This page, and those that follow, will always be works in progress as we are always learning more about how to care for ourselves and others.

One question that immediately comes to mind as we sit down to this project is "what is the nature of health and mental health." In other words, how can we know that we are helping ourselves.

For every individual the answer must be somewhat different, but across time and cultures certain characteristics of mental health do emerge. Those who are mentally healthy tend to have the ability to share and acknowledge feelings. They are able to see things as they are. They respond to challenges with wisdom and energy. They value themselves, and others, and they feel a sense of fulfillment and satisfaction in their everyday lives.

A nice summary of the things that we need to be healthy is contained in a very famous drawing of a hierarchy of needs:

Click on objects in the picture below to navigate through the self help pages.

"No matter how rough the sea, a light house always shines it's light to guide sailors safely through a storm. We each have an inner light to help us navigate our own troubled waters. Imagine that light floating in the space just behind your eyes - the more you concentrate on it the brighter it becomes. Spend a few moments reflecting on it whenever you feel unsure of yourself and you will never stray far from the right course."