Motivational Path
I designed this article to explain why I motivate people to develop their softer skills. My own journey helped me realize how important it is to be recognized. I have found that people who feel appreciated put a higher value on themselves and do a better job of relating with family, friends, and coworkers.
My search for wellness began after surviving two major automobile accidents. When traditional therapies failed me, I turned to alternative and holistic methods. I was determined that I would not settle for a life of chronic pain. Overcoming conditions others thought impossible helped me earn the title of "seeker."
I went on to co-produce a wellness television show, present personal development classes and provide a plethora of complementary alternative healing services. HeartSong Healing Place sprung out of this same passionate desire to help others achieve wellness.
Nowadays high stress levels are a common phenomenon. Continual bombardment on social media and the news keeps us informed 24/7 without providing a way to solve their situations. We send messages on whatever device we are holding instead of conversing with the people around us. We are globally aware yet, at the same time disconnected as a society.
Debilitating stress is having an impact on children in the public-school system. Participating in a University of Incarnate Word Panel on mindfulness’ impact on trauma earlier this year, I spoke with public school officials who were examining mindfulness as a way to minimize social isolation. The method works to quiet the mind and prevent regretting the past or worrying about the future.
When working with clients in one-on-one or group settings I focus on their ability to understand and practically apply soft skills of giving thanks, loving yourself, breathing consciously and mindfully reducing stress. I have designed my classes to assist participants to personally develop and succeed at work and play. My mission is to inspire everyone to recognize their worth, so they may live in peace and treat others with kindness and joy.
HeartSong Healing Place Research Insights
Cultivating Gratitude in the Workplace:
Companies are discovering that thanking and recognizing their employees is vital for boosting morale. When asked employees report it makes a difference to be thanked when going above and beyond, or when they skip personal breaks/lunches to finish an urgent project. They also appreciate being recognized for completing unwanted tasks, or helping a coworker who doesn’t understand the newly installed software. Statistics confirm that 60% of employees want to be noticed or appreciated by their coworkers. However, when asked approximately 10% of employees include gratitude in their daily routine. Consequently, unmet recognition needs may be a contributing factor to employee turnover.
(Harvard University-Wharton: Greater Good Science Center, Berkley, CA 2017).
Developing an Attitude of Gratitude:
Typically, Americans delegate Thanksgiving as the time of the year to express gratitude. But what about the rest of the year? Research indicates that expressing gratitude has a positive effect on overall well-being, elevates self-esteem and decreases depression. So, there must be something to it. Being recognized changes the focus from self-centeredness to seeing the bigger picture. Noticing when others are making marvelous contributions increases awareness and widens social circles.
(https://positivepsychology.com/benefits-gratitude-research-questions/.
Experience Conscious Breathing: Breathing is the only autonomic function our bodies can control. When it is natural and easy, it is taken for granted that there will always be an available supply of air. Those who labor to breathe have a different opinion. Shallow breathers suffering from issues like COPD or Emphysema put a higher value on having an adequate supply of oxygen. Doctors attribute conscious breathing practices to the reduction of anxiety, sleep disorders, depression, even stress caused by chronic inflammation. As Rachael Walter, Somatic Breath Therapy (SBT) practitioner and owner of Breathe-Here-Now reports, well-being is just a breath away.
https://www.naturalawakeningsnm.com/inhaling-the-joy-of-life-conscious-breathwork/
How to Fall in Love with Yourself:
Children are taught from birth to love each other; however relational love can be challenging. If people don’t understand how to meet their own needs, how can they be there for anyone else? Higher rates of depression, suicide, and anxiety have led healing professionals to widen their stance on self-love. No longer seen as self-centered, loving yourself builds a foundation for forming successful relations with family members, friends, coworkers, and the community at large. Thinking beyond yourself can lead to donating time and talent to a good cause, or, at the very least, encourage conversation, foster connection, and grow community.
https://www.huffpost.com/entry/love-yourself-science-study_n_5900878
Mindful Stress Reduction: Research shows that mindfulness, the practice of accepting what is without judgment can lower psychological stress. However, those who’ve been traumatized may find it more difficult to mindfully meditate. Why? The body is a wonderful storage unit for unconscious traumatic memories which when triggered may surface. While society may excuse veterans with PTSD for responding anxiously, traumatic responses are not limited to this population. An effective plan is to address the trauma, encourage mindful conversation, and have an arsenal of methods to diffuse traumatic responses.
https://davidtreleaven.com/truthaboutmindfulnessandtrauma/
Testimonial: "You were wonderful and very well received." Board Member, Alamo Area Parkinson's Support Group, July 27, 2019
Classes include meditations, discussions, exercises and instructions for next steps (topic-specific). Contact Cynthia Hazel at (210) 215-8305, cheartsong22@yahoo.com, or go to www.heartsonghealingplace.com.
I went on to co-produce a wellness television show, present personal development classes and provide a plethora of complementary alternative healing services. HeartSong Healing Place sprung out of this same passionate desire to help others achieve wellness.
Nowadays high stress levels are a common phenomenon. Continual bombardment on social media and the news keeps us informed 24/7 without providing a way to solve their situations. We send messages on whatever device we are holding instead of conversing with the people around us. We are globally aware yet, at the same time disconnected as a society.
Debilitating stress is having an impact on children in the public-school system. Participating in a University of Incarnate Word Panel on mindfulness’ impact on trauma earlier this year, I spoke with public school officials who were examining mindfulness as a way to minimize social isolation. The method works to quiet the mind and prevent regretting the past or worrying about the future.
When working with clients in one-on-one or group settings I focus on their ability to understand and practically apply soft skills of giving thanks, loving yourself, breathing consciously and mindfully reducing stress. I have designed my classes to assist participants to personally develop and succeed at work and play. My mission is to inspire everyone to recognize their worth, so they may live in peace and treat others with kindness and joy.
HeartSong Healing Place Research Insights
Cultivating Gratitude in the Workplace:
Companies are discovering that thanking and recognizing their employees is vital for boosting morale. When asked employees report it makes a difference to be thanked when going above and beyond, or when they skip personal breaks/lunches to finish an urgent project. They also appreciate being recognized for completing unwanted tasks, or helping a coworker who doesn’t understand the newly installed software. Statistics confirm that 60% of employees want to be noticed or appreciated by their coworkers. However, when asked approximately 10% of employees include gratitude in their daily routine. Consequently, unmet recognition needs may be a contributing factor to employee turnover.
(Harvard University-Wharton: Greater Good Science Center, Berkley, CA 2017).
Developing an Attitude of Gratitude:
Typically, Americans delegate Thanksgiving as the time of the year to express gratitude. But what about the rest of the year? Research indicates that expressing gratitude has a positive effect on overall well-being, elevates self-esteem and decreases depression. So, there must be something to it. Being recognized changes the focus from self-centeredness to seeing the bigger picture. Noticing when others are making marvelous contributions increases awareness and widens social circles.
(https://positivepsychology.com/benefits-gratitude-research-questions/.
Experience Conscious Breathing: Breathing is the only autonomic function our bodies can control. When it is natural and easy, it is taken for granted that there will always be an available supply of air. Those who labor to breathe have a different opinion. Shallow breathers suffering from issues like COPD or Emphysema put a higher value on having an adequate supply of oxygen. Doctors attribute conscious breathing practices to the reduction of anxiety, sleep disorders, depression, even stress caused by chronic inflammation. As Rachael Walter, Somatic Breath Therapy (SBT) practitioner and owner of Breathe-Here-Now reports, well-being is just a breath away.
https://www.naturalawakeningsnm.com/inhaling-the-joy-of-life-conscious-breathwork/
How to Fall in Love with Yourself:
Children are taught from birth to love each other; however relational love can be challenging. If people don’t understand how to meet their own needs, how can they be there for anyone else? Higher rates of depression, suicide, and anxiety have led healing professionals to widen their stance on self-love. No longer seen as self-centered, loving yourself builds a foundation for forming successful relations with family members, friends, coworkers, and the community at large. Thinking beyond yourself can lead to donating time and talent to a good cause, or, at the very least, encourage conversation, foster connection, and grow community.
https://www.huffpost.com/entry/love-yourself-science-study_n_5900878
Mindful Stress Reduction: Research shows that mindfulness, the practice of accepting what is without judgment can lower psychological stress. However, those who’ve been traumatized may find it more difficult to mindfully meditate. Why? The body is a wonderful storage unit for unconscious traumatic memories which when triggered may surface. While society may excuse veterans with PTSD for responding anxiously, traumatic responses are not limited to this population. An effective plan is to address the trauma, encourage mindful conversation, and have an arsenal of methods to diffuse traumatic responses.
https://davidtreleaven.com/truthaboutmindfulnessandtrauma/
Testimonial: "You were wonderful and very well received." Board Member, Alamo Area Parkinson's Support Group, July 27, 2019
Classes include meditations, discussions, exercises and instructions for next steps (topic-specific). Contact Cynthia Hazel at (210) 215-8305, cheartsong22@yahoo.com, or go to www.heartsonghealingplace.com.
