Vico Health

05/02/2024

This sums up the importance of joy in our lives ✨

One for the weekend…

JOY CHOSE YOU

Joy does not arrive with a fanfare,
on a red carpet strewn with the flowers of a perfect life.

Joy sneaks in, as you pour a cup of coffee,
watching the sunlight hit your favourite tree,
just right.

And you usher joy away,
because you are not ready for it.
Your house is not as it should be,
for such a distinguished guest.

But joy cares nothing for your messy home,
or your bank-balance,
or your waistline, you see.

Joy is supposed to slither through the cracks of your imperfect life,
that’s how joy works.

You cannot truly invite her,
you can only be ready when she appears.

And hug her with meaning,
because in this very moment,

joy chose you.

Donna Ashworth

Art by Inge Löök Oy Ab

This poem is from Wild Hope ♥️
UK: https://amzn.eu/d/2j0Nquu
🇺🇸US: https://a.co/d/h6FEaTv

26/07/2023

"The World Beyond Your Head: On Becoming an Individual in an Age of Distraction" is a book written by Matthew B. Crawford that explores the impact of modern technology and distractions on our ability to cultivate a sense of self and individuality. Here are ten lessons from the book:

1. Cultivate focused attention: Develop the ability to sustain focused attention on tasks or experiences without being constantly distracted. Deep engagement with the world around you promotes a sense of agency and individuality.

2. Embrace manual competence: Engaging in hands-on, practical activities can be deeply satisfying and help you connect with the physical world. Developing manual skills fosters a sense of competence and autonomy.

3. Be mindful of the information you consume: Be selective about the information you expose yourself to. Avoid mindless consumption of media and actively curate the inputs that shape your worldview.

4. Embrace solitude and reflection: Allow yourself regular moments of solitude to reflect and introspect. Disconnecting from constant external stimuli enables you to develop a deeper understanding of yourself and your values.

5. Practice discernment: Develop the ability to critically evaluate and discern between different sources of information, ideas, and influences. Cultivate your own intellectual autonomy and resist being overly swayed by external forces.

6. Engage with real-world experiences: Seek out authentic experiences and direct encounters with the physical world. Engaging your senses and actively participating in the world enhances your sense of individuality and agency.

7. Prioritize meaningful engagement over passive consumption: Actively engage with the world and seek out experiences that allow you to participate and contribute. Passive consumption of media and entertainment can hinder the development of individuality.

8. Embrace craftsmanship and craftsmanship-like activities: Engaging in activities that require skill, craftsmanship, and attention to detail can be deeply rewarding. Pursue activities that allow you to create, build, or repair, as they promote a sense of accomplishment and individuality.

9. Create boundaries with technology: Establish boundaries and limits for your use of technology to prevent it from dominating your attention and eroding your sense of self. Be intentional about when and how you engage with digital devices.

10. Foster meaningful connections with others: Cultivate genuine connections and relationships with others that go beyond superficial interactions. Meaningful social connections contribute to a sense of belonging and help shape your individual identity.

By incorporating these lessons from "The World Beyond Your Head," you can navigate the challenges of the modern world and cultivate a stronger sense of self and individuality. The book prompts reflection on the impact of distractions and encourages a more intentional and mindful approach to living in a hyperconnected world.

BOOK: https://amzn.to/44QPJLg

12/09/2022

Excellent article on the simple things that improve psychological well-being 😁

1. They can be happy for others, even when facing their own challenges.

01/07/2022

06/06/2022

Every day may not be good, but there is something good in every day 🌤

Join us for and discover actions to help you find more joy, even in difficult times https://actionforhappiness.org/joyful-june

04/01/2022

The long read: As I embark on a third year of general practice under Covid, I am more conscious than ever that recovery is different for every illness and every patient

17/11/2021

“Highly sensitive people are too often perceived as weaklings or damaged goods. To feel intensely is not a symptom of weakness, it is the trademark of the truly alive and compassionate. It is not the empath who is broken, it is society that has become dysfunctional and emotionally disabled. There is no shame in expressing your authentic feelings. Those who are at times described as being a 'hot mess' or having 'too many issues' are the very fabric of what keeps the dream alive for a more caring, humane world. Never be ashamed to let your tears shine a light in this world.”
Anthon St. Maarten

Sir Frank Dicksee - The Sensitive Plant,1820.

20/09/2021

As a therapist and researcher I have great respect for talk therapies but I also support the concept proposed by Bessel van Der Kolk that the ‘Body keeps the score ‘ and that sometimes people need hands on therapies that will help release dysregulation in tissues and nervous system due to trauma . Great article below🌸

His 2014 book, The Body Keeps the Score, has become a huge pandemic hit, topping bestseller lists this summer and becoming a meme on social media. What does it tell us about the world we live in?

15/09/2021

https://practicalphilosophy.ie/course/practical-philosophy-part-1a