Immaculate Heart of Mary Counseling Center

07/31/2024

St. Ignatius of Loyola is known for his teachings on contemplation. He was born in Northern Spain in 1491, the youngest of 13 children. At 16, he left home to serve as a page for the treasurer of the kingdom of Castile and lived at court. He eventually became an officer in the Spanish Army where he was seriously injured in battle. When recovering from his injuries, he desired to read about chivalry and heroic figures, but in his family castle, he only had access to stories of the saints and a book about the life of Christ. In 1522, Ignatius left his family on a pilgrimage to the Shrine of Our Lady of Montserrat where he left his life as a wealthy and noble soldier. He lived as a hermit in a cave where he developed the Spiritual Exercises which are now widely used in contemplative prayer and silent retreats. Called to the priesthood, Ignatius studied at the University of Paris. In 1534 he was ordained and with six other men, including Saint Francis Xavier and Saint Peter Faber, formed the Society of Jesus.

07/29/2024

Tomorrow is “Share a Hug Day”. Before you go and start hugging random strangers—or even people you know—make sure that you ask. (Hugging is not for everyone. It may make someone uncomfortable.) For many people, a hug can offer support and a feeling of reassurance, but did you know that it actually changes your brain chemistry? Hugs release the hormone oxytocin, which creates a feeling of bonding. Hugging also decreases cortisol, the stress hormone. So, if you are a hugger, give it a go, it can be good for you and the ones you hug.

07/26/2024

Just like hydration (check out our post on July 15th), proper nutrition has an effect on your mental wellbeing. Research shows that the brain benefits from a diet that includes omega-3 fatty acids found in fatty fish, nuts, plant oils, avocado, and eggs; B vitamins from meat, dairy products, eggs, potatoes, bananas, peas, and green leafy vegetables; and probiotics from yogurt, apple cider vinegar, garlic, onions, and fermented foods. The human body is an amazingly complex creation!

07/22/2024

St. Mary Magdalene is a powerful example of repentance and the mercy of God. Not much is known about the life of Mary Magdalene, however the gospels tell the story of Jesus casting seven demons out of her when He met her. Mary Magdalene repented of her sins, chose to follow Jesus, and invited other women to follow Jesus. Mary Magdalene traveled with Jesus, His mother Mary, the apostles, and other disciples to the foot of the cross and was the first witness to His resurrection. Today she is known as patroness of converts and repentant sinners. St. Mary Magdalene, pray for us.

07/19/2024

Regret is an emotion evoking feelings of sadness, repentance, or disappointment over something that has happened or been done. Feelings of regret can have an impact on your daily life. One way to combat regret is through forgiveness. Ask forgiveness of those whom you have wronged. Seek forgiveness from Jesus in the Sacrament of penance. Learn to forgive yourself and learn from but let go of the past. Tomorrow is “Toss away the ‘could haves’ and ‘should haves’ Day” created by motivational speaker Martha J. Ross-Rodgers to encourage people to let go of the past and live in the present. If you are struggling with regret, please seek help. You can contact Immaculate Heart of Mary Counseling Center at 402-489-1834 or online at https://www.immaculateheartcounseling.org/counselingservices .

07/16/2024

Today is the feast of Our Lady of Mount Carmel. According to the Carmelite tradition, Mary presented the brown scapular to St. Simon Stock, Father General of the Carmelites, on July 16, 1251. The brown scapular was given to the Carmelite order with the following promise, "Receive, My beloved son, this habit of thy order: this shall be to thee and to all Carmelites a privilege, that whosoever dies clothed in this shall never suffer eternal fire .... It shall be a sign of salvation, a protection in danger, and a pledge of peace."

07/15/2024

Most people know that hydration is important to your physical health, but it is also important to your mental health. Simply put, a properly hydrated brain will function well. Dehydration can negatively impact mental flexibility, memory, and mood. It is recommended for most adults to drink 6-8 cups of water daily to replace what is lost throughout the day.

07/12/2024

Today is National Simplicity Day. It is celebrated on the birthday of the American philosopher, Henry David Thoreau, who dedicated much of his life and writings to teaching others of the benefits of simplifying one’s life. Considered one of the first advocates of modern minimalism, he advocated, “We are happy in proportion to the things we can do without.” He was not alone in asserting the benefits to society of living a simple life. St. Teresa of Calcutta, or Mother Teresa as she was known in life, and Mahatma Ghandi both taught, “Live simply so others may simply live.” Simplicity as a virtue is living solely to please God in all that you do.

07/08/2024

Honesty is a virtue in which a person speaks the truth and acts truthfully in all matters when dealing with God, oneself, and others. Jesus said to His followers, “If you remain in my word, you will truly be my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” John 8: 31-32 Visit our website to learn more about us, https://www.immaculateheartcounseling.org/ .

07/05/2024

Social Wellness Month is celebrated every July to encourage people to be aware of how they interact with others in all kinds of relationships and social settings. Social wellness involves good communication skills and the ability to form genuine connection with others. Help us help others at https://www.immaculateheartcounseling.org/support-our-mission .

07/04/2024

06/28/2024

Did you know that taking a vacation can improve your mental health? People who vacation can reduce stress, get better sleep, and elevate their mood, all of which improve mental health and cognition. It is good for your brain! If you can, try to take a vacation—even a staycation has benefits if travel is not an option.