Mindfulness

Forgiveness – September 2016 Dream Journal

April 6, 2020 / Dream Journal, Mental Health, Mindfulness

Dream Journal Volume XLII / September 2016 Note From Dr B. When we harbor resentment towards others, we cause nervous system dysregulation, or a buildup of negative energy in the body. This leads to the increased production of cortisol and adrenaline, as well as an over-stimulated amygdala, a part of the brain that plays a large role in emotional control. This state of chronic anxiety may lead to health issues and truly hurts us more than it hurts the person we harbor resentment against. So let go of your resentments. Let go of your negative feelings. Forgive your oppressors for your …

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Stay Motivated To Quit Smoking

April 6, 2020 / Mindfulness, Tobacco/Nicotine

40 million people in the United States smoke. Nearly half (16 million) of them are living with a smoking-related disease, and in the United States, about 1 in 5 deaths (480,000) occur every year as a result of cigarette smoking. The negative health effects of nicotine addiction are widely known, but only a small percentage quit. Every year, 7 out of 10 smokers want to stop smoking, but only 4 make the attempt to and even fewer succeed. Smoking cessation is quite challenging; smokers often need to change their lives completely in order to quit the habit. They need to …

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Discipline and Action – August 2016 Dream Journal

April 6, 2020 / Chicago, Dream Journal, Mindfulness, New Orleans, Outer Banks

Dream Journal Volume XLII / August 2016 Note From Dr B. The suggestion associated with the 12-step principle of “discipline and action” is as follows: “We are continuing to remove the barriers than can block forward sober growth. We are getting ready to sweep our side of the street clean. Make a list of all those people you have harmed both through actions and not being present or living up to obligations.” In the context of recovery, the term “discipline” is synonymous with self-control. It does not refer to punishment, nor does it refer to a harsh, unforgiving way of life. …

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Humility – July 2016 Dream Journal

April 6, 2020 / Chicago, Dream Journal, Mindfulness, New Orleans, Outer Banks

Dream Journal Volume XLI / July 2016 Note From Dr B. Humility is a critical component of the recovery process. It not only necessitates modesty, but also perspective. Oftentimes, addiction causes the individual to become self-centered, leading to low or elevated mood, so clients at Two Dreams use process groups to develop an appropriate understanding of themselves and the world around them. Processing emotions and situations in a group therapy setting allows for a more balanced mood and a more realistic outlook on life. Humility is not self-deprecation, nor is it a weakness. One can still be strong and proud while …

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60 MORE Substance Abuse Group Therapy Activities

April 6, 2020 / Chicago, Holistic Care and Treatment, Inpatient, Intensive Outpatient, Mental Health, Mindfulness, New Orleans, Outer Banks, Outpatient, Prevention

We previously posted a list of 60 substance abuse group therapy activities to give readers an idea of what kinds of topics they might encounter during a theme/support group. We received positive feedback on the list, so we found 60 more to keep you inspired! Please note that Two Dreams utilizes process groups as opposed to theme/support groups. Process groups are focused on self-exploration and giving/receiving feedback. They provide a safe environment in which members can practice newfound interpersonal skills and behaviors. Process groups are mostly unstructured with no singular topic of discussion. Theme groups are focused on support and …

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An open door

Willingness – June 2016 Dream Journal

April 7, 2020 / Chicago, Dream Journal, Mindfulness, New Orleans, Outer Banks

Dream Journal Volume XXXX / June 2016 Note From Dr B. Summer is upon us, and with it comes the inevitable lethargy brought on by the intense heat. All over town you can hear cries of, “it’s too hot; let’s just do something else!” Similarly, in addiction treatment, we often hear clients complain that it’s too difficult to work through recovery, that they’d rather just stay in their diseased state than go through the steps necessary for living a healthy lifestyle. That’s where the theme of the month, willingness, comes into play. Individuals in recovery need to be willing to push …

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Integrity – May 2016 Dream Journal

April 6, 2020 / Chicago, Dream Journal, Mindfulness, New Orleans, Outer Banks

Dream Journal Volume XXXIX / May 2016 Note From Dr B. Spring is in full bloom at Two Dreams, even at our Chicago office, and my favorite flowers have been emerging for weeks. Before Dr. David and I downsized our home, I would watch a parade of flowers emerge from the snow along our front walkway. While I do miss the floral ceremony, I appreciate that the freedom of our smaller home allows me more opportunities to travel between the various Two Dreams locations. The crocus, daffodil, and highly fragrant hyacinth remind me that there is beauty and peace in the …

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Writing as Therapy: Keeping a Journal

April 7, 2020 / Mental Health, Mindfulness

Journaling is a highly beneficial activity that promotes self-expression, reflection, organization, and more. Our staff encourages clients at Two Dreams Outer Banks to carry a personal journal with them wherever they go, and to take full advantage of the writing and introspection periods that are built into their daily schedules. We ask that they record details about their recovery journeys and deliberate on them in order to create insights and self-awareness. We also go through and review the recorded notes and reflections with each client in order to help correlate their actions with outcomes. Clients are then able to adjust …

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Mindfulness Games for Groups

April 6, 2020 / Holistic Care and Treatment, Mindfulness

Mindfulness is intentionally paying attention, and being present in the moment with compassion, with acceptance, and without judgment. It is a practice to engage in for mind-body health, and an important part of the recovery process. Substance use alters the natural rhythms of the body and mindfulness can help bring you back in tune with those changes. It can help ease you off of autopilot and into a stress-free life of awareness. Practicing mindfulness can be easy and fun. Next time you’re hanging out with a group of friends, try playing some of these mindfulness games and exercises; you might …

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Courage – April 2016 Dream Journal

April 6, 2020 / Chicago, Dream Journal, Holistic Care and Treatment, Mindfulness, New Orleans, Outer Banks

Dream Journal Volume XXXIIX / April 2016 Note From Dr B. The Ancient Greeks identified four Cardinal (pivotal) Virtues sustained in the face of difficulty: prudence (or wisdom over time), justice, courage, and temperance. Courage is sometimes equated with endurance, the ability to stand firm and immovable in the midst of danger, toils, and certain death. It is the midpoint between cowardice and recklessness, which are the objects of fear and daring, respectively. Fear is a powerful feeling that arises when we sense danger, and when level of danger increases we feel more fear. Cowardice is the shortage of courage keeping …

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