According to thousands of years of tradition, Buddhists meditate to understand themselves and their connections to all beings. By doing so, they hope to be released from suffering and ultimately gain enlightenment. In recent decades, researchers have been gaining insight into the benefits of practicing this ancient tradition. By studying different versions of mindfulness meditation, they’ve found that learning to pay attention to our current experiences and accept them without judgment might … [Read more...] about Understanding the Benefits of Mindfulness Meditation
Polara Health
Reimagining Crisis with the Mental Health Lifeline
On July 16, 9-8-8 will officially become America’s mental health crisis hotline number. It’s meant to serve as an immediate resource for people experiencing mental health emergencies like suicide ideation, addiction, depression, panic attacks and more. Considering the fact that more than 12 million people had serious thoughts of suicide and one in 20 adults experienced a serious mental illness in 2020, it’s clearly a much-needed outlet. “9-8-8 will be a tremendous resource for people in … [Read more...] about Reimagining Crisis with the Mental Health Lifeline
How to Create a Budget for Success
As we continue building our financial plan, this month, we will go deeper into building a budget for success. Creating a budget for your financial success is the most important element in wealth building. Always start with the foundation. When you build a house, the most essential and critical element is the foundation. Building upon a solid financial foundation will enable you to create good habits to build wealth. When you set out to build wealth, the foundation is your budget. Without a … [Read more...] about How to Create a Budget for Success
How the 988 Suicide, Crisis Lifeline is Designed to Save Lives
In 2020, Congress designated the new 988 dialing code to operate through the existing National Suicide Prevention Lifeline’s (1-800-273-8255) network of more than 200 locally operated and funded crisis centers across the country. On July 16, the U.S. will transition to using the 988 dialing code, and it is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to strengthen and expand the existing Lifeline. The 988 dialing code is more than just an easy-to-remember number, it’s a direct connection to … [Read more...] about How the 988 Suicide, Crisis Lifeline is Designed to Save Lives
Creating a Winning Financial Plan, Part II
In May’s Quad Cities Business News, we discussed the foundation of a winning financial plan, including creating a budget and managing debt. In Part II, we will continue to build on that foundation. Education Being qualified for employment is essential. What is it you have a passion for? Can you gain skills on the job? Do you need a college degree or some special training for IT? What is your pleasure? How about a trade? Are you considering being a plumber, electrician or handyman? Perhaps … [Read more...] about Creating a Winning Financial Plan, Part II
Celebrating, Raising Awareness about Mental Health
Mental Health Awareness Month has been observed in the United States since 1949. Each year, millions of Americans face the reality of living with a mental illness. During May, let us join the national movement to raise awareness about mental health. Let’s help to fight stigma, provide support, learn to take time for ourselves, seek professional help when needed and check in on family, friends and neighbors. The global pandemic has forced us to cope with situations we never imagined, and … [Read more...] about Celebrating, Raising Awareness about Mental Health
Creating a Winning Financial Plan, Part I
Many people wonder why they do not win from a financial aspect in life. The number one reason is they lack a winning financial plan. The saying goes, “If you fail to plan, you plan to fail.” The following will help you begin to develop a winning plan. When you have a plan, you have a goal. With a goal, you will begin to develop methods to arrive at your goal. I always like to develop several ways to achieve my goals. How about you? Wealth Management So you say that a financial plan is … [Read more...] about Creating a Winning Financial Plan, Part I
Mental Health Community Featuring Documentary to Spread Hope, Fight Suicide
A suicide attempt left 16-year-old varsity cheerleader Emma Benoit paralyzed, but propelled her on a mission to use her painful experience to help others find hope and shine more light on the fact that 20 young people die every day by suicide in the United States. “My Ascension” is a feature-length documentary that chronicles Emma’s inspiring journey and quest to walk again, as she works to bring Hope Squad, a school-based suicide prevention program, to Louisiana. The film also highlights the … [Read more...] about Mental Health Community Featuring Documentary to Spread Hope, Fight Suicide
Is the American Dream Possible?
To answer the question: Is the American Dream possible, many will say no, but based on what set of facts? What if I told you it is possible and there are more than 22 million millionaires in the United States? You may be living next door to one and not even know it. Certainly, it may feel impossible to believe this in today’s economic environment. Let’s dig into this. Currently, inflation is running hot. The price of everything is up. Have you bought gas recently? It’s a sore point with many, … [Read more...] about Is the American Dream Possible?
Coping with Stress
Stress is a natural part of life. The expressions are familiar to us: “I’m stressed out,” “I’m under too much stress,” or “Work is one big stress.” Learning to cope with stress in a healthy way will make you, the people you care about and those around you become more resilient. Stress is hard to define because it means different things to different people; however, it’s clear that most stress is a negative feeling rather than a positive feeling. You may feel physical stress that is the result … [Read more...] about Coping with Stress