Monkey Mind is when our mind is unfocused and jumping from thought to thought like a monkey jumping from tree to tree.  We all have it at times (especially in this fast paced world we live in), but the good news is that we can learn to control our monkey minds and regain our focus (which helps us feel less scattered and can help with anxiety). 

Practices like Yoga, Tai Chi, gardening, art, drumming and regular exercise routines are powerful ways to focus the mind in one place and keep it from "jumping around".  Taking the time to speak with a professional counselor, volunteering to take your mind off your own worries, using guided meditation tools and taking time for quiet contemplation can also help manage anxiety and control that monkey mind of yours!

Your mental health is so very, very important for your overall wellness, but nobody can do it for you.  So take a look at some of the many ideas in this newsletter and be willing to try something new. You may just find making a practice of some of these techniques can not only help focus your mind while you are doing them, but give you a safe haven to go to when things get a little unsettled in your life.
 
With love and gratitude,

The Wind River Team

Shannon, Dave, Cheryl, Shirley, Mike, Becca, Glenna and Susan

150 has two meanings for us this month.  First, it is the minimum number of minutes each WEEK it is recommended you do moderate exercise (plus 2 strength training segments).   Exercise has a cascade of benefits to your physical AND mental health so partner with a friend, or maybe call Wind River's Cheryl Lecroy for some fitness ideas!

150 is also the INCREDIBLE number of volunteer hours given to Wind River by 50 friends, survivors and spouses this spring!  Our amazing volunteers weeded, cleared LOTS of storm damage from this winter, helped us with burn piles, and moved over 16 yards of mulch over 3 separate work days on the property. The property has never looked so good!

In addition to our retreats, the property is now being used on Wednesday's this spring for survivors and caregivers in need of a mental health day.  These clean-up days came just in time for the visitors on our first two Wellness Wednesdays including 2 women facing re-occurrences that they just found out about THIS week and having to decide about next steps.

WE CAN'T THANK THESE VOLUNTEERS ENOUGH --- we really could not have gotten through all of this in time for spring!

from Wind River    ❤️
 
Studies have shown that the use of guided imagery and other relaxation techniques can help decrease anxiety prior to medical procedures and can lead to increased calmness, better sleeping and an improved sense of mental well-being. It can even help minimize nausea and reduce the need for medications for anxiety and pain.  
 
 
Wind River offers a FREE double disc CD to anyone wanting to feel more peace! Professionally produced and recorded, you can find it on iTunes, click here to download individual tracks for FREE or contact Shannon for a physical copy of the disc
Listen to the soothing sound of our creek, or one of our 7 guided imagery tracks set in Nature, or an hour of soothing water and music!
 

Yoga and tai chi can improve your energy because they are proven stress busters with substantial benefits for the mind.  20 minutes of yoga postures led to better cognitive functioning—specifically, an improved ability to focus and take in and use new information—than 20 minutes of aerobic exercise.

Try a free survivor yoga or Tai Chi class this spring.   See our calendar for several classes in the Charlotte, NC area, or contact Wind River and we will help you find a local resource where we can!