May it be a light to you in dark places, when all other lights go out.–

J.R.R. Tolkien, The Fellowship of the Ring

My team and I are glad you dropped in!

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As the coronavirus continues to spread, we are all seeking paths to mental and physical wellness. The isolation, fear, and despair of mental health conditions are no stranger to me.

INTRODUCTION

In early 2013, I took a leave from my law firm to fight through a year-long depression. I am on the other side of that lonely abyss and feeling better in many ways than I ever have. Video

On the path to healing, I learned sustainable self-care strategies that have become the foundation of my wellbeing and resilience. I think that some of these wellness techniques and perspectives could be helpful in these darkening times, so I created Light at Sea to share them. 

It is intended to be a platform for sharing wellness challenges and healing, a guide to self-care and resilience, and a place to nurture hope and courage. We need these virtues more than ever as we link strong, compassionate arms and work in the service of one another with lighter hearts and more focused minds.

THEMES

Before we get started, I thought I’d mention a few of the themes that are woven into many of the coming posts:

Be patient. Building wellness, resilience, and other virtues is a gradual process. The idea is to place one or two small bricks in the wellness foundation as you pay attention to the process.

Perfection and excellence are actually different concepts. Mastering a craft or skill isn’t always easy, but it can be a mindful, joyous process. Chasing perfection (the human equivalent of infinity) can lead to misery and guilt.

We will dig into some concepts that we don’t spend much time really thinking about. “Get some exercise!” Fair enough, but let’s make sure we look forward to doing it every day, at least most of the time.

I will sometimes refer to Fred Rogers. When I’m down on myself and scared, it helps to know that he liked me just the way I am, and that it’s OK for me to like myself too.

Finally, while I am pretty good at talking the talk about exercise, mindfulness, and other self-care ideas, I don’t always walk the walk.

So, off we go!

RECOMMENDATIONS:

BOOK: Watership Down by Richard Adams (it is about kick-ass rabbits, not bunnies.)

MOVIE: The Intouchables (It is a French flick, not to be confused with the 1987 De Palma film.)

QUOTE OF THE DAY:

By waiting and calm, you shall be served. In quiet and trust lie your strength. Henri Nouwen