Self Improvement
I like to collect and chronicle things that help make me a better person
Meditation
|
In 2008, I learned how to meditate and have been doing it ever since. Meditation has reduced my levels of stress and improved my cognition and empathy. I've found meditation so helpful that I've shared it with children and seniors alike.
Research I Love: Meditation: In Depth Eight Weeks to a Better Brain Meditation Increases Length of Telomeres How Meditation Reshapes Our Brain TED Talk |
Dystopias
|
Dystopias have helped me think critically about the society I inhabit. These stories have taught me the importance of extrapolating current trends as a means of evaluating their worth. In addition to the grim reality they paint, dystopias also highlight the human spirit; showing that, for better or worse, someone is always fighting the good fight. Articles about some of my most loved dystopias: Black Mirror Brave New World Ghost in the Shell Harrison Bergeron Do Androids Dream Of Electric Sheep? |
Yoga
|
In addition to helping me stay limber, yoga has helped me stay centered. As a form of mindfulness, yoga allows me to tune into my body while making me more resilient to the ravages of stress. Despite popular opinion, yoga is for every age and every body type. I've personally had the joy of teaching this wonderful practice to children as young as 3 and adults as old as 94.
Research I Love: Yoga – Benefits Beyond the Mat More than just a game: Yoga for school-age children Evaluation of the Mental Health Benefits of Yoga in a Secondary School |
Neuroscience
|
Formal education and personal exploration in the field of neuroscience has given me a greater understanding of how my mind works and how this information can be used to better myself, as well as help others.
Research I Love: Neuroplasticity TED talk Neuroscience of Exercise Rhythm of Breathing Affects Memory and Fear In Pursuit of Pleasure, the Brain Learns to Hit the Repeat Button |
Working with Children and Teens with Special Needs
|
It's hard not to fall in love with the creativity, humor and resilience of these young people. Working with them has expanded my definition of the human condition, fostered my creative problem solving skills and has allowed me to see how small steps can be huge victories. More needs to be done to make this world an accessible place for everyone.
Here are just a few organizations that are doing their part to make a difference: Project Prakash DIAGRAM Center Camp Bloomfield Learning Disabilities Association of America |
A Practice of Self-Compassion
|
During my graduate studies in psychology I came across research on self-compassion. Through it I learned that self-compassion involves three elements:
Though self-compassion may sound corny, research indicates that it is correlated with greater levels of happiness, optimism, positive affect, personal initiative, curiosity, exploration and conscientiousness.
|
Documentaries
|
From the current state of our school systems to the financial collapse of the housing market, documentaries share stories that are often lost in the fast paced 24 hour news cycle. They have increased my empathy while informing my civic duties.
Documentaries I Love: 13th Inside Job Teach Us All The Connection Forks Over Knives |
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
|
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is an evidence-based therapy that focuses on the interconnection of one's thoughts, beliefs and behavior. I first came across CBT while studying psychology in graduate school. Learning these interventions has allowed me to let go of many beliefs that were hindering me. With its ability to enhance introspection and change meddlesome behaviors, I believe many would benefit from CBT.
Resources I Love: CBT Manual CBT Worksheets Counselor Tool Kit: CBT (Video) 50 Common Cognitive Distortions |
Educational Research/Philosophy
|
Research and educational pedagogy has immeasurably enhanced my teaching. After almost a decade of working with children and adolescents I still turn to these experts to inform my practice. As anyone who has worked with kids knows, you can never have too many tools.
Resources I Love: Mind in the Making Pedagogy of the Oppressed Can Schools Reduce Bullying? |
Improv
|
Improv is a form of live theatre in which the plot, characters and dialogue of a game, scene or story are made up on the spot. For me, it has been a fun way to improve my public speaking abilities and ability to creatively brainstorm. I've also found it to be an effective tool for teaching children about storytelling, cooperation, perspective taking, communication and emotional regulation.
Resources I Love: Warm Up Games Improv: 4th Grade Curriculum Moving Past Trauma with Drama House of Lies Long Form Improv |
Dialectical Behavioral Therapy
|
Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) is an evidence-based therapy that teaches mindfulness, emotional regulation, distress tolerance and interpersonal skills. Pioneered by Marsha M. Linehan, I first came across DBT in my graduate psychology program. Learning these interventions has made me a more equanimous person. I believe these skills could be helpful to most people, especially children and adolescents.
Resources I Love: DBT Skills Handbook DBT Training & Tools Counselor Tool Kit: DBT (Video) What is DBT for Adolescents (Video) |
Research Methodology
|
I think human behavior is as complex as it is fascinating. My mind regularly abounds with hypotheses concerning how people behave and learn, as well as what interventions can improve my life and the lives of others. Research methodology and statistics has given me a way to ask meaningful questions about the human condition.
Where I Get To Do Research: Interactive Materials Education Laboratory -MIT Langer Mindfulness Institute -Harvard |
Epigenetics
|