Lisa Libby's Blog

Relax your Mind

April 14,2020 By Lisa Libby I write this blog from the comfort of my couch wearing my favorite ripped faded Eminem t-shirt. This is my new workspace since my employer temporary closed due to COVID-19. After my 15-minute meditation session, I decided to write a follow-up blog post on how meditation has or hasn’t improved the quality of my life. Has it improved my quality of life? Well, in some ways yes, but 5-months is hardly enough time to really see the improvements, especially since I stopped meditating completely for an entire month. Since the COVID-19 outbreak I haven’t meditated regularly. I can see how it has affected my mood. Instead of turning to relaxing my mind I reverted to watching and reading the flood of news regarding the pandemic; even blogging about it. It’s taken me a month to realize since I’ve stopped meditating, I’ve been increasingly overwhelmed with stress and anxiety. I now realize my previous advice of not needing to meditate regularly to maintain mindfulness is wrong. Sure, it’s difficult to shut it all down and sit with a clear mind. Nevertheless, to be consistent every day is the key to truly reaping the benefits of meditation. How do I meditate? I started with 5-minute sessions and worked my way up to 20-minutes. I place a pillow on the floor, cross my legs, lean against the wall (although not recommended), set my timer and put on calming music. I’ve tried to meditate without leaning against anything, but with a history of back problems, it’s not possible. Hand position is important. I find placing the back of my hand inside the palm of the other with thumbs lightly touching is most comfortable for me. Many will rest their hands on their knees palm up or down. Try to stay still and clear your mind of thoughts. I breath in through my nose and out my nose. If you get an itch or muscle cramp move slowly to adjust or scratch the itch that’s making you crazy. Do it slowly and think clearly about each movement. This so you don’t disturb your relaxation. There are several techniques that you will find with research, but you may get overwhelmed. Just keep it simple. The greatest benefit I’ve gained from meditating is being a better at problem-solving. When I see something as an obstacle or problem, I approach it differently and tend to find a solution quicker and easier than before. I no longer dwell on the problem; I focus how find a solution and then implement it. To every math problem there is a solution. The same goes with real life. Maybe you won’t like the solution you found to your problem, but to say there’s no solution is a lie. It’s there, you just must accept it and move on. Think of it like this. Meditation resets your mind, like restarting a computer that needs updating. Scientists estimate people have anywhere from 50,000 to 80,000 thoughts per day, that’s 2,500 to 3,500 thoughts per hour. I would say shutting down for 20-minutes a day isn’t a lot to ask for, but still it’s difficult. Maybe we are all used to rushing everything in our life. For me, I always feel like there isn’t enough time in the day, but in the same breath can waste much of the time away. The next two benefits I’ve gained is more energy and motivation. I’ve accomplished a great deal in the last 5-months. I’ve been blogging, finished my book, designed my website, set up social media for advertising the release of my first novel. All while still working, hitting the gym, (before March of course) and handling regular daily to do’s around the house. I’m not looking for a pat on the back, I’m sure most people do more than me in one day, but I don’t think I could have juggled everything with a clear mind if I didn’t meditate. I just hope I can get back to my regular daily meditation sessions. I was naïve to think meditation was the key to lock up all my negative emotions. That’s the wrong way to think about it. Don’t expect to never get angry, upset or stressed. What does happen is you have more tools to choose from to fix your reaction. The way you react is all the difference in the world. I’ve had a temper my entire life and I’ve accepted it and can now talk myself out of what I shouldn’t say while my anger is elevated. All I can do is continue to work on me. Meditation can only improve your mind. I think it’s too early to tell if it’s improved my quality of life, but I have a feeling I’m heading in the right direction. I guess it’s kept me somewhat out of trouble (wink). I’ve copied the original post below if you would like more information. Why meditate and how can it improve your quality of life? January 23,2020 By Lisa Libby If you've read any of my previous blog posts, you know I believe positive thinking can change the quality of your life. One method of obtaining positivity is through the power of meditation. Many articles suggest meditation can help you cope better with anxiety, stress, depression and decrease negative chatter in your mind. With meditation you can train yourself to be more mindful with our own thoughts and helps you live in the moment without dwelling on the past or worrying about the future. I tend to worry about everything, and this is when negative thoughts enter my mind. While we’ll always have negative thoughts and we need them, but it’s how we handle them is what I need to work on. Meditation may not be your thing, but I’m keeping an open mind and will give it my honest effort. Where do you start? I started by simply by watching videos related to meditation for beginners. You can imagine there’s millions of videos. Additionally, there are different types of meditation practices: from Buddhist, Mantra, Yoga, mindfulness and many more. They’ll share similar methods and have the same goal to obtain mindfulness; You’ll likely be told to sit comfortably either in a chair or a cushion on the floor. Sit with your legs crossed or in a comfortable position. Close your eyes so your eyelids are softly resting on top of another or close them enough that you can’t focus on the objects in the room. Place your hands on your lap, palms up or down or hands interlocked. Tilt your chin slightly up and straighten your spine. Start by taking in a deep breath. Breath in through your nose and exhale through your nose. Breath from your stomach not your chest. You can count or repeat the words inhaling and exhaling, in your mind. Whichever helps you focus on your breathing. I would suggest starting with 5 minutes working your way to 10 minutes and at maximum 25 minutes. I’ve tried meditating with and without music. I prefer mediating with calming music especially for blocking out background noise. If you find your thoughts wondering, acknowledge them and return to focusing on your breathing. I recommend watching videos or taking a class to learn more and please take my advice lightly regarding the process of how to meditate. I’m so very new at all of this. Improvements I've only been meditating for a few weeks and already I’m noticing some changes. I’ve mediated every day for 10 minutes each day with 1 day I think I tried 15 minutes. You don’t have to mediate every day. 1. Happier – Each day things that would normally frustrate me are less frustrating. I’m starting to feel like The Dude in the movie the ‘Big Lebowski’. I feel like nothing can bother me and I’m in no big hurry. 2. Energy – Not tired in the middle of the day like previously. Not sleeping any different and not increasing caffeine intake. I still have my nights when sleeping is difficult. Yet, after my morning meditation I feel energized. 3. Creativity – Ideas are coming to me easier and faster. In the last two weeks I have 3 new book ideas that I began outlining. 4. Positivity – When people approach me with their negative opinions or problems, I don’t take it on as my problem. I acknowledge it, give advice (sometimes) and move on. I used to internalize other people’s problems and try to come up with solutions. 5. Organization – I have been super busy at work lately and noticed myself getting anxious about the workload. Now I just take one moment at time. I do what I can and don’t get overly anxious. 6. Less Anxiety – I still have anxiety but it’s improving in certain situations. I only wish I would have practiced this years ago. In the next few months, I will write a follow up blog to report any changes and knowledge I learn about my meditation journey. I would love to hear from anyone who has tried or is currently meditating. Please sign up and leave your comments below.

Improve Your Health with Creativity

April 11,2020 By Lisa Libby Not all of us have the comfort to be safely as we quarantine at home during this epidemic. A special thank you to all our heros: Doctors, Nurses, CPAs, custodians, grocers, police, fire and all essential workers are working together fighting to stop the spread of COVID-19. Whether we are forced to be home due unfortunate circumstances of unemployment, temporary workplace closings or working from home, we have one job, stay home. While we all do our part by staying...

Streaming Services with Free Trials While You Quarantine

March 26,2020 By Lisa Libby After a long day of tackling your many responsibilities; Home schooling the children, sending that final email for work, housework is complete and dinner is made, its time for TV. Okay, maybe you didnt do any of the above and watching TV is the only thing to check off list today. Why not try a new streaming service? I personally have fallen in love with Hulu. Last night I was binge watching The Golden Girls. Ive scoured the internet looking for some great deals and...

Dealing with Coronavirus Anxiety

March 22, 2020 By Lisa Libby I will feel better if I begin this blog post by saying, FUCK YOU COVID-19. You have taken the innocent lives of thousands of people worldwide. AHHH!!! During this challenging time, we are faced with a variety of difficulties. Many are mourning the loss of their loved ones, facing financial hardships, unemployment, doctors and nurses working longer hours in high stressful working environments, business owners struggling to keep their business running or being...

Can People Truly Change?

February 16, 2020 By Lisa Libby I have witnessed people change throughout my life whether it was a friend, family member or a co-worker. Whether it was for bad, good, temporary or long term Ive seen it happen. Even with seeing others change, I question their sincerity of change. Can people truly change, or do they just change their mask? Its difficult to change a personality trait, bad habit, kick substance abuse and even harder to create good habits and to maintain consistency to keep from...

Why minimalism?

February 4,2020 By Lisa Libby Two years ago, I stumbled upon an article about minimalism. I immediately decluttered and organized my home and the things that consumed it. It will always be a work in progress to maintain my minimalist mindset. I still cant shake that temporary happiness and fulfillment I get from spending and shopping. After most purchases, I eventually lose the joy that purchase once filled. Having large homes, several cars, too many pairs of shoes, and racks of clothes are...

Boston to Cambridge Dessert Tour

January 27,2020 By Lisa Libby What is a trip to Boston without tasting some sweet treats from some of the best bakerys Boston has to offer? With all the walking you'll be doing in our City, you won't feel guilty indulges is sweets. While youre visiting our grand shopping areas, historical sites and The Freedom Trail take a pastry break. Im only recommending places I visit. You will see many tourists, but locals flock to the same places. From Boston to across the river in Cambridge here are my...

Why meditate and how can it improve your quality of life?

January 23, 2020 By Lisa Libby If you've read any of my previous blog posts, you know I believe positive thinking can change the quality of your life. One method of obtaining positivity is through the power of meditation. Many articles suggest meditation can help you cope better with anxiety, stress, depression and decrease negative chatter in your mind. With meditation you can train yourself to be more mindful with our own thoughts and helps you live in the moment without dwelling on the...

Joaquin Phoenix’s ‘Joker’ Brilliant

January 19,2020 By Lisa Libby Warning Spoilers! Im sitting here on my couch in my robe relaxing after a busy day of cooking. I love how time stops while I move through the cozy lack luster kitchen cooking. I didnt always find joy in cooking, but the last few years Ive really discovered that it makes me happy. Unlike, Arthur Fleck in the Joker who claims to have never been happy one day in his life. The simple things that people find Joy in doing is impossible for for the mentally unstable to...

Quentin Tarantino’s Once Upon a Time…in Hollywood

January 10,2020 By Lisa Libby WARNING...SPOILERS Let me start by declaring, I love Quentin Tarantinos movies. You already know where Im going with this review. When I hear hes releasing a movie Im thrilled. Even though every film Ive ever watched at some point in the movie I cover my eyes during the gruesome scenes. I expect the bloody and gory fight scenes. I feel conflicted with his latest film, Once Upon a Timein Hollywood because Iwant to love it, but I dont. I watched half of the movie...