Community News
Let’s Talk About Compassion

What is the meaning of Compassion? Different aspects of compassion’s meaning are emphasized by various dictionaries. Merriam Websters’ definition of compassion, states “The meaning of compassion is to recognize the suffering of others and then take action to help.” Merriam Websters’ definition embodies the component of action. Other definitions refer to the broad sympathetic feelings associated with compassion such as empathy, sympathy, pity, or other compassion synonyms. One may feel sympathy, but not act on it – compassion gets involved. When others keep their distance from those who are suffering, compassion prompts us to act on their behalf.

Positive Impact of Compassion

Compassion can have a positive impact on your life, from improving your relationships to boosting your overall happiness. Some of the positive effects are:
• Giving feels good: One reasons feelings of compassion can be effective is both giving and receiving compassion can improve your psychological well-being. As a recipient you get the support you need. But giving support to others can be just as rewarding.
• Compassionate people live longer: Activities such as volunteering can improve your longevity. Studies have found that people who volunteer out of concern for others tend to live liver than people who do not volunteer.

About SRWC

SRWC is a unique community-based recovery-oriented agency that offers a holistic approach to recovery from addiction and substance abuse problems, encompassing physical, mental, spiritual and sexual health. We have short wait times for intakes and entering co-ed and gender specific programs for men, women and moms in recovery, morning, afternoon, and early evening, providing individual and group counselling, and family support. SRWC is committed to a flexible schedule in order to meet your recovery needs. SRWC supports health enhancing activities such as, exercise, mindfulness, nutrition, and gardening.

The Mood & Mind Club

It’s time to do mental healthcare differently and The Mood & Mind Club is where we start! Let’s empower ourselves to take back control of our health and throw away the band-aid approaches that don’t offer the lasting results we need. In this private membership we’re creating a community of women that are supporting their mental health in a more natural, holistic way. They don’t want to be on meds, they see the power in nutrition, mindset work, self discovery and self responsibility. Want to know more? Visit https://www.shinetruewellnessco.com/moodandmindclub

Identify The Vitamins Your Body Needs

Vitamin deficiency may be a result of unhealthy lifestyle choices. Let us explore the symptoms associated with each deficiency. Difficulty in walking, numbness in hands, legs, feet. – You may need Vitamin B. Eat eggs, liver, bright vegetables like pumpkins, carrots etc. Dry skin and slowly healing wounds – You may need Vitamin C. Eat more fruits, green vegetables. Fatigue, tiredness, depression, weak bones – You need Vitamin D. Expose more to the Sun and drink milk. Each body has different needs. Visit an expert for personalized recommendations that supports your medical history.

The Impact of Compassion in Addiction Recovery

Compassion is a fundamental trait for addiction recovery and for life. Compassion for other’s suffering and a deep desire to relieve that suffering plays an important role in addiction recovery. The connection between self-compassion and substance use has been well studied. Recovery from addiction is often complicated by shame and regret over actions and behaviour during their active addiction. Self compassion is related to less drug and alcohol use, and people who develop severe alcohol problems, have better recovery outcomes including longer period of abstinence and fewer negative emotions such as stress, depression, and anxiety.

Unfortunately, negative emotions such as guilt, shame, and self-criticism come more naturally to us than positive emotions. This is especially true for people recovering from addiction and mental health issues.

Types of Compassion

Your experience of compassion may be directed toward other people, or it may be directed inwardly toward yourself.
• Compassion for others: When you experience compassion for others you feel their pain. You want to find a way to relieve their suffering. These feelings compel you to take action to do what you can to make the situation better.
• Self Compassion: Treating yourself with the same compassion and kindness you show to others. Rather than beating yourself up over mistakes you have made in the past you feel understanding, and are mindful and accepting of yourself and your imperfections.

End the Self-Sabotage

Did you know your unconscious mind could be keeping you from having what you truly want in your life, and could even be sabotaging your best efforts? Most of us don’t realize that we make commitments to ourselves other than the ones we’re consciously aware of. These unconscious commitments fuel your thoughts and behaviours, and create your reality. They are what creates the gap between what you say you want and what you are actually experiencing. For example, when you were young, you experienced a difficult situation and didn’t know how to process it. You made a decision (consciously or unconsciously) to make it mean something about you or the world around you. This formed a belief as a coping mechanism and your mind believed it was necessary for survival. Maybe it’s “I’ll stay quiet so I won’t seem stupid” or “Good girls do what they’re told”. Even though these beliefs and decisions are old, they have stuck with you, been reinforced over time and prevent you from having the things you truly desire. Ready to expose and erase those unconscious commitments and choose new ones? This is the powerful work we do in the Shine True programs.

Lesley Steppler RHN, BSW, RSW | Shine True Wellness

www.shinetruewellnessco.com

Acupuncture for Allergies

Acupuncture has gained recognition as a natural remedy for various medical issues, including allergies. The practice targets specific meridians associated with immunity, such as the lungs, colon, stomach, and spleen, to help restore defensive qi and reduce swelling, watery eyes, runny nose, and other allergy symptoms. Acupuncture may also impact the activities of cells and inhibit an overactive immune system, leading to decreased inflammation in conditions like hay fever. Some individuals seek acupuncture as an alternative to conventional allergy treatments, while others combine it with medications for enhanced effectiveness. Acupuncture may be used alone or in combination with other treatments, but it’s important to see a licensed acupuncturist for safe and effective care.

Over 65? Assess Your Risk

Bone mineral density (BMD) testing is crucial in assessing the risk of developing osteoporosis or fractures. Women and men over 65 and those with risk factors for fracture should get a BMD test. Combining BMD tests with clinical risk factors can determine fracture risk and inform treatment decisions. Protect your ability to live your best life with Echolight™, the new ultrasound bone density measurement scanner that takes 15 minutes to do. First time in Manitoba. You have the option of either having the scan in our office or in the comfort of your home since we have a portable one. Echolight™ is radiation-free, safe, accurate as well as Health Canada and FDA approved.

Physical Activity for Depression & Anxiety

Physical activity should be considered as a first-line treatment for depression and anxiety, according to a scientific review that analysed more than 95 scientific reviews involving 128,000 participants. The study found that physical activity was more effective than counselling or medication in some cases, and provided positive impacts across all studies. Shorter exercise interventions of 12 weeks or less were found to be the most effective in reducing mental health symptoms. The research highlights the need for exercise to be prioritised as a mainstay approach for managing depression and anxiety, particularly as it can make a positive change to mental health quickly. Study found in The British Journal of Sports Medicine – https://bjsm.bmj.com/content/early/2023/03/02/bjsports-2022-106195