January 9, 2022

Hello and Namaste!

My name is Diane Troyer and I am an art therapist and counselor.  I believe in bringing a holistic approach to my practice which includes guided meditation, deep breathing and positive affirmations along with Cognitive Behavior Therapy, Dialectic Behavior Therapy and Art Therapy. Twenty twenty-one has been stressful, trying, depressing, and many more adjectives that describe what folks have been experiencing across the country and around the world.  The Scribner-Bantam Dictionary includes one definition of peace as “Any state of calm or tranquility”. Starting with as few as two or three minutes at a time just breathing, for example, will make a difference in your outlook on life if done regularly.  Steadily add more time as it becomes available and comfortable. Did I say more time as it becomes available?  Make the time.  You can build a meditation practice that brings you a positive outlook and calmer demeanor, and this is something that anyone can do.

This is a new year and I know it is traditional to make resolutions about eating healthier and exercising more; things that we think we should work on as the new year starts.  Improving the quality of our lives is good, and for those of us who like making resolutions, I support that.  But if resolutions don’t appeal to you, why not try setting a goal to find peaceful moments daily?  Today’s technology makes finding peaceful moments an achievable goal if we use the devices we have.  If you have a smart phone, set an alarm, or download one of the many apps available to start a meditation practice.  The same applies to using your smartwatch; perhaps you received one as a gift this past December or as a birthday present?  Don’t have either one of those, what about your laptop or kindle? Don’t have either one of those, no worries, use your alarm clock, or set a timer on your microwave or range.  I know that more mature persons, (of which I am one), may shy away from technology, but you’re never too old to start something new that is good for you!  Be creative, take a few moments to be good to yourself, you deserve it.  I was first introduced to yoga years ago as an undergraduate student in college.  My practice has ebbed and flowed over the years, and I have recently made a new commitment to my yoga and meditation practice starting with short sessions and building up minute by minute to longer ones.  Showing up is the first step. I have to thank my clients for my inspiration, because by introducing guided meditation to them, I became inspired to continue practicing on my own time. After all, I have to practice what I preach!  My best times are usually in the morning, but you may prefer time in the middle of the day, in the evening after work or later at night before bed.  Whatever works for you, do it.  They only person holding you back is the one who looks back at you in the mirror.