Music: Trigger Protection Mantra by Jhené Aiko

Butterflies and Fellow Soulmates,

A mantra is a word(s), statement, slogan or sound repeated frequently to aid concentration in meditation. Mantras are normally chanted during a formal meditation session, some use mala beads (prayer beads) to help focus on the mantra and meditation but mantras can also be used informally to reduce stress/anxiety and help you relax. Using singing bowls, Jhené Aiko recently created a energy transforming melody of pure peace. Check out Trigger Protection Mantra by Jhené Aiko below:

Wellness: 2019 National Suicide Prevention Week September 8th-14th & The I’m Listening Broadcast

World Suicide Prevention Day is observed annually on September 10th, during National Suicide Prevention Week. Today is the first day of National Suicide Prevention Week and I started the week like I did last year, by listening to the two hour long 2019 I’m Listening Broadcast hosted by BJ Shea of KISW in Seattle alongside Dr. Ursula Whiteside of Now Matters Now. Entercom launched and first aired the I’m Listening Broadcast in September 2017 following the death of artist Chris Cornell and Linkin Park lead vocalist Chester Bennington. The discussion is meant to raise awareness to the suicide epidemic and lift some of the stigma associated with mental illness. Last year was my first year listening to the broadcast and I was in awe at how relatable the discussion was and by how much useful information was shared. This year’s celebrity guest who joined the discussion included one of this summer’s most popular artists Lizzo, In My Blood singer Shawn Mendes, Halsey, Solomon Thomas of the San Francisco 49ers, Blink-182 and many more.

If you think you’re alone you’re not, according to research done by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, 1 in 5 adults experience mental illness and 1 in 25 experience serious mental illnesses. Don’t be afraid to open up and speak to someone about what’s going on in your life, I can tell you from personal experience, it helps. You can reach the National Suicide Prevention Hotline at 1-800-273-8255. Also, for anyone wondering how they can help someone dealing with depression, anxiety, and etc...JUST LISTEN! One of the kindest things you could ever do for someone is listen to them, I tweeted this out while listening to the broadcast and ImListening.org retweeted it so hopefully my message reaches whom ever it was meant for.

Wellness: Jhené Aiko on Finding Happiness During at Mental Breakdown

Butterflies, earlier this year I shared with you guys a post from Jhené Aiko about healing, a few days ago Jhené responded to another fan who asked for her suggestions on “finding happiness during a mental breakdown”. 

Checkout her suggestions.

Also, what are your suggestions on finding happiness during a mental breakdown?

90’s Music Spotlight: What’s Up? by 4 Non Blondes

Butterflies, I was watching a movie on Netflix the other night which featured the song What’s Up? by 4 Non Blondes and now I can’t get it out of my head. I’ve listened to this song so many times on the radio but never really dissected the lyrics like I usually do. This song was released in 1992 on the band’s “Bigger, Better, Faster, More!” album, check it out below and let me know what you think.

Visiting Texas: My Thoughts on the Councilman Dwight Boykins Situation

Butterflies, if you’re in the Houston area you’ve probably heard about all the backlash Councilman and Mayoral candidate Dwight Boykins is receiving following a speech he gave at the 2019 Youth Advocacy Summit hosted by Mi Familia Vota Education Fund. My kid attended the summit and she, as well as a lot of the other young ladies that were present were very unsettled by Mr. Boykin's message. Apparently Mr. Boykins was asked a question by the young ladies about women’s rights and somewhere along the line his response to the question morphed into an entirely different discussion. My daughter showed me the video when she got home and we talked about it.