Mental Health Matters: Book Recommendations from GWB Founder, Ryan DeVane, LCSW
Too often mental Health is stigmatized which leaves folks fearful of sharing about their own struggles and experiences.
Mental Health Awareness Month in May was designed to counteract this. It was first recognized in 1949 and since then each May, conversations are had to increase awareness of mental health and emotional wellbeing [1]. This May, Grounded Wellbeing, recognizes Mental Health Awareness Month, and aims to contribute to the conversation by providing resources that may be helpful for you as you’re on your healing journey.
I’m approaching this conversation from a place of sharing how mindfulness and meditation can be beneficial to your mental health and well-being. With lived experience as a transgender man, I know that many queer and trans folks live their lives disconnected from their bodies and moment-to-moment experiences.
Grounded Wellbeing exists to support folks navigating this mind/body disconnection through somatic psychotherapy approaches and teaching mindfulness meditation skills. As a queer and trans-operated practice, we understand the unique experiences that clients navigate as they desperately try to come home to their bodies but may not know how. We exist to help facilitate these conversations and learning throughout the therapeutic process.
But what is mindfulness and is it the same as meditation? Are you interested in learning more about meditation and/or mindfulness? These terms are often considered synonyms, but did you know that mindfulness is actually only one of the forms of meditation? Mindfulness is all about bringing a non-judgmental awareness to the present moment, or as I like to say, it’s about “being where your feet are.” Meditation comes in various practices such as mindfulness, transcendental, mantra, focus, movement, and more.
Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR), developed by Jon Kabat-Zinn, has long been considered an evidenced-based treatment for reducing individuals’ stress, anxiety, depression, burnout, and suffering [2]. This program focuses on teaching mindfulness-based meditation practices to participants. Practices often include mindfulness of the breath, body scan meditation (mindfulness of sensations in the body), and movement practices (mindful walks and gentle yoga) throughout the course of 8 weeks.
If you’re interested in learning more about this technique or mindfulness in general, I would suggest reading “Full Catastrophe Living” by Jon Kabat-Zinn. This book is a great introduction to mindfulness practices and understanding mind/body approaches to healthy living.
After you’ve learned the foundations of mindfulness and meditation, you may want to consider “Queering” your meditation practice by reading:
“A Queer Dharma: Yoga and Meditations for Liberation” by Jacoby Ballard provides an overview of the specific challenges faced by queer and trans people as well as the impact this has on the mind and body. Part 2 of this book provides readers with specific yoga techniques and meditations to incorporate into their practice to facilitate healing for the self and community. Many of the practices mentioned in this book are self-compassion-based and incorporate loving-kindness, self-compassion, and forgiveness practices. A great read for a deeper dive!
Interested in more book recommendations? Or, looking for a brave space where you can practice mindfulness and meditation? Reach out to us here!
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