Watching the world

(cartoon Steve Sack)

(cartoon Daniel Morris)

Self-care Sunday: Does anyone else feel like they need more concrete instructions than "just let go" of intrusive thoughts? Hunter Clark-Fields (author of Raising Good Humans) explains that the reason labeling thoughts works to help let them go is because the process activates the prefrontal cortex---the part of the brain responsible for logic, reason, and decision-making, i.e. the part of the brain that's good at focusing and setting emotions aside. It's been really helpful in my meditation practice to notice where my thoughts go, give them a label, and find it easier to refocus on the present. Labeling thoughts isn't just helpful during meditation! It's a useful practice at any time of day when you notice unwanted thoughts cropping up. The key is in the noticing.

(via)

(yep, it's really a moth. surprise?)

the grey trembler is a member of the mimidae family (mockingbirds & thrashers) found only on the islands of martinique & saint lucia. this unique bird sports a distinct overly long beak. sexes have no distinction between plumages but females have a slightly longer beak. the species is named for the unusual trembling motion frequently made with their wings. they feed primarily on insects and fruits, using their large beak to tear open brush in a violent manner to find food.

(ps! try to buy the expensive fair trade chocolate when you can to make sure that the people scooping the cacao goop are actually paid a fair wage and not, you know, enslaved. this has been a psa!)