Have you considered how you will vote in the upcoming plebiscite? 

Some people have difficulty talking respectfully about the issue of same sex marriage, or have unsubstantiated ideas about what this change might mean for them and the larger community.

I encourage you to speak to your friends and neighbours about your attitudes and questions about same sex marriage in an open-minded and respectful way to help promote peaceful and inclusive communities.

The Australian Psychological Society has developed  information sheets containing helpful tips for communicating in respectful and constructive ways about marriage equality and related issues such as gender diversity, sexual orientation, homophobia, equality and justice.  Please use the button below for a link to this information.

If you have been affected by disrespectful, discriminatory and hurtful campaign messages during this voting period and are seeking a safe and supportive counselling service, I would be happy to hear from you.

 Ever heard of TED talks?  
 
TED is a nonprofit organisation devoted to spreading ideas, usually in the form of short, powerful talks (18 minutes or less). TED began in 1984 as a conference where Technology, Entertainment and Design converged, and today covers almost all topics from science to business to global issues.
 
There are so many great talks to watch or listen to.  Here are a few of my favourites:

• The power of introverts
• http://www.ted.com/talks/susan_cain_the_power_of_introverts
• Body language
  
• http://www.ted.com/talks/amy_cuddy_your_body_language_shapes_who_you_are
• The habits of happiness
  
• http://www.ted.com/talks/matthieu_ricard_on_the_habits_of_happiness
• How to make hard choices
  
• https://www.ted.com/talks/ruth_chang_how_to_make_hard_choices

Are you interested in exploring the benefits of Mindfulness practice?  
Read on below for information on the Mindful in May campaign.

Enter Mindful in May, a global mindfulness campaign during the month of May with two game-changing goals: to teach participants how to find calm and clarity through ten minutes of mindfulness meditation each day, and to raise money to improve access to clean drinking water in developing countries.
 
Everyone from individuals, businesses and schools can get involved and create their own virtual meditation team. Participants need to register at www.mindfulinmay.org from 23rd March, and then donate or get sponsored to be kept accountable to the daily challenge and make a positive difference in the world.  From 1 May participants will then start the month-long meditation journey with thousands of people from around the world, and learn simple, yet transformative skills for better living.
 
The program offers an evidence-based approach to meditation and includes some exclusive video interviews with global experts in well-being, mindfulness and the brain. Mindfulness meditation has shown it can lead to structural changes in the brain, reduced stress, improved physical and mental wellbeing, reduced genetic ageing, increased happiness and enhanced immune function.
 
  

This month I thought I'd highlight some interesting apps that are available for your smart phones and devices.  There is so much content available now it's hard to know where to   start.  Here are a few that I have found or that clients have told me about:

• Mindfulness and Meditation
  • Headspace
  • Calm
  • ACT companion: The Happiness Trap
  • 1 Giant Mind
• Breathing
  • My calm beat
• Post Traumatic Stress
  • PTSD Coach Australia
• Sleep
  • Sleep Time
  • Sleep/Relax
  • CBT-i
• Pain Management
  • Protectometer
• Other
  • 3D Brain
  • My Fitness Pal