A Mindful Self-Check Exercise for Helping Professionals Exercise by Dr. Marina Livshits. Expanded by Dr. Natalya Rakevich. Duration: 5–7 minutesPurpose: To help participants recognize their current level of emotional, physical, and mental resources without judgment, pressure, or an immediate need…
How to Make a Zine: A Simple Step-by-Step Creative Exercise One sheet of paper. A few simple materials. Endless possibilities for creativity, self-expression, and connection. Have you ever wanted to tell a story, share something important, or preserve a meaningful…
Community Identity & Resilience: From “I” to “We” What Makes Us “Us”? Our final zine invitation brings us from the individual back to the community. Create a zine that explores or promotes community identity and resilience. Community does not have…
Beauty & Nature: Notice What Is Still Here What Made You Stop and Look? Our third invitation is different. Instead of beginning with a problem, begin with beauty. Create a zine documenting something beautiful or something that connects you with…
A Resources & Information Zine Share What Helps: A Resources & Information Zine What Do You Know That Someone Else Might Need? Information can become a form of care when it reaches someone at the moment they need it. Our…
Resilience and Identity Who Are You Beyond What Has Happened to You? Our first invitation is to create a zine about personal resilience and the aspects of your identity that you value and want to preserve. When life becomes stressful,…
An exercise in self-compassion, body awareness, and acceptance Duration: 10–15 minutes | For educators, psychologists, caregivers, and helping professionals Purpose We often thank others for what they do, but how often do we thank our own bodies? Our feet carry…
From Personal Stories to Community Resilience A small handmade booklet may seem simple. But sometimes simple things create space for very important stories. Zines can serve many purposes: they can validate present experiences, help us process past events, support healing,…
A Small Book With a Big Story Exploring Identity, Healing, and Community Resilience Through Creative Expression This article was developed from a presentation by Dr. Joe Mageary as part of VELA Well-being’s seminar, “Reflections on Identity: Working Towards Community Based…
Caring for Yourself Through Gentle Movement, Touch, and Self-Forgiveness Practical coping strategies for helping professionals, caregivers, and anyone experiencing stress When was the last time you made yourself truly comfortable? Not simply sitting down after a long day, but intentionally…