Dear Reader:

Welcome back to www.magicofthemind.org. Today, I am limiting my thoughts to the first four posters on the blog. I hope you find the insights and reasons for including these posters meaningful and relatable, and surely some of you might find a few thoughts debatable. Do write in through the comments section or send me an email (mahi@magicofthemind.org) not only about the posters but also about the related poetry. I will be glad to hear from you.

For each poster in this edition, there is at least one paired poetry.  The latter add depth to the ideas in the posters and are self-explanatory; as such, I am not writing about them on this page except for a passing comment.  As an analogy, if the posters are statements or questions, the corresponding poems together at different levels are the explanations or possible answers respectively. In this set, there is only one standalone poem- “No Fear, No Shame” (at level B).

Goal-Demand, Stress, and Coping

• What begins as a basic coping issue could eventually become a storm in some cases if it’s not addressed properly. “Little by little to the top of the hill” (Poster #1 at level A) could have been a motivational and inspiring jingle for an ad, but I composed it (in the early 2000’s) to convey  the idea that even big tasks, apparently huge challenges- perceptual or real- could be accomplished in parts. The idea is to reassure, inspire, and to support.

• There are steps that have to be fulfilled to reach a goal. Yes, there could be many possible pathways but at the end of the day, even these demand a process and steps! Metaphorically no matter how “tall” or “steep” the challenge might be, an inspiring insight might help to realize the very obvious- that “steps cross the mountain” (Poster #2). Relief.

• I particularly invite your attention to the poem “Top of the Hill: The Goal (D). Hope it is informative for you.

Mind Health, Mental Health

• The effort to normalise mental health issues must continue. Seeking help is fine; the stigma, fear and shame surrounding mental health issues should be subtly yet forcefully challenged; what perhaps needs to be reinforced is the message: “All minds like to be treated right and nice.” (Poster #3). Treating someone “right” doesn’t necessarily suggest they have been treated “nice.” Laws and rules invariably address the former, but on account of their very nature, they often fail miserably to address the latter.

• Rather than mental health alone, we should talk about mind health as well. This shift in gear should expand the ambit of mental health to what we each have: a mind that has health- mind health. The great equalizer. Further: Since each of us have a mind, and thus mind health, seeking help for the same the way we would for our body suggests immediacy and normalization. If the body needs help “so can the mind…yours and mine” (Poster #4 at level C).

• We have environments and services that are child friendly, child safe, pet friendly, elder friendly and so forth. But are we “mind friendly” here and elsewhere? Shouldn’t we as individuals be carrying this environment wherever we are and would’t it show? Who are the possible beneficiaries? From a services perspective it could be the recipients. But really? “Feel the magic in self as well” (Poster #3 at level B).

The Literature and the Creatives:

• Positive psychology, positive mental health, life skills, counselling and themes from mental health inform this blog just as much as the benefits of my life experience as a participant, an observer, a teacher, a mentor, a special educator and a counsellor. This is only a partial list. I continue to learn and share.

I hope the posts in this blog add value for you. Please do comment, subscribe and also pass the word to your contacts about the work happening here! And of course, your support and encouragement all add up!

Do visit again!

Warm regards,

Mahi Singh Gujral