The recent bushfires across Australia have made it an extremely challenging time for many. As our way of offering support, we are making freely available a range of guided mindfulness exercises to all emergency service personnel, their family members and others affected by the fires. These exercises may assist to relieve stress, promote deep relaxation and enhance sleep. To listen to or download these tracks, please visit www.rawmindcoach.com/bushfire-support.
Four of the guided mindfulness exercises are part of the Mindarma program developed by Dr Sadhbh Joyce, which is currently available to all members of Fire and Rescue NSW and NSW Ambulance. Three tracks have been generously provided by Dr Richard Miller of the Integrative Restoration Institute® (IRI). Further information about the iRest Institute and its programs is available at www.irest.org.
To further assist emergency services personnel, we are also currently preparing a special edition of our newsletter. In it we will profile a number of first responders who have worked through the disaster and uncover the strategies they are using for self-care and recovery.
We would like to thank all those who have contributed generously to fire-affected communities across Australia. We hope these practises may serve to support and replenish you in the coming months. We also encourage you to share this link with other members of your community who may find it of benefit.
Please visit www.rawmindcoach.com/bushfire-support.
If you feel you could benefit from additional support at this time, first responders may wish to contact a peer supporter, chaplain or their employee assistance program. Members of the public may wish to check in with their GP or for crisis support contact Lifeline on 13 11 14. Remember, reaching out for support is always an act of resilience.