Mental Health & Meditation W/ Brittney O. Nadur-Alexander

On this episode of Sunbeam Chats, I am chatting Brittney O. Nadur-
Alexander, BSc, MEd, a Mental Health Guidance Specialist  and Meditation Guide from Trinidad and Tobago. She is also the host of her Podcast The Safe Zone, where she continues to champion mental and emotional well-being.

In this conversation, Brittney shares about her life, why she studied Criminology and Psychology, and because of a series of personal experiences she decided to focus on Psychology. In the early years, she started her career by teaching Guidance for young girls and then expanded her private practice to Guided Meditation. 

We spoke about her passion and purpose for her practice. She said that generally there is a lack of awareness about mental health, and people are not given enough tools and education, which would allow them to navigate life successfully. 

We discussed her Podcast The Safe Zone and what constitutes a "safe space"  for people and also for couples. Brittney said that there are professional safe spaces guided by qualified practitioners, and the other option is by talking to a trusted person. They however must be non- judgmental and practice confidentiality. They should also be in a position of "power" to give advice.  

Can couples become a safe space for each other? Yes it is possible, however Brittney said the individuals in the relationship should have self awareness and be developed. They should not take things personally but understand they are both a work in progress. She said "whatever you don't resolve personally, it will show up in your relationships". Couples counselling can also be a good tool to help. 

When asked what is Mental Health and how persons can protect it.  Brittney said it is about general wellbeing. There is always a root cause that something is connected to your self-esteem. Mental Health, is also your ability to deal with various types of trauma and resolve things of your past. It is about managing healthy relationships of all kinds, emotional intelligence, and controlling your emotions. 

Brittney said happiness is an emotion which comes and goes. Effective mental health helps you to be flexible to manage emotions, increase your tolerance for stress and to identify your triggers. She said people must implement things in their lives which can pour into them and not take away.  

People must know what their authentic self means and understand that authenticity comes with a cost, that you will disappoint someone. Therefore  have  internal boundaries with yourself and others. 

People must also create a capacity for rejection and then show up in your daily roles and responsibilities. Brittney also spoke about the benefits of physical activities which aids in good mental health.  

We delve into the world of Meditation, which Brittney said is "anything you do with your full awareness". Activities like sports, exercise, painting, playing games, crosswords etc., because you are focusing on that act in the moment and not the troubling issues.

Brittney then spoke about Guided Meditations administered by experts, like chanting, guided scan, mindfulness mediation, sensory meditation, breath work, breathing exercise and stillness. 

Her advice to practice good mental health and mindful living is to adopt healthy choices like those recommended above, which don't always feel good, but will help us live our best lives and thrive.