Mindfulness is a powerful practice that teaches us the importance of acceptance, openness and curiosity. It’s a practice that allows us to take a beginner’s mind when considering something new, without judgement.
Those who regularly practice mindfulness will find opening their mind to different perspectives easier and their ability to understand greater.
As an organisation championing positive, proactive approaches to mental health and wellbeing for everyone we think it’s important to acknowledge and support those who might be feeling marginalised, or discriminated against during this public debate about marriage equality.
As Australians we have a great opportunity to show our support for marriage equality by voting yes. This will have a significant impact on the lives of many people. If we don’t, and same-sex couples continue to not have the ability to marry, and the legal rights this privilege affords, this will serve to continue to marginalise and stigmatise with ultimate impacts on mental health.
But this issue goes further than showing support during the heat of this debate. It’s an issue of ensuring that we, as a society, offer equality to all members of our community, irrespective of their sexuality. This, in turn, will prevent ongoing marginalisation, discrimination and undue mental health and emotional pressures.
We hope we can all find some calm, clarity and connection and that all Australians can live in a compassionate, open and supportive community.
Below are some fantastic organisations if you need more assistance with understanding, coping or embracing the principles of marriage equality please visit:
If you would like to learn more about mindfulness please check out the Smiling Mind app.
We want to live in a world where everyone has the skills and ability to manage life's challenges and live to their full potential. This starts with a healthy mind because this underpins our ability to live, learn and work in an increasingly complex, digitally connected and fast-paced world.
The mental health statistics speak for themselves. Something needs to change.
The work we do here at Smiling Mind focusses on where we can make the biggest positive impact – in schools, in workplaces and in communities so no matter where you live or what your life situation is, you can access our programs and tools.
Join us to help make this change.