The Mindful Living Centre

02/10/2026

😠 Everyone gets irritable sometimes.
And that doesn’t mean there’s something wrong with you.

Our newest blog breaks down what irritability actually is, why it’s often misunderstood, and how it’s different from aggression. Feeling irritable is human — it’s what we do next that matters.

This is the first post in our new series on Irritability & Relationships, where we’ll share practical, evidence-based tools for managing emotions and strengthening connection.

📖 Link to read more: https://mindfullivingcentre.ca/irritability-and-relationships-what-happens-next/

02/10/2026

😠 Everyone gets irritable sometimes—and that’s not a flaw.
But what happens next can make a big difference in our relationships.

In this month’s new blog, we explore what irritability really is, why it’s often misunderstood, and how it’s different from aggression. You’ll learn why irritability is a natural human emotion, how it can even be useful, and—most importantly—how change is possible.

This article is the first in a new series on Irritability and Relationships, laying the groundwork for practical tools and healthier ways to respond when emotions run high.

📖 Read the full blog to learn more and stay tuned for the next post in the series.

Everyone gets upset and irritable sometimes, but the way we respond to it can determine the health of our relationships. Learn the difference between irritability and aggression, the impact on relationships, and why awareness matters.

02/09/2026

This week, during Black History Month, we spotlight Dr. Akwatu Khenti, a nationally respected leader in Black mental health advocacy, culturally grounded care, and systemic change.

Dr. Khenti is an Associate Professor at the University of Toronto’s Dalla Lana School of Public Health, with research focused on global and public mental health, anti-stigma interventions, and Indigenous and Black mental health equity.

He has held key leadership roles at the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH), including as the former Director of Transformative Global Health, and has worked extensively on addiction and community mental health capacity-building.

Dr. Khenti is widely recognized for co-developing a Culturally Adapted Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CA-CBT) manual designed specifically to support Black populations in Canada. This initiative has helped train hundreds of therapists and improve culturally responsive mental health care.

His contributions have been acknowledged through major awards, including the Harry Jerome Award for Professional Excellence.

We honour Dr. Khenti’s lasting impact on advancing equitable mental health care across Canada.

Photo credit: Adam Coish

02/05/2026

This week in February, we recognize the importance of understanding eating disorders and the impact they can have on individuals and families.

Eating disorders are complex mental health conditions, and recovery is possible with compassion, support, and early recognition. Swipe to learn some common signs and how we can support ourselves and others with compassion.

02/03/2026

🧠 Happy Psychology Month!
This month, we celebrate the important role psychology plays in supporting mental health and well-being.

Psychology is the scientific study of the mind, emotions, and human behaviour. It helps us better understand how we think, feel, cope, and connect with others.

At the Mindful Living Centre, we honour the power of evidence-based psychological care to foster healing, resilience, and growth in our community. 💛

Let’s use this month as a reminder to prioritise mental wellness and support one another.

02/02/2026

As Black History Month begins, we proudly reaffirm our commitment to mental health care that is equitable, culturally responsive, and grounded in respect.

Throughout this month, we will honour and celebrate the contributions of Black Canadian leaders in mental health and wellness — past and present — whose work continues to shape healing, advocacy, and community care across the country.

We invite you to join us in reflection, learning, and recognition.

First in our Black History Month Spotlight Series: Dr. Wanda Thomas Bernard.

Dr. Bernard is a highly respected social worker, educator, researcher, and community advocate whose career has been dedicated to advancing culturally responsive care and addressing systemic barriers affecting Black communities in Canada.

Throughout her professional life, she has worked in mental health at the provincial level and in rural community practice, bringing a deep understanding of how social conditions shape wellness and belonging.

Dr. Bernard served as a professor at the Dalhousie University School of Social Work, where she also held the role of Director. She was the first African Nova Scotian to be hired into a tenure-track position at Dalhousie and later promoted to full professor — a historic milestone in Canadian academia.

Dr. Bernard is also a founding member of the Association of Black Social Workers, helping advance Africentric and anti-oppressive frameworks that support Black families, children, and communities.

In recognition of her lifelong leadership and impact, Dr. Bernard was appointed a Member of the Order of Canada and later received the Order of Nova Scotia for her contributions to equity and community wellbeing.

Today, Dr. Bernard continues her national service as an Independent Senator, where she brings an equity lens to issues of human rights, anti-Black racism, and social justice at the federal level.

Dr. Wanda Thomas Bernard’s legacy reflects the power of culturally grounded care, advocacy, and community leadership in shaping a more inclusive mental health system across Canada.

We honour her work with deep gratitude and respect.

Photo credit: Dalhousie University

Sources: Senate of Canada Biography:https://sencanada.ca/en/senators/bernard-wanda-thomas/
Dalhousie Teaching Profile: https://teach-learn.ca/profile/wbernard/
University of Toronto Lecture Feature: https://socialwork.utoronto.ca/news/the-honourable-wanda-thomas-bernard
Order of Canada Citation: https://www.gg.ca/en/honours/recipients/146-800

01/29/2026

01/28/2026

The Ontario Psychological Association shares a thoughtful reminder about the importance of playfulness in our lives. Engaging in play can support stress relief, connection, creativity, and emotional well-being at any age.

In a world that often prioritizes productivity, making space for joy and play is a meaningful act of self-care.

01/21/2026

At the Mindful Living Centre, we believe that open, honest conversations can change lives.

Talking about mental health reduces stigma, builds connection, and reminds us that no one has to struggle alone. Whether you check in on a friend, share your story, or listen without judgment—you are making a difference.

Let’s keep the conversation going today and every day. 💙

01/19/2026

Moving on from the past doesn’t mean erasing it. It means acknowledging what was, learning what you can, and allowing yourself to grow beyond it. Healing happens when we gently shift our focus from what we can’t change to what we can choose today.

01/15/2026

Rumination can keep us stuck in cycles of overthinking and self-criticism. CBT offers practical strategies to help break this pattern, such as challenging unhelpful thoughts, shifting attention, setting limits on worry, and engaging in meaningful activities. With practice, these skills can reduce rumination and support healthier ways of thinking.

01/13/2026

Ms. Maeraj Syed is a Clinical Therapist with an interest in helping individuals 18+ in the areas of trauma and post-traumatic stress, grief, anxiety & depression, and relationship challenges. Ms. Syed offers in-person and virtual sessions, drawing from evidence-based approaches such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Emotionally Focused Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, and mindfulness-based strategies. To learn more about Maeraj, check out her profile: https://mindfullivingcentre.ca/maeraj-syed/