The Mindful Migraine

Transcendental-mantra-meditation When I was 19 years old, I went backpacking through India and Nepal with the intention of making it to the Annapurna base camp (read more here about how I ALMOST made it). One of the gifts that I brought home from that journey was an increased awareness of how wonderful the world is, and the second gift, was an interest in yoga and meditation.

Transcendental-mantra-meditation

When I was 19 years old, I went backpacking through India and Nepal with the intention of making it to the Annapurna base camp (read more here about how I ALMOST made it). One of the gifts that I brought home from that journey was an increased awareness of how…

Be the CEO of your own body At the beginning of the year, I mentioned the Australian fashion designer Camilla Franks as one of my role models who was going to mentor me (in my imagination). Camilla and I are very different - she lives the colorful and glamorous life of a socialite / traveler, and she is an entrepreneur who always looks gorgeous and effortlessly confident. Oh, and she appeared in the TV series "The White Lotus" and spent time with Oprah Winfrey (see them together on Camilla's…

Be the CEO of your own body

At the beginning of the year, I mentioned the Australian fashion designer Camilla Franks as one of my role models who was going to mentor me (in my imagination). Camilla and I are very different - she lives the colorful and glamorous life of a socialite / traveler, and…

Dialing down the ‘hurry up’ My mind is not minding the way it used to. I'm sad to say that I think it has fallen victim to a problem that is sweeping the globe (which I delusionally thought I was immune to): a decreasing attention span. My revelation came the other day when I was watching a production of Agatha Christie's "Seven Dials" based on her 1929 novel.

Dialing down the ‘hurry up’

My mind is not minding the way it used to. I'm sad to say that I think it has fallen victim to a problem that is sweeping the globe (which I delusionally thought I was immune to): a decreasing attention span. My revelation came the other day when I was watching a…

Practicing being #authentic Now that I have a little more time on my hands (with the PhD finished), and after I hilariously botched up my selfies for the "kiddy craft for migraines" post, I decided to learn a little more about how to take photographs... just on my phone... nothing fancy... or too hard. So, I borrowed a book from the library.

Practicing being #authentic

Now that I have a little more time on my hands (with the PhD finished), and after I hilariously botched up my selfies for the "kiddy craft for migraines" post, I decided to learn a little more about how to take photographs... just on my phone... nothing fancy... or too…

A monkey called Punch and his ‘Mommy’ Is it normal to cry when you watch YouTube videos? Perhaps not, but the recent story of Punch the Monkey has got me a bit weepy. Thankfully, things seem to be taking a turn for the better for little Punch-kun (as he's known in his hometown), which is great news... so now when I'm a bit weepy, they are tears of joy.

A monkey called Punch and his ‘Mommy’

Is it normal to cry when you watch YouTube videos? Perhaps not, but the recent story of Punch the Monkey has got me a bit weepy. Thankfully, things seem to be taking a turn for the better for little Punch-kun (as he's known in his hometown), which is great…

At home in a dark place (a short story) She was an architectural student of mine, decades ago. I can't remember her name, only her PhD research topic. Raised on horror movies, she wanted to find the common thread that ran through the stories that scared her the most. And she wanted to present her investigation in the form of a haunted house, a labyrinthine assemblage of chapter-rooms which could be read in any order, like a children's 'choose your own adventure book'.

At home in a dark place (a short story)

She was an architectural student of mine, decades ago. I can't remember her name, only her PhD research topic. Raised on horror movies, she wanted to find the common thread that ran through the stories that scared her the most. And she wanted to present her…

The art of critical ignoring A short while ago I wrote about how I was choosing to ignore bad news (in a post called "Identity Crisis"). In that post, I referenced a specific strategy that I was trialing: "critical ignoring". Today's post explains the idea. In 2022, psychology researchers Stephan Lewandowsky and Ralph Hertwig published a paper titled "Critical Ignoring as a Core Competence for Digital Citizens…

The art of critical ignoring

A short while ago I wrote about how I was choosing to ignore bad news (in a post called "Identity Crisis"). In that post, I referenced a specific strategy that I was trialing: "critical ignoring". Today's post explains the idea. In 2022, psychology researchers Stephan…

The Wellness Centre (a dream-allegory) A while ago, I had a dream. After I wrote it down, I realized it was actually something of a strange allegory. At the risk of revealing my subconscious to the world, I think it might help others, so I decided to share it here. First up - THANK YOU to the amazing people who joined me over the weekend for the meet and greet zoom tea parties - it was SO wonderful to spend time with you face-to-face!!

The Wellness Centre (a dream-allegory)

A while ago, I had a dream. After I wrote it down, I realized it was actually something of a strange allegory. At the risk of revealing my subconscious to the world, I think it might help others, so I decided to share it here. First up - THANK YOU to the…

The healing power of tea (and a party invite) A quick google search revealed there are MANY books on the healing power of tea. The tea itself has antioxidant benefits, can help with your digestion, and enhance your immune system. But as well as the physical services tea lends you, it also helps you emotionally. Many teas have a calming effect which reduces stress and aids mental clarity. Moreover...

The healing power of tea (and a party invite)

A quick google search revealed there are MANY books on the healing power of tea. The tea itself has antioxidant benefits, can help with your digestion, and enhance your immune system. But as well as the physical services tea lends you, it also helps…

What really causes migraines? My blog buddy over on Roaring Meg recently published a post called What really causes migraines? The post included a link to a BBC article of the same name (here). The article is written by freelance journalist and migraine-patient Sophia Quaglia. Ms Quaglia describes her migraine flare-ups like this: ...the left side of my head starts to feel like there's a bit too much space between my brain and my skull.

What really causes migraines?

My blog buddy over on Roaring Meg recently published a post called What really causes migraines? The post included a link to a BBC article of the same name (here). The article is written by freelance journalist and migraine-patient Sophia Quaglia. Ms Quaglia describes…

“Walk for Peace” Late last week a group of two dozen Buddhist monks completed their 109-day pilgrimage of 2,300 miles (about 3,700km) from one coast of America to the other, travelling from Texas to Washington D.C. The Walk For Peace "encourages non-harm, kindness, and mindful living" - and they note that their procession is "a steady presence that invites respect, gentleness, and goodwill" reiterating the value of mindfulness as "a reminder that small, sincere actions can change the atmosphere around us."

“Walk for Peace”

Late last week a group of two dozen Buddhist monks completed their 109-day pilgrimage of 2,300 miles (about 3,700km) from one coast of America to the other, travelling from Texas to Washington D.C. The Walk For Peace "encourages non-harm, kindness, and mindful living" - and they…

I had a similar problem with yoga - my ability to move disappeared so now I do chair yoga instead - I still miss the old range of movements but I keep trying to stay active. Sending support xx

The first kiss Before you get too excited for gossip about my love life - today's post is NOT about me - it's about scientists who suggest that the first kiss took place 21 million years ago! As the article (here) writes: "...scientists studied kissing because it presents something of an evolutionary puzzle - it has no obvious survival or reproductive benefits, and yet it is something that is seen not just in many human societies, but across the animal kingdom."

The first kiss

Before you get too excited for gossip about my love life - today's post is NOT about me - it's about scientists who suggest that the first kiss took place 21 million years ago! As the article (here) writes: "...scientists studied kissing because it presents something of an…

Belly dancing for migraines OK - so if the combination of migraines and dancing sounds completely counterintuitive - you're probably right. And yet... now that my head is feeling a bit better, I've been looking for ways to increase the amount of movement in my life and belly dancing is one of the things that I have started to incorporate into my fitness routine... and I really enjoy it!

Belly dancing for migraines

OK - so if the combination of migraines and dancing sounds completely counterintuitive - you're probably right. And yet... now that my head is feeling a bit better, I've been looking for ways to increase the amount of movement in my life and belly dancing is one of the…

The single song of the universe I’ve always been a huge fan of rebus puzzles – those graphic word games where you have to figure out a phrase based on the way that the text and pictures are arranged. Examples include the word 'close' written twice next to the word 'comfort' written four times (2 close 4 comfort = too close for comfort). Here's one I made on Powerpoint - can you guess what it means?:

The single song of the universe

I’ve always been a huge fan of rebus puzzles – those graphic word games where you have to figure out a phrase based on the way that the text and pictures are arranged. Examples include the word 'close' written twice next to the word 'comfort' written four times (2…

Why do I have dark circles under my eyes? One of my migraine triggers is "lack of sleep". I know this, so, I aim to get 8 hours of sleep a night. Sometimes, like now, in the Australian Summer, that means I have to go to bed pretty early, because my two fur-babies wake up at dawn (5.30am-ish-grrr) and start barking, ready and waiting for walkies. So, that's a 9.30pm bedtime for me...

Why do I have dark circles under my eyes?

One of my migraine triggers is "lack of sleep". I know this, so, I aim to get 8 hours of sleep a night. Sometimes, like now, in the Australian Summer, that means I have to go to bed pretty early, because my two fur-babies wake up at dawn (5.30am-ish-grrr)…

A letter from my future self Late last year I read a lovely post over on the blog Urban Wellbeing Tips, which was titled "Sunday letter to my younger self what I know now". The idea of such a letter is not a new thing, but Rohitash has a lovely way with words, so be sure to read the whole post on the link above, but here's the opening to put you in the mood:

A letter from my future self

Late last year I read a lovely post over on the blog Urban Wellbeing Tips, which was titled "Sunday letter to my younger self what I know now". The idea of such a letter is not a new thing, but Rohitash has a lovely way with words, so be sure to read the whole post on…

Go on: hug yourself! Now that I had graduated from my PhD studies and can call myself Dr Linda, I have no need to read technical books anymore... and yet... some habits are hard to break. As such, I'm still reading a lot of non-fiction works, but now their topic tends to be all things mindful. One such book I recently borrowed from the local library was psychologist Noa Belling's "The Mindful Body" (2018).

Go on: hug yourself!

Now that I had graduated from my PhD studies and can call myself Dr Linda, I have no need to read technical books anymore... and yet... some habits are hard to break. As such, I'm still reading a lot of non-fiction works, but now their topic tends to be all things mindful. One…

Make a wish (on an old lady) When I was a child, it was fairly standard to spot the golden yellow flowers of a dandelion in unmown grass, head over, and gently pluck out one of the fluffy-seed-puff-balls. Then you would blow on the poor uprooted plant and make a wish as you watched the winged-seeds fly away. Last year, my sister (who wrote a guest post about her own chronic pain…

Make a wish (on an old lady)

When I was a child, it was fairly standard to spot the golden yellow flowers of a dandelion in unmown grass, head over, and gently pluck out one of the fluffy-seed-puff-balls. Then you would blow on the poor uprooted plant and make a wish as you watched the…

What is Migralepsy? One of the most amazing things about this blog has been all the incredible people I have met and the way you have all introduced me to so many interesting details about migraine, chronic pain, and/or mindfulness. Late last year I wrote about Alice in Wonderland Syndrome (AIWS) - something I had never heard of before. The condition involves visual distortions that make objects appear too big or too small, too near or too far away.

What is Migralepsy?

One of the most amazing things about this blog has been all the incredible people I have met and the way you have all introduced me to so many interesting details about migraine, chronic pain, and/or mindfulness. Late last year I wrote about Alice in Wonderland Syndrome (AIWS)…

Identity crisis Today is "Australia Day" - a public holiday for everyone in my home country - and I am enthusiastic to proclaim my love of country, and profess how grateful I am to live somewhere so wonderful. It is not, however, a day without controversy. The 26th of January 1788 was the day that Great Britan's First Fleet arrived on the shores of Sydney Harbor and planted the Union Jack flag into the sandy soil.

Identity crisis

Today is "Australia Day" - a public holiday for everyone in my home country - and I am enthusiastic to proclaim my love of country, and profess how grateful I am to live somewhere so wonderful. It is not, however, a day without controversy. The 26th of January 1788 was the day that…

Take a ride with me (a short story) The car door opened and an old lady, dripping rainwater, jumped into the passenger seat of Ruth's vehicle. Before Ruth had a chance to collect her wits and object, the stranger said, "take me to the hospital." Ruth glanced between the soggy stranger, the door-buttons that hadn't locked as they should have, and the red traffic light at the intersection. As it turned green the lady growled "drive" and Ruth reluctantly edged her way into traffic.

Take a ride with me (a short story)

The car door opened and an old lady, dripping rainwater, jumped into the passenger seat of Ruth's vehicle. Before Ruth had a chance to collect her wits and object, the stranger said, "take me to the hospital." Ruth glanced between the soggy stranger, the…

Tai Chi Walking OK - so you know how to walk, and if you've been visiting my site for a while, you might have noticed I'm pretty passionate about Tai Chi as a mindfulness technique to help reduce (or distract you from) your chronic pain. Tai Chi Walking is exactly how it sounds: walking with the addition of Tai Chi mindfulness. Some regular Tai Chi routines have segments that include purposefully moving your weight from one foot to another (usually heel to toe), but I recently came across a website that specifically includes short routines that are purely dedicated to walking.

Tai Chi Walking

OK - so you know how to walk, and if you've been visiting my site for a while, you might have noticed I'm pretty passionate about Tai Chi as a mindfulness technique to help reduce (or distract you from) your chronic pain. Tai Chi Walking is exactly how it sounds: walking with the…

Unclench your fists OK, so the heading probably sounds a bit dramatic, something along the lines of "lay down your weapons"... especially given the crazy-scary state of the world right now. But that's not where I'm coming from. I'm not trying to be figurative, or metaphorical - just purely literal. Throughout the day: check in on your hands - and keep loosening them up.

Unclench your fists

OK, so the heading probably sounds a bit dramatic, something along the lines of "lay down your weapons"... especially given the crazy-scary state of the world right now. But that's not where I'm coming from. I'm not trying to be figurative, or metaphorical - just purely…

My purple-friendsgiving-teaparty invitation to YOU Tomorrow will be the second anniversary of my blog - yep, I will be 2 YEARS OLD! Now, I know that is NOT very old in the blogging universe, but to me it seems like an unimaginable achievement - truly, I can barely believe I had the urge to set this whole thing up when I was still so sick with daily migraines and busy…

My purple-friendsgiving-teaparty invitation to YOU

Tomorrow will be the second anniversary of my blog - yep, I will be 2 YEARS OLD! Now, I know that is NOT very old in the blogging universe, but to me it seems like an unimaginable achievement - truly, I can barely believe I had the urge to set…

Prepper-Mindfulness OK, so strange post today. It's about my New Year's Revelation. (Sort of.) In Australia, December-to-February is our Summer, and therefore, it's also our Fire Season. While downloading some data sheets on how best to prepare our property against the threat of a fire, I was pulled up short by a comment that noted "being prepared" is not just about having the right resources at the ready - it's about YOU being physically and mentally prepared to handle a crisis.

Prepper-Mindfulness

OK, so strange post today. It's about my New Year's Revelation. (Sort of.) In Australia, December-to-February is our Summer, and therefore, it's also our Fire Season. While downloading some data sheets on how best to prepare our property against the threat of a fire, I was…

2026 is going to be great Welcome to 2026 wonderful people! A new year awaits us, and I have a big, bold prediction: it's going to be great! I can say this confidently because, with all my heart, I will be manifesting glittery good vibes for all of us. 2025 was a tough year for the world, so perhaps I was a little too excited to see the end of it.

2026 is going to be great

Welcome to 2026 wonderful people! A new year awaits us, and I have a big, bold prediction: it's going to be great! I can say this confidently because, with all my heart, I will be manifesting glittery good vibes for all of us. 2025 was a tough year for the world, so…

Ba-bye 2025! Today will be my last post for the year. I know there's still 10+ days to go until 2025 passes the baton to 2026, but I'm busy, you're busy, we're all busy enjoying this fun time of year with our family and friends (just as it should be) whilst also trying to wrap up all the serious stuff in our lives.

Ba-bye 2025!

Today will be my last post for the year. I know there's still 10+ days to go until 2025 passes the baton to 2026, but I'm busy, you're busy, we're all busy enjoying this fun time of year with our family and friends (just as it should be) whilst also trying to wrap up all the serious…

The year 2025 in review >>Ta-toot-ta-tooooom<< (that's me blowing my own trumpet!) Today is another one of my monthly blogging anniversaries. From a very early stage, I promised myself that I wouldn't wait for BIG milestones, instead, I would celebrate the little inch-stones that occurred along the way. Today I am 23-MONTHS old - early next year it will have been a full 2 years since I started The Mindful Migraine Blog.

The year 2025 in review

>>Ta-toot-ta-tooooom

Water bottle derangement syndrome In the past I have written about the importance of hydration and why it is so vital if you want to move yourself from illness to wellness and stay there. If you are susceptible to migraines, then you need to drink water. Knowing how much water to drink, is trickier. We're all different shapes and sizes and are active in greater or lesser ways.

Water bottle derangement syndrome

In the past I have written about the importance of hydration and why it is so vital if you want to move yourself from illness to wellness and stay there. If you are susceptible to migraines, then you need to drink water. Knowing how much water to drink, is…