Self forgiveness with Kaiser Permanente's Kevin Pham

Dear OCEA member,

Kaiser Permanente is partnering with OCEA to provide an eight-week course titled "Mindful Minute with Kevin Pham." Mr. Pham is a Kaiser Permanente Health Educator and experienced personal trainer. He also holds a Yoga Teacher Training Certification and is committed to improving his clients' health and quality of life. This is Week 4 of Kevin's Meditation and Stretching program and has an interesting theme: "Self-forgiveness." The videos below run between 3-5 minutes long. Click the following links to view the programs: Self Forgiveness Video and Stretching Video.

This week's tips from Kevin Pham
As an adult, Kevin realized that his parent's expectations that he earn perfect grades weren't realistic and he learned to self-validate. "But at times when I make mistakes, I feel the nagging inner critic that points out all the flaws," says Kevin. "This inner voice only focuses on the negative and overlooks all the good we do. We are all human, and we all make mistakes. Yet we still have a hard time forgiving ourselves and letting go of the past." Below are some tips from Kevin to help give yourself closure and move on with your life:

• Mistakes are learning lessons for us all to grow and become better people;
• When you forgive, you're recognizing and letting go so that you can have more space for happiness and joy;
• Don't ruminate on the past. When you fall into this cycle, take a deep breath, and recognize that you're becoming wrapped up in your thoughts;
• Go for a walk, meditate for five minutes, or journal what you're thinking.

"Mindful Minute" is another installment of our ongoing “members only” series that were previously held at OCEA Headquarters or at various work locations. We can’t hold those seminars in person yet because of the pandemic but we can bring you content produced especially for you.

With the increase in COVID-19 vaccination rates, we are looking forward to holding these seminars in person soon. Until then, nothing stops our commitment to standing together with each of you in our union. We are OCEA strong!

In Solidarity,

Orange County Employees Association

Publication Date: May 20, 2021