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Disaster Resiliency Program of Archway Community Services provides emergency preparedness information and prep tips for extreme weather events and emergencies affecting the Abbotsford community.
*This page is not monitored 24/7*

08/28/2026

Wildfires, floods, storms, and other emergencies can bring up a lot of emotions. Feeling overwhelmed is a normal response to an abnormal situation.

One small but powerful tool? Name the emotion.

Putting words to what you're feeling can help calm your nervous system and make emotions feel more manageable.

Instead of just "stressed," you might discover you're feeling anxious, helpless, uncertain, or grieving. The more specific the emotion, the easier it is to identify what support you need. Building emotional awareness is part of building resilience.

Want help finding the right words? Download the Feelings Wheel app to expand your emotional vocabulary: https://feelingswheel.app/

08/11/2026

When we're in crisis, emotions can become so intense that it feels impossible to think clearly or know what to do next. That's where distress tolerance skills can help.

These tools provide immediate emotional regulation, helping us move through overwhelming feelings so we can access our coping strategies and address what's causing the distress.

One practical tool from Dialectical Behavior Therapy is "TIPP", an easy-to-remember acronym for four powerful techniques:

𝗧𝗲𝗺𝗽𝗲𝗿𝗮𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲: using cold temperature (ie. cold water)
𝗜𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗻𝘀𝗲 𝗘𝘅𝗲𝗿𝗰𝗶𝘀𝗲: short bursts of physical activity
𝗣𝗮𝗰𝗲𝗱 𝗕𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘁𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗴: slow rhythmic breathing (ie. box breathing)
𝗣𝗮𝗶𝗿𝗲𝗱/𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗴𝗿𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗠𝘂𝘀𝗰𝗹𝗲 𝗥𝗲𝗹𝗮𝘅𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻: tensing and releasing different muscle groups

These skills can be especially helpful during moments of high stress, anxiety, or emotional overwhelm.

Watch this video to learn more about how to use the TIPP skill: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UuvH_j9O0f4

08/10/2026

Mindfulness is the practice of bringing awareness to the present moment without judgment.

While this sounds simple, it can actually be one of the most challenging parts of mindfulness. We often label our experiences as "good" or "bad" without even realizing it.

When practicing mindfulness, it's natural for your mind to wander. You might remember a task on your to-do list, think about an upcoming event, or notice an ache, pain, or itch. Often, we also begin judging these experiences, labelling them as distractions, inconveniences, or signs that we're "not doing mindfulness right."

If a self-critical thought, such as "I'm not very good at this," comes up, acknowledge the thought, then gently return your attention to the here and now.

And if you find yourself judging yourself for being judgmental? That's okay, too! Notice it, name it, and gently return your focus once again.

It can be helpful to imagine thoughts and feelings as bubbles, clouds, or butterflies floating by. We notice them, acknowledge them, and let them drift away without holding on or judging.

Remember, mindfulness isn't about having a perfectly quiet mind or eliminating judgment altogether. It's about noticing when judgment arises, letting it be there without getting caught up in it, and returning to the present moment with kindness and compassion.

Thank you for joining us on this mindfulness journey!

Watch this video to learn more: https://youtu.be/5eAfBCCXitI?si=nfsX6PU9Sv_kj0XM

08/04/2026

Mindfulness is the practice of bringing your awareness to the present moment without judgment.

This week, focus on being intentional about mindfulness. Mindfulness doesn't happen automatically, and like any healthy habit, it grows through regular practice. Whether it's taking a few deep breaths when stress arises or setting up a reminder to try a quick 5-4-3-2-1 grounding exercise, mindfulness is about choosing to reconnect with the present moment.

When your mind wanders, that's okay. Simply notice it with kindness and gently bring your attention back to the here and now. Being mindful all the time isn't the goal. Just as exercise, healthy eating, and good sleep support overall well-being, mindfulness is one valuable part of a balanced self-care routine.

Small, consistent moments of awareness can help us feel more grounded, centered, and resilient throughout our day.

Watch this video to learn more: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LPg28FhVOqA

07/28/2026

Mindfulness is the practice of paying attention to the present moment without judgment.

While philosophy and science offer many perspectives on time and space, mindfulness stands out for its simple and practical focus on the present moment.

The present moment is where we have the greatest agency. We can think about the past and plan for the future, but this moment is where we can take action and simply be. Mindful awareness of the present doesn't mean ignoring the past or future, but it does change our relationship with them.

By grounding ourselves in the present, we can create space from difficult emotions rooted in the past, such as guilt and shame, and from worries about the future, such as stress and anxiety.

Watch this video to learn more: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/nVX3ZAKFlgQ

07/21/2026

This week, we are focusing on the very first step of mindfulness: paying attention.

At first glance, this may seem simple. However, many of us quickly realize that maintaining our attention in the present moment can be more challenging than expected. When we intentionally try to focus on what is happening right now, our minds often drift to thoughts, plans, memories, or distractions.

The good news is that mindfulness is not about forcing the mind to remain still. Rather, it involves noticing when our attention has wandered and gently guiding it back to the present moment, again and again, without judgment.

One simple way to practice mindfulness is while enjoying a snack.

The next time you take a bite of an apple, for example, pause and notice:
- The sensation of taking the bite
- The sound of the crunch
- The aroma of the apple
- The taste and juiciness of the fruit

✨ This Week’s Challenge
The next time you have a snack, bring your full attention to the first bite. Notice what you see, hear, smell, feel, and taste. You might be surprised by how much you've been missing.

Watch this video to learn more: https://youtu.be/z2Eo56BLMjM?si=Q2UxSKEBUvYYmEz_

07/13/2026

You may have seen videos about it, read news articles, or downloaded an app that leads you through guided meditations or body scans – but what is mindfulness?

Over the next four weeks, we are going to look at the basic aspects of mindful practice.

Let's start with a simple definition:

Mindfulness is intentionally bringing awareness to your present moment without judgement.

Seems simple enough right? Mindfulness as a practice can be challenging, especially in our fast-paced lives filled with constant distractions. As we begin to explore mindfulness, it is helpful to think of the practice like starting to exercise after a long period of inactivity.

When you first start, your muscles do not have the strength to lift heavy weights or run for an hour.

Therefore, you start small, with light weights or a brisk walk, and over time build up to more intensive exercise. Check back here next week as we explore how to get our ‘mindfulness muscles’ in shape.

Watch this video to learn more: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OaRDbLWeSXE

07/07/2026

Life can bring unexpected challenges, including environmental and weather-related events. The good news? Resilience is a skill that can be strengthened over time.

1. Start by acknowledging your thoughts and feelings without judgement. Rather than pushing them away, allow yourself to notice them with compassion.

2. Try responding to your worries the same way you would comfort a concerned child, with kindness, patience, and reassurance.

3. Once you've acknowledged your feelings, focus on actions that align with your values. This might include supporting others in your community, sharing helpful prevention and preparedness information, or making environmentally responsible choices in your daily life

4. Even when difficult thoughts and emotions remain, taking meaningful, value-based actions can help you cope more effectively and build confidence in navigating life's challenges.

🎥 Watch this video to learn more: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ASDBJXDNqvc

06/29/2026

Gratitude is a small but powerful way to invite more joy and contentment into our lives ✨

Did you know that practicing gratitude actually changes your brain? It helps release dopamine and serotonin—the “feel good” hormones. The more we practice, the more our brains begin to naturally look for things to be grateful for.

Gratitude can also:
✔️ Help your nervous system feel calmer and more regulated
✔️ Lower blood pressure
✔️ Improve sleep and heart health
✔️ Strengthen relationships by sharing joy with others

🌿 Simple ways to practice gratitude:
• Write a gratitude list (on paper, your phone, or on social media)
• Start a gratitude group chat with friends, family, or coworkers
• Write a gratitude letter to someone you appreciate
• Keep a photo album of things you love
• Take a few moments to reflect on positive aspects of your life

Watch this video to learn more: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A07TCTc2ho0

06/24/2026

Caring for others starts with caring for yourself!

In times of crisis, so many of us step up by supporting family, friends, neighbours, coworkers, and our communities. While helping others is meaningful (and often necessary), carrying the weight of others’ struggles can take a toll… especially when you’re going through the same challenges too.

This is sometimes called compassion fatigue — the emotional and physical exhaustion that can build over time. It might look like feeling overwhelmed, drained, irritable, or less able to cope than usual.

If you’re supporting others, take a moment to check in with yourself today:
👉 How am I doing?

Here are a few small ways to support your own well-being:

✨ Take short breaks (even 5–10 minutes) to step outside, unplug, or try a quick grounding exercise
✨ Care for your basic needs (sleep, water, and regular meals matter)
✨ Set boundaries where you can
✨ Stay connected to your own supports
✨ Ask for help when you need it

Taking care of yourself isn’t selfish, it’s what allows you to keep showing up for others in a healthy, sustainable way.

Watch this video to learn more about self-compassion for stress and burnout at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9CxbofRXt9o

Address

2420 Montrose Avenue
Abbotsford, BC
V2S3S9

Telephone

+16048597681

Website

http://Archway.ca/

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