Some things carry an inherent, non-negotiable weight no one person has the right to redistribute. And the intersection of these two ideas: the preservation of what is and should remain inherent, and preventing their inequitable redistribution is where we shape our legacies. Dignity. Worthiness. Accountability. It’s inevitable that survival mentality stirs in our mammalian brains, … Continue reading Rebounding
This week I spoke at a Trauma, Healing and Resiliency Conference where a colleague asked a great question–not a new question, but a great question. I’ll paraphrase here to the best of my ability: When we work with people going through difficult circumstances; court proceedings, trauma, recovery from alcohol or drug addictions, and we tend to … Continue reading Take AIR for Yourself First, if you Work with ACEs, Trauma and Resilience.
It is not respect for the vulnerable, the powerful, or those in between; it is respect for yourself. It is not love for your family, your pets, your clientele, or your friends; it is love for yourself. It is not patience with those outside of you; it is patience with and for yourself. Personal devotion … Continue reading Patience
I’m washing the dishes. It’s unpleasant. The kids want to go to our friend’s house. I want to go. I’m tight in my shoulders and neck. The right side hunches up a little tighter most days. I release it. That feels nice. I remember what my physical therapist taught me, about how my torso is … Continue reading Mindfulness Isn’t Trying to Change You
It’s an easy concept. Reclaim what was taken from you, what you accidentally gave away, or what you lost. It’s not easy in action, though, and we all get stumped at How? We roll on anyway, carrying it in the places where our wholeness used to be. How? fills our pockets and shines through those holes … Continue reading Reclaim
I’ll be honest. Sometimes I sit down and catalogue what I’m doing with my time since I closed my psychiatric practice, and I’ve never felt more certain that I am walking slowly in circles. Many circles. Today I am writing it all down and sharing it, because when people ask me what I am doing … Continue reading Steadily Whiling
When the going gets tough… Well, it’s already tough. A significant portion of us have experienced trauma, traumas, or chronic stress. Some of us have experienced them early, repetitively, and often. Trauma disrupts our ability to lay down healthy roots. We can call it personality disorder, PTSD, adverse childhood experiences, and/or attachment dysregulation. We can call … Continue reading Dig
We spiral in, and we spiral out. If we pay attention and listen to where we are best served and therefore most of service, we can follow the urge to spiral in and then follow the urge to spiral back out. It’s time for this girl to spiral in. It’s time to turn the garden … Continue reading Heart on Hiatus
Practice. Get a small cup of water. When you are rattled and torn, it’s time to rest. It’s hard for the rattled and torn to rest. If you can’t rest, take a sip of water. Turn off your friendly doodads. Right there, from the comfort of your couch, sans doodads… Put your hands on your … Continue reading Rattled
Who are you when no one else is looking? Are you an archetype? There are so many. Are you an object? Society would say yes. It’s possible. You know the answer is no, most days. What happens when none of it fits anymore and we stop trying to pass but others continue to suit up? … Continue reading Persevere
