Did you know that we ALL have a part of ourselves that is buoyed by calmness, curiosity, clarity, compassion, compassion, confidence, courage, creativity, and connectedness? These are the ” 8 c’s”. Please slow down with me for a second, and let me try to provide some hopeful psychoeducation: Even if we feel like trauma, hardship,…
Tag: inspiration
Use How Our Bodies were Made to Bring Us Peace
Whatever you are noticing inside you and outside you right now, may our hearts… be encouraged! If you’re up for a little experiment, try placing one hand on your heart and the other on your belly. Let them rest there for a couple seconds, then switch. Which one feels better? Do you notice any sensations…
Learn About Our Resilient Zone During the Holidays (and After)
Our Resilient Zone is our “ok” zone– our place where we’re in control of our emotions and our emotions aren’t in control of us. In other words, we are calm, alert, and engaged (ie. regulated) and we can function optimally. Other terms to describe this place include the Window of Tolerance and the Optimum Zone…
Let Our Resources Buoy Us
Resources help emotionally buoy us when stressful things happen. A resource is “any person, place, thing (or memory) that helps to uplift you” The Trauma Resource Institute There are all sorts of circumstances that could bump us out of our Resiliency Zone– whether those are stressful annoyances that momentarily dip us off balance all the…
Find Our Unique Basket of “10% Solutions”
When I worked on the Perinatal Wellness team at Providence St. John Hospital, I met a woman who is a certified laughter yoga instructor. Have you heard the phrase that laughter is medicine? Well, turns out there is a ton of research behind this. There’s even a science of laughter, it’s called gelotology. And get…
Calm Down By Paying Attention to Our Breathing
Did you know that literally paying attention to your breathing can really help calm you down? Moreover, intentionally trying to make your exhale longer than your inhale tends to be even more calming. Why, you might ask? Well, paying attention to your breathing (and especially making the exhale longer than the inhale) activates the vagus…
Learn this Brain Technique to Try to Believe Truth about Self
“Why can’t I just tell myself a truth/affirmation and then really believe it?” someone might say. Well, there’s actually a neurobiological reason why this is the case for many people. I went to a Havening training last year with Dr. Kate Truitt, a Havening Techniques Certified Trainer and expert on the connection between fear, information…
I am Cherished
Regardless of what has happened to you, how much you have, what you do, or what other people think or say about you*… you are loved, celebrated, and cherished. On the 11th anniversary of my traumatic brain injury today, I want to warmly and assuredly whisper to you that you are celebrated for the person…
Discover Our Safe Havens
If you could imagine a safe haven space, what would it be like? What would you see, hear, smell, taste, and touch? How would you feel in this place? When I imagine a safe haven spot for me, nature images like these are probably the first that come to mind: Whatever your spot… is your…
My Trauma & Healing Story
Take a listen to my personal trauma story and healing journey. In this video, I describe the trauma, as well as share how I look back on the trauma 10 years after it happened. I feel surprised and washed over with gratitude that I am healed. Thank you, Lord.Thank you to Joe,to my mom, dad,…