Understanding Suppressed Anger in Women: How Societal Norms Contribute to Mental Health Issues

Dear friends, From a young age, I dreamed of helping others. When asked about my aspirations as a child, I'd eagerly say I wanted to be an air stewardess (now known as a flight attendant). Their glamour, the languages they spoke, their worldwide travels, and their...

Have you ever wondered if things will improve after a difficult time? Or have you lost hope while trying to keep your head above water? These questions or feelings often arise after we’ve been through tough times or faced ongoing challenges.

The silence that wraps around PTSD is like nothing else. It’s not about craving a moment of peace; it’s about facing each day on your own, with anxiety as your shadow and panic attacks as your unwelcome guests, all without someone’s hand to squeeze for comfort. It’s a battle that goes deeper than just the mind or heart—it’s wired into every nerve, challenging your will and spirit in ways you never imagined.

Have you ever found yourself on the cusp of happiness, feeling genuinely good, only to have worries or anxiety come crashing in, uninvited, shattering your moment of joy? I often muse over why this tends to occur just as we’re settling into a positive vibe.

Last week, I got into exploring the Window of Tolerance, a concept that’s reshaped my approach to emotional regulation. This week, I’m excited to pass on a simple yet powerful tool that’s made a big difference for me, hoping it can do the same for you: slowing down.

Today, I want to chat about a concept that has been a beacon of light on my journey towards understanding myself and navigating the complexities of life: the Window of Tolerance. This concept, rooted in the practice of Somatic Experiencing, offers a fascinating lens through which we can view our emotional and physiological responses to stress and trauma. It’s a framework that has personally transformed the way I relate to my experiences, and I’m excited to share
these insights with you.

Have you ever found yourself in a conversation where the words seemed innocuous, but there was an unspoken tension in the air? It’s as if the tone was doing a secret dance beneath the surface, whispering emotions that words alone couldn’t capture. I’ve often wondered about the magic and mischief that tones can weave, especially in the intricate dance of relationships.

The other night, I had a dream in which I found myself effortlessly doing the splits. The sensation was vivid, my body strong, and my posture upright. Filled with excitement, I eagerly asked someone to capture the moment in a photo. However, as I handed over the phone, I glanced down at my legs, only to realize they weren’t in the splits but stretched out before me. The discrepancy between the two experiences sparked introspection within my dream state.

During a recent My Weekly Meditation class, my inner voice unexpectedly led me down memory lane, revisiting moments from my childhood. Flashes of irritation with my parents and other adults emerged, fueled by the belief that I could do a better job than they were doing!

Have you considered the subtle influences that shape your meditation sessions? Do your thoughts carry a particular tone in this practice – a calm observer – conductor of positive affirmations or something else? Can you intentionally create a tone for your meditations?

Now, as you embark on this journey of limitless possibilities, I urge you to take a bold step forward. Embrace the power within your imagination to shape a reality that resonates with your deepest desires. Let the vivid tapestry of your dreams become the blueprint for a future filled with wonder and fulfillment. The world awaits the masterpiece only you can create. Are you ready to answer the call?

The other night, during a conversation with my husband, I felt a surge of questions bursting out of me. I wanted to ask him. “Have you loved fully and deeply? Like really? Embraced vulnerability and love not as a broad idea but as an intimate, attuned way of connecting with another from one moment to the next. Is there a form of love within you waiting for the perfect moment to express itself?” I wanted to ask these questions because I was curious about the question of how deeply we love when we love.

A while ago, I created this survey that I called “My Mirror, Mirror on the Wall Survey”. I had been thinking about how much would I want to know if I could know everything. What kinds of questions would I want answers to?

I wondered what would I ask a mirror that could respond with truthful, informative answers.

In these trying times, it’s crucial to remember that you’re not alone in your feelings of helplessness and frustration. As the world witnesses turmoil and tragedy, it’s common to experience a visceral response to the distressing news. The body often responds to stress and trauma in various ways. You may notice yourself holding your breath, tightening your muscles, or even clenching your fists.

To me, this meant getting to know myself by digging into my thoughts, emotions, and reactions. Why did I fear certain things or dislike certain people or places? Why did I want to make contact with the divine and breathe in cosmic particles of intelligence and love?