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?

Think about this for a second: If you had the chance, would you go back in time? Forget the science fiction stuff for now, and just ponder these two questions: Would you want to revisit the past, and if so, what changes would you make?

It was a chilly October day, and Super Storm Sandy was about to hit New York City. I was on my way to meet up with a friend, and as the wild winds started to sweep through the city, it felt like the chaos outside was a reflection of the turmoil in my life.

I had some discomforting questions swirling in my head. Had I missed out on important chances? Was it too late for a fresh start? The year before had been a rollercoaster, filled with a near-death experience, surgeries, and a real blow to my self-esteem.

Lately, I’ve heard people saying things like, “Fall is on its way!” or the enthusiastic, “Can’t wait for sweater season!” And one of my neighbors cheerily shared, “Halloween decorations are on sale!”

My thoughts drift to North Africa — to Morocco and Libya, reflecting on the countless lives lost to natural disasters. It’s heart-wrenching to visualize entire families disappearing under waves or mountains of debris.

Do you ever find yourself trapped in a cycle of emotions that seem to ruin your day? Do you wish you could break free from these emotional patterns that affect your relationships, work, and overall well-being? If so, you’re not alone. Many of us carry emotional baggage that often goes unnoticed, shaping our experiences and limiting our potential for happiness and success.

Consider setting aside time for a Discovery Call to navigate the intricate labyrinth of your being. Through this process, you may discover how these many facets can collaborate harmoniously, crafting the life you envision. The reward awaiting you is nothing short of breathtaking self-discovery and the unity of your many selves. Embrace this journey for you are worth discovering and celebrating.
If you’d like to explore together, join me with other like-minded travelers for My Weekly Meditation, Saturdays via zoom.

Recently, I have witnessed a subtle shift in my spiritual gears and a not so subtle change in my growth mindset and pursuits. Rather than an insatiable quest for knowledge, wisdom, and new experiences, I’ve discovered an affinity for the tranquility of “not-knowing.” The constant access and availability of information and entertainment has inadvertently led me to a place of calm, (yay) where the sanctuary of a serene mind has become my most cherished refuge.

Today, I want you to have a break from some habitual ways of relating to yourself. It’s fun to consciously change things up and experience yourself with fresh eyes, an open mind, and a curious spirit!
So, take my hand, and let’s dance on a moonbeam! We’ll giggle like kids and embrace life with a heart full of openness and wonder. Let’s make every moment count!

I hope that sharing my experience and the lessons I’ve learned will resonate with you, dear readers. Let us cherish the memories of our beloved pets and loved ones, drawing strength from the enduring impact they leave behind. May their love continue to guide us, enriching our lives with compassion, understanding, and a profound appreciation for the precious gift of life.

I want to express my gratitude for joining me on this ongoing journey into the profound topic of death and dying. While it may seem somber, we can all agree on its immense importance. As you read through this post, you will probably come across memories and personal encounters with death and dying.

A few days ago, Havana departed from this world and went to her final resting place. Despite the agony that consumed her body, her indomitable spirit remained intact. She sought solace in the comfort of our embraces, slept a great deal and yet we couldn’t ignore the telltale signs of her increasing suffering.

The other night, I felt a prickling feeling dance on my skin and an inexplicable tightening gripped my stomach. “Death is here,” I heard myself say. In my mind’s eye I imagined it as a specter looking my way from a distance. I had been expecting it for a few weeks....

Summer has begun, at last!! Well, technically, it began a few days ago, but such beginnings should be savored. With that mind, here is a reposting of my love affair with the light.

Dear Friends,

Here is a video follow up on our work from last week. Please, click the image below to watch the video-