As we observe Mental Health Awareness Month this May, we at Karuna would like to share how we are taking care of our mental health. Spending time outdoors We love spring! Perfect time of the year to step out, soak up some sun (wearing sunscreen š), lounge on the deck or go hiking in the parks, greenways and river walks all around the city. Being in nature boosts creativity, mood and energy while decreasing stress…
Earth Day was April 22nd and Arbor Day is April 26th. I have heard Arbor Day referred to as the national āplant a tree dayā. Even if you are not in a position to plant a tree, is there some small (or large) action you can take this week to reconnect to nature? In a time of great struggle and uncertainty in our world, reconnecting with Mother Earth can be so healing. Seeing the trees…
In the Northern Hemisphere, we are now at the time of the Vernal Equinox, the coming of Spring. In Earth/nature-centered traditions, it is also called Ostara.
Celebrating the rich tapestry of history, culture, and resilience during Black History Month. Let's honor the achievements, contributions, and ongoing legacy that have shaped our world.
In 1967, MLK, Jr. gave the keynote address at the annual conference of the American Psychological Association.
This past Monday was World Kindness Day. I donāt think Iām speaking out of turn if I say that the world could really use some more real kindness right nowā¦
I am reminded today of something I often discuss with clients. When an animal experiences threat, they react (fight, flight, freeze), hopefully survive, and then go back to laying in the sun or whatever they were doing before. They give themself a shake, which literally resets their nervous system back to a normal, non-activated state. When itās over, it is OVER for them. When humans are fortunate enough to survive a threat, the emotional brain doesnāt necessarily let go and move on so quickly. Getting the nervous system to de-activate is not an automatic part of our process.
When children grow up with experiences of trauma or deprivation, it is not uncommon for them to feel an inner emptiness. Confronted with what may be overwhelming negative emotions (sadness, hurt, fear, unworthiness,) and never having had the opportunity to learn healthy āself-soothing,ā these individuals adapt by finding or developing more unhealthy coping strategies, including various forms of addiction.
The tortoise is a favorite in African folklore and appears in many East African tales as āMzee Kobeā (mzee ā āold oneā; kobe ā ātortoiseā). African tortoises live to be over 100 years old and represent longevity and endurance. Mzee Kobe is depicted as old and wise, loyal and unwavering in the face of obstacles or challenges.
As we come to the end of Mental Health Awareness Month, hereās a thought related to healing from the depression that can follow trauma.