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Tillie the Dog

Dog vs. Snake

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 it’s over, it is OVER for them. When humans are fortunate enough to survive a threat, the emotional brain doesn’t necessarily let go and move on so quickly. Getting the nervous system to de-activate is not an automatic part of our process.
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Addiction and the Craving for Wholeness

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 “self-soothing,” these individuals adapt by finding or developing more unhealthy coping strategies, including various forms of addiction.
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The Tortoise

The Tortoise

The tortoise is a favorite in African folklore and appears in many East African tales as “Mzee Kobe” (mzee – “old one”; kobe – “tortoise”). 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.
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Healing from Depression

As we come to the end of Mental Health Awareness Month, here’s a thought related to healing from the depression that can follow trauma.
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Our Thoughts on Uvalde

We are holding in our hearts the community of Uvalde, Texas. We send healing energy to those who lost their lives, their families and loved ones, and to all who today returned or sent someone they love – adult or child – into a school building. We pray for an ending to these horrific acts of terrorism and violence and for all people to experience safety and harmony in this world.
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Buddha

The permission to be how we are

Our hearts at Karuna join with all those holding the hearts of those directly impacted by the recent violence in Buffalo – and all those attempting to process the collective suffering that continues to ripple from these repeated acts of hate and aggression.
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Reflections on Spring

On this auspicious full moon weekend, we reflect on the promise of spring, of peace in our world, of spiritual connection with the Divine, and of rebirth and renewal.
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Harnessing the power of habits

Harnessing the Power of Habits

As the end of 2015 approaches, many set goals for 2016. New Year’s resolutions are a common practice yet are met with varying degrees of success. Some find resolutions to be a powerful step toward positive change. Others put energy into setting them but do not achieve them. And still others do not even bother with the process, as time has shown their past resolutions to be unsuccessful.
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