Did you know that June 24th through July 24th is Self-Care Month? The month culminates in Self-Care Day on July 24th; this date reminds us that we can practice self-care 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Self-Care Month 2024 The Oxford Dictionary defines self-care as "the practice of taking an active role in protecting one's own well-being and happiness, in particular during periods of stress.” Self-care goes way beyond relaxing in a bubble…
Juneteenth marks the day that Federal troops arrived in Texas and announced the liberation of enslaved people – two and a half years after President Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation. Those of us who aren’t descendants of enslaved Africans must continue doing our own abolishment of implicit and explicit behaviors and beliefs that keep others enslaved in racist systems. Please read more about Juneteenth here and continue to work for others’ freedom and equality.
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 😎), 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 “plant a tree day”. 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 don’t think I’m speaking out of turn if I say that the world could really use some more real kindness right now…
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.
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.