Much of the anxiety that many feel is often a result of the way we have been socialized to seek approval from others. When we worry about what others will think of us, how we perform, how we measure up.
We are all trauma bonded
There is a horror film called Mama* that my sis showed me a scene from, because it vividly captured our experience. In it there is a dark mother ghost and two older siblings who break away from her. The bright
The only ‘expert’ is you
For years I have cringed when I have seen panels of parenting ‘experts.’ This is such a western paradigm rooted in competition/conquest. I like to deconstruct the ‘experts’ because I’ve worked with many a mother who is comparing herself to
Escape without escape- healing disconnection
Dissociation is one of our most accessible ways to cope with trauma. As young children we often could not fight our way out of an abusive or traumatic situation. Fleeing was also not an option when we were very young.
Vulnerability as ceremony
Like most women, I experience a few days of hormonal sensitivity every month. I have always held that these are times to embrace with tenderness. Society shames women at this time, calling this vulnerability weakness, madness, hysteria, PMS and so
Creating family
The other day someone reflected that I have a loving functional family and it can be triggering for those who’ve experienced trauma. I wholeheartedly understand this. I was the foster youth/orphan who walked into other family environments and felt pangs
Plant medicine limitations
Lately I’ve been observing the psylocibin and plant medicine movements. I feel they can be very potent for some and it has been very interesting to hear experiences. I am not discouraging anyone from following their intuition if they feel
the dream of our ancestors
I drove to Oakland this weekend to meet with my curandera maestra who was visiting from Mexico. Our family is very bonded, so even though we support each other’s paths and exploration, it is sometimes hard to be apart. This
Rest and Solace
It’s hard to pause when there is still so much need. So I’m not doing a great job, but I am slowing down and seeing how much my nervous system has needed it. But the fact is as long as
Remembering Foster Youth
When I was a 19yo, emancipated foster youth navigating my way through college life and depression, I got connected to Friends of the Foster Children. They were one of the first to show me the value of having ordinary people