I’m coming into this new year with intention and hope. There’s a saying that “all roads lead to Rome”; that all paths lead to the center, and in this case we’re talking about the whole human. I’m experiencing a convergence of energetic practices that reinforce how much “the body keeps the score” – our bodies react to and embed trauma and memories in ways that require a holistic mind-body approach for healing. Being trained in EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing), applying tenets of Dr. Stephen Porges’ Polyvagal Theory (he cleverly converts Descartes’ dictum “I think, therefore I am” to “I feel, therefore I am”), utilizing and encouraging relaxation response-based mind-body interventions like yoga, mindfulness meditation and focusing on self-regulation techniques have all informed and deepened my integrative practice. In the spirit of Dr. Dan Siegel’s “Window of Tolerance” I wish you a very optimal Zone of Arousal in this the year of the Rabbit!… Read the rest “2023”

How was 2022 for you? As the Pandemic has evolved to endemic status, many of us carefully ventured forth to resume some of our regular activities, and now risk assessment and choice-making feels as routine as brushing one’s teeth after eating! For me, believing in science and timely vaccination boosters contribute to keeping ourselves and loved ones safer. Heading into the holidays, I am blending my Cantonese speaking immigrant kin with my extended Norwegian Mexican-American family to celebrate. For many diverse families much effort and emotional labor is expended at the holidays, and I hope we will all be able to take year-end time to rejuvenate and practice self-compassion.… Read the rest “2022”

These uncertain times are unrelenting. How do we find hope, healing and inspiration? For me, art affords a view into realms of wonder. Re-enchanting the World is a “picture-palace” of twelve massive textiles by Malgorzata Mirga-Tas installed at the Polish Pavilion of the 59th Venice Biennale. “It takes the title from Silvia Federici’s book Re-enchanting the World: Feminism and the Politics of the Commons. Its author posits recovering the idea of community and rebuilding relationships with others, including non-human actors: animals, plants, water or mountains. This non-violent process, in which women play an important role, reverses the world’s current dire fate, shaking off the evil spell that has been cast upon it.” This mesmerizing and colossal effort in some ways defines “woman’s work”, and it is monumental, intimate, personal and profound; a transformational work of art.… Read the rest “Re-enchanting the world . . .”