I've been contemplating the profound impact stress can have on us, particularly when it confronts us head-on. Recently, I found myself in the midst of a stressful encounter. The other person grew visibly angry, wearing an expression of disgust. The intensity of my visceral reaction took me by surprise—I felt shock, anger, and fear all at once. In that moment, it was as if my mind went blank, flooded with the fear of saying the wrong thing and escalating the situation. The prospect of potential rejection loomed, and I felt my voice slipping away, leaving me diminished and without a sense of support.

It's an incredibly painful space to occupy. The internal reactions triggered by the look of disgust from another person extend beyond mere emotional turmoil; they can actually compromise our immune system.

Throughout my life's journey, I've discovered sources of support that have contributed to building resilience in the face of stress. I've come to realize that it's possible to...

In reflecting on my recent interactions with various clients, a recurring theme has emerged—one that carries both excitement and a touch of pain. The exhilaration stems from the awakening that occurs on the healing journey, where one can no longer hide in unconsciousness. This newfound awareness unveils unexplored facets of the self, marking a point of no return.

However, navigating this unfamiliar territory poses its challenges. The struggle lies in articulating this new experience and figuring out how to navigate this transformed world. Connections with others may feel disjointed and awkward as we grapple with the uncertainty of how to show up authentically in relationships. The fear of not belonging intensifies, echoing the deep sadness of a lifetime spent in solitude.

Yet, the awakening opens the door to limitless possibilities for meaningful connections. The pain and perceived problems don't negate the vast potential within. It's crucial to recognize the safety and...

In today's message, I extend a heartfelt message to all the compassionate individuals tirelessly supporting others—whether therapists, doctors, psychotherapists, or wellness coaches. Often immersed in our mission to make a positive impact, we may find ourselves pushing beyond healthy boundaries, shouldering more than we should. The relentless drive to help can lead to exhaustion, impacting our clarity and communication.

Drawing from a personal encounter, receiving an email triggered a cascade of distress and worry. Taking a moment to delve into the shadows of these beliefs, I unearthed a memory that transported me back to a time when, as a timid and frightened young girl, I was introduced to a new uncle. The unfamiliarity of the situation triggered a desperate longing for the safety and security embodied by my mother. The emotions of fear, powerlessness, and a profound need for love and protection became indelible imprints on my young psyche. Through this exploration, I began...

I've taken a moment to reflect on the common thread weaving through the experiences of many on this life journey—a struggle with self-identity and navigating the complexities of existence. Often, we find ourselves operating on autopilot, driven by societal expectations and conditioned beliefs about who we should be.

In my own life, I've encountered moments of doubt and shame, unsure of the value in the concept of awakening and self-rebirth. The internal struggle led to a harsh, self-critical voice that perpetuated worry, shame, and guilt—a challenging loop to break. However, I want to share that it is indeed possible to discover your path, embracing the freedom to be your authentic self. Compassionate understanding around life's intricacies becomes attainable, and you can find inspiration in living fully aligned with your true essence.

By honoring your emotions and understanding their messages, a transformative journey unfolds. It's a bottom-up process that nurtures...

As I reflect on the past week spent with various clients, a common thread emerges—an exciting yet challenging journey of awakening. The exhilaration of shedding the cloak of unconsciousness brings newfound self-awareness, but with it, the struggle of navigating unfamiliar terrain arises. The predicament lies in articulating this transformed experience and assimilating into a world where authenticity and heart connections are paramount.

Navigating this uncharted territory often feels like stumbling through awkward conversations, questioning our ability to connect, and grappling with a profound sense of isolation. The journey unfolds as we awaken, presenting an array of possibilities for meaningful relationships, yet the challenge lies in bridging the communication gap.

However, amidst the perceived problems and accompanying pain, the limitless potential within our spirit remains unscathed. I am here to affirm that it's not only possible but safe to experiment in real-time,...

Navigating the realm of the unknown can be an overwhelming experience, a surge of fear and uncertainty that can knock us off our center, leaving an indelible imprint on our very bones. The gripping fear, the kind that makes everything seem unsafe, often encapsulates us in solitude, with nowhere seemingly available to turn for support.

Reflecting on childhood, I recall being afraid of what might lurk beneath the bed or hide within the closet during those dark, lonely nights. These childhood fears have a knack for lingering in the shadows of our lives, persisting until we are fortunate enough to encounter understanding souls who connect with us, allowing us to feel truly felt in our bones.

Regardless of the nature of our fears, be it relentless thoughts keeping us awake at night or deeply embedded patterns causing persistent pain, finding solace becomes pivotal. Recently, I found myself grappling with worries and unsettling dreams, and amid this nocturnal turmoil, a moment of...

In moments when life felt overwhelmingly intense, the sentiments of being "too sensitive" or needing to "chill out" bewildered me. However, if you resonate with this experience, I want to underscore the profound possibilities embedded in such heightened sensitivity – it's a unique gift.

Developing the capacity to stay present in each moment opens the door to living with an expansive and open heart. As a multi-sensory being, you absorb life's energy and information in a way that transcends the five senses, fostering meaningful connections with other heart-centered individuals.

The key to embracing this way of being lies in developing emotional awareness through embodied practices, recognizing your sensitivities as a birthright that supports your growth. With consistent practices and an empathy buddy, you can expand your window of welcome to the diverse frequencies life offers.

Life, akin to a school, provides daily lessons that, when savored and journaled, contribute to your...

Have you ever experienced that moment when you just wanted to hit the snooze button and take a day off? This morning was one of those for me.

Recently, I've delved into the world of a new language associated with connecting with more people. The underlying intention, however, is what drives me — mastering these skillsets to offer more resources, especially for folks like you and me. That, for me, is a powerful motivator.

I recall the early days of exploring the internet when everything seemed pretty fast-paced. Now, with technology evolving even faster, staying up-to-date demands acquiring new skill sets. This realization underscores the significance of having reliable and consistent support across various aspects of life.

In this journey, I'm truly grateful for my mentor, who is walking alongside me as I navigate building a more robust online presence. His unwavering support is invaluable.

Being transparent about hitting a technological wall, I connected with Stephen. The...

The holiday season can be a unique journey, full of unexpected moments and precious lessons. I remember once years ago as I navigated shopping with my son, I couldn’t help but notice the overwhelming commercialism that surrounded us.

The sensory overload, the constant temptation to buy impulsively – it can be challenging, especially when impulse control is a struggle. I found myself caught in moments of shame and frustration as my son yearned for things in the store. But in those moments, I've learned something profound.

It's about redefining the shopping experience. I asked my son if he'd like to go "window shopping" with me, to simply enjoy the sights and not make any purchases. His enthusiasm was heartwarming. We explored the store, and when he saw something he really wanted, we examined it closely, read the details, and talked about it.

And then, a pivotal moment. As he desperately wanted an item, he witnessed another family happily buying it. The longing in his eyes...

This blog is a heartfelt dedication to all those caring for individuals with "special needs." Welcome to our community of shared experiences, support, encouragement, heart connections, and celebrations. Today, I'll share a story about my journey with my son, who was diagnosed with sensory processing disorder, and how NonViolent Communication (NVC) and Interpersonal Neurobiology (IPNB) transformed our lives.

A bit of background: My son, Rylan, was given many diagnoses, one being a math disability in the first grade. This revealed he experienced a working memory deficit which was critical for math. I learned that he had endured isolating experiences where he was made to sit at his desk with a timer. The teacher's intention was to help him focus. But it heightened his anxiety, especially being separated from warm relationships.

Let's explore how stress affected Rylan through IPNB. Panic flooded his system with hormones, triggering his survival mode. Cortisol inhibits the hippocampus,...