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Fate’s Interventions—Minus Fatalism II By Rev. Mary Coday Edwards, MA
A skinny, awkward, sixteen-year-old steps fearfully onto the stage. It’s Amateur Night at the Harlem Opera House. The announcer says, “The next contestant is a young lady named Ella Fitzgerald. . . .Miss Fitzgerald is gonna dance for us. . . . Hold it, hold it. Now, what’s your problem, honey? . . . Correction,…
Read MorePurpose In Laughter II By Samantha Camerino (she/her), LCSW
There is nothing quite like a good laugh. I’m talking about the type of laughter that makes your belly hurt and eyes tear up, the kind that nearly knocks you off your chair. Sometimes it can feel as though this type of laughter is rare. Life can get so serious and heavy at times, we…
Read MoreWhat happened to the Soul in Psychology? II By Elani Engelken MA, MFTC, LPCC
I vividly remember being in my graduate program for a Masters of Counseling psychology and having our professor break down the origin of the word psychology. “Psyche” translates to soul and “ology” is the study of. I was in a graduate program getting a masters in the study of the soul and had no idea…. …
Read MorePlanting the Garden of Our Mind II By Victoria Bresee MA, MAR, CHt.
Planting season is just around the corner. Have you started looking at those colorful, exciting seed catalogs? Have you already figured out what you’re going to plant this spring? It takes some planning, doesn’t it? Do you give any thought about what you are planting in your mind, or do you just let in whatever…
Read MoreSpring Cleaning – An Act of Self-Love II By Lora Cheadle, JD CHt
Spring is here, which means it’s time for spring cleaning! While you may be thinking, “wait a second Lora, spring cleaning sounds nothing like self-care to me” our surroundings deeply impact both our mental state and our sense of well-being. So yes, spring cleaning is an act of self-love, and when it is approached from…
Read MoreJumping Off the Religious Platform II By Laura Hogzett MA, LPCC, EMDR
www.AwakenedLotusCounseling.com Exposed writing is both terrifying and exciting. It’s not typically my cup of tea, so I have been surprised at just how much I’m enjoying it. There’s a part of me that feels like my time is already stretched too thin and I should stay in my lane. Another part of me wakes up…
Read MoreWhen Fantasy Becomes Fixation II By Marielle Grenade-Willis, MA, LPCC
Whenever I feel lost in the world, I turn to Tara Brach’s archive of inspirational talks on mindfulness. Just hearing Brach’s voice helps to instill a sense of calm within me amidst a very busy mind. I generally pride myself on not only being in touch with my emotions but also expressing them clearly to…
Read MoreInstinct, Emotions, or Intuition? II By Rev. Mary Coday Edwards, MA
Instinct and Emotions “What’s going on? Is my instinct for survival kicking in, am I falling back into an old emotional pattern, or is my intuition telling me something?” These are common questions that arise in my spiritual facilitation work. Eckhart Tolle says an instinctive response is the body’s direct response to an external…
Read MoreThe Meaning of Self-Acceptance II By Samantha Camerino (she/her), LCSW
When I started college, I had no idea what I was planning to study, no career in mind, no particular goals. I just wanted to learn and absorb and understand. So, when I discovered that Philosophy translated to a love of wisdom, I was sure I found my place. I was lacking meaning and purpose,…
Read MoreStarting therapy? Things to consider… II By Elani Engelken MA, MFTA, LPCC
You are considering therapy–Congratulations! I know I am biased considering that I am a therapist, but I truly believe that this is one of the best investments you can make in yourself. I often compare it to investing in your physical health. In the same way that physical fitness builds muscle memory and strength over…
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