March 15, 2020, ushered in the end of life as we knew it. March 15, 2021, seemed to arrive just as unceremoniously. We have now "sheltered-in-place" for a full year and we all deserve some attention. As we stand at the threshold of Spring and glimpse re-entry into a life more familiar, it feels complicated. There is no rule book...[ read more ]
The holiday season can bring with it feelings of joy and togetherness, however for many it can also bring a whole host of new stressors and anxiety. Especially in 2020 with everyone dealing with the disastrous effects of Covid-19, this holiday season can be accompanied by many complicated feelings of overwhelm and stress. Whether you are seeing family this holiday...[ read more ]
“Flow is an optimal state in which you feel totally engaged in an activity...In a state of flow, you’re neither bored nor anxious, and you don’t question your own adequacy. Hours pass without your noticing." - Susan Cain “Surrender is a state of living in the flow, trusting what is, and being open to serendipity and surprises.” - Judith Orloff...[ read more ]
Here are some anti-racism resources we've gathered for further education: For White Allies: Anti-racism resource google doc list, including articles, books, podcasts, thought leaders, etc. Anti-racism resources for white people, compiled by Sarah Sophie Flicker and Alyssa Klein Resources for anti-racism and somatic abolitionism Meditation for cultivating an anti-racist mindset (scroll down to 2nd meditation) by Dr. Candice Nicole For...[ read more ]
Every mystical tradition tells us in some way to go back to the natural world —Tara Brach Believe it or not, you can return to everything in 15 minutes or less. Meanwhile, I have an invitation for you: It’s right outside. You may have missed spring’s arrival in the Northern Hemisphere (our vernal equinox was March 19th). Despite how serious current...[ read more ]
Like most people, I spent a good deal of my life generally viewing myself as a singular personality or self. I believed that, generally, my “self” was one united thing, and for the most part this one self was in charge, was the main me, and that there were just these slips of personality that showed up as lack of...[ read more ]
Our recent interview with Aidan Pelly, LMFT at the Center for Mindful Psychotherapy Where is your office located? City and neighborhood? I’m located on 211 Gough Street in Hayes Valley. I really love this central area of the city for the cafes and restaurants. How can people contact you? Name: Aidan Pelly License #: LMFT 117163, APCC 4242 Supervisors: Marcia...[ read more ]
The feelings that come with being a parent can be challenging at the best of times. You may be navigating external pressures - perhaps from society, or even your own family - about what a “good” mom or dad is supposed to look like, and constantly feeling that you’re coming up short. You might be deeply ambivalent about being a...[ read more ]
When you lose someone, you may hear things like, “Time heals all wounds.” “I know just how you feel.” “You’re doing so well. You’re so strong.” “You’ve got to pull yourself together and move on.” Well-intentioned people may try to comfort you with cliches. Good-hearted people may try to relate your loss as shared, or to a loss they once...[ read more ]
Grief: early 13c., “hardship, suffering, pain, bodily affliction,” from Old French grief “wrong, grievance, injustice, misfortune, calamity” (13c.), from grever “afflict, burden, oppress,” from Latin gravare “make heavy; cause grief,” from gravis “weighty” (from PIE root *gwere- (1) “heavy”). Meaning “mental pain, sorrow” is from c. 1300. In 1969 Dr. Elisabeth Kubler-Ross challenged the silencing stigma of talking about death...[ read more ]