What has occupied so much of my professional life is a form of suffering that remains remarkably easy to overlook: the emotional and psychological suffering of children behind closed doors, across cultures, races, religions and socioeconomic circumstances — not only in the past, but in everyday life. Children suffer when they are not emotionally “seen,” protected, understood and held. Many of … [Read more...]
The dark road that leads to light
Walking along a dark road, it starts to rain, your phone barely has life, when out of nowhere it begins to pour down. The thin jacket you put on when you walked to your friend’s home on this pleasant evening becomes drenched in a heartbeat. You quicken your pace. The 20-minute walk home now feels like an interminable uncertain journey, as you find yourself beginning to shiver, even cough a … [Read more...]
Finding ‘me’: A guide to self-discovery
When someone asks “What do you want” from a situation or a relationship, it’s sometimes so hard to know. Why do we struggle with that question? Perhaps we wrestle with the notion that what we want is selfish or uncaring. That we’re acting entitled. Could it be that these thoughts are absorbed voices from some unkind person that took root long ago. And caused us to be unsure of ourselves — and … [Read more...]
Finding ‘me’: Getting back to innocence
“Finding me” can be exciting, yet painful for the parts of us that were lost. Here are some ways to stay in touch with the precious part of the innocence that exists within you -- from supportive self-talk to simple behaviors that help in small ways every day. Take a day trip to the beach, lake or river with someone you care for and who cares for you. Or enjoy on your own. Take time to watch … [Read more...]
A child, a man and a moment of violence
Around the globe, millions witnessed what appeared to be a case of unresolved childhood trauma. A comedian slights an actor’s family member and -- in the blink of an eye -- shame, rage and guilt erupt. Violence ensues. The trance-like state that bound Will Smith in that moment at the Oscars spoke of decades of complex emotions and unconscious thoughts. All landing in one destructive action. … [Read more...]