On a neurobiological and psychological level, fighting is 1 of 3 automated responses to an existential threat. In and of itself it serves a valuable purpose, which is that of (physical and/or psychological) survival. It is meant to come and go like a wave but becomes a chronic response if as children we often found ourselves in situations in which we felt threatened, cornered, or otherwise diminished. (…)

There is barely anything more freeing & empowering to saying & affirming No when we mean it. Our conscious Yes and No affirms our sense of Self and is in full alignment with how we feel and what we need, the essential ingredients of our being. But why is it so difficult for many of us to be clear and firm about our boundaries, our own capacity, our own will? (…)

There are many ways in which we can connect with one another. Words, touch, laughter are some of connection’s outward expressions. Empathy and resonance are a couple of the qualities that describe our capacity to feel & attune to each other. What is the difference really? (…)

If you’d asked me years ago what could be the result of healing (becoming whole again), I’d probably have answered that I’d hoped to feel more fulfilled, fuller of purpose, more grounded & embodied. I wouldn’t have answered that I might feel more spacious, less limited in time & space, lighter, connected & yet freer, that precious balance between being safely bonded & autonomous at the same time. (…)