NVC is a method of speaking and listening developed by psychologist Dr. Marshall Rosenberg based on the premise that connection more easily leads to solutions. Oftentimes when people communicate with one another it’s in a binary way: “I’m right, you’re wrong,” or “I’m good and you’re bad.” These ways of thinking often lead to anger and anger can lead to violence if it’s not expressed healthily.

Under patriarchy, traditional men are given power and it’s taken away from women, nonbinary folx, and “girly” men. Also under patriarchy, the status quo is upheld such that traditional ways of thinking, acting, and being are prized while new ways are not. What this translates to is men who display what are perceived as “feminine” traits like sensitivity, vulnerability, and care are less valued under patriarchy and discriminated against.

Dissociation is common because the mind and body are smart. They act in ways to protect us from something traumatic. Traumatic experiences occur when our nervous systems become overwhelmed, affecting our capacity to cope both physically and on emotional or spiritual levels.

Trataka meditation is a powerful technique that can help you focus, improve concentration, and reduce anxiety. With so many things going on in the world, it can offer a respite and that’s something we could all use. This potent practice rooted in the ancient traditions of yoga can calm the mind and enhance mental clarity. This technique can not only sharpen your focus and concentration but also aid in alleviating stress and anxiety by promoting a sense of inner stillness. In a fast-paced world filled with distractions, trataka meditation provides a much-needed sanctuary for individuals seeking mental tranquility and a break from the chaos of daily life.

When we set a firm intention, it serves as a guiding principle for our behavior. We are more likely to make decisions that align with our intentions, taking steps that lead us closer to our desired outcomes. For instance, an athlete who intends to win a championship will be more committed to training and pushing their limits, while a student aiming for academic excellence will be more diligent in their studies. For a psychedelic voyager, setting intentions is a way to explore spiritual expansion, childhood experiences with more compassion, or mystical experiences. Intention is also helpful in a sexual or sensual experience. It can help if you are desiring something different or deeper with your partner or lover.

You can be the parent you needed and perhaps didn’t get. While you can’t rewrite history, you can heal by giving yourself a “do-over.” You can reimagine an upsetting situation and provide a different outcome. This form of active imagination may work wonders because the body doesn’t know the difference between imagination and reality. When you imagine a different outcome for yourself, you are essentially reliving the experience and rewiring your brain to think about it in a new way. 

When you approach someone from a place of curiosity and understanding, they become less of a monster and more of a human. It’s your choice who you connect with right now. You don’t have to cultivate empathy for other people but I encourage you to embrace nuance. Recognize the conflict in the Middle East is complicated and layered. The temptation to sort yourself into a group is very strong right now but, in the end, we’re all just humans, no matter what group we belong to.

Marriage and family therapy and psychology are both invaluable fields in the mental health arena, each offering a unique set of skills and approaches. The choice between these professions depends on the specific needs of the individual or family seeking help.

Miscarriage is a profound and often silent form of grief that extends beyond the parent who physically miscarried. The grief experienced by partners, extended family, and friends is equally real and deserves recognition and support. By acknowledging and addressing disenfranchised grief, society can help those affected by miscarriage navigate their loss and find healing and solace in the company of empathetic and understanding communities.

While over-familiarity can indeed decrease sexual attraction, it is not an inevitable outcome of a long-term relationship. Couples can take steps to maintain and even reignite their sexual attraction.

Constant phone use, including scrolling through social media, texting, or even playing mobile games, can lead to a lack of genuine emotional connection. Partners may struggle to engage in meaningful conversations and share their thoughts, dreams, and concerns when one or both individuals are constantly distracted by their devices. The emotional connection that once held the couple together may begin to erode and they may drift further apart.

In Colorado, where vibrant city life meets the tranquility of nature, many couples may feel pressure to keep their relationships strong, especially amidst life’s daily demands. For couples in Denver, Boulder, Fort Collins, and beyond, online sex therapy offers an effective, boutique therapy option to address intimacy challenges, rebuild connection, and enhance relationship communication. With over 20 years of experience as a licensed sex therapist, trained in the prestigious human sexuality program at Widener University in Philadelphia, I provide tailored, highly specialized support to help couples achieve meaningful progress in their relationships.

When pleasure takes center stage, it becomes a powerful catalyst for self-identified women to reclaim their agency and voice. Prioritizing one's desires not only applies to intimate relationships but extends into the broader sphere of professional life as well. Encouraging women to vocalize their needs and preferences, whether in the bedroom or the boardroom, can be initially challenging, as it challenges longstanding norms and expectations. However, this is precisely the transformation our society needs. By fostering an environment where women feel empowered to speak up and assert themselves, we contribute to a more equitable world where their voices are valued and respected in all aspects of life.

Our minds have a natural tendency to meander, jumping from one thought to another, often leaving us feeling scatterbrained and unable to sustain our focus for more than a fleeting moment. However, it's important to realize that this wandering mind is not a sign of doom or an inherent flaw. In fact, it's a common experience for many of us. Rather than viewing this tendency with harsh judgment or frustration, it's more helpful to approach it with compassion and understanding. Our minds wander, especially when they are burdened by fear, anxiety, or excessive thoughts. This is where meditation comes in as a valuable practice. Through meditation, we can train our minds to rein in their wandering tendencies and cultivate the ability to focus on one thing at a time. It's a gentle and transformative process that empowers us to harness the potential of our minds, ultimately leading to greater clarity and peace.

In a world where we are increasingly encouraged to divorce our bodies and minds, Eugene Gendlin's work on focusing and felt sensing offers a powerful antidote. These practices not only facilitate the reconnection of body and mind but also serve as transformative tools for communication. For folx who have been oppressed, these practices are particularly valuable, as they provide a means to speak from a place of authenticity and empowerment. By embracing these techniques, individuals can unlock their true selves, paving the way for healing, personal growth, and societal change.

The journey of breastfeeding, while filled with moments of profound joy, can also present challenges that shake a mother's confidence. Meditation, as exemplified by "Nourishing Flow," offers a healing and empowering solution. It provides a space for mothers to address their concerns, visualize the beauty of the breastfeeding process, and reaffirm their inner strength and wisdom. With this support, as well as therapy, mothers can find comfort and confidence in breastfeeding, fostering a more harmonious and enriching experience for both themselves and their precious babies.

The absence of the divine feminine in Western medicine is a pressing issue that deserves careful consideration. Addressing the demanding work hours, prioritizing the well-being of healthcare providers, and respecting the inner being of medical students are crucial steps toward creating a more holistic and compassionate healthcare system. By acknowledging the toxic elements of the patriarchy that have seeped into medicine and embracing the qualities of the divine feminine, we can move toward a more balanced and nurturing approach to healthcare—one that values both the health of the provider and the well-being of the patient.

The divine feminine is also a symbol of empowerment and trust. Doulas and midwives empower birthing individuals by providing them with knowledge and information about the birthing process, allowing them to make informed choices about their bodies and their babies. In a world where medical interventions often dominate the birthing experience, these caregivers advocate for the autonomy and agency of birthing individuals, helping them reclaim their innate power to give birth.

One of the most pervasive ways in which the patriarchy fuels envy among women is through the imposition of unattainable beauty standards. The media and advertising industries often present a narrow and idealized image of beauty, leading women to feel envious of those who seemingly conform to these standards. Envy arises when women perceive themselves as falling short, either in terms of physical appearance or the resources required to achieve it, such as access to expensive beauty products or cosmetic procedures.

The Autumn Equinox serves as a reminder of the natural cycles of life and an opportunity for self-care. By tending to our physical, mental, and spiritual well-being, we can better navigate the changes that come with this season. As we embrace the balance of day and night, we also strive to find balance within ourselves, fostering a deeper connection to nature and our inner selves. In doing so, we can move gracefully into autumn, ready to face the challenges and joys it brings.