If you want a little more structure, I have some journal prompts below. Going through this process of recovering from your holiday travels and time spent with family, remember that transitions can be challenging and it makes sense you’d need a little time and space to work through whatever happened. You don’t have to “soldier on” or “suck it up.” Be with yourself and give yourself what you need, whatever that may be.

While I don’t have any quantitative data, I have gathered qualitative data on spiritually embodied spiritual experiences and practices. Spirituality is increasing and I see this as an expression of the rising divine feminine, which isn’t structured or contained the way divine masculine energy is. The divine feminine whispers to you about an unseen world not wholly governed by logic and reason. She sings a song of creativity, joy, and connection that is for you and you alone. Identifying as a spiritual person may mean saying, “No thank you” to the hierarchy present in many religions and recognizing there is a Self within you that is wise, compassionate, and all-knowing. A spiritual practice helps you get in touch with this Self.

It's also the case that sometimes people want to experiment and that’s fine too! Exploring traditional gender norms or roles in a consensual and respectful manner can just be fun, it doesn’t have to mean anything or signify aligning with any particular political ideology, especially if it’s not a lifestyle choice and instead a sexual experimentation. For some couples, enacting traditional gender roles is a kink, or a type of sexual play that falls outside of “vanilla” sexual intercourse.

Remember, self-care and the implementation of these strategies can contribute to a more mindful and fulfilling holiday experience. By cultivating resilience, setting realistic expectations, and prioritizing emotional well-being, individuals can not only weather the challenges of the season but also find moments of genuine joy and connection. May these coping strategies provide a source of support, encouraging a healthier and more balanced approach to the holiday season.

To be clear, the likelihood of negative consequences from psychedelic use is minimal, it does exist and should be taken into consideration. I mention this because using these sacred medicines comes with risk, as is the case with any treatment modality. The avantgarde, “everyone should take it” ethos we’re seeing flying around is simply not true. It’s also important to point out the study authors said while there are risks for folx with personality disorders taking these medicines, that doesn’t mean they can’t benefit from psychedelics, especially if coupled with psychological support.

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.