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Is there a connection between historical trauma that our ancestors may have endured and our response to mind and body's response to stress and trauma? Does epigenetics serve as the fine line between "nature v.s. nurture?" This article is a very interesting read- I would like to have an open dialogue about this article. Danny

Please welcome our newest community sub-group to ACES Connection. I am planning to reach out to them and develop a New Zealand/Hawai'i connection. The greeting message from the New Zealand ACES Community Manager: Kia ora, I was born and raised in NZ and I live in Papakura which is located in South Auckland. I am a mother of four beautiful children and grandmother of three granddaughters with more to come. I am Maori (indigenous people of NZ) and whakapapa to Ngati Kahu ki Whangaroa Ngati...

This book, written by Charlie Mackesy, is an amazing story of a boy who is exploring life and comes across three very different characters that provide guidance, reflection and leading questions that guides us on our life journey. During these tumultuous times this book provides comfort and material for self-exploration through journaling as well as questions that can be used in group-run exercises. The book is beautifully illustrated by the author and offers a significant amount of space in...

JoAnn Farnsworth, a true champion for infant mental health in Hawai'i provided the recommendation of this excellent article from the National Institute for Children's Health Quality. The article provides keen insight into how we can provide protective factors- buffers, for children who have gone through stressful times.

Dr. Kekuni Blaisdell, the widely respected and cultural icon of kanaka maoli (Native Hawaiian) stated that a traditional way for kanaka to greet each other was to say, "Pehea kou piko?" The piko that he is referring to is the belly button- the connection to our mothers through the umbilical cord- as well as our connection (even emotional connection) to the current world that we are living in. Dr. Blaisdell is quoted as saying, "The gut in the tradition of kanaka maoli is the seat of all...

"Asking “why?” in one study appeared to cause the participants to fixate on their problems instead of moving forward." Check out this article and be the one to start the dialogue in our communities that will help us all move forward together! https://ideas.ted.com/the-right-way-to-be-introspective-yes-theres-a-wrong-way/

I learned about a new tool that I wanted to share. Deborah Farmer Kris shares on PBS kids a simple acronym that works for caregivers and parents to help their kids when faced with increase anxiety, fear or just a dip in mood: H: Am I hungry? O: Am I overstimulated? S: Do I need to sleep? E: Do I need to exercise? Such a practical way to help turn down the FireHOSE and make small adjustments that can make a big difference. SOURCE: ...

On April 29, 2020 (1 p.m.-2 p.m. HST) - the Native Organizers Alliance will be hosting a panel discussion on the challenges and celebrations of practicing social distancing for indigenous populations during this COVID-19 pandemic. The panel and small group discussions will feature Robyn Jackson of Diné CARE, Elizabeth Day of Native American Community Development Institute, and Whitney Rencountre of Social Distance PowWow. Each will share their experiences with supporting our communities on...

Aloha and Happy Friday! I was on a zoom call yesterday and reminded of the need to protect ourselves from the dangers of emotional contagion- how we can "catch one anotherʻs emotions. Intense negative emotions that are expressed more emphatically are more contagious." - Elaine Hatfield. To learn more about emotional contagion please click on this link from Psychology Today. I would love to hear your thoughts! Have a great, safe and connected weekend. Danny

Aloha- while I completely understand that we need to "keep our eye on the ball" in addressing the COVID-19 pandemic, I do think it is important that we also think about how we move forward when the restrictions are lifted and we adjust to the "new normal." This article by Psychology Today provides great insights and strategies. Please post your thoughts/wonders about moving forward to the "new normal."

ACEs Connection Hawai'i Hawai'i is a place of natural beauty, multicultural heritages and practicing cultural arts that provides wellness and healing. However, cultural, historical & generational trauma has lead to an imbalance in our ahupua'a or ecosystem. Join us as we educate, empower & celebrate wellness and resilience building in our communities using trauma and culture aware strategies. Mahalo Community Manager: @Daniel Goya Northeast Region Hawaii Carey's

Aloha- this is an amazing blog post from that ACH is sharing from Aces Connection. Wouldnʻt it be amazing if our courts in Hawaiʻi could consider this option?