Tagged With "ACEs"
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Re: Coping Strategy: Smile
Teri, I'm guessing you are aware (and you may be implying it in this post) that there's research that shows that the act of smiling -- even if it's a forced smile -- can improve one's mood. The reminds me of something I read recently about a remedy for insomnia that's caused by anxiety -- smile, just a bit, like the Buddha, while counting breaths (three inhales, three exhales) to signal to your brain that everything is OK. I've tried it several times, and more often than not, I drift right...
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Re: Coping Strategy: Smile
Well, your response made me smile big! Thank you for the positive feedback and I hope you find a million little reasons to smile this week Peace, Teri
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Re: Coping Strategy: Smile
You are most welcome. I appreciate you reading my post. Peace, Teri
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Re: Coping Strategy: Smile
Yes! Exactly. I was practicing a guided meditation a few years ago and it was suggested I turn the corners of my mouth up into a small smile and maintain it throughout the session. It was amazing the impact of that forced smile on my meditative results. That is when I decided to try forcing myself to smile in the midst of a panic attack. I had read how we can alter our chemical makeup by sending positive energy into negative or overwhelming emotions such as fear. And, for ME . . . it works!
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Re: The Books That Helped Me Transition from Trauma to Triumph: A Book Review Series - "Change Your Thoughts, Change Your Life"
Thank you, Teri, for this gift. Beautiful way to share your impressions and take-aways of the late Dr. Dyer's book. The analysis doesn't seem simplistic to me, but rather a distillation, as is poetry.
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Re: The Healing Place Podcast - Dr. Kathleen Friend: The Greatness Chair
Thanks for sharing the information about your latest podcast, Teri. I always enjoy your interviews and I look forward to listening to this one soon. Just so you know, sometimes I have to listen to them twice because they are so jam-packed with good stuff! Also: another great thing about your podcast is that it's evidence of how much good work is going on in our world toward healing -- and you manage to find out about it!
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Re: The Healing Place Podcast - Dr. Kathleen Friend: The Greatness Chair
This made my heart smile big! And thanks double for listening in TWICE sometimes. LOL! I feel so blessed to have the opportunity to meet beautiful souls from all over this world who are doing incredible work helping others along their healing journeys. I continue to be blown away by their efforts, commitment, dedication, and overall love given by advocates and survivors alike in helping others. The podcast was recently approved by the Board of Directors of Fractured Atlas for fiscal...
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Re: The Books That Helped Me Transition from Trauma to Triumph: A Book Review Series - "Change Your Thoughts, Change Your Life"
That is true. And thanks for recognizing that. Important meaning to my soul narrowed down to a few words. I love the idea of distillation when it comes to deep concepts. Very cool! Thanks for that. Peace, Teri
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Re: The Healing Place Podcast - Dr. Kathleen Friend: The Greatness Chair
Another new podcast. I'm intrigued ... thank you again, Teri!
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Re: The Healing Place Podcast - Dr. Kathleen Friend: The Greatness Chair
Thanks, again, for tuning in! I love meeting all of these beautiful people doing amazing work in the world of trauma-recovery and prevention. Makes my heart happy and hopeful.
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Re: The Books That Helped Me Transition from Trauma to Triumph: A Book Review Series – “Getting Past Your Past”
Teri, this book has been on my list for a while (along with a blue million other books ...). Thanks for the reminder to nudge it toward the top of the list. I'm an EMDR veteran too, and your descriptions of your experience with that therapy echo mine. I too can say I wouldn't be where I am today without it. I've undergone a few more sessions recently and it has not lost its power. It is also quite the trip. Every time I think, nothing is going to happen this session. And then ... boy, do...
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Re: The Books That Helped Me Transition from Trauma to Triumph: A Book Review Series – “Getting Past Your Past”
I totally relate to your "along with a blue million other books" How wonderful you found EMDR and it helped you along your healing journey. And, wow, yes, those session where I would go in thinking everything was calm in my world then . . . BAM . . . I'd walk out thinking, "Where the hell did THAT come from?" But, so glad those aha moments would surface and I could process them and release that negative energy. Cathartic in so many ways. Thanks again for posting the obit for Dr. Shapiro. I...
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Re: The Healing Place Podcast - Missy Garcia: Sexuality, Leadership, Healing
I appreciated what Missy Garcia had to say about how non-sexual types of touch -- stroking one's arms when upset, for example -- provide the sort of pleasure that can soothe emotional upset. I have read that one "tell" when people are, say, fidgeting with their hair or with a pen is that if the object of fidgeting is external -- such as the pen -- then most likely what's causing them turmoil is outside of themselves, whereas if a person is twisting their hair, then something internal --...
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Re: The Healing Place Podcast - Missy Garcia: Sexuality, Leadership, Healing
Fascinating! I'm betting there's some truth to that theory, as well. I had never thought about using my feminine sexual power to heal my sexual trauma remnants. I loved Missy's ideas of empowerment and leadership growing from that place of hurt by "taking our power back". She certainly has me looking at this from a new angle. Which is why I love these podcast interviews so very much! Thanks so much for taking the time to offer feedback. Peace, Teri
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Re: The Healing Place Podcast - Shenandoah Chefalo: Garbage Bag Suitcase
Ah, yes -- I have heard of Chefalo's memoir Garbage Bag Suitcase. I love hearing about people who've sublimated their experience with childhood trauma into work that helps others. Looking forward to listening!
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Re: The Healing Place Podcast - Louise Godbold: Echo
I think I've said this before here, Teri, but one thing I love about your podcast is it highlights how MANY people there are doing such awesome work pertaining to preventing and healing ACEs, including many folks who are active on this site. It give me great hope for the future.
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Re: The Healing Place Podcast - Shenandoah Chefalo: Garbage Bag Suitcase
Sorry for the delay in responding . . . I was enjoying a 9 day break at the beach on the Carolina coast! I, too, find it inspirational and heartwarming to know so many are using their triumph over trauma to guide others. A beautiful testament to becoming empowered. Thanks for listening in to the show and offering feedback. Makes my heart smile! Peace, Teri
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Re: The Healing Place Podcast - Louise Godbold: Echo
Thank you, thank you! I feel blessed to have this beautiful community at ACEs Connection where I have crossed paths with so many incredible souls doing healing work in the world. I continue to be amazed by their wisdom, determination, and brilliance. Truly. I, too, have great hope for a trauma sensitive world. Peace, Teri
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Re: Positivities of Persistence Series: Persistence & Positivity Defined
Hmmmm. I don't think my husband has ever called me persistent, but he HAS called me tenacious more than once. Because I am. And I think there's a lot of overlap between persistence and tenacity. I never thought about whether my tenacity is a result of childhood trauma, but it's not a stretch to suggest that it might be, as you posit about your persistence. In fact, I'd say BOTH traits are forms of resilience, because in order to be either persistent or tenacious, you have to keep pushing,...
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Re: Positivities of Persistence Series: Persistence & Positivity Defined
Great feedback! And, yes, I have been gifted the tenacious label, too. Another one I've been told is that I am determined. Holds the hand of persistent. So glad you found your tenacity to muscle through those first 20 years. And this success meme is perfect. And oh so true! Peace, Teri
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Re: Strengthening Families Framework TRAINERS
Sarah, this is exciting news and it sounds as if this training will put many more "foot soldiers" on the ground in the movement, if you will. Is there a link you can post with more information about the program?
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Re: 3 Minute Meditation for ACEs to Calm Power at the Beach
Thanks for sharing the meditation, Dr. Alman. It reminds me of a poster in my seventh grade teacher's classroom (many years ago) that said, "What you think about, you are becoming."
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Re: The Healing Place Podcast - Jen Johnson: Everyday Mindful
Great conversation about mindfulness and meditation. You two covered a lot of territory! Thanks, Teri.
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Re: The Healing Place Podcast - Jen Johnson: Everyday Mindful
Thanks so much for taking the time to listen in and offer feedback, Laura. I feel blessed to meet beautiful souls from all over the world who are striving to help others along their healing journey. Jen Johnson is one of those souls.
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Re: Defining Resilience Series: Step 6 - Find a Guiding Hand to Hold
Great post, Teri! Every one of these steps is about connecting -- if not in person, then with information and resources that will help us along as we develop resilience. Then, of course, there are the ACTUAL connections, with therapists, with life coaches, and with friends and likeminded folks. I especially like the life coach suggestion -- I think one common long-term effect of childhood trauma is just getting thrown off track, right from the get-go, whether in our educational pursuits,...
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Re: Tell Me Who You Trust the Most
I think many people who've experienced childhood trauma would recognize this piece as a heartbreakingly accurate depiction of how trauma's effects play out in a child's daily life. I believe this could also serve to help those who haven't experienced it, and even those who may be skeptical of the depth of childhood trauma's impact, to understand. Thank you, Carol.
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Re: Defining Resilience Series: Step 6 - Find a Guiding Hand to Hold
I love it . . . I am right there with you, needing to find ALL the answers! I never really knew much about the concept of coaching until I started interviewing ACEs champions and found so many beautiful souls offering their coaching services to others. Like you said, "working with a life coach to get back on track can be a solid way to reclaim one's life." Agreed! Thanks for the feedback. Peace, Teri
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Re: Tell Me Who You Trust the Most
Wow. I saw myself in some of that and my little sister (now age 49 and not so little, but my memories flashed to little Katie) in other bits. I am going to share this on my podcast Facebook page. Beautiful. Peace, Teri
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Re: Tell Me Who You Trust the Most
Thank you Teri! The post was inspired by my five children and most especially my 9-year-old son. It is really quite bittersweet to hear how much it resonates. ~ Carol
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Re: Tell Me Who You Trust the Most
Wow, Carol, that was a viscerally accurate description of what most of us survivors of child abuse go through. How to trust? Whom to trust? That gnawing and desperate need for connection wrecks our every interaction in adulthood.
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Re: Tell Me Who You Trust the Most
Thank you Cheryl! To me it rings as the "feeling" side of the eloquent post you wrote on Limbic Revision.
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Re: Seven Benefits of Working with a Therapy Animal from a Handler's Perspective
Teri... such beautiful work you do. Your big heart—and Sammie's—help heal so many hearts. ❤️
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Re: Seven Benefits of Working with a Therapy Animal from a Handler's Perspective
There's so much to like about this "love letter" to working with a therapy animal, if I may. Two bits that stand out, though, are "Do I approach with a 'wagging tail' and welcoming aura?" -- definitely goals for which to strive. I know that in my decades-long habitual self-guarding and hypervigilance, I can unintentionally come off as aloof. I'm now inspired to try to wag my figurative tail when approached or approaching others. And this whole piece just sings with the fact that you and...
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Re: Seven Benefits of Working with a Therapy Animal from a Handler's Perspective
Thank you for this. You made my big heart smile big I was away visiting my son in Colorado and had to leave Sammie for a week. She's still not speaking to me. Ha! I'm excited for school to start back up so this dog can begin helping kiddos again.
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Re: Seven Benefits of Working with a Therapy Animal from a Handler's Perspective
Oh, I so relate to what you wrote about the hypervigilance bit and coming off as aloof. I lived in a guarded state for decades. Once I started the healing journey I began shining a light from within and found myself smiling without even realizing I was doing so as I would notice others smiling back at me or stating, "You must be having a great day based upon that grin!" And, yes, yes, yes . . . I find joy in watching Sammie help children find their smiles which naturally brings me to a place...
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Re: Seven Strategies I Use To Reregulate As Anxiety Symptoms Surface
Great list, Teri! I'll add another: Knitting. It's my portable therapy. I tend to get anxious when there's turbulence on a plane flight so I always take a knitting project with me when I fly. It's meditative and soothing. Here's some information and research about the health benefits of knitting: https://well.blogs.nytimes.com...enefits-of-knitting/ Thanks again for your great and useful post!
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Re: Seven Strategies I Use To Reregulate As Anxiety Symptoms Surface
Wonderful! Thanks for the knitting suggestion. I have a friend who swears by knitting when she flies, as well.
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Re: Seven Strategies I Use To Reregulate As Anxiety Symptoms Surface
Teri... and here's another one: Jigsaw puzzles. I can get absorbed in a puzzle for hours. While not portable like knitting, jigsaw puzzles are meditative and relaxing. I always have one going on a table in my home. I'm a psychotherapist and will pass on your suggestions and post to my clients and followers. Thanks again!
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Re: Seven Strategies I Use To Reregulate As Anxiety Symptoms Surface
Yes!!! I am a fan of jigsaw puzzles, as well. Great reminder! Thank you. And thanks for passing along my post. I have a website that has links to resources regarding ACEs, trauma, hope and healing . . . including my podcast. Many ACEs Connection members have joined me on air to discuss the healing work they are doing and/or their own healing journeys. If you'd ever like to join me, please reach out at info@teriwellbrock.com . I am now booking into August and beyond (on summer hiatus to...
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Re: Seven Strategies I Use To Reregulate As Anxiety Symptoms Surface
Love it! Another fellow jigsaw puzzler! Thank you for the information about your website and podcast and also for your invitation. I am interested and will be in touch! Blessings, Diane
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Re: Seven Strategies I Use To Reregulate As Anxiety Symptoms Surface
What a lovely collection of ways to calm yourself while away from home (or in general). Just looking at your coloring projects, your photos, and Sammie help me feel calmer. Your coloring and photos are just stunning, Teri. I second Diane's suggestion of knitting while flying. It helps distract me from my anxiety even if I have to "frog it" (rip it back) afterward because I made so many mistakes .
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Re: Seven Strategies I Use To Reregulate As Anxiety Symptoms Surface
Aw! Thank you, Laura! You made me heart smile with that. My dad and sister were/are phenomenal artists and I can't even draw a straight line with a ruler. LOL! But, coloring and photography and writing . . . THOSE I can do. For years I told myself I wasn't artistic because I couldn't draw or create magnificent artwork like them. So glad I found my own creative outlets. Now I admire and applaud their work while being appreciative of my own. I may have to give knitting a whirl. Who knows,...
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Re: Resources for ACEs Survivors
These are wonderful. Thank you for sharing, Glenn! To make sure community members can access your books as more recent posts push your post down the Blog Posts list, it would be excellent if you could add these 3 books to this Resources for Downloading folder . Or I can add them if you would prefer; please let me know!
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Re: My Story about Healing Moving from “What is wrong with me” to “What is happening – how can I take better care of myself?”
Thank you for sharing I can relate to much of what you are voicing. I spent seven years sick while writing my book Victim to Victory and I dedicate my life to building a new mental health care system that utilizes Kundalini Brain Protocols and Electrolyzed Reduced Water. Both have Pub Med research! Both much more effective then what's out on the market! Many Blessings!
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Re: My Story about Healing Moving from “What is wrong with me” to “What is happening – how can I take better care of myself?”
Jessie: I LOVE this post and relate to so much from the ear infections, to the anaphylaxis in college to we still don't know what, to the health challenges, divorce, and the cancer, and high ACEs, and to the HEALING! There is healing and high ACEs are a risk factor but not a death sentence. Also, a 50-year old baby doll is exactly how I feel and look right now. Anyhow, THANK YOU for sharing this and reminding me and others to focus in on the healing and the opportunities as well as honoring...
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Re: ACEs Connection's Inclusion Tool makes sure nobody's left out
It's exciting to see ACN at the forefront of developing tools and resources that will support communities in doing work that may eventually allow "resilience" efforts to take a back seat to substantive systemic changes that improve the conditions that allow ACEs to occur in the first place. Thanks for sharing this hopeful news here, Ingrid.