Of late, I’ve begun learning somatic experiencing which has the aim of healing unmetabolized trauma. It’s work I’ve become fascinated with in reading Resmaa Menakem’s “My Grandmother’s Hands.” Trauma is characterized by outsized reactions of fight, flight, or freeze.  Overreaction or under-reaction.  What’s a place I find reactions which are out of proportion to the … Continue reading Could Resistance Be Trauma?

I’m a songwriter.  A songwriter uses their voice, (and sometimes other instruments) to move people.* Once I’ve learned to move a person with my voice, I’ve learned how to move them, period, full stop.  How will I use my voice to move people? Will I move them toward greater awareness, toward greater compassion, toward greater … Continue reading Hey, I See You

I’m stopped at a red light, and a car pulls up next to me. Its engine revs. The driver is goading me. I hear the engine rev again.   What’s happening in my body? Am I excited, scared, (maybe bored?) Will I meet the provocation and rev my engine back? This is activation, it’s my … Continue reading A Street Race

I’m frustrated with a workshop I’m in.* The platform is attractive, but confusing to navigate. Connecting with people and discussing things is difficult. So I’m inviting the people in my small group to connect on email instead.  Sometimes change doesn’t need to be huge. Sometimes a small change can improve an experience for the people … Continue reading A Problem and a Fix

There’s something compelling about the comeuppance of a hero turned hypocrite. I have a hero. The things they say help and inspire me. The teaching they offer is useful. I think that person can do no wrong. Then they do.    I have a hard time with imperfection. I expect my roles models, who are … Continue reading The Hypocrite Messenger