Category: Self-Discovery

Embodied Movement: A Practice for Emotional Healing

June 10, 2024

Embodied movement is about more than just physical exercise; it’s a holistic approach that integrates the mind and body. This practice encourages you to move in ways that feel natural and nourishing, promoting a deep connection with your body’s innate wisdom.

Unlike traditional workouts focused on goals and outcomes, embodied movement emphasizes presence and awareness. Activities like yoga, dance, tai chi, and mindful walking invite you to listen to your body’s signals and move intuitively. This mindful approach helps reduce stress, improve mental clarity, and enhance emotional well-being.

In her book, Lifting Heavy Things: Healing Trauma One Rep at a Time, Laura Khoudari suggests frequent reflection and mindfulness while engaging in an embodied movement practice. It’s not just about moving but being mindfully aware of the interoceptive aspect of the process. By focusing on how movements feel rather than how they look, you can connect to your body’s innate wisdom and healing.

What is Secure Relating?

June 3, 2024

Secure relating refers to a a state of mind, a healthy and balanced way of connecting with yourself and others in relationships. It involves the following qualities: emotional regulation, autonomy, empathy and compassion, effective communication, trust and reliability, adaptability, boundaries, and conflict.

Developing secure relating starts with self-awareness. Recognizing your emotional patterns helps you respond thoughtfully even as you feel activation in your system. Self-compassion and self-acceptance are crucial foundations for extending these qualities to others. It encourages growth and connection, allowing both individuals to be their true selves. In their book, Secure Relating: Holding Your Own in an Insecure World, Ann Kelley and Sue Marriott talk about being the right size for you, not shrinking to fit in or puffing up and being bigger.

Ultimately, secure relating leads to deeper, more fulfilling relationships. By cultivating it, you create a positive and nurturing environment for yourself and those around you.

Breaking the Habit: Overcoming People-Pleasing Behavior

May 13, 2024

People-pleasing can become a silent burden, stifling authenticity and leading to resentment. But breaking this habit is possible. A few ways to do that is by setting boundaries, practicing self-compassion and challenging perfectionism.

Setting Boundaries

You are defining what is acceptable and unacceptable behavior from others, as well as what you are willing to accept and prioritize in your life. Setting boundaries is not about building walls but about creating healthy limits that foster respect and understanding in your interactions with others. It’s a way to honor and prioritize your well-being while also respecting the well-being of those around you.

Practice Self-Compassion

What would it look like to recognize that your worth isn’t tied to others’ approval? Your value comes from within, and by practicing self-compassion, you are nurturing a strong and resilient sense of self-worth that is independent of external opinions. Celebrate your uniqueness and allow yourself to shine brightly, knowing that you are enough just as you are.

Challenge Perfectionism

Embracing imperfection as part of growth allows it to be a natural part of the learning process. Every mistake we make is an opportunity to learn and understand ourselves.

Remember, changing habits takes time and effort. Celebrate every win, be patient with setbacks, and surround yourself with supportive individuals who value your true self. With time and practice, your authentic self has space to emerge and engage in more meaningful connections.

The Magic of Breathwork

April 29, 2024

Breathwork is an essential practice that can have numerous benefits for both the mind and body. By focusing on our breath, we can improve our overall well-being by reducing stress, increasing mental clarity, and promoting relaxation. Incorporating breathwork into our daily routine can help us cultivate a sense of calm and balance in our lives. Whether through a simple pause to notice your inhale and exhale, deep breathing exercises, meditation, or yoga, taking the time to connect with our breath can have a profound impact on our physical and emotional health.

So, remember to take a moment each day to breathe deeply and mindfully, and experience the transformative power of breathwork.

Respect for Every Body

April 22, 2024

In a world where societal standards often dictate how we should look and feel about our bodies, the concept of body respect shines as a beacon of empowerment and liberation. It is not just about physical appearance; it’s a movement that encourages individuals to embrace their bodies in all forms, shapes, sizes, and abilities. It’s about honoring and respecting our bodies for all that they do for us, rather than focusing on unattainable ideals perpetuated by the media and diet culture.

Body respect invites us to challenge harmful beauty norms and embrace diversity and inclusivity. It encourages us to reject the notion that our worth is tied to our physical appearance and instead celebrate the uniqueness and individuality of every body. Through body respect, we can foster a more positive and inclusive relationship with ourselves and others, promoting self-love, safety, respect, and acceptance, free from judgment and discrimination.

Safety and Comfort: Building a Stable and Secure Connection

April 15, 2024

In any relationship, whether it be a romantic partnership, friendship, or family bond, safety and comfort are essential foundations for building a strong and lasting connection. Feeling safe with someone means being able to express your true thoughts and emotions without fear of judgment or harm. It involves open communication, honesty, and trust.

Comfort in a relationship goes hand in hand with safety. It means feeling at ease with the other person, being able to be yourself fully, and knowing that you are accepted and loved for who you are. Creating a space of comfort allows both individuals to relax, let their guard down, and truly connect on a deeper level.

When safety and comfort are present in relationships, it fosters a sense of security and stability. It enables both parties to support each other through challenges, celebrate successes together, and navigate life’s ups and downs as a team. Cultivating these qualities requires empathy, respect, and a willingness to understand and support each other’s needs.

Ultimately, prioritizing safety and comfort in relationships lays the groundwork for mutual respect, emotional intimacy, and a sense of belonging that can withstand the test of time. It paves the way for genuine connection, growth, and a shared sense of fulfillment that enriches both individuals’ lives.

Somatic Experiencing®: Healing Trauma and Stress

April 1, 2024

Recognizing how past traumas and stress affect the body can be a valuable resource in resolving the symptoms of stress and trauma. One of the core tenants of somatic-oriented work is that the body possesses its own wisdom and can lead us towards healing if we listen to it.

Somatic Experiencing® (SE) is a technique that assists individuals in addressing and releasing stored trauma in the body. By focusing on bodily sensations and physical experiences, SE aims to regulate the nervous system and restore a sense of safety and equilibrium. SE commonly includes methods like body scanning, where individuals tune into different body parts to identify tension, and grounding exercises to foster connection and presence in the moment.

Incorporating somatic healing into daily life can be a powerful practice. Simple activities such as mindful breathing, progressive muscle relaxation, or gentle stretching can help individuals maintain a connection with their bodies and enhance a feeling of calmness and well-being. By integrating somatic practices into your routine, you can develop a deeper understanding of your body and emotions, promoting resilience and self-care.

The Power of Connection: Nurturing Adult Friendships

March 25, 2024

Adult friendships are a vital and rewarding part of life, offering support, companionship, and shared experiences. I know what you are thinking, they can be really hard too! As we navigate the complexities of adulthood, maintaining strong connections with friends can bring joy, laughter, and a sense of belonging but also a mix of other feelings as well.

The need for these relationships at this point in time is so important even with all the feelings that go along with it. These relationships provide a safe space to confide in, seek advice from, and simply relax and enjoy each other’s company. Whether bonding over shared interests, celebrating milestones together, or providing a listening ear during tough times, adult friendships play a significant role in our emotional well-being.

Cultivating these friendships requires effort, communication, and mutual respect, but the bonds formed can last a lifetime. If you got ’em, cherish your adult friendships and nurture them with care, for they are precious connections that add more depth and richness to your life. If you are open and looking for new friendships, I’m cheering you on! It can be hard to meet and connect with people. You got this!

How Does Mindfulness Help With Stress?

March 18, 2024

Mindfulness is a powerful tool that can help manage stress in our daily lives. By practicing mindfulness, we can learn to be fully present in the moment, acknowledging our thoughts and feelings without judgment.

This awareness allows us to better understand our reactions to stressors and choose how to respond in a more calm and constructive way. Mindfulness practices such as deep breathing, meditation, or yoga can help us cultivate a sense of inner peace and resilience in the face of stressful situations.

Remember, it’s important to be patient with yourself as you develop your mindfulness practice, and over time, you may find that you are better equipped to navigate the challenges that come your way with a greater sense of ease and clarity.

Embrace Change and Growth: The Path of Self-Discovery

March 11, 2024

Self-discovery can be a transformative experience. It is a process of delving deep into our inner selves to uncover our true desires, values, and beliefs. Throughout this exploration, we often unearth hidden talents, passions, and strengths that may have been dormant within us.

Self-discovery is not just about understanding who we are in the present moment but also about reflecting on our past experiences and how they have shaped us. It involves being open to new possibilities, embracing change, and challenging ourselves to grow and evolve. By developing a deeper connection with ourselves and others, we can foster more meaningful relationships and a greater sense of fulfillment in our lives.

In a world that is constantly changing and evolving, taking the time to engage in self-discovery is a valuable investment in ourselves. It is a journey that is unique to each individual, filled with moments of reflection, insight, and growth. Embrace the process, trust in yourself, and allow self-discovery to guide you on a path towards authenticity and self-fulfillment.

Bernadette Chavez Piñon Counseling