Brittany Dafesh, PsyD

We can manage acute stress if we detach on the spot. There’s an old Taoist parable about a farmer whose horse ran away. How unlucky! his brother tells him. The farmer shrugs. Good thing, bad thing, who knows, he says. A week later, the wayward horse finds its way home, and with it is a beautiful wild mare. That’s amazing! his brother says, admiring the new horse with no small envy. Again, the farmer is unmoved. Good thing, bad thing, who knows, he says. ... A few days later, the farmer’s son climbs up on the mare, hoping to tame the wild beast, but the horse bucks and rears, and the boy, hurled to the ground, breaks a leg. How unlucky! his brother says, with a tinge of satisfaction. Good thing, bad thing, who knows, the farmer replies again. The next day, the young men of the village are called into military service, but because the son’s leg is broken, he is excused from the draft. His brother tells the farmer that this, surely, is the best news of all. Good thing, bad thing, who knows, the farmer says. The farmer in this story didn’t get lost in what if but instead focused on what is. -Jay Shetty

Self Compassion Post

Trauma and PTSD are a large part of my practice. I created this in order to spread awareness and reach those who are underserved. Please reach out for help from myself, another therapist, or psychiatrist if you believe you have been impacted by trauma.

Living through a pandemic can be considered a collective trauma for many people. In honor of June being PTSD awareness month, I would like to share some tips and techniques that are helpful in getting through stress and trauma. I recently attended a virtual training on the havening techniques. Self-havening can be so helpful in calming the amygdala (the fear center of the brain), increasing our delta waves, and increasing our sense of mindful awareness and perspective. This self-soothing method facilitates resilience through difficult times. Click this video for more info.

Many of us don't know that Mother's Day was actually founded by a grieving daughter who wanted to celebrate her mother's life. There are many mothers, sons, daughters, and family members who struggle on Mother's Day each year with heartache and longing. This year, let us not forget mothers who have passed, mothers who have lost their children, and those who have challenging relationships with their mothers. This is a time to hold space for all. Angela Miller's article shares more on how we can hold space for those who are grieving A Bed For My Heart #mothersday #grief #lossofachild https://abedformyheart.com/still-a-mother/