Hi June, first of all, thank you for sharing. Second, wow. I honestly felt so seen by what you said at the beginning about being indecisive when it comes to figuring out the right kind of wisdom to offer when others are in need. As a psychology student and crisis counselor, I often find myself at a crossroads between sharing what comes from the heart versus sticking strictly to “by the book” or “professional” responses. In the end, I’ve learned that authenticity really is the gateway to connecting with others and to understanding ourselves. When you spoke about struggling to practice what you preach, I felt incredibly validated. So often, we’re surrounded by powerful stories and voices that it becomes overwhelming to sit with our own thoughts. It’s comforting to know I’m not alone in that. I might not be where you are yet career-wise, but I can confidently say that you’re doing a wonderful job diving deep into your inner world and offering something meaningful to others. Keep going, you’re making an impact. 💛
Hi Sofia, thanks so much for reading and for taking the time to write out such a thoughtful comment. These types of exchanges on Substack are my favorite!
Authenticity is the best policy, as you know that the people we work with tend to be very quick to sense any fakeness. I empathize with you in finding that balance because it's challenging to maintain professionalism in a field that requires vulnerability and authentic connections with others. I've found that since we aren't one-dimensional beings, there are multiple ways we express authenticity, and a perfect answer doesn't exist. We can approach a situation in very different ways, and they can both end up being something that was needed in the moment.
Your curiosity and ability to self-reflect are precious gifts. I'm glad we can follow each other's journeys in this way. :)
This was powerfully stated and so well written June! I Im glad to see another facet of you.
I had felt this way for a long time as a child of a narcissitic parent my own feelings were always something foreign. I would find myself wanting to "help" others through their problems as my greatest medium and ignore my own. One day after years of inner work, it dawned on me, do i really care how this person feels or do i just want to get rid of how the intensity of their emotions make me feel by any means necessary? Another rabbit hole that once explored gave birth to something new and a way for me to respond and show up in the world more genuinely by not trying to be a fixer. The spirits have taught me how to feel my emotions in ways no human ever did. Divine intervention. Learning to stand in the tension of opposites to see what was looking to be born, to learn the intelligence of my body and understand the symbolic images, shapes, tones, vibrations- expressions of my emotions. To learn what a mental yes was and a primal yes. To just feel. Especially as an energy worker. To know whats yours and anothers and know your not "bipolar". To embrace the seasonal nature of being a human in a world under restraints and "climate control" that breed internal conflict and imbalance. Where seeking to find that balance looks "woo woo". Because were so disconnected... To understand that some of the simplest tools used in modern therapy was/is a natural communal method of healing in many indigenous cultures and ancient people. Ie dance, storytelling, circles, eating balanced, honoring ones feelings,having support, walks in nature and just joining life and not just being ..here. Its messy, it hurts, and we dont always know what were doing along the process. Turning the canvas in various directions. Walking away, coming back. Then being able to stand and look at it and taking it in after letting it out without judgdement? Seeing resistance and fear as the path to our passions, joys and greatest gifts and treasures. A messy journey when our perspective is tainted. Artistically, Ive found most of my greatest work in the dismantling process. Where at some point i begin to see a new path out of my initial ideal. Something that takes on a spirit of its own and i follow it to see where it takes me. Usually to a who other level of beauty. That being said and i knownit was alot lol. You did well in being a container. Sometimes others need to feel heard, to be witnessed, seen and everyone isnt built/equipped for holding sacred space. In turn you received your gift reflection and shift in perspective and ability to witness and tend to your own garden. Ase'
Okay... I'm honored to have this deep reflection in my comments, and PLEASE post a version of this on your own Substack, whether it be through poetry or prose! Wow... just wow. 🔥
I am nodding in agreement with you. So much of western mental health practices are reinventions of the wheel. There are many ancient practices that effectively heal and nurture the soul, but they're invalidated because they aren't "evidence-based." And then, it's like they're culturally appropriated and the western world takes credit for them.
We live in a world containing many systems designed to drive us mad and cause us to spiral. If we just step out of them and breathe for a few minutes, we can realize that we're actually "normal" and the things around us are destroying our sanity and grip on reality. This feels especially true when you grow up with a narcissist.
Thank you for taking the time to share your reflections and revelations. You are brilliant.
Hi June, first of all, thank you for sharing. Second, wow. I honestly felt so seen by what you said at the beginning about being indecisive when it comes to figuring out the right kind of wisdom to offer when others are in need. As a psychology student and crisis counselor, I often find myself at a crossroads between sharing what comes from the heart versus sticking strictly to “by the book” or “professional” responses. In the end, I’ve learned that authenticity really is the gateway to connecting with others and to understanding ourselves. When you spoke about struggling to practice what you preach, I felt incredibly validated. So often, we’re surrounded by powerful stories and voices that it becomes overwhelming to sit with our own thoughts. It’s comforting to know I’m not alone in that. I might not be where you are yet career-wise, but I can confidently say that you’re doing a wonderful job diving deep into your inner world and offering something meaningful to others. Keep going, you’re making an impact. 💛
Hi Sofia, thanks so much for reading and for taking the time to write out such a thoughtful comment. These types of exchanges on Substack are my favorite!
Authenticity is the best policy, as you know that the people we work with tend to be very quick to sense any fakeness. I empathize with you in finding that balance because it's challenging to maintain professionalism in a field that requires vulnerability and authentic connections with others. I've found that since we aren't one-dimensional beings, there are multiple ways we express authenticity, and a perfect answer doesn't exist. We can approach a situation in very different ways, and they can both end up being something that was needed in the moment.
Your curiosity and ability to self-reflect are precious gifts. I'm glad we can follow each other's journeys in this way. :)
Thank you I enjoy your work.
This was powerfully stated and so well written June! I Im glad to see another facet of you.
I had felt this way for a long time as a child of a narcissitic parent my own feelings were always something foreign. I would find myself wanting to "help" others through their problems as my greatest medium and ignore my own. One day after years of inner work, it dawned on me, do i really care how this person feels or do i just want to get rid of how the intensity of their emotions make me feel by any means necessary? Another rabbit hole that once explored gave birth to something new and a way for me to respond and show up in the world more genuinely by not trying to be a fixer. The spirits have taught me how to feel my emotions in ways no human ever did. Divine intervention. Learning to stand in the tension of opposites to see what was looking to be born, to learn the intelligence of my body and understand the symbolic images, shapes, tones, vibrations- expressions of my emotions. To learn what a mental yes was and a primal yes. To just feel. Especially as an energy worker. To know whats yours and anothers and know your not "bipolar". To embrace the seasonal nature of being a human in a world under restraints and "climate control" that breed internal conflict and imbalance. Where seeking to find that balance looks "woo woo". Because were so disconnected... To understand that some of the simplest tools used in modern therapy was/is a natural communal method of healing in many indigenous cultures and ancient people. Ie dance, storytelling, circles, eating balanced, honoring ones feelings,having support, walks in nature and just joining life and not just being ..here. Its messy, it hurts, and we dont always know what were doing along the process. Turning the canvas in various directions. Walking away, coming back. Then being able to stand and look at it and taking it in after letting it out without judgdement? Seeing resistance and fear as the path to our passions, joys and greatest gifts and treasures. A messy journey when our perspective is tainted. Artistically, Ive found most of my greatest work in the dismantling process. Where at some point i begin to see a new path out of my initial ideal. Something that takes on a spirit of its own and i follow it to see where it takes me. Usually to a who other level of beauty. That being said and i knownit was alot lol. You did well in being a container. Sometimes others need to feel heard, to be witnessed, seen and everyone isnt built/equipped for holding sacred space. In turn you received your gift reflection and shift in perspective and ability to witness and tend to your own garden. Ase'
Okay... I'm honored to have this deep reflection in my comments, and PLEASE post a version of this on your own Substack, whether it be through poetry or prose! Wow... just wow. 🔥
I am nodding in agreement with you. So much of western mental health practices are reinventions of the wheel. There are many ancient practices that effectively heal and nurture the soul, but they're invalidated because they aren't "evidence-based." And then, it's like they're culturally appropriated and the western world takes credit for them.
We live in a world containing many systems designed to drive us mad and cause us to spiral. If we just step out of them and breathe for a few minutes, we can realize that we're actually "normal" and the things around us are destroying our sanity and grip on reality. This feels especially true when you grow up with a narcissist.
Thank you for taking the time to share your reflections and revelations. You are brilliant.