“Your pain is the breaking of the shell that encloses your understanding.
Even as the stone of the fruit must break, that its heart may stand in the sun,
so must you know pain.”
~~ Khalil Gibran
Greetings to all my precious people!!
The Year of the Yang Green Wood Dragon arrived on February 10, 2024 and its influence continues through January 2025. We are currently in the ninth month of this cycle, and there is still time to embrace the energetics of the Dragon and choose necessary change for the greater good of ourselves, as well as our families and communities.
And yet… and still: there is so much chaos, so much disharmony.
According to Chinese medicine practitioner CT Holman, his 2024 astrological prediction says, “the Dragon gifts us with a makeover that shifts our being like a revolutionary power about to change the entire world.” (Wu and Wu 2014, p.122). This is a time to cleanse your body, mind, and spirit before a metamorphosis, and ultimately tap into your internal power and activate your consciousness. Make it a priority to foster stability in the present moment while engaging with playfulness in life. Pull the metaphorical weeds out of your internal garden and create space to allow flow free and harmonious flow of your energetics.
The Earth aspect of the Dragon emphasizes community, inviting us to gather together and feel the interconnectedness to all beings. This sense of togetherness can enhance efforts to heal the planet and promote collaboration and coordination of resources. Be mindful to cultivate stability when working with others to establish trust, for those that encourage cooperation, help others, and fight for nature will be more in harmony with the Dragon. What we do know is this: the Dragon represents drastic change that can alter the world.
The Dragon offers transformation, delivering support during periods of transition. It stands for unity and freedom, helping people on their journey towards deeper understanding. As we make our way through the last months of the Green Wood Dragon, may we draw inspiration from the Dragon’s qualities to welcome change, seek out nurturing relationships, and have the courage to be true to ourselves.
The guiding principle in my office is about manifesting and maintaining Hope and Optimism. People find their way to our healing sanctuary as they search for answers and relief that could not be found elsewhere. They arrive with pain and disharmony on many levels—physical, mental, emotional and spiritual—in need of healing and wholeness. They have tried so many things: pharmaceuticals, conventional and functional doctors, exercise, diet, chiropractic, meditation, yoga, massage therapy, aromatherapy, hypnosis, mushrooms, herbal teas and more. And yes, they have even experienced acupuncture. Yet they are still unwell, and longing for a positive change, a shift from their suffering. They are doing all they can to solve the problem and find the solution. They are looking for a spark of hope as well as support as they navigate the road of chronic pain, relentless anxiety and the messy parts of being human.
Something inside of them recognizes that they can heal themselves.
As human beings, we possess an extraordinary ability to heal and grow emotionally and mentally, even in the face of adversity and hardship. This innate capacity for resilience and transformation is deeply rooted in our psychology, and woven into the fabric of our being. The remarkable phenomenon of human emotional and mental healing helps us shed light on the innate mechanisms that enable us to overcome challenges, find meaning in suffering, and emerge stronger and more resilient than before.
But in order to move through this process, we must surrender.
Surrender is a word that incites a strong reaction from many people. Surrender has a negative connotation about defeat and lack of agency. But, surrender has nothing to do with giving up. It is not about quitting. Instead, it is the act of releasing our attachment to something, and choosing courageously to be with “what is”. And what might we be holding on to? Could it be our beliefs, our memories, our stories about things, our cultural habits, and even the copies of our MRI and the latest research from Google. We are not always curious—we have the data and things we can point to about why this is this and that is that and yet…
At the heart of our ability to heal and grow emotionally and mentally is the resilience of the human spirit. Resilience is the capacity to bounce back from adversity, adapt to change, and thrive in the face of challenges. It is an inherent quality that resides within each of us, enabling us to navigate life’s ups and downs with courage, strength, and perseverance. Even in our darkest moments, the resilient spirit within us whispers words of hope and resilience, guiding us towards healing and growth.
Our brains possess an extraordinary capacity for change and adaptation known as neuroplasticity. This phenomenon allows our brains to rewire and reorganize themselves in response to experiences, learning, and environmental stimuli. Through neuroplasticity, we have the power to reshape our neural pathways, overcome negative thought patterns, and cultivate healthier ways of thinking and behaving. By harnessing the power of neuroplasticity through practices such as cognitive-behavioral therapy, mindfulness, and self-reflection, we can facilitate emotional and mental healing on a profound level.
Human beings are inherently social creatures, wired for connection and belonging. The power of human connection to heal and transform cannot be overstated. When we feel seen, heard, and valued by others, it fosters a sense of safety and security that promotes emotional and mental well-being. Whether through supportive relationships, group therapy, or community engagement, the healing force of connection provides a nurturing environment for growth and healing to flourish.
Adversity can be challenging and painful, though it also holds the potential for profound growth and transformation. Adversity forces us to confront our limitations, question our beliefs, and reassess our priorities. It invites us to dig deep within ourselves, tap into our inner resources, and discover strengths we never knew we possessed. Through the process of facing and overcoming adversity, we emerge stronger, wiser, and more resilient than before, equipped with newfound insights and perspectives that enrich our lives.
Self-compassion is a powerful antidote to the pain and suffering we encounter on our journey of healing and growth. It involves treating ourselves with kindness, understanding, and acceptance, especially in times of struggle and difficulty. Self-compassion allows us to embrace our imperfections, acknowledge our humanity, and offer ourselves the same care and compassion we would extend to a dear friend. By cultivating self-compassion, we create a nurturing inner environment that fosters emotional and mental healing from within.
Healing and growth are not linear processes but rather dynamic journeys of self-discovery and meaning-making. As we navigate the twists and turns of our lives, we uncover layers of insight, wisdom, and understanding that illuminate our path forward. Through self-reflection, introspection, and exploration, we deepen our understanding of ourselves, our experiences, and our place in the world. In the process, we discover new facets of our identity, resilience, and potential, empowering us to embrace life’s challenges with courage and grace.
While our capacity for emotional and mental healing is innate, it’s essential to recognize that healing often takes place within the context of supportive relationships and professional guidance. Seeking support from trusted friends, family members, or mental health professionals can provide valuable resources, insights, and perspectives that facilitate healing and growth. Whether through individual therapy, support groups, or peer networks, reaching out for support is a courageous step towards embracing the journey of healing and growth.
Embracing the journey of healing and growth with courage, compassion, and curiosity allows us to unlock the transformative power within and embark on a path of profound personal evolution. As we cultivate resilience, harness the power of neuroplasticity, nurture meaningful connections, and find meaning in adversity, we discover the boundless potential for healing and growth that resides within the depths of our being.
Acupuncture and herbal medicine are some of the tools I use to support the health and wellness of my patients, but the healing that occurs is always prompted from the inside. The answers to health and wellness reside in your heart. Treatment in my healing sanctuary goes beyond the needles—they simply serve to prompt the body to do its own mysterious and miraculous work.
I help people learn how to listen to their body’s wisdom and reconnect the unconscious mind to nurture the mind-body connection. This work allows people to realize their full capacity and choose to live a life aligned with their values, nourished by their dreams and desires. Together, we co-create opportunities for healing as the process unfolds.
I offer compassionate, attentive care. I see you. I hear you. I celebrate your journey. As an experienced clinician, I support patients as they come home to themselves, reconnecting the mind, body and spirit. This is my greatest passion: to serve as a facilitator, navigator and coach as you transcend old patterns and come into alignment with your best self. Are you ready to choose your Self and celebrate your gifts? Are you ready to manifest your Authentic Self that is abundant with health and vitality? Commit to being present and living your life with intention.
