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Earth Day Celebrations at the Vista Wellness Center

Jaclyn Baker

Vista Wellness Center Earth Day celebrations from April 15 to April 22.

 Join Jen Champion at the Vista Wellness Center for a journey of connection, learning, and renewal in alignment with the needs of our planet in all its splendor. 

Let’s come together to celebrate Earth Day in a way that honors and respects our relationships with the beauty and abundance of our natural world. Immerse yourself in mini-personalized yoga sessions and mindfulness activities designed to relax, renew, and attune to your natural rhythms.

Rediscover balance and tranquility as you connect with your body, mind, and breath and the vibrant hues of Spring. Deepen your connection with actions that will sustain your vitality and honor the needs of our Earth.  Let’s unite to sow the seeds of change and renewal by participating in our seed exchange, a gesture of our commitment to nurturing a symbiotic relationship with the Earth. Receive complimentary Butterfly Weed seeds as a token of our support for the resilient yet endangered Monarch butterflies. 

Learn about volunteer opportunities with the Elkton Community Education Center and their Monarch program. Your actions can contribute to their conservation efforts and help protect these cherished creatures for generations. 

Savor the flavors of herbal refreshments. Deepen your appreciation for the interconnectedness of all life and nourish your body and soul in harmony with the Earth. 

For more information and to RSVP, please contact Jen Champion at jchampion@vistapsych.com. We look forward to welcoming you to our Earth Day celebrations and sharing this transformative experience with our community.

Portland April 2024 Events

It’s Arab American National Heritage Month!  Expand your experience with celebrating this culture through food and art this month.

During the month of April you can check out the playwright of Nassim Soleimanpour, NASSIM. It takes an interesting twist of daily additions of non-scripted theatrical experiment to portray how, “Language can both unite us and divide us.”  

https://www.pcs.org/nassim

Sobrang Sarap (Filipino Food Month) from April 1-30. Explore the taste of Filipino cuisine with the different participating vendors this April! Enjoy creating a food crawl out of the list of 15 participating restaurants.

https://www.sarap-pdx.com/ 

Trillium Festival on Saturday, April 6. It celebrates education about the season of renewal in the forest.

https://www.tryonfriends.org/calendar/trillium-festival-1

Middle Eastern and North African (MENA) Festival on Sunday, April 14 from 12pm-3pm.

https://www.facebook.com/events/263904000098948

Fertile Grounds Festival April 12-21 which celebrates new and local artists in performance arts

https://fertilegroundpdx.org/

Earth Day Cleanup with SOLVE from April 13-22. Volunteer between these dates across Portland to keep it green.

https://www.solveoregon.org/oregon-spring

Earth Day at Forest Park on Saturday, April 20 starting at 9am (Free, Volunteer clean up)

https://forestparkconservancy.galaxydigital.com/need/index

New Year in the Park on Saturday, April 27. Celebrating SE ASIAN New Year including countries like Cambodia, Laos, Thailand, and Myanmar. Check out the outdoor event for performances and the highlighted cultural food vendors.

https://www.newyearinthepark.com/

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Coping with Climate Change Anxiety

Jaclyn Baker

By: Claire Butcher

Climate change anxiety has become a shared struggle for many young adults, stemming from threats posed to our environmental health and lack of control over global actionable change. These feelings can lead us to feel helpless and isolated due to its large-scale nature. It can be difficult to maintain our own mental wellness when things feel so out of our control. Here are some ways we can maintain our mental well-being while also taking action to combat climate change. 

Boundaries, Balance, and Resilience

One way we can cope is by setting boundaries to protect our emotional health. We can do this by filtering the amount and the kinds of news we receive. With our now constant stream of news and a wider range of topics covered, it can be difficult to control our anxiety. Taking breaks from scrolling, setting limits, or turning off notifications during parts of the day can help ease your stress. Setting specific times to view news can help build a routine to finish your day with less external stress. For example, not ‘doom scrolling’ after 6pm. 

Balancing our exposure between bad news and positive events is another way to cope with climate change stress. Here are some ways we can practice self-care navigating bad news:

  • Connecting with others, fostering a sense of community and shared concerns
  • Logging gratitude
  • Prioritizing self-care/restorative activities
  • Spending time outdoors
  • Exercising 
  • Seeking professional help 

To balance our consumption of bad news, it can be helpful to subscribe to “good” news sites that report positive events, such as: 

Building resilience helps us manage hardships and challenges in life. This process takes time and effort, so even with these actionable steps, remember to be patient with yourself. Here are some tools you can implement to build resilience:

  • Acknowledge your feelings without judgment or trying to “fix” them
  • Remind yourself that change is part of life, and that many events will be out of our control
  • Learn how your body communicates with you to determine when you are stressed and how to take care of yourself
  • Reach out to trusted loved ones for support
  • Take care of your whole self (prioritizing sleep, adequate nutrition, movement, and connection)
  • “Reframe” problems by seeing them as opportunities for positive change

Taking action

With so many large-scale factors out of our control, here are ways we can individually make a difference to combat climate change. Before listing individual changes, it’s important to acknowledge the impact of socioeconomic privilege that can limit people’s ability to logistically contribute to fighting climate change. 

Events/Donations

Individual Change

Climate change is a silent but very real threat, giving us an opportunity to come together to build a more sustainable future and foster a community of resilience in the face of adversity. Through the balance of collective action and individual self-care and boundaries, we can confront the mental health challenges that stem from climate change.

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Accessing Counseling to Address Stress and Improve Life

Jaclyn Baker
,

By: Tanya Kramer, LPC, LMHC, CADC-I

These days, you can find articles about famous people who have access to a therapist or counselor. The stigma of seeing a therapist or counselor has significantly decreased, and in some places, it’s almost vogue or trendy to have a therapist/counselor (these words will be used interchangeably in this article).

But how does one know if seeking counseling would benefit them? First, you do not need to be suffering from a debilitating mental illness to seek services. You have to want to live the best life you can, and therapy can support you in being your best self and living your best life. Counseling can help people address difficult life challenges and can help people make decisions in their lives that help them live their life to the fullest.

When should I seek counseling?

The American Psychological Association gives recommendations to see a counselor, “if something causes distress and interferes with some part of life”. This association also suggests the following examples when seeking a counselor would be recommended:

  • Thinking about or coping with issues which take up at least a half hour each day
  • The issue causes embarrassment or makes you want to avoid others
  • The issue has caused your quality of life to decrease
  • The issue is negatively affecting school, work, or relationships
  • You’ve made changes in your life or developed habits to cope with the issue

Sometimes, it can be just as simple as feeling like something is missing or not feeling as happy as you think you could be.

Having someone to listen to you process out loud what is happening in your life and to walk alongside you (metaphorically) by providing support, listening, empathy, psychoeducation, or even brainstorming can feel very comforting as we walk this journey of life that sometimes can feel lonely or limiting.

Working with a therapist offers a space to talk about difficult life challenges regardless of whether it’s something that was in your control or was not in your control. It is a space where you can share your thoughts, feelings, hopes and dreams along with challenges, worries, and difficult decisions you might be facing.

You might consider going to a therapist if you’re dealing with any of the following issues :

  • Managing stress
  • Difficulty regulating emotions
  • Grief / Pain / Sadness
  • Life transition
  • Identity
  • Trauma
  • Parenting
  • Relationship dynamics
  • Changes in family system (divorce, birth of child, adoption, death, separation, etc.)
  • Anxiety
  • Depression
  • Sleep issues
  • Mood fluctuations
  • COVID impacts
  • Family struggles
  • Disproportionate, rage, anger, or resentment
  • Obsessive thinking or intrusive thoughts
  • Overwhelm
  • Fatigue
  • Apathy
  • Stress
  • Hopelessness
  • Social withdrawal
  • Suicidal thinking
  • Homicidal thinking
  • Self-harm
  • Isolating
  • Negative thinking patterns
  • Eating issues
  • Unhealthy coping skills
  • Loneliness
  • Facing difficult decisions
  • Hurt feelings
  • Losing interest in things that you used to enjoy
  • This is not an exhaustive list!

When to see a counselor if there is not a mental health concern?

You might work with a therapist or counselor to to help you improve your life by doing one of the following things:

  • Increase self-awareness of behaviors and patterns
  • Improve communication skills
  • Start new good habits
  • Stop old bad habits
  • Learn more about yourself and why you are the way you are
  • Learn more about your family of origin
  • Re-examine what you think and believe about life in the world
  • Identify and reflect on your strengths
  • Identify your passions, interests, and what brings you joy
  • Structure life to incorporate things that are important to you
  • Learn / Practice checking in with your body sensations, emotions, and thought process
  • Increase healthy coping skills
  • To share your journey through life and process difficult moments
  • You want more fulfilling relationships
  • You want to improve your health
  • Support with reaching goals
  • This is not an exhaustive list!

You don’t have to be in crisis to get a counselor. Mental health is a fundamental human right, and according to the World Health Organization, “Everyone whoever and wherever they are, has a deserving and inherent right to the highest attainable standard of mental health.”

Now that I know I want to see a counselor, how do I do it?

  • If you have health insurance, the first step is to contact your health insurance provider and get a list of counselors covered by your insurance. Mental health should be included in your health insurance plan.
  • Other options for counseling include: using an “Employee Assistance Program” through your work, signing up for online therapy, or contacting the behavioral health department in your local county of residence.
  • Filter the list of counselors by gender, schedule, availability, whether they offer telehealth or in-person sessions, and/or what specific therapy modality the therapist uses.
  • Look up possible therapists online to learn more about them. A good resource is “Psychology Today” where you can search lots of different therapists using filters.
  • Decide on a therapist, contact them to see if they accept your insurance and if they are accepting clients. If they are not accepting clients, you might be able to go on their wait list while checking on other options.
  • Some therapists will do a free phone consult to ensure that this therapist and you are a good match.
  • Once you have a therapist, you will be scheduled for an intake session, which might include some paperwork to be filled out before or at the first session.
  • This first session is an opportunity for your therapist to get to know you and for you to get to know your therapist.
  • It is important that you feel safe and comfortable with your therapist. If this is not your experience in the first couple of sessions, then you may want to consider working with a different therapist. There are lots of reasons why one might feel this way, but the most important thing is that you work with a therapist that you feel comfortable with so you can do the kind of work that would best serve you.
  • Scheduling sessions either weekly or every other week at minimum is recommended when first working with a new therapist. After the relationship has a trusting foundation and is dependent on your goals, there might be a time when sessions can be more spread out.
  • Early in therapy, you can expect to discuss goals for your time together. This way, both your therapist and you will be working toward the same goals. 

Most people would benefit from counseling for one reason or another. You are not alone if you think you would benefit from counseling. The National Alliance on mental health (NAMI) has reported in recent statistics that 1 out of 5 American adults live with a mental health condition, and 1 in 20 adults experience a serious mental health condition each year. NAMI reports that only about 40% of people with mental health issues get help, which can result in issues or symptoms getting worse or resulting in other negative effects.

So if you think you could benefit from counseling, try it. If you don’t feel like your needs are getting met by the first therapist you work with, then it is completely appropriate to transition to a different therapist. You want to find a therapist you feel comfortable and safe with so you can trust and lean into this support.

Welcome to the world of Self Care, Self Acceptance, and Living your Best Life!

For more information on this topic, check out these links:

8 signs it is time to see a therapist.

When it’s time to see a therapist.



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Tips and Tricks For Relieving Stress

Jaclyn Baker

Stress is a universal experience that touches every aspect of our lives. From the pressures of work to the demands of personal relationships, stress can manifest in various forms, leaving you feeling tense and overwhelmed. But what if there was a way to break free from its grip and embrace a life of greater ease? Keep on reading to learn more. 

Yoga 

Yoga has emerged as a go-to solution for stress relief and physical fitness! Through mindful movement and breathwork, yoga offers a powerful tool for releasing physical and mental stress.  

Embrace its profound capacity to nurture both body and soul as each pose and sequence guides you on a transformative journey toward greater harmony and vitality.

Avoid Procrastination 

One easy strategy to regain control over your stress levels is to proactively manage your priorities and steer clear of procrastination during periods of relative calm. 

Procrastination not only induces stress but can also take a toll on your overall health and disrupt your sleep patterns. To combat this effectively, consider creating a prioritized to-do list with realistic deadlines. Break tasks into manageable chunks and allocate dedicated time slots for completion.

Discover the power of singular focus and propel yourself towards success! 

Practice Saying No

Overcommitting yourself can escalate stress levels and impede self-care efforts. So, saying “no” more often, especially when feeling overwhelmed, is essential for maintaining balance and reducing stress levels. 

Prioritize your commitments and decline those that unnecessarily add to your load. Remember, it’s okay to prioritize your well-being over additional obligations.

Write Down Your Thoughts 

Studies have shown that expressive writing can be particularly beneficial for individuals managing chronic health conditions, including mental health challenges like depression. Regular journaling may also contribute to a higher quality of life and encourage proactive self-care behaviors. 

So, start writing and take advantage of journaling as a positive outlet for your emotions, providing a sense of relief and empowerment in managing stress and anxiety.

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Daily Rituals To Boost Your Self Esteem

Jaclyn Baker
,

Implementing simple daily rituals can significantly impact our sense of self and overall mental health. Here are some sample daily rituals that you can try to improve your sense of self:

Morning Gratitude

Kickstart your day on a positive note by practicing morning gratitude. Take a moment to reflect on five things you’re grateful for and jot them down in a journal. 

Daily Affirmations

Empower yourself with positive affirmations that resonate with your values and goals. Create a list of affirmations such as “I am capable,” “I deserve happiness,” or “I am worthy of love,” and recite them to yourself each morning.

Journaling

Take time to journal your thoughts, feelings, and experiences each day. Whether you prefer to write free-form or follow structured prompts, journaling provides an opportunity for self-reflection, emotional processing, and personal growth.

Physical Exercise

Prioritize your physical health by engaging in regular exercise that you enjoy. Exercise not only strengthens your muscles and improves cardiovascular health but also releases endorphins, neurotransmitters that promote feelings of happiness and well-being.

Incorporating these sample daily rituals into your routine can help you cultivate a deeper connection with yourself, enhance your well-being, and navigate life with greater resilience and joy. Remember that self-improvement is an ongoing journey, and small, consistent actions can lead to meaningful transformation over time. So why not start today? Take a moment to choose one or more of these rituals and commit to incorporating them into your daily routine. Your future self will thank you for it.

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Shortcuts For a Happier Life

Jaclyn Baker
,

Happiness is often found in the small, everyday moments and habits that we cultivate. Here are some shortcuts to a happier life that you can start implementing today:

Find an Activity That Brings Happiness: Whether it’s taking long walks in nature, joining a book club, or engaging in creative hobbies, finding an activity that consistently brings you joy is key.

Reclaim An Old Activity That Brought You Happiness: As life gets busier, we often leave behind activities that used to bring us joy. Dust off that old violin or guitar, start journaling again, or revisit any other activity that once made your heart sing.

Come Up With a Schedule: Schedules and routines can help us stay focused and remind us to prioritize our happiness. Set aside dedicated time each day or week for activities that bring you joy.

Find a Happiness Buddy: Having a support system can make a big difference in our happiness journey. Whether it’s a friend, a support group, a therapist, or a coach, having someone to check in with can provide accountability and encouragement.

Accept Problems: No journey to happiness is without its challenges. Accept that setbacks are a natural part of the process, and instead of letting them define you, use them as opportunities to learn and grow.

By incorporating these simple shortcuts into your life, you can cultivate a happier, more fulfilling existence. Happiness is not a destination but a journey, and these shortcuts can help you enjoy the ride.

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5 Life Hacks to Navigate Hardships With Ease

Jaclyn Baker
,

Life is full of ups and downs, challenges and obstacles. Whether it’s personal crises like heartbreak or loss, feeling stuck in unfulfilling situations, or simply battling the blues, we all encounter moments of unhappiness. However, how we face these hardships ultimately determines whether they defeat or propel us towards a happier life.

Let’s explore five shortcuts to achieving a happier life by targeting self-destructive behaviors, embracing healthier habits and finding joy in everyday activities.

Identify Sustainable Happiness-Inducing Activities

The first step towards a happier life is identifying activities that bring peace of mind and contribute to long-term happiness. These activities serve as the foundation for sustainable happiness. Consider activities like long walks in nature, joining a book club or discussion group and engaging in creative hobbies like painting, writing, or playing a musical instrument. By incorporating these activities into your routine, you’ll feel more refreshed, inspired and content.

Reclaim Abandoned Joyful Activities

As life gets busier and more demanding, we often abandon activities that once brought us joy. It’s time to reclaim those happiness-inducing pursuits. Dust off that guitar or violin, start journaling again or revive any other activity that used to light up your life. Reconnecting with these hobbies can reignite your passion and boost your overall happiness.

Create a Happiness-Focused Schedule

Schedules and routines play a crucial role in maintaining happiness. Designate specific times in your schedule for activities that bring you joy. Whether dedicating an hour daily to reading, setting aside time for creative endeavors, or prioritizing outdoor activities on weekends, a structured schedule helps you stay focused and motivated.

Find Your Happiness Buddy or Support System

True friends and supportive communities can be invaluable in your pursuit of happiness. Identify a “happiness buddy” or join a support group where you can share your goals, progress, and challenges. Having someone to hold you accountable, provide encouragement and offer perspective can make a significant difference in your journey towards a happier life.

Embrace Setbacks and Stay Determined

It’s important to remember that setbacks and challenges are a natural part of life. Instead of letting them discourage you, use them as opportunities for growth and learning. Accept that not every day will be perfect, and that’s okay. Stay focused on your goals, lean on your support system during tough times and recommit yourself to happiness each day.

 

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Unlock the Power of Sticky Goals

Jaclyn Baker
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As we dive into the excitement of a new day, it’s an opportunity to harness the power of sticky goals to pave the way for success. Setting goals is easy, but sticking to them requires a unique approach that sparks motivation, fosters commitment, and ignites passion. 

Enter the “sticky goals” concept – the secret sauce that transforms dreams into reality. While the idea of setting SMART goals is well-known, the often-overlooked stickiness factor holds the key to lasting success. As our favorite apps and games keep us hooked with their engaging features, sticky goals captivate our attention, fuel our motivation, and keep us on track toward our objectives. 

So, whether you’re striving for personal growth, financial prosperity, or simply aiming to live your best life, it’s time to embrace the challenge of making your goals sticky – and watch your dreams take flight. 

Embrace the Power of Selectivity

Embrace the art of selectivity by prioritizing the goals that truly matter to you. Resist the urge to scatter your focus across numerous objectives; instead, channel your energy into a select few that align with your passions and aspirations. 

Keeping your goals in mind will pave the way for sustained commitment and unwavering determination.

Visualize Your Success:

Start with the end in mind and vividly describe your desired outcome. 

Whether it’s picturing yourself living your dream lifestyle or achieving a personal milestone, harness the power of visualization to fuel your motivation and guide your journey toward success. 

Level Up With Gamification:

Transform the pursuit of your goals into an exhilarating game of progress and rewards. Inject fun and excitement into your journey by gamifying your objectives.

From earning points for completing tasks to treating yourself to small rewards, gamification adds a playful twist to goal-setting, making it both enjoyable and engaging.

Break Down Your Goals Down:

Rome wasn’t built in a day, and neither are your goals. Break down your aspirations into bite-sized tasks or milestones that are easily achievable. 

By taking small, consistent actions, you build momentum and ward off overwhelm and anxiety. Embrace the power of incremental progress and celebrate each small victory, knowing that every step forward brings you closer to your ultimate destination.

Cultivate Self-Compassion: 

As you navigate the ups and downs of your goal pursuit, remember to be kind to yourself. Mastery takes time, and setbacks are inevitable. So, instead of dwelling on your shortcomings, practice self-compassion and patience. 

Treat yourself with the same kindness and embrace the journey with an open heart and a gentle spirit, knowing that every step forward is a testament to your resilience and growth.



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Women’s History Month – Let’s Celebrate Women in Therapy

Jaclyn Baker
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By: Tanya Kramer

In light of Women’s History Month, it seems like a good time to reflect on prominent names of women who often get missed when discussing the history and evolution of therapy. 

Below is not an exhaustive list, but it will expand your knowledge of women who have or continue to directly impact the counseling world. You will find a brief description of their impact and you can learn more about each one by doing your own research or by clicking on the links at the end of this list.

  • Mary Ainsworth – demonstrated the importance of healthy childhood attachments, created the “Strange Situation” assessment, and increased understanding around attachment styles.
  • Eleanor Maccoby – focused on developmental psychology, pioneered the psychology of gender roles.
  • Anna Freud – influenced Erik Erikson’s work, created the concept of defense mechanisms, and expanded the field of child psychology (yes, this is Sigmund Freud’s daughter)/
  • Martha Bernal – first woman of Mexican descent to earn a doctoral degree in psychology (1962), researcher on how the mind and body interact, championed efforts to study Latino Psychology and mental health issues in minority populations.
  • E. Kitch Childs – in 1969 she opened her practice to marginalized populations including the LGBTQIA+ community, people living with AIDS, etc., she researched Black women and how incorporating feminism into therapy could empower them.
  • Jean Lau Chin – explored assumptions about gender and race, her work in leadership styles, diversity, and women’s issues influenced governmental policies regarding cultural competency.
  • Jennifer Eberhart – studied how subliminal images trigger racial stereotypes and affect what people see, her work on understanding how people code and categorize others according to race has helped highlight stereotypes in policing and schools.
  • Tsuruko Haraguchi – pioneered research on mental fatigue, first Japanese woman to receive a doctoral degree in any subject area.
  • Ruth Howard – conducted groundbreaking child development research including a specific study called “A Study of the Development of Triplets” (included 229 sets of triplets including many ethnic groups) resulting in her career focusing on the underserved communities.
  • Marigold Linton – cognitive psychology research focusing on how long the brain can retain information, first indigenous woman in the United States to receive a doctoral degree in psychology.
  • Inez Prosser – her study called “The Nonacademic Development of Negro Children in Mixed and Segregated Schools” helped initiate discussion about school desegregation, one of the first Black women to earn a doctoral degree in psychology.
  • Mary Whiton Calkins – navigated completing all doctorate requirements at Harvard but was refused a degree because she was a woman, developed the “paired-association” technique, she was the first female president of the American Psychological Association.
  • Maria Root – researches trauma, eating disorders, multiracial identities, and feminist therapy, created the “Bill of Rights for Mixed Heritage” to affirm mixed race identity, she is a trailblazer in the study of multiracial individuals.
  • Alberta Turner – a leading voice in the study of mental health disorders and juvenile delinquency, a civil rights activist who dedicated her career to implementing reforms in the criminal justice field.
  • Leta Stetter Hollingworth – did research on intelligence, gifted children, and women, proving that women were as capable as men “regardless of what time of the month it is”.
  • Karen Horney – refuted Freud’s ideas, brought increased attention on the psychology of women, and introduced the “theory of neurotic need” meaning people are able to take a personal role in their own mental health.
  • Ursula Bellugi – pioneering researcher in language and the effects on the nervous system, demonstrated how American Sign Language (ALS) draws on many of the same areas of the brain as spoken language.
  • Melanie Klein – contributions to the field of play therapy, discovered how children communicate through play.
  • Mamie Phipps Clark – developed the “Clark Doll” test, researched racism’s impact on Black children, and played an important role in the famous 1954 Brown vs. Board of Education case.
  • Florence Denmark – research on violence, prejudice, stereotyping, ethnicity, and gender earned her the role as the leading representative to the United Nations for the International Council of Psychologists and the APA, a founding member of the Association for Women in Psychology in 1969.
  • Naomi Weisstein – her paper called “Psychology Constructs the Female” helped launch the meeting of feminism and academic psychology, a founding member of the Association for Women in Psychology in 1969.
  • Bluma Zeigarnik – established the “Zeigarnik Effect” defined by how people have the tendency to remember information for unfinished tasks while erasing them from memory once the task is done.
  • Margaret Floy Washburn – first woman to earn a PhD in psychology, made strides in the fields of animal cognition and motor theory.
  • Marie Jahoda – trailblazer in the study of racial prejudice, positive mental health, and authoritarian personalities, studied the psychological impact of unemployment, she developed the theory of the “Ideal Mental Health”.
  • Rosa Katz – co-wrote “Conversations with Children” which chronicled more than 150 conversations with children which provided a foundation for the psychology of learning
  • Elizabeth Koppitz – wrote several books that influenced the psychoeducational assessment of children, involved in creation of the “Bender Gestalt Test for Young Children” and the “Psychological Evaluation of Children’s Human Figure Drawings” which are related to learning disabilities and exceptional education
  • Virginia Satir – recognized for her approach to family therapy by pioneering the field of family reconstruction, created the “Virginia Satir Change Process Model.
  • Kay Redfield Jamison – work centers on bipolar disorder, authored a number of books about mood disorders, suicide, mania, depression, named by Time Magazine as a “Hero of Medicine” as a clinical psychologist.
  • Carol Gilligan – originator of “The Ethics of Care”, best known for her work on ethical community and ethical relationships, in 1996 she was named by Time as one of America’s top 25 most influential people.
  • Francine Shapiro – originated and developed eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) which is a form of psychotherapy for resolving the symptoms of traumatic and other disturbing life experiences.
  • Julie Schwartz Gottman – co-founder of the Gottman Institute which is an organization dedicated to strengthening relationships through research based products and programs, co-creator of the “Sound Relationship House Theory”
  • Jennifer Lynn Eberhardt – investigates and researches the psychological association between race and crime which reveals the extent to which racial imagery and judgments impact our culture and society, specifically in the domain of criminal justice.

Learn More About These Women: 

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Life Transitions

Jaclyn Baker
,

By: Betsy Pownall

There are these moments in our lives where we are fully aware that an abrupt transition is taking place, the death of hope, the birth of a new idea. The death of a leader, the birth of new leadership. The death of a loved one, the birth of a baby. And meanwhile, we live our lives bookended by the greatest transitions of all: birth and death. Both events require a profound letting go, and both hold with them our humanity. And between the bookends we live, going through transitions, some big, some small, but growing nonetheless.

These transitions quietly whisper into our lives. We may not realize it at the time, but something in us is changing. Our body is changing. Our soul is changing. What used to be humorous, may no longer be. Where once we felt loud, we may feel quiet. Such is the process of aging.

Aging is an organic process of growth. And the trick for us humans is to lean into our aging process, but not too far. You don’t want to age yourself out too young, and you don’t want to deny aging, as that can be perilous.

My father, who had a slow onset kind of Parkinson’s, would walk with a ski pole when we hiked into the mountain village, where he lived. As we approached the bridge that led into town, he would hide his ski pole before crossing. I would walk closely beside him as we crossed the bridge. He would say I was too worried about him. I would think, “I hope he doesn’t fall.” 

Studies have shown an association between older people’s negative attitudes about aging and cardiovascular problems such as strokes and heart attacks, and with mental health issues, such as depression and anxiety. People who have a more positive outlook on aging do better on memory and hearing tests, have better physical function, recover from injury more quickly, and live longer.

There is honor in aging. An 85 -year-old has been on this earth for many years. Their body has carried them more or less to their 85th year. That, in itself, is profound. And yet, our culture isolates older adults. Older adults isolate themselves. There is segregation in the American Culture around aging, fueled by early retirement, age-specific housing, and a decline in social organization involvement. Our attitudes toward aging start when we are young. We were taught how to treat aging adults through our culture and our family system. And, our attitudes can change. It has been shown that programs that foster intergenerational understanding and experience have helped foster improved attitudes in both young and old participants.  Intergenerational programs can include toddlers playing with older adults, school-age children working with university students on climate change, Etc. 

A recent analysis of 23 intergenerational programs from nine countries found less depression, better physical health and increased “generativity” among aging adults. and increased “generativity” among aging adults. (Generativity refers to the desire to leave a legacy; a need to assist young people to create a better future that the aging adult won’t live to see.)

When I was young, I didn’t want to grow old. It didn’t mean I wanted to die, I just didn’t want to be old. Now that I am nearing retirement age, I have a dream that I will age gracefully. This will be challenging, though. The other day my daughter asked to carry something for me “because it was too heavy”. The back of my neck bristled and I wanted to say loudly, “I’m not old, yet!” Instead, I took a deep breath and said, “Thank you.”

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