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History of the Black Community in Altadena, California

Jaclyn Baker

By: Christy Maeder

Altadena, California, nestled in the foothills of the San Gabriel Mountains, has a rich and diverse history, with the Black community playing a significant role in shaping its cultural and social landscape. In the early 20th century, Altadena became a haven for African American families seeking refuge from the restrictive housing covenants and segregationist policies prevalent in neighboring Pasadena and Los Angeles. The area offered a semi-rural environment with larger plots of land, allowing Black families to establish roots, build homes, and create a sense of community. 

For generations, Altadena served as a refuge for Black Americans looking to escape the Jim Crow South and the discriminatory land ownership practices pervasive in so many other communities in California. As such, it became a haven for Black families and an exemplar of the power of generational wealth in the Black community. Over time, Altadena became known for its vibrant cultural contributions, strong neighborhood bonds, and active civic engagement, with local leaders championing civil rights and community development.

The Black heritage in Altadena is reflected in landmarks like the historic Zane Grey Estate, which, while originally belonging to the famous author, later became symbolic of the diverse, creative community that flourished in the area. Community hubs such as the Altadena Community Center and the local chapters of organizations like the NAACP have long served as spaces for advocacy, cultural events, and social support. 

The annual “Altadena Heritage Celebration” often highlights the contributions of Black artists, educators, and civic leaders, reinforcing the importance of preserving these legacies.

The Eaton Canyon area, a natural landmark near Altadena, has long been a cherished space for recreation and connection to the natural environment for the community. However, the recent Eaton Fire has had a profound impact on the region, threatening not just the physical landscape but also the historical and emotional ties that residents have with the land. 

Wildfires in California are becoming increasingly frequent and intense due to climate change, and for communities like Altadena, the devastation reaches beyond environmental loss—it disrupts the historical continuity and sense of place that generations have cultivated.

The fire’s aftermath has revealed disparities in resources and recovery efforts, often hitting marginalized communities harder. For many Black families in Altadena, whose generational ties to the area are both a source of pride and resilience, the destruction caused by the Eaton Fire represents a new challenge in preserving their homes, heritage, and local landmarks. The damage to natural spaces like hiking trails and historical sites not only affects daily life and recreation, but also threatens cultural memory and community gatherings that have been integral to Altadena’s identity.

Despite these challenges, the community has shown remarkable resilience. Local organizations, neighborhood groups, and civic leaders are working together to support recovery efforts, rebuild homes, and restore the natural environment. The Eaton Fire, while devastating, has also reignited a sense of solidarity among Altadena’s residents, highlighting the enduring strength and unity of its Black community in the face of adversity. I

In the wake of the Eaton Fire, people can support Black families and the broader community by contributing to local recovery funds, volunteering with neighborhood rebuilding efforts, and advocating for equitable distribution of resources to ensure marginalized communities are not left behind in disaster recovery plans. People can help Black families in Altadena, California affected by the Eaton Fire by donating to their GoFundMe pages or to Black Lives Matter Los Angeles. People can also volunteer or donate to organizations that help wildfire victims.

Donate

Donate directly to the GoFundMe pages of Black families affected by the Eaton Fire

Donate directly to the Fundraiser by Melina Abdullah : Black Lives Matter – Los Angeles

Donate to the Red Cross or call 1-800-RED CROSS (800-733-2767), or text CAWILDFIRES to 90999

Donate to Direct Relief, which provides emergency funding, medical aid, and solar power to wildfire victims

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Feeling Good as Political Resistance

Jaclyn Baker
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By: Emi Gilbert 

For many of us, our current political climate has provoked a nervous system state of defeat and numbness. In polyvagal terms, a common response to current events has been a “dorsal vagal shutdown,” in which we are immobilized, collapsed, and frozen. 

Unfortunately, this frozenness is the exact type of response that benefits oppressive systems, keeping the marginalized silent and without the energy to resist.

So how can we reconnect with our bodies and transform “immobilization” into “mobilization”? Adrienne Maree Brown, a Black feminist activist and writer, compiled a collection of essays in Pleasure Activism: The Politics of Feeling Good (2019). In it, she argues that experiencing pleasure (such as through friendship, community, sexuality, and intimacy) is a form of active resistance. When the grand political environment feels so dire, many of us feel a sense of guilt or shame when experiencing pleasure. Brown instead insists that feeling pleasure fosters a sense of “aliveness” that is inherently powerful. 

At the very least, Brown frames pleasure as harm reduction within an oppressive society, mitigating the dehumanizing effects of marginalization. 

Brown’s philosophy is not new. She quotes Audre Lorde (another Black feminist activist), who stated that self-care is “not self-indulgence; it is self-preservation, and that is an act of political warfare.”

In practical terms, Brown encourages using somatic exercises to tune into our bodies and understand what brings us a sense of “yes.” A few other practical principles include:

  •       Meditating
  •       Keeping a “pleasure journal” of what brings you joy
  •       Laughter, dance, singing, and food
  •       Setting boundaries and “only saying yes when you mean it.”
  •       Investing in relationships

For more ideas, see Brown, A. M. (2019) Pleasure Activism: The Politics of feeling good. AK Press.

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Embracing Simplicity: How Mindfulness Clears Mental Clutter

Jaclyn Baker

We’re constantly overwhelmed by thoughts, judgments, and distractions. This mental clutter often pulls us away from the present moment. But according to mindfulness expert Andrew Olendzki, embracing simplicity through mindfulness can help us reconnect with a peaceful, clear state of awareness.

Why Our Minds Overcomplicate

The human mind has a natural tendency to overcomplicate even simple experiences. In Buddhist teachings, this is called papanca—when we layer thoughts, judgments, and stories over basic feelings or sensations. For example, a simple feeling of discomfort can spiral into an anxious narrative, adding more mental stress.

The Power of Subtraction: Mindfulness Simplifies the Mind

Meditation and mindfulness practice help us strip away unnecessary thoughts, bringing us back to the present moment. By focusing on simple things like our breath, we create space between thoughts and allow ourselves to experience life directly, without overthinking or analyzing.

Mindfulness Through the Six Senses

One way to break free from mental clutter is through the six senses: sight, sound, taste, touch, smell, and thought. Most of the time, we’re focused on thinking, but mindfulness helps us engage with our senses in a more meaningful way, whether by noticing the texture of something we’re holding or the sound of birds singing.

A Radical Simplicity

By practicing mindfulness, we find that the simplicity of just being aware is incredibly powerful. It’s not about achieving some mystical state—it’s about returning to a state of clear, undistracted awareness that’s always available to us.

How to Get Started

You don’t need complicated rituals to practice mindfulness. Start by noticing moments of stillness throughout your day, like the space between thoughts or the sensation of your breath. This simple awareness brings peace and clarity, helping you reconnect with the present moment.

Start today – embrace the gift of simplicity and enjoy a more transparent, more mindful life.

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How Your Thoughts Shape Your Reality

Jaclyn Baker

Your thoughts shape your reality more than you may realize. The way you perceive the world around you is largely influenced by your mindset. In fact, your perspective is the filter through which you experience life, and this filter is something you can change. Here’s how understanding the power of your thoughts can transform your reality.

The Power of Perspective

Have you ever noticed how two people can experience the same situation completely differently? For example, a lottery winner might expect happiness but find that old worries and insecurities persist. The same applies to any situation—a couple on a beautiful vacation might feel blissful, while another couple in the same place might be frustrated or upset.

This difference stems from cognitive biases, such as:

  • Negativity Bias: Focusing on the negatives, even in positive situations.
  • Emotional Coloring: Our moods affect how we see things.
  • Beliefs and Expectations: Preconceived notions shape how we interpret events.

These biases can distort your reality, but you have the power to reshape them.

How to Transform Your Reality

Cultivate Mindfulness

By being present and observing your thoughts without judgment, you can begin to identify and change negative thought patterns.

Practice Cognitive Reappraisal

When faced with negative thoughts, reframe them. Instead of focusing on the anger someone cut you off in traffic, think about other possible reasons behind their actions—like rushing to an emergency.

Embrace Gratitude

Focusing on the positive aspects of your life can shift your mindset from scarcity to abundance, helping you feel more fulfilled and joyful.

The Benefits of Changing Your Thoughts

By shifting your perspective, you’ll experience:

  • Less Stress: Reducing negative thinking helps manage anxiety and stress.
  • Better Relationships: Positive thinking fosters compassion and deeper connections.
  • Increased Happiness: Focusing on what’s good in your life makes everyday moments more meaningful.
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How to Start Your Day Right and Transform Your Life

Jaclyn Baker

The way you begin your day can shape the rest of it. A mindful morning sets the tone for a more purposeful, focused, and fulfilling day. Here’s how to wake up to a better life.

Why Your Morning Matters

Starting your day with intention can help you navigate challenges and make the most of your time. Instead of rushing out of bed or diving into your to-do list, take a moment to pause and check in with yourself. How does your body feel? How’s your mind? This simple act of awareness can ground you and set a positive tone for the day ahead.

Set Positive Intentions

When you wake up, think about what you want to achieve or experience today. Focus on what’s important to you and set a positive intention. Instead of saying, “I won’t stress today,” try, “I will stay calm and focused.” This slight shift can guide you through challenges and keep you aligned with your values.

Align with Your Values

Take a moment each morning to think about what truly matters to you. Whether it’s being kinder, more creative, or taking care of your health, make a commitment to yourself about how you want to show up that day. These small intentions can help you stay grounded and purposeful throughout the day.

A Real-Life Example

Take Sam, a nurse who was stuck in unhealthy habits. After long shifts, he’d turn to gaming to escape, but it left him drained. He decided to change one thing: starting his mornings with a healthy breakfast. This small act gave him more energy and focus for the day, showing how small changes can make a significant impact.

The Bigger Picture

When you start your day with mindfulness, it affects everything around you—your relationships, work, and overall well-being. Being intentional with your mornings helps you show up more present and positive, making a difference in the lives of those around you.

Conclusion

Starting your day right isn’t just about feeling good in the moment—it sets the stage for a life that’s more aligned with your values and full of purpose. Whether it’s taking a few deep breaths or setting a simple intention, a mindful morning can transform your life. So, how will you start your day today?



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Avoid This Common Boundary-Setting Mistake: 6 Steps to Boundaries That Stick

Jaclyn Baker
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Setting healthy boundaries is crucial for maintaining respect and connection in relationships. However, many people confuse setting boundaries with making requests, demands, or complaints. So, how can you set boundaries that actually stick? Here’s a quick guide to help you navigate this important skill.

What’s the Difference Between Boundaries and Other Communication Tactics?

  • Complaints express dissatisfaction but don’t suggest a solution.
  • Demands try to control others and expect compliance.
  • Requests ask for something respectfully but leave room for the other person’s choice.
  • Boundaries focus on your actions—what you will or won’t tolerate.

A healthy boundary makes it clear what you will do to protect yourself without relying on others to change.

6 Steps to Set Boundaries That Stick

Find Your Big Why: Identify why the boundary is important. What will change for the better once it’s in place?

Define Your Boundary: Clearly state what is OKAY and what isn’t. Example: “If you yell at me, I will take a 15-minute break.”

Anticipate Others’ Reactions: Understand that others may have strong feelings about your boundary. It’s not your job to manage their emotions.

Anticipate Your Own Reactions: Prepare for how you’ll respond if someone challenges your boundary. Stay calm and aligned with your values.

Create a Self-Soothing Plan: Have a strategy to calm yourself if boundary-setting feels overwhelming. Deep breaths or a mantra can help.

Say It and Follow Through: Once you’ve set the boundary, don’t apologize or over-explain. Just state it kindly and stick to it.

Why Boundaries Matter

Setting boundaries is an act of self-respect and self-care. It helps you feel safe, connected, and empowered in your relationships. By following these 6 steps, you’ll ensure that your boundaries are clear, actionable, and respected.

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How to Sit With Feelings

Jaclyn Baker

There is a lot of cultural focus on the New Year being “happy” and ‘looking forward to the New Year.’ But, what if you aren’t looking forward to 2025? What happens if you feel difficult emotions, while all around you people are celebrating the New Year? Here are some ideas of how to cope with painful, difficult emotions:  

  1. Reflect on some of the reasons you are feeling painful emotions and label them. Dread? Fear? Ennui? Helplessness?
  2. Remind yourself that it is okay and very authentic to not be excited about the New Year.
  3. Focus on self-care and self-compassion. You don’t need to make resolutions. You don’t need to “celebrate”.
  4. Focus on not trying to fix or judge your feelings. As kids, most of us have been taught by peers/parents/teachers to ‘shut down’ or ‘solve’ our feelings, rather than sitting with them and honoring them in a productive, kind way. By shutting down and silencing ourselves we are taking care of everyone else. By allowing ourselves to sit with our difficult emotions and giving ourselves permission to feel differently than the group at large we are taking care of ourselves.
  5. ‘Judge and Observer’:  I teach my clients, a way to view two ways of addressing our feelings;

Judge: a harsh reaction to how we feel (i.e.: should-statements, shutting down, telling self “I should be happy”; “I need to stop crying”; “What’s wrong with me”)

Observer: seeing our feelings through a neutral lens, as if we’re a camera and simply viewing and narrating how we feel (i.e.: using the Emotion Wheel to identify and neutrally call out “I feel sad and that’s okay”; “I feel angry and scared, and it’s okay to feel both”)

  1. Engage in tools and apps and other resources:

Emotion Wheel: I love handing out the Emotion Wheel to clients who are building emotional regulation and mindfulness skills, reminding them to not try to fix/judge after they identify them, but rather see how our values can line up with actionable goals (i.e.: I feel sad and scared for my community, I value my sense of togetherness and support with them, I can go volunteer, talk to friends, donate, etc)

‘Both/And’ statements: to manage mixed emotions in the new year (i.e.: “I feel sad that I’m going home, and I am looking forward to getting back into my routine”)

The “Finch” app: (mood tracking and habit-building) is one of my favorites to suggest to clients who are learning to be kinder to themselves 

“Headspace” and “Calm” meditation apps: for moments of ‘negative space’ 

(disconnecting from screens and taking breaks from overstimulating environments at work, school, and social media – a time to just sit and breathe and notice what you’re thinking)

Here Comes A Thought song for distressing thoughts & utilizing mindfulness

Have a grounded, present, and authentic New Year.



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Small Things You Can Do

Jaclyn Baker

In times of community stress or grief, things can feel overwhelming.  You might feel as if there is a little you can do to bring about change.  During these times, focusing on small ways to engage in your community that can also  have an impact can help your community as well as help you feel better.

There are countless ways to make small, sustainable, and positive impacts in our Eugene and Portland communities. One way to make a difference is by volunteering with local organizations that support vulnerable populations. For example, in Eugene you could assist at Food for Lane County or Burrito Brigade, which provides meals to those in need, or volunteer with shelters like St. Vincent de Paul to support unhoused individuals. In Portland, the Oregon Food Bank has many volunteer opportunities, as does the Portland Rescue Mission, which provides clothing, food, shelter, and many other services to those struggling with hunger, homelessness, and addiction.  Engaging with these organizations not only meets immediate needs but also fosters a sense of connection and compassion in the community.

It’s also important to take care of yourself. Even little things can help in big ways.

Allow Time: Just like any grief process, healing takes time. Remind yourself that your feelings are valid and that it’s okay to take the time you need to process them.

Practice Mindfulness or Meditative Practices: Breathing exercises, meditation, or yoga can calm the nervous system and help you process emotions without becoming overwhelmed by them.

Stay Engaged: If part of your grief is a sense of powerlessness, channeling your energy into constructive action can help. Consider volunteering, joining organizations, or supporting causes that align with your values.

Find Community: Sharing your feelings with trusted friends or family members can be very healing. Knowing others feel similarly can ease feelings of isolation and bring you support.

Focus on Self-Care: Engaging in activities that make you feel grounded can be helpful. This could mean taking breaks from the news, limiting social media, or spending time outdoors.

Acknowledge Your Emotions: It’s okay to feel sadness, anger, disappointment, or even fear. Giving yourself permission to feel these emotions, without judgment, is the first step in processing them.

Environmental stewardship is another area where you can create lasting change. Participating in neighborhood clean-ups, planting trees with Friends of Trees (Eugene), or joining advocacy efforts for climate action are all meaningful ways to protect the region’s natural beauty. Oregon’s proximity to outdoor recreation areas also means that preserving trails and waterways through organizations like the McKenzie River Trust can significantly impact local ecosystems and residents’ quality of life.

 Lastly, fostering a sense of community through civic engagement and education is a powerful way to contribute. Attending city council meetings, advocating for policies that reflect community values, or starting grassroots initiatives can help shape our future. You might also mentor youth through programs like the Boys & Girls Club, Youth Empowerment Services (PDX), Ophelia’s Place (EUG), and Transponder (EUG). These efforts not only strengthen the social fabric but also empower others to join in making our communities a more inclusive and vibrant place to live.

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Tragic Optimism

Jaclyn Baker

By: Betsy Pownall

Tragic optimism, as defined by Dr. Victor Frankl, a Holocaust survivor and psychiatrist/psychologist in his book, Man’s Search for Meaning is acknowledging, accepting, and expecting that life will be painful. Frankl believes there are three tragedies that, by being alive, everyone faces:

  1. Pain, because we are living beings.
  2. Guilt, because we make choices and feel responsible when things don’t go our way.
  3. Loss, because life is impermanent.

If we believe we have a right and an entitlement to be happy, we will suffer in the face of despair, troubling times, natural disasters, and personal tragedies. However, if we allow ourselves to go through hard times without going into denial, we can find our resilience. 

In his essay, How Not to Fall Into Despair (New York Times 11-29-2024), Brad Stulberg writes about despair, tragic optimism, and resilience,  following his experience of environmental, personal, and political loss. Stulberg believes that toxic positivity and excessive despair/pessimism keep us from taking responsibility for our lives. With toxic positivity, one denies anything is wrong. With excessive despair, one believes everything is pointless. Both are forms of denial. Stuhlberg suggests that “between the two poles exists a third way; committing to wise hope and wise action”.

Stuhlberg describes wise hope and wise action as:

  1. Accepting a situation and seeing it for what it is.
  2. Gathering strength, courage and resolve within ourselves.
  3. Focusing on what we can control.
  4. Reminding ourselves we have faced challenges before.
  5. Moving forward because there is no other option.
  6. “Recognizing that we maintain agency fuels hope, and maintaining hope reminds us that we have agency”.

Stuhlberg describes the core factors of resilience as:

  1. Leaning into community.
  2. Being kind to yourself
  3. Finding small ways to support your mental health
  4. Allowing yourself to feel sadness, loss and hope
  5. Allow yourself to feel commitment.

“At a moment when it can seem that all is lost, we’d be wise to embrace tragic optimism, wise hope and wise action….,” Stuhlberg writes, “these attitudes and skills, and our willingness to adopt and practice them, are essential not only to our individual resilience, but that of our communities. We need both now”.

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New Years

Jaclyn Baker

It all feels rushed looking forward to all the plans to make the goals I’m told to set. So instead I decide to take a breath and stop to acknowledge what I’m leaving behind.

One of my favorite ways to start the morning is by sitting outside on my balcony with my dog, Miso. When I can manage it (because I am definitely a night owl), I like to wake up a bit earlier and revel in the peace that comes with the morning time. 

I like to sit and listen to the wind, the birds, the airplanes flying by, and really anything that helps me take in the moment. I find this is a great time for reflection, whether it’s about the day ahead, the previous day, or any thoughts coming up for me that morning. 

A few mornings ago while I was sitting outside with Miso, I witnessed a fellow dog owner walking their dog and incorporating some training. If you’re familiar with reactive dogs, you might know that early mornings are a good time to practice training outside to help your dog get used to outdoor environments while others are not around.

I felt very lucky in this moment to witness the love and care that this person was showing to their dog, and it reminded me of the times that it was me in that position. When I adopted Miso, he struggled with fear-based reactivity, which showed up in his fear of noises and other people. Watching this person in the early stages of training reminded me of all the stops and starts that Miso and I had and how far we’ve come. 

I started thinking about how he used to not trust other people and how now he says hello to strangers and expects to be petted. We have done so much work and training together and while Miso still has his moments, he has grown in many ways. In the early stages of training, I would look forward to the time when he would be able to meet another person without growling or being scared. I don’t think I can appreciate that we are indeed at that point (yay!), without also acknowledging all that we’ve worked on this year. 

Sometimes we cannot fully see forward until we take a moment to stop and look backward. With the start of the new year, it can feel overwhelming and daunting to think about change, goals, and intentions to set, especially when we hear the phrases “new year, new me” and “what are your new year’s resolutions?” 

But it might be worth thinking about the fact that maybe the start of looking forward begins with looking backwards. If you were to slow down and look back at this past year, what would come up for you? In what ways have you changed, grown, and been shaped? 

What would you like to leave in the past year? Are there things that you’ve learned that you want to take with you? 

If you are feeling overwhelmed with the new year, I encourage you to be gentle with yourself and to take a moment to stop and look back because that might be the clearest way for you to see forward.

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6 Powerful New Year’s Resolutions to Unlock Hidden Opportunities in 2025

Jaclyn Baker

Tired of setting New Year’s resolutions that don’t stick? In 2025, try a different approach—one that focuses on preparing for opportunities you don’t yet know exist. Inspired by Happenstance Theory, these resolutions aren’t about rigid goals, but about opening yourself up to growth and unexpected success. Here are six resolutions that will help you embrace the unknown and make the most of life’s hidden opportunities.

Embrace Uncertainty

Instead of fearing the unknown, lean into it. The most exciting opportunities often arise when you step outside your comfort zone. Resolve to be more open to new experiences and embrace uncertainty as an avenue for growth.

Stay Curious

Curiosity drives discovery. Make it a goal to ask more questions, explore new ideas, and push yourself to learn. This mindset will open doors to opportunities you might have missed otherwise.

Beat Self-Doubt

Overcome negative thoughts by believing in your potential. Confidence builds with action—so even if you’re unsure, push forward. You’ll find opportunities you never thought possible.

Build Real Connections

It’s not about how many followers you have; it’s about the quality of your relationships. Focus on building meaningful, supportive connections that can offer new opportunities and guidance.

Stay Flexible

Adaptability is key to thriving in a constantly changing world. Stay protean—like the Greek god Proteus—and be ready to adjust your approach when new opportunities come knocking.

Be Tenacious

Failure is part of the journey. Make it your resolution to keep going even when things don’t go as planned. Resilience is what leads to long-term success.

Ready for 2025?

This New Year, ditch traditional resolutions and resolve to be open to whatever comes your way. By preparing for unexpected opportunities, you’ll create your own luck and set yourself up for success in 2025 and beyond.

 

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How to Slow Down in 2025: 4 Simple Tips

Jaclyn Baker

Here are four practical ways to slow down in 2025:

Try New Experiences

New experiences make time feel more expansive. When you explore unfamiliar places or try new activities, your brain processes more information, making time seem to slow down. Travel, learn a new hobby, or challenge yourself with fresh experiences to make the year feel longer.

Be Present

Time flies when you’re on autopilot. To slow it down, practice mindfulness. Focus on the present moment—whether you’re walking, eating, or chatting with friends. By being more aware, you’ll make everyday moments feel richer and more memorable.

Limit Passive Entertainment

Binge-watching TV shows or endlessly scrolling through social media can make time disappear. Instead, engage in active experiences like walking, exploring new places, or socializing. These activities encourage mindfulness and make time feel more substantial.

Meditate

Research shows that meditation can make time feel slower. By practicing mindfulness daily, you become more aware of the present moment, which reduces the feeling of time rushing by. Start with just 10 minutes a day to improve your time perception.

By embracing new experiences, practicing mindfulness, reducing passive activities, and meditating, you can make 2025 feel longer and more fulfilling. Try these simple strategies to slow down time and make the year ahead truly memorable.

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