For a number of years after my mother died I found myself dreading the winter holiday season. When I was growing up, the “Christmas” season at my house was always a big deal so I had many warm and nurturing memories of that time of year. Then when my mother was gone , my instinct was to avoid all reminders of the season…including all the festive decorations and allusions to “The most wonderful time of the year” I wanted to escape and go “numb” Unfortunately, “going numb” was exactly what happened. I discovered that when I shut down feelings of grief and loss, I also shut down the possibility of feeling anything at all. I began to feel empty and lonely. Eventually I dealt with my grief, and I “reimagined” the holiday season.

As the holidays approach in the time of Covid, I’m discovering that I have similar feelings of wanting to escape…to just “go away”. I’m aware that these holidays will not be the same. There will likely be no large gatherings of friends and family, and no physical contact.

This time though, I’m making a different decision about how to handle my emotional life. I’m naming the grief and I’m feeling the grief. All feelings are allowed and acknowledged as I make plans for Zoom get togethers and “socially” distanced events. I’m gathering together and sharing pictures and memories of holiday parties from the past. Now I’m sharing my feelings and finding great comfort in the reality that I am not alone. In these uncertain times in particular…none of us are alone.

So, here is the interesting thing I’ve discovered once again. Its not the “feelings” themselves that are unbearable. Its actually the “fear” of feeling the feelings that create an anxiety that is unendingly unbearable. This is because anxiety feeds on itself…especially when feelings are repressed and avoided.

So…I invite you to welcome your feelings. Write them down, or allow them to arise in meditation. Most importantly, share them. As I discovered, escaping feelings through self- isolation never works.
The expression “what is shareable, is bearable” was never more true than it is today

The workshop series is co-led by Health and Life coach Jeanette Shaub, and therapeutic relationship coach Leslie Kays.

If you are finding yourself overwhelmed lately as you navigate finding your “ new normal” during the pandemic, this workshop series is for you.

During the course of the series, Leslie and Jeanette will be offering specific tools for handling anxiety and the stress that often manifests in our bodies.

We will also be offering specific communication tools that can be used to facilitate effective authentic communication between you and your family members, friends, and co-workers during a time when everyone is stressed.

You will come away with a renewed sense of confidence, armed with new skills that we will have practiced in the group.

Jeanette and Leslie envision the workshop series as supportive, lively,and interactive . Please join us!

Zoom meetings
Aug 13, Aug 20, Aug 27, Sept 10
Time.. 11:30- 1pm

Please email lkaysmft@gmail.com for more info and the Zoom link
Workshop attendees will be offered opportunities to work with either Leslie Kays or Jeanette Shaub at a discounted rate If they should so choose at the completion of the series.

Why Relationships Are Important To Your Health

The latest AARP bulletin identifies  “loneliness” as a growing epidemic among our elder population.   During the holidays, when the emphasis is put so squarely on connecting with family and friends, its important to remember that not all of us are spending time in the safe and warm cocoon of these vital connections.  Research on physical and emotional “well being” and longevity strongly points to the importance of human relationships as the glue that holds us all together. This “glue” refers to our friendships, our families, and our most intimate romantic connections. Simply put…humans are “social” creatures from cradle to grave.  When we are deprived of close physical and emotional relationships, the body begins to shut down and there is a “failure to thrive” that is evident at a cellular level in humans.  Our immune systems are compromised and we may succumb to opportunistic infections and maladies. 

What Can Be Done To Combat Isolation in Others and Ourselves?

1. The first step is just simple awareness of feeling “alone” and isolated.  The definition of “loneliness” does not necessarily mean that you are always lonely when you are alone. The subjective “feeling” of loneliness is much more about feeling disconnected and misunderstood even when you are physically connected to another person. We are familiar with the concept of a “lonely” marriage for example.

• If you find yourself consistently lonely weather or not you have people around you…start researching groups or locations where you might find like-minded people.  It could be anything…doesn’t matter.  If you’re finding it difficult to find your “tribe”…it might be because you have not spent enough time building a relationship with yourself.  Who are you? What do you like? What kinds of activities bring you joy and fulfillment? Begin slowly conversing with people as you engage in activities.  It gets easier and easier.

•  Are there people from your past who you’ve lost touch with?  If so.. Spend some time rediscovering them.  In the process. You will rediscover yourself.

•  Last but not least…offer yourself up as a volunteer with others who are lonely.  Volunteer in a Senior Center or Assisted care facility.  You will find it enormously rewarding.

Just remember…its never too late to nurture an active and fulfilling social life.  You won’t regret it!

A week ago I was walking casually through Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington Virginia when I made an unexpected discovery. Without any intention whatsoever, I ran across the gravestone of my Great Grandfather Augustus Fechteler. (pictured here) I was stunned.

I knew, of course, in a vague and abstract way that I had a great grandfather who was an Admiral in the US Navy, but I just was not expecting such concrete evidence at this particular moment.

It got me to thinking…

All of us have a past. It stretches out untold generations before we were born. Likewise…we all have a future. We may have children who will have children…but even if this is not the case we all have pieces of ourselves that continue on..long after we are no longer physically present. We leave traces of ourselves…always.

The truth of our enduring continuity as a ‘human” family strikes me this Memorial Day weekend as simple and yet incredibly profound. It reminds me that the totality of life extends way beyond my small occupancy in time and space.

I take comfort in this truth, and yet feel awed by a sense of responsibility to all who come after me. The beauty I see all around me is, after all, at least in part attributable to all of my ancestors.

I hope I can be worthy of this responsibility.

Thank you greatgrandfather Fechteler for your part in making my life possible

This Thanksgiving I want to give a giant “Shout Out” of thanks to the “Best” of my Best friends. So, who are these people? Over the years I have evolved a definition for exactly who they are, and who they are not. Here is what I have come up with: 

1. I may have known you for a very short time, or for a very long time. Regardless of this, I know that you “see” me in the very fullest sense of this word. In your “seeing” of me you convey to me through word and deed that you “accept” all that you see.
2. I understand, and I would like you to understand that fully “seeing” me does not mean that you always agree with me, or that you agree with a particular course of action I may have taken. Quite the contrary, I value you, and would hope that you value me for having the courage to tell me when you feel I am “off course”. I want to know when something I do or say does not “align” with who you think I am. I want to do the same for you. I want to know if I have “hurt” you in anyway….knowingly or unknowingly.
3. Please do not ignore me when I have displeased or hurt you. Nothing is more insulting or “relationship killing” than a complete lack of communication when there has been a breach in our relationship. Even if you can’t talk to me right now, just tell me that. I can deal with that, rather than the feeling that I am invisible and have no impact on you. If you are doing this to punish me, then you have achieved your purpose, but you have also damaged our relationship.
4. I find myself wanting to say “please don’t judge me”, but I catch myself wanting to amend this understandable sentiment. Lets be real. Let’s be authentic. You will judge me. I will judge you. Maybe the word “judgement” is the problem. What I want from you is an honest assessment, lovingly delivered, of how I “come across” from your standpoint. I want to know if you are concerned about this. Please…be my mirror…when my own mirror has become clouded or distorted. I will do the same for you. You have my word.

So, that’s it…my list of four essential characteristics of relationships in my life that have nurtured and sustained me. These are the resilient relationships I treasure. They are the ones that last and last, and are unaffected by the boundaries of time and space. I feel the lasting impact, even after death separates me physically from my loved one.

My wish for everyone is to have at least a few of these deep, connecting, and sustaining relationships in your life. You can never have too many, but you need at least a few

On Sunday October 30^th I attended the “Celebration Of Life” for a good friend and spiritual mentor, Dee Clutts. Dee made her transition on October 16^th 2016.

The service was a beautiful, sacred, and inspirational coming together of Dee’s friends, family, and spiritual community. We were all there to honor and remember Dee, and this we did…through singing songs, telling stories, and prayer.

Reflecting upon Dees service in the days following, I realized that it had a purpose which was far greater than remembering and honoring Dee. In that holy place of gathering last Sunday, we were actually invoking Dee’s very presence, and affirming our relationship to her…both individually and collectively.

Yes…..Dee was there. The stories that were told about Dee’s tendency to “control” her environment, the songs that Dee loved, and the biblical passages and poems were all manifestations of Dee herself. She was there.

So….why is it important? Why is it important to invoke the presence of people, ( and other living beings) even when they are no longer with us in the physical form?

In my view the invocation is what creates the relationship within us. If we feel the presence, that means it exists for us, and there is truly no death ever for relationships that we chose to breathe life into.

Such relationships transcend the constraints of time and space, and can be nurtured by our attention to them in the quiet recesses of our hearts. We can call upon the wisdom and love we felt in these relationships whenever we want.

So…that’s where you are for me now, beloved Dee. You are safely tucked into my heart where I see you and feel you still.

Thank you for the gift of your presence

I am not a fan of Donald Trump. I could use more colorful language but I think this captures my feelings accurately enough. Having said it, however, I’ve realized something pretty significant in the last couple of weeks. Bear with me on this.   Here goes:

In an odd, completely surprising and unexpected way, I am grateful that Mr. Trump has emerged out of the political and cultural landscape at this time. Why?

Well, first of all, I should offer the caveat that I can only say this because I have complete confidence that “The Donald” will not be president. If I’m wrong on this, all bets are off.

But, if I’m right I think the “fallout” from the Trump presidential campaign may be one of the best things that has happened in American culture in my lifetime.

In my view, this is because in Donald Trump we have such a clear and blatant “mirror” for so many things in the American character that are despicable and repugnant. He is helping us to see this part of our character so clearly that the reflection is unavoidable

Think of it. Where else, in one single “package” of a person can we find the absolute penultimate of conspicuous consumption, racism, sexism, rape culture, misogyny, and narcissism? It may exist, but not in the public spotlight, as he does.

And best of all…. its all right there! It’s not hidden, or disguised, but instead blasted right into our lives in away that cannot be avoided. Thank you for that Donald Trump. Because of your compete lack of shame or even awareness of your negative impact on people, we can’t help but react to you and reflect upon everything you represent. Each time you open your mouth, it just gets worse

So, why is this good? In my view it’s good because it is forcing us in this country to WAKE UP!  

Okay, okay…I will amend that. Some of us are not waking up, but rather “doubling down” on all the regressive, fascistic, rhetoric that at best is ludicrous, and at worst is a threat to our hard won democracy..

Be that as it may, I’m finding myself hopeful that the scary stuff will eventually die down and a better America will emerge. The pendulum will swing back to a reasonable place.

I believe this most strongly when I listen to Michelle Obama with her articulate and impassioned speeches about all that Trump represents. All the horror and threat of them. Would she have spoken with such passion and authenticity if there had been no Trump for her to react to? I wonder. For myself, I know that Michelle Obamas words were like a lightening rod for all that I have been feeling about social justice and particularly the oppression of women for many years. She cast a light on my feelings and helped me define them. I will forever thank her for that.

Michelle Obama spoke from her heart and told the truth. In doing so, she challenged men and women alike to speak their truth as well. She challenged us to see the truth of how things are, and how far we have to go. In my view, Michelle Obama delivered a message to everyone that we all have the responsibility to “go high” and live up to the promise of becoming the best that we can be…stronger together and in support of one another.

So, I am feeling the exhilaration and the huge responsibility of my own awakening and I feel grateful, ironically enough, to Donald Trump

Burning Man 2015  The Best And Worst Of Times

A little over one week ago I returned home from Burning Man 2015. This was my second “burn”. I went back to Burning Man this year for many reasons…the creativity, the art,  the opportunity to be fully alive and authentically myself… and the amazing community of likeminded souls…. all of these unique qualities of this experience drew me back. Such an experience is simply not available anywhere else that I know of. That’s why I go. That’s why many go…year after year.

The Worst Of Times

       There is a “catch” though…as I discovered more fully this year. The physical environment on the “playa” at Black Rock City (home of Burning Man) can be quite harsh and unforgiving. Wind and weather patterns are extremely changeable and unpredictable. This year brought with it nightmarish dust storms that occurred with greater frequency than usual…. the worst in 10 years…I was told by the “old timers”. If you have never experienced a “white out” in a dust storm. ..Trust me…. its no fun. The dust kicks up to such a frenzy that you literally cannot see more than a few feet in front of you. All the while you are just staying in one place trying to keep most of it from invading your eyes, mouth, and nose. This you accomplish with face masks, goggles, and scarves. You can do nothing but “wait it out”. Throughout all of the “whiteouts” of Burning Man 2015, I truly wondered about my sanity and judgment. Is this “fun I asked myself? In those moments my feelings were clear. No. This was not fun. This was unmistakably “the worst of times”…until it wasn’t. I will try to explain

Lifting the “veil” to reveal…The Best Of Times

So….here I am right in the midst of a “white out”. My patience is “tried” to the max. I’m miserable… to state it bluntly. Then…. slowly but surely a miracle begins to occur…. within me. Just because I have to…I let go. By this I mean…I just surrender to it. I begin to realize that the swirling dust has a life of its own and I become fascinated by the way it selectively reveals parts of the Playa. It’s a little bit like an “old school” photography darkroom when you watch a photograph begin to emerge in the final “developing” bath. I always thought that process was miraculous. Now it was happening to an entire landscape. There was the Man, and the Temple, and all of the amazing art and all of the unique citizens of Black Rock City. They were all there, hidden beneath the veil of dust that temporarily obscured them.

All Of This Natural and Man Made Wonder and Creativity Was There All Along

The “take away” lesson of 2015 Burning Man has to do with the way life is. Is it not true that in the midst of the “worst of times” for all of us…there is always the possibility, maybe even the inevitability, of a better tomorrow? For me…. it is comforting to imagine that the dust has already cleared in this “as yet unseen” future, and if I can see glimpses of it…even as I am still “suffering”…. I am already co-creating that better future.

I, myself am “lifting the veil”

The Day Of The “Man Burn”….Burning Man 2015

The day the man burned at Burning Man 2015 was an absolutely perfect day. It was a purely and completely blissful day in every imaginable way. From morning till night…there was not a single dust storm and the temperature was ideal.

So…. here is another life’s lesson for me. This perfect day at Burning Man would not have been anywhere near as sweet without the difficult days that preceded it.

That’s just the way it is. How can we possibly appreciate bliss and euphoria if we have not also felt the polar opposite?

Will I go Back To Burning Man?

The truth is…I don’t know. As I contemplate the possibility and remember, the experience calls me back to a place that has become a part of my identity…and that is a strong pull indeed. When you get through the opening gate of Black Rock City you are greeted by greeters who declare “Welcome Home”…and that’s the way it is. If it has seeped into your soul, it simply never leaves.

We’ll see.