This is a time for listening. “Many people, myself included, tend to get defensive when terms like racism and privilege get thrown around. But just like the couples I work with, we have to listen and try to understand how our actions—no matter how innocuous they may seem to us—may be hurtful to a person of color living in a society that rarely takes the Black experience into account. To learn from Tyrea, it was crucial that I listened first. It was my privilege that had me insisting my side of the sweater story needed to be understood first. Thanks to Phil’s firm, loving guidance I was able to listen, and Tyrea was able to listen to me. For it to be the other way around would’ve been a repeat of an old power dynamic. And once again, she would’ve felt betrayed. Achieving this country’s ideal of racial justice and equality will take an ongoing commitment from everyone, but especially those with privilege. We must listen when people of color tell us their experiences. This requires strong leadership but also empathetic healers like therapists, who can share authentic dialogue skills and help us quiet our defenses.” From The Green Sweater by Kevin Roth, LMFT, CAC. #listening #blacklivesmatter #empathy #racialjustice

I SEE COLOR! And I think it is very important to recognize that one's skin color, sexual orientation, gender, and many other things affect our perspective. That means we all have different perspectives. Perspective taking is key to being able to offer empathy, acceptance and forgiveness. If we ignore color then we cannot engage in common humanity which pushes us into victim thinking and defense mode. Without common humanity we also lose our own self compassion. Compassion for others leads to compassion for self. Compassion for anger as well as pain. Please check out my blog for more discussion on the subject. Link in bio. #awareness #georgefloyd #healing #nonjudgment #compassion #courage

Anticipation can keep us from seeing the beauty in the process. As I looked at these peony buds I was thinking I could not wait to see them open. Then I noticed the beauty in the bud. Both are joyful. One full of promise, the next open and ready. #awareness #beauty #peony #anticipation #appreciation

A reminder that it is not easy to do the right thing. There are a lot of choices to be made these days that are going to require integrity. I have noticed that simple things like going to the store are harder than usual. And some things that are hard are also clearly the right thing to do. Let’s all try to be courageous and keep doing the next right thing. #integrity #saferathome #wearthemaskforme #inthistogether #2020willend #brenebrownquotes

Christmas in quarantine! The only puzzle in the house has been conquered. Another stay at home surprise. Missing my peeps and some events but finding some new and revisiting old favorites. #saferathome #physicaldistancing #puzzletime #awareness #karma #findthepositive #embracethejourney

Look what came in the mail today! So excited to check out this little piece of work by my remarkable friend and Daring Way colleague @charityspeakinglife. I have no doubt that her passion, grace and resilience will shine through every page. Thanks @brenebrown for bringing Charity into my world and inspiring her to speak her truth and change the world. #getupandbebrave #inspiration #smallpackages #supportyourfriends #liftthemup

The sky looks like an Italian painting tonight. Grateful that small beautiful moments still occur amidst pain and sadness. Keep looking up and forward and for small treasures. #awareness #mindfulness #yinyang #beforethestorm #gratitude

A little morning time visit with the world and @scoutanooga. Nature is both the chaos and the calm. Remembering that the two can be wrapped up together and still be wonderful. Today I’m going to be better about keeping chaos and calm in balance. Taking what I need to feed my soul for more giving. 🙏🏼❤️ #awareness #chaosandcalm #nature #selfcare #balance #courage #feedthesoul

I’m over this sh*t. Hello? I see you ignoring me while you play with your computer. Right, you’re “working.” Come on mom I’m not falling for that. I know you just don’t want to play. #socialdistancing #socialdistancingwithdogs #gspofinstagram #dogsofinstagram #imbored #workingfromhome #frustratedartist

Check out the Thoughts section of my website for my key learnings in our changing world “Ponderings From My Week In The Closet” Link in bio. #telehealth #covid_19quarantine #mindfulness #awareness #brenebrown #intuition #courage