by Landing Strong | Aug 14, 2020 | Belinda's Thoughts, Community, Courage, Friday Inspiration
We all need to have a sense of belonging. Even porcupines need to connect. Did you know that a group of porcupines is called a prickle? Even if we don’t look approachable, it doesn’t mean we aren’t looking to connect.
I have a friend Kari MacLeod who walks both her cats and dogs through the forest near her house. Recently, she has had an unlikely new addition to the walking crew: a porcupine has been welcomed into the ranks.
This porcupine found its prickle with Kari and her pets.
Sometimes we find belonging in unexpected places. Even if we are coming out of our comfort zone to create it. Like porcupines, people who suffer from injury are not always seen as approachable. There might be fears of getting close.
It’s only after getting to know porcupines better that we realize their quills are only used as a protective measure. They might look threatening, but underneath it all, they’re just as loveable as any other creature. Their quills aren’t designed to keep people away, but to protect them from harm.
Many first time group participants have concerns about fitting in, but our shared experiences and common ground connect us in a way that is stronger than any differences that may exist. Whether you find your prickle with us or somewhere else, we hope you find strength and support within a community.
Warm regards,
by Landing Strong | Aug 7, 2020 | Uncategorized
I see a lot of people who tell me that they don’t know what they’re feeling.
Years of pain have led them to block off emotion. An effort at self-protection.
This may be very smart over the short term. If we are immersed in a situation that is truly intolerable, it can be very adaptive not to feel. It minimizes suffering. The challenge is, once the threat’s gone, it can be hard knowing how to turn the emotions back on.
By blocking out the pain, we also block out the good stuff.
The Buddhists understood this basic premise. On one side of the coin is pain and suffering, on the other…joy and enlightenment. It’s impossible to have one without the other.
If we don’t truly feel, we don’t truly love.
If we haven’t felt in a while, it may be hard at first. But this too shall pass.
Recovery is a road that’s not meant to be walked in isolation. Sharing the load makes the burden that much lighter.
Walk with us. We’re offering many new programs in the fall: for those who are injured, and those who support them. We figure out a way to make it possible, even for those who might not have insurance.
Give us a call and we can get your journey started. It’s that simple.
Warm regards,
Belinda Seagram, Ph.D., R. Psych.
Executive Director, Landing Strong
by Landing Strong | Aug 7, 2020 | Uncategorized
Many clients believe that change is sudden and dramatic.
Sometimes it’s like that. But in my experience, more often, change is more like a gradual awakening, like a bear stirring in it’s cave after a long hibernation.
It’s easy to sleepwalk through our lives. We jump on the commuter train of daily existence, never really fully processing what’s going on around us, internally or externally.
Change is really about noticing the small stuff: the thousands of tiny thoughts and decisions we make each day that form the fabric of who we are.
Do I take double cream and triple sugar with my coffee or a smoothie?
Do I walk up the stairs or take an elevator?
Do invite that acquaintance to lunch or sit alone?
Do I tell my partner how much I appreciate them or complain about my day?
Do I criticize or appreciate?
Meaningful change happens through simple choices. An awakening guided by noticing and intention.
All of our programs contain elements of mindfulness. Whether it’s through art, writing, yoga or meditation, together we practice setting our intention. If it feels like the right time for you, consider joining us for a program this fall.
Warm regards,
Belinda Seagram, Ph.D., R. Psych.
Executive Director, Landing Strong
by Landing Strong | Aug 7, 2020 | Belinda's Thoughts, Gratitude, Mindfulness, Relaxation
Summer is often a time of travel and exploration. This year will be no different.
I won’t be leaving the province, but instead will enjoy a staycation, looking more closely at the wonder of things closer to home.
Last weekend, Joe and I walked a dark laneway near our cottage, surrounded by hundreds of fireflies dancing in the darkness around us. It was our own miniature Canada Day celebration courtesy of Mother Nature. Truly magical.
A few months ago, during a full moon, I managed to capture the above image on my iphone. If I hadn’t happened to wake up in the night, I would have missed it.
Tomorrow, a farmer’s market in Belleveau Cove will have my attention. I’ve discovered that Tyler from Bear River has the best oregano bread I’ve ever tasted. Bliss for a mere $5 a loaf. In a few weeks’ time, we’ll be sea kayaking near Yarmouth, an area of Nova Scotia we’ve little explored.
Sure, there are things that leave me more than a bit uneasy if I allow my thoughts to dwell on them.
The world is in an unprecedented state of unrest.
I don’t know when I’ll next get to see my son, or extended family who live in Ontario.
I just need to speak to my 87 year old father to be reminded of the meaning of resilience. An artist, he is little perturbed by the state of the world, focussing instead on the incredible landscapes he recreates on canvases. He understands the secret… The beauty of simplicity. Walking his tangled garden, capturing small glimpses of beauty, and finding creative ways of recreating them.
Way to go dad, thanks for the inspiration!
Warm regards,
Belinda Seagram, Ph.D., R. Psych.
Executive Director, Landing Strong
by Landing Strong | Jul 3, 2020 | Belinda's Thoughts, Growth, Our Program, Recovery
On the surface, a young seedling looks fragile. In fact, it has likely spent a good deal of energy and time growing roots, and building strength even before it breaks the earth’s surface.
Trauma recovery is like that. Chances are, a great deal of growth happens even before anyone notices. When people come for their first group session or counselling appointment, they have usually started a change process even before walking through the door. Merely deciding to make a change is a step in the right direction.
You may be unsure if you are ready to join a group, but the fact that you are starting to think about it is evidence that you may be further along than you think. Some people may get a new plant and think it is just beginning. In truth, we know that it has already had to prove it’s resilience by making it this far.
We invite you to imagine how it might feel to sit in a group with others who understand what it took for you to get here, as they have had to do the same.
A strand of trees grows stronger than a single seedling.
This fall we are offering a number of groups. Something for everyone, irrespective of where they are in their recovery.
If you’re thinking you may be ready to join a group this September, give us a call.
We’d love to hear from you.
Warm regards,
Belinda Seagram, Ph.D., R. Psych.
Executive Director, Landing Strong
