This week I had the opportunity to meet some Maasai women living by the plains of the Serengeti who were selling their beaded handiwork.
After the expected amount of haggling, I struck a deal with one of them and purchased a few bracelets. Pleased with the exchange, she spit in her hand and held it out for me to shake.
Naturally I accepted her offer and shook back, knowing it was a mutual sign of agreement and respect.
Knowing the local customs sometimes takes a leap of faith. Like those who are transitioning out of military careers, understanding the norms and nuances of civilian life can come as somewhat of a culture shock.
Allowing yourself patience and grace is an important part of the journey.
Warm thoughts,
Belinda Seagram, Ph.D., R. Psych. Executive Director, Landing Strong
The relationship we have with ourselves is often the most difficult
We often have automatic self beliefs that stop us from seeing ourselves accurately.Ā If I believe that Iām not enough in some way, my brain will selectively seek out examples that support this belief. I might ignore the many signs that contradict it.
Group involvement offers a chance to get to know ourselves better. Itās an opportunity for growth. By seeing ourselves through the compassionate lens of others, we alter the way in which we view ourselves.
The stories we make up about ourselves may not always be true. They might just be habits. When we can name these things, we take away some of their power. We have a chance to tell the story differently.
Are you carrying any stories that you might like to re-write?
Weād love to hear from you.
Warm regards,
Belinda Seagram, Ph.D., R. Psych. Executive Director, Landing Strong
Busy lives can often translate into cluttered homes. In many ways, our environments really do reflect our internal states.
My husband Joe is going away for work for an extended period of time this fall. He doesnāt yet know it, but amazing things are going to happen to our home in his absence. Inspired by the Home Edit, Iām committed to intentionally organizing our house so that it is calming and joyful. I actually want to have fun with this. Itāll be important for me to place items that spark happiness in plain sight.
Deb Dana, Social Worker and Polyvagal Theory expert speaks of the importance of objects and surroundings as tools for self-regulation. She suggests that we take a moment to find something that reminds us of the feeling of being anchored and calm (regulated), then placing it somewhere weāll see it as we move through our day.
Simple suggestions for positive internal shifts.
In our next Maintaining Health Program weāre going to explore more of Deb Danaās work. Weāre calling the day āGet Your Glimmer On.ā Itās in person, with a trip toĀ MakerāsĀ in the afternoon. Please let us know if you are planning on coming so that we might order lunch and reserve a spot for you
Warm regards,
Belinda Seagram, Ph.D., R. Psych. Executive Director, Landing Strong
Training and expertise canāt help but shine through
Weāve just started a new Healthy Living program that involves participation in the community. Once a week, after our morning programming, a group of Landing Strong members attendĀ the Windsor Makerās studio to work with artists in specialized areas such as ceramics, glass fusion, painting and woodworking.
Itās been a blast, but there have been a few surprisesĀ along the way.
The first day, our group members blew through the glass fusion workshop. What normally is completed in 2 hours took our highly specialized team of veterans and first responders 40 minutes to complete. Not to be undone, the instructor Cheryl good-naturedly upped the ante, inviting participants to make their own designs, cutting and buffing the glass in order to create beautiful large sized fusion glass art.
Weāre talking highly technical, precision work.
Instead of shrinking back, the team rose to the challenge. They quickly formed an efficient team with members working collaboratively to draw, cut and buff the 15 houses needed for their projects.
Adapt, Improvise and Overcome.
In the ceramics corner, participants applied unbelievable focus and skill in the creation and glazing of fantastic over-sized mugs.
In the painting section, our veteran artists whipped off dot mandalas with hand control precision, speed and accuracy that was humbling.
Even when relaxing, the training, skill, focus, teamwork and adaptability of our community members shone through. Most importantly, there was a lot of laughter and cheerful banter.
I am reminded of how highly skilled our population is, even following injury. I look forward to next week, and only hope I can keep up.
Warm regards,
Belinda Seagram, Ph.D., R. Psych. Executive Director, Landing Strong
One of the biggest challenges we can face following injury is determining how to best fit into our old lives. Picking up where we left off usually isnāt possible. Knowing how to contribute and feel as though weāre still of use can feel confusing.
As people recover, they start a process of gently exploring meaningful ways to stay connected to the things they love, without becoming re-injured. I have had discussions with many veterans, police officers, paramedics, and firefighters regarding strategies for re-involvement that do not involve further trauma exposure. What many have found is that their knowledge of safety, procedures and training runs rich and deep. Many have decades of experience.
Instead of figuring how to reinsert oneself into an old role, it might be helpful to consider the question: āHow can I help train the next generation to practice safely and effectively.ā
You possess specialized knowledge of equipment, procedures, and operation of million-dollar vehicles. This is incredibly valuable.
When youāre ready for community involvement, thereās a place for you. Itās just a matter figuring out the best fit. If your frontal lobe still feels off-line, no worries, with time, memory and clarity of thought will return. Procedural memories will be second nature again. You may not be wearing the same uniform, but the strengths that defined you are a constant, itās just a matter of rediscovering them.
Warm regards,
Belinda Seagram, Ph.D., R. Psych. Executive Director, Landing Strong
There they are. Crocuses, snowdrops and daffodils, pushing their way to sunlight, oblivious of everything that has transpired during this past year.
With reassuring predictability and beauty, they remind us that hope is just around the corner.
Stay the course.
Take a moment to breathe in the fresh fragrance.
Notice the rich colours.
Like prickly bears after a long hibernation we’re eager to be roaming freely. Reconnecting with long lost family and friends. I vow to remain patient, tolerant and kind, grateful for the vaccinations that will once again return a semblance of normalcy to our lives.
Giving thanks to all those who have worked so tirelessly to keep us fed, healthy and safe.
Warm regards,
Belinda Seagram, Ph.D., R. Psych. Executive Director, Landing Strong
