Evolve In Nature

On the topic of finding your balance, Ajahn Brahmavamso, a meditation teacher, said, "The fastest progress... is achieved by those who are content with the stage they are at now. It is the deepening of that contentment that ripens into the next stage."

There are many reasonable scenarios in which we should react when we feel distress. However, when we are not being harmed within the experience of distress, instead of reacting to our discontent, we can lean into it and allow the wisdom of our felt-sense to inform us of what may lie beneath the discontent we experience. 🌱

"Rather than daydreaming about the future, we can reanchor ourselves in the present moment by labeling exactly what we're feeling —"urgency," "restlessness," "anxiety"—and by softening into the physical experience of agitation. Restless legs? Clenched teeth? Deeper feelings may emerge when we don't react to restlessness, such as fear of being forgotten or left behind."

"Once we contact the discomfort of restlessness, or the suffering behind it, compassion can flow naturally. And the agitated heart will rest when it feels truly loved." 🪷

These excerpts come from the book by Christopher Germer PhD, "The Mindful Path To Self Compassion."

👆🏼Link in Bio to sign up and learn more! 🌿 Led by Noel Estopinal MA, LPCC — Psychotherapist, this 90-minute closed group hosted at our office in Boulder, CO blends Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) emotion regulation skills, mindfulness practices, and a structured somatic framework to support you to learn to notice, identify, feel, and regulate your emotions.

This group is ideal for adults (18+) who feel easily triggered or flooded by emotions, tend to shut down or disconnect when emotions arise, or find themselves intellectualizing feelings without fully experiencing them in their body 🌱

It is especially helpful for individuals seeking to build greater emotional awareness, tolerance, reduce reactivity, and stay present during emotional challenges.

👆🏼Link in Bio to sign up and learn more!

Note: The manifestations explored here are not an exhaustive list and may be experienced by all genders and non-binary folks. 🫂

Depression is complex. It can be an ongoing mental health condition that affects individuals regardless of gender. However, it is increasingly recognized that depression can manifest differently in men compared to other genders. Societal expectations and gender norms can significantly impact how depression is expressed.

By understanding the societal and cultural factors that influence how men express their emotions, we can work towards creating a more inclusive and supportive environment for mental health. Encouraging and participating in open conversations, promoting emotional literacy, and challenging oppressive gender norms can help men (and all people) feel more comfortable seeking help, accessing mental health resources, and finding healthier ways to cope with depression and improve overall well-being.

This post is an excerpt from our Evolve in Nature Blog, written by Jamie Lococo, MA, MFT-C. If you'd like to read the full blog post, navigate to our blog page via our website-- Link in Bio 👆🏼

Allowing sunlight to light up our eyes and brush our skin feels instinctive, effortless, and deeply satisfying. It serves as a simple, natural way to lift our mood and reconnect with ourselves. 🌞

💡Tip for getting the added benefits of sunlight in our days: Get sunlight within the first 1–2 hours after waking. Even 10–30 minutes outdoors can help reset your internal clock, boost energy, and reduce evening anxiety.

Working with a trusted therapist alongside taking steps toward finding earth-based support in nature is always what we recommend. Sunlight is not a cure-all and will not instantly heal your trauma, but it is a powerful, accessible, and free support for your mental health. 🌱

By intentionally reconnecting with natural light, you’re empowering your body and brain rather than working against them. Sometimes, the smallest shifts like stepping outside in between meetings, opening a window at breakfast, pausing to breathe in the sun, can make a meaningful difference.