VI The Lovers: Inner Marriage

The Lovers. VI. Visconti-Sforza tarotWe all search for Union with something larger than ourselves. Some of us find this in the romantic other, some in a muse of art. Some find this ecstatic embrace in Nature, some in the relationship with a god or goddess. It can also be found in service, in spiritual practice, or in devotion.

Wherever you find your heart & passion taking you beyond your small sense of self, to being part of something that is great, & good, may you journey a little further on that path today. Happy Valentine’s Day!

Spiral Into Yourself!

The Universe is your Inspiration. Your Dreams are your Guide.

Contact Renee Beck, MFT for Oakland Dreamwork & Transpersonal Therapy

Lenticular Galaxy galaxy NGC 524. NASA ESA

If you treated me as we treat teens, I’d be O.D.D., too!

Anger Taking Form NAOO photoA colleague on a forum recently asked about the best techniques for working with a teenager diagnosed with Oppositional Defiant Disorder. This was my reply:

 
“Virtually all of the teens I’ve met who have been diagnosed with O.D.D. are only oppositional in certain situations. When they are treated with the same respect afforded adults, treated fairly, have reasonable boundaries set & upheld without judgment, are involved in co-creating future consequences, & do not feel as though they are in double binds, they are not oppositional. You do have to take time to work to develop trust so they can actually believe that you are an adult who will treat them with respect, of course…. I’ve also found that praising the talents they’ve developed (including pushing adults’ buttons) & processing how those skills have served (& hindered) them is pretty helpful. I’ve been working with teenagers in this way for 35 years, & it seems to work well.”
If you’re a teenager interested in exploring who you are, how you are in the world & in your relationships, or are searching for meaning, call me to see if Transpersonal TherapyDreamwork or Therapeutic Tarot with me might be what you’re looking for: Renee Beck, MFT 510-387-0341.
If you’re a therapist working with teens & feel as though you could use some consultation or some help with your process, you can call me, too!

Internal Guidance

When you search within the darkness, your Center sends out a Searchlight to guide your way. For help accessing your Inner Beacon, contact Renee for Oakland Transpersonal Therapy & Dreamwork.

Cosmic Searchlight  from Galaxy M87. NASA Hubble

Lions!

With the story of lions rescuing an Ethiopian girl making the social media rounds, thought you might be interested in seeing a beautiful representation of the magnificent beast:

Flying Fire. Photo. Wiki Public Domain. Nishi_Honganji_KaramonLions are representative of the Element of Fire: creativity, spirituality, & passion!

 

“The Powerlessness of Positive Thinking”

   There has been a lot of promo for positive thinking, & how to be happy all the time. Whoever said life was going to be happy? Where did that come from?

   Life has happy moments, sure, even bliss; life has periods of contentment, & areas of ease. But we wouldn’t even be able to recognize them without the contrast of sturggle, pain & suffering. Our lives are a dance to create balance. If you were actually happy all the time, my guess is you’d be pretty bored. Without depth, there is no elation. Without pain, there is no appreciation of feeling good. Consciousness loves contrast, as Richard Moss said. We need both. Without both we are not whole. Life needs both sunlight & darkness to exist. Embrace the pain. Embrace the joy. Expect both, for they are both regular parts of life. Just don’t wallow in either one. Dance with them. Find the Tempo & Rhythm. Dance with your life!

   If you feel out of touch with the Dance, call me at 510-387-0341 to see how Transpersonal Therapy might help.

   And if you’d like to get any idea of the social ramifications of staying positive all the time, check out this cool video