A Heartfelt Holiday Reflection: Finding Connection and Service in the Wake of Tragedy

As we close another year, the holiday season invites us to reflect on the lessons, challenges, and blessings of the past 12 months. This year, amidst the devastation of the hurricane, I’ve been moved by the extraordinary acts of kindness and resilience I’ve witnessed in our community.

Neighbors who had never met before the storm came together, offering one another food, shelter, and support. Strangers passing on the street locked eyes with an unspoken understanding, and the simple question, "Are you OK?" carried the weight of true concern—"What do you need? How are you coping with the trauma?"

Even amidst a time of political divisiveness, we discovered something profound: when life strips everything else away, what truly matters is our ability to show up for one another—human to human. Differences faded as people worked shoulder to shoulder, embodying compassion in action.

This storm reminded me of an essential question I often ask myself: How can I be of service?

While I couldn’t wield a chainsaw to clear trees or rebuild houses, I realized I had something invaluable to offer: the B.R.A.I.N.S. Technique™. I used this simple yet profound tool to help first responders, volunteers, and those directly impacted by the storm. In just 5-7 minutes, I witnessed transformations—from shock, anxiety, and overwhelm to calm, clarity, and resilience with a new resolution and healing from the acute trauma.

As communications were restored, I began offering free sessions over the phone and teaching classes to empower as many people as possible. There is still work to do—trauma left unaddressed can evolve into post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) within four months of the original event. My mission in the coming weeks remains clear: to help as many people as possible through this acute phase of recovery. (If you know of any group I can share the B.R.A.I.N.S. Technique™ with, please do let me know).

Witnessing these transformations has been an incredible honor. To see people transform from despair to the ability of taking care of themselves, their families, and their neighbors is a true testament to the human spirit.

When I founded my practice in 2000, my vision was to empower clients to live healthy, fulfilling lives. Over the years, I realized many people needed tools they could use in the moment—anywhere, anytime—without requiring needles, practitioners, or external support. This realization drove me to create the B.R.A.I.N.S. Technique™, a self-empowered method that’s as accessible as it is effective.

10 Ways the B.R.A.I.N.S. Technique™ Provides Support:

1. Ease Trauma: Address and reduce the effects of recent or past traumatic events.

2. Support in Emergencies: Stabilize yourself or others during high-stress situations.

3. Regulate Emotions: Balance mood and stabilize emotional responses.

4. Shift Behaviors: Transform patterns of behavior that no longer serve you.

5. Reframe Beliefs: Rewire limiting or harmful beliefs.

6. Navigate Diagnosis: Reduce fear and shock surrounding medical diagnoses.

7. Reduce Illness Impact: Ease symptoms of acute or chronic conditions.

8. Enhance Decisions: Gain clarity and confidence when making tough choices.

9. Strengthen Relationships: Improve communication and deepen connections.

10. Mitigate Pain: Soothe physical or emotional pain effectively.

As you reflect on this past year, I invite you to consider:

• What challenges have shaped you, and what lessons have they taught you?

• How have you shown up for others, and how have others shown up for you?

• What are your health goals for next year and what do you have in place to ensure success? 

May this season remind us of our shared humanity and the immense power we each hold to bring light and healing into the world. Together, we can calm not only our own nervous systems but contribute to the collective healing of society.