Talking With Dr. Toy: Living Authentically Me!
Showing up authentically in places can be a daunting task especially while living in a culture that promotes comparisons, competition, and imitation. There's a message in the noise that conveys being oneself if not in alignment with society's, community's, and other's expectations; is unacceptable, a deficit, even a liability. Individuals may be encouraged to believe if they can't be everything to others; they are not anything to anyone. This induces wear and tear on individuals' psyche and self-perception. www.talkingwithdrtoy.com
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Militancy #blackhistory #actingupmedia #MichaelLWalker
Talking With Dr. Toy: Pausing for Collective Care and Grief
The past and recent mass shootings in Brooklyn, NY and Laguna Hills, CA once again bring into sharp focus the rise of hate crimes in the US against marginalized groups. The following headline read: "We do not feel safe": Many Black Americans experiencing grief and trauma. One person noted: "Its hard to heal a wound that is continuously reopened...and the scars are deep." Yes, some of use are exhausted, numb, and want to retreat, however this concept of collective caring and grief requires our attention and connection. Tune into the podcast via www.talkingwithdrtoy.com.
Talking With Dr. Toy: Ode To Motherhood--Pausing for What Arises...
Taking a pause for what may arise includes days like today--Mother's Day. Yes, for some it may be filled with wonderful memories and moments worth celebrating, but for others it may be very triggering where it becomes a day wrought with uncertainty, confusion, pain, and woundedness. Someone stated, "If you have a mother, you have a mother wound." How does one find space/safety in exploring and experiencing those emotions that may run contrary to a larger societal narrative? Tune into the podcast via www.talkingwithdrtoy.com
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Talking With Dr. Toy: Taking Time To Pause Part 2
Pausing can be life-giving and life-sustaining. An avid listener of the podcast constructed this beautiful acronym of P-A-U-S-E (Ponder your thoughts, Attune to your needs; Unburden yourself; Sooth your soul; and Embrace the beauty of a break. I believe this captures the essence of pausing. Also, Hunt and Divine coined the term, "Pause competency" that includes four components: Pace, Space, Openness, and Connectedness. For more, tune into the podcast via www.talkingwithdrtoy.com.
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Talking With Dr. Toy: The Black History of Psychology Part 1....
Black history month is a time to celebrate and acknowledge the contributions African Americans have made and continue to make in this nation. James Baldwin stated, "People are trapped in history, and history is trapped in them." He also stated, History is not the past. It is the present." The field of psychology has a history that continues to influence the present which is why it is important to acknowledge the contributions of African American men and women who utilized their intelligence and talents to forged a path for the equality and humanity of marginalized people. Drs. Kenneth and Mamie Clark are two such individuals. Tune into the podcast via www.talkingwithdrtoy.com.
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Talking With Dr. Toy: Restoration: Risk and Rewards...
The process of restoration has it risks and rewards, however the risks may deter one from exploring the rewards. Restoration entails a process of renewing and reviving and only you can determine what that looks like for your life. Some of us may have prematurely buried aspects of our purpose, hopes, and dreams and left them for dead, however, upon re-examination, can these aspects live? Even in times like these, there remains an opportunity to embark upon a journey of restoration. Tune into the podcast via www.talkingwithdrtoy.com.
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Talking With Dr. Toy: Restoration=Intentionality and Surrender
The new year is approaching and some may be unsure of what to feel or think. Some may be wondering whether expectations are in order or whether to give up and brace for whatever is to come. Approaching a new year, especially during these times can be fraught with much trepidation. Individuals may question whether they should be intentional or just totally surrender to what life brings their way. Is restoration on your agenda for the new year? Restoration consists of both intentionality and surrender. Tune into the podcast via www.talkingwithdrtoy.com.
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Talking With Dr. Toy: Self Preservation: The Double Edged Sword
Self Preservation has been defined as "The protection of oneself from harm or death, especially regarded as a basic instinct in human beings and animals." While self preservation is a protective mechanism utilized to protect, it can also simultaneously imprison individuals. Self preservation is often enacted when individuals have experienced trauma and it is utilized as an attempt to control one's world. It becomes an adaptive coping skill for functioning. However, it may also serve maladaptive purposes that may prevent one from truly living and even thriving. Tune into the podcast via www.talkingwithdrtoy.com
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Talking With Dr. Toy: Some Desire the Outcome Of Healing, but Not The Process.
Talking With Dr. Toy: A Key to Harmonious Life--Welcoming All Our Emotions
Talking With Dr. Toy: The Mental Impact of Transitioning to a Post Pandemic World
Talking With Dr. Toy: The Mind and Body Connection Part 4--Holistic Health For Men of Color
Talking With Dr. Toy: Resurrection and Restoration--Oh How He Loves Us!
Talking With Dr. Toy: What If...Series Part 2