There is a threshold that one passes where words cannot capture an experience or finding the “right” description feels impossible. As a trauma-focused psychotherapist and clinical social worker, I see this all the time. Often in trauma healing, emergence from deep resounding wounds finds its path through the shadow of suffering without words or storytelling, […]

Think back to the last meal you ate: Can you describe it? Did you enjoy your food, or quickly finish the meal to return to your day? Without judging, take a moment to reflect on your personal approach to mealtimes.  Multiple factors can influence sub-optimal mealtime experiences: distractions from family members, feeling bored, experiencing repetitive […]

We make decisions, big and small, all day.  Some decisions are relatively inconsequential, like deciding what to wear or which way to take to work. They are split second decisions we don’t even think about.  When was the last time you thought about your response to the cashier asking “how are you?”?  Then there are […]

Much like other discomforts or inconveniences, weeds are an inevitable part of life.  If we rid the world completely of weeds, we would also sacrifice the abundance of the plants, flowers, and vegetables we so enjoy.  Throughout life, we sow seeds with the hope of experiencing the harvest.  We plant seeds literally and metaphorically.  Next, […]

Our brains like efficiency.  Anything that can be categorized or put into routine is preferred.  Think about how you cross your legs, drive to work, and sit in your favorite chair.  It’s probably the exact same thing each time. While consistency and routine can be comfortable, it is fertile ground for mindlessness.  There is nothing […]

What would it look like if we all paused for just one breath?  What if you paused before that snarky comment came out of your mouth; before you mindlessly cut someone off in traffic; before you sent that email?  Mindfulness teaches that when we pause we make better and more loving decisions. Our current culture, […]

In many of the practices we embrace at Omaha Integrative Care there is a delicate balance between will and surrender, between change and acceptance.  The complementary therapies show us that by changing our behaviors, the way we think and even the way we eat can have profound impacts on our emotional and physical health. Yet, […]

Have you ever noticed that every once in awhile there is a lull in group conversation?  Even though there may be multiple conversations going on and lots of people chattering, it suddenly gets quiet.  Some people call this the 7 minute lull.  It may even feel awkward and usually someone will chuckle and say aloud “there’s the […]

We tend to focus on extremes.  Life is either good or bad; sad or happy.  We are productive or lazy; succeeding or failing.   Our brains naturally gravitate towards this way of simplifying things.  Putting things, people, and experiences into buckets may be efficient, but it does not allow for the in-between.  And the in-between is […]

We live in a fast-paced world with unrealistic expectations.  We expect to get things done faster and better than is actually possible.  How many times do you set unrealistic goals for the day or the week; failing to consider what is humanly possible to accomplish in a 24-hour period of time. There are lots of […]