Take Root Therapy December Newsletter

2 days ago

We explore the link between emotional spending and mental health, give back in Venice, and consider how to skip the holidays altogether.

A Letter From Our Founder

Hi there,

I wish I could sit across from you and ask how you’re feeling, really feeling, right now. Because this month has been heavy, on top of a long and heavy year. We are holding a lot right now, as individuals, as communities, as a society.

The other morning, I woke up to my partner looking at the phone and saying, “Oh no,” and I immediately felt panic surge through me. My first thought was that something else terrible had happened in the world. But in reality, we had just overslept. That moment of relief didn’t fully settle in my body, though. That’s where we are right now, braced for the next awful thing, our nervous systems on high alert.

And then, of course, I opened my phone to check the news and my emails. Within moments, I found myself pulled into marketing emails. Holiday gift guides and reminders of things I had looked at before, calling me back. Even when everything else feels like it’s falling apart, the invitations to buy, to consume, to distract ourselves keep coming.

I’ll be honest, I questioned whether this month’s article topic was still appropriate. With all the tragedies unfolding around the globe, was it too trivial to talk about shopping and consumption? But then I realized: this is often when we need to talk about it most. Because many of us do cope with our pain, anxiety, and overwhelm through shopping. When the world feels out of control, buying something can offer a momentary sense of agency, comfort, or escape. And there’s no shame in that… it’s deeply human. And it’s also worth understanding what’s happening beneath the surface.

So this month’s article, Why We Keep Buying Things: Emotional Spending, Impulse Shopping, and Mental Health, explores just that. I share some of my own relationship with consumption (including my very imperfect attempt at a no-buy year), what research tells us about why we’re drawn to buying and collecting, how marketing and social media hook into our vulnerabilities, and what we can do to make more intentional choices that actually support our wellbeing.

If you’re finding yourself reaching for your credit card more often lately, or feeling the weight of wanting more while also feeling guilty about it, or just trying to navigate these impossible times with whatever tools you have, know that you’re not the only one.

I hope that the next two weeks offer you ease, time with loved ones and on your own, and whatever else you may need to recharge during the holidays. And if you’re needing support, whether with this or anything else, please know that we are here. You can reach out to us at info@takeroottherapy.com or call/text us at (323) 388-5578.

Warmly,
Saba Harouni Lurie (she/her/hers)

On The Blog

Why We Keep Buying Things: Emotional Spending, Impulse Shopping, and Mental Health

I love stuff. I love buying things, decorating my home, adorning myself with jewelry. I’m delighted by a new outfit, and few things bring me as much joy as snagging something I’ve been coveting on sale. I grew up with a mother who dragged me to yard sales and estate sales every weekend. As a small child, this wasn’t exactly how I wanted to spend my Saturdays, but eventually I came to love it too…

Christmas in Venice 2025- Feed The Homeless

CHRISTMAS IN VENICE outreach brought to you by Lost Angel x Havasole #LostAngelsOrg x #Havasole x #MovingForwardTgthr x #VeniceBeach

Join Lost Angels for Our 13th Annual Feed the Homeless Event at Venice Beach.

Come celebrate this holiday season by giving back to the community with Lost Angels at our 13th Annual Feed the Homeless Event. We’ll gather at Venice Beach, providing meals, essential items, and warm holiday cheer to those in need. Your participation and support make this event possible!

How You Can Help
To volunteer at our event, please note that a ticket is required. Your support can also come in the form of physical donations, such as clothing, toiletries, and other essentials, with a monetary donations to help cover event costs. Every contribution goes directly to supporting our community, and we deeply appreciate your generosity.

3 parts included with your ticket:

Volunteer: We need helping hands to set up, serve, and connect with the community.
Physical Donations: Purchase a ticket for specific items you’d like to bring, helping us track contributions effectively.
Monetary Donations: A $10 donation helps cover the costs of permits, street closures, barricades, insurance, tables, and other essential supplies.

WHEN:
Thursday, December 25th
6:30 – 10 AM

WHERE:
Rose Ave- In between Hampton Dr and Main St
219 E Rose Avenue
Los Angeles, CA 90291

Baldwin Hills Scenic Overlook

Join us and our partners at Nature Nexus Institute to support ongoing habitat restoration efforts at the park! Volunteers will help remove invasive plants and plant native species. Additional tasks may be completed as needed, including seed collection, seed cleaning, transplanting plants, and fixing plant basins. Ages 12 and older are welcome (minors must be accompanied by an adult and have waivers signed by their guardian).

Full opportunity address and directions will be sent to you by e-mail after you sign up.

WHEN:
Saturday, December 20th &
Saturday, January 17th
9 AM- 12 PM

WHERE:
Culver City, CA 90232

Community Events

Public Star Party

Free public star parties are held monthly at Griffith Observatory from 2:00 p.m. to 9:45 p.m. with the assistance of volunteers from the Los Angeles Astronomical Society, the Los Angeles Sidewalk Astronomers, and The Planetary Society. They are a chance for the whole family to look at the Sun, Moon, visible planets, and other objects, to try out a variety of telescopes, and to talk to knowledgeable amateur astronomers about the sky and their equipment.

Please be aware that the astronomers and telescope demonstrators must cut off the line for each telescope to enable all viewing to be completed by 9:45 p.m. Hours for telescope operation are not the same as for the building (which closes at 10:00 p.m.).

WHEN:
December 20th
2 – 9:45 PM

WHERE:
Griffith Observatory
2800 E Observatory Rd
Los Angeles, CA 90027

Grief Circle

One year ago, the world that many of knew changed forms forever. Deep loss of all types was experienced in the 2025 Eaton and Palisades fires. Grief is a natural response to such loss. We’ve learned that grief does not only exist at the funeral altar, but it is carried in our bones every day as we move through the world.

In Grief Circle we make space to honor our grief and share our stories. Grief needs community and witnessing; it longs to be acknowledged and seen even if we are not trying to “make it better”. We don’t aim to “fix” our grief nor move past it. We simply honor where we are in our grieving process.

For those affected by the fires, this circle is for you to be welcomed, listened to, and validated.

Shana and Kara are both grief therapists and will provide some grief education, tools for grief recognition, and time to share and witness grief.

All grief is welcome; all stories are welcome. No experience necessary.

This is a free offering. DM Kara or email her at kara@karahoppe.com to RSVP.

* Although we are grief therapists, Grief Circle is not grief therapy

WHEN:
Saturday, January 10th
11 AM – 12:30 PM

WHERE:
Studio DDLA
944 Chung King Rd
Los Angeles, 90012

Saturday Morning Yoga at the Library

Join us for chill Saturday mornings with yoga at the library—stretch, breathe, and relax!

Start your weekend right with our free relaxing yoga sessions on Saturday morning with volunteer certified instructor Vimmi! Join us in person at the cozy library space, perfect for stretching out and unwinding. Whether you’re a beginner or a pro, all levels are welcome. Bring your mat, a water bottle, and your positive vibes! Class is every Saturday except for holiday weekends. Email felipe@lapl.org or call 213-384-7676 if you have questions.

See you there to breathe, stretch, and chill!

WHEN:
Saturday, January 10th
10:30 AM

WHERE:
Felipe de Neve Branch Library
2820 W. 6th Street
Los Angeles, CA 90057