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Hi folks,
I wish I could write you something sweet and light about the start of the new year, but I mostly feel heavy as I reflect on the last month.
The shooting in Monterey Park and the numerous other shootings in 2023 are top of mind. I offer my support during what is a difficult time for many. I hold the Monterey Park community in my heart as you grieve, and I am glad to link folks to resources if that would help.
How has your nervous system responded to the news and to whatever changes and struggles you’ve been navigating this year? I encourage you to pay attention to your body and to take care. To soothe yourself when needed and lean on those around you. My hope for 2023 is to be more connected and to rely on interdependence. As someone who is fiercely independent, this takes work.
One of the traits that I have struggled with is my independence (among other things). When it keeps me from being vulnerable, it can be difficult to love myself, and instead, I may become more critical of myself. If self-love is hard for you to come by, or if it’s something you hope to cultivate in 2023, please check out this month’s blog article. It’s what we need in abundance during difficult times.
As always, we hope you reach out if you need any additional support. Our email address is info@takeroottherapy, and you can reach us by phone or text at (323) 388-5578.
Warmly,
Saba Harouni Lurie (she/her/hers)
On The Blog
Why Can’t I Love Myself?: Learning to Develop a Loving Relationship with Yourself
There have been periods in my life when I didn’t necessarily like myself, much less love myself. After brutal breakups, when I wasn’t accepted into the college of my choice (or any of the places I had applied to, to be honest), when I lose my temper or am unkind to someone I care about, and when I am just struggling. Showing myself love is easy when I am proud of an accomplishment or feel satisfied with how I cared for a loved one. But learning to love myself when I am disappointed with myself or when I feel ashamed has been more complex and has required intention and practice…
How to Help
Volunteer to Provide Disaster Preparedness Education and Resources to the Most Vulnerable in Our Community
If the past few months of extreme weather events across the country were any indication, we are clearly in the midst of a rapidly worsening environmental and climate crisis. The last several weeks of storms in California created a series of disasters and life-threatening hazards that resulted in at least 22 known deaths. And state health officials still haven’t been able to record all of the heat-related illness and death that occurred during last summer’s record-breaking heat wave. The populations most impacted by these disasters are elderly and unhoused people, individuals living in poverty, and those living with a disability.
While there’s not much that we, personally, can immediately do to meaningfully disrupt the systems that are further fueling this climate crisis, we can do our best to ensure that our communities are sufficiently prepared for future disasters. LA Works has created a volunteer outreach opportunity in partnership with the Governor’s Office of Emergency Services to support their Listos California initiative. By signing up to volunteer you will not only receive a vital disaster preparedness education yourself, but you will also have the chance to offer potentially life-saving resources to those most in need.
Community Events
Celebrate new beginnings at the 124th Golden Dragon Lunar New Year Parade!
The day of the Lunar New Year is the most celebrated holiday of the year for approx. 1.5 million Chinese, Korean and Vietnamese people in Southern California. It is a cultural tradition when ancestors are fondly remembered, and families give thanks for their blessings. Join in celebrating with live performances. The parade is a rich and diverse experience for all ages and ethnicities across Los Angeles!
The event is FREE to the public to attend.
WHEN:
Saturday, January 28th
1:00 PM – 4:00 PM
WHERE:
Chinatown Los Angeles at
North Hill Street and Ord Street
Los Angeles, CA 90012
AAPI Community Healing Circle
Healing circle for all who self-identify as having API heritage to witness each other in community, and to hold each other with tenderness.
WHEN:
January 28th
1:00 PM – 2:30PM
WHERE:
We will gather in person in Fairfax District in Los Angeles. For collective safety, exact location will be shared with registered participants only.
Solidarity with Iran Open Mic & Art Show
Performance and visual art at this event will represent themes uplifting the women-led Iranian revolution.
WHEN:
January 29th
5:00 PM- 9:00 PM
WHERE:
The Hearth Department
1327 Willow Street
Los Angeles, CA 90013
Featured Publications
9 Wellness Trends to Ditch in 2023
featuring Saba Harouni Lurie
You Are Enough Just as You Are—but It’s OK To Seek Self-Improvement Too
featuring Saba Harouni Lurie
What’s The Difference Between Bisexuality And Pansexuality?
featuring Saba Harouni Lurie
