Take Root Therapy May Newsletter

We try to better understand motivation, prioritize wellness and self-care, and consider how to tell if your partner is emotionally available.

A Letter From Our Founder

 

Hi folks,

It’s almost June, so we are almost halfway through the year. While I don’t set resolutions for myself, I do hope to improve and step closer to who I want to be (while having compassion and grace for who I am).

What have I been successful at accomplishing this year? I have binged so many wonderful (and some not-so-wonderful) shows. I have read more than a handful of books after joining a book club. And most weeks, I have gone on three walks. What am I still working on? I want to get better at listening to my body, resting, and slowing down.

This month’s blog article is about motivation. I have been asking myself how I (someone who is generally averse to exercise) have found myself going on walks and even looking forward to them sometimes. At the same time, I have continued to put off signing up for a Zumba class, which I imagine I would enjoy, given how much I love to dance. What gives? This month’s blog article helps shed light on motivation, including some suggestions to help you reach your goals. I’ll be borrowing from it myself, and I hope it encourages you to take care of yourself too.

And as always, if you need support with motivation or anything else, please reach out. Our email address is info@takeroottherapy, and you can reach us by phone or text at (323) 388-5578. We’re here and want to help.

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

On The Blog

Why Can’t I Get Anything Done?: The Quest to Stay Motivated

Our team recently read a meditation book, which prompted me to confront the idea of motivation. Allow me to explain. The book was about the science behind meditation, written by a self-identified skeptic of the benefits. The aim was to convince the reader of all of the benefits of meditation and relieve them of any concerns about doing it perfectly. The author wanted to encourage people to meditate who might have trouble doing so because he found that the practice was so beneficial to him.

Honestly, I didn’t make it through the whole book. I found myself feeling frustrated with the author, but then I realized I was actually frustrated with myself…

How to Help

Habitat Restoration Day

With the help of the California Native Plant Society, volunteers will remove invasive mustard and learn about its impact on the ecosystem and why its removal is vital to restoring California’s native habitat. Afterward, join San Fernando Valley Audubon Society as they lead nature-filled walks around the Nature Reserve, binoculars provided!

Community Events

Well:spring – A Day of Community Wellness

Critical Mass Dance Company invites you to celebrate the summer solstice at the El Sereno Community Garden for Well:spring – A Day of Community Wellness! At this event you’ll be able to:

  • receive free 15-20 minute sessions from local healing arts practitioners specializing in acupuncture, herbalism, reiki and somatic movement/embodiment
  • learn invaluable health and healing resources from local community organizations
  • try out a Dance from the Heart community workshop led by Critical Mass Dance Company!
  • build your own mental health goodie bag of items from local vendors!

WHEN:

Saturday, June 17th
1:00 PM – 5:00 PM

WHERE:

El Sereno Community Garden
5466 Huntington Drive North
Los Angeles, CA 90032

Sunday Market and Cat Adoption

Join the folks at the Echo Garden Nursery and Anthropawlogy Rescue for the Echo Garden Sunday Market and Cat Adoption! Enjoy some good food, pet some kitties and discover unique goods sold by the community of small businesses! The market and adoptions are EVERY SUNDAY at their beautiful plant nursery. It’s a wonderful way to spend a Sunday and support local business!!

WHEN:

Sunday, June 4th
11:00 AM – 4:00 PM

WHERE

4515 York Boulevard
Los Angeles, CA 90041

Wellness Wednesday: Plant and Self Care

Join Andi “Xoch” of Latinx with Plants for a workshop focused on plant and self care. In this workshop you’ll learn about how to care for our plants, paint our own pots, and leave with a freshly potted plant to enjoy at home. Learn how caring for plants can support your self care and mental health journey. This workshop is for all ages, but recommended for ages 15+. Space is limited.

***Wellness Wednesday evenings of mindfulness and self-care take place on third Wednesdays of the month at Latinx with Plants in Boyle Heights.***

WHEN:

Wednesday, June 21st
6:00 PM – 7:30 PM

WHERE:

Latinx with Plants
2208 E Cesar Chavez Ave
Los Angeles, CA 90033

Featured Publications

How to Deal With a Condescending Partner

featuring Saba Harouni Lurie