Take Root Therapy November Newsletter

We talk about the importance of finding purpose in life, consider how to honor Native communities this Thanksgiving, and go ice skating in Pershing Square.
A Letter From Our Founder

 

Hi folks,

I’m writing this just before Thanksgiving. It’s a holiday entrenched in our country’s sordid history. For many, it has become a beloved tradition; for others, it’s a time when they must navigate complex relationships and feelings. If you’re gearing up to spend time with family or loved ones (or not quite loved ones) over the next few days, I hope you find joy and take time to fill your cup too. I also hope that you find a way to honor the holiday’s history, and to practice gratitude, which the holiday has come to symbolize.

I would be remiss not to acknowledge that many in our community are grappling with yet another anti-LGBTQIA+ shooting, this time on the eve of Transgender Day of Remembrance. If you or your loved ones are struggling, given this recent violent attack, we see you. Please reach out so we can provide resources if you need them.

This month’s blog article is about cultivating purpose and how it can positively impact our mental health. In the wake of this recent tragedy and as we prepare for another holiday season, some may feel adrift or lost. If you feel that way and are unsure about your purpose or need help reconnecting with it, we hope our article can help.

As always, we are here if you need any 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 Am I Here?: The Importance of Connecting with Your Purpose for Mental Health and Wellbeing

If you had asked 5-year-old me my reason for living, I would have probably told you that I wanted to be an artist, a parent, and someone who helped the environment. As a child, I loved making things, had a ton of love to give, and saw the benefits of being of service. As I grew up, my immigrant parents tried to morph my passions into a career they thought would offer some financial security: design. It didn’t last long. Eventually, I decided to pursue a career as an art therapist, shaped by what I value (creative expression) and what I’ve known is my purpose: caring for and connecting with others. There have been times when I’ve fallen off course, but when I reflect on my adult life and when I’ve felt most aligned and fulfilled, it’s when I’ve allowed my purpose to dictate my choices…

How to Help

How to Celebrate Thanksgiving in a Respectful Way

For many of us, Thanksgiving can be a day of celebration where we reconnect with family, enjoy some of our favorite foods, and spend time reflecting on all that we have to be grateful for. Many families do this as a matter of tradition and even though the truth of the brutal history of Thanksgiving has long been known, we are still hesitant to let go of these traditions.

As we attempt to make societal progress around issues of Native representation and endeavor to do away with the systems of oppression that allowed for the subjugation of Native peoples in the first place, we can also begin to adapt our Thanksgiving traditions accordingly. If you find yourself trying to figure out how to celebrate Thanksgiving in a way that honors and respects Native communities, please take some time to consider these suggestions:

– Incorporate a land acknowledgement into your celebration
– Support Native small businesses where you can for your holiday shopping
– Give to Native non-profits
– Recognize that it is also a day of mourning for many tribes
– Get educated and seek to educate others about Native history

Here is a link to a really helpful list of resources detailing the importance of land acknowledgements, the various tribes indigenous to the Los Angeles area, and how to support Native sovereignty as an ally.

Supporting the LGBTQIA+ Community in the Aftermath of a Violent Attack

The LGBTQ+ community has become heartbreakingly accustomed to being targeted for their very existence, but they are not immune to the collective trauma inflicted by tragic acts of hate like the shooting at Club Q in Colorado this past weekend and they need support now more than ever. If you can, please consider donating to offer support and resources to the victims of the Club Q shooting and to those in the queer community who are struggling even more than usual to access any feelings of safety.

Club Q shared a link to a donation campaign being run by the Colorado Healing Fund, a nonprofit dedicated to mobilizing support to victims of violence in the state. The proceeds from this fundraiser will contribute to the funeral costs and medical expenses of the victims of this senseless attack. This is the official donation campaign associated with the Club Q shooting.

Community Events

Chanukah Marketplace

Treat yourself to a day among friends and the Temple Israel of Hollywood community while taking care of your holiday shopping needs at the Chanukah Marketplace! Their annual FUNdraiser benefits all three schools of TIOH in a festive atmosphere designed to relieve the stress of the season and that proudly supports local artisans and small businesses.

WHEN:

Sunday, December 4th
9:00am to 3:00pm

WHERE:

Temple Israel of Hollywood
7300 Hollywood Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90046

Pershing Square Holiday Ice Rink

An enchanting holiday activity, ice skating in downtown LA guarantees to delight everyone, from first-time gliders to experienced skaters. Plan you visit for merrymaking, outdoor fun and guaranteed smiles at Holiday Ice Rink Pershing Square. General admission (which includes rental skates) is $20.

WHEN:

Open daily November 23, 2022 through January 1, 2023
Hours and times vary by day — check the schedule here

WHERE:

532 South Olive Street
Los Angeles, CA 90013

Pasadena’s Holidayfest!

On Saturday, December 3, 2022 the South Lake Avenue District in Pasadena invites you to Holidayfest! where you can Shop, Dine & Win on South Lake Avenue! Holidayfest! is open to the public, complimentary, and will feature photos with Santa Claus, live music, prizes, giveaways, family-friendly holiday activities, and shopping and dining promotions throughout the South Lake Avenue district!

For full event details and a list of participating businesses, please visit Holidayfest!

WHEN:

Saturday, December 3rd
12:00pm – 5:00pm

WHERE:

The Shops On Lake Avenue
345 South Lake Avenue
Pasadena, CA 91101

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