As we all adapt to this extraordinary chapter in modern history, I feel compelled to share some inspirational and hopeful perspectives, poems and recipes with you. Re-discovering comforting food, soothing connection and meaningful moments is essential. I don't know about you, but I can’t remember a time in my life when I was forced to slow down and be so still. Of course this can be a wonderful thing but also quite uncomfortable at times if you tend to be as scheduled and busy as I tend to be. Instead, I’m doing my best to check in with myself and stay connected with loved ones through Facetime, Zoom and email. It’s clear to me, and I’m sure to many of you, that connection takes on a brand-new meaning when we are sequestered in our own homes. On behalf of my associate, Jen Davis and I, we hope you and your loved ones are safe and well. And may this newsletter bring you a touch of love, hope and comfort.

Keeping Quiet
by Pablo Neruda

Now we will count to twelve
and we will all keep still
for once on the face of the earth,
let's not speak in any language;
let's stop for a second,
and not move our arms so much.
It would be an exotic moment
without rush, without engines;
we would all be together
in a sudden strangeness

Read more . . .

Integrating Your Inner Child into Quarantine
by Jen Davis, MA, AMFT

1. Allow yourself to be BORED. There is so much beauty in boredom; it is the liminal space between the old and new!

2. Make art. To contain feelings, use smaller materials, such as colored pencils. To let feelings flow out, use bigger brush strokes and paints.

3. Get outside. Run around, be curious. Touch trees and grass and flowers! Remember what it was like before you thought you had to already know everything.

Read more . . .

What’s Right with the World
by Dewitt Jones, Tedx, South Lake Tahoe

This TedTalk offers you 18 minutes of inspiration and beauty, and I suggest you make yourself a cup of hot tea and savor this visceral experience.

https://youtu.be/gD_1Eh6rqf8

Carmen’s Lentil Soup

My friend and former roommate, Carmen shared this simple and delicious recipe for lentil soup back in the mid-90s before she moved back to Barcelona, and it’s super easy and one of my favorite comfort foods. Don’t forget to soak the lentils overnight so they are ready the next day. I tend to add more carrots and celery than the recipe calls for and I cook it longer than 20 minutes until it becomes more cohesive. Enjoy!

Read more . . .

Let It Be
by John Lennon and Paul McCartney

When I find myself in times of trouble
Mother Mary comes to me
Speaking words of wisdom
Let it be

And in my hour of darkness
She is standing right in front of me
Speaking words of wisdom
Let it be

Read more . . .

Be safe and well,

Andrew

Spring 2020

In This Issue:

• Keeping Quiet (Neruda)
  
• Inner Child in Quarantine (Jen Davis)
• What’s Right with the World (Jones)
  
• Lentil Soup recipe (Carmen)
• Let It Be (Lennon/McCartney)
  

Order Andrew's Recent Book:
It's Not About the Sex:
Moving from Isolation to
Intimacy after Sexual Addiction