RESOURCES

There is a huge selection of websites, books, and podcasts about psychology, healing, and personal & spiritual growth. These are some I recommend as particularly astute and insightful.

Ecopsychology Resources

Animas Valley Institute – founded in 1980 by clinical psychologist Bill Plotkin, Animas “...offers a rich assortment of journeys into the mysteries of nature and psyche, including Soulcraft™ intensives, contemporary vision fasts, and training programs for nature-based soul guides.” Signup available on their website for free newsletter with lots of inspiring information. They have a generous scholarship program available, especially for people from historically marginalized communities, folks under 35 years old, and those involved in creating cultural change.

Ecology of Awakening – “...is dedicated to supporting the sustained and embodied shift necessary to create resilient and thriving communities for future generations [with] programs that employ a unique framework weaving together cosmology, deep ecology, somatic resiliency work and other time-tested processes that usher us towards dissolving our borders and discovering our deepest belonging—to ourselves, to each other, to the Earth and to the greater mystery.”

School of Lost Borders – “...offers vision fasts and rites of passage training which cultivate self-trust, responsibility, and understanding about ones' unique place within society and the natural world. Its programs provide guided opportunities, perspectives, teachings, and much needed self-reflection time in a non-judgmental yet challenging environment.”

Mindfulness, Meditation, & Spiritual Growth

Spiritrock – Buddhist meditation center in Marin County with frequent evening programs, workshops, and retreats on Insight Meditation (also known as vipassana or mindfulness).

East Bay Meditation Center – “...is an independent center located in downtown Oakland, offering meditation training and spiritual teachings from Buddhist and other wisdom traditions, with attention to social action, multiculturalism, and the diverse populations of the East Bay and beyond. Programs include meditation classes, daylong retreats, sitting groups, workshops, and classes.”

Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) – free online version of the widely used and evidence-based 8-week MBSR course

Living Myth Podcast – mythologist Michael Meade sharing timeless wisdom inspired by myths from around the world

Psychology & Healing Resources

Rick Hanson – neuroscience research on happiness, confidence, resilience with videos, audiobooks, podcast, and more.

Nonviolent Communication (NVC) – helps people rethink and restructure the way in which they express themselves and listen to others, and is based in helping us identify what our needs are and be able to communicate those clearly. This form of communication can promote greater self-awareness and personal growth, and foster deeper interpersonal relationships.

Great Books for Wholeness & Transformation

Relationships & Attachment

Perfect Love, Imperfect Relationships: Healing the Wound of the Heart – John Welwood

Wired for Love: How Understanding Your Partner's Brain and Attachment Style Can Help You Defuse Conflict and and Build a Secure Relationship – Stan Tatkin

Hold Me Tight: Seven Conversations for a Lifetime of Love – Sue Johnson

When the Past is Present: Healing the Emotional Wounds that Sabotage Our Relationships – David Richo

The Science of Trust: Emotional Attunement for Couples – John Gottman

Trauma Recovery

My Grandmother's Hands: Racialized Trauma and the Pathway to Mending Our Hearts and Bodies - Resmaa Menakem, MSW, LICSW

Transforming Trauma: EMDR: The Revolutionary New Therapy for Freeing the Mind, Clearing the Body, and Opening the Heart – Dr. Laurel Parnell

The Body Keeps the Score: Brain, Mind & Body in the Healing of Trauma – Bessel van der Kolk

Recovery from Trauma, Addiction, or Both: Strategies for Finding Your Best Self – Lisa Najavits