Exciting news: This summer, starting in mid-July, I’ll be at REVEAL Healing Arts on Friday's in SE Portland. Schedule an in-person one-on-one session or get a group of besties together to book a private group session with me. Learn more here.
Hello Reader,
My naturopath doctor asked if I bought the weightlifting gloves he recommended months ago. The gloves are to support my hand and wrist conditions during my workouts with five pound weights.
I’ve been at capacity so that smaller non-critical tasks stay on my infinite to-do list. Instead I do other far more complex things.
I relate to the Guardian’s article on “hyper-normalization,” the dissonance of daily life in the face of pluricrisis.
Caroline Hickman, a psychotherapist who specialzes in climate anxiety, says, “People don’t shut down because they don’t feel anything. They shut down because they feel too much.”
My signs of overwhelm include fogginess, loneliness, and edginess.
I told my naturopath, “That simple task feels like it is a thousand miles away out of reach.”
He said “I will sit right here and you can order them.” It took less than five minutes of body-doubling with an accountability partner for me to order the gloves.
We don’t have to do it all alone.
In a recent Lumos Transforms session we discussed the “tend and befriend” state. When we are under threat, we can care for the most vulnerable and turn to each other for mutual support.
One Healthline article shares that “both long-standing social ties and newly formed bonds can: increase your sense of security, boost resilience, help you find the strength to heal and move forward.”
As a somatic coach and facilitator I help people connect to their bodies through movement, sound, and language.
We practice noticing our bodies’ relationship to stress and relaxation to deepen awareness, creativity, and connection.
I’m happy to be someone that others turn to. I am just as happy that I too can find the strength to turn to others for support.
We aren’t meant to know it all, do it all, be it all. We are relational, skilled, vibrant together.
Reflection
What are some signs of overwhelm for you? Who or what helps you to feel supported and less alone in times of overwhelm?
If that place or being is faraway, can you imagine that place or being in your mind's eye? Be soothed by their laughter or the sound of the waves on the shore.
Resources
My Creative Updates & Offerings
Portland folks: You're invited to schedule a custom in-person or private group session with me at the gorgeous REVEAL Healing Arts on summer Friday's starting July 18. This intimate, warm space flows with intention and beauty thanks to curator Diana Esquerra. Curious? Express your interest here.
Save the date: Join me on Thursday July 17, where I will be a co-featured reader with Ebony Frison at QueerPDXpressions, an open mic hosted by Given. Sign up for open mic starts at 6:30 p.m at Always Here Bookstore, 4555 N. Williams Ave.
Community & Care
Writers: Emilly Prado has a free DRAWING THE DRAFT: Pop-up Installation & Hybrid Workshop on June 29 in Portland.
Time to pre-order poet Michelle Moncayo's bilingual poetry book, Here, on this 76L. My heart cannot wait.
Wishing a beautiful Pride month from this genderqueer bi femme. Here's a cool article from NPR on how to find queer community and another on aging, elders and activism. Check out Portland's Queer Social Club for fun ideas, like Kickstand's comedy in the park all summer.
The iconic Isaiah Esquire and Aqua Flora performed at a resolution honoring the history of Black drag in Portland. p.s. Here's a new Drag Defense Handbook.
Bandanas made by several artists as a fundraiser for National Day Laborer Organizer Network. Mine is from Lala Riot.
BIPOC Mental Health toolkit and an article on navigating collective trauma related to ICE raids.
A reminder of the map of social change roles, with a podcast featuring Deepa Iyer, the map creator.
Soft Pants for Your Mind
A soothing 20 minute Vagus Nerve Meditation | Your Path to Stress Relief and Calm with Chibs Okereke.
Check out these beautiful images from the ACLU's Freedom To Be: Joy, Family, & Transgender Rights art installation.
Notes & Citations
https://health.clevelandclinic.org/body-doubling-for-adhd
https://www.theguardian.com/wellness/ng-interactive/2025/may/22/hypernormalization-dysfunction-status-quo
https://www.upworthy.com/hypernormalization-explained
https://psychcentral.com/stress/tend-and-befriend
https://www.healthline.com/health/tend-and-befriend
Let’s resource! Let’s play! Let’s happen to notice, together.
In peace,
Vanessa Micale
Founder of Poderosa Voz LLC
(she, they, ella)
P.S. You can show your support by sharing this micro-newsletter with a friend, or you can send me a digital tip and treat me to a pastry.
P.P.S. Sharing resources is one of my love languages. Is there a resource related to somatic and creative realms you want to see or you know of? Hit reply and let me know.
