Sarafina on Air!
By Sarafina Arthur-Williams
Sarafina on Air!Sep 20, 2022
Episode 20: Autism in Adult Women- Sarafina's Story
Autism in Adult Women- Sarafina's Story
Episode 20: Autism in Adult Women, My Story My inner journey with autism began after I left my first doctoral program. The health and racial pandemic uprooted the academic and career trajectory I worked hard to manifest. During COVID-19, I was diagnosed with ADHD/ASD and recognized that my relationships and workplace limitations were rooted in my neurodiversity. I pondered my identity, life, and hopes for my private practice. In addition, I continued to research how wellness and mindfulness-based approaches could positively influence interpersonal relationships in the workplace. Since then, I have been learning to balance my sensory and cognitive systems has helped me overcome many challenges and barriers. I continue to gain knowledge regarding my personal growth on the spectrum but also find purpose in making this experience more sustainable for people like me. I am honored to share my journey with my clients and community members. Sarafina Arthur-Williams, CEO and Founder To properly offer adequate space for growth, Intentional Simplicity LLC aligns its philosophy with creative and psychological approaches to enhancing wellness in business. Intentional Simplicity LLC incorporates theoretical research orientations, multicultural competencies, creative expressions, and neurodiverse counseling techniques to integrate real-life experiences that increase creative and ntuitive knowledge.Intentional Simplicity LLC encourages clients to use critical thinking and creativity when processing information. To do so, we offer a range of teaching methods that target inclusivity and diversity to enhance sustainable growth as a business. Our consulting role is to open the space for clients to understand their purpose, themselves, and the world around them. Intentional Simplicity LLC implements change through relational and scientific-based practices that capitalize on neurodiversity. Intentional Simplicity LLC prides itself in offering a variety of learning methods that challenge businesses to stay curious about other perspectives, as well as enhancing employee knowledge of the transformational social change, mental health, and wellness. Intentional Simplicity LLC offers support while also instilling an atmosphere of set expectations so economical and humanistic growth can be pursued and sustained. Intentional Simplicity LLC creates a sustainable balance of leadership and human vulnerability to maintain psychological safety in our organizations. We make decisions with interpersonal/emotional intelligence and gather data by qualitatively observing the dynamism within linguistics and cultural intersectionality.
Episode 19: All That Heals Poetry and Art Book - Narration by Sarafina
Episode 19: All That Heals Poetry and Art Book - Narration by Sarafina
This journey began while in my psychology master’s program; I was interested in learning about my identity and purpose in this world. I would ask questions, read books, listen to podcasts, you name it! However, I was still feeling stuck. I felt I would never truly understand more about who I was and my intention in life.
I realized that I was trying to fit into spaces that did not affirm my identity, and my internal pain was driving my decisions. This made it difficult to accept that I was intersectional and that my differences made me a better person. I used all my resources to learn about myself, but the resources lacked multicultural considerations. These areas so happen to be the areas I needed to explore myself.
Make room on your bookshelf for ‘all that heals.’I decided to stop working so hard at “knowing” myself and instead started simplifying how I moved through the world. I intentionally incorporated the fundamentals of being a human into my life. In other words, I made my well-being a priority. I made self-love a priority. I invested in my healing by participating in art therapy (my favorite type of therapy), built my schedule around self-care, and crafted time to reflect on my experiences.
This process allowed me to acknowledge my ‘humanness’ in my voice and to reinforce my lifestyle with grace and self-compassion. I decided to speak. This is how I am and how I became ‘intentional simplicity.’ This poetry collection is the first step to cultivating a self-care and mindfulness practice rooted in your purpose. Take your time to build a sustainable plan that fits your lifestyle with intention.
‘all that heals’ is a collection of poems and art pieces that offered me the language to cultivate a sustainable self-care and mindfulness practice.
I would like to give you a portal into my mind.Sarafina documents how she practices wellness in her daily life through her online presence to encourage sustainability. Visit our social media platforms today.
Sarafina Arthur-Williams, MA is the CEO and founder of Intentional Simplicity LLC, a virtual wellness-based private practice. As a creative, she educates her clients and humanistic practitioners about positive psychology, art therapy, and the value of wellness and mindfulness within the workplace. She is ranked on Feedspot’s top psychology bloggers of 2020 -2022 and features as a guest speaker on a variety of mental health and wellness platforms.
With Intention, Sarafina
Available soon to you by ebook and paperback in our SHOP.
Episode 18: #ORM How Do You Give Yourself Grace?
Episode 18: #ORM How Do You Give Yourself Grace?
Organic Rainbow Moment: Learning to give yourself grace is a core component to wellness based therapy. Grace does not only align with religious or spiritual beliefs, it is a natural part of who you are. It’s being kind to yourself.
Grace is giving acceptance, love, compassion, and forgiveness. It’s kinda like the support you’d give your bestfriend during a tough time
We often hold ourselves to high expectations. With this pressure we can become so driven that we forget about grace. It is normal to want to make ourselves better but it’s also normal to not be perfect, none of us are!
#memetherapy #sustainablelifestyle #holistictherapist#selflovejourney #selfesteem #youareworthy #mentalwellness#mentalhealthisimportant #mentalhealthblogger#mentalhealthtips #nostigma
“Grace looks different for everyone and at it’s core is ease. That feeling when your whole body exhales and things don’t feel as tightly wound as they did a moment ago.” Lara Heacock
Take a moment to get curious and set your intentions. Don’t forget to take a few deep breaths too! ✨
What does grace feel like to you?
What does grace look like to you?
How do you give others grace?
If you are not sure where to start go ahead and schedule a free therapy consultation here. We will work together to discover your strengths and needs. In the meantime the self-work can begin now with the two resources I shared below. Stay safe and take care of yourself.
Episode 17: #ORM How Does Trauma Show Up in Our Body?
Episode 17: #ORM How Does Trauma Show Up in Our Body?
Organic Rainbow Moment: Emotions are experienced with all of our senses, and in return, it impacts the way our behaviors are presented. I often ask clients to share with me how their emotions are influencing their behaviors. Or, where, inside their bodies are they feeling the emotions, may it be in their chest, their back, their throat, etc… Emotions manifest in several ways; a good example of this is when a person experiences trauma.
As a therapist, I also have to explore where my body holds discomfort. The more attuned we are to these behaviors, we can begin to understand what it is like to be in our client’s position. I just wrote a new post on what my first therapy session was like! Trust me, you aren’t alone in the angst!
#memetherapy #sustainablelifestyle #holistictherapist#selflovejourney #selfesteem #youareworthy #mentalwellness#mentalhealthisimportant #mentalhealthblogger#mentalhealthtips #nostigma
Our bodies speak when our emotions can’t make words. This is one of the reasons why I value creative expression. ✨
My favorite therapeutic practice is Art Therapy. It provides an alternative to talking therapy. When working with an Art Therapist, they work as a supportive guide and partner in the client’s journey to self-actualization. The artwork speaks, and it speaks volumes. Trusting the process is the first step.
The First Therapy Session:
https://liveintentionallysimplistic.com/2020/08/22/the-first-therapy-session/
If you are not sure where to start go ahead and schedule a free therapy consultation here. We will work together to discover your strengths and needs. In the meantime the self-work can begin now with the two resources I shared below. Stay safe and take care of yourself.
Episode 16: The Misrepresentation of Black Imagination
Episode 16: The Misrepresentation of Black Imagination
The issues surrounding the social representation of African American people stretch back to evolution, intelligence tests, and slavery. These intangible power forces have built a horrendous nature of prejudice and implicit bias, specifically in the United States. This bias creates the narrative that there must have been something genetically wrong with African American people because of their race; while affirming that white representation is the only valid representation.
America's racial classification system is based solely on societal and cultural ideologies derived from the misfortunate legacy of racial distinction or, in short, the purity of a person's blood.
Based on biological determinism, the medical model has represented African American people as inferior for years. The use of bell curves, intelligence testing, and biased interpretation gave rise to the power of social misrepresentation.
The way African American people were represented manifested several political and economic stereotypes of biological inadequacies, such as the "White Little Mermaid, Cinderella, or Tarzan," for example."
White control, stature, and dominance are ingrained into all facets of white identity. Prejudice theories, deceitful data, and misleading psychological approaches are used to manipulate personal or cultural truths.
Unfortunately, the adverse psychological effects of this representation system have inherently reduced an entire community to feel nothing but less than in all aspects of their life, even though it is not true (macro-messo-micro forms of gaslighting).
As we can see in today's social spheres, the conceptualization or understanding of the "imagination" of a human being can not be rigid, closed, or prescribed because humans are constantly evolving. The irony within human paradoxes of identity building is that black representation can not be fixed in time. To do so - is to remain in a world classified by race instead of the organic human experience.
Episode 15: #ORM Learning to Rest in Diversity of Thought
Episode 15: #ORM Learning to Rest in Diversity of ThoughtThroughout my journey of psychology , I have come to learn the value of multiculturalism. I understand that there is diversity in race, in hair, in color, inability, and diversity in almost any room you walk into. Most importantly, there is #diversity of thought.
If there is diversity of thought within the field of #psychology, we will not accidentally shut out the magnitude of differences we as people face every day. When psychology researchers promote diversity of thought, the world intuitively learns more about it. We show the world that we value the differences that make humanity an intricate beauty. We support our client’s #authenticity and journey.
Within this field, our responsibility is to share diversity of thought, diversity of growth, and diversity within research and globalization.
Bring your authentic self, share your narrative, and speak your truth ✨ The world needs it!
If you are not sure where to start go ahead and schedule a free therapy consultation here. We will work together to discover your strengths and needs. In the meantime the self-work can begin now with the two resources I shared below. Stay safe and take care of yourself.
Episode 14: #ORM How to Set Boundaries?
Organic Rainbow Moment: Covid-19 has reshaped how we communicate and make ourselves available to others. I know I have readjusted how I balance my time and schedule! It’s essential for my wellbeing and the clients I support.
Setting boundaries with your bosses, coworkers, family, and friends is a hard thing. That’s why it’s important! Especially if you are a people pleaser (don’t get me started on attachment styles) ✨ Trust me when I say that boundaries are a wonderful way to let people know how you’d like to be treated. Sorta like your personal “non-negotiables!”
As we grow and become our unique selves we get our first “go” at boundary setting from our parents, education, and peers.
However, we aren’t often taught how to explore our emotional boundaries. Emotional boundaries are one of my favorite types of boundaries. This form truly gives us space to work on us.
#memetherapy #sustainablelifestyle #holistictherapist#selflovejourney #selfesteem #youareworthy #mentalwellness#mentalhealthisimportant #mentalhealthblogger#mentalhealthtips #nostigma
How do I set emotional boundaries Sarafina?
1. Practice identifying which emotions are yours! Some feelings are brought to us by other people and we can take them on without realizing it.
2. Allow your emotions to give you insight. When our boundaries are crossed we can present with discomfort, fear, guilt, resentment, and anxiety, for example. Your body and mind work together to keep you safe. By setting boundaries, you can create new ways to process your emotions safely.
3. Know your limitations. This means you also have to know more about yourself. Decide that you want to commit to you! Learn about your goals, your needs, and how your emotions manifest.
4. Most importantly, please believe that you are great just as you are. Being a better version of yourself is also being great at being you! Growing in discomfort is also being great at being you! Setting boundaries when you know you’d rather just avoid confrontation is, being great at being you!
As we teach others how we want to be treated we also gain emotional strength and awareness!
If you are not sure where to start go ahead and schedule a free therapy consultation here. We will work together to discover your strengths and needs. In the meantime the self-work can begin now with the two resources I shared below. Stay safe and take care of yourself.
Episode 13: #ORM Coping with Community Grief and Growth: Praising The Woman King and Honoring Chadwick Boseman
Episode 13: #ORM Coping with Community Grief and Growth: Praising The Woman King and Honoring Chadwick Boseman
I have been reflecting on the death of Chadwick Boseman, our Black Panther. My heart is heavy, and I feel a shift within the black community. I am sending out an abundance of love and empathy. This year has been difficult to process through because there seems to be another impactful experience after another.
#memetherapy #sustainablelifestyle #holistictherapist#selflovejourney #selfesteem #youareworthy #mentalwellness#mentalhealthisimportant #mentalhealthblogger#mentalhealthtips #nostigma
It is okay to feel sadness, it’s okay to feel empathy, it’s okay to feel ✨
Grief can feel all-encompassing and, at times, feel isolating. When I have a hard time making sense of my experiences, I like to read stories and articles that touch on what I am going through. Today I came across a jaw-dropping (yes, legit, I was shook! It is beautiful) online magazine called “Ourselves Black,” a mental health resource magazine for the black community. The article I read was called, “Can I Grieve? Letting Grief Have Its Place in Our Healing”, written by Chandra White- Cummings. @ourselves_black ✨✨
Chandra makes an impactful statement, “Many of the experiences of Black people, whether they be personal or community-based, cause us actual grief. We are constantly grieving the lives of people we do or do not know and the possibility of it being us. We have to provide space for ourselves and other Black folks to express that grief, no matter how it takes form. We have to remind ourselves that folks can be angry, afraid, and/or sad. These feelings and others are not mutually exclusive. We have every right to be angry, and we shouldn’t police others who are angry. Black rage is real and should be validated in the ways that emotions that mirror sadness and/or fear would be.”
Grief is a natural response to a loss – it is necessary. It can impact us physically, cognitively, behaviorally, socially, culturally, and spiritually. Take time for yourself, be kind to you, and reach out for support. #youarenotalone
Rest in Power 🖤
Episode 12: #ORM What does it feel like to be loved?
Episode 12: #ORM What does it feel like to be loved?
Organic Rainbow Moment: As a wellness therapist it’s important for me to understand the most simple form of love. Which is paying attention. Love is the center of total wellness.
Within my meditation practice, I set my intentions to stay engaged and open to the process of love unfolding in front of me.
Self love is giving myself patience, acceptance, and empathy. Outwardly this can look like taking a walk, eating a bomb meal, drinking water, practicing proper hygiene, and mindfulness.
#memetherapy #sustainablelifestyle #holistictherapist#selflovejourney #selfesteem #youareworthy #mentalwellness#mentalhealthisimportant #mentalhealthblogger#mentalhealthtips #nostigma
The same goes for the attention I give to my friends, family, and clients. Choosing to give attention and time to your present moment can genuinely spread love to others. Sometimes you’ll even learn new forms of love from others. Being cared for is bliss ✨
By being present and staying attuned within your daily interactions you learn what giving love and feeling love is like. This ✨feeling✨ is apart of us naturally. Attention is how we nourish and care for our beings.
How would you teach your young self what love feels like? ✨✨
Episode 11: What is Therapy Like?
Episode 11: What is Therapy Like?
What does it look like to work with me 1:1?
Wellness Based Individual Therapy is an approach that incorporates the fundamental components of wellness, psychology, mindfulness, and empathy to help create positive growth and internal change.
What happens when you start therapy with me? ✨
1. Incorporation of Mindfulness and Wellness. You learn the fundamentals of how to heal. We must learn the bases of caring for ourseleves before we can create change internally.
2. Encouragement and Validation of your experiences. What is it like to be you? Do you feel comfortbale speaking with me or someone else about you presenting concerns?
3. Establish support and create solutions with the client to build sustainbility. If you can not implement what you learn in therapy, outside of therapy I am not doing my job!
4. Continue to show up for youself in many ways! The work is not done after you leave the therapy room! Create art, join support groups, incorporte wellness in totality. In other words, continue to participate in your healing! I am here to support you.
5. Termination. We are in everyones life for a season, if ours is up, I will expore that with you and support your transitions as best as I can.
#memetherapy #sustainablelifestyle #holistictherapist#selflovejourney #selfesteem #youareworthy #mentalwellness#mentalhealthisimportant #mentalhealthblogger#mentalhealthtips #nostigma
“The privilege of a lifetime is to become who you really are” – Carl Jung
If you are not sure where to start go ahead and schedule a free therapy consultation here. We will work together to discover your strengths and needs. In the meantime the self-work can begin now with the two resources I shared below. Stay safe and take care of yourself.
Episode 10: #ORM How to Introspect?
Episode 10 #ORM How to Introspect?
Organic Rainbow Moment: Introspection allows us to think deeper and gain new insight into ourselves and how we move through the world. It helps us be curious about ourselves!
Introspection allows us to have an internal understanding that promotes self-awareness. This propels us to think about our everyday interactions and how we perceive the world.
We have the ability to see the world through several lenses. Being curious about ourselves and how we think can help us gain internal awareness and facilitate awareness for others.
#memetherapy #sustainablelifestyle #holistictherapist#selflovejourney #selfesteem #youareworthy #mentalwellness#mentalhealthisimportant #mentalhealthblogger#mentalhealthtips #nostigma
Questions to engage introspection:
1. The words I’d like to live by are...
2. When I’m in pain—physical or emotional—the kindest thing I can do for myself is ...
3. I feel happiest in my skin when ...
For each client I work with, I give them the support they need to introspect. This skill is powerful and often needed. This ability allows us to be present and within the spaces in between the words that are not usually said. Introspection is asking yourself to see the bigger picture.
If you are not sure where to start go ahead and schedule a free therapy consultation here. We will work together to discover your strengths and needs. In the meantime the self-work can begin now with the two resources I shared below. Stay safe and take care of yourself.
Episode 9: #ORM Shadow Work Journaling Prompts
My team and I put together 8 Shadow Work Journaling Prompts to help you support your light within your shadows. First, below are three introspective quotes I would like for you to ponder.
Shadow Work Quotes to Ponder Chloe ThurlowI disagree with Jung when he says the Shadow is the person we’d rather not be. The Shadow is that unadorned part of ourselves. It is flexible in the way it stretches and contorts. The Shadow is our dark side, the side we hide and climb into, not the person we would rather not be, but the person we would rather be. Mateo SolYour Shadow is a dark omen, an influential teacher that reveals to you the places in your life where you are energetically blocked. When you ignore these signs, you perpetuate the cycle of your suffering. Sasha GrahamThe shadow is needed now more than ever. We heal the world when we heal ourselves, and hope shines brightest when it illuminates the dark. 8 Shadow work journaling prompts:- What are the worst character traits a person can have?
- When is a time you have demonstrated these traits?
- Who do you envy? Why? How might you be able to work towards gaining the things they have that you feel jealousy towards?
- What person has hurt you the most in your life? Write them a letter telling them everything you’d like to say.
- What most frightens you? How might you be able to expose yourself to that fear in a safe way?
- When have you been self-sabotaging or destructive in your life?
- Examine how you were feeling at the time and what triggered your behavior.
- What patterns or cycles have you been repeating that hold you back from seeing your shadow?
Thank you for stopping by, and I hope you incorporate the 8 Shadow Work Journaling Promptslearning into your daily practice. If unsure where to start, schedule a free therapy consultation. We will work together to discover your strengths and needs. In the meantime, the self-work can begin now with the journal prompts I shared above. Stay safe and take care of yourself.
With Intention, Sarafina
Episode 8: #ORM What Are Organic Rainbows?
started my wellness-based private practice amid the united state’s racial and health pandemic. My intuition pulled me toward shedding light on my community’s mental health and wellness. I decided to create spaces that are wholeheartedly mindful of the well-being of BIPOC & LGBTQIA organizational leaders, professionals, and employees.
My inner locus of control drives me personally and I understand the complexities of human suffering and healing. I recognize that healing within the queer and BIPOC communities requires the presence of a psychologically safe and culturally sound advocate. We create digital products like the Organic Rainbow Moments Interactive social media and workbooks to keep you supported along the journey.
Intentional Simplicity LLC has transcended the perspective of mental health and wellness through creativity, self-compassion, and cultural safety. It is my intention to share it with you all.
What are Organic Rainbow Moments? #ORM Intentional Simplicity, LLCOrganic Rainbow Moments are made with intention, creativity, innovation, and organic sustainability, all with you in mind. These moments are here for you to be present with yourself for a few moments. Self-care and self-love are rooted in considering your future self. This is a daily practice. Intentional Simplicity is here to make it a little easier to start your wellness journey! The Interactive Workbook Includes:1. A Letter From the Author
2. Top 9 Organic Rainbow Moments
3. 9 Descriptions and Reflective Prompts
4. 9 Journaling and Expressing Yourself Pages
5. 3 Statements of Comfort
Head to our SHOP today for a PDF download to get started.
Sarafina Arthur-Williams, MA is the CEO and founder of Intentional Simplicity LLC, a virtual wellness-based private practice. As a creative, she educates her clients and humanistic practitioners about positive psychology, art therapy, and the value of wellness and mindfulness within the workplace. She is ranked on Feedspot’s top psychology bloggers of 2020 -2022 and features as a guest speaker on a variety of mental health and wellness platforms.
Sarafina documents how she practices wellness in her daily life through her online presence to encourage sustainability. Visit liveintentionallysimplistic.com to learn more about all things well.
With Intention,
Sarafina Arthur-Williams, MA, CEO
Episode 7: Coming out Within the Ghanian Culture
My immediate friends and siblings have known about my sexuality for a few years. However, my mother was the only person I struggled with coming out to. On February 9th, 2019, my life changed significantly. My mother showed up at my house. She said she was bringing me a gift for my birthday and that we could have dinner and catch up. Unfortunately, or even expectedly… none of that happened.
After de-lesbianizing our home, my mother showed up around 9 pm and confronted my sexuality. She turned to me and asked if I could do her a favor… I was super confused but awkwardly agreed. She said, "I want you to have children." I wish I could take a snapshot of my face when she said that. I answered and said, "okay"… she quickly interrupted me and said, "I mean, I never see you with a guy; what is wrong… are you gay?" Before I could breathe or even have a thought surface, I quietly said "no"…and looked down. I felt as if every moment of my life where I suppressed my true identity flashed before my eyes.
Suddenly, I snapped back into a new reality and just said, "yes." When I say reality, I mean I had entered a space that was all of me. I had surfaced; my true self had been created in a single moment. I was finally here. She looked at me with a look of confusion and deep sadness. I had never seen my mom be so "disappointed" in me. Her mouth was slightly open, and her head was tilted downward. She shook her head several times and used her hands to cover her face.
I felt nothing… What did this feeling of nothing mean? I felt like a puddle of mush put together by limbs. But all the while, it was easier to speak. For the first time, I was honest with myself. I shared with her that I was a homosexual, more significantly, a lesbian.
My mom began to ask several questions, "But why," "why are you like this," "who made you," "how were you born," "do you think you are a guy," "do you know you are not going to heaven now?" "we will not live in eternity together," "you were on my will," "do people know"…is it with your roommate? "is she forcing you to do this?" "let's pack your things and get out of here, stay at my house," "why didn't you tell me? We could have helped you."
I identify as African, black, and American. From my experience, Ghanaian culture labels homosexuals as an abomination and a disgrace. If I lived in Ghana as a free version of myself, it would call for harm and imprisonment in various ways. To my mother, I was now without value and represented as nothing but humiliation.
I spoke about my beliefs regarding Christianity and our African culture. I expressed that I once felt that being who I was was not good enough, and I was afraid to share my authentic self because of how she and our family would perceive me.
My mother appeared to be in so much distress, and the heavy feeling of sadness she was harboring became my focus. I started to validate her feelings; I said, "I can't imagine what it is like to hear this from me right now," "I bet you are feeling hurt and disappointed,"…she would nod. Then she would ask another question, and I found myself stepping into her reality while affirming my own.
Read the rest of this story here: https://liveintentionallysimplistic.com/2020/02/09/coming-out-within-the-ghanian-culture/
Episode 6: #ORM Getting Connected to Your Voice
Have trouble using your voice or have difficulty saying what you intend to say? Our voice is a massive part of our internal and external growth. The lack of ownership can impact our ability to make decisions, meet our needs, and reach our goals.
Consider how your voice taps into your past, present, and future selves.
- What does it sound like?
- What do you need to say?
- How do you want to say it?
- How does it feel to suppress?
- How does it feel to be empowered?
How you communicate is an extension of yourself – do your best to be intentional with how you express yourself. As you learn and develop a new language, give yourself the grace to make space for growth.
Schedule a free consultation with me if you want clarity and insight into your next creative steps.
With Intention, Sarafina
https://liveintentionallysimplistic.com/2021/04/01/using-your-voice/
Episode 5: Healing After Narcissistic Relationships
Healing after a narcissistic relationship requires tips like self-compassion, conscious eating, mindful sleeping, self-kindness, and intentional thoughts.
How do I heal after leaving a narcissistic relationship?Relational trauma is an everyday practice mainly because it took each day to get you here. You are unlearning, and that is wonderful! Due to the impact of narcissistic dynamics on your nervous system, some past behaviors may be part of your current sensory and emotional expressions. This new state of your nervous system is somewhat overwhelming; believe it or not, you have been living with it for some time now. This is your opportunity to celebrate the power you have gained from the dynamic while nourishing and nurturing your nervous system back to health. With this being said, it’s time to stick to your self-work and heal.
8 Tips to sustain your self-work and healing.
- Self-Compassion
- Eat, Sleep, Cleanse
- Self-Kindness
- Creative and Cathartic Release
- Water and Nature
- Intentional Thoughts
- Do not doubt your knowledge
- Daily Mindfulness
At some point each day, you may need to step back into your past. When this happens, take a deep breath and heal the ‘ouch’. You can visit your history, but you aren’t there. Return to the present moment with your breath and action that softens the transition. Remember that the ‘you’ who experienced that harm requires your current compassion and love to heal. Practicing the resiliency gained while in a narcissistic relationship requires you to release self-judgment or self-doubt. Taking it easy is literally the goal.
One step at a time, you will detach from the other person and draw closer to yourself. Unfortunately, this is one of the ways the universe teaches us to love ourselves. Go easy on your heart, soul, and body. Everyone’s situation is complex and different, so please consider your safety first! From my expertise, I encourage you to explore talk or creative therapies that focus on narcissistic dynamics.
If you are not sure where to start go ahead and schedule a free therapy consultation here. We will work together to discover your strengths and needs. In the meantime the self-work can begin now with the two resources I shared below. Stay safe and take care of yourself.
Check Out These Resources:-Podcast: Adult Chair (episodes on narcissistic healing)
-YouTube: Dr. Ramini (narcissistic abuse and healing expert)
With Intention, Sarafina
https://liveintentionallysimplistic.com/2022/06/29/healing-after-a-narcissistic-relationship/
Episode 4: #ORM Discovering 'You' Along The Journey
Organic Rainbow Moment: As someone who attempts to control the future, I can genuinely say I spend a lot of time thinking about the future or what’s to come next.
.
.
.
Even though I’m not too shabby at predicting my future, I never really consider how I expect my future to feel in the process of planning.
.
.
.
So often we are swept away with meeting our next goal or preparing for the next “bad” thing to happen that we lose the ability to predict a future - the one for our future selves. With this, we begin to live in the monotonous cycle of routine and add on an unnecessary amount of #anxiety.
.
.
.
The process of creating yourself is showing up for who you are at each step of your journey. Think about the future you ... or the you tomorrow! Small steps are praised :)
.
.
.
How do you want to feel? What characteristics will you use to describe yourself?
.
.
.
#memetherapy #sustainablelifestyle #holistictherapist#selflovejourney #selfesteem #youareworthy #mentalwellness#mentalhealthisimportant #mentalhealthblogger#mentalhealthtips #nostigma
.
.
.
Creating a vision of you or a self portrait of the future “you” can help bring your future into reality. A great way to start is by caring for your future self. Show “you” some love!
Episode 3: #ORM How Do You Love Yourself?
Organic Rainbow Moment: Learning to love yourself is a key component to wellness based therapy. This process is ongoing and often difficult. Loving yourself requires that you take a deep dive into the moments when you felt most unloved... like the moments when you felt unworthy, ashamed, or dissatisfied with yourself.
.
.
.
Now, don’t get me wrong! Love is a beautiful vibe! It isn’t all so bad, the tough emotions we experience when we are in need of love is how our body recognizes we need to be cared for. Love is grief and love is growth.
.
.
.
Pay attention to the moments in your life when you have love for yourself. The most authentic growth occurs in this process. Be kind to you and your experiences. Love is the center of wellness!
.
.
.
#memetherapy #sustainablelifestyle #holistictherapist#selflovejourney #selfesteem #youareworthy #mentalwellness#mentalhealthisimportant #mentalhealthblogger#mentalhealthtips #nostigma #pittsburghwellnesscommunity
.
.
.
If you are asking: “ Sarafina, how do I love myself?” You are in the right spot! Here are some helpful tips:
1. Be gentle with yourself and others. Consider the language you use, and how you talk to yourself. This helps us create space around how we feel and what we may need.
2. Let your emotions and experience be as they are. Allow them to come and refrain from judging or assuming. This process helps us reduce internal shame.
3. Explore narrative and get in touch with you. Trust that your feeling and emotions are gateways to tapping into your experiences of the world. During this process continue to be gentle, compassionate, and mindful of you!
4. The ultimate practice of loving yourself is to continue moving through the process of accepting yourself - don’t give up on you. The more love you have for yourself, the more love you have to give to others!
https://liveintentionallysimplistic.com/blog/
Episode 2: #ORM What is Positive Psychology?
Organic Rainbow Moment: Positive Psychology is an essential component to wellness therapy. As a wellness based therapist, I capitalize on my clients strengths and reinforce kindness! I help clients increase their self-esteem, outlook on life, and balance positive interpersonal relationships. My aim is to help you live your best life ✨
.
.
.
.
.
Fun fact: Positive Psychology is not only about focusing on the “good” things in life but also exploring the weight of the negative experiences in life. We need both the good and bad to help us create positive growth.
.
.
.
.
#memetherapy #sustainablelifestyle #holistictherapist#selflovejourney #selfesteem #youareworthy #mentalwellness#mentalhealthisimportant #mentalhealthblogger#mentalhealthtips #nostigma #pittsburghtherapist
.
.
.
How have you been working to create your “good” life?
Episode 1: #ORM How did "Intentional Simplicity" come to be?
#ORM - Organic Rainbow Moment: The Intentional Simplicity name was thought of about two years ago. I was practicing and learning about positive psychology, wellness and mindfulness. During this time I had been meditating on becoming more present in my daily routines.
***being present is tough***
One of my mentors encouraged me to start setting my intentions. I was super confused! I thought, just because you set an Intention doesn’t mean you are going to do what you planned.
Hmmmm, was I wrong! It’s not about goal setting, rather, it’s about mind-setting. When you set an intention you connect with your internal decision making. You explore more about yourself and what you need in the moment.
The Intentional Simplicity name has developed into my personal practice. Simplicity connects me to my authentic and organic being. I guess I could say, I am intentionally trying to be myself!
Intention Setting is a great practice to incorporate in your daily routine. Especially if you’ve been looking inward lately for understanding.
.
.
.
#selflovejourney #naturalwellness #browngirlblogger#mentalhealthisimportant #mentalhealthblogger#memetherapy #holisticwellness #intuitiveliving#mindandbody #mindfulliving #iamwellandgood#growthmindset #personalgrowth #peacefulmind #innerwork#bemindful #mindfulness #gowithin #pittsburghwellness
.
.
.
Today’s episode offers a few questions I ask myself during my meditative practice.
What Intentions do you want to set for the rest of the week?
Introduction
Hello! I’m Sarafina, the founder and CEO of Intentional Simplicity, LLC. I am an online based wellness therapist, a creative being, and I love to learn!
Now a little bit about my journey:
While in my doctoral program, I found myself constantly thinking about my identity and what my purpose was in this world. I would ask questions, read books, listen to podcast, you name it! Yet, I was still feeling stuck and felt as if I would never truly understand what I needed to do to understand more about who I was and what my intention was. Then it hit me… I would never truly know!
I realized I was living a life of repetitive action and not living through intentional purpose. I then shifted my focus to finding my peace and left the unknown at ease. I could find my peace though personal intention – by being purposeful in my daily living. However, it doesn’t stop there. Being intentionally mindful is a practice and a skill that we have to continue to work on throughout our lives. Finding out how to do so was my next mission!
Intentional Simplicity, LLC is a Wellness based practice that focuses on who you are, and how your mind works. The practice incorporates four key components of identity: wellness, psychology, mindfulness, and creative expression.
Thank you for being here and I’m excited to be apart of your wellness journey!