Anchoring is a practice that assist with developing psychological flexibility and if there ever was a time to anchor, it surely is now. So many have expressed experiencing worry, anxiety, grief, and fear and do not know what to do to process and manage these emotions. There is not a cure all for what ills society, but there are somethings that may help in navigating some of the turbulence. One such practice is called the Anchoring Heart Technique. This technique includes 3 steps: "1. Anchor your hand(s) firmly and tenderly on your heart & breath deeply. 2. Feel what you are not wanting to feel (even if only for a few seconds. 3. Be curious about the place inside you that is strong enough to hold your pain without fear." Implementing this technique is way to practice "self-compassion during times of anxiousness, stress, and helplessness." www.talkingwithdrtoy.com.

Anchoring is a coping strategy to increase psychological flexibility. Anchoring entails a strategy known as ACE. Acknowledge thoughts, feelings, and bodily sensations, Come back to your body, and Engage in what you're doing. When we think about a ship that is tossed back and forth by the waves and the storms, sometimes, especially during times like these, our lives may resemble these battered ships. However, no matter how high the waves and fierce the storms, anchoring provides steadiness. Anchoring does not prevent or calm the storm, but it can hold you in place until the storm passes. www.talkingwithdrtoy.com

Ubuntu is an ancient African word that means I am because you are. It embraces the idea that humans cannot exist in isolation. It denotes acknowledging the humanity within ourselves and within others. Robb asks two powerful questions concerning this concept: "What if what you want to be will only come about when you ensure that others get to be that as well? And what if all of humanity was on your team, working toward your good?” I believe these questions capture the meaning and significance of celebrating Black History. www.talkingwithdrtoy.com

Psychological flexibility is beneficial during times of adversity because when things seem out of control, experiencing, monitoring, and managing our reactions may be challenging but not impossible. It's easy and normal to become overwhelmed in times like these so stay attuned to how your system is responding. Psychological flexibility entails being mindful and taking care of your well-being which includes but is not limited to accepting and managing difficult emotions, handling setbacks, and finding meaning and purpose in the midst of life's circumstances. Please take care of yourselves, you're the only you we have in this world. We need you so take care and protect your wellbeing. www.talkingwithdrtoy.com

Let not your heart be trouble maybe a difficult pill to swallow in times like these. Some have expressed experiencing fear and anxiety, while others have opted to avoid or even deny some of the realities taking place in their lives. The question becomes, how do we navigate and manage difficult times, so they do not manage or overwhelm us? According to Goldman, psychological flexibility entails three components: Being present, openness, and acceptance. www.talkingwithdrtoy.com

Goldman defines psychological flexibility as "staying in the present moment and being open to experiencing whatever thoughts or feelings may arise, and then take action that is aligned with our values." There are many demands placed on individuals' lives and learning ways to navigate such situations can induce stress and anxiety. Psychological flexibility allows individuals to adapt and react to life's changes and transitions in healthy and helpful ways that enhances their well-being. www.talkingwithdrtoy.com

Happy New Year! Each New Year brings a sense of hope, expectation, dread, fear, and even anxiety. In our efforts to cope with these various emotions, we may create resolutions and intentions as an insurance policy for the upcoming year. We may construct grand intentions often neglecting and negating the small beginnings to obtain our goals. We may adopt the mentality that big is always better and small is insignificant. However, small beginnings can be just as important, valuable, and meaningful. www.talkingwithdrtoy.com

"The personal is political." Where you live and how you live is informed by politics. We live in this world and have a responsibility to friends, families, neighbors, and our ancestors. We are not above politics because we're steeped in it. If you've tuned out, please tune back in and do your due diligence to learn about the issues and the candidates. Then take action to ensure that your vote becomes your voice. Then go one step further to ensure someone else takes that same action. www.talkingwithdrtoy.com