annecybaez
Apr 5, 20201 min read
150
Explore with Compassion
Live with Awareness, Courage and Love (ACL) Meetups make widely available to the general public, uses the concepts of Functional Analytic Psychotherapy (FAP) which focuses on the healing power of present-moment authentic interactions. Research indicates that people who are more interpersonally connected are healthier physically and psychologically, and live happier, more vibrant lives.
We began this ACL in 2017 as a meetup in Westchester County. Presently, our ACL group is online and meets monthly. A Spanish-speaking group is forming soon. We are committed to promoting a vision of open-hearted presence and courageous living to interested participant. For this reason, we provide ACL sessions upon request to a small group of interested members.
Awareness, Courage, and Love (ACL) Global Project is a nonprofit organization created in 2015. After four years ACL meetups have grown in 92 cities around the world. In the TedxEverett below, Mavis Tsai speaks about the power of connection for mental health and wellness. She presents the key ingredients for meaningful connections and powerful questions to create unforgettable conversation.
Our ability to form close connections is not only at the core of our mental health, but interpersonal closeness helps us live longer.
"Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it's the only thing that ever has".
Margaret Mead
My name is Annecy Baez, I am a psychotherapist, educator, and writer, and I am an Associate Professor at Touro College Graduate School of Social Work where I teach clinical social work practice courses. I am a multidisciplinary artist, using diverse forms of self-expression: collage art, photography, book art, poetry, and creative writing for healing and personal transformation. I am the author of My Daughter’s Eyes and Other Stories, winner of the Marmol prize for first Latina fiction (2007). My creative work can be found at linktree
I came to Awareness, Courage, and Love after training in Functional Analytic Psychotherapy (FAP). I discovered FAP after training with Steven Hayes in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy. Both ACT and FAP allowed me to bring a deeper connection with others, both gave me creative tools to help them find what gave their life meaning and purpose so that they could pursue their passion with determination and commitment.
Through FAP training, I learned about Awareness, Courage, and Love meetups and I began to facilitate them in Westchester, New York. ACL meetups are co-facilitated by my dear friend, Kim Porreca, a Focusing-Oriented Trainer with whom I trained in Focusing back in 2008. Eugene Gendlin’s Focusing is a process that taps into the wisdom of the body, a wisdom that can be used in every aspect of our lives for self-awareness and emotional healing. It is about going inward and noticing how we feel and befriending what comes up compassionately and without judgment. ACL reminded me of Focusing, through guided imagery, and thoughtful questions we can become more deeply aware, courageous and compassionate.
Thank you, Kim, for the expertise you bring to the ACL meetups. I also want to thank Sue Tyrrel, Margo Noyola, and Millie Noyola for the expertise they each bring to the process of ACL. Thank you all for your presence in my life, and the joy you bring to it. Visit my linktree
A story is like water that you heat for your bath. It takes messages between the fire and your skin. It lets them meet, and it cleans you.
Jalal al-Din Rumi
" We are witnessing many acts of courage, compassion, and community that provide inspiration and underline the power of people. We can see all around a resolute desire to not only survive but to thrive. Let us continue to join the chorus of collaboration and celebration of the best of humanity in the face of adversity."
Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you during this time. I hope you are all safe and well. It has been some time now since we have been at home following social distance as recommended. I often think of all of you, here are some resources.
COVID-19 “Coronavirus” Community & NYC Hep Service Provider Resources
How to Help and Where to Get Help During the COVID-19 Pandemic
11 simple ways to care for each other during the COVID-19 Coronavirus pandemic
" We are witnessing many acts of courage, compassion, and community that provide inspiration and underline the power of people. We can see all around a resolute desire to not only survive but to thrive. Let us continue to join the chorus of collaboration and celebration of the best of humanity in the face of adversity."
Read this article, "Covid-19: compassion, cooperation, courage, choice" by Jennifer Morgan and Anabella Rosemberg
"Let’s ensure that the stories we tell are of compassion for the most vulnerable, of coming together: countering the fear and blame. While leading with compassion, let us also be vigilant.
In crisis, as we know the impossible becomes possible. For better or worse."
And, "This virus does not have a nationality, it does not have an agenda or a political affiliation, it exists to spread where, when and how it can. The only thing that can stop it is community and cooperation."
Some great quotes in this article, and click the links here too.
I love their " WRITE YOUR STORY. CHANGE THE WORLD."
image credit: Image by Foundry Co from Pixabay