Welcome to
Awareness, Courage, and Love
Explore with Compassion
About ACL
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.
Mavis Tsai
All Videos
"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
Upcoming Events
Sat, Oct 22ZoomOct 22, 2022, 1:00 PM EDT – Oct 23, 2022, 2:30 PM EDTZoomOct 22, 2022, 1:00 PM EDT – Oct 23, 2022, 2:30 PM EDTZoomWhen we do something to hurt others or ourselves, being able to engage in self-forgiveness and to make peace with our shortcomings is important because it can help us live healthier, more connected, and happier lives. It is through self-forgiveness that we can learn and mature from our mistakes.
Sat, Sep 10ZoomSep 10, 2022, 1:00 PM – 2:30 PMZoomSep 10, 2022, 1:00 PM – 2:30 PMZoom“Things falling apart is a kind of testing and also a kind of healing. We think that the point is to pass the test or to overcome the problem, but the truth is that things don’t really get solved. They come together and they fall apart…again..and again… ‘ (Pema Chödrön, When Things Fall Apart).
Sun, Aug 08Online - Closed group no need to register.Aug 08, 2021, 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM EDTOnline - Closed group no need to register.Aug 08, 2021, 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM EDTOnline - Closed group no need to register.A random act of kindness is a spontaneous, selfless act that helps or cheers up someone without any thought of receiving something in return. Especially during these pandemic times, random acts of kindness are essential to our wellbeing as they can free us from self-focus, enhance joy, resilience.- Sat, Jul 31Online- Closed group no need to RSVPJul 31, 2021, 4:00 PM – 6:00 PMOnline- Closed group no need to RSVPJul 31, 2021, 4:00 PM – 6:00 PMOnline- Closed group no need to RSVPThe theme of this ACL meeting is ‘The Power of Listening Deeply to Self and Others.’ The meditation, video, contemplation questions and sharing exercise all will focus on noticing, exploring, and practicing various aspects of the power of listening to self and others, and how it can help us connect.
Mon, Jun 28Online - Closed group no need to RSVPJun 28, 2021, 4:00 PMOnline - Closed group no need to RSVPJun 28, 2021, 4:00 PMOnline - Closed group no need to RSVPAlthough life is restricted in many ways due to the pandemic, we can continue to liberate our creativity. We will rejuvenate ourselves by exploring what inspires us, the magic of our ideas, and the potential of our creativity. Since this is a closed group, there is no need to register.
Sun, May 16Online - Closed group no need to RSVPMay 16, 2021, 4:00 PM – 6:00 PMOnline - Closed group no need to RSVPMay 16, 2021, 4:00 PM – 6:00 PMOnline - Closed group no need to RSVPA random act of kindness is a spontaneous, selfless act that helps or cheers up someone without any thought of receiving something in return. Especially during these pandemic times, random acts of kindness are essential to our wellbeing as they can free us from self-focus, enhance joy, resilience.
Mon, Apr 26Online Event- Closed group no need to RSVPApr 26, 2021, 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM EDTOnline Event- Closed group no need to RSVPApr 26, 2021, 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM EDTOnline Event- Closed group no need to RSVPIn these unprecedented times of the global coronavirus pandemic, when we have to engage in social distancing, and our sense of safety and security have been completely upended, more than ever we need to cultivate sacred moments.
Mon, Mar 22Online - Closed group no need to RSVPMar 22, 2021, 4:00 PM EDTOnline - Closed group no need to RSVPMar 22, 2021, 4:00 PM EDTOnline - Closed group no need to RSVPBy focusing on happiness this month, we will join Global Agoras taking place in 80 cities around the world to celebrate in partnership with the United Nations, World Happiness Week (3/18-23/21), which highlights happiness and well-being as new paradigms for human progress. Collage Art- Annecy Báez
Sun, Feb 14Online - Closed group no need to RSVPFeb 14, 2021, 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM ESTOnline - Closed group no need to RSVPFeb 14, 2021, 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM ESTOnline - Closed group no need to RSVPBeing able to feel love is key to improving our mental and physical health. Today you will experience exercises that enhance your ability to feel powerful connections. We really hope you will attend and gain support, centeredness, and inspiration.
Sun, Jan 17onlineJan 17, 2021, 4:00 PM – 5:30 PMonlineJan 17, 2021, 4:00 PM – 5:30 PMonlineWe will explore what doesn't serve you, and what you need to STOP or let go of in order to bring more joy into your life. Are you: over-extending yourself? saying yes when you want to say no? compromising your heart? caring too much about what others think? engaging in unhealthy habits?
Sun, Sep 20Online EventSep 20, 2020, 4:00 PM – 6:30 PMOnline Event- Mon, Jun 15Online- Closed group no need to RSVPJun 15, 2020, 4:00 PMOnline- Closed group no need to RSVPJun 15, 2020, 4:00 PMOnline- Closed group no need to RSVPAlthough life is restricted in many ways due to the pandemic, we can continue to liberate our creativity. In this meetup, we will rejuvenate ourselves by exploring what inspires us, the magic of our ideas, and the potential of our creativity.
- May 31, 2020, 4:00 PM – 6:00 PMOnlineA random act of kindness is a spontaneous, selfless act that helps or cheers up someone without any thought of receiving something in return. Especially during these pandemic times, random acts of kindness are essential to our wellbeing as they can free us from self-focus, enhance joy, resilience.
Sat, May 30On demandMay 30, 2020, 5:00 PM – 6:30 PMOn demand
About Me
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.
Quote
Jalal al-Din Rumi
Online Events
- Mon, Jun 15Online- Closed group no need to RSVPJun 15, 2020, 4:00 PMOnline- Closed group no need to RSVPJun 15, 2020, 4:00 PMOnline- Closed group no need to RSVPAlthough life is restricted in many ways due to the pandemic, we can continue to liberate our creativity. In this meetup, we will rejuvenate ourselves by exploring what inspires us, the magic of our ideas, and the potential of our creativity.
- May 31, 2020, 4:00 PM – 6:00 PMOnlineA random act of kindness is a spontaneous, selfless act that helps or cheers up someone without any thought of receiving something in return. Especially during these pandemic times, random acts of kindness are essential to our wellbeing as they can free us from self-focus, enhance joy, resilience.
- Sat, May 30On demandMay 30, 2020, 5:00 PM – 6:30 PMOn demand
Sat, May 23On demandMay 23, 2020, 5:00 PM – 6:30 PMOn demand
Sun, May 17On DemandMay 17, 2020, 5:00 PM – 6:30 PMOn Demand
Sun, May 10On Demand -May 10, 2020, 1:00 PM – 2:00 PMOn Demand -- Sat, Apr 18Online EventApr 18, 2020, 4:00 PM – 5:30 PM EDTOnline Event
" 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."
Covid19 Resources
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
Covid-19: compassion, cooperation, courage, choice
" 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
