ACEs are adverse childhood experiences. I introduced the term “ACE exploration.” In this article, I explain what ACE means, where it came from, and why it’s important.

The function of a pillar is to provide support for a structure above it. Find out why if one or more of these pillars is missing or impaired, the healing process that it supports is lopsided or incomplete. 

The function of a pillar is to provide support for a structure above it. A pillar helps to distribute the weight of the heavy load it supports. In the healing, growth, and recovery process, there are similar necessary pillars.

To make a long story short, over the years that I worked with him, I gradually had to accept the news that there is no “secret;” there is no magic bullet. 

As I reflect on these parts that are really there to protect me from hurt, I realize it’s all about my biology as a human being.

I was recently at a conference for facilitators in experiential education. At first, I was a little hesitant… I ended up having the most fun I’ve had in a long time!

In order to support men in the change they’re looking for, I’ve created an empowering online community…

“Taking in the good.” It’s taking a break from the rush and urgency of life to notice what’s there. Slowing down and moving at the pace of nature.

Sometimes the timing of things just defies explanation…. After a short 15 minute break in our training on the emotional impact of physical trauma, it was announced that our teacher, a young man probably in or near his early 40s, had fractured his femur during a fall. 

In our third year of offering exciting, unique outdoor programs to the recovery community, I’m honored to once again be partnering with the City of Boulder and Boulder Community Health. Our next event is April 22, 2023.

As I was describing a struggle to my therapist a while ago, she challenged me with the question, “Brian, what’s the felt sense of that?” “Felt sense,” I wondered. “WTF is that??”

Do you have certain beliefs or ways of thinking that no longer serve you? Stuff that needs to go out to the dumpster but hasn’t quite found its way out yet?

14 years ago I reluctantly began a journey that profoundly changed me and the course of my life. At the urging of my addictions counselor…

Always trust your gut. If it feels right for you, it is right for you.

On the first day of a recent training in trauma healing, I was paired with Chris, a gentle personality from Arizona, for an introductory exercise. Our mission: to wander the outdoors and notice with curiosity what we were drawn to.

Sometimes life gives you shit stew…one challenge and complication after another. Sometimes the world seems like one big shit stew, one crisis and tragedy and generally shitty situation after another. How to navigate the pits of life - both personal and in the world - on a daily basis without losing your balance?

There used to be few things that made me more fearful and apprehensive than saying no. Whether declining requests, invitations, or imposed obligations - exercising boundaries around ‘no’ was an exercise in frustration and regret.

I have come to realize that animals increase our capacity to love with open hearts, and that is always a good thing.

When thinking about the difficulties and struggles of life in your younger years, do you often hear yourself say, “It wasn’t that bad” or “Others had it a lot worse?” The truth is many who are experiencing the effects of addiction or other mental health challenges are dealing with the effects of trauma.

When we hear the word “trauma,” we think of many things: a bad car accident, an abusive parent, a painful breakup. When you hear the word “trauma,” what comes to mind?