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NAVIGATING DIVORCE & KIDSChildren’s book Author of Mommy’sHouse, Chloe Mason, discusses thehighs and lows of navigating divorcewith children.SUMMERTIME & CRIMEAs temps rise so do crime rates. Prosecutor’s POV contributor KathrynMarsh, discusses the link between theheat and crime & how we can all keepourselves safe.PSYCHEDELIC HEALING Author of the Psilocybin Handbook forWomen and our Psychedelic POVcontributor Jennifer Chesak discusses thefears associated with psychedelic healing. July 2024

AlwaysDear Readers,Summer is officially here and with it brings so much sunshine and vitamin D along with hopefully alittle downtime as folks plan for vacation. However, there are some downsides, including the increase in crime as temperatures rise. OurProsecutor’s POV contributor Kathryn Marsh, discusses the link between heat and crime and howwe can all keep ourselves safe.Healing Parenting Coach, Tina Hamilton examines the importance of listening to our children sothey will be able to listen to their own built-in intuition.Trauma Educator Karen Gross shares the importance of play for everyone... especially for adults. July’s contributor and Children’s book Author of Mommy’s House, Chloe Mason, discusses the highsand lows of navigating divorce with children.Children’s book Author of the Tear Box, Sheila Startup, also contributes a piece for July focusingon the challenges in keeping your emotions in the dark. Sheila shares why letting it all out is sobeneficial especially for children. When it comes to healing, there can be so much fear. However, for those seeking to heal throughplant medicines such as psychedelics known for its incredibly healing properties, the fear cangrowth exponentially. Author of the Psilocybin Handbook for Women and our Psychedelic POVcontributor Jennifer Chesak discusses the fears associated with psychedelic healing. And as in every issue, we have our monthly AIM Playlist focused on Summer tunes, along with mypicks for children and adult books about mental health. Plus, check out Joy Larkin's Twin FlameReading to see what's in store for you this July.Happy Reading!Lorilee BinstockAuthentic Insider | Page 02editor's noteLorilee BinstockEditor in Chief

Lorilee BinstockJoy LarkinAuthentic Insider | Page 03Cali BinstockLynn Binstock

K A T H R Y N M A R S H-----------------------------------Summertime & CrimeT i n a H a m i l t o n-------------------------------------The Importance inListening to Your KidsJ E N N I F E R C H E S A K-------------------------------------Addressing Fears Associated with Psychedelic TherapyAuthentic Insider | Page 04C o n t r i b u t o r s

Karen GrossThe Importance of Play...in AdultsContributorsSheila StartupThe Tear BoxAuthentic Insider | Page 05Chloe MasonNavigating Divorcewith Children

32navigating the highs & lows ofdivorce with childrenin this issue14Navigating the fears associatedwith psychedelic therapyJoy's Twin Flame ReadingAuthentic Insider | Page 0620By: Chloe MasonListening to your childrenSummertime and crimeAIM PlaylistRecommended BooksThe importance of Play...especially for adultsBy: Karen GrossBy: Sheila Startupthe tear boxmanaging big emotionsJULYJULY20242024

Check out Binstock Media Group's Website traumasurvivorthriver.comGet the latest from A Trauma Survivor Thriver's Podcast, AuthenticInside Magazine, Lorilee Binstock in the media, and the latest news.Visit traumasurvivorthriver.com Authentic Insider | Page 07

Internal Family Systems (IFS) Informed Psychedelic Assisted Therapy https://moxieschool.com/the-art-of-transformation/www.moxieschool.comheather@moxieschool.comConnect: The IFS Model (Internal Family Systems) is one of the fastest growing and most popularinterventions for working with psychedelics. Why? Because it's such a natural and effectivepairing for the material that expanded states naturally elicit. Fast track your opportunity to learn IFS by joining The Moxie School in this wildly exciting niche! If you want to learn IFS as it applies to expanded states, The Art of Transformation courseteaches effective methods to deeply anchor transformation in your clients. No matter whatstage of the process you are working: preparation, guiding, or integration, an IFS Informedapproach is key to supporting your clients in lasting transformational change. Lots of courses teach “about” psychedelic assisted therapy, this course teaches you the “how to” of doing interventions throughout psychedelic transformational work.Whether you are a therapist, coach, or guide - a medical professional, mental healthprofessional, or a mid-life career transition person - you are welcome! Bring your curiosity for IFS and your love for working with expanded states!LEARN MORETHE ART OFTRANSFORMAIONAll the detailsAuthentic Insider | Page 08

“What good is the warmth of summer,without the cold of winter to give itsweetness?” – John SteinbeckAuthentic Insider | Page 09

ummertime is here, and many of us lookforward to longer days, time with friends andvacations. However, as the temperatures riseover the summer months so do the crimerates. A 2014 report from the Department of Justice(DOJ) found sexual assaults, intimate partnerviolence, homicides and other violent crimes,generally occur at higher rates during thesummer months when compared to otherseasons. While The DOJ report found thatmany crimes only increased by a fewpercentage points, intimate partnerviolence/domestic violence increased bynearly 12% during the summer whencompared to winter months.Another study by the University of SouthernCalifornia found that violent crime increasedby approximately 5.7% when temperatureswere above 85 degrees.A 2016 study published in the AmericanJournal of Public Health examined massshootings between 2013 and 2015 and foundthat mass shootings also increased during thesummer months. Specifically highest rates ofmass shootings occurred between May andSeptember. The Centers for Disease Control and Preventionfound that there are approximately 20 additionalgun homicides of teens and kids during each summermonth than any other time during the year.But it’s not just violent crime that increases duringthis time. There is an estimated increase in homeburglaries of 10.5% during the summer, whileMemorial Day weekend and the 4th of July weekendare known as the deadliest weekends for drivingunder the influence (DUI) of alcohol accidents.While everyone may easily understand the increasein DUI accidents over the summer holiday weekends,why does the summer experience an increase in allother crimes?According to several studies, the reason for theincrease may be quite simple. As temperatures rise,many people become uncomfortable as theyoverheat. This discomfort can reduce a person’spatience while increasing aggression leading toincreased criminal activity.A 2010 study of violence published in the journal"Weather, Climate and Society," found that hottertemperatures correlated to higher amounts ofaggressive crime, especially domestic violence andnon-aggravated assaults.SSAuthentic Insider | Page 10

Additionally, some researchers believe that longerdaylight hours contribute to increased crime rates.Longer daylight hours encourage people to stayoutside and away from their homes for longerperiods of time. Longer days increase the amount oftime people interact with one another, such asBBQs, pool parties, beach time and more. The morepeople interact with one another the moreopportunity for crime. Vacations also contribute to increased crime.Burglaries are often a crime of opportunity. Whenhomes are empty for summer vacations, theopportunity for burglaries increases. When peopleare on vacations there is often an increase inalcohol consumption and inebriation, which maycontribute to an increase in crime. School summer breaks also contribute to theincrease in crime. When preteens and teenagers areout of school, without other activities, they have alot more freedom. This freedom can includehanging out with friends, large gatherings, andincreased criminal activity.Stay cool. With temperatures rising every year, there are littlethings we can all do to help make the rising temperaturesmore comfortable for ourselves and neighbors. The U.S.Environmental Protection Agency reports shaded areas canbe between 20 and 45 degrees cooler than unshaded areas.By planting shade plants around your home, you can keepyour yard and home cooler during the summer months. Work with your local communities to increase the number ofpublic shaded areas. Public shade areas can include gazebos,awnings and urban tree canopies. Check out the Arbor DayFoundation for ideas on urban tree canopies and the SocialLife Project highlights several other ways communities canwork together to increase shade and reduce temperatures. Ifsummer gatherings can include increased shade, it can helpdecrease tempers and aggression.Before you pack up for a vacation, make sure your home issecure. Have family, friends or neighbors check in on yourhome. Make sure there are no obvious signs of an emptyhome.Talk to the preteens and teens in your life. If summer campsand jobs aren’t an option, make sure they understand therisks of large teen gatherings and the increase in teen crimeover the summer. If teens know what to expect, or what toavoid, they are better armed to make the safe choices.hottertemperaturescorrelated tohigher amounts ofaggressive crime,especially domesticviolence and non-aggravatedassaults.

“Those who dwell amongthe beauties and mysteriesof the earth are neveralone or weary of life.” –Rachel Carson

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PParenting is a complex anddemanding task in anycircumstance, but thechallenges and dynamicsshift dramatically whendivorce enters the equation. PARENTING CHILDREN OFDIVORCE: By Chloe Mason, Author of Mommy’s HouseWhile divorce can bring relieffrom a marital relationship thatis no longer working, it oftenintroduces a new set ofhurdles in raising children.Despite the difficulties, thereare also unique rewards andgrowth opportunities for bothparents and children in thisnew family structure. Here, Iexplore the nuances ofparenting children of divorce,providing insights into thisjourney's emotional,psychological and practicalaspects. Remember, as eachfamily dynamic and person isdifferent, there isn’t a one sizefits all template.

3. Financial WoesDivorce often comes with financialchallenges as households split andresources are divided. The added expensesof maintaining two homes, legal fees, andchild support can strain budgets. Financialstress can limit opportunities for the children,like summer camps, sports, vacations, andother experiences that enrich our kid’s lives.Especially with rising inflation, parents mayalso have to work more hours or take onadditional jobs, causing reduced time spentwith the time with our children.4. Guilt and BlameI often struggled with feelings of guilt andblame regarding my divorce and the impactit had on my son. I worried about the long-term psychological effects and questionedwhether I was making the right decisions.Children, too, may internalize blame,believing they are somehow responsible forthe family breakdown. Reassurance canease these feelings.1. Emotional Turmoil andUnpredictabilityOne of the most significant challenges ofparenting children of divorce is managingtheir emotional reactions. Children, as weknow, often experience a range of intenseemotions.These feelings can manifest in behavioralchanges, academic struggles, anddifficulties in social interactions. Youngerchildren often don’t understand their ownemotions yet which can lead to morebehavioral issues than young adolescents.Us parents must be responsive to theseemotional needs and provide consistentsupport, which can be exhausting andstressful.2. Communication BarriersDivorced parents frequently facecommunication barriers, not only with theirchildren but also with each other. Healthyco-parenting requires clear, respectful, andpersistent communication about thechildren’s needs and schedules. However,this isn’t always possible, leading tomisunderstandings and disagreements thatcan negatively impact the children.“[Children’s] feelings canmanifest in behavioral changes,academic struggles, anddifficulties in social interactions.”Authentic Insider | Page 15

1. Strengthened Parent-Child BondsDivorce can, ironically, lead to stronger bondswith our children. In the face of adversity,many families can pull together and develop adeeper appreciation for one another. We oftenbecome more intentional about spendingquality time with our children, fostering closerrelationships and more consistent and opencommunication.2. Personal Growth and ResilienceChildren of divorce often develop greaterresilience and adaptability. Navigating thecomplexities of their new family dynamicsteaches our children valuable life skills, suchas problem-solving, empathy, and emotionalintelligence. These experiences can makethem more mature and capable of handlingfuture challenges life will inevitably bring.5. Exposure to Healthy Relationships Children witnessing their parents navigatedivorce can be an opportunity for kids to learnessential lessons about healthy relationships.Seeing their parents prioritize their own well-being and make difficult but necessarydecisions can teach children about theimportance of self-respect, boundaries, andemotional health. If parents eventually enternew, healthier relationships, it is a goldenopportunity to provide positive role models forthe children.3. Improved Parental Well-BeingFor many parents, divorce marks the end of astressful and unhappy relationship. Thischange can lead to improved mental healthand well-being, allowing them to be morepresent and positive in our children’s lives.The more we show up for ourselves, the morewe can show up for our children, resulting inintentional emotional support and guidance.4. Opportunities for New TraditionsDivorce encourages families to rethink andrecreate traditions and routines. This can bean opportunity to establish new rituals that aremeaningful and unique to the new familystructure. Whether it’s celebrating holidaysdifferently or finding new ways to connectduring weekends, These new traditions canbring joy and stability to our children.“Navigating the complexitiesof their new family dynamicsteaches our children valuablelife skills, such as problem-solving, empathy, andemotional intelligence.”

Prioritize Open CommunicationMaintaining open lines of communicationwith both the children and your ex-partner iscrucial. I can’t stress that enough. Regularlycheck in with the children about theirfeelings and experiences. Ensuring thatdiscussions with the ex-partner remainfocused on the children’s needs and well-being while setting aside personal grievances is imperative.Consistency and StabilityProvide as much consistency and stability asyou are able. This means maintainingregular routines, rules, and expectationsacross both households. Ex-partners don’talways see eye on rules and expectations. Inthis case, it’s best to focus on what you cancontrol in your household. Consistency willhelp your child feel secure and reduce thestress associated with living between homes.Seek Professional SupportProfessional support, such as therapy orcounseling, can be invaluable tools for bothparents and children. An impartial third partyprovides a perspective us parents may notalways see. Counselors and Therapists canprovide tools for managing emotions,improving communication, and addressing anyunderlying issues that stem from the divorce.Focus on Self-CareAs parents, we have to prioritize our ownmental and physical health. By modelingself-care and emotional regulation, we canbetter support our children through thechallenges of divorce. Practicingmeditation, exercising, hobbies, spendingtime with friends and family, andprofessional help can all contribute to aparent’s well-being. The emotional, logistical,and financial challenges can be daunting, but you can get through it! Withresilience, empathy, and a commitment to the well-being of your children, you can navigate this difficultchapter and even find opportunities for growth and connection. Keep focusing on open communication,stability, seeking professional support as you need, and self-care. Believe it or not, families can emerge fromdivorce stronger and more unified, providing a solid foundation for their children’s future. There is no rule book for parenting children of divorce, unfortunately. Authentic Insider | Page 17

Linus has parents who live in separatehomes, which turns out to be quite anadventure! Read along to discover thewonderful gifts that spending qualitytime with each of Linus’s parents canbring, and how the love of his parents isthe greatest gift of all! Their love is neverseparated, no matter where it goes.Mommy’s House is a look into the life ofa child living between two homes, andgives every young reader the space toidentify with their own experience andencourages communication betweenparents and their children for healthyemotional growth.read withread withyour kids!your kids!Authentic Insider | Page 18clickFOR LINKFOR LINK

Authentic Insider | Page 19“Embrace uncertainty.Some of the most beautifulchapters in our liveswon’t have a title untilmuch later.” – Bob Goff

t was 1976. I was a 10-year-old girl heading to her first dayof school after having moved from Illinois to Pennsylvania. Iwas experiencing what I now know as my first panic attack. Iwas so anxious that day that I became sick and was senthome. Long before it was something society talked about, anxietyhad grabbed my stomach and my mind. I knew the painsthat big feelings could cause children. At that time, no onewas using the words anxiety or panic attack, certainly not toexplain childhood’s complicated emotions. There was nodiscussion of feelings. It was just chin up. Walk it off. Getback out there. And I did. I tightened my belt and soldieredon. Anxiety and unease came back off and on throughoutmiddle and high school, but when I moved out on my own,the panic arrived with greater consistency. I triedmedications but nothing helped. I just kept stuffing myemotions deeper down inside me. When my daughter was born, I knew that I had to deal withthis. I took a sabbatical from teaching and wrote this book.At the time, I was seeing a social worker, and The Tear Boxwas born out of a session led by her. The ideas in the bookflowed from me all at once that day. The Tear Box tells thestory of the trials of a little girl. She is bullied on theplayground. Her goldfish dies. Each time somethingemotional happens, she cries into a box that her By Sheila Startup, Author of The Tear Boxgrandmother gave her. However, the box growsbigger and bigger, taking over her bedroom. Whilebeing a literal holder of emotions, the box alsoserves as a metaphor for what happens when theseemotions go unattended. It is my hope that the bookwill encourage kids to explore and understand theiremotions. I like the phrase “let them be.”In addition to seeing a social worker, I had awonderful mentor at work. She gave me books byBuddhist teacher, Pema Chodron and mindfulnesspractitioners, Jon Kabat-Zinn and Jack Kornfield. Ibegan meditating and letting my emotions hang outwith me. I attribute my meditation practice tohelping me allow my anxiety to become a part of meand not something I am ashamed of or want to hide.I welcome all my feelings to the party! I try not tolabel them as good or bad, but as just feelings andemotions. When I am able to do that, I notice thatthe more uncomfortable emotions often dissolve. Tear BoxTheI feelI attribute my meditation practiceto helping me allow my anxiety tobecome a part of meAuthentic Insider | Page 20I

As a high school teacher, I am aware of theanxiety epidemic. I see it in my students, aswell as my colleagues. Rates of depression andanxiety have risen sharply. If we can helpchildren understand that their emotions arejust a part of who they are, and neither goodnor bad, then we may be able to get ahead ofthis epidemic. Teens and adults alike are soquick to replace so-called bad emotions with aquick fix from social media or other copingdevices, yet the emotion is still there, hummingin the background. It is my hope, that havingtools and conversation starters, such as TheTear Box, will abate some of what we areseeing.I still feel anxiety, as well as worry, joy,sadness, peacefulness, and many otheremotions at any given time. But I embracethem all! They will always be a part of who Iam- a sensitive human being making her waythrough this one precious life. If I can helpanother to understand this truth, then TheTear Box has done its job.While being a literalholder of emotions, thebox also serves as ametaphor for whathappens when theseemotions gounattended.Authentic Insider | Page 21

Authentic Insider | Page 22The Guest HouseThis being human is a guest house.Every morning a new arrival.A joy, a depression, a meanness, some momentary awareness comes as an unexpected visitor.Welcome and entertain them all! Even if they’re a crowd of sorrows, who violently sweep your house empty of its furniture, still, treat each guest honorably. He may be clearing you out for some new delight.The dark thought, the shame, the malice,meet them at the door laughing, and invite them in.Be grateful for whoever comes, because each has been sent as a guide from beyondPerhaps 13th century poet andSufi mystic Jalaluddin Rumisaid it best with his poem:

“Rest is not idleness, and to lie sometimes onthe grass under the trees on a summer’s day,listening to the murmur of water, or watchingthe clouds float across the sky is by no means awaste of time.” – John Lubbock

It’s my son’s favorite word.He uses it when he is finished eating, when he isfinished playing with a toy, and when he is donerough-housing.My husband and I cultivated an environment thatwhen our kids tell us they are done withsomething, we listen. Regardless of the situation.Even if we think he needs to eat more vegetables.Even when we need just a few more minutes ofhim being occupied so we can finish a task.Even when we are having so much fun rough-housing with him.When our children tell us they are finished withsomething, whether we think they should befinished or not, they can be finished.Think of a time when you were in closeproximity with a creepy person. That spideysense that you felt was your body’s naturalresponse, alerting you to potential danger.As parents, if we continuously tell ourchildren that they are not done when they tellus they are done, we are telling them thatsomeone outside of them knows better thanthey do, which makes it easier for them to fallvictim to abuse.Because children learn that their words holdmeaning in our homes. As parents, it is ourduty to honor our children’s “no’s,” trustingthat they know their body and the sensationsthey are feeling better than we do.Does this mean that some nights our kidsdon’t eat all of their dinner? Yep.And that’s OK, because something that I’velearned through my trauma-training and yearsof parenting is that our kids are learning totrust their body and when we negate their“no” because we think we know better, we areessentially telling them that they cannot trustthe signals their body is sending them. Tina Hamiltonwritten byAuthentic Insider | Page 24The Healing Parent

We have a policy in our house that we don’t cookseparate meals for our children. What we make fordinner is what everyone is eating. Now, that beingsaid, we are mindful of the foods our children likeand dislike, and we make sure there is somethingfor everyone in every meal.Still, when our children tell us they are not hungry,they do not like a certain food or the way it wasprepared, or that they are full, we listen. Yes, thereare times when neither of the kids eat theirvegetables, and they almost never clear theirplates. And this is OK. We know that our children will eatwhen they are hungry and we keep healthy snacksand food in the house, so they are getting thenutrition they need for their growing bodies. (As an added bonus, battles around food arenearly non-existent in our home.)Our kids like to wrestle, tickle one another, andplay tricks on each other. In fact, the whole familyoften gets in on the fun. But when one person saysthey are finished, the game is over. With a toddler, this can be challenging because heis still learning. It is important that every time westop playing that we calmly show him how toredirect his energy into a new activity.Here are a few common situations that comeup in our home on a regular basis. Use theseexamples to help you identify moments whenyour child is expressing a boundary that isbeing ignored.Meal TimeRough Housing/Physical Play

Perhaps the most challenging situation is when weare with extended family. Often, grandparents, auntsand uncles want hugs and kisses. We defer to ourchildren. What do they prefer at that moment? A hug? Ahandshake? Fist bump? A kiss?We always ask the kids both before seeing friendsand family, and when we are just getting there. Thisreminds our kids that they have autonomy and getto decide–and that they can change their mind!Sometimes my daughter will be excited to huggrandma and grandpa, and when we get there, shedecides she just wants to give a high five at first.This is OK, and as parents, we have to teach our kidsthat this is OK.Not only do we have to support our children inmaking and changing decisions, but we also oftenfind ourselves needing to support extended familyin respecting their boundaries. If we hear or see a family member pressuring ourchildren in anyway, regardless of how benign it is, weremind the family member that our children get todecide when they would like physical touch, andthank them for helping us teach them aboutboundaries. That might sound like, “Jake has said he is done, dad.We show him that his words hold meaning bylistening to him when he tells us he is done playing.Thank you for supporting us and teaching him thathis words matter.”It isn’t always easy, and we can ruffle some feathers.And that discomfort is for us to work through asadults, rather than pushing it off onto our childrento figure out.Family Interactions“. . .[W]e remind the family member that ourchildren get to decide when they would likephysical touch, and thank them for helping usteach them about boundaries.”I’d love to hear what comes up for you while readingthis. What questions do you have? What feelschallenging? Reach out and start at chat:tina@healingparent.com.

Recognize TriggersConnect with Your InnerChildPractical StrategiesBuild ResilienceCreate Lasting ChangeF r e e 30-minute pre-recordedmasterclass 20-minute Q&A sessionDownloadable workbookListen“Healing your innerchild gives you theawareness you needto create a life youwant to be livinginstead of the lifeyou're creating fromprogramming.”FreeCommit to your vision.Release yourattachment to theoutcome.Inner Child Healing+PARENTING COACHHamiltonTinaConnectReach OutF r e e

“Live in the sunshine, swim the sea,Drink the wild air’s salubrity.” – Ralph Waldo Emerson, Merlin’s Song

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WHO WE AREAPPLY TODAYHelp us create a world where has access to psychedelic healing,regardless of their ability to pay for it.everyoneIf you or a loved one would benefit from psychedelichealing please apply. The Psychedelic Access Fund (PAF) is a 501c3 nonprofit thatbreaks down the financial barriers to psychedelic healing. Weaccomplish our mission by sponsoring select individuals whowould benefit from psychedelic healing but can not affordaccess. Click the button to donate towards our mission.Help someone heal.Authentic Insider | Page 31

I’m coming up on my two-year anniversary of when Ifirst tried psychedelics, specifically psilocybin. Theanniversary has me reflecting on fear of theunknown. Many people ask me how I got over theapprehension that often comes with tryingpsychedelics for the first time. So I thought I’d share.In the first chapter of The Psilocybin Handbook forWomen, I detail my first psilocybin experience. Andthe introduction shares a little about my background.As a science and medical journalist, I specialize inwriting about the health of people assigned femaleat birth. In the years leading up to landing my bookdeal, I had also written about the newer researchcoming out about psychedelics. So it made sense forme to merge the two topics into a book. But thebig issue was that, although I had researchedpsychedelics at length and had been aroundothers using psychedelics quite a bit, I had never hadmy own experience. I knew I couldn’t write a book onpsilocybin without trying it though, and I wanted totry it, but I admit I was nervous.I was worried about several things, but perhaps oneof my biggest fears was having a negativeexperience that I’d have to ride out. This is the fearother people most often express to me when they’rehesitant. So that’s what I’ll focus on in this article.We often fear the things we don’t know enough about or can’tcontrol. One of the things that helped me overcome my fear of tryingpsychedelics was to read as much as possible about the psilocybinexperience. It’s different for everyone, but some commonalities existas to what’s going on in the brain and body. Chapter three of mybook dives into the details of this, and if psilocybin is somethingyou’re considering, I hope you’ll give it a read. Learning about theneurobiology really helped me prepare for my journey. Preparation iscrucial.We can’t control a psilocybin experience. It’s often said that youdon’t get the trip you want, you get the one you need. That’sbecause the mushroom works with what’s already in your mind. Whatyou can control is your set and setting and your reactions in themoment, however. Set is your mindset going into a trip. Setting iswhere you are, what’s around you, and whom you’re with. And yourreactions have to do with your ability to emotionally regulate whenneeded.Let’s focus on setting first. Choose a setting that is comfortable toyou, one that is peaceful and will help you get the most out of yourjourney. I have nothing against people using psilocybin recreationally,but if your aim is for having a therapeutic experience, choosing afestival or other highly stimulating environment may not beconducive to that. Be mindful of who is around you. I opted to have apersonalized retreat experience rather than going on a retreat withmany participants. I did not want other people’s experiences tointerfere with my own.If you're new to psilocybin, it'sunderstandable to have someapprehension about having achallenging experienceWritten by Jennifer Chesak, Author of The Psychedelic Handbook for WomenPSYCHEDELICPSYCHEDELICAuthentic Insider | Page 32

Follow Me!Follow Me!When trauma initially comes up during a psilocybin session, youmay have the instinct to resist it, which can generate someanxiety. Part of letting the mushroom take you where it’sgoing to take you, even if you don’t want to go there, involvestapping back into your parasympathetic nervous system. Wehave two main branches of the autonomic nervous system:sympathetic and parasympathetic. The sympathetic nervoussystem is your “fight-flight-freeze” response. And theparasympathetic nervous system is your “rest-digest”response. These two systems work somewhat in opposition toeach other, meaning that if you’re in fight-or-flight mode, youare not calm.At first, if trauma comes up for you during a journey, you mayfeel your sympathetic nervous system fire up, with increasedheart rate, breath rate, temperature, etc. If you can tap backinto your parasympathetic nervous system, you can often getthe sympathetic nervous system to chill out. A trick thatusually works for me in any anxiety-provoking situation is boxbreathing. Inhale for a count of four, hold for a count of four,exhale for a count of four, and hold for a count of four beforerepeating the process. Breathe, and remember that you are OKand that the mushroom is there to help you.I encountered a challenging section during my journey. When itfirst came up, I felt anxious, but reminded myself not to resistit. The anxiety quickly subsided, and I was able to focus on andreprocess some tough topics without fear. Then on the otherside of the challenging section, I felt a beautiful sense ofpeace and euphoria. And I can honestly rate my experience asone of the top 10 most profound of my life.Now let’s think about set. Again, this is yourmindset going into a journey. Some people havespecific things they hope to focus on during apsilocybin experience. And that’s fine. But researchshows that setting the intention to be open to theexperience and to avoid resisting it offers someprotection against having a challenging trip. Notethat I used the word “challenging” rather than“bad.” Challenging things may come up for you.However, research shows that even when peoplenote having had a challenging time on apsychedelic, they often rank the experience as oneof the top 10 most profound of their lives.Keep in mind that past traumas, or current lifedifficulties, might rear their heads. If you readchapter three of my book, you’ll learn about themechanisms in the brain that help us view traumadifferently when on a psychedelic. In a nutshell, theusual triggers and fear we associate with ourtraumas tend to be absent while in this alteredstate. This can allow you to see trauma differentlyand reprocess it for healing. After a psychedelicexperience, integration is crucial. This is the processof analyzing and learning from your journey, and itfurthers the reprocessing of any difficult topics.A trick that usually works forme in any anxiety-provokingsituation is box breathing. Inhale for a count of four,hold for a count of four,exhale for a count of four, andhold for a count of fourbefore repeating the process. ". . . [R]esearch shows that setting the intention tobe open to the experience and to avoid resisting itoffers some protection against having achallenging trip. "Authentic Insider | Page 33

Authentic Insider | Page 35“When you do something noble andbeautiful and nobody noticed, do notbe sad. For the sun every morning is abeautiful spectacle and yet most of theaudience still sleeps.” – John Lennon

The importance ofPlayPlayby Karen Gross. . . Even for Adults eter Gray suggests that while we blame screen time (and I’dadd social media) for all that ails our children, we need to allowchildren (and I’d add adults) more free play. Yes, play is critical to our mental wellness.I have written at length about the importance of play as anantidote to trauma; counterintuitive perhaps but joy and playand creativity are ameliorating strategies for trauma. See:Breakaway Learners and Trauma Doesn’t Stop at the SchoolDoor (TCPress 2017 and 2020, respectively).I have discussed trauma tool boxes (which are play boxes) andplay tables in both classrooms and offices. I have written aboutboth. I have used both in my work. In as divisive a world as ours, it is easy to blame screen timeand social media for all that ails our children. Yes, they arecontributory factors but banning cell phones and all socialmedia will most assuredly NOT solve what ails our youth.Indeed, there are some positives to cell phones and social mediawhen used in the right settings and with the right directives.Banning them is like banning candy; people want it more.This leaves me to suggest (and I will write more on this)that we need to encourage free play — play that takesaway structure and lets kids and adults use theircreativity to engage with each other. Made up games,actual games, physical activity, hide and seek — these areall important for our healthy development. (Eliminategames like Red Rover and Musical Chairs). Engaging inplay allows us to grow as people; it allows us to succeedand fail; it allows us to experience the mind/bodyconnection.Bottom line: listen to Peter Gray: Play is good and helpfuland we need more of it. If I have said it once, I have saidit a million times: education happens in many places andspaces of which the classroom is but one.So this summer, go play. PP

Authentic Insider | Page 37“Never, ever underestimatethe importance of havingfun.” – Randy Pausch“Never, ever underestimatethe importance of havingfun.” – Randy Pausch

As the mental health crisis reaches devastating levels post pandemic, more and more people arelooking for ways to manage their mental health. How does a childhood sexual abuse survivor, a veteran struggling with PTSD and an athletesuffering from Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI), trauma, and addiction find effective healing andrelief? Psychedelics. A treatment that was studied and used as effective treatment for mental health disorders until itwas banned and categorized as a schedule I drug in the 1970s, psychedelics have providedmuch needed relief for thousands of people suffering from trauma and mental health issues.Regardless of the laws banning these treatments, the people who understood the power of thesemedicines feel more empowered to find ways to help others find healing through them. On thefollowing page click on the graphic to view the Proof of Concept for "Our Own PersonalRealities." An Upcoming Documentary about the Fight toBring Psychedelic Healing Back into the LightAuthentic Insider | Page 38

If you are interested in donating orinvesting in this film, please emaillorilee@binstockmediagroup.comAuthentic Insider | Page 39

A Trauma Survivor Thriver’s Podcast is joining Mental Health News Radio Network https://www.mentalhealthnewsradionetwork.com/a-trauma-survivor-thrivers-podcast/

“Summertime sadness” by Lana Del Ray“Espresso” by Sabrina Carpenter“Houdini” by Dua Lipa“School’s Out for Summer” by Alice Cooper“Cruel Summer” by Taylor Swift“Watermelon Sugar” by Harry Styles“‘Summer Madness” by Kool & the Gang“Summer” by Calvin Harris“Paint the Town Red” by Doja Cat“Heat Wave” by Glass Animals“Electric Feel” by MGMT“Flowers” by Miley Cyrus“Talk to Much” by COIN“Feels Like Summer” by Childish Gambino“I Ain’t Worried” by OneRepublic“Doses & Mimosas” by CherubSUMMER TUNES 2024Oh, Sweet Summer. The seasonwhere stringent responsibilities tendto fall by the wayside. The privilegeof enjoying a summer vacation totake some very much needed timeoff. After all, summer is meant tofind downtime. To recharge. To getready for responsibilities that await.Whether you can or cannot get away,here are some tunes to help you findtime for yourself this summer. Summer Tunes 2024Summer Tunes 2024MUSICMUSICMUSICMUSIC

Authentic Insider | Page 42Linus has parents who live in separate homes, which turns out tobe quite an adventure! Read along to discover the wonderful giftsthat spending quality time with each of Linus’s parents can bring,and how the love of his parents is the greatest gift of all! Their loveis never separated, no matter where it goes. Mommy’s House is alook into the life of a child living between two homes, and givesevery young reader the space to identify with their own experienceand encourages communication between parents and their childrenfor healthy emotional growth.*I am a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.Is your brain magic? Whether your brain buzzes around the roomlike a bee or tells you to be loud and roar like a lion, celebrate themany things that it can be!This sensory-seeking celebration shines a light on neurodiversityand sensory processing in a fun and action-packed way for allchildren to enjoy.When little Catherine’s emotions overwhelm her, she puts them ina special box Grandma gave her. But the box keeps growing . . . andgrowing . . . and growing–until Catherine doesn’t know what to do!Will Catherine be able to overcome this out-of-control box? Agentle story that understands the roller coaster of emotionschildren experience, he Tear Box communicates a safe way toprocess feelings without pushing them down.

No one expects the police to knock on the door of the million-dollar two-storyhome of the perfect cul-de-sac housewife. But soccer mom Lara Love Hardinhas been hiding a shady secret: she is funding her heroin addiction bystealing her neighbors’ credit cards. Lara is convicted of thirty-two felonies.But Lara quickly learns the rules and brings love and healing to her fellowinmates as she climbs the social ladder and acquires the nickname “MamaLove,” showing that jailhouse politics aren’t that different from the PTAmeetings she used to attend. When she’s released, she reinvents herself as aghostwriter. The Many Lives of Mama Love is a heartbreaking and tenderjourney from shame to redemption, despite a system that makes it almostimpossible for us to move beyond the worst thing we have ever done.Stolen Childhoods: Thriving After Abuse focuses on how survivors ofchildhood abuse can finally break their silence and begin the process ofrecovery by understanding the impact their abuse history has on theiradulthood. Filled with real life client conversations, along with her ownexperiences as a patient, this work helps readers stop reliving past abuse andthrive in their recovery. It demonstrates the tremendous hope that can comefrom having a witness, and feeling heard and believed.Now you can unlock your full potential and free yourself from the shacklesof past traumas and societal expectations to find true personal happiness.Based on the theories of renowned psychologist Alfred Adler, this bookguides you through the principles of self-forgiveness, self-care, and minddecluttering in a straightforward, easy-to-digest style that’s accessible to all.The Courage to Be Disliked unfolds as a dialogue between a philosopher anda young man, who, over the course of five enriching conversations, realizesthat each of us is in control of our life’s direction, independent of pastburdens and expectations of others.*I am a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.Authentic Insider | Page 43Mental Health Books (for adults)

For the month of July, I see some people could feel restricted or stuck in their life.There are a small few that may be going to spend some time in confinement. I seethat there are a few people that could be wanting to learn more about spirituality.There are some folks I feel that want to go back to school to get seek highereducation and knowledge.For love, there could be some who get married or want to renew their vows.Someone could be taking a risk to open up and express their feelings. For singles,you could be meeting a new person who you want to get to know. Friends may bestepping in to help. Something or someone is worth waiting for. I see a small fewwho need to release an ex. Others need to heal some family issues.During the month of July, some may be spending time alone to do some innerhealing. You may want to heal from past heart breaks or disappointments. I feelthere could be conflicts around because of changes that are taking place.I feel that some secrets could be coming to light and a person will be exposed forwho they are. Whether this is in a good or bad way. Many want to heal from pastbetrayal. Something is no longer causing you pain and hurt. This took a while but Ifeel like you are ready to heal and let go. Justice will be served in a situation andyou will be able to make positive changes in your life.I see prosperity in terms of finances. Your faith and your talents will help youachieve goals and dreams. About JoyAbout JoyJoy is a Narcissistic AbuseSurvivor who has made it herlife's work to help others throughlife coaching. She is also a healer,earth angel and psychic medium.If you would like coachingservices from Joy and/or getyour own personal reading,please scan the barcode belowwith your smartphone camera.READINGSPersonalINFOCoachingAuthentic Insider | Page 44