Desert Shade Psychology
In Idaho, the land can be harsh. Every season presents new challenges, and when we are depleted and empty, we usually feel alone.
The desert can feel dangerous and overwhelming - expansive, it looks like we'll never get out.
But if we look at the land with curiosity, rather than desperation, we might notice a quiet wisdom.
Sitting under the juniper tree, the shade becomes a resource.
When we slow down, there is a rich, supportive landscape.
I think we have worked collectively in our valley to make the City of Trees into land that is not just livable, but beautiful.
In therapy, we similarly plant trees by cultivating spaces of care: we literally build new structures within the person that make this life not just livable, but vibrant and free.
Our environments are no longer the perceived threat of past experiences.
We are safe, held by the same desert we thought would kill us, in fact, is the thing worth living for.
It's life in front of us, and no longer scary, but warm, magical and rich with meaning.
