Reflection, gratitude and resources

Ocean time, California

As summer ends and we move into a new season, I’ve been reflecting on the past few months and the hopes for the Fall. I’ve been thinking of the factors that sustain me and others and how I and we can build on and create more emotional, physical and spiritual nourishment for ourselves.

As a psychologist, supporting and working with others through the rapid changes, uncertainties and traumas of the past few years, has definitely been challenging. It’s made me and others in this field dig even deeper to find ways to keep ourselves steady, happy, purposeful and grounded, so that we can do this work with integrity, passion and kindness.

I wanted to highlight a few people, resources and recent experiences that have buoyed my spirit. My wonderful partner, who provides constant support, a loving partnership, and nourishing home base. Our reliance on each other and ability to create a work and home-life that sustains us is one of my greatest joys. So is raising a child together who is growing up free, confident, strong, kind, and utterly enthusiastic about almost everything! I’ve been able to enjoy exercising in unconventional ways – for example, one cloudy day this summer we spent an inordinate amount of time chasing waves on the beach – we ran back and forth, in and out, over and over, laughing gleefully – because this was the best thing ever. We have also been enjoying the new freedom that comes with a child developing more complex skills – swimming in the deep-end, biking without training wheels and even off-road, doing a first kids triathlon, group activities, learning to socialize with new people, plus all the other amazing mental and physical skills that develop these first few years.

And, because most nuclear families need others to thrive, I’ve been ever grateful for our parents, siblings, chosen family and friends. The creativity and intentionality of building and keeping connections with people near and far is as important as our physical health. As more and more research shows, social connection is so important and there are many negative impacts of loneliness. I hope that we can all do our parts in helping reduce loneliness and isolation for those in our communities.

I’m ever grateful for our Endurance team of therapists and administrators, my colleagues, our clients and all those doing this important work. I truly believe that the work we do together is transformative and hopefully sends ripple effects to others in the community.

I feel thankful for the natural beauty of California and the active life we can live here – and the access we have to beaches, rivers, lakes, forests and parks. I find my solace in this home I’ve had for the past twenty two years.

Finally, I’ve been thinking of the life-enhancing power of acceptance, community-building and care, open-mindedness and welcoming of diversity. It’s so important to be part of building a City, State and Country that supports all residents. With all the forces that push against progress, I feel optimistic (most of the time) about the positive things I see happening and the people who are always helping create change in their own particular ways.

I’ll mention a few personal favorites:

Dr. Mateo Cruz – an Organizational Psychologist who explores how unconscious, invisible and hidden dynamics influence people in groups and organizations

Trans Family Alliance – a support community & resource hub for parents raising transgender, non-binary and gender expansive youth

8020 Endurance – the best resource for endurance sports training plans and information

South Florida Wellness Center – A recovery community organization promoting holistic wellness for individuals and families

Life Kit – a wonderful podcast with tools that help you get it together

Dr. Cory Nyamora is a licensed psychologist and endurance sports coach. He is the founder and director of Endurance – A Sports & Psychology Center, Inc. a company that provides psychological services and sports training and travel to people of all ages. Dr. Nyamora specializes in sports psychology and works with a range of athletes from professional athletes, recreational adult athletes and highly competitive high school athletes. He provides trainings and workshops for organizations and athletes on topics related to the intersections of sports, performance, mental health and overall wellness. Find out more at www.endurancecenter.org or call 510.981.1471.