The Power of The Pause in Decision Making

May 17, 2022 Lisa Hutchison LMHC psychology decisionmaking, mindfulness, silence, stillness

Sometimes the only way to move forward is to stop doing and re-evaluate. Going around in circles keeps you busy but it does not get you far. When you pause, you take the time to see clearly what the circumstances are around you and what is coming from your own mind, through your thoughts. You can not influence external events, however, you can choose to change the elements within yourself.

Stillness is Necessary for Growth

Manifestation is the flow of energy to create a desired outcome. Sometimes the energy is strong and clear, other times it feels elusive. The energy is forever moving, even when you are not. As with all periods of growth, stillness is necessary. Don’t overlook this part of your journey or minimize its importance.

Think of yourself like a seed. You are full of potential but need the proper condition to grow. The seed requires nutrients, water and the correct temperature to sprout. When this happens, under the surface, germination occurs. The seed becomes a physical manifestation of a flower. As you can’t force a seed to flower, you also can’t force your process to happen quicker.

Divine Timing

There are two types of timing, Divine timing and ego’s timing. Divine timing ensures all is unfolding according to our highest and best good. Often we don’t understand why certain events happen or why we have to wait. It is a humbling experience to accept we cannot control time, no matter how much we want to. The ego’s timing requires immediate responses and movement. This works well when it corresponds to Divine timing. Sometimes it does not.

Forcing the process or flow of energy, through ego’s timing creates frustration, suffering and impatience. Over time, these states lead to inflammation and dis-ease.

Feeling All the Feels

Pausing causes you to come in contact with all the feelings you experience waiting. It is normal to feel upset, angry, disappointed and even hurt. Feel all the feelings and release them. Write them out, talk to a friend or trusted counselor. This process will allow you to get in contact with your higher self.

Your Intuitive Self

When you develop a detached awareness, you go below the surface level of thinking and feeling, to actually “knowing.” Here you will find your intuitive self, who knows what is the best course of action for you. Unlike the ego, who pushes you forward aggressively, the intuitive self guides with a gentle hand. There are times you will need the ego energy and other times it can work against you. Only by slowing down and pausing, will you discover the answer and direction you need to take.

Once you are grounded, centered and detached, you can separate the outside world’s energy from your own. It is at this point, you will know without a doubt, what your next step is- if any. Trust in the process and in yourself. You will learn when you distance or put a pause on an issue temporarily, you will gain the perspective you seek.

What is your experience with the pause?

Lisa Hutchison LMHC is a licensed psychotherapist and writing coach. She works for caring professionals, who want to prevent or treat compassion fatigue. Her specialty is teaching stress management, assertiveness and boundary setting. Lisa is the Amazon bestselling author of I Fill My Cup: A Journal for Compassionate Helpers and the kindle book Setting Ethical Limits for Caring & Competent Professionals. Get a FREE 10 page E-book; Why Compassionate People Run Out of Energy and What You Can Do About It at http://www.lisahutchison.net

Full Moon Eclipse In Scorpio with Mercury Retrograde

May 9, 2022 Lisa Hutchison LMHC astrology/moon, psychology Eclipse, fullmoonScorpio, mercury retrograde

Empathic helpers, being sensitive to energy, are often influenced by lunar and planetary changes. The good news is the more you are aware of these shifts, the better you can manage your moods and thoughts. Another part of sensitivity is caring deeply for all living beings and nature. This is a wonderful gift, however, it can lead many of us to get out of balance with our needs and others.

Every human being struggles with negative thinking. This is due to the minds natural tendency to focus on what is missing or wrong. At times, we turn these harsh words onto ourselves and sometimes we push them out onto others. In order to experience the success that is ours, the Scorpio moon is the perfect time to heal and release paranoia, worry or retaliatory thinking. Today, I am writing and including a video reading about the Scorpio full moon eclipse, which occurs May 16th within a mercury retrograde.

The Full Moon Eclipse

Eclipses come in pairs. I will be doing two videos this is video two of two. If you missed video number one, go back to my channel and listen to the introductory of this eclipse story.

Often there is an increase in drama and intensity around eclipse energy. You may not understand the full story of what is happening or happened until after both eclipses. This is a good time to journal about your life and then go back and read it in a couple of weeks after this full moon. You may want to revisit both of these videos as well in two weeks after this eclipse.

Eclipses are karmic fated energies that feel out of our control. It is important to let go and go with the flow. The full moon eclipse is about finding conclusions. This eclipse can close the door suddenly on a relationship or opportunity. Let go of the past and the present expectations. Know you are on the right path, even if it doesn’t feel that way. Forgive yourself and others because no one is perfect. This is for your highest and best good.

Expect powerful change. Practice saying, “yes” or “I am willing.”

Mercury Retrograde May 10th- June 3rd

During this mercury retrograde, you will see how life and various processes have slowed down or come to a halt. The gift of the retrograde is a time to go deep within, create and listen. Creativity is boosted during this time and is healing for you, especially if you are grieving or letting go. It is recommended to not sign contracts or begin a new project, you can have travel snafus and various miscommunications. A great motto is, re-do rethink, restart.

Scorpio Full Moon Energy

A full moon is a reminder to surrender to the Divine. You can let go of physical items, emotional baggage or creative blocks. Whatever is getting in the way of what you want in life, release it all. Focus on letting go during the full moon and up to forty-eight hours afterwards.

The full moon is a time to go within and release anything that is preventing you from moving forward. Sort through your entire life find what is working and what you can let go of on all levels. Look at what drains and replenishes your energy physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually.

Scorpio full moon supports releasing negativity, Amen! Let go of negative thoughts, people, and situations. Write down these thoughts in a journal or talk to a trusted friend or counselor. Get it out, don’t leave it ruminating in your head. Release mistrust, paranoia, worry, or retaliation thoughts. You deserve joy! Eclipses can be intense but so can Scorpio energy. Transform fear into empowerment and passion because this will serve you well.

Meditate around and on the day of the full moon and write down your impressions. Write down your dreams and pay attention to synchronicity. These are messages from the Divine showing you, you are on the right path.

Listen deep within. Calm any nervous energy at this time, through meditation, prayer and being by the water. Grounding is important with this moon. Full moons can heighten our emotions. Take a breath, be mindful and watch the emotions rise and fall like ocean waves. You do not need to get attached to any one feeling, thought or thing at this time.

Let’s pick some cards to see what we need to focus on during this full moon Scorpio. This reading resonate with you b-day, moon or rising sign in Scorpio or Taurus. All empaths, no matter what your astrological sign because you are sensitive to energies.

Video Reading

How is your eclipse experience going so far?

Check out my YouTube Channel: Lisa Hutchison LMHC

How to Let Go of Anger in Healthy Ways

April 19, 2022 Lisa Hutchison LMHC Empath Toolkit, psychology angermanagement, empath, rage, resentment

Sensitive people may have more difficulty with intense emotions because of the depth they feel of emotion. You will be more affected by the injustices of the world, to those around you and even yourself. You could experience strong emotional responses, such as anxiety, depression and even anger.

Anger is a healthy, normal emotion. Do not repress or deny this feeling. It is a signal that something needs to change. When people feel or become helpless to enact change, they either turn that anger inward to express a depression or outward to express rage.

Here are some healthy ways to cope with anger, especially the anger you can’t seem to let go of.

Identify your anger. Some times you don’t know why you are angry or the reason you think you are angry is not really the reason why you feel upset. To uncover any deeper underlying pain, make a list of all the reasons you are angry. Naming anger, big and small, can lessen the hold it has over you.
Write down in detail why you are angry. Get it out of your head and onto the page.
Express empathy for yourself. Look through your list and tell yourself, “Of course, you are angry! I get it. This isn’t fair or right and I can see why you feel this way.”
Hand your anger over to a Higher Power. Now you have identified your anger and acknowledged it, surrender it to the Divine.
Get Physical. After you have released the emotion from your mind, go for a walk or do some form of exercise to release the tension in your physical body.
Change Your Perspective. Imagine what an outside person would tell you about your situation. What would your best friend advise you to do?
Consider an assertive conversation. If you feel anger towards someone, you may need to express your feelings and set boundaries in an assertive way.
If you continue to feel angry, consider talking to a professional who can help you.

How do you let go of anger in healthy ways?

Check out my YouTube Channel: Lisa Hutchison LMHC

Bringing Balance to the Chaotic Energies- Full Moon in Libra

April 5, 2022April 5, 2022 Lisa Hutchison LMHC astrology/moon, Empath Toolkit, relationships Librafullmoon

Empathic helpers often have difficulty balancing their own needs and others. With great sensitivity, comes a tendency to focus on making other people happy and ignoring our own needs. In order to experience the relationship success that is yours, the Libra full moon is the perfect time to heal and release people pleasing. Today, I am writing and including a video reading about the Libra full moon, which occurs April 16th.

Full Moon Energy

A full moon is a reminder to surrender to the Divine. You can let go of physical items, emotional baggage or creative blocks. Whatever is getting in the way of what you want in life, release it all. You can focus on letting go during the full moon and up to forty-eight hours afterwards.

The Libra Full Moon

April has a lot of fast moving energies. We have 2 new moons this month with a solar eclipse on April 30th, I will talk about that in the next video. Libra full moon can bring us some balance amongst the chaos by letting go. For some people this month has been a whirlwind while others have felt unsettled, and ungrounded. Calm any nervous energy at this time, through meditation, prayer and being by the water. Seek out a healing session to balance your chakras.

You are about to start a new relationship or partnership or your existing relationship is changing. This can be an ending for some or elevate you to a new level of commitment. If a connection is ending, bless it and let it go. Trust the Universe is always bringing you to your highest and best, no matter what. Find the balance between your desires and those around you.

Listen deep within.

Video Reading

How can you bring more balance into your life and relationships?

Check out my YouTube Channel: Lisa Hutchison LMHC

How to Be Hopeful in Tough Times

March 16, 2022 Lisa Hutchison LMHC Empath Toolkit, grief/loss, psychology, relationships, trauma empath, hopeful, psychology, self-care

Hope fuels a sense of purpose and energy. You know without a doubt, I can do this! With the human brain’s tendency to focus more on the negative, it can be challenging to find hope in tough times. If you have doubts or despair, the good news is you can build and develop an optimistic thinking style. Throughout this blog, I will reference research and material from a recent continuing education training I attended from Dr. Jaime Kurtz.

Why Choose Hope?

According to research, when you are realistically hopeful, you are more relaxed. (Kurtz, 2022).

Your brain wants to explore possibilities through play and creativity.
You find it easier to problem solve and grow.
You experience better health and a stronger immune system.
Hopeful people are more sociable, well liked, are better leaders and even make more money.
Hopeful people cope better with setbacks and have better marriages.

Why Being Hopeful isn’t Always Easy

Remember how I said, the brain has a tendency to focus more on the negative than the positive? It takes at least three positives to overcome one negative. For some of us, who are more sensitive, it may take even more. This emphasizes the importance of protecting your energies from lower vibrations, moods and thoughts, including yourself and others.

Our routines and habits often get in our way. When under stress, we tend to fall into habitual patterns of thinking and doing. There is a upside and downside to this. Habits can shield the brain from harm or too much input. The unfortunate part is we often turn to mindless behaviors, such as scrolling endlessly through social media, obsessively watching the news, thinking pessimistically, ruminating or worrying and even eating comfort foods. All of these activities keeps you stuck and at times feeling hopeless.

Let’s just admit it…life can be really, really hard. For this reason, we can lose hope easily. The realistic aspects of living life can bring your mood down. People have financial stress, health issues, relationship problems, etc. When you are a helper, in the role of healing others, you can absorb other’s negativities and lower energies.

How Can I Be More Hopeful?

A part of being hopeful is changing how you think. According to Dr. Jaime Kurtz, an optimistic thinking style has four elements.

Temporary- Knowing whatever you are experiencing will pass.
Local- Thoughts are focused only on your current situation and no other.
Not Personal- You know this is not entirely my fault.
Controllable- There IS something I can do about this.

Stress management or filling your cup is essential. This can be unique to each one of you. Find activities that nourish and replenish you. Some ideas are exercise, being in nature, listening to music, or practicing a hobby. If you haven’t seen my book, I Fill My Cup: A Journal For Compassionate Helpers, you may want to check it out. As Kurtz states, “Hopeful people engage in more preventative behaviors.”

Pennebaker (1997) discusses the power of story telling to increase hope. The instruction is to construct a clear narrative of what you want and how you might get it. You can write or tell your story to a trusted friend, coach or counselor.

Reframing your thoughts- Think of a previous hopeless or negative situation that has happened. Next name three things that help you see the bright side of life because you did not get what you wanted.

Spend more time with hopeful and positive people. As many of you absorb the lower energies from others, you can also absorb or take in the positive energies. Choose wisely.

Being hopeful may not be easy, but it is possible. YOU CAN DO IT!

Check out my YouTube Channel: Lisa Hutchison LMHC

REFERENCE: Pennebaker, J. W. (1997). Writing about emotional experiences as a therapeutic process.
Psychological Science, 8, 162-166.

You’re Ready for Success- Full Moon in Virgo

March 7, 2022 Lisa Hutchison LMHC astrology/moon, psychology empath, Virgofullmoon

Empathic helpers often have difficulty balancing their own needs and others. With great sensitivity comes a tendency to experience insecure or critical thoughts. At times, we turn these harsh words onto ourselves and sometimes we push them out onto others. In order to experience the success that is ours, the Virgo moon is the perfect time to heal and release perfectionism. Today, I am writing and including a video reading about the Virgo full moon, which occurs March 18th.

Full Moon Energy

A full moon is a reminder to surrender to the Divine. You can let go of physical items, emotional baggage or creative blocks. Whatever is getting in the way of what you want in life, release it all. You can focus on letting go during the full moon and up to forty-eight hours afterwards.

The Virgo Full Moon

The full moon is a time to go within and release anything that is preventing you from moving forward. Sort through your entire life find what is working and what you can let go of on all levels. Virgo is about health and being healthy. Look at what drains and replenishes your energy physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually.

Virgo full moon is a time to be honest with yourself. Look within and ask are you being too humble or perhaps too picky or critical? Having attention to detail can be wonderful, however perfectionism hurts ourselves and others. Is worry or anxiety getting in your way?

This is the time to stop doubting yourself. Yes, you are good enough! Repeat after me. I do enough, I give enough, I am enough

Listen deep within. Calm any nervous energy at this time, through meditation, prayer and being by the water. Grounding is important with this moon.

Full moons can heighten our emotions. Take a breath, be mindful and watch the emotions rise and fall like ocean waves. You do not need to get attached to any one feeling, thought or thing at this time.

Let’s pick some cards to see what we need to focus on during this full moon Virgo. This reading resonate with you b-day, moon or rising sign in Pisces, Aries or Virgo. All empaths, no matter what your astrological sign because you are sensitive to energies.

Video Reading

How can you release your inner critic and step into success?

Check out my YouTube Channel: Lisa Hutchison LMHC

Interview with Lisa Hutchison, LMHC — Resiliency Mental Health

February 23, 2022February 25, 2022 Lisa Hutchison LMHC psychology, trauma ifillmycup, Interview, psychology

1. First, can you tell us a bit about your professional background? I am a licensed mental health counselor for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, who has been practicing psychotherapy for over 20 years. I have created program for caring professionals, who want to prevent and treat compassion fatigue. I have taught various classes online and in person, in […]
Interview with Lisa Hutchison, LMHC — Resiliency Mental Health

Check out my YouTube Channel: Lisa Hutchison LMHCEdit

Healing Chronic Pain with the Archangels

February 15, 2022 Lisa Hutchison LMHC Angels, Empath Toolkit, grief/loss, manifestation, trauma Angels, Archangels, chronic pain, manifestation

Pain can be physical but also mental, emotional or spiritual. This discomfort is not a punishment but rather a calling to heal a part of your inner being. In the grips of pain, it is difficult to separate the experience of suffering from spiritual enlightenment. Often the two extremes feel very far apart. As each person’s journey through temporary and chronic pain is unique, there are also many paths to healing.

Temporary vs. Chronic Pain

Temporary pain is a signal sent from the nervous system communicating something is out of balance and needs correcting. For example, when your hand touches a hot stove, you instinctively move it out of the way. The result is a physical burn which damages the skin and sometimes the nerves. This injury requires first aid and time to heal. Unless your burn is severe, your hand would recover and this pain experience would be forgotten overtime.

Chronic pain for a multitude of reasons, no longer responds to the correction and becomes stuck in a negative feedback loop. This is not to say, you cannot find relief. Your solution may come in a different form than you expect, such as holistic medicine or a combination of holistic and traditional forms.

My Journey

I have been connected with the angels since childhood. Like many of you, I have experienced temporary and chronic pain. Through meditation and prayer, the angels have offered me hope, direction to new healers and doctors, and suggestions for self-care. The angels have encouraged me to work with others in pain to help them. The most important tool you will utilize on your healing journey is your instinct or gut knowingness. If a person or a treatment feels right for you, speak up and try it.

Archangels Who Can Help

Archangel Gabriel will help you communicate your thoughts and feelings to doctors and healthcare professionals. Pain can be linked to repressed emotions and psychological trauma. Learning how to express your feelings through creativity and the spoken word, will benefit your healing.

Archangel Michael will help you release fear, give you the motivation to keep going and the courage to try something new. Many times when pain strikes, our fear response heightens the experience. You may also feel fearful trying a new doctor, healer or treatment. Change feels scary to many of us, even if it helps. If you try something new and it does not work, speak up and try something else or take a break from it. Remember, you always have a choice.

Archangel Raphael is the number one angel for all health concerns physically, mentally, emotionally or spiritually. Pray to Raphael for healing and to direct you to the best doctors and healers for your condition. Follow Raphael’s advice, even if it is getting more fresh air or being in the sunlight. Being out in nature, can do wonders for our health on all levels by increasing healthy levels of oxygen and receiving that all important Vitamin D from the sun.

There are many other Archangels not mentioned here, although I wanted to discuss the main ones I have worked with for chronic pain. Remember to also pray to your guardian angel. Each person has at least one guardian angel who has been with them since birth. No matter who you ask for help, know your request for healing and help has been heard. You are never alone. Pay attention to the signs and synchronicities you receive and take action. You are worth it!

Other blogs you may be interested in reading:

Why Archangel Gabriel is the Best Writer’s Angel

Why Angels are Important in the Manifestation Process

Hope Is The Most Important Ingredient In Healing

How to Find Pain Relief Through your Mind

Check out my YouTube Channel: Lisa Hutchison LMHC

Let’s Come Straight from the Heart- Full moon in Leo

February 4, 2022 Lisa Hutchison LMHC astrology/moon, psychology, relationships empath, leofullmoon

Empathic helpers often have difficulty balancing their own needs and others. With great sensitivity comes a tendency to get caught up in other people’s energy. In our quest to put ourselves onto our ever growing list of priorities, sometimes we don’t express ourselves assertively and instead act prideful and from the ego. Today, I am writing and including a video reading about the Leo full moon, which occurs February 16th.

Full Moon Energy

A full moon is a reminder to surrender to the Divine. You can let go of physical items, emotional baggage or creative blocks. Whatever is getting in the way of what you want in life, release it all. You can focus on letting go during the full moon and up to forty-eight hours afterwards.

The Leo Full Moon

Leo full moon is a time to let your pride go. A great question to ask during this full moon is; Am I coming from the heart or my ego? Leos and all empathic folks have a big heart but we can overdo it during a full moon because the energy is increased.

Valentine’s Day is two days before this full moon. Make sure you give your partner the benefit of the doubt. Watch your pridefulness. It couldn’t hurt to let your partner be right.

Find balance between your needs and the needs of others. Am you expecting too much or maybe your giving too much? Remember everyone counts, everyone matters. For those who are overly helpful, this means you too. Consider yourself. If you are on the other side of the coin, consider others, have empathy put yourself in their shoes. This is a great time for creativity! Use the confidence of this full moon to shine.

Meditate around and on the day of the full moon and write down your impressions. You can speak your truth and set limits with kindness.

Write down your dreams and pay attention to synchronicity. These are messages from the Divine showing you, you are on the right path.

With the full moon, be prepared for some kind of letting go. You may need to move on, in order to make room for the new. What needs to go? It could be a relationship. Listen deep within. Calm any nervous energy at this time, through meditation, prayer and being by the water.

Let’s pick some cards to see what we need to focus on during this full moon Leo. This reading resonate with you b-day in Leo or Aquarius or have a sun, moon or rising. All empaths, no matter what your astrological sign because you are sensitive to energies.

Video Reading

Am I coming from my heart or my ego?

Check out my YouTube Channel: Lisa Hutchison LMHC

How to Effectively Heal Your Body with Intuitive Listening

January 19, 2022 Lisa Hutchison LMHC health/wellness, psychology creativity, health, intuition, self-care

Most of us when we feel unwell, search outside of ourselves for a solution. You want to feel better now! This is fueled by feelings of anxiety, pain and suffering. Sometimes you find a quick fix. Most often you end up worse off than you started or back to square one.

When you look within yourself rather than react to fear, you will know without a doubt which direction to go. If you already use your intuition in your daily life and work, you may find this easier than those who have difficulty trusting their inner voice. I am going to lay out the steps you can take here and then recommend a book I recently read to help you begin your own healing journey. If you require more assistance in the future, such as spiritual coaching or psychotherapy, I am here for you.

How to Tune into Your Intuition

Create Quiet- It is best to be in an environment where you will not be disturbed. This ensures you hear the wisdom of your soul.

Author David Rome uses GAP: Grounded Aware Presence to describe how to connect to your felt sense. I will summarize his points here. There is a lot more interesting information in his book, which I will list below.

Feel the weight of your body and where you are sitting. Once you feel solid upon the earth say the word , grounded.
Bring your attention to your head. Focus on your hearing and assign a simple mental label, such as car horn, breathing, etc. Once you sense the space around you, say the word, aware.
Place your hand on your heart and experience you being here. Once you appreciate your existence, say the word, presence.

Ask your body what messages it has for you. What do you need me to know at this time? You can mentally take note of what you hear or write it down. Be with your body. Hold the space. Acknowledge and use your empathy skills on yourself. What do you need? This answer will be different for all of us. It could be go to a doctor, a need for rest or more inner attending like this. Take the next steps.

Thank your body for its messages and reassure your body you are always here to listen. Make time to listen again soon.

Your Body Knows the Answer Using Your Felt Sense to Solve Problems, effect Change & Liberate Creativity by David I. Rome