News & Updates

WE NEED TO TALK …

In recognition of Mental Health Awareness Month, we’re sharing a 2022 newsletter that garnered the highest number of responses from our readers. It includes references to suicide, now the number two cause of death for 10-24 year olds. For mental health support or emergency, call or text 988. 

When I was nine years old, eight days before Christmas, my grandmother passed away. Nearly three decades later I learned the actual cause of death. She had taken her own life. I recognize that when it happened, I was considered too young to be told, yet the stigma clouded memories of her and shrouded in secrecy parts of our family history. This is true, I’m sure, for countless families.

The loss of Naomi Judd, three highly accomplished female college athletes Sarah Shulze, Katie Meyer, Lauren Bernett, Regina King’s son, Ian Alexander Jr., Miss USA Cheslie Kryst — all in seemingly rapid succession this year — are only some of the most high-profile individuals lost to mental illness. Yet, according to Mental Health America, more than 13.2 million adults have suicidal thoughts (a 2024 stat, up from 11 million in 2022).

We need to talk (about what we get wrong). During a training on suicide prevention, presented by Living Works they pointedly tackled one of the most common misperceptions about suicide. That is, if you ask someone if they are considering killing themselves, you’re putting ideas in their heads – not true. “Asking clearly, calmly and without judgment allows people to talk about their thoughts. Up until getting asked, they may not have felt they could talk about the deep pain they’re in. Asking shows you take it seriously; you can help connect them to resources and support.”

We need to talk (about how we treat one another). In an interview with Cheslie Kryst’s mother, April Simpkins said Cheslie had “high functioning depression.” Her stunning achievements (in sports, academia, entertainment) were “no match for what she struggled with in her own mind … exacerbated by comments in social media.” Then she made a sad observation, “People aren’t kind to people with mental illness.” There is a real need for open, honest dialogue about mental illness, especially for those seeking treatment, to give them the same unconditional support given to people coping with physical illnesses.

We need to talk (about checking in … genuinely checking in). Simpkins also pointed out that her daughter was adept at deflecting what was really going on with her. In response to a question about how she was doing, Cheslie would quickly turn it back to the inquirer, letting the conversation naturally flow to their lives instead of hers. This observation made me pause and think about how much more intentional I could be about checking in with people I care about. You’ve likely heard the phrase, “check in on your strong friends” – they may be carrying the heaviest burdens and adroitly hiding the weight. Check in. Listen carefully. Let people feel seen, heard, and valued.

We need to talk (about prevention). Mental Health America advocates making mental health screenings common for all ages, including children, for early intervention. They have a free online screening tool here. “People needing early intervention want four things, and only one of these is a referral to treatment. The others are: more information about their mental health problem; tools they can use themselves to monitor and improve their mental health; and connections to people like themselves who have had the same feelings, thoughts, experiences, and lived through them to recovery.”

We need to talk (about how alternative therapies can support mental health). This is the work of Soul Seeds. Our specific meditation techniques can help people cope with anxiety, stress, and depression. Many of our volunteers, trained in these techniques, cite the fact that their lives have been dramatically changed by the meditations and learning how to work with their own energy. Each of them wants to give back because they know the positive influence of this work on their lives.

Soul Seeds connects with communities that have had little to no access to meditation and its benefits. After a recent session with a team from the Tacoma Housing Authority, each person commented on how stressed, even anxious, they felt coming into the session and how surprised they were that, after a 15-minute meditation, they felt better and more relaxed.

Suicide is an excruciatingly stark reality, and I am not suggesting that meditation is the panacea. I am not a psychologist, therapist, or other mental health professional — I am conversant only in my own experience — but for Mental Health Awareness month, it simply felt important to talk about it.

Melanie Davis-Jones (she/her/hers)

Board Member

 

RESOURCES | 2024

Suicide Prevention Resources | Reduce access to firearms and medications at home. It’s Okay to Not Be Okay: Tips and Resources for Mental Health Awareness Month Ask your teen about suicide, it’s really okay, as you’ll see in this video

An Idea Whose Time Has Come

As we move into 2024, it feels like the sense of great optimism that generally accompanies this time of year is muted by the news of the day. Where can we find a sense of hope? Well, we know that individual acts can shift the energy and therefore, the circumstances. Energy work (meditation, prayer, mindfulness …) can create healings (and change) at a profound level. With Soul Seeds, we have seen it happen countless times. In the youth who were unhoused that found jobs and a place to live. In the young mother of five in a blended family who, after a 15-minute meditation, said she now had the strength to address, and not try to escape from, the challenges in her home. In the seniors who now have more mobility or one who is no longer estranged from her daughter. The peace of mind they gained shifted their perspective on their lives. This idea of helping to create transformational change at an individual level is part of the goal of Soul Seeds. Read more about our mission and vision here.

The barrier we must overcome is the belief that one person or one group cannot be a tremendous force for change. Think of those who have created movements that have changed laws, customs and traditions. There must be an intensity of belief that allows you to set aside fear or doubt, propelling you forward to take on the enormous mountain of old beliefs, existing systems, and flat-out contempt for the cause. Seeing the vision clearly and uncompromisingly must provide a beacon of hope and possibility.

When founder Nancy Rebecca and I did an energy reading on Soul Seeds, the core of the spiritual message we received was that Soul Seeds is a movement, tailor-made for this time. The guidance was to stop focusing on the minutia (though process was important) and see that we all (yes, you too) have roles to play in bringing this way of going through the world (connected to our inner light) to as many people as possible. What else? Trust the mission. Fortify ourselves against disappointments. Believe that change is not only doable but necessary. We paused at the thought of Soul Seeds as a movement. For me, it was wondering if I was up to the task. Then the Marianne Williamson quote echoed in my mind, “We ask ourselves, who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be? … your playing small does not serve the world.” That is our shared call-to-action. Movements – large and small — are all grounded in seeing what is possible and standing up for what you believe is right, just, and fair.

In a Philanthropy Impact article, author Derrick Feldman, notes that “Social movements typically strive to generate policy or cultural change, social movements for good work to generate awareness and enact change for an issue or population in need of support and resources. [They] have the power to generate awareness that produces tangible results, helping the general population live longer, more productive, happier lives.” Soul Seeds’ mission certainly does feel aligned with this definition.

We can sit around and be distressed about the state of affairs. Or we can choose to do something as best as we can. Each of you reading this is part of our movement. You appreciate the transformational power of meditation in all its forms. And, as part of Soul Seeds, you earnestly believe in the importance of sharing it with those who, in many cases, have limited access, but can benefit the most.

We’d like to invite you to get involved. If you feel so moved, donate as generously as you can (perhaps you can start with $10 now or $10 monthly). Share social media posts. Include Soul Seeds in your meditations and prayers. Believe our world can be different. Manifest our collective vision of healing, harmony, and equity. We are Healing with Humanity.

“All the forces in the world are not so powerful as an idea whose time has come.” (Victor Hugo)

This is our universal calling: grounding our individual light into the Earth. Let’s start our Soul Seeds movement by activating our own light and its inner wisdom. 

Let us hold a vision of the world as we wish it to be. May all know peace, abundance, and compassion. May we ring in the new year with high hopes and loving intentions, trusting the magic that’s inside our hearts and its power to uplift our lives and the lives of others. Here’s to believing in the incredible magic of you! 

Melanie Davis-Jones (she/her/hers) Board Member

In Case You Missed It:

Crack the Perfectionism Code | Blog by founder, Nancy Rebecca

United We Stand | Blog by founder, Nancy Rebecca

11 Ways to Make the Winter a Little Brighter | Psychology Today

One Bright Light

Standing on the platform the very first day of my new morning commute, out of the darkness came this booming voice. “Good morning, everyone. Happy Tuesday!” I looked around to see where the voice was coming from and there stood a petite woman in a Sound Transit reflective jacket with a beaming smile on her face. Never mind that most of the barely awake commuters responded to her greeting, she continued on as the train pulled into the station. “Have a great day!” With her morning ritual – saying hello individually and giving everyone a big, cheery sendoff – she is a bright light, joyfully shining whether others acknowledge it or not.

A recent session at the HYPE Center even more vividly – and literally – expresses the essence of shining a light. Founder Nancy Rebecca was starting the group meditation when a young woman, new to the circle entered the room. Mia (name changed) was deaf, and she was uncertain as to whether she could participate, though, she noted, she was a lip reader. Sessions are usually done with the lights off or dimmed; it tends to soothe many of the young people, some of whom expressed concern about not turning off the lights. But then, someone had a good idea. Nancy could hold a flashlight beneath her chin so Mia could see her lips, but the light wouldn’t disturb the others. It worked! Mia communicated that she saw her aura in vivid blues, with bluebirds – symbols of happiness — flying around. She felt her light within. Making a simple accommodation created a deeply meaningful experience for all.  

 

That same day we learned of more progress at the HYPE Center. The staff reported that about half of the young people have been placed in housing and they’re seeing fewer kids on the street. The counselor observed that Soul Seeds is the only consistent presence of outside groups (we’ve been going there since September 2021). She said to the youth, Soul Seeds represents a light of love and hope.

And we’re confident that our light is attracting more people to our work. The February Free Healing Friday had more than 30 people attend, including one of the residents of Bay Terrace Apartments. We are excited to know that the word is getting out and people are responding. A big thank you to the volunteers who were exhausted but delighted with the turnout.

Many of us wonder, what is our purpose? Am I doing what I was called to do on Earth at this time? For me, this quote puts it into perspective. “’What is my purpose in life?’ I asked the void. [The response] ‘What if I told you that you fulfilled it when you took an extra hour to talk to that kid about his life? … Or when you tied your father’s shoes for him? Your problem is that you equate your purpose with goal-based achievement. The Universe isn’t interested in your achievements… just your heart. When you choose to act out of kindness, compassion, and love, you are already aligned with your true purpose….” – Tao & Zen

Similarly, an article in Greater Good Magazine highlights a new book, Awe by Dacher Keltner, Ph.D., sourced from a study done in 26 countries, in 20 languages with 2,600 narratives. Its findings may surprise you. “What most commonly led people to feel awe? Nature? Spiritual practice? Listening to music? In fact, it was other people’s courage, kindness, strength, or overcoming… Around the world, we are most likely to feel awe when moved by moral beauty: exceptional virtue, character, and ability, marked by a purity and goodness of intention and action … Over 95% of the moral beauty that stirred awe worldwide was in actions people took on behalf of others.”

I would say that makes answering our calling considerably clearer and more attainable. Being that one bright light for others could change their lives and yours. Let’s all be willing to give it a try.

Melanie Davis-Jones (she/her/hers) Executive Director

In Case You Missed It:

Laughing in the Dark | Blog by founder, Nancy Rebecca

Grounding Meditation  | Learn what grounding is and how to apply it practically into your life. (Scroll down to the bottom of the web page.)

Do You Believe in Magic?

Growing up, my mother was insistent about creating holiday traditions, so we carved pumpkins on Halloween; attended Independence Day parades; colored Easter eggs; and played Nat King Cole while we made cookies for Christmas. (The last one I particularly love because my sons now carry on the tradition.) The only break in traditional holiday celebrations was Thanksgiving. My father did not like turkey so we always had roast beef instead … something that my elementary school classmates could not fathom! What I remember most about those times was simply being together. When you reminisce about the holidays, it’s likely you feel the same, though now you may get caught up in all the stressors associated with the holidays too.

A recent article in the New York Times entitled The Magic of Less ‘Holiday Magic’ explained that “some people respond to the stress of the season by adopting a Marie Kondo approach: relinquishing the rituals that no longer bring them joy.” That sounds like a very practical way to lessen the busyness of the holiday season, but how to increase the joy? That feels like an enticing question.

If we think of kindness or compassion or joy or love as an energy, then to share it, we can simply set the intention to infuse that energy into the gifts we give, the songs we sing, the meals we prepare, the candles we light, the times we share with co-workers, neighbors, friends, and family. There is the story of the little girl who very proudly handed her father a box tied with a big silver bow. When he opened it, the box was empty. Ready to give his daughter a lesson in gift-giving, he began to tell her that the box should contain something. With tears shining in her eyes, she replied, “but Daddy, it does have something in it – I blew 100 kisses into the box just for you.” We can tell who got the lesson on gift giving that day!

Sharing something of ourselves can be the most special gift and remembering that as we rush to find the last perfect gift or the just-right ingredient can help lessen the stress and increase the joy, for the magic is in giving from our hearts. 

As much happiness as the holidays can bring, it can be a difficult time for many. Check in on loved ones, particularly those who live alone. Invite them out for a meal or a walk in the park. Take the time for a leisurely conversation. Let them know you care.

And let’s pause for a moment to send some love to people who:

• Lost a loved one this year
• Are working on the holidays
• Don’t have a family or friends to be with
• Are facing financial hardships
• Don’t have a safe, warm place to sleep
• Are coping with physical ailments or mental illness
• Are sad or lonely, distressed or healing from trauma

Let us also consider how we can help. Although most people think of volunteering in November and December, the need is year-round. Donating to nonprofits like Soul Seeds is vital to their success. Another way to give, the act of volunteering, can be a source of joy any time of year. Just last week, I wore my reindeer antlers (yes, I have several pairs) to volunteer during my usual shift at the food bank. A gentleman who speaks little English lit up with glee when he saw the antlers and gave me a big hug. It was such a sweet gesture from someone I’ve seen over the last two and half years who usually wants to get his food and leave quickly, but in that moment his delight unexpectedly warmed my heart. I hope you’ll receive (and share) many moments of kindness that surprise and enchant you. 

May this holiday season be a special one, filled with laughter and joy. May all know peace, abundance, and compassion. May we ring in the new year with high hopes and loving intentions, trusting the magic that’s inside our hearts and its power to uplift our lives and the lives of others. Here’s to believing in the incredible magic of you! 

Melanie Davis-Jones (she/her/hers) Executive Director

In Case You Missed It:

Crack the Perfectionism Code | Blog by founder, Nancy Rebecca

11 Ways to Make the Winter a Little Brighter | Psychology Today

A Pistachio Without Its Shell

The winds of change – like blustery autumn days – sweep through our lives, bringing unexpected joys, headaches, and heartaches. I have felt those winds recently; I suspect you have too. Change can leave us feeling vulnerable, even if the change is planned or vaguely anticipated. “Like a pistachio without its shell” is how an 11-year-old at a recent youth mental health town hall described how it feels to cope with the stressors of day-to-day life, and for her, the level of anxiety it produced. What an apt description!

It is interesting that even when the news is good – a move, a new job, an engagement — feelings of stress and anxiety can still arise. Despite the aphorism, “change is the only constant” we still have not quite figured out how to navigate the waters smoothly … even those of us who meditate daily. Psychology Today notes that in addition to accepting the change (sometimes we’re purely in denial!), eating well, exercising, and keeping a routine can help. The article also suggests that writing down the positive things that have come from the change and seeking support can be beneficial as well. The last month or so has been a time of change for Soul Seeds. We had our first Free Healing Friday event at the new location in Bay Terrace Apartments on October 21.

The volunteers were thrilled with the space and delighted to welcome people in. Part of our excitement about the new space is better accessibility to the communities we want to work with, given its location closer to downtown Tacoma. As with anything new, there are a few things to sort out but all in all, the sentiment was that the reboot of Free Healing Friday was off to an auspicious start. Our friends at Tacoma Housing Authority are grateful to have this offering in their community and we deeply appreciate their support. We anticipate Free Healing Fridays growing steadily through word-of-mouth.

 

The other change for Soul Seeds was a personal one. It was a difficult decision to make, but I resigned my position as Executive Director in October. We have always had an active Board of Directors and a corps of loyal volunteers; they will do the work in the interim. This has been among the most important work I have done in my career. I am proud of the progress we have made and the community partnerships we have built. It is my sincere hope that I have created a strong foundation on which Soul Seeds can grow and prosper.

I am now the Director of Philanthropy Marketing and Communications for Seattle Children’s Hospital. My position also leads the Community Outreach, Education, and Sponsorship team. As with Soul Seeds, it is job that calls to my heart. I know the extraordinary gift that excellence in pediatric care can give to families. My twin sons were born at 28 weeks (weighing less than three pounds each); they spent two months in the hospital. Today they are healthy, intelligent, and vibrant men. This job, for me, is another way to give back.

One of the major initiatives of Seattle Children’s focuses on responding to the current mental health emergency. Youth mental health is an urgent unmet need all over the United States. One out of every five kids has a disorder that significantly impairs their life, and only about half those kids get treatment. (In my position, I do intend to help raise awareness of Soul Seeds’ work and the power of meditation, after all, we have seen the positive impact of our intuitive meditation techniques with the young people at the HYPE Center. I’ve written of them often in these newsletters.)

In the spirit of full transparency, my decision to accept a new position was also hastened by the reality that current finances could not support an Executive Director’s salary. As such, this is my heartfelt request to you. Yes, donate if you can, but I know most of you reading this already support us. This is a different ask. Please share the importance of this work. Help us address the pervasive skepticism. Share our newsletters (here’s a link to them on our site). Talk about your own experiences with meditation. Follow us and like our Facebook posts. Share articles like the one below that reports on how effective meditation is in reducing anxiety. We are still hitting considerable resistance to this work. We need many voices of support! Helping us break down the barriers will not only assist with fundraising and programmatic opportunities. it will also help our communities heal.

My passion for the work of Soul Seeds is unwavering and the Board recently approved reinstating my original position, so I’m not going far … and I suspect you’ll continue to hear from me on this platform. I am honored to have served Soul Seeds in this manner. I will always be proud to have been its inaugural Executive Director. Here’s to embracing the spirit of change and an expansive next chapter for us all!

Melanie Davis-Jones (she/her/hers) Executive Director

In Case You Missed It:

Is Someone’s Energy in Your Aura?| Blog by founder, Nancy Rebecca Mindfulness Meditation Reduces Anxiety as Much as a Common Antidepressant Drug, Study Finds | CNBC  Read article .