According to Braham, ruptures within relationships occur when there is a "fracture to the normally positive experience of a relationship." Conflict, hurt, unmet expectations, arguments, and disagreements may induce these ruptures. Ruptures are inevitable especially since you're interacting with other flawed human beings. A relationship rupture often entails a breakdown in communication and a disruption of a relational connection. Tune into the podcast via www.talkingwithdrtoy.com. 

Thomas Parham stated people of color should be cautious where they seek validation because seeking validation from the oppressor may lead to disaffirming and dehumanizing interactions. The invisibility syndrome may leave individuals with unmet needs which can lead to disconnection from others as well as themselves. There are strategies to work through this process of being seen and heard in ways that are affirming and validating. Tune into the podcast via www.talkingwithdrtoy.com. 

Invisibility has been deemed as a super power that people employ as a protective mechanism. The goal is to themselves safe from hurt, woundedness, and rejection. Some individuals actually feel empowered by implementing this strategy because it may be the only thing in their lives where there's a semblance of control. "Learned Invisibility" is a survival response especially in the face of abuse, neglect, and abandonment. Why is there a fear of being known and what are the costs of remaining unseen and unheard? Tune into the podcast via www.talkingwithdrtoy.com. 

Dr. Anderson Franklin constructed the term "Invisibility syndrome" and defined it as "the feeling people get when their abilities, personality, and worth are disregarded because of others' prejudice." Experiences of invisibility can adversely affect one's mental, emotional, and physical well-being. At the core of this experience is the desire to be known, loved, cared for, valued, affirmed, and deemed worthy by oneself as well as "important others" according to Gregg Henriques. Tune into the podcast via www.talkingwithdrtoy.com.

The pain and promise of invisibility is a lived experience for many especially among marginalized groups. Invisibility promises to keep one safe, but it also produces pain and a sense of powerlessness. Ralph Ellison (1952), stated "I am a man of substance, of flesh and bone...I am invisible, understand, simply because people refuse to see me...They see only my surroundings, themselves, or figments of their imagination--indeed, everything and anything except me." Tune into the podcast via www.talkingwithdrtoy.com.

The trauma and grief induced by the recent tragedies can be so overwhelming that there appears to be no respite for the pain, despair, helplessness, and hopelessness. Taking a pause which requires stillness and reflection may allow one to connect with a few moments of goodness that brings a sense of gratitude to the soul. The gratitude may serve as a filling of the soul which can become so drained and malnourished in a troubling world. Gratitude is more than an attitude, it can be an emotion and a disposition where feelings of kindness and warmth are induced. Please remember, there's room to hold space for the grief and the gratitude. Tune into the podcast via www.talkingwithdrtoy.com

The past and recent mass shootings in Brooklyn, NY and Laguna Hills, CA once again bring into sharp focus the rise of hate crimes in the US against marginalized groups. The following headline read: "We do not feel safe": Many Black Americans experiencing grief and trauma. One person noted: "Its hard to heal a wound that is continuously reopened...and the scars are deep." Yes, some of us are exhausted, numb, and want to retreat, however this concept of collective caring and grief requires our attention and connection. Tune into the podcast via www.talkingwithdrtoy.com.

The world in which we live ascribes value to work ethic and stigma to play. We are often bombarded with extreme images of play that seem dangerous and irresponsible with a hit of laziness. Play is relegated for children and work is viewed as the epitome of "adulting." With such a contrast, it's no wonder that individuals often feel an enormous amount of guilt when partaking in play. However, play is not just for children, it is a necessary ingredient to experiencing some form of liberation in an oppressive world. Tune into the podcast via www.talkingwithdrtoy.com.

Taking a pause for what may arise includes days like today--Mother's Day. Yes, for some it may be filled with wonderful memories and moments worth celebrating, but for others it may be very triggering where it becomes a day wrought with uncertainty, confusion, pain, and woundedness. Someone stated, "If you have a mother, you have a mother wound." How does one find space/safety in exploring and experiencing those emotions that may run contrary to a larger societal narrative? Tune into the podcast via www.talkingwithdrtoy.com  

Pausing can be life-giving and life-sustaining. An avid listener of the podcast constructed this beautiful acronym of P-A-U-S-E (Ponder your thoughts, Attune to your needs; Unburden yourself; Sooth your soul; and Embrace the beauty of a break. I believe this captures the essence of pausing. Also, Hunt and Divine coined the term, "Pause competency" that includes four components: Pace, Space, Openness, and Connectedness. For more, tune into the podcast via www.talkingwithdrtoy.com.