Talking With Dr Toy

With the election of Kamala Harris to the second highest office in this nation and the strength of Black women going to the polls and voting, a lot has been said about African American women. They have been called the Backbone of this Democracy, the Backbone of the Black church, as well as the activists and nurturers of our communities and our families. However, with all the praise and accolades there remain tragedies and threats with this demographic group. Kimberlè Crenshaw coined the terminology intersectionality that "describes the intersection of political and social identities such as race and gender that create overlapping and interdependent systems of discrimination or disadvantage." Tune into the podcast via www.talkingwithdrtoy.com

Election 2020 is definitely one for the history books. The election with the most votes of any election in the history of this nation, the first African American Indian and Asian woman to be elected as Vice-President, and a nation that is undeniably ideologically divided. If your candidate won or loss, one thing that is evident is that this nation is at a cross roads because the past sins are not so much in the past, they are presently here, and will be in here in the future if the nation stays on this trajectory.  Pastor Wesley explains the revelation of this election includes 3 things: The Denial of Racism, The Objectification and Devaluing of humanity, and Prevalent Violence in order words: THIS IS US! How do we begin the process of healing? Tune into the podcast via www.talkingwithdrtoy.com. 

Well, it's almost here, the day that some have waited for what seems like an eternity--Election Day 2020! Yep, it comes down to election night and some are standing on tiptoes of anticipation and others are struggling with symptoms of anxiety and excessive worry. Who will win? What's going to happen? What's not going to happen? Finally, will we be okay? The lack of certainty may grip one's soul or even one's sanity. There's a biblical passage that reads, "He kept right on going because he kept his eyes on the One who is invisible!" Hebrews 11:27.  My Encouragement to you is to be mindful of the One Who Is Invisible and allow that to be your anchor. Tune into the podcast via www.talkingwithdrtoy.com

Discouragement has been defined as a lost of confidence, lack of enthusiasm, being disheartened and dispirited. Discouragement can place one's life in neutral where dreams and visions are discounted and dismissed. Encouragement assists in igniting or even re-igniting the passion and motivation need to jump start those goals and dreams snuffed out by discouragement. There is life giving and sustaining power in receiving and giving a word of encouragement. The answer to discouragement is encouragement. I encourage you to tune into the podcast via www.talkingwithdrtoy.com. I look forward to connecting with you. Dr. Toy. 

May I ask a question? When was the last time you admitted you needed to be encouraged?  Sometimes we have a tendency due to prior negative experiences, fear of rejection, and pride not to disclose our needs or our desires. There may be this perception that others should know what we need and so we wait, wait, and wait becoming more discouraged because of unmet needs. Connection and vulnerability are two important aspect of receiving and giving encouragement. Tune into the podcast via www.talkingwithdrtoy.com. I look forward to connecting with you.  

May I ask you two questions: When was the last time you received encouragement from someone? When was the last time you encouraged someone else? I've heard from so many people that it feels like they are living on autopilot. It does not take much for individuals to be inundated with negative news and images which can be overwhelming and discouraging. It is imperative to nourish your entire being and giving and receiving encouragement is a great step to this process. Encouragement has been defined as something that makes someone more determined, hopeful, or confident. My how we need this in times like these. Tune into the podcast via www.talkingwithdrtoy.com to learn about the power of encouragement. 

The shadow parts that reside in us perform a purpose and usually that entails growth and maturation. This often takes place within the context of our interpersonal relationships which is why it is important to connect with others. Our connection with others often bring these shadow parts to the surface because with intimacy comes exposure. Some often shrink from exposure, but with it comes a form of liberty that makes the discomfort worth it. Instead of running from it, be intentional, invite and embrace it because the experience will bring more integration and a sense of wholeness to you. Tune into the podcast via www.talkingwithdrtoy.com. I look forward to connecting with you. Dr. Toy

Taking a moment to pause from the politics and to make it a bit more personal; my heart is heavy. I've noticed some very harsh language and gestures that we are using towards one another and it has grieved my soul. The only way we can engage in such behavior and language is that we cease to see the humanity of others. Whatever your ideology or politics; when you treat people less than human then you become less human. It's a sad commentary that it becomes an Us versus Them mentality and we sit and anchor in this space as if it is okay. I am hoping for better from ourselves and from this nation. Tune into the podcast via www.talkingwithdrtoy.com.

There may a reason why these parts are called shadow/dark parts of our humanity because some would prefer to keep them in those dark places. However, if you have the capacity to be aware of them, accept them, then it's time to identify them. Show Me Those Parts! Yes, it can be scary to extend such an invitation, but it does place you in a position for full integration and less fragmentation within your life. What are some ways to identify these parts: 1. Experiences With others; 2. The Bible or Moral/Spiritual Teaching Of Your Preference; and Relationship with God and/or Higher Power. There maybe some other ways, but this may be a good start. Tune into the podcast via www.talkingwithdrtoy.com I look forward to connecting with you. 

Those shadow parts that reside in us have a purpose and unless we embrace the aspect that we have them, we may never realize the potential of those parts. The purpose of these shadow parts assist in bringing us into a greater awareness of ourselves. Some may express why is an awareness of these parts purposeful and even necessary? The parts remind us of the frailty and fallibility of our humanity. These parts serve as a reminder that there's a need for someone or something that is greater than ourselves to assist us in navigating life's terrain.  There must be a leaning on and leaning into this Power that will assist us from damaging others as well as becoming self-destructive. Tune into the podcast via www.talkingwithdrtoy.com.