We're in this together

Juliet Kuehnle • August 14, 2022
A silhouette of a person 's head made of flowers and leaves.

Maybe you feel like there’s something wrong with you that you continually feel overwhelmed?
Or that you can’t seem to shake the grief, fear, or anger? Or that sometimes you don’t feel anything at all, but are simply stunned or numb?
Perhaps you’ve heard the following sentiment (and if you haven’t, listen closely):

whatever it is you’re experiencing emotionally is okay.


There is no guidebook or “right answer” for how we should be navigating these past couple years. I don’t have a magic solution to help us feel better. I often feel as helpless and inundated as many of you, and it’s because we truly aren’t built to continue taking one hit after another over a sustained period of time. Yes, we’re wired to tap into survival, to be resilient, and to use our inherent strengths. But living amidst a collective trauma - withother traumas layered on - is a whole different ask. Our bodies, our brains, and our moods are really feeling the impact.

We’ve been pivoting and relinquishing control for 2.5 years amidst a global pandemic. Many of us already had our own sto- ries of grief, trauma, anxiety, and depression prior to that. Mi- nority groups already carried weights of oppression and systemic inequity. And life has done what it’s always going to do: continue to be unpredictable and serve hardships. Our reserves are maybe lower than ever before.


How do we begin to try to make any sense of it all and move through it when it simply seems impossible? It’s also a privilege for many of us to be able to turn off the news or insulate ourselves from certain realities. This is not the case for everyone.

We may not necessarily be built for it, but inevitably we will figure out how to keep moving forward because that is survival, and we have skills available to us that we can use to help us do our best. We have more agency than we might think over calming our nervous system.

Our nervous system is our body’s command center, and when it gets hijacked, we can get stuck in a hyperarousal or hypoarous- al state. Hyperarousal is the state of fight or flight. It’s rife with agitation, irritability, anxiety. Hypoarousal is the state of freeze wherein we may feel numb, depressive symptoms, and low ener- gy. When we understand what state we are in, we have a better

chance of choosing appropriate coping skills to put us back into our optimal window of tolerance where emotions are regulated and our nervous system is soothed. As we consistently practice these soothing skills, we increase and improve our individual windows of tolerance. And because of neuroplasticity, we are ac- tually rewiring our brain and our responses.

If we’re in a state of hyperarousal, we need to choose ground- ing skills to bring us back to the present moment and calm our hypervigilance or agitation. If we are in a state of hypoarousal, we need to choose skills that cultivate more energy or perhaps co-regulate with others to help us ignite motivation. Knowing that coping skills are very individualized, it helps to have a lot of options in your personal “toolkit.” Sometimes coping is really about trial and error — what “works” today may not “work” tomorrow. We can choose skills to help us process an emotion, solve a problem, or to simply distract ourselves. Our goal should

be to increase intentionality around choosing a coping skill rather than defaulting to avoidance or simply staying stuck in an emotion. We often cannot make an uncomfortable emotion com- pletely go away, but we aim to decrease its intensity so that we can feel more regulated and move through life.


[Contact me to receive a free list of coping skills broken up by levels of effort @ yepiototherapy or juliet@suncounselingandwellness.com]


The theme of this issue is great escapes and while I’m sure we wish we could all sign up for just that – a great escape from the chaos and suffering – we can learn to create our own necessary respites of solitude and serenity. Find grace for yourself to be able to acknowledge, without judgment, whatever emotional experi- ence you are having and then intentionally choose coping skills aligned to what your nervous system needs. This will help you navigate the valleys. And, remember, we’re all in this together!

April 28, 2025
If there’s one automotive trend that never goes out of style, it’s the art of personalization—especially when it comes to Range Rovers. Whether it’s vintage resto-mods dripping in nostalgia or rugged, off-road builds designed for adventure, luxury SUV enthusiasts are always seeking something extraordinary. But when it comes to the most lucrative niche of all—modifying brand-new Range Rovers—one name stands above the rest: Overfinch.  For nearly five decades, Overfinch has been elevating the iconic SUV with unmatched craftsmanship, cutting-edge styling, and performance enhancements. Now, with the unveiling of the Velocity Edition, the brand once again redefines what it means to drive in ultimate luxury. The Overfinch Velocity Edition is more than just a Range Rover—it’s a statement. With its sculpted body, bold carbon fiber accents, and widened stance, this SUV exudes confidence from every angle. The exclusive 24” Helix wheels amplify its commanding presence, ensuring it turns heads wherever it roams. Dressed in a sleek Borasco Grey finish, complemented by signature black chrome badging and an illuminated tailgate emblem, this is no ordinary Range Rover—it’s a masterpiece in motion. Step inside, and the experience is just as breathtaking. Hand-stitched Arancia Orange leather envelops the seats, dashboard, and steering wheel, creating a striking contrast that’s both sophisticated and dynamic. Of course, Overfinch offers an endless array of color and material combinations, allowing owners to tailor their interiors to their exact desires. Every inch of the cabin is meticulously crafted, blending contemporary luxury with a performance-driven edge. Luxury is nothing without performance, and the Velocity Edition delivers in spades. Every model comes equipped with an Overfinch sports exhaust system, but for those craving even more power, the brand’s Performance Upgrade for the P530 V8 unleashes an exhilarating 620 horsepower and 656 lb-ft of torque—a substantial boost from the standard 530hp. This is an SUV that doesn’t just glide down the road—it dominates it. The Velocity Edition made its grand entrance at the 8th annual Miami Concours, where it captivated automotive enthusiasts and luxury connoisseurs alike. As one of Overfinch’s most anticipated releases, it’s already generating significant buzz among collectors and discerning drivers. “The Velocity Edition is one of the most highly anticipated Overfinch releases to date,” says Kevin Sloane, Chairman of Overfinch. “It doesn’t just stand out—it commands attention.” And that, after all, is what Overfinch has always been about. Available as a complete vehicle or as a customized overhaul for existing 2023-2025 Range Rover V8 Autobiography or SV models, the Velocity Edition is crafted with meticulous attention to detail by Overfinch’s factory-trained technicians. For those who demand more than the ordinary, the Overfinch Velocity Edition is the ultimate expression of power, prestige, and personalization. More at www.overfinch.com
By Vivian Ashcroft April 25, 2025
A Refresh for Mind, Body, and Spirit
April 25, 2025
Maison Psyché, the ultra-luxurious perfume house of the Rémy Cointreau Group, continues to push the boundaries of haute parfumerie with its latest olfactory creation, Éclat d’Ombre. This limited-edition masterpiece is a sensorial journey, infused with deep, woody contrasts that evoke the mystery and richness of time itself. Since its groundbreaking debut, Maison Psyché has redefined the fragrance landscape by marrying the worlds of fine perfumery and exceptional spirits. Through its pioneering process of sublimating essences in Cognac cellars, the House has perfected the art of metamorphosis—blending, transforming, and elevating the rarest raw materials into olfactory treasures. “Maison Psyché draws on its ancestral savoir-faire to create a new level of excellence in perfumery,” shares Catherine Sardin, Managing Director of Maison Psyché. “Our natural, artisanal approach achieves a veritable art of metamorphosis, delivering vibrant, richly aromatic fragrances.”  A tribute to the timeless expertise of Maison Rémy Martin, Éclat d’Ombre pays homage to those who have imparted their wisdom to the House, enriching its craft. As with its predecessors—Alexanor, Belle-Dame, Alcyone, Nymphalis, and Hamadryas—this fragrance embarks on a journey to the heart of Cognac, where nature’s bounty transforms in the depths of the Maison’s revered cellars. A chypre composition of luminous and shadowy elements, Éclat d’Ombre conjures the sensory contrasts of Cognac’s terroir. It oscillates between warm sunlight and cool shade, revealing luscious woody accords and intoxicating floral nuances. The scent is an invitation into a hidden world, where eaux-de-vie and perfume essences evolve in quiet harmony. True to the House’s philosophy, Éclat d’Ombre is the creation of an exceptional duo: Master Perfumer Sophie Labbé and Maison Rémy Martin’s Cellar Master Baptiste Loiseau. “It is a delicate balance of bright citrus, the captivating power of rose enhanced by osmanthus, and the shadowy, earthy freshness of patchouli,” Labbé describes. Loiseau adds, “The time spent in barrels and the metamorphosis in contact with wood imparts a rounder, more elegant character—apricot, creamy textures, and a deep, balsamic intensity.” More than a fragrance, Éclat d’Ombre is an objet d’art. Limited to just 30 numbered crystal flacons, each bottle is adorned with an 18-carat gold cameo—an exquisite symbol of rarity and refinement. This collector’s edition is available exclusively by appointment at Maison Psyché’s Salon at Place Vendôme in Paris and in Cognac, as well as through the House’s private advisors worldwide. For connoisseurs who seek the extraordinary, Éclat d’Ombre is an invitation to experience the alchemy of nature and time—an ephemeral jewel that lingers on the skin, radiant and untamed. Founded in 2021, Maison Psyché stands at the crossroads of nature and luxury, reviving the grand traditions of perfumery with a visionary approach. Rooted in the legacy of Rémy Cointreau, the House is the first to craft its fragrances within Cognac cellars, embracing the transformative magic of oak wood and time itself. Each scent is a living masterpiece—an exquisite fusion of craftsmanship, intuition, and the relentless pursuit of perfection. For those who understand that true luxury is an experience, Maison Psyché is the pinnacle of olfactory artistry.
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