The suggested submission theme for November is “waiting.” We have received a number of submissions focused on a specific form of waiting; that which rises from oppressive gender politics, policies, and resulting social norms. I do not want to speak directly to the topics submitted, or selected. I will allow the selected featured works speak for themselves. Instead, I will offer educational resources related to this form of waiting, and the challenges survivors face every day as a result of it.

This week I share an infographic on Shame from The National Institute for the Clinical Application of Behavioral Medicine (NICABM). If this draws you towards curiosity I recommend you read the words that follow, and look into opportunities for further learning and exploration. Their Clinical Application of Compassion program, is exceptional. It is designed for providers, but appropriate for others as long as it is supportive of your healing. I encourage supporters to also look into NICAMB and/or the Compassion Program with one caution to highlight. Many of you know that often programs deemed as healing are actually triggering. If you take this course to be an empowering and supportive part of a loved one’s healing, be gentle if offering it as an option to them. The Compassion program has a free option.

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