Summer Of Compassion: Showing Up For Yourself And For Others

The transition from spring to summer invites us to slow down, find moments of relaxation, and reconnect with family and friends. It can also be a time of change with new routines, disruptions to schedules, and feelings of disconnection from community and support that are relied on during the school year.

We recognize this season can bring upon feelings of guilt for not doing "enough", especially amid the ongoing challenges in our world. We've gathered resources below with care, hoping something here speaks to what you, or someone you love, might need right now. Please remember: you are never alone.

With care and gratitude ~ The Spark Kindness Team

Recommended Podcasts & Articles

• S.U.N.: Lisa’s Three Keys to a Happy Summer from Ask Lisa Podcast with Dr. Lisa Damour
• Five Ways for Educators to Reset and Renew This Summer from Greater Good Science Center
• 15 Activities for Your Summer Self-Care Checklist from Mental Health First Aid
• Starting New Routines from The Kids Mental Health Foundation
• Stormy Waters, Calm Seas, and Low Tide: Understanding Your Child's Nervous System from Coastal Counseling Associates (located in Medway)

Choosing Care in the Midst of Chaos

by Marisa Renee Lee and Dr. Pooja Lakshmin

• Acknowledgment: Begin by acknowledging your body is in some form of fight or flight. This means you need to slow down and show yourself some grace.
• Permission: Give yourself permission to feel all the feelings and name them. Naming them creates space for transformation and healing.
• Community: Check in on your people. Social connection makes chaos and grief easier to bare.
• Joy: Do not feel guilty for accessing joy. Joy buffers stress and increases emotional resilience. Joy is part of humanity.
• Be of Service: Move with intention and figure out how you can best use your unique talents to support others. Once you care for yourself, find a way to show up for others.

Community Organizations Here for You in the MetroWest:

Food and Housing Insecurity Support

• Natick Service Council - Food Pantry and Financial Assistance info
• Common Good Food Pantry
• A Place to Turn: Food Pantry and Personal Care/Household Items
• Family Promise Metrowest: Shelter Program Info Here

Immigration and Discrimination Support:

• Natick Is United: Immigration Resources
• CASA: Resources including Know Your Rights
• JFS Metrowest: Anti-Racism/Fighting Antisemitism Resources

Mental Health Support:

• Call2Talk is a mental health, emotional support, and suicide prevention program run by Mass211. Call 24/7 at 988 or text C2T to 741741
• MEDA offers clinical care, education, and resources focused on preventing and treating eating disorders. Find more from a past Spark event HERE 

Domestic Violence Support:

• REACH offers many resources including a 24/7 free and confidential hotline at 800-899-4000
• Voices Against Violence: 24 Hour HOTLINES: 1-800-593-1125 or 508-626-8686 (TTY-friendly)
• Lauren Dunne Astley Memorial Fund includes resources on promoting healthy teen relationships - view here