A Voice to Be Reckoned With
By Eve Brownstone
My mom has always had a voice to be reckoned with. As a kid she only had to say my name ”Eve!” and give me a look and I changed my tune.
One early memory of mom involved her going up to my elementary school, Shoesmith, in Hyde Park to try to get an abusive teacher fired with other parents. The parents gathered together with picket signs, marched and let their concerns be known. Those parents got that teacher fired.
In the 1980s, when Reagan was running for a second term, mom and I stood out in the rain attempting to register voters. The pausing drivers many were African Americans on their way to work said, “ It doesn’t matter who we vote for, its not going to change anything.” Mom tried to convince these hard-working and weary Americans that their votes did matter. Reagan got re-elected.
When my little sister was in at Sullivan High School in Rogers Park, mom served on the very first Local School Council with Dr. Brazelle and David Orr. Mom felt honored to serve and was an active member. I know I learned from her the importance of getting involved and serving your community.
In January 2009 mom and I traveled together to Washington to see Barack Obama sworn in as our 44th President. We got inspired, tired and cold, but we were together with millions other Americans crying and hoping for change. This experience capped off two years of mom volunteering every week, three times a week answering phones for the Obama Campaign headquarters in Chicago. She also criss-crossed the country knocking on doors and stood in the masses with Obama in Denver as he received the Democratic Nomination. Mom was in her late sixties.
Today at sixty-nine, mom’s voice has been quieted but not silenced by ALS. She uses an Ipad to communicate. Her spirit is all there and her heart speaks through her fingers on the Ipad, or a smile, a gentle touch. Mom can still give me one of her “Eve!” looks though. It still packs a punch. I have to reconsider my actions because my mom still has a voice to be reckoned with.
Thursday, September 23, 2010
Monday, September 20, 2010
Dear Rogers Park BizArters
Dear Rogers Park BizArters, I want to thank you for the past seven years of community and networking fun. It has been a pleasure to coordinate the Rogers Park BizArts every month with Sandi Price and Mike Glasser. Due to family and other obligations, I am giving up my role as a coordinator. September 29 will be my last RP BizArts for a while. I may be back in the spring of 2011 as a participant. Please Sandi, Mike and all, please keep the arts in BizArts. I want to thank Mike Glasser for founding the Rogers Park BizArts and asking me to join in the fun. It has been an interesting seven years. Some of my favorite events include: the Aldermanic Forum at the No Exit in the last election, and the first Rogers Park BizArts Art Show last March. I am grateful to Michael James, Katy Hogan of the Heartland, Neil Lifton and Mary Bao of Duke’s Bar for your long time commitment and generosity to our group. I want to thank our core group of wonderful people who show up every time: CJ, Karen, Laurene, Sharon, Richard, Mark and Emily. Keep referring to each other. To all you new comers and folks who want to check out the group keep coming. The Rogers Park BizArts is a great group of people. I’m going to miss you guys. All the best and lots of love, Eve Brownstone
Wednesday, August 4, 2010
Art Show Closing August 14
“What are you left with when everything changes? ”is an interactive art project now showing at the International Art Group’s "Cultures Connecting" and "Where do I Belong" at North Lakeside Cultural Center, 6219 N. Sheridan. This project was created as a response to lots of changes in my life.
What are you left with when everything changes?
By Eve Brownstone, MA, LCPC
This is a time of big change. People are losing their jobs, their homes. Because of the stress of it all their health is suffering. It is hard not to fall into a pity party or become a mushy mess.
What is left when everything you know changes? How do you pick yourself off the floor?
Some say you are left with a clean slate. You can start over in any direction you choose. There can be a renewed sense of freedom in that. It can be a great time to let your creative passions drive you on a path your heart most desires.
What if you are trying real hard but you feel like you are just treading water? Know you aren’t alone. These are tough times for everyone, even Goldman Sachs.
This is where faith, persistence and patience comes in.
Talking with my Higher Power has become a regular part of my day. I thank her for everyday and for all the blessings in my life. I thanked God the other day for all the gorgeous cherry and apple blossoms in Lincoln Park and for being able to hold my mother’s hand. I also offer a thanks for all the lessons I’m learning such as: we all experience change differently. There is no one right way. When a family goes through major changes we have to be gentle, loving and respectful of each other.
Everyday, I say, “I am open to all the good in the Universe.” I get real specific with numbers. How many clients I want in my private practice? What kind of clients? Where do I want to be teaching a class? Then I get quiet and visualize clients calling me and coming into my office door, then leave feeling better. I see myself in groups of people who are ready to make changes. Their hearts are more open and their eyes have a sparkle.
I got to believe in myself, get clear about why I’m on the planet. Sometimes, I need to even get out of my own way if I start having doubts. I want to believe that people want to know what I’ve got to share. People will benefit, be enriched and heal from the experience.
Hang in there everybody!
Eve Brownstone
http://www.brownstonetherapeutics.com/
What are you left with when everything changes?
By Eve Brownstone, MA, LCPC
This is a time of big change. People are losing their jobs, their homes. Because of the stress of it all their health is suffering. It is hard not to fall into a pity party or become a mushy mess.
What is left when everything you know changes? How do you pick yourself off the floor?
Some say you are left with a clean slate. You can start over in any direction you choose. There can be a renewed sense of freedom in that. It can be a great time to let your creative passions drive you on a path your heart most desires.
What if you are trying real hard but you feel like you are just treading water? Know you aren’t alone. These are tough times for everyone, even Goldman Sachs.
This is where faith, persistence and patience comes in.
Talking with my Higher Power has become a regular part of my day. I thank her for everyday and for all the blessings in my life. I thanked God the other day for all the gorgeous cherry and apple blossoms in Lincoln Park and for being able to hold my mother’s hand. I also offer a thanks for all the lessons I’m learning such as: we all experience change differently. There is no one right way. When a family goes through major changes we have to be gentle, loving and respectful of each other.
Everyday, I say, “I am open to all the good in the Universe.” I get real specific with numbers. How many clients I want in my private practice? What kind of clients? Where do I want to be teaching a class? Then I get quiet and visualize clients calling me and coming into my office door, then leave feeling better. I see myself in groups of people who are ready to make changes. Their hearts are more open and their eyes have a sparkle.
I got to believe in myself, get clear about why I’m on the planet. Sometimes, I need to even get out of my own way if I start having doubts. I want to believe that people want to know what I’ve got to share. People will benefit, be enriched and heal from the experience.
Hang in there everybody!
Eve Brownstone
http://www.brownstonetherapeutics.com/
Sunday, July 18, 2010
Happy Summer!
Hello from Eve Brownstone and Brownstone Therapeutics
All I can say- it is hot! Hang in there everybody!
Here are five tips for staying cool:
1. Smile, smiling lessens tension
2. Drink iced lemonade on a shady porch. Please pour me some and text me where you are. :)
3. Please, please use sun tan lotion, but not 50spf. Your skin has got to breathe. 30spf will do.
4. Sweat a lot. It is good for us.
5. Water, water, water, water
We’ve had a busy spring and summer here at Brownstone Therapeutics.
We’ve had the opportunity to work with some wonderful and varied groups.
• Seniors at CJE Senior Life
• A group of dedicated women who are learning how to be EMTs with ICNC
• Junior high school girls at the Regina Dominican Girl School in Wilmette
• Cancer survivors and loved ones at Gilda’s Club of Chicago
The practice is building. Thanks to my clients. We now are able to bill Blue Cross Blue Shield of IL (PPO), Cigna, Aetna, Humana and Compsych (EAP).
Community Events
Artists of the Wall-June 17-18
We had a lot of fun with seniors from Lakeshore Health Care and Rehabilitation Center on Saturday and kids and their parents on Sunday. Key to fun was this glow in the dark spongy ball that I found at Walgreen’s for five bucks. Next year-more games!!
International Art Group-Art Show: Where do I belong?
http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=139584762721358&ref=mf
North Lakeside Cultural Center, 6219 N.Sheridan,Chicago, Il.60660, USA
Opening July 16
Closing August 14 5pm-8pm
My subject: What are you left with when everything changes?
Upcoming Events
JUL 24, 25 SAT-SUN CLARK STREET FAIR
http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=111388505558017&ref=ts
"A Cultural Explosion in Rogers Park". Clark between Morse and Estes. Sat 1-11 pm; Sun 1-10. $5 person; $10 family. Two stages. Music, ethnic foods, vendors, entertainment.
The Rogers Park BizArts continues at the B1E Gallery on
July 28 6902 N. Glenwood
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Gallery-B1E/298905960169?ref=search
All I can say- it is hot! Hang in there everybody!
Here are five tips for staying cool:
1. Smile, smiling lessens tension
2. Drink iced lemonade on a shady porch. Please pour me some and text me where you are. :)
3. Please, please use sun tan lotion, but not 50spf. Your skin has got to breathe. 30spf will do.
4. Sweat a lot. It is good for us.
5. Water, water, water, water
We’ve had a busy spring and summer here at Brownstone Therapeutics.
We’ve had the opportunity to work with some wonderful and varied groups.
• Seniors at CJE Senior Life
• A group of dedicated women who are learning how to be EMTs with ICNC
• Junior high school girls at the Regina Dominican Girl School in Wilmette
• Cancer survivors and loved ones at Gilda’s Club of Chicago
The practice is building. Thanks to my clients. We now are able to bill Blue Cross Blue Shield of IL (PPO), Cigna, Aetna, Humana and Compsych (EAP).
Community Events
Artists of the Wall-June 17-18
We had a lot of fun with seniors from Lakeshore Health Care and Rehabilitation Center on Saturday and kids and their parents on Sunday. Key to fun was this glow in the dark spongy ball that I found at Walgreen’s for five bucks. Next year-more games!!
International Art Group-Art Show: Where do I belong?
http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=139584762721358&ref=mf
North Lakeside Cultural Center, 6219 N.Sheridan,Chicago, Il.60660, USA
Opening July 16
Closing August 14 5pm-8pm
My subject: What are you left with when everything changes?
Upcoming Events
JUL 24, 25 SAT-SUN CLARK STREET FAIR
http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=111388505558017&ref=ts
"A Cultural Explosion in Rogers Park". Clark between Morse and Estes. Sat 1-11 pm; Sun 1-10. $5 person; $10 family. Two stages. Music, ethnic foods, vendors, entertainment.
The Rogers Park BizArts continues at the B1E Gallery on
July 28 6902 N. Glenwood
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Gallery-B1E/298905960169?ref=search
Tuesday, June 1, 2010
Sunday, May 2, 2010
Responses from Therapist from around the country on the subject of change
What are you left with when everything changes?
An enduring spirit, a stronger connection with yourself and your higher power
A person still has everything because change is constant, and we adapt in order to embrace and accept that change. It would be a boring, and less stimulating and challenging life without change.
What if change involves major losses all at the same time? Divorce, Family of origin estrangement, loss of past friends... Relatives, siblings? That would be traumatic. Perhaps we would look inside to find internal strength, our sense of self, and the resilience and motivation to begin to rebuild not what we have lost, but something new.
Eve, your answer works for me. Maybe for Victor Frankl... My clients over the past 40 years find this to be true, after they recover from the immediate trauma. At least that's what we look for together. Great question.
Change, although exciting is usually very scary for people. To delve into the unknown and into a place we aren't as comfortable in can be unnverving. It usually is very hard for people to change because innertia is very hard to overcome and it takes a lot of energy to do. Given that, when a person does change, they still have skills, memories, results, etc. that still exist and cannot be undone. Those don't change.
Change is constant and nothing remains the same. When we can understand and accept this we can see the potential in any change. Even painful change provides opportunities to experience our strengths, develop deeper relationships, spiritual transformation. Likewise, change can be an opportunity to address fears and lack of connection in our lives. It's not change that is inherently difficult, it's what we do with change. When someone is having a particularly difficult time with any change in life, professional guidance and support can be very helpful.
"What are you left with when everything changes?" I'm left with thoughts: about what precipitated the change; how will the change effect my life right now and in the foreseeable future; what steps do I need to take to protect myself both physically and emotionally. If I'm patient, time always shows me whether or not any change is beneficial to me, and if the change isn't working out for me, I'm left with more reflections on what needs to be adjusted in my life to eventually get things onto an "even keel."
All change is precipitous by nature, whether it's positive or negative, benign or traumatic. The issue is how resilient the person experiencing the change is. Even people that win the lottery can find the experience at first thrilling and then traumatic. Alternatively, people that have gone through great loss, like that of a parent, can grieve and then suddenly be filled with loving and tender memories that will get them through the grieving period. Having professional guidance and support will certainly benefit the person, as Ms. Brown McNally suggested. But how does one work with those that find the change traumatic and cannot see the light at the end of the tunnel? Moreover is there an "outreach" system that can reach patients that don't have the resources available to them (money, accessibility to mental health care, etc.)? Great question Eve.
Depending on the level of change; and, after much anger and angst, one eventually comes to the understanding that there are really some things that can't be controlled .e.g. Loss of a loved one precipitates massive changes in one's life. How this is dealt with can be the beginning of long term personal dysfunction ; or, it can be the catalyst to new beginnings. So, what is one left with ? Humility and the need to start over.
I think that Eve may have answered her own question quite well. Even during the worst of times, we will grieve and we shall heal; but in the final determination if you have "an enduring spirit, a stronger connection with yourself and your higher power," then you will probably do OK. Change is immediate and constant, so the best that we can hope for is that it is mostly for the positive.
An enduring spirit, a stronger connection with yourself and your higher power
A person still has everything because change is constant, and we adapt in order to embrace and accept that change. It would be a boring, and less stimulating and challenging life without change.
What if change involves major losses all at the same time? Divorce, Family of origin estrangement, loss of past friends... Relatives, siblings? That would be traumatic. Perhaps we would look inside to find internal strength, our sense of self, and the resilience and motivation to begin to rebuild not what we have lost, but something new.
Eve, your answer works for me. Maybe for Victor Frankl... My clients over the past 40 years find this to be true, after they recover from the immediate trauma. At least that's what we look for together. Great question.
Change, although exciting is usually very scary for people. To delve into the unknown and into a place we aren't as comfortable in can be unnverving. It usually is very hard for people to change because innertia is very hard to overcome and it takes a lot of energy to do. Given that, when a person does change, they still have skills, memories, results, etc. that still exist and cannot be undone. Those don't change.
Change is constant and nothing remains the same. When we can understand and accept this we can see the potential in any change. Even painful change provides opportunities to experience our strengths, develop deeper relationships, spiritual transformation. Likewise, change can be an opportunity to address fears and lack of connection in our lives. It's not change that is inherently difficult, it's what we do with change. When someone is having a particularly difficult time with any change in life, professional guidance and support can be very helpful.
"What are you left with when everything changes?" I'm left with thoughts: about what precipitated the change; how will the change effect my life right now and in the foreseeable future; what steps do I need to take to protect myself both physically and emotionally. If I'm patient, time always shows me whether or not any change is beneficial to me, and if the change isn't working out for me, I'm left with more reflections on what needs to be adjusted in my life to eventually get things onto an "even keel."
All change is precipitous by nature, whether it's positive or negative, benign or traumatic. The issue is how resilient the person experiencing the change is. Even people that win the lottery can find the experience at first thrilling and then traumatic. Alternatively, people that have gone through great loss, like that of a parent, can grieve and then suddenly be filled with loving and tender memories that will get them through the grieving period. Having professional guidance and support will certainly benefit the person, as Ms. Brown McNally suggested. But how does one work with those that find the change traumatic and cannot see the light at the end of the tunnel? Moreover is there an "outreach" system that can reach patients that don't have the resources available to them (money, accessibility to mental health care, etc.)? Great question Eve.
Depending on the level of change; and, after much anger and angst, one eventually comes to the understanding that there are really some things that can't be controlled .e.g. Loss of a loved one precipitates massive changes in one's life. How this is dealt with can be the beginning of long term personal dysfunction ; or, it can be the catalyst to new beginnings. So, what is one left with ? Humility and the need to start over.
I think that Eve may have answered her own question quite well. Even during the worst of times, we will grieve and we shall heal; but in the final determination if you have "an enduring spirit, a stronger connection with yourself and your higher power," then you will probably do OK. Change is immediate and constant, so the best that we can hope for is that it is mostly for the positive.
Tuesday, April 6, 2010
Happy Spring from Eve
From Brownstone Therapeutics
And Eve Brownstone, MA, LCPC
773-859-1276
brownstonetherapeutics@gmail.com
Happy Spring! A lot has been happening with Brownstone Therapeutics and me Eve Brownstone. I’ve been doing a lot of writing lately, networking and getting the word out about Expressive Arts Therapies through presentations. Enjoy the Sun!
"When will our consciences grow so tender that we will act to prevent human misery rather than avenge it?" -- Eleanor Roosevelt
Bullying
By Eve Brownstone, MA, LCPC
My seventh grade teacher’s advice to me, “Eve if you don’t react they will stop teasing.”
I was a sensitive twelve year old. I would cry. A bully would say something to me and I would start crying right in my seat. Looking back I wished I could have used humor or have had the strength to give it right back to them. It would have been more fun to be the “class clown” than the “class victim” read more here
http://www.brownstonetherapeutics.com/?p=blogs
Working with Performers and Artists?
By Eve Brownstone, MA, LCPC
Sometimes people express themselves first through the arts then through verbal language. As an Expressive Arts Therapist, I have found this very true in the performing/artistic communities. A dancer is more like to express hurt feelings towards her boyfriend with her stomping feet. The stomping feet come first then she may verbalizes, “ He is ___DDDGshdjdjfhshsd”. Everything is stored in the body. I like to listen to what my clients are saying and not saying. I pay attention to body posture, pace of movement, eye contact, and tone of voice and level of energy.
My clients want to know that they aren’t freaks. They aren’t alone. The strong emotions and the creative visions are part of being creative. They may not be considered always “appropriate” in mainstream, but what a boring world it would be without us artists, “weirdos” and magicians. Read more here
http://brownstonetherapeutics.blogspot.com/2010/03/working-with-performers-and-artists.html
For Women with Cancer at Heartwood
Assembling the Allies
By Eve Brownstone, MA, LCPC
In every life there are choices. For women with cancer there are still many choices to consider: treatment options, foods, friends when to fight and how to find the strength to keep living. That internal spark that tells us life is good is hard to feel when chemo is kicking your butt.
I will help you assemble a team of internal and external allies to fight cancer. You’ll know you won’t be alone. Through the arts we can find ways to create these allies. It could be a warrior, a wise crone, a medicine woman, a teacher, a good caring parent that comes from within you to care for you. Also clients are encouraged to create or engage with their support system. Friends and loved ones are important for healing. It takes a village to fight cancer. Read more here http://brownstonetherapeutics.blogspot.com/2010/03/assembling-allies.html
Conversations with Eve
"Ordinary people do extraordinary things." Studs Terkel
Hello, my name is Eve Brownstone, MA, LCPC I have had the great pleasure and honor to interview and record 200+ oral history stories through video, audio and written media for twelve years through out the Chicago-land area. Please check out some interviews on my website http://www.brownstonetherapeutics.com/.
Most recently, I partnered with CJE Senior Life to interview 100+ residents in one of their Assisted Living buildings over a 22-month period. As their Creative Arts Coordinator, I was reminded again of the importance of being able to tell your story through the creative arts.
The experience was documented in “Alive With the Arts”, published in The Urban Coaster. See Attached article. Pioneer Press also highlighted my work with Brownstone Therapeutics in ”Oral History Speaks
Volumes”. See attached article. Read more here.
http://brownstonetherapeutics.blogspot.com/2010/04/conversations-with-eve-revised.htm
Upcoming Events
April 16
Creating Your Life at the Regina Dominican High School
701 Locust Road Wilmette, IL
April 28
Rogers Park Business Alliance FUNraiser
http://www.rogers-park.com/2010/03/save-the-date.html
May 16
Mitiziut Art Show Opening at the North Lakeside Cultural Center
6219 North Sheridan Road
June 3
Creating Your Life at Gilda’s Club in Chicago
537 North Wells
June 3
Creating Your Life at Robineau CJE
June 19 Creating Your LIfe for
Industrial Council of Nearwest Chicago (ICNC)
And Eve Brownstone, MA, LCPC
773-859-1276
brownstonetherapeutics@gmail.com
Happy Spring! A lot has been happening with Brownstone Therapeutics and me Eve Brownstone. I’ve been doing a lot of writing lately, networking and getting the word out about Expressive Arts Therapies through presentations. Enjoy the Sun!
"When will our consciences grow so tender that we will act to prevent human misery rather than avenge it?" -- Eleanor Roosevelt
Bullying
By Eve Brownstone, MA, LCPC
My seventh grade teacher’s advice to me, “Eve if you don’t react they will stop teasing.”
I was a sensitive twelve year old. I would cry. A bully would say something to me and I would start crying right in my seat. Looking back I wished I could have used humor or have had the strength to give it right back to them. It would have been more fun to be the “class clown” than the “class victim” read more here
http://www.brownstonetherapeutics.com/?p=blogs
Working with Performers and Artists?
By Eve Brownstone, MA, LCPC
Sometimes people express themselves first through the arts then through verbal language. As an Expressive Arts Therapist, I have found this very true in the performing/artistic communities. A dancer is more like to express hurt feelings towards her boyfriend with her stomping feet. The stomping feet come first then she may verbalizes, “ He is ___DDDGshdjdjfhshsd”. Everything is stored in the body. I like to listen to what my clients are saying and not saying. I pay attention to body posture, pace of movement, eye contact, and tone of voice and level of energy.
My clients want to know that they aren’t freaks. They aren’t alone. The strong emotions and the creative visions are part of being creative. They may not be considered always “appropriate” in mainstream, but what a boring world it would be without us artists, “weirdos” and magicians. Read more here
http://brownstonetherapeutics.blogspot.com/2010/03/working-with-performers-and-artists.html
For Women with Cancer at Heartwood
Assembling the Allies
By Eve Brownstone, MA, LCPC
In every life there are choices. For women with cancer there are still many choices to consider: treatment options, foods, friends when to fight and how to find the strength to keep living. That internal spark that tells us life is good is hard to feel when chemo is kicking your butt.
I will help you assemble a team of internal and external allies to fight cancer. You’ll know you won’t be alone. Through the arts we can find ways to create these allies. It could be a warrior, a wise crone, a medicine woman, a teacher, a good caring parent that comes from within you to care for you. Also clients are encouraged to create or engage with their support system. Friends and loved ones are important for healing. It takes a village to fight cancer. Read more here http://brownstonetherapeutics.blogspot.com/2010/03/assembling-allies.html
Conversations with Eve
"Ordinary people do extraordinary things." Studs Terkel
Hello, my name is Eve Brownstone, MA, LCPC I have had the great pleasure and honor to interview and record 200+ oral history stories through video, audio and written media for twelve years through out the Chicago-land area. Please check out some interviews on my website http://www.brownstonetherapeutics.com/.
Most recently, I partnered with CJE Senior Life to interview 100+ residents in one of their Assisted Living buildings over a 22-month period. As their Creative Arts Coordinator, I was reminded again of the importance of being able to tell your story through the creative arts.
The experience was documented in “Alive With the Arts”, published in The Urban Coaster. See Attached article. Pioneer Press also highlighted my work with Brownstone Therapeutics in ”Oral History Speaks
Volumes”. See attached article. Read more here.
http://brownstonetherapeutics.blogspot.com/2010/04/conversations-with-eve-revised.htm
Upcoming Events
April 16
Creating Your Life at the Regina Dominican High School
701 Locust Road Wilmette, IL
April 28
Rogers Park Business Alliance FUNraiser
http://www.rogers-park.com/2010/03/save-the-date.html
May 16
Mitiziut Art Show Opening at the North Lakeside Cultural Center
6219 North Sheridan Road
June 3
Creating Your Life at Gilda’s Club in Chicago
537 North Wells
June 3
Creating Your Life at Robineau CJE
June 19 Creating Your LIfe for
Industrial Council of Nearwest Chicago (ICNC)
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