We just celebrated our first year of serving clients out at Asheville Integrative Psychiatry and I have been reflecting on what an intense and transformational year it has been. For starters, hours after our very first ketamine assisted psychotherapy (KAP) session a year ago, Tropical Storm Fred took out our bridge, stranding our newly hired nurse practitioner on site without power or food. Luckily, she enjoyed the unplanned evening of solitude and we were able to rescue her the next day, but the only access to our property was now destroyed.
That evening I was home with Josh and discussing the significance of this recent series of events - Opening Day, First KAP session, Bridge Gone. Was there some deeper meaning to understand? I turned to my new tarot card deck, Kim Krans' “The Wild Unknown Archetypes” and asked this question. After shuffling 78 cards and meditating on this question, no joke, I pulled the card labeled, “The Bridge.” Josh and I stared at each other, laughed, and then soaked up every word of the description because, clearly, the universe was trying to tell us something.
In summary: “Bridges are built to connect two worlds. They create flow, allowing us to travel between realms, ideologies, personalities. When we cross a bridge to an unknown land, we are led magically into a new reality. We open up to otherness. Healing and communication are made possible. We enter a state of curiosity, wonder, and learning. The Shaman, for example, creates the Bridge between the everyday world and the sacred. Remember that a bridge can’t be forced. It must be made with love, or its structure will not withstand the inevitable weather of life.”
"When we cross a bridge to an unknown land, we are led magically into a new reality. We open up to otherness. Healing and communication are made possible. We enter a state of curiosity, wonder, and learning."
Having a business centered on healing through guided nature connection and accessing non-ordinary states of consciousness does create an otherworldly feel, one where awe and wonder are significant parts of the experience. This is a sacred space that I feel honored to enter with clients and I want to be certain that I am approaching this work with the truest of intentions. Metaphorically I started to rebuild the bridge in my heart and my mind…what tools and supplies did I need? Love, yes, most definitely. Compassion, understanding, patience, curiosity, strength, gratitude, humility and a healthy sense of humor for the inevitable challenges that would come our way.
In addition to these key components, a strong bridge requires contributions from many different facets of the community. The list of support from direct human connection is deep and steady; from understanding neighbors, to encouraging colleagues, to passionate and eager employees, skilled therapists, contractors, lenders, business and accounting experts, and friends and family who support our mission. With this vast and sturdy foundation of support, I know the bridge we are creating together is strong and enduring. Thank you to all those who have been a part of the building, we look forward continuing to grow and welcoming so many more across the bridge in the coming year.