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As I write this, the war between Russian and Ukraine rages on. As of yesterday, the death toll of civilians was estimated to be around 6, 755 (https://www.statista.com/topics/9087/russia-ukraine-war-2022/#topicHeader__wrapper).  Many Russian and Ukrainian soldiers have also unnecessarily perished, at the whim of a desperate, power-hungry dictator.  The war continues.   One afternoon a few weeks after … Read moreOn Ukraine, Our Perceived Powerlessness, and Putin

I reflected on the time that I lived alone, as a young person, which is completely different, I do admit.  Sometimes it was wonderful and empowering. And I do remember that there were times that I just felt lonely, a deep longing inside for someone to come, for someone to connect with, for something to … Read moreTuesday Tune-Up: Honoring “Kinless” Seniors

Right now, as the world cup continues, I felt moved to write about this exciting worldwide sports event. However, I felt very sad to read about the deaths of many migrant workers whose labor contributed to the construction needed for stadiums and hotels, and infrastructure in Qatar.  You can read more about this here: https://www.cnn.com/2022/11/17/football/qatar-2022-world-cup-migrant-workers-human-rights-spt-intl/index.html. … Read moreImmigrant Deaths, Stupendous Soccer, and World Unity: The 2022 World Cup

Today, voters in Georgia will vote in a special run-off election in Georgia to determine the fate of the United States Senate.  Republican Herschel Walker will run off against Democrat Herschel Walker in a hotly contested race that has the nation waiting with baited breath.  To read more about it, The Washington Post made this … Read moreTuesday Tune-Up: The Run-Off Elections in Georgia

Meditation for Gun Control Legislation I did this meditation and it helped me to feel better. In this meditaiton, we will: -Send positive energy to Congress in the hopes they pass gun control legislation -Send intentional energy that all citizens are able to access mental health services Jazz Therapy Playlist and Musical Commentary This week, … Read moreGun Violence is Out of Control in the United States

The day before Thanksgiving last week, this story popped up on my radar, and I felt compelled to write about it.  If you haven’t heard about it, Michael Tomelloso, an LAPD police officer, was diagnosed with stage 4 Cancer in June.  Before that, his wife, Laura, had been diagnosed with stage 4 cancer in February.  … Read moreTuesday Tune-Up for November 29, 2022: Michael and Laura Tomelloso

This past weekend, as I’m sure you all are aware, on the evening of Saturday, November 19, 2022, a man wielding a gun entered a gay nightclub, Club Q in Colorado Springs, CO, killing 5 people and leaving at least 18 other people injured.  You can read more about the latest developments in this case … Read moreThanksgiving 2022 Edition: Mourning LGBTQI lives in Colorado Springs and Coleman Hawkins Week

Tuesday Tune-Up for November 18, 2022: Follow-Up on Brittney Griner A few weeks ago, I wrote about the American basketball star Brittney Griner, currently wrongfully imprisoned in Russia.  For more on that post, click here: https://jazztherapy.com/2022/11/reflections-on-brittney-griner-a-political-prisoner-wrongfully-detained/.  Since then, a few developments have occurred.  On November 17, 2022, the Russian government reported that Ms. Griner had … Read moreJazz Therapy: “Soothing the Soul”

I have been thinking about the rise in Antisemitism lately, and the connection to Kanye West (now known as Ye West).  Recently, Ye was in the headlines for making several antisemitic remarks.  I won’t repeat them hear, as it can be retraumatizing for people to see the things that he said and wrote.  To read … Read moreJazz Therapy: Reflections on Antisemitism and Kanye West

Reflections on Homelessness I recently came across this article highlighting the rise in elderly seniors becoming homeless due to waxing inflation and the cost of housing increasing, , and I was again reminded  what a pervasive problem homelessness is (https://www.npr.org/sections/health-shots/2022/11/10/1135125625/homelessness-elderly-housing-inflation).  I live in Sacramento, and I notice increasing homelessness all around the city.  I was … Read moreJazz Therapy Tuesday Tune-Up