In this week’s episode of The Ripple Effect Podcast, Dr. Stephanie Romero invites listeners into a compassionate exploration of forgiveness as a powerful mindfulness practice and an act of self-care. Moving beyond the common myths that forgiveness means forgetting or excusing harm, the episode reframes it as the process of releasing the emotional charge that keeps past pain alive in the present. Through reflection and a gentle, guided meditation, listeners are supported in extending compassion toward themselves and others, creating space for emotional resilience, reduced stress, and renewed inner peace. Whether you are carrying a small resentment or a deeper wound, this episode offers a calm, safe container to begin softening, letting go, and reclaiming a sense of ease.

Learn More at www.awakenpittsburgh.org

Music: Weather Any Storm by Cody Francis and Forever and A Day by Kim Aspen (canva.com)

Produced by Say Some Thing Studios, a creative media division of Elevate 1 Consulting.

Awaken Pittsburgh, a 501c3 non-profit organization, relies on the generosity of our community to achieve our mission of fostering well-being, empathy, and compassion for all. Your support helps mindfulness practitioners reach individuals across the Greater Pittsburgh Area through evidence-based programs, activities, and events. Give Today! www.awakenpittsburgh.org/support

Music: "Chill Mode" by Audiobinger from the free music archive. This work is openly licensed via CC BY 4.0.

In Part 2 of this ongoing conversation, Dr. Stephanie Romero continues her dialogue with Sylva London and Ñeca Rodriguez, Awaken Pittsburgh’s Integrative Community Therapy trainers and facilitators, moving from understanding to application.

This episode explores how Integrative Community Therapy shows up in real communities and everyday life. Sylva and Ñeca reflect on what happens when people are given permission to slow down, listen deeply, and learn from one another’s lived experiences. Together, they discuss the role of facilitators, the importance of trust and safety, and how collective healing can take root when communities reclaim their own wisdom.

Listeners are invited to consider how connection itself can be restorative, and how small, intentional practices can create ripple effects of resilience, compassion, and belonging. This conversation offers both insight and inspiration for anyone curious about community-based healing, facilitation, or simply being more present with others.

As this two-part series comes to a close, Part 2 leaves us with a grounded reminder that healing does not happen alone. It happens together.

Learn More at www.awakenpittsburgh.org

Music: Weather Any Storm by Cody Francis and Forever and A Day by Kim Aspen (canva.com)

Produced by Say Some Thing Studios, a creative media division of .

Awaken Pittsburgh, a 501c3 non-profit organization, relies on the generosity of our community to achieve our mission of fostering well-being, empathy, and compassion for all. Your support helps mindfulness practitioners reach individuals across the Greater Pittsburgh Area through evidence-based programs, activities, and events. Give Today! www.awakenpittsburgh.org/support

Music: "Chill Mode" by Audiobinger from the free music archive. This work is openly licensed via CC BY 4.0.

In this first part of a two-part conversation, Dr. Stephanie Romero is joined by Sylva London and Ñeca Rodriguez, Awaken Pittsburgh’s newest Integrative Community Therapy trainers and facilitators, for a thoughtful and deeply human discussion on healing, belonging, and community.

Together, they explore what Integrative Community Therapy is and why it matters, especially in a world where so many people feel isolated, overwhelmed, or disconnected. Sylva and Ñeca share their personal journeys into this work, what drew them to community-based healing practices, and how ICT creates space for people to be seen, heard, and supported without judgment or hierarchy.

This conversation invites listeners to reflect on the power of shared stories, collective wisdom, and the simple yet profound act of showing up for one another. Part 1 lays the foundation for understanding ICT as both a practice and a posture toward life, one rooted in presence, dignity, and mutual care.

Learn More at www.awakenpittsburgh.org

Music: Weather Any Storm by Cody Francis and Forever and A Day by Kim Aspen (canva.com)

Produced by Say Some Thing Studios, a creative media division of .

Awaken Pittsburgh, a 501c3 non-profit organization, relies on the generosity of our community to achieve our mission of fostering well-being, empathy, and compassion for all. Your support helps mindfulness practitioners reach individuals across the Greater Pittsburgh Area through evidence-based programs, activities, and events. Give Today! www.awakenpittsburgh.org/support

Music: "Chill Mode" by Audiobinger from the free music archive. This work is openly licensed via CC BY 4.0.