In a world that can feel disconnecting, dysregulating, and filled with suffering, just as it is important to grieve, it is important to stay connected to hope.
In this episode, I share reflections on:
- why we need hope as a resource, when navigating systemic grief & oppression
- why hope is different from spiritual bypassing (hope moves us toward action & fuels us to build the world we want to live in)
- how to expand capacity for hope: witnessing acts of courage, community, care, and creative problem-solving
- how acknowledging & feeling our grief can move us toward a more connected future
- how moments of joy resource the nervous system
- hope as a somatic experience in the nervous system (not just a cognitive experience)
I’ll invite you to reflect on these questions:
- What gives you hope?
- What does this hope inspire you to do?
- How do you experience hope in your nervous system?
Articles Mentioned in the Episode
>> These Portland trail guides build community through science, education and whimsy — in drag: https://www.opb.org/article/2026/06/14/portland-oregon-outdoors-hiking-group-drag-performance/
>> Baltimore will turn 911 into more than just an emergency number: https://www.npr.org/2026/07/27/nx-s1-5874720/baltimore-will-turn-911-into-more-than-just-an-emergency-number
>> She invited her friends to come together to make her casket: https://www.npr.org/2026/04/18/nx-s1-5786831/dying-terminally-ill-casket-weaving
>> The Art of Resistance Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-art-of-resistance/id1828763111
🌿 About the Host
Liz Zhou is a neurodivergent therapist of color, coach, & speaker based in Colorado (MA, LPC, she/her). She helps highly sensitive, neurodivergent adults & couples heal their nervous systems and connect with their authentic selves. Her specialties include: Brainspotting, EMDR, IFS, Psychedelic Integration, & Nervous System Intensives (deep-dive, accelerated therapy).
🌿 Connect with Liz
>> Join my email newsletter, where I share insights on how to understand your brain & take care of your nervous system: Liz’s Neurodivergent Letters
>> Follow on IG: www.instagram.com/liz.holistic.therapist
>> To work 1:1 with Liz: learn about Nervous System Healing Intensives here (focused sessions, using Brainspotting & Internal Family Systems, to help you heal deeply & connect with your authentic self) 🌻
