{"id":149123,"date":"2026-05-04T21:39:38","date_gmt":"2026-05-05T01:39:38","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.thevalleyledger.com\/?p=149123"},"modified":"2026-05-04T21:39:38","modified_gmt":"2026-05-05T01:39:38","slug":"creating-love-and-light-for-healing-by-vicky-alercia-casella-lpc-2-2","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.thevalleyledger.com\/?p=149123","title":{"rendered":"\u201cCreating Love and Light for Healing\u201d | By: Vicky Alercia-Casella LPC"},"content":{"rendered":"

Article by: Vicky Alercia-Casella LPC<\/a><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

May 2026<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u201cFollow Your Senses to Nature\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n

This past Friday, I had the lovely opportunity to lead an Ecotherapy group at the Palmer Library. For one hour, individuals chose to step away from their busy lives of endless to do lists, technology, and racing thoughts, to immerse themselves in nature. For me, the field behind Palmer library was picture perfect, although not too far away from the main road, we were still able to be surrounded by beautiful trees and a bird sanctuary. We followed our senses into nature. We began in silence, with bare feet in the grass, feeling the sun and the breeze. The birds were particularly chatty that morning and I can\u2019t help but wonder, what are they saying or singing to us? Once we opened our eyes, we walked through the field but with the intention of really seeing it. The colors of the flowers looked brighter, the birds seemed to be dancing around us.<\/p>\n

One aspect that I always hold close to my heart is the beautiful souls that arrive in the group with me. I am the one \u201cleading\u201d per se but it\u2019s the participants that really make it special for me. One participant and I shared a thought about us being one with nature, we should take care of nature as nature provides for us. There is no separation, we are one. Another participant shared a recent unexpected stressor in her life and as she sat in silence listening to the birds, she believed that her higher power would care for her in this moment of uncertainty, just as he had taken care of the birds. That was a message that I needed to hear. That\u2019s the beauty of showing up authentic in your words and actions, you never know who else around you needs it too.<\/p>\n

I always provide little gifts to those who attend my groups. Today, it was stones, some heart shaped and some with words. Participants were gently encouraged to choose a stone that spoke to them as well as take a stone to share. The heart stones are a reminder that we are loved. Every day we choose what we want to focus on in our lives and what we want to contribute to our community. That includes love to the nature around us. In my true authentic fashion, for the first time during one of my groups, I hugged a tree. Trees are one of my favorite nature-based lessons; to stay rooted and strong but branch out to learn, grow, connect.<\/p>\n

With Spring upon us and Summer quickly approaching, I encourage you to step outside, whether by yourself or find your tribe. Those who love nature. Those who hug trees. Those who spread Love. Because in a busy, messy world, if there are messages that I believe we all need is a reminder to ground ourselves in nature and the reminder that we are loved.<\/p>\n

If you are interested in learning more about the groups I lead, please contact me 610-905-2153 or alerciav@yahoo.com. My new website for 2026- www.heartsofhopehealing.com<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Sending you Light and Love,<\/em><\/p>\n

Victoria Hope Alercia-Casella<\/em><\/p>\n

Licensed Professional Counselor<\/p>\n

Student at Oasis Ministries for Spiritual Direction<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n