As a psychologist with a background as a Buddhist monk, I've had my fair share of thought-provoking encounters with the scientific community, particularly when it comes to understanding the mind. I remember a moment in a health psychology class that really stood out to me. One of the students, confidently beginning their argument, stated, "We all agree that the mind is composed of the brain." I couldn't help but raise my hand and say, "Sorry, I disagree."

The room fell into a stunned silence, as if questioning, "Aren't you a scientist? Don't you agree that the mind is held within the brain?" I decided to illustrate my point with a simple demonstration. I took a cup and placed it on the edge of a table, where it teetered precariously. The tension in the room was palpable. "Right now," I said, "as I let go of that cup, you're interacting with me. You're feeling something, recognizing that it was me who put that cup there. And even if I leave the room, you're still, in some way,...

It's effortless to recognize when we're riding the high wave of a good day—when the birds are serenading us, the colors around us seem more vibrant, and the universe seems to whisper in our ear that all is well. Conversely, it's equally easy to acknowledge when we're trapped in the quicksand of a bad day—when the world feels gray, and every step forward feels like a battle against an invisible force.

But what about those subtle shifts in momentum? Those moments when our vibrant energy begins to wane, and we start to drift away from our self-care rituals or our positive affirmations? It's all too easy to dismiss these signs with excuses like "I'm just too tired today" or "I'll take a break from my self-care routine." These rationalizations sound familiar, don't they?

For me, this often manifests as a small but persistent voice that concocts excuse after excuse for not engaging in activities that fuel my self-evolution. It whispers things like:

• "Maybe I'll skip calling my...

One thing I have found in both my professional and personal life is that I often get stuck in fear,  afraid to do the things that will bring success. 

The other day, when I stopped to ask myself why I am afraid to do these things, I realized I am afraid that if I were to keep moving forward and actually reach my goals that I will no longer be able to use the same excuses I have been using for years. I will no longer be able to feel sorry for myself or feel as if I don’t have control over my circumstances. 

As I lay in bed last summer recovering from recurrent infections related to Lyme disease, there came a moment like this where I asked myself truly and honestly – why was I not getting better, after months of antibiotics, acupuncture and herbal treatments?

And I saw that on a deep level I was afraid to get better because then I would have no excuses to fuel my long-held “poor me” story. I was struggling to accept on a deep core level that I...

This past weekend I got to go sledding with my kiddos and truly, I cannot remember the last time we had that much fun doing an activity as a family.

Now that my kids are getting a little bit older (no longer in diapers) it feels like the years of nap schedules and constant home life are over and a new chapter awaits. My heart feels so full thinking of this coming year and how many more moments like this that we have to look forward to together this year as a family.

At the end of every year and at the beginning I like to take some time to reflect, contemplate and dream. It’s such a perfect time to look back at the past year and also look ahead at what’s to come (or what you’d like to take the first steps to bring into your life this year in 2024)!

Looking back at this past year, I learned a lot about myself and how to take my own personal self-care to the next level by setting clearer boundaries about what I need in all areas of my life (work life, personal...

I’m sitting on my porch as I write this all bundled up in a blanket with a warm drink in my hand feeling the cold winter air on my face. I think that what I love most about Winter is the invitation the cold weather brings to hibernate. The cool air beckons me to go inward, to stop doing so much and start the process of germinating something new.

Can you relate? When was the last time your own creative juices started flowing?

What happens if you brainstorm and get all excited and then when it comes time to share your idea or new creation with your clients you get tongue tied with questions like…"how will I share about my new project?" How will it help address your clients problems? How can you communicate that to them in a clear and succinct way? 

For health and wellness professionals, niching down is a topic that can stir up a plethora of emotions, from anxiety and fear to excitement and inspiration. 

So if it’s such a mixed bag...