Blog
What is Shame?
Shame is one of the most uncomfortable feelings we can experience as humans. Shame makes us feel simultaneously too small and too big – we feel unworthy and insignificant, but also exposed and wishing we could disappear. In order to overcome shame, we must first understand what shame is, where it comes from, and why it affects us so deeply.
Complex Trauma and Resilience in Ukraine: An Interview with Dr. Janina Scarlet
On March 26, 2022, I had the great fortune to virtually sit and chat with Ukraine-born Psychotherapist, author, TEDx speaker, and self-proclaimed geek, Dr. Janina Scarlet.
The Benefits of Silent Retreats
Finding our inner calm and peace can be difficult in a world full of noisy distractions. Participating in a silent retreat allows us to take the time and make space to hear our own thoughts, gain clarity and understanding, and deepen our relationships with ourselves and others. We are then invited to carry the benefits of silent retreats into our everyday lives.
Will You Be Your Valentine? Embracing Your Inner Critic
hoping to receive an expression of love from them. But what if you didn’t look outside of yourself for love and appreciation? Could you be your own valentine?
No Mud, No Lotus: A Tribute to Thich Nhat Hanh
With aching feet, I continued my steep climb up one of Guilin’s many peaks along the Li River. I didn’t set out that morning from my dorm to climb a mountain, but I suppose the mountain decided that today was the day we would meet.
Mental Wellness & Peace of Mind During the Holidays
The holiday season during this time of the year can bring moments of joy and celebration whether you are celebrating Christmas, Khushyali, Chanukah, Diwali, Yule, Kwanzaa, New Year’s, being alive, or anything else. However, it can also be a time of stress and grief where gatherings may be extra challenging due to the pandemic.
The Seasons of Life: Growing and Letting Go
As we feel the air get colder and watch the leaves change colors and eventually fall to the earth, we are also moving and cycling through seasons in our own lives. The seasons of our lives don’t necessarily align in real time with the seasons in nature. At the time of this writing, it is autumn in the Northern Hemisphere, and the Southern Hemisphere is experiencing spring. But what season are you experiencing in your life?
Finding and Honoring My Authentic Self
Today, September 19, 2021, is my 50th birthday. Growing up as an immigrant in three countries, I truly appreciated the blessing of a meal and the value of a piece of chocolate which was extremely rare. I watched my parents educate themselves, work hard, make sacrifices, and still find time to regularly volunteer in their community and practice gratitude. Through my father’s vivid story telling, I saw that these core values were passed from generations before. These then molded me and became my experiences, my voice, my core values, my authentic self.
Protect Yourself from Burnout
We all feel overwhelmed from time to time, but during the pandemic we’ve seen a radical increase in burnout. Let’s talk about what burnout is, why it’s happening more frequently, and how we can protect ourselves from it.
It’s OK Not to Be OK: Putting Mental Health First
Simone Biles’ decision to put her mental health first and withdraw from Olympic competition has sparked a crucial conversation. It takes incredible strength and courage to have the entire world watching and expecting you to make a flawless reach for yet another gold medal, but the importance of Simone pressing the pause button in order to take care of her mental health cannot be overstated.
