This week’s lesson for my treatment groups was on the topic of gratitude. What exactly does it mean to cultivate a grateful heart? What is gratitude? Gratitude by definition is the quality of being thankful; readiness to show appreciation for and to return kindness. Gratitude is also one of the fastest ways to generate happiness from within. When we can step outside of our current plane of thinking and insert gratitude, we can invite happiness back in, even in moments of utte

The morning time is such an opportune time to set the path for your day. When we wake up, our minds are fresh and ready to absorb. This is a great time to connect with your inner self, set your intentions for the day and direct your energy in a way that supports the life you’re building. Here are some simple ways to start your day off more mindfully aware and present. Morning Breath: It can become such a habit to reach for our phones the moment we open our eyes. Checking the

I wanted to share with you all a really great (and short) meditation tool and help on Netflix. Headspace: Guide to Meditation I have also written some journal prompts for further ruminating. Discussion questions for Headspace How do I cultivate stillness? What do I do when I get overwhelmed? How can I interrupt the cycling thoughts and feelings? Describe your experience with the guided meditation. How was if for your mind? Your body?

Let’s talk about affirmations, those simple, often cheesy-sounding phrases like “I am enough” or “I choose peace.” You’ve probably seen them on Instagram posts, sticky notes, or maybe even printed on a coffee mug. But from a mindfulness perspective, they’re more than just feel-good quotes, they’re intentional tools for shifting the way we experience life. What Are Affirmations, Really? At their core, affirmations are just thoughts we consciously choose to repeat. And from a m

Rebuilding a relationship with my nervous system has been one of the most important, and unexpected, parts of healing. For a long time, I didn’t even realize how disconnected I was from my body. I was constantly on edge, anxious for no clear reason, or totally shut down. It wasn’t until I started learning about how the nervous system works that things started to make more sense. I wasn’t “broken”, my body was just doing its best to protect me based on what I’d been through. W

The chakras are seven main energy centers within the body that influence our physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being. Each chakra...

The New Moon is such a beautiful time to really put in your mind’s eye the things that you want to see grow as the Moon grows in size. This is THE time for manifestation and setting things in motion for your aspirations. NEW MOON RITALS & INFO This New Moon (on Thursday 2/27) is in the sign of Pisces, mystical, dreamy and sensitive Pisces. The New Moon in Pisces is a powerful moment for introspection, emotional renewal, and connecting with the unseen realms. Pisces, the last

I have made posts about this in the past, but practicing how to detach my being from outcomes and situations has been very key in my path, not only as a teacher, but as a student as well. Mindful detachment is the practice of observing thoughts and emotions without becoming overwhelmed or identifying with them. By creating space between ourselves and our experiences, we reduce emotional reactivity and gain clarity in our responses. This helps in emotional regulation by allowi

It has been incredibly challenging for me personally to stay mindful during the current times in the United States. I, like many others, can get caught up in the fear of uncertainty, fear of what may happen and that can feel so debilitating. The constant flood of news and chaos of confusing orders can be hard to navigate through without being pulled under the weight of it all. Shifting our energy away from panic and into action will be the most helpful for us all. What do we

stillness Uncertainty & Taking Refuge: For many of us, the current conditions of the United States can feel uncertain, unsettled and even bring up fears of what will come in the future. I too find myself caught up in the what-if’s of the future and it can feel like the weight of it all is crushing. Thich Nhat Hanh teaches us to learn to seek refuge in self, in the peaceful core we all have. “Practice taking refuge in the island of the Dharma. Know how to take refuge in the

Here are your weekly shadow work prompts: Newest ones first NEW What is my current deepest desire? What does emotional safety feel like...

In today's fast-paced world, many individuals are eager to uncover deeper layers of understanding within themselves. Amidst the chaos of daily life, a powerful concept has emerged that offers hope for self-discovery: shadow work. This transformative practice invites us to explore parts of ourselves that we often ignore or hide. So, what exactly is shadow work, and how can it facilitate personal growth? What is Shadow Work? At its essence, shadow work is the process of facing

Letting it all out. Journaling offers a range of mental health benefits. It can reduce stress by providing an outlet to release worries and tensions, and it helps process emotions by allowing you to name and describe complex feelings, which leads to greater clarity. Reflecting on positive experiences or practicing gratitude through journaling can improve your mood and foster a more positive outlook over time. By organizing your thoughts on paper, journaling enhances problem-s

Using visualization for calming is a powerful technique that supports emotional regulation by engaging the mind in focused, intentional imagery. This practice leverages the brain's natural ability to imagine scenarios, helping to reduce stress and foster a sense of control over emotions. By redirecting attention to soothing mental images, visualization interrupts negative thought patterns and provides a mental "pause" from overwhelming emotions. When you vividly imagine calmi

Wu-Wei is a fundamental concept in Taoism that translates to "non-action" or "effortless action." It doesn’t mean doing nothing but rather aligning one's actions with the natural flow of life and the universe. Instead of forcing things or acting against the grain, wu wei encourages a state of being where actions arise spontaneously and harmoniously, without unnecessary struggle or resistance. It’s about embracing ease and letting things unfold naturally while maintaining bala

When I first started this journey of opening my heart, I was almost immediately hit with the other side of having an open heart, the suffering side. When we open ourselves up to the whole spectrum of feeling, the whole encompassing feeling of love and happiness, of gratitude and joy, we also open ourselves to the opposite, the suffering. To know great love is to also know great suffering. Because they are one in the same. Thich Nhat Hanh says that, “the art of happiness is a

The New Moon is special for setting intentions because it represents new beginnings, marking the start of the lunar cycle. This makes it...

Here are some common herbs that can be used in simmer pots, ritual baths, teas & more (by function) Protection Sage Thyme Rosemary Nettle...

Embracing the energy of the full moon is a practice that connects people to the natural rhythms of the Earth and the cycles of life. The...

Unveiling the Secrets of Lunar Influence on Inner Healing In a world filled with chaos and constant motion, finding moments of stillness and introspection becomes vital for our well-being. One might wonder, how can the enigmatic moon, with its ever-changing phases, play a role in our journey of healing and self-discovery? Let's dive into the captivating realm where moon phases intersect with practices like shadow work, mindfulness, and self-reflection to guide us on a path of