Not everything you plant will thrive. As a young gardener, I had very specific visions of what my garden should look like. I plotted out which flowers would go where.  I ruthlessly weeded out invaders that threatened my sense of order.  I watered and fertilized when the plants seemed reluctant.  And inevitably, I grew frustrated when nature didn’t follow my plans. My mother, a wise and seasoned gardener, offered gentle advice.  She encouraged an attitude of experimentation, r

My three-year-old is a naturally affectionate kid.  She loves hugs, snuggles, and curling up on my lap to read books.  She has lots of what I call “rituals of connection.”  When I leave for work in the morning we always hug and blow kisses.   At bedtime she says “night-night” to each family member in the house.  Whenever she falls down or gets a boo-boo, she needs a kiss to make it better.  Perhaps my favorite is her habit of calling out to me in the middle of whatever she’s

Whenever I tell someone that I work at a State Psychiatric Hospital, their eyes widen.  They likely imagine straight-jackets and padded rooms, or scenes from One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest .  I typically make a joke, or share a story aimed at normalizing my work.  I don’t want people to think I’m some sort of hero, and I don’t want to reinforce the stigma around serious mental illness. What I don’t share in these casual conversations is that I had a panic attack during my fi

I began this month with high expectations.  After a joyful and refreshing Christmas vacation, I wanted to bring all that good energy with me into the new year.  I resolved to find more balance between work and play, to maintain sleep and exercise routines for my mental health, and to keep focused on the things that bring me joy.  It felt good to have a plan.  I used this momentum to put my goals into action sustainably.  At home, I kept up the routines that hold me steady and

I love Christmas music.  Not overproduced holiday pop songs, but the classic carols.  I only listen to them one month of the year, but they fill me with nostalgia.  I remember all the Christmas Eves spent singing Silent Night by candlelight in a darkened sanctuary.  I chuckle at the memories of my family singing from different hymnals and arguing over the correct verses.  And now I get teary-eyed watching my own children learn and sing these cherished songs. Some of my favori

Someone recently asked if the spiritual practices I write about help us get rid of negative emotions. I often highlight the positive benefits of joy, connection, and gratitude these practices can bring, but the question gave me pause.  It helped me to clarify an important point:  mental well-being is not defined by the absence of painful emotions . As much as we’d all like to be happier, it’s not realistic to live without sadness, anger, or fear.  Pushing away our painful emo

Did you know... Spirituality can Increase brain connectivity Lower stress response Calm the nervous system Protect the brain from effects of depression Grow brain areas related to empathy and creativity Learn more at my upcoming presentation:

Every spring, my husband and I plant a vegetable garden.  While the tiny seedlings start to grow, I imagine all the delicious produce...

There’s nothing like air travel to inspire a reflection on anxiety.  The endless security lines, cramped seating, and arbitrary schedule...

For this month I’m sharing a brief video reflection.  It dates back to the summer of 2020 when I was figuring out what it meant to be a...

Last month I wrote about living in the tension between joy and suffering.  This month I’m leaning hard into the joy.  My life is full of...

I’ve felt an increasing sense of dissonance these past few weeks.  I glance outside at the blossoming trees in between reading news...

Exciting things are happening!  Members of the Launch Team recently got their first look at Sacred Balance in its final (digital)...

Thanks to everyone who participated in last month’s poll! Your most popular spiritual goal for 2025 was “connect more deeply with...

Happy New Year!  I hope that however your holidays went this year, you are finding peace and balance.  I’m excited that this is the year...

December is my favorite month, and this year it’s extra special. I’m celebrating my 40th birthday and the completion of my final...

Hi everyone!  November is a time for giving thanks, and I’m grateful for each one of you!   Sacred Balance came into being through...

I’ve got exciting news this month!  We have an estimated release date for Sacred Balance!   You can get your hands on a copy starting May...

Hi Everyone!  I’ve just about finished my draft of the book—nine chapters each introducing a spiritual practice and discussing its mental...

Hi everyone!  I’m excited to share with you about my upcoming book,  Sacred Balance: How Ancient Practices Can Restore Modern Minds...