MindBodyWisdom

When Every Scroll Hurts: The Landmine of Social Media and Fertility

        Photo by Ben White on Unsplash

In the digital age, where every swipe brings a new highlight reel of others’ lives, social media has likely become a bittersweet landscape for you. Immersed in the grueling journey of in vitro fertilization (IVF), the bombardment of pregnancy announcements, baby bump photos, and newborn cuddles in your feed can trigger a visceral whirlwind of emotions.

Aching, Longing and Envy: With each innocuous scroll, a sharp pang twists in your gut—a cruel reminder of the family you yearn for but can’t seem to create. Seeing a glowing ultrasound photo or a beaming parent cradling their newborn ignites a firestorm of emotions. It’s not just jealousy; it’s a seething envy that claws at your chest, leaving you feeling inadequate. The physical sensation of heartache is palpable and each double-tap on a baby picture is a punch to the gut.

Gut-Wrenching Grief and Stinging Resentment: Infertility isn’t just about wanting a baby; it’s about mourning the loss of a dream. Each pregnancy announcement feels like another nail in the coffin of your hopes and aspirations. The grief is visceral, a heavy weight that settles in your chest and steals your breath. And yet, intertwined with the sorrow is a sharp, biting resentment—toward your own body, the universe, and the blissfully unaware parents-to-be. It’s a toxic cocktail of anguish and bitterness that some days, leaves you drowning in a sea of despair.

Suffocating Isolation and Crushing Shame: A suffocating sense of isolation sets in as you scroll through your feeds, surrounded by images of blissful parenthood. You may feel like an outsider peering through a window at a world you can’t access—a world where everyone else seems to effortlessly achieve what feels impossible for you. The shame is suffocating, a heavy cloak that weighs you down and makes you feel unworthy of love and belonging. Maybe you hide your pain behind a carefully curated facade, afraid to admit how much it hurts to see others’ happiness. Or you begin to isolate and avoid social situations so that you don’t have to pretend you’re happy when you’re suffering so deeply for a dream that no one else seems to fully understand.

Physical Manifestations of Emotional Turmoil: The emotional toll of infertility and IVF isn’t just mental—it’s physical too. The constant stress and anxiety wreak havoc on the body, manifesting in headaches, insomnia, and stomach-churning nausea. Each notification ping on your phone triggers a surge of adrenaline, sending your heart racing and your palms sweating. The emotional rollercoaster of hope and despair leaves you physically drained, your body weary from the relentless onslaught of emotions.

Coping Amidst the Chaos: During this emotional frenzy, finding moments of solace and self-care becomes paramount. You may turn to therapy, seeking refuge in the haven of a therapist’s office where you can unburden your heart without judgment. You may find comfort in online support groups, where you can connect with others who truly understand your pain. Amidst the chaos, you might be doing your best to cling to moments of joy—whether it’s a quiet walk in nature, a soothing cup of tea, reading a book (not online!) or sharing time with a loved one—that remind you of the beauty and resilience of the human spirit. Yet, each moment of joy is often followed by the continued recognition that there’s a hole in your life and you’re uncertain if it will ever be filled.

Infertility and IVF are journeys fraught with emotional landmines, and social media only serves to amplify the pain and isolation felt by those navigating this rocky terrain. First of all, try to stay off of triggering apps and hide or stop following people whose content is causing you additional pain. Secondly, by acknowledging and honoring the raw, unfiltered reality of infertility and IVF, you can create a more compassionate and understanding space where your silent struggles of infertility are met with empathy and support, rather than judgment and comparison. I’m here for you too.

Rachel Shanken, Somatic Fertility Therapist in New York City

 

Mind-Body Memory, Trauma & Healing

  Photo by Jakob Owens on Unsplash

Just because the book is closed doesn’t mean there isn’t a story still living inside.

The end of an experience and its reverberations in your body-mind don’t come to a full stop. Every experience you have changes you at a cellular level. Some experiences change you more deeply than others. Sometimes, the events that have the most profound impact on you, aren’t what you’d expect. You’re taken by surprise and shame yourself for having big feelings. Maybe you tell yourself “I should be over this by now” or “It wasn’t that big of a deal! I don’t know why I’m crying.”

Maybe you expect yourself to move past hard things without any remnants of their impact.

For example: Have you ever had a seemingly random memory that pops up in your consciousness from nowhere and your body becomes flooded by emotions? That means that some emotions are still alive in that memory.

Your body remembers everything, even when your conscious mind doesn’t. Memories come along with a range of feelings and sensations.

Your body can sense when the anniversary of a loss or hardship is approaching from its inner-compass. You may notice unexpected sadness, anxiety, or other symptoms, such as decreased appetite or difficulty sleeping.

Your body recalls smells. The scent of chicken soup or cinnamon may bring about memories and feelings, for better or worse, about the holiday season with your family.

A location or place may prompt big feelings, reminding you of being there before and something significant happening (even if it didn’t seem meaningful at the time). For example, certain neighborhoods in NYC immediately trigger memories combined with big feelings for me.  When I’m in Columbus Circle I flash to times in my life that held high hopes and devastating disappointments during my fertility treatment. When I’m in a specific part of Central Park, my body is cascaded by joy in my memory of getting engaged.

Sounds and/or a physical sensations can bring rise to unexpected feelings. For example: the feeling of the paper wrinkling against your skin on the exam table at a doctor’s office, the ding of an elevator, a specific song, or certain materials like leather seats or a soft blanket.

IMPORTANT NOTE: Your body’s job is to protect you from pain and danger. Sometimes, it acts as an over-protective parent, who uses whatever information it can find (even misinterpreted data) to signal you through emotion and sensation. This is your amygdala working! If the overdrive (over-protective parent) part is on too high of alert (hypervigilance), and you are feeling anxious, overwhelmed, depressed, or having significant flashbacks and other symptoms, then it could be trauma and may be time to get some somatic (mind-body) support.

You aren’t meant to “just get over” things that felt terrible. You are a sentient being who is meant to feel things.

Part of your body’s job is to house a library of sensations, feelings, and memories that make you who you are today.  While this can be bittersweet, it is how you are meant to function.

Rachel Shanken, Somatic Fertility Therapist in New York City

The Importance of Talking to Someone Who Understands the Fertility Journey

the importance of talking to someone who understands
Photo by Neil Thomas on Unsplash

Infertility can be a deeply isolating experience, filled with emotional and physical challenges that can feel overwhelming. The experience often floods your system with a spectrum of difficult feelings and sensations. As a somatic therapist who has personally navigated the complex journey of infertility and IVF, I cannot stress enough the importance of speaking with someone who truly understands.

Understanding the Emotional Toll

Infertility affects every aspect of life, from personal relationships to self-esteem. The constant cycle of hope and disappointment can lead to anxiety, depression, and a sense of hopelessness. Speaking with a therapist who has walked this path can provide much-needed empathy and validation. I understand your unique emotional rollercoaster, offering a safe space to express feelings that others (no fault of their own) may not comprehend.

The Power of Somatic Therapy

Somatic therapy focuses on the connection between mind and body, addressing not just the emotional but also the physical manifestations of stress and trauma. This holistic approach is particularly beneficial to you if you’re undergoing fertility treatments. By integrating talk therapy with body-centered techniques, somatic therapy helps release tension, process trauma, and restore a sense of calm and balance.

Personal Experience Enhances Professional Insight

Having personally experienced infertility and IVF, I bring a dual perspective to my practice. I know the clinical side of treatments and the personal struggles that come with it. This insight allows me to offer practical tools for managing stress, such as mindfulness practices, breathing exercises, and gentle movement, tailored to support your fertility journey. It also allows you to cut through the explanation fatigue that often comes with the territory of IVF.

Building a Supportive Connection

One of the most healing aspects of therapy is the sense of connection and support it fosters. Knowing you’re not alone in your struggle can be incredibly comforting. Through my practice, I aim to build a connection with you so you feel seen, heard, and supported. The tools and the insights are equal parts vital in your management of such a tumultuous time.

Long-Term Healing and Empowerment

The goal of therapy is not just to survive the infertility journey but to thrive beyond it. By addressing both emotional and physical aspects, somatic therapy provides long-term healing and empowers you to face future challenges with resilience and strength.

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Infertility is a challenging journey, but you don’t have to navigate it alone. Speaking with someone who understands, both professionally and personally, can make a profound difference. Through somatic therapy, you can find the tools and support you need to manage the emotional and physical challenges of infertility, fostering healing and empowerment every step of the way.

I’m here.

Rachel Shanken, Somatic Fertility Therapist in New York City

When Every Scroll Hurts: The Landmine of Social Media and Fertility

In the digital age, where every swipe brings a new highlight reel of others’ lives, social media has likely become a bittersweet landscape for you. Immersed in the grueling journey of in vitro fertilization (IVF), the bombardment of pregnancy announcements, baby bump photos, and newborn cuddles in your feed can trigger a visceral whirlwind of […]

Mind-Body Memory, Trauma & Healing

Just because the book is closed doesn’t mean there isn’t a story still living inside. The end of an experience and its reverberations in your body-mind don’t come to a full stop. Every experience you have changes you at a cellular level. Some experiences change you more deeply than others. Sometimes, the events that have […]

The Importance of Talking to Someone Who Understands the Fertility Journey

Infertility can be a deeply isolating experience, filled with emotional and physical challenges that can feel overwhelming. The experience often floods your system with a spectrum of difficult feelings and sensations. As a somatic therapist who has personally navigated the complex journey of infertility and IVF, I cannot stress enough the importance of speaking with […]

Embracing Embodied Mindfulness on Your Fertility Journey: 10 Powerful Benefits

Navigating the challenges of infertility can be a harrowing journey. As a therapist specializing in fertility issues (and going through it myself), I’ve seen firsthand how embodied mindfulness practices can be a game-changer. Here are ten powerful benefits of incorporating mindfulness into your infertility journey: 1. Stress Reduction Infertility and fertility treatments often come with […]

Ambiguous Grief: The Hidden Pain of Infertility

Infertility is a deeply personal and often silent struggle that brings with it a unique type of grief—ambiguous grief. Unlike traditional grief, which follows a loss recognized and validated by society, ambiguous grief is characterized by the lack of closure and the continuous hope that remains despite repeated disappointments. What is Ambiguous Grief? Ambiguous grief […]

Number Envy in IVF: It’s Not Just You

In the journey of IVF, the concept of “number envy” can become a significant emotional hurdle. This occurs when undergoing fertility treatments that you compare your results to others’, feeling envious or inadequate when your numbers—like egg count, embryo quality, uterine thickness or hormone levels—don’t seem to measure up. Understanding Number Envy IVF is laden […]

Hidden Withdrawals of IVF: Managing the Aftermath

The journey of in vitro fertilization (IVF) is often described as a rollercoaster, marked by moments of soaring hope and gut-wrenching disappointment. But what happens when the ride stops, when the hormones dissipate, and the medical appointments cease? The withdrawal from IVF isn’t just a step back into everyday life; it’s a complex transition that […]

Suffering in Silence: The Emotional Toll of Infertility & IVF

I will forever have the imprint in my memory of waking up unnaturally early (anxiety-filled) to dark, cold mornings in route to the clinic before work. New York City, supposedly “the city that never sleeps,” was quiet and deserted. My secret mornings, heading uptown on an empty subway car while the rest of the concrete […]

Anger Towards Your Body in IVF: Coping Strategies

In the emotionally charged landscape of in vitro fertilization (IVF), you may find yourself grappling with a complex array of emotions, including anger — particularly directed towards your body. This internal struggle can be deeply challenging and painful. If you are struggling with feelings of betrayal, frustration, and inadequacy in the face of infertility, you […]

Explanation Fatigue during Fertility Treatment

Fertility treatments can be an emotionally and physically demanding journey, requiring significant resilience and patience. Among the many challenges faced, one often overlooked is explanation fatigue—the exhaustion that comes from repeatedly explaining your situation, progress, and emotions to those around you. As a therapist and a former IVF patient, I’ve seen firsthand how this can […]

8 Reasons Why IVF is so Challenging

  As difficult as this topic is for so many, acknowledgment of fertility struggles and IVF (In Vitro Fertilization) is vital for those undergoing it. 1 in 6 couples struggle with infertility yet this topic often lurks in the shadows of whispered conversations. Embarking on the path of IVF isn’t just a medical procedure – […]

Enhance your Mind & Body with Science-backed Techniques

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Managing the Overthinking Trap During IVF

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Breaking the Cycle: Overcoming Self-Blame in the IVF Journey

One of the most challenging hurdles to overcome in infertility and IVF is the pervasive feeling of self-blame. Whether you’re grappling with infertility, failed cycles, losses/miscarriages or other setbacks along the way, if you’re going through IVF you may find yourself consumed by feelings of guilt, shame, and self-doubt. Following are some possible explanations for […]

The Language of IVF: Glossary of 40 Acronyms & Definitions

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Understanding the Hardships of Fertility / IVF Treatment: A Guide for Family and Friends

Supporting a loved one undergoing fertility treatment can be challenging, especially when you’re not fully aware of what they’re experiencing. Here are some key points to help you understand why this journey can be so difficult and some suggestions for how to best support them – Emotional, Mental, and Physical Toll: The constant stress, emotional […]

5 Ways to Balance the Dual Lives of IVF

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6 Natural Ways to Calm your Anxious Heart

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Let’s face it – feeling anxious is uncomfortable in our bodies, our minds and in our hearts. We are at dis-ease when we are anxious and our whole system feels the impact of it. The thing is, you don’t have to sit and wait for it to pass. You don’t have to stew in your […]

5 Simple Ways to Listen to your Heart

Sage words from guest blogger, Courtney Carver of Be More with Less… How to Listen to Your Heart. Your body was designed to connect with your heart. Every day, your heart sends you powerful messages, but unless you have the time and space to pay attention, you might miss them. A busy, stressful life gets […]

Can you answer these 4 Questions?

Take a moment to honestly answer the 4 simple questions below. Do you enjoy on meaningful conversation? Do you thrive on personal growth? Do you value the mind-body / body-mind connection as means toward living more fully, freely, and joyfully? Are you someone who feels most alive when you’re connected with like-souled, like-minded, like-spirited people? […]

MindBodyWise Living Room: Connect with others just like you…

Navigating life’s challenges is hard. It can feel lonely, scary, stressful, overwhelming and downright depressing. Sometimes, it probably feels like you are doing it alone and you wonder if there are others out there having similar struggles. And if they are out there, WHERE ARE THEY? You no longer have to go it alone or […]

How to support people in emotional pain

How to support people in emotional pain. You want to be a good friend or partner, but it’s easy to feel helpless when you see someone that you love feeling badly. Sometimes, it’s hard to know what to say. It’s really important, though, to find ways to verbally acknowledge someone’s experience, instead of minimizing it.  Here […]

Love-Loading vs. Carb-Loading

Whether you celebrate V-Day or it’s not your thing, let it be an opportunity to give love to the most important person in your life – YOU! Love-Loading vs. Carb Loading – An anecdote When my beloved grandfather, affectionately known as Pop-Pop, passed away, our family was distraught with grief.  He was full of love […]

Something you can’t live without…

“What’s something you didn’t know existed before that now you can’t imagine living without?” asked my brilliant, lovely, talented friend Marsha (of Yes Yes Marsha) on Facebook. Most people, including me, posted a lot of technology-related stuff (Netflix, Internet, Fitbits etc.). However, later in the day, while doing a brief self body scan (as I […]

Be better at balancing it all…

Be better at balancing it all.  So here I am at about 7 years old… posing happily on a floor balance beam.  Only one month before, I had been selected as the newest member of the gymnastics team. In this picture, I see a little girl beaming with pride and joy. I absolutely and completely […]

10 Gifts of Inspiration for You…

10 Gifts of Inspiration for you. In 2015, I posted over 140 times to Instagram. Most of what I post includes a quote or insight of some kind, that many have said is inspiring. So, I’ve collected the posts that got the majority of “likes” (and ones that I like the best) to share with you […]

Stop Self-Criticizing, Start Meditating

Are you seeking a path back to self-acceptance and self-worth? Have you considered meditation? Maybe it’s time you do! To get started on your path, read this informative article, written by Crystal Fenton of Rewire Me with commentary from yours truly! Enjoy… Admit it, you’ve been there: acting as your own worst critic by doubting yourself. As a […]

Healing the Post-Holiday Hangover Blues

Do you ever experience a post-holiday depression or emotional hangover? This year, maybe the holidays met your expectations, exceeded them or depleted you. Whether you’re a lover of the holiday season or you thrash through it painfully, you may experience a dark-mood day or dark-mood week that follows the end of the season. This is […]

1 simple way to free yourself, once and for all

The joy that comes with being free from attachment is a “felt” sense that cloaks all of who you are, inside and out. If you choose to look at yourself from the inside, you can gain perspective and agency over how you move through your life. The practice of freeing yourself begins with bringing awareness […]

How to make 2016 your best year yet…

A brief note: You live and you learn. With reflection and introspection, you can make adjustments and pivots to enhance your life as you purposefully step forward into it. In this very spirit of reviewing, learning and redesigning, I am sharing the year-in-review exercise I sent out last year, but I’ve made changes to enhance it […]

5 Ways to Feel Good Every Day…

Can you feel good every day? The awesome news is — it’s totally possible! It will require some work, on your part…but…the coolest thing is that as you do this very personal and self-focused work, the benefits expand into all areas of your life. The more you do to actively care for yourself – the […]

Setting a Resolution that Lasts…

 It’s your life. Choose your path and fully embody your whole self. It is with this intention that a beautiful journey will unfold within and before you. Make 2016 YOUR Year ~ Free Your Body, Free Your Mind Every new year, you make resolutions that don’t stick. Maybe you sign up for denial-driven programs that […]

Don’t miss it…!

“It’s a one-shot deal…” How many times have you heard this and it’s rarely (if ever) true…?  This time it IS true!   Recently I have been exposed to several untimely deaths, others who are struggling to stay alive and others who have recently been diagnosed with life-altering diseases. Although we all know that death is part of […]

Wondering where to find the wonder?

With summer ending and a new season beginning, it gives us an opportunity to become present in our lives in a new way. But how do we get present and find the wonder? A reflection…a suggestion…and an opportunity… I’m just returning from 2 weeks of being away from my everyday life. My first week away […]

6 Seconds to Stress Relief…really!

6 seconds to stress relief. Did you know that hugs are a natural stress reliever? How cool is that?! Hugging for only 6 seconds releases dopamine — the feel-good hormone — in both the hugger and the “huggie” (is that even a word?). A few more words about hugs and your health… Hugs reduce cortisol […]

Are you having fun yet?

It’s never too late to have fun in life.  It was recess and the game was Capture the Flag. My big brother was in the sixth grade, and I was a few years behind in second grade. Usually, only the older kids played, but this time my big brother invited me to join his team. […]

Inspiration & Empathy ~ A Human Experience

Have you noticed that stories of triumph often support you in feeling most alive, inspire you to overcome your own challenges and sometimes even bring you to tears? Me too! Did you know there’s a neuroscience and mind-body supported reason why these beautiful, life-affirming stories move us so deeply? I might be a bit of […]

7 Mind-Body Creativity Hacks

Do you want to become a better problem-solver, innovator and to access more of the creativity within you? Of course you do…who doesn’t! The most effective way to enhance your creativity is to get your whole body into the process. Here are 7 scientifically supported and totally awesome mind-body creativity hacks that involve all parts of you. Some […]

Stand Up for Yourself

Stand Up for Yourself. By this subject line, you may assume that I’m suggesting that you hold your ground, or speak up for yourself, or stop being a people pleaser. However…I’m actually talking about… Standing up for yourself and for your health! STAND UP! Get out of your seat! Yep, it may seem like a […]

Love More, Live Longer

Live more, live longer. This one’s a short and oh so sweet one…! Create relationships. Connect. Give and receive support. Love. Be loved. Continue surrounding yourself with good people and meaningful relationships. Fill up your “connection containers” and live a longer, healthier life. This isn’t just touchy-feely stuff. This is back by facts! There are […]

Transform your Perspective

We all know that our mood can affect your perspective. Knowing this fact and knowing what to do about it is a whole different story. I love this 3.5 minute video, based on the Growth Model from Carol Dweck. The video simply explains why it’s sometimes hard for us to shift our perspective.  The video also confirms that it takes […]

What Invigorates You?

When’s the last time that you felt full of life? How many days, weeks, months have passed since you last felt invigorated? You don’t have to wait or hope or wish that you could recreate that feeling of excitement about getting up every morning and starting your day. It doesn’t have to be difficult or […]

Authentic to the Core

How do you know when you are being your authentic self? What does it mean to be authentic?   When I am being my true self, I know it because I feel ease in my mind and freedom in my body. I am neither anticipating what’s next or belaboring what came before. I am present. […]

Are you living a “Good Life”?

How do you define living a good life? Are you living it? If not, what steps are you taking to create it? What does it feel like to think about these questions? It’s not uncommon to hear people say “I want a good life” but not really know what that actually means…and it’s so unique […]

Simple Shifts, Lasting Changes

Do you know there’s more to life than this but you’re finding it challenging to create change? Do you feel a bit alone in your quest for health and happiness? Do you feel a little stuck about what to do next? Do you make promises to yourself, but find it difficult to keep them? Often […]

Spring Cleaning for your Soul

Are you leaving space in your life for new challenges and new opportunities? Are you creating space in your body, lengthening and stretching and reaching, to create the life you want for yourself? For transformation and personal evolution to occur…to fully squeeze the juice out of life…both your mind and body have to be a part […]

Peace in Motion

Do you want to meditate, but think that you aren’t or wouldn’t be “good at it”…? Walking meditation might be your solution! First of all, just so you know, there is no such thing as not being good at meditation. All of us struggle with wandering minds – that’s our brain’s job (and we can […]

Are you Crazy-Busy?

Do you reply I am crazy busy when people ask, “How are you?” Over the past few years, many articles have emerged about the function of our being so “busy” and how this “busy-ness” serves to distance us from our unique purpose, from connecting with others and from connecting to our authentic selves. If we […]

It’s All Connected!

What is the mind-body connection? How does it work? How do you access it? Why would you want to? Only a few words this time…and instead some awesome mixed media to help you understand, appreciate, and gain some tips on how to access your mind-body connection! I could list endless references, movies, and more here, […]

How to Love your Life

How to Love Your Life. “Death is very likely the single best invention of life.” – Steve Jobs We all know that we have limited time here, in this precious life. Yet, we don’t always live like each moment is our last, nor would it be healthy to do so! However, it’s valuable on occasion […]

Making Peace with Pain

You know it and I know it: PAIN IS NO FUN! If given the choice, it would be very difficult to turn down a life of a pain-free existence, right?! However, there is no magic healing wand – sorry! And, this may sound nuts, but our pain can offer us powerful and often profound life […]

6 Life Lessons from a Balinese Offering

6 Life Lessons from a Balinese Offering. I just returned from a yoga vacation in Bali. It was an amazing, magical and beautiful trip on so many levels. One of the most striking aspects of Bali is its people… They are kind and they smile often. They are generous and warm. They take time and […]

5 Ways to be More Courageous

Being more courageous means.. Do you fear … Speaking your truth? Trying new things? Being your authentic self? Exploring the unknown? Going for your dreams with all you’ve got? “It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have […]

Releasing Regret and Finding Freedom

Do you have regrets? Most of us do.  What function does regret serve? How can we live more freely and release the pain of the missed opportunities of the past? When I was growing up, the quote “I woulda, coulda, shoulda, but I didn’t” was on my family’s bathroom wall (and is still posted there […]

Coming from Love

What’s your Heart Saying? If we approached all of life and every human interaction from a place of love, what would life be like? If we all lived from the voices of our hearts, what would our world be like? What might be different? Who might we be? We are often so go-go-go that we […]

How to Feel your Feelings…

You may be wondering, why would I want to feel my feelings ?! Because…it’s life-changing in many great ways… If you missed last week’s discussion about the importance and value of feeling your feelings, you can read about it HERE. As promised last week, here are some ways to connect and begin the practice of […]

5 Life-Changing Reasons…to Feel Your Feelings!

Do you avoid allowing yourself to feel what you are really feeling? As human beings, we crave safety. We crave comfort. Often, our same-old same-old routine becomes our safety and comfort. Sometimes, it may seem easier to go on autopilot, without any consciousness about our internal experience. It’s natural and adaptive to want to avoid […]

Moving through the Blues

Moving through the blues. Are these cold, short days getting into your body and making you feel a little slower than usual, a little more down than usual, or a little less motivated? Weather and sunlight can have a profound impact on your physical body as well as your mind. So, what can we do […]

Happiness Jar

Capturing Happiness As I’m sure you know, the more we allow in and connect with the happy moments in our day (even the very ordinary happy moments), the happier we are…duh…! I know, this idea isn’t groundbreaking, but sometimes putting this happiness thing into practice isn’t quite as simple – especially on those not-so-great days […]

How to Live with Intention

How to live with intention. A new beginning is a marker that gives each of us an opportunity to get conscious about what we are creating inside ourselves and in the world. It’s a chance to start fresh, (re)design our lives, build new relationships, deepen existing relationships, and connect to our purpose. You get to create […]

Revisiting your Year

Reflecting Back… Looking Ahead… Living in the Present… As 2014 comes to a close, we are given a great opportunity to reflect, rewind, recall, revisit, relive, and then ultimately reinvent. This process can be exciting, sad, joyful, frustrating, scary and more. As human beings, we often experience many conflicting feelings all at one time, which […]

3 Ways to Lean into Joy

Do you lean into joy? Or do you find yourself waiting for the other shoe to drop? Are you often looking over your shoulder in expectation of the happiness you feel to disappear at any moment? If we don’t learn to be grateful or be vulnerable and present to what is in the moment, we […]