Mindfulness Practice

When we talk about healing, it often feels like we’re preparing for a battle. “I’m healing so I can confront my trauma, face my pain, and wrestle my anxiety to the ground!” That sounds brave, sure, but let’s be honest: you’ve been doing that already. You’ve survived; you’ve fought. You’re not healing to keep enduring the struggle—you’re healing to reclaim joy, happiness, and the freedom to actually live your life. Mastering Chaos Pain? You’ve got it handled. Life throws its lemons, and you figure out how to keep going—maybe not with lemonade, but at least with lemon water (because who has time for sugar?). Anxiety? It’s like an old opponent whose tricks you know too well. Depression? It’s practically a terrible roommate—always there, eating your snacks and leaving everything in disarray. But joy? That’s the curveball. Happiness can feel sneaky, like it’s too good to be true. When you’ve been in survival mode for so long, feeling good can be... unsettling. It’s like putting on jeans aft...

The Invisible Isolation: Lonely in a Crowd Loneliness has become the surprise guest no one invited to our hyper-connected world. You might be hanging out with friends, family, or colleagues, yet feel like you’re at a party where no one remembers your name. Yep, that’s "lonely in a crowd" for you—a feeling that’s less about headcount and more about heart-connections. Why Are We Lonely When We’re Not Alone? Loneliness isn’t about being alone (because hey, sometimes being alone is awesome). It’s the gap between the relationships you want and the ones you have. Even in a packed room, you might feel like an outsider looking in. Common culprits? Too much small talk, not enough soul talk. Hanging with people who just don’t get you. Social Media - scrolling through Insta-perfect lives can leave you feeling like you’re missing the memo. So What’s the Damage? Chronic loneliness isn’t just sad—it’s sneaky. It can mess with your stress levels, immune system, and even your self-esteem. Ba...

When Faith Hurts: Growing Up in a High-Control Religious Environment I grew up in a world shaped by strict rules and expectations. My sister and I were raised as Jehovah’s Witnesses, though our parents weren’t part of the religion. Despite this difference, my parents were loving and supportive, encouraging us in our beliefs even when it was painful for them to watch. My mother, in particular, often stayed silent, though I could see the hurt in her eyes when our faith caused us to suffer. Living under the weight of these beliefs was challenging. As a teenager, I made choices that, by most standards, would seem ordinary. I went to a club. I kissed a boy. But in the world I knew, these actions were more than just harmless exploration—they were considered serious transgressions. The guilt was overwhelming. I was taught that my worth was tied to my behavior, and when I fell short, I believed I was unworthy of love and forgiveness. At 16, I reached a breaking point. I was consumed by the bel...

The (Slightly Anxious) Art of Showing Up They say courage is not about roaring like a lion; sometimes, it’s just about whispering, “Fine, I’ll go.” This rings especially true when life throws you into situations where control is as elusive as Wi-Fi at a family gathering in the middle of nowhere. I recently stumbled across this nugget of wisdom: “The courage to be vulnerable is not about winning or losing, it's about the courage to show up when you can't predict or control the outcome.” Let’s talk about that for a moment, shall we? Imagine you're standing at the edge of a metaphorical cliff. Below you is a vast, swirling sea of uncertainty. The choices? Leap in (vulnerable and scared out of your socks) or stay put (comfortably stuck and missing out). Here's the kicker: showing up—with all your quirks, fears, and yes, your slightly sweaty palms—is the ultimate brave act. Vulnerability Is Awkward, But Worth It Let’s not sugarcoat it: vulnerability feels awkward. It’s like ...