In this episode, I share my experience and insights about attending silent meditation retreats at the Insight Meditation Society (IMS) in Western Massachusetts, as I prepare for my third retreat.

We explore how these retreats, while challenging, have profoundly impacted my life, work, and family. I discuss:

• The reality of silent retreats versus the common perception of them being "nice and peaceful"
• How the first few days often involve "plotting your escape" before reaching a turning point
• My journey from being forced to attend my first retreat as part of a graduate certificate to voluntarily returning for more
• The experience of disconnecting from technology and the unexpected freedom that comes with it
• How these retreats helped birth The School of MOM and deepened my understanding of mindfulness and self-compassion
• The profound insights gained about mothering ourselves, especially for those without healthy mother models
• The concept of fierce self-compassion versus tender self-compassion, and how retreats helped me discover and embody both
• Why longer, dedicated practice time creates deeper insights than short daily meditation sessions
• The importance of prioritizing ourselves, even (and especially) when it feels inconvenient

A key takeaway: While shorter meditation sessions are valuable, extended periods of practice can provide a "full charge" to our system, creating lasting positive effects that ripple through our lives for months to come.

I also share a lighthearted moment involving a cherry tomato incident in the silent dining hall, reminding us that even in serious practice, there's room for humor.

Stay tuned for insights from this upcoming retreat in future episodes!

Learn more/sign up for FLOURISH: https://theschoolofmom.com/flourish

Thank you for tuning in to this episode of "Mothering Ourselves Mindfully." We look forward to sharing more insights and inspiration in the upcoming episodes!

www.theschoolofmom.com

Instagram @the.schoolofmom

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In this episode, I'm reflecting on a profound realization from my recent two-week break with family. Despite the usual chaos of family life - kids being kids, relationship dynamics, travel logistics, and even a COVID disruption - I experienced an unprecedented level of groundedness and ease in my body and nervous system.

Key insights:

• A grounded nervous system becomes the thermostat that impacts those around you, rather than being a thermometer that simply reacts to others' states
• This inner work requires structure, accountability, and support - whether through meditation, community practice, or professional guidance
• Technology, particularly phone use, can be a major barrier to developing this dedicated practice of stillness and self-connection

Join us this January for these opportunities to begin or deepen your practice:

• Decrease Your Phone Time Challenge (Starting January 17th) - sign up link coming soon!
• The MOM Pause (January 27th) - sign up here
• FLOURISH Program: Special offer: 12 months for the price of 6 through 1/31/25 - learn more here

Remember: Your thriving in 2025 begins with saying yes to yourself and getting the support you need. The path to being more present and grounded starts now.

Thank you for tuning in to this episode of "Mothering Ourselves Mindfully." We look forward to sharing more insights and inspiration in the upcoming episodes!

www.theschoolofmom.com

Instagram @the.schoolofmom

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In this episode, I explore a different approach to New Year's transitions and resolutions, particularly for mothers and women. We dive into why the traditional January 1st pressure might not serve us, and how we can align more naturally with cyclical rhythms.

We explore how:

• The arbitrary nature of January 1st and why putting pressure on this specific date often sets us up for failure
• The connection between women's bodies, moon cycles, and natural seasons (all following a 28-day/4-stage pattern)
• Why the winter solstice invites us into darkness and introspection, even as holiday festivities push us toward outward energy
• The practical challenges of reflection and intention-setting during the holiday season as a mother
• How we can use the Lunar New Year (late January) as a more aligned time for reflection and intention-setting

I introduce the concept of cyclical living and offer alternative approaches to new year transitions that honor our natural rhythms and energy levels during this season.

Resources Mentioned:

• Lunar New Year Gathering for The School of MOM community (coming January 2025). Register here

FLOURISH: A 12-month interactive program designed to help mothers create new cycles of being and doing for themselves and their lineage. Learn more at theschoolofmom.com/flourish 

[Special offer: 12 months for the price of 6 months when you sign up by January 31!]

Thank you for tuning in to this episode of "Mothering Ourselves Mindfully." We look forward to sharing more insights and inspiration in the upcoming episodes!

www.theschoolofmom.com

Instagram @the.schoolofmom

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In this episode, I explore the concept of mindful awareness during the holiday season and how to break free from unconscious patterns, particularly around boundaries and people-pleasing behaviors.

We delve into why we often find ourselves repeating the same patterns year after year, especially during busy times like the holidays. I introduce the idea of treating this season as a "living, breathing meditation" and explain how making unconscious patterns conscious is the first step toward meaningful change.

Key concepts covered:

• Understanding why 90-95% of our experience is driven by our subconscious and unconscious mind
• Exploring how certain behaviors, even if they don't serve us, can feel "safe" to our nervous system
• The importance of looking beyond surface-level habit change to address deeper nervous system patterns
• Why becoming the person who can hold boundaries is more important than just learning about boundaries
• How sustainable change requires tending to our root-level patterns and giving ourselves time to grow, just like nature

Resources Mentioned:

• FLOURISH: A 12-month interactive program designed to help mothers create new cycles of being and doing for themselves and their lineage. Learn more at theschoolofmom.com/flourish [Special offer: 12 months for the price of 6 months when you sign up by January 31!]
• Atomic Habits by James Clear

Thank you for tuning in to this episode of "Mothering Ourselves Mindfully." We look forward to sharing more insights and inspiration in the upcoming episodes!

www.theschoolofmom.com

Instagram @the.schoolofmom

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In this episode, I share a powerful insight from the recent Mass Women's Conference, specifically focusing on a memorable quote from basketball star Caitlin Clark. While Oprah Winfrey's presence was remarkable, it was Clark's reflection about her mother that perfectly encapsulates what we teach at The School of MOM.

We explore the profound truth behind Clark's words: "It wasn't anything that my mom said, it was just how she was." This statement highlights a fundamental principle in parenting - that our children remember not what we say, but how we make them feel, which is directly connected to how we feel ourselves.

Key points discussed:

• The importance of embodiment over words in parenting
• How our internal state affects our children through co-regulation
• Why self-care and nervous system regulation are crucial parenting tools
• The connection between how we feel and how our children feel
• The power of modeling over instructing

Resources Mentioned:

• FLOURISH: A 12-month interactive program designed to help mothers create new cycles of being and doing for themselves and their lineage. Learn more at theschoolofmom.com/flourish 

Special offer: 12 months for the price of 6 months when you sign up by January 31! 

Thank you for tuning in to this episode of "Mothering Ourselves Mindfully." We look forward to sharing more insights and inspiration in the upcoming episodes!

www.theschoolofmom.com

Instagram @the.schoolofmom

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In this episode, Sarah shares significant updates to the School of MOM's signature program FLOURISH, including:

• New personalized 1:1 support component to help mothers navigate their unique journey
• Comprehensive onboarding assessment to identify current struggles and desires
• Regula check-ins to adjust and pivot as circumstances change
• Enhanced community structure for more efficient and clear support

Key reflection questions from this episode:

• Are you surviving or thriving in your current season?
• What's your initial reaction to the possibility of thriving?
• Who is holding your hand and supporting your journey toward thriving?

Resources Mentioned:

• FLOURISH: A 12-month interactive program designed to help mothers create new cycles of being and doing for themselves and their lineage. Learn more at theschoolofmom.com/flourish 

Special offer: 12 months for the price of 6 months when you sign up by Dec 16!

Thank you for tuning in to this episode of "Mothering Ourselves Mindfully." We look forward to sharing more insights and inspiration in the upcoming episodes!

www.theschoolofmom.com

Instagram @the.schoolofmom

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In this episode, I explore the powerful synchronicity between a full moon ceremony and an unexpected encounter with a dead crow, using these experiences to discuss letting go of unhelpful patterns - specifically the belief that there's always some "code to crack" in our lives.

We delve into the exhausting cycle of constantly seeking the next solution, thinking, "if I just do XYZ, I'll finally figure it out," whether in business, relationships, or self-care. I share my personal journey of releasing this pattern and embracing the mindfulness principle of being present with what is.

Key Themes:

• The significance of moon cycles for reflection and release
• How the symbolism of a dead crow reinforced the message of transformation
• The relationship between resistance and suffering
• Why believing "I haven't figured it out yet" keeps us from appreciating the present moment
• The power of accepting where we are right now

Resources Mentioned:

• FLOURISH Our signature community and program in The School of MOM to help you navigate your personal path to flourishing. 

Thank you for tuning in to this episode of "Mothering Ourselves Mindfully." We look forward to sharing more insights and inspiration in the upcoming episodes!

www.theschoolofmom.com

Instagram @the.schoolofmom

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In this episode, I dive deep into understanding the nervous system and its fundamental role in our journey as mothers. As both a therapist and mindfulness teacher, I share why having a basic understanding of your nervous system is essential for flourishing as a mom and showing up intentionally in your parenting.

Key Points Covered:

• The difference between your body and nervous system
• Introduction to the Autonomic Nervous System and Polyvagal Theory
• Understanding the three key principles: hierarchy, neuroception, and co-regulation
• Exploration of nervous system states: dorsal vagal (shutdown), sympathetic (fight/flight), and ventral vagal (connection)
• How mixed states work and what they mean for parents
• The importance of co-regulation and being a "thermostat, not a thermometer"
• Connection between nervous system states and our inner selves (referencing the School of MOM quiz archetypes)

Resources Mentioned:

• The School of MOM Quiz: Learn about your dominant inner voice at https://www.theschoolofmom.com/quiz 

Thank you for tuning in to this episode of "Mothering Ourselves Mindfully." We look forward to sharing more insights and inspiration in the upcoming episodes!

www.theschoolofmom.com

Instagram @the.schoolofmom

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In this episode, I explore the important reminder that meaningful change - whether physical, emotional, or mental - takes time. Through sharing my personal journey with my knee (20+ years and two surgeries), I explore the parallels between physical healing and personal transformation.

We dive into the four stages of change that my current PT provider - Aaron Brooks from Perfect Postures, and I chatted about at a recent appointment. According to Aaron, these are essential for physical healing and I argue that the same goes for emotional/mental growth:

1. Activation - waking up dormant parts
2. Integration - bringing all parts to work together
3. Strengthening - building capacity in the new patterns
4. Endurance - maintaining changes even under stress

I draw connections between Aaron’s physical healing framework and the work we do in The School of MOM, particularly around activating and strengthening more helpful inner voices and parts of ourselves. Just as my knee healing required consistency and patience, developing new patterns of thinking and being also requires dedicated time and practice.

Resources Mentioned:

• Perfect Postures (physical therapy center in Massachusetts): https://www.perfectpostures.com
• The School of MOM Quiz: Discover your dominant inner voice at https://www.theschoolofmom.com/quiz 

Key Takeaway: 

Whether we're healing our bodies or transforming our patterns of thinking and being, lasting change requires consistency, support, and patience. There are no quick fixes, but with dedication to the process, meaningful transformation is possible.

Thank you for tuning in to this episode of "Mothering Ourselves Mindfully." We look forward to sharing more insights and inspiration in the upcoming episodes!

www.theschoolofmom.com

Instagram @the.schoolofmom

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In this episode, Sarah Harmon and guest Emefa Boamah explore the complex topic of feeling safe - both physically and emotionally - during politically turbulent times. Their discussion delves into how our bodies process and store feelings of safety, the intersection of personal and collective trauma, and practical ways to ground ourselves when feeling unsafe.

Key Topics:

• Understanding safety as a nervous system state and felt experience
• How different aspects of identity (race, immigration status, gender) impact feelings of safety
• The connection between personal values and decision-making
• Practical tools for returning to safety in your body
• The importance of having spaces to gather and process collectively

Resources Mentioned:

• INHABIT: a 21-Day Journey to Befriend Your Body & Your Business so that Embodiment Becomes Real, Practical & Transformative — starting November 30th.
• Embodied self-care guide: https://emefaboamah.co/embodiedselfcare
• ROOTED: a 3-week virtual circle of support to help you mindfully meet yourself in the present moment, get grounded, and soothe your perpetually overloaded nervous system — starting November 18th.
• RAINN: National resource for sexual assault statistics and support
• Article: https://visiblemagazine.com/the-body-politic/

Thank you for tuning in to this episode of "Mothering Ourselves Mindfully." We look forward to sharing more insights and inspiration in the upcoming episodes!

www.theschoolofmom.com

Instagram @the.schoolofmom

Book a breakthrough Call