In this session we explore breath, body, and imagery as tools to help us strengthen our focus muscle, and learn the art of staying present in our bodies in all of life's experiences.

Following up from last week's conversation about trauma, I share an experience from my clinical work of being triggered and leaning in to work through the trigger. As always, lots of self-discovery questions to try and get to know yourself a little better and appreciate how you make sense!

In today's mindfulness practice we explore our body's responses to perceived safety and threats, and practice leaning into and allowing ourselves to be in our bodies with intentionality and acceptance, regardless what state our body might be in.

Today's conversation explores some of the ins and outs of trauma, with a particular focus on the following:

* Nobody lives "trauma-free"

* Trauma doesn't speak intellect

* Trauma is experienced in our bodies, and therefore must be healed through our bodies

I quote liberally from Resmaa Menakem's excellent workbook "My Grandmother's Hands," which I highly recommend.

In todays conversation I share a personal experience highlighting and discussing the frustrating reality that just because we've mastered a skill in one setting, it doesn't necessarily mean we can do the same thing in all other areas of our lives.

I also introduce and discuss the concept of 'cognitive dissonance' and suggest some ways to begin managing it better.

Grab a journal and pen and settle in. This meditation focuses on exploring and getting in touch with what joy looks like to you, and finding inspiration for how to use your energy in pursuing your joy.

Today we spend some time following up on the past two conversations around the concept of goals, and introduce the lens of intrinsic vs extrinsic motivation and how they both have their place in the journey of becoming.

In this weeks conversation I use a dream I had last night as a launching pad to discuss some helpful tools and principles of growth, namely, using vivid imagery to regulate our emotions and prioritizing emotional connection and validation before looking for intellectual solutions.

We also revisit some of the ideas from last week about goals or resolutions.

Starting off with a dream might seem a little odd, but I think it works :)

I hope you agree and would love to hear your thoughts and feedback one way or the other.

Enjoy!

The format is a little different today as I experiment with finding better ways to get more content out. As part of the experiment I tweaked the audio and I'm not loving it. Baby steps :)

Today's conversation talks about how we often try to "get rid of" parts of ourselves we don't like, and how that approach is a recipe for disappointment. I propose other ways to move forward in life and talk about how we can apply some of those ideas to New Year's resolutions, or goal setting in general.

I'd love to hear any feedback.

Enjoy!

Understanding principles of family systems theory can be a valuable window into greater understanding and appreciation for ourselves and the families we came from and/or are a part of.

Using the iconic Michael Jordan era Chicago Bulls as our example, I explain some of the principles and rules governing all systems and invite you to reflect on how these ideas may relate to you and your family.