You Can’t Stop the Waves–But You Can Remember What’s Beneath Them

There’s a quote I return to often–especially when life feels full, fast, or just plain hard:

“You can’t stop the waves. But you can learn to surf.” –Jon Kabat-Zinn

Lately, I’ve been adding a quiet postscript of my own: “And you can also remember the stillness beneath.”

Because here’s what I know–both in my life and in my work with leaders navigating pressure, change, and uncertainty:

Life will bring waves. Emotions will rise. Change will crash.

But there’s always a current of calm.

And we forget that at our own expense.

Sometimes, it’s not about finding the perfect still moment–but simply remembering it’s there.

Even in motion. Even in complexity. Even when it feels just out of reach.
Sometimes, it’s as simple as a single breath.

Stillness, I’ve learned, isn’t passive.

It’s not stagnation.

It’s presence. Discernment. Deep-rooted clarity.
It's the ability to pause in a world that rewards urgency.
And it's the capacity to remember yourself–and the values you want to lead with–before reacting to the noise.

It’s the part of us that doesn’t flinch at the swell–because it remembers:

This, too, is movement. And this, too, will pass.

In coaching sessions, leadership trainings, and meditations at Calm & Connect, I’ve seen this truth land again and again:

Sometimes, life and leadership are about surfing–knowing when to move, when to pivot, when to ride the momentum.

Other times, it’s about dropping beneath the surface–refusing to be pulled by urgency and anchoring into something quieter, wiser, more enduring.

The magic is–they’re not opposites.

The ability to surf well often comes from knowing the stillness.

And the ability to be still comes from having surfed enough to trust:

I can ride this, too.

Questions to Reflect On:

• When was the last time you let yourself truly be still? What did it reveal?

• What part of you wants to rush right now—and what might happen if you didn’t?

• Can you recognize when you’re paddling too hard—and give yourself permission to float?

In a world that prizes speed, complexity, and constant forward motion, this is leadership:

The courage to pause.

The ability to discern.

The wisdom to act–not from urgency, but from truth.

I created Calm & Connect for this kind of remembering.

And I weave it into every keynote, every retreat, every training room I step into.

Because no matter how ambitious the goal–none of us can lead clearly from a stormed-out nervous system.

So if you’re navigating waves of your own, here’s your reminder:

The storm isn’t all there is.

Stillness is always available.

And the more we return to it, the more clearly we lead.

🌿 Calm & Connect. Sunday, June 15th.

And if you're a leader ready to bring this work into your organization– keynotes, workshops, or weekly mindfulness sessions–this is the work I’ve done for over a decade.

Helping high performers slow down enough to come alive again.

Helping organizations become more human.

🔗 Join Calm & Connect

🔗 Explore 1:1 Coaching or Corporate Support

Why Silence Might Be the Most Powerful Tool You’re Not Using

In a world that never stops talking, silence can feel threatening.

But over the years I’ve learned—it’s where the real magic happens.

For years, I ran from it.

During moments of stillness, I reached for something—anything—to distract me.

Silence felt like failure.

Like stagnation.

Like something I couldn’t afford.

And if I’m being honest—it scared me.

I didn’t know what might rise up in the quiet.

What truths I might hear.

What I’d have to face if I really stopped.

So I ran. 

I spun. I did everything I could…

Until I crashed. 

It took years, but I finally realized:

Silence isn’t the absence of something.

It’s the presence of everything.

It’s where the whispers of our inner wisdom speak.

Where intuition nudges us gently toward what matters.

Where true insight—and peace—begin to take shape.

We’ve Forgotten How to Be With Ourselves

We’re overstimulated.

Overwhelmed.

Conditioned to fill every space.

So when things go quiet, it’s no wonder we panic.

But here’s what I’ve learned—

In my own life, and in my work with leaders:

Silence isn’t the enemy. It’s a teacher.

It gives us back our power.

It enables us space to navigate towards what's aligned—not numb.

And it opens the door to something we desperately crave: 

inner steadiness.

Why Silence Is a Leadership and Life Tool:

1. It Creates Space for Thoughtful Response 🌀
   When we pause, we make room for intention—rather than reaction.

2. It Filters the Noise 🔍
   Silence helps us hear what’s actually important. It clarifies. It distills.

3. It Allows for Deep Integration 🪞
   Sometimes, when I finish a keynote and the room is silent—I used to worry I lost them. Now I know – its when the message lands.
   When the reflection begins.

4. It Invites Innovation 💡
   In my sessions with execs, we pause. We breathe.
   And without fail—new questions emerge.
   Ones that shift everything.

5. It Deepens Self-Trust and Self-Love ❤️
   To sit with silence is to say: I’m safe with myself.
   And that changes everything.

In a world that glorifies doing—and profits off our constant noise—

silence becomes a radical act.

But it’s also a deeply restorative one.

Silence reconnects us to ourselves.

It allows us to witness the unconscious patterns and quiet narratives that shape our days—and quietly limit our lives.

It makes space for what’s been buried.

For truths we didn’t know we needed to hear.

And with practice, it becomes a source of clarity, compassion, and freedom.

Even this past weekend, I peeled back new layers.

Old patterns I didn’t realize were still running the show.

And in that noticing, something softened.

Something let go.

That’s the power of stillness.

Not because it’s easy—but because it’s honest.

If you want to practice this in community, come sit with me in Calm & Connect.

Together, we pause. We breathe. And we remember:

Stillness isn’t the absence of movement. It’s the birthplace of wisdom.

And if you're a leader ready to bring this work into your organization—through keynotes, workshops, or weekly mindfulness sessions—this is the work I’ve done for over a decade.

Helping high performers slow down enough to come alive again.

Helping organizations become more human.

🔗 Join Calm & Connect

🔗 Explore 1:1 Coaching or Corporate Support

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P.S. A moment that reminded me why I do this work.

Three weeks ago, I had the honor of keynoting the Maine HR Conference—where we unpacked what mindfulness really is… and what it makes possible.
 

We explored how mindfulness isn’t about perfection.
It’s about pattern recognition.

About meeting discomfort with intention,
and leading from clarity—not chaos.
 

One leader came up to me after and said:
“For the first time, I actually get it.
I can take back the wheel.”
 

That moment meant everything.

Because when someone doesn’t just feel inspired—but empowered to shift how they lead, respond, and live—

That’s when I know I’ve done my job.

Rachel Tenenbaum speaks at the Maine HR Conference.

This wasn’t just a keynote.

It was a room full of extraordinary humans—doing hard things with full hearts,
asking better questions, and daring to do the inner work that leadership truly requires.

Moment, 1 Time, Never Again

Ichigo Ichie: One Moment, One Time, Never Again

I recently returned from two weeks in Japan—first in Nozawa Onsen, a small farming and ski village where the way of life is simple, deeply connected, and slow—before exploring the rich culture in Kyoto and Tokyo.

I had originally gone for the cherry blossoms. The adventure. The beauty of Japan in spring.

But serendipitously, a friend forwarded me a yoga and meditation retreat to weave into the journey—and then to top it off, the gift of having my mother join me made it all the more precious.

I began the trip with the intention of slowing down, cultivating stillness, savoring, but what I came back with was much deeper.

There’s a Japanese phrase that echoed through every part of my trip: Ichigo Ichie.

"One moment, one time. Never again."

 This is far more than a poetic sentiment. It’s a way of seeing the world—of honoring each moment as singular, sacred, and unrepeatable.

This moment, right now, will never happen again.

The Moment That Will Never Come Again

In Nozawa, we wandered cobblestone streets and soaked in the healing warmth of the hot springs, surrounded by snow-dusted rooftops and a silence that felt ancient.

One day, we visited the rare snow monkeys—who live and bathe in the onsens (natural healing hot springs). We stood watching them, wild and free, the snow embracing all of us around us.

 I looked over at my mother—this woman I’ve shared so much life with—and felt it.

 This moment.

This version of us.

The ease. The laughter. The unspoken knowing.

 It would never happen again.

And for a long time, I think I would’ve resisted that truth.

Not because it wasn’t beautiful—but because naming it felt like inviting in the ache of its passing.

As if acknowledging its impermanence might somehow shorten it.

 But I know now:

That fear doesn’t protect us.

It robs us.

It keeps us just far enough away from the moment that we don’t fully let it in.

 We think we’re avoiding pain, but what we’re really doing is missing life.

 So now, I let myself feel it all.

The wonder. The fleeting, breathtaking sacredness of now.

 Because that’s how we live it—fully, completely, and wholeheartedly.

The Cost of Constant Doing

And yet—there’s another way we miss.

Not out of malice.

But out of momentum.

We move at lightning speed—getting things done, making things happen, keeping up. We chase after the next win, the next email, the next item on the to-do list.

And while there is nothing wrong with striving, or achieving, or being ambitious...

When our identity becomes wrapped in output—

When our worth gets tied to how fast or how much we can do—

We quietly trade presence for productivity.

And in doing so, we lose the thread of ourselves.

We Forget How to Feel

In all that speed, we forget how to feel.

We override the signals.

We suppress the stirrings.

We shut down the parts of ourselves that need to rest, to grieve, to soften.

 We fear that slowing down will derail us—

That turning toward the emotion might flood us,

Or worse… stall our momentum.

 But what if it’s the very thing that brings us back?

 Because when we skip the processing, we clog the inner channels that allow life to flow.

 Beauty. Wonder. Insight. Joy.

 We fill our calendars—but hollow out our lives.

Reflection: What Are You Holding Onto?

Lately I’ve been asking myself:

✨ What am I doing because it once served me, but no longer does?

✨ What am I clinging to—out of fear, not truth?

✨ What parts of me are longing to be felt, held, honored… before they slip away unnoticed?

The Sacred Moment of “Is This It?”

I’ve worked with hundreds of leaders and entrepreneurs who are at the top of their game, yet quietly asking the same question:

“Is this it?”

That moment—of asking, of wondering—is sacred.

Because it’s the beginning of remembering. The moment we realize the life we’ve built may not reflect the life we want to live.

It’s not a dead end—it’s a doorway.

A doorway into self-inquiry.

Into deeper listening.

Into the tenderness of being human.

The Beginning of Returning

It’s the moment we get to bring fierce curiosity and compassion to ourselves.

To notice our pulls. Our cravings.

To honor the things that delight us, teach us, stir us.

But if we are moving too fast, we miss them.

We miss the signs. The whispers. The magic that beckons.

So today, I’m slowing down. Again.

And I’m inviting you to do the same.

Turn Inward

These aren’t just prompts. They’re invitations to return to yourself.

💡 What part of your life are you rushing past?

💡 What’s one moment today you could treat as sacred?

💡 If this exact moment would never come again—how would you meet it?

Let that be your anchor.

Let that be your reset.

Let that be the doorway back to presence.

A Space to Practice Presence—Together

This is why I created Calm & Connect.

A space to pause.

To reconnect.

To gently unhook from what no longer serves, and return to what’s real.

🌿 Calm & Connect. Sunday, May 18th.

And if you're a leader ready to bring this work into your organization—through keynotes, workshops, or weekly mindfulness sessions—this is the work I’ve done for over a decade.

 Helping high performers slow down enough to come alive again.

Helping organizations become more human.

 🔗 Join Calm & Connect

🔗 Explore 1:1 Coaching or Corporate Support

Returning to Love: A Practice for Complex Times

Sometimes a single sentence doesn’t just change how you see the world—it changes how you meet it.

 For me, one of those sentences came from Reverend Gregory Boyle:

 “Compassion is not about judgment for how someone carries their burden. It’s about standing in awe that they are carrying it at all.”

 (If you’ve never read Tattoos on the Heart—his stunning book about compassion in action—I can’t recommend it enough. It's a book that doesn’t just open your mind; it bursts your heart wide open.)

 Boyle, a Jesuit priest who has spent decades working with gang members in East LA, is often seen as a living embodiment of radical compassion. His work is gritty, raw, real—and filled with extraordinary love.

 And yet, he too is human.

 In a recent conversation about compassion, someone suggested that Reverend Boyle must have an immense amount of self-love to do the work he does.

 That would make sense. But I believe the truth is simpler.

 He has a practice.

A commitment.

A path that returns him—over and over again—to love

Just like the mind of a monk wanders in meditation (because yes, it does), Boyle’s compassion isn’t constant because he’s perfect. It’s constant because he returns to it. Again and again.

And that’s the invitation for all of us.

When We Judge Ourselves, It’s Hard Not to Judge Others

In that same conversation, we reflected on how the more self-affliction we carry—the louder our inner critic—the harder it can be to extend compassion outward.

Because how can we meet others with tenderness when we’re living under a constant barrage of self-blame, judgment, and perfectionism?

 That inner voice—the quietest and yet loudest voice all at once—can be the hardest one to drown out.

 But here’s the thing: we don’t have to drown it. We simply have to notice it.

And return.

Again and again, to something deeper.

Seeing Ourselves in Others

Pema Chödrön writes, “The truest measure of compassion is not our service to those on the margins, but our willingness to see ourselves in them.”

Not from each other.
Not from their struggles.
Not from their humanity.

Because the truth is—every one of us carries fear.
Fear of not being seen. Fear of not being valued.
Fear that we might be forgotten, misunderstood, or left behind.

And when that fear goes unacknowledged, it can harden.
It can turn into distance. Into judgment.
Into forgetting that behind every opinion, every action, every face—there is a story we do not fully know.

But underneath the noise—
Underneath the differences, the assumptions, the rush to defend or divide—
There are still beating hearts.
There are still people carrying burdens we cannot see.

What if our work—no matter our faith, background, or beliefs—is to return to the part of us that remembers that?

The part that sees with softness.
The part that chooses love.
The part that knows:

None of us are untouched.
And none of us are truly alone.

Practice to Return to Love

This week, try this:

✨ When you feel triggered by someone’s behavior, pause.

✨ Take one breath. Feel your feet on the ground. And silently ask yourself: “What burden might they be carrying that I can’t see?”

✨ And then, if you can, extend the same question inward: “What burden am I carrying that needs compassion right now?”

Compassion is not a trait we have or don’t. It’s a practice we return to.

And the more we return to it for ourselves, the easier it becomes to extend it to others.

A Space to Practice Presence—Together

In a world full of judgment, reactivity, and separation—we need places to return to love.

 This is why I created Calm & Connect.

 It’s not just about stress relief.

It’s about creating a space to remember who we are—and how we want to meet each other.

 To listen, breathe, and return.

🌿 Join us this Sunday, May 4th.

And if you're a leader ready to bring this work into your organization—through keynotes, workshops, or weekly mindfulness sessions—this is the work I’ve done for over a decade.

Helping high performers slow down enough to come alive again.

Helping organizations become more human.

🔗 Join Calm & Connect

🔗 Explore 1:1 Coaching or Corporate Support

Your Mind's Worst Trick—And How to Stop It 🙌

When was the last time your mind took you somewhere you didn’t want to go?

It was one of those rare, sun-filled NYC days. The kind of day we all live for… The kind that either demands an unnecessary urgent work errand just to get outside—or turns an ordinary weekend into something magical. But instead of soaking in the moment, I was somewhere else completely, lost…drowning in the mayhem of my own mind.  

I was spiraling through everything at once:

🔹 The never-ending to-do list.

🔹 My grandmother’s cancer.

🔹 My dad’s terminal diagnosis.

🔹 The tens of millions worth of jewels stuck in Qatar’s customs under my charge.

Suddenly, before I knew it, I was back in Qatar—arguing with customs agents, my voice rising, my heart pounding. Then, somehow, I was being hauled off to jail, panic flooding my system as I feared I’d never see my father again.

✨ But here’s the thing…

I wasn’t in Qatar.
I wasn’t in jail….

I was still standing on a sunny NYC street, completely hijacked by my own mind.

My brain had taken a full-blown trip—dragging my body and a suitcase full of stress chemicals along with it. Because here’s the truth:

At that moment, my body was experiencing it all as if it were real. My cortisol and adrenaline were flooding my system. My breath was shallow. And while my brain was trying to prepare me for the worst, I wasn’t just thinking about it—I was living it.

And for what?

Not only was I suffering through a disaster that hadn’t happened (and never would), but I was also:
🤯 Debilitating any ability to think clearly or rationally.
😰 Completely destroying the moment in front of me.

And this wasn’t just an isolated incident. This was how I lived.

Every hammer my boss could drop? I lived it. Not once, not twice—more like 20,000 times. Meanwhile, in reality? They happened, but far from the frequency, I experienced it. 

Sounds Familiar?

I’m pretty sure I’m not alone in this 😉 (Or maybe I am? 😅)

🌿 When was the last time your mind took you somewhere you didn’t want to go?
🌱 What stressors do you amplify in your mind that haven’t even happened yet?
✨ How might your day, your week, or your life change if you could redirect your mind toward clarity and peace?

Here’s what I know now: We don’t just suffer when something actually goes wrong. We suffer every time we relive it in our heads—before, during, and long after it’s passed.  Our minds are wired to scan for danger—they do this brilliantly.

But here’s the best part: we can work with our minds.

It takes practice. It’s our job to take the reins, to remind them what’s real, and to train them to come back to the present.

Bottom line?

You can train your mind. You can break the cycle. You can stop reliving disasters that never happen—and start taking back control.

How?

1. Join Calm & Connect. (the best part? It's Free!) 🌿 

A space to pause, breathe, and retrain your mind to return to the present—so you can lead, live, and create from clarity instead of chaos.

📅 Next Session: Sunday, February 23rd at 10 AM CT

2. Dig deeper. I work 1:1 with heart-centered individuals, founders, leaders and high-achievers who are ready to shift their relationship with stress. Those who are ready to not just to feel better, but to think better, live better, and if appropriate, lead better. If you’re ready to step into a new way of leading and living, let’s talk.

Join a session or reach out to explore 1:1 coaching. Because peace isn’t just a concept—it’s a skill you can build.

Together, we can create space for peace, clarity, and impact. ✨

P.S. What’s one way you bring yourself back to the present when your mind runs away? Drop a comment—I’d love to hear. 💬

The Work We All Avoid… But That Changes Everything

I was ready to smash mud against the wall. Maybe even break some plates. Or rip off the door handles—something, anything.

It wasn’t just frustration. It was something deeper. An agitation that felt like it had hijacked my body, dripping with fear and fury.

Have you been there? When everything and everyone irritates you, but deep down, you know—it’s not really them?

I knew that if I wasn’t careful, I’d leave a wake of destruction behind me. Even if I didn’t lash out, even if I kept my words measured, the energy alone would reverberate through my interactions, my decisions, my day.

And here’s the thing:
That anger wasn’t me.

It was a state I was in. A moment I was experiencing.

 ✨ Meditation and mindfulness have given me the ability to know: I am not my emotions. I am not my frustration. I am not my stress.

But that doesn’t mean ignoring it.

Our first instinct when these emotions arise? Push them down. Disown them. Hide them under productivity, numbing, distraction. But when we do that? They don’t disappear. They fester. They grow. And they carve paths of destruction—inside us and around us.

So, instead of resisting, I did what I teach. I turned toward it.

A Simple But Powerful Reset

Try it.

Just a few moments of gentle touch can:
🌿 Activate the parasympathetic nervous system (rest + digest mode).
🌱 Stimulate oxytocin (the “connection” hormone).
✨ Calm the vagus nerve, signaling safety to the brain.
💨 Allow for deeper breathing, reducing the chemical flood of stress.

And most importantly? It created space.

Space between me and the intensity of the moment.

Space to shift from, “This is happening to me” → to “Why is this here? What is this telling me?”

 And the answer always varies.

Sometimes, it’s insight into what someone else is experiencing—offering me greater clarity and empathy.

Sometimes, it’s a signal that I’ve been neglecting a change I know is needed.

But always, there is insight—if I’m willing to listen. 

The Hard Work of Peace

At our recent retreat, when I asked what people most wanted in their lives, the answer was overwhelmingly the same:

Peace. Internal peace.

Not more time. Not more money. Not even more success.

But here’s the truth: Peace isn’t something we find—it’s something we cultivate.

And while it’s simple, it’s not easy.

It requires:

🔥 Courage to face what’s within, even when it’s uncomfortable.
🌿 Commitment to practice, reflect, and grow—day after day.
🌱 Hard work to release old stories and build new ways of being. 

And while this work is challenging, staying stuck is harder.

The choice? Choose your hard.

Let’s Cultivate Peace—Together

Join Calm & Connect – a space where we practice grounding ourselves, creating clarity, and finding calm.
📅 Next Session: Sunday, February 09, 2025 at 10 AM CST
👉 Sign Up Here

 Or, if you’re an organization looking to support your teams in managing stress and creating clarity, let’s talk about The Reset Room—a transformative, multi-sensory experience designed to train the mind and reset the nervous system.

✨ Because when we master our minds, we reclaim our lives.

👉 Schedule The Alignment and Clarity Call here.

P.S. How do you bring yourself back when your mind runs away? Reply and let me know—I’d love to hear. 💬

The Key to Growth Isn't Adding More…🔑

Have you ever felt like the very thing that once saved you is now holding you back? That’s where I found myself recently.

I sat down to reflect on two areas of my life where I deeply want transformation. My nature is to act—make plans, set goals, do something, anything. But I knew this time was different. The shift I was craving couldn’t come from doing more.

Because here’s what I keep learning: Growth doesn't start with adding more. It starts with releasing. 

As I reflected, I saw how much I was carrying—beliefs and stories that once felt like anchors, giving me stability in the storm. But now, they’ve become the raft I’ve outgrown. They served me when I needed them, but as I face the next chapter, I realize they’re holding me back from scaling the mountain ahead.

And let me tell you—letting go isn’t easy. That raft is familiar, comforting, even part of my identity. But the weight of it keeps me tethered to where I’ve been, instead of helping me climb toward what’s next.

✨ What’s Tethering You?

We all carry things—thoughts, habits, relationships, or roles that no longer fit. Sometimes, it’s fear of the unknown. Other times, it’s the comfort of what’s familiar, even if it’s no longer helping us grow.

But here’s the truth: to grow, we must create space.

This isn’t about discarding everything. It’s about discerning what’s worth carrying forward—and what’s time to release.

🌿 What beliefs, habits, or roles no longer serve you?
🌱 What would it feel like to let them go and create space for the life you’re craving?

For me, letting go has been about trusting that what’s ahead is worth the discomfort of releasing what no longer serves. It’s terrifying, yes. But it’s also freeing. It’s about replacing fear with curiosity, and control with trust.

This year, I’m stepping into what feels like uncharted territory. And I’d love to walk this path with you.

Letting Go Is Where It Begins
If you’re ready to reflect and release, join me this weekend:

🌟 Calm & Connect: This Saturday, we’ll explore these very ideas—how to create space and step forward with clarity. Join us at 10 AM CT. Sign up here.

🌿 Unbound Retreat: On Sunday, January 26th, I’m co-hosting a transformative afternoon in Nashville to help you release what’s weighing you down and create space for renewal. Acupuncture, coaching, and mindfulness will guide us in this intimate, healing experience. [Reserve your spot here.]

Let’s release what no longer serves us, realign with what matters most, and rise together.

P.S. I’d love to hear—what are you releasing? What are you making space for? Reply to this email or join us Saturday to share.

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If this resonates deeply, I’d love to invite you to Unbound, an intimate retreat for reset and renewal on Sunday, January 26th, from 1-5 PM CST in Nashville.

This half-day retreat is about:
🌿 Releasing what no longer serves.
🌱 Planting seeds for what’s next.
✨ Gaining clarity and setting aligned intentions for the year ahead.

Through mindfulness, coaching, and acupuncture, we’ll create space for transformation—together.

👉 Just a few spots left! Reserve your seat here ♥️

This Week’s Calm & Connect

Additionally, for everyone, this Saturday, January 25th, at 10 am CT, we’ll gather again for Calm & Connect. These sessions are an opportunity to pause, reflect, and find clarity in a supportive space.

Together, we’ll explore the questions that help us move forward with intention—leaving behind what no longer serves and creating space for renewal.

👉 Sign up here to join us.

🎉 40 Years, New Beginnings, and Rising from the Ashes 🎉

Today is a special day—it's my 40th birthday! 🤩

Birthdays, for me, are an opportunity to pause, reflect, and celebrate—not just the milestones but the moments that shape us, the challenges that stretch us, and the community that holds us through it all.

If you had told me at the start of 2024 what this year would hold, I don't know that I would have believed you. It began with uncertainty and the need to release a future I deeply wanted. 

There were moments that felt like standing in a pile of ashes, unsure of what would rise. But here's the thing about ashes: they make way for new growth, and when the time is right, something beautiful begins to emerge.

🔥 2024 taught me that letting go, though painful, creates space for the most incredible evolutions.

Here's what I'm celebrating as I step into 2025:

• Roots in Nashville: Finding a place that feels like home and embracing a city and community that has welcomed me with open arms.

• Growth in Coaching: Deepening my work with my clients and execs at CHIEF as I moved towards - and applied for my Master Certified Coach (MCC) credential (held by less than 5% of coaches!), a journey that has refined my practice and expanded my heart.

• Launching The Reset Room: A dream realized—a multi-sensory experience integrating neuroscience, mindfulness, and healing music to transform stress and inspire renewal.

These aren't just achievements. They're reflections of a year that asked me to trust the process, sit in discomfort, and make space for something new.

What are you celebrating as we step into 2025?
🌟 What challenges did you face head-on?
🌟 What growth are you most proud of?
🌟 What are you ready to release as you make space for what's next?

So often, we focus on what we want to change, but let's also take a moment to honor what we've already accomplished—the ways we've shown up, stretched ourselves, and grown.

Exciting Opportunities to Reset and Renew

1️) Calm & Connect: Returning in 2025 (New Zoom + Calendar Link!) I'm thrilled to announce that Calm & Connect is BACK, starting Sunday, January 12th, at 10 am CT, and will run every other week!

🗓 Special Note: The second session will take place on Saturday, January 25th, before returning to our usual rhythm.

These gatherings are a chance to ground yourself, find clarity, and connect with a community of like-minded individuals. Join whenever you can—your presence is always welcome.

👉 Mark your calendar and sign up here to be sure you get the links and can add it to your calendar! 😍

I'm overjoyed to announce UNBOUND, an intimate retreat for reset and renewal. Together, we'll embrace the healing power of mindfulness and connection, leaving you inspired and ready to step into the year ahead. I hope you can join and feel free to share with others in the Nashville area!

📍Nashville, TN
🗓 January 26, 2025; 1-5 PM CST
🌟 Learn more and reserve your spot here.

🤝 Together, Let's Rise 🌅

To anyone feeling like they're in the ashes right now: I see you. Hold on. Trust that something beautiful is rising within you.

Thank you for being part of this journey—through the highs, the lows, and the moments in between. Your support and presence mean more to me than words can express.

Here's to stepping into 2025 with clarity, courage, and a heart full of possibility. Let's celebrate the growth we've cultivated and the potential waiting to bloom.

Equanimity and Peace: Anchors for a Life Fully Lived

This past weekend, I answered a call I could no longer ignore: my soul's quiet plea for stillness. I committed to a solo retreat—a few days to unplug fully so I could truly plug in. To reflect. To listen. To create meditations for The Reset Room.

While driving through the quiet, I hit play on a familiar playlist—the kind of music that seems to meet you exactly where you are. A song called Equanimity and Peace by Ram Das came on, and I found myself pressing repeat, over and over.

“What are we to do? What shall we do today? What shall we do with our lives?"
 He half jests, then asks "How do we live our lives with sufficient perspective, moment to moment,” he asks, “so that we can enter into the moments of life with equanimity and peace?”

Equanimity and peace. Two words that feel both comforting and at times elusive, especially in a world that pulls us in every direction. Yet, as I listened, I knew in my core: these aren't distant ideals. They are the anchors of a life truly lived.

The Four Pillars of an Actualized Life

Ram Das describes four essential pillars for a joy-filled, fully lived life:

When we're locked into our own perspectives, we perpetuate division—separation from others, and from ourselves. Truth invites us to soften those edges and truly see. This is Wisdom.

These aren't destinations—they're practices. Ways of being that call us back to ourselves, again and again.

The Season of Heightened Emotion

The holidays are often described as “the most wonderful time of the year.” But if we're honest, they can also be a time of heightened emotion—a swirl of connection and tension, joy and grief.

This past weekend, as I reflected, I realized how often we get swept up in the noise of this season. Maybe it's a family member's words that trigger something deep within us, the overwhelm of endless to-dos, or the invisible weight of unspoken expectations.

What if, instead of letting those moments pull us into frustration or self-doubt, we paused?

What if we gave ourselves the gift of equanimity—the ability to step back, breathe, and see clearly? What if we chose peace, not as avoidance but as a way of fully showing up, open to possibility?

A Gift (or three) to Support You

In the spirit of these practices, I want to share a gift: my free meditation on Insight Timer, Prioritize P.E.A.C.E.

This practice is designed to help you reset your nervous system, gain clarity, and connect with a sense of inner calm. Whether it's a challenging conversation with family or the swirl of holiday stress, this meditation can help you find your footing and respond from a place of intention.

Click here to access the meditation.

If you're craving community with which to pause and reconnect, join me this Sunday for our Calm & Connect session at 10am ET. Together, we'll ground ourselves, create space for equanimity, and enter this season with clarity.

A Rare Opportunity to Go Deeper

As I step into the final stages of my journey to becoming a Master Certified Coach (MCC), I'm offering a special opportunity: two deeply discounted coaching sessions for new clients at $275 per session (normally $675).

These sessions will be recorded (audio only!) for evaluation purposes as part of my MCC certification. They're a chance to explore what's possible, gain clarity, and create meaningful change in your life.

Here's what one client recently shared:

"That was a whole other realm. I've had years of therapy, but that not only met our goals, it broke down barriers I couldn't even imagine."

This offer is available through December, and space is limited. If this resonates, I'd love to connect.

Click here to book your session.

Wishing You Wisdom, Compassion, Equanimity, and Peace

This holiday season, may we find the courage to pause, the perspective to see clearly, the love to meet ourselves and others with compassion, and the steadiness to choose peace.

Let's step into each moment with an open heart, allowing truth to guide us toward a life fully lived.

Yours in love - and gratitude,

Rachel

Anxiety and Compassion: Learning to Work with Your Mind 🙌

Today, I want to share something about anxiety, and how, oddly enough, it's often our own compassion showing up in disguise. Anxiety has been a part of my journey, too—one that's driven me into this work of learning to befriend my own mind.

Anxiety has a way of taking root in the unknown. The moment our brain senses uncertainty, it kicks into “protection mode,” imagining all the worst-case scenarios to help us prepare. But instead of helping us, it usually just paralyzes us.

It's almost as if our brain clutches onto anxiety like a well-worn security blanket, thinking, “If I hold onto this, I'll stay safe.” The problem? That “blanket” doesn't actually keep us safe. It keeps us stuck.

This weekend, Yongey Mingyur Rinpoche helped me see anxiety in a new light. What's happening when we feel anxiety is actually compassion. Our mind wants to help, to comfort, but because it lacks clear direction, it reaches for the quick-fix—something to numb the discomfort. For some of us, it's reaching for a purchase, hiding in the pantry, a fight, or a glass of wine. But this well-meaning urge to “fix” can actually amplify the problem.

Listening to the Body's Early Warnings

One thing I've noticed—and maybe you have too—is that our body often knows anxiety is brewing before our brain even catches on. Maybe it's a quickening heart, a tightening in the chest, or that scatterbrained feeling.

Instead of checking out in that moment, what if we checked in?

For me, that shift came when I realized that anxiety shows up as my brain's way of protecting me—a relentless need to “know” an outcome in uncertain situations. Here's something fascinating: our brains are prediction machines, constantly scanning for answers to help us feel secure. They want to be “right” because accuracy kept our ancestors alive. But when we face ambiguity, our brains can spiral into worst-case scenarios, feeding anxiety instead of offering clarity.

Over the years, I've discovered tools that help me work with my mind rather than fight it. Some of these tools are exercises I teach to organizations and clients—great for building resilience—and others are quick resets for when you're on the go. One practice that's been especially invaluable lately? Pausing and connecting with curiosity and compassion.

Challenging the Anxious Brain

In the middle of a busy grocery store recently, I found myself “back in the attic” of my mind—everything felt dim and narrow, like I was on autopilot, barely noticing what I was putting in my cart.

With my scattered mind, I stopped, placed a hand over my heart, and gently rubbed it. This small, grounding gesture—taught to me by a mentor—sends a signal to the nervous system, telling it to settle down. Physical touch activates the vagus nerve, helping to calm the body, while reminding both heart and mind that it's safe to relax. Paired with a few slow, deep breaths, this act disrupts the anxiety loop just enough to create space for a shift in perspective.

After grounding myself, I posed a simple question to my brain: “What if it's better than I could ever imagine? What would that look like?” This question disrupts the anxious cycle by offering my mind something positive to consider. It's like saying to my brain, “I hear you, but let's also consider this.” This shift from “What if everything goes wrong?” to “What if things turn out beautifully?” opens up a mental space where anxiety can transform into curiosity and even hope.

The Power of Compassionate Curiosity

The beauty of this practice isn't that it erases anxiety—it transforms our relationship with it. By building a more compassionate, less reactive connection with our minds, we create space for other possibilities.

I often teach and speak on The BeAbove Leadership model called the 7 Levels of Effectiveness, which guides us from fear and frustration into courage, and ultimately, innovation. We can't expect ourselves to leap from fear to innovation in one go. But this practice offers a bridge: it allows us to step into courage, opening the door to countless possibilities and new ways to navigate what we once thought were impossible situations. Through this shift, even the most daunting moments can be reimagined, revealing unexpected paths forward.

Through this shift, even the most daunting moments can be reimagined, revealing unexpected paths forward.

Your Invitation to Pause, Connect, and Find Calm

As I step into the final stages of my journey to become a Master Certified Coach (MCC)—after thousands of hours coaching and training others—I'm thrilled to offer two discounted coaching sessions to new clients who are open to recording the sessions (audio only!) as part of my evaluation process and exam.

If you're looking to dig deeper, gain clarity, or simply reconnect with a sense of calm, I'd be honored to support you. This is for a very limited time and only available to a few individuals.

Have Questions? Simply reply to this email or contact her at 404-840-2238. 

Alternatively - ready to dig in?!? Grab your spot here! 

AND if you're searching for a supportive space to navigate this season with curiosity and clarity, join me for our free Calm & Connect sessions. This week, our session time has shifted to 10am ET (from 11am ET), and I'd LOVE for you to join us. Together, we'll practice grounding ourselves, connecting with compassion, and finding clarity amid the chaos.

Wishing you ease, curiosity, and peace, wherever you are.

P.S. You have permission to take a pause, just like you would offer to someone else in need. Let's give that gift to ourselves, too.

The Newest Secret to Staying Energized and Focused: The Reset Room

I am thrilled to share some exciting news that's been brewing behind the scenes—a project close to my heart that I believe will change how we experience conferences and high-stress environments.

🌟Introducing The Reset Room!🌟

Imagine being at a bustling conference, surrounded by the excitement of new ideas, people, and non-stop sessions. It's invigorating, but let's be honest—it can also be overwhelming. That's why we've created The Reset Room—a space where you can truly pause, breathe, and recharge.

Together with Mirette Seireg of MPATH Music, a trailblazer as the head of the world's first of its kind, woman-owned music library supporting underrepresented composers, and the incredibly talented multi award-winning composer Lisbeth Scott, we've developed a space that's more than just a break. It's an immersive, multi-sensory experience designed to help you reset, recharge, and reignite your inner spark.

What makes The Reset Room so unique? It's not just about taking a break; it's about transforming how you feel, think, and engage with the world around you. The meditation is designed to help you calm the amygdala—the part of your brain that triggers stress responses—while opening pathways to the creative and centered parts of your mind. This process fosters a state of calm, clarity, and inner strength, allowing you to reset and reconnect with your true self.

🌿Why The Reset Room Matters🌿

Whether at a conference or just managing the daily grind, finding moments to pause and center ourselves is crucial. We often push through the day without taking a break, leading to burnout, decreased productivity, and a lack of connection with ourselves and others. The Reset Room offers a solution—a space where you can step away, engage in an immersive meditation, and return feeling more focused, calm, and energized.

Think of it as a mini-retreat within your busy schedule, a moment to reconnect with yourself and find balance amidst the chaos. The music, composed with clear intention and rooted in hard science, flows seamlessly with the meditation. Hypnotic yet melodically and harmonically engaging, it enhances the meditative journey, supporting you in navigating the day with renewed focus and purpose

🚀Bringing The Reset Room to Life🚀

We're excited to launch The Reset Room at WBEC-West in just TWO weeks. But this is only the beginning! Our vision is to bring The Reset Room to conferences and workplaces everywhere. Imagine the impact of having a space like this available whenever you need to reset and recharge—whether at your next big event or even within your own organization.

If this resonates with you, let's talk about how The Reset Room can come to your next conference or be integrated into your office environment.  Know someone who might benefit from this? Introductions are always welcome!

🤝Supporting You Along the Way🧘🏻‍♀️

I know that not everyone will have the chance to experience The Reset Room at WBEC-West, but this initiative is about more than just one event. It's about fostering a culture of mindfulness and well-being, no matter where you are.

Join us for our next Calm & Connect session this Sunday, where we'll dive deeper into the importance of taking time to reset and recharge. These sessions provide a supportive space to explore, learn, and connect with like-minded individuals.

What's Next? Stay Tuned!

There's more on the horizon, and I can't wait to share it with you. The Reset Room is just the start of a broader movement to integrate mindfulness into our professional lives, helping us all lead with greater clarity, balance, and intention. Stay tuned for more updates and opportunities to get involved!

Let's reset, recharge, and reignite—together.

Breaking the Cycle: How to Transform Success into True Fulfillment

Ever feel like you're running a race you didn't sign up for…

…Only to realize you're chasing your own shadow? 👥 

Me too. We spend so much time and energy trying to outrun our fears, our frustrations, those nagging voices in our heads…ultimately, simply, ourselves.

And the kicker? All that running, and we find out, we've only been on a treadmill, 🏃🏾‍♀️ never truly arriving at a new destination. There may be different people next to us, but deep down, it still feels the same.

In our last chat (and newsletter), we touched on the power of sitting with discomfort—particularly the discomfort of being with our emotions rather than trying to outrun them. Today, I want to take it a step further and explore how avoiding that discomfort actually limits us—keeping us from being the bold, innovative, and, quite frankly, amazing humans we're not only capable of being but meant to be—and already are, beneath the muck of our mental mess.

And all it really does is keep us disconnected from our true selves. It's like having a memory-draining app running in the background, constantly leaking our energy and keeping us in a battle with ourselves. 🔋

I've seen it time and time again—initially in my own life, and then ultimately in the lives of the incredible people and leaders I've had the privilege to work with. My work isn't just about helping people "tinker with their brains"—it's about guiding them to truly see themselves, to stop running, and to start embracing the amazing, unique, bright, beautiful beings they are.

Because when we stop battling ourselves and start living in alignment, everything changes.

Transforming Success into Fulfillment…

Have you ever hit that point where you've “made it” or reached that precious goal but still feel like something's missing? I've been there. Misery or apathy often tag along on that journey, sometimes in a seesaw with the ego's grip on success.

But here's the thing—when we learn to sit with ourselves, to really be present with all those messy, uncomfortable feelings, and acknowledge how we sometimes bury our heads in the sand or overlook what's really there, we unlock something incredible: choice. 

The choice to act from a place of alignment rather than fear, to connect deeply with who we really are, and to start living—really living.

 And that's when everything changes. 

 We stop just going through the motions and start connecting more authentically, building deeper relationships, and unleashing creativity and inspired leadership we didn't even know we had. It's uncomfortable at first, sure. But trust me, it's worth it.

Calm & Connect: A Space to Get Real (and Maybe Laugh a Little)

This Sunday, I'm inviting you to join our Calm & Connect session at 11am EST/8am PST. We'll dive into these ideas, probably share a few laughs, and explore practical steps you can take to start or deepen this journey. Whether you're just beginning or looking to take it up a notch, this session will have something for you—and maybe even a surprise or two.

Something Exciting (and a Little Mysterious) on the Horizon…

 I'm bursting at the seams with something new and exciting that's coming soon. It's an initiative I've been working on with some incredible co-collaborators, and it's all coming together at a major conference in September. I can't wait to share more with you—stay tuned!

 In the meantime, if you're ready to stop running and start living in alignment, let's connect. Whether it's for yourself or your organization, I'm here to help you lead with clarity, heart, and maybe even a bit of irreverence. For some immediate zen, check out my Insight Timer page—more meditations are on the way because, yes, my Calm & Connect Community has spoken!

Embracing Change and Living in the Moment: My Journey to Nashville

LOVE, LOSS, AND NEW BEGINNINGS

Good morning!

It's been a while, and I've missed connecting with you. We have a lot to catch up on. Since we last connected, I embarked on quite a journey: returning from my six-month semi-sabbatical in Victoria, BC—a place I hold dear—spending a brief moment in Colorado with family, friends, and colleagues, and finally making a permanent move to Nashville, TN.

On May 6th, 2024, my entire storage unit, locked away since 2021, arrived from Texas. On May 7th, my heart ached as I said goodbye to one of the most precious beings in my life: my 16-year-old Maltese, Cooper.🐾

It felt as though he was saying, “Mom, I got you home. Now it's my time to rest.” 

Over the years, doctors warned me to prepare for this moment. But Cooper had an incredible spirit and seemed to live on nine lives. Each moment we shared, particularly towards the end, reminded me of a profound truth: we never know how long we have with the ones we love.

This realization can either paralyze us with fear and anxiety or be a precious gift—an opportunity to embrace each moment with love, gratitude, and presence.

In our Western culture, we often avoid discussing aging, death, and dying. We fear it and swipe left when it comes up. However, in cultures like Mexico, where age and death are embraced, every moment is lived with greater vitality and appreciation. By accepting the inevitable, it no longer lingers in the shadows but fiercely reminds us that every moment is unique and precious.

Living in Gratitude + Embracing New Beginnings🙏🏼

Reflecting on these experiences, I realize the preciousness of time and the importance of living in the present. We often get caught up in the hustle, forgetting to savor the beauty of each moment. But life, in all its imperfections, offers countless opportunities for gratitude and growth.

 And as I settle into Nashville, I'm excited about the new friendships and opportunities this city will bring. If you know anyone in Nashville who might be interested in connecting—whether for friendship or professional collaborations—I'd love an introduction - so please do not hesitate to reply to this email!!

Exciting Work Ahead🎉

On the professional front, there's a lot happening. At the end of the month, I'll be running two Unleash Mindful Leadership sessions for a global investment bank, an executive presence + public speaking event for a tech company, and several events focusing on how to effectively navigate stress—essential with the upcoming elections—and how to shift from frustration and fear to courage and innovation.

If your organization could benefit from our support and expertise, I'd love to explore how we can collaborate. Now is the perfect time to start the conversation, as we'll soon be stepping into the busy fall and election season. Let's work together to create resilient, mindful, and empowered teams.

An Invitation to Reflect and Connect

Today, I invite you to reflect on your relationship with time and change. Where might you be holding back in fear? How can you embrace the present moment with more gratitude and love?

Thank you for being part of this journey with me. Let's continue to embrace change, nurture our endeavors, and trust in the unfolding beauty of life

P.S. If you're navigating your own sea of change, remember: it's not just about weathering the storm. It's about developing the skills and learning to sail in new directions. If you're ready to embrace and cultivate change, reach out—I'd love to hear from you!

P.P.S. Don't forget to join us for Calm & Connect this Sunday, June 16th at 8 AM PST / 11 AM EST. It's a wonderful way to strengthen the muscle of mindfulness and dive into essential reflection alongside others.

Spring Into Change: Unfolding New Beginnings 🌷

After a number of rather literal dark and dreary days, the sun is shining and the earth is beginning to blossom. It's a reminder of a fundamental truth often resisted: everything changes, always. This season, as we witness the world around us spring into life, it's a vivid, beautiful showcase of change's potential. Yet, this transformation doesn't happen overnight. The silent, unseen work of the preceding months lays the groundwork for the bright burst of life we celebrate in spring. This is a powerful metaphor for our own lives and endeavors.

In recent months, I've navigated through an intense landscape of change. And yet, each challenge has underscored the undeniable truth of transformation's constant presence in our lives. It has continued to remind me, fiercely and lovingly, the importance of embracing change, not as an adversary but as an inevitable partner in growth.

Resistance vs. Embrace

It's normal, human really, to resist, or planning meticulously in the face of change, trying to control what we can and clinging to the comfort of the known.  But resistance only postpones the inevitable, often amplifying the discomfort we were trying to avoid.

Spring shows us the beauty of release and the embrace of the new. Just as the earth doesn't rush its awakening, we too must learn the art of patient unfolding. The months of quiet, of seemingly nothing happening, are as crucial as the moment of bloom. They are the foundation of all that is to come.

The Complexity of Change 

Our brains are quite literally prediction machines - it's there predisposition to predict. ALWAYS. What's more, our brains seek to be right. Thus their predictions, based on past experiences, play a huge role in how we navigate the future.

While these predictions intend to guide us, they can inadvertently narrow our horizons, as we are bound by our limited experience.

Cultivation and Trust

The journey of change requires us to be cultivators—patient, trusting, vigilant. We plant seeds not knowing exactly how or when they will sprout.

This process isn't just about nurturing the projects and transformations we initiate; it's about nurturing our resilience, our faith in the unseen process of becoming.

An Invitation to Trust the Process

Today, I invite you to reflect on your relationship with change. Where might you be resisting? Where might impatience be clouding your vision? Embrace the changes unfolding in your life, nurture them with intention and care, and most importantly, trust in their eventual blossoming. Even when it's uncomfortable, even when the end result is unclear, there's a profound strength in surrendering to the process.

Change, in its essence, is not just about the new life that springs forth. It's about our growth, our evolution as we navigate the journey. Like the gardener who trusts in the seeds they've sown, we too must believe in the potential of what we're cultivating, even when it's yet to be seen.

In embracing change, nurturing our endeavors, and trusting in the process, we open ourselves to the vast possibilities of what can emerge. And just like spring, what arises might just surpass our wildest dreams.

Let's embrace this journey together, trusting in the beautiful unfoldment of our shared human experience.

Warmly,

Rachel Tenenbaum

P.S. I've felt the tremors of change deeply and vividly in recent times. If you're navigating your sea of change, remember: it's not just about weathering the storm. It's about developing the skills and learning to sail in new directions. If you are wanting support - and ready to embrace and cultivate change, reach out and let's connect - I would love to hear from you!

P.P.S - In our next conversation, we'll dive a bit deeper into the neuroscience of change ;).

P.P.S.S. Don't forget to join us for Calm & Connect - a beautiful 2x monthly opportunity to connect live, meditate and intentionally reflect on life with - and learn from - other incredible individuals. 

Unlock Your Inner Strength: Conquer Inner Critics 🔓💪

I recently dove into the world of imposter syndrome and our inner critics, revealing how they can dominate our thoughts and, by extension, shape our lives. With a staggering 70% of women and 50% of men experiencing imposter syndrome—and even more grappling with their inner critics—it's clear this is a universal challenge.

But here's the game-changer: a simple yet profound tool that turns the tide on both fronts. Remember how we talked about pausing when these voices emerge? It's because battling or ignoring them only amplifies their influence, muddying our mental clarity and pushing us into reactive states—be it withdrawal or confrontation. This division, both within us and with others, stems from the fear that the world echoes our inner critics.

Pause, Acknowledge, Transform

Pausing to acknowledge these thoughts does more than silence them; it empowers us. Why do they exist? To keep us safe. But left unchecked, they're like inexperienced tween drivers at the wheel – convinced they know how to drive, but hand them the wheel and you're sure to find yourself in a pileup on the nearest interstate.😂

Here's where we can pivot: Recognize these thoughts for what they are, label them, and then actively engage with them through a transformative system I call Town Hall(SM). This isn't just about quieting the noise; it's about converting that cacophony into insights and wisdom that resonate with our deepest values.

Town Hall(SM): Your Mental Alchemy

This isn't theoretical jargon but a practical, values-aligned system grounded in brain science. It's about seeing through the fog, purifying our mental environment, and aligning actions with our core values rather than being puppeteered by fear.

Having facilitated this workshop for female executives and business owners, I've witnessed its power to illuminate and liberate. And now, I'm thrilled to extend this opportunity to you.

Join Us for a Transformative Journey

My desire is to share more of this with you through a workshop that promises to shift these concepts from theory to actionable practice. While it's a busy couple of months ahead, if the prospect of transforming your inner dialogue excites you, let's make it happen together.🤝

Are You In?

If your heart says, "Yes, I'm ready for change," simply reply with “ME!” or “Interested.” Your response will help gauge interest and possibly schedule another empowering event.

Here's to turning our inner critics into our greatest allies,

P.S. Just pausing to recognize these voices is already a massive step forward. But if you're craving more—if you're a seeker ready to harness the full power of your mind—this workshop is for you!

P.P.S. I am excited to continue digging further as well in THIS Sunday's Calm & Connect!

If you haven't already, sign up below!

Empowerment through Choice: From Fear to Courage with Ancient Wisdom👵

Everyday we stand at a crossroads; faced with decisions and choices that shape our lives. 

And while it is said that it's the big moments that define us,  I argue that it is in the micro-moments, the ones that seen insignificant, where our character and resilience are cultivated. These micro-moments can strengthen our core OR, if we are not mindful, send us spiraling down a vortex of destructive thoughts and actions, knocking us off kilter, distancing us from what we desire most.

This parable brilliantly cuts straight to the heart of truth, reflecting the power of choice in those micro-moments:

The Essence of Our Daily Choices

Every day, multiple times a day, we stand before these wolves, and the choices we make, particularly in  fleeting moments, shape our reality. They determine whether we live a world dominated by fear and division or one flourishing with compassion and unity.

It's in what we choose to say, and what we withhold, how we to engage, the actions we take and the thoughts we entertain.  

And whether those thoughts are directed at ourselves or others, it makes no difference because feeding the wolf of shame, malice, righteousness: it eats at our core, and destabilizes our peace and influences our actions towards ourselves and others.

In leadership, as in life, it can be tempting to take the path of least resistance, succumbing to ego and anger And it's understandable; beyond whats largely modeled, there's a dopamine kick associated with it, making it both addictive and fleetingly rewarding. But as enticing as it may be, this path is treacherous in the long run.

A Personal Reflection: The Journey Toward Compassion

Acknowledging the presence of these wolves has been transformational for me. Feeding the wolf swayed by ego had become habit, shaped by influential figures and authorities who promoted a dog-eat-dog kind of world and/or were accustomed to putting others down ( self included) in order to feed the need for power.

While these influences can infiltrate our own mannerisms, how we think and behave towards others and ourselves, the road to unlearning - to feeding the wolf of curiosity, fortitude, resilience and peace - is life changing.  It requires constant (compassionate) vigilance and an unwavering commitment to growth and wellbeing. 

But what I can assure you is this - when you consciously choose which wolf to feed, your world transforms. Each of us will experience this change differently.

A Challenge for You: Which Wolf Will You Feed?

As we forge ahead, I extend to you a challenge: In every decision, every interaction, consider deeply which wolf you are feeding. This is not about an aggressive vigilance, but rather a compassionate awareness, knowing that without awareness we cannot be at choice. But with awareness we can choose… and while we may choose the more perilous path from time to time, we opt to reflect on the chain reactions and results and choose differently the next time we find ourselves at similar crossroads.

This is not merely a choice but a profound responsibility. Our thoughts, words, and actions hold the potential to transform not just our lives but the world at large.

Let us be active architects rather than passive dreamers of a brighter future. Each choice we make lays a brick in the foundation of the world we wish to inhabit, a world where leadership is synonymous with empathy, integrity, growth and genuine connection.

As always, if you are ready for more guidance on “how” and tools, reach out, and let's connect!  Whether for 1:1 coaching or corporate work programs that build resilience and enhance mental and emotional wellbeing, we've got you covered!

Season of Reflection, Joy & Growth 🍁

As December unfolds, the world around us glitters with twinkling lights, echoing laughter, and shared moments of joy. And while the festive spirit is palpable, there's another energy that December carries — one of reflection, transition, and growth.

Earlier this year, we delved deep into understanding the nuances of Imposter Syndrome, discerning judgment from discernment, rumination, and the peaks and valleys of stress. As we round the corner into December, I want to invite you to use the insights from our past exchanges as tools for navigating this special season.

✨A Mindful Pause✨

Remember our chat on rumination? From packed schedules filed with festivities travel plans and year-end deadlines, it's easy to get trapped in a whirlwind of thoughts and what feels like must-do lists. Whenever you catch yourself spiraling or getting caught-up in the mental mayhem, take a mindful pause. Feel the ground beneath your feet, tune into your breath, and reconnect with the present moment.

❄️Judgment vs. Discernment❄️

During this season, as families gather, old patterns can be quick to resurface, sometimes leading to judgments. It's an opportune time to revisit our October exchange: discernment simply views facts without emotional baggage, while judgment divides. Before making a quick judgment, pause, and practice discernment. This will not only enhance your personal well-being but also foster deeper connections with loved ones.

🎁Gift Yourself the Gift of Growth🎁

While this season is about giving to others, it's equally important to gift yourself. No, I'm not talking about that trendy gadget or designer wear. I'm hinting at something far more precious: a deep connection with + truly meeting yourself and your potential, beyond barriers and unconscious limits and way past what you imagine possible

As we close this chapter and prepare for a new year, imagine the power of gifting yourself a spot in the Radical Mindful Leadership Accelerator. It's more than just a program. It's a journey of deep connection, of self-discovery, empowerment, and lasting transformation alongside other amazing leaders.

It's about ensuring that your 2024 aligns more authentically with who you truly are and the you, you are ready to step into.

🌟Laying the Foundation for the Grand Finale🌟

In the spirit of building on our past newsletters, next month we'll be wrapping up the year with a grand finale – focusing on setting intentions and dreams for 2024. But before we jump ahead, savor December. Let's be present in each moment, cherish every connection, and anticipate the magic that lies ahead.

To a mindful, joyous, and December!

Gratitude + Tools To Navigate Stress

Let's have a real talk. As November further unfurls, you'll be swimming in messages that spotlight gratitude. And while that's beautifully important, I’d like to dive into something that’s equally needed in the midst of storms, challenges and complex conversations.

You know the ones that can send you reeling?

A memory surfaces: a while back, on a day that began like any other, I faced a setback – and really a verbal and personal attack that left me staggering. Shocked, really… And in that moment, against all data and practicality, self-doubt surged… it was so palpable. The attack was reflective of something said to me in my youth, that, for a time, had defined me - how I viewed myself and the world. I was young and I didn’t know better. So these words, meant to drive a dagger where it would be most felt, resurfaced that wound.

Fear and anger boiled, and I could feel its potential to take over. Its potential to guide my thoughts, my actions, and my state of mind. But in that same instant, I also saw something different, a glimmer.

That glimmer beckoned me to breathe, to not respond, and to pause. To have compassion.

I was able to unhook my brain from stress and fear (harnessing the advice and direction I so often give others), and that piercing moment quickly transformed into a series of stunning realizations.

Not only was there tremendous learning which seeped into my bones, but the biggest gift? The opportunity to re-write a decades-old narrative, and to choose how I wanted to integrate and embed that moment and its meaning.

The reminder? Every moment is an opportunity to choose differently. To rewrite narratives, and to rewire the way we respond to our triggers, to our anger and to our fears.

Because when we act from a place driven by the above, the results? Ineffective at best, and but more often than not, destructive to ourselves and beyond.

🌊 The 3 C’s: A Compass for Navigating Rough Seas 🌊

1. Compassion: There is a wild misunderstanding that compassion is complacency. Rather, true compassion is fierce, and it facilitates our second C, Clarity. Embrace yourself with the same warmth and understanding you'd offer a dear friend. Extend that gentle compassion to others too – In doing so, you'll find setbacks morphing into bridges of connection and healing.

2. Clarity: Amid life's whirlwinds, PAUSE. With that fierce compassion, take a courageous moment to truly see, to discern the path ahead. By doing this, you not only navigate your immediate surroundings but also the broader canvas of life, ensuring you and those around you thrive.

3. Conscious Action: Actions speak louder than words, but conscious actions echo into eternity. Empowered by compassion and guided by clarity, make choices that are thoughtful and deliberate, considering both personal well-being and the collective good.

💌 Redefining Gratitude & A Special Invitation 💌
While gratitude is the buzzword of November, let's redefine it. Don't just be thankful for the peaks; find strength and gratitude in the valleys. Those challenges? They’re not stumbling blocks; they’re stepping stones to our brightest self.

Stress In advance Of Holidays

As the leaves fall and the air chills, there is the palpable festive joyful buzz.

And, there is also a sneaky little monster that begins to peek around the corner: stress.

So before it’s in full force, I want to get real and address how to make it work for you, not against you. Because we’ve all felt that chokehold.

That 3 am stare-down with the ceiling, or in my case, that trip to the hospital over a decade ago. It’s raw, it’s real, and it’s oh-so-human. But when stress goes from challenging to soul-crushing? That's where burnout dims our brightest moments.

✅ The Goldilocks Curve of Stress – Your GPS to Thriving

Imagine Amy Arnsten’s bell curve which correlates stress with productivity and wellbeing. At its peak, stress gives you wings, it’s like you are flying, fueling passion and productivity. But then when you start to stray towards too little, or today’s topic, too much stress, you can quickly find yourself at the epicenter of chaos.

And the impact?

It’s messy.

When stress becomes king, life can feel like a foggy maze. Your vision and hearing literally narrows, Decisions are harder, the joy in little moments fades, and our empathy—the very thing that connects us—gets lost in the shuffle.

😬 Personalize Your Stress Strategy

But first it requires acknowledging that sticking your head in the sand and ignoring the signs is a recipe for disaster. Knowing where you stand on the stress spectrum at any moment is what keeps you from losing your marbles.

Further, each of us carries our own set of worries, burdens, triggers and challenges. Reflecting on what activates you, is a critical key – or better stated, lifeline - to strategizing and navigating this season. Because balance isn’t just a “nice to have.” It’s a must – or bust.”

Whether you are ready to accelerate your leadership, dive deeper, or bring invaluable mindfulness and neuro-based tools to your organization, reach out, let’s connect.

The Antidote To Anxiety’s Merry Go Round

Have you ever had a date with anxiety? I mean, who hasn't, right? Maybe you're nodding your head thinking, "Yesterday? Today? Now???😂"

If you've never dealt with anxiety, feel free to move to the next post, however if you have, let's talk about the merry-go-round of anxiety, specifically, good ol' #rumination.

You know, those times when you're trapped in a hamster wheel of thoughts, spinning without really getting anywhere? Your brain says that this exercise is necessary - requisite - and that it's a really fabulous use of your brain capital - and yet it gets you nowhere.

Morra Aarons-Mele nails it in her recently published Harvard Business Review article How High Achievers Overcome Their Anxiety:

"What distinguishes rumination from helpful processing is that it doesn't provide new ways of thinking, behaving, or solving the problem. It just covers the same territory again and again, keeping us locked in the negative mindset."

Imagine being stuck in a loop of worries, labyrinths of rumination, wandering over the same pathways again and again, without liberation and a clear path out, never mind forward. It's exhausting. Familiar?

While it's cozy at times to snuggle with those worries and play out future scenarios, ultimately it renders us frozen and disempowered to take meaningful steps in our personal and professional lives.

However, There IS a light at the end of the rumination labyrinth.

.....Superhero of the Hour? 😍 YES. Mindfulness.

Amid the labyrinth of life, Mindfulness shines a light on the rumination maze. Rather than being stuck inside, Mindfulness helps you step outside the maze so that you can adequately assess, read it like a map, and then properly plot the right steps to move forward.

What's more, as we navigate the complex landscapes of our lives, Mindfulness enables us to become aware of when we get caught in the rumination cycle and UNHOOK from its clutches.

With every mindful pivot, we transform ourselves from rumination captives to solution-savvy warriors. We're talking about breaking free, taking action, and watching our growth skyrocket.

Share your thoughts: Has rumination ever hindered your ability to take vital steps in your personal or professional journey? I'd love to hear your insights and experiences.

Ready to leverage the power of Mindfulness and brain-based tools in your life, leadership or organization? Reach out, let’s connect.