My Journey
I am a pediatrician and a mindfulness instructor. I have a passion for encouraging and empowering people to live well through being present to their lives and living with more compassion.
I initially learned mindfulness for stress reduction. I took a course in Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) that was offered through my primary care physician’s office. What was taught resonated with me at a deep level–coming to stillness, taking the time to pay attention, responding purposefully instead of reacting automatically, and bringing kindness and compassion to my experiences. I immediately saw how this practice could benefit myself and others–my patients, their families, and the world in general!
My journey to become a mindfulness instructor unfolded from my desire to address the great deal of anxiety and stress I have encountered in my patients and their families, in myself, and in the world around me. Teaching mindfulness is my way of offering peace to the world.
My workshops and classes cover topics such as:
- Introduction to mindfulness
- Mindfulness for parents
- Mindfulness for children
- How to stop living on autopilot and be present to the moments of our lives
- How to be more compassionate and kinder to ourselves and others
- How to find the space to choose how to respond instead of reacting without thinking
- Becoming more in touch with our emotions, thoughts, and patterns of reacting
- How to handle life’s stresses without being overwhelmed or overcome by them
- Incorporating mindfulness into daily life
I have trained with the University of Massachusetts School of Medicine’s Center for Mindfulness. The Center for Mindfulness was started by Jon Kabat-Zinn, Ph.D., the founder of Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR). I have also trained with the Mindful Schools Program to teach mindfulness to children.
Mindfulness For Stress Reduction
Practicing mindfulness has been shown to have many benefits, including stress reduction. There are over thirty years of research showing the benefits of mindfulness in other areas as well: helping with chronic pain, depression, ADHD, and improving immune function.
We are often so busy going from one task to the next that we do not take the time to check in with ourselves or those around us. Being present allows us to find the space to choose our response to whatever life brings instead of reacting automatically out of habitual patterns. These habitual patterns may not be healthy or in line with the outcomes we desire and can contribute to stress. Through practicing mindfulness we become aware of these patterns and can respond in healthier ways. We learn to be with discomfort and difficult emotions without being overwhelmed. We become more kind and compassionate to ourselves and others.
Mindfulness For Families
Practicing mindfulness has many benefits for families. Being more present, aware, and available are important attributes for parenting. And children learn from their parents’ example. Practicing mindfulness builds resiliency, the ability to bounce back from life’s challenges and difficulties. This serves us throughout life. It is never too early, or too late, to start.
I offer workshops on mindfulness for parents and for families.
Mindfulness and Faith
My hope is that regardless of your faith, you are able to find inspiration and support for your journey here. Practicing mindfulness can help us become more aware of the presence of God.
Mindfulness is universal. Many faith traditions have a contemplative aspect. Practicing mindfulness helps to cultivate this.
The present moment is where we meet God. Practicing mindfulness allows us to live more connected with God and to more effectively do what each of us was created to do.
I offer workshops and retreats on mindfulness and connecting with God. My workshops are open to all. I believe there is more that connects us than separates us. If we can see the divine in each other, the world will be a better place.
I strive to have my workshops and retreats be a safe space for all.
