Have you ever woken up in the middle of the night, the wee hours of the morning and your mind just won't turn off? That happened for me last night, and every single thing that I've ever done in my entire existence was on replay, all the things that I didn't like, all the things that I was ashamed of, all of the things that I judged myself for and found myself lacking. They were all in full living Technicolor, and I found myself cringing.

When I recognized that, I took the time to slow down, to be in my heart and to welcome my experience as best I could. I acknowledged the truth, I acknowledged what it's been like to be me. I acknowledged all those different times by time traveling to them, and acknowledging that I was doing the best that I could with what I had. I acknowledged where I just kind of gave up, or maybe I settled for less, and I saw clearly that before I didn't even recognize what I was doing in the moment. I hadn’t recognized that I wasn't keeping my eyes on what...

As I continue on my path of self-discovery and healing, I often reflect on the earlier stages of my journey—back when I first started noticing my patterns. At the time, I was consumed with shame every time I recognized one of these patterns in myself. My initial reaction was, "This is bad. I shouldn’t be doing that." But over time, and with compassionate understanding, I’ve learned not to step into the field of judgment so quickly.

One of the most powerful things I did during those early stages, which helped me begin to dissolve the patterns or, at the very least, diminish their control over my behavior, was simply acknowledging them. When I noticed I was running a pattern, I no longer made myself wrong for it. Instead, I chose to witness it.

I would take a step back—into my heart—and observe my behavior with curiosity, rather than judgment. I started to ask myself, "What is this pattern really about? What are the nuances of my experience that allow...

The other day, I was having a conversation with someone I’ve spoken with many times before. As we talked, I noticed a pattern unfolding in their life—one that had become so clear to me, but they seemed completely unaware of it. They couldn’t see that they were running a routine that shaped how their life played out. What struck me most was how this person was constantly busy, filled with tasks that, on the surface, seemed good and productive. But it made me wonder—had they ever truly slowed down to ask themselves if these "good" things were aligned with what they actually love?

It’s a question I think many of us could ask ourselves: Are the things keeping us busy things we truly love, or are they just habits we’ve fallen into over time?

In today’s fast-paced world, it’s easy to get caught up in the rush, checking off tasks, handling responsibilities, and moving from one thing to the next without pause. But what if those busy routines...

Today, I want to talk about how life can sometimes feel like a rollercoaster. One moment, you're soaring high, feeling as if everything is going your way, and the next, something unexpected happens that shocks you to your core. It can feel devastating, unsettling your entire system.

When these experiences happen, they often bring up unresolved stuff from our past. Our nervous system, specifically the amygdala, is constantly scanning and recording everything that happens in our lives. When we're faced with shock or trauma, it triggers old patterns we thought we had dealt with, and they can come rushing back with surprising intensity. Even if they’re familiar, these nuances can feel overwhelming.

In those moments, it’s important to stay connected—not just with yourself, but with someone you trust. Name what’s happening. Name the shock. Allow yourself to be seen and supported. When everything feels heavy and discouraging, and all you want to do is hide away,...

I invite you to step into the past with me to learn about a client’s transformative journey using the Mind Body Method in a session with a horse.

With eyes closed and arms outstretched, my client delved deep into her inner world, accompanied by my faithful horse.

Unraveling the layers of fear and inhibition, she confronted childhood conditioning that stifled her emotions and hindered her expression. Memories of her father's stern admonishments to "stop crying" flooded back, leaving her feeling unseen and unheard in her experience of life.

With tears and vulnerability, she acknowledged the pain of hiding her true self, even from herself. The weight of expectations and the need to be strong for others weighed heavily on her shoulders, leaving her feeling disconnected and alone.

With gentle guidance, she learned to trust her body's wisdom and embrace her authenticity. Through a series of exercises, she tapped into the sensations in her body, naming her fears and emotions as they...

This week, I've spent time connecting with with people who are navigating a delicate and vulnerable space in their lives. They've shared experiences of losing their focus and grappling with a foggy mind, all while feeling the pain very deeply. Often they adopt a strategy of just keeping busy, busy to distract their minds from the discomfort. As intense focus tends to silence the default mode network. That's the part of us that constantly is reviewing our lives and urging us to do more than merely survive.

For those of us who have faced trauma, the default mode network can become over protective, creating a very vicious cycle. keeping busy seems to numb the pain momentarily, like placing a blanket over the right hemisphere is amygdala, providing a temporary disconnect. However, beneath that blanket, the authentic self arrives in pain, totally unacknowledged.

And this internal struggle, it really intensifies over time. It resurfaces vigorously once the busyness subsides. Facing this...

Several years ago I chose to take a course that opened a new doorway that forever transformed my life. I followed my heart.

In the moment, I was facing forward, I got really honest with myself about two distinct challenges I was experiencing. One, the nurturing of my 15-year-old son, my steadfast priority as I homeschooled him. Second, the endeavor to cultivate confidence as I stepped into the spotlight within my community, with the intention to establish myself as a valuable asset.

In the transformative realm of Kathy Pike's Mindful Horsemanship Program, my vision was laid bare before me. As I stood beside Diva, ground reins in hand, Kathy posed a pivotal question: "What challenges lie ahead in pursuit of your vision?"

Contemplating her query, I assigned symbolic representation to my aspirations and perceived obstacles. The large barrel embodied my son, a significant presence in my life, while the smaller barrels signified the confidence I sought to project my vision outwardly.

...

In retrospect of the past week spent working with various clients, a recurring theme emerged—one that encapsulated both excitement and a tinge of discomfort. This journey of healing unveils a newfound awareness, a state of awakened consciousness where hidden aspects of oneself are discovered. Once awakened, there's no reverting to the slumber of ignorance; you are forever awake.

However, navigating this new terrain poses its challenges. A lack of language and uncertainty about how to navigate this transformed self in a changed world may lead to self-judgment. The initial attempts at connection can feel awkward, leaving us unsure of what to say or how to present ourselves in relationships. The fear of not belonging, of not finding a place where we fit, can be deeply unsettling, fostering a profound sense of loneliness.

Yet, the potential for meaningful connections remains boundless. The journey undertaken to live with an open heart, align with personal values, and embrace...

I've been contemplating the profound impact stress can have on us, particularly when it confronts us head-on. Recently, I found myself in the midst of a stressful encounter. The other person grew visibly angry, wearing an expression of disgust. The intensity of my visceral reaction took me by surprise—I felt shock, anger, and fear all at once. In that moment, it was as if my mind went blank, flooded with the fear of saying the wrong thing and escalating the situation. The prospect of potential rejection loomed, and I felt my voice slipping away, leaving me diminished and without a sense of support.

It's an incredibly painful space to occupy. The internal reactions triggered by the look of disgust from another person extend beyond mere emotional turmoil; they can actually compromise our immune system.

Throughout my life's journey, I've discovered sources of support that have contributed to building resilience in the face of stress. I've come to realize that it's possible to...

In reflecting on my recent interactions with various clients, a recurring theme has emerged—one that carries both excitement and a touch of pain. The exhilaration stems from the awakening that occurs on the healing journey, where one can no longer hide in unconsciousness. This newfound awareness unveils unexplored facets of the self, marking a point of no return.

However, navigating this unfamiliar territory poses its challenges. The struggle lies in articulating this new experience and figuring out how to navigate this transformed world. Connections with others may feel disjointed and awkward as we grapple with the uncertainty of how to show up authentically in relationships. The fear of not belonging intensifies, echoing the deep sadness of a lifetime spent in solitude.

Yet, the awakening opens the door to limitless possibilities for meaningful connections. The pain and perceived problems don't negate the vast potential within. It's crucial to recognize the safety and...