It usually takes a life-changing situation for many of us to want to make life-impacting choices. My journey to mindfulness is no different. Like many of you, I am no stranger to stress. Life’s twists and turns can be overwhelming at times, my default was to internalize and power through them on my own.

Struggling with pain from rheumatoid arthritis and anxiety at different points of my adult life forced me to seek alternative but still science-based options to replace the way I was managing flares and anxiety. I was introduced to mindfulness during one of my most difficult times by my psychologist brother. I enrolled in the Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction Program at the University of California, San Diego and began applying the teachings and practices to my daily life. That was the beginning of my transformation. My outlook on pain and anxiety began to change. I discovered that I was more steady and at peace even through my difficulties. Seeing what it was doing for me, I realized that mindfulness was something that needed to be shared. Shortly thereafter and with the unwavering support of my husband, Art, and sons, Drew and Ryan, I made the decision to become a certified mindfulness and meditation teacher and coach.

There is a desperate need for a mindset shift in our society today. Emotional and mental challenges are on the rise – especially among our youth. Many people are unhappy. Mindfulness offers an option to change our relationship with stress and pain – mental, emotional, and physical. The Rooted Mind is committed to help. Together let’s discover our innate joy and create a more positive environment for ourselves and those around us – one mind at a time starting with ours.