Entries by melissa

Creating a Vision for Vibrant Health: The Power of Inspiration

In the pursuit of optimal health and well-being, it’s easy to get caught up in the details—counting calories, tracking steps, and following strict routines. While these actions are important, they often miss a crucial element: a compelling vision for vibrant health that resonates deeply with your values and aspirations. This vision isn’t just a vague […]

A Brief Coaching Session Makes a Major Difference in Sleep Quality

In the fast-paced world we lived in, finding time for self-care and personal growth can be challenging. Traditional coaching sessions, while effective, do not always fit into the busy schedules of those striving to achieve well-being. That is where 25 minute microsessions come in—a dynamic and flexible approach from the Duke Health & Well-Being Coach […]

Conscious Breathing

In today’s world, with so many uncertainties and challenges, it’s easy to find ourselves overwhelmed by worry. We often ponder what we could have done differently to prevent current circumstances or stress about what the future holds. These thoughts can make the world seem topsy-turvy. In these moments of reflection, I remind myself that I […]

Yoga Therapy Can Help with Stress

Stress is an inevitable part of life, but chronic stress can take a serious toll on both our physical and mental health. While there are many ways to manage stress, yoga therapy stands out as an effective, holistic approach that addresses both the mind and body. As a yoga therapist, I have seen how yoga […]

The Benefits of Progressive Muscle Relaxation

In our fast-paced world, stress and anxiety are common companions. Finding effective ways to manage these pressures is essential for maintaining our well-being. One such method that has gained recognition for its simplicity and effectiveness is Progressive Muscle Relaxation (PMR). Developed by Dr. Edmund Jacobson in the early 20th century, PMR is a technique that […]

A Meditation to Cultivate Peace, Ease, and Wellbeing

Recently someone asked me if I have always been so calm. I struggled with the answer because while I am much calmer than I used to be, ‘calm’ is not how I would describe myself. I have struggled with anxiety throughout my life and it manifests as worry, fear, attention difficulties, social exhaustion, difficulty thinking […]

Benefits of Meditation

If there is one thing that has truly changed my life, it is meditation. I’ve struggled with controlling my emotions, fear of public speaking, social exhaustion, brain overload, absentmindedness, holding my attention, thinking clearly, and self-doubt. At one point, a wise advisor told me that if I wanted to help people, I had to be […]

Benefits of Embodiment, Mindfulness & Compassion

As a firm believer in the power of yoga to increase the quality of life, I am constantly on the lookout for research studies that support the practices I teach and love. I came across a 2022 study from the Well Center at Stanford. A survey of 19,743 individuals across three different global regions shows […]

Joy as a Constant Companion

As the chill of December has settled in and it’s more difficult to get outside, I find myself sitting at my desk (which doubles as the dining room table) basking in the warm winter sun. It’s the perfect time of day to be working here and I am feeling joyful. Joy—this intense, deep connection to […]

Enhancing Presence and Improving Posture

In the whirlwind of life, it’s a common challenge to stay grounded and truly present. The demands of work, the delicate dance of family life, and the pursuit of restful sleep create a cacophony that can make mindfulness seem elusive. But what if I told you that the ancient practice of yoga could be the […]