When I think about wellness, I often return to the power of music. Music reaches us in ways that words sometimes cannot. Music soothes, inspires, and heals. For me, classical music, especially when performed live by a symphony, carries an energy that feels both grounding and uplifting. During my time of academic research and volunteering
Stress sneaks into all of our lives, sometimes without us even realizing it. For me, stress can show up on the days when my calendar feels too full or when I am pulled in many directions between family, work, and school. Over the years, I have learned that there are small, realistic steps I can
October always feels like a fresh chapter. The air cools, leaves begin to change, and new rhythms settle in. For me, October wellness means slowing down just enough to notice the beauty around me and making small rituals that keep life balanced. One of my favorite traditions is painting pumpkins with my family. The laughter,
Gratitude holds quiet power: a gentle reflection of self-care. This personal gift helps us grow and thrive, especially during challenging times. For me, gratitude started showing up in the smallest of ways. A sip of warm tea on a cool morning. The weight of my cat, Snowflake, curled up by my side. Hearing my children
The first notes of music often capture a child in ways words cannot. A gentle melody can quiet restless thoughts, while a playful rhythm can spark joy and movement. When children begin to explore music, whether by listening or by learning an instrument, they step into a mindful practice that strengthens attention, patience, and creativity.
Mindfulness is more than a quiet practice. Mindfulness is a way of being that invites presence, creativity, and compassion. For children, the arts provide a natural doorway into this state of awareness. When a child sings, paints, dances, or acts, the child becomes fully immersed in the moment, exploring self-expression and learning how to connect
Wellness often feels overwhelming. There are countless programs, products, and routines promising quick results, which can make it difficult to know where to begin. Many people believe that real change requires dramatic shifts. In truth, the habits that truly last are usually the smallest ones. Small habits create momentum. A glass of water in the
Parenting comes with many challenges, joys, and unexpected turns. Let us be clear: no parent is perfect, and there is no ingredient that constructs “perfect” parenting. What we can do is try our best each day. We know the daily grind: school schedules, work responsibilities, and the constant stream of advice from books, social media,
Meditation is often pictured as a person sitting in silence for an hour with complete stillness of mind. That is certainly not me, let alone not having that time. Such an image may feel out of reach for many of us living with work, family, and daily responsibilities. Meditation does not have to be complicated,
Every person makes mistakes, some small and others more significant. As one told me, “Life is a journey, not a destination. Some paths will be smooth and easy, others a steep challenge. But it is how you manage and prosper from those challenges which will dictate your true direction and character.” My mentor once told
In late 2019, I was honored by our temple’s Executive Director to meet with Rabbi Merle E. Singer and his wife, Myra, of blessed memory, to embark on a rabbinical support role. Within moments, Rabbi and I discovered shared connections despite our generational differences. We spoke about my adoption story and his experiences on the
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