Our inner world of emotions is beautifully complex, having the ability to shape our physiology for better or worse depending on what we do with our emotions. Unfortunately, most of us were not taught emotional regulation techniques or emotional coping skills growing up. When left to our own devices, most of us will either adapt behaviors to distract ourselves from painful emotions, suppress or feelings, or develop very poor ways of expressing them. These defense mechanisms and coping strategies are often learned at a very early age and become ingrained into our subconscious, based on what we witnessed growing up.

We do the best we can with what we know at the time, but sometimes what we assume to be a healthy way of coping is actually detrimental to our physical and emotional well-being. We have to be careful to not confuse "normal" with healthy. It takes courage to confront ourselves, our emotions, and our coping strategies but it is so worth it for the betterment of...

Trauma is an injury to our mind, body, and spirit. It's quite evident that trauma can change the way we process emotions, the state of our mind, and our mental functioning. However, many are not aware of just how much trauma impacts our physiology. When we undergo trauma, it causes changes to the structure of our brain, cellular performance, epigenetic expression, hormone and neurological balance. Most of us associate trauma with extreme tragedies, such as war, abuse, natural disasters, etc. These are indeed quite obviously traumatic. However, there are other forms of trauma often referred to as "little 't' traumas" that have impacted or will impact all of us at some point. These could include traumatic experiences such as being raised in a dysfunctional home, growing up with a parent who struggled with addiction, managing a chronic illness, experiencing loss, etc.

When we undergo trauma, whether the experience was a major or minor traumatic experience, it can manifest in...

At the core of every cell in our bodies lies the mitochondria, a beautifully complex organelle responsible for producing energy in the form of ATP. This crucial cellular process relies on a steady supply of oxygen, as its greatest nutrient to exchange for energy. It is through this process that we are able to carry out every and any biological process.. the beating of our heart, the division of cells for regeneration, DNA replication and revision, digestion, movement, and the list could go on and on. Breath is something that the majority of us do not pay close attention to or know how to take advantage of for our healing. Yet it is a free way to promote energy and vitality!

In addition to its critical role in energy production, oxygen also plays an important role in many other aspects of health and well-being. It is for regulating nitric oxide levels, enhancing blood circulation, and maintaining healthy brain function. When we breathe shallowly, with our chest, we are...

Meditation is a powerful tool for healing and self-awareness. By focusing on the present moment, meditation allows memories and emotions to come to the surface, engaging all of our senses and promoting body awareness. This can help us better understand our triggers and address any underlying issues that may be causing issues in our physical or mental health. It allows us to confront the problems in our mind and body that are impeding our growth toward physical and mental health.

In addition, there is growing evidence that meditation can improve both mental and physical health by reducing stress levels, improving memory and cognitive function, and even affecting gene expression. With regular practice, meditation can truly become a transformative force in our lives, helping us achieve greater self-understanding and well-being. So if you're looking for a way to promote emotional healing and self-awareness in your life, consider incorporating meditation into your daily...