Over the course of three days, I sat in silence for long stretches, practicing the art of observing my thoughts without engaging them. I noticed how often my mind returned to that familiar belief: I have to achieve to be worthy. It’s a story that’s been with me since childhood, that has shaped my choices, driven my ambitions, and insidiously stolen my peace. [Shayna Kaufmann]
We Are Not Our Stories Read More »
Lifestyles, Shayna Kaufmann, Staff and Bylined Contributors
I originally picked up the book hoping to find a few practical speaking tips to support my growing professional speaking. But what I found instead was something that felt both familiar and profound. With decades of Zen practice behind me, the essence of Glickstein’s message—showing up with presence—felt like coming home. Only this time, applied to the stage. [Shayna Kaufmann, Ph.D.]
Public Speaking Book Offers Helpful Philosophy of Life Read More »
Books, Poetry & Short Stories, Lifestyles, Shayna Kaufmann, Staff and Bylined ContributorsTo be really heard is not just about you speaking your truth to a quiet listener. It also depends on the quality of attention of the listener. [Shayna Kaufmann, Ph.D]
Qualities of a Really Good Listener Read More »
Books, Poetry & Short Stories, Lifestyles, Shayna Kaufmann, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Theatre, Film & BroadcastThen came the “crossing the threshold” ceremony. I was asked to reflect on what I wanted to leave behind in my 50s and what I wanted to welcome into my 60s. The answer came instantly:”enoughness.” I wanted to release the old stories that whispered, “I haven’t done enough,” “I haven’t served enough,” “I haven’t tried hard enough”—all feeding the belief that I am not enough. [Shayna Kaufmann]
Reflections on Turning 60: Being Enough Read More »
Lifestyles, San Diego County, Shayna Kaufmann, Staff and Bylined ContributorsAlthough I had no control over the progression of her disease, I did have a choice regarding how I could respond to it. I could choose to deny her condition, continue with life as usual, and, in doing so, avoid my aching heart, none of which would cure her or serve her. Or, I could tenderly accept this new reality. [Shayna Kaufmann]
How to Find Liberation Through Acceptance Read More »
International, Lifestyles, Science, Medicine, & Education, Shayna Kaufmann, Staff and Bylined ContributorsMenopausal symptoms are far more extensive than hot flashes. There are a host of additional possible physical, cognitive, and emotional ramifications of lower hormone levels that are less known to many women and not addressed by most medical providers. [Shayna Kaufmann]
Menopause Beyond the Hot Flashes Read More »
Lifestyles, Science, Medicine, & Education, Shayna Kaufmann, Staff and Bylined ContributorsMy book-writing journey was not fast, linear, or easy. Its three-year evolution was punctuated with the losses of my father and a brother (two of my favorite people in the world), both of my daughters launching, and many other changes and challenges. [Shayna Kaufmann]
I’m Coming Out … With a Book! Read More »
Books, Poetry & Short Stories, Lifestyles, San Diego County, Shayna Kaufmann, Staff and Bylined ContributorsI was pained even thinking about my mother being confused, uncertain, or dependent. I wanted to believe that her memory lapses were normal for her age, a result of doing too much, or even that I was being overly concerned. But, as her symptoms worsened, the truth became harder to deny. [Shayna Kaufmann, Ph.D]
To Gently Accept the Down Sides of Aging Read More »
Lifestyles, Shayna Kaufmann, Staff and Bylined Contributors“I know it would be good for me to meditate so why is it so hard to get myself to do it?” This is one of the top three questions I am routinely asked by clients and friends. [Shayna Kaufmann, Ph.D]
Why Is It So Hard to Meditate? Read More »
Lifestyles, Shayna Kaufmann, Staff and Bylined ContributorsI was filled with awe and appreciation for the critical yet sticky issues its writers have tackled over the decades, such as domestic violence, sexual harassment, abortion, equal rights, and other women’s issues historically sidelined in mainstream media. Wow! I felt like I was in a sacred space – a sort of ground zero for women’s rights. [Shayna Kaufmann]
Embracing Midlife Sisters Read More »
Lifestyles, Press Release, Shayna Kaufmann, USATo have close girlfriends at any point in our lives is a gift, but there is a quality to our more mature relationships that either did not or could not exist in our young adulthood. They tend to be real, easy, and honest, mirroring our maturation and growth. And, unlike in past decades, our topics of conversation are increasingly about us, and our midlife evolution, as opposed to our kids or careers. [Shayna Kaufmann]
Embracing Midlife Friendships Read More »
Lifestyles, San Diego County, Shayna Kaufmann, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USAWe made a huddle with Angela, wrapped our arms around each other, and sang a melodic healing prayer. At one point, I glanced up at Angela, and saw her intently listening, with an angelic smile on her face. Though she knew (we did not) that her cancer had metastasized, there was not a hint of fear or sorrow on her face. She appeared to be fully taking in every second of her life. When the prayer was over, we stayed in our huddle and silently swayed. None of us wanted to let go. [Shayna Kaufmann]
Embracing Living & Grieving Read More »
International, Lifestyles, San Diego County, Shayna Kaufmann, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Travel and Food, USAWhen we arrived at our rustic treehouse-like Airbnb, close to sunset, it started pouring rain. We had only been there long enough to see a scorpion in an outside bathroom (really!) and the family of bats “hanging” on the outside porch. Within minutes, it began to loudly thunder and lightning, and the power went out. (And stayed out for the next six hours). The storm was so loud that we couldn’t even hear each other speak. So, we sat in the dark, held hands, and watched and listened to nature’s powerful sound and light show. It was awesome! [Shayna Kaufmann]
Mishaps, Snafus and Yet the Trip to Costa Rica was Memorable and Enjoyable Read More »
International, Lifestyles, Shayna Kaufmann, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Travel and FoodTomorrow, March 3rd, I turn 59. It is mostly significant because it is the eve of 60. Now that’s a wow number. Me? 60? But, I’m not there yet. I am grateful for every year around the sun, despite the larger numbers. It is a gift we are not all blessed to receive. And, each year feels increasingly precious as I am equally aware that this gift of aging could be taken from me at any moment. [Shayna Kaufmann]
Embracing Time and 59 Read More »
Lifestyles, Shayna Kaufmann, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Travel and Food