How did I know? And perhaps most importantly, how could I access that kind of knowing more often? Ambivalence, not certainty, is my default setting. So, this kind of knowing felt unusual and amazing. [Shayna Kaufmann]
A moment of clarity came to me while walking in a labyrinth Read More »
Lifestyles, San Diego County, Science, Medicine, & Education, Shayna Kaufmann, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USA
Is it wrong to feel good during hard times, especially when others are suffering?
My answer, arrived at through grief and illness and many years of sitting quietly with this question, is an unequivocal no. [Shayna Kaufmann]
Joy during difficult times: Disrespectful or medicinal? Read More »
Lifestyles, Opinion, Shayna Kaufmann, Staff and Bylined ContributorsBut about a month later, my (former) oncologist sat across from us and told me, very matter-of-factly, that my prognosis was “about a year.” Google is one thing but hearing this from someone who was looking at my scans and labs was another. I remember watching my husband’s entire body slump and his mouth slightly open in disbelief, as if words eluded him. [Shayna Kaufmann]
The birthday I wasn’t sure I’d have: What hope taught me Read More »
Science, Medicine, & Education, Shayna Kaufmann, Staff and Bylined ContributorsMy cancer journey is far from over (I am “in the middle,” with a big surgery this coming Wednesday, and have no idea what will happen after.) Nevertheless, where I am at this moment is borderline miraculous. [Shayna Kaufmann]
Alive in the middle Read More »
Opinion, San Diego County, Science, Medicine, & Education, Shayna Kaufmann, Staff and Bylined Contributors, TechnologyFor most of my life, if you had asked me to describe myself, I would have said I was a glass-half-empty kind of gal. That story took shape early (of course it did). Like many of us, I had a fun adolescence on the outside and a restless inner world on the inside. I sensed there was more to life than partying, jogging, and getting good grades, but I didn’t know what I was searching for or how to find it. Frankly, I was confused and lonely. [Shayna Kaufmann]
The story my mind forgot to update Read More »
Opinion, Science, Medicine, & Education, Shayna Kaufmann, Staff and Bylined ContributorsI love that the Chanukah candles will be at their fullest luminosity on the darkest day of the year. It feels auspicious…like a cosmic reminder that illumination is born from darkness. [Shayna Kaufmann, Ph.D]
The Longest Night Meets the Brightest Chanukiah Read More »
Jewish Religion, Lifestyles, Shayna Kaufmann, Staff and Bylined ContributorsEach week (or each day if you feel called), think of someone who has impacted your life, in big or small ways. Start with those closest to you. Even when people “know” we appreciate them, it is still deeply nourishing to hear it spoken aloud. [Shayna Kaufmann]
Tell People How Much You Appreciate Them, Before It’s Too Late Read More »
Lifestyles, San Diego County, Shayna Kaufmann, Staff and Bylined ContributorsFear is a natural response to anything that threatens our safety or sense of security. And it doesn’t have to be as extreme as a life-threatening diagnosis. Fear can arise when we face financial hardships, lose or change jobs, end or deepen a relationship, or let our children follow their own paths rather than ours. In those moments, we can almost feel our illusions of control disintegrate as we step into unchartered territory. [Shayna Kaufmann]
Letting Faith Walk Beside Fear Read More »
Lifestyles, Science, Medicine, & Education, Shayna Kaufmann, Staff and Bylined ContributorsSo here I am, a year later—not shining on television but sitting in a chair receiving my third chemo infusion. And you know what’s helping me walk through this most unwanted, awful, terrifying chapter? Embracing it. [Shayna Kaufmann]
Embracing My Cancer Healing Read More »
Lifestyles, Science, Medicine, & Education, Shayna Kaufmann, Staff and Bylined ContributorsThis isn’t about politics or parades. It’s about personal liberation; the freedom to be fully, unapologetically your most authentic self. [Shayna Kaufmann]
Time for a Declaration of Inner Independence Read More »
Lifestyles, Shayna Kaufmann, Staff and Bylined ContributorsOver 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 Contributors