I 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
“We can talk about mindfulness – intentionally paying attention to the present moment – conceptually for days but you have to experience it to really understand its essence,” I explained. [Shayna Kaufmann]
Being Mindful as the Havdalah Candle Flickers Read More »
Jewish Religion, Lifestyles, San Diego County, Shayna Kaufmann, Staff and Bylined ContributorsI’m answering emails and half watching the 2024 Emmy Awards on TV, mostly to see the fancy dresses and gorgeous humans. I gaze up from my laptop as Niecy Nash-Betts accepts her trophy for Outstanding Supporting Actress, proudly raises it to the sky, and yells “I’m a winner, baby!” Now, I am watching with my full attention. I see Niecy give a powerful, emotional acceptance speech, which includes a loud shout-out to an unusually recognized person. [Shayna Kaufmann]
Own Your Accomplishments; Give Yourself Credit Read More »
Lifestyles, Shayna Kaufmann, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Theatre, Film & Broadcast, USASo, what is the New Year’s wisdom from my fig tree? Its seasonal variations remind me that change happens gradually; that nature takes patience and time to produce its fruits – its goals. The tree is not making a resolution to produce a certain number of figs. It cannot. It is unable to control how much water it receives, unforeseen weather patterns, or the quantity and sweetness of the figs it will eventually yield. [Shayna Kaufmann]
New Year’s Wisdom from My Fig Tree Read More »
Lifestyles, Shayna Kaufmann, Staff and Bylined Contributors
Event organizers remarkably balanced an evening of much needed joy and community, while remaining present to and not diminishing the heaviness and heartbreak of the ongoing war in Israel. People swayed with their arms around each other during Havdalah and as we sang Hatikvah, the Israeli National Anthem. [Shayna Kaufmann, Ph.D]
Federation Fundraiser Mixes Sorrow and Joy Read More »
Israel, San Diego County, Shayna KaufmannI almost chickened out doing a bucket list adventure which was right within reach. No, it wasn’t skydiving or bungee jumping (those will never ever be on my list). It was hiking up a river in sometimes waist-high cold water, on uneven rocks and boulders, in a magnificent gorge in Zion National Park (aka, The Narrows). It was on my must do list for years, long before two knee surgeries and the onset of my knee arthritis. This was not a knee friendly hike. Enter Fear 1: Would my knees handle the terrain? [Shayna Kaufmann, Ph.D]
Conquering Fears at Zion National Park Read More »
Lifestyles, Shayna Kaufmann, Travel and Food, USABy Shayna Kaufmann, PhD SAN DIEGO — Four years ago, my now 20-year-old daughter Tara declared (not asked) that she was postponing college to do a gap year in Europe. She intended to work as an au pair in France in order to speak French, expand her horizons and have a culturally immersive experience. I
Embracing Your Heart’s Yearnings…Before It’s Too Late Read More »
Lifestyles, Shayna Kaufmann
My “baby” daughter Maya graduated high school on a recent Friday. Woohoo! On Monday, she flew solo to Europe to visit her sister. Double Woohoo! In two months, she moves to Berkeley to start her next chapter as a University student. Woo…. Wait! What? Moving out? Completely launching? My husband and I becoming actual empty nesters? I’m not sure if I’m ready for this. I mean I knew this day would come but it always seemed so far down the road. And yet, here it is. Around the corner.[Shayna Gothard Kaufmann]
Cutting the ‘Umbilical Cord’: Letting Go Because You Have To Read More »
Lifestyles, San Diego County, Shayna Kaufmann