A Window Into My Story

Over 40 years ago, I walked into a mindfulness workshop led by Jon Kabat-Zinn. That moment marked the beginning of a healing journey that continues to this day. Though I grew up in a loving family, my parents—first-generation Jewish Americans—carried the weight of intergenerational trauma. I was a highly sensitive, anxious child, often lonely and unsure how to soothe myself. My mother and I shared what neurobiology calls an "insecure attachment," which left deep emotional imprints.

I sought refuge in achievement, excelling in school to feel seen and valued. It worked, but at a cost—I learned to use intellect to survive, not to heal. Many years later, my mother tenderly asked me for forgiveness. I gently forgave her. That sacred moment opened the door to healing and reconciliation.

Mindfulness became the medicine I never knew I needed. It helped me rebuild from within and became the foundation of my work as both a teacher and later, as an education field placement director at a local college. In that role, I developed relationship-centered programs and introduced evidence-based mindfulness practices to student teachers, field supervisors, and classroom teachers. I have warm memories of working alongside these dedicated educators.

After retiring, I completed the Jewish Mindfulness Teacher Training at the Institute for Jewish Spirituality. In that sacred circle, I found connection, healing, and belonging. I reconnected with the wisdom of my ancestors and brought that depth into my work with educators, integrating breath, movement, and mindfulness into classrooms— and now into my work as a Post-Traumatic Growth Coach.

I also began studying the science behind trauma and healing—Interpersonal Neurobiology, Polyvagal Theory, and Peter Levine’s somatic practices. I learned that our nervous system holds the keys to transformation. When we feel safe, seen, soothed, and secure, our bodies can shift from survival to growth.

Incorporating short, consistent mindfulness practices helped me regulate my own nervous system. Research supported my experience—brief moments of mindful awareness can strengthen resilience and support both mental and physical well-being.

Ten years ago, a breast cancer diagnosis brought everything into focus. Held by a loving community, I felt deeply safe and grounded. That support allowed early childhood traumatic memories to surface and, over time, to integrate— grief opened to spaciousness, loss to love.

There were wounds from my early attachment experiences. And yet, they also planted the seeds of a quiet, steady resilience—both gentle and softly fierce. That inner strength helped me develop clear boundaries and reclaim my sense of agency.

Now, as I recover my ability to walk, each step is uncertain — but each one is grounded in strength. This is what post-traumatic growth looks like: not only healing, but returning to wholeness with courage, compassion, and clarity.

I invite you to walk this path with me — a journey of healing, reconnection, and coming home to yourself.

“The gift of healing trauma is that the woundedness becomes a gateway to freedom, healing and love.”

— Tara Brach