Higher Vibrations in Higher Education

Dr. Viola Lanier is the epitome of a healthy form of busy-- working as a medical liaison, leading a non-profit, and being present with her family. Each of these roles lights her up and lets her know she's using her degree to be of service to others. We dive into the mis-education society has around different terminal degrees and the roles each type of "doctor" plays in your cancer journey. We specifically talk about how a cancer diagnosis and recovery centers on treatment/response rather than other needs beyond medicine. Tune in for other takeaways including: Sometimes we need to say, “It’s been a big day,” instead of “I’m busy” or “ok”Drop expectation or plan and give people some time to connectWhy do we have a job? Trying to fill a needThere’s always a need, but can there be some grace (in your schedule and to yourself)Social media as your water cooler break – it doesn’t take much to acknowledge that something resonatedSociety has misinformed us all; the doctor you see is an MD and the doctor you don’t see is your scientific doctor—both play huge rolesFor me to feel safe I have to have boundaries: establish them share themAs I’m getting older I’m done with unvaluable connection… some things will bring value to you, space, person... but if no one is getting value, that connection isn’t meant to drag out and that’s okWhat’s spiritually nourishing for me? Owning what my new awareness and beliefs are... not being afraid… not betraying myself; not shrinking backAwareness campaigns create activism and advocacy not (necessarily) asking for anything from healthcare providerWe share our wins and losses, knowing that they didn’t select me where I am at the time, we don’t know what else is going on behind the scenes Book recommendations 7 stages of Spiritual SuccessAnatomy of the SpiritMyth of NormalYou Can Heal Your Life   More From Viola: Linked in : https://www.linkedin.com/in/viola-lanier-2016/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr.violalanier/Young Women Crush Cancer Inc.

Lauren Mason is the creator and academic behind the platform Lauren Finds a Way.  Her academic Instragram includes curated content while her youtube channel shows more of the day-to-day PhD student vibes. Her goal is to share nuance behind the beauty of education. Lauren encourages us to embrace all parts of you and reminders to create patterns and habits that help you ground and find stillness within the ebbs and flows of academic life. We also talk about: "From my experience, I had a vision in my mind what is an academic, what is someone with a PhD like. I weighed myself against that and thought, I don’t fit that mold…We don’t all look the same or act the same…that’s one of the benefits of academia right now"Now (through social media) we have access to a huge group of people pursuing a similar pathLoving the emphasis on learning in academiaWe’re arriving at a time where people are becoming more transparent about experiences in academia (we get access daily to so many experiences)Journalism major, decided to switch to psychology … wanted to gain expertise in something and then write about it rather than various topicsAs an undergrad research assistant one of the things that helped me stand out was bringing research to themWhen we have aspects of ourselves that people think “oh people with a PhD don’t have that” when we share it inspires others to take the chance, and not feel shameWhen we compare ourselves to others it robs us of opportunity to shed our own lightThe goal is to try to maintain balance—off balance in PhD journey for sure. One thing she's strict about (and shares openly) is that she doesn’t work on the weekend… Structured time away from work is one of the healthiest things she's done for herself"And I think out of everything, all the lifestyle changes I’ve made to try to help with mental health, I think movement has been the best one, and the most impactful" Lauren challenges herself to be authentic- sometimes we have highs and are acknowledge for our work but sometimes there are lows—along the way, transparent and authentic promotes health in the communityI get to choose how I want to use my time today, how I want to be creative todayToo many things on the plate in one day, not achieving very much at all…grant ourselves the ability to focus on one thing actually increases our productivityMaintain health: sometimes we get out of balance, strategies to get back into it. Have grace with ourselves… let it go when you haven’t achieved or made a mistake"Find myself gasping throughout the whole day, can’t catch my breath, mind is racing"… journals and lists help her find limitsBecoming more conscious (that we’re not taking care of ourselves); small challenges to do it, 5 min break, feels difficult reinforces it’s ok to take up space, change situation that you’re uncomfortable in and make yourself more comfortableLearning to say no during PhD has been a journey; say yes to any opportunity that comes your way… pressure with developing your CV, you should take it and run with it… that isn’t working for me anymoreStart to rethink "I’m doing enough to meet my requirements… saying no has become liberating""Academia has a way of breaking you down… no one is going to build me back up, I have to build myself back up"End of PhD is almost an identity crisis... we don’t even know what we know anymore Identify your skill set instead of parts that are missingRemind yourself what you do, what you’re capable of doing. You have an idea of those things (skills) and you can communicate that with othersFlourishing: Waking up excited for the day is a good sign… feeling calm… feeling connected with those around me and in my community…laughing a lot, and in a lighthearted wayWriting, sharing, connecting, sharing your light with others… More at: https://www.instagram.com/laurenfindsaway/ https://www.youtube.com/@laurenfindsaway

Stacy Hemingway is a yoga teacher, practitioner, and philosopher who deeply engages in the ancient aspects of yoga in a modern (but contemplative!) space: the K-12 classroom. Her goal is to equip young people with yoga for the inquiry of the classroom of life—to learn who we are, stay in the seat of the learner, and grow. Stacy developed a 12-module yoga curriculum that aligns with the Social Emotional Learning objectives that are at the cornerstone of many K-12 curricula as a model for holistic learning. We also dive into: Our own observations, gaps, and experiences can lead us to develop a product that can be usedYoga is so dynamic and complex, it’s our job to glean from and simplify this work200-hour yoga teacher training simply starts an inquiry, a foundation of understandingConscious Classroom Yoga: What is it? It speaks to yoga and mindfulness and meditation and how we practice those in our daily lifeYoga as one of many options to explore what it means to be humanContemplate, try multiple forms, reflect on experience—holistic and well-rounded learning experience—learn by doing; emodimentHow to achieve enlightenment or who to thank for your existence: the message is the same. We are a gift, and we are given the gift of embodiment so we share that in the worldOnce you have enough fuel from rest and nourishment, then we really can focus on intentionally educatingWake up every morning, and ask, “What will you stand for? What will you fall for? What’s your impact?”The only constant is change, but people and systems resistStandardize what we would like to teach while standing up for what we believe in without standing in judgement of othersContemplate: Who am I (personal reality = personality)Simplifying can make things easier for ourselves but also our community partners“I planted the seed and I’m” waiting – if you have an idea, bring it forth!   More at: https://consciousclassroom.yoga/

Dr. Maike Neuhaus is a digital nomad and flourishing coach who aims to help us identify “what am I happy to struggle with” to guide us into a growth mindset. Her research background is in positive psychology and self-leadership. She helps individuals and organizations understand what humans need to flourish to create impacts that excite them in life or at work. She broadens our minds in terms of different opportunities for what to do with a psychology background. Tune in for a number of gems, including, but not limited to: I want to keep it real here for your listeners—I couldn’t find my purpose early on—I’ve been struggling with it the greater part of my life.I leveled up and skilled up—learning about positive psychology and self-leadership—and created my own business...and while it looks nice and flourishing, it didn't feel that way all the time.Research started with the curiosity that there are those who are flourishing those who are languishingPositive psychology as a way to explore what’s happening rather than just pathology of “what’s wrong”I used to be an expert once...admitting that is uncomfortable...but in a PhD you start to understand all the things we don't know. You carry the risk of not being right... (and remember) your intention is to be of service.Languishing, isn’t defined as the opposite of progress; but it has to do with stagnation. Flourishing is fully alive and with purposeWhy is academia great: Forefront of knowledge; explore and expand our knowledge base; pleasure and privilegeHow is it most failing: Academia lost time to just think, converse, and have headspaceDirect quote, “academy crushed my soul”My favorite self-care activity—now habit—is to ask myself, "what do I need right now?" Ask first thing when you wake up: how am I? What do I need right now? Repeat throughout the day. More at: https://www.theflourishingdoc.com/

Dr. Alison Miller is an academic entrepreneur with a PhD in clinical psychology. Over the last 23 years, she has served graduate students by helping them learn to "work in a way that works." We have a heart-centered and candid conversation about the psychologically damaging aspects of the academy that can be changed, one dissertation at a time.  Dr. Miller knew she was allergic to academic culture, so she developed The Dissertation Coach. She saw that students were struggling, people were leaving without degrees, and that they did not have enough institutional support for graduate students-- and she could fill that gap with process-oriented project management, accountability, and heart-centered support. Ultimately, challenging and changing the relationship to academic work. We specifically talk about: - People (including those in the position of power) are under-mentored or mis-mentored - We need co-working spaces to not feel alone on this journey - She wants students to be better able to manage the doubt and desire to leave - How do we work in academia as a human - Teach people to know and learn how to work and do so that works for us as human beings - It’s 2023, it’s time for academic culture to upgrade itself, it’s stuck in a different era - Students are experiencing trauma (loss of parent, miscarriages, major health crises) and the typical response is callousness - There is hope, it can get better - More people in academia waking up; more aware of themselves, that they impact other people—if you are conscientious that people are on the receiving end of the manner in which you mentor - Some people think they've been granted permission to treat students poorly - Institutional betrayal- example learning about empathy in a psychology department but the students aren’t being met with empathy - Writing is a practice, it takes work, it's a skill and craft that we gain over time - We should banish “you should know this" from your vernacular - You are working in a system that is not awake and conscious yet. You’re not rewarded for that. People aren’t hired on their people skills  - Let’s make this system better, thrive to learn while they're here. We’re responsible for making the change where you aren’t brutalized for years getting your degree - Our #1 priority is regulating our own nervous systems. - Om nama nama- bow to something greater than yourself - You don’t need to fix anything, you’re not broken. How am I now? What version of me has shown up here? What am I trying to do? Are they compatible with the work I need to do? Can the answer be grounded in the reality of my unfolding experience More at: https://www.thedissertationcoach.com/team/alison-miller-phd-dissertation-coach-owner-and-founder-of-the-dissertation-coach/

Don't wait until you hear permission to be yourself from someone else. Don't wait for graduation, promotion, rewards, grants, publications or any other external validation of who you are to step into your work, fully you, fully alive. Happy wrap of season 1. Can't wait to see how we flourish.

Fionna Boyle is a professional Mariner and naval officer—and also my cousin. She helped me revamp my entire calendar and perspective of work—in October of 2021. It’s taken over two years to get to a place of balance. We've learned a lot along the way and share some anecdotes here, in this episode. Overall, we discuss the influence of each person—their experiences, their grief, their values, their strategies to let off steam—all influence the workplace culture. Some key takeaways include: Time is our greatest currency: There’s no such thing as multitasking (handle/maneuver), be presentEveryone has different schedules, routines, social norms, expectationsEveryone experiences grief through some form or another I may never have this moment with someone againWe are the teachers but also the students, everywhere we goFEAR: face everything and rise OR face everything and runI know what I know, but we’re going to grow and learn together. Then, we dance with cycles of fear and courage to build confidence and competenceWe do things sometimes because they’re comfortable, familiar, doesn’t mean it’s bestI’ve been rushing to an elbow patch to be taken seriously. Presently, I am 36 and I keep saying I'm "almost 40"... what is that?1 degree shift of our whole culture lab, ship, etc. we can shift our energetics and end up somewhere differentIndustry agnostic: caring about the people who have your backIf you’re parroting someone who isn’t healthy- how does that help us create health in our cultureBeing a valued member of a team is not a natural byproduct—as a leader, you can facilitate togethernessThe pulse of the world is interconnectedKeep singing in the lifeboats. We rise together.Industry or career cycle New, rolling sleeves, gung-ho- learning and receiving modeMiddle management- 8-10 years—commitment, reflection, transition – what am I doing here do I want to staySalty dogs- 10,000 hours master in your craft- time to pass on to othersTraining and dissemination of everything we have learned More from Fionna here: https://www.maritimemomentum.com/ https://www.instagram.com/maritimemomentum/

May these practices help you show up who, what, & how you want to be. Start "A" practiceBe ready to evolve, slowlyDefine or redefine what "it" means to you (it: health, yoga, success)Bonus tip: Create your own rules; embrace intimacy (in to me see) with yourself.

Noelle Whittington, E-RYT500, YACEP, has been a yoga Teacher since 2006, is the author of Morning and Evening Affirmation Journal, creator of Soul Alchemy Course, and has been a Yoga Teacher Trainer and mentor for Yoga studios since 2012. She wrote, produced, and performed the Mother Ocean theme song for HVHE. We do a deep dive into the layers and aspects of yoga that have helped us reach our current selves, including the gem that "to flourish [is] to take a breather from the human experience and lean into the cosmic." Stick around for the live performance at the end.  Some of the key takeaways include: If you’re being your true, authentic self, you’ll (potentially learn) that you’re not for everyoneEveryone is trying to be connected and respected, choose where you want to be.When you grow, you can’t take everyone with youYou might find yourself on the other side of heartbreakMindfulness practices the earlier the better—integrating yoga principles in education!—and also, better late than neverYoga can be all the things—playful asana and quietude to find yourself.We all experience trauma, and some of us have the circumstance to process this, including the Homes of Hope Orphans who, who reach out for touch, connection, and love—a partial inspiration for the “ocean refuses no river”Love and acceptance through small gesturesSome connections with people are not positive, but they are importantIf we want to get free, no one can be left behindDon’t rely on social media for reality—“We are human, and we are divine.”Learn the differences between discernment and discipline, and watch your practice growTending to the needs of your body are challengingWhat is fulfilling and unfulfilling? Non-judgement for your day, practices, or the past-- just move forward in the present momentSound and music helps embody rhythm, mantra is a way to quell anxietyMantra is a practice tool; manas (linear thoughts of the mind) tra (to cross over, or bridge)Inhale: please; Exhale: thank youCongruence and harmony versus "balance"Om Mani Padme Hum: We are always That radiant jewel of infinite compassionThe practice is forgetting and remembering More at: http://narayanishakti.com/

Physically, mentally, and socially creating compassion for self and others. An introduction to the heart chakra associate with the color green and the element of air... And the practices of compassion for self and others. We can use the metta (Pali word for benevolence, friendliness, affection, or kindness) meditation to radiate love for self, loved ones, people we don't know, and people who challenge us.* - A reason to physically open our hearts, shoulders, and chest - Guided breathwork and visualization - Metta meditation in four parts - Mantra for the days and years to come Enjoy! *This is for educational purposes only. Please select the level of challenge that suits you, today. These practices are for acute issues. Please seek additional mental and/ or physical health expertise if any of these practices seem to be superficial or disregard a deeper wound, injury, illness, or need.

Borsika Rabin, PhD, MPH, PharmD* is a leader in the field of Dissemination and Implementation Science. When asked to explain the science, she shares that we are focused on “why certain solutions get used or not used in practice.” We talk about solutions to building connection, acceptance, and a culture of health—within academia, across sectors, and in our own conversations and hearts.  Highlights include: Dissemination and Implementation Science is so challenging because we’re talking about a whole system of people doing something differently, together Culture exists within an organization, country, or part of a country. There is power in the culture. How can we leverage that for good? System change relies on shared culture, meaning, and priorities of groups. Any kind of behavior change means a cultural shift. Lab is all over the US and beyond—not a full integrate, physical space. Lab- "isn’t a physical space, it’s who I work with" Stop micromanaging, delegate. Let it go. International student interested in studying in US: if there’s a local opportunity (workshop, training, conference). Key: Tailor your email for potential mentor A yes to something is a no to something else. Heart is so big, time is so limited. If you had one more hour a day, what would you do with it? Borsika says walking! Find the beauty in imperfection, we don’t have to be constantly improving ourselves. Can we have more moments where we’re just ourselves? System of flow state can be a serotonin rich experience "I have to say no to things I’d love to do, my heart is so big but time is so limited" Dissemination and Implementation Science is topic agnostic, just enjoy the projects and people along the way Beautiful to feel competent and learner—great way to spend the day    *Dr. Rabin’s primary positions include: Associate Professor Herbert Wertheim School of Public Health and Human Longevity Science, Co-Director, Dissemination and Implementation Science Center, UC San Diego and Co-Director, ACCORDS Dissemination and Implementation Science Graduate Certificate Program. More about Dr. Rabin’s work here: https://dissemination-implementation.org/

Sarah Wang is a dual MD-PhD student at the University of Virginia. She is also a patient advocate for the Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI), where we met. I was instantly impressed by her thoughtfulness and contributions to the advisory board on which we serve: Clinical Effectiveness and Decision Science (CEDS). In this episode, Sarah shares about a loved one's cancer diagnosis and the impact it has had on her life and career trajectory. For all of us, she outlines some strategies for braving your academic or medical journey; which may also apply to a healthcare journey (as a patient or caregiver). One of my favorite aspects was her reflections related to the fact that life is an emotional roller coaster; a mindfulness practice allows you to embrace "the transient nature of emotions." Other takeaways include: Using experiments as anchor points for your schedulePractice to speak up-- you belong. Your opinion matters...even when you feel a lump in your throatHer passion is at the intersectionality of healthcare: Triangle of provider, caregiver, researcherCommunity support is imperative when something tragic is going onBased on some of her experiences, she knows her mantra for providing quality care will be akin to: "If I can't cure your cancer, I want to be a support member for you."Sharing about your needs for support in your research team can help you a) get resources that are needed and b) give yourself time and space to balance everything that is happening in your lifeIn your training, seek elective courses, like UVA's “The heart of medicine” that shares about wellness, intentionality. *If your program doesn't have one, perhaps seek online resources. Learning how to put your own oxygen mask on first is imperative. There's a general void in knowing the truth of "what we are getting into." Think critically, find mentors, share what this job (biology, medicine) is going to look likeFlourishing is living your life fully- the way you want to... It's a chosen path with opportunities to find the beauty in the pain..."stars can't shine without darkness."Sarah shares the impact of art of life lessons from others before us. Specifically, a quote from Raymond Carver's Late Fragment: "And did you get what you wanted from life, even so?” A reminder that if your environment isn't helping you function, seek options (e.g., switching labs, programs, or universities)Great people are doing great things-- the purpose of academics is to teach you the rigor of science. The politics of science are overwhelming, but remember your "why" can help you stay the course.Being brave or having courage is willingness to be yourself - show the world who you are. "Give them your pure thoughts and not be afraid to share that." More about Sarah Wang as well as the Patient Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI) in general: PCORI: https://www.pcori.org/ Sarah Wang: https://med.virginia.edu/bims/congratulations-to-sarah-wang-recipient-of-an-nih-f30-ruth-l-kirschstein-national-research-service-award/

Ever have a "got a sec" turn in to 10 min diatribe or a 60-min zoom call running 6 over- back-to-back-to-back so there's no transition time? (Shout out to Dr. Alyssa Gatto in "Trip, fall, and leap into your next step, and let the transition time be gentle" (episode 4).   A reminder to use your throat chakra to get on the same page with your colleagues. Only have 50 min? Tell them. And maybe more than once. Calendar invite says 50 minutes, start the meeting with an agenda and end time reminder, and conclude with "our final 5 minutes let's discuss..."   Too simple? I hear you. But, in my experience it's simple but not easy. We don't want to offend. However, clarity begets more clarity and... ultimately, cohesion.   So, let's stop stealing time from ourselves or colleagues and - Make shorter meetings - Take meetings to email where we can - Practice that it's ok to hold your time limits. You are worthy, you always have been.

Freelance journalist, Meredith Lindemon, reached out to me for my first Virginia Living feature about the Blue Zones—places where the highest proportion of people 100+ years of age live—the article is taking off and bringing new opportunities with numerous organizations. I thought you might want to hear some tips for this dissemination option, too. Know yourself: Are you funny? Be funny! If you’re not funny, don’t be.... But definitely don’t talk like you’re giving a lectureKnow who you’re talking to: What you’re doing is a dinner party conversation with their whole audience, but talk directly to the journalistAnswer the question: Avoid jargon, skip the sound bite, don’t think “how can I give a great quote”Do your homework: What do they write? How do they address subject matter?Important conversion rate ~20-30% do what they read!Speak conversationally and the quote will emergeHow do you know yourself?Grow where you’re planted- know your purpose- you can do this wherever you end up because you have it within you alreadyFinancial stability: Need to be able to do the work, but you also need to be able to be a human beingImagine your box of existence: Horizontal line = baseline (things need to be above this) and another horizontal line on top = limits (nothing above this) Boundaries within which you can exist: "I have to find another solution to this"How do you explore your baseline needs? Many of us are experiencing this through breakdownsSeek workshops, have fun, share your passions! More at:  https://meredithlindemon.com/

Pull up a chair to join future Dr. Emma Kange and I as we talk about medical school, yoga, and balancing life. My favorite line is, "Doing your best doesn’t mean doing the most." Grad and med school (or work) are demanding, but give yourself permission to take time away—perhaps on the mat, handling errands, or eating a nourishing mealFamily and trusted others can help guide us on our pathsBe open and relaxed in rotations for medical schoolParking lot prayers: Some call it spell, prayer, manifestation, quantum physics, whichever you identify with—can you take some moments to still and visualize yourself “take me to the white coat”Prayer of “thank you” gratitude- thankful for the opportunity to be stressed doing things I love.  Chakra system for medical school: quiet the idea that you don’t belong (root); feel into your calling—create opportunities for yourself (sacral); I am willing do to the work (solar plexus); I speak my trust (throat); keep my heart open to possibilities (heart); see myself stepping into my goal/role (third-eye); surrender the outcome (crown)I’m on my way somewhere, I don’t know where, but I’m on my wayAs a yoga teacher- I recognize you’re on your journey- I might give you a template, but I am not controlling your experience.A yoga studio is not a place to do asana sessions, it’s a place to build community, safety, finding oneselfTeaching yoga is not an orchestrated act. Neither is teaching in academiaNothing lasts forever- the fulfilling or unfulfillingPriority list- life, joy, job- with 4 things per category Love everyone for who they are—instead of “people aren’t meeting me in this way” instead look at what they are there for you forWhat might change medicine: Increasing the importance of patient-centered care and wondering what is going on with the patient.

An introduction to the solar plexus: Associated with fire, the color yellow, self-discipline, and core work. A time to recommit to work life balance. - Niyama: Tapas, fire, discipline, commitment - A perfect time to re-investigate yearly intentions, resolutions, etc. - To resolve means to do something steadfastly. Can you rest steadfastly as well? Take breaks? Create boundaries? - I share an excerpt from my book about the gut-punch that is my own mental chatter about how stressed I am or am not "allowed" to be - Mantra: I can do hard things - Cued through a plank meditation

Dr. Ahlishia Shipley embodies her roles within Family and Consumer Sciences and the National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) when she posits that, to invest in a healthier society, we start with families: “Families are (one of) the most important piece to society. That’s where people are built.” Yes. Yes, indeed. More about the people, policies, and programs within this episode. Key takeaways are that: Relationships are the key to Extension work.Need help maintaining relationships: A tool can be to say “I’m sorry how can I fix it?”Remember: One kind interaction might lead to something decades down the roadOverall goal summarized: Wide and lasting impact on health and communitiesEducation as an equalizerHow to flourish at work: Engage in worthy endeavors“Alignment of our hands to our flourishing spirit”Some things need to be done yesterday, but taking care of our own health remains a priority. Dr. Ahlishia Shipley is a National Program Leader (NPL) for Family and Community Health in the Division of Family and Consumer Sciences within the Institute of Youth, Family, and Community. She provides leadership for the Rural Health and Safety Education Program, the Extension COVID Immunization Training and Education (EXCITE) Program, and supports initiatives focused on health equity and well-being across the research, education, and extension mission areas. Dr. Shipley joins NIFA from the National Institutes of Health, Center for Scientific Review where she was the Scientific Review Officer for the chartered study section, Lifestyle Change and Behavioral Health providing leadership for the peer review process for extramural research applications focused on chronic disease prevention and health promotion. She previously served as an NPL for Families and Health at NIFA.

Babe- if you need a permission slip to rest, let this be it. You are allowed to take time away from work. True time away from work. Nobody at the end of life said they wish they worked harder. Overworking before you leave work isn’t taking restThe fact that you have a lot to do when you return is called job securityAsteya (yama- ethical principles) of non-stealing ... from yourself and your familtyScarcity and fear let us think we can be replaced: Can we change the narrative to know that we are a valued member of the community?What would you do with an extra hour a day… an extra breath?It’s not about time management, it’s energy managementYou are a worthy member of the community you serve.  How will you embrace the weekend, the evening, vacation, sabbatical?Microbreaks, detaching from email on phone, environmental cues to help you with your intentionSmile and know that behavior change is hard.

Dr. David Buys is an associate professor of Food Science, Nutrition and Health Promotion and state specialist for Mississippi State University. His expertise spans farmer stress and health to opioid misuse and participatory research. I left with so many take-aways but two in particular: There’s opportunity to “open our minds and our hearts” and, no matter where you are on your life or career journey, “we haven’t arrived yet… we’re still on the journey.” This helps me think through, ok, it’s no longer, “Now what? It’s, now anything!”   As we try to define a Cooperative Extension Health Specialist, he describes his job as an Extension specialist like a healthcare provider generalist or primary care provider: “I take what walks in the door.” Extension has to continue to be responsive and robust.Consider expertise: Different titles for different states but agents/ county-based educators are the experts. Specialists—slow down from wanting to “bring” curriculum-- invest in people. Nurture relationships, communicate the relationship process in your tenure and annual reviews—Some Extension work doesn’t fit nice and neat into a table – storytelling as a way to communicate “impacts”We struggle with the emotional energy of “the job” and how to turn off and turn to familyThere are many right paths to get you to the job, there aren’t a lot of “wrong” paths. Take your major and your time. Show up whole at work: Bring our perspectives, and leave anxiety at the doorReminder: We love what we doThe system is the people.More people want expansion, connection, diversity, inclusion, love, than the louder voices that say, “be scared of how you and what you think” and “restrict yourself." We start this change one lab or team at a time. Follow Dr. Buys on twitter @DrBuys

The sacral chakra is associated with creativity, birthing ideas, sensuality, connection. Some of these terms can seem "not for me". Suggestions for rethinking the narrative- we're all creative beings. Create but let go of outcome—even if your lecture flops, ok. If your grant doesn’t get funded. Ok. You are still ok. I share a bit about my infertility journey as it relates to vibrational energy, reflection, and compassion for self and others.Jump to minute marker 9:55 if you want to get straight to the practice.