The research findings on mindfulness meditation are far less effervescent than my experience of it. Why is that? — There are two ways to wash the dishes. The first is to wash the dishes in order to have clean dishes and the second is to wash the dishes in order to wash the dishes. — Thich Nhat Hanh Over and over, mindfulness meditation gets damned with faint praise from…

A specific type of meditation can cure this neurosis — I looked at the message on my phone and thought, “Oof. That’s embarrassing.” The email from my colleague, sent an hour earlier, asked, “Are we still meeting?” I had totally forgotten about this meeting. Adrenaline rushed. Self-recrimination played. Groveling apologies were rehearsed. Finally I managed to get a grip on…

Both can be effective, but is one superior? — This article is part of a Wise & Well Special Report: The United States of Depression. I will never forget the moment a couple of years ago when my bupropion kicked in. I was sitting on the sun porch of an Airbnb on a family vacation. I had started taking…

Whether surmounting a mental health challenge or striving to reach new personal goals, the answer might be “both”. — Over a billion dollars is spent each year on personal coaching in the US. While that number is dwarfed by the tens of billions we spend on psychological counseling each year, personal coaching is notable for its lack of regulation. A psychologist must complete specific educational and experience requirements, pass…

Six questions I’d like you to ask if your child is admitted to my hospital. — Her shoulders dropped, she let out a deep breath, and she said, “OK. I am feeling much better now.” I had just told her that her little child, lying in the hospital bed that stood between us, was going to be fine. I mean it was obvious to me and…

Not exactly evergreen, but I’ll take it. — This is a monthly feature in which I document my solopreneur journey from start to … uh … whatever comes after the start. Fail or flop, I hope we can all learn something from my experience. Last month I only published two stories, but still managed to bring in $300. …

What science really says about drinking water before meals to lose weight. — Conventional wisdom, and numerous otherwise reputable websites, state that drinking water before meals will fill you up and help you eat less. And it makes perfect sense. Full stomach equals “not hungry,” and that second serving of lasagna can stay in the pan. There is just one problem. There is…

Have I peaked already? — This is a monthly feature in which I document my solopreneur journey from start to … uh … whatever comes after the start. Fail or flop, I hope we can all learn something from my experience. Well, my first full month in the partnership program went very well, I think…

Heat waves are hard on our brain’s chemistry and our moods. — This article is part of a Wise & Well Special Report: Extreme Heat and Human Health. Despite the sweltering conditions, I needed to put forth an image of enthusiasm. I was the chaperone after all. But I was not sure how I was going to make it to the end…