The Art of Now

Awe

The Psychological Power of an Eclipse

Susan M. Pollak MTS, Ed.D., on April 1, 2024

Is the upcoming eclipse a way for humans to come together and experience greater kindness?

Dreaming

What We Can Learn From a Newborn

Susan M. Pollak MTS, Ed.D., on February 10, 2024

Musings on babies, dreaming, meditating to slow down.

Happiness

What Is It That Makes Us Happy?

Susan M. Pollak MTS, Ed.D., on November 7, 2023

What can an ongoing 80-year research study tell us about happiness? The results may change your life.

Attention

To See Takes Time

Susan M. Pollak MTS, Ed.D., on August 18, 2023

Not only was Georgia O'Keeffe a great artist, but her work can also help you increase happiness in your life and your relationships. Here is a quick meditation.

Meditation

Can the Tools of Zen Meditation Help Us Heal?

Susan M. Pollak MTS, Ed.D., on May 12, 2023

Inspired by the writing of Mark Epstein, I introduced a classic Zen koan with an elderly patient who was in chronic pain. Here's what happened.

Relationships

A Powerful Way to Enhance a Romantic Relationship

Susan M. Pollak MTS, Ed.D., on February 12, 2023

Try these ideas for finding your relationship happiness.

Friends

The Idea of the Beloved Community

Susan M. Pollak MTS, Ed.D., on January 13, 2023

Can a philosophical idea give us a new understanding of the contribution of Martin Luther King Jr. and zen Buddhist monk Thich Nhat Hanh?

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

3 Ways to Help Manage Seasonal Affective Disorder

Susan M. Pollak MTS, Ed.D., on October 13, 2022

How can we help our patients manage seasonal affective disorder? These brief interventions may make a significant difference.

Burnout

Self-Compassion for Teachers

Susan M. Pollak MTS, Ed.D., on June 18, 2022

School is out, but our teachers and children are still experiencing the impact of Covid. What can help?

Depression

Helping Teens in Difficult Times

Susan M. Pollak MTS, Ed.D., on April 11, 2022

Is your teen depressed and anxious? These practices of self-compassion can help.

Mindfulness

Using Mindfulness and Compassion for Long COVID

Susan M. Pollak MTS, Ed.D., on February 26, 2022

Long Covid affects a wide range of patients, from teenagers to the elderly.

Meditation

How Meditation Can Increase Good Judgment

Susan M. Pollak MTS, Ed.D., on February 19, 2022

A Personal Perspective: How to better follow our compass and trust our judgment.

Meditation

The Only Thing Certain Is Uncertainty

Susan M. Pollak MTS, Ed.D., on November 29, 2021

Are you fed up and exhausted by life's constant uncertainty?

Resilience

The Power of Naming Your Experience During the Pandemic

Susan M. Pollak MTS, Ed.D., on August 21, 2021

Feeling like COVID-19 is endless? A few techniques can help build resilience.

Coronavirus Disease 2019

Returning to Life after COVID-19: The Power of Appreciation

Susan M. Pollak MTS, Ed.D., on May 23, 2021

When we acknowledge ourselves, we acknowledge and honor those who helped us grow and develop.

Mindfulness

Mindfulness for Shoveling Snow

Susan M. Pollak MTS, Ed.D., on February 21, 2021

Can mindfulness help with the storms of life?

Resilience

Have You Felt Like a Failure During the Pandemic?

Susan M. Pollak MTS, Ed.D., on February 6, 2021

Are you worn down by the pandemic? This practice will help.

Mindfulness

Are We There Yet?

Susan M. Pollak MTS, Ed.D., on November 7, 2020

Can we develop patience? The marshmallow experiment can help.

Resilience

Parent-Friendly Practices to Develop Resilience

Susan M. Pollak MTS, Ed.D., on October 30, 2020

Is your family feeling asynchronous as well?

Mindfulness

"This Pandemic Feels Endless"

Susan M. Pollak MTS, Ed.D., on July 25, 2020

Can self-compassion help us get traction in the pandemic?