An Invitation to Brave Souls at the Crossroads (by Vanessa Emerson, FDSI) There comes a moment when the external world no longer offers what we seek. The news, the noise, the norms—we see through them. And we feel the quiet tug. The sacred nudge. The invitation to turn inward. That is the beginning of living your inner path. For me, …
The Power in Allowing: Finding Peace in Uncertain Times
(by Vanessa Emerson, FDSI) Lately, I’ve found myself struggling with the idea of “allowing.” As someone who deeply values spiritual alignment and inner peace, I recognize the importance of this concept, yet it has felt especially challenging given the instability and chaos brought about by the new presidential administration and their actions. I’ve allowed the turbulence of the external world …
Are You Suffering from Burnout?
(by Katrina Sanders, RDH, BSDH, M.Ed, RF, FDSI ) In a world of long hours and grueling work, it’s no surprise that many hygienists are experiencing stress and strain. It was a cause for celebration! My sister-in-law had gone into labor, and she was preparing to deliver the much-anticipated first grandchild of the family. The whole family gathered in the …
The Weight of our Multiple Roles: Embracing Duality in Life’s Dance of Belonging
(by Dr. Maggie Augustyn) Ryan Holiday is one of my favorite authors. He introduced me to stoicism, a thought with which I am madly in sync. I listen to his books on Audible, but I also re-read the text of his work. I remember his voice and allow the words to envelop me, to develop me, to shape me, to carry …
Embracing The Meditation Experience: No Matter What Shows Up
(by Vanessa Emerson, FDSI) As you meditate, you’ll encounter a variety of thoughts, sensations, and emotions. These experiences are a natural part of meditation and highlight the process of releasing stress and fostering inner peace. Understanding these common occurrences can deepen your practice and enhance your connection to the present moment. Everyday thoughts: You might notice a stream of thoughts, …
From Chaos to Clarity: The Benefits of Meditation
(by Vanessa Emerson, FDSI) In the whirlwind of the day-to-day – deadlines, generating an income, family commitments, and more – finding time to develop and care for Self can feel elusive. Meditation is a simple, powerful tool to alleviate stress, enhance positive experiences, and cultivate peace through present moment awareness. Extensive research shows that a regular meditation practice offers significant …
The Orchestration of It All
(by Vanessa Emerson, FDSI) As I stepped out of the elevator at 5am, I pulled out my ride-share app and ordered a car to take us to DAL airport for our flight home. I was advised that my ride was 12 minutes out as we walked out the hotel front door. I shared with my husband, Jeff – who had …
The Perils of Perfectionism in Dentistry: Striving for Excellence at the Cost of Care
(by Catherine Murphy, DDS, MSD ) The perfect margin. The perfect fill. The perfect occlusion. Does the strive for perfection correlate to our rising health concerns? Our pursuit of perfection often begins early in dental education. One of the first critical moments I recall is the completion of the first wax setup, a foundational exercise in dental school that demands …
I’ve Arrived! Allowing Yourself to Experience the Feeling of Success
(by Dr. Maggie Augustyn) It can’t be much of a surprise that some of our deepest insights come to us in a state of calm. It’s partly why many of my articles reference ideas being born during moments of reprieve. This particular reflection would be no different. I yearn for nothing more in life than to stroll along the beach …
Sage Wisdom: Meow-ditation for Busy Meetings Professionals
(by Vanessa Emerson, FDSI ) As professionals, our days are jam-packed with tasks and obligations. In this high-pressure environment, it’s easy to be consumed by stress and anxiety. If meditation sounds like a far-fetched idea amidst your jam-packed schedule, fret not. The good news is that you don’t need to be a monk or have acres of free time to …
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