(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 …
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 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 …
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 …