Mindfulness Doc



Michele is a practicing psychologist who extends to herself & others the 
same level of presence she gives to clients-- exploring the positive changes that are internalized through a daily practice. 

This blog offers resources, reflections, & her work with Salzburg's 28 day mindfulness challenge to realize true "Happiness".

Doc M has enjoyed studying with Dan Siegel, M.D., Chris Germer, Ph.D., Trudy Goodman, Jack Kornfield, & Tara Brach. Sustained silence is her best teacher each August during month-long retreats and hermitage in the wilderness of northern New Mexico. In 2013 Kornfield encouraged her to start a sitting group in her community. In 2019 she was certified by Jack & Tara Brach through UC Berkeley's Greater Good Science Center.  
Day One of 28- Day Challenge. Staying on the Cushion: 7 Minutes, 7 Hours, or 7 weeks? 

In comparison to east coast folks (who may now be starting the second day of their 28-day mindfulness challenge), for me at 11:15 pm in southern California on February 1, 2013, it is still day one of what I refer to as the official "Salzberg Challenge". 

I sat for 7 minutes this morning before leaving for the office. That's right, seven minutes. But, at the office I managed to comfortably sit for eight hours compassionately listening to my clients. My hope in making this 28-day commitment is to extend to myself what I so readily give to others. Compassionate presence to oneself through the simple act of sitting in silence and breathing. I want to be open to exploring where this exercise takes me. 

Guess I have a way to go in staying on the cushion. Yep, day one here, and I got bucked off way too soon. Metta to all who are joining with me in this online experience. And a big thanks to Sharon for her inspiring talk last Sunday in Santa Monica. Sharon, once I walked with you; now, I will sit with you. And, through this blog I'll invite others to join us. 
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Day 8. "If a tree falls in the forest...?"
By Mindfulness Doc's Blog | February 09, 2013 at 06:38 PM EST | No Comments

My mind wandered down memory lane today toward last August when I was in the Hermitage in northern New Mexico. Alone, in nature, no people, no technology, no distraction but the inspiration and ease of the natural world. 


You know that old riddle, koan, "if a tree falls in the forest and no one is there to hear it, will it make a noise?" My direct experience while living in the La Manga old growth forests is "yes". It does make quite a resounding, yet sublime sound. I miss that experience now while battered by sounds of a cityscape. It's like a John Cage performance in the concrete streets of my mind. 

Years ago, I asked TNH, "How do we, in a contemporary urban society integrate a consistent mindfulness practice into our daily lives?" 

So, here we are. 


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