Generated by All in One SEO v5.0.0.1, this is an llms.txt file, used by LLMs to index the site. # Embrace the Middle ## Sitemaps - [XML Sitemap](https://www.embracethemiddle.com/sitemap.xml): Contains all public & indexable URLs for this website. ## Posts - [The Story My Mind Forgot to Update](https://www.embracethemiddle.com/the-story-my-mind-forgot-to-update/) - [Alive in the Middle](https://www.embracethemiddle.com/alive-in-the-middle/) - [Joy During Difficult Times: Disrespectful or Medicinal?](https://www.embracethemiddle.com/joy-during-difficult-times-disrespectful-or-medicinal/) - [The Birthday I Wasn't Sure I'd Have: What Hope Taught Me](https://www.embracethemiddle.com/the-birthday-i-wasnt-sure-id-have-what-hope-taught-me/) - [The Silver Lining I Didn't See Coming](https://www.embracethemiddle.com/the-silver-lining-i-didnt-see-coming/) - [One Year Later: Embracing What I Never Wanted](https://www.embracethemiddle.com/one-year-later-embracing-what-i-never-wanted/) - [Embracing Healing of Serious Illness](https://www.embracethemiddle.com/embracing-healing-of-serious-illness/) - [From Fear to Faith: Lessons from Madeira Island](https://www.embracethemiddle.com/from-fear-to-faith-lessons-from-madeira-island/) - Most fear (or to be precise, anxiety) doesn’t come from what’s happening. It comes from what might happen, the what-ifs. Sometimes our own minds conjure stories - [We Are Not Our Stories](https://www.embracethemiddle.com/we-are-not-our-stories/) - The other night, I found myself scanning my bookshelf when Byron Katie’s Who Would You Be Without Your Story? practically leapt into my hands. Not surprising. - [What Do You Want to "Be" in 2018?](https://www.embracethemiddle.com/what-do-you-want-to-be-in-2018-2/) - New Years’ resolutions are mostly about doing more (i.e., exercising, healthful eating, meditating) or less (smoking, working, gossiping) of a behavior. - [Middle Age: The Autumn of Life](https://www.embracethemiddle.com/middle-age-the-autumn-of-life/) - I love Autumn! I love the changing colors of the leaves, the drop in temperature and the softening of the light. I also love that it’s when we get to harvest. - [Forgiveness: When is the Right Time?](https://www.embracethemiddle.com/forgiveness/) - The act of forgiveness is tricky, regardless of whether you’re asking to be forgiven or forgiving another. Just the thought of it brings up a myriad of emotions - [MentalPause - What Is It?](https://www.embracethemiddle.com/what-is-mentalpause/) - In August 2016, I was participating in my approximate 30th Zen meditation retreat. On the most basic level, the “simple” (i.e., incredibly challenging) - [Embracing My Funk!](https://www.embracethemiddle.com/embracing-my-funk/) - For the last several weeks, I’ve been in a funk. I’m facing a number of transitions and challenges in my life, not all desired and many out of my control. - [Got Weight Crazy?](https://www.embracethemiddle.com/got-weight-crazy/) - I know exactly when my weight crazy began - it was the summer between 6th and 7th grade. I was 12 and my dad, who had quit smoking, decided to take up jogging. - [Courage is Contagious](https://www.embracethemiddle.com/courage-is-contagious/) - Personal Growth is not for sissies. Otherwise, there’d be more people on therapy couches instead of in bars, doing retreats rather than staring at screens. - [Embracing Your New Years’ Resolutions (beyond 24 days…)](https://www.embracethemiddle.com/embracing-your-new-years-resolutions-beyond-24-days/) - One month from today marks the beginning of the infamous New Years’ resolutions – a day of the calendar when we commit to start anew with positive behaviors. - [What Do You Want to Be In 2018?](https://www.embracethemiddle.com/what-do-you-want-to-be-in-2018/) - What Do You Want To “Be” in 2018? New Years’ resolutions are mostly about doing more (i.e., exercise, family time, meditating) or less (smoking, poor eating, gossiping). - [Embracing My MRI Results](https://www.embracethemiddle.com/embracing-my-mri-results/) - Embracing My MRI Results! On a glorious San Diego day last Sept, I started my running app and took my first few jogging steps, just as I have thousands of times - [Embracing My Mom's Passing](https://www.embracethemiddle.com/embracing-my-moms-passing/) - Embracing My Mom's Passing. My mom passed away three weeks ago at the age of 83. Though she had been in declining health, she was still very active. - [On Forgiveness](https://www.embracethemiddle.com/on-forgiveness/) - Yom Kippur, the Jewish Day of Atonement, begins this evening. It culminates 10 days of soul searching during which time we’re instructed to ask forgiveness. - [Mindfulness and a Sucky Week](https://www.embracethemiddle.com/mindfulness-and-a-sucky-week/) - Last week sucked. And I know I am not alone in my experience. The Kavanaugh hearing had an upsetting ripple effect on most everyone I know. - [Embracing Authentic Connections](https://www.embracethemiddle.com/embracing-authentic-connections/) - Embracing Authentic Connections. I always begin my events by asking the participants to share why they chose to attend, and the answers always vary... - [Embracing Changing Seasons](https://www.embracethemiddle.com/embracing-changing-seasons/) - Embracing the Changing Seasons. I have an amazing fig tree in my backyard. It’s the first thing I notice when I open my curtains every morning - [Embracing the GAP](https://www.embracethemiddle.com/embracing-the-gap/) - Embracing the GAP. Last week was rich with Embracing the Middle opportunities. First Maya, my younger daughter, earned her driver’s license. - [Embracing Spring's Bounty](https://www.embracethemiddle.com/embracing-springs-bounty/) - Hibernating flowers bulbs and seeds that were unseen over the winter, begin to bloom treating us to their myriad of colors and shapes. Even the freeway edges... - [Embracing Action and Stillness in the Wake of Tragedy](https://www.embracethemiddle.com/embracing-action-and-stillness-in-the-wake-of-tragedy/) - Embracing Action and Stillness in the Wake of Tragedy. As I write this, it has been 12 days since the tragic attack at San Diego’s, Chabad Poway Synagogue. - [Embracing the Muddle....... I Mean the Middle](https://www.embracethemiddle.com/embracing-the-muddle-i-mean-the-middle/) - The last few weeks, I mean months, Ok, much of last year was tough. Really, really tough. For sure, my mom’s passing was the hardest part. - [Embracing the Emptying Nest](https://www.embracethemiddle.com/embracing-the-emptying-nest/) - In ten hours, I will be meeting a group of moms at the base of Cowles Mtn for our annual first day of school, Moms and Mimosas, hike. It’s a treasured tradition - [Embracing Others in the Image of G-d](https://www.embracethemiddle.com/embracing-others-in-the-image-of-g-d/) - You may recognize this line, “To Love Another Person is to See the Face of God.” as the dying words of Jean Valijean, the hero in the play Le Miserables. - [Embracing Space: Releasing the Old to Make Room for the New](https://www.embracethemiddle.com/embracing-space-releasing-the-old-to-make-room-for-the-new/) - In virtually every blog I write, I advocate for pausing: a chance to catch your breath, get some distance, and re-calibrate. A pause can be short... - [The Power of Compassion](https://www.embracethemiddle.com/the-power-of-compassion/) - A few weeks ago, my cousin lost a 2.5 year battle with leukemia. She fought with determination and grace, never complained, and stayed positive and selfless. - [Wanting vs Wanting to Want](https://www.embracethemiddle.com/wanting-vs-wanting-to-want/) - Last night I was in a particularly indecisive mood. I couldn’t decide which topic to write about, what to cook for dinner and whether or not to go a function. - [Embracing Gratitude, Compassion, Presence (And Nature!)](https://www.embracethemiddle.com/embracing-gratitude-compassion-presence-and-nature/) - Like most of you, I’m discombobulated and worried. We are living in unprecedented times and conditions. None of us are exempt. For some of us, the concerns are - [Embracing Covid Cravings](https://www.embracethemiddle.com/embracing-covid-cravings/) - Here is a recap of last Thursday morning. My husband and I were in our bedroom getting dressed for a walk. Our bedroom now also doubles as the gym so that Nola - [Widening Our Emotional Container](https://www.embracethemiddle.com/widening-our-emotional-container/) - I began writing this blog while my 89-year-father was in the ICU. He was diagnosed with metastatic cancer and weeks later his health began to rapidly decline. - [The Power & Beauty of Mourning](https://www.embracethemiddle.com/the-power-beauty-of-mourning/) - Earlier this month, my 89-year father passed away. He lived a long extraordinary life and death. I am forever grateful for his journey and for our relationship. - [Survey 1 Data, Part 1](https://www.embracethemiddle.com/survey-1-data-part-1/) - art 1: Survey Says: We’re NOT So Vain! Midlife…. ahhhhh… such a rich, multifaceted time. Peaks of ease and depths of challenges. - [Survey Data Part 2: The Sandwich Generation Concerns are Real](https://www.embracethemiddle.com/survey-data-part-2-the-sandwich-generation-concerns-are-real/) - Survey Says: The Sandwich Generation Concerns are Real! Last week, I wrote about some factors that were NOT rated highest on our radar of concerns. - [Final Survey Results: Covid Inspires Midlife Existential Query](https://www.embracethemiddle.com/final-survey-results-covid-inspires-midlife-existential-query/) - Before last March, most of us were not very concerned with questions in the realm of Who am I? What’s my purpose? What’s my life all about? - [Embracing Personal Responsibility](https://www.embracethemiddle.com/embracing-personal-responsibility/) - One of my most empowering Covid-induced shifts has been taking greater ownership of my life experience. One day, the world was providing unlimited opportunities - [To Be of Genuine Significance to Another Person](https://www.embracethemiddle.com/to-be-of-genuine-significance-to-another-persons/) - One of my father’s most precious, lasting gifts was his beautiful maxim on living a meaningful life. His motto on meaningful living was “To be of genuine... - [The Healing Power of Being Heard](https://www.embracethemiddle.com/the-healing-power-of-being-heard/) - [Lessons from Eddie](https://www.embracethemiddle.com/lessons-from-eddie/) - Lessons from Eddie. Timeless Wisdom from a Life Cut Too Short. Eddie, my awesome brother and very close friend, passed away ten days ago. - [The Magic of “And” Remembering the Vastness of 2020](https://www.embracethemiddle.com/the-magic-of-and-remembering-the-vastness-of-2020/) - The Magic of “And” Remembering the Vastness of 2020. I recently reached out to my Zen teacher Diane. I was frustrated yet again, grappling with a very old issue - [Making Room for the Broken Heart : Creating Time and Space to Heal](https://www.embracethemiddle.com/making-room-for-the-broken-heart/) - Last Spring when my dad was in seemingly full health for an 89 yr old I wrote an article for L’Chaim Magazine entitled Shiva: A Profoundly Mindful Judaic Ritual - [Making Room for the Broken Heart, Part 2: My Five Day Spiritual Journey](https://www.embracethemiddle.com/making-room-for-the-broken-heart-part-2-my-five-day-spiritual-journey/) - Making Room for the Broken Heart, Part 2: My Five-Day Spiritual Journey. In my previous blog, I wrote about the value of creating time and space to heal. - [Cutting the "Umbilical Cord"  Letting Go Because You Have To ](https://www.embracethemiddle.com/cutting-the-umbilical-cord-letting-go-because-you-have-to/) - My “baby” daughter Maya graduated high school last Friday. Woohoo! On Monday, she flew solo to Europe to visit her sister. Double Woohoo! In 2 months she moves - [A Note About our Ladies Meditation Group: Just a few reasons why we love it :)](https://www.embracethemiddle.com/a-note-about-our-ladies-meditation-group/) - Last January, I experimented with leading a weekly ladies-only meditation group. I was inspired to give it a try because so many women shared a desire to try... - [Embracing Your Heart's Yearnings.... Before it's too late](https://www.embracethemiddle.com/embracing-your-hearts-yearnings-before-its-too-late/) - Embracing Your Heart's Yearnings Before it's too late. 4 years ago, my now 20-year-old daughter Tara declared that she was postponing college to do a GAP year. - [The Story Behind A "Morning of Meditation"](https://www.embracethemiddle.com/the-story-behind-a-morning-of-meditation/) - There’s a reason why, on September 19th, I’m putting on a Morning of Meditation. It starts about seventeen years ago. Back then, my life was a “textbook” case. - [The Gift of Presence...Even in Silence](https://www.embracethemiddle.com/the-gift-of-presence-even-in-silence/) - The Gift of Presence...Even in Silence. Last week, a coaching client (I’ll call her Jill) and I were debriefing her experience at the meditation morning. - [This Too Shall Pass... Even Covid](https://www.embracethemiddle.com/this-too-shall-pass-even-covid/) - This Too Shall Pass... Even Covid. Hello lovely women in the middle. Welcome to a New Year! I’m not sure about you, but I’m finding it a bit challenging to - [Embracing Each and Every Birthday](https://www.embracethemiddle.com/embracing-each-and-every-birthday/) - Embracing Each and Every Birthday. The Many Gifts of Age. This Thursday, March 3rd is my birthday. Yay! I will be 57. Yikes. That’s a biggish number. - [Embracing the Sweet Spots](https://www.embracethemiddle.com/embracing-the-sweet-spots/) - Embracing the Sweet Spots. Yesterday something weird happened. I woke up to the lilting sound of birdsong and a brilliant sunshine streaming through. - [Embrace Connecting Not Impressing](https://www.embracethemiddle.com/embrace-connecting-not-impressing/) - Embrace Connecting Not Impressing. I was driving my dog to her acupuncture appointment yesterday, while listening to a summit talk entitled Mindfulness... - [Lessons From the Narrows](https://www.embracethemiddle.com/lessons-from-the-narrows/) - Lessons From the Narrows. I almost chickened out doing a bucket list adventure which was right within reach. No, it wasn’t skydiving or bungee jumping. - [Embracing Liminal Spaces](https://www.embracethemiddle.com/embracing-liminal-spaces/) - I have a new favorite word that captures midlife – liminal, as in a liminal space. It comes from the Latin word 'limen' which means threshold. - [Embracing Forgiveness... Even If They Don't Ask.](https://www.embracethemiddle.com/embracing-forgiveness-even-if-they-dont-ask/) - Embracing Forgiveness... Even If They Don't Ask. Tonight at dusk, millions of Jewish people from all over the world will converge at their local synagogue. - [Lessons from Pumpkin Carving](https://www.embracethemiddle.com/lessons-from-pumpkin-carving/) - Early last week, I got a text from my friend Kris inviting the tribe over for a Happy Hour Pumpkin Carving Party. I was thrilled! - [Ten Tips to Embrace the Holidays](https://www.embracethemiddle.com/ten-tips-to-embrace-the-holidays/) - The words “the holidays” are incredibly loaded. Just hearing them can make us freeze in our tracks and automatically start mentally writing our to-do list. - [Embracing "Being" Goals](https://www.embracethemiddle.com/embracing-being-goals/) - Embracing "Being" Goals. Happy New Year! I hope your holidays were awash with joy and ease. In all likelihood, with the beckoning of a new year... - [Embracing Nudity (gasp!) in The Middle](https://www.embracethemiddle.com/embracing-nudity-gasp-in-the-middle/) - Embracing Nudity In the Middle A few weeks ago, my older daughter and I had a “Tara-Mommy Day” at a Korean spa. We were excited to have some time together. - [Embracing the Many "Ands" of Midlife](https://www.embracethemiddle.com/embracing-the-many-ands-of-midlife/) - At my recent “Day of Embracing the Middle,” I asked the participants to bring along symbols of their current midlife experience. - [To "See" and "To be Seen"
In the Middle](https://www.embracethemiddle.com/to-see-and-to-be-seen-in-the-middle/) - When was the last time you felt really “seen?” When you felt recognized and known by another? I’m asking because just last night I had this very experience... - [Embracing Resistances to Growth](https://www.embracethemiddle.com/embracing-resistances-to-growth/) - Why do so many of us have resistance to things we know deep down are good for us? Why is it so hard, for example to eat less sugar, wind down those unfulfilling - [Embracing Relationship Over Loneliness](https://www.embracethemiddle.com/embracing-relationship-over-loneliness/) - This past weekend, while my husband was in Berkeley helping our daughter Maya move, I happily stayed home alone (well, alone with Nola, our sweet doggie). - [Stay The Course](https://www.embracethemiddle.com/stay-the-course/) - This week, I was editing my book chapter entitled "Our Shared Wisdom", where I relay wisdom conveyed by the interviewees from my research on midlife women. - [Embracing Monumental Ands](https://www.embracethemiddle.com/embracing-monumental-ands/) - Greetings from Lisbon. I am here with my daughter Tara, who started her first post-college, "real" job last week. I joined her a few days later, to help. - [Embracing "This is It"](https://www.embracethemiddle.com/embracing-this-is-it/) - There is incredible darkness in the world right now. It is a darkness of humanity, which surpasses our political and cultural beliefs. And while there is always - [Embracing the Gifts Within](https://www.embracethemiddle.com/embracing-the-gifts-within/) - Tis the season of gifts and yummies! Harry and David stacked boxes of juicy pears and moose munch, homemade holiday cookies, eggnog, latkes with applesauce, etc - [New Year's Wisdom from My Fig Tree](https://www.embracethemiddle.com/new-years-wisdom-from-my-fig-tree/) - We have a magnificent fig tree in my backyard. Every August, without fail, it produces hundreds of lush figs. I love to pick them, eat them, and share them. - [Savoring Summer's Waning Days](https://www.embracethemiddle.com/savoring-summers-waning-days/) - The day before my wedding, while trying on my dress for any final tweaks, I was nervously and distractedly voicing random worries. My aunt put her hand... - [Own, Rather than Bemoan, Your Accomplishments](https://www.embracethemiddle.com/own-rather-than-bemoan-your-accomplishments/) - I’m answering emails and half watching the 2024 Emmy Awards on TV, mostly to see the fancy dresses and gorgeous humans. I gaze up from my laptop as Niecy Nash.. - [Embracing Time and 59](https://www.embracethemiddle.com/embracing-time-and-59/) - Tomorrow, March 3rd, I turn 59. It is mostly significant because it is the eve of 60. Now that’s a wow number. Me? 60? But, I’m not there yet. - [Embracing the "Not Exactly What We Planned" Vacation](https://www.embracethemiddle.com/embracing-the-not-exactly-what-we-planned-vacation/) - It was the night before our long-awaited 25th anniversary trip to Costa Rica. I left an acupuncture appointment with eight sexy (not!) cupping marks on my back. - [Embracing Living & Grieving](https://www.embracethemiddle.com/embracing-living-grieving/) - Living and grieving co-exist. I was reminded of this yet again, in a palpable way, while on a recent trip to Scotland. I was visiting my daughter, Maya - [Girlfriends: A Midlife Treasure Drove](https://www.embracethemiddle.com/girlfriends-a-midlife-treasure-drove/) - The other night, I was part of an intimate and vulnerable conversation. We covered grief, sex, infidelity, hormones, dental woes, and oddly, our mothers. - [Women Supporting Women: It's More than a Hashtag](https://www.embracethemiddle.com/women-supporting-women-its-more-than-a-hashtag/) - Last Thursday I drove to LA to attend an author book event at the Ms. Magazine (as in, the feminist journal) headquarters. Just writing that makes me feel cool. - [Why is it so Hard to Meditate? Here's the lowdown](https://www.embracethemiddle.com/why-is-it-so-hard-to-meditate-heres-the-lowdown/) - “I know it would be good for me to meditate so why is it so hard to get myself to do it?” This is one of the top 3 questions I am asked by clients and friends. - [The Power of Acceptance](https://www.embracethemiddle.com/the-power-of-acceptance/) - When my mother Jackie started developing dementia, I did not want to accept that this was her reality. She was a tireless leader, wife, mother, grandmother... - [I'm Coming Out ... With a Book!](https://www.embracethemiddle.com/im-coming-out-with-a-book/) - Perhaps this news isn’t as juicy as you were hoping but it’s still big news – for us all. Embrace the Middle is “our” book with “our” stories. - [Articles/Podcast Links on: Friend-Group Myths, Inflammation, Motherhood as a Choice, The Brat Pack, & More.](https://www.embracethemiddle.com/friend-group-myths-inflammation-motherhood-as-a-choice-the-brat-pack-more/) - The Core Friend Group is a Myth Did you ever crave being part of a friend group? You know, like the one on the sitcom Friends or the ones you see on Facebook... - [Lessons from the Missing Marshmallows](https://www.embracethemiddle.com/lessons-from-the-missing-marshmallows/) - I have an embarrassing Thanksgiving Day confession. My daughter, husband and I were heading to a dear friends home to join her family for the Thanksgiving feast - [Lessons on Love From Nola](https://www.embracethemiddle.com/lessons-on-love-from-nola/) - February is known as the month of love, I turned to the wisest love guru I know on the topic—my dog, Nola. With her soulful eyes and unwavering loyalty - [What I'm Reading and Listening to in November](https://www.embracethemiddle.com/what-im-reading-and-listening-to-in-november/) - Perimenopausal women are enraged and no longer keeping quiet. By Rachelle Bergstein. The fact that this article was featured in the Washington Post is amazing! - [Do You Ever Feel Invisible? If so, You're NOT Alone](https://www.embracethemiddle.com/do-you-ever-feel-invisible-if-so-youre-not-alone/) - Invisibility in midlife - feeling unseen, dismissed, or ignored - is an unfortunate reality for many of us. Whether it is walking past a group of men or women - [Beyond Hot Flashes: The Less Talked-About Parts of Menopause](https://www.embracethemiddle.com/beyond-hot-flashes-the-less-talked-about-parts-of-menopause/) - Did you know there is an International Menopause Day? Until recently, I didn't even though it has been around since 2009. This is not a hallmark holiday. - [How To Find Liberation Through Acceptance: The Power of Embracing Midlife](https://www.embracethemiddle.com/how-to-find-liberation-through-acceptance-the-power-of-embracing-midlife/) - “I just talked to the neurologist,” my brother, a doctor, said in a crackly voice. “She’s got Alzheimer’s.” His words hit me like a truck, even though I knew - [Celebrate Your Best Ofs: A Joyful Goodbye to 2024](https://www.embracethemiddle.com/celebrate-your-best-ofs-a-joyful-goodbye-to-2024/) - I always love reading about the year-end “best ofs”—the most notable books, movies, photographs, scientific breakthroughs, and more. Newspapers highlight - [Links, Reads, and Listens on Relationships](https://www.embracethemiddle.com/links-reads-and-listens-on-relationships/) - February often shines a spotlight on romantic relationships, but midlife brings profound shifts in many of our connections. Our relationships with partners... - [Reflections on Turning 60: Being "Enough"](https://www.embracethemiddle.com/reflections-on-turning-60-being-enough/) - For years, I thought 60 would be the moment when I’d finally have it all together—a cosmic ‘Congratulations, You’ve Arrived!’ banner unfurling the moment I... - [Let's Get Educated About Menopause!](https://www.embracethemiddle.com/lets-get-educated-about-menopause/) ## Pages - [Home](https://www.embracethemiddle.com/) - [Contact](https://www.embracethemiddle.com/contact/) - [Book](https://www.embracethemiddle.com/book/) - [Testimonials](https://www.embracethemiddle.com/testimonials/) - [What is Embrace the Middle?](https://www.embracethemiddle.com/what-is-embracing-the-middle/) - Embrace the Middle is a gentle yet powerful invitation to say yes to midlife. It offers a fresh, mindful perspective that challenges the outdated midlife crisis - [Events](https://www.embracethemiddle.com/events/) - [Weekly Meditation](https://www.embracethemiddle.com/weekly-meditation/) - Start your Thursday with 30 minutes of calm, presence, and connection. This free weekly Zoom meditation is a gentle space for midlife women to reset, & breathe. - [A Day of Embracing the Middle](https://www.embracethemiddle.com/all-day-workshop/) - A Day of Embracing the Middle: A Soulful Retreat for Women in Their 40s, 50s, and 60s who are Curious about Navigating Midlife with Presence and Power. - [1:1 Mindfulness Coaching](https://www.embracethemiddle.com/meditation-instruction/) - Mindfulness coaching offers personalized guidance to help you bring more ease, presence, and self-compassion into your everyday life. - [Workshops/Webinars](https://www.embracethemiddle.com/workshop/) - [About Shayna](https://www.embracethemiddle.com/about-shayna/) - Hi, I’m Dr. Shayna Kaufmann—clinical psychologist, author, certified mindfulness meditation teacher, and founder of Embrace the Middle. - [Events Programs (new)](https://www.embracethemiddle.com/events-programs/) - [Events](https://www.embracethemiddle.com/events2/) - [Podcasts](https://www.embracethemiddle.com/podcasts/) - [Press](https://www.embracethemiddle.com/press/) - [Meditation](https://www.embracethemiddle.com/meditation/) - [Recorded Meditations](https://www.embracethemiddle.com/recorded-meditations/) - [Programs](https://www.embracethemiddle.com/programs/) - [Upcoming Programs](https://www.embracethemiddle.com/upcoming-programs/) - [Blog](https://www.embracethemiddle.com/blog/) - [Home page copy](https://www.embracethemiddle.com/home-page-copy/) - [Individual Coaching](https://www.embracethemiddle.com/individual-coaching/) - [Presentations and Speaking](https://www.embracethemiddle.com/presentations-and-speaking/) - [Why Embrace the Middle?](https://www.embracethemiddle.com/why-embracing-the-middle/) - [About](https://www.embracethemiddle.com/about/) ## Programs - [San Carlos Library Book Talk, Friday June 27th, 2-3](https://www.embracethemiddle.com/programs/san-carlos-library-book-talk-friday-june-27th/) - [A Day of Embracing the Middle](https://www.embracethemiddle.com/programs/a-day-of-embracing-the-middle-saturday-january-18th/) - [Pink Full Moon Gathering, April 10, 6:30-8:30pm](https://www.embracethemiddle.com/programs/pink-full-moon-gathering-for-midlife-women-blooming-into-spring/) - [Brandeis Book and Author Luncheon, March 25, 10:30am](https://www.embracethemiddle.com/programs/brandeis-book-and-author-luncheon-march-25-1030am/) - [Sharp Women's Conference, March 22, 8:30-5](https://www.embracethemiddle.com/programs/sharp-womens-conference-march-22-830-5/) - [Book Talk in the Bayou, Monday Feb. 17th 7pm](https://www.embracethemiddle.com/programs/book-talk-in-the-bayou-monday-feb-17th-7pm/) - [Women's Full Moon Meditation & Intention Ceremony](https://www.embracethemiddle.com/programs/blue-moon-meditation-august-30-630pm/) - [Full Moon Meditation, Friday January 6th, 7pm](https://www.embracethemiddle.com/programs/full-moon-meditation-friday-january-6th-7pm/) - [Full Bloom Festival](https://www.embracethemiddle.com/programs/full-bloom-festival/) - [Weekly Guided Meditation, 8:30-9amPT, on Zoom](https://www.embracethemiddle.com/programs/weekly-guided-meditation-thursdays-830-9am-pt/) - [Book Talk, October 29th, 7pm, Birmingham.](https://www.embracethemiddle.com/programs/book-talk-october-29th-7pm-birmingham/) - [January Guided Meditation Series, Thursdays 8:30-9am PT](https://www.embracethemiddle.com/programs/january-guided-meditation-thursdays-830-9am-pt/) - [Book Discussion, October 30th, 7pm, Atlanta](https://www.embracethemiddle.com/programs/book-discussion-october-30th-7pm-atlanta/) - [Sharp Women's Conference, June 24th](https://www.embracethemiddle.com/programs/sharp-womens-conference-june-24th/) - [What is Self-Care and Why Bother? May 10](https://www.embracethemiddle.com/programs/what-is-self-care-and-why-bother/) - [Thursday Morning Guided Meditation, 8:30-8:55am PT Resumes](https://www.embracethemiddle.com/programs/january-thursday-morning-meditations-830-855-am-pacific-time/) - [A Morning of Empowerment, Sunday October 9 9-11:30am](https://www.embracethemiddle.com/programs/a-morning-of-empowerment-sunday-october-9-9-1130am/) - [Women's Empowerment Retreat, August 27-28](https://www.embracethemiddle.com/programs/a-morning-of-meditation-sunday-september-19-9-1130am-pt/) - [A Morning of Loving Kindness Meditation](https://www.embracethemiddle.com/programs/a-mindful-approach-to-the-new-normal/) - [Embrace Your Now : A Mind/Body Approach to Personal Clarity, Sunday May 23rd](https://www.embracethemiddle.com/programs/embrace-your-now-a-mind-body-approach-to-personal-clarity/) - [Live Podcast Interview of Shayna, Wed. December 16, 9am Pacific Time](https://www.embracethemiddle.com/programs/live-podcast-interview-of-shayna/) - [Unpacking 2020 & Repacking for 2021, Tuesday December 15, 8:30 am pacific time](https://www.embracethemiddle.com/programs/unpacking-2020-repacking-for-2021-tuesday-december-15-830-am-pacific-time/) - [Webinar: Embracing Self-Compassion, Tuesday September 22, 5:00-6:15 Pacific Time](https://www.embracethemiddle.com/programs/embracing-self-compassion/) - [Managing Anxiety with Mindfulness for Teachers, Thursday August 27, 5-6:15pm](https://www.embracethemiddle.com/programs/managing-anxiety-with-mindfulness/) - [Gaining Clarity Through Your Inner Wisdom, September 2020](https://www.embracethemiddle.com/programs/accessing-exploring-your-inner-wisdom-may-16th-1100-am-1230pm/) - [Introduction to Meditation: Practical Tools to Enhance Mental Well-Being, Tuesday, June 9th 5:00 PT.](https://www.embracethemiddle.com/programs/introduction-to-meditation-practical-tools-to-enhance-mental-well-being/) - [Embracing Forgiveness From the Middle](https://www.embracethemiddle.com/programs/embracing-forgiveness-from-the-middle/) - [Introduction to Mindfulness](https://www.embracethemiddle.com/programs/introduction-to-mindfulness/) - [Embracing Our Bodies From the Middle](https://www.embracethemiddle.com/programs/embracing-our-bodies-from-the-middle/) ## Testimonials - [Terry S.](https://www.embracethemiddle.com/client_testimonials/terry-s/) - Embracing the Middle was the most impactful workshop I’ve ever attended. I felt truly seen, supported, and inspired as Dr. Shayna Kaufmann guided us - [Jill B.](https://www.embracethemiddle.com/client_testimonials/jill-b/) - [Angela B.](https://www.embracethemiddle.com/client_testimonials/angela-b/) - Thank you, Shayna! Your groups are always amazing and have a high rate of return on value and worth when the time, energy and vulnerability is invested! - [Anonymous](https://www.embracethemiddle.com/client_testimonials/anonymous/) - Shayna’s workshop completely changed the way I think about my life—from blah and overwhelmed to YES!" Her SOFTT model is like giving myself a hug. - [Christine B.](https://www.embracethemiddle.com/client_testimonials/christine-b/) - This was a profoundly powerful day. The location, the greeting, the content, and the exercises allowed for a beautiful ease and flow of a remarkable experience. - [Claire Y.](https://www.embracethemiddle.com/client_testimonials/claire-y/) - Within the confines of Shayna’s group I found camaraderie, laughter, fellowship, connectedness, a feeling of interpersonal relatedness, a sense of safety... - [Donna B.](https://www.embracethemiddle.com/client_testimonials/donna-b/) - I have found Shayna’s workshops to be extremely insightful, and potentially transformative. They are beautifully lead by Shayna, who offers insight, guidance... - [Elizabeth S.](https://www.embracethemiddle.com/client_testimonials/elizabeth-s/) - Shayna holds space in the most loving and effective way. Her workshops are full of great information that allows one to step inside with full authenticity... - [Jaks C.](https://www.embracethemiddle.com/client_testimonials/jaks-c/) - Thank you beautiful sister for such a magical gift of your day retreat yesterday 🌟Your softness and compassion shone bright and transformation happened. - [Kelly B.](https://www.embracethemiddle.com/client_testimonials/kelly-b/) - Through her Embracing series, Shayna graciously extends her extensive knowledge, experience, insight, guidance, healing, zen-like leadership and obvious love... - [Shannon W.](https://www.embracethemiddle.com/client_testimonials/shannon-w/) - What a wonderful, positive, encouraging, supportive and enlightening experience! All of what you were saying were things I definitely can relate to... ## Podcasts - [Turning Points: Dr. Shayna Kaufmann On Growth, Grace, And Life’s Middle Chapters](https://www.embracethemiddle.com/podcast/turning-points-dr-shayna-kaufmann-on-growth-grace-and-lifes-middle-chapters/) - [The Menopause Secret No One Talks About](https://www.embracethemiddle.com/podcast/the-menopause-secret-no-one-talks-about/) - [Reclaiming Midlife](https://www.embracethemiddle.com/podcast/the-boomer-womans-podcast-reclaiming-midlife-12-18-24/) - [Changing the Female Midlife Narrative](https://www.embracethemiddle.com/podcast/changing-the-female-midlife-narrative/) - [Ride the Wave](https://www.embracethemiddle.com/podcast/ride-the-wave/) - [Embracing Midlife's Magic](https://www.embracethemiddle.com/podcast/embracing-midelifes-magic/) ## Events - [A Day of Embracing the Middle](https://www.embracethemiddle.com/event/a-day-of-embracing-the-middle/) - [Decompress Your Stress, July 10th](https://www.embracethemiddle.com/event/decompress-your-stress-july-9th/) - [TrailblazHER Talk in Orange County, Ca](https://www.embracethemiddle.com/event/trailblazher-talk-in-orange-county-ca/) - [San Carlos Library Book Talk, Friday June 27th, 2-3](https://www.embracethemiddle.com/event/san-carlos-library-book-talk-friday-june-27th-2-3/) - [A Day of Embracing the Middle](https://www.embracethemiddle.com/event/a-day-of-embracing-the-middle-old/) - [Guided Meditation Series, Thursdays 8:30-9am PT](https://www.embracethemiddle.com/event/january-guided-meditation-series-thursdays-830-9am-pt/) - [UCSD, Center for Mindfulness Book Club Talk](https://www.embracethemiddle.com/event/ucsd-center-for-mindfulness-book-club-talk/) - [Sharp Women's Conference](https://www.embracethemiddle.com/event/sharp-womens-conference/) - [Brandeis Book and Author Luncheon](https://www.embracethemiddle.com/event/brandeis-book-and-author-luncheon/) ## Categories - [Uncategorized](https://www.embracethemiddle.com/category/uncategorized/) - [Forgiveness](https://www.embracethemiddle.com/category/forgiveness/) - [Limiting Beliefs](https://www.embracethemiddle.com/category/limiting-beliefs/) - [Bodies](https://www.embracethemiddle.com/category/bodies/) - [Self Acceptance](https://www.embracethemiddle.com/category/self-acceptance/) - [Mindfulness](https://www.embracethemiddle.com/category/mindfulness/) - [Protections](https://www.embracethemiddle.com/category/protections/) - [Compassion](https://www.embracethemiddle.com/category/compassion/) - [Gratitude](https://www.embracethemiddle.com/category/gratitude/) - [Grief](https://www.embracethemiddle.com/category/grief/) - [Survey Data](https://www.embracethemiddle.com/category/survey-data/) - [Midlife Friends](https://www.embracethemiddle.com/category/midlife-friends/) - [community support](https://www.embracethemiddle.com/category/community-support/) - [menopause](https://www.embracethemiddle.com/category/menopause/) ## Event Categories - [Workshops/Webinars](https://www.embracethemiddle.com/events/category/workshops-webinars/) - [Weekly Meditation](https://www.embracethemiddle.com/events/category/weekly-meditation/) - [Programs](https://www.embracethemiddle.com/events/category/programs/) - [Book Talk](https://www.embracethemiddle.com/events/category/book-talk/)