To show up as our most effective selves, and to succeed in reaching goals of all types, we must do the work of extending compassion to our inner selves.

In the face of these significant health, social, and political issues, I’ve set an intention for my summer: to be more actively engaged in my community. Mindfulness starts within, but also involves being aware of the myriad of human experiences, showing compassion for others, navigating difficult conversations, and intentionally building a more loving and equitable world.

Here’s how I am leaning into my intention. I invite you to join me.

Recently, I co-hosted Inseus’s first-ever all day silent retreat on Zoom. I’ve led silent retreats in person many times before, but this was the first fully online experience. People always comment on how much they take away from our silent retreats, but as it turns out, I probably gained more insight into the power of mindfulness at this particular retreat than any of the other participants.

For our upcoming Virtual Silent Vipassanā Meditation Retreat, I’m thrilled to be leading alongside four other certified mindfulness teachers—Amanda Ryznar, Anuka Gazara, Stefanie Harris, & Stephanie Kaczynski. I’ve asked each of them to share a bit of insight into their experience with silent retreats and the importance of meditation in their own lives. And I’ve shared my own as well.

Our ongoing blog series, Mindful Leadership: Lessons from Life, is back! Check out the latest installment based on lessons Ashley learned during her 25 years of experience as a corporate leader.

One of my favorite, go-to mindfulness practices that builds resilience and decreases reactivity is called S.TO.P.

Personally, I’m not big on making resolutions focused on isolated goals. I do, however, believe in the importance of aiming for a purpose-driven life.

I’d like to tell you a very personal story about how I discovered SIY and how it has impacted my life deeply and profoundly.

One way to normalize kindness is to make a pledge to practice it on a daily basis. Kindness is contagious, and its impact spreads farther than we can imagine. And, frankly, it feels good when we practice kindness!

…As we move further along into the holiday season—arguably the most stress-charged time of the year—I thought I’d take a few pages from the corporate stress reduction playbook I preach to my corporate clients. The following are three practical ways to incorporate mindfulness into your hectic days made even more stressful by end-of-year pressures at work and in your personal life.

Check out the fourth installment in our ongoing blog series, Mindful Leadership: Lessons from Life, based on Ashley’s 25 years of experience as a corporate leader.

Check out the third installment in our ongoing blog series, Mindful Leadership: Lessons from Life, based on Ashley’s 25 years of experience as a corporate leader.

Check out the second installment in our ongoing blog series, Mindful Leadership: Lessons from Life, based on Ashley’s 25 years of experience as a corporate leader.

She changed her relationship with stress. You can too.

Check out the first installment in our new blog series, Mindful Leadership: Lessons from Life, based on Ashley’s experience as a corporate leader for the last 25 years.