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Samantha M Harden, PhD, 500 RYT | The Flourishing Professor

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It’s time to return to the warmth and womb of the shalas @bodhitreeyogaresort for deep connection, relaxation, and movement.

It’s time to return to the warmth and womb of the shalas @bodhitreeyogaresort for deep connection, relaxation, and movement.

See ya in Costa Rica. April 12-19. Links for details.

See ya in Costa Rica. April 12-19. Links for details.

Delegate. Delete. Defer.
How many projects is too many?
How many hours is too much?
>>> where am I my greatest value add?

I’m constantly chasing grant dollars to afford the incredible students and staff to do great work. Work that isn’t always considered hard or ‘real’ science. Social science is taking main stream by storm and yet… and yet… it’s still considered ‘less than’ basic and clinical outputs and outcomes.

But the universe says, ‘find where you’re most alive.’

It’s teaching yoga, weaving it into academia, learning Spanish, being fully interested, concerned and alive with others.

And guess what? People will pay for that! The NiH doesn’t own me. It might not own you either.

Create. Ideate. Catalyze. Vibrate.

Follow @sincerelysamma for more on yoga and academia.

Delegate. Delete. Defer.
How many projects is too many?
How many hours is too much?
>>> where am I my greatest value add?

I’m constantly chasing grant dollars to afford the incredible students and staff to do great work. Work that isn’t always considered hard or ‘real’ science. Social science is taking main stream by storm and yet… and yet… it’s still considered ‘less than’ basic and clinical outputs and outcomes.

But the universe says, ‘find where you’re most alive.’

It’s teaching yoga, weaving it into academia, learning Spanish, being fully interested, concerned and alive with others.

And guess what? People will pay for that! The NiH doesn’t own me. It might not own you either.

Create. Ideate. Catalyze. Vibrate.

Follow @sincerelysamma for more on yoga and academia.

Don’t wait to sit with you. Don’t wait for the end of the semester, tenure, a promotion, sabbatical… partnership, income level, car, election…Sit with you. Be with you. Move with you.

I can’t force myself to let it go, bounce back, or ‘man up’ i don’t have to rush my healing.

Don’t wait to sit with you. Don’t wait for the end of the semester, tenure, a promotion, sabbatical… partnership, income level, car, election…Sit with you. Be with you. Move with you.

I can’t force myself to let it go, bounce back, or ‘man up’ i don’t have to rush my healing.

“Learning to tolerate the radiance of your own soul and the beams of love inevitably attracts.” @themarthabeck

Closing out my study abroad companion ‘The Way of Integrity’ back in ‘Chicago’ (that’s not where I live but shout out to the 🎶).

“Learning to tolerate the radiance of your own soul and the beams of love inevitably attracts.” @themarthabeck

Closing out my study abroad companion ‘The Way of Integrity’ back in ‘Chicago’ (that’s not where I live but shout out to the 🎶).

Why do I stay in academia?
Sure, flexibility in schedule and research pursuits.
But it’s mostly for the people. Yea, it’s the people.
If you’re thinking, “Wait, what? Everyone sucks and is grumpy and and and...’ DM me. Let’s be people.
Starting connected, fun, troubleshooting- wellness-based- virtual lab meetings open to any academic, so soon.
Being abroad is awesome, but once we learn our heart is our own home, we can also thrive here.
Now that’s the good life.

Why do I stay in academia?
Sure, flexibility in schedule and research pursuits.
But it’s mostly for the people. Yea, it’s the people.
If you’re thinking, “Wait, what? Everyone sucks and is grumpy and and and...’ DM me. Let’s be people.
Starting connected, fun, troubleshooting- wellness-based- virtual lab meetings open to any academic, so soon.
Being abroad is awesome, but once we learn our heart is our own home, we can also thrive here.
Now that’s the good life.

I spent so much of my life waiting for the next semester, milestone, or accolade— only to realize self acceptance, slowing down, meeting grit with grace, and tossing the pebble to those behind me, were the only real ‘trophies’.

@themarthabeck speaks of the Delectable Mountain and @jacmargolisphd says there will be another mountain to climb.

Part of why I teach @vtabroad within my position as an associate professor of @vthnfe is to share with the generation behind me. Love.peace.yoga. 💕✌️🪷

I spent so much of my life waiting for the next semester, milestone, or accolade— only to realize self acceptance, slowing down, meeting grit with grace, and tossing the pebble to those behind me, were the only real ‘trophies’.

@themarthabeck speaks of the Delectable Mountain and @jacmargolisphd says there will be another mountain to climb.

Part of why I teach @vtabroad within my position as an associate professor of @vthnfe is to share with the generation behind me. Love.peace.yoga. 💕✌️🪷

Don’t wait for graduation, sabbatical, or retirement to enjoy one of the *statistically* best jobs in the world.

Don’t wait until you have it all figured out to try, be confident, share or step up.

Be here & now. No matter where you are on the journey.

Don’t wait for graduation, sabbatical, or retirement to enjoy one of the *statistically* best jobs in the world.

Don’t wait until you have it all figured out to try, be confident, share or step up.

Be here & now. No matter where you are on the journey.

Sounds and scenes from travel & stillness. Science & philosophizing. People. Giggles. Don’t blink. Don’t wait for someone else to give you permission to live in the richness. Nobody is one thing. Be all the things. Do all the things— that you want.

Reminder that when you drop the rope/ do what you love—life really can be a blast…
This applies to exercise, parenting, etc etc. Make your own narrative.

Not going to lie. One of my favorite trends.

Sounds and scenes from travel & stillness. Science & philosophizing. People. Giggles. Don’t blink. Don’t wait for someone else to give you permission to live in the richness. Nobody is one thing. Be all the things. Do all the things— that you want.

Reminder that when you drop the rope/ do what you love—life really can be a blast…
This applies to exercise, parenting, etc etc. Make your own narrative.

Not going to lie. One of my favorite trends.

seeing the scenes. Enjoying my 2024 reflection from @fromtheheartpodcast

Listening to the most soothing music.

Can’t be bothered.

Why did I take to Instagram? Hmm. Good question. One I’ll be asking myself. But what I know from the reflections is— creating a healthier place and space in academia starts at home.

I’m not always happy or healthy, but I’m always on the journey and that’s why I’m on the gram. Sharing interviews, meditations, and musings on the Higher Vibrations in Higher Education podcast. Writing about the journey anywhere I can. Anthology coming soon and memoir close behind. Hosting retreats! DM for details if interested! An April reset awaits you!
Let’s get it, let’s go.

seeing the scenes. Enjoying my 2024 reflection from @fromtheheartpodcast

Listening to the most soothing music.

Can’t be bothered.

Why did I take to Instagram? Hmm. Good question. One I’ll be asking myself. But what I know from the reflections is— creating a healthier place and space in academia starts at home.

I’m not always happy or healthy, but I’m always on the journey and that’s why I’m on the gram. Sharing interviews, meditations, and musings on the Higher Vibrations in Higher Education podcast. Writing about the journey anywhere I can. Anthology coming soon and memoir close behind. Hosting retreats! DM for details if interested! An April reset awaits you!
Let’s get it, let’s go.

Enjoying the gift of wrapping up for the next two days. Celebrating the fruits of our labor. Hibernating into balsam.
So grateful for my job and all the people who support in any fashion.

Enjoying the gift of wrapping up for the next two days. Celebrating the fruits of our labor. Hibernating into balsam.
So grateful for my job and all the people who support in any fashion.

phdinclothes taught me so much on this episode.

If you’ve ever hid parts of yourself; felt challenged by fashion or presentation of “you” for the lab, classroom, or conference; or were uncertain of where your “real” self v academic self begin and end— this one’s for you. Rebecca gets me with so many zingers like
🪷How am I complicit in hustle culture?
🪷It’s challenging to have your body on display.
🪷Academia often puts seriousness and intellect opposite of creativity, fun, and frivolity.
🪷The more you think about the self- academic connection the messier it gets.
🪷Universities are having a crisis of communication ourselves.
🪷Empathy is free. it’s not you against your students; it’s you and your students against the problem.
🪷Top tips for dressing in academia:
👉If it’s not comfortable, it’s not worth it. Period.
👉Play with what it means to be a professional—joyful ability to express. Don’t hide who you are, don’t be afraid to play
👉 A blazer will solve almost every problem you’re having. A couple that look nice, you can pull it all together

And so much more!

Tune in now, anywhere you podcast!

phdinclothes taught me so much on this episode.

If you’ve ever hid parts of yourself; felt challenged by fashion or presentation of “you” for the lab, classroom, or conference; or were uncertain of where your “real” self v academic self begin and end— this one’s for you. Rebecca gets me with so many zingers like
🪷How am I complicit in hustle culture?
🪷It’s challenging to have your body on display.
🪷Academia often puts seriousness and intellect opposite of creativity, fun, and frivolity.
🪷The more you think about the self- academic connection the messier it gets.
🪷Universities are having a crisis of communication ourselves.
🪷Empathy is free. it’s not you against your students; it’s you and your students against the problem.
🪷Top tips for dressing in academia:
👉If it’s not comfortable, it’s not worth it. Period.
👉Play with what it means to be a professional—joyful ability to express. Don’t hide who you are, don’t be afraid to play
👉 A blazer will solve almost every problem you’re having. A couple that look nice, you can pull it all together

And so much more!

Tune in now, anywhere you podcast!

Generally speaking: academics are hard working and doing their best. We struggle with knowing if you’ve accomplished enough and you think one more week, one more project, one more email, one more analysis or paper will ‘satisfy’ your year in review. My experience? It won’t. You set the bar, you meet the bar, you exceeded the bar, you raise the bar, on repeat.

But the science suggests the opposite: rest is a revolution and while being MoRe productive after just happens to benefit your employer, it doesn’t have to be the reason you do it.

What helps my lab? Blocking the calendar if needed, sharing requests for time off over 2 weeks in advance, and clear communication is key 🔑

Note to self: Ain’t nobody on their death bed saying I’m so glad I got that grant out before the new year.

Of course there are exceptions to every rule…check your contract and ignore me if you really want or need to work over the holiday.

Sometimes we just need to be an embodied permission slip for rest.

Generally speaking: academics are hard working and doing their best. We struggle with knowing if you’ve accomplished enough and you think one more week, one more project, one more email, one more analysis or paper will ‘satisfy’ your year in review. My experience? It won’t. You set the bar, you meet the bar, you exceeded the bar, you raise the bar, on repeat.

But the science suggests the opposite: rest is a revolution and while being MoRe productive after just happens to benefit your employer, it doesn’t have to be the reason you do it.

What helps my lab? Blocking the calendar if needed, sharing requests for time off over 2 weeks in advance, and clear communication is key 🔑

Note to self: Ain’t nobody on their death bed saying I’m so glad I got that grant out before the new year.

Of course there are exceptions to every rule…check your contract and ignore me if you really want or need to work over the holiday.

Sometimes we just need to be an embodied permission slip for rest.

We’re wrapping a year… By the numbers
4 seasons of Higher Vibrations in Higher Education
3 guest spots on others’ podcasts
2 yoga retreats
1 epic anthology
61 projects as co-or PI (rectified that at 2am)
14 papers published.

These are things I have to report in my annual review…

But where I shine is offline. In kitchens and lobbies on mats and under the stars.

We’re wrapping a year… By the numbers
4 seasons of Higher Vibrations in Higher Education
3 guest spots on others’ podcasts
2 yoga retreats
1 epic anthology
61 projects as co-or PI (rectified that at 2am)
14 papers published.

These are things I have to report in my annual review…

But where I shine is offline. In kitchens and lobbies on mats and under the stars.

I tried to do my future self DI from @tobemagnetic and I couldn’t find her. Where am I ten years from now? The only texture I knew for sure: connected, present. Surrounded by love. Not accolades and H indexes.
Balance. Harmony. Grit and grace.

Thanks @jessicaashleygill for the audio and also— slightest sneak peek of a student learning about the neuroscience and organic chemistry behind TBM!! More to come 🤩🤩

I tried to do my future self DI from @tobemagnetic and I couldn’t find her. Where am I ten years from now? The only texture I knew for sure: connected, present. Surrounded by love. Not accolades and H indexes.
Balance. Harmony. Grit and grace.

Thanks @jessicaashleygill for the audio and also— slightest sneak peek of a student learning about the neuroscience and organic chemistry behind TBM!! More to come 🤩🤩

Basically I can retire. In all the ways. But I’ll keep working and werking.

What are you retiring this month?

Basically I can retire. In all the ways. But I’ll keep working and werking.

What are you retiring this month?

They keep us so distracted we forgot we have choice.
I don’t exactly know who ‘they’ is but we have choice in our thoughts, words, deeds… research projects and daily routines.

We have agency. You have agency.

They keep us so distracted we forgot we have choice.
I don’t exactly know who ‘they’ is but we have choice in our thoughts, words, deeds… research projects and daily routines.

We have agency. You have agency.

As a social scientist I hear about SMART goals a lot: specific, measurable, attainable, realistic and timely
I’m not here to debunk that approach (these are good parameters for sure), but adding a layer of yoga to it is non-attachment (aparigraha). Don’t hold yourself to yesterday’s expectations and standards. You did not anticipate that flu or loss of a loved one or computer frying. Go gently with you. And find an accountability buddy to infuse more fun!

‘Honor the you that shows up each day’ as I learned from @theacademicwritersspace on my podcast Higher Vibrations in Higher Education

As a social scientist I hear about SMART goals a lot: specific, measurable, attainable, realistic and timely
I’m not here to debunk that approach (these are good parameters for sure), but adding a layer of yoga to it is non-attachment (aparigraha). Don’t hold yourself to yesterday’s expectations and standards. You did not anticipate that flu or loss of a loved one or computer frying. Go gently with you. And find an accountability buddy to infuse more fun!

‘Honor the you that shows up each day’ as I learned from @theacademicwritersspace on my podcast Higher Vibrations in Higher Education

What are you contemplating in these softer days?
Learn to embrace the seasons with #ayurveda on the higher vibrations in higher education podcast episode with @rasa_wellness_ out now!

What are you contemplating in these softer days?
Learn to embrace the seasons with #ayurveda on the higher vibrations in higher education podcast episode with @rasa_wellness_ out now!

You are enough, no matter what the season of life within you or outside of you feels like… Tune in to this incredible episode with @rasa_wellness_

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/higher-vibrations-in-higher-education/id1653506070?i=1000678216306

You are enough, no matter what the season of life within you or outside of you feels like… Tune in to this incredible episode with @rasa_wellness_

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/higher-vibrations-in-higher-education/id1653506070?i=1000678216306

My relationship to academia change when…

I stopped contorting myself to fit the current paradigm.
I built a strong network of people who want to have fun in the pursuit of science.
I read The Slow Professor.
I realized a dissertation helps you identify skills and interests but does not pigeonhole your career, projects, or purpose. Let the ‘living document’ be a guidepost or breadcrumb to finding who you are.

I am someone who sees the connection between yoga on and off the mat everywhere. What type of scholar are you? Share in the comments 👇

My relationship to academia change when…

I stopped contorting myself to fit the current paradigm.
I built a strong network of people who want to have fun in the pursuit of science.
I read The Slow Professor.
I realized a dissertation helps you identify skills and interests but does not pigeonhole your career, projects, or purpose. Let the ‘living document’ be a guidepost or breadcrumb to finding who you are.

I am someone who sees the connection between yoga on and off the mat everywhere. What type of scholar are you? Share in the comments 👇

You don’t have to do anything else to be worthy of rest.
You also don’t have to wait for anyone else to tell you to step up and step in.

Don’t hide your light.

Seeking harmony of effort and ease — not balance. Not equal. Take rest when you need. And pump it out when you want.

You don’t have to do anything else to be worthy of rest.
You also don’t have to wait for anyone else to tell you to step up and step in.

Don’t hide your light.

Seeking harmony of effort and ease — not balance. Not equal. Take rest when you need. And pump it out when you want.

Stories are data with soul: want some good ones?

Dive back in to the shares, lessons, laughs and confusion of the first three seasons of Higher Vibrations in Higher Education.

Don’t miss an episode. Season 4 coming soon!

Stories are data with soul: want some good ones?

Dive back in to the shares, lessons, laughs and confusion of the first three seasons of Higher Vibrations in Higher Education.

Don’t miss an episode. Season 4 coming soon!

Catch the beautiful words of my dear friend @miriamverheydenwriter

“Success in our capitalistic world is defined by numbers: items sold, money earned, followers accumulated. And despite knowing that I can define success differently—personal goal reached, people touched, connections formed—I’m not immune to the outside world’s definition. When depression shows up with her buddy self-doubt in tow, they make me question everything I hold dear. They taunt and needle, pick holes in my fragile self-worth, tell me how ridiculous and stupid I am.

That’s why I walk.

Because walking in nature is the only remedy for the darkness that descends every few months. I can’t quite out-walk it; but if I keep moving, I can stay a step ahead of it. It’s there, reaching for me, wanting to pull me down into its depths; but I’m still standing, still breathing, still fighting.” Subscribe to her substack. You won’t regret it.

These words…That’s why I yoga.

Catch the beautiful words of my dear friend @miriamverheydenwriter

“Success in our capitalistic world is defined by numbers: items sold, money earned, followers accumulated. And despite knowing that I can define success differently—personal goal reached, people touched, connections formed—I’m not immune to the outside world’s definition. When depression shows up with her buddy self-doubt in tow, they make me question everything I hold dear. They taunt and needle, pick holes in my fragile self-worth, tell me how ridiculous and stupid I am.

That’s why I walk.

Because walking in nature is the only remedy for the darkness that descends every few months. I can’t quite out-walk it; but if I keep moving, I can stay a step ahead of it. It’s there, reaching for me, wanting to pull me down into its depths; but I’m still standing, still breathing, still fighting.” Subscribe to her substack. You won’t regret it.

These words…That’s why I yoga.

“Stop cringing — at your future, at your failure, at yourself in the mirror— and stand up and look directly at who you are. Not who you should’ve been, but who you are now. Let that person in. Let her be as mediocre and wrong and shameful and sad and miserable and brilliant and hilarious as she wants to be, because she knows exactly what you need to feel good. She has plans for you. She wants to show you what comes next.
She wants to take you into the future you’re dreading and say, See? You never would’ve imagined this.”
— Heather Havrilesky

“Stop cringing — at your future, at your failure, at yourself in the mirror— and stand up and look directly at who you are. Not who you should’ve been, but who you are now. Let that person in. Let her be as mediocre and wrong and shameful and sad and miserable and brilliant and hilarious as she wants to be, because she knows exactly what you need to feel good. She has plans for you. She wants to show you what comes next.
She wants to take you into the future you’re dreading and say, See? You never would’ve imagined this.”
— Heather Havrilesky

Don’t underestimate the power of a positive interaction and don’t underestimate whether you are the giver or receiver of that positive interaction.

I’m staying in French fashion mode.
^^vote if you think that’s true or false….not in the post but in realidad!

Don’t underestimate the power of a positive interaction and don’t underestimate whether you are the giver or receiver of that positive interaction.

I’m staying in French fashion mode.
^^vote if you think that’s true or false….not in the post but in realidad!

Tunnels and arches with my beloved in the city of love.
And it *was* amazing.
And also we spent $8000 and got sick… so… ya know… don’t let pictures (or videos) fool you.

Life is ebbs and flows. Ebbs and flows.

Tunnels and arches with my beloved in the city of love.
And it *was* amazing.
And also we spent $8000 and got sick… so… ya know… don’t let pictures (or videos) fool you.

Life is ebbs and flows. Ebbs and flows.

Plotting and planning a pilgrimage with @chris.byk
for our 50th… in the meantime:

I want a soft life.
I want ease.
I want relaxation.
I do not want to hustle.
I do not want to grind.
Grinding wears you down to brittle nothingness.
I do not want to work my life away.
I want enjoyment and rest, not as rewards but as practice.
My life will be a practice in joy.
@3rdeye_chakra

Plotting and planning a pilgrimage with @chris.byk
for our 50th… in the meantime:

I want a soft life.
I want ease.
I want relaxation.
I do not want to hustle.
I do not want to grind.
Grinding wears you down to brittle nothingness.
I do not want to work my life away.
I want enjoyment and rest, not as rewards but as practice.
My life will be a practice in joy.
@3rdeye_chakra

Sometimes you need spicy. Before 12 hours of travel, movement can be magical. Outside? Me parece!

Sometimes you need spicy. Before 12 hours of travel, movement can be magical. Outside? Me parece!

Conference mental chatter? It’s normal. Normal to wonder BS like: How many people in the audience? How many presentations or awards or dinner invites or….what’s the mental chatter?

The antidote to feelings of isolation? Multiple threads of social connection, breaking the veil, and fun with loved ones who are me mentors, peers, ‘subordinates’ and plus ones who tag along and want you to be a happy, healthy academic

Conference mental chatter? It’s normal. Normal to wonder BS like: How many people in the audience? How many presentations or awards or dinner invites or….what’s the mental chatter?

The antidote to feelings of isolation? Multiple threads of social connection, breaking the veil, and fun with loved ones who are me mentors, peers, ‘subordinates’ and plus ones who tag along and want you to be a happy, healthy academic

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