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

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Sincerely Samma

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professor, yoga teacher

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I just read in @lead.star ‘leadership moments’ newsletter that a 1930 visionary, John Maynard Keynes, “believed that once production had expanded to the point that many had their basic needs met, humanity would shift from chasing status or superiority and people would instead focus on how “to live wisely, agreeably, and well.” He predicted people would pursue purpose much more than wealth or accumulation.”

We’re not there. But I do see all the glimmers and intentional leaders rising.

Where are we 100 years from now?

I just read in @lead.star ‘leadership moments’ newsletter that a 1930 visionary, John Maynard Keynes, “believed that once production had expanded to the point that many had their basic needs met, humanity would shift from chasing status or superiority and people would instead focus on how “to live wisely, agreeably, and well.” He predicted people would pursue purpose much more than wealth or accumulation.”

We’re not there. But I do see all the glimmers and intentional leaders rising.

Where are we 100 years from now?

There’s beauty in the break down.

In 2008, working with pregnant people was the reason I went to grad school. I wanted to eventually open a women’s health center from preconception to menopause. I was considered a trailblazer and received funding for this work — my prelim exam was laughable because so few studies had been conducted for exercise with pregnant people.

In 2018 I had surgery and set backs including a cancer scare and infertility diagnosis I was like, wait, I don’t want to work in OBGYN anymore.

I officially had to surrender.

In January of 2020– I proclaimed ‘this is my come back year.’

But the universe had other plans.

2022 burning out but still loving connection with students and other intentional educators. So I started a podcast.

4 incredible seasons of stories inspired me for 4 years.

2026: Many podcast guests also spoke about wanting to write in non academic spaces. What did we create? 👉 an anthology called (Re)search Yourself

Check out the collection for profound pivots and grateful glimmers and everything in between.

We all have a story. What chapter are you in?

There’s beauty in the break down.

In 2008, working with pregnant people was the reason I went to grad school. I wanted to eventually open a women’s health center from preconception to menopause. I was considered a trailblazer and received funding for this work — my prelim exam was laughable because so few studies had been conducted for exercise with pregnant people.

In 2018 I had surgery and set backs including a cancer scare and infertility diagnosis I was like, wait, I don’t want to work in OBGYN anymore.

I officially had to surrender.

In January of 2020– I proclaimed ‘this is my come back year.’

But the universe had other plans.

2022 burning out but still loving connection with students and other intentional educators. So I started a podcast.

4 incredible seasons of stories inspired me for 4 years.

2026: Many podcast guests also spoke about wanting to write in non academic spaces. What did we create? 👉 an anthology called (Re)search Yourself

Check out the collection for profound pivots and grateful glimmers and everything in between.

We all have a story. What chapter are you in?

No two days or academics or people are the same.

Don’t compare your progress today with you of before (before baby, illness, funding cuts, distress)

Don’t wait to catch the glimmers, either.

No two days or academics or people are the same.

Don’t compare your progress today with you of before (before baby, illness, funding cuts, distress)

Don’t wait to catch the glimmers, either.

I didn’t know what earning a PhD would take… but more interestingly (?!) I didn’t know the epic life it would open for me.

Keep going. You deserve to see what’s on the other side of the hard work, rejections, and commencement.

I didn’t know what earning a PhD would take… but more interestingly (?!) I didn’t know the epic life it would open for me.

Keep going. You deserve to see what’s on the other side of the hard work, rejections, and commencement.

Researching ourselves — contemplation, reflection, evolution— takes vulnerability and courage.

🪷Through our work, we are not just shaping the present—we are contributing to a samskara, a lasting imprint that becomes part of the parampara, the living legacy of knowledge and purpose passed forward to generations of scholars.

So, what’s your vibe?

📚 Please check out our anthology, especially if you ever feel alone in a grief, pivot, or decision.

💕 But don’t stop there! Share your story, connect with contributors.

So much gratitude for all the contributors, including:
@deborahjgood
@gwegg
@_emmlove
@drluke555
@theflourishingdoc
@dr.violalanier
@natalya_androsova_
@merelindemon
@fionnaboyle
@drbuys
@t_bak3r_mill3r
@gattooooo
@borsika_rabin
@mindyourphd
@miriamverheydenwriter
@dr.lizberry
@laurenfindsaway

Researching ourselves — contemplation, reflection, evolution— takes vulnerability and courage.

🪷Through our work, we are not just shaping the present—we are contributing to a samskara, a lasting imprint that becomes part of the parampara, the living legacy of knowledge and purpose passed forward to generations of scholars.

So, what’s your vibe?

📚 Please check out our anthology, especially if you ever feel alone in a grief, pivot, or decision.

💕 But don’t stop there! Share your story, connect with contributors.

So much gratitude for all the contributors, including:
@deborahjgood
@gwegg
@_emmlove
@drluke555
@theflourishingdoc
@dr.violalanier
@natalya_androsova_
@merelindemon
@fionnaboyle
@drbuys
@t_bak3r_mill3r
@gattooooo
@borsika_rabin
@mindyourphd
@miriamverheydenwriter
@dr.lizberry
@laurenfindsaway

Don’t forget to book time for deep work, interpersonal exchange, rest. It’s fire a balance of 🔥 & 💦

Don’t forget to book time for deep work, interpersonal exchange, rest. It’s fire a balance of 🔥 & 💦

📖 make a list of December deadlines— check in that they’re real and not self imposed (grants, boss’ request, etc.).

🌞Get them done with mid day outside time sprinkled in so you don’t miss all the vitamin d.

🧠Everything else can and will wait. Even if it’s hard to convince your brain of that.

🎉Can you celebrate what you DID accomplish? We’re always on to the next one. Pause. Breathe.

📽️maybe make a slide show to share with your family to help explain what your research is and does

🏃‍♀️Run in to 2026 wit NEW energy. Not stuck. Not self centered. How are you using your talents to bring light into the darkness?

🦴Bonus— don’t set up first week of January to be hellacious just because you took time off. Use the whole month.

📖 make a list of December deadlines— check in that they’re real and not self imposed (grants, boss’ request, etc.).

🌞Get them done with mid day outside time sprinkled in so you don’t miss all the vitamin d.

🧠Everything else can and will wait. Even if it’s hard to convince your brain of that.

🎉Can you celebrate what you DID accomplish? We’re always on to the next one. Pause. Breathe.

📽️maybe make a slide show to share with your family to help explain what your research is and does

🏃‍♀️Run in to 2026 wit NEW energy. Not stuck. Not self centered. How are you using your talents to bring light into the darkness?

🦴Bonus— don’t set up first week of January to be hellacious just because you took time off. Use the whole month.

🎬filming for a lab promo video. I will
never again think acting is easy.

📖Everything is Not enough- griping dedication

🧑‍🏫conference blisters brewing but happy and stimulated

🥰much needed time with my loved one’s babies

📷meals, yoga, and lab meetings for December joys

🎬filming for a lab promo video. I will
never again think acting is easy.

📖Everything is Not enough- griping dedication

🧑‍🏫conference blisters brewing but happy and stimulated

🥰much needed time with my loved one’s babies

📷meals, yoga, and lab meetings for December joys

You are not alone … in the challenging pursuit of happiness. Now and always.

🧩physical, mental, social health are linked!

📲call a friend on a walk

💻 pop on an online class (synchronous or asynchronous)

🏋️‍♀️make your way to a new community at a gym or studio!

https://www.wdbj7.com/2024/08/05/us-surgeon-general-warns-loneliness-isolation-are-national-epidemics/?fbclid=PAQ0xDSwK2zPpleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABp758vWMXkIxhpL3HGbjOCdFpoCLzzaGPGqQON0t955vITAC5JzEjwk34zCkG_aem_mrn6JpxDLHDoHpvoImDfVw

#bluezones #health #happiness #midlife

You are not alone … in the challenging pursuit of happiness. Now and always.

🧩physical, mental, social health are linked!

📲call a friend on a walk

💻 pop on an online class (synchronous or asynchronous)

🏋️‍♀️make your way to a new community at a gym or studio!

https://www.wdbj7.com/2024/08/05/us-surgeon-general-warns-loneliness-isolation-are-national-epidemics/?fbclid=PAQ0xDSwK2zPpleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABp758vWMXkIxhpL3HGbjOCdFpoCLzzaGPGqQON0t955vITAC5JzEjwk34zCkG_aem_mrn6JpxDLHDoHpvoImDfVw

#bluezones #health #happiness #midlife

Open shoulders as a strong base for my open heart.

Open shoulders as a strong base for my open heart.

She’s on one.

As you embrace this last month of 2025…a few gentle reminders:

🧱Habit stacking: “Always eat dinner? Add a short family walk and talk after. Always brush your teeth? Share a gratitude in the mirror.”

🎯🎮Gamifying: “Try to make a game of any activities, such as a plank challenge every time dishes are completed or having a bingo card of movement breaks.”
Involving others: “Call a long-distance loved one on a stroll in the neighborhood or sign up for group fitness classes with someone so you feel that you’re supporting them as much as they’re supporting you.”

🚗✈️ Travel hacks: “Move whenever you have time, stay hydrated, and give yourself ample time so backups and delays do not add more anxiety.”

More here:
https://news.vt.edu/articles/2025/12/hnfe-healthy-holiday-habits.html

She’s on one.

As you embrace this last month of 2025…a few gentle reminders:

🧱Habit stacking: “Always eat dinner? Add a short family walk and talk after. Always brush your teeth? Share a gratitude in the mirror.”

🎯🎮Gamifying: “Try to make a game of any activities, such as a plank challenge every time dishes are completed or having a bingo card of movement breaks.”
Involving others: “Call a long-distance loved one on a stroll in the neighborhood or sign up for group fitness classes with someone so you feel that you’re supporting them as much as they’re supporting you.”

🚗✈️ Travel hacks: “Move whenever you have time, stay hydrated, and give yourself ample time so backups and delays do not add more anxiety.”

More here:
https://news.vt.edu/articles/2025/12/hnfe-healthy-holiday-habits.html

I’m one of the happiest professors I know

It’s, in part, because I use ‘notice what I notice’ from my yoga practice

Despite and in spite of it all— being paid to drive your own research agenda, influence the next generation of learners, and pontificate for a living is an unbelievable privilege and blessing

I’m one of the happiest professors I know

It’s, in part, because I use ‘notice what I notice’ from my yoga practice

Despite and in spite of it all— being paid to drive your own research agenda, influence the next generation of learners, and pontificate for a living is an unbelievable privilege and blessing

Just a few:

👩‍🏫 Don’t think your resume defines you. Go forward, heart-centered and connect with all the glimmers the universe is trying to show you.

🥼Don’t think being a medical doctor is the only way to save lives.

🌱Don’t wait to sit in stillness in the grass, find a therapist who makes you both laugh and cry, and prioritize doing nothing. Being. Healing.

📇Don’t feel bad for forgetting someone’s name or them not remembering yours. Smile and reintroduce yourself.

🪷 Don’t wait for Friday or the next accolade…season… promotion … to know you’re already perfect and everything is just an unfolding.

Just a few:

👩‍🏫 Don’t think your resume defines you. Go forward, heart-centered and connect with all the glimmers the universe is trying to show you.

🥼Don’t think being a medical doctor is the only way to save lives.

🌱Don’t wait to sit in stillness in the grass, find a therapist who makes you both laugh and cry, and prioritize doing nothing. Being. Healing.

📇Don’t feel bad for forgetting someone’s name or them not remembering yours. Smile and reintroduce yourself.

🪷 Don’t wait for Friday or the next accolade…season… promotion … to know you’re already perfect and everything is just an unfolding.

I think one of the saddest things about being an academic is fragmenting yourself and pretending to be an expert.

Of course this is true outside the academy, off the mat.

Bring yourself here. All of you. Your unique gifts, experiences and opinions make you you. Better than AI. More important than being a duplicate of your advisor.

Just
You
Graciously, imperfectly
Perfectly
You

Find your people. Quiet the rest.

#yoga #prof #higherfrequency #highereducation

I think one of the saddest things about being an academic is fragmenting yourself and pretending to be an expert.

Of course this is true outside the academy, off the mat.

Bring yourself here. All of you. Your unique gifts, experiences and opinions make you you. Better than AI. More important than being a duplicate of your advisor.

Just
You
Graciously, imperfectly
Perfectly
You

Find your people. Quiet the rest.

#yoga #prof #higherfrequency #highereducation

😏 how am i contributing to hustle culture?

No taking off for official vacation in 5 years is not a flex. It’s a sign of …(other things).

🪷two recommendations to help you prepare:
Pre- travel read from @phdinclothes ‘How I take off weekends’
https://phdinclothes.com/2021/03/26/how-i-take-weekends-off-as-an-academic/

🎧🎙️permission slip to take time off:
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/higher-vibrations-in-higher-education/id1653506070?i=1000599101925

😏 how am i contributing to hustle culture?

No taking off for official vacation in 5 years is not a flex. It’s a sign of …(other things).

🪷two recommendations to help you prepare:
Pre- travel read from @phdinclothes ‘How I take off weekends’
https://phdinclothes.com/2021/03/26/how-i-take-weekends-off-as-an-academic/

🎧��🎙️permission slip to take time off:
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/higher-vibrations-in-higher-education/id1653506070?i=1000599101925

Join me for 7 days in Nosara, Costa Rica 🇨🇷
Tree planting & bingo
Nourishing foods
So much yoga on and off the mat.
Learn to slow down and unplug. Reset.

Students of life welcome for April 11-18 retreat! Rooms booking fast so head to the website:

parcilab.org/ivyretreat

Join me for 7 days in Nosara, Costa Rica 🇨🇷
Tree planting & bingo
Nourishing foods
So much yoga on and off the mat.
Learn to slow down and unplug. Reset.

Students of life welcome for April 11-18 retreat! Rooms booking fast so head to the website:

parcilab.org/ivyretreat

It comes as no surprise to me that yoga and writing retreats are on the rise.

We are burnt out and socially isolated.

Yoga | Yuj— to unite— provides time to come back together, come back to self… come to the waters.

Check the website! Study abroad or just ‘regular’ retreat mode. I got you. 🪷

What I don’t got? Much more energy for social media at the moment. Signing out for now. Love always.

#retreat #yoga #phd #writing
#studygram #unilife #gradstudent #phdadvice #collegelife #gradschool #phdlife #phd #phdstudent
PhD life, grad life, uni life, PhD student, productivity, PhD, grad study, study inspo, study.

It comes as no surprise to me that yoga and writing retreats are on the rise.

We are burnt out and socially isolated.

Yoga | Yuj— to unite— provides time to come back together, come back to self… come to the waters.

Check the website! Study abroad or just ‘regular’ retreat mode. I got you. 🪷

What I don’t got? Much more energy for social media at the moment. Signing out for now. Love always.

#retreat #yoga #phd #writing
#studygram #unilife #gradstudent #phdadvice #collegelife #gradschool #phdlife #phd #phdstudent
PhD life, grad life, uni life, PhD student, productivity, PhD, grad study, study inspo, study.

The best thing about the academy? You.

#phd #yoga #changeisgood

The best thing about the academy? You.

#phd #yoga #changeisgood

How to flourish in academia?

📚Read outside your discipline

🕸️Find comfortable ways to network, yes even introverts. I’m happy to practice over coffee

💫downshift and enjoy the process: lifelong learning and inventing doesn’t end in a course, diploma, or promotion

🥗 Nourish yourself and your community. Not when ‘things settle down’ or ‘when you have spare (time or money). Don’t wait to eat or pee after the tenth zoom call. Be here, now.
Share with us: whats the best advice you’ve received?

How to flourish in academia?

📚Read outside your discipline

🕸️Find comfortable ways to network, yes even introverts. I’m happy to practice over coffee

💫downshift and enjoy the process: lifelong learning and inventing doesn’t end in a course, diploma, or promotion

🥗 Nourish yourself and your community. Not when ‘things settle down’ or ‘when you have spare (time or money). Don’t wait to eat or pee after the tenth zoom call. Be here, now.
Share with us: whats the best advice you’ve received?

July you started out terribly … but you redeemed yourself immensely.

Sometimes we have to let go of what no longer serves us… self healing can be realllly small steps like:

🎶🥁 if you were listening to really slow, calming music and you feel more like yourself rapping along to early 2000s bangers … do it.

📱If you question ‘why isn’t __ reaching out to me?’ Reach out first.

👷‍♀️be a builder of knowledge, not a consumer.

🏋️‍♀️Get in goddess squat, scoop up the bullish!t and throw it up in the air like @gratefulgrowthyogatherapy guided us this week in our #200hrytt

🍳 stop frying your brain with scrolling or thinking someone else has your answers.

Follow for more random sh!t I think about that I wish I did sooner.

#pmdd #yogajourney #phd

July you started out terribly … but you redeemed yourself immensely.

Sometimes we have to let go of what no longer serves us… self healing can be realllly small steps like:

🎶🥁 if you were listening to really slow, calming music and you feel more like yourself rapping along to early 2000s bangers … do it.

📱If you question ‘why isn’t __ reaching out to me?’ Reach out first.

👷‍♀️be a builder of knowledge, not a consumer.

🏋️‍♀️Get in goddess squat, scoop up the bullish!t and throw it up in the air like @gratefulgrowthyogatherapy guided us this week in our #200hrytt

🍳 stop frying your brain with scrolling or thinking someone else has your answers.

Follow for more random sh!t I think about that I wish I did sooner.

#pmdd #yogajourney #phd

I didn’t know what earning a PhD would take… but more interestingly (?!) I didn’t know the epic life it would open for me.

Keep going. You deserve to see what’s on the other side of the hard work, rejections, and commencement.

You serve rest and play and a boundaried life.

I didn’t know what earning a PhD would take… but more interestingly (?!) I didn’t know the epic life it would open for me.

Keep going. You deserve to see what’s on the other side of the hard work, rejections, and commencement.

You serve rest and play and a boundaried life.

I had 12 grants rejected this year. Here’s how I’m coping:

💦ugly crying on the couch, dog walk, and bathtub

🏃‍♀️running through the stages of grief— especially that nasty comparison game. Recognizing that that’s human, forgiving myself and moving on.

🫁 finding my breath again

🧘‍♀️solo time on the mat and in a good book.

🤝 reaching out to start new collaborations or strengthen old ones.

🪷remembering that what’s meant for me won’t pass me.

💫The sting of rejection doesn’t change. The process of dealing with it does.

Follow @sincerelysamma for more bts of being an academic.

I had 12 grants rejected this year. Here’s how I’m coping:

💦ugly crying on the couch, dog walk, and bathtub

🏃‍♀️running through the stages of grief— especially that nasty comparison game. Recognizing that that’s human, forgiving myself and moving on.

🫁 finding my breath again

🧘‍♀️solo time on the mat and in a good book.

🤝 reaching out to start new collaborations or strengthen old ones.

🪷remembering that what’s meant for me won’t pass me.

💫The sting of rejection doesn’t change. The process of dealing with it does.

Follow @sincerelysamma for more bts of being an academic.

I didn’t know what earning a PhD would take… but more interestingly (?!) I didn’t know the epic life it would open for me.

Keep going. You deserve to see what’s on the other side of the hard work, rejections, and commencement.

PS in quiddler zero ox is more points than a misspelled proper noun

$5 zelle for the first to guess the song I’m coming back to life to…

I didn’t know what earning a PhD would take… but more interestingly (?!) I didn’t know the epic life it would open for me.

Keep going. You deserve to see what’s on the other side of the hard work, rejections, and commencement.

PS in quiddler zero ox is more points than a misspelled proper noun

$5 zelle for the first to guess the song I’m coming back to life to…

The one who gets praise for being in the lab all hours of the night is sitting by their mom in a hospital bed all day.

That one with the high H index? She’s battling insomnia to keep her lab afloat.

That one with the large following: she has a dual degree in marketing and business.

Follow for more on this epic journey in academia and beyond with interviews, meditations and musing to change the discourse and system of competing and comparing.

#academia #yoga #yogainacademia #hvhe #phd #phdlife #phdlifestyle #studygram

The one who gets praise for being in the lab all hours of the night is sitting by their mom in a hospital bed all day.

That one with the high H index? She’s battling insomnia to keep her lab afloat.

That one with the large following: she has a dual degree in marketing and business.

Follow for more on this epic journey in academia and beyond with interviews, meditations and musing to change the discourse and system of competing and comparing.

#academia #yoga #yogainacademia #hvhe #phd #phdlife #phdlifestyle #studygram

Don’t wait.

Sometimes I let healing be one thing (purchase, success, day, accolade, season) away, like outside my grip.

👉I oft forget the essence of calm, of yoga, of me, of self, of my highest self is always here.

⏳Here and now. Not there and then. Tap in. Tune in.

💪Fine tune the instrument that is me.

Don’t wait.

Sometimes I let healing be one thing (purchase, success, day, accolade, season) away, like outside my grip.

👉I oft forget the essence of calm, of yoga, of me, of self, of my highest self is always here.

⏳Here and now. Not there and then. Tap in. Tune in.

💪Fine tune the instrument that is me.

Running a lab when nothing is ok is … challenging.

Taking it one call, one project at a time.

You’ve got this! Anything that can be punted to tomorrow or next semester (or deleted entirely) is welcomed here.

Finding creativity through reels, throwing my phone under the blankets, more time outside

Follow @sincerelysamma for more on thriving academia and beyond.

#yogajourney #womeninspiringwomen #pmdd #phd #study

Running a lab when nothing is ok is … challenging.

Taking it one call, one project at a time.

You’ve got this! Anything that can be punted to tomorrow or next semester (or deleted entirely) is welcomed here.

Finding creativity through reels, throwing my phone under the blankets, more time outside

Follow @sincerelysamma for more on thriving academia and beyond.

#yogajourney #womeninspiringwomen #pmdd #phd #study

🍊 give me all the orange

🪷sacral chakra; dopamine dressing

🌊 water, connection, flow of life.

I smell rain coming in.
I sit with all my tears.

I pray and meditate and also get off the mat and into the world.

#slowliving #phd #study #highereducation #higherfrequency

🍊 give me all the orange

🪷sacral chakra; dopamine dressing

🌊 water, connection, flow of life.

I smell rain coming in.
I sit with all my tears.

I pray and meditate and also get off the mat and into the world.

#slowliving #phd #study #highereducation #higherfrequency

What makes me happy? Yoga….Yuj— Union with self, others and Spirit.

Teaching it. Letting it teach me.

Books opening next week for the next yoga and writing retreat: April 11-18, 2026

Are you a student?? Study abroad option Jan 3-10, 2026

DM or website for details!

What makes me happy? Yoga….Yuj— Union with self, others and Spirit.

Teaching it. Letting it teach me.

Books opening next week for the next yoga and writing retreat: April 11-18, 2026

Are you a student?? Study abroad option Jan 3-10, 2026

DM or website for details!

This June I hope you spend time changing your perspective. Whatever needs changing. Only you know. Quiet the noise. Stand on your head.

Vacate your thoughts— about the future, the past… even the present.

We’re doing a vacation for our #200ryt to let the knowledge breathe.

Are you a @vtabroad student? Sign up for Jan study abroad in Costa Rica Jan 3-10 2026

‘Just’ a student of life? Join @calleighfangmeyer and me @bodhitreeyogaresort April 11-18, 2026

This June I hope you spend time changing your perspective. Whatever needs changing. Only you know. Quiet the noise. Stand on your head.

Vacate your thoughts— about the future, the past… even the present.

We’re doing a vacation for our #200ryt to let the knowledge breathe.

Are you a @vtabroad student? Sign up for Jan study abroad in Costa Rica Jan 3-10 2026

�‘Just’ a student of life? Join @calleighfangmeyer and me @bodhitreeyogaresort April 11-18, 2026

Nobody knows the depths you’ve uncovered except for you.

💎Not your mentor or your partner or your therapist or your best friend.

☕️ it’s often in stillness with a coffee
🚿 or a moment without distraction

🪷 it’s harder to ‘capture’ those moments, so I’ll be letting the phone roll for your scroll.

Follow @sincerelysamma for more on yoga to make academia a healthier space and place for all

Nobody knows the depths you’ve uncovered except for you.

💎Not your mentor or your partner or your therapist or your best friend.

☕️ it’s often in stillness with a coffee
🚿 or a moment without distraction

🪷 it’s harder to ‘capture’ those moments, so I’ll be letting the phone roll for your scroll.

Follow @sincerelysamma for more on yoga to make academia a healthier space and place for all

🎓Nosara, Costa Rica study abroad Jan 3-10, 2026
🇨🇷 Nosara retreat April 11-18 2026
🪷 200 hour virtual yoga teacher training — first cohort live! DM or link in bio for details
🔮 philosophizing on the slow & good life

Follow @sincerelysamma for more on the intersection of yoga and academia

🎓Nosara, Costa Rica study abroad Jan 3-10, 2026
🇨🇷 Nosara retreat April 11-18 2026
🪷 200 hour virtual yoga teacher training — first cohort live! DM or link in bio for details
🔮 philosophizing on the slow & good life

Follow @sincerelysamma for more on the intersection of yoga and academia

📋An authorship agreement form can be as simple as outlining the project. Key features:

🔬name of project
🧪 research questions
📝 potential papers and working titles
🎯 target journal articles (helps craft the narrative)
💃👯 shows which team member will lead which sections

💎results in more clarity and equity

⚠️Something said in a meeting can be lost; write it down, update in a team meeting

Have you ever seen or used an authorship agreement form?

Thanks @thewilliamsfam for always bringing joy to my scroll.

📋An authorship agreement form can be as simple as outlining the project. Key features:

🔬name of project
🧪 research questions
📝 potential papers and working titles
🎯 target journal articles (helps craft the narrative)
💃👯 shows which team member will lead which sections

💎results in more clarity and equity

⚠️Something said in a meeting can be lost; write it down, update in a team meeting

Have you ever seen or used an authorship agreement form?

Thanks @thewilliamsfam for always bringing joy to my scroll.

Don’t blink. I have the best job in the whole world, in part, because I’m surrounded by some of the best people.

All the travel and yoga and research and teaching. So filled, so fueled.

Don’t blink. I have the best job in the whole world, in part, because I’m surrounded by some of the best people.

All the travel and yoga and research and teaching. So filled, so fueled.

Did you know my lab offers

🪷 retreats in Costa Rica
🎓study abroad in Costa Rica
🌱research at the intersection of yoga, public health, and flourishing for all populations from rural residents to cancer survivors to older adults?
🔗 free resources, checklists, videos and more. Parcilab.org

Follow @sincerelysamma for more on flourishing in academia and beyond.

Did you know my lab offers

🪷 retreats in Costa Rica
🎓study abroad in Costa Rica
🌱research at the intersection of yoga, public health, and flourishing for all populations from rural residents to cancer survivors to older adults?
🔗 free resources, checklists, videos and more. Parcilab.org

Follow @sincerelysamma for more on flourishing in academia and beyond.

What’s awakening in your world this Libra moon?
The moon of balance, beauty, and emotional clarity, especially in relationships.

Grateful for time to ponder among the familial vibe of @casavitalitybpii with people like @wellnesseffect_ and the amazing classes and hospitality @bodhitreeyogaresort that lead to magical new friend like @jeanderle

What’s awakening in your world this Libra moon?
The moon of balance, beauty, and emotional clarity, especially in relationships.

Grateful for time to ponder among the familial vibe of @casavitalitybpii with people like @wellnesseffect_ and the amazing classes and hospitality @bodhitreeyogaresort that lead to magical new friend like @jeanderle

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

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

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.

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