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

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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 were you taught to review papers?

🪷 Remember there’s a human on the other side (presumably). Provide suggestions in a conversational tone.

🚫 Do not provide new experiments to run and analysis. Stick to critiques of what was provided.

📆 Practicality: put it on your calendar (and later CV to track your service); open a blank document and provide section-by-section awarenesses:

👉Focus on what’s confusing or what’s missing…
Consider: would I be able to replicate this work in the future if I didn’t have a conversation with the author (i.e., is there enough detail)

🎙️you can also expedite by thinking aloud as you read if you’re a verbal processor)

⏰sit with your review for a bit (your duration will vary based on quality of the paper and your confidence)

🤪 review YOUR review for typos and inconsistencies

😎Create better vibes in this whack system.

On the receiving end of reviews? Follow here for more in a follow up!

#phd #yoga #womeninspiringwomen

How were you taught to review papers?

🪷 Remember there’s a human on the other side (presumably). Provide suggestions in a conversational tone.

🚫 Do not provide new experiments to run and analysis. Stick to critiques of what was provided.

📆 Practicality: put it on your calendar (and later CV to track your service); open a blank document and provide section-by-section awarenesses:

👉Focus on what’s confusing or what’s missing…
Consider: would I be able to replicate this work in the future if I didn’t have a conversation with the author (i.e., is there enough detail)

🎙️you can also expedite by thinking aloud as you read if you’re a verbal processor)

⏰sit with your review for a bit (your duration will vary based on quality of the paper and your confidence)

🤪 review YOUR review for typos and inconsistencies

😎Create better vibes in this whack system.

On the receiving end of reviews? Follow here for more in a follow up!

#phd #yoga #womeninspiringwomen

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

1. Genuinely connect— zoom coffee date, real world office chat, handwritten letter. Check in, don’t isolate. Ask for help if you need it!

2. Keep it MIT : most important things. Maybe you do MIT for the day or week but write it out, schedule it in, keep it simple. Prioritize.

3. Celebrate milestones. Yours or your colleagues. We need more joy in this world.

4. Get the heck away from your inbox — preferably to move your body!

Follow @sincerelysamma for more on yoga off the mat and in the classroom and lab!!

#sincerelysamma #parcilab #virginiatech #vt #yoga #lifestyle #fitness #wellness #motivation #health #teacher #academic #college #supportsmallcreators #reels

1. Genuinely connect— zoom coffee date, real world office chat, handwritten letter. Check in, don’t isolate. Ask for help if you need it!

2. Keep it MIT : most important things. Maybe you do MIT for the day or week but write it out, schedule it in, keep it simple. Prioritize.

3. Celebrate milestones. Yours or your colleagues. We need more joy in this world.

4. Get the heck away from your inbox — preferably to move your body!

Follow @sincerelysamma for more on yoga off the mat and in the classroom and lab!!

#sincerelysamma #parcilab #virginiatech #vt #yoga #lifestyle #fitness #wellness #motivation #health #teacher #academic #college #supportsmallcreators #reels

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

When I first started my tenure-track position, I said yes to almost every project and opportunity…

🙀Fearing that that might be the one that led to the big grant, the next big finding. I didn’t want to be left out or (worse yet) let ‘someone else’ think I didn’t show up.

⏰But I’ve been doing that since before the pressures of tenure. I did that in grad school, yep I also did that on the playground.

I carried this harried energy with me everywhere.

🪷Now my heart and calendar have space. I have to gently remind myself that my work, and me, are already enough. Already worthy.

Sometimes saying yes worked. Sometimes you’re exhausted and fall on your face.

Find me over here dancing more, laughing more. Connecting more.

When do you say no?

#hvhe #phdlifestyle #phdlife #phd #womeninscience #firstgen #abundance #phdstudent #phdstudentsofinstagram

When I first started my tenure-track position, I said yes to almost every project and opportunity…

🙀Fearing that that might be the one that led to the big grant, the next big finding. I didn’t want to be left out or (worse yet) let ‘someone else’ think I didn’t show up.

⏰But I’ve been doing that since before the pressures of tenure. I did that in grad school, yep I also did that on the playground.

I carried this harried energy with me everywhere.

🪷Now my heart and calendar have space. I have to gently remind myself that my work, and me, are already enough. Already worthy.

Sometimes saying yes worked. Sometimes you’re exhausted and fall on your face.

Find me over here dancing more, laughing more. Connecting more.

When do you say no?

#hvhe #phdlifestyle #phdlife #phd #womeninscience #firstgen #abundance #phdstudent #phdstudentsofinstagram

🎓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.

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 👇

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

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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