Higher Vibrations in Higher Education

Samma Says: Don’t Wait

Don't wait until you hear permission to be yourself from someone else. Don't wait for graduation, promotion, rewards, grants, publications or any other external validation of who you are to step into your work, fully you, fully alive.
Happy wrap of season 1. Can't wait to see how we flourish.

Propelling Forward: Work Culture Shifts for our Interconnected World

Fionna Boyle is a professional Mariner and naval officer—and also my cousin. She helped me revamp my entire calendar and perspective of work—in October of 2021. It’s taken over two years to get to a place of balance. We've learned a lot along the way and share some anecdotes here, in this episode. Overall, we discuss the influence of each person—their experiences, their grief, their values, their strategies to let off steam—all influence the workplace culture.
Some key takeaways include:
Time is our greatest currency: There’s no such thing as multitasking (handle/maneuver), be present
Everyone has different schedules, routines, social norms, expectations
Everyone experiences grief through some form or another I may never have this moment with someone again
We are the teachers but also the students, everywhere we go
FEAR: face everything and rise OR face everything and run
I know what I know, but we’re going to grow and learn together. Then, we dance with cycles of fear and courage to build confidence and competence
We do things sometimes because they’re comfortable, familiar, doesn’t mean it’s best
I’ve been rushing to an elbow patch to be taken seriously. Presently, I am 36 and I keep saying I'm "almost 40"... what is that?
1 degree shift of our whole culture lab, ship, etc. we can shift our energetics and end up somewhere different
Industry agnostic: caring about the people who have your back
If you’re parroting someone who isn’t healthy- how does that help us create health in our culture
Being a valued member of a team is not a natural byproduct—as a leader, you can facilitate togetherness
The pulse of the world is interconnected
Keep singing in the lifeboats. We rise together.
Industry or career cycle
New, rolling sleeves, gung-ho- learning and receiving mode
Middle management- 8-10 years—commitment, reflection, transition – what am I doing here do I want to stay
Salty dogs- 10,000 hours master in your craft- time to pass on to others
Training and dissemination of everything we have learned
More from Fionna here:
https://www.maritimemomentum.com/
https://www.instagram.com/maritimemomentum/

Samma Says: Some advice for your evolution

May these practices help you show up who, what, & how you want to be.
Start "A" practice
Be ready to evolve, slowly
Define or redefine what "it" means to you (it: health, yoga, success)
Bonus tip: Create your own rules; embrace intimacy (in to me see) with yourself.
 

The healing powers of music and mantra: om mani padme hum

Noelle Whittington, E-RYT500, YACEP, has been a yoga Teacher since 2006, is the author of Morning and Evening Affirmation Journal, creator of Soul Alchemy Course, and has been a Yoga Teacher Trainer and mentor for Yoga studios since 2012. She wrote, produced, and performed the Mother Ocean theme song for HVHE. We do a deep dive into the layers and aspects of yoga that have helped us reach our current selves, including the gem that "to flourish [is] to take a breather from the human experience and lean into the cosmic." Stick around for the live performance at the end. 
Some of the key takeaways include:
If you’re being your true, authentic self, you’ll (potentially learn) that you’re not for everyone
Everyone is trying to be connected and respected, choose where you want to be.
When you grow, you can’t take everyone with you
You might find yourself on the other side of heartbreak
Mindfulness practices the earlier the better—integrating yoga principles in education!—and also, better late than never
Yoga can be all the things—playful asana and quietude to find yourself.
We all experience trauma, and some of us have the circumstance to process this, including the Homes of Hope Orphans who, who reach out for touch, connection, and love—a partial inspiration for the “ocean refuses no river”
Love and acceptance through small gestures
Some connections with people are not positive, but they are important
If we want to get free, no one can be left behind
Don’t rely on social media for reality—
“We are human, and we are divine.”
Learn the differences between discernment and discipline, and watch your practice grow
Tending to the needs of your body are challenging
What is fulfilling and unfulfilling? Non-judgement for your day, practices, or the past-- just move forward in the present moment
Sound and music helps embody rhythm, mantra is a way to quell anxiety
Mantra is a practice tool; manas (linear thoughts of the mind) tra (to cross over, or bridge)
Inhale: please; Exhale: thank you
Congruence and harmony versus "balance"
Om Mani Padme Hum: We are always That radiant jewel of infinite compassion
The practice is forgetting and remembering
More at: http://narayanishakti.com/

Healing the heart space: at work, off your mat, in your car

Physically, mentally, and socially creating compassion for self and others. An introduction to the heart chakra associate with the color green and the element of air... And the practices of compassion for self and others. We can use the metta (Pali word for benevolence, friendliness, affection, or kindness) meditation to radiate love for self, loved ones, people we don't know, and people who challenge us.*
- A reason to physically open our hearts, shoulders, and chest
- Guided breathwork and visualization
- Metta meditation in four parts
- Mantra for the days and years to come
Enjoy!
*This is for educational purposes only. Please select the level of challenge that suits you, today. These practices are for acute issues. Please seek additional mental and/ or physical health expertise if any of these practices seem to be superficial or disregard a deeper wound, injury, illness, or need.    

Valuing and Creating a Culture of Health in Academia

Borsika Rabin, PhD, MPH, PharmD* is a leader in the field of Dissemination and Implementation Science. When asked to explain the science, she shares that we are focused on “why certain solutions get used or not used in practice.” We talk about solutions to building connection, acceptance, and a culture of health—within academia, across sectors, and in our own conversations and hearts.  Highlights include:
Dissemination and Implementation Science is so challenging because we’re talking about a whole system of people doing something differently, together
Culture exists within an organization, country, or part of a country. There is power in the culture. How can we leverage that for good?
System change relies on shared culture, meaning, and priorities of groups. Any kind of behavior change means a cultural shift.
Lab is all over the US and beyond—not a full integrate, physical space. Lab- "isn’t a physical space, it’s who I work with"
Stop micromanaging, delegate. Let it go.
International student interested in studying in US: if there’s a local opportunity (workshop, training, conference). Key: Tailor your email for potential mentor
A yes to something is a no to something else. Heart is so big, time is so limited.
If you had one more hour a day, what would you do with it? Borsika says walking!
Find the beauty in imperfection, we don’t have to be constantly improving ourselves. Can we have more moments where we’re just ourselves?
System of flow state can be a serotonin rich experience
"I have to say no to things I’d love to do, my heart is so big but time is so limited"
Dissemination and Implementation Science is topic agnostic, just enjoy the projects and people along the way
Beautiful to feel competent and learner—great way to spend the day 
 
*Dr. Rabin’s primary positions include: Associate Professor Herbert Wertheim School of Public Health and Human Longevity Science, Co-Director, Dissemination and Implementation Science Center, UC San Diego and Co-Director, ACCORDS Dissemination and Implementation Science Graduate Certificate Program.
More about Dr. Rabin’s work here: https://dissemination-implementation.org/

Great People Doing Great Work: How to brave your journey

Sarah Wang is a dual MD-PhD student at the University of Virginia. She is also a patient advocate for the Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI), where we met. I was instantly impressed by her thoughtfulness and contributions to the advisory board on which we serve: Clinical Effectiveness and Decision Science (CEDS). In this episode, Sarah shares about a loved one's cancer diagnosis and the impact it has had on her life and career trajectory. For all of us, she outlines some strategies for braving your academic or medical journey; which may also apply to a healthcare journey (as a patient or caregiver). One of my favorite aspects was her reflections related to the fact that life is an emotional roller coaster; a mindfulness practice allows you to embrace "the transient nature of emotions."
Other takeaways include:
Using experiments as anchor points for your schedule
Practice to speak up-- you belong. Your opinion matters...even when you feel a lump in your throat
Her passion is at the intersectionality of healthcare: Triangle of provider, caregiver, researcher
Community support is imperative when something tragic is going on
Based on some of her experiences, she knows her mantra for providing quality care will be akin to: "If I can't cure your cancer, I want to be a support member for you."
Sharing about your needs for support in your research team can help you a) get resources that are needed and b) give yourself time and space to balance everything that is happening in your life
In your training, seek elective courses, like UVA's “The heart of medicine” that shares about wellness, intentionality. *If your program doesn't have one, perhaps seek online resources. Learning how to put your own oxygen mask on first is imperative.
There's a general void in knowing the truth of "what we are getting into." Think critically, find mentors, share what this job (biology, medicine) is going to look like
Flourishing is living your life fully- the way you want to... It's a chosen path with opportunities to find the beauty in the pain..."stars can't shine without darkness."
Sarah shares the impact of art of life lessons from others before us. Specifically, a quote from Raymond Carver's Late Fragment: "And did you get what you wanted from life, even so?”
A reminder that if your environment isn't helping you function, seek options (e.g., switching labs, programs, or universities)
Great people are doing great things-- the purpose of academics is to teach you the rigor of science. The politics of science are overwhelming, but remember your "why" can help you stay the course.
Being brave or having courage is willingness to be yourself - show the world who you are. "Give them your pure thoughts and not be afraid to share that."
More about Sarah Wang as well as the Patient Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI) in general:
PCORI: https://www.pcori.org/
Sarah Wang: https://med.virginia.edu/bims/congratulations-to-sarah-wang-recipient-of-an-nih-f30-ruth-l-kirschstein-national-research-service-award/

Samma Says: Permission to hold a firm time-limit boundary

Ever have a "got a sec" turn in to 10 min diatribe or a 60-min zoom call running 6 over- back-to-back-to-back so there's no transition time? (Shout out to Dr. Alyssa Gatto in "Trip, fall, and leap into your next step, and let the transition time be gentle" (episode 4).
 
A reminder to use your throat chakra to get on the same page with your colleagues. Only have 50 min? Tell them. And maybe more than once. Calendar invite says 50 minutes, start the meeting with an agenda and end time reminder, and conclude with "our final 5 minutes let's discuss..."
 
Too simple? I hear you. But, in my experience it's simple but not easy. We don't want to offend. However, clarity begets more clarity and... ultimately, cohesion.
 
So, let's stop stealing time from ourselves or colleagues and
- Make shorter meetings
- Take meetings to email where we can
- Practice that it's ok to hold your time limits. You are worthy, you always have been.

Partnering with journalists to disseminate your science

Freelance journalist, Meredith Lindemon, reached out to me for my first Virginia Living feature about the Blue Zones—places where the highest proportion of people 100+ years of age live—the article is taking off and bringing new opportunities with numerous organizations. I thought you might want to hear some tips for this dissemination option, too.
Know yourself: Are you funny? Be funny! If you’re not funny, don’t be.... But definitely don’t talk like you’re giving a lecture
Know who you’re talking to: What you’re doing is a dinner party conversation with their whole audience, but talk directly to the journalist
Answer the question: Avoid jargon, skip the sound bite, don’t think “how can I give a great quote”
Do your homework: What do they write? How do they address subject matter?
Important conversion rate ~20-30% do what they read!
Speak conversationally and the quote will emerge
How do you know yourself?
Grow where you’re planted- know your purpose- you can do this wherever you end up because you have it within you already
Financial stability: Need to be able to do the work, but you also need to be able to be a human being
Imagine your box of existence: Horizontal line = baseline (things need to be above this) and another horizontal line on top = limits (nothing above this) Boundaries within which you can exist: "I have to find another solution to this"
How do you explore your baseline needs? Many of us are experiencing this through breakdowns
Seek workshops, have fun, share your passions!
More at:  https://meredithlindemon.com/

I trust myself: A yogi’s journey to handstands and a white coat

Pull up a chair to join future Dr. Emma Kange and I as we talk about medical school, yoga, and balancing life. My favorite line is, "Doing your best doesn’t mean doing the most."
Grad and med school (or work) are demanding, but give yourself permission to take time away—perhaps on the mat, handling errands, or eating a nourishing meal
Family and trusted others can help guide us on our paths
Be open and relaxed in rotations for medical school
Parking lot prayers: Some call it spell, prayer, manifestation, quantum physics, whichever you identify with—can you take some moments to still and visualize yourself “take me to the white coat”
Prayer of “thank you” gratitude- thankful for the opportunity to be stressed doing things I love. 
Chakra system for medical school: quiet the idea that you don’t belong (root); feel into your calling—create opportunities for yourself (sacral); I am willing do to the work (solar plexus); I speak my trust (throat); keep my heart open to possibilities (heart); see myself stepping into my goal/role (third-eye); surrender the outcome (crown)
I’m on my way somewhere, I don’t know where, but I’m on my way
As a yoga teacher- I recognize you’re on your journey- I might give you a template, but I am not controlling your experience.
A yoga studio is not a place to do asana sessions, it’s a place to build community, safety, finding oneself
Teaching yoga is not an orchestrated act. Neither is teaching in academia
Nothing lasts forever- the fulfilling or unfulfilling
Priority list- life, joy, job- with 4 things per category
Love everyone for who they are—instead of “people aren’t meeting me in this way” instead look at what they are there for you for
What might change medicine: Increasing the importance of patient-centered care and wondering what is going on with the patient.