My interest in mindfulness began at the age of 15 when, on a visit to Japan, I happened upon an entire room full of meditating monks. I was entranced by the vast silence and a curious energy I could not explain. After reading books about meditation, I became a closet meditator, fascinated by the idea that we could affect our physical, mental, and emotional experiences by training our attention. On and off for decades, I tried sitting still, pushing away the inevitable onslaught of thoughts and stories which crowded my mind. Later in life, I was introduced to intriguing scientific research on mindfulness, I discovered wonderful teachers and a practicing community, and I began to train in earnest. Even with certifications behind me, I am still learning and growing in my practice, and I continue to relish every opportunity to learn more about how mindfulness contributes to a deeper sense of connection with myself and others. The experience of this connection is my heartfelt wish for every human, and I am dedicated to sharing these practices with anyone who feels inspired to cultivate more connection, compassion, and harmony in their lives.