I want you to remember how joyful life can be. And how it’s possible to live both a hard life and a joyful one at the very same time.
I’ve come to learn that joy is a practice.
It’s not an innate state of mind. Or a gift for the lucky few.
Rather, it’s the result of a steady daily practice to reclaim the energy sapped by the hard work of living.
Living has been hard these days, eh?
Pandemics,…
Here we all are.
Global pandemic with no end in sight.
School, no school, or home school?
Working from home, not working, where will the money come from?
Racial injustice come-to-Jesus right now. Educating ourselves to step up best we can.
Inland hurricane. Trees down, roofs crashed, crops ruined. Lives upended here in Iowa.
And this is only part of the chaos and uncertainty in our lives,…
Everyone has stories to get out of their way.
Carrie was told a story that nothing was wrong, though she was sick and suffering and knew in her bones what her doctor said wasn’t true. But the very same story was repeated many times by experts who must have known more than she did.
She was sick and suffering. She knew that. She knew her life had suddenly changed when she…
I just finished writing in my journal about two minor but painful events that I just couldn’t let go of. They kept swirling around and around in my mind without resolution and left me feeling inadequate, disempowered, and uncomfortable. As soon as I unloaded my story on the pages of my sacred journal, I then wrote these words to myself, “Good job on the feelings, K! Now, let’s soothe and…
My entire philosophy of healing and medicine can be summed up in one word: Unbroken.
This is how I approach every single one of my clients (and myself!)—that in spite of our pain, suffering, stuckness, and longing for things to be better, we are inherently unbroken.
Instead, through our pain, suffering, stuckness, and longing for things to be better, we’re called to discover what we need to…
Dear One,
In the season of the United States’ Independence Day, I find myself reflecting on the meaning of freedom.
Even as a little girl I found myself confused by the words of the Star-Spangled Banner, written during the War of 1812—the “second war of independence” from the British—later becoming our national anthem and theme song of our independence and patriotism. To my young mind…
Dear One,
Why is failure so dang hard?
Sure, there are setbacks and disappointments that lead us to change our plans, but what about those colossal failures that call our worth and belonging and faith into question?
Like losing a job. Blurting out the wrong thing and hurting a loved one’s feelings. Trusting someone who lets us down.
Or worse—the failures we have no control over and have far…
My whole life’s work is dedicated to helping people heal and live their full potential.
We’ve talked before about the new science of epigenetics upending the old cultural narrative that our genes are our destiny and we have no personal control over our outcomes.
Epigenetics, the science of directable gene-environment-lifestyle interaction—of directable human potential—gives us a whole new…
Dear One,
You know me as a physician and scholar of the cultural narratives that define what medicine is today. I’m fascinated by how the way medicine is practiced in America is profoundly influenced by dominant narratives about science, the human body, disease, gender, sexuality, race, and what we believe about our futures.
I’ve come to realize that it’s all narrative. Everything we think we…
Dear One,
Can we be honest with each other? Here in this space where it’s safe to do so?
The virus isn’t our problem.
There. I’ve said it.
I’ll say it again. The virus is not our problem. It never was. And until we get this through our fearful heads, looking for the simple story and simple solutions, we’re going to remain in a world of hurt. And tragedy. And sorrow. And it’s all so…
My exclusive ebook, Your Healing Story, will help you identify and reimagine the toxic stories that get in the way of your healing. Join my subscriber community of like-minded seekers to receive your free copy.
A Nine-Stage Roadmap to Recover Energy, Reverse Chronic Illness, and Claim the Potential of a Vibrant New You
“Dr. Shanks is a thought leader and rare gem in the field of medicine, and one who walks her talk. Listen intently to the wisdom she distills….it is right on target.” -Betsy Rippentrop, PhD
“...a masterpiece of empathy, storytelling, and expertise. This book will change lives.” -Robin Stephen, Author
You'll receive a complementary copy of my ebook, Your Healing Story, when you join us.
to encourage and ignite your journey of healing and vibrant health.
Keep your finger on the pulse of all new offerings by Karyn Shanks, MD. We’ll email you about all new articles, online learning opportunities, and events.