Austin Mindfulness Journal

Chop Wood, Carry Water: Finding Stillness on a Speeding Locomotive

Chop Wood, Carry Water: Finding Stillness on a Speeding Locomotive

Chop Wood, Carry Water: Finding Stillness on a Speeding LocomotiveCraig Lesley, LPC-A
Published on: 24/07/2026

Counselor Craig Lesley on the Zen art of presence: why life feels like a speeding locomotive, the power of asking 'what happened to you?', and a small imperfect practice to try today.

MindfulnessSelf-Compassion & AcceptanceStress & Burnout
How Does Mindfulness Improve Trauma Therapy Outcomes?

How Does Mindfulness Improve Trauma Therapy Outcomes?

How Does Mindfulness Improve Trauma Therapy Outcomes?Dr. Kristin Vaughn
Published on: 20/08/2025

Mindfulness soothes an over-alert nervous system, builds self-compassion, and strengthens emotional regulation. How integrating mindfulness improves trauma therapy outcomes.

MindfulnessTrauma & EMDRSelf-Compassion & Acceptance
Overcoming Perfectionism with Mindfulness and the 70% Rule

Overcoming Perfectionism with Mindfulness and the 70% Rule

Overcoming Perfectionism with Mindfulness and the 70% RuleDr. Kristin Vaughn
Published on: 19/02/2024

Perfectionism fuels stress, self-blame, and procrastination. Learn how mindfulness and the 70% rule help you relax your standards, quiet the inner critic, and embrace being human.

MindfulnessAnxietySelf-Compassion & Acceptance
Therapist Spotlight: Margot Goralczyk

Therapist Spotlight: Margot Goralczyk

Therapist Spotlight: Margot GoralczykDr. Kristin Vaughn
Published on: 05/04/2021

Meet Margot Goralczyk, a nurturing, mindfulness-based counselor at Austin Mindfulness Center. She shares why she became a therapist, her favorite skill—radical acceptance—and how mindfulness shapes her sessions.

Therapy & Getting StartedSelf-Compassion & Acceptance