Author / Teacher

Elaine Smookler

Elaine Smookler is a Registered Psychotherapist (RP) and teacher and was a founding faculty member at the Centre for Mindfulness Studies in Toronto teaching clinical programs including MBCT and MBSR. She also taught Mindfulness throughout the University of Toronto's Faculty of Medicine, was a founding teacher for the Mindfulness Thinktank at Sick Kids hospital and a longtime faculty member at the University of Toronto's School of Continuing Studies where she taught her own program, “A Mindful Way through the Creative Process” and part of the certificate program, "Mindfulness Informed End-of-Life Care." Elaine has offered mindfulness training to every kind of participant including: parole Officers, the Catholic School Board, Summer Camp Owners, Hair Stylists, Children, Teens, Employee Assistance programs and a broad corporate audience. She is also a guide on the app "Dawn Personalized Cancer Stewardship Program." She has a focused psychotherapy practice offering clients support and precise tools to help them find the kindest, gentlest, most successful way forward to meet the difficulties, challenges and obstacles that life is constantly offering up. She also explores mindfulness themes as a key-note speaker, columnist, standup comedian, actor and singer. www.elainesmookler.com

Articles by Elaine Smookler

How to Stay When You Want to Run
Breathing Meditations

How to Stay When You Want to Run

Mindful meditation might overwhelm you some days, and underwhelm you others. With a little practice, you can stay curious and engaged, when you might otherwise run. Read More

Finding Community (Where You Least Expect It)
Magazine

Finding Community (Where You Least Expect It)

Even when you feel disconnected, you’re part of something larger than yourself. Your community is not just who you already know—it flows in abundance when you’re in need. Read More

How Your Preferences Could Be Holding You Back
Magazine

How Your Preferences Could Be Holding You Back

When we release our tight hold on our preferences, the world can open up for us in surprising—and even delightful—ways. Read More

Do You Know How You Can Change the World?
Gratitude

Do You Know How You Can Change the World?

Mindful columnist Elaine Smookler reminds us that there are countless ways to bring joy, health, and healing to our planet. You might be the agent of change we’ve been waiting for. Read More

3 Ways to Bring Vitality and Purpose to Your Life
Magazine

3 Ways to Bring Vitality and Purpose to Your Life

In order to succeed in life we have to show up, says Elaine Smookler. With mindfulness, we dare to be fully present for all the ups and downs. Read More

The Wisdom of Loving Your Enemy
Learn

The Wisdom of Loving Your Enemy

We tend to hold on to beliefs, stories, and biases against others that end up hurting us, too. Here’s how we can loosen our grip. Read More

A Simple Practice to Calm Agitation
Mindfulness For

A Simple Practice to Calm Agitation

This four-step practice helps us put space between ourselves and what, or who, is bothering us. Read More

What Clowns Can Teach Us About Building Resilience
Magazine

What Clowns Can Teach Us About Building Resilience

When things are at their worst, mindfulness teacher Elaine Smookler suggests turning to the rules of clowning to face difficult emotions. Read More

How to Get Comfortable with Being Uncomfortable
Magazine

How to Get Comfortable with Being Uncomfortable

Thinking we need to be perfect before we act is a trap—but it’s one we can free ourselves from. Read More

How to Mend a Broken Heart
Depression & Grief

How to Mend a Broken Heart

When love falls apart, embracing your life as it is—agony, misfortune, and all—can help you heal. Try this three-step mindfulness practice to help you find stability and a little bit of ease. Read More

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