Author / Teacher

Elaine Smookler

Elaine Smookler is a Registered Psychotherapist (RP) and teacher. She was a founding faculty member at the Centre for Mindfulness Studies in Toronto, where she taught clinical programs including MBCT and MBSR. She also taught Mindfulness throughout the University of Toronto's Faculty of Medicine, was a founding member of the Compassionate Care team 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 was part of the certificate program for Mindfulness Informed End-of-Life Care. Elaine has offered mindfulness training to Parole Officers, the Catholic School Board, Employee Assistance programs throughout North America and to a broad corporate audience. She is also part of the Dawn DTx Personalized Cancer Stewardship Program. Elaine is a key-note speaker, columnist, standup comedian, actor and singer. With her clients, she employs a light touch to encourage people to turn towards difficulty, confusion, and challenge as part of the greater technicolour experience of life.

elainesmookler.com

Articles by Elaine Smookler

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

ELAINE SMOOKLER | NOV 27, 2021

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

ELAINE SMOOKLER | AUG 18, 2021

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

ELAINE SMOOKLER | AUG 17, 2021

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

ELAINE SMOOKLER | APR 7, 2021

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

ELAINE SMOOKLER | FEB 8, 2021

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

ELAINE SMOOKLER | OCT 20, 2020

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

ELAINE SMOOKLER | AUG 26, 2020

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

ELAINE SMOOKLER | JUL 16, 2020

Guided Meditations

Being Gentle with Your Feelings In Lockdown

When the enforced togetherness of quarantine starts to feel a little too close for comfort, reach for this five-step practice to find your grace under pressure. Read More

ELAINE SMOOKLER | MAY 15, 2020