M2 Mindfulness Blogs

Sometimes careers take an unexpected turn. Ed Morales, Gilbert police officer and former SWAT team member and U.S. Marine, spent most of his career embedded in highly dangerous, adrenaline-fueled, critical situations. He was professionally successful and trusted by his peers and superiors to get the job done. But over time he noticed his health and personal relationships deteriorate. He describes barely being able to move when he got out of bed in the morning, his muscles and

“How’s it going?!?!,” well-meaning people often ask, inquiring how M2 is doing. I never know how to answer that question. Because in those moments I find myself wondering how others define success or status, so I can reply with that context in mind. Or because the question reminds me that I haven’t fully defined what success means to me. And I’m a little embarrassed about that. In honor of M2’s first birthday, I wanted to take a few minutes to think about how this anniversary

I have always loved Thanksgiving. Growing up, we didn’t observe many of the typical traditions. My Chilean parents never watched football, and no green bean nor sweet potato casserole, stuffing of any ilk, nor pumpkin pie ever graced our table. The giving thanks part wasn’t prominent either. But turkey and potatoes were easy to adopt, as was the custom of gathering with the families who became our tribe in the U.S. The holiday felt warm, inclusive and accessible. To me Thanks

In April, M2 donated a session to The Joy Bus fundraiser auction to contribute to their incredible service that brings free meals to homebound cancer patients. The winner of the session was the medical director of Family Comfort Hospice, and he gifted the session to the staff. How perfect is that? I’m kind of in awe of these people, who work to bring physical and emotional ease to patients and their families at the end of life. Can you imagine how much kindness, grace and pre