Mindfulness From the Start

  Why Infant Mental Health Matters More Than We Think When we think about mental health, we often picture adolescents or adults navigating stress, anxiety, or depression. Rarely do we pause to consider that mental health begins at birth—or even before. And yet, infant mental health forms the foundation upon which all later emotional, relational, and cognitive development is built. Infant mental health is not about diagnosing babies. It is about understanding how early relationships, environments, and experiences shape a child’s sense of safety, trust, and connection. Infants learn about the world through their caregivers—through touch, voice, responsiveness, and presence. These early interactions quite literally shape the developing brain. With over 30 years of experience working alongside children and families, I have seen how early stress, unmet needs, and disrupted relationships can echo across childhood and into adulthood. I have also witnessed the remarkable healing that oc...

  Welcome to Awakening Now Awakening Now was created from a deep belief that healing, growth, and awareness are lifelong processes—and that the earliest relationships and experiences shape us in profound ways. This space exists to hold thoughtful conversation, reflection, and practical insight across the many layers that influence children, families, and the systems that surround them. With over 30 years of experience working with children and families , my work has consistently lived at the intersection of development, emotional health, mindfulness, and meaning-making. Throughout decades of supporting infants, children, caregivers, educators, and family systems, one truth has remained clear: when we slow down, listen deeply, and respond with intention, transformation becomes possible. This blog is an extension of that work. Here, you will find reflections and ideas spanning the full spectrum of infant and early childhood mental health , mindfulness practices for children and f...