Erin McCarthy, PhD: Mindfulness. Balance. Resilience

10/25/2025

I wonder, what is it that YOU need right now?

You already know you have tons to offer the world. But do you ever take seriously what it is that YOU need?

Not what the kids need, not what your boss needs, not what your partner needs, not what your parents need, but what YOU need?

Yes, you - the woman who tells herself she will start working out in the mornings but ends up interrupting her workout to rummage through the laundry or pile of clothes on the floor to find that shirt that her daughter absolutely has to wear to school today, or who vows to keep her lunch break open so she can go for a walk but instead clicks yes to the meeting invites that come through, or who swears she’ll read more, but ends up scrolling on her phone before bed instead.

You don’t need to be “more disciplined” or work harder…

What works better than trying to force yourself into being more present, is backing off and being kind to yourself.

This Sunday we’re going to explore how to live from that place of love and compassion, how to live from your values in your own life, how to be kind to yourself, no matter how hectic the schedule gets or how many meeting invites you have in your inbox.

Click the link in my profile, comment or send me a dm to register.
Join us for the Sacred Standards mini-retreat on Sunday from 10-11:30 am est on zoom.

10/18/2025

It’s hard to describe what it’s like to be in the presence of His Holiness the Dalai Lama - a being who radiates pure love and compassion. Time seems to stop, and in that moment, that’s all there is. What an honour and privilege and blessing it was to meet him, stand in that love and express gratitude for all he has done to make a more compassionate world.

10/13/2025

A peek behind the scenes as we prepare for the 39th Mind and Life Dialogue with and . “Minds, Artificial Intelligence, and Ethics”. Find the livestream link at mindandlife.org and join us for what I know are going to be fascinating, thoughtful, thought provoking conversations!

08/09/2025

Join us in 2026!

🌱 Save the Date! 🌱

Erin and I are offering a 3-night retreat back at our favourite spot - the Monastery of Mount Carmel. All are welcome to join us for what is sure to be an amazing time of practice and connection.

Registration will open in November. More info via the link below, and please email seedsretreats@gmail.com with any questions. Hope to see you there!

https://www.seedsmeditation.com/events/silent-meditation-retreat-with-tanya-mahar

07/21/2025

Your answers might reveal more than you expect. 🌼

07/17/2025

You don’t need a 30-minute silent sit to have a mindfulness practice.

You just need a moment, a breath, a willingness to meet yourself exactly where you are.

Because the best practice is the one you’ll actually do. 💛

06/04/2025

You're a human, there is nothing wrong with you, everyone has struggles, and you are doing great.

I dare you to be kind to yourself today. 💛

Your Coach,

Erin

06/03/2025

Did you know that how you treat yourself can be one of the biggest factors in whether you’re stuck in burnout? 🌱

Research shows that self-compassion can cut burnout almost in half (yep, half!).

I’ve seen it in my own clients and felt it in my own life, too: when we’re willing to treat ourselves with a bit more kindness, everything else softens.

This isn’t about “just think positive”, it’s about learning to be in your own corner, even on the hardest days.

If you’re ready to start shifting from exhaustion to ease, start small: notice how you talk to yourself today. 💛

Sending calm and compassion,
Erin

06/02/2025

Join us today for the Mind & Life Institute Summer Research Institute Livestream on Contemplative Education! Join us live or watch the recordings at your own pace. See you there!

SRI 2025 Livestream Summer Research Institute 2025 Reimagining Contemplative Education: Shaping a  Collective Future Monday, June 2 – Thursday, June 5, 2025 Join the Summer Research Institute online to be part of Reimagining Contemplative Education: Shaping a Collective Future Experience the Sum...

05/30/2025

🌊 Ever feel like your mind is running a thousand miles an hour? 🏃‍♀️

I get it. That’s why I love teaching these three core mindfulness skills: equanimity, concentration power, and sensory clarity.

They’re practical tools that help you navigate chaos, get sh*t done, and actually enjoy being here.

🌪️ Equanimity: the calm in the storm.
🧠 Concentration Power: focus that sticks.
🔑 Sensory Clarity: knowing what’s really going on inside you.

When you’ve got these three on your side, you become the kind of person who can meet life’s challenges with clarity, presence, and calm confidence.

Aka, the calmest and most powerful woman in the room.

Tap the link in my bio for free guided meditations to help you practice these 3 core skills of mindfulness. 🌊

05/23/2025

Sending calm and compassion,

Your Coach

05/23/2025

Sending calm and compassion,
Your Coach.