Mindful Living Group

Mindful Living Group Holistic Health & Wellness

LIFESTYLE, GROUPS, RETREATS, THERAPY, NURSING, INTEGRATIVE HEALTH, CONSULTING

Live Well.

Live Aloha. đŸŒș

Offices on Maui, O’ahu, Islandwide Telehealth, Global Programs, Diversity Inclusion. Mindful Living Group is a group of like-minded professionals committed to living mindfully in the spirit of Aloha. Our intention is to help you achieve your greatest potential in life through access to natural health and wellness approaches, psychotherapy & counseling, bodywork & acupuncture, western and indiginous or alternative medicines, psychiatric and nursing services, education, retreats and lifestyle experiences. We recognize and embrace our Hawaiian host culture and its wisdom to teaching us how to life well and live aloha.

10/31/2025

Emotional regulation isn’t about never feeling big emotions—it’s about learning how to move through them safely.

When you understand how to regulate, you teach your nervous system that emotions are safe to feel. Here are a few simple, science-backed ways to start:

đŸ« 1. Breathe Intentionally
Slow, deep breathing activates your vagus nerve—the body’s built-in calming system.
→ Try this: Inhale for 4, hold for 2, exhale for 6.

đŸȘž 2. Name What You Feel
Research shows that labeling an emotion helps deactivate the amygdala and calm the body.
→ Say, “I notice I feel anxious” instead of “I shouldn’t feel anxious.”

đŸš¶â€â™€ïž 3. Move Your Body
Emotions are energy—motion helps release them.
→ Take a quick walk, stretch, or shake it out for 60 seconds.

🖊 4. Write It Out
Journaling externalizes what’s looping in your head, giving your prefrontal cortex room to problem-solve.
→ Even two sentences like “I’m feeling ___ because ___” can help.

💬 5. Connect
Talk it out with a trusted person or your therapist. Regulation happens faster when we co-regulate—our nervous systems are wired for connection.

đŸŒ± Remember: regulation is not perfection. It’s practice. It’s choosing to pause before reacting, breathe before spiraling, and feel instead of numbing.

💡 Which of these tools do you want to try this week?

We all try to “keep it together.” But sometimes, what we think is self-control is actually self-suppression.đŸ§© Emotional ...
10/24/2025

We all try to “keep it together.” But sometimes, what we think is self-control is actually self-suppression.

đŸ§© Emotional Regulation and Emotional Suppression might look similar on the outside—but inside your brain and body, they’re doing very different things.

đŸŒ± Emotional Regulation
When you name what you’re feeling (“I’m anxious,” “I’m angry,” “I’m sad”) and let it move through safely, your prefrontal cortex (the part of your brain responsible for reasoning and decision-making) stays online. This allows you to respond intentionally instead of reacting impulsively.

đŸš« Emotional Suppression
When you push emotions away (“I shouldn’t feel this,” “I don’t have time for this”), your brain activates the amygdala—your alarm system—and keeps your nervous system in a subtle fight, flight, or freeze state. Over time, this can lead to chronic stress, anxiety, irritability, or even physical tension and fatigue.

💡 Think of it this way:
Regulation = processing and moving through
Suppression = storing and carrying it longer than needed

✅ Tip:
Next time you feel a strong emotion, pause and name it. Then ask yourself, “What might this feeling need right now—space, breath, or comfort?”

That small act shifts your brain from survival mode to safety mode.

Therapy can help you learn how to regulate emotions without judgment—so you can feel with your emotions instead of being run by them.

💬 Which one do you notice more often—regulation or suppression?

The Ins and Outs of Psychiatric Medications: A Guide for Maui ResidentsConsidering Medication for Mental Health in Maui?...
10/23/2025

The Ins and Outs of Psychiatric Medications: A Guide for Maui Residents

Considering Medication for Mental Health in Maui? You’re Not Alone.
If you live in Maui and are thinking about psychiatric care, you’re taking a strong first step toward improving your mental health. Many people feel unsure about whether medication is the right choice, or worry about stigma. Psychiatric medications can be an effective way to manage anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, and other mental health challenges—especially when combined with therapy and holistic support.

How Do Psychiatric Medications Work?
Psychiatric medications balance chemicals in the brain, like serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine, which influence mood, behavior, and thinking. They can help reduce symptoms, stabilize mood, and improve your daily functioning. In Maui, local psychiatrists and psychiatric nurse practitioners can work with you to create a personalized treatment plan that fits your lifestyle and mental health goals.

Psychiatrist vs. Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner: What’s the Difference?

Psychiatrist: A medical doctor (MD or DO) who specializes in diagnosing mental health conditions and prescribing medications. Psychiatrists have extensive training in complex psychiatric cases and can provide comprehensive medical care alongside therapy.
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner (PNP): A registered nurse with advanced training (NP) in psychiatric care. PNPs can assess mental health conditions, prescribe medications, and provide therapy, often with a focus on patient-centered and holistic care.
Both professionals are qualified to prescribe medication in Hawaii, but your choice may depend on your preference for care style, availability, and specific treatment needs.

Types of Psychiatric Medications You Might Encounter in Maui

Antidepressants: Often prescribed for depression and anxiety.
Anti-anxiety medications: Help reduce panic attacks and chronic stress.
Mood stabilizers: Used for bipolar disorder and emotional regulation.
Antipsychotics: Treat symptoms of psychosis, severe depression, or bipolar disorder.
Your provider will recommend the right medication—or combination—based on your symptoms and health profile.

What to Expect: Benefits and Side Effects
Medication can help you regain control of your life. Benefits may include improved sleep, better mood regulation, reduced anxiety, and enhanced focus. Common side effects may include fatigue, mild weight changes, or temporary sleep disturbances. Open communication with your provider ensures the safest and most effective treatment.

The Importance of Personalized Treatment Plans
Mental health care is not one-size-fits-all. Finding the right balance may take time, and follow-ups are key to adjusting your treatment for maximum benefit.

Ready to explore your mental health options in Maui? Mindful Living Group offers compassionate care, therapy, and lifestyle programs. Schedule your consultation today at www.mindfullivinggroup.org.

Taking the First Step: Is Medication Right for You?
Ask yourself: Are my symptoms affecting daily life? Have I tried other strategies like therapy or lifestyle changes? Would professional guidance help me understand my options? Seeking help is a sign of strength, and in Maui, you have access to local professionals ready to support you on your journey.

Ready to Begin Your Mental Health Journey in Maui?
Start today by scheduling a consultation with Mindful Living Group. Our team of psychiatric nurse practitioners provides individualized care that blends medication management, therapy, and holistic wellness programs—helping Maui residents achieve lasting mental health and well-being. Contact us today at www.MindfulLivingGroup.org or (808) 206-9371 and take the first step toward balance and peace of mind.

09/19/2025

Stress and anxiety are often used interchangeably—but they’re not the same thing. Understanding the difference helps you know how to cope.

⚡ Stress
‱ Triggered by external pressure (deadlines, conflict, big changes)
‱ Usually goes away once the situation resolves
‱ Can sometimes boost performance (like prepping for a big presentation)

đŸŒȘ Anxiety
‱ Internal—your brain and body stay “on high alert” even without an obvious trigger
‱ Doesn’t always fade when the situation ends
‱ Feels heavier, often with physical symptoms like racing heart, restlessness, or insomnia

✅ Tip for Stress: Break it down. Instead of staring at a massive project, pick one small piece to finish today. Example: “Send that one email” or “Draft just the intro.”

✅ Tip for Anxiety: Ground yourself in the present. Try 5-4-3-2-1: name 5 things you see, 4 things you feel, 3 things you hear, 2 you smell, 1 you taste. Example: Looking around your desk and noticing textures, sounds, and colors.

đŸŒ± Both stress and anxiety are common—and both are manageable with the right tools. Therapy can help you sort out which you’re experiencing and how to respond.

💬 Which one feels more familiar to you lately—stress, anxiety, or a bit of both?

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09/09/2025

Starting therapy can feel intimidating if you don’t know what to expect. The truth? That first session is simply about creating safety, connection, and curiosity.

Here’s what usually happens:
đŸȘ‘ Meet & Greet – You’ll meet your provider, talk about why you’re curious about therapy, and share what brings you there at your own pace.
📋 Questions & History – They may ask about your background, what’s been going on, and what you’d like to work on.
💭 Set Intentions – Together, you’ll set goals like “I want to feel less anxious at work” or “I want to navigate relationship stress better.”
👂 Safe Space – Most importantly, it’s your space to share what feels most important today. You don’t need the “perfect story.”

✅ Tip: Write down 1–2 things you want to bring up before your session. Example: “I’ve been feeling burnt out and can’t focus” or “I want to work on my boundaries.” This takes the pressure off trying to remember everything in the moment.

đŸŒ± The first session is just the start of building a supportive relationship—you don’t have to figure it all out at once.

💬 If you’ve never been to therapy, what’s one question you’d love answered? Drop it below—we might cover it in a future post.

Address

1300 N Holopono Drive Suite 108
Kihei, HI
96753

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 4pm
Friday 9am - 4pm

Telephone

+18082069371

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Our Story

The intention of the Mindful Living Group is to bring together community members and health and wellness providers who are seeking to living life free from disease and in the spirit of aloha. We offer a variety of programs, events, counseling, and lifestyle services so that people, families, and teams will experience the proven benefits of mindfulness. Each professional within the group cultivates a strong and compassionate mindfulness practice to help our clients achieve optimal health and wellness