Integrative Mind Body Coaching

What you see or what you wish to see, it’s best to keep gazing until your eyes claim what you wish. Pick one or pick as many as you need. ❤️

Happy Mother’s Day to all the mamas out there.

And love to those of us for whom this day holds complexity.

Those who miss our mothers. Those who wished to become mothers. Those who mother in ways the world does not always name.

This morning I was in the garden picking fresh mint, my hands in the soil, listening to the doves cooing, the hawks crying, the bees buzzing, the waves crashing in the distance, and the chimes moving in the wind.

And then I felt her.

My mother.

Not just the memory of her. This was different.

A swoosh. Instant. Familiar.

I know her frequency.

I miss her so much. And what an extraordinary mother I had when it was good.

Even the hard years of her cancer, beginning when I was seven, were scattered with wonderful memories. Magic. Tenderness. Beauty woven through.

A dear soul sent me something today that landed gently in my heart:

“Whether a mom or not, as a woman and friend you mother the world in great ways.”

Perhaps mothering has always been larger than we were taught.

Some of us mother children. Some of us mother animals, gardens, healing spaces, communities, and the Earth herself.

Today reminded me that love does not end. It changes form.

And sometimes, when we are quiet enough, open, heart-centered, and softened into a loving frequency, we can feel Spirit moving close. Loved ones. Guides. The whispers on the wind.

With love,
Abigail ✨

Frankincense oil was studied in a paper published in BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine (2009). Researchers tested it on human bladder cancer cells and found that within just 3 hours, the cancer cells began shrinking and detaching. By 24 hours, at certain concentrations (around 1:1,100 dilution), cancer cell survival dropped close to zero, showing a strong anti-tumor effect in the lab.

The same study showed that frankincense oil activated genes responsible for stopping cell growth and triggering apoptosis (cell death), while not significantly harming normal bladder cells at similar doses. This suggests a selective effect on cancer cells. However, these results are from cell culture experiments—not human trials—so it’s promising early evidence, not a confirmed treatment.

PMCID: PMC2664784 PMID: 19296830

"Pleasure is always derived from something outside you, whereas joy arises from within." — Eckhart Tolle "Joy is spiritual. It is different, totally different from pleasure or happiness. It has nothing to do with Oshooutside, with the other; it is an inner phenomenon." — Osho

Discovering True Joy: Understanding Pleasure, Happiness, and Inner Power

In our fast-paced world, it’s easy to confuse fleeting moments of pleasure with the deeper, more lasting states of happiness and joy. As we explore spiritual transformation and personal growth, distinguishing these concepts can unlock a path to a more fulfilling life. Through my coaching practice at Abigail Mind Body Soul (formerly IntegrativeMindBody.com), I guide clients to cultivate joy and inner power, moving beyond temporary highs to create meaningful, soul-aligned lives. Let’s dive into what sets pleasure, happiness, and joy apart, supported by insights from psychology, spirituality, and reflective practices to help you on your journey.

Defining Pleasure, Happiness, and Joy

Pleasure: A short-term, sensory experience tied to external stimuli—like savoring a delicious meal, binge-watching a favorite show, or buying something new. It’s driven by the brain’s dopamine reward system, offering quick gratification but often fading fast. While pleasurable moments can feel exciting, over-reliance can lead to a cycle of craving without lasting fulfillment.

Happiness: A more enduring state of well-being, rooted in contentment, meaning, and connection. Positive psychology, like the work of Martin Seligman, describes it as "eudaimonia"—a life well-lived through purpose, relationships, and personal growth. Happiness engages serotonin pathways, fostering emotional stability and resilience.

Joy: A step beyond happiness, joy is a profound, spiritual state that arises from within. It’s less dependent on external circumstances and often coexists with life’s challenges, offering a sense of calm and completeness. As spiritual teacher Eckhart Tolle notes, “Pleasure is always derived from something outside you, whereas joy arises from within.”

Insights from Research and Wisdom

Neuroscience and psychology highlight why these distinctions matter. Studies in the Journal of Positive Psychology show that happiness (eudaimonia) stems from meaningful pursuits like personal growth and relationships, while pleasure (hedonia) is about immediate sensory rewards. Pleasure activates dopamine for quick highs, which can become addictive, whereas happiness relies on serotonin for stable well-being. The Greater Good Science Center at UC Berkeley adds that happiness thrives on social connections and purpose, unlike pleasure’s often solitary nature.

Spiritual perspectives deepen this understanding. Osho describes joy as “an inner phenomenon,” distinct from both pleasure’s transience and happiness’s contentment. Denis Waitley captures its essence: “Happiness cannot be traveled to, owned, earned, or worn. It is the spiritual experience of living every minute with love, grace, and gratitude.” These insights align with the transformative work we do at Abigail Mind Body Soul, where we help clients shift from chasing external pleasures to cultivating inner joy through spiritual practices like mindfulness, gratitude, and self-reflection.

Inner Power vs. Outer Power

A key part of this journey is recognizing the difference between outer power—external validations like status, achievements, or material gains—and inner power, the resilient strength that comes from self-awareness, values, and spiritual alignment. Pleasure often ties to outer power, seeking quick fixes through external sources. In contrast, happiness and joy nurture inner power, fostering a sense of purpose and peace that external circumstances can’t shake. Through coaching, we explore how to prioritize inner power, empowering clients to live authentically and joyfully.

Your Path to Joy and Transformation

At Abigail Mind Body Soul, I believe joy is a birthright, cultivated through intentional practices that align mind, body, and spirit. By understanding the difference between fleeting pleasure, stable happiness, and transcendent joy, you can shift toward a life of deeper meaning and inner power. My coaching supports you in this journey, offering tools like mindfulness, energy work, and reflective practices to foster spiritual transformation.

Ready to create more joy in your life? Contact me at [email protected] or visit AbigailMindBodySoul.com to explore transformational and spiritual coaching. Let’s work together to uncover your inner radiance and live a life aligned with your soul’s purpose.

Here's me at Tough Mudder, primal fun and pleasure with friends and lots of joy...Yes, one does not negate the other.

With love and care, your fellow journey woman, Abigail.

Celebrate where you are while dreaming of where you’re going. 🌿

🚫 Myth: Hypnotherapy is like what you see in movies.
✅ Truth: It’s a gentle and safe way to tap into your subconscious, overcome limiting beliefs, and make lasting changes.

Curious how it works? Drop a ✨ below, and I’ll share more insights!

🌿 Life Transitions Are Never Easy... But They Are Worth It. 🌿

✨ What’s one thing you’ll do today to step out of your comfort zone?