“I have been dealing with generalized anxiety for quite some time, but officially diagnosed for the last 8 months. It was suggested by my doctor that I explore the practice of meditation to help control my anxiety. My wife helped introduce me to James. I came into our first session probably similar to many, very skeptical. I felt like there was no way that my mind had this much control over how I was physically feeling and there had to be something else causing my anxiety. Now, 6 months into my journey, I am honest to say that this first meeting became a springboard to a new way of thinking.

James has been an amazing teacher as well as a caring and thoughtful guide. He has helped me learn that there is indeed a state of mindfulness. A place where you truly are practicing the art of open attention to the present - where you are able to create space to observe one's own thoughts without judging them, and for me, it all starts with the concept of breath. I would have never grasped the reality that just simple but thoughtful breathing could have a profound impact on the management of anxious moments, but it really has. Today, I am still not perfect. I still wrestle with anxiety, stress, panic, but I have come to realize that this is absolutely okay. I have anchors that help support getting me through this. I owe the development of those anchors and a different outlook on life to working with James.”

— MITCH C. ~ WILMETTE, IL