In her notebooks, a young girl wrote herself a command: “I will be a bestselling writer.” Imagine the child who wrote this: painfully shy, poor, dyslexic, far taller than her…
Posts Published byLeigh HopkinsLeigh Hopkins is a writer, editor, and Director of Viva Institute, an educational platform advancing creativity, consciousness, and collective repair through life-affirming courses, mentorship, and a community grounded in steady connection.
Repairing Connection in a Disconnected World
For most of human history, community wasn’t something we needed to seek out. Extended families lived together or nearby. Caregiving, work, celebrations, and survival were shared. Identity was relational: people…
Are You “Normal”? Navigating Life’s Messy Moments
In tough moments, you might catch yourself wondering, “Is this normal?” When you look around, the lives of friends and strangers often look polished—exciting jobs, perfect relationships, fantastic vacations—so it’s…
What happens to the brain during change
When life shifts—whether the change is welcome or not—for the brain, it can feel like like a full-body alarm. When faced with uncertainty, the limbic system signals potential danger. The…
Three Nervous System Exercises for Anxiety and Overwhelm
When anxiety spikes, it can feel as though the body has taken over—looping thoughts, racing heart, shallow breath. It can feel nearly impossible to try to think your way out…
When Life Changes Shape
If there’s anything we can count on, it’s that a time will inevitably come when life radically rearranges itself. The baby arrives. A loved one dies. The job ends. Someone…
6 Songs to Listen to When You Need to Calm Down
Music can be a powerful way to help your nervous system relax. Gentle rhythms, soft melodies, and soothing vocals signal to the body that it’s safe to slow down. Even…