289. How to Take Intentional Action So You Don’t Burn Out
Consistency rooted in love, not obligation, leads to energy, creativity, and sustainability.
As we celebrate FIVE years of the Healing Medicine podcast, this episode reflects on what has sustained us—intention, alignment, and choosing with awareness.
This conversation is also a joyful announcement of the revival of our Connect in Nature Retreat — returning July 30–August 2, 2026. We made this decision not out of expectation, but because we missed it and are choosing it again.
If you are feeling weary from “pushing through” or curious about a gentler way to stay committed, this episode is for you.
Pearls of Wisdom:
Sustainability isn’t about willpower; it’s about choosing with presence and letting alignment lead.
Feelings of resistance or resentment are cues to pause, reevaluate, and potentially release.
Healing happens when we release the pressure to perform and give ourselves permission to rest and evolve.
Fun, ease, and joy aren’t frivolous; they are wise signals of what’s truly aligned.
Spaciousness, non-judgment, and collaboration support the longevity of meaningful work.
Reflection Questions:
Where in your life are you being consistent by force, rather than by choice?
What would it feel like to choose instead of push?
Which commitments feel alive and which are asking for a pause, a shift, or a “graduation?”
Where could you welcome in more lightness or joy?
Why Connect in Nature is a Different Kind of Retreat
Connect in Nature is unlike any other retreat. It is the only opportunity to work in person with both Dr. Ni-Cheng Liang and Dr. Jessie Mahoney.
It’s intentionally designed for healers, physicians, and wellness professionals who crave a reset rooted in nature, mindfulness, and play.
It is held at the Green Gulch Zen Center just north of San Francisco, where eucalyptus groves, redwoods, gardens, and the quiet beauty of the California coast will surround you.
Here’s what makes it special:
Nature as co-teacher: Forest bathing, beach meditation, and often a fog hike support nervous system healing.
Freedom to choose: All practices are optional and guided with non-judgment—you participate in what serves you.
Spaciousness: Core retreat hours are 10:30–3:30, with optional morning offerings and space for rest, reflection, or local exploration.
Inclusive and welcoming: Open to all genders and professions—bring a partner, a colleague, a friend, or come solo.
Choose your own lodging at local inns, allowing for private rest and personal integration.
Enjoy excellent local restaurants in the evenings with friends, partners, or on your own.
Join us July 30–August 2, 2026, at Green Gulch Zen Center.
And…. this year it will be over my birthday weekend- so there will also be a mindful celebration.
Mindful Healers Connect in Nature Retreat details + registration:
Our Healing Medicine 5th Birthday Wishes
As part of celebrating five years of the Healing Medicine podcast, we’d love your help in spreading this healing ripple even further.
Our requests are explicitly designed to help more healers find this work.
If this podcast has supported you...
Please leave us a written review and a 5-star rating on your favorite listening platform. It helps others find the show and tells the algorithms to share this with more people who need it.
Recommend it to a friend or colleague.
Send them your favorite episode.
Please share it in your Facebook group, department, or residency class.
Let someone know how it’s helped you— personal sharing is how this work continues to grow.
This podcast was born out of love, and continues because of you.
We are so grateful you are here.
If you're longing for more intention and joy in your life and career, we invite you to explore mindful coaching with Jessie: www.jessiemahoneymd.com/coaching
To bring this kind of healing to your institution, department, or medical team, learn more about Jessie’s speaking offerings: www.jessiemahoneymd.com/speaking
Dr. Ni-Cheng Liang also offers powerful keynotes, workshops, and wellness sessions through www.awakenbreath.org
We would love to meet you this summer in the redwoods and help you reconnect to what’s truly meaningful.
Nothing shared in the Healing Medicine podcast is medical advice.