Finding Purpose and Presence with Dr. Jessie Mahoney

On this episode of The Health Feast, Po and Dr. Rak are delighted to welcome Dr. Jessie Mahoney.

Dr. Jessie Mahoney is a physician, mindfulness coach, yoga teacher, and host of The Mindful Healers podcast. Jessie and I go way back—we worked together for years at Kaiser Permanente, where she led transformative efforts in physician wellness. In fact, she was the catalyst for my own journey into mindfulness, which completely changed my life. Her leadership and wisdom sparked a pivotal moment for me—one that continues to shape my life to this day.

In this conversation, Jessie shares her personal journey of leaving medicine to follow her true calling: empowering others to find alignment and joy through mindfulness, coaching, and yoga. We delve into her courageous decision to transition out of clinical practice, the profound impact of mindfulness on personal and professional well-being, and the ripple effect her work has had on so many lives—including mine.

Jessie offers practical wisdom on overcoming burnout, reframing our relationship with work and purpose, and finding small, meaningful ways to nurture ourselves every day. We also talk about her retreats, her partnership with her husband as they build a new life and business centered on healing and growth, and how yoga can be a gateway to greater awareness and self-compassion.

Jessie’s story reminds us of the transformative power of mindfulness and how small, intentional shifts can ripple out to create meaningful change in our lives. Her work is a testament to the idea that when we align with our purpose and prioritize presence, we heal ourselves and uplift those around us. This episode is filled with practical insights, heartfelt moments, and the wisdom to help you create a truly aligned and fulfilling life.

Live well and RAK ON, Dr. Rak 👊🏽

Takeaways

• Take control of your own well-being and make changes within your control.

• Align with your purpose and passion to find fulfillment in your career.

• Practice mindfulness to manage your mindset and navigate uncertainty.

• Accept the reality of the system you work in, but focus on what you can change.

• Start with small steps and embrace the unknown when making career transitions. Practicing mindfulness helps balance the nervous system and creates a space for change.

• Being kind to oneself and practicing self-compassion is essential for making lasting changes.

• Meeting basic needs and nourishing oneself is crucial for successful change.

• Personal change can inspire loved ones to make their own changes.

• Taking small steps and investing in oneself can help overcome the fear of financial instability when making career changes. Self-care and mindfulness practices like yoga and meditation are essential for healthcare professionals to reduce stress and improve overall well-being.

• Men may face unique challenges in accessing and embracing yoga, but it can be a beneficial practice for them as well.

• Creating a life that feels good and nourishing oneself is important in order to better serve others.

• Finding a supportive community and seeking out resources like online yoga classes can help individuals incorporate self-care practices into their daily lives.

Timestamps: (00:00) Embracing Mindfulness for Physician Wellness (08:45) Navigating Burnout in Various Professions (18:51) Shifting Mindsets for Personal Empowerment (24:30) Shifting Perspectives for Personal Fulfillment (27:40) Navigating Change With Mindfulness and Compassion (33:09) Nourishing Transformation Through Self-Compassion (45:39) Mindful Career Alignment and Personal Fulfillment (50:19) Embracing Mindful Career Transition (01:01:12) Exploring Yoga for Mind-Body Connection (01:07:11) Healing Practices for Health Profes