Let’s Live Now
Dr. Rachel Hollander’s blog on mindful living
for recovery from chronic pain & neuroplastic disorders
and for ongoing wellness of mind, body & spirit
Blog #8: After Recovery, Gratitude for the Lessons Taught by Neuroplastic Symptoms
The upcoming American Thanksgiving holiday inspires me to write about how, ironically, many people who have recovered from neuroplastic symptoms are grateful to have had their symptoms. Newfound self-compassion, empowerment, improved relationships, and greater spirituality are common themes in published writing and from personal anecdotes shared with me on the topic.
by Rachel Hollander, MD, MPH
5 min read
Post # 7: 8 Practical Takeaways from the 2025 ATNS Conference to Heal Neuroplastic Symptoms
The Association for the Treatment of Neuroplastic Symptoms (ATNS) encompasses about 1000 practitioners and members of the general public from practically every continent. The 2 ½ day annual ATNS conference last month in beautiful Boulder, Colorado buzzed with excitement among a “tribe” of 350 people. Get ready for the “red pill” paradigm shift and learn 8 conference takeaways for healing neuroplastic symptoms.
By Rachel Hollander, MD, MPH
6 min read
Post #6: Journaling for Wisdom to Self-Heal Chronic Pain & Other Neuroplastic Symptoms
Journaling is a useful way to delve into your subconscious mind. The conscious mind is the forefront of our superficial thoughts and emotions, while the subconscious mind stores deeper memories and emotions that may manifest as neuroplastic bodily symptoms. Wisdom comes from introspection. As Yoda says: “You must unlearn what you have learned…Do or do not. There is no try.” Provides 8 barriers to journaling plus solutions to get started, 10 types of journaling prompts, and 4 final pieces of sage advice.
By Rachel Hollander, MD, MPH
6 min read
Post #5: Daily Virtual Reality: Sensation vs. Perception and the Production of Neuroplastic Symptoms
Reality is greatly influenced by perception and perception is influenced by life experiences. How can we heal stress-related symptoms if they are based on past experiences coded in the unconscious? Change your habits of mind and you can create a new reality. Includes personal anecdotes and 6 ways to prevent and unlearn neuroplastic symptoms like chronic pain and others.
by Rachel Hollander, MD, MPH
6 min read
Post #4: Rest Allows Space for Healing & Preventing Stress-Related Neuroplastic Symptoms
Sleep is not the only form of rest. Daytime rest should be valued as well, through meditation, slowing down, mindfulness, and flow experiences. Even creating separation and asserting boundaries are forms of rest. Rest is a need, not an indulgence. It allows space for healing and preventing stress-related neuroplastic symptoms through observation, contemplation, and connecting with intuition. Complete with wisdom teachings and personal anecdotes.
by Rachel Hollander, MD, MPH
5 min read