“Especially in our culture, I think when people hear things like soft or gentle, we equate it with weakness...And for me there’s a lot of intersection with faith with this idea because Jesus was always telling us paradoxes...like the way to be first is to be last. And I really believe that this is what ‘try softer’ is like and really what gentleness is like. That there is a strength in what seems like weakness.” — Aundi Kolber
Listen in as Women in the Academy and Professions associate Caroline Triscik interviews author and therapist Aundi Kolber about her newly released book Try Softer: A Fresh Approach to Move Us out of Anxiety, Stress, and Survival Mode — and into a Life of Connection and Joy. Together, they discuss how we can shift from a life of a “try harder” mentality and to learn to love ourselves — mind, soul, and body — as beloved ones of Christ.
It was through social media that I discovered Aundi Kolber’s writing and began following her because of the continuous stream of encouragement from her posts, whether it be a word of wisdom or a gentle reminder to pay, as she would say, “compassionate attention” to ourselves. Likewise, I have appreciated from afar Aundi’s approach to counseling, as well as her expression of faith in Jesus. This past week Aundi released her first book Try Softer: A Fresh Approach to Move Us out of Anxiety, Stress, and Survival Mode— and into a Life of Connection and Joy. Aundi integrates her own personal journey away from perfectionism and a life of constant striving along with an in-depth look at the science of trauma and anxiety and its effects on the mind, body, and soul, and with a worldview centered on Jesus. Aundi invites us to explore how to discover our worth and belovedness and live a life filled with joy and connection.
— Caroline Triscik
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