Mark Nepo, 11/30/11

Author, New York Times bestseller "The Book of Awakening"

No matter how close we come, no matter how much we get from staying close with a sensitive heart, nothing will open us to joy but entering the stream.

Douglas LaBier, 11/29/11

Business psychologist and psychotherapist; Director, Center for Progressive Development

Many of 78 million baby boomers, now in the thick of midlife, are vulnerable to feeling demoralized about their lives. For some it's the classic "midlife crisis." But for many, it's more of a chronic, low-grade fever.

Manuel Villacorta, 11/30/11

Registered Dietitian, Speaker, and Founder of Eating Free

I have said for years that willpower doesn't work, and that people who rely on it to manage their nutrition will end up actually overeating when their will collapses. Nothing demonstrates this more than the holidays, with all that food, expectation and anxiety packed into a few days.

Robert Accordino M.D., M.Sc., 11/30/11

Physician and founder of nonprofit, Music for Autism

In the field of pediatric palliative care, it has been noted that dying children are often exceptionally concerned about their parents and how they will cope. With such few years on earth, they often quickly develop perspective of how unnatural it is for a parent to lose a child.

Sadhguru, 11/29/11

Founder, Isha Foundation

When a child is born, it needs nurturing, training and molding. So the need for family arose. Family is a very supportive base for a human being to grow. But for many people, family does not become a support, it becomes a hurdle.

Dr. Jim Taylor, 11/30/11

Clinical associate professor of psychology, University of Denver

People, like asteroids, are set on a path by those early forces and continue on that path throughout their lives, for better or worse, unless other forces alter its course. And, like asteroids, we are often unaware of the course we are on or what propels us down that path.

Dr. Cara Barker, 11/30/11

Author, Analyst, Keynotes, Founder of The Love Project, Love Fests and Retreats

Our most high and holy job is to be present to our relationship with the moment, with the urging of our heart, the needs of our well-being, and be patient for what this requires.

Matthew D. Erlich, M.D. and Lloyd I. Sederer, MD, 11/29/11

While some negative outcomes have nothing to do with patient expectations (adverse events are known risks with all treatments), the "nocebo effect" is especially pernicious because it can contaminate good care and is preventable.

Kimberly Snyder, 11/29/11

Local farmer's markets have sprung up everywhere, and many people are enjoying the benefits associated with being able to drive a few miles to pick up fresh produce and other products.

Red Room, 11/29/11

Online home of many of the world's greatest writers

Although buying gifts for friends or family members who have cancer can involve more than flipping to the Shopping Network, some of the most precious gifts cost nothing more than a bit of heart, time and presence of mind.

Peter Abaci, M.D., 11/29/11

Chronic pain specialist

Evidence strongly dictates that a key ingredient of putting together a long-term plan for aging well is to comprise a detailed family history.

John Weeks, 11/29/11

Publisher and Editor, 'Integrator Blog News & Reports'

Representatives spoke Nov. 10, 2011 at "Integrative Medicine in Action," a seminar sponsored by the Bravewell Collaborative of philanthropists in integrative medicine that preceded the Bravewell Physician Leadership Award.

Dr. Karen Becker, 11/29/11

Proactive and integrative wellness veterinarian

We wouldn't be us without our pets and our connection to animals, and in my experience, trying to be someone you're not any relationship -- and especially in an intimate relationship -- is a recipe for disaster.

David Katz, M.D., 11/28/11

Director, Yale Prevention Research Center

Good health is perennially on the list of reasons any family has to be thankful, and food is among the most potent of influences on health. The differential effects of pizza and a mixed green salad on health don't change just because politicians play around with the lexicon.

Jean Fain, L.I.C.S.W., M.S.W., 11/28/11

Licensed psychotherapist and author, 'The Self-Compassion Diet'

If your Thanksgiving Day feast has already become last weekend's regrettable splurge, you're probably feeling lousy about yourself right about now. What's more, you're probably thinking that getting down on yourself for overindulging is part of the cure.

Gretchen Rubin, 11/28/11

Writer, The Happiness Project

A "patron saint" is a saint who has a special connection to a person, place, profession, or activity, or in more casual terms, a person who serves as a particular leader or example.

Marni Wasserman, 11/28/11

Culinary Nutritionist and Owner, Delicious Knowledge

My clients always ask me, "If there is one thing I can do to better my health, or one food item I can add in that is amazing for me... what is it?" My answer is always greens! For instance, kale is fantastic when it is just lightly steamed or sautéed -- they even make great "chips" (see recipe below).