ha·ven

/ˈhāv(ə)n/

noun

1. a place of safety or refuge.

2. an inlet providing shelter for ships or boats; a harbor or small port.

Haven started as a Substack in January 2025 because I was longing to express myself in more radical ways, through writing and sharing my love for meditation. I have been meditating for over 10 years on my own and with my partner. Despite meditation being primarily a practice of doing nothing, I have become ever fascinated with it’s influence on my spiritual and emotional health. Turns out that doing nothing is not boring, it is profoundly healing! I deeply believe that spiritual practice and meaningful relationships are key to living a life that feels whole.

I have been interested in the intersection between psychology, philosophy, spirituality, and self actualization for nearly my entire life. My passion for Buddhist philosophy and meditation was sparked as an undergraduate at George Washington University earning a BA in Psychology. I started meditating around this time and was struck by the peace it brought me, a perpetual overthinker and type-A neurotic. I received a MA in Counseling from Seattle University and I have a Level 2 Usui Holy Fire Reiki certification. I work as a part time high school counselor in Seattle, as a college adjunct instructor, and as a Mental Health Counselor Associate at Four Winds Therapy.

Thank you for being here!

Love, Jess