Unexpected Awakening:: Emotional Abuse, Meditation, & Finding Yourself Again

In this deeply moving episode of Strategies for Living, David and Lauren McMillian welcome author and wellness advocate Laurie S. Jacobson to discuss her powerful memoir, Unexpected Awakening: 22 Days at a Buddhist Monastery Freed Me from Abuse. Together, they explore emotional abuse, psychological healing, Buddhist teachings, meditation, compassion, self-love, and the journey of reclaiming your identity after trauma. Laurie shares how silence, mindfulness, loving kindness, and spiritual awakening helped her break free from an emotionally abusive marriage and rediscover hope, resilience, and inner peace. This inspiring conversation offers insight for anyone seeking healing, personal growth, emotional recovery, or spiritual transformation.Original Airdate: 5/7/2026