Christine Comaford

Nov 13

Ever notice how two people can live side by side, grow up in the same neighborhood… and still see the world completely differently? That’s because each of us has our own map of the world — shaped by our experiences, beliefs, and values. When we forget that, misunderstanding creeps in. When we reme...Read more

Ever notice how two people can live side by side, grow up in the same neighborhood… and still see the world completely differently? That’s because each of us has our own map of the world — shaped by our experiences, beliefs, and values. When we forget that, misunderstanding creeps in. When we remember it, compassion returns. 💛 Try this today: instead of assuming someone should see things your way, get curious about their map. Ask, “What’s true for you right now?” Because life isn’t about changing someone’s map — it’s about exploring it. ✨ The more we step onto each other’s maps, the more we create meaning, kindness, and connection together. And if you're in the Bay Area, join me at my upcoming class at Book Passage, Corte Madera on Nov 20th where we will practice these tools in person. https://www.bookpassage.com/event/survive-and-thrive-during-holidays-christine-comaford #EmotionalIntelligence #Compassion #Connection #Leadership #NeuroscienceOfConnection

Oct 24

When we feel ignored or dismissed, the amygdala — the brain’s threat detection center — activates. It interprets social rejection as a potential danger, triggering a stress response that can cause withdrawal, defensiveness, or heightened emotional reactivity. Simply feeling seen, heard, and acknow...Read more

When we feel ignored or dismissed, the amygdala — the brain’s threat detection center — activates. It interprets social rejection as a potential danger, triggering a stress response that can cause withdrawal, defensiveness, or heightened emotional reactivity. Simply feeling seen, heard, and acknowledged can calm the amygdala and engage the prefrontal cortex, helping us respond thoughtfully instead of reactively. A 3-step way to calm your nervous system and communicate with compassion. 1️⃣ Pause: Take one slow breath in, exhale twice as long. Remind yourself, “I’m safe. I can slow down.” This calms the amygdala and brings your thinking brain back online. 2️⃣ Presence: Shift from “me vs. them” to “we.” Get curious: “What might they be feeling or needing right now?” 3️⃣ Phrase: Use influence phrases to invite connection: “Would it be helpful if…?” “What if we tried…?” “I need your help understanding…” 🧠 Why it works: Calm creates connection. When you self-regulate first, others feel it too — and real dialogue becomes possible.

Oct 23

Have you ever felt invisible in a conversation? Maybe someone interrupts you, dismisses your point, or simply moves on without acknowledging your perspective. That moment isn’t just frustrating — it actually triggers your nervous system. Your brain interprets it as rejection, a threat to belonging ...Read more

Have you ever felt invisible in a conversation? Maybe someone interrupts you, dismisses your point, or simply moves on without acknowledging your perspective. That moment isn’t just frustrating — it actually triggers your nervous system. Your brain interprets it as rejection, a threat to belonging and safety. That’s why we feel upset, withdrawn, or even shut down entirely. Here’s the good news: you don’t have to stay stuck in that cycle. One of my favorite tools is Influencing Phrases — simple, inviting statements that help others step out of defensiveness and into connection. For example: ✨ “Would it be helpful if I shared my perspective?” ✨ “What if I need your help understanding this?” These phrases create safety. They signal curiosity and respect, not judgment or pressure. And here’s the tip I want you to try today: Notice the next time you feel unheard, pause, and lead with a phrase that invites collaboration instead of conflict. You’ll be surprised how quickly the energy in the conversation shifts when you meet resistance with calm and curiosity. When we learn to communicate this way, we don’t just protect ourselves — we invite others to feel safe, seen, and valued too. Join my upcoming class where we will explore exactly this! Nov 5 11am PT/2pm ET https://smarttribes.lpages.co/sti-experiences/

Oct 19

Feeling stressed at family gatherings or tense conversations? 🧠 Here’s the neuroscience behind it: 1️⃣ Name it. Notice your tension: “I feel tightness in my chest.” 2️⃣ Breathe. Inhale 3 counts, exhale 5. Long exhale = nervous system reset. 3️⃣ Ask with curiosity. “What does this person need — saf...Read more

Feeling stressed at family gatherings or tense conversations? 🧠 Here’s the neuroscience behind it: 1️⃣ Name it. Notice your tension: “I feel tightness in my chest.” 2️⃣ Breathe. Inhale 3 counts, exhale 5. Long exhale = nervous system reset. 3️⃣ Ask with curiosity. “What does this person need — safety, belonging, or mattering?” These tiny shifts activate your prefrontal cortex, helping you respond calmly instead of reacting. 💡 Want to practice this live and transform holiday stress into connection? Reserve your spot for Surviving the Holidays: How to Keep Your Cool in Discomfort — Nov 5 @ 11am PT 👉 https://smarttribes.lpages.co/sti-experiences/ #EmotionalIntelligence #EmotionalRegulation #StressManagement #Mindfulness #ConflictResolution #HolidayStress #RelationshipSkills

Oct 17

🌊 Reflecting on an Incredible BYB Weekend I just wrapped facilitating the Beyond Your Brain retreat at Asilomar, and I’m still feeling inspired by the experience. Over the weekend, I had the privilege of guiding a group of incredible participants through deep self-reflection, growth, and connectio...Read more

🌊 Reflecting on an Incredible BYB Weekend I just wrapped facilitating the Beyond Your Brain retreat at Asilomar, and I’m still feeling inspired by the experience. Over the weekend, I had the privilege of guiding a group of incredible participants through deep self-reflection, growth, and connection. What struck me most was seeing people step into clarity and new perspectives in real time. The breakthroughs, shared insights, and sense of community that formed in such a short time were truly remarkable. This is exactly why I do this work, helping people uncover what’s possible for themselves, their teams, and their lives. Beyond Your Brain isn’t just a retreat; it’s a space to pause, reflect, and realign with purpose. Being able to witness and facilitate that transformation is deeply rewarding, and I’m grateful for every conversation, every “aha moment,” and every connection made. I’m excited to see how the insights and energy from this weekend ripple out into participants’ leadership, work, and daily lives. If you’re curious about what a retreat like this can do for personal or professional growth, I encourage you to explore Beyond Your Brain. It’s a chance to reconnect, reflect, and step into your potential. https://beyondyourbrain.com #BeyondYourBrain #LeadershipDevelopment #Facilitation #PersonalGrowth #Mindfulness #Transformation #ProfessionalDevelopment #Connection