Life, Love, and Purpose: Shaping Our Stories in Every Moment

Happiness is not the goal, peace of mind is.
— Dr. Faryal Mallick, Family Psychiatrist and Founder of FMP Mental Health Spa

I asked Dr. Faryal Mallick what’s FMP Mental Health Spa’s mission for 2025:

We know there’s no one-size-fits-all for humans. From the moment you meet her, Dr. Mallick is clear her approach centers entirely on your unique story, needs, and goals. With a deep sense of compassion and understanding, she helps you navigate life’s complexities while you focus on your well-being and your loved ones.

“I always say happiness is not the goal, the peace of mind is, right? Raising awareness of the value of taking care of yourself, meditating, grounding, exercising, drinking water, all of this and how much it plays a role in your day-to-day life, Taking a break from everything. At least you're getting that one hour break from your phone, right? Whatever exercise or whatever you do, you're taking a break from the rest of the world. Those breaks are so important where you don't have anything else except us, the earth, or the people that are present with us practicing the same meditation or whatever it is that you're doing. It doesn't matter if you come here or not, just go somewhere, take care of yourself, just experience something. Get away from phones, get away from buying things, buy experiences, buy memories…. Instead of buying gifts and buying things, how about spend time and do something like that. That will create memories forever. Those things you'll do for a little bit, use for a little bit and then what happens they get tossed out.”

Life, Love, and Purpose:

I don’t know about you, but adulting often feels like a constant hustle—an endless to-do list, unpleasant surprises, dreams that turn into nightmares, and a tiredness that never seems to end. Yet, at times, I catch a glimpse of "this is what it’s all about"—a visceral sense of pleasure and peaceful aliveness. I wish I could freeze those moments, capture that feeling in a bottle, or have a magical water globe that could show me that memory whenever I’m feeling unwell.

I remind myself that part of what makes those moments special is their fleeting nature—a contrast of light and shadow. Something that eases my pain, that pleasurable exhale of relief. So much of life, it seems, is about discovering how to release tension and breathe into those open spaces.

Our constant hustle to define ourselves, stay true to who we are, and find purpose can feel never-ending, especially as life keeps shifting. Every new phase brings fresh layers—new challenges, roles, and opportunities—that force us to reconsider what we want and who we want to be. Juggling whatever roles we choose—or feel forced to—play in our lives, we hope to take ownership of ourselves.

As caregivers, friends, intimate partners, mentors, and leaders, we constantly strive for “something better, for more.” We want to explore the world, and ourselves, in good company. To witness the possibilities of what life can become. As I learn about your story, I live a thousand lives.

Hopefully, one day I will learn to accept the fluidity of life. I’ll trust that I am exactly where I need to be, at the right time, with the wisdom to recognize and choose my next best step. In the meantime, I’ll remember to enjoy the present—knowing this moment will pass soon, and I don’t want to miss a thing.

Through it all, our relationships to others and environment shape us. Everything we do, and don’t, has a consequence. Every choice comes with grief. All gifts come with a curse, and every curse with a gift.

As tiny choices build our life, I realize it’s all about how we show up in each moment. Because the only thing we truly have is Now. Which stories are you helping to shape with your presence?

Spa Time for Your Mind: Yin Yoga & Journaling

Reconnect with yourself through an immersive experience designed to nurture both mind and body. Our session includes a 10-minutes chair massage, 30-minutes Yin Yoga & Journal session, and 15-minutes at our infra-red sauna. Join us on December 14th for one of our group sessions at 4pm, 5pm, or 6pm. Reservation required! Click here to save your spot.

Balance & Resilience

Bouncing back from setbacks, managing stress, and caring for ourselves and others through life’s challenges requires consistent practices that nurture our well-being, strengthen our relationships, and help us maintain balance. We often know what’s good for us but put it off. Some struggle with getting started, others with knowing when to pause. Many wrestle with the unsettling idea of resting, the fear of missing out, or the guilt of feeling pleasure.

Supportive relationships are the foundation of resilience. Community helps us combat burnout and the frustration of being a work in progress. We need to feel seen, heard, understood, and welcomed as we are.

Here Are 10 Ways to Cultivate Presence and Purpose in Your Life

  1. Be Present:
    Each day, take a moment to pause, breathe, and check in with yourself. Ask, "How am I really feeling right now?" It’s easy to rush through the day without noticing, but being aware of the present moment keeps you grounded and connected to yourself.

  2. Understand Your Roles:
    Think about the roles you play in life—caregiver, partner, friend, mentor—and how they shape who you are. Are you showing up as your true self in each one? Sometimes we get caught up in the expectations others have of us, but it's worth taking a step back and asking if you’re aligned with your values in these spaces.

  3. Make Small Choices with Meaning:
    Every day, you make hundreds of tiny choices. Some feel insignificant, but they add up. Start paying attention to those moments, and make decisions that feel purposeful—even if it’s something as simple as taking a deep breath before responding to someone.

  4. Let Life Flow:
    Life is fluid, and sometimes that feels like a lot to handle. Instead of resisting the unpredictability, lean into it. Accept that things will change, and remind yourself that you are exactly where you need to be—even if you don’t fully understand it yet.

  5. Appreciate the Present:
    Before the day ends, take a moment to reflect on something you’re grateful for. It doesn’t need to be big, just something that made you smile or felt right in the moment. These small reflections help you focus on the moments that matter, rather than getting lost in what’s to come.

  6. Deepen Connections:
    Take time to connect with others, not just on the surface, but in a real way. Share something meaningful or ask a question that invites depth. Each time you do this, you gain insight into not only the other person but also yourself.

  7. Release Tension:
    Life can build up a lot of pressure. Find ways to let it go, whether that’s through stretching, taking a walk, or simply closing your eyes and breathing deeply. The more you do it, the easier it becomes to create space for calm in your day.

  8. Reflect on Your Choices:
    At the end of each week, look back and see how your choices lined up with your values. Were you showing up in the way you wanted to? If not, what can you shift next week to get closer to the person you want to be?

  9. Focus on What You Can Control:
    We can't control everything, and that’s okay. What matters is how you respond. Shift your attention to the things within your control and let go of what’s not. The power is always in how you show up in the moment.

  10. Be Aware of Your Environment:
    The space around you affects how you feel. Take time to notice it. Is it nurturing you, or does it feel draining? Small changes—like tidying up, adding a plant, or adjusting the lighting—can shift how you experience your surroundings and yourself.

Inner Peace: A Sanctuary for Your Mind, Body, and Relationships

Life rarely slows down, and when it does, it can leave us feeling unsettled, disconnected, or unsure of what to do with the stillness. We’re so accustomed to constant motion and the demands of daily life that moments of pause can feel unfamiliar or even uncomfortable. Yet, it’s in those quiet moments that we have the opportunity to reconnect with ourselves, reflect, and find clarity.

FMP Mental Health Spa’s Uniqueness

A mental health spa offers a unique space designed to nurture your mind, body, and relationships. Combining therapeutic and rejuvenating practices, it creates an environment where you can truly unwind. Services include:

  • Yoga and Movement to release tension and enhance body awareness.

  • Assisted Stretching for pain relief and relaxation.

  • Meditation and Sound Therapy to quiet the mind and restore balance.

  • Psychodynamic Group Therapy to explore and heal emotional patterns.

  • IV Hydration and Infrared Sauna for physical rejuvenation and detoxification.

Here, healers create a space for you to take the mini-vacation you deserve! Understanding ourselves is one of the most loving things we can do. As a Somatic Sex Counselor, my role isn’t to “fix” you but to support you as you explore and understand more about yourself, the “why and how” behind your thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. My approach is to foster candid conversations where you can safely connect, uncover patterns, and take ownership of your life in ways that feel both meaningful and pleasurable.

Our team might be the perfect fit for you if you’re:

  • An Adult managing stress, burnout, or seeking greater emotional balance.

  • A Teen looking for support in a safe, nurturing environment to grow and thrive.

  • A Couple wanting to reconnect, improve communication, and strengthen your relationship.

  • A Family aiming to heal, build stronger bonds, and enhance communication.

Choosing a mental health spa is a powerful way to cultivate your inner peace and nurture your overall well-being. No matter where you are in life, this spa offers a welcoming space designed to support your growth, healing, and balance. Discover how it can help you reconnect with yourself, build resilience, and create meaningful changes in your everyday life.

Heal in community. Join us as we nurture mind, body, and relationships. Take the next step toward lasting well-being! Click Here to see our collaboration for Sexual Well-Being.

Thaina Cordero, PhD

I’m a Sex Counselor and Yoga Teacher. I work with individuals, couples, non-monogamous relationships, and groups in topics related to sexuality, emotional regulation, communication dynamics, and changing behaviors.

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Building Resilience: A Holistic Perspective on Well-Being

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Sex as a Spiritual Practice: Deepening Connection Through Intimacy