Blog

The journey to the wedding day may be a winding one. I’m happy to share some tips and tricks along the way. I continually offer ways to strengthen your relationship, and provide additional resources & tools. Scroll on down, and click on a post that interests you. The comments are always open, and I would love to know what you think!

Gratituesday 1.12.21 - Accountability
Gratitudes Hope Mirlis Gratitudes Hope Mirlis

Gratituesday 1.12.21 - Accountability

Accountability has been on my mind recently. After the insurrection at the US Capitol last week, many politicians who supported the president or who let it happen just want everyone to move forward. They’re calling for unity. And I’m calling for accountability.

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Unconditional Support
Hope Mirlis Hope Mirlis

Unconditional Support

I had an a-ha moment last year when I realized that sometimes when I give there’s an expectation that I need to receive something. So, it got me thinking about unconditional support. Can I just give without the need to get back?

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Opening the Heart Chakra in Couples Yoga
Yoga, Weddings Hope Mirlis Yoga, Weddings Hope Mirlis

Opening the Heart Chakra in Couples Yoga

The heart chakra, or anahata, is one of the 7 chakras or energy centers that run up the central axis of the body. We practice heart openers in yoga as a gateway to our vulnerabilities. So grab a friend, your partner or your spouse and let’s get vulnerable together!

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How to Officiate a Friend’s Wedding
Weddings Hope Mirlis Weddings Hope Mirlis

How to Officiate a Friend’s Wedding

While officiating a friend's ceremony is a special honor, it can also be overwhelming. Here are some tips to get you started. I regularly offer Ceremony Consultation for “friend or family officiants”. So, I can offer assistance whenever you may need it.

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Gratituesday 12.29.20 - Farewell, 2020
Gratitudes Hope Mirlis Gratitudes Hope Mirlis

Gratituesday 12.29.20 - Farewell, 2020

I really wanted to say “Good Riddance, 2020. Don’t let the door hit you on the way out!” However, this amazingly challenging year, was a huge year for growth. Yes, there was a ton of really crappy things, but also lots of good, as well. And so I just say “Farewell, 2020.”

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What is the ZEN BRIDE WORKSHOP?
Zen Bride, Weddings Hope Mirlis Zen Bride, Weddings Hope Mirlis

What is the ZEN BRIDE WORKSHOP?

Early in my pre-marital practice, one my brides shared some issues and emotions out of scope of the curriculum. I attempted to address her waves of emotions and conflicted thoughts around her change of identity with her fiancé present. However, I soon realized that it was not about him, and I needed to work with her individually. Welcome to THE ZEN BRIDE.

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Gratituesday 12.15.20 - Unconditional Giving
Gratitudes Hope Mirlis Gratitudes Hope Mirlis

Gratituesday 12.15.20 - Unconditional Giving

It’s the season of GIVING. I watched One Night Only The Best of Broadway on NBC.com. One of the songs included was “When You’re Good to Mama” from Chicago. I really am a giving person, and I don’t need validation about that. However, in the back of my head, I think “what’s in it for me?”

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Zen Weddings: PRIORITIZE SELF CARE
Zen Bride, Wedding Hope Mirlis Zen Bride, Wedding Hope Mirlis

Zen Weddings: PRIORITIZE SELF CARE

Wedding planning isn’t just time-consuming—at times it can feel downright overwhelming. Self-care is an extremely important component of daily life, that many often forget. However, prioritizing “me time” can bring a sense of Zen to the wedding planning process.

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Gratituesday 11.24.20 - Thank you!
Gratitudes Hope Mirlis Gratitudes Hope Mirlis

Gratituesday 11.24.20 - Thank you!

I’ve been dinged for saying ‘thank you’ too much. When I was a manager at a restaurant in Berkeley, CA one of my staff members from Ireland used to repeat “thanks” every time I said it. It was if to say, ‘gosh, you say thanks, a lot!’ This week all bets are off, as it’s THANKSGIVING on Thursday.

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Premarital Counseling: PARENTING and CHILD RAISING

Premarital Counseling: PARENTING and CHILD RAISING

Amazingly some couples never discuss whether they are on the same page about having kids. If you want kids, but your partner does not, is that a deal breaker in the relationship? Since this is not an area one can compromise, that needs to be the first discussion. We can certainly do that in premarital counseling!

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Inside a Zoom Wedding
Weddings Hope Mirlis Weddings Hope Mirlis

Inside a Zoom Wedding

I thought that Zoom weddings would be super impersonal and administrative. However, I was pleasantly surprised just how simple yet meaningful they are. If you are planning a virtual wedding, or are just curious to know what’s like, I’m pulling back the curtain and taking you inside.

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