Own Your Present: a Q&A With Dr. Good
Never have you needed to be the change you want to see in the world more than this moment. The nation has erupted, the world has quieted, and you… well, how are you?
When we’re this deeply connected, and so much of our life seemingly relies upon the calm and clarity of those around us, it feels scary to see change occur so rapidly. This change feels uncontrollable.
This change requires self reflection.
We sat with our first Well Spirit Press author, Dr. Candace Good to get to know her journey into mindfulness, to see ourselves in her steadiness amid the chaos. Her book, Own Your Present: A Psychiatrist’s Guide To Mindful Meditation and Living a More Conscious Lifestyle releases in August. But we’re ready now.
What inspired you to specialize in Psychiatry?
I was the first person in my family to go to college so I wanted to dream big, becoming either a doctor or a lawyer. People seemed to like doctors better so that’s what I picked — it really never occurred to me that I’d actually get accepted!
Near the end of my third year of medical school, I had everything ready for ob/gyn residency. The month I was supposed to submit my application, I was randomly assigned to a child psychiatry rotation. I fell in love with the kids’ stories and helping families in such a unique way.
I went with my gut and changed my entire life plan in a matter of days.
What inspired you to integrate mindfulness into your everyday medical practice?
So, I wanted to be able to offer more to patients. I still believe in psychiatric medications, but why wouldn’t I want to share techniques that have been so helpful for me? The longer I practice, I realize what symptoms can be addressed with medication and what deserves a more holistic approach. Most of the time patients have to go to separate providers for each, who may not agree or communicate with each other. My patients know I am open to discussing both.
Many people take great care of their physical health but hesitate to see a psychiatrist; I want taking care of your mind to be as accessible as going to the store or the gym. In addition, a lot of people with anxiety or depression can’t see themselves joining a yoga class, so I created a space that welcomes practitioners who are sensitive to their needs for a more personalized approach.
What is your favorite thing about your career path?
I can honestly say my workday is never dull. I have a natural interest in people and get to make a living asking them pretty much anything. Yes, it’s more complicated and difficult than that, but still amazing they open their lives in the way they do.
Right now, a lot is coming full circle in that I’m helping students at the same university I attended at the start of my journey. It’s an extra responsibility to be the approachable doctor I would want to see.
Who inspires you?
There are two women that I’d probably lose my mind over if I ever got on an elevator with them. Brené Brown and Tina Fey. Both are fearless, able to own their quirks and find humor in them at the same time. I love their writing styles and I’m pretty sure they both like wine and cake.
What is a new skill you have learned over the past year?
How to say, “No.” Seriously, I’ve said “no” before, but this year “no” is no without an explanation. I take the time I need to decide and there is no qualifier like “but let me know if you can’t find anybody.”
I truly believe there are times where the best thing for the group is for someone else to step up and do it.
Where is your favorite place to be and why?
I don’t go many places at all (total homebody) but I do love the beach — not the sand, but the breeze with the sound of the ocean. I’ll dip my feet but only swim in water I can see through. We’ve been to Cape Cod several times and Key West. I’ll always remember how slowly people walk in Key West, just taking it all in, no rush as if there is plenty of rum and key lime pie to go around.
What are some random fun facts about you that you’re willing to share?
I have multiple tattoos, most of them I designed myself and got after the age of 40. One is the skyline of Pittsburgh, where I ran my first half-marathon. I have a tattoo that reminds me to breathe as the puffy seeds of the dandelion fly off in the wind and turn into butterflies. My most recent tattoo is on my ankle — the word “Present.” I got it well before I ever decided to write a book, but obviously it’s a meaningful word to me and became the backbone of my book.
My maiden name is Riehl, which is pronounced real, so I’m Dr. C. Riehl Good. I kept Riehl for my middle name rather than hyphenating it as I didn’t want to get called “Dr. Feel Good” twenty times a day.
My favorite thing to take to a party is Rice Krispies treats.
I’ve even been known to make my own marshmallows.
I can also sing all the states in alphabetical order, it’s a hit at work retreats but that’s not saying much.
What quirks do you have?
Where should I start? Normally I’d mention not letting silverware touch the table at a restaurant (that’s just common sense now), so I guess freaking out when anyone mentions going to an escape room? I have no idea why someone would pay for that nightmare experience. My friend told me about going to one with a prison theme and I had nightmares about it for weeks.
My superpower is that I can’t taste vodka, it’s like water to me so I’m not allowed to mix drinks for anyone.
I also talk to my dog a lot — only quirky because he’s 100% deaf.
Are you a dog person or a cat person?
Total dog person obviously, though I will still laugh at cat memes. I currently have two mystery hounds from a local rescue. We adopted Abbott and Flip two years apart but they are brothers from the same litter. Flip (the deaf one, Abbot is pictured here) was returned to the shelter. He’s had a variety of health issues — pancreatitis, a cancer scare, etc. I feel like he’s always in a cone. He’s the celebrity of the family, at least at the vet.
What most excites you about the launch of your book, Own Your Present: A Psychiatrist’s Guide To Mindful Meditation and Living a More Conscious Lifestyle?
Just over 2 years ago, I made some huge changes in my professional life to have more time to write. My mindfulness practice made me feel creative again and I wanted to share that with others. I started telling people I was going to write a book before I had any idea what my book was going to be about.
I took a writing class for some accountability and the chapters started coming out (just not in an organized fashion, ha ha). I felt it was important for a mental health professional to let others know, hey I’m an expert in the brain, but I also struggle with my thoughts and mindfulness practice. This is why it’s hard but also why it’s so valuable.
This book is about building a realistic mindfulness practice and finding more confidence and self-compassion along the way. I’m proud of the tone of the book; the writing style is very much how I talk to people.
Stay connected for exclusive excerpts, giveaways, and celebrations of Own Your Present. Countdown to the launch with us!
Photos: Gabriela Cheloni, Dr. C. Riehl Good
About Dr. Good:
Candace Good, MD is a psychiatrist, author, business owner, and advocate. She founded Sig: Wellness, LLC in 2018 to make breathing, meditation, and the conscious movement of yoga more accessible to the people who can benefit the most, people like her with anxiety and other stress-related conditions.
Dr. Good has extensive experience in child & adolescent, college, and inpatient mental health. She received her medical degree in 1999 from the Penn State College of Medicine in Hershey, PA where she maintains a clinical faculty appointment.
She has her Health Professional Training from the Maharishi Integrative AyurVeda Institute and is completing her meditation teacher certification through the Veda Center.
Dr. Good serves as a board member for the Pennsylvania Medical Society and is a distinguished fellow of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry.
She enjoys knitting and spending time with her family, especially her daughter and two rescue hounds. Own Your Present, her first book and its accompanying course releases August 2020.