Kari Bowl: Spring Miso Chicken

and having a soft front and strong back

I recently had a matcha date with a former colleague from my ballet days, someone I deeply admire for the vitality, kindness, and strength they bring to the world. Brené Brown and Joan Halifax would absolutely agree—she has a "strong back and soft front."

A leader like this is rare in my life—humble yet approachable, incredibly sharp and driven. I couldn’t help but wonder, how can this kind of magic be taught?

As I reflected, I realized that I’ve often had a soft back and strong front—the complete opposite of her. Out of fear, I’ve been defensive, rigid, and closed off to new ideas. I’ve found myself in situations where I allowed my clear boundaries to be crossed. As I write this, it doesn’t sound like me. How I could possibly be boundaryless and closed off? Unfortunately, I have an extreme case of this in my life right now and it is absolutely my truth.

To cultivate this mindset, we need resilience and grit, while also staying open, curious, and compassionate. We must have clear boundaries, respond with vulnerability, and be firm yet tender.

Here are a few helpful reminders to find the harmony between the two(mostly for me, but I thought they would be helpful for you, as well):

Building a Strong Back:

• Be in Integrity: Learn to say "no" to what doesn’t serve you, and "yes" to what aligns with your core values. Speak your truth, even when it goes against the popular opinion.

• Worthiness: Acknowledge your worth by honoring your unique boundaries.

• Accountability & Resilience: Own your actions, learn from mistakes, bounce back from setbacks, and be curious enough to continue to grow.

Cultivating a Soft Front:

• Practice Vulnerability: Be willing to share your authentic self, even when it feels uncomfortable or scary.

• Empathy & Compassion: Work on understanding and connecting with others’ emotions, and offer the benefit of the doubt.

• Curiosity & Kindness: Stay open to new experiences, ideas, and perspectives, and lead with kindness toward yourself and others.

• Active Listening: Deeply listen to others and honor their perspectives.

• Presence: Stay fully present in the moment, free of judgment or attachment.

This practice is all about harmonizing the masculine and feminine energy—the Yin and the Yang. This is my life’s work — embodying this duality and feeling deeply aligned with how I show up. Competent, graceful, and present.

I would describe this Spring Miso Chicken Kari Bowl™ as having a “strong back and soft front”. Bold flavors like miso, garlic, and ginger pair perfectly with milder ingredients—tender butter lettuce, fresh herbs, creamy avocado, and crunchy sugar snap peas.

Kari Bowl: Spring Miso Chicken