Toni Bernhard

Toni Bernhard is the author of four books focused on mindfulness, chronic illness, and Buddhist-inspired practices for navigating life's challenges. Her works include "How to Be Sick: A Buddhist-Inspired Guide for the Chronically Ill and their Caregivers," now in its second edition, and its forthcoming companion volume, "How to Be Sick: Your Pocket Companion." She also wrote "How to Wake Up: A Buddhist-Inspired Guide to Navigating Joy and Sorrow" and "How to Live Well with Chronic Pain and Illness: A Mindful Guide." Her writing has reached a wide audience through her Psychology Today blog, "Turning Straw Into Gold."

Drawing from her 25 years as a practicing Buddhist and her personal experience with chronic illness, Bernhard writes in an accessible, conversational style. Her books blend personal anecdotes with practical exercises designed to cultivate compassion, resilience, and purpose. Before dedicating herself to writing, she spent 22 years as a law professor at the University of California—Davis, where she also served as dean of students for six years.

Bernhard continues to share insights on finding peace amid adversity through her books and blog. She resides in Davis, California, with her husband and their labrador, Scout.