"Independence Ave is the four-mile, east-west street in Washington, D.C. that connects the Lincoln Memorial to the Anacostia River....It's a dominant symbol of my first life, the life that ended abruptly this past February."

Written in the months following a near-death experience, Lauren Canaday leverages her rich understanding of brain science and diverse spiritual traditions to come to terms with her own post-traumatic stress, neurological disorder, and burnout. In this intimate account of relationship turmoil, drastic career changes, and the most notorious events of a generation, Canaday demonstrates a unique approach to confronting chronic illness.

From statistician to hairstylist, entrepreneur to organizational consultant, Canaday builds experience in several fields while using her creativity and wealth of behavioral science research to fashion a personalized, full-system approach to wellness. Going beyond the fads and defying her culture's push towards materialism and isolation, Canaday offers readers courage, companionship, and a fresh perspective for understanding the role that American individualism plays in chronic stress.

Searing and snappy, wise and tragic, Independence Ave will inspire even the most independent souls to rethink what it means to be a self in our modern world...and to explore building a more fulfilling and connected life while there's still time.