Creative Journey is a podcast where we explore creativity and mindfulness. We believe everyone is creative, and we want to help you discover and nurture your creativity. We also believe mindfulness is essential for the creative process, and we want to help you cultivate a more mindful approach to your work and life. Let’s grow and expand together. E-mail us at creativejourney.kc@gmail.com. Join the list serve by sending a blank e-mail to creative–journey+subscribe@googlegroups.com. To join us each week on zoom, Send an e-mail to Community@acb.org

We often think boundaries are a mental decision—a sentence we craft in our heads. But by the time your brain thinks "I don't like this," your body has already been screaming "No" for ten minutes. In Week 3, we stop overthinking and start feeling. In this episode, we explore: The Nervous System Dashboard: Understanding your Green (Safe), Yellow (Anxious), and Red (Shutdown) zones. The Sensation Dictionary: Moving beyond emotional labels to name the physics of your boundaries (Heat, Buzzing, Constriction). Trusting the "Glitch": Why your gut instinct hits faster than your brain, and why you should trust that lag. The Pendulum: A somatic tool to find your biological "Yes" and "No." Connect with Coach Kaila: Visit our website for more resources: Creative Guidance LLC If this episode resonated with you, consider Supporting the show: Buy Me a Coffee

Book: The Ultimate Gift Author: Jim Stovall On This Episode, we explore the true value of money and how it means different things depending on one's situation. This episode highlights how using money to help others provides a proper perspective on life.

Why is it so hard to say “no”? In Week 2, we move from where your boundaries are to why they formed that way. Coach Kaila guides you through a compassionate exploration of your “Origin Story,” looking at the family rules and survival strategies that shaped your current behaviors. In this episode, we explore: The Blueprint: How your attachment style (Anxious or Avoidant) creates your boundary script. The “Good Child” Contract: Understanding the silent agreement we made to trade our authenticity for safety. Strategic Compliance: A powerful reframe for the disability community—learning when “people-pleasing” is actually a wise safety strategy vs. an unconscious fawn response. The Practice: How to use “The Pause” to break automatic patterns. Connect with Coach Kaila: Visit our website for more resources: Creative Guidance LLC If this episode resonated with you, consider Supporting the show: Buy Me a Coffee

Book: The Ultimate Gift Author: Jim Stovall This week focuses on the fundamental value of hard work and the satisfaction found in a job well done. We discuss why labor is a necessary starting point for personal growth and transformation. Visit https://creativeguidancellc.com/

Boundaries are not walls intended to shut people out; they are the navigation system that keeps us safe. In this series premiere, Coach Kaila maps the landscape of your life, moving beyond vague advice to explore the 7 Terrains of Self. In this episode, we explore: How to identify the 7 specific areas where you need boundaries (Physical, Emotional, Intellectual, Time, Energetic, Material, and Intimacy). Why a boundary violation is often felt in the body before the mind registers it. Practical somatic tools like “The Stop Hand” and “The Velvet Rope” to protect your peace without guilt. Connect with Coach Kaila: Visit our website for more resources: Creative Guidance LLC If this episode resonated with you, consider Supporting the show: Buy Me a Coffee

In the fourth episode of our series, “The Art of Arrival,” Coach Kaila shifts our focus from clearing the obstacles to actively populating our lives with light. We dive into the world of “Glimmers”—those micro-moments of safety and connection that signal to our nervous system that the “war” is over and we are safe to arrive. We explore the profound biology of laughter, looking at how it acts as a physical “circuit breaker” for stress by vibrating the Vagus nerve and forcing a deep, restorative exhale. Coach Kaila compares the uninhibited, 300-laughs-a-day nature of a child to the restricted “15-20 laughs” of the adult “Producer” identity, inviting us to reclaim the child's tool of sensory play. You will learn how to “tune your internal radio” to the frequency of delight through sensory layering, titration, and the creation of a Somatic Glimmer Library. This episode is an invitation to move from being a visitor in happiness to becoming a permanent resident of your own play and peace. Weekly Homework & Action Steps: The Glimmer Log: Find three micro-glimmers every day this week. They must be small, sensory, and take less than 10 seconds to notice. When you find one, take 30 seconds to “soak” in the sensation to catalog it in your nervous system. Journaling Prompt: What is the most “child-like” or “pointless” thing I did this week, and how did my body physically feel during and after that moment of play? Affirmation: “I am a Glimmer Hunter. I am safe to play, I am worthy of laughter, and I am arriving in the light every single day.” Connect with Coach Kaila: Visit our website for more resources: Creative Guidance LLC If this episode resonated with you, consider Supporting the show: Buy Me a Coffee

In the third installment of our series, “The Art of Arrival,” Coach Kaila explores one of the most significant barriers to true presence: the myth of the “Human Doing.” In a world that conditions us to tie our worth to our to-do lists, many of us have lost the ability to simply exist without justification. This episode dives into the “Inner Taskmaster” and the “Efficiency Trap” that turns even our hobbies and social connections into a form of labor. We discuss the somatic cost of “earning” our rest and why we often feel a “Post-Rest Hangover” of guilt when we aren't being productive. You will learn how to perform a “Worthy Scan” to identify where your body is bracing for work even during moments of stillness. Finally, we walk through the process of signing an “Unconditional Contract” with yourself—a somatic commitment to your inherent value that requires no output, no achievement, and no performance to remain valid. Weekly Homework & Action Steps: The Unproductive Hour: Choose one hour this week to be intentionally “unproductive.” No chores, no planning, and no fixing. Simply exist. When the urge to be “useful” arises, practice meeting it with the internal reminder that you are worthy of the space you occupy. Journaling Prompt: If your worth was already 100% pre-paid for the rest of your life, what is the one thing you would stop doing today, and what is the one thing you would start doing purely for the joy of it? Affirmation: “I am worthy without working. My value is inherent, and my rest is my right.” Connect with Coach Kaila: Visit our website for more resources: Creative Guidance LLC If this episode resonated with you, consider Supporting the show: Buy Me a Coffee

In this episode of Creative Journey, we continue our series, “The Art of Arrival: Rewiring Your Brain for Joy.” Coach Kaila dives deep into the “Upper Limit Problem”—the subconscious thermostat that often triggers anxiety, worry, or self-sabotage when our lives start going “too well.” We explore the somatic difference between the Inner Critic, who uses shame to dampen our joy, and the Inner Protector, who uses hyper-vigilance to keep us “safe” in a state of stress. You will learn practical, non-visual tools for stretching your “vessel of joy,” including Titration (taking in happiness in small drops) and Pendulation (moving between a resource and a neutral state). We also discuss how to use Ventral Vagal Anchors—like vocal toning and body anchoring—to stay centered on the Polyvagal ladder when the “voltage” of contentment feels higher than your nervous system is used to. Finally, we walk through the process of tearing up old “Upper Limit Contracts” to shift your identity from a lifelong Striver to a confident Arriver. Weekly Homework & Action Steps: The Joy Thermostat Check-In: Twice a day, stop and ask your body: “On a scale of 1-10, how much joy or peace am I allowing myself to feel right now?” If you notice you are dampening your mood, practice “titrating” your satisfaction up by just 1% for 30 seconds to stretch your somatic capacity. Journaling Prompt: “What is the old ‘Upper Limit' contract I am ready to tear up today (e.g., ‘I must stay stressed to stay productive'), and what is the new rule I am writing in its place?” Affirmation: “I have the capacity to hold immense joy. It is safe for me to feel good, and I do not need to ‘pay' for my happiness with stress.” Connect with Coach Kaila: Visit our website for more resources: Creative Guidance LLC Support the show: Buy Me a Coffee

In this episode of Creative Journey, we begin our new series, “The Art of Arrival: Rewiring Your Brain for Joy.” Coach Kaila explores why we often spend our lives “seeking” instead of “savoring” and how our biological wiring can make contentment feel elusive. We dive deep into the neuroscience of the Dopamine loop—the brain's “anticipation” circuit—and explain why reaching a goal can sometimes leave us feeling empty. We also discuss “Habituation” and how our nervous system filters out the very comforts we once worked so hard to achieve. Finally, we share somatic tools to activate your “satisfaction chemicals” (Serotonin and Oxytocin) through the practice of intentional savoring. Weekly Homework & Action Steps: The “Have-Done” List: Each night this week, instead of focusing on your to-do list, record three things you actually accomplished. Let your brain rest in the satisfaction of completion. Journaling Prompt: “If I stopped chasing ‘more' for just one hour today, what beautiful thing would I finally have the space to notice?” Affirmation: “I am allowed to be satisfied with what is. My worth is not a destination; it is my starting point.” Connect with Coach Kaila: Visit our website for more resources: Creative Guidance LLC Support the show: Buy Me a Coffee

Join Coach Kaila to shift from heavy Resolutions to aligned Intentions. We will dive into the science of why resolutions fail, enjoy a guided meditation to find your “Word of the Year,” and learn multi-sensory tools to anchor that word in your daily life.

Integration & Resilience: Building Your Compassionate Toolbox In this final session, we integrate all techniques, adding tools like Loving-Kindness and the Handshake Practice to strengthen your brain's resilience circuits and build your personalized roadmap for lasting emotional balance.

Active Regulation: The Power of Soften, Soothe, Allow You will master the core technique of Soften, Soothe, Allow, which actively calms your nervous system by releasing physical tension and cultivating self-kindness, allowing difficult emotions to process and subside naturally.

Foundations: Naming, Noticing, and Welcoming What Is This session teaches you the crucial first step of Name & Note, helping you regulate your response by non-judgmentally observing emotions and their physical sensations to understand that no feeling is fixed.

Practice gratitude as a tool for abundance and joy. We'll reflect on the progress made and celebrate the small wins and profound transformations.

On this bonus episode of Creative Journey from January 2025. This is our discussion from last year about Intention words for the new year. Take a look back, and be ready on New years day of this year to come chat with us about your intention word for the year.

Learn to let go of old patterns, limiting beliefs, and emotional baggage. We'll explore somatic and mindfulness techniques to release and create space for new growth.

Explore the light within you. This week is dedicated to connecting with your unique strengths and passions, and expressing your authentic self without fear.

Learn to notice and appreciate the small moments of joy, safety, and connection that bring light to your life. We'll explore how these “glimmers” can help regulate your nervous system and build resilience.

Dive into the practice of self-love and radical acceptance. Discover how to quiet your inner critic and nourish yourself with kindness.

Focus on goal setting and manifestation. Learn how to plant the seeds of your desires and align your thoughts and actions with your deepest values.

Explore the importance of self-awareness and mindful presence. We'll begin by identifying where you are on your journey and setting intentions for the weeks ahead.

In our final session, we'll focus on creating a sustainable approach to your journey. We'll discuss the benefits of delayed gratification and how pacing yourself for the long haul can lead to greater success and a deeper sense of fulfillment.

Learn practical strategies for developing realistic expectations for your goals. We'll cover how to measure progress, celebrate milestones along the way, and deal with feelings of frustration and impatience in a healthy, productive manner.

This week, we'll examine the negative consequences of expecting immediate results. We'll discuss how impatience can lead to prematurely abandoning goals, making dangerous shortcuts, and experiencing frustrating emotions that sabotage our efforts.

We'll dive into the reasons behind our desire for instant gratification. We'll explore societal influences, personal expectations, and how this mindset can prevent us from ever reaching our full potential.

Discover how embracing humility isn't weakness, but a profound source of strength. We'll explore strategies to integrate a “world owes me nothing” mindset into your daily life, equipping you with tools to overcome common pitfalls and sustain your journey of personal growth and contentment.

Shift your focus from taking to truly giving. Inspired by incredible real-life stories, we'll explore the immense joy and personal strength that come from contributing to others. Learn how to foster empathy and become a true team player in all areas of your life – from work to personal relationships.Episode Notes Notes go here

Gain powerful self-awareness as we explore common entitlement traps and challenge limiting beliefs. Learn practical reframing techniques and discover how taking full responsibility for your responses, regardless of external circumstances, empowers you to create meaningful change.

Dive deep into understanding entitlement, exploring its societal roots, and uncovering how it subtly influences our thoughts and actions. Through engaging discussion and personal reflection, we'll begin to identify areas where a sense of being “owed” might be holding us back.

Live mindfully and sustain your practice: Integrate mindfulness into everyday activities and create a personalized plan to maintain your newfound peace long after the workshop ends.

Cultivate inner calm with meditation: Demystify meditation and explore accessible techniques to find peace amidst the chaos of daily life.

On this episode, we continue our discussion about embracing solitude and cultivating inner piece.

This week we start our discussion of mbracing solitude and cultivating inner piece.

Building on the resilience cultivated and taking purposeful actions moving forward from life's inevitable setbacks.

On this epsiode, we continue our discussion of chapter 10, they don't resent other people's successes, in the book 13 things mentally strong people don't do by Amy Morin.

On this episode, we continue our discussion of chapter 10, they don't give up after the first failure, in the book 13 things mentally strong people don't do by Amy Morin.

On This episode we start chapter 10, They don't give up after the first failure, from the book 13 things Mentally Strong People don't do by Amy Morin.

On this episode, we conclude our discussion of chapter 9, they don't resent other people's successes, in the book 13 things mentally strong people don't do by Amy Morin.

On this episode, we continue our discussion of chapter 9, they don't resent other people' ssuccesses, from the book 13 things Mentally Strong People Don't do by Amy Morin.

On this episode, we continue our discussion of chapter 9, they don't resent other people's successes, in the book 13 things mentally strong people don't do by Amy Morin.

This week, we start our discussion of chapter 9, they don't resent other people's successes, from the book 13 Things Mentally Strong People don't do by Amy Morin.

This week, we continue our discussion of chapter 8, understanding and changing patterns, in the book 13 Things Mentally Strong People Don't do by Amy Morin.

This week we continue discussing chapter 8, understanding patterns, from the book 13 Things Mentally Strong People Don't do by Amy Morin.

This week, we continue our discussion of chapter 8, They don't make the same mistakes, from the book 13 things mentally strong people don't do by Amy Morin.

This week, we start chapter 8, Making the same mistakes over and over again, from the book 13 Things Mentally Strong People Don't do by Amy Morin.

This week, we continue our discussion of chapter 7, dwelling on the past, from the book 13 Things Mentally Strong People Don't do by Amy Morin.

This week, we continue our discussion of chapter 7, dwelling on the past, in the book 13 Things Mentally Strong People Don't do.

This week, we continue our discussion of chapter 7, Dwelling on the past, in the book 13 things mentally strong people don't do by Amy Morin.

This week, we start our discussion of chapter 7, dwelling on the past, in the book 13 Things Mentally Strong People Don't do by Amy Morin.

This week, we continue our discussion of chapter 6, calculated risks, from the book 13 Things Mentally Strong People Don't do by amy Morin.

This week, we continue our discussion of chapter 6 in the book 13 things mentally strong people don't do called calculated risks.