Emotional Expedition: A Journey of Healing with Meghan Thomas

Lost in an unending loop of responsibilities and distractions? Longing for a transformative escape? Join host Meghan Thomas with special guests Jaime Weisberg and Tracy Dando Mergler as they take you on a journey through the profound power of retreats in this episode.  Explore with us as we discuss exactly how retreats provide us with a chance to hit the pause button on our fast-paced lives, enabling us to disconnect from the world and reconnect with our authentic selves. We also touch on the collective and individual energy experienced during a retreat and how this allows us to safely step into our vulnerability, to connect and be seen. We also discover new tools that can be brought back into our lives that will have a profound effect on not only ourselves but the people closest to us as well.  We warmly invite you to join us at our upcoming retreat - Root to Rise: Connect and Be Seen at the beautiful VanderKamp in Cleveland New York. We've designed this retreat to be a sanctuary for self-care and self-reflection. We offer a variety of activities aimed at helping you connect with your inner-self, while fostering a sense of belonging among participants. We also shed light on how we've made accessibility and affordability central to our retreat, with special scholarship opportunities for those in need. With a combination of movement, positive psychology and group circles is our way of creating a safe space for vulnerability, healing, and connection.  Root to Rise is more than just a retreat. It's our mission to empower you to trust your own voice, to build a life that resonates with your inner truth and find a community that truly supports you. We can't wait to meet you and help you embark on this transformative journey. Root to Rise Retreat October 27, 2023: https://www.roottorisecny.com/ Episode 14 with Jaime Weisberg: https://spotify.link/I39tPznUADb Ep 35 with Tracy Dando Mergler: https://spotify.link/jtvXE8oUADb` Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Life can be a rollercoaster, and for our incredible guest Diana Lockett, author of "The Call to Freedom," the journey to self-discovery and healing was no exception. Through the trials and tribulations of her childhood, Diana learned to reconnect with the parts of herself she had denied, disowned, and shut down. Join us as she bravely shares her experiences growing up, the impact of her upbringing on her relationships, and her path to healing and self-discovery. Together, we discuss various tools and practices for emotional healing, such as meditation, energy healing, and yoga. I open up about my own experiences learning these practices and how they have helped me reclaim deeply buried parts of myself. As we explore the challenging process of forgiveness – from generational traumas to moments of self-sabotage – we reflect on the importance of creating space for growth and healing. Diana also shares her journey as a speech pathologist and her experience of opening and closing yoga studios, offering valuable lessons she's learned along the way. We emphasize the significance of boundaries, communication, and the power of vulnerability throughout our heartfelt conversation. Join us in this inspiring episode as we uncover the journey to love, purpose, and healing through life's many challenges. --------- EPISODE CHAPTERS --------- (0:00:02) - Healing Through Imperfection (0:14:32) - Tools and Practices for Emotional Healing (0:25:15) - The Journey of Forgiveness and Self-Forgiveness (0:33:48) - Boundaries and Communication (0:39:27) - Speech Pathology and Yoga (0:43:36) - The Journey to Love and Purpose Connect with Diana Lockett: -Book: The Call to Freedom: Heal Your Pain, Awaken Your Loving Presence: https://amzn.to/3NEdIYt -Free gift: A Call to Freedom: Heal your Pain, Awaken Your Loving Presence Companion Journal. A 30 page ebook with journal prompts to awaken in your life: https://bit.ly/CTFJournal  -Socials/website:  https://linktr.ee/diana_lockett Connect with Meg: -Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/emotional_expedition/ -Website: https://www.meghanthomas.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Our personal struggles can often lead us to our true purpose. This week Meg sat down with Dr. Ali Novitsky, a physician-turned-coach with a powerful story of overcoming body image issues and discovering her true calling in health and preventative care. Ali's unique journey through body acceptance, CBT, and postpartum depression has informed her approach to helping women become the best, most authentic versions of themselves. We also delved into the importance of emotional health and how it's deeply connected to our physical and mental well-being. Ali shared her insights on various techniques, such as exercise and dialectical behavioral therapy, that can help us regulate our emotions and ultimately live our most optimal lives. The conversation emphasized the significance of acknowledging and nurturing our emotions to truly reap the benefits of physical and mental health. Lastly, Ali's expertise in genetics shed light on how understanding our unique genetic makeup can help us manage our emotions, overcome limiting beliefs, and even address emotional eating. With a focus on optimal health strategies and mindset work, we discussed the importance of trusting the process and creating a loving relationship with ourselves. Don't miss this enlightening conversation with Dr. Ali Novitsky, filled with valuable insights on embracing our true selves and achieving our best health. --------- EPISODE CHAPTERS --------- (0:00:02) - From Doctor to Coach (0:08:42) - Physical and Emotional Health Connection (0:14:56) - Managing Emotions and Limiting Beliefs (0:26:56) - Understanding Genetics and Mental Health (0:33:15) - Genetic Factors in Emotional Eating (0:40:48) - Optimal Health Strategies and Mindset Work (0:51:44) - Trusting the Process Connect with Dr. Ali Novitsky: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alinovitskymd/ Website: https://www.lifecoachingforwomenphysicians.com/podcast PROGRAMS:  Men's Program, Fit Dad Collective™: https://www.lifecoachingforwomenphysicians.com/fdc Physician CME Program, Transform®: https://www.goals-society.com/transform The Fit Woman Collective™ is launching in August. COMING SOON!!!!! Connect with Meg: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/emotional_expedition/ Website: https://www.meghanthomas.com/ Atlas of the Heart Book Study: https://www.meghanthomas.com/atlas-of-the-heart Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this powerful and transformative discussion with Jana Wilson, author of the prescriptive memoir: Wise Little One: Learning to Love and Listen to my Inner Child, we explore how her own personal journey led her to create this unique blend of storytelling and healing. Jana takes us through her challenging childhood in the South, with young parents, an alcoholic and abusive father, and a mother diagnosed with mental illness. Jana shares how she discovered the power of unconditional love, the importance of reparenting, and the profound impact of connecting with her inner child. Listen in as Jana and I discuss the concept of becoming a cycle breaker and how she used her imagination to manifest her dreams. We also examine the gift of trauma, the power of introversion, and Jana's connection to animals. As we uncover the beautiful story of self-discovery, self-love, and the importance of taking responsibility for our own choices, we are reminded that we can all find light even in our darkest moments. Finally, we explore the teachings of Deepak Chopra and Mark Nepo, and how their wisdom can be applied to our everyday lives. This episode is a must-listen for anyone on a journey of self-discovery, healing, and personal growth. Connect with Jana:  Pre-order Wise Little One: https://www.janawilson.com/ Emotional Healing Retreats: https://www.emotionalhealingretreat.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/emotional_healing_retreats/ Connect with Meg: Website: https://www.meghanthomas.com/ Atlas of the Heart Book Study: https://www.meghanthomas.com/atlas-of-the-heart Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/emotional_expedition/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of the Emotional Expedition Podcast Meghan Thomas interviews Paula Crossfield, a vedic astrologer and business coach. Paula shares her journey of self-discovery and spiritual awakening. She discusses her early life, her travels, and her deep connection with different cultures and spirituality. Paula is a beacon of inspiration and wisdom. Paula begins by sharing her personal journey growing up in Oklahoma, revealing how she navigated through intense emotions and anxiety. She speaks of her exploration of yoga and traditional Indian chanting, tools she employed to understand and manage her emotional rollercoasters. Paula's life story is an inspiring testimony of resilience and determination, serving as a reminder that our emotional struggles can be catalysts for transformation. Shifting gears, the conversation moves towards the intriguing connection between emotions and celestial phenomena. Paula sheds light on the profound emotional impacts of events such as eclipses and discusses their influence on our lives, even if we're not astrologically aware. Her insights give listeners a fresh perspective on how the cosmic realm may intersect with our emotional world. In a compelling dialogue on entrepreneurship, Paula reveals her approach to guiding spirit-led entrepreneurs. She explains how she aids them in aligning their business strategies with their cosmic blueprints, leading to not just financial success, but also meaningful impact. This part of the discussion unravels how money, a traditionally tangible entity, can intertwine with spirituality in entrepreneurial ventures. Paula also delves into the emotional relationship people have with money, illuminating how it can limit their financial growth. She talks about helping spiritual practitioners overcome mindset blocks that obstruct their earnings.  The podcast also explores the significance of taking calculated risks.  Paula underlines her unique business model, centered on health, well-being, and philanthropy. As a tribute to her father's influence, she emphasizes the importance of charitable giving, marking it as a vital part of her business operations. Wrapping up this enlightening episode, Paula recounts her transformative travel experiences. Her deep connection with Estonia's unique culture and her newfound appreciation for her home environment in Maine offer fascinating insights into the profound impacts of travel and exploration on personal growth. Join Meghan and Paula on this Emotional Expedition, and embark on a journey to unlock your own emotional understanding and potential. Connect with Paula:  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/weaveyourbliss/ Podcast: The Cosmic Business Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/5QrjaD8C2NDdpG931ZDchV?si=5d5d150bc6d542c9 Website: https://www.weaveyourbliss.com Connect with Meg: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/emotional_expedition/ Website: https://www.meghanthomas.com/ Atlas of the Heart Book Study: https://www.meghanthomas.com/atlas-of-the-heart Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In a recent podcast episode Meg had an enlightening conversation with Annabel Chown, a breast cancer survivor, architect, yoga teacher, and author. Annabel shared her journey from diagnosis to recovery, the emotional and physical challenges she faced, and how she found a new sense of purpose and direction in life. Annabel was diagnosed with breast cancer at the age of 31. She was working as an architect, leading a busy life, and was in the prime of her youth when the diagnosis came. The news was shocking and life-altering. The emotional toll was significant. She grappled with fear, self-consciousness, and body image issues. Despite these challenges, Annabel found solace in her yoga practice. It provided a sense of peace and connection to a part of herself that felt spacious and calm. She eventually became a yoga teacher, eager to share the benefits she had experienced with others. Annabel also underwent testing for the BRCA gene, a gene associated with a higher risk of breast and ovarian cancer. She tested positive, which led to further surgeries, including a mastectomy and the removal of her ovaries. This decision was made more complex by her desire to have a child. After a long journey, including IVF, Annabel and her husband were blessed with a son. She acknowledges the challenges of infertility, which affects one in six women, and the stress of modern life that can contribute to these struggles. Today, Annabel leads a quiet, balanced life. She wakes up early for her yoga and meditation practice, spends quality time with her son, and dedicates time to her writing. She has written a book about her journey, transforming her challenging experience into a beautiful piece of work. Annabel's story is a testament to resilience and the power of self-care. She has navigated her way through life-altering experiences, finding strength in her body, solace in her yoga practice, and a new sense of purpose in her writing. Her journey serves as an inspiration for others facing similar challenges, reminding us all of the importance of emotional readiness, self-care, and the power of sharing our stories. To connect with Annabel: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/annabelchown/ Website: https://www.annabelchown.com Substack: This Beating Heart: https://annabelchown.substack.com Book: Hidden: Young, Single, Cancer: https://amzn.to/3IioiBo To connect with Meg: Website: https://www.meghanthomas.com/ Atlas of the Heart Book Study: https://www.meghanthomas.com/atlas-of-the-heart Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this special episode of the Emotional Expedition podcast, host Meghan Thomas celebrates her 40th birthday by sharing 40 profound quotes that have shaped and inspired her life. These quotes serve as guiding lights on her emotional journey and offer valuable insights for listeners seeking wisdom and personal growth. Throughout the episode, Meghan reflects on the significance of each quote, sharing personal anecdotes and the lessons she has learned along the way. From renowned authors and philosophers to beloved fictional characters, these quotes capture the essence of human experiences, resilience, and self-discovery. Highlights from the episode include: Cheryl Strayed: Bravery is acknowledging your fear and doing it anyway.  Maya Angelou: It's one of the greatest gifts you can give yourself, to forgive. Forgive everybody.  Wayne Dyer: Don't die with your music still in you. Albert Einstein: There are only two ways to live your life. One is as though nothing is a miracle. The other is as though everything is a miracle. John Muir: In every walk with nature one receives far more than he seeks.  Meghan also draws inspiration from Oprah, Brené Brown, Paulo Coehlo, Cleo Wade, Yung Pueblo and other influential figures. She emphasizes the importance of gratitude, the interconnectedness of spirituality and humanity, and the everlasting love and lessons shared by our furry friends. Join Meghan on this insightful episode as she invites listeners to embark on their own emotional expeditions, armed with these 40 powerful quotes that can ignite personal transformation, offer solace in challenging times, and remind us of the inherent strength within ourselves. Connect with Meg: https://www.meghanthomas.com/ Atlas of the Heart Book Study: https://www.meghanthomas.com/atlas-of-the-heart Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In a recent podcast episode, Meg had an enlightening conversation with Amanda Bullat, a registered dietitian and the owner of Alpine Nutrition, a practice that helps women in midlife redefine their relationship with food and their bodies. Amanda shared her personal journey from being a competitive runner to experiencing a significant identity shift, which led her to her current work.  Amanda's journey began as a competitive runner, where she experienced the pressure of maintaining a certain body size and weight. This led to disordered eating and an unhealthy relationship with food and her body. However, a significant turning point came during a trek in Nepal with her father. Despite being physically weak due to her disordered eating, Amanda was one of the only two people in her group who didn't need medication for high altitude sickness. This experience made her realize that her body was resilient and capable, despite not fitting into the societal ideals of diet culture. The most impactful part of Amanda's Nepal story was when she found herself feeling weak and frail while descending a pass. She realized that she wanted to continue having such adventures, but didn't want to feel weak doing so. This realization led her to vow to do whatever it took to regain her strength, even if it meant gaining weight and eating more. This was the catalyst for her journey towards recovery and her eventual work in helping others redefine their relationship with food and their bodies. Amanda's approach to helping her clients is rooted in the acronym SAVOR, which stands for Start, Awareness, Variety, Options, and Reflect and Release. She guides her clients to start noticing how cultural messages affect their relationship with their bodies, develop awareness of their feelings and bodily sensations, explore a variety of foods and self-nourishment practices, consider their options for greater self-nourishment, and reflect on their experiences while releasing judgment. Amanda emphasizes the importance of viewing these steps as a practice rather than a linear trajectory towards a fixed goal. She encourages her clients to reflect on what they like and what they want to change, and to release any judgment associated with these experiences. This approach helps her clients develop a healthier and more dynamic relationship with food and their bodies. Amanda's story and her work highlight the importance of redefining our relationship with food and our bodies, especially as we navigate through different stages of life. Her approach encourages us to practice self-nourishment, mindfulness, and reflection, and to release judgment and expectations. It's a reminder that our bodies are resilient and capable, and that we can redefine our relationship with food and our bodies to better align with our personal goals and desires. To learn more about Amanda's work: Website: www.alpinenutrition.org Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alpinenutrition/ Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/1wabNuFKPai72ZnqmOQoK7?si=a111e3e12fb6474b To connect with Meg: https://www.meghanthomas.com/ Atlas of the Heart Book Study: https://www.meghanthomas.com/atlas-of-the-heart Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of the Emotional Expedition podcast, host Meghan Thomas interviews KJ Nasrul, a psychotherapist, healing artist, speaker, and host of the Stories of Astonishing Light podcast. They discuss KJ's experiences as a transracial adoptee, the complexities of emotions surrounding adoption, and the importance of self-reclamation and embracing personal journeys. KJ shares her story of being adopted and the emotional challenges that came with it, including feelings of displacement, abandonment, and loss. She reflects on the impact of her adopted father's passing on her life and how her Puerto Rican lineage discovery brought mixed emotions. Despite being told her differences didn't matter, she felt a strong connection to her islander heritage and sought ways to express herself through music and movement. Meg and KJ explore the concept of belonging and fitting in, with KJ noting that she feels a stronger connection to specific people and places rather than a particular culture. They discuss the challenges of navigating connections with biological family members, adoptive family, and donor conceived relatives. KJ emphasizes the importance of acknowledging and discussing differences instead of dismissing them, noting that messages like "I'm colorblind" can be both helpful and harmful. She also highlights the value of the language used in adoption, such as "bio mom" and "transracial adoptee," which helped her connect with her experiences and understand her background better. Meg and KJ share the importance of taking brave steps in their personal journeys, with KJ recently reconnecting with her musical roots by pulling out her guitar and signing up for a 23andMe account. They both stress the significance of belonging to oneself and embracing self-worth and self-love. KJ shares her playful approach to her cultural identity, creating her own blend of Filipino and Puerto Rican heritage. KJ leaves listeners with the quote "be impeccable with your word" from the Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz, emphasizing the power of language and the importance of being mindful of the words we use, especially towards ourselves. Key Takeaways: 1. Transracial adoptees often face unique challenges and emotions when discovering their biological heritage. 2. Connections with biological family members can bring up complicated feelings, especially concerning adoptive family relationships. 3. Belonging to oneself and embracing self-worth and self-love is crucial. 4. One's identity can be a unique blend of cultures and experiences, transcending traditional categories. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/musingsonother/ Website: https://www.blissbeginswithin.com Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/3lXorShaoXzBMnXNR8J7Ni?si=a6cd75181fa442bf Bali Creativity Retreat: https://www.blissbeginswithin.com/featured-eventsworkshops-copy To Connect with Meg:  https://www.meghanthomas.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of the Emotional Expedition podcast, host Meghan Thomas interviews Tere Marie, creator of Cycle Alchemy, astrologer, somatic movement expert, and organic farmer. They explore the intersection of science and spirit, reproductive sovereignty, and the significant role of cycles in our lives. Tere shares her experiences of living on Wyllie Fox Farm in upstate New York and her journey through nature, intuition, and personal growth. Tere Marie explores the different cycles we experience, including the zodiac, the menstrual cycle, and the lunar cycle, and how they intersect to create our unique experiences. She emphasizes the importance of observation and anchoring ourselves within these cycles to understand our emotions better.  Tere explains how the seasons can be used as a metaphor for different phases of the menstrual cycle, helping us to better understand and trust our feelings:  Winter (menstrual phase) Inner spring (follicular phase) Summer (ovulatory phase) Autumn (luteal phase) These phases correspond to different hormonal changes and can influence our emotions and intuition. For many, the luteal and menstrual phases tend to be more intuitive and offer increased clarity. Tere's path to understanding cycles and the natural world was influenced by her cycle-positive upbringing, experiences with childbirth, and personal growth through overcoming challenges.  They highlight how embracing discomfort and facing our fears during the shadowy phases of life can lead to profound learning experiences. Tere explains that our bodies store experiences and that somatic movement can help connect the mind and body, allowing for healing and growth. Lastly, Tere and Meghan touch on the power of joy, flow state, and community in somatic dance and movement. They emphasize the importance of safe environments, music, and emotional processing in somatic movement practices. Join them for this captivating episode as they guide you through an emotional expedition, exploring cycles, emotions, and personal transformation. Connect with Tere: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cyclealchemist/ Website: https://www.teremariemartini.com/ Connect with Meg:  Website: https://www.meghanthomas.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/emotional_expedition/ Atlas of the Heart Book Study: https://www.meghanthomas.com/atlas-of-the-heart Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This is part two of the Emotional Expedition podcast where host Meghan Thomas is joined by KJ Nasrul and Brenda Winkle to discuss the journey Meghan went through after finding out the truth about her parentage.  This episode highlights the importance of language, storytelling, bravery, and how one person's story can help countless others. Meghan explains her fears of potentially having 50 to 200 siblings due to the lack of regulation in the fertility industry, and her struggle to accept the information she found.  KJ Nasrul introduces the concept of Internal Family Systems therapy, where healing comes from inviting exiled parts of ourselves back into our lives. Throughout the episode, Meghan discusses her struggles with embracing her newfound connections, fearing that she might be taking something away from the relationships she already has. Brenda suggests that stepping into one's power doesn't take anything away from anyone else and leads Meghan through a healing exercise to release personal power blocks. Meghan shares her experiences meeting her half-brother and half-sister, feeling a sense of belonging and discovering shared traits and experiences. She expresses her curiosity about meeting her biological father, and learning more about her genetic background. The conversation touches on the impact of shared experiences, nature versus nurture, and the importance of owning one's story. Meghan's journey continues, with the goal of helping others connect and understand themselves through sharing her story. Connect with Meg: https://www.meghanthomas.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of the Emotional Expedition Podcast, host Meghan Thomas shares her deeply personal story for the first time with the help of fellow podcast hosts Brenda Winkle and KJ Nasrul. This is part 1 of 2 episodes.  Meghan reveals that she discovered her biological father was a sperm donor, a secret she only learned after years of struggling with fertility issues herself. She shares the emotional journey of coming to terms with this information. Throughout her story, Meghan emphasizes the nonlinear nature of healing and the courage required to face such a truth. Both Meghan and KJ Nasrul, who is adopted, discuss the importance of openness and communication about their origins. They touch on the impact of secrecy on their self-perception and understanding of their identity. The conversation also explores the power of shame and its need for secrecy, judgment, and silence to survive. This poignant episode explores themes of identity, reclamation, and the power of sharing one's story. Meghan's hope is that by sharing her experience, she can help others feel less alone and inspire them to give themselves permission to share their own stories or parts of their identity that they haven't yet embraced. The episode serves as a catalyst for further exploration and discussion on the topic of fertility, adoption and donor-conceived children, emphasizing the need for openness and dialogue in the journey of self-discovery. Connect with Meg: https://www.meghanthomas.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of the Emotional Expedition podcast, we explore the complex emotions of awe and wonder. Host Meghan Thomas takes us on a journey through personal stories and scientific research to understand what these emotions are, how they manifest in our lives, and how we can cultivate more of them. Key Points: Awe and wonder are emotions that are often experienced in response to nature, art, music, spiritual experiences, or ideas. They are both essential to the human experience and can leave us feeling small compared to the vastness of our universe. Wonder fuels our passion for exploration, curiosity and learning.  In contrast, awe inspires the wish to let shine, to acknowledge and to unite. Awe can lead to personal change and growth and can be beneficial for our mental health and well-being. We share responses from our Facebook community about moments of awe they experienced, which range from witnessing the beauty of nature to seeing loved ones grow and learn. According to Dacher Keltner, awe is the feeling of being in the presence of something vast that transcends our current understanding of the world. The eight wonders of life that he identified are: moral beauty, nature, music, visual design, collective effervescence, spirituality, epiphanies or big ideas, and births and deaths.  Experiencing awe produces a multitude of positive effects such as making us calmer, kinder, and more creative. It reins in the ego and makes us feel more connected. Awe reduces stress, depression, PTSD symptoms in veterans, and is also good for cardiovascular health and the immune system. Resources Mentioned: Atlas of the Heart Book Study with Meg: https://www.meghanthomas.com/atlas-of-the-heart Atlas of the Heart by Brené Brown: https://amzn.to/3KQjQeW Awe: The New Science of Everyday Wonder and How it can Transform Your Life by Dacher Keltner: https://amzn.to/40YW6L0 Thank you for listening to this episode of Emotional Expedition. If you enjoyed it, please share it with someone you love and leave a review on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you listen to your podcasts. Let's cultivate more moments of awe and wonder in our lives together! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of "The Emotional Expedition with Meghan Thomas," Meghan discusses the emotions of discouragement, resignation, and frustration. She explains that discouragement and resignation are about losing motivation and confidence to continue making efforts, while frustration is the feeling of being prevented from achieving a desired outcome.  Meghan provides examples of times when she has felt these emotions in her life, such as while trying to conceive, being an entrepreneur, and in relationships. Meghan also shares research that shows social support and positive self-talk can help individuals cope with discouragement and reduce its negative effects on mental health. In addition, she suggests goal-setting and resilience as ways to prevent discouragement, and mindfulness as a way to manage negative emotions. The episode also highlights the positive side of frustration, as it can lead to increased creativity and problem-solving skills. Meghan gives examples such as Keith Jarrett's improvised concert and Brian Eno's use of oblique strategies to disrupt the creative process. The episode encourages listeners to acknowledge and accept negative emotions and to seek support and positive coping strategies when facing discouragement, resignation, and frustration. Resources: Atlas of the Heart Book Study: https://www.meghanthomas.com/atlas-of-the-heart Atlas of the Heart by Brené Brown: https://amzn.to/3nuMlFu The 4 Tendencies by Gretchen Rubin: https://amzn.to/3nr0Ha6 Atomic Habits by James Clear: https://amzn.to/3Zlz0wz To all the Magic in Me by Pavita Singh: https://amzn.to/3Ke7qNv Dr. Kristin Neff: https://self-compassion.org/ Ted Talk: How Frustration Can Make Us More Creative: Tim Harford: https://www.ted.com/talks/tim_harford_how_frustration_can_make_us_more_creative Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Regret is often seen as a negative emotion, something we should avoid at all costs. We are told to live life without regrets and to focus only on the positive aspects of our lives. However, this approach overlooks the valuable lessons that regret has to teach us. Regret can be a powerful emotion, ranging from mild discomfort to deep hurt. It arises when an outcome was not what we wanted or expected, and we believe that our decisions or actions caused the outcome. Research shows that we tend to regret the actions we didn't take, the missed opportunities, more than the actions we did take that resulted in bad outcomes. According to Brené Brown, regret is one of our most powerful emotional reminders that reflection, change, and growth are necessary. In her research, regret emerged as a function of empathy. When used constructively, regret can be a call to courage and a path towards wisdom. So, what can regret teach us? It can teach us to have the courage to be kinder, to show up, to set boundaries, to be good to ourselves, and to say yes to something scary. Regret can also teach us to take chances, to be more thoughtful, and to be conscious in conversations. In a podcast conversation between Brené Brown and author of the book, The Power of Regret, Daniel H. Pink identified four core regrets: foundation regrets, boldness regrets, moral regrets, and connection regrets. And of course as always I share my own personal experiences with regret.  Resources: Atlas of the Heart Book Study: https://www.meghanthomas.com/atlas-of-the-heart Atlas of the Heart by Brené Brown: https://amzn.to/40bizDZ The Top 5 Regrets of the Dying by Bronnie Ware: https://amzn.to/3JL1WJO The Power of Regret by Daniel H. Pink: https://amzn.to/3lvtEB3 Dare to Lead Podcast: https://brenebrown.com/podcast/the-power-of-regret/ Morgan Harper Nichols: https://www.instagram.com/morganharpernichols/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A lot of us learned from a young age that large and strong emotions are wrong, that we need to suppress how we feel, and doubt our intuition, only to have the effects of this belief present themselves as insecurities, trauma, and bad life decisions decades later. Our guest, Tracy Mergler, had this exact experience, and is going through her journey of unlearning unhealthy beliefs, and learning who she is, while helping others find their own healing.  Tracy is a new friend, a connector, a creator, and a believer. Someone the universe has been nudging me to meet for a while now. She's the founder and director of Safe Space CNY, a non-profit, non-clinical, community-centered safe space that strives to change the conversation around mental health by educating, connecting, and supporting others through a peer-to-peer network. She's leading the change in the language around mental health by providing safety, connection, community, education, and empowerment.  “I realized that this need for a safe space at a community level was not just for individuals in the recovery world. But this need for safety, connection, vulnerability, empowerment, and building a toolbox was something that everyone on this planet could benefit from.” – Tracy Mergler  Here are some things Tracy talks more about in this episode:  The story behind Safe Space CNY and how it's growing now.  Coming back to, and reconnecting with our bodies and emotions.  Going back to her “why” behind her life's work    Having gone through years of medication and talk therapy, Tracy has learned that these are useful and could even be necessary and lifesaving for some people under the right circumstances. But she's also recognized that a lot of the time, it's not enough. She's seen how having the right community, support, and a place where you can feel safe to explore, feel, and be who you are is a necessary part of the healing journey.   Coming from a place of love and a desire for others to feel full and alive, she started Safe Space CNY so that others would be able to fill their toolbox with the set of tools that works for them. To know more about Safe Space CNY and Tracy's journey, listen to the full episode.  “If I continue to choose love every single day, then my soul is aligned with where it's supposed to go.” - Tracy Mergler  Connect with Tracy Mergler  Website  Twitter  LinkedIn  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In life, we all have expectations. Whether it is from ourselves, the people around us, or the experiences we encounter, we set standards and anticipate specific outcomes. However, things don't always go as planned, and we are left feeling disappointed. Disappointment is a common feeling, but it can be challenging to navigate, especially when we don't understand the relationship between our expectations and disappointment. Expectations are the beliefs we hold about an event, situation, or person. It is natural to have expectations, as they help us make sense of the world around us. They help us plan, anticipate, and prepare for events. However, when our expectations are not met, we feel disappointed.  The more significant our expectations, the more significant our disappointment. Brené Brown emphasizes that there are two types of expectations:  Examined and expressed Unexamined and unexpressed  Unexamined and unexpressed expectations, also known as "stealth expectations," are those that we keep to ourselves, and we expect others to know and fulfill them. These types of expectations are dangerous and often lead to disappointment. To manage disappointment and expectations, Brown suggests examining and communicating expectations with ourselves and others. Communicating our expectations with our loved ones or colleagues can help them understand our needs and manage their expectations. This approach can lead to healthier relationships and fewer disappointments. Examined and Expressed Expectations are when our expectations are realistic, clearly communicated, and self-aware. These expectations are intentional and thoughtful, and when they don't turn out as expected, disappointment can hurt a lot. However, it's an opportunity for meaningful connection when someone shares their hopes and dreams with us. It takes a lot of courage and vulnerability to share our Examined and Expressed Expectations with others. That's why it's important to celebrate someone's success, but also be there for them when disappointment happens. Instead of offering simple platitudes, we can show meaningful empathy by recognizing and acknowledging the courage it took to share their hopes and dreams. It's important to note that even when we have done the hard work of self-examination, we can still experience disappointment. In these moments, it's important to keep the lines of communication open and circle back to talk about our feelings and move to accountability.  Glennon Doyle Untamed Journaling Prompts:  Ideals & Expectations that you grew up with: What were you taught to believe makes a good daughter/child? What have you been conditioned to believe makes a good partner? What were you trained to believe makes a good friend? What did your family, culture, and world teach you to believe about what makes a good mother?  What expectations are you ready and willing to let go of? When have you made a decision that defied expectations that your family, your community, your workplace, or the world had of you? What are some things that you have denied yourself  because they do not fit with others expectations? Resources: Atlas of the Heart Book Study: https://www.meghanthomas.com/atlas-of-the-heart Atlas of the Heart by Brené Brown: https://amzn.to/3IXIeZE Come As You Are by Emily Nagoski: https://amzn.to/3YsK9v1 Untamed by Glennon Doyle: https://amzn.to/3LkF5Gr The Invitation by Oriah Mountain Dreamer: http://www.oriahmountaindreamer.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Barrett Freibert, a spiritual embodiment coach, writer, and yoga instructor, discusses the Enneagram with Meg Thomas. Barrett shares her experience with leaving her corporate job and discovering the Enneagram, which led her to her own healing. Barrett also shares how her chronic insomnia and Lyme disease forced her to face her wounds and traumas, which helped her become aligned with her spiritual self. The episode highlights the importance of acknowledging and dealing with our inner wounds to reach our best selves. Also discussed in this episode is how the body keeps the score and how their experiences of grief have been ongoing, despite having done significant work on their healing journeys. They both lost their fathers suddenly and share a connection in their grief experience, acknowledging that their bodies remember significant dates and moments. Grief is not something that can be conquered, nor is there a finish line in the healing journey. Meg shares that she continues to experience grief in layers, like an onion being peeled. One must honor the grief and find compassion for themselves in the moment, allowing the healing journey to unfold naturally. In this episode we dive deep into The Enneagram. The Enneagram is a powerful tool for self-discovery and personal growth. The Enneagram is a system that describes nine basic personality types, each with its own strengths, weaknesses, and patterns of behavior. Barrett explains that the Enneagram is not just a personality assessment but also a way to connect with our divine essence. It helps us to understand our motivations and desires, and to come into a better relationship with ourselves and others. One of the most valuable aspects of the Enneagram is its dynamic nature. It recognizes that we all have strengths that, when used in moderation, can be wonderful. However, these same strengths can become weaknesses when overused or underused. For example, an Eight on the Enneagram is known for their strength and energy, but if they overdo everything, they can become exhausted and burned out. By understanding our tendencies and patterns of behavior, we can learn to use our strengths in a healthy way and avoid the pitfalls of our weaknesses. Another important aspect of the Enneagram is its recognition of the interconnectedness of all the types. The lines between the types represent how we can move towards health or stress depending on our circumstances. For example, an Eight can move towards the generous and caring attributes of a Two when they are in a healthy state, or towards the withdrawn and analytical attributes of a Five when they are under stress. By understanding the different types and their tendencies, we can develop more compassion and understanding for ourselves and others. Ultimately, the Enneagram is a journey of self-discovery and growth, and it can be a powerful tool for anyone who is seeking to better understand themselves and the world around them. Whether you are just beginning to explore the Enneagram or are a seasoned practitioner, there is always more to learn and discover on this path of self-awareness and connection. Resources: -Instagram @barrettafreibert -Virtual Intro to the Enneagram Course: https://www.barrettfreibert.com/shop/enneagram-for-healthy-relationships-workshop  -Taos Yoga, Meditation, & Breathwork Retreat: www.barrettfreibert.com/taosretreat -Schedule Your Free Coaching Consult Call with Barrett: https://calendly.com/redtailwisdom/free-50-minute-consult-call-for-new-clients-only -Barrett's Website: www.barrettfreibert.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Boredom is the uncomfortable state of wanting to engage in a satisfying activity, but being unable to do it. Sometimes its good, and sometimes its bad.  How we feel about boredom is dependent on the situation. It can wind us up and leave us feeling irritable, frustrated, restless OR it can make us feel totally lethargic.  Most of us think of boredom as a negative feeling, but this isnt always the case. There is a good side to boredom and I think it's really important that we understand it.  A recent study showed that simple, boring tasks or mundane activities can allow our minds to wander, daydream, and create. The lack of stimulation that defines “being bored” gives our imagination room to play and grow. Sherry Turkle said, “boredom is your imagination calling to you.” Just last year when I was taken off of all social media when my accounts were hacked and I was offline for about 3 months in which time I spent more time meditating and leaning into being bored, that is when I was inspired to start a podcast, an idea I had never had before.  So yes, I am a huge proponent of boredom and the magic that can come out of it.  In many ways, boredom is a modern luxury. Danckert says, the word "boring" as it's used now didn't even enter common parlance until the industrial revolution gave us time to spare. "Early on in human history, when our ancestors had to spend most of their days securing food and shelter, boredom wasn't an option," he says. James Clear: Author of Atomic Habits: said, “The greatest threat to success is not failure, but boredom. We get bored with habits because they stop delighting us. The outcome becomes expected. And as our habits become ordinary, we start derailing our progress to seek novelty. Perhaps this is why we get caught up in a never-ending cycle, jumping from one workout to the next, one diet to the next, one business idea to the next. As soon as we experience the slightest dip in motivation, we begin seeking a new strategy—even if the old one was still working. As Machiavelli noted, “Men desire novelty to such an extent that those who are doing well wish for a change as much as those who are doing badly.” So this is what I am taking to now understand about boredom: It can be bad for you, it can lead you to making mistakes at work, it can have a decreased effect on your health, it can even cause you to gamble, drink, eat or whatever your vice is more just to avoid feeling it. But it can also be good for you. Boredom can lead to increased creativity, imagination and daydreaming.  Above all else we need to get better at being comfortable with being bored and teaching our kids to be more comfortable with being bored.  Resources: Atlas of the Heart Book Club: https://www.meghanthomas.com/atlas-of-the-heart Atlas of the Heart by Brené Brown: https://amzn.to/3SiT14U Atomic Habits by James Clear:  https://amzn.to/3Z3PQk4 To All the Magic in Me by Pavita Singh: https://amzn.to/3XNL8pj On Purpose Podcast with Jay Shetty: https://open.spotify.com/show/5EqqB52m2bsr4k1Ii7sStc?si=3fb2ce156d204571 Hidden Brain Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/20Gf4IAauFrfj7RBkjcWxh?si=3fd12e34b4374f20 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

How do you feel when you step foot inside your home? Connecting spaces in our home with an emotion we want to feel is the expertise of our guest today.  Today we're joined by Paula Agudelo. Paula is the owner of Sacred Interiors, an Interior design firm that specializes in creating home spaces that are both beautiful and nourishing for the soul. She weaves together her passion for design and spirituality to create truly transformative spaces. She has a passion for helping women create intentional homes that support a meaningful and fulfilling lifestyle. In her work, she combines her background in interior design with her knowledge of holistic wellness and ancient wisdom to create truly sacred spaces.  “A lot of intentional décor is through symbolism and colors, and shapes, and anything that connects you to that energy of creation.” – Paula Agudelo  Paula and I talked a lot about intentionally arranging and designing your home, and these are three of these topics:  Giving space for grief and designating spaces in our homes where we can feel  Setting specific energy maps and emotions in our home and building altars for the things we hold important  Clearing emotions from spaces in your home is important, but we should also intentionally fill it with the energy we want to feel that space  Paula shares that you don't need to spend anything to start improving your home. She suggests you “shop around your home” and find things that you can move around and repurpose. But it is more important to “quiet your home,” to declutter and remove the things that consume your attention and energy without necessarily providing value. This will allow for more space for you to intentionally put things that are more aligned with the home that you want to have.  “Your home is a reflection of you.” –Paula Agudelo  Everything in your home is calling for your attention. Each space has different functions. Each of us wants different things out of our home. Our homes are a reflection of our internal state, and we need to be intentional and purposeful in what we allow into our homes. Take a look around your house and see what little changes you can make.   Connect with Paula Agudelo  Book: The Path of Beauty: A Discovery of My Sacred Interior Website  Instagram  Facebook  LinkedIn  YouTube  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Maybe you first heard the word schadenfreude in a 90's Simpsons episode or maybe it was in a recent Ted Lasso episode where Coach Lasso declared his locker room a schadenfreude free zone.  Or maybe this is the first you are hearing of it. Either way, I bet you have experienced this tough emotion.  Schadenfreude is the compound of the German words schaden, meaning harm and freude meaning joy. The German language is known for accurately capturing nuanced emotions, often with compound words that make the meaning very clear. The definition of schadenfreude simply means pleasure or joy derived from someone else's suffering or misfortune.  Brené Brown says that “Taking pleasure in someone else's failings, even if that person is someone we really dislike, can violate our values and lead to feelings of guilt and shame. but, make no mistake, it's seductive, especially when we're sucked into groupthink.”  This emotion is so tough to talk about because it can bring up guilt and shame within ourselves. We saw this collective schadenfreude a lot during covid between the vaccinated and anti-vaxxers. Someone who is vaccinated who got happy when someone who was not vaccinated got sick with covid, that's schadenfreude. Not a pretty emotion.  I think we've all had moments of schadenfreude and some of us more than others because schadenfreude has trait-like properties which means that some people have a tendency to take greater pleasure in others misfortune than others do.  Sports can bring this emotion a lot. It's a tied game and the other team's leading scorer fouls out of the game. We celebrate their misfortune because we think it makes our chances of winning higher, that's schadenfreude.  What's the opposite of schadenfreude? It's freudenfreude, the enjoyment of another's success. It is also a subset of empathy. And it's a really powerful connection tool.  In an intervention designed by researchers to increase freudenfreude they coined 2 new terms to describe behaviors that were very effective:  Shoy: intentionally sharing the joy of someone relating a success story by showing interest and asking follow-up questions Bragitude: intentionally tying words of gratitude toward the listener following discussion of personal successes Resources: Atlas of the Heart Book Study: https://www.meghanthomas.com/atlas-of-the-heart Atlas of the Heart by Brené Brown: https://amzn.to/3E4rChw Wolfpack by Abby Wambach: https://amzn.to/3XB10vu Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

There is magic in art. It's been around since early civilization and has remained a constant through time. There's something about art that calls to the innermost parts of us, evokes deep emotions, and tells a story that seems to go beyond time. It's this magic that we, as artists, want to achieve with our work. This episode is a reminder of this magic and why it's so important.  “We have always needed a spiritual life. It's a natural inclination and we have always needed a creative, cultural life.” – Joan Hanley  Today, we have with us Joan Hanley. She was born an artist, and her entire life has been dedicated to that calling. She's a teacher, creative arts mentor, and the author of the book Art & Yoga, which is one of my favorite books. She works from her studio in Harrisville, NH, and her magical paintings are shipped worldwide. She also offers one-on-one sessions and has art & yoga memberships.  Three points of conversation Joan and I had:  Growing up as a child with large emotions and not being understood by adults  An exploration of the purpose, emotions, and stories carried in art  Her favorite paintings and the stories behind them  Joan is very honest and sincere in her answers, providing a place of solace and understanding for other artists and creatives. She shares her worldview and the way she goes through life in a way that evokes wonder. With her words, she encourages creativity, gives space for emotions, and reminds us that there is a space and purpose for artists and their art.  “One of the greatest assets of a human being is imagination. And imagination needs to be cultivated just like anything else. And that's what the arts do. They cultivate imagination.” - Joan Hanley  She shared an excerpt from her book What's Going On and it reads “Art does not state facts. It does not always represent what is out there in the world. Rather, it evokes profound realizations and emotions, even relationships and values in all their complexity, subtlety, and levels of meaning. At its best, it makes invisible realities present for our visitation and contemplation. Art is a way of knowing and discovering.”  Connect with Joan Hanley  Website  Instagram  What's Going On Book  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Take a moment to look back at your life and let me ask you, was it a straight-line journey from where you started to where you are in life right now? My guess is that the answer is no. Life has so many unexpected moments and shifts, and all of them lead to where we are today. How these unexpected moments might look is something we'll discuss more in this episode.  Our guest today is a new friend, Brenda Winkle, with whom I share so many overlaps in life with. Brenda is an energy expert, an empowerment coach, and an Advanced ThetaHealing® Meditation Technique Practitioner. She also hosts the Waves of Joy Podcast.  “So many times in life, there's not a straight line.” – Brenda Winkle  Brenda's life had a lot of twists, turns, and unexpected developments that led her to where she is now, and she shares each of these defining moments in her life.   Here are three stories she shares:  Little interactions in her childhood that led to beliefs kept well into adulthood  How Waves of Joy Podcast was named and created  Working with Highly Sensitive People and Empaths    Going from a music teacher, photographer, and Reiki master, to now living to directly help people, Brenda's careers had some seemingly unexpected and different shifts. But the common thread through all of her jobs was something that had manifested since she was a child: her innate desire to help and make sure that everyone around her was okay.   In this episode, you'll hear about how she displayed courage in so many moments in her life; the multiple times she shifted careers when she chose to unlearn so many beliefs from childhood, and when she left an abusive relationship. Through it all she remained positive and was able to find true joy even when things were hard. Listening to her story will hopefully help you find some of the courage you need too.  Trigger Warning: This episode has stories of domestic abuse. Listen with caution if this is a potential trigger for you.  Connect with Brenda Winkle  Website  Instagram  Twitter  Facebook  Pinterest  YouTube  Podcast  Feel Better Fast Cheat Sheet  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Were you ever in a situation where you just felt that something wasn't right? Was there a moment when you just knew that something wasn't right for you? Did you ever experience the worst of loss or the best of joy? All these experiences are found in the stories shared in today's episode.  My guest today is Bonita Shear, a living embodiment of light and love. I met Bonita during one of the worst moments of my life, and she was the only light that I saw during that year. Bonita has two great passions, Young Living Oils and Kundalini Yoga. Today, she motivates people and speaks on a variety of topics, including spiritual healing, finding one's purpose, and vibrant health.  “Isn't it interesting how we are all connected? All of us are connected. The thing is to listen. And to pay attention. And bring our gifts to the table, what we know works.” - Bonita Shear  This is an episode full of storytelling, starting with me sharing how I met and eventually reconnected with Bonita, and her sharing her life story, which led her to where she is today. Three of the many stories Bonita shares are:  Her childhood and how her personality caused her trouble as a young girl  The different circumstances she went through to learn how to speak up and use her voice  The tragic loss and act of violence that made her so passionate about what she's doing now    There are so many moments of wisdom, encouragement, and comfort from Bonita in this episode, but the common thread through it all is the message to keep on going. Keep on going because you, your intuition, knows how to. Keep on going because there is more to life than any current circumstance you might have. Keep on going because you can experience the fullness of joy. Keep on going because you have yet to experience the best life has to offer.  “Just when you think there's no hope—Boing! Something comes along to shift your awareness, shift your consciousness, to put you in the right track, to put you in the vibration of love.” – Bonita Shear  Trigger Warning: This episode has stories of abuse, murder, and suicide.  Connect with Bonita Shear:  Website  Instagram  Facebook  YouTube  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Do you remember ever feeling frustration, anger, or bitterness toward someone? Do you remember thinking that the situation was unfair or not right? That emotion you felt might have been resentment.  In Brené Brown's Atlas of the Heart, resentment is defined as “the feeling of frustration, judgment, anger, better than, and/or hidden envy related to perceived unfairness or Injustice.” And in this episode, we'll dive deeper into this emotion.  What can we learn about resentment? Here are three points we discuss:  Resentment comes from envy  How resentment plays in relationships and family dynamics  Resentment is detrimental to us, but might not even affect the person we feel resentment toward    “To be able to be honest about how we're feeling with someone we care about is one of the most vulnerable and courageous things we can do.”   What causes resentment? A lot of factors play into us feeling this emotion. It can be failing to communicate our boundaries, needs, and expectations. Saying “yes” to things we never should have agreed to. Not letting yourself fulfill a need you have. Suppressing your thoughts and feelings. There might be a myriad of factors and causes, but at the heart of all this is envy.  What can you do when you recognize resentment in yourself? The first thing is to try to identify what's causing your resentment. Is there an unfulfilled need? What are you envious of? What are your expectations? The important thing is to first identify them so you can deal with them. Another thing to do is to see the other person and recognize that just like you, they're human with their own flaws, needs, and desires. This will help you better come from a space of compassion and empathy. Then you need to forgive and let go.  “Instead of sitting at your desk, fuming and stewing in irritation, you can choose to see the other person's humanity. They truly are just like you. They feel the same emotions, they have the same fears, and they want the same things.”  In the end, resentment harms us and only us. It causes friction in our relationships. It makes us bitter. It blocks our creativity. It worsens our health. And it prevents us from experiencing joy. How we choose to deal with our emotions is on us. So now I ask you, what will you do the next time you feel resentment?  Journal prompts for when you're feeling resentful:  What or who is triggering this feeling of resentment inside me?  What do I need but am afraid to ask for?  Have I shared my true feelings with the person who needs to hear them? Why or why not?  Is there a need I can meet for myself?  Is there a boundary that I need to set?  How can I move this energy through my body?  Resources:  Atlas of the Heart Book Club: https://www.meghanthomas.com/atlas-of-the-heart  Atlas of the Heart by Brené Brown: https://amzn.to/3IDyzci  Comfortable with Uncertainty: 108 Teachings on Cultivating Fearlessness and Compassion by Pema Chodron: https://amzn.to/3GqlP6d  Heart Talk by Cleo Wade:  https://amzn.to/3vOtaHK  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We have been mixing up the words jealousy and envy our entire lives and so has most of the world. I am here to set the record straight…however, even knowing the differences you may still want to stick with your old ways! In this episode we will learn: The differences between jealousy and envy That humans aren't the only ones who experience jealousy but so do many animals The dire consequences of jealousy  “Jealousy in romance is like salt in food. A little can enhance the savor, but too much can spoil the pleasure and, under certain circumstances, can be life-threatening.” Maya Angelou We will also learn the 3 ways which envy can be a good thing from Humble the Poet.  Resources: Atlas of the Heart Book Club: https://www.meghanthomas.com/atlas-of-the-heart Atlas of the Heart By Brené Brown: https://amzn.to/3ItSx9n How to be Loved by Humble the Poet: https://amzn.to/3GPDeqf To all the Magic in Me by Pavita Singh: https://amzn.to/3ICTX1g Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The struggle with our own self-worth, external expectations and needing healing is a universal experience. Everyone goes through these, even those who appear so strong and seem like they have the perfect life. My guest for today is one of those people who experienced this invisible struggle.  I'm so glad to have crossed paths with Iona Holloway. She's the best-selling author of Ghost: Why Perfect Women Shrink, a coach, speaker, and creator of the Soul Breathwork app. She helps strong women do the inner work to find their blind spots so they can burn brighter and braver in their lives, work, and relationships.   In this episode, Iona holds nothing back and dives deep into her life story, starting from her childhood, growing up with the implied expectation of perfection, moving from Scotland to the US, struggles with her body and self-worth, and how she ultimately found her healing, which led to her helping countless women today.  “I think that we kind of come in the way we are, and we're supposed to be adventuring, but sometimes, we have to get into pain in order to heal, and really become more of who we are.” - Iona Holloway  Out of the many little nuggets of wisdom in this episode, here are three thoughts worth digging in to:  We come to this world as who we are, but we are also shaped by our environment and experiences  In our own way, we struggle with expectations and ideas of who we think we're supposed to be  If we're so out of touch with and unkind to ourselves, experiencing moments of kindness and openness feel strange and fake    If you were to ask anyone who knew Iona as a child, she would be described as complicated and smart. A prodigy, but somehow contrary. She was a gifted girl, a straight-A student, an international competitive athlete, a winning artist. But in hindsight, she saw that she was someone who didn't know how to deal with her emotions, who lived with the implied pressure that she was supposed to be perfect, and that her perfection was supposed to come easily. She struggled with having the perfect body, using sports and eventually CrossFit as the shield to achieve it.   “I don't wish a rock bottom or a reckoning on anyone, but I love the hell out of that moment, because it forced so much clarity.” - Iona Holloway  She did not like who she was, or who she thought she was supposed to be. She numbed down her emotions and shut down. She was so deprived of nutrition for food that her body just forced her to binge eat for survival. One day, she received the news that she was going to be an aunt, and that caused a shift in her world.  Iona went through a coaching-based inner work healing journey. She hired coaches, gave up dieting and listened to her body, and she changed her life. In this journey, she discovered breathwork. It was life changing and she connected with it so much so that she trained to be a breathwork coach, and now teaches it through her Soul Breathwork app.  “I remember waking up one day, and actually being happy to be me.” - Iona Holloway  Not all of us were child-prodigies or have as bright a personality as Iona, but we can all see reflections of our own story in the ones that she shared, and we can all find our healing. Listen to the whole episode to hear her story and learn from her life.  Connect with Iona  Website: https://www.bravething.co/   Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/soul.breathwork/ https://www.instagram.com/ionaholloway/   LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ionaholloway/   Ghost: Why Perfect Women Shrink by Iona Holloway: https://amzn.to/3Fzb6G2   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Have you ever walked into a store and immediately felt anxious? Have you ever gone to a friend's house and left feeling completely depleted? Have you ever been at a holiday party and felt a wave of depression come over you? This is energy.  Sometimes we pick up other people's energy.  And energy cords can act almost as a telephone transmitting one's emotions to another.  In this episode I am going to share my fave tips, tricks & tools for clearing your energy field: -Sponge Technique -Spiritual Bathing -Cord Cutting -And more…. I'll also show you how you can protect your energy before going out into the world.  Then we will take a look at the deeper spiritual meaning of energy and energy cords.  Resources:  Atlas of the Heart Book Study: https://www.meghanthomas.com/atlas-of-the-heart The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz: https://amzn.to/3W6IHhK Energy Strands by Denise Linn: https://amzn.to/3jfKmD6 Full Show Notes: https://www.meghanthomas.com/blog/podcast%2Fenergy-clearing Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today we are going to be using the book The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz to navigate our way through this holiday season!   As Ram Dass famously said, “if you think you are enlightened, go spend a week with your family.” Boy was he right! Our families can bring out the best and the worst in us. And for some of us, holidays mean spending more time with our families then we typically do. The first thing we have to remember is we can't change or control anyone else no matter how much we want to and how hard we try. We can only control ourselves and how we show up.   So that's where The Four Agreements come in!  These 4 life changing agreements are:  Be impeccable with your word  Don't take anything personally  Don't make assumptions  Always do your best    In this episode we will learn about each of the Four Agreements and tips to help you utilize them through the holiday season. I'll share how I just navigated a stressful situation this past Thanksgiving with my mother in-law using The Four Agreements, and which agreement I'm struggling with currently.   Resources:  Atlas of the Heart Book Club: https://www.meghanthomas.com/atlas-of-the-heart  Atlas of the Heart by Brené Brown: https://amzn.to/3up689E  The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz: https://amzn.to/3uq31y6  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It's sad that society today doesn't give much importance to learning conflict resolution skills and handling our emotions, which is unfortunate because they are constants in our lives. Not having the skillset to handle conflict and emotions can lead to personal issues such as not knowing how to say “no” and somehow agreeing to a suspicious timeshare presentation in Mexico, which is exactly what happened to our guest in this episode.  Today, I have the pleasure of speaking with Kim Korven, the self-entitled Conflict Queen. Kim went from becoming a lawyer to a mediator and now she helps businesses and families across North America and Europe see the intrinsic benefit in transforming relationships through creating customized, fair solutions.   “At the heart of so many conflicts is shame… whether it's the shame we are feeling ourselves or shaming someone else.” – Meghan Thomas  Three ideas we explore and discuss in this episode:  Role of emotions in conflict  The need for conflict resolution skills  Dealing with conflict within the family  Kim shares her fascinating journey. Having always been a sensitive child and feeling misunderstood by her family that doesn't “do emotions” and after several shameful experiences, she had shut down her emotions as a coping mechanism, even going as far as believing that crying was a sign of weakness. In a way of reclaiming herself, she studied law, which she thought was the perfect way of solving problems: objectivity without emotions, and she went on to have an on again off again relationship with practicing law. She later became a mediator, and she now spends her time helping families and businesses in the middle of a conflict they don't know how to solve reach a win-win place for all parties involved.  Kim shares practical tips on how to handle the inevitable conflict with family for this coming holiday season. From diverting the conversation when a polarizing topic comes up at the dinner table, to recognizing that when you're on someone else's turf, it's their rules, and focusing on what you're grateful for in a person and how to communicate that to them.  More relatable though, are the stories she shared about how she personally handled conflict within her own family. She's had socio-political disagreements with her father, but she has decided that her relationship with him was more important than changing his mind. She had a situation with her mother over banana pancakes and waffles, where she recognized that she was, indeed, the one who was invading her mother's kitchen. And how she explains to her children her mother's stress over greyhound fur whenever they come visit.  This episode is full of nuggets of wisdom, aha moments, beautiful metaphors, and stories that will make us look into ourselves and reflect.  “When you treat people right, without any expectation of getting a reward back, it can shift everything.” - Kim Korven  Connect with Kim Korven  Website: theconflictqueen.ca/  Instagram: instagram.com/conflictqueen/  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Not everyone feels a connection between emotions and spirit, and that's okay. There are many spiritual teachings and religious beliefs that can be overwhelming, but in all of them there is a connection to the emotional state of people.  Anger, joy, resentment and love all have their place within our lives and through our experiences.  My guest today is an interspiritual minister and guide that leads Sunday Celebrations. Reverend Lisa Sarick's spiritual awakening and journey through art therapy, energy healing, and yoga is such an inspiration.  “When you have something inside you and you create something, you're literally moving the energy from inside you to something that's outside of you.” -Lisa Sarick  Emotional areas we explore and discuss in this episode:  Moving energy through your body to heal old wounds and trauma  Breaking the myth that spiritual breakthroughs don't have to take a long time  Therapeutic solutions to letting emotions go that seem too good to be true    Lisa helps people return to their natural states by clearing all that isn't love. She has many modalities she uses to get people there, but one of the best nuggets of wisdom she shared is this idea that you don't have to continually work on yourself non-stop. You can do some of the therapy she talks about like EFT or EMDR and then go live your life like normal. Allow yourself time to adjust and see how the sessions are working for you.  Moving energy and unlocking emotional trauma is a heavy lift and you have to meet yourself with love and compassion. If anger and frustration arise, it's okay. Emotions are not good or bad, they just are, and they point to what's going on with us at a deeper level.  Lisa shares this beautiful quote from one of her favorite books. It really demands you take pause to sit with this thought. It's a powerful one.  “Celebrate your spontaneity. It is not a spiritual downer, but an indication that if your anger can erupt, so can your heart open and so can God speak to you.” -Lisa Sarick  Connect with Lisa Sarick  Website: http://www.lisasarick.com   Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lisasarick/   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Gratitude is one of the most effective tools we have for our physical body, emotional body, mental body, and spiritual body.  In her book, Atlas of the Heart, Brene Brown defines gratitude as an emotion that reflects our deep appreciation for what we value, what brings meaning to our lives, and what makes us feel connected to ourselves and others.  I wanted to bring you this episode in time for the holiday to share with you all the opportunities you have for bringing more gratitude into your everyday life. Some of these ideas and practices will hopefully surprise you as much as they did me.  Key thoughts and lessons found in this episode:  What gratitude means to you  Gratitude practices and tips including the most potent and most powerful  The spirituality behind gratitude and finding it in every situation  The Haudenosaunee Thanksgiving address's pledge to gratitude  There is a relationship between gratitude and joy that I discuss in this episode, but I think it's uber important to also acknowledge that emotions like grief, pain, and loss can also be present in a way that commands we find the gratitude. Gratitude is literally a game changer that is necessary for our overall emotional regulation.  A good [gratitude] practice can reduce anxiety and fear and increase positive emotions  Wherever you land on gratitude for this upcoming holiday, I hope that you find the right combination of gratitude practice that will shift your mood, your outlook, and your overall happiness. Please check out the resources below for a deeper gratitude dive.                                                        Links for this episode:  Atlas of the Heart Book Study: https://www.meghanthomas.com/atlas-of-the-heart   Atlas of the Heart by Brené Brown: https://amzn.to/3DT60n8    Braiding Sweetgrass by Robin Wall Kimmerer: https://www.amazon.com/Braiding-Sweetgrass-Indigenous-Scientific-Knowledge/dp/1571313567   Oprah Super Soul Sunday Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/oprahs-super-soul/id1264843400?mt=2   Huberman Lab Podcast: https://hubermanlab.com/category/podcast-episodes/   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

I've had a really rough week and it was the kind of week that left me looking for the opportunity to cry. Instead of gravitating towards a movie, I decided to join a kirtan event at a local yoga studio. The live music was played with the lights lowered so you could only see other's silhouettes while you sit and go through your own internal journey.  This experience was the opportunity I needed to be free. It was a beautiful moment of reverence. In this episode, we're unpacking admiration and reverence. I have some fun exercises you can do after you listen that will help guide your relationships, and spot in others what is true about us.  Admiration often leads us to wanting to improve ourselves.  Brene Brown defines admiration as when someone's abilities, accomplishments or character inspires us, or when we see something else that inspires us like art or nature. The important thing to keep top of mind is that admiration makes us want to improve.  Thoughts and lessons shared in this episode:  Ways to communicate admiration to the people you love  How yoga and chanting allow for a deeper internal journey  Dr. John Gottman's Sound Relationship House and the 7 floors  Admiration and reverence are not the same  The tricky part about reverence is that there is an upside and a negative side to it. In this episode you hear me explain why social media is being held reverent for some people which is dangerous and has mental health issues on the rise.  Anything that demands reverence that is not open to being challenged or questioned is problematic.   It doesn't mean that reverence doesn't appear during a yoga session to bring you to center and calm and beauty in the present moment. I hold many things as reverent, especially nature and religion.   Reverence can foster a desire for connection to what we revere.  Links for this episode:  Atlas of the Heart Book Study with Meg: https://www.meghanthomas.com/atlas-of-the-heart   Atlas of the Heart by Brené Brown: https://amzn.to/3DT60n8   The 7 Principles for Making Marriage work by Dr. John Gottman: https://amzn.to/3EomQMp   To Bless the Space Between Us by John O'Donohue: https://amzn.to/3tdwXx2   Altar Your Life an online course by Saraswati Om: https://digitalstudio.saraswatiom.com/products/altar-your-space   Prayers of Honoring by Pixie Lighthorse: https://amzn.to/3hf4JPC   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Some days our inner voice is so strong it can feel debilitating. We judge ourselves harshly, compare our worst days to someone else's best, and it feels like we'll never be enough.  How often do you quiet your inner voice or turn the volume down and just allow yourself to be? Be in the present moment. Be still and sit with yourself. When do you give yourself the permission to just be soft with yourself?  My guest today, Kelly Covert, is an Inner Voice Coach, speaker, author and podcast host of In Her Voice podcast. The beauty of her journey has been finding a way to fail at perfection while discovering that it's okay to be soft with yourself and just exist. Kelly helps women experience a fulfilling life connected to their purpose when they learn to listen to their true inner voice and be kinder to themselves,  “I'm tapping into how I want to feel, not trying to make sure everyone else feels okay.” -Kelly Covert  Kelly shares her insight on the trick to being soft with yourself. Letting go of perfectionism, trusting that you know what you need in the moment over a checklist or scheduled task and event is a big part of how being soft works. Turning down your inner mean girl is super hard, and there are things you tell yourself and expectations you place on yourself that make being soft feel impossible.  Ideas we explore and uncover in this episode:  You can overcome perfectionism with self-compassion  The ability to trust yourself is challenging, but necessary to hear your inner voice  Being soft with yourself beautiful and it's scary because it requires you to let go  Learning to hold space with yourself and allowing yourself to sit with the emotions that are uncomfortable is hard, but it is such a necessary part of healing and feeling whole. In this episode,   I also share a really difficult situation that hurts and makes me want to run and hide. There was no way around the pain and disappointment I was feeling. The best thing I could do was give myself room to process my feelings, and be soft with myself.  “When we are soft with ourselves, we also then give other people permission to be soft with themselves, and soft with us.” -Kelly Covert  When you are writing to heal emotionally it's scary and messy and sometimes deep dark work that is beyond uncomfortable. In Sam's writing circles and mentoring she anchors you to the practice of allowing space for your soul to speak and not forcing it. Your writing process can be therapeutic and revealing when you discover how to navigate, refine, and trust it.  Connect with Kelly Covert  Website: https://www.kellycovert.com/   In Her Voice Podcast: https://www.kellycovert.com/podcast   Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kellyjcovert/    Atlas of the Heart book study: https://www.meghanthomas.com/atlas-of-the-heart  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Writing in a journal doesn't have to be just a record of what you did today. Writing can be incredibly healing and super personal. It's you, a pen, a paper, and your thoughts.  Opening up and allowing yourself to process emotions is never easy, but doing so through writing allows you to go deeper into healing if you know how to tap into it.  Sam Wallen is a writer, poet, and writing guide. She uses the title Restorative Writing Mentor. She helps people through an internal journey into their sacred story giving a voice to wounds and forgotten parts within to bring them to a path of healing. “It's hard to sit in the discomfort. It's hard to be present with the ugliest emotions, the most uncomfortable emotions.” -Megahn Thomas Sam begins by taking us through her journey of processing the emotions of losing her mom at a young age to chronic illness. She explains how she faced the complexity of those emotions as a child and the role writing has played in navigating uncertainty and knowing what the next steps are for her in life. Key concepts and ideas we discuss in this episode: Having a structure to stay connected, trust the process and allow room for what wants to be written to surface. The ways writing continues to shift throughout her life experiences Digging deeper into areas you've yet to uncover Sam's approach to writing is healing and transformational in the way it nurtures the sacred stories of the soul. We talk about what it looks like to step out of the psychology of writing and get into the flow of writing. It's not a black and white process. It's sometimes gray. “What my writing life is for the most part, is trying to be as present to the physical realities of my life” -Samantha Wallen When you are writing to heal emotionally it's scary and messy and sometimes deep dark work that is beyond uncomfortable. In Sam's writing circles and mentoring she anchors you to the practice of allowing space for your soul to speak and not forcing it. Your writing process can be therapeutic and revealing when you discover how to navigate, refine, and trust it. Connect with Samantha Wallen Website: https://samanthawallen.com/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/samantha_wallen/  Website Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Comparison finds its way into many emotionally charged conversations, but in and of itself, it's not even an emotion that we feel. Comparison does stir mounds of emotion within us, some for the better, but it's more often associated with bringing out the worst side of people.  “Comparison is the thief of joy”, always finds its way into the conversation when we look at someone's best highlight moment and compare it to our boring, uneventful, sometimes slippery slope of moments we're just trying to live through.  Today the deep dive is comparison, which is taking us into Chapter 2 of Brene Brown's book, Atlas of the Heart. For this episode, I want to carefully explore all the internal places comparison takes us to and leave you with practical steps and resources you can use to create healthier responses to comparison.  “When we compare, we want to have the best or be the best of our group.”   Comparison is definitely a double-edged sword in more ways than one. First, it's something we do intentionally and unintentionally. We want to fit in, but we also want to be the best.  Key points on comparison we explore in this episode:  The pain of coming in second place is real  Comparison is something that happens to us, be kind with yourself when you catch yourself doing it  If we allow it, comparison will also rob you of creativity  The effects of upward comparison vs. downward comparison  Jay Shetty's 7 ways to stop comparing yourself  It feels super unfair when we compare ourselves to others. Someone is always more “er” - smarter, richer, happier, prettier, skinnier, - which can leave you on the side of feeling discontent and dissatisfied or superior and better. Comparison can direct you towards more positive emotions and healthier responses once you are aware. You have to be aware that it's happening, be able to check in with your body and your mind to see how it's making you feel and make the conscious decision to be inspired or motivated, or filled with gratitude and compassion.  “If you don't define what success means to you, you'll be forced to use the definition of others.”  Self Work for Digging Deeper:   Try a social media detox   Taking the strength finder assessment from Gallup or   Jay Shetty's Reflected Best Self Exercise   Resources mentioned in this episode:  Atlas of the Heart Book Study  Atlas of the Heart by Brené Brown  Strengths Finder  Stretch by Scott Sonenshein   On Purpose with Jay Shetty   Unlocking Us with Brené Brown Podcast  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

You have critical need to your wellbeing, and it's for human connection and relationships. How you respond to your emotions directly impacts relationships in your life and it also dictates how well you struggle through life's challenges. You can be motivated by a host of things, but what makes life worth living always comes back to the relationships we have with ourselves and with others.  In today's episode, Jaime “JJ” Weisberg, founder of Northbound and Positive Psychology Coach and Consultant, reveals why she's a human potentialist that helps people learn how to live above neutral and be more resilient.  “All emotions are good. Some of them are uncomfortable, but they're all good for us in some way.” -Jaime “JJ” Weisberg  Positive psychology isn't about feeling good no matter what, and it's not about trying to fix what's wrong, it's about looking at the role of positive emotions and how we better function in those emotions. Jaime captures the essence of positive psychology being the solution of what gets you north of neutral beyond the survival, I'm just okay, point and to a life that is thriving.   Some key discussion points I have with Jaime:  Prioritizing your relational health is as important as your physical health  We have to consciously look at how our brain is functioning in positive emotions in order to have a thriving life that's more than okay  Resilience is about struggling well and knowing how to show up better everyday  Noticing, naming, and navigating emotions is called emotional digestion  Don't just focus on what's wrong with you, allow yourself to focus on what's right as well  Your wellbeing deserves to be prioritized in a world that seems to be overflowing with situations and challenges that breed so much negativity. Reaching your human potential is going to require that you consider all of your emotions and accept that even though some of them don't feel great there is a need to experience all of humanness. When you begin exploring your emotions and processing them in healthier ways, you make room for what really matters, human connection. Positive psychology, as Jaime shines light on it, is about bringing us wellbeing with ourselves and with others.  “The single biggest predictor of our wellbeing, of our livelihood, and also our physical health is the quality of relationships that we have with other people, period.” -Jaime “JJ” Weisberg  Connect with Jaime:  Website: https://headnorthbound.com/   Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/head_northbound/   My website with the show notes:   https://www.meghanthomas.com/blog/podcast%2Fjaime-weisberg  Atlas of the Heart Book Study:   https://www.meghanthomas.com/atlas-of-the-heart   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Emotions serve a purpose whether we think of them as being useful or not. No one enjoys feeling sad, but sadness allows you to experience greater joy. You'd never go to bed hoping to wake up feeling anxious, and yet even anxiety is useful in telling us to pay attention.  For today's episode, I decided to try something a little different. We're having a group discussion and review of a book we just finished for a book club I am part of called, Bittersweet: How Sorrow and Longing Make Us Whole by Susan Cain. My guests today, Rachel, Jill, and Erica, share their insights and unique perspectives to invite you on this journey and hopefully encourage you to also check out the book as well.  Brené Brown defines bittersweet as being a mix of happiness and sadness. Susan Cain defines it as a tendency to states of longing and sorrow. It is in the longing and sorrow where she opens this world where light and dark are forever paired together. Here are some of the areas we took deeper dives into on this episode:  Shared moments of bittersweet, such as the end of one thing and the beginning of another  People and things we long for that cause sorrow without running from it  Cultural pressure of toxic positivity and permission to be bittersweet    “Our culture has made happiness the desired destination for everything.” -Meghan Thomas  The thing about this book that's worth highlighting is that the author does a great job explaining why it's okay for you to experience the full range of emotions. You don't have to feel pressured into living and experiencing your life through the lens of happiness and positivity. Of course, happiness feels great, and being positive can move us in the right direction, but giving yourself permission to be bittersweet, to grieve, and sit with your sadness has a role in making you a healthier whole person with a real life and real experiences.  “When grief came or loss came, I was immediately connected with my longing.” -Rachel  Check out additional resources from the book, Bittersweet:  Bittersweet by Susan Cain: https://amzn.to/3CkVl3X  Bittersweet Quiz: https://susancain.net/susans-bittersweet-quiz/   Bittersweet Playlist: https://susancain.net/wp-content/uploads/BIttersweet-Playlist.pdf   Atlas of the Heart Book Study: https://www.meghanthomas.com/atlas-of-the-heart Sat Siri/Rachel's Website: https://satsiri.mykajabi.com  Sat Siri/Rachel's Instagram: @satsiri  My website with the show notes:   https://www.meghanthomas.com/blog/podcast%2Fbittersweet-review  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

No one is exempt from carrying some kind of emotional baggage and trauma. The odds that you were raised without some kind of trauma are nearly impossible. Trauma doesn't look the same for everyone, and so it isn't necessarily a result of being raised in a dysfunctional home.   “I don't think you can think your way through healing, I think you have to feel your way through it.” -Trish Law  Many people are brought up in quiet, loving families and still carry emotional baggage and trauma with them into their adult life. It's so important that you release those stuck emotions you've been holding onto, and that maybe you're not even aware of.  It's such an honor to have Trish Law join me on today's episode. She is such an incredible life coach and breathwork teacher. She's a solopreneur and host of The Alchemy Podcast. Through transformational breathwork, Trish has helped me have some of the biggest emotional releases I have ever experienced. In this episode, Trish shares:  Her experience with learning to trust her body after severe panic attacks  Healthy coping techniques she used to “manage” and mask emotional blocks  The power of breathwork to release stuck emotions and trauma  How to responsibly manage the ego without killing the ego  Trisha does an incredible job articulating exactly why transformational breathwork is able to unlock deep levels of trauma in ways that affect our nervous system and helps our energy move more freely as we continue to do the work.  “This circular breathwork, this transformational breathwork, literally addresses trauma, that's what it's designed to do, so it goes right to the source of a lot of our suffering.”-Trish Law  If trauma is really a separation from self as Trish explains it, then you owe it to yourself and to the people you love to heal. As she says, it's not a process you'll be able to think your way through, you're going to have to feel you way through to the other side of healing and emotional release that you deserve.  Connect with Trish Law:  Website: https://trishlawcoaching.com/   Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thetrishlaw/   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Vulnerability is super challenging. Acknowledging emotions that are painful and uncomfortable can make you feel defensive. It's important that you be kind with yourself when you're feeling vulnerable and extend grace to yourself for being human.  In this episode, I'm sharing the last emotion from chapter 1 of Brene Brown's book, Atlas of the Heart, which is vulnerability. It is the key to wholeheartedness and having courage in uncertain times.  Some of the key points I want to share with you today are:  Vulnerability is the ultimate paradox  How to be vulnerable at the right time with the right people  Brene Brown's 4 myths of vulnerability    “In a world where perfectionism, pleasing, and proving are used as armor to protect our egos and our feelings, it takes a lot of courage to show up and be all in when we can't control the outcome.” -Brene Brown  Vulnerability is often seen as a weakness and we're ultimately told to be brave, be strong and be courageous. You'll probably never hear someone acting in bravery called weak, and yet the very act of bravery requires total vulnerability. There is no way to separate the two. You cannot be brave and courageous without risking something and ultimately being vulnerable, which is why it is the ultimate paradox.  It's hard to do life without vulnerability. Though we try to avoid it, the truth is it's unavoidable. Brene defines vulnerability in Atlas of the Heart as an emotion we experience during times of uncertainty, risk, and emotional exposure.  One of the things I really want you to understand and hold onto from this episode is that it takes courage to be vulnerable, and vulnerable moments shared can make a person feel seen, less isolated, and more connected, but not everyone deserves your vulnerability. I share more about this in my fertility story, but I also share with you the new rule I've adopted after many lessons: I only share vulnerably with people who can be just as vulnerable with me.  “Being vulnerable feels dangerous and I think it feels scary and I think it's terrifying, but I don't think it's as dangerous, scary, or terrifying as getting to the end of our lives and wondering what if I would have shown up.” -Brene Brown  Questions to reflect on your own vulnerability:  How much time and effort do you spend running from vulnerability?   How are you protecting yourself in ways that ensure that you never have to be vulnerable?    Being vulnerable is part of showing up in life for yourself and for the people you love. I think that as you reflect on your own vulnerability, you'll see that in the times when you were your most vulnerable, you were your bravest and most courageous self. The outcome may hurt, but it becomes less relevant when you stand proud knowing that you risked the uncertainty and exposed the real you anyway.  Resources:  Atlas of the Heart Book Study: https://www.meghanthomas.com/atlas-of-the-heart   Atlas of the Heart by Brené Brown: https://amzn.to/3S8W6Dw   The Myth of Normal by Gabor Mate: https://amzn.to/3DExbnp   Daring Greatly by Brené Brown: https://amzn.to/3BTDCRX   Bittersweet by Susan Cain: https://amzn.to/3SgMGFT   The Hero with a Thousand Faces by Joseph Campbell: https://amzn.to/3Lv3mHv   Ted Talk: The Power of Vulnerability by Brené Brown: https://www.ted.com/talks/brene_brown_the_power_of_vulnerability   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

When you're not feeling your best, or maybe feel a little cold coming on, how often do you suspect stress to be the reason? When we visit the doctor with even more serious concerns, how often are you being asked about your emotional state leading up to your illness.   An increasing amount of data coming out is starting to reveal how emotional stress, and even childhood trauma, whether it's big ‘T' or little ‘t' trauma, is directly linked to our body's immune system.   My guest today, Tiffany Cagwin, is a Functional Diagnostic Nutrition Practitioner who did the impossible and healed herself from chronic disease. Healing herself has taken her on a journey that she now guides others through as a Wellness Expert and Coach.  Tiffany's career evolved with her own journey of healing. She shares how early emotional trauma with her parent's divorce, and suppressing the emotions of disappointing her parents and feeling like she chose one over the other, eventually led to being a 17 year old diagnosed with Crohn's disease.   Holding trapped emotions in the body will manifest physically. Tiffany began with slowly finding ways to release some of the emotions of a younger version of herself that needed an emotional release in order to start biologically healing.  Tiffany found yoga to be so helpful that she did her teaching training for it in Boston, which led to opening multiple yoga studios, but she was still a way off from being healed. After having a severe flareup that hospitalized her and came with two more diagnoses for rheumatoid arthritis and Hashimoto's disease, Tiffany realized there was way more work to do.  “Just because you're having skin issues doesn't mean you have a skin issue.” -Tiffany Cagwin  Tiffany has ultimately developed a framework from years of figuring things out on her own that has been life changing for others as well. Her functional medicine foundational approach and way of healing is about A.M.E.N.D (action, mindset, energy, nourishment, and detox).  She ties mindset and what you believe about your own body into the beginning of this framework, along with taking action. If you've been diagnosed with an autoimmune condition, stop allowing yourself to see your body as the broken enemy. You only need to take one small action at a time towards seeing yourself as whole, refreshed, and healed.  Connect with Tiffany Cagwin:  Website: https://www.tiffanycagwin.com   Instagram: @tiffcagwin   My website with the show notes: https://www.meghanthomas.com/blog/podcast%2Ftiffany-cagwin   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Fear comes in at the strangest times and kicks into high gear when we're least expecting it, in a space of creativity, and challenging ourselves to grow. Experiencing fear doesn't have to be negative. In today's episode I'm cracking open the book of vulnerability and sharing not only incredible resources from people like Brene Brown and Liz Gilbert, I'm also sharing my personal experiences with fear.  Taking steps towards a bigger version of you requires that fear be present. Every time I step into the unknown and do the things that scare me most, like starting this podcast, I choose to use my fear as my compass, which lets me know I am on the right track, expanding and growing.  Tools & Reframes to Help You Overcome Fear  Having the right tools when you need them is key to managing healthy emotional responses. The first tool comes from Elizabeth Gilbert and at the end of this episode we're going to put this tool into practice right away. In her book, Big Magic: Creative Living Beyond Fear, Liz writes a letter to fear. This is about creating space for fear, acknowledging it, not pushing it away, not ignoring it, but welcoming it along for the ride. There's power in acknowledging it and allowing it to have a voice, while knowing you will not allow it to make decisions or drive the vehicle. I have made this letter to fear my mantra for life.   In Brene Brown's book, Atlas of the Heart, we're reminded that fear is a natural protective response and to our brains, physical and emotional pain all feel the same way. Practice recognizing what you're afraid of and choose to be brave anyway.  Another helpful tool to deal with fear and learning about emotional suppression is Susan David's book Emotional Agility. So many of us try to ignore our fear, and in reality, by avoiding and suppressing our fears, we make them bigger and stronger in time. We end up being controlled by fear rather than having control over it. Give yourself permission to feel the fear without suppressing it.  “Fear, to a great extent, is born of a story we tell ourselves, and so I chose to tell myself a different story” -Cheryl Strayed  The last tool I'll share here is from Marie Forleo's simple test to decipher between fear and intuition. When we're faced with opportunity, it's sometimes difficult to know if you're wanting to say no because fear is kicking in or if you're saying no because your gut is saying this isn't right for you. Close your eyes and settle down, then ask yourself with total awareness to how your body responds. Does it feel expansive, light and joyful or is it more dread, despair and a heaviness there?  “Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented and fabulous.” -Marianne Williamson   This Week's Tool to Help You With Fear Comes from Elizabeth Gilbert:  We are going to write a letter from our fear.  Step 1: Write your name, for example, Dear Meg this is your fear and I want you to know….  Allow your fear to write a letter to you   Ask your fear what you are terrified about and listen with respect  Identify the two or three things at the root of your fear  Ask your fear what it wants, what it doesn't want and why it's holding you back from what your creativity  Step 2: Read the letter with an open mind and open heart  Step 3: Write a letter back to your fear with love, kindness, and gratitude for its thoughts and contributions     Resources from this episode:  Atlas of the Heart Book Study: https://www.meghanthomas.com/atlas-of-the-heart   Atlas of the Heart by Brene Brown: https://amzn.to/3e3JI8V   Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert: https://amzn.to/3qhGjGJ    Fear and Other Uninvited Guests by Harriet Lerner:  https://amzn.to/3RGo7SP   Bittersweet by Susan Cain: https://amzn.to/3Txgr72   Emotional Agility by Susan David: https://amzn.to/3R5S6na   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

More and more people are turning to holistic healing. People are growing tired of treating symptoms with pharmaceuticals and the side effects that come along with them. CBD is one of many holistic approaches to health and it's gaining in popularity. It's expected that the CBD industry will reach $25 billion by 2025! What is it about CBD that's attracting so many people and how is it helping people deal with things like anxiety? This podcast is dedicated to giving you the tools and resources you need to navigate and process your emotions well, and today we're diving in to talk about CBD, learn how it's helped me deal with my own anxiety, and learn other ways it can used in a holistic approach to your health. In this episode, Michelle Sason, the Education Manager with a wealth of CBD knowledge, is joining me and she's breaking everything down that we need to know to assess if it's the right thing for you and your emotional state. Michelle sparked her joy and passion educating people about cannabis through photography. She highlights how connected art, nature, science and life really are through her own path. Coming from a holistic upbringing into the arts and photography took many twists and turns that led her away from science. Luckily, she found the connection between art, nature, and the science that she now uses to educate and support others in their journeys to reduce stress, sleep better, and have a more fulfilling life. Some key areas Michelle explains in this episode are: ●    CBD, Cannabinoids & THC ●    How is cannabis part of a holistic approach to health ●    What is the Cannabinoid connection to our emotional states ●    Side effects to know about before trying CBD Photographing nature literally anchored Michelle to her path that led to this passion of education at Head & Heal. Her connection with CBD in plant form is so interesting when you consider one passion for photography and nature helped her see beauty and connect to a passion for the cannabis plant. I was shocked to discover how effective CBD is in its various forms. The impact cannabinoids have throughout our bodies connecting to different kinds of receptors makes CBD a perfect candidate for assisting with emotional regulation, specifically anxiety. Just as our emotions are natural to feel and experience, cannabis is also natural in how it connects with our bodies through these cannabinoid receptors that we have an entire system of. “Being able to recognize the emotions that you're having, and being able to say, this isn't a bad thing, it's just an indicator of something bigger, a story that my body is trying to tell me” ― Michelle Sason   Resource Mentioned: The Mohawk Thanksgiving Address   Head & Heal Website: Website: https://headandheal.com/   Get $25 off of your order for $75 or more with coupon code: theemotionalexpedition First time customers - $20 off of $45 order using this link: http://rwrd.io/5ykjodn?c Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Take one look at your news feed or walk past a TV anywhere with the news on and instantly you're flooded with all the horrible things going on in your city, your neighborhood, and the world around you.  My guest today was watching updates on the Sandy Hook Elementary school shooting live the day that horrific tragedy unfolded. The flood of fear, horror, pain, and sadness she felt was like many of us witnessing a heart shattering event take place. At the same time this tragedy was happening, a co-worker of hers was beaming over a free coffee he was unexpectedly treated to while in line at Starbucks.   Mary Latham didn't know then, but that day became the beginning of an incredible story she came to share with us today about her journey across 50 states that took over 3 years searching for stories of kindness.  Kindness of Strangers  There is something magical and almost healing about kindness from a stranger for no apparent reason. Mary traveled all 50 states to hear stories of kindness. In her journey she not only heard stories of kindness, she also experienced the kindness of strangers welcoming her into their homes. Showing a stranger kindness can have an immeasurable effect on someone.   When you stand still in the moments of life, waiting in line to order a coffee at Starbucks or pump your gas across from someone else also pumping gas, you realize we are all people dealing with something. Someone received news of a loved one's terminal illness, someone lost a job, or is stuck in a painfully toxic relationship. It's so easy to see when that person is us, but it's also clear that others are as good at hiding behind a fake smile as we are.  Healthy Social Connection   While we live in times when in person's social interactions feel obsolete, it's critical to remember that we are social beings first and foremost. Nature designed and hardwired us at a cellular level for connection. Connecting with people over kind deeds has a 10x effect on the doer and the receiver of kindness.  Mary shares how meaningful her journey was due to the connections she made along the way. From examples of her mother's kindness towards a UPS driver and a Jehovah's Witness that she didn't even share the same beliefs with, we see how significant time, however brief, with another person can be. Mary's trips to the dump to interact with the gentleman there changed her mood and gave both of them energy to get through the day.  Acts of Kindness in Any Size  The best part about the impact kindness can have on a person is that it doesn't matter how big and grand or super tiny a kindness is, the benefits are equally rewarding. Mary shares two examples of kindness, one big act and a smaller act that will both live on in the memories of the people involved for years to come, if not a lifetime.  Vulnerability & Healing  As Mary shares her in journey, there is an element of vulnerability that kindness requires. The many people that she connected with had to become vulnerable with her to share their stories. Mary had to be vulnerable to be open to strangers opening their doors, their hearts, and their stories with her so that she could receive. So many of us run from vulnerability, because asking for help and insinuating a need on any level is in itself vulnerable.  The cool thing is that vulnerability opens the door to new experiences and for Mary it led to a journey of healing from the loss of her mother and honoring her mother's memory. I am looking forward to the book she'll release as a result of this experience, as I believe it will be a healing to everyone that reads it.  Connect with Mary Latham:  Website: https://www.moregood.today/   Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/moregoodtoday/   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

If you're someone that suffers from anxiety you know what that physical tension can feel like. You can feel debilitated in social situations or feel totally restless depending on how severe the level of your anxiety. Today we're exploring 4 emotions connected with anxiety and how you can reframe your thoughts to gain more control around these emotions to lower your levels of anxiety. Emotional Coping Mechanisms Avoidance and worry are two ways we attempt to cope with anxiety, but that ultimately makes anxiety worse. In this episode I'm going to share Brené Brown's definitions from her book, Atlas of the Heart, which is linked below and highly recommended. Words are important and the meaning we assign to them makes a world of difference to how we can react and respond to them. Avoidance Atlas of the Heart Definition: not showing up and often spending a lot of energy zigzagging around and away from that thing that feels like it's consuming us. A healthy way to deal with and process our emotions doesn't come naturally to many of us, myself included. It's easy to fall into the habit of avoiding emotions. We avoid feeling them and we avoid confronting or digging for the reason we even default to avoidant behaviors. Avoidance is strongly connected to anxiety and though we feel less vulnerable in the short-term, we are never less afraid in the long run. “Avoidance is the best short-term strategy to escape conflict, and the best long-term strategy to ensure suffering.” -Brendon Burchard Worry Atlas of the Heart Definition: a chain of negative thoughts about bad things that might happen in the future. Although we like to think and say we can't help but worry, the truth is worry can be changed and it is in fact optional. When we try to suppress our worry we make things worse. The trick is that we have to address worry in a way that gets to the root cause. Included at the end of these show notes are journaling prompts to help you get to the root cause of worry. Aside from journaling your way to the root cause, doing things to interrupt your worries like breathing, meditating, or moving your body has proven to be extremely helpful. Talking about it with someone you trust can be another great way to handle worry. One of the key ideas to keep in mind with worry is that it's about the future and not about being present. So anything that will return you to the present moment is going to minimize worry and lower your anxiety. Dread Atlas of the Heart Definition: occurs frequently in response to high-probability negative events; its magnitude increases as the dreaded event draws nearer. Like worry, feeling dread is also about anticipating future events. It's about the negative anticipation that increases your level of anxiety and creates a more unpleasant experience. The more anticipation we have around a negative event the greater our anxiety. Excitement Atlas of the Heart Definition: an energized state of enthusiasm leading up to or during an enjoyable activity. However it doesn't always feel great. Excitement is related to anxiety because the bodily sensation is practically identical. They feel the same way, and the only variance is in how we label and define the event or situation. When there is more positivity associated with the thing, we label it exciting. When there is more negativity associated with the thing we call it anxiety. In this episode I share an Emotion Recipe that can change the way you process and assign your emotions, and it starts with identifying the sensation and then labeling it. Resources: Atlas of the Heart by Brené Brown: https://amzn.to/3bXxgqC The Dance of Fear by Harriet Lerner: https://amzn.to/3C9wq4Q Atlas of the Heart Book Study with Meg: https://www.meghanthomas.com/atlas-of-the-heart Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this very special episode, my friend and mentor, Saraswati joins me to unpack her journey of discovering emotional healing, higher vibration, and frequency. Saraswati's connection to nature and animals helped her find peace as a child learning to deal with emotions where there was no one holding space and guiding her through her early awareness which created an overly sensitive 8 year old girl. When you think about how hard it is to manage your emotions even now as an adult, it makes you imagine how hard it is for children trying to navigate their anger, pain, sadness, and other low frequency emotions. In reality, we're forced to learn how to cope with thoughts and emotions in order to survive from a young age, and that's exactly what Saraswati had to learn also. Saraswati is a yoga teacher, master sound healer, community builder, and so much more. She leads retreats and ceremonies as well. She recently led a sound healing at the Blue Lagoon in Iceland where she's currently living and navigating language barriers without losing connection. “Listen to the inner whisper.” -Saraswati Om 2 Powerful Ways to Heal Your Emotions  Saraswati describes emotions as frequency and vibration. Emotions like joy, excitement, and hope are higher in frequency, while emotions like sadness, anger, and fear have much lower frequencies. Since she began practicing yoga at the age of 15, she noticed the flow of energy and how it completely changed the frequency of her emotional state. Moving your body in any number of ways such as cardio, yoga, or weightlifting are all ways to move energy through your body and raise your frequency. Have you noticed how you feel after taking a walk in nature or dancing around for a little bit. It's hard to get your body moving and stay in a low frequency. Saraswati explains how her relationship with yoga evolved as she started learning all the ways it was regulating her nervous system and releasing oxytocin. Sometimes emotions get caught and trapped in our body and the only way to move those emotions and heal is to physically move our bodies. A second brilliant way Saraswati shares for healing our emotions is through sound. It literally relieves the pain in your heart. “Our voice is the most powerful and unique sound healing tool of all.” In connection to movement, energy and frequency, she notes that emotions are meant to move through us, and sound is one of the most effective ways that studies are now beginning to prove. Don't Suppress Your Emotions Depending on your culture, expressing emotions may be frowned upon by varying degrees. It's important that you understand how emotional trauma not only comes from our own experiences, but that it can also be handed down to us from past generations. The tendency in most cultures is to stuff our emotions. Crying and being expressive is considered weak or the lack of control fails to make us stronger, more resilient, or courageous. Vulnerability allows you to heal and it also allows you to connect with other people. “We are not meant to hold the pain and suffering of our ancestors. Remembering and honoring are key but for the purpose of moving forward and beyond their trials and tribulations.” -Saraswati Om You can connect with Saraswati Om through her website and follow her on Instagram Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/saraswati.om/  Website: https://saraswatiom.com/ Want help with your own Emotional Expedition? The Atlas of the Heart Book Study is for you. Join us! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This emotion is a biggie. Did you know that 1/3 of all adults in the US will be affected by an anxiety disorder in their lifetime with fewer than half seeking treatment? I have a personal relationship with anxiety. Before I share my story, let's define what we're discussing. Anxiety: An emotion characterized by feelings of tension, and worried thoughts and physical changes like increased blood pressure. It's worth mentioning that when we talk about emotions there are traits and states. When you hear the difference, it will help you identify and work through anxiety in your life. There's also another type of anxiety referred to as Generalized Anxiety Disorder. It is defined as a condition of excessive worry about everyday issues and situations. It lasts longer than 6 months and in addition to feeling worried you may also feel restlessness, fatigue, trouble concentrating, irritability, increased muscle tension and trouble sleeping. There's also something called functional anxiety. That's the anxiety that pushes us to study for the test or prepare for a big meeting. Once we do the thing (prepare, study) the anxiety goes away, having helped us do what needed to be done in the moment. There is help. I've dealt with anxiety for much of my life. Psychotherapy for one, and other strategies can help us recognize the cause of anxiety so we can take appropriate steps to remedy the situation. Hear how I tell the difference between my internal anxiety and the intuitive messages that I also receive. My story is likely much different than yours, but it will help you understand what to do in the moment. Anxiety needs to be understood and respected. We need to understand why it's showing up. What do we need to do and what do we need to learn?  What can we do to calm ourselves? 1.   Be slow to respond and quick to think. Do you have the info you need to respond? 2.   Stay mindful of the effect being calm has for you and those around you. Calm is contagious! 3.   Take a breath. Slow down, stay aware, name what you are feeling first. I share my personal experience about my own medication use. It's a personal choice of course, but I knew I needed to get my bearings and the medication helped. Once I had other tools and was physically healthier, I was able to stop the medication. Anxiety can lead to panic attacks. IYKYK. I've only had one and it was terrifying. There were no rational thoughts and I felt like my body and my mind were completely taken over. Is your experience like mine? What helped you? Yoga and meditation work for me. Hear the brain science on this as well. It'll give you another reason to give yoga a try. Be sure to try the box breathing technique. You can come back to this episode any time you need to gain calm and focus. Don't miss this week's poem: She Let Go by Safire Rose Resources: Show Notes: https://www.meghanthomas.com/blog Atlas of the Heart Book Study: https://www.meghanthomas.com/atlas-of-the-heart Atlas of the Heart by Brené Brown: https://amzn.to/3oVJpPL Come as You Are by Emily Nagoski: https://amzn.to/3SsDCio The Body Keeps the Score by Bessel van der Kolk: https://amzn.to/3SqGOei The Dance of Connection by Harriet Lerner: https://amzn.to/3bAxfbV  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

My good friend Caron Grossman is joining me for the first podcast interview! She is a Registered Nurse, has worked in grief and end-of-life, and is a writer. She has an incredible TedxTalk called: Permission to Grieve. She has overcome many challenges and lives a courageous and open-hearted life. She's a dear friend and a wonderful person and you're going to love her. Caron shares how she's always had a desire to know more about herself. At an early age she felt like she was “too much” for people. She could feel what others felt, but didn't know how to talk about. It became clear to her that she was different, and she felt it had to be a secret so because she wanted to fit in. She shares her story of loss that occurred early in her life. With no one to talk to, she turned to food and other ways to numb her feelings. Like many of us, she had all these feelings but no way to express them, or work through them. Caron shares how her addictions provided a buffer for her once her mom had passed away. It was a way for things to feel less scary since she didn't have the language or the tools to deal with her emotions. Recovery for her began when she was finally able to get the real reason she was using food and later alcohol to manage her feelings. You will relate to her journey. She sought help once and didn't go back until a few years later when she felt ready. Giving up her addictions meant saying goodbye to the person she was to transform to the person she is today. Caron explains how writing a letter to her emotions helps her to truly feel them. She acknowledged that if she avoids feeling them, they come out in a different, ultimately more difficult way. Be comfortable with the uncomfortable. We have been raised to be pretty and to never make others uncomfortable and now we know it's okay to be messy. Everything doesn't have to be perfect and it's fine if things are untidy. “Where do you feel that in your body?” Caron explains that she was asked that in therapy and didn't really know what it meant or how to even feel her emotions. Now she explains that she can feel it and identify where in her body her emotions show up. Caron shared with me that there is freedom with discipline and boundaries. There was a time when I couldn't understand that and she explains it in such a lovely way. The freedom that comes from discipline and boundaries and the ease that comes from honoring them. Don't miss the rapid fire questions at the end. Caron shares some amazing book options and her “what I know for sure answer” will inspire you too.     Resources: Permission to Grieve TED Talk Viola Davis Memoir Alcoholics Anonymous Overeaters Anonymous Al-Anon Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today's episode is all about stress & overwhelm: the differences between them, how they show up in the body, and some tools to help us through them! We are all stressed. We know that stress is bad for us, emotionally and physically. How does stress show up for you? What is the difference between stress and overwhelm? Many of us use the terms interchangeably but they aren't the same thing, and they impact our bodies in different ways. In Atlas of the Heart, Brené Brown shares a great story about her waitressing days to explain the difference between the two.   Here's a good way to remember this. When you are stressed, you are able to articulate what you need. You can make decisions. Overwhelm is when you can't process anything. The only thing to be done is to do nothing. Brené's definition of stressed from Atlas of the Heart is: we feel stressed when we evaluate environmental demand as beyond our ability to cope successfully, this includes elements of unpredictability, uncontrollability, and feeling overloaded. Her definition of overwhelm is: An extreme level of stress, an emotional and/or cognitive intensity to the point of feeling unable to function. Can you see the difference? Psychologist Carol Gohm gives us a way to evaluate if our stress is at the level of overwhelm. Overwhelmed describes an experience where: ·        Our emotions are intense (they are at a 10) ·        Our focus on them is moderate (scale is at a 5) ·        Our clarity about exactly what we're feeling is low enough that we get confused when trying to identify or describe the emotions (scale is a 1) This matters because when feeling overwhelmed we can make some of the worst decisions of our lives. We can't process other emotional information accurately, another great reason for being clear about our level of stress. Hear how I was able to make decisions in a high stress emergency situation and how my boyfriend (now husband) went into overwhelm and was unable to help in the moment. Did you know your emotional reaction is tied to our cognitive assessment of whether we can cope with the situation than to how our body is reacting? It is not that our emotions respond to how our body is freaking out, but rather our emotions are responding to my “thinking assessment” of how well I can handle something. It's important to understand our stressors (an unexpected bill, or a parking ticket) and the stress. We can deal with the stressor (pay the bill) but we still have to deal with the associated stress as well. How do we do we complete the stress cycle? The most efficient way to deal with the stress cycle is physical activity. Exercise every day will help you move the daily stress from your body. Breathing is another option, especially if you are in a place where physical activity isn't possible. Also, laughter is medicine too! Hear 4 more ways you can complete the stress cycle and note which one(s) you use now, and some you want to try. Last winter, I predicted my own car accident, so crazy right? It wasn't serious. It was a slow-motion fender bender which was fortunate for everyone involved. My body went into a big over-reaction. Has this happened to you? Hear how a hug from a stranger (who had to have been an angel) helped to make it better. I wrap up with a short meditation to alleviate stress. You can come back and do this anytime. Resources  Atlas of the Heart Burnout: The secret to unlocking the stress cycle by Emily Nagoski and Amelia Nagoski Come As You Are by Emily Nagoski Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

If I were to ask you what it means to understand your emotions what would you say? For many of us, talking about or even thinking about our feelings is not something we want to do. Or maybe you're in the other camp and have been doing the work required to really understand what it means to feel your feelings.   Either way, this podcast episode is going to be helpful. As a sensitive person I grew up feeling all the things, but I was often told by well-meaning adults to stop feeling them and behave.   To cope as best I could, I created emotional walls so no one could see the parts I had learned to be ashamed of. I kept others out and myself in. Sound familiar? As adults the lesson I heard was that emotions have no place at (fill in the blank) work, school, etc.   This doesn't work. I know that now and I'm sure you do as well. Which brings us to the question; what do we do now? That's going to take some unpacking and it's why I created this podcast.   We can learn what it means to identify and name our emotions. It starts with learning the language of emotions. Did you know most people can only name 3? Happy, sad and angry. When we know the true definitions of what we are feeling then it's possible to make sense of them.   This podcast is a place to see where we need to know more, and the path to understanding. It's a journey for me and, I hope, for you too.   In this first episode I share my personal story about how I got here and why this work is so important to me. I grew up in a family that just didn't talk about feelings at all. As a kid with no control and no way to express my feelings, they ended up impacting me physically.   Brené's most recent book Atlas of the Heart has become a roadmap, a compass to guide me. It continues to expand my knowledge of emotions. It has forced me to learn (and re-learn) what it means to truly acknowledge my feelings.   Most importantly, it gives me a language for identifying and expressing how I feel. Once I could do that, I began having the courage to share my emotions with others.     Why does language matter?   I'm going to cover this in detail but for now, it's important to know that when we can't accurately explain what we are feeling (and many of us have never learned how to do that) we are often disconnected from ourselves and our bodies.   Words matter. When we use accurate labels to describe how it is we are feeling we are able to transform what feels like a murky experience into something with boundaries and a name. There is a world of difference between stress and feeling disappointed or feeling unsupported but we often use the word stressed to mean all 3 and more.     It is my intention that this podcast becomes a place of transformation for all of us. I am sharing my story and the story of others as well. I will also be showing you the tools I use to make it possible to connect more deeply with ourself and each other.   We are on the journey together and I hope you'll join me. I believe that there is something more true that lives on the other side of understanding and exploring our emotions with curiosity and a true desire to heal.   Resources:   Atlas of the Heart by Brené Brown  The Gifts of Imperfection by Brené Brown  Emotional Agility by Susan David  Come As You Are by Emily Nagoski Finding Me: A Memoir by Viola Davis  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

If I were to ask you what it means to understand your emotions what would you say? For many of us, talking about or even thinking about our feelings is not something we want to do. This podcast is going help. We can learn what it means to identify and name our emotions. It starts with learning the language of emotions. Did you know most people can only name 3? Happy, sad and angry. When we know the true definitions of what we are feeling then it's possible to make sense of them. Join me on an Emotional Expedition: A Journey to Healing. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices