Jewish Intuitive Eating Journeys

Ever left a therapy session or workshop feeling more activated than when you started? Like you've opened Pandora's box and don't know how to close it? This is one of the most common concerns about doing deep healing work: once you start feeling, everything comes up. Your system says "oh good, you're ready" and brings more to the surface. In this conversation, my husband, Rabbi Yonasan Reiser, joins me as we explore what to do with all that activation. We discuss why some modalities are so careful they keep you stuck, what it means to find "the right distance" from your experience, and how to let processes complete instead of constantly interrupting them. But then the conversation goes somewhere unexpected: into women's power in the home. What happens when you're trying to regulate yourself but everyone around you is dysregulated? How much influence does a woman actually have? And what responsibilities have we been carrying that were never ours to begin with? I speak about the exhaustion of martyrdom, the pattern of filling up space that leaves no room for others to step up, and what it means to ask "what do I need?" as an act of power rather than selfishness. Key Themes Explored: The activation paradox - Once you make space for one feeling, your system brings up more. This is how healing works! The question isn't how to avoid activation, but how to be with it. Finding the right distance - Not so far from your experience that you don't feel anything. Not so close that you're overwhelmed. There's a sweet spot where you can be in relationship with what you're feeling. Too careful = stuck - Some approaches are so concerned about not overwhelming you that they don't let you actually touch what's there. For people who need to feel deeply, this is maddening. Completing vs stopping - When you interrupt a process before it's complete, you're left with unfinished activation. Naming to relate - When you can label activation, you develop a relationship with it. When you don't want to label it (often from fear), you just act it out without understanding why. Women's power through presence - When a woman can hold her own emotions and activation, finding regulation within herself, she has massive impact on everyone around her. Not through fixing or managing everyone else's emotions, but through her grounded presence. Responsibilities that aren't yours - Two big ones: taking responsibility for everyone's emotions (needing to solve everyone's feelings instead of just being present), and taking on household roles early in marriage that leave no space for partners to step up. The martyrdom trap - Women get exhausted carrying responsibilities that were never theirs while simultaneously feeling overwhelmed by the idea of their actual power. When you say no to what's not yours, you free up space for what is. The mirrors in Mitzrayim - Women in Mitzrayim had the vision of what was possible in the present moment, even when the men couldn't see it. They trusted their husbands could do what needed to be done while they held the vision of the home. "What do I need?" - This question is an act of stepping out of martyrdom. It's trusting that Hashem and your neshama can provide what you need. It's recognizing you're worthy of support while activation works itself out. Destigmatizing activation - Removing the shame and fear around it. When you can recognize and name it, you can work with it instead of being blindsided by it. This Episode Is For You If: You've ever left therapy or deep work feeling more stirred up than when you started You're trying to find the balance between feeling your feelings and not getting overwhelmed You're exhausted from taking responsibility for everyone's emotions in your home You've been doing things yourself for so long that letting anyone else try feels impossible You wonder how much influence one person can really have on a household You struggle to ask "what do I need?" without feeling selfish You want to understand activation as part of the process rather than evidence something's wrong

Have you ever felt stuck trying to create distance from overwhelming thoughts and emotions? Like you understood the concept of "not being your feelings" intellectually, but couldn't actually experience it in your body? In this conversation, Rena shares how she discovered a practice that finally gave her what years of other approaches couldn't: the ability to actually be with what was happening inside her without getting swallowed by it or having to push it away. Her husband, Rabbi Yonasan Reiser, asks the questions many would wonder: What makes this different from meditation or therapy? Why does it work so well for some people but remain relatively unknown? Who is this really for? Together, they explore a way of working with your inner experience through bodily sensation rather than mental analysis - a practice that requires slowing down in a world that values speed, but paradoxically creates faster transformation for those who need it most. This Episode Is For You If: You're a deep feeler, deep thinker, or highly sensitive person who processes everything intensely You've tried therapy or self-help approaches that felt like they weren't quite designed for your nature You understand healing concepts intellectually but struggle to translate them into embodied experience You're drawn to introspection but also crave being truly seen and received by another person You sense there's wisdom in your body but don't know how to access it

What does it actually mean to "hold space" for someone? And why do so many of us struggle to do it, especially with the people we love most? In this conversation with my husband Rabbi Yonasan Reiser, we dive deep into the nervous system dynamics of holding space - from the protective bubble we create around someone's experience to why our instinct to "fix" actually disconnects us from the people we're trying to help. We get real about the challenges of holding space in marriage, why men and women often need different things when they're dysregulated, and how understanding someone's nervous system state changes everything about how we show up for them. What we explore: The energetic container of holding space Why our children need their full emotional experience How dysregulation affects our ability to hear solutions Why "fixing" often misses the mark completely

What if healing isn't about cutting more out of your life — but about what you choose to add back in? In this conversation, I sit down with registered dietitian Noa Miller to explore how nutrition and mind-body work can come together to support chronic health conditions. We discuss how stress, emotional repression, and restrictive mindsets around food can keep the body in a state of tension — and how curiosity, nourishment, and regulation help it return to balance. Noa shares her own journey through surgery, autoimmune illness, and the search for a sustainable approach to healing. Together, Noa and I unpack the complex relationship between body, food, and emotion, offering a grounded, compassionate look at what real healing requires. Listeners will come away with a deeper understanding of: Why restriction and quick fixes rarely work long-term How emotional awareness and nervous system regulation affect digestion and inflammation Ways to approach nutrition with flexibility, curiosity, and joy The power of integrating medical, emotional, and spiritual care

As Elul begins, many women feel a mix of urgency and pressure to change, especially if perfectionism is part of the picture. In this episode, I share why pushing yourself past your limits isn't the path to lasting growth, and how the concept of “widening the window of tolerance” can bring you back to menuchas hanefesh.

Ever wish for the magic formula to fix your life in three easy steps? I joke about it with my clients, but the truth is, real change isn't linear. In this episode, I share why our minds crave step-by-step solutions, how our bodies hold the real key to growth, and what my actual three-step plan looks like. Tune in for a mix of humor, Torah wisdom, and practical insight.

In this gentle practice, I guide you to settle into your body and notice what it's holding -- physically, emotionally, and spiritually. Through breath, touch, and awareness, I help you tune into the sensations that express your current emotional landscape, and find the words that resonate with what you feel inside. You're invited to meet these parts of yourself with compassion, to imagine giving yourself exactly what you need, and to receive the possibility of Hashem offering it to you as well. This is a practice of presence, honesty, and quiet self-nurturing.

After 12 days of war and survival-mode living, many of us are being asked, or even expected, to return to "normal." But what happens when your nervous system isn't ready? When your body is still holding the weight of everything it's just lived through? In this episode, I speak to the tender and often unspoken truth of what it means to transition out of crisis: the pace, the pressure, the vigilance that doesn't just go away. I share why the slower, quieter rhythm of wartime, even in its intensity, can feel strangely grounding, and how to gently honor your own process, even if it looks different from those around you. Listen with curiosity, compassion, and the knowing that there's nothing wrong with you if “normal” feels anything but.

How often do we say “I feel like…” - but what we're actually expressing is a thought, an opinion, or a judgment? In this live conversation, my husband Rabbi Yonasan Reiser and I sat down to explore the deeper meaning behind that common phrase. We unpacked the subtle but powerful difference between thoughts and feelings, and why this distinction matters so much in our relationships, our self-awareness, and even our avodas Hashem. Topics we touched on include: – Why it feels safer to say “I feel like…” instead of naming what we actually feel – The role of vulnerability in honest communication – A Shabbos story that surprised me with just how many feelings were tangled inside – How unmet needs show up in relationships, especially between men and women – What it means to receive and give from a place of wholeness, through the lens of the Kabbalistic concepts of mekabel and mashpia – Why having the right words for our emotions can create real relief and connection – And how using Nonviolent Communication in our marriage gave us a shared language to express what's really going on beneath the surface Whether you're new to this kind of emotional work or deep in it, we hope this conversation brings more clarity, self-compassion, and maybe even new language to help you feel heard, by yourself and the people you love.

As Pesach approaches, the stress of navigating family dynamics, expectations, and personal triggers can feel overwhelming—especially for those of us with complex backgrounds. In this heartfelt conversation, Chaya Hinda and I explore what it means to prioritize our own needs, set boundaries with difficult personalities, and embrace the reality of our emotions rather than pushing them aside. We dive into the power of saying “no” with confidence, making the Seder meaningful even in unconventional settings, and shifting focus from external pressures to inner connection and joy. With raw honesty and deep compassion, we also touch on the challenges of parenting when carrying personal trauma, the importance of speaking to ourselves with kindness, and how to balance self-care with communal and familial responsibilities. If you've ever felt the weight of holiday expectations or struggled to find peace in the chaos, have a listen to this conversation. Our hope and tefillah is that you'll walk away feeling validated, supported, and equipped with new perspectives to bring more ease and meaning into your Yom Tov experience.

In this guided practice, I help you tune into the many layers of support already holding you—physically, emotionally, and spiritually. I lead you to notice the simple, tangible supports in your life and gently open to the deeper, infinite support of Hashem. If fully trusting that support feels challenging, I guide you in meeting that resistance with kindness, allowing your body to soften into what feels safe. This is an invitation to feel held, grounded, and supported in a way that your whole self can receive.

You've done the work. You've learned the tools. And then—suddenly—you find yourself right back in an old pattern. The frustration creeps in: Why am I still here? In this episode, I share a recent experience of falling into that familiar cycle and what it taught me about healing, patience, and self-trust. Because healing isn't about never struggling again—it's about how we meet ourselves in those moments.

Embodying Your Strengths In this guided practice, I invite you to connect with your strengths—from within. As we settle into the body, we'll gently reflect on a recent moment where you showed up in a way that makes you proud. Through breath, awareness, and presence, we'll explore what it feels like to fully receive the recognition of your own strength, letting it settle into your body and being.

Listening to Your Body's Needs Through Touch In this episode, I guide you through a gentle practice of self-connection, inviting you to offer your body the love and care it deserves. Through intentional touch, we'll explore what it feels like to truly listen to your body—tuning in to its needs, its boundaries, and its quiet invitations for more closeness or space. With each breath, you'll have the opportunity to soften into self-compassion, recognizing all that your body has carried for you. This practice is a simple yet powerful way to cultivate presence, warmth, and appreciation for yourself in the moment.

The Body Remembers Pleasant Things, Too In this episode, I guide you through a gentle practice of shifting from the mind into the body, allowing space to unwind from the day's momentum. Together, we'll explore how small adjustments in posture can create a sense of openness and ease. Through the power of memory, we'll invite in sensations of joy and anticipation—tuning into how these emotions live in the body. This practice is an opportunity to reconnect with yourself, to notice the subtle ways your breath and body respond to positive experiences, and to settle into the present moment with a sense of quiet presence.

From Holding Tension to Feeling Held In this episode, I guide you through a gentle yet powerful somatic mindfulness practice, inviting you to connect with your body in a new way. Together, we'll explore tension, not to force it away, but to meet it with curiosity and presence. With the support of your own hands, you'll learn to tune in to what your body is asking for—whether it needs containment, release, or simply to be acknowledged. This practice offers a moment of deep listening, allowing your body to feel held and supported. Join me as we slow down, breathe, and cultivate a sense of grounded ease within ourselves.

Holding Yourself with Mature Love: A Guided Somatic Practice In this guided practice, I invite you to settle into a space of gentle support. With one hand over your heart and the other on your stomach, we begin by connecting to the breath—just as it is—without needing to change or force anything. Together, we explore what it feels like to release just a little more, to feel the support beneath you, around you, and within you. From this grounded place, I guide you in listening to your body, inviting it to show you what it needs. With care and presence, we practice holding space for what arises—not trying to fix or analyze, but simply being with it, exactly as it is. You'll notice how much support this part of you wants, offering it the right amount of space, closeness, or reassurance. This practice is about deep listening, attunement, and self-compassion—allowing yourself to be held in mature love, not because you need to change, but because you are worthy of being supported exactly as you are.

Held by Generations: A Guided Practice in Support and Connection In this guided practice, I invite you to settle into a space where you feel most at ease. Through breath, awareness, and connection, I guide you to soften into the present moment, allowing your body to release even just a little. As you breathe, you are reminded that Hashem is breathing life into you with each inhale, sustaining you in every moment. Together, we tap into the deep well of support from the women who came before us—all the generations of Jewish women standing behind you, holding you, strengthening you. From this place of grounding, I lead you to gently explore what your heart is needing right now. Through a process of deep listening, we attune to the emotions, sensations, and inner wisdom that arise, offering them space, understanding, and compassion. This practice is an invitation to slow down, to listen deeply, and to receive. Whatever unfolds, you are supported—by your own body, by the strength of those before you, and by the presence of Hashem in every breath.

Finding Balance Between Tension and Ease In this episode, I guide you through a gentle somatic practice to explore both tension and ease in your body. By bringing compassionate awareness to these sensations, moving between them, and holding space for both to coexist, you'll expand your capacity to connect with your body and its wisdom. This practice invites you to meet yourself as you are and notice what emerges when you allow your inner experience to unfold.

In this week's episode of Parsha, Parts, and Polyvagal - Connecting Torah Insights to Your Inner World and Nervous System, we delve into a powerful insight from Parshas Va'eira. We explore the pasuk: “But they did not listen to Moshe, because of their shortness of breath and hard labor” (Shemos 6:9). Together, we unpack the layers of meaning behind this pasuk through the lens of Rashi and the Maharal, uncovering timeless lessons about how stress and overwhelm affect our ability to truly listen, connect, and find clarity. We discuss how life's challenges—and the anticipation of them—can create a “shortness of breath,” both physically and emotionally. These moments can leave us feeling stuck, unable to breathe deeply or access our inner calm. But there's hope: by calming our minds and bodies, we can reclaim the deep breath that helps us navigate life's challenges with greater ease. In this episode, you'll hear: The connection between our perceptions of stress and how our bodies respond. How our nervous system reacts when overwhelmed, whether through fight-or-flight or shutdown. A guided practice to help you gently reconnect with your breath and body. This exercise is especially for those moments when life feels too heavy or you can't seem to find a way to slow down. Take a moment for yourself today. Let this episode remind you that even in the midst of life's challenges, there is always a path back to calm and clarity.

In this episode, I guide you through a somatic mindfulness practice centered on exploring your relationship with space—both expansive and contracted. Through gentle breathing, movement, and visualization, we'll notice how your body responds to taking up more space and to drawing inward. Together, we'll create a safe space to explore the emotions and sensations that arise, allowing them to simply be. This practice invites you to connect with your inner world, find balance, and give your body a moment to reset and rest.

In an effort to bring the power of Transforming Touch® to the frum world, I invited my teacher, Dr. Stephen Terrell, to be interviewed on this podcast, which is made specifically for Jewish women. My main question for Dr. Terrell is: Why is Transforming Touch® so disproportionately popular in the frum world? Here are some of the things we discuss: Dr. Terrell's journey as a trauma therapist and the development of Transforming Touch®, a profound healing modality rooted in nervous system regulation. His extensive experience working with foster and adoptive families, and how that shaped his approach to healing. His deep connection with the Jewish community and his observations on why Transforming Touch® resonates so strongly in the frum world. The challenges of explaining a therapy that operates beyond words and how it facilitates healing on a deep, nonverbal level. The impact of historical trauma on the Jewish people, from the Holocaust to generational stress, and how that affects the nervous system. The importance of self-regulation, resilience, and creating a sense of safety within the body. The delicate balance between acceptance and healing—how true healing often begins with embracing what is, rather than fighting against it. The innate human drive for transformation and the misconceptions surrounding quick fixes in healing. Navigating neurodivergence with self-compassion and the role of co-regulation in resilience and emotional well-being. This conversation offers a deep and thought-provoking look at healing, trauma, and why Transforming Touch® has struck such a chord in the frum world.

In this episode, I guide you through a grounding somatic mindfulness practice that invites you to connect with the intricate systems of your body—your heartbeat, digestion, breath, muscles, and bones. Through gentle awareness and intentional focus, we'll explore how each part contributes to your aliveness and support. Together, we'll offer gratitude and care to the body, noticing how it feels when given attention and love. This practice is a gentle reminder of the remarkable ways your body sustains and supports you every moment.

In this episode, I guide you through a gentle somatic mindfulness practice to help you reconnect with your body, breath, and inner sensations. Together, we'll explore how to slow down, tune into the support beneath you, and ask your body the compassionate question: “How am I doing right now?” This practice invites curiosity and acceptance as we listen for subtle answers from within, offering your body exactly what it needs or handing it over to Hashem. Join me in creating space for grounding, clarity, and deeper self-awareness.

In this episode of Parsha, Parts, and Polyvagal: Connecting Torah Insights to Your Inner World and Nervous System we explore Yaakov Avinu's poignant moment as he gathers his sons to reveal the time of the Geulah—and why Hashem prevents him from doing so. What was Yaakov's intention? How does it connect to our lives today? The Sifsei Chaim offers a powerful analogy: just as a doctor explains every detail of a difficult surgery to a patient to prepare and reassure them, Yaakov sought to give his sons the context they needed to endure life's challenges with deeper emunah and love for Hashem. This concept resonates deeply with our nervous systems. When we're given context—whether in a conversation, a request, or a challenging situation—it creates a sense of safety. Without it, we often feel unsettled or dysregulated. In this episode, we discuss: The connection between context, safety, and regulation. How the absence of context impacts our relationships and daily interactions. A guided somatic practice to viscerally explore the effects of context on your body and nervous system. Take a few moments to ground yourself, tune into your body, and discover how creating and seeking context can enhance your sense of safety and connection—with yourself, with others, and with Hashem. Wishing you a meaningful week and a peaceful Shabbos!

This week on Parsha, Parts, and Polyvagal: Connecting Torah Insights to Your Inner World and Nervous System we dive into the story behind the Greeks' decree for the Jews to inscribe on the horn of an ox that we have no portion with Hashem. As we unpack its meaning, it becomes deeply personal and relevant to our inner world. The Greeks misunderstood something crucial: that no sin, no mistake, no failure could sever our eternal bond with Hashem. And yet, just like the Greeks, we often wrestle with an “inner Yavan”—that critical voice within us, pointing out our mess-ups and mistakes and telling us we're unworthy. In this episode, we explore: How Chanukah invites us to confront and quiet our inner critic. The enduring love of Hashem, even in moments when we feel disconnected. A somatic practice to embody Hashem's infinite love and compassion for us. Chanukah reminds us that even when the world (or our inner world) feels dark, the light of Hashem's love is always present. Join me in a grounding practice to bring this truth into your body, to soften the inner critic, and to hold space for a deeper connection to Hashem and to yourself. Wishing you a Chanukah filled with Hashem's love and inner peace.

In this first episode of Parsha, Parts, and Polyvagal, we explore Parshas Vayeshev and Yosef HaTzaddik's journey—where even in his darkest moment, Hashem's kindness showed up in the smallest detail. Yosef couldn't control being sold to the Yishmaelim, yet the pasuk tells us something striking: the caravan carried fragrant spices instead of the usual foul-smelling cargo. A seemingly small kindness, but one that teaches us how Hashem's chesed exists, down to the smallest glimmers, even in moments of great difficulty. From a nervous system perspective, this invites us to reflect: What happens when we learn to notice the glimmers—the small moments of safety, connection, and goodness—even in the aftermath of our own challenges? In this episode, I share: A Torah insight on Hashem's kindness in Yosef's story How we can connect this to our nervous system's need for safety and regulation A guided mindfulness practice to help you find glimmers in your own life We don't erase or deny the hard things we've been through. Instead, we allow space for them and notice where Hashem's kindness—however small—showed up, helping our nervous system begin to settle and come home. Wishing you a beautiful Shabbos.

Exploring the Block to Forgiveness In this meditation, you are invited to explore the path to forgiveness, focusing on a situation that carries a moderate emotional charge. Guided by Rabbi Jacobson's 60-Day Journey, this session gently helps you uncover what stands between you and forgiveness. You'll bring to mind a situation where someone has hurt you, notice where and how the pain is held in your body, and compassionately ask what this part of you needs. With this awareness, you will envision providing yourself with what is needed to release the hurt, allowing forgiveness to unfold at its own pace, trusting the process of healing. Please consider one or more of the following to support my mission of promoting Menuchas Hanefesh and self-care: 1) Share this episode with a friend or family member you think would appreciate it. 2) Leave a review on your favorite podcast app or my website. 3) Send me an email or message with your experience listening to this. 4) Make a donation on my website: https://renareiser.com/product/the-daily-pause/ Thank you for your support!

The Gate of Tears: The Path to Repair In this meditation, you are invited to connect with a place in your life that feels broken or in need of repair, gently acknowledging the emotions that arise. Guided by Rabbi Jacobson's 60-Day Journey, we explore the concept of the Gate of Tears, a path to healing even when something feels irreparable. You'll reflect on a situation that feels beyond mending, while giving yourself permission to experience the emotions tied to it—allowing any tears or sounds to come naturally. Through this, you tap into the belief that the Gate of Tears is always open, and repair is possible. Please consider one or more of the following to support my mission of promoting Menuchas Hanefesh and self-care: 1) Share this episode with a friend or family member you think would appreciate it. 2) Leave a review on your favorite podcast app or my website. 3) Send me an email or message with your experience listening to this. 4) Make a donation on my website: https://renareiser.com/product/the-daily-pause/ Thank you for your support!

Aligning with Your Elul Intentions This meditation invites you to pause and reflect on your journey through the month of Elul. You'll begin by taking deep, grounding breaths, allowing your body to gently settle into the moment. As you relax, you'll connect with your progress during this sacred time, without judgment, simply noticing what arises. Through mindful awareness, you'll explore what you need to reconnect or deepen your connection to this season's unique spiritual opportunities. With compassion, you'll turn to Hashem, asking for His help and support as you align with your intentions for Elul and beyond. In this space of connection, you'll feel the closeness of His presence and explore what becomes possible with Hashem's support, carrying that sense of closeness and purpose into the rest of your day. Please consider one or more of the following to support my mission of promoting Menuchas Hanefesh and self-care: 1) Share this episode with a friend or family member you think would appreciate it. 2) Leave a review on your favorite podcast app or my website. 3) Send me an email or message with your experience listening to this. 4) Make a donation on my website: https://renareiser.com/product/the-daily-pause/ Thank you for your support!

Unmasking Your True Self This meditation invites you to explore the spaces in your life where your inner self and outer actions may not align, helping you gently unmask your true essence. Through deep, grounding breaths and mindful awareness, you'll reflect on moments where you felt a disconnect between what you intended and how you actually responded. By tuning into the sensations in your body, you'll move between your true desires and your outward actions, exploring what it would take to bridge that gap. As you hold space for this reflection, you'll imagine how it might feel to live in closer alignment with your soul's true expression and bring that energy into your day. Please consider one or more of the following to support my mission of promoting Menuchas Hanefesh and self-care: 1) Share this episode with a friend or family member you think would appreciate it. 2) Leave a review on your favorite podcast app or my website. 3) Send me an email or message with your experience listening to this. 4) Make a donation on my website: https://renareiser.com/product/the-daily-pause/ Thank you for your support!

Creating Space for Patience This meditation invites you to explore your feelings of impatience and bring a sense of calm and patience into a situation in your life where you've been longing for change. Grounding yourself with deep breaths and mindful awareness, you'll gently connect with the sensations of impatience in your body, noticing how they manifest. Through compassionate listening, you'll ask this part of you what it needs and acknowledge its response, creating space for greater understanding. As you tune into any emerging patience, even in small amounts, you'll carry this newfound calm into your day, allowing holiness to enter. Please consider one or more of the following to support my mission of promoting Menuchas Hanefesh and self-care: 1) Share this episode with a friend or family member you think would appreciate it. 2) Leave a review on your favorite podcast app or my website. 3) Send me an email or message with your experience listening to this. 4) Make a donation on my website: https://renareiser.com/product/the-daily-pause/ Thank you for your support!

Connecting to The Part of You That is Holy In this meditation, you will be guided to explore what lies between you and your connection to your holy self. Inspired by Rabbi Simon Jacobson's 60 Day Journey, this practice will help you tap into any emotions, sensations, or memories that reveal the obstacles standing between you and the part of you that is sacred. With compassion, you'll allow these parts to speak and fully express themselves. Finally, you'll reconnect with your inner holiness, noticing how it feels in your body and giving it space to be fully expressed. Please consider one or more of the following to support my mission of promoting Menuchas Hanefesh and self-care: 1) Share this episode with a friend or family member you think would appreciate it. 2) Leave a review on your favorite podcast app or my website. 3) Send me an email or message with your experience listening to this. 4) Make a donation on my website: https://renareiser.com/product/the-daily-pause/ Thank you for your support!