Opening the Heart

Welcome back to Inside OUT.  As we come to the end of another calendar year, I, like so many of you, have been reflecting on the past 12 months.  In this episode I talk about 8 tools, with a focus on internal de-cluttering.   “To let go does not mean to get rid of. To let go means to let be. When we let be with compassion, things come and go on their own.”  - Jack Kornfield 

In part 2 of my conversation with Dr. Adam Potts,  Adam and I continue discussing holistic mind-body practices for better health and well-being.  In this episode, we revisit the tool PEMS, talk about the power of connection and Adam shares how the principles of Tai Chi and Yoga can influence our everyday wellness. Dr. Adam Potts is a physical therapist, mindfulness, yoga and tai chi practitioner and instructor (among many other things).    For more information about Adam and how to get involved with the Begin with Breath on-line studio, go to https://www.beginwithbreath.com.

Dr. Adam Potts is a physical therapist, mindfulness, yoga and tai chi practitioner (among many other things) joining the show today.  In this episode, Adam talks about his struggle  with addiction and isolation, his resilience and love, and his self-compassion and North Star.  Adam will share information about meditation and how to get started, the easy way.  For more information about Adam and his on-line studio, go to https://www.beginwithbreath.com.

In the season opening episode I share some of my struggle with starting this podcast, my "analysis paralysis", but really the podcast is just the event that got me going deeper.  It could be writing a paper, having a hard conversation, starting to take back your health....anything we are not doing and want to do.  Is my perfectionism being used as a shield and stalling tactic?  What is the perfectionism covering up?  I will explore these, and other questions, that come up when we are stuck.  I will also talk you through 7 tools on how to  move through the stage of being stuck. 

Take a listen to a short introduction to my new podcast Inside Out.  Expanding on the original podcast, Opening the Heart,  to go even deeper into our changing lives and uncover the gifts, tools and bright light we each have.

Today's guest is Kimberly Gazzo, North Idaho Pride Alliance Community Builder, fierce loving parent of a transgender child, minister and LGBTQ faith community advocate. Kimberly will share part of her journey of parenting a transgender child and living out her faith with the LGTBQ community. If you would like to contact Kimberly email nipridealliance@gmail.com. Below is a list of resources for parents of a LGBTQ child, LGBTQ faith communities and general resources on gender and sexuality. PFLAG is the first and largest organization for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ+) people, their parents and families, and allies. PLFAG was founded in 1973 after the simple act of a mother publicly supporting her gay son. PFLAG.org. If you are interested in starting back up a chapter in Coeur d’Alene please contact nipridealliance@gmail.com. Harmony is non-profit organization whose mission is to provide advocacy, education, and resources for Queer voices in Community of Christ with a shared vision of full participation. https://www.harmony.lgbt/Human Rights Campaign. Resources for people with transgender family members. https://www.hrc.org/resources/resources-for-people-with-transgender-family-membersGender Spectrum works to create gender sensitive and inclusive environments for all children and teens. Their website is filled with education, concepts of gender and sexuality, on-line programs and groups and other useful resources. https://www.genderspectrum.orgFor a list of LGBTQ affirming churches, and other resources, in the Coeur d’Alene area visit the North Idaho Pride Alliance website: https://www.nipridealliance.com/resources

Today's guest is Kai Van Keith, trans advocate, activist and educator. Kai will share part of her journey to living in her authentic gender and sexuality and will dig into some of the nuances of gender and sexuality. Below is a list of transgender specific resources and general resources on gender and sexuality. Trans Lifeline is a non-profit dedicated to the well-being of transgender people. The hotline is staffed by transgender people for transgender people. This is a FREE helpline run by volunteers and supported by the community. https://www.translifeline.orgUS: (877) 565-8860 & Canada: (877) 330-6366Gender Spectrum works to create gender sensitive and inclusive environments for all children and teens. Their website is filled with education, concepts of gender and sexuality, on-line programs and groups and other useful resources. https://www.genderspectrum.orgThe Trevor Project Coming Out Handbook for LGBTQ Young People is designed to help young people explore their identity, what it might be like to share that identity with others, and tools and guiding questions to help them think about what coming out means to them. https://www.thetrevorproject.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/Coming-Out-Handbook.pdfThe National Center for Transgender Equality is a national social justice organization devoted to ending discrimination and violence against transgender people. They provide education, advocacy, and resources on national issues of importance to transgender people including self-help guides for various aspects of transitioning, “Know Your Rights” guides and resources to improve understanding of the transgender experience. https://transequality.orgFor more LGBTQ+ resources visit the North Idaho Pride Alliance website: https://www.nipridealliance.com/resources

Welcome, to “Opening the Heart” podcast and our second of four "LIVING OUT LOUD” podcasts dedicated to the North Idaho Pride Alliance. In this episode, I am pleased to welcome Lizzie Welker to the show. Lizzie is the former President for the North Idaho College Gender and Sexuality Alliance. She will be talking about her passion for working with LGBTQ youth, leadership and unique challenges for LGBTQ youth.Resources mentioned in this discussion: Trevor Project National Survey on LGBTQ Youth Mental Health (2019) (https://www.thetrevorproject.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/The-Trevor-Project-National-Survey-Results-2019.pdf)Heritage Health LGBTQ Counseling (Individual and Group Counseling call Melinda Soltys, LMS Contact Melinda at msoltys@myheritagehealth.org or 208-769-4222.Rainbow Squad - LGBTQ Community Youth Club, graded 6-12. Contact Denise Neuhjar at denisen@communitylibrary.netMore local LGTBQ recourses can be found at nipridealliance.com

Welcome, to a special episode of the “Opening the Heart” podcast. “LIVING OUT LOUD” is the first of four podcasts dedicated to the North Idaho Pride Alliance. June is LGBTQ Pride Month, a month when we remember those brave LGBTQ elders who have gone before us to pave the way, and a month that we celebrate the victories and milestones of our community. We celebrate who we are are and our powerful truth! Today my guest is a dear friend of mine and one of those people who helped pave the way for the LGBTQ community in north Idaho. I am pleased to welcome Kathy Colton to the show.

On Opening the Heart podcast, you will hear stories from everyday people who have impacted my life, inspired numerous people and who live in their truth. This podcast is a work in progress…just like me!