Sensitive Matters • Podcast

Having existed in this world in the last few years meant having subscribed to wobbly, bumpy and often times weird tides of life, whether we wanted it or not. Collective changes, personal challenges, triggers and displaced nervous systems were felt and experienced on many levels. But there was also a lot of positive outcome. It is what life does. The good and the bad go hand in hand. And this gives us the power of choice. Even in those moments where it didn't feel like it. Earth day is this month – on April 22nd. It is a day that reminds us of our collective responsibility towards resources - the Earth's and ours as humans. Earth Day is not just about planting trees, cleaning up beaches, or reducing carbon emissions. It's also about fostering a deeper connection with nature and recognizing our place within the intricate web of life. Similarly, being grounded in oneself involves finding stability and balance amidst the chaos of modern life. Just as we strive to nurture the Earth, we must also cultivate our inner landscapes to promote harmony and resilience.   Find out more in www.anandasoul.com

In October we launched a new podcast mini series HER STORIES – Life in a female body. Our first episode was with Emily Kuser in which we explored the experience of living and growing a new life in a pregnant body. Our second episode featured 68 year old Soma Temple and her story of how she moved through the ages. Bodies come in many shapes, sizes, ages and stages of health. As humans and almost on a daily basis, we are exposed to standardized perceptions of what a beautiful, strong and healthy body and their features should look and feel like. We meet peer judgement, silent judgement and our own self-talk, oftentimes without even asking where these ways of thinking and believing are truly coming from. In this series ‘HER STORIES – Life in a female body' we interviewed an incredible mix of inspiring women that all represent in their own ways different facets and aspects of beauty with having on thing in common: they are without any doubt beautiful.  Our third interview is with Sophie Siegel, also known as Sophie Sofree, Musician, Ecstatic Dance Djane, Spaceholder and Mama of little Mila. In this interview Sophie shares her experience in her female body, what it is like to grow up as the daughter of a model, how she experienced her body prior to becoming pregnant and what initiations she and her little family went through. We hope it touches something within you!

I put this meditation together as a gift for those of you who wish to find ways to feel into their hearts, to live, speak and act from this place and to curiously explore the pathways within and around it. The world can be a busy and hectic place. Especially shortly before the Holiday season, especially on Black Friday. Many seek to claim your attention right this moment in time and we are glad you landed here, with us, in a space of reprieve. As the wise Rumi once said “If the light is in your heart, you will find your way home.” I think this quote beautifully shares every reason why we should be in our hearts more, today more than ever: to find our own ways as we dare to get out of our way and to see and feel with clarity, but only when we are truly tapped into our hearts. With this offering you are invited to come to meet yourself in all facets of who you are. To leap out of the current role you find yourself in right this moment in time and to take a grounded seat within your own chest. May this bring out the beauty of your own heart and may you take action to lift it like a prayer to the sky. A few instructions Grab a cushion or blanket, find yourself in your most comfortable seat or lie down and allow yourself to be carried into a safe space. After the meditation, if you feel like it, grab pen and paper and write from your heart whatever floods your being. Let it be a reminder for you of what it feels like to be in your own heart.   “As you live Deeper in the Heart, the Mirror gets clearer and cleaner.” – Rumi

Last week we launched our new podcast mini series HER STORIES – Life in a female body. Our first episode was with Emily Kuser in which we explored the experience of living and growing a new life in a pregnant body.  Bodies come in many shapes, sizes, ages and stages of health. As humans and almost on a daily basis, we are exposed to standardized perceptions of what a beautiful, strong and healthy body and their features should look and feel like. We meet peer judgement, silent judgement and our own self-talk, oftentimes without even asking where these ways of thinking and believing are truly coming from. In this series ‘HER STORIES – Life in a female body' we interviewed an incredible mix of inspiring women that all represent in their own ways different facets and aspects of beauty with having on thing in common: they are without any doubt beautiful.  Our second interview is with Soma Temple, who is 68 year old, owner of Om Rudraksha, her own mala company and a close member of our community in Bali, Indonesia.   In this episode we explore with Soma her story of moving through the ages and what it feels like to be in a 68 years old body today. We hope you will love it! 

Bodies come in many shapes, sizes, ages and stages of health. As humans and almost on a daily basis, we are exposed to standardized perceptions of what a beautiful, strong and healthy body and their features should look and feel like. We meet peer judgement, silent judgement and our own self-talk, oftentimes without even asking where these ways of thinking and believing are truly coming from. In the following series ‘HER STORIES – Life in a female body' we interviewed an incredible mix of inspiring women that all represent in their own ways different facets and aspects of beauty with having on thing in common: they are without any doubt beautiful. Our first interview is with Emily Kuser, yoga and embodiment teacher who currently lives in Bali. Emily is at the time of the interview 8 months pregnant and on her very own journey around beauty and how it feels to be in this human body. In the upcoming episodes we will speak with the 68 year old Soma who shares her heart and eye-opening story around moving through the ages and what it feels like to be in a 68 years old body today. Sophie shares her story on having a baby and what it feels like to turn to a new found sense of embodiment and wisdom. Please stay put... ;)

Welcome to the newest episode of Sensitive Matters. This time we are taking a dive deep into the mysterious and fascinating world of mythology together with the wonderful Chris Skidmore, a therapist registered with the psychotherapy and counselling foundation of Australia. Chris is also a biodynamic craniosacral therapist and has been a practicing astrologer for the past seven years. In his podcast ‘On the soul's terms' Chris shares insights on well-known myths and figures and analyses them with the concepts of astrology, mythology, archetypes and legends from the past. Today's episode is a dedication to the Greek Goddess Artemis whose presence is a big part of our newest collection ‘Tales from Within'. This episode covers the following points: Embark on a journey into the profound world of mythology, where intricate life complexities are unraveled, inviting introspection and deeper existential inquiries. Explore the intricacies of the human experience through mythological tales, which serve as mirrors reflecting the delicate shades of gray and moral dilemmas we encounter. Dive deep into the archetype of Artemis, embodying the harmonious blend of untamed intuition and the delicate balance between domesticity and the wild. Uncover the unforeseen consequences of the "never again" mindset, delving into its potential to lead to tragic outcomes and a gradual hardening of one's identity. Find out how ancient archetypes offer insights to navigate personal narratives, heal from pain, and glean wisdom amidst betrayal. Witness the transformative fusion of astrology, fairy tales, and personal anecdotes from Christina and guest, Chris Skidmore as they share illuminating new perspectives and providing profound life guidance. Embark on an enlightening exploration of the captivating Artemis, as we unravel her multifaceted essence—a guardian, sensual enigma, and embodiment of life force. Navigate Artemis within the rich tapestry of ancient Greek deities, discovering her distinct role and dynamic interplay among the divine beings. Immerse yourself in practical applications of "Artemis Energy," drawing upon her fierce vitality to infuse your narrative with courage, intuition, and authenticity. Discover how Christina was inspired by “Artemis Energy” to create Ananda Soul's new Artemis collection. Reflect on the captivating exploration of Artemis, inviting you to embrace your untamed nature within, fostering intuitive revelations and nurturing the transformative power of myth.  We truly hope you are as fascinated about this episode as we are! Listen and leave us a review and your feedback below! Find more about Chris Skidmore here: https://onthesoulsterms.com Check out Chris 'On the Soul's' podcast    ABOUT OUR HOST: Christina Zipperlen is the designer and founder of Ananda Soul, but her journey doesn't end there. She is also a writer and counselor, helping others to heal trauma, find their authentic self, and feel safe and whole as they walk through this life. She uses a somatic approach combined with Compassionate Inquiry to form a deep understanding of how the body, mind, and soul are undeniably interwoven. Interested? You can learn more by visiting www.SensitiveMatters.com

Within us resides a collection of tales and stories – a wisdom passed on through generations a long, long time ago. You are invited to join me in a 10 minute meditation to come to meet tales, wonders and magic that have always already been residing within you, but might have not been accessible to you. You will be guided to listen to the wonders and whispers of your own inner wisdom that stir your heart and ignite a fire deep within your soul. You will be guided back to getting in touch with your intuition, your heart and gut, so you may move into the world as a full expression of your truth. Grab a cushion or blanket, find yourself in your most comfortable seat or lie down and allow yourself to be carried into a safe space from which you get to see all parts and tales of you. We hope you will enjoy this unique exploration into your own world of tales and wonders.  Here is your free meditation with Christina. Find a quiet space, maybe a cushion, and press play

Inspired by the celebration of Earth Day last week, we wanted to speak to the idea of acknowledging and honoring Mother Earth as the nurturer and bearer of all life. Earth Day is a day that celebrates and honors our planet. It brings light to the efforts and the achievements of the global environmental movement and raises awareness of the need to protect Mother Earth's resources for future generations to come. The intention is to educate, diversify and activate. Earth Day creates visibility for projects and initiatives that support our resources and our future. Our offering for Earth Day is to bring you and us back to our own inner earth and with this to our interconnectedness. This Earth Day we are offering a grounding meditation to connect deeper to where we are coming from. Start by settling into a comfortable seat, sensing into the weight of your lower body and notice your particles settle as you arrive. Make sure you are supported and able to be at ease. Notice the way in which your weight is distributed in your seat. Take note if it is even, or if you are more inclined towards the left, the right, the front or the back and if you are able to find your center. Imagine your pelvis is an anchor - grounding you into the Earth you are sitting on. Feel down into the base of your spine, the point that connects you to the Earth. Envision roots growing from the base of your spine, like a tree, burrowing down, anchoring so deeply into the earth, you become a part of her. Nothing can rock you, pull you out of your foundation. Feel yourself rooted in the place that you are in now. From these roots imagine the spine and torso as the trunk of a solid tree. Visualize its bark, the structure, texture, smell, stability - give it adjectives as you continue to give it your awareness and observations Take the space to lean back into that which is you, that holds you. Let your inner eye wander through the belly, through your diaphragm, the base of your heart, your heart towards your shoulders. From the shoulders upward we imagine/feel as if we had branches extending skyward, towards the astral. Branches that make up a crown that you would wear. Where the leaves of our tree would be, we see the benevolent faces of our loved ones, community, familial and spiritual ancestry from which we receive blessings, love and support in form of liquid light flowing down to us. The stars are woven into our branches like diamonds from the sky. Let the light, the love from our loved ones trickle down through our branches, our trunk and roots back into the Earth. Let the light and love be a creative intelligence that exists through you, that permeates you and passed on into the Earth itself, you are a connection point between the Earth and the heavens. Allow yourself to bask in the sensation and support of the Earth as well as your guides. All is connected, in deep reciprocity. Our roots are like super highways that share nourishment, energy and wisdom with one another. You are not alone on this Earthly realm. Slowly start to bring awareness back to your surroundings, notice any other sensation your senses grasp before opening your eyes slowly. Move with mindfulness and intention as you take the sensation of groundedness into your day.  

We are incredibly honored to speak with Nancy Aronie on the 23rd episode of our Sensitive Matters podcast. Nancy is a writing coach and workshop leader who has helped countless writers access their own unique voice and create a safe space for self-expression. She has worked with various big institutions such as Harvard University, Kripalu Center for Yoga and Health, and Omega Institute, among others. Her book Memoir as Medicine in which she shares her own moving stories invites writers to tap into the healing power of writing. This episode covers the following points: How to create a positive atmosphere where writers can feel comfortable sharing their work and being vulnerable by setting clear guidelines for respectful communication. How writers can overcome their self-doubt and fear of judgment to continue on their writing journey, using her own experiences as an example. The importance of finding the right group of writers who will support and encourage each other to grow and thrive. The therapeutic benefits of writing, and how it can be used as a tool for self-discovery and personal growth. Nancy shares practical advice on how writers can use writing to tap into their unique voice and perspective, and how prompts and exercises can be used to spark creativity and inspiration. The importance of writers tapping into their unique voice and perspective to create authentic and powerful writing. Tips on using prompts and exercises to overcome writer's block and spark creativity. The importance of positive feedback and encouragement in the creative process, and how it can help writers stay motivated and confident. How writing can be used as a tool to process trauma and difficult emotions, and how it can lead to healing and growth. The benefits of creating a regular writing practice, and how it can serve as a form of self-care and self-expression. We truly hope you love this episode as much as we do! Listen and leave us a review and your feedback below! Learn more about Nancy Aronie here: https://chilmarkwritingworkshop.com/nancy-aronie Check out her new book 'Memoir as Medicine' ABOUT OUR HOST: Christina Zipperlen is the designer and founder of Ananda Soul, but her journey doesn't end there. She is also a writer and counselor, helping others to heal trauma, find their authentic self, and feel safe and whole as they walk through this life. She uses a somatic approach combined with Compassionate Inquiry to form a deep understanding of how the body, mind, and soul are undeniably interwoven. Interested? You can learn more by visiting www.SensitiveMatters.com

She was our number one guest on the Sensitive Matters podcast. And we are so happy to have her back again, for episode 22. If you haven't met her yet, Kat Dawes is a performance philosopher, author, spiritual coach, and creator of the practice of Nowism. As a Now-Ninja she challenges us to be in the present moment and to fall deeper in love with our "mindfulness muscle" in our ever distracting distracted world. Kat made it her calling to teach people to use their superpower and what it means to audaciously invest in the higher vibrations for the purpose of activating our inherent potential.  This brand new episode covers the following topics: Kat Dawes' background as a performance philosopher, author, spiritual coach, and creator of the practice of Nowism The importance of being present in the moment and flexing our "mindfulness muscle" in a world full of distractions Kat's discovery of the power of taking a vow to now and reframing negative thought patterns into positive manifestations The idea that the quality of the present moment flavors our future manifestations The creation of Nowism as a game to make mindfulness practice engaging and compelling The role of thoughts and vibes in shaping our character traits and patterns, and how to catch ourselves before reacting and choose a higher response The need for commitment and discipline to create a higher response to life and break free from negative patterns Answers to the questions: How can we stay present in the face of distractions? What is the power of manifestation? How can we break free from patterns of negative thinking and feeling? We truly hope you love this episode as much as we do! Listen and leave us a review and your feedback below! Learn more about Kat Dawes and Nowism here: https://www.katdawes.com/ Kat's favorite Ananda Soul Jewelry: Shine Necklace: https://anandasoul.com/products/shine-necklace Into the Light Necklace: https://anandasoul.com/products/into-the-light-necklace ABOUT OUR HOST: Christina Zipperlen is the designer and founder of Ananda Soul, but her journey doesn't end there. She is also a writer and counselor, helping others to heal trauma, find their authentic self, and feel safe and whole as they walk through this life. She uses a somatic approach combined with Compassionate Inquiry to form a deep understanding of how the body, mind, and soul are undeniably interwoven. Interested? You can learn more by visiting www.SensitiveMatters.com

Our latest guest to the Sensitive Matters Podcast is joy, embodied wisdom and curiosity in one. Tara Judelle, a full time yoga teacher for over 20 years is actually a lifelong student of spiritual practice, meditation and our connection to our bodies through Hatha yoga, contemporary somatic theory and the philosophy of Non-dual Kashmir Shaivism.   She merges her knowledge and experience in her very own School of Embodied Flow, a school of yoga and movement reconnecting body, mind and spirit. Movement, asana, meditation, visualization, philosophy, psychology, verbal expression, and science are technologies she merges to acquire a deep sense of strength, ease and connectivity. Listen to this episode as we walk our way through the following points:  How Tara Judelle became a full-time yoga teacher and a lifelong student of spiritual practice, meditation, and embodied practices What embodiment is and why it's important How our minds and our bodies work together to help further our journey of self-inquiry How yoga is a balance of steadiness and ease and how we can cultivate that for ourselves How Tara uses the philosophies of non-dualism and Buddhism to bring about oneness within our practices and our bodies The mechanics and how to hone in on specific parts of the body Working with the axis of our bodies, working with the backbody, and finding our anatomical centerline of our bodies The body's connection to our emotions, society, our ancestors and how we're all intrinsically connected Working with inquiry and how we experience different emotions within the body and bringing our awareness into those experiences We hope you enjoy this episode as much as we do! Listen and leave us a review and your feedback below! Learn more about Tara Judelle and The School of Embodied Flow here: http://tarajudelle.com https://www.embodiedflow.com Tara's next offering begins on February 23rd and is an online-only immersion into the art of Embodied Flow. Don't miss out on this great opportunity to study with her.   ABOUT OUR HOST: Christina Zipperlen is the designer and founder of Ananda Soul, but her journey doesn't end there. She is also a writer and counselor, helping others to heal trauma, find their authentic self, and feel safe and whole as they walk through this life. She uses a somatic approach combined with Compassionate Inquiry to form a deep understanding of how the body, mind, and soul are undeniably interwoven. Interested? You can learn more by visiting www.SensitiveMatters.com

"Belonging is when you stay connected to your authentic self as you connect with others. Fitting in is when you have to abandon your authentic self to try to look like, act like, think like, feel like how you imagine others want you to look and act as, think and feel." -Dr. Anita Johnston Our 20th episode is dedicated to Dr. Anita Johnston, a licensed clinical psychologist, pioneer in the field of disordered eating psychology, and author of Eating in the Light of the Moon and a true storyteller. She has dedicated her career to helping people recover from disordered eating and the relationships we have with food, with our bodies. Having suffered – like many other young women – from disordered eating in her teenage years herself, Christina explores in her usual sensitive manner together with Dr. Anita Johnston the complexity of disordered eating and human sensitivity and what ways are available to us to address eating disorders. This episode guides us through the following points: Exploring the prevalence of disordered eating and its relationship to diet culture. Examining the sensitivity and intuition of individuals with disordered eating. Investigating the use of storytelling and metaphor as a way to address disordered eating. The commonalities of those with disordered eating in regard to sensitivity How we can limit external influences that may affect our body image  How  underlying societal stereotypes of gender roles and the expectations we have around those roles can contribute as cofactors What it actually means when people say they are in recovery for disordered eating We hope you enjoy this episode! Listen up and leave us a review and your feedback below! Learn more about Dr. Anita Johnston here:  https://dranitajohnston.com ━━━━⊱⋆⊰━━━━  ABOUT OUR HOST: Christina Zipperlen is the designer and founder of Ananda Soul, but her journey doesn't end there. She is also a writer and counselor, helping others to heal trauma, find their authentic self, and feel safe and whole as they walk through this life. She uses a somatic approach combined with Compassionate Inquiry to form a deep understanding of how the body, mind, and soul are undeniably interwoven. Interested? You can learn more by visiting www.SensitiveMatters.com

Following the podcast episode with Kamini Desai, in which she introduces us to the art of Yoga Nidra, we are now superexcited to share with you a free Yoga Nidra gift from Kamini Desai as a special treat for you this holiday season. If you are in need to slow down, take a break from the ongoing festivities or upgrade your resilience – here is your perfect how to. What is Yoga Nidra? Yoga Nidra, known as the 'Yogic sleep' is an ancient practice that invokes deep relaxation and calmness of the heart, mind and soul. In our latest podcast episode with Kamini Desai we have been introduced to the beautiful art of Yoga Nidra and what makes it a spiritual practice. As the year is drawing to a close we are offered with opportunities to stand still and allow ourselves the space for contemplation of what was, what is and what will become. The benefits of Yoga Nidra Yoga Nidra is a wonderful tool to support us through these times of digestion and processing. Originally a nyasa meditation practice (the practice of moving of consciousness through the different body parts retaining prana) from traditional Tantra Yoga, it has profound healing effects on the body, mind, and soul. Yoga Nidra guides practitioners into a deep state of relaxation putting the practitioner into a space between the alpha and theta state. This allows us to rest in deep relaxation, a state between waking and sleeping, a state that calms the autonomic nervous system that we need to regulate our body's processes and that take place without a conscious effort. In addition, it puts the parasympathetic nervous system into a deeper resting state. A calm nervous system is the state we want to act and live from at all times. Yoga Nidra offers a great variety of benefits that we have listed for you below: Improved thought patterns and reduced stress Enhanced cognitive performance and memory Improved self-esteem and confidence Better sleep Improved waking mindfulness Diminishes symptoms of anxiety and depression Treats chronic pain and post-traumatic stress disorder Lowers blood pressure Reduces addiction Enhances creativity Reduces PTSD Strengthens immune system Recharges vital energy Strengthens the endocrine system Reduces the need for pain medication ...and many many more Weaving Yoga Nidra into our every day over a certain period of time helps us greatly to meet the external and internal challenges of life from a space of calm, hope and ease, allowing us to look at the bright side of life rather than through a sense of stress and contraction. Kamini Desai is offering us a beautiful Yoga Nidra practice to enjoy in the safe environment of your home. Enjoy!

We are back with an exciting and at the same time somehow relaxing episode of the Sensitive Matter Podcast. This months guest is Kamini Desai, author, yoga teacher and master of Yoga Nidra. In this episode Kamini introduces us to the art of Yoga Nidra, what she means by saying it is ‘meditation made easy' and how she encountered Yoga Nidra in her own life and practice. This brand new episode will guide us through the following points: What Yoga Nidra is as a spiritual and meditation practice How Yoga Nidra is different from other meditation and yoga asana Kamini's journey and the foundation that shaped her spiritual journey, career and practice The benefits that Yoga Nidra brings as a practice. How can we integrate our spiritual connection for those that are busy and have a hard time finding space for a practice Some resources and practices to help us all stay centered in our ever-changing world We hope you enjoy this episode! Listen up and leave us a review and your feedback below! Learn more about Kamini Desai here: https://www.kaminidesai.com/ ━━━━⊱⋆⊰━━━━ About our host: Christina Zipperlen is the designer and founder of Ananda Soul, but her journey doesn't end there. She is also a writer and counselor, helping others to heal trauma, find their authentic self, and feel safe and whole as they walk through this life. She uses a somatic approach combined with Compassionate Inquiry to form a deep understanding of how the body, mind, and soul are undeniably interwoven. Interested? You can learn more by visiting www.SensitiveMatters.com

This newest episode is with Sat Dharam Kaur, Kundalini Yoga teacher, naturopath, co-creator of the Compassionate Inquiry therapeutic approach with Dr. Gabor Maté's and a great inspiration in my own life. Throughout this episode Sat Dharam allows us a peek into the world of Kundalini Yoga and her life with it; she shares about her Beyond Addictions program as well as the work with Dr. Gabor Maté's Compassionate inquiry program. This brand new episode guides us through the following points: The benefits Sat Dharam experiences with Kundalini Yoga, what the practice entails, how mantra revels itself to us and how it enables her intuition becomes clear to her allowing her to hear her soul's purpose *The underlying reason people struggle with addiction and how some parts of ourselves that are unexpressed result in many people creating patterns to self-sooth. Sat Dharam's Beyond Addictions program and how it teaches learning to have compassion and acceptance for ourselves in a safe space to build connection to our true selves, change those patterns and process our pain. Sat Dharam's role in how Compassionate Inquiry with Dr. Gabor Mate was created and their collaboration teaching and formulating the method, the components, skills and line of inquiry that comprise the program. Christina and Sat Dharam model Compassionate Inquiry to showcase the approach and how it's practiced. Christina vulnerably shares a situation that's brought stress within her life They work together identifying feelings within the body and what comes up when discussing the inquiry Sat Dharam and Christina get to bottom of when she first felt this way, and the core memory that this feeling stems from They find a parallel within Christina's life to understand the experience of anyone in this situation, how they would cope, grow and how this feeling or experience would shape them Christina and Sat Dharam discuss how anyone in this situation could be supported and what that support would look like They conclude by identifying how Christina would have felt if she were supported within the situation at the time, what she would like to say to that part of herself she still carries with her and what in return that self needs to feel safe moving forward What Sat Dharam has coming up in both her offerings with Beyond Addictions, Compassionate Inquiry and joyfully within her personal life We hope you enjoy this episode! Listen up and leave your feedback below! Learn more about Sat Dharam here. Learn more about Ananda Soul Jewelry: https://anandasoul.com/ Learn more about our host Christina Zipperlen: https://www.sensitivematters.com/about

In the past years, this world has been an awkward place. Beautiful. Eye-opening. Heart-widening. At the same time, the landscapes society walked through offered edges, cliffs, cracks, crevices – in short, many occasions to trip and to fall. Our realities are informed differently now than they have been in recent years. I found myself dealing with a lot of fear and anxiety grounded in the unknowing of all that life was throwing at us, besides personal battles, wins and losses that all happened in the shortest period of time. The main questions I sat with was How do I stay the most present, grounded, calm and authentic in an ever-changing, swirling world? How can I keep my breath fluid and gentle, my feet down and my heart beating strongly in its center at all times? In order to not get too overwhelmed as an HSP in an ever-busy, ever-changing world routines and regularly practiced tools can be of sustainable support. On another note: This post isn't exclusive to HSPs only. Whether you are an HSP or not – we all have experienced some form of fear and anxiety in recent years and can benefit of the tools shared below. As an HSP myself, over the years I've been experimenting and practicing with techniques that have been supportive in times of anxiety and overwhelm. Coming back to breath Breath is one of the few tools that we have to easily alter our nervous system and the states it may find itself in when overwhelmed or agitated. The art and practice of pranayama is a yogic practice that regulates the flow of our life force (= prana) throughout the body. Yama translates from Sanskrit as ‘gaining control'. In this special episode, we will do 3 breathing practices: 1. Sama Vritti or Box breath Sama Vritti is known as equal breath or box breath and is a powerful tool that can help clear your mind, slow down your heart rate, relax your body, and allow you to increase your focus. 2. Nadi Shodana or Alternate Nostril breathing This intermediate practice involves breathing through one nostril at a time. It is a powerful way to bring harmony and balance to the energy pathways. 3. Bhramari or Bee breath A breathing technique that helps to block out distractions and soothe the nervous system with the support of a humming sound. When we hum, we are happy. Calling in a buzzing hum creates a sense of safety for our nervous systems. May this serve you, may this support you. Learn more about Pranayama: https://anandasoul.com/blogs/blog/hig... About Christina Zipperlen: https://sensitivematters.com/

This month's guest is a very special and bright light in this world: Maxene Magalona, Filipino actress and Mental health advocate in the Philippines shares with me close and upfront her inspiring and very personal story as her, 'Maxene'. She grants insights into her struggles with her own mental health, losses and wins in life, her path towards spirituality and what her soul deeply yearns for – for the world, her surroundings and herself. This brand new episode guides us through the following points: Her personal journey of growing up in the spotlight and how fame shaped her life in the Philippines How Maxene used to manage stress and how in hindsight we can all recognize how our past behavior was our ability to handle trauma with the tools and resources available to us at that time The importance of mental health and how it effects our physical health The stigma around mental health in the Philippines and how the pandemic started to shift that The importance of seeking professional support in Maxene's own words What spirituality and her connection to God and spirit means to Maxene, and how she follows her soul's desire The mantras that Maxene loves to sing and chant that bring her strength How The Soul Space was created and the reason why Maxene shares her very own practices and wisdom she's learned along the way The intuitive way that Maxene selects her jewelry and what Ananda Soul pieces bring her into alignment giving her grace in her day-to-day life Christina shares some spiritual practices of cleansing your jewelry and energetically recharging your Ananda Soul pieces What offerings Maxene will share when she returns to the Philippines You can also watch the video of our conversation here: https://youtu.be/3i6bl74BjTs We hope you enjoy this episode! Listen up and leave your feedback below! Learn more about Maxene Magalona via Instagram at @maxenemagalona and her projects @bekind.ph and @thesoulspaceph Learn more about Ananda Soul Jewelry: https://anandasoul.com/ Learn more about our host Christina Zipperlen: https://www.sensitivematters.com/about

This month's episode comes with a special guest I have been very excited about inviting to our Sensitive Matters podcast: Elena Brower. I've admired her work for many years. As a mother, world-renowned yoga and meditation teacher (since 1999!), artist, author and host of her very own podcast ‘Practice You' I find her entire being, her work, her story and personality intriguing and inspiring in so many ways. Listen to this brand new episode as we cover a variety of topics about her yoga journey, compassion, in particular self-compassion as the core of her work, yoga and meditation, spirituality and her podcast. This brand new episode guides us through the following points: • Elena's spiritual journey and how her personal practice and beliefs have evolved through her decades of studying and teaching yoga and meditation • What she's working on with her new book of poetry, journal and parenting course • How Elena has been kind to herself during times of uncertainty and the mindset that she shares for us all to turn that kindness inwards to our own hearts • Elena's podcast, Practice You, and what she's learned from over 100 conversations with spiritual leaders and change makers Dr. Gabor mate, Yung Pueblo, Latham Thomas and our mutual friend Nadine McNeil • How yoga as an industry has developed over the past 20 years and what it looks like to make a living as a yoga teacher, developing community and diversifying your income •The breathing practice Elena does to stay grounded within her daily life •What Ananda Soul pieces Elena wears, what Ananda evokes her and how she feels when she wears our jewelry •A sneak peek reading from her latest journal that inspires the soul You can see the meditation Elena mentions here The Ananda Soul Lakshmi Necklace Elena's mentioned within the episode is Blessing All Around Mala Curious to learn more about Elena Brower? This is the way to her website!, About the host Christina Zipperlen here, and about Ananda Soul here.

As we continue to speak about the Moon, I am excited to share this month's podcast episode with my dear friend and menstrual cycle activist Bex Tyrer. This brand new episode speaks about the following topics:As we have just launched our Lunar collection that focuses on the power of the Moon and all its phases, it is an honor to continue the ‘Moon'versations - so to speak - from another angle: menstrual cycle awareness and alignment with the Moon and its phases.Bex has dedicated her life's work to yoga and women's health and focuses on inclusivity, trauma work and social and environmental justice. Bex has been a full time yoga teacher at the Yoga Barn, the largest yoga studio in Asia, since 2009. How yoga is a traditional practice for men that carries much wisdom and also doesn't include women's natural cycles and bodies. Addiction and eating disorders in yoga and how the separation from our cycles and bodies can contribute to a break and separation within ourselves How women's periods are our 5th vital sign and the many different ways periods serve as an indicator of a women's health The function of women's periods, or moon cycles, and what we “give birth to” every month What a normal period actually is and what miraculous things our bodies do every month The follicular and luteal phases and how we can make the most of them What hormones our natural cycles activate and how they work with our brains, hearts and overall health How stress effects our cycles and overall health and the timing of our cycles What men can do to work with the moon phases and natural rhythms of the earth The options women have for menstrual products and how much we actually bleed every month Menopause, Perimenopause and what those phases of women's lives actually entail, with hormonal and period cycle changes How we should be celebrate Menopause and honor this sacred time in a women's life The exciting collaboration between Bex and Ananda Soul and the free offering coming your way What Ananda Soul pieces Bex wears daily The books Box mentioned within the episodes are Yoni Shakti by Uma Dinsmore-Tuli (available here on her website: https://yonishakti.co/resources/yoni-shakti-book) and Wild Power by Alexandra Pope and Shane Hugo Wurlitzer (available here on their website: https://www.redschool.net/wildpower)

If you have been following the Sensitive Matters podcast, this episode's guest might not be a stranger to you. For this time I have invited my dear friend Paula Shaw back into the reins, as we are celebrating the launch of our new collection that I am so particularly proud and excited about, as the focus of this collection is the moon and all its phases.Paula is an intuitive psychic and astrologer who has offered over 15.000 sessions in 10 years, changing people's lives through accompanying them on their journeys through healing, clarity and their highest potential. Paula has been a wonderful guide for me through our universe, ever since I met her in Bali 8 years ago. Here are some of the things Paula and I cover in this episode: Paula's journey of seeking meaning in accordance with her spirituality and nature. Christina's experience of growing up in Bavaria in accordance with the earth's natural rhythms and farming seasons How the phase we're born under can tell us about who we are and how to work with that energy How to work with the moon, what that means and bringing our awareness into the moon phases Simplifying the moon phases with simple intention setting on the new moon and releasing on the full moon How the quarter moons can bring about action and reflection within our lives The lessons that the new moon has for us about starting over at any time in our lives. How the moon's monthly cycle is the exact length of women's menstrual cycles and the cyclical nature of our bodies. Learning to work with our own charts and what's happening in the sky right now Click here to learn more about Paula Shaw: https://www.soulfulguiding.com/ Click here to learn more about Ananda Soul Jewelry: https://anandasoul.com/ Click here to learn more about Christina Zipperlen: https://www.sensitivematters.com/

As the New Moon approaches, the time has come to turn towards rest, to honor what was and what wants to be met next. The darkness of the sky reminds us to slow down, catch our breaths, heal. You are so welcome to this very special New Moon Meditation. You are invited to join me on an inward journey to find peace and grounding within yourself. For the next 10min allow yourself to be guided into a liminal space between the old and the new, a place in which becoming is limitless and full of potential. Grab a cushion or blanket, take a comfortable seat or lie down and receive this nourishment.

For this episode I invited Ubud legend and inspiration, Robin Lim. Affectionately known as “Ibu Robin” she is a midwife and the founder of Yayasan Bumi Sehat, a non-profit here in Bali that offers free prenatal care, birthing services and medical treatment to anyone in need that focuses on at-risk mothers. We speak about the philosophy of gentle birth, her life story with Bumi Sehat and its mission and the never ending support mothers in developing countries need to birth and nurture babies in favour of a better world. In this episode we speak about How Robin came to Bali over 25 years ago and started her journey as a midwife when she was pregnant and realizing that the maternal mortality rate at the time was very high. How the “green revolution” and the elimination of heritage rice began to cause fatal hemorrhaging for women giving birth and how she's adopted the gentle birth philosophy from world-leading gynecology and women's health experts. The creation of Bumi Sehat and its mission to enable gentle birth to support women in Bali give birth safely and gently in alignment with our bodies' natural rhythms. The community support that came together to help win the CNN Hero of the Year award for Bumi Sehat. Supporting women to feel empowered and empower each other's beauty at every age, weight and stage of our lives. Destigmatizing our menstruation, sexuality and relationship with our bodies. What the labor process is like for many women including first-time mothers. How acupuncture can help support women's fertility and both people in a couple with fertility as only 15% of people diagnosed with infertility are actually infertile. The benefits of IVF and better living through science in partnership with traditional Chinese medicine and acupuncture. What support systems Robin has in place to keep and maintain her balance as a mother, grandmother and founder of Bumi Sehat. How Bumi Sehat is working to reduce period poverty for Indonesian women and girls with some incredible products and donations of period panties. Robin has also established clinics and helped at-risk mothers in remote locations across Indonesia and Asia. Thanks to her life work “Ibu Robin” has won CNN Hero of the Year in 2011. "Every baby's first breath on Earth could be one of peace and love. Every mother should be healthy and strong. Every birth could be safe and loving. But our world is not there yet," - Ibu Robin

Lumirä, a multi-instrumentalist, a yogini, and artist is sharing a wonderfully guided meditation and sound healing experience with us and our community to rest deeply back into our beings, to find the touchstones of self-nourishment and recharge that are scattered around the inner landscapes of our being and to just become and be. How can we create moments of deep, deep rest for ourselves that give our body, our organs, our mind, our heart, our soul the chance to heal and recover from a life of busyness, constant stimulation and the need to perform? By leaning back into our bones, our structure that makes us us. Lumirä is an artist who explores the relationship between nature and the sacred, as well as the many dimensions of human consciousness. Her work provides a sensorial experience by integrating deeply moving sounds and instruments to awaken the spirit. Recognizing the power and connection between the breath and sound, Lumirä creates soulful offerings that bring peace and healing to one's mind and heart. “I am really passionate about creating immersive and meditative sound experiences that allow people to completely let go and tune inwards. I believe that sound is a powerful healing modality and that my purpose on this earth is to share my musical offerings with the world. The best way for me to connect with spirit is through sacred sound and my goal is to share these magical vibrational frequencies with as many souls as I can.” We hope you enjoy this beautiful soundbath.

In this episode, I am speaking with my dear friend Kate Reardon, as she shares with us how to come back to our natural instincts, how the be the fullest version of ourselves and live our truth. Fascinated by the way she weaves the tapestry of healing and health, I listen to her sharing her personal insights as a naturopath, healer, and mother. Here are some of the things Kate and I cover in this episode: The mind-body connection and how emotions can physically manifest in the body Kate's journey into motherhood including her experience with miscarriage Giving yourself grace, and maintaining life balance as a mother What practices does Kate use to stay aligned and attuned to her intuition (including what we'll share for this month's meditation episode of Sensitive Matters!) How Christina and Kate know each other and their journey together as friends living in Bali as female entrepreneurs The inspirations behind her book "The Essential Cleanse" and how her retreat participants created the motivation to bring this work into the world What pieces of Ananda sold jewelry Kate wears that represent important milestones in her life Kate's upcoming mentorship and what that looks like in living accordance with the moon and its monthly cycles Kate Reardon is a mother of three girls, a naturopath, yoga teacher, intuitive healer, author, podcast host and co-founder of Natural Instinct Healing, a boutique retreat center based in Ubud, Bali, that offers both retreats on-site as well as in Byron Bay, Australia and online. Kate is also the author of ‘The Essential Cleanse', a book about her own cleansing method towards a more fulfilled, joyful and lighthearted way of living. Kate's work has been featured in high-profile media such as BBC Travel, Women's Health & Fitness Magazine, and more. We hope you enjoy this episode! Listen up and please share your feedback. You can also watch the video of our conversation here: Find out more about Kate Reardon and Natural Instinct Healing here: https://katereardon.com.au https://naturalinstincthealing.com about our host Christina Zipperlen: https://www.sensitivematters.com/ and about Ananda Soul jewelry: https://anandasoul.com/

Enjoy the special episode Womb Healing Meditation with Kate Reardon. Before you hit play, find a comfortable, quiet place to lie down. You might want to cover your body with a blanket. Enjoy!

It is superfluous to say that the last few years have been challenging for many of us. In a tumultuous time where so much is changing, fear and insecurity start to creep in. I find myself craving environments that offer nurturing, support, and stability. But we can find that nourishment within ourselves, too. Today I bring you a guided meditation straight from me. As someone with a sensitive system, I have spent many years studying and learning therapeutic approaches to ease and soothe the body. This meditation is my gift to you, a meditative practice that I hope will bring you comfort, nourishment, and grounding in this turbulent time. I hope you will take just a few minutes today to pause, listen, and nurture yourself.

Gina's journey from being an international plus-size model to a Self-Love coach Her spiritual calling for something greater in her life inspired by her father's inspiring last words to her before he passed A visualization tool for how to bring awareness to the love we can give to ourselves An energy clearing exercise for keeping ourselves available to attract what we desire The difference between Self-Love and Selfishness The story behind Gina launching her book, P.S., I Love Me What Ananda Soul pieces Gina wears as her “jewelry uniform” What she's got coming up next! From Model to Mentor – welcome to this truly inspiring episode of the Sensitive Matters podcast. Gina Swire shares her personal story as a former plus-size model that finds her own way in this world with the help of the most profound relationship there is the one with yourself. Gina Swire is a self-love expert, mentor, and manifesting queen on a bold-hearted, global mission to help women fall madly in love with themselves. After struggling with her own self-worth and self-image issues, Gina quit her career as a plus-size model in order to embark on her own journey of transformation. Today she travels the world leading live workshops, hosting retreats, coaching private clients, and speaking on stages from Burning Man to Bali. Her work has been featured in Vogue Magazine, Elephant Journal, Yoga Guide Magazine, and more. Gina recently published her first book named ‘PS I love me', which instantly became a bestseller. She is also the host of her own podcast under the very same name. ‘Sensitive Matters', is a podcast that features gentle conversations on sensitive, important matters such as mental health, conscious consumerism, sexuality, spirituality, ethical business and more. We hope you enjoy this episode! Listen up and leave your feedback below! Find out more about Gina Swire: https://ginaswire.com about our host Christina Zipperlen: https://www.sensitivematters.com/ and about Ananda Soul jewelry: https://anandasoul.com/

Welcome to another yummy episode of the Sensitive Matters podcast. We are ringing in the New Year with my dear friend Chef Cynthia Louise, who is sharing with us all about her personal journey in life, with food and the healing impact it had on herself and others. Cynthia Louise is a qualified whole food chef that is leading the whole food revolution with edible plant recipes offering real food that nourishes and heals you from the inside. She gained her qualification in a leading health retreat on the Gold Coast Australia and has spent more recent years in Bali refining her art through collaboration with health revolutionist Tyler Tolman. Cynthia Louise was raised in Papua New Guinea, she is the Author of her first cookbook ‘Plant-based love stories', a bestselling author of 7 recipe books, the star of two cooking shows on Gaia TV and FMTV and an exciting and charismatic public speaker touring Australia, sharing her wisdom on how cooking can heal you from the inside out. ‘Sensitive Matters', is a podcast that features gentle conversations on sensitive, important matters such as mental health, conscious consumerism, sexuality, spirituality, ethical business and more. We hope you enjoy this episode! Listen up and leave your feedback below!

This month's episode is particularly delicious! With Michaela Boehm as this month's special guest on the Sensitive Matters podcast, we dive deep into the sensual world of the wild woman and speak about sensuality, self-pleasure, good sex and relationships and what it means to rewild yourself. Michaela Boehm is an expert in intimacy, relationship and sexuality and has been active in this field for over 20 years. She is a teacher, author, mentor and thought leader whose work centers around the intersection of intimacy and embodiment with a method she created, named The Non-Linear Movement Method. She is also the author of the book ‘The Wild Woman's Way', a handbook for the high-achieving modern woman. Some of you might have heard about her in Netflix' latest show ‘sex, love & goop' alongside Gwyneth Paltrow. ‘Sensitive Matters', is a podcast that features gentle conversations on sensitive, important matters such as mental health, conscious consumerism, sexuality, spirituality, ethical business and more. We hope you enjoy this episode! Listen up and leave your feedback below!

We welcome you to a very special episode of our Sensitive Matters podcast this month! We are super excited to announce that this month our founder and designer Christina Zipperlen will be the subject of this brand new episode of the Sensitive Matters podcast. We are excited for you to finally learn the whole story about Christina. In the following 50 minutes, you will learn more about Christina's path, how she came about creating Ananda Soul Jewelry, what it means to live in today's world as a highly sensitive being, what Sensitive Matters is really all about and about her current journey as a psychology student and towards becoming a Somatics and embodiment counselor. ‘Sensitive Matters', is a podcast that features gentle conversations on sensitive, important matters such as mental health, conscious consumerism, sexuality, spirituality, ethical business and more. Enjoy the episode! Check out Ananda Soul jewelry here: https://anandasoul.com/ Learn more about Christina in person on www.sensitivematters.com Book a session with Christina https://www.sensitivematters.com/book-a-session

Hello and welcome back to our Podcast – now called ‘Sensitive Matters', a podcast that features gentle conversations on sensitive, important matters such as mental health, conscious consumerism, sexuality, spirituality, ethical business and more. In our newest episode we speak with Andriani Marshanda, better known as Marsha. Marsha is an actress (with having acted in over 20 movies), a singer and songwriter in Indonesia. Marsha has experienced an unbelievable journey around mental health. In this episode she shares with us what it means to grow up in the limelight, about mental health disorders and what it feels like to be under public pressure to appear perfect. This is the story of how she became a passionate advocate for mental health and spiritual wellbeing. Together with Marsha we've created two special bundles with her all time favorite pieces from Ananda Soul for you to shop at a special price. As always, 10% of all proceeds go towards our Adopt a family project that currently supports Balinese communities in need that suffer greatly from the repercussions of the current global pandemic. We hope you'll love it. Listen up and leave your feedback below! To Shop our pieces: https://anandasoul.com/collections/je... Angel Whispers Necklace: https://anandasoul.com/products/angel... More about Marsha: https://www.instagram.com/marshanda99/

We're very excited to announce the rebrand from the Change the World a Little podcast to 'Sensitive Matters'. Here's a little clip sharing the 'why' behind the change. Sensitive Matters is a podcast that features gentle conversations on sensitive, important matters such as mental health, conscious consumerism, sexuality, spirituality, ethical business, and more. The conversations are hosted by Christina Zipperlen a highly sensitive person, the founder & designer of the Bali-based jewelry brand Ananda Soul, psychology student, and mental health & LGBTQAI+ advocate. Join her as she brings other empaths, perceptive people, creatives, unique projects, and sensitive matters into the spotlight for these insightful conversations recorded from her home in Bali.

In the past decade, mental health has made the limelight amongst the world population. Recent studies show that anxiety and mood disorders are significantly high in today's world which is no surprise during a time where daily hustle is celebrated and a pandemic is keeping people from living their lives to their fullest. Yoga Nidra, known as the 'Yogic sleep' is an ancient practice that invokes deep relaxation and calmness of the heart. We have teamed up with the beautiful Emily Kuser, a dear friend, a wonderful Yoga teacher in the fields of Classical Tantra, Hatha Yoga, Somatics and Integrated Sexuality and self-care. I have known Emily for over 12 years and she is one of my dearest and closest friends, working her magic throughout the entire world with her offerings and her fun and honest approach. Learn more about Yoga Nidra here

She is a widely admired and sought-after yogini and yoga teacher, a yoga wear designer, an inspiring artist and musician, and an avid olive oil lover. Most people know her for her body - (and mind) bending presence on social media where she shares on the art of breath, consciousness, meditation, flow, and on how she navigates this world in our human form. "What if we were like seeds, so uniquely coded, and when nourished in certain ways, different aspects would grow. What if the different external circumstances we experience trigger new aspects to come to life, aspects of our intrinsic nature that were never expected. And what if we could trust in how we are growing, what we are creating, the journey we are being taken on, and trust that our inner urges are pulling us in all the right directions. I believe urges are like an inner nudge to nourish some aspect of ourselves to life. And that when we nourish them, we stand in new terrain composed of possibility." – Meghan Currie In this episode, I speak with Meghan about her yoga journey, humbleness, the intricacies of life, on how to trust our individual ride when we understand that we get to collaborate with life at all times.

Episode 4 takes us beyond the stars. I am speaking with Paula Shaw, an intuitive psychic and astrologer who has offered over 15.000 sessions in 10 years, changing people's lives through accompanying them on their journeys through healing, clarity, and their highest potential. Paula has been a wonderful guide for me through our universe, ever since I met her in Bali 8 years ago. In this episode, we speak about astrology, the moon, their impact on her personal life and we dare to take a short glimpse into the future. If you want to learn more about Paula Shaw head over to her website.

The 3rd episode of the #changetheworldalittlepodcast introduces Dr. Sujatha Kekada, an Ayurvedic doctor and the Co-founder of Amrtasiddhi, Ayurvedic retreat space in Ubud, Bali, where I got to spend a week at the beginning of this year. In this episode, we dive deep into the realm of Ayurveda, the science of life. We tackle the history of Ayurveda, speak about her own, a personal path with it, and illuminate the connection point between body, mind, and spirit and how imbalance can put the body into a state of ‘dis-ease'. Dr. Sujatha also shares practical tips and insights for those who haven't had much experience with Ayurvedic practices yet.

The 2nd episode of our #changetheworldalittlepodcast leads us to a rather familiar face (if you have been staying up to date with our recent Ananda Soul campaigns): Marina Kolaric. Marina has been a crucial part of two of our last campaign photoshoots, but more importantly, she is an inspiring therapist, psychologist and coach specialized in Mindfulness-Based Addiction Recovery (MBAR) and ‘Compassionate Inquiry', a therapy approach by Gabor Mate. I originally met Marina on the Gabor Mate training and was drawn to her presence and the fact that she, too, was living in Bali in the midst of a pandemic. During our chat for #changetheworldalittle we speak about the rollercoaster impacts of 2020, mindfulness practices, and how to tackle the impermanence of life – with deep surrender and mindfulness.

May we introduce you Kat Dawes, Now-Ninja, Speaker and audacious promoter of the present moment. As the creator of 'Nowism' she promotes the NOW and teaches people to use their superpower and what it means to audaciously invest in the higher vibrations for the purpose of activating our inherent potential. Implementing an iconic, global consciousness campaign, ‘Cleaning Up the Mental Atmosphere', she humorously highlights the need for an upgrade in the quality control department… of our thoughts. During our airtime of #changetheworldalitte I spoke with her about the power of the NOW and the ripple effects gratitude practices can have.