Where The Lotus Grows

Toxic positivity can be hard not to encounter and sometimes we're all guilty of urging others and even ourselves to "look on the bright side" instead of sitting with discomfort.  At what point do "positive vibe" platitudes become toxic and how can we avoid falling into the toxic positivity trap? Kim and Tonya have a few ideas. Support the show

Last time we caught up with Kim, she had great news -  as her scans were all clear, BUT the next part of her journey had just begun.  In todays episode, the ladies discuss Kim's upcoming surgery as a preventative measure and the new drug therapy regime that they're asking her to take.  Spoiler - the list of pros and cons are lengthy and uncover a lot of discussion about being your own best advocate. Enjoy! Support the show

Since her cancer diagnosis, Kim has learned a lot more about the medical marijuana industry and the use of cannabis in cancer care.  The ladies dive deep into all of the new things she's learned from working with cannabis coaches and nurses specializing in the field, and Tonya shares her recent experience touring a Colorado growing facility. Support the show

In the light of the SCOTUS  decision over turning Roe V. Wade, the WTLG  wanted to turn our  grief into something that is (hopefully)  constructive for the couragitarians.  It was certainly cathartic for us. This episode contains fun facts about the progress women have made in the last 50 years,  personal abortion stories, facts, statistics and above all support for the RADICAL notion that women, as humans,  have the right to full body autonomy.  Warning: this episode discusses sexual assault, abusive relationships, traumatic experiences, and sex Support the show

Kim shares the good news and LOTS of thoughts about what happens next and how the health care system could be improved.  A vital episode if you've been following Kim's Journey - Enjoy!Support the show

We are so excited to share our conversation with Dr. Gail Parker! Gail Parker, Ph.D. CIAYT, E-RYT 500 is an author, psychologist, educator, certified yoga therapist and a lifelong practitioner of yoga. She became president of the Black Yoga Teachers Alliance (BYTA) Board of Directors in 2020. Dr. Parker is well known for her pioneering efforts to blend psychology, yoga, and meditation as effective self-care strategies that can enhance emotional balance, and contribute to the overall health and well-being of practitioners.Dr. Parker has appeared as a psychologist expert on local and nationally syndicated talk shows, including numerous appearances on the Oprah Show.Her first book, Restorative Yoga for Ethnic and Race-Based Stress and Trauma, offers self-care strategies and invites everyone, not just those directly impacted, to explore the intersection of yoga, race and ethnicity, and to consider the psychological impact of race-based stress and trauma on all of us. The companion book, Transforming Ethnic and Race-Based Traumatic Stress With Yoga invites us to reimagine and engage in healing strategies for ethnic and racial stress and trauma that lead to post traumatic growth. Support the show

The ladies discuss the idea of achieving "perfect heath," the marketing and capitalizing of health and wellness as an industry, and the dangers of health and wellness myths and stereotypes. They further discuss what ideal health now means to them in light of ongoing health issues. Support the show

Kim shares her experience starting physical therapy, the pros and cons of being on the flip side of movement education, and the value of difficult teachers. Support the show

Tonya and Kim talk about the practice of intentional grounding, why it should be a part of your  regular self care routine and how, once practiced regularly, it can become a powerful tool in a variety of situations.  Bonus: Kim shares an Intentional Grounding Meditation on social media and on our Patreon.  Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/user?u=13598261)

Let's fact it, stressful situations are a regular part of our day to day lives, and often the choices that we make regarding our own physical and mental health maintenance determine our overall state.  What happens when we experience additional prolonged stressful situations such as a medical diagnosis, the care of a sick family member, that throw a wrench in our usual stress-management routine?  Today the ladies talk about the difficulty of maintaining a healthy routine when facing additional stressors and how to work in healthy practices when we're hit with stressful situations that could throw us off track.  Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/user?u=13598261)

Kim walks us through the remainder of her radiation journey and while excited to be done with that intense and painful process, discovers there is still so much more in store for post radiation treatment.  Additionally, she is confronted with having to piece together her own aftercare teams to maintain a solid prevention/early detection plan to stay on top of her genetic mutation.  Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/user?u=13598261)

Today the ladies discuss the process of aging, both from their personal experience in embracing getting older, to caring for our elderly and how to get the most out of life as you age. Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/user?u=13598261)

Kim describes her radiation experience, the mindfulness and breathing tools she employs during her sessions and how her awareness and interception is received by the nurses and technicians in the radiology department.  She also shares with Tonya how incredibly venerable the process is and how the after care has her building a new relationship with her changing/healing body.  Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/user?u=13598261)

As we've followed Kim on her Cancer Journey, self-care has come up more than ever. Today the ladies discuss cooking as a form of self-care and nourishment for the body, the mind, and the soul. Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/user?u=13598261)

 Kim shares her experience preparing for radiation and all the fancy and not so fancy tech and devices related to this next phase of treatment.  The process is highly venerable and the ladies discuss ways in which the medical community could be more mindful and trauma informed as treatment providers. Warning: This episode briefly discusses sexual assault.Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/user?u=13598261)

Post chemo, pre radiation, Kim went in for a prosthesis fitting.  While there is still a lot to get used to in her new body, Kim's main concern after this experience is how mastectomy prosthesis and accessories should be more comfortable AND more physically appealing. Perhaps a new business venture is in the works for our ladies?Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/user?u=13598261)

Today, the ladies discuss the importance of rest and prioritizing real quiet time for yourself regularly.  Rest is healing, revitalizing and a necessity in times when burnout seems inevitable. We hope you enjoy! Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/user?u=13598261)

Kim shares how healing from her double mastectomy has impacted her everyday life.  Learning to appreciate the simple things, take things slowly, and maintain a steady pace forward has been challenging but so rewarding.  She also shares the next steps she anticipates in her continued treatment. Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/user?u=13598261)

Circling back to our series getting to know Tonya, today's episode continues with the home birth of her daughter.  Very different than the hospital birth and subsequent neonatal needs required during her first birth, birth two was a husband and wife DIY under the guidance of a a certified midwife.  We hope you enjoy! Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/user?u=13598261)

Who could have predicted that 2021 would throw us more curve balls than 2020? In today's episode the ladies reflect on the previous year and discuss how it might define 2022.  As always, a few words were selected as gentle guides easing into the new year.  Gratitude is number one for both, with Kim adding connection, love and miracles -  Tonya connecting with peace, surrender, and joy.  We encourage you, if you haven't already, to choose a few words to connect with and guide you into 2022. Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/user?u=13598261)

Though far from the final stages of healing, the process begins as Kim shares the details of her double mastectomy including pre and post op procedures and the hopeful next steps.  Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/user?u=13598261)

Another holiday gift to you. Today's episode contains a Tonya guided meditation for you to enjoy. Another little disclaimer:  if you usually listen to us while driving or working, this episode should probably be saved for when you have some quiet down time, when you can sit quietly, close your eyes, and truly enjoy.  Happy Holidays to you and yours. We appreciate you so much.  We'll be back with our usual content in the new year. * Added disclaimer: Our sound engineer was still out sick at the time of this recording  (we wish him a speedy recovery) so the audio is a little rough.  We hope you'll extend some grace and adjust your volume accordingly.  Thank you so much. Happy Holidays from our family to yours. Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/user?u=13598261)

As a holiday gift to you, today's episode contains a Kim guided meditation for you to enjoy. I just wanted to add a little disclaimer, that if you usually listen to us while driving or working, this episode should probably be saved for when you have some quiet down time, when you can sit quietly, close your eyes, and truly enjoy.  Happy Holidays to you and yours. We appreciate you so much.  We'll be back with our usual content in the new year. * Added disclaimer: Our sound engineer is out sick (we wish him a speedy recovery) so the audio is a little rough.  We hope you'll extend some grace and adjust your volume accordingly.  Thank you so much. Happy Holidays from our family to yours. Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/user?u=13598261)

This time of year can be filled celebration and festivities. For may of us, this also means additional stress in an already stressful time.  Here are a few tips to help bring you comfort and joy this season. Please note: the next two episodes will be gifts of guided meditation, followed by two weeks off and a return in 2022 with some wonderful new content. We can't wait for you to join us! Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/user?u=13598261)

Kim get's some much needed positive news and we pause for a mini celebration/ happy dance before taking a deep breath and embracing the next phase of this big journey.  Note: This will be the last update on Kim until we return in the new year.We still  have a few more fun ones in store before our break, but we want to take a moment and extend our deepest gratitude to our couragitarians who have supported us through the last few years.  You're listenership and participation means so much.  We're thankful for YOU!Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/user?u=13598261)

Birth stories are as unique as every individual - no two are alike.  They can be beautiful, painful, joyful, difficult,  traumatic and all of those simultaneously.    This week, Kim talks to Tonya about her two very different birth experiences and the good, bad & ugly of giving birth. Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/user?u=13598261)

Kim shares the results of her genetic screenings and get to the root of her specific type of cancer.  This one is science heavy and tbh, pretty darn interesting! Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/user?u=13598261)

Parents have a lot to think about when consciously raising their children.  One of those things is perpetuating gender equality and trying to break gender based stereotypes.  Today's discussion on gender equality in childrearing was fun and informative. We hope you enjoy! Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/user?u=13598261)

We're so excited to share our conversation with the Co-Editors of "Yoga Therapy Foundations, Tools, and Practice: A Comprehensive Textbook", Diane Finlayson and Laurie Hyland Robertson.  We hope you enjoy this as much as we did. Diane Finlayson, MA, MFA, C-IAYT, is Department Chair for Yoga Therapy and Ayurveda at the Maryland University of Integrative Health (MUIH.)Diane received her MFA in writing from Mississippi University for women and a master's degree from Johns Hopkins University for her thesis on "Ayurveda in America.Between MUIH and her own schools, Diane has trained Yoga Teachers, Yoga Therapists and Ayurvedic practitioners for more than two decades. Her private practice largely serves people in substance recovery.Laurie has spent more than two decades in healthcare and business publishing and now combines her passions for science, yoga, and personal transformation as editor in chief of Yoga Therapy Today and managing editor of the International Journal of Yoga Therapy. She also contributes editorial services to a variety of yoga and wellness publications and directs communications for the International Association of Yoga Therapists. She and Diane are co-editors of Yoga Therapy Foundations, Tools, and Practice: A Comprehensive Textbook. Laurie also co-authored Understanding Yoga Therapy: Applied Philosophy and Science for Health and Well-Being and previously served as adjunct faculty and a clinic supervisor at Maryland University of Integrative Health. Laurie owns Whole Yoga & Pilates in the Baltimore-Washington area, where students and clients of diverse backgrounds and abilities find a home for accessible, empowering mind-body practices.Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/user?u=13598261)

Kim is officially halfway through her chemotherapy and hopefully much closer to knowing what comes next.  In this episode, our hosts dive deep into treatment; what Kim has experienced physically, emotionally, mentally, and spiritually. Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/user?u=13598261)

As this season has been about sharing all of the big life adjustments we've had to make this last year or two and the feedback on Kim's health episodes have been positive and engaging, she really wanted to shift the spotlight for a few episodes on some of Tonya's unique experiences the last few years.  The first episode in this "Getting to Know Tonya" series discusses the difficult decision to homeschool during the pandemic and navigating the pros and cons of homeschool life.  We hope you enjoy! Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/user?u=13598261)

In the last 19 months we have seen prolific loss in our country and around the word.  Our small circle is no different.  Today, we've brought in Maggie McCuisten and Patricia Guillian to continue the conversation on grief, and living with the loss of those we whole dear.Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/user?u=13598261)

The feeling of grief is almost always associated with the loss of a life, but sadness and a sense of deep loss and grieving can be felt for many things.  Today's episode looks at other things that have been lost the last year and a half as our lives have been turned upside down by Covid and cancer. Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/user?u=13598261)

Kim shares a chemotherapy update.  Inspired by the seemingly positive effects of the previous meds, this new one brings promise as well as anxiety. Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/user?u=13598261)

Jeffrey Sargent, retired Major with the U.S. Army, MS Yoga Therapy, E-RYT, YACEP, has 20 years of military service, including combat tours in Iraq as a tactical intelligence officer and in Kuwait & Iraq as a Military Intelligence Company Commander. He is the recipient of The Defense Meritorious Service Medal, and numerous other awards including being selected as the #1 ROTC graduate in the United States in 1996. Jeff enlisted in the Army in 1986 and earned the rank of Staff Sergeant before entering officer training. After retiring from the Army in 2009 Jeff worked as a government contractor for five years training military personnel who were preparing to deploy to Iraq and Afghanistan. During this time Jeff discovered yoga and immediately recognized the potential physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual benefits. It has had tremendous impact on his life including helping him with his own battles with military service related PTSD and a 30 year struggle with eating disorders. Most recently Jeff stepped down as a full time yoga therapist for the Army in the Integrative Pain Management Center at Madigan Army Medical Center in Tacoma, Washington and now works with them as an independent consultant and sees clients in his own private practice. If you 're interested in working with Jeff, he can be found here: www.jeffreysargent.comhttps://www.facebook.com/jeffreysargentyoga/ Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/user?u=13598261)

We've all experienced loss.  The last 18+ months of the pandemic have magnified many, if not all of those losses.  It feels as though the current necessity of adapting and evolving so quickly is even changing how we grieve.   Our newest series on grief will run in tandem with Kim's journey.  We hope you'll join us. Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/user?u=13598261)

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Kim shares the scary reality of chemotherapy treatments, rookie mistakes, and having to muster the strength to endure when things don't go as planned. Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/user?u=13598261)

Thank you for joining us on this journey, Couragitarians. Today's episode is a challenging one.  Kim meets with surgeons, oncologists, and an amazing supportive treatment team.  Then, receives heartbreaking news. 

Sometimes events in our lives can really make us feel as though our strength is being tested. Today we talk about Kim's official diagnosis, treatment plan and a second layer of devastating news.  

Biopsies, ultrasounds, CT-scans, OH MY! Kim shares here experience; physically, mentally, and emotionally  through testing and initial findings. Also a shift in her medical home is already beginning to show BIG differences. 

As Kim begins to seek medical attention, it's becoming clear that being her own medical advocate will become, at minimum,  a part time job. In today's episode we talk selfceare, preventive medicine and all the work we put into not needing medical care or to deal with insurance companies only to discover the nightmare that awaits once we do. 

Welcome to Season 3!  This season will include and ongoing series in which we'll be following Kim as she navigates the health care system and documents her medical journey.  

Welcome back! We're so grateful and happy to be here. The last 18 months have brought many changes for ourselves and the world as a whole.  This new season of WTLG is no exception. We're still be having honest, venerable, conversations but our format and series topics will follow a more personal journey.  We hope you'll join us. 

Today, Kimberly and Tonya have a conversation with Louse Goldberg. Louise Goldberg, MA, ERYT-500, C-IAYT, is the author of Classroom Yoga Breaks (WW Norton, 2017), Yoga Therapy for Children with Autism and Special Needs (WW Norton, 2013), Creative Relaxation Yoga for Children DVD (2004), and co-author of S.T.O.P. and Relax, Your Special Needs Yoga Toolbox(2006). Sivananda certified in 1981, she has been a yoga teacher, yoga therapist, and educator for over 40 years. Louise is founder of Creative Relaxation® Yoga, and the owner/director of the Yoga Center of Deerfield Beach, FL, where she teaches classes for all ages and abilities and serves on the faculty of the Yoga Alliance Teacher Trainings at the RYT200 and RYT500 levels. In addition, she is lead trainer for the 95-Hour Registered Children’s Yoga Teacher training at her studio. She leads international yoga retreats and teaches workshops in Creative Relaxation® Yoga for Classrooms and Yoga for Autism and Special Needs internationally. She has been a presenter at numerous conferences, including National Kids Yoga Conference, Kripalu Yoga in Schools Symposium, Learning and the Brain (NYC and San Francisco), National Autism Society, and Symposium of Yoga Therapy and Research (Boston and Newport Beach). She holds an MA in Reading Education and has been an English teacher at the middle school, high school, and college levels in public schools. Teaching yoga is her greatest joy!

Continuing on our Yama and Niyama series, today’s topic is Satya - Truthfulness. We hope you enjoy discussing the importance of honesty and truthfulness, with our selves and with one another. We hope all of our Couragitarians out there are staying safe and healthy during this difficult time.

Waiting and hoping for a perfect opportunity won’t get you any closer to the life you want.How do you build a life that works for you?Today the ladies discuss the concept of design and how it can be applied to everyday parts of your life as a functional way to align goals, passions & responsibilities.

Continuing on our series exploring the yamas and niyamas, today we’ll be discussing Santosha or contentment. Practicing contentment consciously choosing to stay in the moment and let things be exactly what they are is a surprisingly difficult practice. And yet, it has been one of Tonya’s favorites and perhaps, for Kim, the most valuable because it has helped them both to practice many other aspects of yoga philosophy “better” - more deliberately.

Since last March, Tonya has been using a journaling technique created by Dr. Nicole LaPara called Future Self Journal. In todays episode, Tonya shares the practice with Kim and Kim shares fun facts regarding the known benefits of journaling in general. Enjoy this fun episode and follow the @holisitc.psychologist on Instagram, Facebook or YouTube - we hope you’ll love learning from her as much as we do!

Do you have trouble controlling your blood sugar level?Did you know that having diabetes for more than 5 years can increase your likelihood of developing the cardiovascular disease?Did you know that regular exercise could make you more sensitive to insulin, which can reduce medication dosages?Kim and Tonya share personal stories and educational insights on yoga therapy for diabetes. You wont want to miss it! The collective findings of controlled trials to date indicate that yoga may promote clinically significant improvements in several indices of central importance to type 2 diabetes management. These include glycemic control, lipid levels, and weight and body composition. More limited data suggest that yoga may also lower blood pressure and oxidative stress; reduce sympathetic activation and improve nervous system function; enhance mood, sleep, and quality of life; and decrease medication use in those with type 2 diabetes. These studies suggest that yoga could play an important role as a low-cost intervention to improve type 2 diabetes management. Given the methodological limitations of the existing research, however, additional rigorous investigates are clearly needed to confirm and further elucidate the potential therapeutic benefits of standardized yoga programs in populations with type 2 diabetes management.

In addition to being a licensed and certified Vibrational Sound Therapy practitioner, Dawn Wallen describes herself as an artist, a sound junkie and a believer. She loves helping people and seeing them grow and thrive. She's been practicing Vibrational Sound Therapy for over a year and is excited about seeing it grow and become a mainstream modality. She sees herself as a facilitator of relaxation and says "When people are deeply relaxed,they heal. And as they heal they are better equipped to deal with whatever life throws at them. I'm excited to be a part of that process!" Join Tonya and Kim as they learn more from Dawn about the exciting healing modality of Vibrational Sound Therapy.