With Heart and Wonder

"If you're not taking your soul on an adventure, it goes to sleep" This episode with Deepshikha Sairam is an invitation to connect with all the answers that are already within you. We explore how you can shed the layers of who you thought you should become, and embrace the highest version of you, including how to follow your intuition  - especially when you feel stuck in fear and doubt. *** Grab the gift (Guided Energy Transmition to Connect with the Field of Infinite Possibilities & Create the Future You Want): https://socialiquegroupe.lpages.co/energy-activation/

The short, sweet, & simple practices can still be impactful.  And when it comes to supporting our nervous system, they can actually be even more helpful as they let us recalibrate and reconnect with ourselves on a regular basis.  This episode is a celebration of taking small pockets of time for you! And I talk about a meditation I recently created to help you experience deep rest in less than 15 mins. Find the meditation here: https://www.meghanjohnston.com/gift

Ever feel that tension between caring for your communities and caring for yourself? I get to work with some truly incredible people! They are highly motivate compassionate leaders. But they tend to put the needs of others first --> this eventually leads to burnout! Ashley is one of these people and in this episode we talk about her journey with rest and how she is learning to put herself first. *** Learn more about Radical Rest Rhythms: https://www.meghanjohnston.com/radicalrest

Our instinct when it comes to creating change is to go hard. We want to get out of the gate running with vigour and intensity. But this can set us up for imbalance, disappointment, cycles of shame and even an energy that is the opposite of what we are trying to invite in. This episode is a chance to reflect on whether your goals are supportive or of is there another way to bring about your desired change that is a little bit more gentle? As you seek to create change, how can you let the process of change itself be more soothing? *** Learn more about Radical Rest Rhythms here:  https://www.meghanjohnston.com/radicalrest    

"Our silence is making us sick and our voice is one of the most healing medicines we have available to us" Dr. Sarah Vadeboncoeur shares how what we don't speak can affect our health. We chat about the role of voice in our wellness, the thyroid and how to better listen to your the needs and desires of both your body and your heart. *** Check out Sarah's recipe guide for a happy thyroid: https://www.happythyroid.ca/free/

Explore how to cultivate a relationship with your environment, and make your space a sanctuary. In this episode with Jen Walthers, we chat about the 5 Elements in Feng Shui, shifting our spaces through seasons of self care, and how to declutter in a way that doesn't add more stress to your life. *** Jen wants to be your matchmaker! Take her quiz to find out which of the 5 Elements you should go on a first date with: https://www.tryinteract.com/share/quiz/61739fd360df0600180014d7 61739fd360df0600180014d7  

Katy Hooks shares how social anxiety is actually not about our relationship with others, it's about our relationship with ourselves.  Listen in to learn more about Katy's journey realizing she was experiencing social anxiety, and how she went about healing. She also shares three amazing tips for anyone looking to untangle their own web of social anxiety. *** Check out Katy's free workshop: https://www.thesocialanxietysolution.com/freeworkshop  

I watched Motel Makeover 2x in two weeks. And if someone wanted to watch it again, I totally would! This show made me feel like I could do anything, and today I'm sharing 3 lessons that we can take from the show and apply to our own wellness & self care journeys.  

Tapping can help you tell the truth about how you feel.  Jacqui Acree joins us in this episode to talk about tapping (Emotional Freedom Technique) and how you can use this simple tool in your life for healing and transformation. We dive deep into the science of tapping & how it can help you find more calm and ease. *** Find Jacqui's 10 mins Tapping taster here: experience.jacquiacree.com Get the info on Meghan's upcoming Compassionate Approach to Rest masterclass: www.meghanjohnston.com/#subscribe

We tend to turn to rest as a reaction to those hit-the-wall moments where we totally crash.  When it comes to letting rest by a part of our natural rhythms of wellbeing, it can be pretty uncomfortable for a lot of us. Enter the Do-Nothing-Day! The perfect way to disrupt our obsession with the expectations that drive us to do and achieve, and to let ourselves just be.  In this episode I share 3 tips to support you in cultivating your own Do-Nothing-Day!

"How we show up in our careers affects the way we decide to show up in the world" - Priscilla Jabouin Waking up to a career you love means creating a LIFE you love. In this episode Priscilla Jabouin breaks down the false boundary between are professional and personal life. We explore how to know when you need to make a career shift, the role of self love in our personal transformation, how to get clear on what you want, and how to pick the right people to share your goals with.     

Social Impact Calligrapher, Justine Hwang, joins us in this episode where we explore the messy middle of the creative process.  We talk all about: expressing mood and meaning through mindful expressive lettering; how to use art and letting for social justice; and creating spaces for connection and mindful presence. This episode is a beautiful reminder of the power of vulnerability and making mistakes when it comes to creativity and community.

We're back! After a very unplanned two months break... In this episode I share a little bit about my own journey of healing. It's a process that can't be rushed, and the most skillfull choice sometimes is giving ourselves permission to step back. *** Want to rest together? Join me for a free 75 mins Restorative Yoga class: https://meghanjohnston.mykajabi.com/freerestorative

You know those thoughts that are on loop that you just can't get rid of? That voice of the inner critic that can be oh-so-loud. We dive into how to flip the script and untangle those thoughts to find more mental rest.

How do we transform our grief into growth? In this episode, I'm joined by Behavioural Psychologist and Yoga Teacher, Diane Malaspina, as we explore the topic of grief. We chat about the experience of grief and its manifestations, how to move through grief with care and compassion, and pathways for transformation.  *** If you'd like to learn more about grief, check out Diane's course with Yoga Medicine: https://yogamedicine.com/retail/online-courses/working-with-grief-yoga/

There is a passage I've been thinking about every day lately about the heart and it's resilience. In this episode I share this beautiful passage and how it's been giving me hope in  my own resilience.

There is myth all around us! In this episode Steph Wall shares her passion for myth. We talk about what makes myth so special (it's timeless, a gateway to the past and future, and connects us all together), how we can experience myth and see if unfold in our own lives, and how to bring stories and myths that are outside of us inward to more deeply understand ourselves.  

Today we're celebrating the podcast-aversary!  I'm sharing three reflections after one year of the podcast. If there are seeds of a project within you, I hope these reflections inspire you to gentle and compassionate action. 

I'm moving into 2021 with one question as my guiding light: How can I love myself well? In this episode we explore applying Love Languages to our self-love to support our healing and care as we move into the new year. *** Looking to connect with community this Winter season? Join the Yoga for Self Discovery & Mental Wellness online class series (combining yoga, guided journaling, and community connection): https://www.meghanjohnston.com/store/yogaselfdiscovery

Mariangelica Forero shares her thoughts on belonging and community in this powerful episode. We start off this episode by chatting about an unforgettable experience of community and belonging that we shared together at the Imperfect Boss camp last Fall. Mariangelica then shares how her own experience as a refugee have shaped her passion for community and her interest in creating online communities and spaces of belonging.

How can we turn "begin again" into a joyful proclamation? There are moments in life when things are busy, and tough, and in a state of instability. When we lose touch with our care for ourselves, how can we begin again?

In this episode invisible illness advocate, Clary Chambers, shares how we can build inclusive communities through creative optimism. Clary shares her story of struggling to find a job that worked for her body and how this led her to support those navigating illness at work. We chat about reducing shame, acknowledging knowledge gaps, and starting where you are.  

"If we can identify what we are feeling than we can find some sort of regulation tool or some sort of wisdom" - Tesia Bryski In this episode we explore the wisdom of our emotions with psychotherapist and mindfulness practitioner, Tesia Bryski. Listen in to learn about the connection between our emotions and our body, and how you can work with and learn from your emotions with compassion.

In this episode we explore what balance looks like in our life through the lens of Yin Yang Theory. We chat about the characteristics of both Yin and Yang, and how the two work in relationship to each other. You are invited to consider the areas in your life where there is more Yin (quiet, stillness, softness, calming, introspection) versus Yang (action, expansion, creation, outward focused) and how you can bring more balance.

How do we honour the transitions? The liminal spaces where we have let go of something but don't yet know what's ahead. In this episode I share about some of the ways I've been avoiding feeling into the liminal space and some of the tools that I am now working with to let myself honour the sacredness of the transition.

Community Architect and founder of Gem Conference, Amanda Cockburn, joins us in this episode to discuss her experience as an in-person events coordinator bringing community online. We chat about the unexpected surprises of online events, co-creating inclusive and diverse communities, and how to find communities that align with your values.

Many of us experience a sense of fragmentation, as we move through life we may lose touch with the truth of who we really are. In this episode Sheri Muse shares her story of moving from fragmentation to a place of wholeness. We chat about Sheri's journey of using the right tools at the right time to bring the pieces of herself together and Sheri shares her tips for connecting to your intuition. *** Enter for a free reading with Sheri: http://bit.ly/heartandwondergiveaway

Fall can bring with it this mindset of a new year. We start to think about our routines, and goals and expectations. In this episode I share about how I'm working this Fall to lean into "less", to be really mindful and intentional of where my energy is going, and to celebrate what can happen when I focus on a few great things with my full attention rather than many with only some of my capacity.  

"We are being called right now to be showing up in our wholeness and part of that is reclaiming that there is something sacred in each of us". I've been in awe of all the wisdom of the natural world lately. The transition into Fall has been inspiring me to shed anything that is preventing me from deep connection with my own sacredness.  

Christy Tending shares her journey finding self care that is truly meaningful and nourishing through self advocacy. We chat about how to have conversations with others that affirm our needs and boundaries, and how to care for ourselves during this particular moment in time in global history. Find more about Christy here: https://www.christytending.com/ Register for Meghan's free masterclass on A Compassionate Approach to Bringing More Rest into your life here: https://meghanjohnston.mykajabi.com/compassionaterestmasterclass  

It's a belated birthday celebration in this episode! After a few months of reflection, I share the lowest moment in my 30 years and the truths I'm holding close as I move into this next decade.  

In this episode we explore meditation and mindfulness with Dr. Rashmi Bismark, author of the new children's book Finding Om. We chat about approaching meditation from a place of love and playful curiosity. We explore how it can be a sacred way to connect with ourselves, fuel our relationship with inner wisdom, and allow for creativity and love to move through us. We also chat explore the story of the book's creation, and the accompanying curriculum guide.

In this episode Mariah Lea chats with us about leaps of faith. After writing her big scary goals on her office bulletin board (to find love and to move somewhere new), she tapped into her inner power through manifesting and made a big move across the country for love. She also took a brave new step in her business, building something she wanted to exist that she had no idea if anyone would buy!

Introducing the HEART framework for rest. 5 steps to deepen your relationship with yourself so that you can access the benefits of rest and celebrate your whole self exactly as you are. Honour, Explore, Align, Reflect, Trust. *** Interested in learning more about Radical Rest Rhythms when it launches? Get on the list: https://www.meghanjohnston.com/radicalrestrhythms  

Self Sabotage Coach, Ashley Beaudin, joins us for this episode as we explore what it means to see ourselves up close. We talk about self sabotage patterns and how understanding your dominant archetype can help you intentionally create healing practices of self support. In reclaiming the parts of ourselves that we think of as "character flaws", as self protective mechanisms designed to keep us safe, we can find more gratitude, love and compassion for our whole self. ~~~ Take Ashley's Self Sabotage Quiz here: https://www.ashleybeaudin.com/quiz-page

The questions we ask directly affect our lives. This episode is an ode to asking powerful questions. Questions that celebrate "the poetry of being alive" (Jacqueline Suskin). Questions that celebrate feelings, possibilities, values, and meaning. Questions that celebrate wonder.

How do you design a life that is fulfilling and true to your values? In this episode, Lina Alvarez, walks us through Design Thinking. We talk about the difference between design and planning, how personality tests can help us understand ourselves better and how to lead a life that embraces possibility.  

In this episode we explore the difference between reacting and responding and how this relates to our nervous system and brain. I share what it means to "ground" and how that can help inspire conscious action. *** Upcoming Yoga Nidra & Journaling Workshop: www.meghanjohnston.com/yoga/#events  

Kassandra Reinhardt joins us in conversation this week as we explore mindset. We chat about the role of discomfort in our growth, how to hold space for ourselves, and how to use affirmations to recognize the wounds that need healing in our lives.

In this episode I share reflection from reading "All About Love: New Visions" by bell hooks. At the heart of this book is the idea that love is an action not a feeling. I share how I am letting this idea of love guide my imagination, intentions and actions as I move forward.

"How much pleasure can you experience moment by moment?" Jenna Switzer shares how her journey with yoga brought her to her current work on pleasure and feminine energy. We chat about being in alignment with your truth, maintaining pleasure while being productive, and how to bring more pleasure into your life. 

"I've been able to make the richest and most fulfilling connections when I feel supported in my wholeness and when I let my own mask come down." This episode is about acknowledging our own masks and the walls that we build to protect ourselves. This episode builds on this beautiful image from Natalie Franke of taking our masks off in the most supportive way possible, feather by feather. How can we gently and compassionately open ourselves to more connection? 

Kate Herrera Jenkins founded Native Strength Revolution, a non-profit committed to making yoga accessible for every indigenous community on the continent. In this episode we talk about her journey, her work supporting indigenous wellness leaders, and how we can support the needs of our communities (including digital accessibility). This episode will inspire you to go after what is on your heart!

When it comes to our health and wellness, we often get caught up in our expectations of the results. And those results never seem to come fast enough. Change takes time. Yet so often we give up because we get impatient, things are moving too slow and the journey feels like a slog. This episode is about shifting our focus to appreciate what is (even if it isn't yet what we want) so that we can feel good along the way. 

How do we make the shift from resisting to receiving?  This episode is your invitation to get clear on where there is resistance in your life and how you might let go of that resistance so that you can open yourself to the support, love and well-being that is within you and around you.

"Everyone's Story is a zig-zag, just not everyone is sharing it that way." Jess Ekstrom's message is powerful. We have the capacity to choose optimism. How we meet our mistakes, failures, and difficult moments can shape not just our future but those of others too! We don't have to know where we are going, but we can focus on what feels light. In this episode I chat with Jess about the power of optimism, silver linings and writing her book, Chasing the Bright Side.

This past weekend I felt out of alignment and knew I needed to get back to the basics and restart my morning meditation practice. While some people have beautiful consistent meditation practices that have lasted, months, years, or decades, my personal morning practice comes and goes. Yet I love how morning meditations can set the tone for my day by starting with an intentional commitment to myself. This episode will give you the tools and motivation to start or restart your practice today!

Have you ever wondered how sound can make you feel so calm or so inspired? In this passion fuelled conversation with Sound Practitioner, Megan Marie Gates, we chat about the power and potency of sound when it comes to meditation, healing, and our own journeys of re-awakening our capacity to listen deeply.

There is one decision that guides everything I do. I used to hate making decisions but this guiding question has made everything so much easier for me. In this episode we explore the choices that live behind all of our thoughts and actions. 

How can we find more play in our lives? In this episode I sit down with KDC (Kristina del Corro) who is one of the most playful people I know.  We chat about  benefits and strategies for play and also touch on kindness, courage, and letting go of judgement. 

In December I was given a beautiful gift of a wish bracelet. This episode tells the story of the bracelet, my wish, and how it all connects to the biggest lesson I have learned over the last few months.