Podcasts about Agni

Colette is joined by Ayurvedic doctor and educator Vaidya Princy Prasad for a deeper exploration of Agni, the inner fire that fuels far more than just digestion. While Agni is often associated with metabolism, its influence extends into immunity, hormonal balance, emotional clarity, and overall vitality. In this conversation, they discuss the following: What Agni really is and why it's central to vibrant health and ojas The different types of Agni and various levels of action Signs of optimal (sama) Agni and what happens when it's imbalanced The types of impaired Agni: Vishama, Tikshna and Manda How Agni influences key hormones  Practical Ayurvedic tips to kindle and sustain a balanced Agni Why seasonal cleansing is vital for reseting Agni * Thanks to Kerala Ayurveda Academy for sponsoring this episode. Explore upcoming trainings at Kerala Ayurveda Academy. Use code ELEMENTS100 to save $100 on your enrollment. Learn more at keralaayurveda.us/courses. * Click here to register for the discounted Digestive Reset Cleanse starting October 3rd, 2025 * Visit Colette's website www.elementshealingandwellbeing.com  Online consultations & Gift Vouchers Next discounted Group Cleanse starts October 3rd, 2025 Private at-home Digestive Reset Cleanse tailored to you Educational programs - Daily Habits for Holistic Health Reset-Restore-Renew Program Have questions before you book? Book a FREE 15 min online Services Enquiry Call * Join the Elements of Ayurveda Community! * Stay connected on the Elements Instagram and Facebook pages. * Enjoy discounts on your favourite Ayurvedic products: Banyan Botanicals - enter discount code EOA15 at checkout for 15% off your first purchase.** Divya's  - enter discount code ELEMENTSOFAYURVEDA15 at checkout for 15% off your first purchase.** Kerala Ayurveda - enter discount code ELEMENTS15 to receive 15% off your first purchase.** LifeSpa - Save $10 on a $50 or more one-time purchase with the code elements10.  **Shipping available within the U.S. only. * Thank you for listening! If this episode supported you, please consider leaving a review and if you think this information would be helpful to family or friends, please share this episode so we can spread this wisdom of Ayurveda.  Stay tuned and stay aligned with the Elements of Ayurveda Podcast.      

Agni - 5 Creates Tremors in Pakistan and China | World in Coma | IRBM VS ICBM | Sanjay Dixit

In this episode of The Coach Debbie Potts Show, I'm joined by Jonathan Glass, ND, M.Ac, Ayurvedic Practitioner, and author of Total Life Cleanse. Together, we explore how to effectively support your liver, lymph, and detox pathways using the time-tested principles of Ayurvedic medicine—combined with modern functional health insights. If you've ever felt tired, inflamed, bloated, or stuck—despite “doing all the right things”—this episode is for you. You'll learn: Why the liver is the master filter and emotional processor of the body How ancient Ayurvedic concepts like Agni, Ama, and Pitta relate to modern detox The real reasons detox protocols can backfire (and how to do it right) Seasonal cleanse strategies for long-term vitality, hormone balance, and clarity Practical tools: from food and herbs to lifestyle rituals, breathwork, and mindset Jonathan also shares highlights from his book Total Life Cleanse, which guides readers through a safe and transformative 28-day process that resets the body, mind, and spirit.

Dr. Manas Kshirsagar  is an Ayurvedic doctor who comes from a Rig Vedic Brahman tradition with an extensive Ayurvedic background. He graduated from Aloha Ayurveda Academy and the Maharishi University of Management. He's an acclaimed wellness consultant, Ayurvedic consultant and health educator. He provides a holistic approach to medicine, including nutrition, yoga, meditation, detoxification, and effective stress management.Today we're diving into a topic that's reshaping how we think about modern health, the profound connection between our gut and our mind. You've probably heard the phrase trust your gut, but do you know what makes your gut so trustworthy? Modern science says it is our second brain: the Enteric Nervous System.The ENS is a vast network of over a hundred million neurons embedded in the walls of our digestive tract, mostly in the small intestine and colon. That's seven to eight times more neurons than in the spinal cord, which contains around 13.5 million. Our brain contains around 86 billion neurons. Our gut does not just follow orders from the brain.It processes reacts and even remembers patterns and digestion and emotion. It functions independently of the brain, but also communicates with it locally via the vagus nerve. It communicates with the rest of the body through nerves. It uses neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine and actually produces 90 to 95% of serotonin.Both the brain and gut play a major role in mood immunity and digestion both have their own reflexes, sensory neurons and motor neurons, and both respond to stress and emotion, like how anxiety can cause diarrhea. Your gut feels emotional shifts even before your brain processes them, which is why you might get a gut feeling like butterflies or stomach upset during stress.And Ayurveda, this beautifully mirrors the idea that Agni or digestive fire is central to not just physical health, but mental health and emotional resilience. The gut is also a home for Ojas, our vital immunity and vitality. So if our ENS is inflamed or disrupted, our whole system is compromised. In today's episode, we'll explore the enteric nervous system, the complex neural network in your belly that's ultimately connected to your brain.We'll unpack how digestive orders like IBS, bloating and constipation are not just physical issues, but often reflections of deeper emotional patterns. We'll also look at how chronic stress, anxiety, and depression can disrupt our gut's natural rhythm, and how Ayurveda and modern science together offer tools for healing from the inside out.Whether you've struggled with digestion, mood, or both, this episode offers insights to help you feel more grounded, nourished, and connected with your own inner intelligence. Send us a textFor 20% off Kerala Ayurveda products, use code OjasOasis at checkoutFor 20% off GarryNSun products, use code OJASOASIS20 at checkout Book a 1:1 with Sasha at https://www.ojasoasis.com/book For 50% off your initial intake consultation, mention you're a subscriber of the podcast. Support the showTo learn more about working with us, please visit www.OjasOasis.com Connect with us @ojasoasis on Instagram

As we approach the threshold between summer and autumn, it's the perfect time to explore how the doshas of Vata, Pitta, and Kapha accumulate imbalance during the summer months and how this can affect your digestion, immunity, and emotional wellbeing. In this solo episode, Colette invites you into an Ayurvedic exploration of seasonal transition, with a special focus on digestive health and immune strength.  In this episode, you'll discover: How seasonal accumulation affects each dosha type How to identify early signs of imbalance and toxin (ama) buildup The overlooked emotional and psychological residue of summer How Ayurveda and modern science align on seasonal health Why now is the ideal time to reset your digestive fire (agni) You'll also learn how to perform a gentle “ama audit” and how a personalized, holistic cleanse can support your seasonal transition from the inside out. Links & Resources Take the Ama Quiz - “Do I have an accumulation of ama/toxins in my body?” Listen to the episodes mentioned: Episode 122: Ayurvedic Ritucharya – Guidelines for the Seasons Episode 401: Summer as a Time of Sadhana * Visit Colette's website www.elementshealingandwellbeing.com  Online consultations & Gift Vouchers Next discounted Group Cleanse starts October 3rd, 2025 Private at-home Digestive Reset Cleanse tailored to you Educational programs - Daily Habits for Holistic Health Reset-Restore-Renew Program Have questions before you book? Book a FREE 15 min online Services Enquiry Call * Join the Elements of Ayurveda Community! * Stay connected on the Elements Instagram and Facebook pages. * Enjoy discounts on your favourite Ayurvedic products: Banyan Botanicals - enter discount code EOA15 at checkout for 15% off your first purchase.** Divya's  - enter discount code ELEMENTSOFAYURVEDA15 at checkout for 15% off your first purchase.** Kerala Ayurveda - enter discount code ELEMENTS15 to receive 15% off your first purchase.** LifeSpa - Save $10 on a $50 or more one-time purchase with the code elements10.  **Shipping available within the U.S. only. * Thank you for listening! If this episode supported you, please consider leaving a review and if you think this information would be helpful to family or friends, please share this episode so we can spread this wisdom of Ayurveda.  Stay tuned and stay aligned with the Elements of Ayurveda Podcast.

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In a culture obsessed with comfort and stability, the idea of necessary breakdown feels almost revolutionary. Yet this ancient wisdom appears across traditions—from Leonard Cohen's "There's a crack in everything, that's how the light gets in" to Rumi's understanding that "the wound is the place where the light enters you." This week's conversation explores why our modern fear of breakdown might be preventing our greatest growth. Unlike previous generations who embraced adventure and uncertainty, we've traded our willingness to put "chips on the table" for the illusion of safety. But what if this very attachment to preserving our current forms—whether mental, emotional, or physical—is actually imprisoning the spirit within us? The discussion reveals how breakdown isn't destruction for its own sake, but rather the natural process that allows new life to emerge. Just as a seed must crack open to become a flower, and a caterpillar must dissolve into "goo" to become a butterfly, we too must be willing to let our outdated identities dissolve when they no longer serve our deeper purpose. Perhaps most importantly, this episode addresses the fear that letting go means losing our core principles or truth. The profound insight emerges: when we release what is false about ourselves, what remains is always the truth—solid, uncompromised, and eternal. The question becomes not whether we can afford to break down, but whether we can afford not to. Meditation Mount and HeartLight Productions are pleased to present Musings from the Mount – a weekly podcast with host Joseph Carenza and guests in conversation exploring a range of topics drawn from the Ageless Wisdom teachings. New episodes every Monday. If you enjoy this podcast, please consider donating at MeditationMount.org

Have you ever felt like something shifted overnight in the collective field? Like the very frequency of reality changed while you were sleeping? This week's episode captures that exact experience—two sensitive people processing a profound disturbance they both felt within 24 hours, and what it taught them about silence, introspection, and riding the waves of planetary transformation. The conversation begins with that Star Wars moment—sensing a disturbance in the Force—and explores what happens when those of us on the spiritual path suddenly feel disconnected, agitated, or thrown back into old patterns we thought we'd transcended. Rather than dismissing these experiences, the episode frames them as important signals about both personal and planetary evolution. The discussion weaves together insights about how Earth itself is shifting frequencies, and we're being invited to tune in or risk losing the signal. Central to the episode is an exploration of silence—not as the absence of sound, but as the synthesis of all sounds, the creative tension that precedes manifestation. Through powerful quotes from the Agni Yoga teachings and the poetry of Pablo Neruda, the conversation reveals how silence becomes our refuge and our power during times of collective turbulence. The discussion touches on everything from meditation practices that can save your life on tough days to the difference between being stuck in the web of life versus weaving it. Perhaps most importantly, this episode offers practical wisdom for anyone feeling overwhelmed by current global energies. It addresses the hard questions about codependency, control, and the courage required to truly let go—even of our need to protect others. For anyone who's been feeling like they're barely keeping their head above water lately, this episode offers both validation and tools for finding that inner stillness where new possibilities can be born. Meditation Mount and HeartLight Productions are pleased to present Musings from the Mount – a weekly podcast with host Joseph Carenza and guests in conversation exploring a range of topics drawn from the Ageless Wisdom teachings. New episodes every Monday. If you enjoy this podcast, please consider donating at MeditationMount.org

Tous les ans, des dizaines d'équipes convergent à Adiaké, à 100 km d'Abidjan, dans le sud-est de la Côte d'Ivoire. Objectif : devenir les champions lors du festival Êlê, une compétition disputée sur la lagune Aby juste avant la saison des pluies. Plus qu'un sport, c'est une question de fierté villageoise pour les participants. De notre envoyé spécial à Adiaké, Huit pirogues turquoise s'élancent. À grands coups de pagaie, les équipages fendent l'eau. Leur but : terminer premier à l'issue de deux allers-retours, 1 200 mètres. Une course en ligne d'aviron, en beaucoup plus physique. Au bout, les Anges de Kakoukro s'imposent. Les cinq rameurs en maillot orange s'écroulent sur le rivage. Eric le capitaine est aussi heureux qu'à bout de souffle. « Ce n'est pas un jeu. C'est un très bon sport. Cela fait du bien, c'est un niveau sportif comme le foot, c'est aussi bon, j'aime cela », confie-t-il, en reprenant haleine. Il y a de quoi. En Côte d'Ivoire, les courses d'Adiaké attirent jusqu'à 20 000 spectateurs pour les finales. Ce succès populaire prend ses racines chez les Agnis. « C'est une vieille tradition. Elle intervient au moment de l'année où on arrête la pêche pour pouvoir permettre aux poissons de se reproduire. Pour ne pas laisser les pêcheurs oisifs, on organise des courses de pirogue. Cela permet de resserrer les liens entre les différents villages et nous permet également de régler les problèmes des différentes communautés », explique Tahi Kassi, l'un des chefs de cette communauté de pêcheurs. La course de pirogue représente plus que du sport pour les concurrents. Une question d'orgueil, notamment pour Tahi Kassi : « C'est un honneur, parce que traditionnellement les villages sont célébrés pendant toute une année jusqu'à la prochaine trêve. » « Cette année, on doit rentrer à la mairie de Grand-Bassam avec le trophée. C'est très important, car on a fait un long voyage [60 kilomètres, NDLR] pour venir à Adiaké. Ce n'est pas la ville d'Adiaké qui nous plaît, ce n'est pas la lagune qui nous plaît, nous sommes venus ici pour prendre le trophée. Cela va changer beaucoup de choses, cela va nous donner l'honneur », témoigne Joël, marin. Lui et son équipe sont venus de Bassam pour gagner. Pour l'emporter, certains s'entraînent donc toute l'année. Mais plus que la compétition, c'est surtout une identité qui est préservée pour Tahi Kassi : « Cela redonne de la vigueur à la culture. C'est très important pour la communauté Agni. » Cette année, le trophée est revenu aux Anges de Kakoukro pour la sixième fois. Les terreurs de la lagune Aby sont champions jusqu'à la prochaine édition du festival Êlé. À lire aussiAfrobasket féminine 2025: avec le retour de Kariata Diaby, la Côte d'Ivoire rêve plus grand

In Part 2 of this exploration of intuition, we dive deeper into what it means to develop this most essential human faculty. This episode challenges the common misconception that more information leads to greater wisdom, revealing instead how our constant mental chatter often blocks our connection to genuine knowing. The conversation explores the crucial distinction between knowledge (data) and knowing (direct experience of reality through the heart). The discussion examines how we've become trapped in what could be called "the matrix of the mind" - endless loops of thought about thought that keep us separated from direct experience. Rather than seeking more information to solve life's challenges, the path forward involves learning to quiet our mental constructs and develop what the ancient teachings call "the knowing faculty of the intelligent mystic." This isn't about becoming anti-intellectual, but about using the mind as a focusing lens rather than allowing it to dominate our perception. Central to this episode is the recognition that we are, in essence, "the grammar of God" - the way the creative force spells itself out in physical reality. This profound metaphor suggests that our role isn't to accumulate more facts about existence, but to become conscious participants in life's ongoing self-expression. The conversation reveals how intuition functions as our connection to this deeper current of being, allowing us to respond authentically rather than react from conditioned patterns. Perhaps most practically, the episode offers concrete ways to integrate this understanding into daily life - from handling road rage with heart-centered awareness to recognizing when we're reinforcing limiting mental loops. The ultimate message is both humbling and empowering: the more we truly know, the more we realize we don't know, and this recognition opens us to the vast mystery of existence that can only be known through direct, intuitive engagement with life itself. Meditation Mount and HeartLight Productions are pleased to present Musings from the Mount – a weekly podcast with host Joseph Carenza and guests in conversation exploring a range of topics drawn from the Ageless Wisdom teachings. New episodes every Monday. If you enjoy this podcast, please consider donating at MeditationMount.org

Alden Jones explores tips for writing memoirs and discusses her work in fiction.  She is the author of The Wanting Was a Wilderness, Unaccompanied Minors, and The Blind Masseuse. Her books have won awards including the New American Fiction Prize and the Lascaux Book Prize and been finalists for the PEN/Diamonstein-Spielvogel Award for the Art of the Essay, the Edmund White Award for Debut Fiction, and two Lambda Literary Awards. Short works of fiction and nonfiction have appeared in The Best American Travel Writing, The Cut, the Boston Globe, Agni, Prairie Schooner, the Iowa Review, Post Road, and The Rumpus. Alden holds degrees in literature and creative writing from Brown University, New York University, and Bennington College. She is Writer-in-Residence at Emerson College. Her latest work is Edge of the World: An Anthology of Queer Travel WritingLearn more at alden-jones.com Intro reel, Writing Table Podcast 2024 Outro RecordingFollow the Writing Table:On Twitter/X: @writingtablepcEverywhere else: @writingtablepodcastEmail questions or tell us who you'd like us to invite to the Writing Table: writingtablepodcast@gmail.com.

When we explore what intuition truly is, we discover that most of what we call "intuition" isn't intuition at all. This episode dismantles common misconceptions about intuitive knowing, revealing how we often mistake pattern recognition, emotional resonance, or psychic impressions for genuine intuitive understanding. The conversation moves beyond surface-level definitions to examine intuition as something far more profound: a direct channel to universal truth. The discussion draws fascinating parallels between ancient wisdom teachings and modern concepts like The Matrix, exploring how we live within self-created thought-worlds that obscure our connection to deeper reality. Rather than being trapped in these mental constructs, intuition offers a way to "unplug" from the limiting beliefs and fixed ideas that keep us separate from the living matrix of creation itself. This isn't about accessing more information, but about developing an entirely different way of knowing. At its core, intuition represents the soul's capacity for synthetic understanding - a comprehensive grasp of universality that temporarily dissolves the sense of separation. The episode examines how genuine intuitive knowing brings three distinct qualities: illumination (seeing clearly what is), understanding (not just mental concepts but true comprehension), and love (recognizing the fundamental unity that connects all existence). This isn't sentimental love, but the recognition of our essential interconnectedness. Perhaps most importantly, this exploration reveals intuition as life's way of conversing with itself through human consciousness. This requires building an instrument capable of receiving signals from the source of life itself - a process that demands genuine inner work, clearing away distortions, and creating the conditions for spirit and matter to meet within us. The result isn't just better decision-making, but participation in the ongoing creation of reality itself. Meditation Mount and HeartLight Productions are pleased to present Musings from the Mount – a weekly podcast with host Joseph Carenza and guests in conversation exploring a range of topics drawn from the Ageless Wisdom teachings. New episodes every Monday. If you enjoy this podcast, please consider donating at MeditationMount.org

When we examine the impulse for revenge through a systems perspective, we discover something profound: the very act that promises to restore balance actually perpetuates the imbalance it seeks to correct. This episode explores the fundamental difference between revenge and justice, revealing how one traps us in endless cycles while the other opens pathways to genuine resolution. The conversation moves beyond theoretical frameworks to examine the practical reality of how revenge operates in our daily lives - from family dynamics to global conflicts. Rather than dismissing the desire for retribution, we explore why it emerges and how it functions as a feedback loop that prevents evolution and growth. The discussion reveals how traditional concepts of justice have evolved, and why Gandhi's insight that "an eye for an eye makes the whole world blind" remains more relevant than ever. Central to this exploration is the recognition that we are all interconnected parts of one living system. When we truly understand this principle of unanimity - that we belong to each other - the very foundation for revenge dissolves. The episode examines how sub-personalities within us can hijack our responses, leading to reactions that reflect our past conditioning rather than our highest wisdom. Perhaps most importantly, this conversation offers a practical framework for transformation: shifting from a courtroom mentality (what happened, who's guilty, how do we punish) to a classroom approach (what happened, what did we learn, how will we do things differently). This isn't about becoming passive or accepting harm, but about finding the higher synthesis that allows for genuine healing and evolution - both personally and collectively. Meditation Mount and HeartLight Productions are pleased to present Musings from the Mount – a weekly podcast with host Joseph Carenza and guests in conversation exploring a range of topics drawn from the Ageless Wisdom teachings. New episodes every Monday. If you enjoy this podcast, please consider donating at MeditationMount.org

Join Tim and Agni as they review HEART EYES, THE MONKEY, and the French horror film, INFESTED!

At first glance, "obedience" might trigger our inner rebel. After all, most of us grew up questioning authority and carving our own paths. But what if everything we thought we knew about obedience was backwards? This episode explores a radical shift happening in spiritual development - one that moves away from blind following toward conscious choice. Rather than being told what to do, we're being invited to tune into something far more sophisticated: the GPS of our own soul. Like any navigation system, it offers routes and suggestions, but the choice of which path to take remains entirely ours. The conversation reveals why the old model of master-disciple relationships is evolving. No longer are spiritual teachers taking karmic responsibility for their students' choices. Instead, they're offering opportunities and truth, then stepping back to let each person discover their own authentic path. This isn't spiritual abandonment - it's spiritual maturation. Perhaps most intriguingly, the discussion touches on "occult blindness" - the idea that we're spiritually protected from seeing too much too fast. Like a fuse protecting electrical equipment from overload, this natural safeguarding allows us to grow at a pace we can actually handle. The goal isn't to see everything at once, but to develop the capacity to hold increasing levels of light and love. The bottom line? True obedience isn't about following someone else's rules. It's about responding to the call of life itself - and that call always sounds like love. Meditation Mount and HeartLight Productions are pleased to present Musings from the Mount – a weekly podcast with host Joseph Carenza and guests in conversation exploring a range of topics drawn from the Ageless Wisdom teachings. New episodes every Monday. If you enjoy this podcast, please consider donating at MeditationMount.org

On a moonlit night, a king asks his seven sons what they would do under such a sky. While his elder sons give noble and practical answers, the youngest—Jagatala Pratapan—dares to dream beyond imagination. He speaks of ruling from a high throne with wives from the realms of Indra, Varuna, Agni, and the Nagas. Angered by what he sees as arrogance, the king banishes his son. But destiny has other plans.From a humble life as a shepherd under a witch's roof to marrying celestial daughters and fulfilling his bold vision, Jagatala Pratapan's journey proves that great dreams, though mocked at first, can shine brighter than the moon.✨ A magical and inspiring tale from Story Time With Ash Teacher, where imagination becomes reality

In our hyperconnected age, we find ourselves witnessing humanity's interconnectedness like never before - everyone's opinions, emotions, and reactions flowing through our devices in real-time. Yet paradoxically, authentic communication appears to be breaking down precisely when we need it most. We're experiencing what might be called a "malignant malaise of selfishness" where parts of the system attempt to dominate the whole. This episode explores the intersection of personal responsibility and collective healing, examining why the one system we truly have agency over - the ecosystem of self - becomes the crucial starting point for broader transformation. We delve into how individual patterns of reactivity, unprocessed trauma, and defensive communication create blockages in the larger human system, much like restricted blood flow creates numbness in parts of the body. Drawing from both ancient wisdom and contemporary challenges, we discuss what it means to become a "spiritual warrior" in the tradition of the Bodhisattva - one whose battle is with inner delusions rather than external enemies. We examine how techniques like "steel manning" arguments can lower our internal temperature and create space for genuine dialogue, even with those we strongly disagree with. The conversation touches on why waiting for external rescue misses the point entirely - we're in a collective classroom facing what the wisdom traditions call the "first initiation." This involves moving from ego-centric to soul-centric living, where the natural outpouring of the heart serves the health of the whole system. As we explore, the garden of humanity isn't complete without each person's unique contribution. Whether you're feeling overwhelmed by current events or seeking practical approaches to conscious living, this episode offers perspectives on how individual transformation creates the foundation for collective healing - because ultimately, we are the blood that needs to circulate freely through the entire system. Meditation Mount and HeartLight Productions are pleased to present Musings from the Mount – a weekly podcast with host Joseph Carenza and guests in conversation exploring a range of topics drawn from the Ageless Wisdom teachings. New episodes every Monday. If you enjoy this podcast, please consider donating at MeditationMount.org

In this heartfelt episode, Katie opens up a compassionate, non-judgmental conversation about Ozempic and weight loss drugs through the lens of Ayurveda. With deep love and understanding for those on these medications, she explores how true healing comes from discernment and addressing the root causes of imbalance. Katie shares powerful Ayurvedic insights on hunger and the sacred role of fat in the body, reminding us that our fat carries the wisdom of our lineage. Tune in for a warm, honest discussion that weaves together science, spirit and self-love. Want more ancient wisdom to help you navigate modern life? Learn LIVE with Katie every month in our Spirit Sessions Membership! Click here to join for just $28 a month!   In this episode about Ozempic, you'll hear: ~ An invitation to join our year-long Divine Feminine Ayurveda School ~ Short-term results vs. long-term health  ~ Addressing the root cause of obesity ~ The measurement of youth in Ayurveda ~ Side effects of Ozempic ~ Long-term effects of Ozempic on the body ~ How weight loss drugs affect our prakruti and vikruti ~ Developing a healthy metabolism ~ Why feeling hungry is important ~ How Ozempic hijacks our body's innate intelligence ~ Personal stories from Katie's time in India ~ Differing cultural beauty standards ~ The many roles of fat in the body ~ Fat as the Divine Mother ~ The relationship between fat, emotions and our ancestors ~ Why fat is sexy ~ Sign up for our free Women's Wisdom and Ayurveda mini-course!   Other resources related to this episode: ~ Learn more about Ayurveda School ~ 2025 Chakra Yoga Nidra Workshop: Study with Katie and other luminary teachers this fall in the Bahamas! ~ 2026 Chakra Yoga Nidra Retreat: Deep dive into the chakras with Katie as your guide in the beautiful Bahamas in spring 2026! ~ Follow us on Instagram and Facebook ~ Katie's latest book, Glow-Worthy   Get the full show notes here: www.TheShaktiSchool.com/podcast/https://theshaktischool.com/ep-217-ozempic-an-ayurvedic-perspective/

Day 12: Jaz Sufi reads her poem, “Ode to My Lover's Sequined Dress.” Queer Poem-a-Day is honored to be the first publication of this poem.  Jaz Sufi (she/hers) is a queer Iranian-American poet and arts educator. Her work has been published or is upcoming in Best New Poets, Best of the Net, AGNI, Black Warrior Review, Muzzle, and elsewhere. She is a National Poetry Slam finalist and has received fellowships from Kundiman, the Watering Hole, and New York University, where she received her MFA. She is the current Poet Laureate of San Ramon, CA, where she lives with her dog, Apollo. Text of today's poem and more details about our program can be found at: deerfieldlibrary.org/queerpoemaday/ Find books from participating poets in our library's catalog.  Queer Poem-a-Day is a program from the Adult Services Department at the Library and may include adult language.  Queer Poem-a-Day is founded and co-directed by poet and professor Lisa Hiton and Dylan Zavagno, Adult Services Coordinator at the Library and host of the Deerfield Public Library Podcast. Music for this fifth year of our series is “L'Ange Verrier” from Le Rossignol Éperdu by Reynaldo Hahn, performed by pianist Daniel Baer. Queer Poem-a-Day is supported by generous donations from the Friends of the Deerfield Public Library and the Deerfield Fine Arts Commission.  

In Part 2 of our exploration of The Ages, we move from cosmic timescales to the deeply personal experience of transformation. Opening with a powerful quote from Lao Tzu that could have been written yesterday, we examine how ancient wisdom speaks directly to our current "hysterical, impulsive" cultural moment and what it means to find patterns beneath the chaos. The conversation explores the difference between cosmetic change and genuine transformation - whether in organizations, relationships, or personal growth. We discuss why so many attempts at change fail when they only address surface issues while leaving the underlying "note" or frequency unchanged. Real transformation requires going through what's called "crossing the burning ground" - a process that demands both courage and patience. We examine the transition from masculine-dominated leadership to a more balanced integration of both masculine and feminine principles within individuals and organizations. This isn't about replacing one gender with another, but about learning to embody both the capacity to plant seeds (masculine) and create fertile space for growth (feminine). The episode explores what this integration looks like practically in leadership, relationships, and personal development. The discussion culminates with the powerful metaphor of humanity as caterpillars facing the choice between "gluing wings on our backs" or having the courage to enter the chrysalis stage of genuine transformation. For anyone navigating major life changes or feeling called to deeper authenticity, this episode offers both wisdom and encouragement for the journey through uncertainty to emergence. Meditation Mount and HeartLight Productions are pleased to present Musings from the Mount – a weekly podcast with host Joseph Carenza and guests in conversation exploring a range of topics drawn from the Ageless Wisdom teachings. New episodes every Monday. If you enjoy this podcast, please consider donating at MeditationMount.org

Nin and Dion read from her new book Son of a Bird, now available from Etruscan Press. They also read and discuss "Unrest," by Emily Fragos.Nin Andrews is the author of the six chapbooks and ten full-length poetry collections including The Last Orgasm (2020),Miss August (2017), and Why God is a Woman (2015). She isthe recipient of two Ohio individual artists grants, the PearlChapbook prize, The Wick Chapbook Prize, and the GeraldCable Award. Her collection, Why God is a Woman won theOhiona Prize for Poetry in 2016. Her work has been featuredin numerous journals and anthologies includingPloughshares, Agni, The Paris Review, four editions of BestAmerican Poetry, Great American Prose Poems from Poe to thePresent, and The Best American Erotic Poems. Her poetry hasbeen translated into Turkish, performed in Prague andanthologized in England, Australia, and Mongolia.

This week on Musings from the Mount, we explore a topic much larger than current cultural conversations - the concept of ages, cycles, and our place within the vast movements of time itself. What started as research into political and social transitions expanded into something far more comprehensive: understanding how we exist within "wheels within wheels within wheels" of cosmic cycles. Drawing from Vedic traditions and esoteric wisdom, we examine the transition between Kali Yuga (the age of destruction and mental analysis) and Satya Yuga (the golden age of synthesis and heart-centered consciousness). We discuss how these vast cycles affect everything from individual consciousness to collective human experience, and why we're living at a particularly significant alignment point. The conversation moves from mind-boggling cosmic timescales - like the 311.04 trillion year cycle of Brahma - down to practical human experience. We explore how different types of time affect us: "TikTok time" (our quantitative, clock-based experience) versus "Kairos time" (the qualitative unfolding needed for true growth and completion). Whether you're feeling overwhelmed by rapid change or curious about humanity's larger evolutionary journey, this episode offers perspective on living consciously within time's rhythms. We discuss practical applications like honoring all four seasons in our projects, understanding passages between life phases, and learning to see and hear with the heart rather than just the mind. Meditation Mount and HeartLight Productions are pleased to present Musings from the Mount – a weekly podcast with host Joseph Carenza and guests in conversation exploring a range of topics drawn from the Ageless Wisdom teachings. New episodes every Monday. If you enjoy this podcast, please consider donating at MeditationMount.org

On today's solo episode of The Wholesome Fertility Podcast, I dive deep into the ancient practice of Pranayama, also known as yogic breathwork, and its profound impact on fertility. Breathwork may sound simple, or even unrelated to fertility, but the connection between your breath, nervous system, and reproductive health is incredibly powerful. In this episode, I explain how specific breathing techniques can shift your body from a state of stress into one of rest and regeneration, promoting hormone balance, improved digestion, and pelvic blood flow all critical components of a healthy fertility journey. You'll learn practical ways to integrate ancient breathing practices like Nadi Shodhana (alternate nostril breathing), Kapalabhati (breath of fire), Bhastrika (bellows breath), Bhramari (humming bee breath), and Ujjayi breathing into your daily routine. If you're feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or simply curious about new tools to support your body naturally, this episode is for you. Key Takeaways:  Breathwork regulates the nervous system, supporting hormonal balance and reproductive function. Ancient yogic practices like Pranayama offer free, accessible tools for stress reduction and enhanced vitality. Techniques like alternate nostril breathing and humming bee breath can be easily integrated into your daily life. Breath can help release emotional tension and stimulate vagal tone, a key player in fertility health. Conscious breathing increases oxygenation, supports digestion, and boosts clarity. For more information about Michelle, visit www.michelleoravitz.com To learn more about ancient wisdom and fertility, you can get Michelle's book at: https://www.michelleoravitz.com/thewayoffertility The Wholesome Fertility facebook group is where you can find free resources and support: https://www.facebook.com/groups/2149554308396504/ Instagram: @thewholesomelotusfertility Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thewholesomelotus/   Disclaimer: The information shared on this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Please consult with your healthcare provider before making any changes to your health or fertility care. --- Transcript: # TWF: 339 (solo episode) **Michelle:** [00:00:00] Episode number 339 of the Wholesome Fertility Podcast. Welcome back to the Wholesome Fertility Podcast. I'm your host, Michelle Orbitz, and today we're diving into a deeply healing and powerful practice that has stood the test of time. It's called Pranayama or yogic Breath Work. You might be surprised to hear just how much breath work could influence your mind and your nervous system, and then in turn influence your reproductive health. **Michelle:** 'cause we know that the nervous system plays such an important role on reproductive health. So if you wanna find out more about powerful breathing exercises that you can do so easily and they're free, that can influence your nervous system and how you feel. Overall, this episode is for you. **Michelle:** Welcome to the Wholesome Fertility Podcast. I'm Michelle, a [00:01:00] fertility acupuncturist here to provide you with resources on how to create a wholesome approach to your fertility journey. **Michelle:** So, so today I'm going to cover a very interesting topic, which is Pranayama. so this is an ancient Indian or yogi or yo guine practice that has been done for thousands of years. **Michelle:** Pranayama or yogic breath work **Michelle:** is extremely powerful And can really impact the mind and the nervous system. So if you wanna find out more on how to hack your nervous system, and if you've watched some of my earlier videos, I talk a lot about how your nervous system really can influence your fertility health because it gets you into a more rest and digest state. **Michelle:** And it can also influence your inflammation and your digestion and even create more balance in your hormones. So if you are trying to conceive and you wanna [00:02:00] find out how you can really hack your body and mind through pranayama this amazing ancient tradition, this amazing ancient practice, then stay tuned. **Michelle:** So you might be asking yourself, what exactly is pranayama? **Michelle:** So in Sanskrit prana means life force vitality. So it's very similar to what chi in Chinese medicine means, and it's the life force vitality that goes through our body. a yma means control or expansion. **Michelle:** So Pranayama in essence, is the art of controlling your breath to influence the life force vitality in your body. **Michelle:** So it's not just about breathing more deeply though. That's part of it. **Michelle:** It is about becoming aware of how your breathing can influence your hormone balance and your nervous system, **Michelle:** as well as reducing stress. And these are all really important and impactful things when you're trying to conceive. **Michelle:** So, although this [00:03:00] is coming from ancient India, this is something that can control all bodies and all different cultures. and it's one of the many gifts that we get from the ancient Vedas, Which is really linked to Ayurveda and yoga. The yogic tradition is the aspect of the physical, and it's more of the physical therapy aspect of it, but this is all part of really the science of life and how they're perceiving that you're able to, and how they're giving you tools to really access this amazing, intelligent life force that resides in your body. **Michelle:** So just to kind of give you a little bit of an overview. So Prana is very similar to Q, which is Life Force Vitality, and this is basically the life force that we have that is intelligent and that keeps our body warm and that keeps our body functioning. So this is something that really is intelligent because that aspect of our bodies is [00:04:00] what tells ourselves what to do, and it also helps the self-healing mechanism of the body. **Michelle:** And when we're in fight or flight, and I always come back to the nervous system than our body is more worried about survival. And regeneration is not as much of a priority because survival is more important. But what happens when we're in survival is that everything moves towards that survival, and it's not worried about digestion. **Michelle:** It's not worried about inflammation. All the things that are running in the background. And it can also impact your sleep because when you're trying to survive, you can't rest, you can't sleep, you can't afford to, you wanna survive, you wanna be alive. So that's ultimately how the nervous system operates. **Michelle:** But when we're getting that free flow of energy and that we're able to really be enriched with the QI and the life force of Prana, and we're able to get also in a more rest and digest mode, things will flow more easily and they're not gonna be as constricted as it does, as things [00:05:00] do happen with stress. **Michelle:** And ultimately as an acupuncturist, one of the biggest things that I do is I work a lot on pelvic energy flow and blood flow. So when there's more flow in your body, there's more blood flow, there's less constriction. And as we know, many times when people have high blood pressure, you know, your blood vessels are actually. **Michelle:** Muscle and those muscles tighten and it causes more constriction and more pressure. And we know that stress can even impact blood pressure. So that tightening is what happens when we're stressed, and ultimately that tightening is going to block. Impact, as I mentioned with the liberty, which is really its role, is to get that energy to flow. **Michelle:** So one of the ways that we can hack really our minds and our bodies is through pranayama. And today I'm gonna talk about a couple of different. Techniques of breathing that you can do that will [00:06:00] immediately have an impact on how you feel and how the energy and the prana in your body is able to flow, which ultimately will be beneficial not just for your body and your reproduction, but also your mind. **Michelle:** And I'm sure you know that if you are on the fertility journey, it can be very stressful. And when you're stressed, there's been studies that show that when you're stressed, you can't really make a clear minded decision. And as we know, when you're on the fertility journey, you need that decision making aspect of your mind because you are going through a lot of different choices and options that are being thrown at you. **Michelle:** So the first breath that I am going to be sharing with you is called Nadi Shaana, and that is alternate nostril breath. I like to call it the yin and yang pranayama, although that's not really the name, because it balances the yin and the yang in our brain. So both hemispheres of the brain start to function and come [00:07:00] together. **Michelle:** And this is one of the most immediate calming exercises that you can do. And what it does is it basically you alternate sides and you will block one nostril and breathe in, and you can breathe into like the count of four or the count of eight, whatever feels right. But if you slow it also, you'll start to feel a little more peace so you can actually breathe into the count of eight. **Michelle:** Then close both nostrils. So breathe in one nostril, close the right, and breathe in from the left. Breathe in to eight, and then hold both nostrils closed to the count of eight, and then exhale from the right to the count of eight. And then breathe back in from the same one, the right to the count of eight, close both nostrils, and then breathe out from the left and then breathe back in for the count of eight out, eight in hold it.[00:08:00]  **Michelle:** So basically just remember one specific count and you're gonna keep doing that and then alternate your nose. Now you're gonna notice that one nostril is going to be a little more clear than the other. And that is actually very normal. Our bodies tend to go more yin and yang throughout the day, so one side will feel one way and the other side will not feel that same way, and you'll find that that will alternate throughout the day. **Michelle:** And that's kind of an interesting thing, but our bodies do alternate and we're constantly getting to this place of homeostasis so that our body can find balance. But through that, we do have those two sides, those dualities, which is why doing something like this can be so powerful. **Michelle:** So by balancing, because our nose is directly opened, you know, the olfactory nerve, which is also the sense is directly linked or connected to the brain. So by alternating those two sides, of [00:09:00] breathing, you are creating that balance from the left and right hemispheres of the brain, and that also can create more clear thinking if you are feeling anxious and it's hard for you to really make a decision. **Michelle:** This is a great exercise to do, and what this also does is activate the parasympathetic nervous system, which is the more rest and digest nervous system. So if you're feeling extra stressed and you wanna slow down your mind, this is amazing. It also improves oxygenation and it also creates more mindfulness. **Michelle:** 'cause as you're doing it, you're being very conscious of how you're breathing and how you're feeling because it is a practice that you have to pay attention while you're doing it. **Michelle:** So you could do this in the beginning of your day and then you can do this at the end of the day. And it could be literally two minutes, two minutes in the morning and two minutes at night. And I think that it is really nice to actually do it in the beginning and end of the day. 'cause you're literally doing it at yin and yang times of your 24 hour cycle. **Michelle:** So it can help you when you [00:10:00] first start to wake up, and then you can help you end the day really nicely and support your nervous system as you go to sleep. So another one that is one of my favorites is called Kati, and that is skull shining breath. Or you may have heard this, called breath of fire. And so ultimately what it is, is working through your diaphragm and after you do it for a while, you literally feel like you are breathing fire. **Michelle:** 'cause you can feel a lot of fire in your diaphragm area. So the area that I'm talking about is really the soft area of your belly that's right underneath your ribs. So you start to feel this, it's kind of like right above, it's between the bottom of your ribs and your belly button, right in that solar plexus in that area. **Michelle:** So you can put your hands there Before I actually go into the description of how to do it, I wanna talk about what it does. Breath of fire is incredible for [00:11:00] digestion and it is one of the more stimulating breaths, and I remember one of my teachers mentioning That there was like a saying that as many breaths as you breathe, that we only have a certain amount of breaths for our life. **Michelle:** And that is why it's important to breathe slow. And the slower we breathe, the longer we can live. And I asked about this one because it's actually a very rapid type of breath, and they said, well, it's considered one breath because it's, you're not fully exhaling. **Michelle:** You're kind of like pumping throughout the whole time that you're doing it. So it's actually considered one breath. It's not considered, many different breaths. **Michelle:** so another thing, the reason why it's called Breath of Fire is because in Ayurvedic medicine, a lot of times they refer to something called Agni, which is our digestif fire. And that justifier, I guess you can say correlates to really our ability to break down foods And really the acid that we have in our stomach that can cook the [00:12:00] food and ultimately the breath of fire. And Agni is very, very important. And sometimes people will have diminished Agni from drinking too much cold or not really eating correctly. And so we don't want that. We wanna actually kindle that fire because when you kindle that fire, it will protect your body, increase your immune system, and also break down foods so that the rest of the digestive system, is able to really assimilate the nutrition from the food. **Michelle:** Another thing that it can do is clear, stagnant energy. And then when stagnant energy gets cleared, then you're getting more flow in the body and Prana is able to really move. So. This is one of the most powerful breaths to really get things moving. And the only thing that I would say with this, and really everything that I'm saying is not medical advice. **Michelle:** And I would also say be cautious. If you are about to do a retrieval, I would not do this breath because they are afraid [00:13:00] of ovarian torsion and this is something that you don't wanna mess with. So, and it is a very powerful and moving type of breath. **Michelle:** But I'd like to compare it to when the Native Americans used fire for brushes, you know, for, to get rid of like old weeds before they created new or planted new seeds. And this is one of those things, you're getting things outta the way, you're burning out the stagnation with this breath in order to get more flow and more new energy coming into the body. **Michelle:** so here's how you do it. So in between the bottom of your ribs and your belly button, so put your hand there and you could put both hands, one on top of the other. And what you do is you forcefully exhale, and you will find that when you do that, you're naturally going to bounce back almost like a rubber band where it just inhales. **Michelle:** By nature. And then you don't worry about the inhale 'cause it's gonna happen automatically and you just keep exhaling and you just [00:14:00] pump with the exhale. So you go and you'll feel that bounce when you have your hand there. And over time you'll find that it can get longer and longer as you practice. **Michelle:** In the beginning, you might get tired sooner and sometimes you might even find that it makes you cough. It is so purifying, it will actually make you cough up old mucus in your lungs. So it is pretty wild how it works. **Michelle:** So the next type of breath is called baa, and that is also called the bellows breath. And this is a little bit more active and I'll describe it so that you understand how to do it. **Michelle:** But first let me explain what it does. **Michelle:** So Bas Rica, very similar to the breath of fire, is also a breath that is very active and it can stoke the internal fire in our bodies. **Michelle:** It also involves very, forceful inhales and exhales. But in this case, you're gonna be [00:15:00] using the arms. **Michelle:** It is considered to activate the Kundalini energy in the body. This is the energy that runs up and down our spine and feeds really all of our organs and body **Michelle:** and supports our body's energetic flow. and it also is considered to have a balancing effect on the doshas. If you've watched my Ayurvedic video, I talk about the different doshas, which are really elements in your body, and this is considered to be a good breath that balances all of that. **Michelle:** It can also boost oxygenation and mental clarity. And how you do it is you raise your arms up and you have your hands out. So your hands are completely open and your arms are just raised up, and you inhale as you do that, And as you exhale, you close your hands and you bring your elbows to the side, so you bring your hands down so you inhale with your hands up. [00:16:00] stretch hands, and then you exhale forcefully as you bring it down, as if you're bringing something down or pulling something towards you from the top to the bottom. **Michelle:** So your elbows basically end up by your side and completely folded with your hands next to your shoulders in a fist. So inhale, bring your hands up. Wide open, exhale really forcefully as your hands go down into a fist next to your shoulders. **Michelle:** So this is kind of related to the breath of fire. There's definitely a lot of heat that will be coming out from it, It is a very good practice to really get that energy moving. If you feel like it's stuck. This is great. If you feel a lot of stress and you feel a lot going on. If you wanna come home and you feel like you've had a very stressful day, this is a great way to break that up. **Michelle:** So lastly, I'm going to cover something called Ari, or. Humming bee breath. **Michelle:** [00:17:00] So actually this breath and the way you're supposed to do it is one thing that we know for sure is a technique that stimulates the vagus nerve. And as we know, the vagus nerve is extremely important when it comes to reproductive health That's because it has so many different functions, and one of them, which is really key, is promoting really good digestive health, lowering inflammation, improving sleep, and on and on. **Michelle:** And it basically helps the body get into a parasympathetic mode. And one of the ways that is known to stimulate your vagus nerve is by humming. So this breath And another thing is that when you do hum on an exhale, you are actually by nature because you're using your voice, you slow down your breath. **Michelle:** So this is a great way to slow down your breath as you are exhaling. **Michelle:** So this can also reduce any emotional tension And it could also reduce heart rate and blood pressure. **Michelle:** so what you do for [00:18:00] this breath is inhale, fully hold it at the top, and then exhale with a humming sound. So. **Michelle:** And then you just breathe all the way out. So as you'll notice when you're humming, you actually slow down your breath, so it naturally slows down your breath, which has an immediate impact on any kind of state of anxiety. It will really calm your mind. So this is an amazing thing to do, and you can really do this while you're driving. **Michelle:** Just keep your eyes open for obvious reasons, But you could do this even while you're driving. If you're driving to a doctor's office and you're feeling really nervous, you can do that. a lot of times, om in my car, and this is just kind of one of the things that I do, and I find that it really, it, it feels like I'm singing a song, but I'm just oing. **Michelle:** So it feels really calming on my nervous system. It feels like an internal massage, having that vibration. So that can help a lot. And again, you could do this also at the end of the day if you had a lot of. Things [00:19:00] going on if it was a very intense day, and you can get yourself ready and your nervous system ready for more rest. **Michelle:** And actually that was not my last one. I have one more. and this is something that you can do at all times, and it's called UJA breathing. So if you practice yoga, you may have heard of UJA breathing because it's something that a lot of yogis will teach you to do during your yoga practice, and that is something that you can take with you really throughout the day. And what it is, is causing a little bit of constriction in your throat as you're breathing So that your breath could be a little louder. So it's kind of like this constriction where you're able to feel the breath going through your throat. so it's like making a little bit of a, a humming or a sound while your mouth is closed and you could practice. I'm sure you've done this naturally, even when you were little, And it's a very calming and very grounding breath. **Michelle:** It is thought to increase the lung capacity, and it's [00:20:00] also thought to balance out the heat in the body, and it's also thought to balance out the temperature in the body. So it's kind of like a yin and yang balance. **Michelle:** And it can also, since it's so grounding, promote a meditative state. So it's something that you can do, and this is one of the reasons why a lot of yogis use this during yoga, because ultimately yoga was a, was a practice that prepared yogis to meditate. It got the body into a state where it was able to meditate more deeply. **Michelle:** So just to reiterate, none of this is medical advice. It's not something that should ever take the place of what doctors tell you It should not be something that ever takes the place of medical. **Michelle:** Protocols that you've been given, and also to be aware or talk to your doctor if you are going through IVF, to talk to them about different breathing exercises and perhaps to pause on any of them during the IVF process. [00:21:00] If you have any questions or ideas for future episodes, I would love to hear from you. **Michelle:** I'm very active on Instagram and my handle is at the wholesome lotus fertility. I don't always respond right away, but I always eventually get to all of them. So thank you so much for tuning in today, and I hope you have a beautiful day. [00:22:00]     

Jacobs IG:https://www.instagram.com/jakethejuicerBLACK STUFF — The Missing Key To Restore Your Body's Inner SoilGet yours here:https://www.black-stuff.com/nickzeiNick's Links:https://linktr.ee/nick.zeiChapters:00:00 — How Ayurveda Reveals Your Unique Health Blueprint03:10 — How the 5 Elements Shape Your Body and Mind05:57 — Vata, Pitta, and Kapha: Understanding the Doshas09:13 — Balancing the 5 Elements for Lasting Vitality14:47 — Ancient Wisdom, Modern Science: Why Ayurveda Still Matters20:59 — Thriving vs. Surviving: The Ayurvedic Path to Vital Health24:11 — Everyday Ayurvedic Practices You Can Start Today34:01 — Eating for Your Dosha: Food as Medicine40:51 — Igniting Digestive Fire: The Metabolism Secret46:31 — Balancing the Doshas: A Whole-Person Approach56:41 — Seasonal Eating & Living in Rhythm with Nature01:08:23 — Sleep as Medicine: Ayurvedic Secrets for Deep Rest01:14:09 — Ojas & Sexual Energy: The Foundation of Vitality01:28:11 — Mastering Agni & Metabolism for Lifelong Health01:31:03 — How to Live in Flow: Thriving with Ayurvedic WisdomDiscover the forgotten science of how your body really works.Ayurveda — an ancient system of health — offers a radically different approach than today's one-size-fits-all wellness trends.In this episode, you'll learn how the 5 elements (earth, water, fire, air, ether) shape your body and mind — and how to balance them for lasting energy, clarity, and vitality.We'll break down:✓ How to find your unique Dosha type (Vata, Pitta, Kapha)✓ Why digestion (Agni) is the foundation of health✓ How to eat for your body type & the seasons✓ The role of sexual energy (Ojas) in vitality and immunity✓ Daily habits for better sleep, metabolism, mood & moreWhether you're new to Ayurveda or looking to deepen your understanding, you'll come away with practical tools you can start using today.#Ayurveda #AyurvedaForModernLife #Dosha #BalanceYourDosha #Agni #DigestiveHealth #Biohacking #HolisticHealth #MindBodyBalance #Vitality #Ojas #AncientWisdom #ModernWellness #SeasonalLiving #FunctionalMedicine #IntegrativeHealth

Send us a textIn this molten episode of Third Eye Roll, Dr. Justine Lemos and Scarlett Trillia dive into the myth-soaked, soul-scorching waters of Gandanta—those karmic knots where water signs dissolve and fire signs ignite. Drawing from Vedic astrology, ancient myth, and modern mood, the duo unpacks how these liminal spaces catalyze profound emotional transformation and spiritual awakening.Expect a heady mix of Agni and Soma, the elemental lovers of fire and nectar, as they explore the psychological and energetic tension that arises during Gandanta transits. From Venus and Mars blazing through these zones to cultural reflections in fashion, music, and film, this episode reveals how Gandanta moments often show up in our lives as breakdowns, breakthroughs, or the beach trips we didn't know we needed.✨ Along the way, you'll meet:Alchemical lovers balancing masculine and feminine forcesThe mythic tides of transformation hidden in pop songs and wave-washed ritualsThe zodiac's own meltdown points, where karma tightens—and then lets goWhether you're riding the edge of a personal shift or just curious about why your life feels like a spiritual soap opera lately, this episode offers insights, tools, and a cosmic mirror.Takeaways:Gandanta is not a problem—it's a passage.Transformation requires both fire to burn and water to flow.Your emotional chaos might just be sacred architecture.Tune in, untangle, and let the river burn.

This week on Musings from the Mount, we explore one of the most complex topics in spiritual practice - our relationship with luxury and material wealth. Using The Great Gatsby story as our starting point, we examine how the tragedy wasn't wealth itself, but using luxury as a substitute for authentic self-realization. Drawing from the Agni Yoga teachings and insights from cultural anthropology, we discuss how different societies define luxury - from American "military stripes" that signal divine approval, to Italian artistic refinement, to British aristocratic detachment. The conversation moves beyond simple judgments about wealth to examine the deeper psychological drives behind our material desires. We explore practical questions like: Is buying quality tools the same as indulging in luxury? How do we balance spiritual detachment with appreciation for beautiful craftsmanship? When does accumulation serve utility versus status? Through examples ranging from Leonard Cohen's utilitarian tour plane to the difference between owning a guitar to make music versus hanging it on your office wall. The episode doesn't offer easy answers about what's "right" or "wrong" regarding wealth, but rather invites deeper reflection on identity, stewardship, and our role as conscious participants in life's regenerative ecosystem. Whether you're navigating financial abundance or scarcity, this conversation offers thoughtful perspectives on what it means to relate consciously to the material world. Meditation Mount and HeartLight Productions are pleased to present Musings from the Mount – a weekly podcast with host Joseph Carenza and guests in conversation exploring a range of topics drawn from the Ageless Wisdom teachings. New episodes every Monday. If you enjoy this podcast, please consider donating at MeditationMount.org

In this episode, Dr Vignesh Devraj explores why the monsoon season, especially in tropical climates like Kerala, is considered the ideal time for undergoing Panchakarma, Ayurveda's deep detoxification and rejuvenation process. He shares the physiological, climatic, cultural, and herbal advantages of monsoon therapies, drawing from traditional wisdom and practical experience. Whether you live in India or abroad, this episode offers valuable insights into how seasonal alignment with nature enhances healing.Topics CoveredSignificance of Karkidaka ChikitsaRole of humidity in skin detoxificationManaging Vata and improving Agni during rainsConcept of Ritucharya and seasonal preparationTimestamps:00:00 – 02:00: Cultural context of Karkidaka Chikitsa02:00 – 07:00: Seasonal Factors for Detox Therapies 07:00 – 09:00: Dosha dynamics during monsoon09:00 – 13:30: Therapeutic benefits for specific conditions13:30 – 16:00: Monsoon Panchakarma & Agni 16:00 - 17:54: Resetting Your Body at HomeIf you are interested in doing one on one Ayurvedic consultation with Dr Vignesh Devraj, please find the details in this link: https://calendly.com/drvignesh/30-minute-session-with-dr-vignesh-devraj-md-ay-istIf you are economically challenged, please use the form provided to request a free Ayurvedic consultation here. (or copy paste this in your browser: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSd29nHcrC1RssR-6WAqWCWQWKKJo7nGcEm8ITEl2-ErcnfVEg/viewform )BALANCE THE MIGHTY VATA - ONLINE COURSE NOW AVAILABLE What makes Ayurveda unique in its treatment approach is its practical wisdom on the concept of Vata. Vata is responsible for Prana - the life energy, nervous system - the master panel of our body, and our emotions. In Ayurveda, it is mentioned that controlling Vata is the most difficult part of healing and recovery. Recently, I have recorded a workshop on - Balancing The Mighty Vata which has over 6 hrs of content, with notes filled with practical inputs that can be integrated into our life. You can access this at https://drvignesh.teachable.com/For further information about Dr Vignesh Devraj, kindly visit www.vigneshdevraj.com and www.sitaramretreat.com Instagram - @sitarambeachretreat | @vigneshdevrajTwitter - @VigneshDevrajWe truly hope you are enjoying our content. Want to help us shape and grow this show faster? Leave your review and subscribe to the podcast, so you'll never miss out on any new episodes. Thanks for your support.Disclaimer: - The content of the podcast episodes is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical procedures, consultations, diagnosis, or treatment in any manner. We strongly do not recommend using the content of these episodes as medical advice for any medical conditions for you, others, or for treating your patients

Slushies, we invoke the retelling of a ghostly experience shared by Kathy and Marion at the Hotel Figueroa in California earlier this year partway into this episode. Two poems by Jen Siraganian are at the heart of our discussion, and it's the first of these that puts ghosts into our heads. This poem also causes us to consider at some length the physical form chosen by or for a poem, and how this can utterly enhance the experience of the poem when it's just right. It's also an opportunity for Jason to raise the spectre of the virgule (or slash) once again, and we even pause briefly to recall when WYSIWYG was a useful acronym. We end the episode with an ekphrastic that prompts an on-the-spot tie breaker (thanks to our sound engineer Lillie for saving the day!).   https://whitney.org/collection/works/2171 https://www.nga.gov/collection/highlights/gorky-the-artist-and-his-mother.html  At the table: Kathleen Volk Miller, Marion Wrenn, Lisa Zerkle, Jason Schneiderman, Dagne Forrest, Jodi Gahn, Lillie Volpe (sound engineer)   Jen Siraganian is an Armenian-American writer, educator, and former Poet Laureate of Los Gatos, California. Her poetry has appeared or is forthcoming in AGNI, Barrow Street, Best New Poets, Cortland Review, Poetry Daily, Prairie Schooner, The Rumpus, Smartish Pace, and other journals. Her work has been nominated for a Pushcart Prize and won the 2024 New Ohio Review Poetry Prize. A former managing director of Litquake: San Francisco's Literary Festival, she is a current Lucas Artist Fellow. jensiraganian.com      Social media handles:   Facebook @jen.siraganian, Instagram @jsiraganian, Bluesky @jsiraganian.bsky.social, Website

This week on Musings from the Mount, we tackle terms that might initially make you uncomfortable - obedience and free will. Far from a call to blind submission, we explore these concepts as invitations to dance with life's greater rhythms and align with our deeper nature. Drawing from Section 125 of "Ponder on This," we examine the relationship between personal sovereignty and alignment with something greater. As the text itself begins with "There is no obligation to obey," we discover how the traditional teacher-student dynamic has evolved from one of directed instruction to one of guided opportunity and personal discovery. The conversation explores the surprising truth that the limitation of choice can sometimes expand our creative potential - like musicians in an orchestra agreeing to play in the same key or an artist working within constraints to discover new possibilities. We discuss how this applies to our spiritual practice and everyday choices. Whether you're navigating personal freedom, questioning authority, or seeking to understand your role in life's greater symphony, this episode offers fresh perspectives on what it means to consciously choose alignment rather than submit to external demands. Join us as we explore how freedom and obedience can exist not as opposites, but as complementary aspects of an authentic spiritual path. Meditation Mount and HeartLight Productions are pleased to present Musings from the Mount – a weekly podcast with host Joseph Carenza and guests in conversation exploring a range of topics drawn from the Ageless Wisdom teachings. New episodes every Monday. If you enjoy this podcast, please consider donating at MeditationMount.org

What if small daily choices could transform your well-being? In this episode, Ayurvedic wellness practitioner Sonia Sharma shares her personal journey from a career in government to embracing the ancient science of Ayurveda. We explore the foundational principles, like the five elements, doshas, and digestive fire (Agni), and how they relate to gut health, mental clarity, and nutrition. Sonia offers insight into the power of daily routines, detoxification, and reconnecting with nature through a personalized and practical Ayurvedic approach. Links:  Learn more about Sonia here.  Jump on a free discovery call here.  Join her events here.  Discover all things Boutique Skin Envie here.

After exploring topics from black and white magic to love in our recent episodes, Michael and I decided to tackle something simple for our latest Musings From The Mount podcast - just the nature of God. Through the lens of Alice Bailey and Agni Yoga traditions, we examine what might be the most challenging concept humans can contemplate. Our conversation navigates between Eastern perspectives that emphasize the non-individualized nature of deity and Western traditions that present God as both transcendent and immanent. Rather than arguing which interpretation is "correct," we explore how these seemingly contradictory understandings complement each other, creating a more complete picture. We discuss why the mind alone is insufficient for grasping this mystery, and why the heart might be better equipped for sensing what lies beyond definitions. The discussion takes some fascinating turns as we consider questions like: Does God evolve along with consciousness? What does it mean to "exchange gods" and walk to the One? And perhaps most practically, how might understanding ourselves as expressions of divine life change our everyday interactions, even with someone cutting us off in traffic? What emerges isn't a neat definition of God but an invitation to direct experience - what Michael describes as "a mystery to be lived, not a problem to be solved." Whether you're religious, spiritual-but-not-religious, or simply curious about different approaches to existence's deepest questions, this conversation offers perspective without prescription. Meditation Mount and HeartLight Productions are pleased to present Musings from the Mount – a weekly podcast with host Joseph Carenza and guests in conversation exploring a range of topics drawn from the Ageless Wisdom teachings. New episodes every Monday. If you enjoy this podcast, please consider donating at MeditationMount.org

Rubén and Dion kick of the show by reading "Eating Together," by Li-Young Lee. Then they read from Rubén Quesada's new book, Brutal Campanion.Ruben Quesada, Ph.D is an award-winning poet and editor. He edited the groundbreaking anthology Latinx Poetics: Essays on the Art of Poetry, winner of the Gold Medal from the Independent Publisher Book Awards. His poetry and criticism appear in The New York Times Magazine, Best American Poetry, Ploughshares, Harvard Review, and American Poetry Review. He has served as poetry editor for AGNI, Poet Lore, Pleiades, Tab Journal, and as a poetry blogger for The Kenyon Review and Ploughshares. He currently teaches as Affiliate Faculty in the MFA in Creative Writing Program at Antioch University Los Angeles.Brutal Companion is a haunting and visceral collection of poems that explores themes of identity, sexuality, loss, and personal transformation. Drawing from his own experiences as a gay man, the poet delves unflinchingly into memories of desire, trauma, and self-discovery against the backdrop of an often unforgiving world. From intimate encounters and dreamlike visions to searing societal critiques, the poems paint a complex portrait of navigating life at the margins. Deeply sensory and evocative, Brutal Companion is a fierce meditation on survival and a testament to poetry's ability to wrest meaning and resilience from even the darkest places. We mention The Blessing by James Wright.

Our two-part exploration of magic continues as we dive deeper into what true magical work means in today's world. Across social media and spiritual circles, we're seeing a surge in interest around manifestation techniques and ceremonial practices - but are these approaches aligned with our current evolutionary needs? In this episode, we examine why many esoteric teachings simultaneously discuss magical concepts while advising against their practice. Drawing from the Agni Yoga teachings, we explore the distinction between formula-based magic of the past and the heart-centered approach more suited to our present moment. As we move into the Age of Aquarius governed by the 7th ray of ceremonial magic, understanding this shift becomes increasingly relevant. We discuss how subtle activism differs from traditional magical work, and why group endeavor represents a more balanced and potent approach than solitary practice. Rather than manipulating external forces through rituals, today's "white magician" works through their own integrated and sovereign being - making their life itself the magic circle. Whether you're curious about manifestation practices or drawn to deeper esoteric work, this conversation offers thoughtful perspectives on conscious co-creation. Instead of seeking shortcuts or "cheat codes," we explore what it means to participate in life's evolutionary purpose through aligned group consciousness and the intelligence of the heart. Meditation Mount and HeartLight Productions are pleased to present Musings from the Mount – a weekly podcast with host Joseph Carenza and guests in conversation exploring a range of topics drawn from the Ageless Wisdom teachings. New episodes every Monday. If you enjoy this podcast, please consider donating at MeditationMount.org

(Verse 1) Yo, a fire sacrifice, ghee flowing free, Agni consumed it all, for all eyes to see. But too much buttery offerings, an overload, Left the fire god aching, in a heavy, bloated mode. Indigestion fierce, his brilliance declined, Only one curative came to his mind. (Verse 2) The Khandava forest, with herbs potent […] The post Song; Burning of the Khandava Forest appeared first on Radha Krishna Temple in Utah.

The Full Moon reaches its peak at the end of Libra, in the lunar mansion Viśākhā. This lunar mansion spans Libra and Scorpio, blending the softness of Venus with the intensity of Mars. Its name, meaning "two-branched," symbolises choice and duality—often linked to Libra's scales. In the Vedic tradition, Viśākhā is also symbolised by a decorated archway, representing milestones and commitment.Viśākhā inspires willpower, ambition, and the courage to pursue our goals. While it supports focused determination, it also allows for compromise. Ruled by Agni (fire) and Indra (king of the gods), it carries strong spiritual and transformative energy.This Full Moon is ideal for spiritual practice, healing, and committing to a clear path. With the Sun exalted in Aries, decision-making is bold and confident, even if clarity takes time. Venus, also exalted in Pisces, encourages acceptance and helps us release what no longer serves us, especially as it moves past the recent eclipse degree.As Venus, Mercury, and Jupiter align opposite the Moon, this lunation brings resolution and optimism, making it easier to choose a path and feel good about it.

In this month's Vedic astrology full moon wisdom episode, we journey into the powerful and transformative energies of the Vishaka nakshatra, unfolding on May 12. Vishaka carries the potent symbols of the potter's wheel and the arch of triumph, reminding us that true success is born from patience, devotion, and divine timing. We explore how your sacrifices and dedication, both seen and unseen, are shaping the path for greater victories. Whether in your spiritual business or personal life, this full moon encourages you to reflect on the gains that have come from every “loss,” and to honor your growth with grace and celebration.

This week on Musings from the Mount, in part one of a two-episode series, we tackle a topic that eventually crosses the path of every esoteric student - magic. But don't expect tales of wands and wizard duels. Instead, we explore what magic truly means in the Alice Bailey tradition: the fundamental creative process where "energy follows thought." Using Section 107 from "Ponder on This," we break down the surprisingly straightforward distinction between white and black magic. It's not about supernatural powers but about intention - are you working in service of the whole or solely for personal gain? We discuss how this ancient understanding applies directly to our modern world challenges and personal growth journeys. The episode connects these teachings to historical contexts like Atlantis while bringing them into our present reality. We examine how fear opens doors to unwanted influences, how emotional tranquility serves as protection, and why cultivating a connection to your higher self provides the ultimate safeguard against straying onto the left-hand path. Whether you're new to esoteric concepts or a longtime student, this conversation offers practical wisdom for navigating life's choices with greater awareness. As Michael notes, "We're here to allow love to show up on Earth in time, space, and substance." Join us as we explore what it means to be conscious co-creators aligned with evolution rather than involution. Meditation Mount and HeartLight Productions are pleased to present Musings from the Mount – a weekly podcast with host Joseph Carenza and guests in conversation exploring a range of topics drawn from the Ageless Wisdom teachings. New episodes every Monday. If you enjoy this podcast, please consider donating at MeditationMount.org

In our newest episode, we dive into perhaps the most essential force in existence - love. Not the Hallmark version or even the Summer of Love version, but something far more fundamental. Through the contrasting yet complementary lenses of Rumi's experiential wisdom and DK's systematic approach, we explore love as the "universal glue" that holds all creation together. We wander through fascinating territory, examining how love expands from self to family, to community, and eventually to humanity and beyond. We discuss how true love transcends sentiment, breaks down barriers between people, and acts as a bridge connecting us to everything. As Rumi so eloquently puts it, "Love is the bridge between you and everything." The episode features compelling quotes from both traditions, including DK's understanding of love as "the wielding of the force which guides the worlds," and Rumi's poetic invitation to "step out of the circle of time and into the circle of love." We even explore the scientific parallels of love as a "super-saturated solution" that naturally crystallizes and precipitates when fully embodied. We close with a gentle guided meditation to help listeners experience the concept directly rather than just intellectually. Whether you're drawn to the systematic approach of esoteric wisdom or the poetic expressions of mysticism, this conversation offers multiple pathways to understand the force that, according to The Beatles, truly is "all there is." Meditation Mount and HeartLight Productions are pleased to present Musings from the Mount – a weekly podcast with host Joseph Carenza and guests in conversation exploring a range of topics drawn from the Ageless Wisdom teachings. New episodes every Monday. If you enjoy this podcast, please consider donating at MeditationMount.org

In our latest episode of Musings From The Mount, we explore the Four Contemplations from Buddhist tradition - simple yet profound reflections that can help us navigate the constant distractions of 2025. As notifications and endless news cycles compete for our attention, these ancient practices offer a way to focus on what truly matters. The conversation examines how Eastern philosophical traditions often distill complex wisdom into concise teachings that invite direct experience rather than intellectual debate. We contrast this approach with Western tendencies to seek ever more information, noting how meaning comes not from accumulating knowledge but from living the questions. The episode unpacks each contemplation: appreciating the preciousness of human life, contemplating impermanence, understanding karma, and recognizing the limitations of endless cycles of wanting. Our discussion takes personal turns as we share experiences of gratitude practices during difficult recovery periods, witnessing seasonal changes at Meditation Mount, and facing identity crises when our self-image no longer aligns with reality. These moments of vulnerability show how these contemplations aren't merely philosophical concepts but practical tools for everyday living. What emerges is an invitation to move beyond seeking answers outside ourselves and instead discover truth through direct experience. Whether you're struggling with digital overwhelm, questioning your purpose, or simply looking for more meaning in daily life, these contemplations offer a framework for turning inward without withdrawing from the world - what one Buddhist teacher describes as "the powerful and ordinary practice of dropping the mask of self-protection." Meditation Mount and HeartLight Productions are pleased to present Musings from the Mount – a weekly podcast with host Joseph Carenza and guests in conversation exploring a range of topics drawn from the Ageless Wisdom teachings. New episodes every Monday. If you enjoy this podcast, please consider donating at MeditationMount.org

Discipline (Four Way Books, 2024), Debra Spark's latest novel was inspired by the life of Walt Kuhn, who introduced Americans to modern art, and also by an infamous east coast boarding school that was forcibly shut down in 2014. The novel twists and turns through the lives of an artist and his wife, a teenager forced to attend a horrifying boarding school, the artist and his wife's lonely daughter after their deaths, and a divorced art appraiser studying the works of the dead artist. Discipline addresses teenagers whose lives are molded by thoughtless adults and women who struggle with loneliness or are taken advantage of by the unscrupulous. It's a coming-of-age story, a mystery about an art theft, but this gorgeous novel is also about family, ambition, and suffering. DEBRA SPARK is the author of five novels, two collections of short stories, and two books of essays on fiction writing. Her most recent books are the novel Unknown Caller and the essay collection And Then Something Happened. With Deborah Joy Corey, she co-edited Breaking Bread, a book of food essays by Maine writers to raise funds for a hunger nonprofit. Her short work has appeared in Agni, AWP Writers' Chronicle, the Boston Globe, the Cincinnati Review, the Chicago Tribune, Epoch, Esquire, Five Points, Food and Wine, Harvard Review, Huffington Post, Maine Magazine, Narrative, New England Travel and Life, the New England Review, the New York Times, Ploughshares, salon.com, the San Francisco Chronicle, the Washington Post, Yankee, and Yale Alumni Quarterly, among other places. In addition to writing book reviews, fiction, articles, and essays, she spent a decade writing about home, art, and design for Maine Home+Design, Decor Maine, Down East, Dwell, Elysian, Interiors Boston, New England Home, and Yankee. She writes a monthly book review column of French books in English translation for Frenchly.us. She has been the recipient of several awards including Maine's 2017 READ ME series, a National Endowment for the Arts fellowship, a Bunting Institute fellowship from Radcliffe College, Wisconsin Institute Fellowship, Pushcart Prize, Michigan Literary Fiction Award, and John Zacharis/Ploughshares award for best first book. A graduate of Yale University and the Iowa Writers' Workshop, she is a professor at Colby College and teaches in the MFA Program for Writers at Warren Wilson College. When she's not working, Spark exercises, studies French, spends time with friends and family, bakes gluten-free, and belongs to a cookbook book club. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/literature

Discipline (Four Way Books, 2024), Debra Spark's latest novel was inspired by the life of Walt Kuhn, who introduced Americans to modern art, and also by an infamous east coast boarding school that was forcibly shut down in 2014. The novel twists and turns through the lives of an artist and his wife, a teenager forced to attend a horrifying boarding school, the artist and his wife's lonely daughter after their deaths, and a divorced art appraiser studying the works of the dead artist. Discipline addresses teenagers whose lives are molded by thoughtless adults and women who struggle with loneliness or are taken advantage of by the unscrupulous. It's a coming-of-age story, a mystery about an art theft, but this gorgeous novel is also about family, ambition, and suffering. DEBRA SPARK is the author of five novels, two collections of short stories, and two books of essays on fiction writing. Her most recent books are the novel Unknown Caller and the essay collection And Then Something Happened. With Deborah Joy Corey, she co-edited Breaking Bread, a book of food essays by Maine writers to raise funds for a hunger nonprofit. Her short work has appeared in Agni, AWP Writers' Chronicle, the Boston Globe, the Cincinnati Review, the Chicago Tribune, Epoch, Esquire, Five Points, Food and Wine, Harvard Review, Huffington Post, Maine Magazine, Narrative, New England Travel and Life, the New England Review, the New York Times, Ploughshares, salon.com, the San Francisco Chronicle, the Washington Post, Yankee, and Yale Alumni Quarterly, among other places. In addition to writing book reviews, fiction, articles, and essays, she spent a decade writing about home, art, and design for Maine Home+Design, Decor Maine, Down East, Dwell, Elysian, Interiors Boston, New England Home, and Yankee. She writes a monthly book review column of French books in English translation for Frenchly.us. She has been the recipient of several awards including Maine's 2017 READ ME series, a National Endowment for the Arts fellowship, a Bunting Institute fellowship from Radcliffe College, Wisconsin Institute Fellowship, Pushcart Prize, Michigan Literary Fiction Award, and John Zacharis/Ploughshares award for best first book. A graduate of Yale University and the Iowa Writers' Workshop, she is a professor at Colby College and teaches in the MFA Program for Writers at Warren Wilson College. When she's not working, Spark exercises, studies French, spends time with friends and family, bakes gluten-free, and belongs to a cookbook book club. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/new-books-network

In this week's episode of Musings From The Mount, we explore what it really means to walk "the path of service" - a concept we've touched on throughout our podcast but now examine more deeply. Our conversation unpacks how this path differs from traditional religious callings, combining intellectual understanding with practical application. The episode draws from both Agni Yoga teachings and the lineage connected to Meditation Mount to outline essential qualities for those committed to service. We discuss divine indifference, detachment, perseverance, and non-irritation - each functioning as practical guideposts rather than rigid rules. These aren't abstract concepts but necessary capacities for anyone seeking to consciously participate in humanity's evolution. Our discussion takes a personal turn when we examine the journey from being a "seeker" to becoming actively engaged in service. A fundamental shift happens when we realize the natural urge of the soul isn't to acquire knowledge but to give. The conversation includes reflections on how perseverance plays a crucial role during challenging periods in anyone's journey of growth and recovery. What emerges is a practical framework for daily living that moves beyond abstract spirituality. Whether you're just beginning to feel that gentle "knocking" of something more meaningful in your life, or you're already dedicated to serving others, this conversation offers perspective on how to develop greater capacity for service while maintaining balance and patience - defined in the episode as "the ability to hold an intent over time without irritation and without attachment to outcome." Meditation Mount and HeartLight Productions are pleased to present Musings from the Mount – a weekly podcast with host Joseph Carenza and guests in conversation exploring a range of topics drawn from the Ageless Wisdom teachings. New episodes every Monday. If you enjoy this podcast, please consider donating at MeditationMount.org

According to yogic philosophy, food is an important spiritual teacher, yet many of us are caught in an exhausting cycle of overindulgence and restriction. In today's episode, Katie shares weight-balancing tips and Ayurvedic practices to empower you and set you free from feeling shame and guilt around food. Whether you want to lose a few pounds or not, this important talk is for everyone who's ready to improve their relationship with food! If you'd like to learn from Katie LIVE every month we invite you to join our Spirit Sessions membership! Click here to learn more. In this episode about weight balancing, you'll hear: ~ An invitation to our free Women's Wisdom and Ayurveda for Women mini-course! ~ Katie's top Ayurvedic practices for weight balancing ~ How your relationship with food mirrors your relationship with the divine ~ The mother root of Ayurvedic healthcare ~ An Ayurvedic perspective of metabolism ~ The relationship between agni, ama and ojas ~ Tips to balance your metabolism ~ Seasonal cleansing for weight balancing ~ Mindful eating practices ~ Why how you eat is more important than what you eat ~ The best time of day to eat carbs ~ The first burp ~ Katie's favorite herb for weight balancing Other resources related to this episode: ~ Our favorite triphala from Paavani! Use the discount code SpiritSessions for 10% off your order at paavaniayurveda.com. ~ Learn more about Ayurveda School ~ 2025 Chakra Yoga Nidra Workshop: Study with Katie and other luminary teachers this fall in the Bahamas! ~ 2026 Chakra Yoga Nidra Retreat: Deep dive into the chakras with Katie as your guide in the beautiful Bahamas in spring 2026! ~ Follow us on Instagram and Facebook ~ Katie's latest book, Glow-Worthy Get the full show notes here: www.TheShaktiSchool.com/podcast/

In our latest Musings From The Mount episode, we explore what happens beneath the surface of that spiritual maxim we reference in nearly every conversation: "energy follows thought." What exactly is this energy, and how does thinking actually shape our reality? Drawing from Agni Yoga teachings, we examine how "psychic energy" functions as the primary force flowing through all of us. This isn't mystical fortune-telling but rather the fundamental current that powers creation itself. Michael explains how our thoughts function like magnetic charges that attract and manifest what we focus on - for better or worse. The conversation takes a practical turn as we discuss how this understanding applies to everyday life. We look at why self-pity and doubt can cut off our energy flow, and why beauty and gratitude can restore it. As we face a world filled with divisive rhetoric and self-centered power struggles, this episode offers a timely perspective on how we might become "forces for good" rather than sources of toxicity. The wisdom here is simple yet profound: how we condition the energy flowing through us directly affects the world around us. True power emerges not from self-serving ambition but from allowing ourselves to become channels for something greater.

Agni is life. Ojas is the container for agni. Ojas is key for feeling nourished and resilient. Learn More About: Turning your focus toward what you want versus always looking for imbalance Specific sutras from the Vedas on ojas The two types of ojas and how they are formed Replenishing ojas   Resources: Ayurveda Encompassed: Take your understanding of Ayurveda to a new level and step into a more expansive version of yourself. Join Angela in a high-level small group mentorship with personalized support and resources. For wellness practitioners and Ayurveda enthusiasts. Free 3-Part Series on Ancient Wisdom + Modern Nuance: German New Medicine, Trauma-Informed Ayurveda and Navigating the Liminal Space Join the Simple Ayurveda newsletter Resources mentioned in episode (images of embryo development, etc)

Maggie Smith returns to Let's Talk Memoir for a conversation about letting imposter syndrome go, fiercely guarding your interior life, getting back to the core place where creativity thrives, rewriting a book from scratch, how writing feels in the body, swerving out of your creative lane, battling the sophomore slump, what it feels like to be watched, when ego gets in the way, fears of paralyzing failure, playing the long game, the best advice she ever got, staying agile and awake in the creative process, and her new book Dear Writer: Pep Talks & Practical Advice for the Creative Life.   Ronit's first interview with Maggie Smith: https://ronitplank.com/2023/04/11/lets-talk-memoir-episode-38-ft-maggie-smith/   Also in this episode: -the inner critic -assembling a book freestyle -tenacity and grit     Books mentioned in this episode: Meander, Spiral, Explode by Jane Allison The Art of Memoir by Mary Karr Truth is the Arrow, Mercy is the Bow by Steve Almond Greywolf Press series “The Art of…” books   Maggie Smith is the New York Times bestselling author of eight books of poetry and prose, including You Could Make This Place Beautiful: A Memoir (One Signal/Atria, 2023); My Thoughts Have Wings, illustrated by Leanne Hatch (Balzer+Bray/Harperkids, 2024); Goldenrod: Poems (One Signal/Atria, 2021); Keep Moving: Notes on Loss, Creativity, and Change (One Signal/Atria, 2020); and Good Bones (Tupelo Press, 2017). Smith's next book is Dear Writer: Pep Talks & Practical Advice for the Creative Life, forthcoming from One Signal/Atria in April 2025. Her poems and essays have appeared in the New York Times, The New Yorker, Poetry, The Nation, The Best American Poetry, The Paris Review, The Atlantic, AGNI, Ploughshares, Image, the Washington Post, Virginia Quarterly Review, American Poetry Review, The Southern Review, and many other journals and anthologies. In 2016 her poem "Good Bones" went viral internationally; since then it has been translated into nearly a dozen languages and featured on the CBS primetime drama Madam Secretary. Smith has received fellowships and awards from the National Endowment for the Arts, the Academy of American Poets, the Ohio Arts Council, the Sustainable Arts Foundation, and the Virginia Center for the Creative Arts.   – Ronit's writing has appeared in The Atlantic, The Rumpus, The New York Times, Poets & Writers, The Iowa Review, Hippocampus, The Washington Post, Writer's Digest, American Literary Review, and elsewhere. Her memoir WHEN SHE COMES BACK about the loss of her mother to the guru Bhagwan Shree Rajneesh and their eventual reconciliation was named Finalist in the 2021 Housatonic Awards Awards, the 2021 Indie Excellence Awards, and was a 2021 Book Riot Best True Crime Book. Her short story collection HOME IS A MADE-UP PLACE won Hidden River Arts' 2020 Eludia Award and the 2023 Page Turner Awards for Short Stories.  She earned an MFA in Nonfiction Writing at Pacific University, is Creative Nonfiction Editor at The Citron Review, and teaches memoir through the University of Washington's Online Continuum Program and also independently. She launched Let's Talk Memoir in 2022, lives in Seattle with her family of people and dogs, and is at work on her next book. More about Ronit: https://ronitplank.com Subscribe to Ronit's Substack: https://substack.com/@ronitplank Follow Ronit: https://www.instagram.com/ronitplank/ https://www.facebook.com/RonitPlank https://bsky.app/profile/ronitplank.bsky.social   Background photo credit: Photo by Patrick Tomasso on Unsplash Headshot photo credit: Sarah Anne Photography Theme music: Isaac Joel, Dead Moll's Fingers

On this episode of The Wholesome Fertility Podcast, I dive deep into a fascinating and vital topic—how stress impacts the gut-brain connection and, in turn, your fertility health. We'll explore how chronic stress affects your nervous system, gut microbiome, and hormonal balance, and I'll share actionable tips to regulate your nervous system, support gut health, and optimize fertility. Tune in to learn how to empower your mind and body for a thriving fertility journey!     Takeaways   The gut and brain are connected via the vagus nerve, creating a two-way communication system that influences stress and digestion. Chronic stress diverts blood flow away from vital organs, impacting digestion, hormone balance, and fertility. Practices like diaphragmatic breathing, meditation, and ear massage can activate the vagus nerve, promoting a"rest and digest" state. A diverse and healthy gut microbiome supports hormonal health, reduces inflammation, and enhances fertility. Emotional stress drains the body's reserves and can lead to hormonal imbalances like lowered progesterone levels. Mindful eating habits, such as chewing food thoroughly and avoiding distractions, improve digestion and gut health. Acupuncture and other TCM techniques help regulate the nervous system and support overall fertility wellness.     For more information about Michelle, visit: www.michelleoravitz.com   Check out Michelle's Latest Book: The Way of Fertility! https://www.michelleoravitz.com/thewayoffertility   The Wholesome FertilityFacebook group is where you can find free resources and support: https://www.facebook.com/groups/2149554308396504/   Instagram: @thewholesomelotusfertility     Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thewholesomelotus/       Transcript:   [00:00:00] Welcome to the Wholesome Fertility Podcast. On today's episode, I'm going to be talking about a topic that I've talked about before, but it's a little different. And I am going to be discussing stress and its impact on fertility. Now, I've spoken about stress before, we've had many, many different episodes talking about how stress can impact fertility, and I know a lot of people say, Oh, does it really impact fertility? Yes. When it gets broken down, absolutely, and indirectly in some ways. So today I'm actually going to be talking about the gut brain connection, how stress can impact the gut and how the gut. is super important for fertility health. So stay tuned. So I find this topic actually really, really fascinating because the [00:01:00] gut is super smart. Actually, it has its own nervous system and it's really fascinating just how it runs. And I tend to be really fascinated by the nervous system as it is. And I think that the nervous system is one of the things that We don't really pay that much attention to, but it really does make a difference on so many factors and so many things in our body. And really, it makes such a difference and influence on how we feel in our life and how we perceive the world as well. And if you really think about the influence of stress on the nervous system, then you can see how it really is a Such a direct relationship. Stress is really how our nervous system reacts and responds to the life around us. Now, I always say this, I've said this before, and I'm going to say this today again, is that it's not about   [00:02:00]eliminating stress or eradicating stress. As a matter of fact, stress can actually make us stronger. So having moments of stress, I mean, if you think about going to the gym and building muscle, One of the reasons why we get stronger is because of the stress and stress can also impact the bones and help the bones. So having that extra stress actually strengthens the bones. So stress can actually be something that can be alchemize to help our bodies to help our life like if you have difficulties or challenges in your life, you'll find that it actually makes you stronger and it makes you smarter and it gets you to think about things differently than you would have normally. And if you don't have that element of stress, then you don't really have that opportunity of growth. So stress is incredibly advantageous when it is not chronic when it's not all the time and we as humans and this is really like even how we learn about the body through Chinese medicine   [00:03:00] is that A lot of things in our bodies and a lot of things in nature run in pulses, it runs in rhythms. So when you have something all the time without that break, that's when it can lead to imbalance. So when you have like pulses of stress or things that come and go, That is when the body is able to have the pulse and then it goes back into a more yin phase. I've spoken about the yin and the yang, which are really two opposing opposites that need each other in order to create harmony and balance. And that harmony and balance is something that conventional medicine will say or call homeostasis. And homeostasis is basically a state that the body always strives for in order to thrive. And that is the ultimate. So homeostasis is that balance that keeps us in check. It keeps the hormones in check. It keeps everything in check. Now, in order to have that, we   [00:04:00] can't have too much yang or too much yin. We need the two. And this is how we have a pulse. A pulse is something that goes back and forth. and that back and forth is what keeps things in balance. So it can go back and forth, but then eventually grow into strength. So having that stress, but then having that recovery and that combination of the two is what actually gets us stronger. However, many cases our nervous system is hyper stimulated, hyper meaning over. So overstimulated by electronics, by sound, by things that are typically not occurring in nature if we were to be living really in accordance with nature and what we used to do in the past when we didn't have all these man made things like light at night or really loud noises from the garbage truck things that are   [00:05:00]really not Something that you find in nature sounds that you don't really hear in nature, bright lights that you don't see in nature, things that are not typical to what our bodies are actually programmed to be used to, and also to understand the process. So when we have that extreme hyper stimulation all the time, and now I'm not even talking about the emotional stress. I'm just talking about. So I'm going to talk about the stressors that we are exposed to day in and day out that also stimulate our nervous system. And by stimulating it all the time, it actually weakens it. It makes you more tired. So in Chinese medicine, we talk about excess and deficiency, and that's kind of like the yin and the yang. And when we have too much excess, it can lead to deficiency because the body has to process that excess. And when there's just too much coming at it at once, it can make it more deficient. Just think   [00:06:00] about a computer. If you're throwing in so many different software and really loading it up over time, it's going to get slower and it's going to get in the way of its ability to process signals and it takes a little longer to do things. So now that we covered that aspect of stress, there's also emotional stress, and if you notice, emotions actually take a lot of energy in the body, and so having that stress chronically of emotions, that drains the body of reserves, and it can also impact it. how we feel and impact the state of our brains. And it also has been shown to create a more incoherent state of brain waves. And that's been studied and observed in HeartMath Institute where they study the heart brain coherence. And it's really, really fascinating work because they're actually seeing that there's a relationship between the heart and the brain and the heart has   [00:07:00] always been in Chinese medicine said to house the brain, which is interesting because nobody really understood from a conventional medicine perspective, what that really meant. Or it was kind of like, okay, well that's, I guess their perspective on it or their theory. But now science is actually showing that that is really in fact true. And as a matter of fact, the heart acts as a brain and it can really pick up on things before the brain even picks up on them. So your heart is in a sense even more powerful than the brain itself. Now when it comes to the brain and stressors and impacts of the stressors on the brain, that can impact a fight and flight. response from your body. So we know one thing that's really fascinating is that there's a bi directional relationship between the brain and your gut. So your gut has its   [00:08:00] own nervous system and it's called the enteric nervous system. And your brain is connected to the central nervous system and that central nervous system gets information from the brain and it also receives information from the body. So how that is connected to the gut is through the vagus nerve. So the vagus nerve is kind of like playing operator and it has a bidirectional communication pathway from the enteric nervous system, which is our gut nervous system. And that basically runs from your mouth to your anus. So basically it runs throughout the whole thing and it has hundreds of thousands of neurons and that is pretty fascinating. But the fascinating thing is that it is connected via the vagus nerve to your brain and your brain connects with your gut. So when you have stressors that are impacting the integrity of the way your brain is   [00:09:00]functioning, when there are too many Difficulties and coherences  and dysfunctional stressors  that can impact your nervous system and also impact you to be more in a fight or flight situation. state, then that can impact your gut health as well. So when the vagus nerve is activated, the vagus nerve can get you into a more rest and digest state. And that rest and digest state is optimal for your digestive system. And that is what you want. You want your body to be in a state of where fluids can flow freely, because you'll find that if you are in a fight or flight State your mouth gets really dry. It's like the fluids get like dried up and  what happens is in those situations where your body perceives a danger, it knows that it can't focus on anything else, but the ability to run or to fight if you can't run. So what   [00:10:00] happens is your body automatically will start to send it. blood to the arms and to the legs and away from your organs. So that, where does that move away from? It moves away from your heart. It moves away from your liver. It moves away from all your internal organs, moves away from your digestion. It moves away from your uterus and your ovaries. And to have yourself be in a state that is chronically like that, it's going to impact how your body is going to nourish itself and regenerate. And that of course is going to impact your fertility health. So yes, stress can really, really impact fertility health. But a very big reason for why is also because it impacts your gut health. And your gut health is central to your fertility health. It can impact how your body is able to process nutrients, how your body is   [00:11:00] able to get energy, how your body deals with inflammation, and how your body's immune system operates. All things that contribute greatly to your fertility. fertility health. And it also impacts your body's microbiome, not just the gut microbiome, but it can also influence your vaginal microbiome and your uterine microbiome. So it can impact so many things and it's such a trickle effect. And that's the thing with a body that is so amazing, but also can be challenging for, you know, Sometimes conventional medicine to approach, because if you take pieces of the body or parts of the body and just focus on that part, you're just not going to get the full picture. And this is why I love Chinese medicine is because it looks at the full circle, the full picture and how all the different parts work together. And it's like a big, huge web that   [00:12:00] intercommunicates with each other. So when you start to realize that. You don't need to really figure it out all together, and that's a thing that I do want to stress in this. Um, no pun intended, but I do want to mention that ultimately all the things that I'm telling you is really to give you a big picture about it, but you don't have to figure out exactly how it works. It's really more an understanding. of really what stress can do to your gut. The reason I say this is because your body's actually really intelligent and your body knows what to do. So when you get it to a state where you regulate your nervous system, and I'm going to be sharing things and to do's towards the end of this. So you can keep listening to find out. But when you do get yourself to that state, Then your body knows exactly what it needs to do. You don't have to figure it out and you don't even have to tell the body what to do. The body already knows what to do. All it needs is an environment that feels   [00:13:00] safe for it to do so. Another thing to note is that the brain. not only impacts the gut, but the gut can also impact the brain. So the gut can also impact our ability to produce serotonin, which is a neurotransmitter that impacts your mood and overall wellbeing. So if you have any kind of issues with your gut, it can also impact the brain and that can create more stress. So it's bi directional. And that is what is so fascinating about this is that you can really impact your gut through your brain and you can impact your brain through your gut. So besides stress impacting your gut, I also want to mention that it can also elevate cortisol levels, which cortisol is a hormone and again, cortisol has a lot of benefits for the body as well, but you don't want it to be chronic. When it's chronic, it can suppress ovulation. It can also  Lower progesterone levels. So that's one of the   [00:14:00] reasons why somebody can have lowered progesterone is from high stress. And progesterone is really important. It's important for fertility, obviously, but it's really, really important for pregnancy. So to, in order to sustain a pregnancy, you need good, healthy amounts of progesterone. So, I wanted to mention a couple of really interesting studies and one of them was the study on Tibetan monks and what they did was they actually looked at the gut microbiome of those Tibetan monks and also neighbors and so basically what they found was that, um, the microbiome of the meditators and the microbiome of the neighbors. And they both ate similar foods. They were exposed to the same water. They lived in the same area. The only difference really was that the meditators meditated all day. And what they found was that the gut microbiome and the meditators was a lot more enriched and a lot more   [00:15:00] diverse than the ones of the neighbors. And that's pretty fascinating because What that shows you is that there are types of microbiome and what it looked like for the meditators is associated with a lot less risk of inflammation and risk of heart disease and lots of different. autoimmune conditions. So it protected them basically by having that enriched gut microbiome. It protected their bodies, but it also shows us that their meditations have something to do with the gut microbiome. Something else that I want to note Is if you've been listening to me, you probably are sick of hearing me talk about Dr. Joe Dispenza, because I absolutely have been so influenced by his work. And when I went to his retreat,  they basically studied the participants blood and their gut microbiome is one of the things that they study in brain waves and amongst many other things. And what they   [00:16:00] found was that when they take the stool samples of the participants from the beginning before they actually start the week long meditation retreat, they check their stools before and then they check it afterwards and they find that it's drastically different and it has way more diversity in their microbiome and it's associated with much better health. Okay. And so that's pretty fascinating. And that's something that I directly had experience to watching. So it seems like basically that through meditation and through mindfulness practices Or any kind of practices that lower stress that that can impact the gut microbiome, which is fascinating because then it gives us a lot of power. It gives us a feeling of empowerment that you really can make a difference in your gut just through your mind alone. Another really fascinating study that I found was that they   [00:17:00] had correlations between certain types of mental disorders and some of them were even mild depression or mild anxiety all the way leading to bipolar and other types that were more severe. And what they found was that there was an interesting pattern of the microbiome and it was a similar type of microbiome pattern where it showed some microbiome dysbiosis that related to the mental condition. that the person had. So depending on what it was, there seemed to be a pattern in their gut microbiome, which is another incredibly fascinating thing. And something that I also heard about was fecal implants, I don't necessarily suggest it. I think it's still an experimental phase, something that you might want to ask your doctor about if you really have gone through a lot, but. Definitely do your   [00:18:00] research because I know that it's not something that I think that it's not something without any risks at all. But what they found, which was fascinating about this, is that when they did the fecal transplant, the person would basically take a transplant of poop, it's kind of gross, from somebody who has a really good enriched microbiome. And they basically transplanted that poop from that person to the other person, who'd take the poop and put it back. into the person who had dysbiosis or issues with their gut. And what they found was that it influenced their gut health because what happened was that microbiome would start to populate and grow in numbers for the person that needed it. And they found that not only did it help in many cases with gut conditions, but it also helped with mental conditions. Um, it helped with ADHD and many other types of mental diagnoses. So it was [00:19:00] really, really, really fascinating that that can really make such a difference, but it can. So it is kind of cool to know this because then you realize that yes, I can approach this through the gut itself. Which a lot of people do, but many times people get so focused sort of on like the physical body that they ignore the mental body. And I find that I meet a lot of people, whether it's my clients or in person or online. where they have spoken to functional doctors, they know pretty much what supplements to take, what to eat, and they figured it all out and almost to a point where it caused them a lot of mental stress. But the focus was so much just on the physical that the mental was ignored. And it is something that is easy to ignore because. It's something that we don't really see, we can't touch, it's something that kind of operates behind the   [00:20:00] scenes, and most of the time, our eyes, when they're open, are focused on the world around us, so it's easier for us to focus on that. and not close our eyes and go within, which is what a lot of these mindfulness practices teach us. And this is actually something that I cover a lot in my book, the way of fertility, because I thought it was so important. What I found just really in working in this field is that That is the most ignored aspect of our being and it's because it can be actually really frustrating to deal with. It's frustrating to do something and work with something and focus on something that we can't really hold and it's not as tangible. And it feels like we have less control, but ultimately by doing so and allowing ourselves to experience that feeling, the feelings that come up with it, that's when we actually do start to feel   [00:21:00] more of a sense of control. So it's kind of like a little paradox in its own experience. but I do highly recommend looking into it. But I'm going to talk about not just the mindfulness aspect, but I'm also going to talk about really tangible ways that you can impact your nervous system. And of course I'm going to mention acupuncture. And that is something that I do. And acupuncture, is incredibly beneficial on regulating the nervous system. It works on your circuits, basically. I mean, to really say it in the most simplest way, obviously, acupuncture is a lot more complex than just calling it circuits, but it's really beneficial. To say circuits, it makes it easier for the mind to really envision. Do you basically have circuits in your body and that circuits and the pulses that the circuits bring, which is really the channels inside your body. When you're stimulating that with acupuncture, it can really help regulate   [00:22:00] the nervous system and basically restart that. And so what that does is over time and not in the beginning, sometimes in the beginning you could feel more tired, but over time it'll increase your energy. But also will help you feel calm at the same time. So I call it calm alert. And I love that combination when you're calm and you're alert, which is the opposite of like having a lot of coffee to try to like force yourself to have energy and then you're jittery. So no, no jitters, you're super alert, but you're also calm. It's like the perfect combination. So acupuncture can really support that in many different ways, not just by regulating your own patterns, but also by stimulating the channels and also by doing auricular therapy, which is really addressing the points on the ears. The ears are one area that make the vagus nerve accessible. The vagus nerve, which is that go between your brain and your gut is really, really important. , when it gets stimulated, it   [00:23:00] actually stimulates the rest and digest part of your nervous system. So that could be really, really impactful on your gut health. And so one of the ways that you could do this, so acupuncture is one of the ways, but one of the ways that you could do this at home is simply by massaging your ears every single day. You could do this at night and you could do this in the shower. Or you could do this whenever you remember to do it. But massaging your ears can almost immediately have an impact on the nervous system. So it not almost immediately. It actually does have that. So that's something that you might want to do. And while you're doing that, You can also do some deep breathing. So working that diaphragm. So diaphragmatic breathing where we're breathing from the belly, that's ultimately the best way to breathe. We are trained over time and conditioned to breathe through the ribs and. while   [00:24:00] the ribs are part of how we breathe, the most effective way to breathe is through the diaphragm. So you can practice this by putting your hand on your belly and feeling your belly go in and out and train yourself to do that. Get back into that. And you can actually train yourself to do that. I used to not do that. And I, Now I train myself to do that. That is just the way I breathe. It's not going to give you a huge belly. You know, people are so afraid of that, that they start to breathe the wrong way. And ultimately it helps oxygenate your body much better, but then also when you're doing some breathing exercises, it can also calm the vagus nerve. One of the ways to do this is by inhaling to four counts, holding your breath and then exhaling to eight counts. So when you exhale longer than you inhale, you get yourself into a more rest and digest mode.   [00:25:00] If you have issues sleeping at night, this is a great exercise to do and you could literally combine that with massaging your ears and also slowing down your breath and holding it on the inhale and holding it a little bit on the exhale. So controlling that breath. And then filling up the lungs all the way and then exhaling all the air out. Another thing that you can do is hum. So humming that vibration sound from your throat can actually impact and stimulate the vagus nerve. So that's another way to stimulate the vagus nerve. And generally speaking, things like yoga, qigong, and movement that becomes more conscious can also regulate your nervous system. And you can also, as you're laying down, if you have any issues falling asleep, you can also do something called Yoga Nidra. You can find many different ones on YouTube   [00:26:00] where they guide you through focusing on the different parts of your body. But becoming aware of your body sensations is another way to really make that strong connection between your brain and your awareness and your body. So that is really what I have for the mind. But then when it comes to your gut, you could do a lot of things too, to support your mind and to support your gut. And so my number one rule for this, number one, is chew your food. Chew your food so that it becomes complete mush. And I remember hearing, when I was studying Ayurveda, I remember hearing my teacher shared this quote, and I was like, oh my god, this It's true. And he said, drink your food and eat your drink. So I'm like, okay, you know, it's kind of weird to hear the first time you hear about it, but drink your food, meaning you choose so well that you basically have a smoothie   [00:27:00] in your mouth, ready to like swallow like a drink. And then also taking your time with it. The drinks and the soups and kind of giving yourself a little more time in your mouth because what happens is Your saliva has these amazing enzymes that help break down your food Once it enters your gut so that is the first process and probably the most important because you want to start that foundation of digestion right and that foundation starts with mastication which is chewing and combining that with with your saliva. So not only liquefying it, but also liquefying it with liquid gold, which is digestive enzymes that you're able to really get into the food so that the food is able to process and the digestive system doesn't have as hard of a time doing what it does because the digestive system process is actually very energy   [00:28:00]consuming and that is one of the reasons why we need to rest and digest. We get more tired after we eat because our bodies need energy in order to digest. So when you're doing that, you're actually making it easier and creating a much more efficient digestive process. Secondly, if you're going to have proteins, Combine them with vegetables or some fibers so that you're able to process it and really chew it. But also the biggest, most difficult to digest meals should be eaten when the sun is strongest outside. What that does is that our bodies respond very much to the environment and it will respond to that digestive fire. So having that sun very strong will impact our Agni, which is the digestive fire, and that will impact how we're able to process food. And I also suggest eating less at night. As the sun goes down, your   [00:29:00] digestive system also starts to sleep. So it's important during that time to go easy. And you can have soups, steamed vegetables, really, really light meals at night. and then allow your stomach and your digestive system a little fasting time in the evening before you go to sleep. Your sleep is going to be a lot better because again, all that energy that usually goes into digestion can go into repair, into balancing hormones, into replenishing your body as you sleep. Plus your sleep will be deeper and better if you, don't have too much in your stomach. I also highly suggest getting on a good probiotic. And the one I like, and again, it really depends on your gut condition because you might need different protocols, but the company I like is microbiome labs and they do gut testing. They also do,   [00:30:00] they have lots of different supplements. Megasporbiotic is the most common one  for people with really complex digestive issues, they might benefit from going with something a little more gentle than Megasporbiotic and doing like a one strain in the beginning so their body gets used to it. But I highly recommend their products because they are really, really top notch. And lastly, you could do this while you shower, you could do this after your shower, massaging your belly is one of the most impactful things, not just for your gut, but it can also impact your uterus and get more blood flow to that area. So really just massaging in clockwise circles. So as you're looking at your belly, circle around your belly button and you can do a wide circle until you get closer to the belly button and then go wide again and then go back and forth like that. Then you can go   [00:31:00] from the top of the rib cage down to the belly button and then from your pubic bone up and from the sides towards the center of your belly button and diagonal. And really you are intuitive and your hands are intuitive. So your hands will figure out how it feels good to massage your belly. So you can press in certain points that feel like it needs more movement or if it feels stagnant and you'll get to feel what you need because that's ultimately what happens when we start to connect with our bodies. And lastly, just a really good habit to get into is mindful eating, becoming aware of what you're eating and not doing other things like watching TV or being on your phone, just sitting and looking at your food because you do start salivating when you look at your food. Looking at your food is also the beginning of digestion. So becoming mindful with your food, also tasting your food, chewing your food, and     [00:32:00] becoming aware of how certain foods make you feel and really connecting with that because that will connect you to intuitive eating, where you intuitively know what is good for you and what is not good for you. So that concludes today's episode, and I hope you enjoy this. To me, this is a really fascinating topic, and it's something that I think a lot of people should really give attention to, because the mind and the gut are really both important things in life. when it comes to your fertility health. And it also will help the process so that you don't feel as stressed and you feel more ready and equipped to get through this. because we know the fertility journey is challenging as it is. So I hope you feel more empowered with this message. And if you guys feel connected to the content that I am sharing, please subscribe. And I would be so grateful   [00:33:00] for a review. Thank you so much for listening in and I hope you have a beautiful day.

In this segment we discuss observations of Krittika nakshatra. Krittika spans between Taurus and Aries. It is governed by the Sun and associated to Agni. The symbol is a knife, razor, or sword... all to say, this is quite the fireball of energy! We spend time exploring how the Sun and Agni influence this asterism and how it impacts an individuals personality and qualities. Christine: website: innerknowing.yoga instagram: astrologynow_podcast patreon: patreon.com/astrologynowpodcast  keywords: astrology, jyotish, Vedic astrology, sidereal astrology, nakshatras,  spirituality, Christine Rodriguez, aries, libra, scorpio, libra, capricorn, Nakshatra, new moon, taurus, Venus, Jupiter, Pisces, Spirituality, horoscope, retrograde, eclipse, solar eclipse, new moon, lunar eclipse

Kapha season is considered to be late winter and spring in Ayurveda, however, it's best to think of the qualities of the season as this is what determines whether it's kapha season. It's when there's cooler temperatures, the ground is saturated with rain or melting snow and the air is heavy with humidity. Having the understanding and awareness of the qualities which are present in our natural environment and our body/mind can help guide us in our food and lifestyle choices which can in turn prevent imbalances and illness. Some signs of excess kapha dosha are: Colds, coughs, flu, allergies with mucus and congestion Agni mandya (slow digestion) Feeling heavy and sluggish after eating Water retention Weight gain Lethargy and oversleeping Inertia or lack of motivation Slowness in all activities Foggy mind Feeling sad or depressed Withdrawing from social activities. In this episode Colette gives Ayurvedic tips on how to navigate this season to prevent these imbalances and she covers pacifying foods and tastes, best cooking methods, how and when to eat, self-care and mindfulness practices along with emotional and mental health advice. * Click here to learn more about discounted group Digestive Reset Cleanse starting January 31st, 2025 * Visit Colette's website www.elementshealingandwellbeing.com  Online consultations & Gift Vouchers Next discounted Group Cleanse starts January 31st, 2025 Private at-home Digestive Reset Cleanse tailored to you Educational programs - Daily Habits for Holistic Health Have questions before you book? Book a FREE 15 min online Services Enquiry Call * Join the Elements of Ayurveda Community! * Stay connected on the Elements Instagram and Facebook pages. * Enjoy discounts on your favourite Ayurvedic products: Banyan Botanicals - enter discount code ELEMENTSOFAYURVEDA15 at checkout for 15% off your first purchase.** Divya's  - enter discount code ELEMENTSOFAYURVEDA15 at checkout for 15% off your first purchase.** Kerala Ayurveda - enter discount code ELEMENTS15 to receive 15% off your first purchase.** **Shipping available within the U.S. only. * Thanks for listening!