Erin Telford

Photo by Melodee Solomon Do you remember that peculiar but serendipitous feeling when someone’s in your orbit, and you end up meeting simply by virtue of unplanned but repeated, consistent encounters? In 2019 it seems to happen virtually, too, and that’s the story of how Erin Telford and I met. She and sound therapist Sara Auster—one of Well Aware’s very first guests who notably has a book coming out in the fall—have been long-time buddies. Two of my dearest friends Alex and Meesh completed their trainings with Erin’s teacher David Elliott and have since become breathwork facilitators. She leads breathwork events at Sky Ting, my yoga home base, a few times each year. When I reached out to Erin, she shared that she was excited because Well Aware had been on her radar for quite some time, and because of our many mutual friends. I suppose it was only a matter of time before universal forces brought us together. We recorded our first conversation back in February 2019 and it was easily one of my favorite interviews. I was very sick and symptomatic at the time, which is one way to guarantee vulnerability… and by nature of her work and personhood, Erin shares from the heart. Not one minute after our sweet, much-anticipated exchange, my hard drive ran out of space and our conversation was deleted! Zilch. Nowhere to be found. I cried, I was embarrassed, and wanted to throw my laptop out the window. Erin, being the angel she is, responded in kind to my glitch. “Two open hearts can make magic twice.” A month later we had this talk, which was even better than the first.   I’ve experienced this type of breathwork a handful of times, and each one has been more profound than the last. Erin works with the breath and the body as corrective medicine for childhood trauma. The breath is through the mouth, a two part inhale culminating in a full exhale. The first inhale inflates the belly, the second inflates the chest, and the exhale is a release. Breathing like this for any length of time will activate chemical reactions in the body that are said to help us release stored trauma. Some people yell, some laugh, some cry, my experiences have included all of the above… if you do it in a group setting, I guarantee it’ll be a wild ride.  For the first 25 minutes or so, we talk about breathwork basics, and then we get into Erin’s journey and experience with the work.  This episode is for anyone:   interested in breathwork as a practice and/or a career path yearning for a career change but is feeling weighed down by debt and/or years spent learning something else wanting to learn how to increase their self-confidence and self-respect learning to observe their inner critic(s) working on setting boundaries  We discuss:   How Erin went from being an acupuncturist to a breathwork teacher, despite having $250,000 in student debt Why she went all-in on breathwork, of all healing modalities How breathwork allows healing through self-resourcing, versus other modalities that outsource healing Active versus passive healing Her teacher David Elliott and his breathwork method What you can expect physically, emotionally, and mentally during one of her breathwork sessions What happened during the exact moment on October 22, 2016, when Erin realized she was enough Her clarity around boundaries and the inner process that yielded them  How she holds herself through difficult experiences  What happens when you drastically change the pace your life, inviting slowness and space Social media hygiene and how Erin holds energetic boundaries on Instagram to keep the experience fun   If you’re turned on by breathwork and/or by Erin’s energy, she has a few offerings coming up this fall. The most exciting one is Sacred Terrain, a six-week healing journey into the landscape of your emotional body. With Erin as your guide, you’ll do breathwork and go inward to look closely at your patterns and behaviors, garnering the courage to shift where you need to. And if you’re lucky enough to be in New York or Los Angeles, you can attend one of her upcoming in-person groups. If not, she’s got you, you can attend her virtual online group in September. SHOW NOTES   @erintelford__ on Instagram Gabor Mate, a Canadian physician who specializes in addiction and trauma David Elliott breathwork and trainings When the Body Says No: Understanding the Stress-Disease Connection by Gabor Mate

Photo by Melodee Solomon Do you remember that peculiar but serendipitous feeling when someone’s in your orbit, and you end up meeting simply by virtue of unplanned but repeated, consistent encounters? In 2019 it seems to happen virtually, too, and that’s the story of how <a href="http://go.redirectingat.com/?id=74709X1524664&amp;xs=1&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Ferintelford.com%2F&amp;sref=rss" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Erin Telford</a> and I met. She and sound therapist <a href="http://go.redirectingat.com/?id=74709X1524664&amp;xs=1&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.well-aware.co%2Fwell-aware-show-022-sound-baths-and-sonic-diet-with-sara-auster%2F&amp;sref=rss" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Sara Auster</a>—one of Well Aware’s very first guests who notably has <a href="http://go.redirectingat.com/?id=74709X1524664&amp;xs=1&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fexec%2Fobidos%2FASIN%2F1982132949%3Ftag%3Dsimonsayscom&amp;sref=rss" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">a book</a> coming out in the fall—have been long-time buddies. Two of my dearest friends Alex and <a href="http://go.redirectingat.com/?id=74709X1524664&amp;xs=1&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.instagram.com%2F__michellebaker%2F&amp;sref=rss" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Meesh</a> completed their trainings with Erin’s teacher David Elliott and have since become breathwork facilitators. She leads breathwork events at <a href="http://go.redirectingat.com/?id=74709X1524664&amp;xs=1&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.well-aware.co%2Fwell-aware-show-023-the-practice-of-practice-with-sky-ting-yoga-founders-krissy-and-chloe%2F&amp;sref=rss" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Sky Ting</a>, my yoga home base, a few times each year. When I reached out to Erin, she shared that she was excited because Well Aware had been on her radar for quite some time, and because of our many mutual friends. I suppose it was only a matter of time before universal forces brought us together. We recorded our first conversation back in February 2019 and it was easily one of my favorite interviews. I was very <a href="http://go.redirectingat.com/?id=74709X1524664&amp;xs=1&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.well-aware.co%2Fwell-aware-37-the-big-update%2F&amp;sref=rss" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">sick and symptomatic</a> at the time, which is one way to guarantee vulnerability… and by nature of her work and personhood, Erin shares from the heart. Not one minute after our sweet, much-anticipated exchange, my hard drive ran out of space and our conversation was deleted! Zilch. Nowhere to be found. I cried, I was embarrassed, and wanted to throw my laptop out the window. Erin, being the angel she is, responded in kind to my glitch. “Two open hearts can make magic twice.” A month later we had this talk, which was even better than the first.   I’ve experienced this type of breathwork a handful of times, and each one has been more profound than the last. Erin works with the breath and the body as corrective medicine for childhood trauma. The breath is through the mouth, a two part inhale culminating in a full exhale. The first inhale inflates the belly, the second inflates the chest, and the exhale is a release. Breathing like this for any length of time will activate chemical reactions in the body that are said to help us release stored trauma. Some people yell, some laugh, some cry, my experiences have included all of the above… if you do it in a group setting, I guarantee it’ll be a wild ride.  For the first 25 minutes or so, we talk about breathwork basics, and then we get into Erin’s journey and experience with the work.  This episode is for anyone:  <ul> <li>interested in breathwork as a practice and/or a career path</li> <li>yearning for a career change but is feeling weighed down by debt and/or years spent learning something else</li> <li>wanting to learn how to increase their self-confidence and self-respect</li> <li>learning to observe their inner critic(s)</li> <li>working on setting boundaries</li> </ul> We discuss:  <ul> <li>How Erin went from being an acupuncturist to a breathwork teacher, despite having $250,000 in student debt</li> <li>Why she went all-in on breathwork, of all healing modalities</li> <li>How breathwork allows healing through self-resourcing, versus other modalities that outsource healing</li> <li>Active versus passive healing</li> <li>Her teacher <a href="http://go.redirectingat.com/?id=74709X1524664&amp;xs=1&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.davidelliott.com%2F&amp;sref=rss" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">David Elliott</a> and his breathwork method</li> <li>What you can expect physically, emotionally, and mentally during one of her breathwork sessions</li> <li>What happened during the exact moment on October 22, 2016, when Erin realized she was enough</li> <li>Her clarity around boundaries and the inner process that yielded them </li> <li>How she holds herself through difficult experiences </li> <li>What happens when you drastically change the pace your life, inviting slowness and space</li> <li>Social media hygiene and how Erin holds energetic boundaries on Instagram to keep the experience fun </li> </ul> If you’re turned on by breathwork and/or by Erin’s energy, she has a few offerings coming up this fall. The most exciting one is <a href="http://go.redirectingat.com/?id=74709X1524664&amp;xs=1&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Ferintelford.com%2Fsacred-terrain&amp;sref=rss" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Sacred Terrain</a>, a six-week healing journey into the landscape of your emotional body. With Erin as your guide, you’ll do breathwork and go inward to look closely at your patterns and behaviors, garnering the courage to shift where you need to. And if you’re lucky enough to be in New York or Los Angeles, you can attend one of her upcoming <a href="http://go.redirectingat.com/?id=74709X1524664&amp;xs=1&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Ferintelford.com%2Fgroups-classes&amp;sref=rss" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">in-person groups</a>. If not, she’s got you, you can attend her <a href="http://go.redirectingat.com/?id=74709X1524664&amp;xs=1&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Ferintelford.com%2Ftraining-events%2F2019%2F9%2F23%2Ffall-equinox-virtual-breathwork-group-in-the-comfort-of-your-own-home&amp;sref=rss" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">virtual online group</a> in September. SHOW NOTES  <ul> <li><a href="http://go.redirectingat.com/?id=74709X1524664&amp;xs=1&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.instagram.com%2Ferintelford__%2F%3Fhl%3Den&amp;sref=rss" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">@erintelford__</a> on Instagram</li> <li><a href="http://go.redirectingat.com/?id=74709X1524664&amp;xs=1&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fdrgabormate.com%2Ftopic%2Faddiction%2F&amp;sref=rss" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Gabor Mate</a>, a Canadian physician who specializes in addiction and trauma</li> <li><a href="http://go.redirectingat.com/?id=74709X1524664&amp;xs=1&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.davidelliott.com%2F&amp;sref=rss" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">David Elliott</a> breathwork and trainings</li> <li><a href="http://go.redirectingat.com/?id=74709X1524664&amp;xs=1&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2FWhen-Body-Says-Understanding-Stress-Disease%2Fdp%2F0470923350&amp;sref=rss" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">When the Body Says No: Understanding the Stress-Disease Connection</a> by Gabor Mate</li></ul>

WELL AWARE 43: Erin Telford on Breathwork, Boundaries, and Being Enough

Owyn Ruck

Articulate, headstrong, deft, hard working, self-aware, sensitive, nurturing, and collectively-oriented are all words that describe Owyn Ruck, the founder of Succurro. Succurro is a space that helps individuals as well as the collective regenerate humanity and reclaim a right to their own health. It’s located in East Meredith, New York — upstate, but away from all of the recent Brooklyn-transplant activity, claiming a space of its own.  Late last year I took an astrology class with Owyn through Succurro, and it changed my life. It was October, and I was in the beginnings of my healing crisis without even fully understanding what was going on. She opened up my eyes to a new way of thinking about astrology. Instead of rooting it in personality traits, she looks at a natal chart and sees potential and a clear healing journey, taking energetic cues rather than literal ones.   I’ve known about Succurro for a year or so, and I truly cannot remember how I came across it, but I’m glad I did. I was sucked into the mystery — the presentation on the website was so beautiful, their offerings were esoteric, and I wasn’t sure what to make of it. Which lead me to reach out to Owyn, and I’m so glad I did! In our conversation we discuss:   What exactly Succurro is, who it serves, and why she created it Owyn’s sensitive nature and how it manifests How she navigated a relationship to Spirit in an atheist household growing up Her best advice to someone looking at Succurro and wanting to create something similar  How to listen to your body, and Owyn’s story of a life-long struggle with hers Her inquiry technique for clarity How she came around to calling herself an artist  Whether she believes in ghosts (!) The interplay of climate change and self-awareness   This episode will especially serve sensitive or highly sensitive people, anybody looking to open up their own healing center, and people interested in astrology and/or self-inquiry. Forward it to your friends, share widely, tag us on Instagram and let us know how this episode affected you.  SHOW NOTES  Saipua, where Owyn apprenticed (listen to Sarah, Saipua’s founder, Well Aware episode from 2015!) Marlee Grace (listen to her Well Aware episode, too) Textile Arts Center in New York City’s Brooklyn and West Village  The Astrology Podcast: Fate, Free Will, and Astrology  Mark Jones, Owyn’s astrology teacher  SourcePoint therapy, via Succurro and the SourcePoint official website

Articulate, headstrong, deft, hard working, self-aware, sensitive, nurturing, and collectively-oriented are all words that describe <a href="http://go.redirectingat.com/?id=74709X1524664&amp;xs=1&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.instagram.com%2Fowynmarisol%2F%3Fhl%3Den&amp;sref=rss" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Owyn Ruck</a>, the founder of <a href="http://go.redirectingat.com/?id=74709X1524664&amp;xs=1&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.succurro.co%2F&amp;sref=rss" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Succurro</a>. Succurro is a space that helps individuals as well as the collective regenerate humanity and reclaim a right to their own health. It’s located in East Meredith, New York — upstate, but away from all of the recent Brooklyn-transplant activity, claiming a space of its own. Late last year I took an astrology class with Owyn through Succurro, and it changed my life. It was October, and I was in the beginnings of my healing crisis without even fully understanding what was going on. She opened up my eyes to a new way of thinking about astrology. Instead of rooting it in personality traits, she looks at a natal chart and sees potential and a clear healing journey, taking energetic cues rather than literal ones.   I’ve known about Succurro for a year or so, and I truly cannot remember how I came across it, but I’m glad I did. I was sucked into the mystery — the presentation on the website was so beautiful, their offerings were esoteric, and I wasn’t sure what to make of it. Which lead me to reach out to Owyn, and I’m so glad I did! In our conversation we discuss:  <ul> <li>What exactly Succurro is, who it serves, and why she created it</li> <li>Owyn’s sensitive nature and how it manifests</li> <li>How she navigated a relationship to Spirit in an atheist household growing up</li> <li>Her best advice to someone looking at Succurro and wanting to create something similar </li> <li>How to listen to your body, and Owyn’s story of a life-long struggle with hers</li> <li>Her inquiry technique for clarity</li> <li>How she came around to calling herself an artist </li> <li>Whether she believes in ghosts (!)</li> <li>The interplay of climate change and self-awareness</li> </ul> This episode will especially serve sensitive or highly sensitive people, anybody looking to open up their own healing center, and people interested in astrology and/or self-inquiry. Forward it to your friends, share widely, tag us on Instagram and let us know how this episode affected you.  SHOW NOTES <ul> <li><a href="http://go.redirectingat.com/?id=74709X1524664&amp;xs=1&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.saipua.com%2F&amp;sref=rss" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Saipua</a>, where Owyn apprenticed (listen to Sarah, Saipua’s founder, <a href="http://go.redirectingat.com/?id=74709X1524664&amp;xs=1&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.well-aware.co%2Fwell-aware-show-027-beyond-flowers-with-sarah-ryhanen-of-saipua%2F&amp;sref=rss" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Well Aware</a> episode from 2015!)</li> <li><a href="http://go.redirectingat.com/?id=74709X1524664&amp;xs=1&amp;url=http%3A%2F%2Fmarleegrace.space%2Fhome&amp;sref=rss" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Marlee Grace</a> (listen to her <a href="http://go.redirectingat.com/?id=74709X1524664&amp;xs=1&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.well-aware.co%2Fmarlee-grace-podcast%2F&amp;sref=rss" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Well Aware episode</a>, too)</li> <li><a href="http://go.redirectingat.com/?id=74709X1524664&amp;xs=1&amp;url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.textileartscenter.com%2F&amp;sref=rss" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Textile Arts Center</a> in New York City’s Brooklyn and West Village </li> <li><a href="http://go.redirectingat.com/?id=74709X1524664&amp;xs=1&amp;url=http%3A%2F%2Ftheastrologypodcast.com%2F2015%2F10%2F07%2Ffate-free-will-and-astrology%2F&amp;sref=rss" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Astrology Podcast</a>: Fate, Free Will, and Astrology </li> <li><a href="http://go.redirectingat.com/?id=74709X1524664&amp;xs=1&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.plutoschool.com%2F&amp;sref=rss" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Mark Jones</a>, Owyn’s astrology teacher </li> <li>SourcePoint therapy, via <a href="http://go.redirectingat.com/?id=74709X1524664&amp;xs=1&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.succurro.co%2Fsourcepoint-therapy-training-module-1&amp;sref=rss" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Succurro</a> and the <a href="http://go.redirectingat.com/?id=74709X1524664&amp;xs=1&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fsourcepointtherapy.com%2F&amp;sref=rss" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">SourcePoint official website</a></li></ul>

WELL AWARE 42: Succurro Founder Owyn Ruck on Being A Sensitive Person, Self-Inquiry, Astrology, and Integrity

Ryan Lemere

“When you get these jobs that you so brilliantly trained for, just remember that your real job is that if you are free, you need to free somebody else. If you have some power, then your job is to empower somebody else.” —Toni Morrison To know Ryan is a privilege. He’s a good listener, a strategic thinker, is generous with his energy, and spends most of his spare time in service of others or dreaming of ways we can all be, at scale. His ability to do exquisite boots-on-the-ground work while holding a higher vision not only for himself, but for the collective, is as rare as it is impressive.  Ryan is a freelance designer, brand strategist, yoga teacher, reiki master, artist, creative director—a true multi-hyphenate, like many Well Aware guests—who has done work for Wanderlust, Daybreaker, adidas, The Numinous, Lululemon, and more. He’s also the founder of Aligned, a media company disrupting the way we think of well-being that’s focused on the collective. Our conversation took place about year ago (if you want to know what happened between now and then, listen to The Big Update). It was fun to listen again and see how much had evolved and what still resonates. I met Ryan in the spring of 2018, right after he’d completed his first self-directed zine, Her Ferocities, which is perhaps the most beautiful and thoughtful zine I’ve had the pleasure of reading. He sent a cold email to my mindbodygreen address (yes, editors do read cold emails!) and after following the link to his work I knew we had to meet. It was a time when politics were grim, in the wake of #metoo, #timesup and #blacklivesmatter, that this beautiful booklet emerged.  In this episode, Ryan and I cover a lot of ground:  Privilege, empowerment, and responsibility in wellness and media The capital W why behind self-care Wellness outside of its own industry What the future of media could look like Representation in wellness and media How he created a cohesive body of work, from seemingly disparate pieces What it’s like to teach yoga in a jail How he comes back to his personal practice after falling off the wagon And of course, his personal approach to well-being  I hope you enjoy the episode! As always, let me know what you think. If you’re here reading the blog, leave a note in the comments, shoot me an email (I share my email address on each episode), leave a review on iTunes, or send me a DM on Insta. Find Ryan on Instagram at @ryan_lemere or through his personal website, ryanlemere.com SHOW NOTES  ALIGNED Ryan’s instagram @ryan_lemere Aligned’s instagram @alignedmag Third Eye Society cap Her Ferocities zine Ryan Lemere Anti Social Social Club Folk Rebellion – the dispatch – all about finding freedom IRL, living freely without the shackles of technology Moment app  Open Up Resources – a not for profit that provides teachers with free curricula ideas or entire curricula Wanderlust Tushy Daybreaker Belong: Find Your People, Create Community, and Live a More Connected Life by Radha Agrawal, illustrated by Ryan Lemere Liberated Prison Yoga – trauma-sensitive yoga teacher training for those who wish to teach in jails Summer Rayne Oaks – proud chicken mama

“When you get these jobs that you so brilliantly trained for, just remember that your real job is that if you are free, you need to free somebody else. If you have some power, then your job is to empower somebody else.” —Toni Morrison To know Ryan is a privilege. He’s a good listener, a strategic thinker, is generous with his energy, and spends most of his spare time in service of others or dreaming of ways we can all be, at scale. His ability to do exquisite boots-on-the-ground work while holding a higher vision not only for himself, but for the collective, is as rare as it is impressive. Ryan is a freelance designer, brand strategist, yoga teacher, reiki master, artist, creative director—a true multi-hyphenate, like many Well Aware guests—who has done work for Wanderlust, Daybreaker, adidas, The Numinous, Lululemon, and more. He’s also the founder of Aligned, a media company disrupting the way we think of well-being that’s focused on the collective. Our conversation took place about year ago (if you want to know what happened between now and then, listen to <a href="http://go.redirectingat.com/?id=74709X1524664&amp;xs=1&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.well-aware.co%2Fwell-aware-37-the-big-update%2F&amp;sref=rss" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Big Update</a>). It was fun to listen again and see how much had evolved and what still resonates. I met Ryan in the spring of 2018, right after he’d completed his first self-directed zine, <a href="http://go.redirectingat.com/?id=74709X1524664&amp;xs=1&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.alignedmag.com%2Fshop%2Fher-ferocities-zine%2F&amp;sref=rss" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Her Ferocities</a>, which is perhaps the most beautiful and thoughtful zine I’ve had the pleasure of reading. He sent a cold email to my mindbodygreen address (yes, editors do read cold emails!) and after following the link to his work I knew we had to meet. It was a time when politics were grim, in the wake of #metoo, #timesup and #blacklivesmatter, that this beautiful booklet emerged. In this episode, Ryan and I cover a lot of ground: <ul> <li>Privilege, empowerment, and responsibility in wellness and media</li> <li>The capital W why behind self-care</li> <li>Wellness outside of its own industry</li> <li>What the future of media could look like</li> <li>Representation in wellness and media</li> <li>How he created a cohesive body of work, from seemingly disparate pieces</li> <li>What it’s like to teach yoga in a jail</li> <li>How he comes back to his personal practice after falling off the wagon</li> <li>And of course, his personal approach to well-being</li> </ul> I hope you enjoy the episode! As always, let me know what you think. If you’re here reading the blog, leave a note in the comments, shoot me an email (I share my email address on each episode), leave a review on <a href="http://go.redirectingat.com/?id=74709X1524664&amp;xs=1&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fpodcasts.apple.com%2Fus%2Fpodcast%2Fwell-aware-podcast%2Fid982044389&amp;sref=rss" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">iTunes</a>, or send me a DM on <a href="http://go.redirectingat.com/?id=74709X1524664&amp;xs=1&amp;url=http%3A%2F%2Finstagram.com%2Fwellaware_%2F&amp;sref=rss" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Insta</a>. Find Ryan on Instagram at <a href="http://go.redirectingat.com/?id=74709X1524664&amp;xs=1&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.instagram.com%2Fryan_lemere%2F%3Fhl%3Den&amp;sref=rss" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">@ryan_lemere</a> or through his personal website, <a href="http://go.redirectingat.com/?id=74709X1524664&amp;xs=1&amp;url=http%3A%2F%2Fryanlemere.com%2F&amp;sref=rss" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">ryanlemere.com</a> SHOW NOTES <ul> <li><a href="http://go.redirectingat.com/?id=74709X1524664&amp;xs=1&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.alignedmag.com%2F&amp;sref=rss" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">ALIGNED</a></li> <li>Ryan’s instagram <a href="http://go.redirectingat.com/?id=74709X1524664&amp;xs=1&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.instagram.com%2Fryan_lemere%2F%3Fhl%3Den&amp;sref=rss" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">@ryan_lemere</a></li> <li>Aligned’s instagram <a href="http://go.redirectingat.com/?id=74709X1524664&amp;xs=1&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.instagram.com%2Falignedmag%2F&amp;sref=rss" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">@alignedmag</a></li> <li><a href="http://go.redirectingat.com/?id=74709X1524664&amp;xs=1&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.alignedmag.com%2Fshop%2Fthird-eye-society-cap%2F&amp;sref=rss" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Third Eye Society</a> cap</li> <li><a href="http://go.redirectingat.com/?id=74709X1524664&amp;xs=1&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.alignedmag.com%2Fshop%2Fher-ferocities-zine%2F&amp;sref=rss" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Her Ferocities</a> zine</li> <li><a href="http://go.redirectingat.com/?id=74709X1524664&amp;xs=1&amp;url=http%3A%2F%2Fryanlemere.com%2F&amp;sref=rss" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Ryan Lemere</a></li> <li><a href="http://go.redirectingat.com/?id=74709X1524664&amp;xs=1&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.antisocialsocialclub.com%2F&amp;sref=rss" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Anti Social Social Club</a></li> <li><a href="http://go.redirectingat.com/?id=74709X1524664&amp;xs=1&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.folkrebellion.com%2Fshop-the-dispatch&amp;sref=rss" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Folk Rebellion – the dispatch</a> – all about finding freedom IRL, living freely without the shackles of technology</li> <li><a href="http://go.redirectingat.com/?id=74709X1524664&amp;xs=1&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Finthemoment.io%2F&amp;sref=rss" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Moment app </a></li> <li><a href="http://go.redirectingat.com/?id=74709X1524664&amp;xs=1&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fopenupresources.org%2F%27&amp;sref=rss" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Open Up Resources</a> – a not for profit that provides teachers with free curricula ideas or entire curricula</li> <li><a href="http://go.redirectingat.com/?id=74709X1524664&amp;xs=1&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fwanderlust.com%2F&amp;sref=rss" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Wanderlust</a></li> <li><a href="http://go.redirectingat.com/?id=74709X1524664&amp;xs=1&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fhellotushy.com%2F&amp;sref=rss" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Tushy</a></li> <li><a href="http://go.redirectingat.com/?id=74709X1524664&amp;xs=1&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.daybreaker.com%2F&amp;sref=rss" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Daybreaker</a></li> <li><a href="http://go.redirectingat.com/?id=74709X1524664&amp;xs=1&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2FBelong-People-Create-Community-Connected%2Fdp%2F1523502053&amp;sref=rss" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Belong: Find Your People, Create Community, and Live a More Connected Life</a> by Radha Agrawal, illustrated by Ryan Lemere</li> <li><a href="http://go.redirectingat.com/?id=74709X1524664&amp;xs=1&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.liberationprisonyoga.org%2F&amp;sref=rss" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Liberated Prison Yoga</a> – trauma-sensitive yoga teacher training for those who wish to teach in jails</li> <li><a href="http://go.redirectingat.com/?id=74709X1524664&amp;xs=1&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.instagram.com%2Fhomesteadbrooklyn%2F%3Fhl%3Den&amp;sref=rss" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Summer Rayne Oaks</a> – proud chicken mama</li></ul>

WELL AWARE 41: Ryan Lemere on Social Responsibility and Privilege in Wellness

Erin Claire Jones

Photo credit: source unknown Human design is a new(ish) way to learn about yourself. Like astrology, you need the date, place, and time of your birth to generate an accurate chart, which looks something like this:  The diagram above is apparently Beyonce’s human design chart :). You’re welcome. Believe it or not, everyone’s chart looks this crazy and confusing! Shapes, lines, numbers, colors, astrological conventions, and other terms (not pictured here) like “type” and “strategy” create a blueprint, another way for us to glean information about ourselves. After generating my chart, I was full-on stumped. I listened to a few human design podcasts and learned about the five main archetypes, but I couldn’t find a crash course in chart reading that didn’t exist behind a paywall. I was also pretty skeptical. Human design purports to be a combination of the chakra system, astrology, the i-ching, Kabbalah, and hexagram that was channeled in 1987 by one man. While I’m still not quite sure how all of these work together, or even what “hexagram” is, I was curious enough to learn more. Enter: Erin Claire Jones. After my struggling with my health earlier this year and looking everywhere for answers, and learning to trust the voice within.  Photo credit: The Power Thread. Edit by Lindsay Mueller Erin joined me for an episode that will equip you with some human design essentials that are difficult to find elsewhere. The first half of our conversation is human design 101. She reviews each of the five human design types in detail (generator, manifesting generator, projector, manifestor, and reflector), the strategy, the incarnation cross, the meaning of the shapes, colors, and pathways in between, and what happens when you don’t resonate with certain elements of your chart. Then, we discuss how she came to human design, from her childhood and upbringing, to what she studied in college, to how she was introduced to it. She shares resources if you’re interested in learning about human design, whether you want a more formal training or you want to self-study. Erin has generously offered Well Aware listeners 10% off of a blueprint — a customized human design reading in PDF format, rather than a call or in person. Enter WELLAWARE when you checkout. The promo ends 8/21. Keep me posted on what you learn about yourselves! Our main topics of discussion include:  Human design 101: a pretty comprehensive crash course! How Erin came to human design The best resources if you want to learn more about human design What happens when you don’t resonate with your type or another element of your design What Erin does she feels stuck or blocked How understanding her human design changed her work and relationships The practices she does to “honor her design” How she upholds boundaries as a healer who works closely with others, often Human design, parenting, and its effects on the next generation  SHOW NOTES  Jovian Archive erinclairejones.com Erin’s blueprint offering Erin’s instagram: @erinclairejones International School of Human Design BG5 Business Institute

Photo credit: source unknown Human design is a new(ish) way to learn about yourself. Like astrology, you need the date, place, and time of your birth to generate an accurate chart, which looks something like this: The diagram above is apparently Beyonce’s human design chart :). You’re welcome. Believe it or not, everyone’s chart looks this crazy and confusing! Shapes, lines, numbers, colors, astrological conventions, and other terms (not pictured here) like “type” and “strategy” create a blueprint, another way for us to glean information about ourselves. After generating my chart, I was full-on stumped. I listened to a few human design podcasts and learned about the five main archetypes, but I couldn’t find a crash course in chart reading that didn’t exist behind a paywall. I was also pretty skeptical. Human design purports to be a combination of the chakra system, astrology, the i-ching, Kabbalah, and hexagram that was channeled in 1987 by one man. While I’m still not quite sure how all of these work together, or even what “hexagram” is, I was curious enough to learn more. Enter: <a href="http://go.redirectingat.com/?id=74709X1524664&amp;xs=1&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Ferinclairejones.com%2F&amp;sref=rss" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Erin Claire Jones</a>. After my struggling with my health earlier this year and looking everywhere for answers, and learning to trust the voice within. Photo credit: The Power Thread. Edit by Lindsay Mueller Erin joined me for an episode that will equip you with some human design essentials that are difficult to find elsewhere. The first half of our conversation is human design 101. She reviews each of the five human design types in detail (generator, manifesting generator, projector, manifestor, and reflector), the strategy, the incarnation cross, the meaning of the shapes, colors, and pathways in between, and what happens when you don’t resonate with certain elements of your chart. Then, we discuss how she came to human design, from her childhood and upbringing, to what she studied in college, to how she was introduced to it. She shares resources if you’re interested in learning about human design, whether you want a more formal training or you want to self-study. Erin has generously offered Well Aware listeners 10% off of a <a href="http://go.redirectingat.com/?id=74709X1524664&amp;xs=1&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Ferinclairejones.com%2Fblueprint&amp;sref=rss" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">blueprint</a> — a customized human design reading in PDF format, rather than a call or in person. Enter WELLAWARE when you checkout. The promo ends 8/21. Keep me posted on what you learn about yourselves! Our main topics of discussion include: <ul> <li>Human design 101: a pretty comprehensive crash course!</li> <li>How Erin came to human design</li> <li>The best resources if you want to learn more about human design</li> <li>What happens when you don’t resonate with your type or another element of your design</li> <li>What Erin does she feels stuck or blocked</li> <li>How understanding her human design changed her work and relationships</li> <li>The practices she does to “honor her design”</li> <li>How she upholds boundaries as a healer who works closely with others, often</li> <li>Human design, parenting, and its effects on the next generation</li> </ul> SHOW NOTES  <a href="http://go.redirectingat.com/?id=74709X1524664&amp;xs=1&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.jovianarchive.com%2F&amp;sref=rss" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Jovian Archive</a> <a href="http://go.redirectingat.com/?id=74709X1524664&amp;xs=1&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Ferinclairejones.com%2F&amp;sref=rss" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">erinclairejones.com</a> Erin’s <a href="http://go.redirectingat.com/?id=74709X1524664&amp;xs=1&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Ferinclairejones.com%2Fblueprint&amp;sref=rss" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">blueprint</a> offering Erin’s instagram: <a href="http://go.redirectingat.com/?id=74709X1524664&amp;xs=1&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.instagram.com%2Ferinclairejones%2F%3Fhl%3Den&amp;sref=rss" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">@erinclairejones</a> <a href="http://go.redirectingat.com/?id=74709X1524664&amp;xs=1&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ihdschool.com%2F&amp;sref=rss" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">International School of Human Design</a> <a href="http://go.redirectingat.com/?id=74709X1524664&amp;xs=1&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fbg5businessinstitute.com%2F&amp;sref=rss" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">BG5 Business Institute</a>

WELL AWARE 40: Human Design with Erin Claire Jones

Erika Bloom

Photo credit: Live the Process; edit by Lindsay Mueller Erika Bloom is one of the most literate bodyworkers I’ve ever had the pleasure of working with. I trekked to her Upper East Side studio—which was kind of a big deal, because I don’t particularly enjoy venturing above 14th street—prior to our interview to see what the buzz was about. This was once upon a time in 2017.  Photo credit: Varley; edit by Lindsay Mueller  I had my (completely unfounded) doubts. The best somatic experiences I’ve had have come from scrappy yoga teachers or humble bodyworkers, not celebrity teachers who look like supermodels themselves. Expecting a challenging session on some combination of the cadillac and the reformer, I was floored by Erika’s process and intuition. She read my body head to toe, front to back, and silently decided on a gentle plan of action. We did some small, targeted movements for which the breath was central, but our hour together was focused on bodywork and release. Bodywork! I thought I came for pilates and there she was, giving me one of the best myofascial releases I’ve ever had. Since that session, we’ve enjoyed several meals and yoga classes together. Our discussions meander from super nerdy-healing topics like how ancestral trauma affects our health and romantic relationships to practical ones like how to really listen to the body, what it’s like to live with autoimmune issues, and more. This conversation is one of those fly-on-the-wall scenarios, an accurate representation of what an hour with Erika is like.  Photo credit: Live the Process; edit by Lindsay Mueller Another reason I wanted her on the show? Erika Bloom’s 600-hour certification program is arguably the most comprehensive pilates training in the world. Aside from the traditional mat and apparatus techniques, Bloom has modernized the training by including material from modern sources she’s studied, experienced, and trusts: Alexander technique, Body-Mind Centering by Bonnie Bainbridge Cohen, Zero Balancing by Fritz, the tenets of rolfing by Ida Rolf, and more. This makes our conversation—and any conversation with Bloom relating to the body, mind, and spirit—so rich.  Photo credit: A Wild Dove; edit by Lindsay Mueller In our conversation, Erika and I discuss:  her body reading technique and “building a library of possibilities” the new somatic material that’s interesting to her right now (hint: it has to do with fascia,which happens to be an obsession of mine too) why you don’t need to “feel the burn” to increase muscular strength her personal movement, meditation, and home organization practices how over-doing cardio can lead to health issues where she misunderstood self-love her preferred bodywork modalities like zero balancing by Fritz her best advice for new teachers, especially if you have anxiety  Thank you for listening and as always, let me know what you think. Photo credit: Madison Birnbaum; edit by Lindsay Mueller

Photo credit: Live the Process; edit by Lindsay Mueller Erika Bloom is one of the most literate bodyworkers I’ve ever had the pleasure of working with. I trekked to her Upper East Side studio—which was kind of a big deal, because I don’t particularly enjoy venturing above 14th street—prior to our interview to see what the buzz was about. This was once upon a time in 2017. Photo credit: Varley; edit by Lindsay Mueller  I had my (completely unfounded) doubts. The best somatic experiences I’ve had have come from scrappy yoga teachers or humble bodyworkers, not celebrity teachers who look like supermodels themselves. Expecting a challenging session on some combination of the cadillac and the reformer, I was floored by Erika’s process and intuition. She read my body head to toe, front to back, and silently decided on a gentle plan of action. We did some small, targeted movements for which the breath was central, but our hour together was focused on bodywork and release. Bodywork! I thought I came for pilates and there she was, giving me one of the best myofascial releases I’ve ever had. Since that session, we’ve enjoyed several meals and yoga classes together. Our discussions meander from super nerdy-healing topics like how ancestral trauma affects our health and romantic relationships to practical ones like how to really listen to the body, what it’s like to live with autoimmune issues, and more. This conversation is one of those fly-on-the-wall scenarios, an accurate representation of what an hour with Erika is like. Photo credit: Live the Process; edit by Lindsay Mueller Another reason I wanted her on the show? Erika Bloom’s <a href="http://go.redirectingat.com/?id=74709X1524664&amp;xs=1&amp;url=http%3A%2F%2Ferikabloompilates.com%2Fpilatescertification%2F&amp;sref=rss" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">600-hour certification program</a> is arguably the most comprehensive pilates training in the world. Aside from the traditional mat and apparatus techniques, Bloom has modernized the training by including material from modern sources she’s studied, experienced, and trusts: Alexander technique, Body-Mind Centering by Bonnie Bainbridge Cohen, Zero Balancing by Fritz, the tenets of rolfing by Ida Rolf, and more. This makes our conversation—and any conversation with Bloom relating to the body, mind, and spirit—so rich. Photo credit: A Wild Dove; edit by Lindsay Mueller In our conversation, Erika and I discuss: <ul> <li>her body reading technique and “building a library of possibilities”</li> <li>the new somatic material that’s interesting to her right now (hint: it has to do with <a href="http://go.redirectingat.com/?id=74709X1524664&amp;xs=1&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.mindbodygreen.com%2Farticles%2Fwhat-is-fascia-flexibility-myofascial-release&amp;sref=rss" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">fascia</a>,which happens to be an obsession of mine too)</li> <li>why you don’t need to “feel the burn” to increase muscular strength</li> <li>her personal movement, meditation, and home organization practices</li> <li>how over-doing cardio can lead to health issues</li> <li>where she misunderstood self-love</li> <li>her preferred bodywork modalities like zero balancing by Fritz</li> <li>her best advice for new teachers, especially if you have anxiety</li> </ul> Thank you for listening and as always, let me know what you think. Photo credit: Madison Birnbaum; edit by Lindsay Mueller

WELL AWARE 39: Erika Bloom on Pilates, Bodywork, Body Reading, and Unpacking Self-Love

Jason Logan

Photo of Jason by Lauren Koyln I first stumbled Jason Logan’s work through the social media channels of Horses Atelier, a clothing line run by Canadian writers Claudia Dey and Heidi Sopinka, who happens to be Jason’s partner. His ink tests occasionally appeared on Horses’ Instagram and I liked them so much I started following his handle, @toronotoinkcompany, which started a slow burn obsession. This was probably 2012-ish timing. Jason’s style was a welcome departure from the too-curated, desaturated, shades-of-white, minimal Instagram feeds I followed back then. It seemed like every photo had to be styled and edited and professionally shot, and Jason’s ink tests were a breath of fresh air, respite from the contrived identities we all (yep, myself included) were projecting onto social media.  Photo by Danielle Suppa of Souvenir Studios I was also drawn to his experimental approach and focus on the process. He refers to his artwork at Toronto Ink Company as “ink tests,” which is a wonderful way to think about artwork (and everything?). Everything is a test because he is constantly brewing new inks in new ways, and in his process he releases expectations about how they’ll exist in artwork. If it sounds like a spiritual practice, it’s because for Jason, it is. The Toronto Ink Company is Jason’s side project-turned-business, and his value prop is that he can make ink from anything. Literally anything. He started by boiling the husks of black walnuts to make a rich brown pigment, and then began to experiment with other materials. Now he makes inks from ash, hibiscus flowers, gypsum stone, turmeric, buckthorn sap, a rusty nail, and much more.  Photo by Danielle Suppa of Souvenir Studios To me, the most enriching layer is that he pairs these abstract ink tests—stunning in their own right—with pithy, sometimes dark, sometimes delightfully nonsensical, catchy words and phrases like “know better” and “I mean what I say” and “working it out,” transforming each piece into a feeling. The inks, the handwriting, and the phrases all have a rawness that I find to be mysterious, authentic, and enchanting. Jason shipped some inks for me to try around the time of our interview (September 2017), and I loved them so much that when I went to Toronto in the fall of last year, I bought one in every color and have been experimenting with them since.  Photo of Jason’s ink tests at Souvenir Studios by Mauricio Calero One important detail to note is that this conversation happened … drumroll please … in September 2017. Almost two years ago! He’d just started working on his book, Make Ink, which is now out in the world. While Toronto Ink Company is the focus of this interview, Jason is also the creative director of Horses Atelier, involved in the creative direction of seven (!) newspapers in Toronto, is working on a documentary, wrote a book, and is a partner and father to three kids. And he brings it all to the table in our conversation. Here’s a preview of what we talked about:  a look at his ink making and sketchbook practice the limitless possibility in being a multi-passionate individual the advantage of having both a career and a side hustle finding freedom within self-imposed creative boundaries how his sketchbook practice saved his life his creative process when making art with ink his perspective on creating a company versus being an artist the concept of “ink tests” his thoughts on the age-old question: what is art? how to deal with judgment and comparison in art making how running has informed his creative practice rituals for artists just starting out on a practice advice to artists trying to find their voice  Let me know what you think about our conversation and thank you so much for listening! Show notes: Fortnight Lingerie – Toronto-based lingerie brand Horses Atelier – Jason’s partner’s brand, for which he is Creative Director Make Ink: A Forager’s Guide To Natural Ink Making – Jason’s book

Photo of Jason by Lauren Koyln I first stumbled Jason Logan’s work through the social media channels of <a href="http://go.redirectingat.com/?id=74709X1524664&amp;xs=1&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.horsesatelier.com%2F&amp;sref=rss" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Horses Atelier</a>, a clothing line run by Canadian writers <a href="http://go.redirectingat.com/?id=74709X1524664&amp;xs=1&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.claudiadey.com%2F&amp;sref=rss" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Claudia Dey</a> and <a href="http://go.redirectingat.com/?id=74709X1524664&amp;xs=1&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.heidisopinka.com%2F&amp;sref=rss" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Heidi Sopinka</a>, who happens to be Jason’s partner. His ink tests occasionally appeared on Horses’ Instagram and I liked them so much I started following his handle, <a href="http://go.redirectingat.com/?id=74709X1524664&amp;xs=1&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.instagram.com%2Ftorontoinkcompany%2F%3Fhl%3Den&amp;sref=rss" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">@toronotoinkcompany,</a> which started a slow burn obsession. This was probably 2012-ish timing. Jason’s style was a welcome departure from the too-curated, desaturated, shades-of-white, minimal Instagram feeds I followed back then. It seemed like every photo had to be styled and edited and professionally shot, and Jason’s ink tests were a breath of fresh air, respite from the contrived identities we all (yep, myself included) were projecting onto social media. Photo by Danielle Suppa of <a href="http://go.redirectingat.com/?id=74709X1524664&amp;xs=1&amp;url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.souvenir-studios.com%2F&amp;sref=rss" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Souvenir Studios</a> I was also drawn to his experimental approach and focus on the process. He refers to his artwork at Toronto Ink Company as “ink tests,” which is a wonderful way to think about artwork (and everything?). Everything is a test because he is constantly brewing new inks in new ways, and in his process he releases expectations about how they’ll exist in artwork. If it sounds like a spiritual practice, it’s because for Jason, it is. The <a href="http://go.redirectingat.com/?id=74709X1524664&amp;xs=1&amp;url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.torontoinkcompany.com%2F&amp;sref=rss" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Toronto Ink Company</a> is Jason’s side project-turned-business, and his value prop is that he can make ink from anything. Literally anything. He started by boiling the husks of black walnuts to make a rich brown pigment, and then began to experiment with other materials. Now he makes inks from ash, hibiscus flowers, gypsum stone, turmeric, buckthorn sap, a rusty nail, and much more. Photo by Danielle Suppa of Souvenir Studios To me, the most enriching layer is that he pairs these abstract ink tests—stunning in their own right—with pithy, sometimes dark, sometimes delightfully nonsensical, catchy words and phrases like “know better” and “I mean what I say” and “working it out,” transforming each piece into a feeling. The inks, the handwriting, and the phrases all have a rawness that I find to be mysterious, authentic, and enchanting. Jason shipped some inks for me to try around the time of our interview (September 2017), and I loved them so much that when I went to Toronto in the fall of last year, I bought one in every color and have been experimenting with them since. Photo of Jason’s ink tests at <a href="http://go.redirectingat.com/?id=74709X1524664&amp;xs=1&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.instagram.com%2Fsouvenirstudios%2F%3Fhl%3Den&amp;sref=rss" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Souvenir Studios</a> by <a href="http://go.redirectingat.com/?id=74709X1524664&amp;xs=1&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.instagram.com%2Fmauriciojcalero%2F&amp;sref=rss" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Mauricio Calero</a> One important detail to note is that this conversation happened … drumroll please … in September 2017. Almost two years ago! He’d just started working on his book, <a href="http://go.redirectingat.com/?id=74709X1524664&amp;xs=1&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2FMake-Ink-Forager%25C2%2592s-Natural-Inkmaking%2Fdp%2F1419732439&amp;sref=rss" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Make Ink</a>, which is now out in the world. While Toronto Ink Company is the focus of this interview, Jason is also the creative director of Horses Atelier, involved in the creative direction of seven (!) newspapers in Toronto, is working on a documentary, wrote a book, and is a partner and father to three kids. And he brings it all to the table in our conversation. Here’s a preview of what we talked about: <ul> <li>a look at his ink making and <a href="http://go.redirectingat.com/?id=74709X1524664&amp;xs=1&amp;url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jasonslogan.com%2Fnew-page&amp;sref=rss" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">sketchbook practice</a></li> <li>the limitless possibility in being a multi-passionate individual</li> <li>the advantage of having both a career and a side hustle</li> <li>finding freedom within self-imposed creative boundaries</li> <li>how his <a href="http://go.redirectingat.com/?id=74709X1524664&amp;xs=1&amp;url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jasonslogan.com%2Fnew-page&amp;sref=rss" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">sketchbook practice</a> saved his life</li> <li>his creative process when making art with ink</li> <li>his perspective on creating a company versus being an artist</li> <li>the concept of “ink tests”</li> <li>his thoughts on the age-old question: what is art?</li> <li>how to deal with judgment and comparison in art making</li> <li>how running has informed his creative practice</li> <li>rituals for artists just starting out on a practice</li> <li>advice to artists trying to find their voice</li> </ul> Let me know what you think about our conversation and thank you so much for listening! Show notes: <a href="http://go.redirectingat.com/?id=74709X1524664&amp;xs=1&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Ffortnightlingerie.com%2F&amp;sref=rss" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Fortnight Lingerie</a> – Toronto-based lingerie brand <a href="http://go.redirectingat.com/?id=74709X1524664&amp;xs=1&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.horsesatelier.com%2F&amp;sref=rss" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Horses Atelier</a> – Jason’s partner’s brand, for which he is Creative Director <a href="http://go.redirectingat.com/?id=74709X1524664&amp;xs=1&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2FMake-Ink-Forager%25C2%2592s-Natural-Inkmaking%2Fdp%2F1419732439&amp;sref=rss" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Make Ink: A Forager’s Guide To Natural Ink Making</a> – Jason’s book

WELL AWARE 38: Toronto Ink Company’s Jason Logan on Making Ink and Finding Your Visual Voice

This episode is by request. It’s the episode I’ve been wanting to post but haven’t yet, for reasons I name below. This is also the episode where I deliver a 40 minute soliloquy, so if you prefer the interview format, feel free to skip today and hang tight till the next one, my conversation with Jason Logan of Toronto Ink company. No hard feelings. Truth: I didn’t update Well Aware for the better part of two years. Why? In this episode, I explain everything. The yoga teacher training, the book deal, the demanding job, and the diagnoses that kept me from podcasting. In considering what to share and when, a monologue about my own health journey felt iffy. Is it TMI, does it sound like a sob story, or is it simply unprofessional? I hesitated and mulled for quite some time. Because of my transparent approach to Well Aware, it’s become a living, breathing audio record of my journey. This little ditty is (for now) too big a part of me to ignore, and it’s important context for the show. In sharing, I hope to participate in dismantling shame around chronic illness, to help redefine the relationship between work and vulnerability, and to fill you in on all the things going on behind the Instagram frame, behind the podcast, behind the book, and behind the byline. Self-healing, self-study, and self-practice are often glamorized on social media, but the darkest days were the ones where I really saw myself. Self-discovery can be lighthearted and easy, and also lonely and challenging. It’s been a wild almost-two-years, and while I’m still struggling with the unknown, being back feels pretty damn good. Image by Louis Camnitzer, 1937

This episode is by request. It’s the episode I’ve been wanting to post but haven’t yet, for reasons I name below. This is also the episode where I deliver a 40 minute soliloquy, so if you prefer the interview format, feel free to skip today and hang tight till the next one, my conversation with Jason Logan of <a href="http://go.redirectingat.com/?id=74709X1524664&amp;xs=1&amp;url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.torontoinkcompany.com%2F&amp;sref=rss" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Toronto Ink company</a>. No hard feelings. Truth: I didn’t update Well Aware for the better part of two years. Why? In this episode, I explain everything. The yoga teacher training, the book deal, the demanding job, and the diagnoses that kept me from podcasting. In considering what to share and when, a monologue about my own health journey felt iffy. Is it TMI, does it sound like a sob story, or is it simply unprofessional? I hesitated and mulled for quite some time. Because of my transparent approach to Well Aware, it’s become a living, breathing audio record of my journey. This little ditty is (for now) too big a part of me to ignore, and it’s important context for the show. In sharing, I hope to participate in dismantling shame around chronic illness, to help redefine the relationship between work and vulnerability, and to fill you in on all the things going on behind the Instagram frame, behind the podcast, behind the book, and behind the byline. Self-healing, self-study, and self-practice are often glamorized on social media, but the darkest days were the ones where I really saw myself. Self-discovery can be lighthearted and easy, and also lonely and challenging. It’s been a wild almost-two-years, and while I’m still struggling with the unknown, being back feels pretty damn good. Image by Louis Camnitzer, 1937

WELL AWARE 37: The Big Update

Marlee Grace

Long time no see! It’s good to be back and worth acknowledging that it’s been a minute (ahem, a couple years) since I’ve posted a podcast. There are plenty of reasons why that is the case—if you follow me on Instagram you have an idea—but to go through them all would be to monopolize this interview and, quite frankly, it’s too good for that. I will address the silence and all your questions in my next episode. In case you’ve forgotten (and I don’t blame you if you did) Well Aware is an audio project that explores personal and collective well-being. I started it 2014 with a focus on fitness, mindfulness, and “wellness,” and intentionally included folks of all stripes: yoga teachers, artists, farmers, florists. The concept of what Well Aware is and what it will become has been evolving behind the scenes—admittedly almost completely inside my mind. Perhaps while Well Aware was gone, what you’re looking for has shifted too.  Well Aware has expanded. It’s now an audio project dedicated to the exploration of the inner spaces of creative people. The Internet and Instagram are home to many, many aspirational lifestyle websites: one can find recommendations for personal style, home decor, food and cooking, wellness, and more to learn about all the objects and clothing and physical things you need to lead a life well-lived. Well Aware purports that you are the expert on you, and the conversations are meant to be used as tools in the healing and self-discovery process. In the new season and in interviews moving forward, you’ll get a sense of creative process, the way people think, their mental furniture, and the personal practices that keep them grounded as they move through life.   Marlee Grace. Photo by Anna Powell Teeter and Jacki Warren Today’s guest is Marlee Grace. Marlee has been an inspiration ever since I started following her @havecompany Instagram account six years ago, back in 2013. She’s an artist, a dancer, and she’s well-known for her @personalpractice Instagram. Recently New York Magazine’s The Cut estimated she started the dancing trend and I have to agree. What you may not know about Marlee is that she’s a fellow podcaster, she has a 1:1 counseling practice, and, since we recorded this episode her book, How to Not Always Be Working was published, she started working on another one, her online course Creativity and Permission launched (took it, loved it—she’s hosting the very last session July 1 – 27 and I recommend it), and she’s now hosting an artist residency out of a co-living and co-working space in Michigan. Most recently she’s finding joy in skateboarding.  As we were wrapping up, Marlee said: “This conversation has been amazing because it’s one of the truest peeks into how my brain works.” I hope that in seeing her process, you’re able to uncover bits and pieces of your own that bring you closer to yourself. I’m so honored and grateful to Marlee for taking the time to share her knowledge, and for being so real about life. Our chat includes, but is not limited to:   her degree in dance  what being a sober person looks like (and how she got there)  the relationship between art and money and self-worth anxiety and how she copes with it how balance is an illusion, and how Marlee looks to pacing her days instead  how to find yourself when you’re constantly in relationship — romantically, work-wise, etc.  her 71 (and counting) mostly small tattoos (loved this moment) her first book, How to Not Always Be Working how to be anti-capitalist in a capitalistic society her hosting practice through center   Remember when you listen that we had this chat in early October 2018—a little blast from the past—right before her book came out. Keep an eye on her Instagram @marleegrace to see the artists in  residency and their art, and tag us both to let us know what you think of the conversation.

Long time no see! It’s good to be back and worth acknowledging that it’s been a minute (ahem, a couple years) since I’ve posted a podcast. There are plenty of reasons why that is the case—if you follow me on Instagram you have an idea—but to go through them all would be to monopolize this interview and, quite frankly, it’s too good for that. I will address the silence and all your questions in my next episode. In case you’ve forgotten (and I don’t blame you if you did) Well Aware is an audio project that explores personal and collective well-being. I started it 2014 with a focus on fitness, mindfulness, and “wellness,” and intentionally included folks of all stripes: yoga teachers, artists, farmers, florists. The concept of what Well Aware is and what it will become has been evolving behind the scenes—admittedly almost completely inside my mind. Perhaps while Well Aware was gone, what you’re looking for has shifted too. Well Aware has expanded. It’s now an audio project dedicated to the exploration of the inner spaces of creative people. The Internet and Instagram are home to many, many aspirational lifestyle websites: one can find recommendations for personal style, home decor, food and cooking, wellness, and more to learn about all the objects and clothing and physical things you need to lead a life well-lived. Well Aware purports that you are the expert on you, and the conversations are meant to be used as tools in the healing and self-discovery process. In the new season and in interviews moving forward, you’ll get a sense of creative process, the way people think, their mental furniture, and the personal practices that keep them grounded as they move through life.  Marlee Grace. Photo by Anna Powell Teeter and Jacki Warren Today’s guest is Marlee Grace. Marlee has been an inspiration ever since I started following her @havecompany Instagram account six years ago, back in 2013. She’s an artist, a dancer, and she’s well-known for her <a href="http://go.redirectingat.com/?id=74709X1524664&amp;xs=1&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.instagram.com%2Fpersonalpractice%2F%3Fhl%3Den&amp;sref=rss" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">@personalpractice</a> Instagram. Recently New York Magazine’s The Cut <a href="http://go.redirectingat.com/?id=74709X1524664&amp;xs=1&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.thecut.com%2F2018%2F12%2Fhave-you-seen-the-new-dancing-girls-of-instagram.html&amp;sref=rss" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">estimated</a> she started the dancing trend and I have to agree. What you may not know about Marlee is that she’s a fellow podcaster, she has a 1:1 counseling practice, and, since we recorded this episode her book, <a href="http://go.redirectingat.com/?id=74709X1524664&amp;xs=1&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2FHow-Not-Always-Working-Creativity%2Fdp%2F0062803670&amp;sref=rss" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">How to Not Always Be Working</a> was published, she started working on another one, her online course Creativity and Permission launched (took it, loved it—she’s hosting <a href="http://go.redirectingat.com/?id=74709X1524664&amp;xs=1&amp;url=http%3A%2F%2Fmarleegrace.space%2Fcreativity-and-permission&amp;sref=rss" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">the very last session</a> July 1 – 27 and I recommend it), and she’s now hosting an artist residency out of a co-living and co-working space in Michigan. Most recently she’s finding joy in skateboarding.  As we were wrapping up, Marlee said: “This conversation has been amazing because it’s one of the truest peeks into how my brain works.” I hope that in seeing her process, you’re able to uncover bits and pieces of your own that bring you closer to yourself. I’m so honored and grateful to Marlee for taking the time to share her knowledge, and for being so real about life. Our chat includes, but is not limited to:  <ul> <li>her degree in dance </li> <li>what being a sober person looks like (and how she got there) </li> <li>the relationship between art and money and self-worth</li> <li>anxiety and how she copes with it</li> <li>how balance is an illusion, and how Marlee looks to pacing her days instead </li> <li>how to find yourself when you’re constantly in relationship — romantically, work-wise, etc. </li> <li>her 71 (and counting) mostly small tattoos (loved this moment)</li> <li>her first book, How to Not Always Be Working</li> <li>how to be anti-capitalist in a capitalistic society</li> <li>her hosting practice through center </li> </ul> Remember when you listen that we had this chat in early October 2018—a little blast from the past—right before her book came out. Keep an eye on her Instagram <a href="http://go.redirectingat.com/?id=74709X1524664&amp;xs=1&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.instagram.com%2Fmarleegrace%2F%3Fhl%3Den&amp;sref=rss" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">@marleegrace</a> to see the artists in  residency and their art, and tag us both to let us know what you think of the conversation.

WELL AWARE 36: Marlee Grace on Rhythms, Sobriety, Expertise, Anxiety, and Being Alive

You ever really stop and think about that? Just do it with me for a sec, see what comes to mind. You might envision a list of personality traits, achievements, a mental resume, your book deal, the day you came out, your instagram following—there’s no wrong answer. I think the interesting part is whenever we’re asked about defining moments it’s always the “big ones.” (You can’t see me right now, but I’m doing air quotes.) I think about this a lot because whenever I have a guest on the show, I’m trying to figure out how to help them tell their stories. And it makes sense, by the way. I love big moments, personal growth, celebrations, and what not. But the stories that are most fascinating to me are the ones that preceded the big day. When did you know you’d quit your job one day and start your own company? What shift happened internally or who inspired you to create an imprint on your soul that you’d actually act on? When you look at these mini memories, they are without a shadow of a doubt, moments that had your undivided attention. And if you thread them together, it might look like a timeline of minutiae! But they’re not. To make that mental shift is sometimes so much bigger, scarier, and more vulnerable than unlocking the actual achievement, or the final product or big goal. Even if the moment was fleeting, you had to be an open channel: totally receptive and truly present. When you take a moment to reflect and notice the commonalities of the moments behind what defines you, you’ll see that they’re not so trivial. You’ll see how how being present shapes the future. Staying present isn’t easy. If it were, we’d all be walking around enlightened and awake. If you’re afraid, or if being totally present is hard, know that hardship is fertile ground for growth. Being somewhere else, anywhere but the present, is robbing yourself of the full experience, of what life has to offer. It’s a practice though! It’s not about being perfect and present all the time. I’m certainly not. It’s about coming back to. About reminding yourself what it is you’re here for, and what defines you. That’s it! Thank you all so much for listening. If you like the show, I’d love for you to leave a review on iTunes. Shoot me an email, wellawareco@gmail.com, and find me on Instagram @wellaware_, and until next time. Be well! Photo by Maya Moverman

You ever really stop and think about that? Just do it with me for a sec, see what comes to mind. You might envision a list of personality traits, achievements, a mental resume, your book deal, the day you came out, your instagram following—there’s no wrong answer. I think the interesting part is whenever we’re asked about defining moments it’s always the “big ones.” (You can’t see me right now, but I’m doing air quotes.) I think about this a lot because whenever I have a guest on the show, I’m trying to figure out how to help them tell their stories. And it makes sense, by the way. I love big moments, personal growth, celebrations, and what not. But the stories that are most fascinating to me are the ones that preceded the big day. When did you know you’d quit your job one day and start your own company? What shift happened internally or who inspired you to create an imprint on your soul that you’d actually act on? When you look at these mini memories, they are without a shadow of a doubt, moments that had your undivided attention. And if you thread them together, it might look like a timeline of minutiae! But they’re not. To make that mental shift is sometimes so much bigger, scarier, and more vulnerable than unlocking the actual achievement, or the final product or big goal. Even if the moment was fleeting, you had to be an open channel: totally receptive and truly present. When you take a moment to reflect and notice the commonalities of the moments behind what defines you, you’ll see that they’re not so trivial. You’ll see how <a href="http://go.redirectingat.com/?id=74709X1524664&amp;xs=1&amp;url=http%3A%2F%2Fawomensthing.org%2Fblog%2Flearning-to-be-mindful%2F&amp;sref=rss" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">how being present shapes the future</a>. Staying present isn’t easy. If it were, we’d all be walking around enlightened and awake. If you’re afraid, or if being totally present is hard, know that hardship is fertile ground for growth. Being somewhere else, anywhere but the present, is robbing yourself of the full experience, of what life has to offer. It’s a practice though! It’s not about being perfect and present all the time. I’m certainly not. It’s about coming back to. About reminding yourself what it is you’re here for, and what defines you. That’s it! Thank you all so much for listening. If you like the show, I’d love for you to leave a review on iTunes. Shoot me an email, wellawareco@gmail.com, and find me on Instagram @wellaware_, and until next time. Be well! Photo by <a href="http://go.redirectingat.com/?id=74709X1524664&amp;xs=1&amp;url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.mayamoverman.com%2F&amp;sref=rss" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Maya Moverman</a>

WELL / AWARE Show 035: What Defines You?

Artist: Stella Maria Baer It’s been since June since I last released an episode—I missed you guys SO MUCH.  For anyone who is new to the show—WELCOME!—I’m Lindsay and this is the WELL / AWARE Show, where we talk about all things wellness from the inside out.  I also just wanted to say I SO appreciate your emails and notes and continued reviews of the show. There wasn’t a day that went by that I didn’t think about this space, and it was really a show of support and community that you all kept writing. So please keep writing! It’s so good to hear what you like, what you could do without, what you’re not getting anywhere else, all that good stuff. Nothing is changing about the show immediately, but I do have a few things planned including some events—a few of you have been asking about the workshop with Jessa Blades. That’s still in the works. The long and short of it is our event space had some issues with flooding, so we’re waiting on a new space to be finished. It’ll be amazing whenever it does happen, so please stay tuned. Question for you” would you ever want to see videos or do you prefer the podcast medium? I don’t have any planned—but I’m curious to see. This season I have an incredible lineup. I haven’t quite figured out the order, but without giving too much away: we’ll be talking about hormones, plants, the best in non-toxic skincare, empowerment, and conscious consumerism.  To kick it off, today I’m chatting with Bess Matessa of Mojave Rising once again all about Saturn Return. If you’re in your late 20s or early 30s an experiencing massive changes in your life… Saturn Return is the astrological explanation behind it and this episode will be especially insightful for you. Even if you’re younger you’ll get a hint of what’s in store, and if you’re older you’ll have an explanation as to why everything changed. Also, regardless of your age Saturn is always transiting so Bess is sharing with us today how to capitalize on that energy. This is exactly what has been going on for me since June: I got married, got a new job, and started a yoga teacher training in the same week! And clearly, I underestimated how demanding each one would be. But more on that next week. In this episode, you’ll learn:  how to find your saturn return and where saturn is transiting for you right now get a takeaway design-oriented / material world suggestion of how to manifest saturn’s energy as it applies to you learn astrology 2.0 terminology beyond the basic horoscope lingo understand what each house means a little bit more deeply what sign is “The Life Changing Magic Of Tidying Up” (because who doesn’t want to know that) Bess and I discuss what happened in our own Saturn Returns  You’re probably going to want to take notes—this is chock full of inspiration. If you want to follow along or tweet or insta at us while you’re listening, Bess’s insta handle is @mojave_rising, I’m @wellaware_ and as always, leaving a review on iTunes is so much appreciated, and if you want to say hi or chat I’m wellawareco (at) gmail (dot) com.

Artist: <a href="http://go.redirectingat.com/?id=74709X1524664&amp;xs=1&amp;url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.stellamariabaer.com%2F&amp;sref=rss" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Stella Maria Baer</a> It’s been since June since I last released an episode—I missed you guys SO MUCH. For anyone who is new to the show—WELCOME!—I’m Lindsay and this is the WELL / AWARE Show, where we talk about all things wellness from the inside out.  I also just wanted to say I SO appreciate your emails and notes and continued reviews of the show. There wasn’t a day that went by that I didn’t think about this space, and it was really a show of support and community that you all kept writing. So please keep writing! It’s so good to hear what you like, what you could do without, what you’re not getting anywhere else, all that good stuff. Nothing is changing about the show immediately, but I do have a few things planned including some events—a few of you have been asking about the workshop with Jessa Blades. That’s still in the works. The long and short of it is our event space had some issues with flooding, so we’re waiting on a new space to be finished. It’ll be amazing whenever it does happen, so please stay tuned. Question for you” would you ever want to see videos or do you prefer the podcast medium? I don’t have any planned—but I’m curious to see. This season I have an incredible lineup. I haven’t quite figured out the order, but without giving too much away: we’ll be talking about hormones, plants, the best in non-toxic skincare, empowerment, and conscious consumerism. To kick it off, today I’m chatting with <a href="http://www.well-aware.co/well-aware-show-020-2016-astrological-forecast-with-bess-matassa-of-mojave-rising/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Bess Matessa of Mojave Rising</a> once again all about Saturn Return. If you’re in your late 20s or early 30s an experiencing massive changes in your life… Saturn Return is the astrological explanation behind it and this episode will be especially insightful for you. Even if you’re younger you’ll get a hint of what’s in store, and if you’re older you’ll have an explanation as to why everything changed. Also, regardless of your age Saturn is always transiting so Bess is sharing with us today how to capitalize on that energy. This is exactly what has been going on for me since June: I got married, got a new job, and started a yoga teacher training in the same week! And clearly, I underestimated how demanding each one would be. But more on that next week. In this episode, you’ll learn: <ul> <li>how to find your saturn return and where saturn is transiting for you right now</li> <li>get a takeaway design-oriented / material world suggestion of how to manifest saturn’s energy as it applies to you</li> <li>learn astrology 2.0 terminology beyond the basic horoscope lingo</li> <li>understand what each house means a little bit more deeply</li> <li>what sign is “The Life Changing Magic Of Tidying Up” (because who doesn’t want to know that)</li> <li>Bess and I discuss what happened in our own Saturn Returns</li> </ul> You’re probably going to want to take notes—this is chock full of inspiration. If you want to follow along or tweet or insta at us while you’re listening, Bess’s insta handle is @<a href="http://go.redirectingat.com/?id=74709X1524664&amp;xs=1&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.instagram.com%2Fmojave_rising%2F&amp;sref=rss" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">mojave_rising</a>, I’m @<a href="http://go.redirectingat.com/?id=74709X1524664&amp;xs=1&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.instagram.com%2Fwellaware_%2F&amp;sref=rss" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">wellaware_</a> and as always, leaving a review on iTunes is so much appreciated, and if you want to say hi or chat I’m wellawareco (at) gmail (dot) com.

WELL / AWARE Show 034: Saturn Return with Mojave Rising

Intersection of mindfulness, creativity, spirituality, yoga, meditation, writing, art, and more.

Love! So many ideas are flowing from listening to all of these inspirational ladies.

Very inspirational

This is a great podcast with a great host and amazing guests. Listen and start getting inspired!!!

Inspirational!!

Well Aware Podcast

Coco (aka Nicole) and Olivia of Waiting for Saturday Hi guys, Happy Fourth of July weekend!   If you love the show, I would encourage you to write a review. Sharing a review lifts the podcast within iTunes so it gets discovered by more people. That helps it grow — and growth is good. Which reminds me — I want you all to meet each other and to that end, I’m still planning this workshop! I will keep you posted but in the meantime if you want to hear about that, and other things, email me at wellawareco@gmail.com with the subject line “newsletter” and I’ll getchya signed up.  So… I’ve been thinking a lot about “me” time — what does it mean? Are you totally alone for some quiet time? Are you alone but surrounded by people in a park or city? And when you get that precious time, how do you spend it? That’s what today’s guests are all about — Nicole (aka Coco) and Olivia are the co-creators of Waiting for Saturday, which is a study of off duty style. And while they both come from a fashion background, they cover more than just style: rituals, habits, recipes … essentially the things that make people tick, the things they look forward to. We have that in common — and while we talk about a TON, what was most interesting was their mentality about balance, and doing it all. All three of us balance full time jobs, friends and family, hobbies and our sites, so it was really refreshing to hear from another voice about they go about their lives, staying sane in the middle of chaos.  Among other things we discuss:  our off-the-beaten-path thoughts on the ever elusive “balance” // getting real their individual backgrounds, and what they bring to Waiting for Saturday flexing your creative muscle at work and in pleasure the key to constructive criticism and encouraging growth why they made a whole website about saturday their fascination with the mundane their current favorite rituals, and some of mine how cultivating a generous spirit can encourage creativity and productivity why they love working when they’re not at work  This episode is amazing for anyone with a side hustle or practice. It’s also for anyone who’d start one but doesn’t feel like they have enough time. It’s for people who are feeling stuck at work — even if it’s creative work. And it’s for anyone looking for a refresher — in their personal style or otherwise. SHOW NOTES: Waiting for Saturday: Instagram | Facebook | Tumblr (!) | Pinterest   Garance Dore Linda McCartney book (Coco’s inspiration) Monocycle 7 Minute Boiled Egg     SNEAK PEEK: Next interview will be with the hormone whisperer, Alisa Vitti, author of Woman Code which is a book that completely changed my life.

Coco (aka Nicole) and Olivia of Waiting for Saturday Hi guys, Happy Fourth of July weekend! If you love the show, I would encourage you to write a review. Sharing a review lifts the podcast within iTunes so it gets discovered by more people. That helps it grow — and growth is good. Which reminds me — I want you all to meet each other and to that end, I’m still planning this workshop! I will keep you posted but in the meantime if you want to hear about that, and other things, email me at wellawareco@gmail.com with the subject line “newsletter” and I’ll getchya signed up. <a href="http://go.redirectingat.com/?id=74709X1524664&amp;xs=1&amp;url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.waitingforsaturday.com&amp;sref=rss" rel="attachment wp-att-1044 nofollow" target="_blank"></a> So… I’ve been thinking a lot about “me” time — what does it mean? Are you totally alone for some quiet time? Are you alone but surrounded by people in a park or city? And when you get that precious time, how do you spend it? That’s what today’s guests are all about — Nicole (aka Coco) and Olivia are the co-creators of <a href="http://go.redirectingat.com/?id=74709X1524664&amp;xs=1&amp;url=http%3A%2F%2Fwaitingforsaturday.com&amp;sref=rss" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Waiting for Saturday</a>, which is a study of off duty style. And while they both come from a fashion background, they cover more than just style: rituals, habits, recipes … essentially the things that make people tick, the things they look forward to. We have that in common — and while we talk about a TON, what was most interesting was their mentality about balance, and doing it all. All three of us balance full time jobs, friends and family, hobbies and our sites, so it was really refreshing to hear from another voice about they go about their lives, staying sane in the middle of chaos. Among other things we discuss: <ul> <li>our off-the-beaten-path thoughts on the ever elusive “balance” // getting real</li> <li>their individual backgrounds, and what they bring to Waiting for Saturday</li> <li>flexing your creative muscle at work and in pleasure</li> <li>the key to constructive criticism and encouraging growth</li> <li>why they made a whole website about saturday</li> <li>their fascination with the mundane</li> <li>their current favorite rituals, and some of mine</li> <li>how cultivating a generous spirit can encourage creativity and productivity</li> <li>why they love working when they’re not at work</li> </ul> This episode is amazing for anyone with a side hustle or practice. It’s also for anyone who’d start one but doesn’t feel like they have enough time. It’s for people who are feeling stuck at work — even if it’s creative work. And it’s for anyone looking for a refresher — in their personal style or otherwise. SHOW NOTES: <a href="http://go.redirectingat.com/?id=74709X1524664&amp;xs=1&amp;url=http%3A%2F%2Fwaitingforsaturday.com&amp;sref=rss" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Waiting for Saturday</a>: <a href="http://go.redirectingat.com/?id=74709X1524664&amp;xs=1&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.instagram.com%2Fwaitingforsaturday%2F&amp;sref=rss" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Instagram</a> | <a href="http://go.redirectingat.com/?id=74709X1524664&amp;xs=1&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fwaitingforsaturdaywfs&amp;sref=rss" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Facebook</a> | <a href="http://go.redirectingat.com/?id=74709X1524664&amp;xs=1&amp;url=http%3A%2F%2Ftumblewfs.tumblr.com&amp;sref=rss" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Tumblr</a> (!) | <a href="http://go.redirectingat.com/?id=74709X1524664&amp;xs=1&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.pinterest.com%2Fwfspins%2F&amp;sref=rss" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Pinterest</a> <a href="http://go.redirectingat.com/?id=74709X1524664&amp;xs=1&amp;url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.garancedore.fr%2Fen%2F&amp;sref=rss" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Garance Dore</a> <a href="http://go.redirectingat.com/?id=74709X1524664&amp;xs=1&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2FLinda-McCartney-Photographs-Annie-Leibovitz%2Fdp%2F3836527286&amp;sref=rss" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Linda McCartney book</a> (Coco’s inspiration) <a href="http://go.redirectingat.com/?id=74709X1524664&amp;xs=1&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fsoundcloud.com%2Fmonocycle-with-leandra-medine&amp;sref=rss" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Monocycle</a> <a href="http://go.redirectingat.com/?id=74709X1524664&amp;xs=1&amp;url=http%3A%2F%2Fwaitingforsaturday.com%2Fblog%2Feden-grinshpan-sabich-salad%3Frq%3D7%2520minute%2520egg&amp;sref=rss" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">7 Minute Boiled Egg</a> <a href="http://go.redirectingat.com/?id=74709X1524664&amp;xs=1&amp;url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.waitingforsaturday.com&amp;sref=rss" rel="attachment wp-att-1043 nofollow" target="_blank"></a> <a href="http://go.redirectingat.com/?id=74709X1524664&amp;xs=1&amp;url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.waitingforsaturday.com&amp;sref=rss" rel="attachment wp-att-1045 nofollow" target="_blank"></a> SNEAK PEEK: Next interview will be with the hormone whisperer, Alisa Vitti, author of Woman Code which is a book that completely changed my life.

WELL / AWARE Show 033: Cultivating a Generous Spirit with Waiting for Saturday

Brittany Wood Nickerson

“Health is something that is incredibly personal and deeply intimate that lives within our bodies, and it will only ever be ours, no matter how many pictures we have on social media health will only be our own intimate experience.” Brittany Wood Nickerson is an herbalist and holistic practitioner who runs Thyme Herbal, and has dedicated her life to learning about plants and their healing properties. To be totally honest, I never in my wildest dreams I’d be as in awe with plants as I have been recently… from food-as-medicine, to the richness they add to self-care products, to the way they purify air and radiate energy to interiors, plants are awesome. I always seem to be striving to integrate more plants into my life… with varying degrees of success. I’ve been experimenting with supplements and tinctures, replacing my morning coffee (let’s be real – almond milk latte) with tea, and have even started a little windowsill garden. It’s pretty cute. Right now we’ve got a TON of basil. Actually way too much. If anyone needs organic basil… I’m your person. Hit me up. Actually serious.  Plants are the solution to many modern ails: air quality, common cold, skin irritations, fatigue, stress, the list goes on. I wanted to learn more about her specific approach, as well as the guiding principles behind why plants are so great. I also challenged Brittany a lot in our conversation, about the effectiveness of herbs and plants, the placebo effect and other “knee jerk” type responses to slow living — not because I don’t believe in it, because you know I do, but because we need to hear it. Her answers are so beautifully articulated. We discuss:  Foundations and basics of Ayurveda, Chinese medicine and western herbalism How to do a “pulse” diagnosis on yourself The science of “folk” remedies How she turned her passion and truth into her lifestyle How she works with her clients to achieve wellness and well-being Modern culture around medicine in the United States and the diagnostic culture of the Internet Her own incredible experiences of healing through holistic methods  If you want to reach Brittany during the show, if the show changed your perspective, if you’re loving it, let us know. I’m @wellaware_ and Brittany is @thymeherbal on Twitter and Instagram. SHOW NOTES Thyme Herbal: Instagram / Twitter / Facebook Online Herbalism Apprenticeship – Art of Home Herbalism Online Jessa Blades Kitchen medicine poster (pictured here and on Instagram) John Douillard  Essential reading on herbalism: Herbal Homestead Journal by Brittany Wood Nickerson Herbal Recipes for Vibrant Health by Rosemary Gladstar Medicinal Herbs: A Beginner’s Guide by Rosemary Gladstar Susan Weed books Common Herbs for Natural Health by Juliette Bairacli Levy Thank you, Brittany, for your light, your love and your wisdom!

“Health is something that is incredibly personal and deeply intimate that lives within our bodies, and it will only ever be ours, no matter how many pictures we have on social media health will only be our own intimate experience.” Brittany Wood Nickerson is an herbalist and holistic practitioner who runs <a href="http://go.redirectingat.com/?id=74709X1524664&amp;xs=1&amp;url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.thymeherbal.com&amp;sref=rss" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Thyme Herbal</a>, and has dedicated her life to learning about plants and their healing properties. To be totally honest, I never in my wildest dreams I’d be as in awe with plants as I have been recently… from food-as-medicine, to the richness they add to self-care products, to the way they purify air and radiate energy to interiors, plants are awesome. I always seem to be striving to integrate more plants into my life… with varying degrees of success. I’ve been experimenting with <a href="http://go.redirectingat.com/?id=74709X1524664&amp;xs=1&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fcapbeauty.refersion.com%2Fl%2F696.49479&amp;sref=rss" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">supplements and tinctures</a>, replacing my morning coffee (let’s be real – almond milk latte) with tea, and have even started a little windowsill garden. It’s pretty cute. Right now we’ve got a TON of basil. Actually way too much. If anyone needs organic basil… I’m your person. Hit me up. Actually serious. Plants are the solution to many modern ails: air quality, common cold, skin irritations, fatigue, stress, the list goes on. I wanted to learn more about her specific approach, as well as the guiding principles behind why plants are so great. I also challenged Brittany a lot in our conversation, about the effectiveness of herbs and plants, the placebo effect and other “knee jerk” type responses to slow living — not because I don’t believe in it, because you know I do, but because we need to hear it. Her answers are so beautifully articulated. We discuss: <ul> <li>Foundations and basics of Ayurveda, Chinese medicine and western herbalism</li> <li>How to do a “pulse” diagnosis on yourself</li> <li>The science of “folk” remedies</li> <li>How she turned her passion and truth into her lifestyle</li> <li>How she works with her clients to achieve wellness and well-being</li> <li>Modern culture around medicine in the United States and the diagnostic culture of the Internet</li> <li>Her own incredible experiences of healing through holistic methods</li> </ul> If you want to reach Brittany during the show, if the show changed your perspective, if you’re loving it, let us know. I’m <a href="http://go.redirectingat.com/?id=74709X1524664&amp;xs=1&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.instagram.com%2Fwellaware_%2F&amp;sref=rss" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">@wellaware_</a> and Brittany is <a href="http://go.redirectingat.com/?id=74709X1524664&amp;xs=1&amp;url=http%3A%2F%2Finstagram.com%2Fthymeherbal%2F&amp;sref=rss" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">@thymeherbal</a> on Twitter and Instagram. SHOW NOTES <a href="http://go.redirectingat.com/?id=74709X1524664&amp;xs=1&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.thymeherbal.com%2F&amp;sref=rss" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Thyme Herbal</a>: <a href="http://go.redirectingat.com/?id=74709X1524664&amp;xs=1&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.instagram.com%2Fthymeherbal%2F&amp;sref=rss" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Instagram</a> / <a href="http://go.redirectingat.com/?id=74709X1524664&amp;xs=1&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Ftwitter.com%2Fthymeherbal&amp;sref=rss" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Twitter</a> / <a href="http://go.redirectingat.com/?id=74709X1524664&amp;xs=1&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fthymeherbal%2F&amp;sref=rss" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Facebook</a> <a href="http://go.redirectingat.com/?id=74709X1524664&amp;xs=1&amp;url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.thymeherbal.com%2Fart-of-home-herbalism-online%2F&amp;sref=rss" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Online Herbalism Apprenticeship</a> – Art of Home Herbalism Online <a href="http://go.redirectingat.com/?id=74709X1524664&amp;xs=1&amp;url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.bladesnaturalbeauty.com&amp;sref=rss" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Jessa Blades</a> <a href="http://go.redirectingat.com/?id=74709X1524664&amp;xs=1&amp;url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.thymeherbal.com%2Feveryday-living-series%2F&amp;sref=rss" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Kitchen medicine poster</a> (pictured here and on Instagram) <a href="http://go.redirectingat.com/?id=74709X1524664&amp;xs=1&amp;url=http%3A%2F%2Flifespa.com&amp;sref=rss" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">John Douillard </a> Essential reading on herbalism: <a href="http://go.redirectingat.com/?id=74709X1524664&amp;xs=1&amp;url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.thymeherbal.com%2Fherbal-homestead-journal-book%2F&amp;sref=rss" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Herbal Homestead Journal</a> by Brittany Wood Nickerson <a href="http://go.redirectingat.com/?id=74709X1524664&amp;xs=1&amp;url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2FRosemary-Gladstars-Herbal-Recipes-Vibrant%2Fdp%2F1603420789&amp;sref=rss" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Herbal Recipes for Vibrant Health</a> by Rosemary Gladstar <a href="http://go.redirectingat.com/?id=74709X1524664&amp;xs=1&amp;url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2FRosemary-Gladstars-Medicinal-Herbs-Beginners%2Fdp%2F1612120059&amp;sref=rss" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Medicinal Herbs: A Beginner’s Guide</a> by Rosemary Gladstar <a href="http://go.redirectingat.com/?id=74709X1524664&amp;xs=1&amp;url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fs%2Fref%3Dnb_sb_noss_1%3Furl%3Dsearch-alias%253Dstripbooks%26amp%3Bfield-keywords%3Dsusan%2Bweed&amp;sref=rss" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Susan Weed</a> books <a href="http://go.redirectingat.com/?id=74709X1524664&amp;xs=1&amp;url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2FCommon-Natural-Health-Herbals-Foremothers%2Fdp%2F0961462094&amp;sref=rss" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Common Herbs for Natural Health</a> by Juliette Bairacli Levy Thank you, Brittany, for your light, your love and your wisdom!

WELL / AWARE Show 021: Holistic Healing with Brittany Wood Nickerson of Thyme Herbal

Kerrilynn Pamer

Cindy DiPrima

What an amazing, incredible privilege it was to interview this dynamic duo. And… it’s a WELL / AWARE first: it’s the very first time the show has had more than one guest on in the same episode! These two ladies are shaking up the beauty industry in a real way. Kerrilynn Pamer and Cindy DiPrima are the founders of CAP Beauty — you heard it here first, it’s the new Sephora. CAP is a natural beauty boutique and spa that stocks products with only the most natural ingredients. I Love CAP Beauty, with a capital L. It’s warm, inviting, chic without being pretentious and just a fun place to play, experiment and meet like-minded wellness folk. I can walk in and trust that I don’t have to look at labels (even though I do, of course, partly out of habit, partly out of passion and curiosity) but also, I can go there and trust I’ll learn something new about beauty or wellness. I met the two of them at one of their events, actually co-hosted by Marissa of Negative Underwear and Sarah Levy, owner of Y7 (where Alex Sharry teaches). They became fans of the podcast instantaneously, and I’m so grateful they did. There’s a reason CAP has a cult following.  1. They bring us brands we haven’t heard of, leading to experimentation. 2. They bring the makers behind the brands to life through intimate in-person events. 3. Their store feels like the living room of your super chic, always put together and on-trend friend. Once you’re there, you’ll never want to leave. There’s no denying they are busy ladies, but something about being in their presence makes you feel taken care of. I also signed up for a treatment in their spa, which was facial acupuncture with the lovely Elizabeth Alexandre, I’ll write about that on the blog. We discuss:  Kerrilynn and Cindy’s own wellness rituals how Kerrilynn’s celiac diagnosis changed her life their favorite natural beauty products the mastermind meetings that lead to opening CAP Beauty a peek inside their partnership, both big-picture and day-to-day the effectiveness of natural beauty products the key to cap beauty’s swift success balance is overrated (!!!) straight up finances how to write a manifesto for yourself or your business money as a living entity, always in flow why relationships are the key to a successful business  If you want to shout out to Cindy and Kerrilynn during or after their episode, you can reach them at @capbeautydaily on Instagram. Tell them you listened. As I always say, if you’re feeling the love, share it! If you are in NY or visiting and want to pay CAP Beauty a visit, it’s at 238 West 10th street in New York City’s West Village.  SHOW NOTES CAP Beauty | Instagram, Twitter, Facebook Marissa Vosper of Negative Underwear Y7 Yoga (Alex Sharry) Cafe Cluny – mastermind meeting place Dries van Noten show Louise Hay book  Old Castor and Pollux Tata Harper May Lindstrom Lotus Wei Alexis Smart Sky Ting Love Yoga Kayla Itsines Dana James My current favorites: In Fiore Treat Cleanser – great for sensitive, dry skin Sun Potion Ashwagandha Sun Potion Cordiceps (sold out currently) Sun Potion Reishi Sun Potion Rhodiola – amazing for focus and healing stress Sun Potion Tocos – like dessert! Vinter’s Daughter Serum  Photo creds: 1 / Sasha Israel for Bonberi, 2 / Sarah Jane Mercer blog,  3 / Sarah Elliott for Jenni Kayne / Rip + Tan

What an amazing, incredible privilege it was to interview this dynamic duo. And… it’s a WELL / AWARE first: it’s the very first time the show has had more than one guest on in the same episode! These two ladies are shaking up the beauty industry in a real way. Kerrilynn Pamer and Cindy DiPrima are the founders of <a href="http://go.redirectingat.com/?id=74709X1524664&amp;xs=1&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fcapbeauty.refersion.com%2Fc%2F548b9&amp;sref=rss" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">CAP Beauty</a> — you heard it here first, it’s the new Sephora. CAP is a natural beauty boutique and spa that stocks products with only the most natural ingredients. I Love CAP Beauty, with a capital L. It’s warm, inviting, chic without being pretentious and just a fun place to play, experiment and meet like-minded wellness folk. I can walk in and trust that I don’t have to look at labels (even though I do, of course, partly out of habit, partly out of passion and curiosity) but also, I can go there and trust I’ll learn something new about beauty or wellness. I met the two of them at one of their events, actually co-hosted by <a href="http://www.well-aware.co/well-aware-show-marissa-vosper-negative-underwear/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Marissa</a> of <a href="http://go.redirectingat.com/?id=74709X1524664&amp;xs=1&amp;url=http%3A%2F%2Fnegativeunderwear.com&amp;sref=rss" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Negative Underwear</a> and Sarah Levy, owner of <a href="http://go.redirectingat.com/?id=74709X1524664&amp;xs=1&amp;url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.y7-studio.com&amp;sref=rss" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Y7</a> (where <a href="http://www.well-aware.co/well-aware-show-001-alex-sharry-of-y7-yoga/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Alex Sharry</a> teaches). They became fans of the podcast instantaneously, and I’m so grateful they did. There’s a reason CAP has a cult following. 1. They bring us brands we haven’t heard of, leading to experimentation. 2. They bring the makers behind the brands to life through intimate in-person events. 3. Their store feels like the living room of your super chic, always put together and on-trend friend. Once you’re there, you’ll never want to leave. There’s no denying they are busy ladies, but something about being in their presence makes you feel taken care of. I also signed up for a treatment in their spa, which was facial acupuncture with the lovely Elizabeth Alexandre, I’ll write about that on the blog. We discuss: <ul> <li>Kerrilynn and Cindy’s own wellness rituals</li> <li>how Kerrilynn’s celiac diagnosis changed her life</li> <li>their favorite natural beauty products</li> <li>the mastermind meetings that lead to opening CAP Beauty</li> <li>a peek inside their partnership, both big-picture and day-to-day</li> <li>the effectiveness of natural beauty products</li> <li>the key to cap beauty’s swift success</li> <li>balance is overrated (!!!)</li> <li>straight up finances</li> <li>how to write a manifesto for yourself or your business</li> <li>money as a living entity, always in flow</li> <li>why relationships are the key to a successful business</li> </ul> If you want to shout out to Cindy and Kerrilynn during or after their episode, you can reach them at <a href="http://go.redirectingat.com/?id=74709X1524664&amp;xs=1&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.instagram.com%2Fcapbeautydaily%2F&amp;sref=rss" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">@capbeautydaily</a> on Instagram. Tell them you listened. As I always say, if you’re feeling the love, share it! If you are in NY or visiting and want to pay <a href="http://go.redirectingat.com/?id=74709X1524664&amp;xs=1&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fcapbeauty.refersion.com%2Fc%2F548b9&amp;sref=rss" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">CAP Beauty</a> a visit, it’s at 238 West 10th street in New York City’s West Village. SHOW NOTES <a href="http://go.redirectingat.com/?id=74709X1524664&amp;xs=1&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fcapbeauty.refersion.com%2Fc%2F548b9&amp;sref=rss" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">CAP Beauty</a> | <a href="http://go.redirectingat.com/?id=74709X1524664&amp;xs=1&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.instagram.com%2Fcapbeautydaily%2F&amp;sref=rss" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Instagram</a>, <a href="http://go.redirectingat.com/?id=74709X1524664&amp;xs=1&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Ftwitter.com%2Fcapbeautydaily&amp;sref=rss" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Twitter</a>, <a href="http://go.redirectingat.com/?id=74709X1524664&amp;xs=1&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fcapbeautydaily&amp;sref=rss" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Facebook</a> <a href="http://www.well-aware.co/well-aware-show-marissa-vosper-negative-underwear/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Marissa Vosper of Negative Underwear</a> <a href="http://www.well-aware.co/well-aware-show-001-alex-sharry-of-y7-yoga/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Y7 Yoga</a> (Alex Sharry) <a href="http://go.redirectingat.com/?id=74709X1524664&amp;xs=1&amp;url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.cafecluny.com&amp;sref=rss" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Cafe Cluny</a> – mastermind meeting place <a href="http://go.redirectingat.com/?id=74709X1524664&amp;xs=1&amp;url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.dazeddigital.com%2Ffashion%2Fgallery%2F18589%2F5%2Fdries-van-noten-ss15&amp;sref=rss" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Dries van Noten show</a> <a href="http://go.redirectingat.com/?id=74709X1524664&amp;xs=1&amp;url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fs%2Fref%3Dnb_sb_noss_1%3Furl%3Dsearch-alias%253Daps%26amp%3Bfield-keywords%3Dlouise%2Bl%2Bhay%26amp%3Brh%3Di%253Aaps%252Ck%253Alouise%2Bl%2Bhay&amp;sref=rss" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Louise Hay book </a> Old <a href="http://go.redirectingat.com/?id=74709X1524664&amp;xs=1&amp;url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.castorandpolluxstore.com&amp;sref=rss" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Castor and Pollux</a> <a href="http://go.redirectingat.com/?id=74709X1524664&amp;xs=1&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fcapbeauty.refersion.com%2Fl%2Fb07.49473&amp;sref=rss" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Tata Harper</a> <a href="http://go.redirectingat.com/?id=74709X1524664&amp;xs=1&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fcapbeauty.refersion.com%2Fl%2Fec9.49474&amp;sref=rss" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">May Lindstrom</a> <a href="/collections/lotus-wei" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Lotus Wei</a> <a href="http://go.redirectingat.com/?id=74709X1524664&amp;xs=1&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fcapbeauty.refersion.com%2Fl%2F791.49477&amp;sref=rss" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Alexis Smart</a> <a href="http://go.redirectingat.com/?id=74709X1524664&amp;xs=1&amp;url=http%3A%2F%2Fskytingyoga.com&amp;sref=rss" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Sky Ting</a> <a href="http://go.redirectingat.com/?id=74709X1524664&amp;xs=1&amp;url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.loveyogaspace.com&amp;sref=rss" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Love Yoga</a> <a href="http://go.redirectingat.com/?id=74709X1524664&amp;xs=1&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.instagram.com%2Fkayla_itsines%2F%3Fhl%3Den&amp;sref=rss" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Kayla Itsines</a> <a href="http://go.redirectingat.com/?id=74709X1524664&amp;xs=1&amp;url=http%3A%2F%2Ffoodcoachnyc.com&amp;sref=rss" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Dana James</a> My current favorites: <a href="http://go.redirectingat.com/?id=74709X1524664&amp;xs=1&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fcapbeauty.refersion.com%2Fl%2F013.49478&amp;sref=rss" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">In Fiore Treat Cleanser</a> – great for sensitive, dry skin <a href="http://go.redirectingat.com/?id=74709X1524664&amp;xs=1&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fcapbeauty.refersion.com%2Fl%2F696.49479&amp;sref=rss" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Sun Potion Ashwagandha</a> Sun Potion Cordiceps (sold out currently) <a href="http://go.redirectingat.com/?id=74709X1524664&amp;xs=1&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fcapbeauty.refersion.com%2Fl%2F06a.49480&amp;sref=rss" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Sun Potion Reishi</a> <a href="http://go.redirectingat.com/?id=74709X1524664&amp;xs=1&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fcapbeauty.refersion.com%2Fl%2F2cd.49485&amp;sref=rss" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Sun Potion Rhodiola</a> – amazing for focus and healing stress <a href="http://go.redirectingat.com/?id=74709X1524664&amp;xs=1&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fcapbeauty.refersion.com%2Fl%2F132.49493&amp;sref=rss" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Sun Potion Tocos</a> – like dessert! <a href="http://go.redirectingat.com/?id=74709X1524664&amp;xs=1&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fcapbeauty.refersion.com%2Fl%2Fca4.49502&amp;sref=rss" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Vinter’s Daughter Serum</a> Photo creds: 1 / Sasha Israel for Bonberi, 2 / Sarah Jane Mercer blog,  3 / Sarah Elliott for Jenni Kayne / Rip + Tan

WELL / AWARE Show 017: The Role of Self-Care in Successful Partnerships with Co-Founders of CAP Beauty, Kerrilynn Pamer and Cindy DiPrima

Jessa Blades

Jessa Blades is one of my heroes. Based on how easy it is to talk with and trust her, I have a feeling a lot of women feel the same way after meeting her. We first crossed paths while I reaching out to makeup artists for my wedding, and finally met at Uplift Project 001. Because of her holistic approach to beauty and her mastery in herbalism and safe makeup, I thought she’d be a shoe-in for making the big day 100% natural. Wrong! But that’s also precisely why I love Jessa. She’s well versed in herbs, plants, makeup artistry and holistic living and healing, but she’s also not removed from the real world. Case in point: she maintains that wearing conventional makeup that will actually stay put for hours on is fine your wedding day, because it’s just one day out of the year and therefore insignificant in the larger picture. Rather, her specialty is knowing the good from the bad in everyday products: shampoo, conditioner, soap, body wash, makeup, deodorant, toothpaste, and others … and sharing it with the world. It’s the habits and rituals everyday that make a real impact on our health.  No doubt Jessa’s holistic living expertise is a goldmine worth exploring (and we go there), but the way she speaks about it is very positive, diplomatic and respectful. In an industry powered by “shoulds” and “should nots,” Jessa has found a delightful medium, using herbalism and safe cosmetics as a platform to invite health instead of blame brands. Only the highest of vibes with Jessa, always.   We cover SO much in this episode! You’ll want to check out the show notes, because there was an entire side bar conversation I cut out about all of the salons and spas she loves in both New York and LA which is definitely worth a look. While we cover holistic living, it’s definitely more specifically oriented to skin and body healing through plants and herbs. Among other things, we discuss:  Her background, and how it aligned into a beautiful career she created for herself Natural birth control, and the three steps involved (this was eye-opening for me) The pill and body literacy What Jessa’s diet is like, and her approach to food The skin as the body’s largest communicator My scalp issues — as an example of how she works with clients The place of Western medicine in a holistic lifestyle A secret, un-released project by Jessa that I guessed and uncovered (!) Her two top beauty tips for better skin ASAP Her current favorite products (listed in the show notes, too)  This episode is for anyone who’s into herbs, obsessed with clean beauty or wants to learn more. It’s for anyone who’s interested in healing themselves and their skin, especially women who are interested in natural birth control.  SHOW NOTES Jessa Blades: Portfolio / Blades Natural Beauty online boutique / Instagram / Twitter / Pinterest 11 Makeup Tips video (we didn’t mention it in the show – but I find it to be super helpful!) Books Not Just a Pretty Face by Stacy Malkan Rosemary Gladstar: Mountain Rose Herbs, Traditional Medicinals Nourishing Traditions by Sally Fallon Louise Hay Woman Code by Alisa Vitti Spa Earth and Sky Healing Arts Fertility Tracking Apps Daysy Clue Kindara My Moon Time  Fifth Vital Sign – Kickstarter Movies The Business of Being Born Sweetening the Pill Products Chaga mushroom Vintner’s Daughter oil Sarada range (fyi: pronounced “sharda”) La Tierra Sagrada hair treatment City Guides: LA Hair: Naomi Nights, Stephani Padilla, Sera Sloane Spa: The Organic Pharmacy (get rose lymphatic draining facial per Jessa’s reco) City Guides: NY Hair: The Karcher, Ruby Jones (who works out of Little Axe in Williamsburg) Skin: Melaine Herring Spa: Great Jones Spa (she calls it the most under utilized resource in NYC), Lanshin, Maha Rose Thank you, Jessa, for sharing your story, wisdom and know-how with us! Photos: 1 – Alexis at City Love Photography; 2, 5 &amp; 6 – Tory Williams; 3 – Jessa Blades; 4 – Laila Bahman

<a href="http://go.redirectingat.com/?id=74709X1524664&amp;xs=1&amp;url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jessablades.com%2F&amp;sref=rss" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Jessa Blades</a> is one of my heroes. Based on how easy it is to talk with and trust her, I have a feeling a lot of women feel the same way after meeting her. We first crossed paths while I reaching out to makeup artists for my wedding, and finally met at <a href="http://www.well-aware.co/the-uplift-project-001/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Uplift Project 001</a>. Because of her holistic approach to beauty and her mastery in herbalism and safe makeup, I thought she’d be a shoe-in for making the big day 100% natural. Wrong! But that’s also precisely why I love Jessa. She’s well versed in herbs, plants, makeup artistry and holistic living and healing, but she’s also not removed from the real world. Case in point: she maintains that wearing conventional makeup that will actually stay put for hours on is fine your wedding day, because it’s just one day out of the year and therefore insignificant in the larger picture. Rather, her specialty is knowing the good from the bad in everyday products: shampoo, conditioner, soap, body wash, makeup, deodorant, toothpaste, and others … and sharing it with the world. It’s the habits and rituals everyday that make a real impact on our health. No doubt Jessa’s holistic living expertise is a goldmine worth exploring (and we go there), but the way she speaks about it is very positive, diplomatic and respectful. In an industry powered by “shoulds” and “should nots,” Jessa has found a delightful medium, using herbalism and safe cosmetics as a platform to invite health instead of blame brands. Only the highest of vibes with Jessa, always. We cover SO much in this episode! You’ll want to check out the show notes, because there was an entire side bar conversation I cut out about all of the salons and spas she loves in both New York and LA which is definitely worth a look. While we cover holistic living, it’s definitely more specifically oriented to skin and body healing through plants and herbs. Among other things, we discuss: <ul> <li>Her background, and how it aligned into a beautiful career she created for herself</li> <li>Natural birth control, and the three steps involved (this was eye-opening for me)</li> <li>The pill and body literacy</li> <li>What Jessa’s diet is like, and her approach to food</li> <li>The skin as the body’s largest communicator</li> <li>My scalp issues — as an example of how she works with clients</li> <li>The place of Western medicine in a holistic lifestyle</li> <li>A secret, un-released project by Jessa that I guessed and uncovered (!)</li> <li>Her two top beauty tips for better skin ASAP</li> <li>Her current favorite products (listed in the show notes, too)</li> </ul> This episode is for anyone who’s into herbs, obsessed with clean beauty or wants to learn more. It’s for anyone who’s interested in healing themselves and their skin, especially women who are interested in natural birth control. SHOW NOTES Jessa Blades: <a href="http://go.redirectingat.com/?id=74709X1524664&amp;xs=1&amp;url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jessablades.com%2F&amp;sref=rss" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Portfolio</a> / <a href="http://go.redirectingat.com/?id=74709X1524664&amp;xs=1&amp;url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.bladesnaturalbeauty.com%2F&amp;sref=rss" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Blades Natural Beauty</a> online boutique / <a href="http://go.redirectingat.com/?id=74709X1524664&amp;xs=1&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.instagram.com%2Fjessablades%2F&amp;sref=rss" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Instagram</a> / <a href="http://go.redirectingat.com/?id=74709X1524664&amp;xs=1&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Ftwitter.com%2Fjessablades&amp;sref=rss" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Twitter</a> / Pinterest <a href="http://go.redirectingat.com/?id=74709X1524664&amp;xs=1&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.youtube.com%2Fwatch%3Fv%3Dl1H5PIhDzZ4&amp;sref=rss" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">11 Makeup Tips video</a> (we didn’t mention it in the show – but I find it to be super helpful!) Books <a href="http://go.redirectingat.com/?id=74709X1524664&amp;xs=1&amp;url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2FNot-Just-Pretty-Face-Industry%2Fdp%2F0865715742&amp;sref=rss" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Not Just a Pretty Face</a> by Stacy Malkan <a href="http://go.redirectingat.com/?id=74709X1524664&amp;xs=1&amp;url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2FRosemary-Gladstars-Medicinal-Herbs-Beginners%2Fdp%2F1612120059%2Fref%3Dsr_1_1%3Fs%3Dbooks%26amp%3Bie%3DUTF8%26amp%3Bqid%3D1458366228%26amp%3Bsr%3D1-1%26amp%3Bkeywords%3Drosemary%2Bgladstar%2527s%2Bmedicinal%2Bherbs%2Ba%2Bbeginner%2527s%2Bguide&amp;sref=rss" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Rosemary Gladstar</a>: <a href="http://go.redirectingat.com/?id=74709X1524664&amp;xs=1&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.mountainroseherbs.com%2F&amp;sref=rss" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Mountain Rose Herbs</a>, <a href="http://go.redirectingat.com/?id=74709X1524664&amp;xs=1&amp;url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.traditionalmedicinals.com%2F&amp;sref=rss" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Traditional Medicinals</a> <a href="http://go.redirectingat.com/?id=74709X1524664&amp;xs=1&amp;url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2FNourishing-Traditions-Challenges-Politically-Dictocrats%2Fdp%2F0967089735&amp;sref=rss" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Nourishing Traditions</a> by Sally Fallon <a href="http://go.redirectingat.com/?id=74709X1524664&amp;xs=1&amp;url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.louisehay.com%2F&amp;sref=rss" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Louise Hay</a> <a href="http://go.redirectingat.com/?id=74709X1524664&amp;xs=1&amp;url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2FWomanCode-Perfect-Amplify-Fertility-Supercharge%2Fdp%2F006213079X&amp;sref=rss" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Woman Code</a> by Alisa Vitti Spa <a href="http://go.redirectingat.com/?id=74709X1524664&amp;xs=1&amp;url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.earthandskyhealingarts.com%2F&amp;sref=rss" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Earth and Sky Healing Arts</a> Fertility Tracking Apps <a href="http://go.redirectingat.com/?id=74709X1524664&amp;xs=1&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.usa.daysy.me%2F&amp;sref=rss" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Daysy</a> <a href="http://go.redirectingat.com/?id=74709X1524664&amp;xs=1&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.helloclue.com%2F&amp;sref=rss" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Clue</a> <a href="http://go.redirectingat.com/?id=74709X1524664&amp;xs=1&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.kindara.com%2Fhome&amp;sref=rss" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Kindara</a> <a href="http://go.redirectingat.com/?id=74709X1524664&amp;xs=1&amp;url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.mymoontime.com%2F&amp;sref=rss" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">My Moon Time </a> <a href="http://go.redirectingat.com/?id=74709X1524664&amp;xs=1&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.kickstarter.com%2Fprojects%2F989427951%2Fthe-fifth-vital-sign&amp;sref=rss" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Fifth Vital Sign</a> – Kickstarter Movies <a href="http://go.redirectingat.com/?id=74709X1524664&amp;xs=1&amp;url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.thebusinessofbeingborn.com%2F&amp;sref=rss" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">The Business of Being Born</a> <a href="http://go.redirectingat.com/?id=74709X1524664&amp;xs=1&amp;url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.sweeteningthepill.com%2F&amp;sref=rss" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Sweetening the Pill</a> Products <a href="http://go.redirectingat.com/?id=74709X1524664&amp;xs=1&amp;url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.bladesnaturalbeauty.com%2Fproduct%2Fsupertonic-wild-chaga&amp;sref=rss" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Chaga mushroom</a> <a href="http://go.redirectingat.com/?id=74709X1524664&amp;xs=1&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.vintnersdaughter.com%2F&amp;sref=rss" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Vintner’s Daughter</a> oil <a href="http://go.redirectingat.com/?id=74709X1524664&amp;xs=1&amp;url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.saradausa.com%2F&amp;sref=rss" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Sarada</a> range (fyi: pronounced “sharda”) <a href="http://go.redirectingat.com/?id=74709X1524664&amp;xs=1&amp;url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.latierrasagradahair.com%2Fshop-1%2Ftreatment&amp;sref=rss" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">La Tierra Sagrada</a> hair treatment City Guides: LA Hair: <a href="http://go.redirectingat.com/?id=74709X1524664&amp;xs=1&amp;url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.naomiknights.com&amp;sref=rss" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Naomi Nights</a>, <a href="http://go.redirectingat.com/?id=74709X1524664&amp;xs=1&amp;url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.stefani-padilla.com&amp;sref=rss" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Stephani Padilla</a>, <a href="http://go.redirectingat.com/?id=74709X1524664&amp;xs=1&amp;url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.losthillsla.com&amp;sref=rss" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Sera Sloane</a> Spa: The Organic Pharmacy (get rose lymphatic draining facial per Jessa’s reco) City Guides: NY Hair: <a href="http://go.redirectingat.com/?id=74709X1524664&amp;xs=1&amp;url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.yelp.com%2Fbiz%2Fthe-karcher-brooklyn&amp;sref=rss" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">The Karcher</a>, Ruby Jones (who works out of <a href="http://go.redirectingat.com/?id=74709X1524664&amp;xs=1&amp;url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.littleaxesalon.com%2F&amp;sref=rss" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Little Axe</a> in Williamsburg) Skin: <a href="http://go.redirectingat.com/?id=74709X1524664&amp;xs=1&amp;url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.melanieherring.com%2F&amp;sref=rss" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Melaine Herring</a> Spa: <a href="http://go.redirectingat.com/?id=74709X1524664&amp;xs=1&amp;url=http%3A%2F%2Fgjspa.com%2F&amp;sref=rss" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Great Jones Spa</a> (she calls it the most under utilized resource in NYC), <a href="http://go.redirectingat.com/?id=74709X1524664&amp;xs=1&amp;url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.lanshin.com%2F&amp;sref=rss" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Lanshin</a>, <a href="http://go.redirectingat.com/?id=74709X1524664&amp;xs=1&amp;url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.maharose.com%2F&amp;sref=rss" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Maha Rose</a> Thank you, Jessa, for sharing your story, wisdom and know-how with us! Photos: 1 – <a href="http://go.redirectingat.com/?id=74709X1524664&amp;xs=1&amp;url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.citylovephotography.com%2F&amp;sref=rss" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Alexis at City Love Photography</a>; 2, 5 &amp; 6 – <a href="http://go.redirectingat.com/?id=74709X1524664&amp;xs=1&amp;url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.torywilliams.com%2F&amp;sref=rss" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Tory Williams</a>; 3 – Jessa Blades; 4 – <a href="http://go.redirectingat.com/?id=74709X1524664&amp;xs=1&amp;url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.lailabahman.com%2F&amp;sref=rss" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Laila Bahman</a>

WELL / AWARE Show 028: The Language of Skin with Jessa Blades, Herbalist, Natural Beauty Expert and Makeup Artist

Caitlin Mociun

Caitlin Mociun — I’m not sure she can be defined anything other than a visionary. I’m prone to say she’s a jewelry designer because she came into my life as a jewelry designer, but she’s much more than that. She’s an entrepreneur, clothing designer, seeker, earth-lover, practitioner and curator. I found her, thank goodness, after doing tons of research on engagement rings a couple summers ago and have been intrigued by her work since.  Her unconventional stone cluster rings and gemstone pairings are at the forefront of design — there’s nothing else like them. She might be most known for her diamonds, but her store is stocked with home goods that are just as unique: knives with turquoise handles, bags from Brooklyn-based brand Baggu, handwoven baskets, wall hangings and of course, cases of jewelry that host a mix of her namesake range and antique finds from around the world. Her selection of goods is aesthetically incredible, part desert-whimsy and part artisan. Most things she carries works of art unto themselves.  She started with a successful clothing line that no longer exists because she’s become disenchanted by the fast-paced lifestyle that comes with designing season after season, and ends with a lot of waste. After a few successful runs with jewelry, which she loves because it minimizes waste and supports the local community, she listened to her gut (!) and started to build the empire that’s shaking up conventional design and making lots of forward thinking, eco-minded folk very, very happy. When I started following @mociun on Instagram, I became more intrigued by her creative process. Everything she does is so different from the indie jewelry landscape and has proven to be quite successful even with higher price points. She travels four months out of the year and has created a home that’s a sanctuary, not an office space like many entrepreneurs I know (ahem, including yours truly). Also, the bio on her website reads, “At a young age she developed an intense fear of coyotes and spent large amounts of time pretending to be an appaloosa.” How could I not invite her on the show? This episode is for anyone who wants to tune in to the voice within. Caitlin credits her success as designer and shop owner to her ability to go with her gut — and stresses that even if something is, in her words, a complete failure — it still serves a purpose in your journey. It’s also ideal for anyone looking for ideas to invigorate his or her own creativity. Business owners, listen up! There’s tons of valuable insights for you in this conversation. Among other things, we discuss:  social media strategy and Instagram growth rituals and routines that support the creative process how she got to feeling comfortable in her own skin how her eccentric background contributed to the “dissatisfaction” that drove her to design how healers have helped her break through personal growth plateaus the importance of travel and time away from work why she’s shutting down her newly-launched wedding dress line the role of “complete failure” in major success    Show Caitlin some love if her episode is resonating — her social channels are listed below. Happy listening! SHOW NOTES: Mociun online boutique @mociun Instagram / Facebook / Tumblr / Twitter / Pinterest Gary Snyder Everyday jewelry: gold hoops loop bracelet baguette band gear edge band  five dot rings stacked sapphire ring diamond shape bands Favorite Designers: Bell &amp; Bird Erie Basin Gabriella Kiss Polly Wales It was so lovely to have you on, Caitlin. Thank you!

<a href="http://go.redirectingat.com/?id=74709X1524664&amp;xs=1&amp;url=http%3A%2F%2Fmociun.com%2F&amp;sref=rss" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Caitlin Mociun</a> — I’m not sure she can be defined anything other than a visionary. I’m prone to say she’s a jewelry designer because she came into my life as a jewelry designer, but she’s much more than that. She’s an entrepreneur, clothing designer, seeker, earth-lover, practitioner and curator. I found her, thank goodness, after doing tons of research on engagement rings a couple summers ago and have been intrigued by her work since. Her unconventional stone cluster rings and gemstone pairings are at the forefront of design — there’s nothing else like them. She might be most known for her diamonds, but her store is stocked with home goods that are just as unique: knives with turquoise handles, bags from Brooklyn-based brand Baggu, handwoven baskets, wall hangings and of course, cases of jewelry that host a mix of her namesake range and antique finds from around the world. Her selection of goods is aesthetically incredible, part desert-whimsy and part artisan. Most things she carries works of art unto themselves. <a href="http://www.well-aware.co/wp-content/uploads/mociun-shop.jpg" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"></a> She started with a successful clothing line that no longer exists because she’s become disenchanted by the fast-paced lifestyle that comes with designing season after season, and ends with a lot of waste. After a few successful runs with jewelry, which she loves because it minimizes waste and supports the local community, she listened to her gut (!) and started to build the empire that’s shaking up conventional design and making lots of forward thinking, eco-minded folk very, very happy. When I started following <a href="http://go.redirectingat.com/?id=74709X1524664&amp;xs=1&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Finstagram.com%2Fmociun%2F&amp;sref=rss" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">@mociun</a> on Instagram, I became more intrigued by her creative process. Everything she does is so different from the indie jewelry landscape and has proven to be quite successful even with higher price points. She travels four months out of the year and has created a home that’s a sanctuary, not an office space like many entrepreneurs I know (ahem, including yours truly). Also, the bio on her website reads, “At a young age she developed an intense fear of coyotes and spent large amounts of time pretending to be an appaloosa.” How could I not invite her on the show? This episode is for anyone who wants to tune in to the voice within. Caitlin credits her success as designer and shop owner to her ability to go with her gut — and stresses that even if something is, in her words, a complete failure — it still serves a purpose in your journey. It’s also ideal for anyone looking for ideas to invigorate his or her own creativity. Business owners, listen up! There’s tons of valuable insights for you in this conversation. Among other things, we discuss: <ul> <li>social media strategy and Instagram growth</li> <li>rituals and routines that support the creative process</li> <li>how she got to feeling comfortable in her own skin</li> <li>how her eccentric background contributed to the “dissatisfaction” that drove her to design</li> <li>how healers have helped her break through personal growth plateaus</li> <li>the importance of travel and time away from work</li> <li>why she’s shutting down her newly-launched wedding dress line</li> <li>the role of “complete failure” in major success</li> </ul> <a href="http://www.well-aware.co/wp-content/uploads/IMG_3034-copy.jpg" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"></a> <a href="http://www.well-aware.co/wp-content/uploads/IMG_3036.jpg" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"></a> Show Caitlin some love if her episode is resonating — her social channels are listed below. Happy listening! SHOW NOTES: <a href="http://go.redirectingat.com/?id=74709X1524664&amp;xs=1&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fmociun.com&amp;sref=rss" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Mociun online boutique</a> <a href="http://go.redirectingat.com/?id=74709X1524664&amp;xs=1&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Finstagram.com%2Fmociun%2F&amp;sref=rss" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">@mociun Instagram</a> / <a href="http://go.redirectingat.com/?id=74709X1524664&amp;xs=1&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FMociun-104371546111%2F%3Ffref%3Dts&amp;sref=rss" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Facebook</a> / <a href="http://go.redirectingat.com/?id=74709X1524664&amp;xs=1&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fmociun.tumblr.com&amp;sref=rss" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Tumblr</a> / <a href="http://go.redirectingat.com/?id=74709X1524664&amp;xs=1&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Ftwitter.com%2Fmociun&amp;sref=rss" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Twitter</a> / <a href="http://go.redirectingat.com/?id=74709X1524664&amp;xs=1&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.pinterest.com%2Fmociun%2F&amp;sref=rss" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Pinterest</a> <a href="http://go.redirectingat.com/?id=74709X1524664&amp;xs=1&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fen.wikipedia.org%2Fwiki%2FGary_Snyder&amp;sref=rss" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Gary Snyder</a> Everyday jewelry: <a href="http://go.redirectingat.com/?id=74709X1524664&amp;xs=1&amp;url=http%3A%2F%2Fstore.mociun.com%2Fjewelry%2Fearrings%2F%23%21%2F951-sunbow-hoops%2F&amp;sref=rss" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">gold hoops</a> <a href="http://go.redirectingat.com/?id=74709X1524664&amp;xs=1&amp;url=http%3A%2F%2Fstore.mociun.com%2Fjewelry%2Fbracelets%2F%23%21%2F936-loop-bracelet%2F&amp;sref=rss" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">loop bracelet</a> <a href="http://go.redirectingat.com/?id=74709X1524664&amp;xs=1&amp;url=http%3A%2F%2Fstore.mociun.com%2Fjewelry%2Frings%2F%23%21%2F873-baguette-band%2F&amp;sref=rss" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">baguette band</a> <a href="http://go.redirectingat.com/?id=74709X1524664&amp;xs=1&amp;url=http%3A%2F%2Fstore.mociun.com%2Fjewelry%2Frings%2F%23%21%2F439-spike-ring%2F&amp;sref=rss" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">gear edge band </a> <a href="http://go.redirectingat.com/?id=74709X1524664&amp;xs=1&amp;url=http%3A%2F%2Fstore.mociun.com%2Fjewelry%2Frings%2F%23%21%2F654-five-dot-ring%2F&amp;sref=rss" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">five dot rings</a> <a href="http://go.redirectingat.com/?id=74709X1524664&amp;xs=1&amp;url=http%3A%2F%2Fstore.mociun.com%2Fjewelry%2Frings%2F%23%21%2F399-stacked-sapphire-ring%2F&amp;sref=rss" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">stacked sapphire ring</a> <a href="http://go.redirectingat.com/?id=74709X1524664&amp;xs=1&amp;url=http%3A%2F%2Fstore.mociun.com%2Fjewelry%2Frings%2Fshape-bands&amp;sref=rss" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">diamond shape bands</a> Favorite Designers: <a href="http://go.redirectingat.com/?id=74709X1524664&amp;xs=1&amp;url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.bellandbird.com%2F&amp;sref=rss" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Bell &amp; Bird</a> <a href="http://go.redirectingat.com/?id=74709X1524664&amp;xs=1&amp;url=http%3A%2F%2Feriebasin.com%2F&amp;sref=rss" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Erie Basin</a> <a href="http://go.redirectingat.com/?id=74709X1524664&amp;xs=1&amp;url=http%3A%2F%2Fgabriellakiss.com%2F&amp;sref=rss" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Gabriella Kiss</a> <a href="http://go.redirectingat.com/?id=74709X1524664&amp;xs=1&amp;url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.pollywales.com%2F&amp;sref=rss" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Polly Wales</a> It was so lovely to have you on, Caitlin. Thank you!

WELL / AWARE Show 013: Rituals to Support the Creative Process with Caitlin Mociun

KARYN NESBIT

This week’s podcast brought so much joy. I chatted with Karyn Nesbit, who’s become somewhat of a Soul Cycle celebrity. Soul Cycle is my cardio of choice, I’d do it every day if I could. It’s not zen like everything else, but there is something to it that’s more than just the workout. It’s a therapy session, jam session and cardio session rolled into one. I’ve learned a lot on the bike, pushing through resistance and working to failure inevitably brings up emotions, blocks and thoughts, many of which have manifested on WELL / AWARE. Karyn’s classes sell out in seconds, because her teaching style is fearlessly authentic and notoriously challenging among the Soul tribe. Her beats are also incredible, check out the Spotify link in the show notes. I first took Karyn’s class because a friend of a friend told me she’d recently tried it on a whim and was hooked immediately… actually around this time last year. I can’t believe it’s been a full year of classes!  Karyn’s story is all heart. And it’s fascinating: she went from a career in acting that was about what she looks like to a career in fitness that is all about what she feels like. She made a shift based on a gut feeling, and she made it work. It’s a great episode for anyone finding their passion, working through it, discovering limitations and boundaries and for anyone struggling to live in the moment (take a look at my last post on this if you haven’t already). Among other things in the episode, we discuss: – the limitations of our physical bodies – the utmost importance of living in the moment – making a career switch, listening to your gut – learning to love running – clean eating – how to maintain high energy – the ever-so-coveted work life balance How does she keep her energy and physique in tip top shape, you may ask. She gave us the secret sauces. In addition to teaching 13 Soul Cycle classes a week and eating clean – she tells us exactly what she eats in the episode – she works out off duty. Her being is based around feeling good, and Karyn said she doesn’t feel quite right if she doesn’t break a sweat every day. She prefers yoga (shout out to Alex!) and bodyweight exercises. 3 – 4 rounds of 5 different exercises, 15-20 repetitions each, including: burpees jump squats planks (with variations) push ups regular squats lunges bicycle crunches In the photos, we’re doing a series of barre exercises. Back in LA, Karyn taught at Pop Physique, which is coming to New York soon. I’ve never been a fan of barre classes, but sometimes it’s the classes we struggle through that teach us the most.       Have a listen, please let me know what you think and thank you for coming along on this journey. for Thank you, Karyn, for sharing your story, your honesty and your heart. See you Saturday! Show Notes: Natural Remedies for Allergies on Ecocult Karyn Nesbit / Soul Cycle Karyn Nesbit on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, Spotify Quest Bars Brazilia Cafe

This week’s podcast brought so much joy. I chatted with Karyn Nesbit, who’s become somewhat of a Soul Cycle celebrity. Soul Cycle is my cardio of choice, I’d do it every day if I could. It’s not zen like everything else, but there is something to it that’s more than just the workout. It’s a therapy session, jam session and cardio session rolled into one. I’ve learned a lot on the bike, pushing through resistance and working to failure inevitably brings up emotions, blocks and thoughts, many of which have manifested on WELL / AWARE. Karyn’s classes sell out in seconds, because her teaching style is fearlessly authentic and notoriously challenging among the Soul tribe. Her beats are also incredible, check out the Spotify link in the show notes. I first took Karyn’s class because a friend of a friend told me she’d recently tried it on a whim and was hooked immediately… actually around this time last year. I can’t believe it’s been a full year of classes! Karyn’s story is all heart. And it’s fascinating: she went from a career in acting that was about what she looks like to a career in fitness that is all about what she feels like. She made a shift based on a gut feeling, and she made it work. It’s a great episode for anyone finding their passion, working through it, discovering limitations and boundaries and for anyone struggling to live in the moment (take a look at <a href="http://www.well-aware.co/ive-been-leaking/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">my last post</a> on this if you haven’t already). Among other things in the episode, we discuss: – the limitations of our physical bodies – the utmost importance of living in the moment – making a career switch, listening to your gut – learning to love running – clean eating – how to maintain high energy – the ever-so-coveted work life balance How does she keep her energy and physique in tip top shape, you may ask. She gave us the secret sauces. In addition to teaching 13 Soul Cycle classes a week and eating clean – she tells us exactly what she eats in the episode – she works out off duty. Her being is based around feeling good, and Karyn said she doesn’t feel quite right if she doesn’t break a sweat every day. She prefers yoga (shout out to <a href="http://www.well-aware.co/well-aware-show-001-alex-sharry-of-y7-yoga/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Alex</a>!) and bodyweight exercises. 3 – 4 rounds of 5 different exercises, 15-20 repetitions each, including: burpees jump squats planks (with variations) push ups regular squats lunges bicycle crunches In the photos, we’re doing a series of barre exercises. Back in LA, Karyn taught at <a href="http://go.redirectingat.com/?id=74709X1524664&amp;xs=1&amp;url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.popphysique.com%2F&amp;sref=rss" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Pop Physique</a>, which is coming to New York soon. I’ve never been a fan of barre classes, but sometimes it’s the classes we struggle through that teach us the most. <a href="http://www.well-aware.co/wp-content/uploads/FITNESS_7-copy.jpg" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"></a> <a href="http://www.well-aware.co/wp-content/uploads/FITNESS_1-copy.jpg" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"></a> <a href="http://www.well-aware.co/wp-content/uploads/FITNESS_2-copy.jpg" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"></a> <a href="http://www.well-aware.co/wp-content/uploads/FITNESS_3-copy.jpg" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"></a> <a href="http://www.well-aware.co/wp-content/uploads/FITNESS_6-copy.jpg" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"></a> <a href="http://www.well-aware.co/wp-content/uploads/FITNESS_5-copy.jpg" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"></a> Have a listen, please let me know what you think and thank you for coming along on this journey. for Thank you, Karyn, for sharing your story, your honesty and your heart. See you Saturday! Show Notes: <a href="http://go.redirectingat.com/?id=74709X1524664&amp;xs=1&amp;url=http%3A%2F%2Fecocult.com%2F2015%2Fthe-best-herbal-remedies-to-combat-allergies-the-natural-way%2F&amp;sref=rss" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Natural Remedies for Allergies on Ecocult</a> <a href="http://go.redirectingat.com/?id=74709X1524664&amp;xs=1&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.soul-cycle.com%2Finstructors%2F226%2Fkaryn%2F&amp;sref=rss" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Karyn Nesbit / Soul Cycle</a> Karyn Nesbit on <a href="http://go.redirectingat.com/?id=74709X1524664&amp;xs=1&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Finstagram.com%2Fkarynnez%2F%3Fhl%3Den&amp;sref=rss" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Instagram</a>, <a href="http://go.redirectingat.com/?id=74709X1524664&amp;xs=1&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FKarynNez%3Ffref%3Dts&amp;sref=rss" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Facebook</a>, <a href="http://go.redirectingat.com/?id=74709X1524664&amp;xs=1&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Ftwitter.com%2Fknezzy12&amp;sref=rss" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Twitter</a>, <a href="http://go.redirectingat.com/?id=74709X1524664&amp;xs=1&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fopen.spotify.com%2Fuser%2F121498994&amp;sref=rss" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Spotify</a> <a href="http://go.redirectingat.com/?id=74709X1524664&amp;xs=1&amp;url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2FQuest-Nutrition-Protein-Chocolate-Cookie%2Fdp%2FB00DLDH1N2&amp;sref=rss" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Quest Bars</a> <a href="http://go.redirectingat.com/?id=74709X1524664&amp;xs=1&amp;url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.braziliacafe.com%2F&amp;sref=rss" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Brazilia Cafe</a>

WELL / AWARE SHOW 009: LIVING IN THE MOMENT WITH KARYN NESBIT OF SOUL CYCLE

Ally Bogard

This week, we’re chatting with yogi and meditation teacher, Ally Bogard. Ally is one of those gracious beings who shines from within when you see her in person. I met her through a class at The Path, a group meditation based in Manhattan. Side note, I’ve found group sits to be very helpful in deepening the practice. It’s great if you’re perpetually exhausted, prone to falling asleep while meditating — don’t laugh, I’m serious! — and overall, fellow practitioners (a fancy word for people who meditate) I’ve met there are just nice-to-the-core folks.   Photos by Lydia Hudgens, edited by me Her teaching style was simultaneously so gentle and powerful, a juxtaposition that’s hard to get right. I was moved and inspired by her guidance, so I let her know after class and as it turns out, she’s one of the most experienced yogis and meditators I’ve ever encountered and thankfully for us, she takes heart in being of service.  It’ll be helpful for anyone looking to manifest change, to break bad habits and to become their best selves. Ally has a deep understanding of both yoga and meditation, and lives by her own example. We went deep, and this conversation is really special. We talk about:  Ally’s background and path to becoming a yoga and meditation teacher Her definition of meditation The meditation vs. success paradox Self-discipline Neurology and science behind meditation How meditation helps you become the person you want to be What a newbie practitioner can expect How to deal with self-sabotage and negativity The virtues of sitting silently vs. finding a meditative activity    SHOW NOTES allybogard.com – note this is under maintenance recovering from a spam attack. In the meantime, you can follow @allybogard on Instagram Gaiatri – Ally’s yoga teacher training school The Path – 40-minute regular group meditation sits in the New York area broken down into 4, 10-minut exercises founded by Dina Kaplan and Charlie Knowles Headspace – an app that facilitates meditation Self Observaion, Red Hawk – tiny but efficient book that helps you get control over beliefs and thought Breaking the Habit of Being Yourself, Joe Dispenza – the science and neurology behind meditation Meditation for the Love of It, Sally Kempton – a good explanation of meditation *Editor’s note, we’ll include photos of Ally and I in an upcoming post.

This week, we’re chatting with yogi and meditation teacher, Ally Bogard. Ally is one of those gracious beings who shines from within when you see her in person. I met her through a class at The Path, a group meditation based in Manhattan. Side note, I’ve found group sits to be very helpful in deepening the practice. It’s great if you’re perpetually exhausted, prone to falling asleep while meditating — don’t laugh, I’m serious! — and overall, fellow practitioners (a fancy word for people who meditate) I’ve met there are just nice-to-the-core folks. <a href="http://www.well-aware.co/wp-content/uploads/MEDITATE_1.jpg" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"></a> Photos by <a href="http://go.redirectingat.com/?id=74709X1524664&amp;xs=1&amp;url=http%3A%2F%2Flydiahudgens.photographyblogsites.com%2F&amp;sref=rss" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Lydia Hudgens</a>, edited by me Her teaching style was simultaneously so gentle and powerful, a juxtaposition that’s hard to get right. I was moved and inspired by her guidance, so I let her know after class and as it turns out, she’s one of the most experienced yogis and meditators I’ve ever encountered and thankfully for us, she takes heart in being of service. <a href="http://www.well-aware.co/wp-content/uploads/ally-bogard1.jpg" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"></a> It’ll be helpful for anyone looking to manifest change, to break bad habits and to become their best selves. Ally has a deep understanding of both yoga and meditation, and lives by her own example. We went deep, and this conversation is really special. We talk about: <ul> <li>Ally’s background and path to becoming a yoga and meditation teacher</li> <li>Her definition of meditation</li> <li>The meditation vs. success paradox</li> <li>Self-discipline</li> <li>Neurology and science behind meditation</li> <li>How meditation helps you become the person you want to be</li> <li>What a newbie practitioner can expect</li> <li>How to deal with self-sabotage and negativity</li> <li>The virtues of sitting silently vs. finding a meditative activity</li> </ul> SHOW NOTES <a href="http://go.redirectingat.com/?id=74709X1524664&amp;xs=1&amp;url=http%3A%2F%2Fallybogard.com%2F&amp;sref=rss" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">allybogard.com</a> – note this is under maintenance recovering from a spam attack. In the meantime, you can follow @allybogard on Instagram <a href="http://go.redirectingat.com/?id=74709X1524664&amp;xs=1&amp;url=http%3A%2F%2Fgaiatri.com%2F&amp;sref=rss" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Gaiatri</a> – Ally’s yoga teacher training school <a href="http://go.redirectingat.com/?id=74709X1524664&amp;xs=1&amp;url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.thepath.com%2F&amp;sref=rss" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">The Path</a> – 40-minute regular group meditation sits in the New York area broken down into 4, 10-minut exercises founded by Dina Kaplan and Charlie Knowles <a href="http://go.redirectingat.com/?id=74709X1524664&amp;xs=1&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.headspace.com%2F&amp;sref=rss" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Headspace</a> – an app that facilitates meditation <a href="http://go.redirectingat.com/?id=74709X1524664&amp;xs=1&amp;url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2FSelf-Observation-Awakening-Conscience-Owners%2Fdp%2F1890772925&amp;sref=rss" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Self Observaion, Red Hawk</a> – tiny but efficient book that helps you get control over beliefs and thought <a href="http://go.redirectingat.com/?id=74709X1524664&amp;xs=1&amp;url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2FBreaking-The-Habit-Being-Yourself%2Fdp%2F1401938094&amp;sref=rss" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Breaking the Habit of Being Yourself, Joe Dispenza</a> – the science and neurology behind meditation <a href="http://go.redirectingat.com/?id=74709X1524664&amp;xs=1&amp;url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2FMeditation-Love-It-Enjoying-Experience%2Fdp%2F1604070811&amp;sref=rss" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Meditation for the Love of It, Sally Kempton</a> – a good explanation of meditation *Editor’s note, we’ll include photos of Ally and I in an upcoming post.

WELL / AWARE SHOW 005 | Ally Bogard of The Path

Erin Gilmore

Note: Erin kindly asked me to put a trigger warning here. We talk about eating disorders, addictions and sexual abuse. If any of this material is triggering for you, you may want to skip this episode.  Lead with your crazy. That’s the Erin Gilmore way. After a lifetime of feeling like she had to suppress her own, she’s learned through a dedicated yoga practice and blossoming teaching career that it’s more authentic and rewarding to lead with it. Why not? For her, that means being open and honest about her journey, admitting imperfection, revealing the guts and keeping it real. She does all of this publicly, on Instagram as part of her own healing, and with the hope that someone else feels less alone. Erin has struggled with her relationship with food since she was a teenager. She’s actually spun her yoga practice around her disordered eating, it’s how she found her way out of it. In a slew of other addictive behaviors and substances pushing her along the current of self-loathing through high school and college, one hour a day in yoga was the only time she felt self compassion.  If we’re being honest, I cannot remember how I stumbled upon her. It could very have been suggested by Instagram, or through comments by mutual friends. What I do remember is that the inner agreements pictured here are what moved me to reach out.  In her Instagram post sharing these inner agreements, she said it was five years and twenty pounds ago. A version of myself could relate. If I dug deep enough, I’m sure I could find something very similar in my own journals, though admittedly without the understanding of dichotomous harmony. Everything was so black and white back then, and I too found comfort in yoga. For me, it was more than a decade ago, but yoga … it was never a punishment. It was an active choice, and therefore quite nourishing for the soul. Recently, Erin wrote: This fit body is a byproduct of my changes, it came about almost by accident. My intention became my own best interest, clarity, rather than a certain ideal I felt compelled to attain. I made a conscious decision to trust my nature. I chose not throwing up, not starving myself, and not forcing my weak body to work out. This shift in perspective allowed my body to find it’s natural balance. I now live in a body shape that is free of fear and hatred.  Did you know that more than 90% of women suffer from some form of disordered eating in their lifetime? For someone who has ever suffered from an ED, freedom is all you ever want. This episode is great for anyone who has ever suffered from disordered eating. But understand it can be triggering. We both discuss our own individual experiences with eating disorders, though we don’t mention weight in exact numbers, and how we’ve recovered. It’s ideal for anyone who feels like “a hungry ghost” — always looking for the next thing.  We discuss:  how-to achieve self-compassion what it feels like to have an anorexia, bulimia, adderol addiction and more the tools we used to recover from our respective eating disorders, and the non linear path to get there the black veil of shame around openly discussing disordered eating Erin’s path to yoga teacher training and a lucrative career teaching yoga how she eats, and how she wants to shift her habits her new tarot ritual how to get into meditation (hint: I sent her Ally Bogard’s episode!)   SHOW NOTES: @erintron \ blackbirdyogi.com, her blog Geneen Roth’s Women, Food and God – we’re both obsessed SARK, journaling visually all photos from Erin’s Instagram account

Note: Erin kindly asked me to put a trigger warning here. We talk about eating disorders, addictions and sexual abuse. If any of this material is triggering for you, you may want to skip this episode.  Lead with your crazy. That’s the <a href="http://go.redirectingat.com/?id=74709X1524664&amp;xs=1&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Finstagram.com%2Ferintron%2F&amp;sref=rss" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Erin Gilmore</a> way. After a lifetime of feeling like she had to suppress her own, she’s learned through a dedicated yoga practice and blossoming teaching career that it’s more authentic and rewarding to lead with it. Why not? For her, that means being open and honest about her journey, admitting imperfection, revealing the guts and keeping it real. She does all of this publicly, on Instagram as part of her own healing, and with the hope that someone else feels less alone. Erin has struggled with her relationship with food since she was a teenager. She’s actually spun her yoga practice around her disordered eating, it’s how she found her way out of it. In a slew of other addictive behaviors and substances pushing her along the current of self-loathing through high school and college, one hour a day in yoga was the only time she felt self compassion. <a href="http://go.redirectingat.com/?id=74709X1524664&amp;xs=1&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Finstagram.com%2Fp%2F5fg5NTy39l%2F&amp;sref=rss" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"></a> If we’re being honest, I cannot remember how I stumbled upon her. It could very have been suggested by Instagram, or through comments by mutual friends. What I do remember is that the inner agreements pictured here are what moved me to reach out. In her Instagram post sharing these inner agreements, she said it was five years and twenty pounds ago. A version of myself could relate. If I dug deep enough, I’m sure I could find something very similar in my own journals, though admittedly without the understanding of dichotomous harmony. Everything was so black and white back then, and I too found comfort in yoga. For me, it was more than a decade ago, but yoga … it was never a punishment. It was an active choice, and therefore quite nourishing for the soul. Recently, <a href="http://go.redirectingat.com/?id=74709X1524664&amp;xs=1&amp;url=http%3A%2F%2Fblackbirdyogi.com%2Fpost%2F115064219825%2Fone-of-the-biggest-hurdles-in-the-beginning-of-my&amp;sref=rss" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Erin wrote</a>: This fit body is a byproduct of my changes, it came about almost by accident. My intention became my own best interest, clarity, rather than a certain ideal I felt compelled to attain. I made a conscious decision to trust my nature. I chose not throwing up, not starving myself, and not forcing my weak body to work out. This shift in perspective allowed my body to find it’s natural balance. I now live in a body shape that is free of fear and hatred.  Did you know that more than 90% of women suffer from some form of disordered eating in their lifetime? For someone who has ever suffered from an ED, freedom is all you ever want. This episode is great for anyone who has ever suffered from disordered eating. But understand it can be triggering. We both discuss our own individual experiences with eating disorders, though we don’t mention weight in exact numbers, and how we’ve recovered. It’s ideal for anyone who feels like “a hungry ghost” — always looking for the next thing.  We discuss: <ul> <li>how-to achieve self-compassion</li> <li>what it feels like to have an anorexia, bulimia, adderol addiction and more</li> <li>the tools we used to recover from our respective eating disorders, and the non linear path to get there</li> <li>the black veil of shame around openly discussing disordered eating</li> <li>Erin’s path to yoga teacher training and a lucrative career teaching yoga</li> <li>how she eats, and how she wants to shift her habits</li> <li>her new tarot ritual</li> <li>how to get into meditation (hint: I sent her <a href="http://www.well-aware.co/well-aware-show-005-ally-bogard-of-the-path/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Ally Bogard’s episode</a>!)</li> </ul> <a href="http://go.redirectingat.com/?id=74709X1524664&amp;xs=1&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Finstagram.com%2Fp%2F8byHxbS39y%2F&amp;sref=rss" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"></a> SHOW NOTES: <a href="http://go.redirectingat.com/?id=74709X1524664&amp;xs=1&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Finstagram.com%2Ferintron%2F&amp;sref=rss" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">@erintron</a> \ <a href="http://go.redirectingat.com/?id=74709X1524664&amp;xs=1&amp;url=http%3A%2F%2Fblackbirdyogi.com&amp;sref=rss" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">blackbirdyogi.com</a>, her blog Geneen Roth’s <a href="http://go.redirectingat.com/?id=74709X1524664&amp;xs=1&amp;url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2FWomen-Food-God-Unexpected-Everything%2Fdp%2F1416543082&amp;sref=rss" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Women, Food and God</a> – we’re both obsessed <a href="http://go.redirectingat.com/?id=74709X1524664&amp;xs=1&amp;url=http%3A%2F%2Fplanetsark.com%2F&amp;sref=rss" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">SARK</a>, journaling visually all photos from Erin’s Instagram account

WELL / AWARE Show 014: Eating Disorders, Addictions and Yoga with Erin Gilmore

Bringing classical yoga teachings to a modern lifestyle, Sky Ting Yoga is one of my favorite studios in New York City. The competitive spirit that often comes through in Manhattan yoga classes just isn’t present — this is a space where release is routine. Judgment is sloughed in favor of tranquility and a feeling of retreat, which is essential (and rare) in our culture of constant connectivity. I first met Chloe Kernaghan, co-owner of Sky Ting, about eight years ago in a totally different and not-so-yogic setting… college! And in 2008, that meant Brooklyn — we both studied at NYU. I lived in Williamsburg off the Lorimer L train stop, and Chloe would drop by every now and then because she was friends with my roommate. We added each other on Facebook and I starting noticing beautiful pictures of her retreats led with Sky Ting’s other half, Krissy Jones, and, eventually, the opening of Sky Ting popping up in my feed. It was time to catch up! Upon my first visit, I was reminded of the first yoga class I ever took some fifteen years ago (!), which is perhaps why I felt an immediate warmth in the space and connection with the teachers. It’s a nurturing environment that offers all kinds of yoga — Iyengar, Katonah, vinyasa, even Kundalini meditation — but remains nondenominational, which I love. I’m crazy about the minimalist aesthetic, not only is it a breath of fresh air, but it’s welcoming for students at any level. With windowsills full of lush green potted plants, a giant giraffe, amazing skin care (hi, Desiree!), clean eeeats and ethically made athleisure lines Live the Process and Outdoor Voices, they’ve curated what might be the perfect space for those in pursuit of wellness. Once you’re there, you won’t want to leave!  In our conversation, we parsed out how Krissy and Chloe made yoga their lifestyle. This episode is geared toward the yoga-inclined. It’s for certified teachers, students who want to deepen their practice, anyone interested in opening up a studio space, and really, anyone interested in making a sustainable and modern living through yoga or wellness – the practice of the practice. Chloe and Krissy share their experiences whole heartedly, and what I love is their authenticity throughout. It’s easy to get carried away in the wellness world as young, successful people, but Chloe and Krissy don’t want to be the latest “guru” — in their own words, they’re just regular people navigating life in the city and want to offer a practice that supports, releases and grounds.   Among other things, we discuss:  The economics of yoga, and how to make a sustainable lifestyle as a yoga teacher Krissy and Chloe’s yoga mentors and their styles of teaching with a focus on Katonah Yoga Their favorite wellness splurges and rituals What teaching their very first class was like (LOL) The benefits and rationale for a yoga retreat Favorite NYC restaurants (this is a don’t-miss list) The story of how Sky Ting came to be Krissy and Chloe’s dynamic as business partners What they do work-wise and financially to ensure Sky Ting is profitable What’s coming up for Sky Ting (HINT! You’ll want to hear this part!)    SHOW NOTES Sky Ting Yoga: Instagram Krissy personal site / Chloe personal site Upcoming Retreats: Maderas, Nicaragua and Majorca, Spain Kumi Sawyers: best massage of our lives (if you book one, tell her you heard here!) Desiree + Ben Shen skincare Mentors: Nevine Michaan and Abbie Galvin of Katonah Yoga, Rodney and Colleen Yee of Yoga Shanti Yoga Vida, where both Chloe and Krissy completed their 200 TT Yoga Shanti, where Krissy and Chloe completed a 100 hour TT Chloe’s choreography: Dixon Place and Abrons Art Center Nick Poe: artist, designer of Sky Ting space Great Jones Spa and Cap Beauty for splurging (and GJS water facilities day pass FTW) Favorite restaurants: Dimes, Kiki’s, Bacaro, Lovely Day, Cherche Midi, Odeon, These are a few of their favorite tings (get it!) pictured above. Sun Potion Tocos He Shou Wu Sun Potion Reishi One Love Organics Journaling Crystals (Krissy has “someone” and Chloe shops at Rock Star in Chelsea) Nevine Michan’s 2016 calendar (get it! I have one too, such a wealth of knowledge)   Thank you, Krissy and Chloe, for opening your hearts and minds on the WELL / AWARE show! Loved having you.

Bringing classical yoga teachings to a modern lifestyle, <a href="http://go.redirectingat.com/?id=74709X1524664&amp;xs=1&amp;url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.skytingyoga.com&amp;sref=rss" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Sky Ting Yoga</a> is one of my favorite studios in New York City. The competitive spirit that often comes through in Manhattan yoga classes just isn’t present — this is a space where release is routine. Judgment is sloughed in favor of tranquility and a feeling of retreat, which is essential (and rare) in our culture of constant connectivity. I first met <a href="http://go.redirectingat.com/?id=74709X1524664&amp;xs=1&amp;url=http%3A%2F%2Fchloekyoga.com&amp;sref=rss" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Chloe Kernaghan</a>, co-owner of Sky Ting, about eight years ago in a totally different and not-so-yogic setting… college! And in 2008, that meant Brooklyn — we both studied at NYU. I lived in Williamsburg off the Lorimer L train stop, and Chloe would drop by every now and then because she was friends with my roommate. We added each other on Facebook and I starting noticing beautiful pictures of her retreats led with Sky Ting’s other half, <a href="http://go.redirectingat.com/?id=74709X1524664&amp;xs=1&amp;url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.krissyjonesyoga.com&amp;sref=rss" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Krissy Jones</a>, and, eventually, the opening of Sky Ting popping up in my feed. It was time to catch up! Upon my first visit, I was reminded of the first yoga class I ever took some fifteen years ago (!), which is perhaps why I felt an immediate warmth in the space and connection with the teachers. It’s a nurturing environment that offers all kinds of yoga — Iyengar, Katonah, vinyasa, even Kundalini meditation — but remains nondenominational, which I love. I’m crazy about the minimalist aesthetic, not only is it a breath of fresh air, but it’s welcoming for students at any level. With windowsills full of lush green potted plants, a giant giraffe, amazing skin care (hi, <a href="http://www.well-aware.co/well-aware-show-008-finding-inner-beauty-with-ben-shen/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Desiree</a>!), <a href="http://go.redirectingat.com/?id=74709X1524664&amp;xs=1&amp;url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.dimesdeli.com&amp;sref=rss" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">clean eeeats</a> and ethically made athleisure lines <a href="http://go.redirectingat.com/?id=74709X1524664&amp;xs=1&amp;url=http%3A%2F%2Flivetheprocess.com&amp;sref=rss" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Live the Process</a> and <a href="http://go.redirectingat.com/?id=74709X1524664&amp;xs=1&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.outdoorvoices.com&amp;sref=rss" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Outdoor Voices</a>, they’ve curated what might be the perfect space for those in pursuit of wellness. Once you’re there, you won’t want to leave! In our conversation, we parsed out how Krissy and Chloe made yoga their lifestyle. This episode is geared toward the yoga-inclined. It’s for certified teachers, students who want to deepen their practice, anyone interested in opening up a studio space, and really, anyone interested in making a sustainable and modern living through yoga or wellness – the practice of the practice. Chloe and Krissy share their experiences whole heartedly, and what I love is their authenticity throughout. It’s easy to get carried away in the wellness world as young, successful people, but Chloe and Krissy don’t want to be the latest “guru” — in their own words, they’re just regular people navigating life in the city and want to offer a practice that supports, releases and grounds. Among other things, we discuss: <ul> <li>The economics of yoga, and how to make a sustainable lifestyle as a yoga teacher</li> <li>Krissy and Chloe’s yoga mentors and their styles of teaching with a focus on Katonah Yoga</li> <li>Their favorite wellness splurges and rituals</li> <li>What teaching their very first class was like (LOL)</li> <li>The benefits and rationale for a yoga retreat</li> <li>Favorite NYC restaurants (this is a don’t-miss list)</li> <li>The story of how Sky Ting came to be</li> <li>Krissy and Chloe’s dynamic as business partners</li> <li>What they do work-wise and financially to ensure Sky Ting is profitable</li> <li>What’s coming up for Sky Ting (HINT! You’ll want to hear this part!)</li> </ul> SHOW NOTES <a href="http://go.redirectingat.com/?id=74709X1524664&amp;xs=1&amp;url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.skytingyoga.com&amp;sref=rss" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Sky Ting Yoga</a>: <a href="http://go.redirectingat.com/?id=74709X1524664&amp;xs=1&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.instagram.com%2Fskytingyoga%2F%3Fhl%3Den&amp;sref=rss" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Instagram</a> <a href="http://go.redirectingat.com/?id=74709X1524664&amp;xs=1&amp;url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.krissyjonesyoga.com&amp;sref=rss" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Krissy</a> personal site / <a href="http://go.redirectingat.com/?id=74709X1524664&amp;xs=1&amp;url=http%3A%2F%2Fchloekyoga.com&amp;sref=rss" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Chloe</a> personal site Upcoming <a href="http://go.redirectingat.com/?id=74709X1524664&amp;xs=1&amp;url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.skytingyoga.com%2Fretreats%2F&amp;sref=rss" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Retreats</a>: Maderas, Nicaragua and Majorca, Spain <a href="http://go.redirectingat.com/?id=74709X1524664&amp;xs=1&amp;url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.kumarawellness.com&amp;sref=rss" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Kumi Sawyers</a>: best massage of our lives (if you book one, tell her you heard here!) <a href="http://www.well-aware.co/well-aware-show-008-finding-inner-beauty-with-ben-shen/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Desiree</a> + <a href="http://go.redirectingat.com/?id=74709X1524664&amp;xs=1&amp;url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.benshen.co&amp;sref=rss" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Ben Shen</a> skincare Mentors: Nevine Michaan and Abbie Galvin of <a href="http://go.redirectingat.com/?id=74709X1524664&amp;xs=1&amp;url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.abronsartscenter.org%2F&amp;sref=rss" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Katonah Yoga</a>, Rodney and Colleen Yee of <a href="http://go.redirectingat.com/?id=74709X1524664&amp;xs=1&amp;url=http%3A%2F%2Fyogashanti.com&amp;sref=rss" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Yoga Shanti</a> <a href="http://go.redirectingat.com/?id=74709X1524664&amp;xs=1&amp;url=http%3A%2F%2Fyogavida.com&amp;sref=rss" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Yoga Vida</a>, where both Chloe and Krissy completed their 200 TT <a href="http://go.redirectingat.com/?id=74709X1524664&amp;xs=1&amp;url=http%3A%2F%2Fyogashanti.com&amp;sref=rss" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Yoga Shanti</a>, where Krissy and Chloe completed a 100 hour TT Chloe’s choreography: <a href="http://go.redirectingat.com/?id=74709X1524664&amp;xs=1&amp;url=http%3A%2F%2Fdixonplace.org&amp;sref=rss" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Dixon Place</a> and <a href="http://go.redirectingat.com/?id=74709X1524664&amp;xs=1&amp;url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.abronsartscenter.org%2F&amp;sref=rss" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Abrons Art Center</a> <a href="http://go.redirectingat.com/?id=74709X1524664&amp;xs=1&amp;url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.nickpoe.net&amp;sref=rss" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Nick Poe</a>: artist, designer of Sky Ting space <a href="http://go.redirectingat.com/?id=74709X1524664&amp;xs=1&amp;url=http%3A%2F%2Fgjspa.com&amp;sref=rss" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Great Jones Spa</a> and <a href="http://go.redirectingat.com/?id=74709X1524664&amp;xs=1&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fcapbeauty.refersion.com%2Fc%2F548b9&amp;sref=rss" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Cap Beauty</a> for splurging (and GJS water facilities day pass FTW) Favorite restaurants: <a href="http://go.redirectingat.com/?id=74709X1524664&amp;xs=1&amp;url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.dimesdeli.com&amp;sref=rss" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Dimes</a>, <a href="http://go.redirectingat.com/?id=74709X1524664&amp;xs=1&amp;url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.yelp.com%2Fbiz%2Fkikis-new-york&amp;sref=rss" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Kiki’s</a>, <a href="http://go.redirectingat.com/?id=74709X1524664&amp;xs=1&amp;url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.bacaronyc.com%2Fmenu.htm&amp;sref=rss" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Bacaro</a>, <a href="http://go.redirectingat.com/?id=74709X1524664&amp;xs=1&amp;url=http%3A%2F%2Flovelydaynyc.com&amp;sref=rss" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Lovely Day</a>, <a href="http://go.redirectingat.com/?id=74709X1524664&amp;xs=1&amp;url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.cherchemidiny.com%2Fmenus%2Fbrunch%2F&amp;sref=rss" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Cherche Midi</a>, <a href="http://go.redirectingat.com/?id=74709X1524664&amp;xs=1&amp;url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.theodeonrestaurant.com&amp;sref=rss" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Odeon</a>, These are a few of their favorite tings (get it!) pictured above. <a href="http://go.redirectingat.com/?id=74709X1524664&amp;xs=1&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fcapbeauty.refersion.com%2Fl%2F716.56861&amp;sref=rss" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Sun Potion Tocos</a> <a href="http://go.redirectingat.com/?id=74709X1524664&amp;xs=1&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fcapbeauty.refersion.com%2Fl%2Fd98.56863&amp;sref=rss" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">He Shou Wu</a> <a href="http://go.redirectingat.com/?id=74709X1524664&amp;xs=1&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fcapbeauty.refersion.com%2Fl%2F484.56860&amp;sref=rss" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Sun Potion Reishi</a> <a href="http://go.redirectingat.com/?id=74709X1524664&amp;xs=1&amp;url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.capbeauty.com%2Fcollections%2Fone-love-organics&amp;sref=rss" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">One Love Organics</a> Journaling Crystals (Krissy has “someone” and Chloe shops at Rock Star in Chelsea) Nevine Michan’s 2016 calendar (get it! I have one too, such a wealth of knowledge) Thank you, Krissy and Chloe, for opening your hearts and minds on the WELL / AWARE show! Loved having you.

WELL / AWARE Show 023: The Practice of Practice with Sky Ting Yoga Founders Krissy and Chloe

Satsuki Shibuya

I fell hard for Satsuki’s soothing, minimalist watercolors after finding them on Pinterest. It was love at first sight. Her abstract paintings are uniform, but only to a certain extent. Each has its own character and vibration. They all feel organic and have the energy of a peaceful ocean swell. The colors are drawn from analogous palettes: dusty rose, soft grays and easy greens play with one another through amorphous shapes. After discovering her, I followed along on Instagram more closely and started to enjoy her profound words. I also noticed that she also calls herself a “spiritual thinker,” a delightfully complementary juxtaposition to her work. Her posts on Instagram speak to mindfulness from all different angles —  sometimes funny, always uplifting, and she strikes a chord every time. Once I understood the role that wellness played in her work, I knew we had to invite her to the show. I have a high regard for Satsuki and her sacred creative rituals. As someone who’s always dabbled in art and loves following the scene, I’m impressed by her technique, the story of how she got started and how quickly she was able to make a name for herself. Satsuki’s art has been featured in collaborations with Vrai &amp; Oro, The Dreslyn, and she’s been featured in Refinery29, Kinfolk Magazine and more. Although not originally a painter by trade, she’s made a strong name for herself in a very short timeframe, which I find fascinating.   Like many creatives I know, Satsuki never quite felt like she fit in because she had some special gifts. In fact, for many years of her life, she put on a show to give the illusion she was part of the group, but knew deep down that she was different — in a way that freaked out people who were closest to her. This episode is comforting for anyone suffering from feeling left out, weird, different or just not mainstream, even if the feeling is left over from childhood. It’s affirming to hear about Satsuki’s unconventional path, as we sometimes forget there are so many options that exist beyond our current everyday realities.   We discuss:  “parallel pathing” or what it feels like to be going in the right direction, on a not-quite-right track] growing up in a strict culture framework how to listen to your intuition her morning routine, which doesn’t involve painting Satsuki’s painting / artwork-naming process what it’s like to be a super Pinner how she solves for anxiety attacks the importance of determining your financial worth as an artist learning how to saying no and get more of the work what you want what “soul work” feels like  SHOW NOTES Satsuki Shibuya | Instagram, Pinterest, Twitter, Facebook Recommended reading: The Untethered Soul by Michael A. Singer, Adventures of the Soul by James Van Praagh, Leap of Perception by Penney Peirce Ryuichi Sakamoto – Merry Christmas Mr. Lawrence (listen to the whole thing – lots of depth to this song!)  artwork posted with Satsuki’s permission portraits: jennifer young (jenniferyoungstudio.com) lifestyle / in studio: Sisilia Piring (http://www.sisiliapiring.com/)

I fell hard for S<a href="http://go.redirectingat.com/?id=74709X1524664&amp;xs=1&amp;url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.satsukishibuya.com%2F&amp;sref=rss" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">atsuki’s</a> soothing, minimalist watercolors after finding them on Pinterest. It was love at first sight. Her abstract paintings are uniform, but only to a certain extent. Each has its own character and vibration. They all feel organic and have the energy of a peaceful ocean swell. The colors are drawn from analogous palettes: dusty rose, soft grays and easy greens play with one another through amorphous shapes. After discovering her, I followed along on Instagram more closely and started to enjoy her profound words. I also noticed that she also calls herself a “spiritual thinker,” a delightfully complementary juxtaposition to her work. Her posts on Instagram speak to mindfulness from all different angles —  sometimes funny, always uplifting, and she strikes a chord every time. Once I understood the role that wellness played in her work, I knew we had to invite her to the show. I have a high regard for Satsuki and her sacred creative rituals. As someone who’s always dabbled in art and loves following the scene, I’m impressed by her technique, the story of how she got started and how quickly she was able to make a name for herself. Satsuki’s art has been featured in collaborations with <a href="http://go.redirectingat.com/?id=74709X1524664&amp;xs=1&amp;url=http%3A%2F%2Fvraiandoro.com%2F&amp;sref=rss" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Vrai &amp; Oro</a>, <a href="http://go.redirectingat.com/?id=74709X1524664&amp;xs=1&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.thedreslyn.com%2Ftheblog%2Fin-the-process-satsuki-shibuya%2F&amp;sref=rss" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">The Dreslyn</a>, and she’s been featured in <a href="http://go.redirectingat.com/?id=74709X1524664&amp;xs=1&amp;url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.refinery29.com%2Fsatsuki-shibuya%23slide&amp;sref=rss" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Refinery29</a>, <a href="http://go.redirectingat.com/?id=74709X1524664&amp;xs=1&amp;url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.kinfolk.com%2Fmessy-meal-recap%2F&amp;sref=rss" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Kinfolk Magazine</a> <a href="http://go.redirectingat.com/?id=74709X1524664&amp;xs=1&amp;url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.satsukishibuya.com%2Fabout%2F&amp;sref=rss" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">and more</a>. Although not originally a painter by trade, she’s made a strong name for herself in a very short timeframe, which I find fascinating. Like many creatives I know, Satsuki never quite felt like she fit in because she had some special gifts. In fact, for many years of her life, she put on a show to give the illusion she was part of the group, but knew deep down that she was different — in a way that freaked out people who were closest to her. This episode is comforting for anyone suffering from feeling left out, weird, different or just not mainstream, even if the feeling is left over from childhood. It’s affirming to hear about Satsuki’s unconventional path, as we sometimes forget there are so many options that exist beyond our current everyday realities. We discuss: <ul> <li>“parallel pathing” or what it feels like to be going in the right direction, on a not-quite-right track]</li> <li>growing up in a strict culture framework</li> <li>how to listen to your intuition</li> <li>her morning routine, which doesn’t involve painting</li> <li>Satsuki’s painting / artwork-naming process</li> <li>what it’s like to be a super Pinner</li> <li>how she solves for anxiety attacks</li> <li>the importance of determining your financial worth as an artist</li> <li>learning how to saying no and get more of the work what you want</li> <li>what “soul work” feels like</li> </ul> SHOW NOTES <a href="http://go.redirectingat.com/?id=74709X1524664&amp;xs=1&amp;url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.satsukishibuya.com%2F&amp;sref=rss" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Satsuki Shibuya</a> | <a href="http://go.redirectingat.com/?id=74709X1524664&amp;xs=1&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.instagram.com%2Fsatsukishibuya%2F&amp;sref=rss" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Instagram</a>, <a href="http://go.redirectingat.com/?id=74709X1524664&amp;xs=1&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.pinterest.com%2Fsatsukishibuya%2F&amp;sref=rss" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Pinterest</a>, <a href="http://go.redirectingat.com/?id=74709X1524664&amp;xs=1&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Ftwitter.com%2Fsatsukishibuya&amp;sref=rss" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Twitter</a>, <a href="http://go.redirectingat.com/?id=74709X1524664&amp;xs=1&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fsatsukishibuya&amp;sref=rss" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Facebook</a> Recommended reading: <a href="http://go.redirectingat.com/?id=74709X1524664&amp;xs=1&amp;url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2FThe-Untethered-Soul-Journey-Yourself%2Fdp%2F1572245379&amp;sref=rss" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">The Untethered Soul</a> by Michael A. Singer, <a href="http://go.redirectingat.com/?id=74709X1524664&amp;xs=1&amp;url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2FAdventures-Soul-Journeys-Spiritual-Dimensions-ebook%2Fdp%2FB00KSF7VK4&amp;sref=rss" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Adventures of the Soul</a> by James Van Praagh, <a href="http://go.redirectingat.com/?id=74709X1524664&amp;xs=1&amp;url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2FLeap-Perception-Transforming-Power-Attention%2Fdp%2F1582703906&amp;sref=rss" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Leap of Perception</a> by Penney Peirce <a href="http://go.redirectingat.com/?id=74709X1524664&amp;xs=1&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.youtube.com%2Fwatch%3Fv%3DLGs_vGt0MY8&amp;sref=rss" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Ryuichi Sakamoto – Merry Christmas Mr. Lawrence</a> (listen to the whole thing – lots of depth to this song!) artwork posted with Satsuki’s permission portraits: jennifer young (<a href="http://go.redirectingat.com/?id=74709X1524664&amp;xs=1&amp;url=http%3A%2F%2Fjenniferyoungstudio.com%2F&amp;sref=rss" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">jenniferyoungstudio.com</a>) lifestyle / in studio: Sisilia Piring (<a href="http://go.redirectingat.com/?id=74709X1524664&amp;xs=1&amp;url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.sisiliapiring.com%2F&amp;sref=rss" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">http://www.sisiliapiring.com/)</a>

WELL / AWARE Show 016: Expressing Your Truest Self with Artist Satsuki Shibuya

Jase Cannon

Here we are, at the very last episode of season one. I feel honored to bring you Jase Cannon’s story. It’s one of growth, transformation, beauty, acceptance and self-love. Her story is complex, with many folds— as such, it made sense to deliver it in two parts. This is part one, and we’ll open next season (on January 14) with part two.  I first met Jase at this year’s Big Love Weekend. She hosts one every year to raise money for God’s Love We Deliver, a non-denominational charity whose mission it is to cook and deliver nourishing meals to those in need. I had never heard of GLWD before this February, but what an incredible way to bring wellness to those who need it most. In this community, we know that food is medicine and we are what we eat… the founding principle of WELL / AWARE is that we manifest our inner energy with self-care, and that starts with food. What a gift to be able to give that to those too sick to cook, with diseases like MS, cancer or HIV, or a caregiver who has no time to shop or cook a healthy meal. GLWD also caters to dietary needs, dependent on the individual. Ten bucks is one meal. It’s basically two almond-milk lattes. If you’re interested in helping, you can donate here. I’m offering 1:1 sessions to those who donate $50 or more help you manifest your dreams in the new year, get unstuck and discover new rituals tailored to your specific needs. Shoot me an email at wellawareco (at) gmail (dot) com and we’ll figure out a time to chat, whether it’s in person or on the phone.  One of the reasons this initiative is so incredible because Jase herself has overcome a drug addiction, lives with HIV and a huge voice in the wellness and yoga community in New York City. After being unexpectedly moved at the event I knew I had to find out more about this person. At the time, Jase was Jason, also known as The Bearded Yogi. I started following more closely on Instagram and noticed there weren’t very many posts for a while, until I noticed 1) the iconic beard was gone (and what a beautiful face it revealed!) 2) beautifully painted nails 3) hormone treatments and 4) lingerie. Intrigued, I looked up the bearded yogi online but instead, found Jase and her journey. In many ways, her journey is the same one we’re all trying to live: the truest expression of ourselves. For Jase, she’d never expressed her true gender identity. In addition to all of the above, she is also a trans woman and is now embarking on a spiritual, mental, physical and emotional journey to, at age 38, finally become who she was meant to be. We discuss:  what her life looks like now, after coming out as a trans woman the connection between love and shame her connection to yoga as a grounding, sacred place her journey to true self expression surrender her new practice of journaling and how it’s helped the transition early signs of gender identity manifesting an army of angels what self-love means to her, and a recent story involving an action of self-love  Say hi to Jase at @jasecannon on Instagram, tell her you listened, and as I always say, if you’re feeling the love, share it!  SHOW NOTES Jase Cannon: Instagram, Vimeo, Facebook My Big Love Weekend Fundraiser (Big Love Weekend 2016) Modo Yoga Friend’s new hair salon in Hudson, NY Aya &amp; Tyler – sacred sounds Elena Brower – yoga instructor Patricia Moreno – Sati Life Geena Rocero – Transgender TED Talk

Here we are, at the very last episode of season one. I feel honored to bring you <a href="http://go.redirectingat.com/?id=74709X1524664&amp;xs=1&amp;url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jasecannon.com%2Fher-story%2F&amp;sref=rss" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Jase Cannon</a>’s story. It’s one of growth, transformation, beauty, acceptance and self-love. Her story is complex, with many folds— as such, it made sense to deliver it in two parts. This is part one, and we’ll open next season (on January 14) with part two. I first met Jase at this year’s <a href="http://www.well-aware.co/biglovewknd-with-the-bearded-yogi/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Big Love Weekend</a>. She hosts one every year to raise money for <a href="http://go.redirectingat.com/?id=74709X1524664&amp;xs=1&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.glwd.org&amp;sref=rss" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">God’s Love We Deliver</a>, a non-denominational charity whose mission it is to cook and deliver nourishing meals to those in need. I had never heard of GLWD before this February, but what an incredible way to bring wellness to those who need it most. In this community, we know that food is medicine and we are what we eat… the founding principle of WELL / AWARE is that we manifest our inner energy with self-care, and that starts with food. What a gift to be able to give that to those too sick to cook, with diseases like MS, cancer or HIV, or a caregiver who has no time to shop or cook a healthy meal. GLWD also caters to dietary needs, dependent on the individual. Ten bucks is one meal. It’s basically two almond-milk lattes. If you’re interested in helping, you can donate <a href="http://go.redirectingat.com/?id=74709X1524664&amp;xs=1&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.crowdrise.com%2Fteambigloveweekend%2Ffundraiser%2Flindsaymueller&amp;sref=rss" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">here</a>. I’m offering 1:1 sessions to those who donate $50 or more help you manifest your dreams in the new year, get unstuck and discover new rituals tailored to your specific needs. Shoot me an email at wellawareco (at) gmail (dot) com and we’ll figure out a time to chat, whether it’s in person or on the phone. One of the reasons this initiative is so incredible because Jase herself has overcome a drug addiction, lives with HIV and a huge voice in the wellness and yoga community in New York City. After being unexpectedly moved at the event I knew I had to find out more about this person. At the time, Jase was Jason, also known as The Bearded Yogi. I started following more closely on Instagram and noticed there weren’t very many posts for a while, until I noticed 1) the iconic beard was gone (and what a beautiful face it revealed!) 2) beautifully painted nails 3) hormone treatments and 4) lingerie. Intrigued, I looked up the bearded yogi online but instead, found Jase and her journey. In many ways, her journey is the same one we’re all trying to live: the truest expression of ourselves. For Jase, she’d never expressed her true gender identity. In addition to all of the above, she is also a trans woman and is now embarking on a spiritual, mental, physical and emotional journey to, at age 38, finally become who she was meant to be. We discuss: <ul> <li>what her life looks like now, after coming out as a trans woman</li> <li>the connection between love and shame</li> <li>her connection to yoga as a grounding, sacred place</li> <li>her journey to true self expression</li> <li>surrender</li> <li>her new practice of journaling and how it’s helped the transition</li> <li>early signs of gender identity</li> <li>manifesting an army of angels</li> <li>what self-love means to her, and a recent story involving an action of self-love</li> </ul> Say hi to Jase at <a href="http://go.redirectingat.com/?id=74709X1524664&amp;xs=1&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.instagram.com%2Fjasecannon%2F&amp;sref=rss" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">@jasecannon</a> on Instagram, tell her you listened, and as I always say, if you’re feeling the love, share it! SHOW NOTES <a href="http://go.redirectingat.com/?id=74709X1524664&amp;xs=1&amp;url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jasecannon.com&amp;sref=rss" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Jase Cannon</a>: <a href="http://go.redirectingat.com/?id=74709X1524664&amp;xs=1&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.instagram.com%2Fjasecannon%2F&amp;sref=rss" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Instagram</a>, <a href="http://go.redirectingat.com/?id=74709X1524664&amp;xs=1&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fvimeo.com%2Fjasecannon&amp;sref=rss" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Vimeo</a>, <a href="http://go.redirectingat.com/?id=74709X1524664&amp;xs=1&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FMs.JaseCannon&amp;sref=rss" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Facebook</a> <a href="http://go.redirectingat.com/?id=74709X1524664&amp;xs=1&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.crowdrise.com%2Fteambigloveweekend%2Ffundraiser%2Flindsaymueller&amp;sref=rss" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">My Big Love Weekend Fundraiser</a> (Big Love Weekend 2016) <a href="http://go.redirectingat.com/?id=74709X1524664&amp;xs=1&amp;url=http%3A%2F%2Fnyc.modoyoga.com&amp;sref=rss" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Modo Yoga</a> Friend’s <a href="http://go.redirectingat.com/?id=74709X1524664&amp;xs=1&amp;url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.salunehudson.com%2F&amp;sref=rss" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">new hair salon</a> in Hudson, NY <a href="http://go.redirectingat.com/?id=74709X1524664&amp;xs=1&amp;url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ayaandtyler.com%2Fmusic.html&amp;sref=rss" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Aya &amp; Tyler</a> – sacred sounds <a href="http://go.redirectingat.com/?id=74709X1524664&amp;xs=1&amp;url=http%3A%2F%2Felenabrower.com%2Fabout&amp;sref=rss" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Elena Brower</a> – yoga instructor <a href="http://go.redirectingat.com/?id=74709X1524664&amp;xs=1&amp;url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.satilife.com%2Fabout%2Fpatricia-moreno-2%2F&amp;sref=rss" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Patricia Moreno</a> – Sati Life <a href="http://go.redirectingat.com/?id=74709X1524664&amp;xs=1&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ted.com%2Ftalks%2Fgeena_rocero_why_i_must_come_out%3Flanguage%3Den&amp;sref=rss" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Geena Rocero</a> – Transgender TED Talk

WELL / AWARE Show 018: Surrendering for Self-Love with Jase Cannon

Ben Shen

When I first met Desiree, I was simultaneously anxious and excited — I was attending my very first moon gathering. She was wearing a loose black dress and a top knot, and had simple tattoos on her forearms, one looked like a delicate outline of a vine. She was quietly confident, she had “that je ne sais quoi” if you will, telling her story to the circle of women who’d gathered around to harness the energy and power of renewal from the blue moon. She spoke firmly with a full, round voice and an accent I couldn’t quite place as she told us about the transformative power of Kundalini yoga and meditation.  We were sitting on the floor a beautiful yoga studio in downtown Manhattan, one with a couple of huge skylights that allowed the glow of the city (or the moon?) to unintrsuively shine through. We had an offering tray for crystals, candles and gold jewelry at the center of the circle — the energy from our chanting and pranayama is supposed to transfer to these material things, allowing them to empower us long after the evening is over.  I learned a ton that night about the aura and suspected that I wasn’t doing enough to activate my own. I was fascinated by the the subtle ways our unconscious thoughts can shift how others perceive us and set an intention to further explore Kundalini. I patted myself on the back for expanding my horizons to try something new and seemingly very foreign topically. . After some “kunda” as the regs call it, I felt giddy — the feeling that everything is going to be OK escalated exponentially. It was a reassuring and uplifting energy I was surprised to find inside myself. These feelings are all in retrospect, though. In the first ten minutes of the episode, I reveal my true thoughts as it was happening, how I was feeling and what exactly we were doing. It’s pretty wild! Thank you Desiree for introducing me to this practice, and for sharing Ben Shen and your quest to expand inner beauty in all women.  In this episode, we discuss: – healing skin issues with a plant-based, entirely natural approach and the difficulties that come with that – her first experience with Kundalini yoga – how to empower yourself from within GLOSSARY &amp; SHOW NOTES Sky Ting Yoga Episode 1 – Alex Sharry Pranayama: Practice of breathing with intention. Kundalini Figures Yogi Bhajan Guru Singh Grandmaster Sung Baek Eckankar Types of Yoga Hatha Ashtanga Bikram Inspiring Kindred Kunda Spirits Amanda Bacon, Found of Moon Juice Taylor Eyewalker, Desiree’s coach Guru Jagat, Founder of Rama-TV in Los Angeles Shiva Rose The 10 Bodies in Kundalini Yoga *physical body *3 mental bodies *6 energy bodies 1. soul body 2. negative mind 3. positive mind 4. neutral mind 5 .physical body 6. arc line 7. aura 8. pranic body 10. radiant body

When I first met Desiree, I was simultaneously anxious and excited — I was attending my very first moon gathering. She was wearing a loose black dress and a top knot, and had simple tattoos on her forearms, one looked like a delicate outline of a vine. She was quietly confident, she had “that je ne sais quoi” if you will, telling her story to the circle of women who’d gathered around to harness the energy and power of renewal from the blue moon. She spoke firmly with a full, round voice and an accent I couldn’t quite place as she told us about the transformative power of Kundalini yoga and meditation. We were sitting on the floor a beautiful yoga studio in downtown Manhattan, one with a couple of huge skylights that allowed the glow of the city (or the moon?) to unintrsuively shine through. We had an offering tray for crystals, candles and gold jewelry at the center of the circle — the energy from our chanting and pranayama is supposed to transfer to these material things, allowing them to empower us long after the evening is over. <a href="http://www.well-aware.co/wp-content/uploads/benshen2.jpg" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"></a> I learned a ton that night about the aura and suspected that I wasn’t doing enough to activate my own. I was fascinated by the the subtle ways our unconscious thoughts can shift how others perceive us and set an intention to further explore Kundalini. I patted myself on the back for expanding my horizons to try something new and seemingly very foreign topically. . After some “kunda” as the regs call it, I felt giddy — the feeling that everything is going to be OK escalated exponentially. It was a reassuring and uplifting energy I was surprised to find inside myself. These feelings are all in retrospect, though. In the first ten minutes of the episode, I reveal my true thoughts as it was happening, how I was feeling and what exactly we were doing. It’s pretty wild! Thank you Desiree for introducing me to this practice, and for sharing Ben Shen and your quest to expand inner beauty in all women. <a href="http://www.well-aware.co/wp-content/uploads/benshen3.jpg" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"></a> In this episode, we discuss: – healing skin issues with a plant-based, entirely natural approach and the difficulties that come with that – her first experience with Kundalini yoga – how to empower yourself from within GLOSSARY &amp; SHOW NOTES <a href="http://go.redirectingat.com/?id=74709X1524664&amp;xs=1&amp;url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.skytingyoga.com%2F&amp;sref=rss" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Sky Ting Yoga</a> <a href="http://www.well-aware.co/well-aware-show-001-alex-sharry-of-y7-yoga/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Episode 1 – Alex Sharry</a> Pranayama: Practice of breathing with intention. Kundalini Figures <a href="http://go.redirectingat.com/?id=74709X1524664&amp;xs=1&amp;url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.yogibhajan.org%2Fmain%2F&amp;sref=rss" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Yogi Bhajan</a> <a href="http://go.redirectingat.com/?id=74709X1524664&amp;xs=1&amp;url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.gurusingh.com%2F&amp;sref=rss" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Guru Singh</a> <a href="http://go.redirectingat.com/?id=74709X1524664&amp;xs=1&amp;url=http%3A%2F%2Fusksf.org%2Fgrandmaster-jiang-jing-sung-baek%2F&amp;sref=rss" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Grandmaster Sung Baek</a> <a href="http://go.redirectingat.com/?id=74709X1524664&amp;xs=1&amp;url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.eckankar.org%2FFAQ%2F&amp;sref=rss" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Eckankar</a> Types of Yoga <a href="http://go.redirectingat.com/?id=74709X1524664&amp;xs=1&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fen.wikipedia.org%2Fwiki%2FHatha_yoga&amp;sref=rss" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Hatha</a> <a href="http://go.redirectingat.com/?id=74709X1524664&amp;xs=1&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fen.wikipedia.org%2Fwiki%2FAshtanga_vinyasa_yoga&amp;sref=rss" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Ashtanga</a> <a href="http://go.redirectingat.com/?id=74709X1524664&amp;xs=1&amp;url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.bikramyoga.com%2F&amp;sref=rss" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Bikram</a> Inspiring Kindred Kunda Spirits Amanda Bacon, Found of <a href="http://go.redirectingat.com/?id=74709X1524664&amp;xs=1&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.moonjuiceshop.com%2F&amp;sref=rss" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Moon Juice</a> <a href="http://go.redirectingat.com/?id=74709X1524664&amp;xs=1&amp;url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.eyewalkerelements.com%2Fabout.html&amp;sref=rss" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Taylor Eyewalker</a>, Desiree’s coach Guru Jagat, Founder of <a href="http://go.redirectingat.com/?id=74709X1524664&amp;xs=1&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Frama-tv.com%2F&amp;sref=rss" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Rama-TV</a> in Los Angeles <a href="http://go.redirectingat.com/?id=74709X1524664&amp;xs=1&amp;url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.thelocalrose.com%2F&amp;sref=rss" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Shiva Rose</a> The 10 Bodies in Kundalini Yoga *physical body *3 mental bodies *6 energy bodies 1. soul body 2. negative mind 3. positive mind 4. neutral mind 5 .physical body 6. arc line 7. aura 8. pranic body 10. radiant body

WELL / AWARE Show 008: Finding Inner Beauty With Ben Shen

Jessica Murnane

Here we are at Episode 10. What better way to celebrate this mini-milestone than with a special guest and an extraordinary story. Jessica Murnane of One Part Podcast and One Part Plant fame is such a pleasure to listen to. If you haven’t tried her podcast yet, I highly recommend it. Getting to chat with Jessica was a real treat. This episode is fantastic for anyone who feels like you haven’t found your thing. It was fascinating to hear about her background, which involved stationery design and opening bars, and how grappling with chronic pain ultimately led her to where she is now… and helped her land her BOOK DEAL! If you feel like you’re pulled in a million directions, it’s enlightening to hear how she found her flow.  Whether she knows it or not, she challenged me in this episode. This comes up when we start discussing sugar and why people choose to be well. One of my own demons — restrictive eating — came up and she reminded me that her philosophy was never based around restriction (unlike my past, which was), but comes from a place of healing and making choices based on how certain foods make her feel. And that’s largely why I admire her mission. I’m super grateful this conversation lead to that awareness, especially as I become more conscious of when old demons come up in new ways. It was real-time WELL / AWARE. Thanks, Jess, for that. It is also a conversation for women (and men!) who aren’t sure about whether they want kids, who fear pregnancy or who know they want to adopt. I don’t talk about this deeply personal subject very much because I don’t think I want a family. Never say never I suppose, but when it comes up in real life, people are dismissive and rude more often than not, and I just default to autopilot, shutting down because it’s easier than defending my position time and time again. Today, a shield comes down. We hold nothing back, have a few very moving moments and illuminate an exchange that’s in need of light. In a nutshell, we discuss:  how chronic pain caused by endometriosis affected her daily life how she identified skills from several seemingly unrelated careers and channeled them into one passion project how she avoided a major surgery by following a plant-based diet how that plant-based diet was not all rainbows and roses at first, reality check one of her most popular posts, On Never Wanting to Be Pregnant, and the judgment women experience when choosing anything other than a traditional family the beautiful stream of consciousness she experienced when adopting her son (you will want to listen to this, even if you don’t want kids)  I can’t wait to hear your experiences, stories and thoughts as it relates to this episode. I love receiving your emails, comments and @mentions, keep them coming! Jessica’s contact information is below too, give her a shout if you love her. SHOW NOTES: Jessica’s channels (say hi, tell her how you liked the episode!): website, Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest (please note her hair! she gives us the low down in the podcast) On Not Wanting to Be Pregnant Photos of Sid: six months, green juice lover, cool kid and little babe Sid’s adoption agency Some of Jessica’s favorite easy, plant-based recipes: Easy pesto veggie bowl and almond butter curry sauce with veggies Photo of Jessica by Eva Deitch

Here we are at Episode 10. What better way to celebrate this mini-milestone than with a special guest and an extraordinary story. <a href="http://go.redirectingat.com/?id=74709X1524664&amp;xs=1&amp;url=http%3A%2F%2Fjessicamurnane.com%2F&amp;sref=rss" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Jessica Murnane</a> of <a href="http://go.redirectingat.com/?id=74709X1524664&amp;xs=1&amp;url=http%3A%2F%2Fjessicamurnane.com%2Fonepartpodcast%2F&amp;sref=rss" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">One Part Podcast</a> and One Part Plant fame is such a pleasure to listen to. If you haven’t tried her podcast yet, I highly recommend it. Getting to chat with Jessica was a real treat. This episode is fantastic for anyone who feels like you haven’t found your thing. It was fascinating to hear about her background, which involved stationery design and opening bars, and how grappling with chronic pain ultimately led her to where she is now… and helped her land her <a href="http://go.redirectingat.com/?id=74709X1524664&amp;xs=1&amp;url=http%3A%2F%2Fjessicamurnane.com%2Fandie-mitchell%2F&amp;sref=rss" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">BOOK DEAL</a>! If you feel like you’re pulled in a million directions, it’s enlightening to hear how she found her flow. Whether she knows it or not, she challenged me in this episode. This comes up when we start discussing sugar and why people choose to be well. One of my own demons — restrictive eating — came up and she reminded me that her philosophy was never based around restriction (unlike my past, which was), but comes from a place of healing and making choices based on how certain foods make her feel. And that’s largely why I admire her mission. I’m super grateful this conversation lead to that awareness, especially as I become more conscious of when old demons come up in new ways. It was real-time WELL / AWARE. Thanks, Jess, for that. It is also a conversation for women (and men!) who aren’t sure about whether they want kids, who fear pregnancy or who know they want to adopt. I don’t talk about this deeply personal subject very much because I don’t think I want a family. Never say never I suppose, but when it comes up in real life, people are dismissive and rude more often than not, and I just default to autopilot, shutting down because it’s easier than defending my position time and time again. Today, a shield comes down. We hold nothing back, have a few very moving moments and illuminate an exchange that’s in need of light. In a nutshell, we discuss: <ul> <li>how chronic pain caused by endometriosis affected her daily life</li> <li>how she identified skills from several seemingly unrelated careers and channeled them into one passion project</li> <li>how she avoided a major surgery by following a plant-based diet</li> <li>how that plant-based diet was not all rainbows and roses at first, reality check</li> <li>one of her most popular posts, <a href="http://go.redirectingat.com/?id=74709X1524664&amp;xs=1&amp;url=http%3A%2F%2Fjessicamurnane.com%2Fon-never-wanting-to-pregnant%2F&amp;sref=rss" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">On Never Wanting to Be Pregnant</a>, and the judgment women experience when choosing anything other than a traditional family</li> <li>the beautiful stream of consciousness she experienced when adopting her son (you will want to listen to this, even if you don’t want kids)</li> </ul> I can’t wait to hear your experiences, stories and thoughts as it relates to this episode. I love receiving your emails, comments and @mentions, keep them coming! Jessica’s contact information is below too, give her a shout if you love her. SHOW NOTES: Jessica’s channels (say hi, tell her how you liked the episode!): <a href="http://go.redirectingat.com/?id=74709X1524664&amp;xs=1&amp;url=http%3A%2F%2Fjessicamurnane.com&amp;sref=rss" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">website</a>, <a href="http://go.redirectingat.com/?id=74709X1524664&amp;xs=1&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Finstagram.com%2Fjessicamurnane%2F&amp;sref=rss" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Instagram</a>, <a href="http://go.redirectingat.com/?id=74709X1524664&amp;xs=1&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FOnePartPlant%2Ftimeline%2F&amp;sref=rss" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Facebook</a>, <a href="http://go.redirectingat.com/?id=74709X1524664&amp;xs=1&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Ftwitter.com%2Fjessicamurnanes&amp;sref=rss" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Twitter</a>, <a href="http://go.redirectingat.com/?id=74709X1524664&amp;xs=1&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.pinterest.com%2Fonepartplant%2F&amp;sref=rss" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Pinterest</a> (please note her hair! she gives us the low down in the podcast) <a href="http://go.redirectingat.com/?id=74709X1524664&amp;xs=1&amp;url=http%3A%2F%2Fjessicamurnane.com%2Fon-never-wanting-to-pregnant%2F&amp;sref=rss" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">On Not Wanting to Be Pregnant</a> Photos of Sid: <a href="http://go.redirectingat.com/?id=74709X1524664&amp;xs=1&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Finstagram.com%2Fp%2F1BBr7hjEun%2F&amp;sref=rss" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">six months</a>, <a href="http://go.redirectingat.com/?id=74709X1524664&amp;xs=1&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Finstagram.com%2Fp%2F2bsHqOjEqN%2F&amp;sref=rss" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">green juice lover</a>, <a href="http://go.redirectingat.com/?id=74709X1524664&amp;xs=1&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Finstagram.com%2Fp%2F0EQb4IjEr4%2F&amp;sref=rss" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">cool kid</a> and <a href="http://go.redirectingat.com/?id=74709X1524664&amp;xs=1&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Finstagram.com%2Fp%2FxkmYAujEm3%2F&amp;sref=rss" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">little babe</a> Sid’s <a href="http://go.redirectingat.com/?id=74709X1524664&amp;xs=1&amp;url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.cradle.org&amp;sref=rss" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">adoption agency</a> Some of Jessica’s favorite easy, plant-based recipes: <a href="http://go.redirectingat.com/?id=74709X1524664&amp;xs=1&amp;url=http%3A%2F%2Fjessicamurnane.com%2Feasy-pesto-veggie-bowl%2F&amp;sref=rss" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Easy pesto veggie bowl</a> and <a href="http://go.redirectingat.com/?id=74709X1524664&amp;xs=1&amp;url=http%3A%2F%2Fjessicamurnane.com%2Falmond-butter-curry-sauce-with-veggies%2F&amp;sref=rss" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">almond butter curry sauce with veggies</a> Photo of Jessica by Eva Deitch

WELL / AWARE Show 010: Food as Medicine and Babies with Jessica Murnane

Hi! Hi. It’s me. Maybe you didn’t notice, but I’ve missed a couple weeks of uploading new episodes. It’s because I’ve been deep in the throes of uncertainty, and instead of feeling anxious about it getting in the way of WELL / AWARE, I thought… why not include a check in every so often about what’s up? It’s a huge part of the practice, after all. So this is a new format. Be honest. Let me know if you hate it, okay? This episode is just me, waxing not-so-poetic on what it’s like to be soaked in uncertainty, the good and bad. In this super-short episode, I discuss:  things to remember when you’re in a really crazy parallel uncertain universe one of two things that happen: progression vs. regression negativity bias – what it is and why it’s interesting how some comfortability is needed for uncertainty the relationship between uncertainty and growth role of support and supporters resilience using self-sabotage as a crutch how to WIN at uncertainty  Tell me what you like, what you don’t like. Should I do more of these? Tell me what you want, what you really really want. Okay? I’d love to hear about your “uncertain” experiences. Please share!

Hi! Hi. It’s me. Maybe you didn’t notice, but I’ve missed a couple weeks of uploading new episodes. It’s because I’ve been deep in the throes of uncertainty, and instead of feeling anxious about it getting in the way of WELL / AWARE, I thought… why not include a check in every so often about what’s up? It’s a huge part of the practice, after all. So this is a new format. Be honest. Let me know if you hate it, okay? This episode is just me, waxing not-so-poetic on what it’s like to be soaked in uncertainty, the good and bad. In this super-short episode, I discuss: <ul> <li>things to remember when you’re in a really crazy parallel uncertain universe</li> <li>one of two things that happen: progression vs. regression</li> <li>negativity bias – what it is and why it’s interesting</li> <li>how some comfortability is needed for uncertainty</li> <li>the relationship between uncertainty and growth</li> <li>role of support and supporters</li> <li>resilience</li> <li>using self-sabotage as a crutch</li> <li>how to WIN at uncertainty</li> </ul> Tell me what you like, what you don’t like. Should I do more of these? Tell me what you want, what you really really want. Okay? I’d love to hear about your “uncertain” experiences. Please share!

WELL / AWARE Show 030: Uncertainty

It’s the end of day two of a three day cleanse. I’m doing it a little differently this time, and I’m excited because it seems to be working in all of the right ways and I will write a blog post about exactly what I did. Hint: it’s not just juice. After having done just juice for four days two other times, I figured out that it doesn’t really fit my lifestyle and that’s okay. Also, sugar is an enormously overlooked factor in juice cleanses, IMO. More on that to come. Today it’s about Uncoupling. Not in the Gwenyth sense of romantic uncoupling, but using the same concept to describe the habitual “if, then” phenomena in an emotional thought process, and how to disassociate thought patterns from one another. Because chances are that it’s this triggered negative emotion that’s holding you back, and that emotion can be let go as soon as we identify the pattern. It’s the process that needs a remedy. If you’ve been holding yourself back in any way, or find yourself in the same situation over and over you’d rather not be in, this is one way to get insight into why, and then a few techniques that may alleviate the white knuckle grip. This episode will be helpful for anyone who finds themselves in the same insufferable situations, time after time. It’s for the individual who is ready to peel back the next few layers, as this one isn’t so easy. It’s for anyone who wants a a new way of seeing and getting unstuck. In this episode I dive into a pattern I’ve begun to recognize in order to illustrate this pattern using an example that’s very close to my heart — my dad’s passing. A few things I discuss in this episode include:  “if, then” thought processes the lasting effects of traumatic events ending suffering how to get out of your own way  I wanted to share this experience because it was a true aha moment for me, and I thought it may be for some of you, too. Here are the steps — IDENTIFY: Identify the instances that you’re holding yourself back, that you’re repeating a pattern you’d rather not. NOTICE: The coupled emotion that precedes it. How are you feeling before the unwanted behavior happens? EXAMINE: The first time these two coupled emotions appeared in your life together. My guess is that this event, whether it was positively or negatively charged, was a big deal. This exercise will help you become clearer. Don’t fret if you don’t nail it in the first few minutes you’re thinking about it, it can take a while to mull over but something will click. Next week, the ladies behind Waiting for Saturday will be on the show — stay tuned and until next time, be well. Photo by Maya Moverman

It’s the end of day two of a three day cleanse. I’m doing it a little differently this time, and I’m excited because it seems to be working in all of the right ways and I will write a blog post about exactly what I did. Hint: it’s not just juice. After having done just juice for four days two other times, I figured out that it doesn’t really fit my lifestyle and that’s okay. Also, sugar is an enormously overlooked factor in juice cleanses, IMO. More on that to come. Today it’s about Uncoupling. Not in the Gwenyth sense of romantic uncoupling, but using the same concept to describe the habitual “if, then” phenomena in an emotional thought process, and how to disassociate thought patterns from one another. Because chances are that it’s this triggered negative emotion that’s holding you back, and that emotion can be let go as soon as we identify the pattern. It’s the process that needs a remedy. If you’ve been holding yourself back in any way, or find yourself in the same situation over and over you’d rather not be in, this is one way to get insight into why, and then a few techniques that may alleviate the white knuckle grip. This episode will be helpful for anyone who finds themselves in the same insufferable situations, time after time. It’s for the individual who is ready to peel back the next few layers, as this one isn’t so easy. It’s for anyone who wants a a new way of seeing and getting unstuck. In this episode I dive into a pattern I’ve begun to recognize in order to illustrate this pattern using an example that’s very close to my heart — my dad’s passing. A few things I discuss in this episode include: <ul> <li>“if, then” thought processes</li> <li>the lasting effects of traumatic events</li> <li>ending suffering</li> <li>how to get out of your own way</li> </ul> I wanted to share this experience because it was a true aha moment for me, and I thought it may be for some of you, too. Here are the steps — IDENTIFY: Identify the instances that you’re holding yourself back, that you’re repeating a pattern you’d rather not. NOTICE: The coupled emotion that precedes it. How are you feeling before the unwanted behavior happens? EXAMINE: The first time these two coupled emotions appeared in your life together. My guess is that this event, whether it was positively or negatively charged, was a big deal. This exercise will help you become clearer. Don’t fret if you don’t nail it in the first few minutes you’re thinking about it, it can take a while to mull over but something will click. Next week, the ladies behind <a href="http://go.redirectingat.com/?id=74709X1524664&amp;xs=1&amp;url=http%3A%2F%2Fwaitingforsaturday.com&amp;sref=rss" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Waiting for Saturday</a> will be on the show — stay tuned and until next time, be well. Photo by <a href="http://go.redirectingat.com/?id=74709X1524664&amp;xs=1&amp;url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.mayamoverman.com%2F&amp;sref=rss" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Maya Moverman</a>

WELL / AWARE Show 032: Uncoupling in Other Ways

Alden Wicker

Ecocult is one of the best resources out there for urbanites and cool kids interested in living a more conscious life without sacrificing personal style or fun. I interviewed Alden Wicker, the Founder and Editor-in-Chief, in the latest episode of the WELL / AWARE SHOW, to get a peek inside what her life as an eco-conscious blogger and living, breathing freelance writer (side note: she is also kind of a celebrity in Brooklyn’s underground music scene) is like. Alden and I share similar values: we both want to live as sustainably and consciously as possible. We both have a hippie dippy background — hers certainly stronger than mine — and are looking to make conscious living modern, accessible and desirable for someone who isn’t willing to sacrifice style for substance. We get it! It’s hard, but we’re here to translate it for you.   Alden’s sustainable apartment renovation – obsessed with her bikes-as-decor in the bedroom.  This episode really touches on two topics, conscious consumption and how to make it as a freelance writer and blogger. It’ll be really helpful for anyone looking to start or grow their blog, and for those who are curious about conscious consumption, especially discerning style mavens who want an affirmation that it’s really not impossible or crunchy hippie dippy. This episodes isn’t as wellness-oriented as previous ones, but trust me, it’s layered with such excellent nuggets of advice and information that you’ll walk away having learned a little something about a conscious lifestyle. SHOW NOTES The Notepasser Citizen’s Mark Integral Yoga / West Village Ecocult Shopping Guide Life Changing Magic of Tidying Up and the KonMari Method Well &amp; Good / Lisa Elaine Held Coexist YES Magazine Ethical Writers Co. Under the Sound Reformation Zady Ethica Kaight Shop Amour Vert Tempest &amp; Bentley

<a href="http://go.redirectingat.com/?id=74709X1524664&amp;xs=1&amp;url=http%3A%2F%2Fecocult.com&amp;sref=rss" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Ecocult</a> is one of the best resources out there for urbanites and cool kids interested in living a more conscious life without sacrificing personal style or fun. I interviewed Alden Wicker, the Founder and Editor-in-Chief, in the latest episode of the WELL / AWARE SHOW, to get a peek inside what her life as an eco-conscious blogger and living, breathing freelance writer (side note: she is also kind of a <a href="http://go.redirectingat.com/?id=74709X1524664&amp;xs=1&amp;url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.underthesound.co&amp;sref=rss" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">celebrity</a> in Brooklyn’s underground music scene) is like. Alden and I share similar values: we both want to live as sustainably and consciously as possible. We both have a hippie dippy background — hers certainly stronger than mine — and are looking to make conscious living modern, accessible and desirable for someone who isn’t willing to sacrifice style for substance. We get it! It’s hard, but we’re here to translate it for you. <a href="http://www.well-aware.co/wp-content/uploads/alden-wicker-bikes.jpg" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"></a> Alden’s sustainable apartment renovation – obsessed with her bikes-as-decor in the <a href="http://go.redirectingat.com/?id=74709X1524664&amp;xs=1&amp;url=http%3A%2F%2Fecocult.com%2F2014%2Fsustainable-apartment-renovation-before-and-after-the-bedroom%2F&amp;sref=rss" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">bedroom</a>. <a href="http://www.well-aware.co/wp-content/uploads/alden-headshot-720.jpg" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"></a> This episode really touches on two topics, conscious consumption and how to make it as a freelance writer and blogger. It’ll be really helpful for anyone looking to start or grow their blog, and for those who are curious about conscious consumption, especially discerning style mavens who want an affirmation that it’s really not impossible or crunchy hippie dippy. This episodes isn’t as wellness-oriented as previous ones, but trust me, it’s layered with such excellent nuggets of advice and information that you’ll walk away having learned a little something about a conscious lifestyle. SHOW NOTES <a href="http://go.redirectingat.com/?id=74709X1524664&amp;xs=1&amp;url=http%3A%2F%2Fthenotepasser.com&amp;sref=rss" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">The Notepasser</a> <a href="http://go.redirectingat.com/?id=74709X1524664&amp;xs=1&amp;url=http%3A%2F%2Fcitizensmark.com&amp;sref=rss" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Citizen’s Mark</a> <a href="http://go.redirectingat.com/?id=74709X1524664&amp;xs=1&amp;url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.integralyoganaturalfoods.com&amp;sref=rss" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Integral Yoga</a> / West Village <a href="http://go.redirectingat.com/?id=74709X1524664&amp;xs=1&amp;url=http%3A%2F%2Fecocult.com%2Fshop%2F&amp;sref=rss" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Ecocult Shopping Guide</a> <a href="http://www.well-aware.co/tidying-with-the-konmari-method/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Life Changing Magic of Tidying Up and the KonMari Method</a> <a href="http://go.redirectingat.com/?id=74709X1524664&amp;xs=1&amp;url=http%3A%2F%2Fwellandgood.com%2F%3Fs%3Dlisa%2Belaine%2Bheld&amp;sref=rss" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Well &amp; Good / Lisa Elaine Held</a> <a href="http://go.redirectingat.com/?id=74709X1524664&amp;xs=1&amp;url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.fastcoexist.com&amp;sref=rss" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Coexist</a> <a href="http://go.redirectingat.com/?id=74709X1524664&amp;xs=1&amp;url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.yesmagazine.org&amp;sref=rss" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">YES Magazine</a> <a href="http://go.redirectingat.com/?id=74709X1524664&amp;xs=1&amp;url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ethicalwriters.co&amp;sref=rss" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Ethical Writers Co.</a> <a href="http://go.redirectingat.com/?id=74709X1524664&amp;xs=1&amp;url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.underthesound.co&amp;sref=rss" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Under the Sound</a> <a href="http://go.redirectingat.com/?id=74709X1524664&amp;xs=1&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.thereformation.com%2F&amp;sref=rss" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Reformation</a> <a href="http://go.redirectingat.com/?id=74709X1524664&amp;xs=1&amp;url=http%3A%2F%2Fzady.com%2Freferrals%2FEAKICC4J&amp;sref=rss" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Zady</a> <a href="http://go.redirectingat.com/?id=74709X1524664&amp;xs=1&amp;url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.shopethica.com&amp;sref=rss" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Ethica</a> <a href="http://go.redirectingat.com/?id=74709X1524664&amp;xs=1&amp;url=http%3A%2F%2Fkaightshop.com&amp;sref=rss" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Kaight Shop</a> <a href="http://go.redirectingat.com/?id=74709X1524664&amp;xs=1&amp;url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.amourvert.com&amp;sref=rss" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Amour Vert</a> <a href="http://go.redirectingat.com/?id=74709X1524664&amp;xs=1&amp;url=http%3A%2F%2Ftempestbentley.com&amp;sref=rss" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Tempest &amp; Bentley</a>

WELL / AWARE SHOW 003 | Alden Wicker of Ecocult

Biet Simkin

You know, New York is a funny place. A lot of people come for the anonymity, for the chance to start over and reinvent oneself. And what’s cool is that the longer you live here, the more you know that you don’t know. There’s always something to discover or something new being built. But when it comes to degrees of separation and relationships — you cannot expect to stay anonymous for very long. Having lived here for more than a decade, the big city has gotten pretty small. So it was a matter of time before I met Biet Simkin, we run in a lot of the same circles. Biet is an artist, meditation guide and spiritual teacher who has been through a thing or two. Deaths, addiction and depression lead her to hit rock bottom before she had an awakening that lead her to pursue her highest self. I’m pretty picky when it comes to “spirituality” in quotes because it means so many things to so many people, but I dig her approach — there’s a method to the madness. She’s clearly questioned, sat with and practiced it herself before giving unto others, which you’ll see, I ask her a lot of questions of the mechanics of her practice, and I was quite satisfied with the answers.  Biet has taught mindful SoulCycle classes, she officiates wedding ceremonies and has a new album out, but she’s most known for her meditation events. She describes these experiences as consciousness from the outside in: and I’m a fan of this approach because meditation practice only goes so far. Biet actually brings you into an environment, whether that’s an art gallery, photo shoot, fashion show, what have you — and raises individual and therefore collective consciousness and presence, set to a soundtrack of her creation. Check out the episode for a sneak peak of The Lunar, a song off her new album. It’s available on iTunes to buy for less than $8, which I recommend an artists supporting each other — otherwise it is available to listen or preview on Spotfiy as well!  She has a meditation event coming up on April 7th in collaboration with the founder of The Numinous — and it looks rad.  for anyone in New York who wants to check it out— that’s actually not on her website but it’s on her Facebook page. Among other things we talk about:  her background, which is of note because it is really woven into the episode instead of being solely at the start what it means to have an awakening my own awakening what it feels like to be a jack of all trades death, drug and alcohol addiction, and guilt using pain as a portal her proactive approach to fear and self doubt the stages of becoming “present”  This episode is incredible for anyone who’s experienced loss or deep pain, or anyone looking for some kind of solace. It’s also for the spiritual-curious, who want to understand what it means to be “awakened” and identify your own awakenings. It’s for someone who’s ever been addicted — to anything. You’ll find comfort in knowing you’re not alone and that you have support. SHOW NOTES Biet Simkin: Instagram / Facebook Clubsoda – her next event on 4/7 at 7 – 9 PM in the West Village The Uplift Project The Lunar – new record Alan Watts (philosopher) Zen Mind, Beginner’s Mind by Suzuki Eckhart Tolle Deepak Chopra Conversations with God byDonald Walcsh  Thank you, Biet, for shining your light on the WELL / AWARE project.

You know, New York is a funny place. A lot of people come for the anonymity, for the chance to start over and reinvent oneself. And what’s cool is that the longer you live here, the more you know that you don’t know. There’s always something to discover or something new being built. But when it comes to degrees of separation and relationships — you cannot expect to stay anonymous for very long. Having lived here for more than a decade, the big city has gotten pretty small. So it was a matter of time before I met <a href="http://go.redirectingat.com/?id=74709X1524664&amp;xs=1&amp;url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.bietsimkin.com%2F&amp;sref=rss" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Biet Simkin</a>, we run in a lot of the same circles. Biet is an artist, meditation guide and spiritual teacher who has been through a thing or two. Deaths, addiction and depression lead her to hit rock bottom before she had an awakening that lead her to pursue her highest self. I’m pretty picky when it comes to “spirituality” in quotes because it means so many things to so many people, but I dig her approach — there’s a method to the madness. She’s clearly questioned, sat with and practiced it herself before giving unto others, which you’ll see, I ask her a lot of questions of the mechanics of her practice, and I was quite satisfied with the answers. Biet has taught mindful<a href="http://www.well-aware.co/well-aware-show-009-living-in-the-moment-with-karyn-nesbit-of-soul-cycle/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank"> SoulCycle classes</a>, she officiates wedding ceremonies and has <a href="http://go.redirectingat.com/?id=74709X1524664&amp;xs=1&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fitunes.apple.com%2Fus%2Falbum%2Fthe-lunar%2Fid1038984712&amp;sref=rss" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">a new album out</a>, but she’s most known for her meditation events. She describes these experiences as consciousness from the outside in: and I’m a fan of this approach because meditation practice only goes so far. Biet actually brings you into an environment, whether that’s an art gallery, photo shoot, fashion show, what have you — and raises individual and therefore collective consciousness and presence, set to a soundtrack of her creation. Check out the episode for a sneak peak of <a href="http://go.redirectingat.com/?id=74709X1524664&amp;xs=1&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fitunes.apple.com%2Fus%2Falbum%2Fthe-lunar%2Fid1038984712&amp;sref=rss" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">The Lunar</a>, a song off her new album. It’s available on iTunes to buy for less than $8, which I recommend an artists supporting each other — otherwise it is available to listen or preview on Spotfiy as well! She has a <a href="http://go.redirectingat.com/?id=74709X1524664&amp;xs=1&amp;url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.clubsoda.splashthat.com&amp;sref=rss" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">meditation event</a> coming up on April 7th in collaboration with the founder of <a href="http://go.redirectingat.com/?id=74709X1524664&amp;xs=1&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.google.com%2Fsearch%3Fq%3DThe%2BNuminous%26amp%3Boq%3DThe%2BNuminous%26amp%3Baqs%3Dchrome..69i57j0l5.254j0j1%26amp%3Bsourceid%3Dchrome%26amp%3Bie%3DUTF-8&amp;sref=rss" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">The Numinous</a> — and it looks rad.  for anyone in New York who wants to check it out— that’s actually not on her website but it’s on her Facebook page. Among other things we talk about: <ul> <li>her background, which is of note because it is really woven into the episode instead of being solely at the start</li> <li>what it means to have an awakening</li> <li>my own awakening</li> <li>what it feels like to be a jack of all trades</li> <li>death, drug and alcohol addiction, and guilt</li> <li>using pain as a portal</li> <li>her proactive approach to fear and self doubt</li> <li>the stages of becoming “present”</li> </ul> This episode is incredible for anyone who’s experienced loss or deep pain, or anyone looking for some kind of solace. It’s also for the spiritual-curious, who want to understand what it means to be “awakened” and identify your own awakenings. It’s for someone who’s ever been addicted — to anything. You’ll find comfort in knowing you’re not alone and that you have support. SHOW NOTES <a href="http://go.redirectingat.com/?id=74709X1524664&amp;xs=1&amp;url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.bietsimkin.com%2F&amp;sref=rss" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Biet Simkin</a>: <a href="http://go.redirectingat.com/?id=74709X1524664&amp;xs=1&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.instagram.com%2Fguidedbybiet%2F%3Fhl%3Den&amp;sref=rss" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Instagram</a> / <a href="http://go.redirectingat.com/?id=74709X1524664&amp;xs=1&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fbiet.simkin%3Ffref%3Dts&amp;sref=rss" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Facebook</a> <a href="http://go.redirectingat.com/?id=74709X1524664&amp;xs=1&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fclubsoda.splashthat.com&amp;sref=rss" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Clubsoda</a> – her next event on 4/7 at 7 – 9 PM in the West Village <a href="http://www.well-aware.co/the-uplift-project-001/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">The Uplift Project</a> <a href="http://go.redirectingat.com/?id=74709X1524664&amp;xs=1&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fitunes.apple.com%2Fus%2Falbum%2Fthe-lunar%2Fid1038984712&amp;sref=rss" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">The Lunar</a> – new record <a href="http://go.redirectingat.com/?id=74709X1524664&amp;xs=1&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fen.wikipedia.org%2Fwiki%2FAlan_Watts&amp;sref=rss" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Alan Watts</a> (philosopher) <a href="http://go.redirectingat.com/?id=74709X1524664&amp;xs=1&amp;url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2FZen-Mind-Beginners-Shunryu-Suzuki%2Fdp%2F1590308492&amp;sref=rss" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Zen Mind, Beginner’s Mind</a> by Suzuki <a href="http://go.redirectingat.com/?id=74709X1524664&amp;xs=1&amp;url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fs%2Fref%3Dnb_sb_noss%3Furl%3Dsearch-alias%253Dstripbooks%26amp%3Bfield-keywords%3DEckhart%2BTolle&amp;sref=rss" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Eckhart Tolle</a> <a href="http://go.redirectingat.com/?id=74709X1524664&amp;xs=1&amp;url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2FSeven-Spiritual-Laws-Success-Fulfillment%2Fdp%2F1878424114%2Fref%3Dsr_1_1%3Fs%3Dbooks%26amp%3Bie%3DUTF8%26amp%3Bqid%3D1458886778%26amp%3Bsr%3D1-1%26amp%3Bkeywords%3DDeepak%2BChopra&amp;sref=rss" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Deepak Chopra</a> <a href="http://go.redirectingat.com/?id=74709X1524664&amp;xs=1&amp;url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2FConversations-God-Uncommon-Dialogue-Book%2Fdp%2F0399142789%2Fref%3Dsr_1_1%3Fs%3Dbooks%26amp%3Bie%3DUTF8%26amp%3Bqid%3D1458886788%26amp%3Bsr%3D1-1%26amp%3Bkeywords%3DConversations%2Bwith%2BGod&amp;sref=rss" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Conversations with God</a> byDonald Walcsh Thank you, Biet, for shining your light on the WELL / AWARE project.

WELL / AWARE Show 029: Pain as a Portal with Biet Simkin

Adina Grigore

I’m so honored to have Adina Grigore on the show today — I fell in love with her minimalist, less-is-more approach to skin care immediately after reading the back story of her company, S.W. Basics. 2015 is a banner year for Adina and S-Dubs, with the release of her first book, Skin Cleanse, and a contract with Target(!), which is a huge deal because it’s more than just a contract, it’s a sign that big box companies are really starting to respond to market demand for products that are better for you, better for the environment, better for the people making them. S.W. Basics is a homegrown company with roots in Brooklyn as the name implies, that makes skincare products with organic, fair trade and locally sourced ingredients you’re more likely to find in your kitchen than a chemistry lab.   Interestingly enough, Adina’s not an entrepreneur by trade but a former dancer who loved being on stage. That’s actually why she came to New York in the first place, to dance, but she quickly figured out that she didn’t want to pursue it full time. The disciplined practice and skill set she developed as a dancer helped shape the company — as you’ll hear in the podcast, S.W. Basics wasn’t an overnight success and she credits her success (she hesitates to even call it that!) to having the discipline to stick with it. Her story is so honest — and is a must-listen for anyone interested in starting their own thing or who’s into clean beauty. Adina’s wholesome approach is informed by her own complicated history with skin ailments. She suffered terrible rashes and itchy, patchy flaky skin for years. Instead of getting to the root of the issue, doctors would prescribe another cream, ointment or pill to dull her symptoms. After seeing them worsen over time, she decided one day she’d had enough. She completely abandoned her routine and used absolutely nothing, a bold move. This is the fascinating part — in just a few days, she noticed an improvement. From there, she discovered how to care for her own skin using wholesome ingredients in the kitchen and found through workshops she taught as a personal trainer that others were interested, too. S.W. Basics, much like WANT and a couple of my favorite food philosophies, Women, Food and Desire and Woman Code (please look past the pink, I promise there are valuable lessons in both), differentiates itself because it sets out to help us optimize not just skin, but lifestyle. Good skin is a by-product of a healthy lifestyle, it makes complete sense. They’re not selling a product based on our insecurities (minimalist pores! And yes, I actually bought this… no, it doesn’t work) or desired outcome (younger skin in 30 days!), but a product that’s made honestly, sustainably and with ingredients that won’t harm us. Not every product will be for you and that’s ok by Adina. Part of the reason each product has five ingredients or less is to finally get the answers to what’s ailing your skin. Maybe it’s the charcoal mask you’ve been using with plastic microbeads in it, or maybe it’s your two o’clock sugar hit. One thing’s for sure, doing the Skin Cleanse program is eye-opening. I found what causes the zits on my chin… bloating in my belly… and now I’m on a mission to help my perpetually dry scalp. More to come on this experience in a future post. P. S. I’ve got a surprise for you! I’m teaming up with Adina and S.W. Basics to give one of you lucky readers and listeners the book, Skin Cleanse, and a beautiful, full mini kit that includes: – Facial Cleanser – Cream – Exfoliator – Toner – Body Scrub It’s hard to pick a favorite product, but I most often use the cleanser and toner. Twice a week at night I’ll use the cleanser, exfoliant and toner in succession, and as long as I haven’t had ice cream that night the next day is a guaranteed good skin day. To enter, follow @wellaware_ and @swbasicsofbk on Instagram, and leave a comment on this post with your Instagram handle. I’ll announce the winner (and contact you via email or Instagram) in a post featuring a brand new recipe (not featured in the book!) by Adina and my experience with her Skin Cleanse program. Good luck to all and I hope you enjoy the episode! Thank you to MadeClose for facilitating this interview, and to Adina and Julia for your energy, stories and endless coordination. 

I’m so honored to have Adina Grigore on the show today — I fell in love with her minimalist, less-is-more approach to skin care immediately after reading the back story of her company, <a href="http://go.redirectingat.com/?id=74709X1524664&amp;xs=1&amp;url=http%3A%2F%2Fswbasicsofbk.com%2F&amp;sref=rss" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">S.W. Basics</a>. 2015 is a banner year for Adina and S-Dubs, with the release of her first book, <a href="http://go.redirectingat.com/?id=74709X1524664&amp;xs=1&amp;url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2FSkin-Cleanse-Simple-All-Natural-Program%2Fdp%2F0062332554&amp;sref=rss" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Skin Cleanse</a>, and a contract with Target(!), which is a huge deal because it’s more than just a contract, it’s a sign that big box companies are really starting to respond to market demand for products that are better for you, better for the environment, better for the people making them. S.W. Basics is a homegrown company with roots in Brooklyn as the name implies, that makes skincare products with organic, fair trade and locally sourced ingredients you’re more likely to find in your kitchen than a chemistry lab. <a href="http://www.well-aware.co/wp-content/uploads/SW-Basics-products.jpg" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"></a> Interestingly enough, Adina’s not an entrepreneur by trade but a former dancer who loved being on stage. That’s actually why she came to New York in the first place, to dance, but she quickly figured out that she didn’t want to pursue it full time. The disciplined practice and skill set she developed as a dancer helped shape the company — as you’ll hear in the podcast, S.W. Basics wasn’t an overnight success and she credits her success (she hesitates to even call it that!) to having the discipline to stick with it. Her story is so honest — and is a must-listen for anyone interested in starting their own thing or who’s into clean beauty. Adina’s wholesome approach is informed by her own complicated history with skin ailments. She suffered terrible rashes and itchy, patchy flaky skin for years. Instead of getting to the root of the issue, doctors would prescribe another cream, ointment or pill to dull her symptoms. After seeing them worsen over time, she decided one day she’d had enough. She completely abandoned her routine and used absolutely nothing, a bold move. This is the fascinating part — in just a few days, she noticed an improvement. From there, she discovered how to care for her own skin using wholesome ingredients in the kitchen and found through workshops she taught as a personal trainer that others were interested, too. S.W. Basics, much like <a href="http://www.well-aware.co/well-aware-show-002-katie-horwitch-of-want/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">WANT</a> and a couple of my favorite food philosophies, <a href="http://go.redirectingat.com/?id=74709X1524664&amp;xs=1&amp;url=http%3A%2F%2Falexandrajamieson.com%2Fwfdorderbonus%2F&amp;sref=rss" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Women, Food and Desire</a> and <a href="http://go.redirectingat.com/?id=74709X1524664&amp;xs=1&amp;url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2FWomanCode-Perfect-Amplify-Fertility-Supercharge%2Fdp%2F006213079X&amp;sref=rss" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Woman Code</a> (please look past the pink, I promise there are valuable lessons in both), differentiates itself because it sets out to help us optimize not just skin, but lifestyle. Good skin is a by-product of a healthy lifestyle, it makes complete sense. They’re not selling a product based on our insecurities (minimalist pores! And yes, I actually bought <a href="http://go.redirectingat.com/?id=74709X1524664&amp;xs=1&amp;url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.sephora.com%2Fpore-minimalist-mask-P386840%3FskuId%3D1622372%26amp%3Bom_mmc%3Dppc-GG%26amp%3Bmkwid%3Ds6Ou5k4uE%26amp%3Bpcrid%3D50233218639%26amp%3Bpdv%3Dc%26amp%3Bsite%3D_search%26amp%3Bcountry_switch%3D%26amp%3Blang%3Den%26amp%3Bgclid%3DCjwKEAjwwtOsBRDdjZTbvYvTlzcSJADOY0DRjEj-9dwPm4CN-A_vSANBFtdoUuTxzbady89O3UZtKRoC3S3w_wcB&amp;sref=rss" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">this</a>… no, it doesn’t work) or desired outcome (younger skin in 30 days!), but a product that’s made honestly, sustainably and with ingredients that won’t harm us. Not every product will be for you and that’s ok by Adina. Part of the reason each product has five ingredients or less is to finally get the answers to what’s ailing your skin. Maybe it’s the charcoal mask you’ve been using with plastic microbeads in it, or maybe it’s your two o’clock sugar hit. One thing’s for sure, doing the Skin Cleanse program is eye-opening. I found what causes the zits on my chin… bloating in my belly… and now I’m on a mission to help my perpetually dry scalp. More to come on this experience in a future post. P. S. I’ve got a surprise for you! I’m teaming up with Adina and S.W. Basics to give one of you lucky readers and listeners the book, Skin Cleanse, and a beautiful, <a href="http://go.redirectingat.com/?id=74709X1524664&amp;xs=1&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fmadeclose.com%2Fproducers%2Fs.w.-basics%2Ffull-mini-skincare-kit%3Freferrer%3Dwellaware&amp;sref=rss" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">full mini kit</a> that includes: – Facial Cleanser – Cream – Exfoliator – Toner – Body Scrub It’s hard to pick a favorite product, but I most often use the cleanser and toner. Twice a week at night I’ll use the cleanser, exfoliant and toner in succession, and as long as I haven’t had ice cream that night the next day is a guaranteed good skin day. To enter, follow <a href="http://go.redirectingat.com/?id=74709X1524664&amp;xs=1&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Finstagram.com%2Fwellaware_%2F&amp;sref=rss" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">@wellaware_</a> and <a href="http://go.redirectingat.com/?id=74709X1524664&amp;xs=1&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Finstagram.com%2Fswbasicsofbk%2F&amp;sref=rss" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">@swbasicsofbk</a> on Instagram, and leave a comment on this post with your Instagram handle. I’ll announce the winner (and contact you via email or Instagram) in a post featuring a brand new recipe (not featured in the book!) by Adina and my experience with her Skin Cleanse program. Good luck to all and I hope you enjoy the episode! Thank you to <a href="http://go.redirectingat.com/?id=74709X1524664&amp;xs=1&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fmadeclose.com%2F%3Freferrer%3Dwellaware&amp;sref=rss" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">MadeClose</a> for facilitating this interview, and to Adina and Julia for your energy, stories and endless coordination.

WELL / AWARE SHOW 004 | Adina Grigore of S.W. Basics

The best podcast episodes on non-current politics. Covering topics such as universal basic income, democracy, poverty & justice and more. For anyone interested in learning more about politics that affect that world, not just now, but in the longer term. Add episodes you're interested into your queue below!

Best Non-Current Politics Podcasts

The best podcast episodes of anyone with an interesting story. With famous guests like Obama, LeBron James, Drake, Oprah Winfrey, Richard Branson, Michelle Obama, Serena Williams, to anyone who has a unique and interesting story to tell. Add episodes you're interested into your queue below!