Roots of the Rise | Authentic Alignment and Transformation

Understanding boundaries is essential for self-respect and authentic connection. Boundaries define what we welcome into our lives and what we don't, ensuring our true selves—not inherited beliefs or outside expectations—are in charge of our lives. • Common symptoms of boundary issues include chronic people-pleasing, self-abandonment, and taking responsibility for others' emotions • Brene...

We explore the complex nature of guilt as an emotional feedback system that can either guide us toward growth or bind us in shame. Guilt serves as a signal when we've fallen short of our values, offering an opportunity to realign with our authentic selves when we approach it with discernment and compassion. • Guilt arises when we fall short of our own expectations or values • The distinction...

Today I explore the fundamentals of emotional intelligence: • Emotions are "energy in motion" that provide essential inner guidance • Most adults can only name three emotions (happy, sad, angry) though researchers have identified 87 distinct feelings • Childhood emotional education profoundly impacts our lifelong relationship with feelings  • Emotional suppression requires tremendous ene...

We explore the second chakra, Swadhisthana, and its connection to emotions, sexuality, pleasure, and in our journey through the chakra system. • Located in the lower abdomen, the second chakra governs our emotions and relationship with pleasure • Develops primarily between six months and two years as we begin exploring the world beyond our caregivers • Childhood experiences that deny emotional exp...

Have you ever looked in the mirror and struggled to accept what you saw? That moment of disconnection between our physical appearance and our inner identity lies at the heart of this exploration of body acceptance. To truly understand, love, and heal ourselves, we must include the body in that journey—though rarely is it a simple or linear path. When we disassociate from our physical selves, we ri...

The persistent pursuit of control is our common response to fear, but this illusion of stability often keeps us trapped in anxiety and prevents us from experiencing the freedom that comes with trust.  Control sometimes becomes our coping mechanism when we feel unsafe or afraid.  RESOURCES Why You Should Define Your Fears Instead of Your Goals Ted Talk by Tim Ferriss Scarcity Brain by Michael Easte...

Fear operates as both protector and obstacle, manifesting in our root chakra and affecting our ability to feel safe and grounded in the world. We explore how acknowledging fear as a legitimate experience while learning to separate it from our identity creates space for transformation and growth. • Your fears feel real to you even if they're not based on imminent threats • Fear can create self...

The root chakra forms our earliest relationship with feeling safe, governing survival programming developed from the womb through our first year of life. We explore how parental relationships, birth experiences, and early care create either trust or mistrust in the world around us. • Located at the base of spine, the first chakra (muladhara) represents stability, survival, and our right to exist •...

If you recognize that subconscious programming shapes how you show up in the world, then exploring the chakras is essential—regardless of whether you believe in energy. The chakra system offers a profound framework for understanding both our psychological patterns and energetic anatomy. Each of the seven centers governs a unique aspect of the human experience, from our sense of safety to our capac...

Today I'm answering a listener question from Episode 36: “Can you discuss spending time with an aging parent you struggle with. One that has told you what a terrible daughter you are when you know you are not. You fear he doesn’t have much time but can’t bring yourself to visit especially since he doesn’t call or visit.”   How DO we navigate  relationships with a difficult, aging parent?  It...

I didn't post an episode on Monday, due to a double hitter of prioritizing family and pollen induced insomnia.  I started to slide into self flagellation, but pivoted to self-compassion instead.  This is a crucial skill we must develop to break free from harsh self-judgment and perfectionism. Research shows that being kind to ourselves doesn't make us complacent but actually improves per...

I share my personal experience with miscarriage and introduce the Andean despacho ceremony as a healing ritual for honoring intangible losses. Book:  Offerings: The Way of the Andean Despacho Ceremony Questions or Comments? Message me! Support the show Interested in becoming a member and gaining access to notes, prompts, guided meditations and more? Listen to the membership episode to learn more,...

I answer a listener question from Monique regarding Episode 30: Prioritizing Your Priorities.  She wanted to know how often we should reassess our list of priorities to maintain balance and fulfillment in life - spoiler alert - it's your level of happiness! I also give a range of topics you might want to put on your priority list as you do the exercise I described in Episode 30 - Are you prio...

I'm sharing podcast recommendations that have informed and entertained me recently, covering crucial health topics and one fascinating diversion that might become your next audio obsession. Armchair Expert - Jonathan Haidt Returns (on the Anxious Generation) Armchair Expert - Mary Claire Haver on Menopause Huberman Lab - How to Improve Your Teeth and Oral Microbiome for Brain and Body Health...

The math doesn't lie, and sometimes we need numbers to shake us awake. When was the last time you calculated how many more visits you might have with your aging parents? Your favorite aunt? Your childhood best friend? Confront the finite nature of our relationships by doing some simple arithmetic. If your parents are in their sixties and might live until their eighties, that's potentiall...

Today I explore how Instagram's "save" feature can be a powerful mood-lifting tool when used intentionally to create a personal collection of laugh-inducing content. I share how my own "smile folder" helps me shift out of temporary low moods and explain why adults desperately need more laughter in their lives. One of my favorites: To Be My Waffly Wedded Wife Questions or C...

Cancel culture has become a pervasive force in our society, but this episode challenges whether cutting people out of our lives over differing beliefs actually creates positive change or simply deepens our divisions. Check out: The Witch Trials of J.K. Rowling Questions or Comments? Message me! Support the show Interested in becoming a member and gaining access to notes, prompts, guided meditation...

Whether it’s a friendship, a romantic relationship, or even a connection with a family member, deciding to walk away is never easy. It’s a choice that requires mindfulness, deep introspection, and a commitment to your well-being. Today, we’ll explore five key signs that it may be time to say goodbye. Questions or Comments? Message me! Support the show Interested in becoming a member and gaining ac...

Does "always" being the bigger person always mean it's time to walk away? What about family members; a spouse?  What if being the bigger person sometimes means staying?  Questions or Comments? Message me! Support the show Interested in becoming a member and gaining access to notes, prompts, guided meditations and more? Listen to the membership episode to learn more, or G o here to c...

Research supports what we already know:  challenges are easier to face with friends.  Let me tell you about a sweet little study that tells us so... Social Support and the Perception of Geographical Slant - PMC Questions or Comments? Message me! Support the show Interested in becoming a member and gaining access to notes, prompts, guided meditations and more? Listen to the membership episode to le...

When's the last time you checked in with yourself to see if you are actually prioritizing the things that are most important to you? Today I share a simple exercise to help you be more aware of whether you are actually prioritizing your priorities.  Related Episodes Episode 38 - Answering a Listener Question Regarding Priorites Episode 53 - Know Who You Are: The Foundation of Authentic Living...

Laura Gassner Otting, author of Limitless , recently shared a powerful insight in her newsletter about how competence can sometimes keep us stuck. In this episode, I share a clip from that message. Questions or Comments? Message me! Support the show Interested in becoming a member and gaining access to notes, prompts, guided meditations and more? Listen to the membership episode to learn more, or...

Words of Affirmation is simple: just say it! When you think encouraging thoughts, when you feel love or appreciation for your partner, when you notice they’re doing something great— say it out loud or write it in a note . While this might feel awkward at first, or you may not be used to verbalizing compliments, your partner who values Words of Affirmation needs to hear them. Like all the Love Lang...

There are so many distractions these days it is easy to sit beside someone, maybe even spend a whole afternoon together, and walk away having barely paid attention to them. For people whose primary love language is quality time, this experience is devastating.  What they want more than anything is your focused attention; let's talk about how to give it to them.  Book: The Five Love Languages...

Gifts!  Who doesn't like a good present!?  Some people honestly don't care, but others find real joy and love in the giving and receiving of gifts.  Today I discuss the important things to remember and avoid if your person's love language is Gifts.  Book: The Five Love Languages by Gary Chapman Love Language Quiz Questions or Comments? Message me! Support the show Interested in beco...