The Designed Life

This month we’re discussing the balance between focusing on the details and then zooming out so far that there are no details and everything looks connected. The month begins with a New Moon in Virgo on September 3rd. Anytime there is a transit through Virgo, we can expect an emphasis on specificity, perfectionism, even criticism. This New Moon is a lovely opportunity to apply an extra dose of com...

August's lunations call to attention the delicate balance between personal identity and the collective. This month, the focus is on how we express ourselves authentically while not losing touch with how we can contribute to the larger community. A New Moon in Leo kicks off the month, inspiring a rebirth of the self. This is a time to reconnect with your core values, embrace your inner leader, and...

In this episode, Hollis and Kimmy delve into the experience of creativity. They break down the differences between creativity and artistry and explore how we can access creativity in every single choice we make. They discuss the difficult emotions that can accompany creativity, such as vulnerability and comparison, and share insights on how to invite more imagination into our daily lives and creat...

July kicks off with a nurturing New Moon in Cancer on the 5th. The Moon is very happy in Cancer and she invites us to tap into our heart space and honor our sensitivities. This is a great time to explore what needs tending to in your physical space, physical body, or emotional body. Then, on July 21st, the Capricorn Full Moon emerges. This lunation emphasizes the balance between ambition and pract...

In this unconventional episode, Hollis shares her journey of embracing her identity as a graphic designer, a title she was initially reluctant to accept despite her deep roots in the design world. She explains how design thinking influences her coaching approach, blending creative visualization and strategic planning to help clients achieve their goals. Hollis delves into the concept of parts work...

June is a month of growth, exploration, and realigning our intentions. As we step into this month, the astrological forecast is looking quite promising. With the first lunation on June 6th being a New Moon in Gemini, we're diving into a realm of exploration, curiosity, and intellectual stimulation. With a lineup of planets in Gemini, including Venus and Jupiter, it's like a cosmic party inviting u...

In the third and final part of the Relationship Series, we’re diving into the cornerstone of relationships: communication. Whether it's navigating emotions of love and gratitude or challenges like frustration or grief, we all encounter moments where communication is key. But what do we do when we can’t find the words to express what we mean? What do we do when we are limited by our language? A...

Whew! We are finally out of Eclipse season and everything is just looking pretty bright this May, not just with the lunations, but with the astrology in general. Our first lunation of this month is a New Moon in Taurus. Being the first post-Eclipse New Moon paired with a very fertile Taurus, we can think of this lunation as a true cleanse. And alchemical invitation to start anew.   This is followe...

Compromise is more than just giving in; it's a form of adaptability and a demonstration of love. It's about sharing resources, not just material but emotional and mental as well, within a partnership. We can think about our compromises as a form of exploring non-attachment, letting go of some desires for the greater good of the relationship.   But how do you know when it's your ego get...

We begin our Relationship Series with a conversation about commitment. Over the past few decades, commitment has earned a growing reputation for deprivation or the limiting of possibilities. Hollis and Kimmy challenge our narratives around commitment by reframing our commitments as a practice in courage, empowering individuals to navigate their relationships and placements in the world with clarit...

Our fourth installment of the Lunar Series explores the supercharged lunations of April 2024. We begin with a New Moon Eclipse at 19° of Aries on April 8th, followed by a Full Moon at 4° of Scorpio on April 23rd. Both events are ruled by the fiery planet, Mars, symbolizing assertion, directness, aggression, and competition. These lunations share an intensity that may challenge us to confront old w...

In this episode, Hollis leads a candid exploration of pleasure, from quick dopamine hits to the weight of guilt, to the deeper, more heart-felt experiences of pleasure. Learn to discern what brings genuine fulfillment and discover practical strategies for aligning daily choices with your deepest desires. Together, we'll untangle the cultural misconceptions surrounding pleasure and dive into it...

Welcome to eclipse season friends! In preparation for our first eclipse of 2024, we’ll be explore the significance of eclipses, their disruptive nature, and how they can propel us onto unexpected paths. Our first lunation of the month is a new moon in Pisces. This new moon carries a very dreamy, imaginative energy that urges us to connect to a larger experience and think outside of the box. It’s f...

Most people will agree that the meaning of ‘home’ transcends its physical boundaries, but connecting to a sensation of home in moments of transition, displacement, or disruption can feel like a stretch. In this episode, Hollis and Kimmy delve into safety, comfort, and ownership as distinct pillars of the home experience. They discuss strategies for nurturing a stable foundation within, even amid l...

Welcome to the second installment of our Lunar Series! The Lunar Series is a down-to-earth breakdown of the lunations (New Moon, Full Moon, Eclipses, etc.) of the month ahead. By observing the moon and what she’s up to in the sky, we can harness the energy she mirrors to us and apply intentional practices for growth and personal development. Join us as we chart these transits, and explore the pass...

In this episode we explore the nuances of identifying, understanding, and cultivating security in relationships, whether it be a one-on-one connection, a group setting, or even our relationship to self. Our relationships provide the backbone for our ability to grow, heal, and evolve, but only when we feel safe enough to do so. Feeling secure is a foundational key to growth, stability, and support...

This January, we are kicking off 2024 with our new Lunar Series! The Lunar Series is a down-to-earth breakdown of the lunations (New Moon, Full Moon, Eclipses, etc.) of the month ahead. By observing the moon and what she’s up to in the sky, we can harness the energy she mirrors to us and apply intentional practices for growth and personal development.   Join us as we chart these transits, and expl...

Each new year naturally brings a sense of renewal and can be a very powerful time to set intentions, goals, and resolutions. That said, there is a delicate balance between setting intentions for personal growth and avoiding unnecessary pressure.   As we step into 2024, Hollis and Kimmy discuss how we can approach intention setting and looking ahead to our futures with a sense of excitement, exuber...

The holiday season is inherently complex. It is a microcosm of everything that we’re challenged to do on a daily basis: set boundaries, navigate challenging emotions, and deal with pressures from relationships, finances, and time constraints. Needless to say, it is...intense. In this seasonal episode, Hollis and Kimmy discuss tools beneficial to finding a sense of center in times of high intensity...

In this episode, Hollis is joined by her assistant, Kimmy Anne Dunn, to answer a question from the TDL Community: How do I make decisions? In their conversation they get in to the specifics of what the decision making process looks like, how to back decisions based on our value systems, why defining our values is important, and how to tap into the wisdom of the body. They’ll also address common ch...

In this episode Hollis is joined by her assistant, Kimmy Anne Dunn, to answer a question from the TDL Community: How do I quit quitting? In their conversation they explore the habit building process and the difference between linear and circular mindsets when building habits or practices. By clarifying our ‘why’, taking it slow, and finding resilience, we can quit the quitting cycle and better sup...

The beauty of purpose is its innate fluidity. So why do we feel so much pressure when it comes to thinking about our purpose? In this episode Hollis discusses how to uncover valuable insights into understanding your true self, defining your core values, and embracing a purpose that transcends the confines of work. When we differentiate our ego-driven motivations and authentic desires, our unique s...

This month we’re exploring the ever-elusive concept of work-life balance. Most humans come from a belief system that is very linear. It tells us that everything we do has to feed into one part of our lives, which leaves us feeling like whatever we're doing has to be connected, has to serve a purpose. It can't just be for fun. It can't just be for pleasure. It can't just be for play...

Join us for Part 2 of this month's theme, Relationships. In this episode, we get down to the nitty gritty – we are talking Relationships in Conflict. Whether it's a romantic bond or a cherished friendship, conflicts are bound to arise when merging diverse thoughts, beliefs, past hurts, and conflicting values with our partners. In this episode, our host Hollis will explore five key componen...

In Part 1 of this month’s theme, we talk about the process of discovering those who truly touch our hearts and souls. Building genuine connections with your people can create a sense of safety, a feeling of being truly alive, and a profound sense of wholeness. Join us as we explore the avenues and steps we can take to connect with like-minded souls who bring out the best in us. Whether you're...