The One You Feed - Learn Good Habits To Increase Mindfulness And Happiness And Decrease Anxiety And Depression

In this special two-part episode of Something to Normalize, Ginny and Brandi each share their stories of losing someone central to their lives and the grief that followed. Grief can be a complex, unpredictable, overwhelming, and isolating experience. And there are so many misconceptions about what it “should” be like. What’s worse than grieving the loss of someone you love and then feeling isolated or wondering if the way you’re grieving is somehow wrong? In this episode, Ginny and Brandi explain how there’s no wrong way to grieve. We can accept our experience, and find a bridge of connection so that we’re not alone in navigating this universal, human experience.  In This Episode, Ginny & Brandi Discuss: What it means to say that grieving is a non-linear process What grief can look like when the relationship was complicated  How to offer compassionate support to grieving loved ones through active listening and empathy The wide range of emotions that are possible during the grieving process Myths and misc

Dr. Thomas Insel, a highly respected mental health expert, found inspiration in an honest comment from a frustrated family member. He was speaking to a group of mental health advocates about the advances in research and treatment when a man stood up to tell him that their family’s house was on fire, and Insel was only discussing the chemistry of the paint. This striking remark compelled Insel to reevaluate his priorities and look for ways to make a real impact on mental health care. He went on to work at Google, where he believed technology could help scale the proven therapies and treatments he had been researching. In this episode, Eric and Dr. Insel discuss why we need a different approach to mental health and… How to recognize the essential role personalized mental health care plays in improving well-being. How to determine the powerful influence of peer support and professional interventions in mental health recovery. Understanding the benefits of adopting an outcomes-focused mental health policy. Unrav

Have you ever felt like this? That showing vulnerability is weakness, that asking for help is a sign of incompetence, or that everyone else has the very thing you’re struggling with all figured out? These misconceptions can lead us to isolate ourselves and feel shame about our own struggles. Ginny and Brandi are here to share the power of normalizing our human experiences and how it can dissolve shame and create meaningful connections between us. This is the first episode of a special 5-episode series we’re releasing called “Something To Normalize”.   Embracing the universality of human experiences that lead to deeper connections  Defining what it means to “normalize” something and how powerful it can be Recognizing and learning to tackle the risks associated with normalizing detrimental behavior and attitudes Harnessing the strength in vulnerability and cultivating spaces for open honesty Talking about difficult experiences as an antidote to shame Opening up about personal journeys while safeguarding your g

Eric and Quan Barry discuss the power of intentionality in life and art and some of the important themes that show up in her writing. Quan shares her insights on the importance of consciously feeding our thoughts and actions in positive ways. The conversation delves into the importance of creativity, the role of gratitude in personal growth, and the challenges of staying open to new experiences, as well as... How attention is a form of deep listening  The importance of living a deliberate life  How we can be satisfied and content AND still desire more The distinction between intention and ambition The importance of setting and keeping intentions for the path you are on Differentiating between setting intentions and setting goals Learning to trust your own voice and remaining open to other’s feedback Finding the nuance in labeling and defining oneself How a common fear is uncertainty and losing control The value in not being afraid to make mistakes To learn more, click here!See omnystudio.com/listener for pr

Dr. Chris Palmer is a psychiatrist with a wealth of personal experience and professional expertise in the field of mental health. Having faced mental health challenges himself, Dr. Palmer has a unique understanding and empathy for those who struggle with mental illness. His determination to make a difference in the lives of others is fueled by witnessing his own mother’s battle with mental health and the impact it had on their family. Grounded in both personal and professional experience, Dr. Palmer’s insights into mental health have the potential to provide valuable guidance for those seeking solutions to their own challenges. In this episode, you’ll learn how to harness your brain energy for mental health and… The distinct categories of mental illness: normal depression and anxiety, extreme forms of threat, trauma or stress, and brain disorders How to uncover the connection between adverse childhood experiences and long-term brain disorders that may provide insights for prevention and treatment How underst

Ralph De La Rosa explains how there is an important connection between nature and mindfulness. He encourages listeners to engage with nature in mindful presence and open their hearts to the natural healing force of the environment. In this episode, you’ll learn how connecting with nature can be a simple yet impactful way to improve mental and emotional health, and also… How connecting to nature fosters healing and resilience Why spending time in nature more readily draws our attention to mindfulness Understanding the framework of Internal Family Systems (IFS) Why engaging with our internal parts can bring healing and transformation How the earth has a natural compassionate presence that is necessary for healing The benefits of slowing down and being open to mindful presence while in nature Learning to hold and bring compassionate presence to our difficult experiences Understanding the window of tolerance and how it can grow and expand To Learn More, Click Here!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy informa

Nikki Eisenhauer suggests that practicing mindfulness, being present in the moment, and consciously minimizing distractions such as excessive scrolling can help reduce inner chatter. She mentions the need for repetition and consistency in making these lifestyle changes, as well as replacing old, unhelpful habits with new ones that encourage a serene, focused state of mind. You'll Also Discover: How to take control of your personal journey by embracing responsibility and fostering growth Mastering the power of stillness and its impact on your well-being Learning to acknowledge and utilize the gift of high sensitivity to enrich your life experience. How to distinguish between your inner voices to make choices that resonate with your wisest self Learning to work with the obstacles on your way to wellness and finally overcome them To learn more, click here.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Meet Laura Cathcart Robbins, an inspiring writer and speaker who advocates for representation and inclusivity in addiction recovery for people of color. Laura has transformed her personal journey into a message of hope and resilience that has touched the lives of countless individuals. Her powerful storytelling, vulnerability, and candid approach to her writing have made her a sought-after personal essayist and author of a captivating memoir. Laura's passion for promoting empathy and understanding within the recovery community is evident in her dedication to fostering inclusivity, making her a remarkable guest and champion for change. In this episode, we discuss: Learning to distinguish between intuition and instinct How she was able to claim her recover for herself as opposed to for others Finding the creative outlet of writing and reading to help her connect with her authentic self How she found herself at the intersection of race, privilege, and addiction Understanding the importance of inclusivity and re

April is National Poetry Month and we put together this special episode to pay tribute to the late poet, Mary Oliver.  Special guests James Crews, Danusha Lameris, Ross Gay, Rosemerry Wahtola Trommer, and Ginny Gay will read one of their favorite Mary Oliver poems and share why the poem is meaningful to them.  Whether you are a fan of Mary Oliver's work or are just learning about her for the first time, we hope you'll be inspired by some of the beautiful poetry in this episode!   For more on this episode, click here!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Get ready to dive into a conversation with Martha Beck and Rowan Mangan, two inspiring individuals known for their incredible ability to guide others towards living an unscripted life. Together, they make a dynamic duo that will leave you feeling inspired and ready to embrace your own unscripted life. In This Episode, You'll Learn: How to distinguish between intuitive and habitual responses that lead to making more informed decisions in your life. Understanding what it means to be living in a left-brain dominant culture and how you can adapt to thrive. How to develop a stronger sense of embodied presence that enhances your overall well-being and success. What the role of improvisation is in this age of constant change? The importance of embracing a “don’t know” mind and rejecting shame To learn more, click here!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In This Episode, You'll Learn: Learning to not resist the pain and grief of a terrible loss to find healing What it means to trust in life, even when the worst thing comes true How poetry embraces life’s greatest paradoxes Asking the question “is this the path of love?” Using the word “Hello” as a way to greet what’s going on within her How to embrace the unknown and cultivate trust during life's unpredictable moments Learning to boost personal growth and mindfulness with the help of powerful mantras How to can unlock potential for inner change by embracing curiosity and openness Ways to leverage life's triggers as opportunities for self-discovery and introspection To Learn More, click hereSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In This Episode, You'll Learn: How to utilize our five senses to more deeply connect with the world Why exploring the world through your senses to experience life more vividly and playfully. How sensory experiences are a meaningful way to connect with others. Keeping a “5 Senses Journal” as a useful tool as a form of appreciation How to elevate everyday moments with heightened sensory awareness techniques. Why sharing impactful sensory memories with others can foster deeper connections Understanding how sensory environments shape behaviors and decision-making processes. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In This Episode, You'll Learn: How we can discover unique ways to approach discomfort and uncertainty that leads to personal growth and creativity. Recognizing the significance of small acts of kindness and acknowledging progress in life. Why finding simple beautiful things can be powerful and can help us through grief or difficult times  How humor can be the bridge that connects joy and grief Learning to be present with ordinary things broadens our appreciation for them How being willing to ask questions and going deeper can bring clarity and understanding The importance of remembering that the “not knowing” can be where good things happen Sacred envy and how it is tied to your deepest values that can push you toward what’s uncomfortable Delving into our fears, desires, and values as we chase after personal aspirations. Exploring the intricate dance between hope and resilience during ever-changing situations. To Learn More, click here!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In This Episode, You'll Learn: Why it's important to keep asking questions, even when the answers may keep changing The challenge of going through a big life change and not expecting clear answers How looking back through your past can bring clarity to where you are and who you are now Staying open and curious when life is challenging is what keeps you from being stuck. Learning to work with and quiet the loud inner critic Why investigating and taking responsibility for your own role in relationships is so important. How we hold every version of ourselves throughout life Understanding that having realstic expectations in relationships can bring forth peace How writing about your own life experiences can give you new insights and understanding The importance of allowing yourself to feel and process difficult emotions To learn more, click here! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In This Episode, you'll learn: How poetry and writing can be a spiritual practice Recognizing the feeling of joy and aliveness that comes from ordinary moments How inspiration can come from the practice of just showing up Why fear is a regular companion on any creative journey The importance of nurturing our inner life and spirit How self compassion is about embracing whatever comes up within you Why it's important to create a regular practice for whatever brings you joy  How poetry can hold both the sorrow and joy at the same time How poetry helps navigate a deeper understanding and knowledge of ourselves and the world.  Why embracing vulnerability and curiosity enhances creative growth To learn more, click here!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In This Episode, You'll Learn How his “delight” project was about learning to pay attention Discovering that joy and delight are abundant if you are looking and paying attention Defining joy and all that accompanies this profound emotion How talking about joy and gratitude helps with the difficulties in life The importance of laughter and how it connects us to joy Why we need to slow down and listen to our bodies How busyness is a way of avoiding or escaping  How writing can be a tool for self discovery and gaining a deeper understanding of ourselves To learn more, click hereSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In This Episode, You'll Learn: Why your attitude and how you pay attention is so important when it comes to mindfulness Understanding the 3 important pillars of mindfulness: intention, attention, attitude How have a mindfulness practice prepares the mind for learning Why shame stifles our ability to learn and grow How we can learn to remember to practice mindfulness by developing daily habits The question you can ask yourself in the morning to prime your mind to look for the good throughout the day Distinguishing between self-improvement vs self-liberation How our intention is a direction, not a destination Understanding that perfection is not possible, but transformation is The 5% principle and the benefit of taking very small action How to practically implement intentions The wide range and many benefits of having a regular meditation practice Her practice of “Good Morning, I Love You” To learn more, click here!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In This Episode, You'll Learn … Why we need to honor the history of our ancestors like Harriet Tubman How struggle and hardship are universal and also necessary to learn and grow How Spring came to explore and write about the spiritual nature of Harriet Tubman The lesson and legacy of Harriet and how we can learn to break free from the “prisons” of our mind Defining internal, outer. and ultimate abolitionism and the significance of each phase How the north star symbolizes a guiding light of hope and freedom How understanding our nation’s history can help bring more compassion and awareness to what’s happening in current times Why we need to remember that negative media can skew our perception of the world and not realize how much goodness there is The beautiful story of Sujata about the harmonizing of feminine and masculine energy To Learn More, click here!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In This Episode, You'll Learn: Exploring the complexity of emotions within us and how our choices feed into that: How to navigate caregiving and its unique challenges How can we better understand the multiplicity of feelings and desires inside of us How the process of writing can allow you to process and find distance from tough emotions The challenges in accepting aging and mortality How paying attention is critical in both creative endeavors and in life The importance of staying curious and unafraid to face sorrow How can we explore the nuances of trust and care in relationships To Learn More, click hereSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In This Episode, You'll Learn How to investigate suffering and learn how to work with it in a fresh way Why we need to explore the impact of greed, shame, and other "giants" in our daily lives Understanding the power of apology and how it can help us move away from shame and toward freedom How to start bring our actions in alignment with our values to guide your spiritual path Learning to how to acknowledge your trauma and also take responsibility for healing To Learn More, click here  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.