Today we're going somewhere I've been wanting to go for a while — into the neuroscience of oxytocin. Not oxytocin as the cuddle hormone, though it is that too. 

Oxytocin as a brain-changing, nervous system-healing, plasticity-promoting substance that you can actually learn to stimulate intentionally through your daily practices.

What we cover:

• What oxytocin actually is — beyond the "love hormone" label, it is a neuroplasticity agent that promotes new neuron growth, reshapes synaptic connections, and helps the brain become more open to change and healing
• The oxytocin-safety loop — how oxytocin and the parasympathetic nervous system reinforce each other, and why this is the biological basis for healing happening in relationship and community rather than in isolation
• The research on meditation — particularly loving-kindness, gratitude, and compassion-based practices — and why the heart-opening, relational quality of the practice matters more than meditation style alone
• Nadi Shodhana (alternate nostril breathing) — the honest framing of what the research does and doesn't yet show, and why the vagus nerve pathway makes it one of the most direct routes to oxytocin release we have
• Seven everyday oxytocin releasers — gentle touch and self-massage, warmth, face-to-face community, humming and chanting, gratitude — and how each maps onto Ayurvedic practices you may already be doing

Free downloads: Grab the one-page guide — 7 Ways to Release Oxytocin Today — with the science and Ayurvedic wisdom behind each practice. Click Here

And my Self Abhyanga Guide Here

Research References

Oxytocin & Neural Plasticity

Pekarek, B.T., Hunt, P.J., & Arenkiel, B.R. (2020). Oxytocin and Sensory Network Plasticity. Frontiers in Neuroscience, 14, 30. https://doi.org/10.3389/fnins.2020.00030

Froemke, R.C., & Young, L.J. (2021). Oxytocin, Neural Plasticity, and Social Behavior. Annual Review of Neuroscience, 44, 359–381. https://doi.org/10.1146/annurev-neuro-102320-102847

Meditation & Oxytocin

Bellosta-Batalla, M., et al. (2020). Increased salivary oxytocin and reduced anxiety in a mindfulness and compassion-based intervention. Mindfulness. (Referenced in Frontiers in Endocrinology, 2024)

Machida, S., Sunagawa, M., & Takahashi, T. (2018). Oxytocin release during the meditation of altruism and appreciation (Arigato-Zen). International Journal of Neurology Research, 4, 364–370.

Resources:

Free Masterclass:  The Alchemy of the Perimenopause Portal

Ayurvedic Dosha Quick Reference Guide

Abhyanga Self Massage Guide

Weekend Nervous System Reset

Nourished For Resilience Workbook


Find me at www.nourishednervoussystem.com

and @nourishednervoussytem on Instagram

Today's guest is Ms Elizabeth Munoz, founder of Soul Haven and creator of the Reclaiming Radiance framework. Elizabeth spent 17 years in corporate — the last 11 in high-stakes technology sales — before her body completely shut down. Two emergency C-sections, a fibromyalgia diagnosis, and the moment her legs gave out walking to an airport when her daughter was three months old were the turning points that changed everything.

What followed was a deep healing journey — through the nervous system, through identity, through grief — that led Elizabeth to build a life and business rooted in joy, regulation, and what she calls reclaiming radiance. She is also certified through the HeartMath Institute, holds a degree in psychology, and brings a deeply personal and deeply practical perspective to everything she teaches.

What we cover:

• Why burnout is not a personal failure but intelligent nervous system signaling — and why pushing through only drives it deeper
• The too much / not enough paradox that so many women carry, and how it shapes the way we show up in our bodies and our work
• The difference between resilience and regulation — and why regulation has to come first
• A simple, accessible mirror practice for women who have been overriding their bodies and want to begin rebuilding trust with themselves
• What emotional congruence actually feels like in the body — and how micro aligned actions taken consistently are what build it over time
• Why our healing is never just for ourselves — and the personal loss that deepened Elizabeth's commitment to this work
• Why midlife is not a decline but a reclamation — and why it is never, ever too late

Elizabeth's invitation: You do not have to prove your worth. You were born worthy. The fact that you are here, breathing, in this timeline is proof enough.

Connect with Elizabeth:

• Soul Haven
• Reclaiming Radiance course
• Podcast
• Instagram
• Linkedin

Resources:

Free Masterclass:  The Alchemy of the Perimenopause Portal

Ayurvedic Dosha Quick Reference Guide

Abhyanga Self Massage Guide

Weekend Nervous System Reset

Nourished For Resilience Workbook


Find me at www.nourishednervoussystem.com

and @nourishednervoussytem on Instagram

Here in Maine we're still tiptoeing into spring — warm days that feel like a promise, then snow flurries and the wood stove again. It's been a season of letting go and being with what is, which turns out to be exactly what this episode is about.

A few weeks ago I had a dream. In it, I was on top of a crumbling Lego platform, trying to hold everything together, piece by piece — while a perfectly good staircase sat right there, unused. When I woke up, I couldn't stop thinking about what it meant. This episode is me unpacking that.

Two teachings from one dream:

The first is about taking the stairs — the simple, unsexy, already-available thing — instead of endlessly complicating our way toward health. We live in a world that constantly tells us to do more, take this supplement, follow this protocol, optimize this. And in all that noise, we miss the stairs. The morning sunlight. The consistent bedtime. The seasonal meal. The thing that actually works, hiding in plain sight.

The second teaching is about foundation. It doesn't matter how hard you work at the top of the platform if the foundation is shaky. Whether we're talking about hormonal health, autoimmune disease, perimenopause, or just a general sense of depletion — the small, slow, foundational steps are what make everything else possible. HRT might help. Supplements might help. But if we're not also looking at sleep, stress, diet, and the root causes underneath, we're still just patching the top of a crumbling platform.

And perhaps most importantly: how we talk to ourselves in this process matters enormously. When we notice we've been making choices that aren't serving us, do we take our own hand like a loving friend and say look, there are stairs, we can do this — or do we berate ourselves for not seeing them sooner?

Free resource mentioned: The Nourished for Resilience Workbook — a simple pie chart to help you see where you feel nourished and where you don't, and find your starting place.  Also includes questions for contemplation and a habit tracker.

 Free Workbook Here!

Resources:

Free Masterclass:  The Alchemy of the Perimenopause Portal

Ayurvedic Dosha Quick Reference Guide

Abhyanga Self Massage Guide

Weekend Nervous System Reset

Nourished For Resilience Workbook


Find me at www.nourishednervoussystem.com

and @nourishednervoussytem on Instagram

Today's guest,  Michelle Walker is a life coach, self-healing mentor, and retreat guide devoted to embodied awakening and holistic healing. 

In this conversation, we explore the Energy Codes — a seven-step system developed by Dr. Sue Morter — and the profound philosophical reframe at its heart: that our challenges, our symptoms, our struggles are not separate from us or happening to us. They are our lives, and they are feedback.

What we cover:

Michelle shares her own journey — from running a successful retail business while battling chronic pain she couldn't resolve, to discovering the work of Dr. Joe Dispenza and eventually Dr. Sue Morter, and realizing that her condition wasn't something separate from her life to be eliminated. It was an expression of how she was living — and that realization was the gateway to everything changing.

We explore the Energy Codes system itself: how it maps onto the seven chakras, what "circuit building" means and why it matters, and how working at the level of energy rather than trying to force change at the physical level is both more efficient and more sustainable.

We talk about the difference between the protective personality — the ego self that adapted to keep us safe, often in childhood — and the soulful self: the eternal, expansive being that sees life as an adventure it signed up for rather than a threat to survive. And we talk about the quantum flip — the idea that the moment we recognize we've slipped into protection or defense, we can shift back. It doesn't have to take weeks. It can happen in an instant.

There is so much resonance in this conversation with Ayurveda, yogic philosophy, and somatic work — the prana body, the idea of being "situated in the self," the understanding that energy precedes matter. If you've been listening to this podcast for a while, you'll feel it.

Michelle leads us through two practices:

The Central Channel Breath — a foundational embodiment practice from the Energy Codes that connects cosmic energy above with earth energy below, anchored through the body using Mula Bandha. Grounding, orienting, and genuinely beautiful.

Take It to the Body — a circuit-building practice for working with triggers and difficult sensations. Rather than moving away from discomfort into story, this practice invites you to locate the sensation in the body, embrace it with your breath and attention, and build the capacity to let it move through.

Resources mentioned:

• The Energy Codes by Dr. Sue Morter — foundational reading for this work
• Dr. Joe Dispenza — Michelle's earlier influence in understanding the mind-body connection
• Limina Renewal Center, Searsport, Maine — where Kristen and Michelle both offer retreats and classes

Connect with Michelle: [Add Michelle's website, Instagram, and coaching links here]

Resources:

Free Masterclass:  The Alchemy of the Perimenopause Portal

Ayurvedic Dosha Quick Reference Guide

Abhyanga Self Massage Guide

Weekend Nervous System Reset

Nourished For Resilience Workbook


Find me at www.nourishednervoussystem.com

and @nourishednervoussytem on Instagram

This episode is one I've been sitting with for a while — a synthesis of two things that have shaped my whole path: Ayurveda and yoga philosophy.

In this episode, I bring those two threads together and look at the yamas and niyamas — yoga's ethical and personal observances — through the lens of kapha season.

What we cover:

Kapha dosha is made up of earth and water. It's heavy, slow, stable, cool, and moist — and late winter into spring is kapha season. When kapha goes out of balance, we might notice lethargy, mental fog, resistance to change, a tendency to oversleep or overeat, or that feeling of comfortable-but-stuck stagnation. The medicine for kapha is warmth, stimulation, movement, and letting go — and the yamas and niyamas offer a beautiful map for exactly that.

I give a brief grounding in the eight limbs of yoga and what the yamas and niyamas actually are — not as a rulebook, but as living, breathing invitations to notice and redirect with curiosity rather than criticism.

Then we explore six practices through the lens of kapha season:

The Yamas — how we relate to the world:

• Aparigraha (non-grasping) — where are you clinging, and what wants to be released as spring arrives?
• Satya (truthfulness) — using honest, clear seeing to notice where we've gotten comfortable in stagnation — without judgment
• Brahmacharya (right use of energy) — not about deprivation, but about noticing where energy is leaking and asking: is this giving me life or pulling me deeper into heaviness?

The Niyamas — how we relate to ourselves:

• Tapas (inner fire) — the gentle, consistent showing up; kindling the fire rather than forcing it
• Saucha (purity/cleanliness) — clearing physical clutter, mental tabs, and anything that's accumulating and pulling on your energy
• Svadhyaya (self-study) — observing your own kapha patterns without judgment and seeking what genuinely inspires you

I also talk about my own evolving relationship with tapas — how it looked very different in my pitta-dominant twenties than it does now in midlife, and why the middle path is the one I keep returning to.

My invitation for you this week: pick one of these six practices, sit with the questions it offers, and let it be a gentle lens for seeing your life more clearly — without judgment, without pressure, just with curiosity.

Free download: Grab the one-page guide to all six practices — with reflection questions for each — in the link below. A simple, beautiful reference to keep nearby as you move through the season.

https://canva.link/yamas-niyamas-kapha

Mentioned in this episode:

• Abigail Rose Clark — author and somatic facilitator,  cleaning/decluttering as a somatic practice https://www.abigailroseclarke.com/store/p/k473j0h0mmmar

Resources:

Free Masterclass:  The Alchemy of the Perimenopause Portal

Ayurvedic Dosha Quick Reference Guide

Abhyanga Self Massage Guide

Weekend Nervous System Reset

Nourished For Resilience Workbook


Find me at www.nourishednervoussystem.com

and @nourishednervoussytem on Instagram

In this episode I'm joined by Hester Brooks, a certified Daring to Rest coach and Yoga Nidra facilitator based in Lincolnville, Maine. 

Hester specializes in helping women break the cycle of exhaustion and create a life that truly honors their capacity — and this conversation could not have come at a better time.

We talk about what it really means to rest (hint: it's not the same as sleep), why so many women struggle to give themselves permission to do it, and how our family lineages shape our relationship to both rest and productivity. 

Hester shares her own journey of discovering Yoga Nidra during a period of major life changes, and how it transformed her sleep, digestion, anxiety, and overall sense of self.

In this episode we explore:

• What it means to be a highly sensitive person and why rest is a nervous system necessity
• The difference between rest and sleep — and why both matter
• How ancestral patterns and family modeling shape our "rest ethic"
• What Yoga Nidra is and what to expect from the practice
• The concept of the "rested voice" and how the way we speak about our lives affects our energy
• Rested decision-making as a daily practice
• The difference between resting and living a rested life
• Why this work is especially important during perimenopause and times of transition

Resources mentioned:

• Hester's free 18-minute "I Had a Long Day" Yoga Nidra recording
• Hester's website
• Hester's Rest Offerings

Resources:

Free Masterclass:  The Alchemy of the Perimenopause Portal

Ayurvedic Dosha Quick Reference Guide

Abhyanga Self Massage Guide

Weekend Nervous System Reset

Nourished For Resilience Workbook


Find me at www.nourishednervoussystem.com

and @nourishednervoussytem on Instagram

I get this question all the time from clients and listeners: what do I eat for breakfast? So in this episode, I'm finally diving in.

I'll start with my own story — because I was not always a breakfast person. It took a bowl of miso soup at Kripalu in my twenties to crack open my idea of what breakfast could even be. And once I realized I could eat anything for breakfast — soup, roasted vegetables, leftover dinner — everything changed.

From there we get into the science, because the research around breakfast and cortisol is genuinely fascinating and validates so much of what Ayurveda has been saying for thousands of years. Then we look at breakfast through the Ayurvedic lens — what agni needs in the morning, how to eat for your dosha, and how to shift your breakfast with the seasons.

This episode is a permission slip to ditch the breakfast rules and start listening to what your body actually needs.

In this episode:

• My personal journey from breakfast-skipper to born-again breakfast eater
• The miso soup moment at Kripalu that changed everything
• What the research says about cortisol, blood sugar, and skipping breakfast
• The UC Davis study on breakfast skippers and elevated cortisol
• A nuanced take on intermittent fasting and how to do it in a way that's easier on your nervous system
• Agni and the Ayurvedic philosophy of the morning meal
• Breakfast for Vata, Pitta, and Kapha doshas
• Seasonal breakfast wisdom — what to eat in fall, winter, spring, and summer
• Why savory oatmeal is underrated (and delicious)
• Practical tips for making nourishing breakfasts sustainable and doable
• This week's small step: one simple question to ask before you reach for your coffee

Resources mentioned:

• Dosha episodes: Vata, Pitta, and Kapha deep dives 
• Free Dosha Reference Chart
• Witbracht et al. (2015). Female breakfast skippers display a disrupted cortisol rhythm and elevated blood pressure. Physiology & Behavior, 140, 215–221. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25545767/

Resources:

Free Masterclass:  The Alchemy of the Perimenopause Portal

Ayurvedic Dosha Quick Reference Guide

Abhyanga Self Massage Guide

Weekend Nervous System Reset

Nourished For Resilience Workbook


Find me at www.nourishednervoussystem.com

and @nourishednervoussytem on Instagram

In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Amy Albright — Chinese medicine practitioner, neuroscientist, executive coach, and co-founder of Holon — for a conversation that genuinely stopped me in my tracks. Amy bridges neuroscience, business strategy, ancient medicine, and spirituality in a way that doesn't feel like it should work — and yet feels completely inevitable.

We dive into:

• How a spontaneous spiritual awakening sent a committed atheist on a 32-year journey toward integrating science and sacred practice
• What neurofeedback therapy actually is and how it differs from what most of us think of as biohacking
• The difference between the brain and the mind — and why that distinction matters
• What neurological coherence actually means (it's not a buzzword here)
• Why positive self-talk isn't spiritual bypassing — it's biology
• The flocking metaphor: what birds, basketball, and improvisational dance can teach us about our nervous systems
• How Holon's immersive intensives are creating measurable, lasting change in people's brains
• Finding the miracle of the moment — even when the world feels chaotic

Connect with Dr. Amy Albright:

• Holon website — free nervous system regulation meditation download available on the homepage
• LinkedIn
• YouTube
• Facebook
• Instagram Dr Amy Albright
• Instagram Holon

Resources:

Free Masterclass:  The Alchemy of the Perimenopause Portal

Ayurvedic Dosha Quick Reference Guide

Abhyanga Self Massage Guide

Weekend Nervous System Reset

Nourished For Resilience Workbook


Find me at www.nourishednervoussystem.com

and @nourishednervoussytem on Instagram

In this episode, I explore one of my favorite Ayurvedic concepts — langhana, or lightening — and I bring a more nuanced lens to how we can work with this energy in spring without depleting ourselves in the process. 

Recording from my kitchen in Maine while watching the snow melt, I reflect on the signs of kapha accumulation I'm noticing in my own body and life, and share why the conventional wellness culture approach to spring cleanses and detoxes can backfire — especially for women in perimenopause, those in big life transitions, or anyone whose nervous system is already running on empty. 

At the heart of this episode is a beautiful reframe: langhana doesn't have to mean restriction. It can mean spaciousness.

Key Takeaways:

• Kapha dosha accumulates in late winter and early spring, showing up as heaviness, sluggish digestion, brain fog, congestion, and low motivation
• Langhana (lightening) and brahmana (nourishing) are the two primary therapeutic directions in Ayurveda — both are always needed in balance
• Aggressive spring cleanses, intense exercise, and restriction can deplete women in perimenopause or those with sensitive nervous systems, further aggravating vata dosha
• The intensity of your langhana practice should match the resources you have available — constitution, life stage, and current transitions all matter
• Reframing langhana as creating space rather than restriction opens up a gentler, more sustainable approach
• Spaciousness can be cultivated in the body, the nervous system, the mind, and in life itself

Practical Tools Mentioned:

• Eating warm, light, spiced foods (kitchari, soups, cooked greens with warming spices)
• Dry brushing or raw silk garshana gloves (with oil if you're feeling depleted)
• Getting outside in morning light — even rising before sunrise to catch vata energy
• Morning pages practice from The Artist's Way by Julia Cameron
• A "reading/media deprivation" week to create mental spaciousness
• Home decluttering as a form of energetic lightening
• Stimulating breathwork or long spacious breaths
• Yoga that alternates between activation and stillness to build nervous system resilience

Rhythm & Ritual: 
A 6-Week Ayurvedic Program for Women in (or approaching) Perimenopause

Resources:

Free Masterclass:  The Alchemy of the Perimenopause Portal

Ayurvedic Dosha Quick Reference Guide

Abhyanga Self Massage Guide

Weekend Nervous System Reset

Nourished For Resilience Workbook


Find me at www.nourishednervoussystem.com

and @nourishednervoussytem on Instagram

In this episode, Kristen sits down with Radhika, an integrative wellness mentor, yoga teacher, and meditation guide, to explore how ancient Ayurvedic wisdom and modern neuroscience can work together to help women regulate their nervous systems and come back to themselves. 

Radhika shares how growing up in India immersed in yoga philosophy and seasonal living shaped her approach, and how a season of corporate burnout and life transitions led her to this work. 

This conversation is a beautiful reminder that true wellbeing isn't about fixing yourself — it's about returning to your own inner wisdom.

Guest Bio: Radhika is an integrative wellness mentor, yoga teacher, and meditation guide whose work blends Ayurvedic wisdom, yoga philosophy, and neuroscience to help women restore balance and reconnect to themselves. She is the author of the forthcoming book Radiant Rituals, due out late 2026.

Key Takeaways:

• Rituals differ from habits in that they carry intentionality and signal safety to the nervous system
• Morning rituals set the tone for how we show up for ourselves and others throughout the day
• Seasonal living is one of the simplest and most powerful ways to restore balance and circadian rhythm
• Caring for the physical body — especially digestion — often unlocks deeper emotional and spiritual layers
• Small, sustainable shifts ("elevation over perfection") are more powerful than overhauling everything at once
• Individual wellbeing has a ripple effect on collective consciousness

Resources & Links:

• Radhika's seasonal living course
• Radhika's Website
• Instagram

Resources:

Free Masterclass:  The Alchemy of the Perimenopause Portal

Ayurvedic Dosha Quick Reference Guide

Abhyanga Self Massage Guide

Weekend Nervous System Reset

Nourished For Resilience Workbook


Find me at www.nourishednervoussystem.com

and @nourishednervoussytem on Instagram

If you're in perimenopause while actively parenting young children, this episode is for you. You are straddling two completely different life stages at once — and not enough people are talking about it. In this solo episode, I'm getting personal about my own experience navigating early motherhood and perimenopause simultaneously, why it's so much harder than it looks, and what's actually happening in your body and nervous system that explains all of it. You are not failing. You are not broken. You are in one of the most demanding intersections a woman can find herself in — and there is a way through.

In This Episode

The cultural invisibility of this experience — why most perimenopause conversations assume your kids are grown, and most parenting conversations assume you have stable hormones, and how that leaves a lot of women feeling alone and ashamed in the gap.

What's actually happening hormonally — how declining estrogen affects serotonin, GABA, cortisol regulation, sleep, cognition, pain tolerance, and emotional buffering, and how declining progesterone amplifies anxiety and overwhelm.

The pregnenolone prioritization— why chronic stress (including the very real chronic stress of parenting young children) diverts hormonal resources away from sex hormones and toward cortisol, and why this means you're getting hit from both sides.

The window of resilience — why it naturally narrows in perimenopause, why parenting young children requires a wide one, and what it looks and feels like when those two realities collide.

My own story — getting diagnosed with Hashimoto's when my son was around two, the depression, the rage, the fatigue, and what understanding the nervous system-hormonal connection has meant for how I hold all of it now.

The archetypal tension — the Mother archetype (energy flowing outward) meeting the Virgin archetype (energy turning inward) and why this isn't a problem to solve but a paradox to hold.

Practical tools for the reality of parenting — micro-practices you can actually do with a child climbing on you, including breathwork, grounding, somatic shaking, completing stress cycles, and Ayurvedic support.

Resources Mentioned

Balance Your Hormones, Balance Your Life by Claudia Welch

Free Gentle Ayurvedic Guide to Perimenopause 

Rhythm & Ritual — 6-week Ayurvedic group program for women in perimenopause, registration opens March 2nd, group starts beginning of April — 

Mailing list (to be notified when the free Circle community for mothers in perimenopause launches)

Resources:

Free Masterclass:  The Alchemy of the Perimenopause Portal

Ayurvedic Dosha Quick Reference Guide

Abhyanga Self Massage Guide

Weekend Nervous System Reset

Nourished For Resilience Workbook


Find me at www.nourishednervoussystem.com

and @nourishednervoussytem on Instagram

Winter is long. And right now, we're in this unique in-between place: the light is slowly returning, but we still have weeks (or months) of cold, heavy weather ahead.

If you're feeling the weight of winter, you're not alone. And more importantly, you're not supposed to be producing at summer's pace right now.

In this conversation, I sit down with Brett Aldrich—breathwork practitioner, Ayurveda counselor, and founder of Seed the Spirit—to talk about what's actually happening in our bodies during winter, why seasonal affective disorder is real (but also misunderstood), and how to work with the season instead of against it.

Brett shares her own journey from social work burnout to discovering Ayurveda on a little note card in a shop—and how that small piece of wisdom changed everything. We explore the rhythm of winter, the pressure to keep producing when nature is asking us to rest, and why breathwork became the "missing puzzle piece" in her healing journey.

This episode is for anyone who's struggling right now—whether that's with seasonal depression, exhaustion, or simply the cultural pressure to keep going when your body is asking you to slow down.

What You'll Learn in This Episode:

• What's actually happening in your body during winter from an Ayurvedic perspective (and why it's natural to feel heavier, slower, more inward)
• Why late February/early March is uniquely challenging—we're moving from Vata (cold, mobile, erratic) into Kapha season (heavy, wet, earthy), and that transition can feel intense
• The truth about seasonal affective disorder—how to discern between the natural slowness winter asks for vs. when you need more support
• Why the pressure to keep producing is working against you—and what would happen if we actually honored our natural rhythms
• How breathwork works as medicine—the difference between controlled yogic breath and cyclical breathwork for releasing what you can't put words to
• Brett's journey from burnout to Ayurveda—stumbling into a practice that finally made sense, and how small shifts created big change
• The power of going with your natural flow—why honoring your constitution and the seasons is actually rebellious in our culture
• Simple, doable practices for winter wellness—no expensive supplements or complicated protocols, just wisdom you can use today
• When to reach out for professional help—and why there's no shame in that

Key Themes:

This episode is about permission—permission to slow down, to honor winter's natural rhythm, to be gentler with yourself. Brett reminds us that we're not machines designed to produce at the same rate year-round. We're humans. We're part of nature. And nature has seasons.

Connect with Brett:

Website: Seed the Spirit 

Resources:

Free Masterclass:  The Alchemy of the Perimenopause Portal

Ayurvedic Dosha Quick Reference Guide

Abhyanga Self Massage Guide

Weekend Nervous System Reset

Nourished For Resilience Workbook


Find me at www.nourishednervoussystem.com

and @nourishednervoussytem on Instagram

What happens when the very tools meant to heal you—breathwork, yoga, mindfulness—become ways to silence your inner wisdom?

In this deeply vulnerable conversation, I sit down with Devin Scott, founder of Find Your Meaning, a body-based coach, who shares his recent experience of ignoring his body's signals in a relationship—and what he has learned about "healing" from that experience.

We recorded this episode in early December, just days after Devin went through a painful breakup. Instead of presenting a polished, "healed" version of himself, he brought his raw, real experience into our conversation—and what emerged is one of the most honest explorations of body wisdom, emotional intelligence, and the shadow side of "wellness" that I've ever had.

This conversation will shift how you think about healing, emotions, and what it means to truly listen to yourself.

What You'll Learn in This Episode:

• Why traditional healing systems often feel hollow—and how they can reinforce perfectionism and conformity instead of true transformation
• The difference between resourcing and dissociating—how Devin used "healthy" practices like breathwork and yoga to silence his body's wisdom instead of listening to it
• Why emotions aren't problems to solve—they're messages, evolutionary tools, and pathways to deeper wisdom
• How body wisdom gets overridden—the cultural scripts that teach us to distrust our intuition and seek external validation
• The philosophy of Lila—an ancient Indian concept that reframes life as "cosmic play" rather than a linear path to fix yourself
• Why you don't need to "win" at healing—and how the idea of becoming a "better version of yourself" can be self-punitive
• When nervous system collapse is necessary—why sometimes you need to stop doing and just be with what is
• The gaslighting embedded in systems—from workplaces to therapy, how we're taught that we are the problem, not the system

Key Themes:

This episode explores the paradox of using healing modalities to avoid feeling, the courage it takes to trust your body when logic demands otherwise, and the radical idea that suffering might not be something to transcend—but something to experience fully as part of being human.

Devin's honesty about his own recent heartbreak—and how he ignored his body's clear signals because he couldn't rationalize them—offers a powerful reminder that even those who teach this work are still learning it. We're all human. We all stumble. And vulnerability isn't weakness—it's where the real wisdom lives.

About Devin Scott:

Devin Scott is a body-based coach and facilitator who helps people reconnect with their inner wisdom and move through life with greater authenticity. He's the founder of Find Your Meaning, where he blends somatic coaching, mindfulness, and psychological insight to support clients who feel disill

Resources:

Free Masterclass:  The Alchemy of the Perimenopause Portal

Ayurvedic Dosha Quick Reference Guide

Abhyanga Self Massage Guide

Weekend Nervous System Reset

Nourished For Resilience Workbook


Find me at www.nourishednervoussystem.com

and @nourishednervoussytem on Instagram

In times of collective overwhelm, how do we cultivate resilience and find ease in our bodies? In this conversation, I sit down with Dr. Alexandra Johnson, a family physician who integrates Breema body work and functional medicine into primary care, to explore how fear manifests in the body—and what we can do about it.

What You'll Learn:

• Why anxiety and fear aren't just "in your head"—they live in your body as tension, and what that means for your health
• The ancient practice of Breema body work and its nine principles of harmony
• Why traditional anxiety treatments often fall short (and what's missing)
• How disconnection from ourselves creates the conditions for chronic anxiety, insomnia, digestive issues, and more
• The difference between pain and suffering—and how to reduce suffering even when pain is present
• Simple, practical nervous system resets you can do anywhere (including a guided self-Breema practice)
• How to use discomfort as medicine rather than something to push away
• Why "being comfortable in your body" is actually a revolutionary act

Key Themes:

This episode explores the intersection of Ayurveda, somatic work, and Breema—revealing how these ancient systems share a common understanding: that healing happens when we reconnect mind, body, and spirit. Dr. Johnson shares her unique approach to supporting patients through chronic conditions like constipation, migraines, and anxiety by addressing not just the physical symptoms, but the deeper disconnection from self.

We talk about the power of presence, the principle of "no judgment," and how everything we consume—from food to media to experiences—becomes something our bodies must digest. This conversation is a beautiful reminder that you don't need expensive supplements or complicated protocols to begin healing. Sometimes, the most profound shifts come from the simplest practices: taking a breath, asking "can I be more comfortable?", and coming home to your body.

About Dr. Alexandra Johnson:

Dr. Alexandra Johnson is a family physician who integrates Breema body work and functional medicine into primary care. She supports patients in moving from fear and burnout to vitality through evidence-based medicine and mind-body healing. She teaches Breema internationally and works with health professionals to prevent burnout and reconnect with the heart of healing.

Resources Mentioned:

• The Nine Principles of Breema Harmony
• Self Breema Classes Online, almost every day of the week
• Book a session with Dr.  Johnson
• Connect on Instagram

Resources:

Free Masterclass:  The Alchemy of the Perimenopause Portal

Ayurvedic Dosha Quick Reference Guide

Abhyanga Self Massage Guide

Weekend Nervous System Reset

Nourished For Resilience Workbook


Find me at www.nourishednervoussystem.com

and @nourishednervoussytem on Instagram

In this episode of Nourish Nervous System, I explore the vagus nerve — what it actually is, why it plays such a vital role in healing and resilience, and how Ayurveda has been supporting vagal regulation for thousands of years.

We hear a lot about the vagus nerve in modern wellness spaces, but often without context or clarity. 

I share a simple, grounded explanation of the vagus nerve and why gentle, nourishing practices work better than force when it comes to nervous system regulation.

I also connect modern neuroscience with ancient Ayurvedic wisdom, including:

• The role of Vata dosha and the nervous system
• How marma points relate to parasympathetic regulation
• Why oil, touch, breath, and rhythm are so deeply calming
• The Ayurvedic concept of Ojas as resilience and vitality

To close, I guide you through a short, accessible ACE marma practice you can do anywhere to help calm the mind, soothe the nervous system, and support vagal tone.

This episode is for anyone feeling overwhelmed, anxious, burnt out, or curious about holistic approaches to nervous system health.

In This Episode, We Explore:

• What the vagus nerve is and how it functions
• Why the vagus nerve is essential for emotional regulation, digestion, and stress resilience
• The connection between Ayurveda and the nervous system
• How marma therapy supports parasympathetic balance
• Why gentleness is key for healing the nervous system
• A guided ACE marma practice for calming the mind

Resources & Links

• Free Masterclass:  The Alchemy of the Perimenopause Portal
• Ayurvedic Dosha Quick Reference Guide
• In Person Retreats
• Rhythm & Ritual Info Page and Waitlist

This podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical or mental health care.

Resources:

Free Masterclass:  The Alchemy of the Perimenopause Portal

Ayurvedic Dosha Quick Reference Guide

Abhyanga Self Massage Guide

Weekend Nervous System Reset

Nourished For Resilience Workbook


Find me at www.nourishednervoussystem.com

and @nourishednervoussytem on Instagram

In this episode of Nourish Nervous System, I’m joined by Dr. Karen Parker, founder of Quantum Human Design, for a powerful conversation about the stories we carry—and how they shape our nervous system, health, and sense of purpose, especially during times of burnout and uncertainty.

Dr. Karen shares her unique approach to Human Design, blending science and spirituality, including quantum physics, epigenetics, narrative coaching, and embodied awareness. 

Together, we explore how reclaiming your personal story can support emotional resilience, nervous system regulation, and lasting wellness.

In this episode, we explore:

• What Human Design is and how it supports embodied, aligned decision-making
• How Quantum Human Design expands traditional Human Design into an evolutionary healing system
• Why burnout is often rooted in disconnection from the body and personal narrative
• How the Hero’s Journey applies to healing, trauma, and nervous system regulation
• The connection between storytelling, chronic stress, and physical symptoms
• Why reclaiming your story is a radical and empowering act of self-sovereignty

This episode is especially supportive if you’re navigating burnout, chronic stress, overwhelm, or major life transitions, or if you’re seeking a deeper, more holistic understanding of wellness that honors the mind, body, and spirit.

Join us for a rich conversation on rewriting your story, restoring vitality, and reconnecting with your inner compass.

Connect with Dr.  Karen Parker:

Get your free human design chart

The StoryLab Experience

Instagram

YouTube

Facebook

Resources:

Free Masterclass:  The Alchemy of the Perimenopause Portal

Ayurvedic Dosha Quick Reference Guide

Abhyanga Self Massage Guide

Weekend Nervous System Reset

Nourished For Resilience Workbook


Find me at www.nourishednervoussystem.com

and @nourishednervoussytem on Instagram

In this episode of The Nourish Nervous System, I am joined by Karen Canham, board-certified wellness practitioner and founder of Karen Ann Wellness, for a deep and grounded conversation on nervous system regulation, somatic healing, and what it truly means to heal beyond willpower.

Karen shares her personal journey — from recovering from anorexia, to climbing the corporate ladder, to ultimately finding her way into nervous system work, somatic experiencing, and parts work therapy. 

Together, we explore how embodiment can become a powerful doorway into healing, resilience, and authentic leadership.

This conversation weaves together polyvagal theory, somatic parts work, and the lived experience of learning to move from chronic stress and reactivity into regulation, clarity, and connection.

In this episode, we explore:

• Karen’s path from eating disorder recovery to nervous system–based healing work
• Why the nervous system is the foundation of true resilience (not just stress relief)
• The role of the vagus nerve and how regulation supports healing and capacity
• Healing through awareness instead of willpower
• What somatic parts work is and how it helps integrate emotions with compassion
• How to work with emotions rather than control or suppress them
• The nervous system “ladder” and understanding states of shutdown, regulation, and activation
• How nervous system regulation supports leadership, relationships, and co-regulation
• Why resilience isn’t about staying calm all the time — but moving fluidly between states
• A simple, accessible embodiment practice you can begin today

Karen also reframes leadership as an essential life skill — one rooted in clarity, compassion, and presence — and shares how nervous system regulation can create powerful ripple effects in families, workplaces, and communities.

Guest Information:

Karen Canham is a board-certified wellness practitioner and founder of Karen Ann Wellness, where she helps individuals and organizations move from stress and reactivity into regulation — clear, confident, and connected.

Website: https://karenannwellness.com

 

Resources:

Free Masterclass:  The Alchemy of the Perimenopause Portal

Ayurvedic Dosha Quick Reference Guide

Abhyanga Self Massage Guide

Weekend Nervous System Reset

Nourished For Resilience Workbook


Find me at www.nourishednervoussystem.com

and @nourishednervoussytem on Instagram

In this New Year episode of Nourish the Nervous System, we explore winter not as a time for pushing forward or reinventing ourselves, but as a season of subtlety, listening, and inward refinement.

Rather than loud resolutions or high-energy goals, winter invites a quieter kind of awareness — one that whispers instead of shouts. Through the Ayurvedic lens of Vata dosha and the Sanskrit quality sukshma (the subtle), we explore how this season affects the nervous system, our emotions, and our inner rhythms.

This episode is an invitation to slow down, tune in, and honor sensitivity as a form of strength — not fragility.

In this episode, we explore:

• Why New Year’s energy can feel misaligned in the deep of winter
• The contrast between summer’s outward buzz and winter’s inward stillness
• Vata dosha in winter, with a focus on sukshma (the subtle quality)
• How winter heightens nervous system sensitivity and perception
• Subtle signs many people notice this time of year, including:
  • quiet or lingering fatigue
  • low-grade anxiety
  • emotional waves without a clear story
  • increased sensitivity to sound, light, and conversation
• Translating Ayurveda into modern language:
  • sensory processing
  • nervous system load
• Why “subtle” does not mean weak — it means attuned
• How winter can surface emotional material without anything being “wrong”
• The cultural pressure to feel “up” and productive — even in winter
• Honoring rest without slipping into stagnation or disconnection

Practical ways to support sukshma energy in winter:

• Softening the edges of your day and reducing transitions
• Creating sensory nourishment with dim lighting, quiet, and warmth
• Using warm oil (especially on the feet) to ground the nervous system
• Staying connected to intuition through journaling, somatic awareness, or creative expression
• Balancing subtlety with sthula (the gross, tangible quality) through grounding movement:
  • strength-based exercise
  • walking outdoors
  • using larger muscle groups
  • getting fresh air and natural light

Reflection questions for the week:

• What feels louder now that life is quieter?
• What is asking for attention?
• What no longer fits?

You’re invited to sit with these questions gently — through journaling, meditation, or simply noticing what arises.

Mentioned in this episode:

• Gentle Ayurvedic Guide to Perimenopause 
• Rhythm & Ritual — a small-group seasonal cohort for perimenopause, Ayurveda, and somatic support
  • Spring and Fall cohorts
  • Focused on rhythm, nervous system regulation, and seas

Resources:

Free Masterclass:  The Alchemy of the Perimenopause Portal

Ayurvedic Dosha Quick Reference Guide

Abhyanga Self Massage Guide

Weekend Nervous System Reset

Nourished For Resilience Workbook


Find me at www.nourishednervoussystem.com

and @nourishednervoussytem on Instagram

In this episode of The Nourished Nervous System, I’m joined by Nima Rahmany, chiropractor, educator, and creator of the Becoming Trigger-Proof methodology, for a deep and illuminating conversation about people pleasing, trauma responses, attachment patterns, and how nervous system healing transforms our relationships — with others and with ourselves.

Nima shares his personal journey from chiropractic care into somatic psychology and attachment work, shaped by his own experiences with ruptured relationships, trauma bonding, and nervous system dysregulation. 

Together, we explore how stress, chronic illness, burnout, and relational conflict often stem from self-abandonment learned early in life — and how healing begins by turning inward.

This conversation weaves somatic awareness, polyvagal theory, shadow work, and attachment theory into a compassionate framework for understanding why so many of us struggle with boundaries, resentment, and emotional exhaustion.

In this episode, we explore:

• The fawn response and how people pleasing develops as a survival strategy
• Why self-abandonment often leads to burnout, autoimmunity, and chronic stress
• How childhood attachment wounds show up in adult relationships and parenting
• The difference between being boundaryless, walled-off, and elegantly boundaried
• Why resentment builds when we ignore our body’s “no”
• How shadow work helps us reclaim disowned parts of ourselves
• A somatic approach to working with triggers in real time
• What it actually means to be “regulated” — and why regulation doesn’t mean being calm all the time
• How to build resilience by increasing your capacity to feel, rather than suppress, emotion

Nima also walks us through a powerful, embodied example of how triggers with our children or partners can become doorways to healing unmet needs within ourselves — offering a practical, compassionate roadmap for rupture and repair.

This episode is especially supportive if you:

• Identify as a people pleaser or “the strong one”
• Struggle with guilt around saying no
• Feel chronically depleted despite doing “all the right things”
• Are navigating parenting, partnership, or work stress
• Sense that your nervous system is asking for a different way of relating

Resources mentioned:

• Website
•  Nima Rahmany’s Attachment Style Quiz
• The Trigger-Proof Experience
• Facebook

Resources:

Free Masterclass:  The Alchemy of the Perimenopause Portal

Ayurvedic Dosha Quick Reference Guide

Abhyanga Self Massage Guide

Weekend Nervous System Reset

Nourished For Resilience Workbook


Find me at www.nourishednervoussystem.com

and @nourishednervoussytem on Instagram

In this episode, I’m concluding our three-part series on Ayurveda and perimenopause with a deep dive into ojas — the subtle essence that governs vitality, immunity, resilience, and emotional steadiness.

We’re recording in the dark days of winter here in the Northern Hemisphere, and I begin by reflecting on how seasonal rhythms mirror the inner transitions many of us experience during perimenopause. 

Just as nature turns inward in winter, this phase of life invites us to slow down, listen more closely, and tend ourselves with greater care.

In Ayurveda, perimenopause is not seen as a problem or a decline, but as a time of refinement — a transition into a wiser, more conserving phase of life. 

Ojas becomes especially precious during this time, as rising vata (air and space) can draw on our reserves of vitality if we’re not supported.

In this episode, we explore:

• What ojas is from an Ayurvedic perspective — physically, energetically, and emotionally
• Why perimenopause is considered an ojas-sensitive window
• How hormonal shifts, stress, sleep disruption, and midlife responsibilities can affect ojas
• The relationship between rasa dhatu, agni, and ojas
• Signs of ojas depletion — emotionally and physically
• The difference between para ojas (essential, life-sustaining) and apara ojas (day-to-day, replenishable vitality)
• How ojas depletion can show up differently through vata, pitta, and kapha qualities
• Gentle, realistic ways to rebuild and protect ojas during perimenopause
• Why this phase is not a depletion story, but a recalibration of energy and vitality

This episode is an invitation to soften the narrative around perimenopause and to see it as a meaningful turning point: a time to protect the sacred nectar of vitality so we can move into the next phase of life feeling steadier, resourced, and radiant.

Resources mentioned:

• Free download: A Gentle Ayurvedic Guide to Perimenopause: Five Ways to Support Your Nervous System and Digestion
• Self-abhyanga (oil massage) practices
• Previous episodes in this series on Rasa and Agni

If this episode resonates with you, I’m also quietly preparing a spring offering that weaves together one-on-one Ayurvedic consultations, group support, yoga, somatic practices, and seasonal rhythm — you can join my mailing list to learn more when it’s ready.

• Join the WAITLIST for Rhythm & RItual: an Ayurvedic Journey for Perimenopause

Thank you so much for listening and for walkin

Resources:

Free Masterclass:  The Alchemy of the Perimenopause Portal

Ayurvedic Dosha Quick Reference Guide

Abhyanga Self Massage Guide

Weekend Nervous System Reset

Nourished For Resilience Workbook


Find me at www.nourishednervoussystem.com

and @nourishednervoussytem on Instagram

In today’s episode of The Nourished Nervous System, I’m joined by Alyx Coble-Frakes, founder of The Agenda, for a powerful and wide-ranging conversation about menstrual cycles, perimenopause, and what happens when women stop overriding their bodies.

This episode lands perfectly in the middle of my three-part series on Ayurveda and perimenopause, expanding the conversation beyond hormones as something to “fix” and into hormones as sources of insight, rhythm, and power.

Together, we explore how understanding the menstrual cycle can radically change how we work, relate, parent, create, and lead — and why ignoring cyclical biology has contributed to burnout, relationship strain, and increasingly difficult perimenopause experiences in modern culture.

One of the central themes we explore is the concept of “meno divorce” — a term used to describe the increased likelihood of separation or divorce during perimenopause and menopause, often initiated by women. Rather than framing this as hormones “ruining relationships,” we talk about perimenopause as a truth-revealing portal, where long-standing imbalances, unmet needs, and emotional inequities become impossible to ignore.

This conversation is honest, validating, fiery, and deeply compassionate — touching on patriarchy, unpaid labor, nervous system overload, erotic aliveness, and the reclamation of feminine wisdom.

In This Episode, We Discuss:

• The menstrual cycle as an internal seasonal rhythm
 • The four phases of the cycle and how they affect energy, mood, libido, and cognition
 • Why women aren’t meant to function on linear, masculine productivity models
 • Perimenopause as a portal into clarity, sovereignty, and self-truth
 • What “meno divorce” really reflects — and why it’s not about women being “crazy”
 • Hormonal shifts and reduced tolerance for emotional and relational inequity
 • The mental load, unpaid labor, and libido loss many women carry in midlife
 • How understanding cycles can transform partnerships and communication
 • Why tracking your cycle is a foundational self-care and self-advocacy tool
 • The overlap between Ayurvedic wisdom and cycle awareness
 • Reclaiming erotic aliveness, intuition, and feminine leadership in midlife

About Today’s Guest:

Alex Kabul Franks is the founder of The Agenda, a platform dedicated to helping menstruating people sync their lives with their hormonal rhythms so they can feel more in flow physically, emotionally, and mentally.

Through cycle-syncing tools, education, and advocacy, Alex’s work helps women shift from battling their hormones to recognizing them as a powerful internal guidance system.

You can learn more about Alex and her work through The Agenda app and planner (links below).

Instagram

Check out The Agenda App:

Resources:

Free Masterclass:  The Alchemy of the Perimenopause Portal

Ayurvedic Dosha Quick Reference Guide

Abhyanga Self Massage Guide

Weekend Nervous System Reset

Nourished For Resilience Workbook


Find me at www.nourishednervoussystem.com

and @nourishednervoussytem on Instagram

In this second episode of my perimenopause series, we explore Agni — your digestive and metabolic fire — and why it plays such a central role in the perimenopause transition. 

Ayurveda teaches that perimenopause isn’t just a hormonal shift. It’s a metabolic one. 

A deep recalibration in how the body digests food, processes experience, regulates energy, and maintains balance.

Today, I walk through how Agni changes during this time, the three ways Agni can become imbalanced (Vata, Pitta, and Kapha styles), and how these patterns show up physically, mentally, and emotionally. 

We talk about the connection between digestion, estrogen metabolism, the nervous system, and why supporting your inner fire can bring more steadiness and clarity into this phase of life.

This episode is both validating and deeply practical — a gentle guide to understanding your body through the lens of rhythm, nourishment, and internal wisdom.

In this episode, I cover:
• Why Ayurveda views perimenopause as a metabolic transition
• How fluctuating estrogen affects Agni, digestion, heat regulation, and mood
• The three main Agni patterns that show up during perimenopause
— Vata/ Vishama Agni: irregular, sensitive, unpredictable
— Pitta/ Tikshna Agni: hot, sharp, overactive
— Kapha/ Manda Agni: slow, heavy, dull
• Physical + emotional signs for each pattern
• The role of fat tissue, the adrenals, and peripheral estrogen production
• How Agni influences Rasa (hydration, lubrication, nourishment)
• Why this time is a sacred window for tending your nervous system
• Lifestyle, food, and pacing practices to support each type of Agni
• The deeper spiritual meaning of tending your “sacred fire” during this transition
• How metabolic steadiness supports hormones, sleep, immunity, and overall vitality
• Why this transition is refinement — not decline

Resources:

Free Masterclass:  The Alchemy of the Perimenopause Portal

Ayurvedic Dosha Quick Reference Guide

Abhyanga Self Massage Guide

Weekend Nervous System Reset

Nourished For Resilience Workbook


Find me at www.nourishednervoussystem.com

and @nourishednervoussytem on Instagram

In this episode, I sit down with self-compassion teacher, somatic coach, IFS practitioner, and soon-to-be author Soulla Demetriou.
 

We explore what it really means to come home to yourself, befriend your inner world, and move through life with more ease, compassion, and truth.

In this conversation, we talk about:

• Soulla’s story
How her early experiences with anxiety and panic opened the door to yoga, mindfulness, somatics, and eventually Internal Family Systems (IFS).

• What self-compassion truly is
Not clichés or forced positivity — but a daily practice of inner friendship, boundaries, honesty, and care.

• The nervous system’s role in healing
Why so many of our patterns come from old protective responses, and how safety changes everything.

• A simple, grounded explanation of IFS
How our “parts” develop, what they’re trying to protect, and how self-energy (the clear sky beneath the weather) helps bring them into balance.

• The wound of “not enoughness”
Why so many of us carry it, and how we begin healing it gently.

• Returning to who we really are
The beautiful overlap between IFS self-energy and the Ayurvedic idea of living from sattva, clarity, and inner steadiness.

About Soulla Demetriou

Soulla is a somatic and transformational coach, IFS practitioner, mindfulness teacher, and author of the upcoming book You Have Always Been Enough. She supports people around the world in reconnecting with their inner truth and emotional sovereignty.

Connect with Soulla

Website

Instagram

→ Begin a free 7-Day Self-Compassion Journey — a beautiful, practical introduction to building a kinder relationship with yourself

→ Pre-order Soulla’s book: You Have Always Been Enough: A Healing Guide to Self-Love and Inner Freedom

→ Explore Soulshine Retreats in Spain

→ Curious about working 1:1 with Soulla — simply email her to have a chat and find out more: soulla@soulshinewithsoulla.com

Resources:

Free Masterclass:  The Alchemy of the Perimenopause Portal

Ayurvedic Dosha Quick Reference Guide

Abhyanga Self Massage Guide

Weekend Nervous System Reset

Nourished For Resilience Workbook


Find me at www.nourishednervoussystem.com

and @nourishednervoussytem on Instagram

In today’s episode, we step into the tender, powerful transition of perimenopause through the Ayurvedic lens—exploring rasa datu, the first and most foundational tissue of the body.

I share how Ayurveda views perimenopause not as a decline, but as a sacred portal from the Pitta stage of life into the Vata years—one filled with potential for wisdom, clarity, insight, and deeper nourishment. 

Through the lens of rasa, we look at why this season is naturally juicy, tender, and sensitive, and how changes in hydration, hormones, cycles, and emotional resilience all tie back to this vital tissue.

In this Episode:

• The three stages of life in Ayurveda (Kapha → Pitta → Vata)
• The natural hormonal shifts that occur in perimenopause
• Why this transition is inherently rasa-sensitive
• How rasa depletion, excess, or disturbance shows up differently in Vata, Pitta, and Kapha types
• How the brain adapts to hormonal changes
• How peripheral fat tissue continues to create estrogen post-menopause
• The emotional and spiritual dimensions of rasa
• Lifestyle, food, and herbal strategies for deeply nourishing rasa
• How supporting rasa also supports agni and ojas

This episode is the first in a three-part series on Ayurveda & perimenopause—next up: Agni, and then Ojas.

Resources:

Free Masterclass:  The Alchemy of the Perimenopause Portal

Ayurvedic Dosha Quick Reference Guide

Abhyanga Self Massage Guide

Weekend Nervous System Reset

Nourished For Resilience Workbook


Find me at www.nourishednervoussystem.com

and @nourishednervoussytem on Instagram

In this episode of the Nourished Nervous System, I welcome the insightful Darshana Avila, a trauma-informed somatic educator, practitioner, sexological bodyworker and international speaker. 

Darshana takes us through her transformative journey from a corporate career to pioneering work in erotic wholeness, which fuses somatics, sex and intimacy, and trauma healing. 

We dive deep into the crucial connection between a regulated nervous system and fulfilling intimacy, discussing the pervasive effects of societal conditioning on women's self-perception, and exploring the powerful concept of eroticism as life force energy. 

Darshana shares both her professional insights and personal experiences, offering a comprehensive view of the healing journey that honors individual pace and challenges cultural norms. 

The episode is rich with actionable advice, including a grounding exercise that listeners can immediately incorporate into their lives. 

In this episode:

• Darsana's Journey to Erotic Wholeness
• The Importance of a Regulated Nervous System
• Challenges of Intimacy for Mothers
• Reclaiming Eroticism and Life Force Energy
• Cultural Conditioning and Intimacy
• The Patriarchy and Disconnection
• The Journey of Healing
• The Importance of Guidance and Support
• Cultural Conditioning and Relational Living
• Protective Strategies and Self-Discovery

Connect with Darshana:

Website

Instagram

YouTube

LinkedIn

Skool

Resources:

Free Masterclass:  The Alchemy of the Perimenopause Portal

Ayurvedic Dosha Quick Reference Guide

Abhyanga Self Massage Guide

Weekend Nervous System Reset

Nourished For Resilience Workbook


Find me at www.nourishednervoussystem.com

and @nourishednervoussytem on Instagram

In this episode of 'The Nourished Nervous System', I welcome Dr. Diane Mueller, a distinguished authority in sexual wellness with dual doctorates in naturopathic medicine and acupuncture and oriental medicine. 

Dr. Mueller delves into the importance of understanding sexual health, discussing her personal journey and professional insights into libido and long-term relationships. 

She shares valuable tips on improving intimacy, the role of hormones and stress, and the significance of communication between partners. 

We highlight practical steps for reigniting passion, including the importance of scheduling intimacy and learning to communicate desires effectively. 

Dr. Mueller also touches upon her resources, such as the Libido Lounge podcast, her online training institute, and her book 'Want to Want It,' aimed at helping people enhance their sexual wellbeing. 

This episode is packed with actionable advice and is a must-listen for anyone looking to enrich their intimate relationships.

In this episode:

• Dr. Diane's Personal Journey
• The Science of Passion and Desire
• Hormones and Libido
• Body Image and Sexual Health
• The Importance of Presence in Experiencing Pleasure
• Understanding and Communicating Sexual Needs
• Adapting to Changes in Sexuality Over Time
• Building a Safe Foundation for Sexual Conversations

Connect with Dr. Mueller:

Website

Youtube

Instagram

Hot And Modern Monogamy Club

 "Libido Lounge" Podcast

Free e Book: Revive Your Love Life: 5 easy steps for mindblowing orgasms and romance:  

 Description of Book: Is your libido low? Do you have desire discrepancy with your partner? Is sex and intimacy mostly something of the past? Do you feel bored or unmotivated to be intimate with your partner? So many people seek hormone replacement therapy as the answer for these problems. While balancing hormones is essential, many times this does not fix libido and people are left with their intimacy life falling apart. Want that new relationship energy back? Want the stability of monogamy but the excitement of novelty?  This book gives hope, insight, and actionable steps to how to keep your love and romance alive in your long-term relationships.

Resources:

Free Masterclass:  The Alchemy of the Perimenopause Portal

Ayurvedic Dosha Quick Reference Guide

Abhyanga Self Massage Guide

Weekend Nervous System Reset

Nourished For Resilience Workbook


Find me at www.nourishednervoussystem.com

and @nourishednervoussytem on Instagram

In this episode of 'The Nourished Nervous System', we delve into the Ayurvedic approach to boosting immunity. 

We explore key concepts such as Agni (digestive fire), Ojas (vital immunity), and the seven Dhatus (tissue layers) which play a crucial role in maintaining health and vitality. 

The episode also provides practical tips on incorporating Ayurvedic herbs like ginger, turmeric, fennel, and rosemary into your daily routine to enhance your immune system, tailored to different doshas (Vata, Pitta, Kapha). 

Additional emphasis is placed on balancing lifestyle factors, mindful eating, and creating rituals to support overall well-being.

In this episode:

• Understanding Agni: The Digestive Fire
• The Seven Tissue Layers and Ojas
• Balancing Ojas for Immunity
• Herbal Remedies for Vata Dosha
• Herbal Remedies for Pitta Dosha
• Herbal Remedies for Kapha Dosha
• Creating Rituals with Herbs

Resources:

Free Masterclass:  The Alchemy of the Perimenopause Portal

Ayurvedic Dosha Quick Reference Guide

Abhyanga Self Massage Guide

Weekend Nervous System Reset

Nourished For Resilience Workbook


Find me at www.nourishednervoussystem.com

and @nourishednervoussytem on Instagram

In this episode of The Nourished Nervous System, I welcome somatic therapist, educator, and trauma specialist Julie MacAdam. 

Together, we dive into the interplay between dreams and the creative process for personal and collective evolution. 

Julie shares her journey through yoga, Ayurveda, and various integrative practices that led to her current work. 

We discuss the benefits of engaging with dreams, creative art as a healing practice, and how these methods can help process trauma. 

Julie also offers practical advice for listeners on how to begin working with their own dreams and senses for personal growth.


In this episode:

• Julie's Journey: From Yoga to Somatic Therapy
• Exploring Dreams and the Creative Process
• The Power of Dreams: Self-Reflection and Transformation
• Creative Process: Art for Art's Sake
• Benefits of Working with Dreams and Creativity
• Exploring the Benefits of Personal Practices
• Understanding Trauma and Its Nuances
• Dreams and Creative Processes in Trauma Work
• Practical Applications and Techniques

Connect with Julie:

website

Resources:

Free Masterclass:  The Alchemy of the Perimenopause Portal

Ayurvedic Dosha Quick Reference Guide

Abhyanga Self Massage Guide

Weekend Nervous System Reset

Nourished For Resilience Workbook


Find me at www.nourishednervoussystem.com

and @nourishednervoussytem on Instagram

In this episode, I explore the profound connection between our senses and well-being from both somatic and Ayurvedic perspectives. 

I delve into how our senses act as doorways between the inner and outer worlds, influencing our physiological states and overall health. 

I discuss the physiological and neurological underpinnings of sensory perception, the importance of mindful sensory management, and share practical tips for sensory care and balance. 

I also explain the Ayurvedic view of the senses, their connection to the elements, and how sensory overload can lead to imbalance and disease. 

I conclude the episode with actionable steps for you to create your own sensory retreat or reset to nourish and rebalance your senses.

In this episode:

• Understanding the Senses
• Somatic Perspective on Senses
• The Science of Touch
• Ayurvedic Perspective on Senses
• Daily Rituals for Sensory Health
• Creating a Sensory Retreat

Resources:

Free Masterclass:  The Alchemy of the Perimenopause Portal

Ayurvedic Dosha Quick Reference Guide

Abhyanga Self Massage Guide

Weekend Nervous System Reset

Nourished For Resilience Workbook


Find me at www.nourishednervoussystem.com

and @nourishednervoussytem on Instagram

In this episode of 'The Nourished Nervous System,' I welcome special guest Christine Eck, an Ayurvedic health consultant, birth and postpartum doula, and founder of the Center for Sacred Window Studies. 

We discuss the importance of postpartum care through the lens of Ayurveda, focusing on Vata dosha, the concept of the sacred postpartum window, and how specific Ayurvedic practices such as Abhyanga (oil massage) can support new mothers. 

Christine shares her personal journey, touches on the intersection of postpartum care and nervous system health, and offers practical advice for those looking to support themselves or others during this critical time. 

I also share my own experiences with postpartum care and how these practices have profoundly impacted my life and health.

In this episode:

• Christine's Journey to Ayurveda
• Understanding Vata Dosha
• The Postpartum Nervous System
• The Sacred Window Concept
• Ayurvedic Postpartum Practices
• Christine's Work and Offerings

Connect with Christine:

Website

Instagram

Online or in person training in conscious postpartum care with Ayurveda through the Center for Sacred Window Studies.  

We have a free intro class that is a great place to start.  

Click Here to Learn More

Resources:

Free Masterclass:  The Alchemy of the Perimenopause Portal

Ayurvedic Dosha Quick Reference Guide

Abhyanga Self Massage Guide

Weekend Nervous System Reset

Nourished For Resilience Workbook


Find me at www.nourishednervoussystem.com

and @nourishednervoussytem on Instagram

As we fully enter into "Vata Season" here in the Northeast, I thought we would revisit the basics this week for anyone new to Ayurveda or needing a refresher on vata dosha.  

In Ayurvedic philosophy, Vata refers to a constitution made up of the air and space elements.  In this episode we will go a bit deeper into vata.  We will talk about 

• The qualities of vata
• How vata shows up in our bodies, emotions, environment, season, times of day, and times of life.
• How vata is connected to our nervous system.
• Why it is so hard to keep vata balanced in our modern world.
• Ways that you can begin to balance vata in your life.

Resources:

Free Masterclass:  The Alchemy of the Perimenopause Portal

Ayurvedic Dosha Quick Reference Guide

Abhyanga Self Massage Guide

Weekend Nervous System Reset

Nourished For Resilience Workbook


Find me at www.nourishednervoussystem.com

and @nourishednervoussytem on Instagram

In this episode, I delve into the challenging balance between 'doing' and 'being'. 

I discuss our cultural obsession with productivity and how it even extends to our self-care practices, creating a tension between implementing health routines and simply being present. 

Sharing some personal anecdotes and reflections, I emphasize the importance of rest and the need to cultivate more moments of doing nothing, as well as the benefits of practices such as yoga nidra to rejuvenate the nervous system. 

I also explore how modern distractions, like smartphones, can impede true rest, and suggest ways to build more mindful awareness in everyday routines.


In this episode:

• The Balance Between Doing and Being
• Cultural Obsession with Productivity
• Personal Reflections and Conversations
• The Importance of True Rest
• Practical Tips for Rest and Presence
• Understanding Rajas, Tamas, and Sattva
• Building Capacity for Rest and Boredom

Resources:

Free Masterclass:  The Alchemy of the Perimenopause Portal

Ayurvedic Dosha Quick Reference Guide

Abhyanga Self Massage Guide

Weekend Nervous System Reset

Nourished For Resilience Workbook


Find me at www.nourishednervoussystem.com

and @nourishednervoussytem on Instagram

In this episode, I welcome Donna Brooks, a respected somatic movement therapist, yoga therapist, and educator with 40 years of experience. 

Donna shares her background in yoga and somatic movement, her personal journey with pelvic floor issues, and her unique insights into how somatic movement can aid in pelvic floor health. 

We discuss the physical and emotional aspects of pelvic floor problems, the importance of integrating breath and movement, and Donna’s innovative approaches outlined in her ebook. 

Our conversation is filled with practical advice and offers a compassionate perspective on achieving balance and well-being through somatic practices. 

I also reflect on my own experiences with somatic movement and emphasize the importance of awareness and embodiment in healing.

In this episode:

• Donna Brooks' Background and Journey
• Understanding the Pelvic Floor
• Emotional and Societal Aspects of Pelvic Floor Issues
• The Power of Somatic Awareness
• Understanding Intra abdominal Pressure
• The Importance of Back Breathing
• Exploring Somatic Movement

Connect with Donna:

Donna's Pelvic Floor Ebook

Website

Facebook

Instagram

Resources:

Free Masterclass:  The Alchemy of the Perimenopause Portal

Ayurvedic Dosha Quick Reference Guide

Abhyanga Self Massage Guide

Weekend Nervous System Reset

Nourished For Resilience Workbook


Find me at www.nourishednervoussystem.com

and @nourishednervoussytem on Instagram

In this episode of the Nourish Nervous System podcast, I discuss the importance of rhythm and rituals in maintaining balance, especially as we transition from summer to autumn. 

I explore definitions of rhythm from different sources and how it applies to daily life and nature. 

I emphasize the significance of rest and how creating small personal rituals can help ground and regulate the nervous system. 

I also touch on the impact of forced rhythms, like a nine-to-five work schedule, and offer suggestions for aligning with natural rhythms through Ayurvedic practices. 

I provide practical tips and resources to help you create and sustain meaningful rituals in your daily life.

In this episode:

• Understanding Rhythm
• Ayurvedic Perspective on Rhythm
• Creating Personal Rhythms
•  Impact of Forced Rhythms
• Seasonal Rhythms and Ayurveda
• Daily Rhythms and Rituals

Resources:

Free Masterclass:  The Alchemy of the Perimenopause Portal

Ayurvedic Dosha Quick Reference Guide

Abhyanga Self Massage Guide

Weekend Nervous System Reset

Nourished For Resilience Workbook


Find me at www.nourishednervoussystem.com

and @nourishednervoussytem on Instagram

This episode is the exploration of the importance of rhythm and ritual in daily life for mental health. 

I'm joined by Jocelyn Pepe, a mental health researcher, coach, and founder of TrU, who shares her journey from burnout to balance, emphasizing the interconnectedness of mind, body, and spirit. 

We discuss the impact of societal pressures, the myth of powering through, and the significance of breath work, mindfulness, and establishing healthy inner dialogues. 

Jocelyn introduces her five elements of wellbeing and how they can be integrated into daily routines to enhance mental clarity and calm. 

The conversation also delves into the importance of purpose, fulfillment, and maintaining a compassionate inner dialogue. 

Jocelyn's book, 'Claim Your Brain,' offers practical guidance on achieving true mental health through actionable steps and accountability.

In this episode:

• Jocelyn's Journey and Mental Health Insights
• The Importance of the Nervous System
• Five Elements of Wellbeing
• From Habitual to Ritual: Daily Practices
• The Ripple Effect of Embodied Presence
• The Myth of Powering Through
• Ancient Wisdom and Modern Living
• Rewiring Stress with Breath
• Reprogramming Your Inner Dialogue

Connect with Joceyln:

Website

LinkedIn

Instagram

Jocelyn's Book:  Reclaim Your Brain

Resources:

Free Masterclass:  The Alchemy of the Perimenopause Portal

Ayurvedic Dosha Quick Reference Guide

Abhyanga Self Massage Guide

Weekend Nervous System Reset

Nourished For Resilience Workbook


Find me at www.nourishednervoussystem.com

and @nourishednervoussytem on Instagram

In this episode I explore the parallels between the transition from summer to fall and the perimenopausal phase of life. Drawing on Ayurvedic wisdom, the discussion centers on how seasonal changes mirror the shifts in our bodies and minds, and offers practical strategies for finding balance during times of transition.

In this episode:

• The connection between seasonal cycles and life stages (childhood, adulthood, perimenopause, postmenopause)
• Understanding the qualities of Vata Dosha (dry, mobile, erratic) and how they manifest in both nature and the body
• The importance of hydration, nourishment, and self-care as we move into fall
• Creating rhythm and ritual to balance the erratic energy of transition
• Embracing small moments of stillness, presence, and sensory rest
• Navigating the emotional aspects of change, including nostalgia and transformation
• The power of nature as a guide for letting go and moving inward

Actionable Tips:

• Hydrate with warm or room temperature water, brothy soups, and juicy fruits/vegetables
• Practice self-massage (abhyanga) with oil to combat dryness
• Build small rituals and routines (e.g., mindful tea drinking, post-lunch walks, dance breaks, foot baths)
• Reduce sensory input when possible to foster stillness
• Reflect on your own transitions and consider what small rituals could support you

Resources & Offerings Mentioned:

• Ayurvedic Dosha Quick Reference Guide (link below)
• Self-Abhyanga booklet (link below)
• Nourished for Resilience workbook (link below)
• Nervous System Weekend Reset template (link below)

Small Step for the Week:
Take a moment to reflect on the transitions in your life—seasonal or personal—and identify a small ritual or practice that could help ease your way.

Connect:
If you’re in Midcoast Maine, check out Ayurvedic treatments and yoga classes in Belfast. Otherwise, stay tuned for more episodes!

Resources:

Free Masterclass:  The Alchemy of the Perimenopause Portal

Ayurvedic Dosha Quick Reference Guide

Abhyanga Self Massage Guide

Weekend Nervous System Reset

Nourished For Resilience Workbook


Find me at www.nourishednervoussystem.com

and @nourishednervoussytem on Instagram

In this episode of The Nourished Nervous System, I am so grateful to have writer and teacher Catherine Simone Gray join us to discuss her journey through motherhood, intimate violence, and reclaiming pleasure. 

Catherine talks about her memoir 'Proud Flesh,' and how her experiences have shaped her understanding of body wisdom, healing, and sexuality. 

We explore her process of writing in a trauma-informed manner, the challenges she faced in her postpartum healing journey, and the profound impact of body wisdom. 

Catherine also reads a passage from her book and shares a reflective exercise for connecting with moments of care and creativity in our daily lives. 

I highly recommend listening to this deep, beautiful exploration of resilience and transformation.

In this episode:

• Catherine's Journey as a Writer
• Motherhood and Writing
• Exploring Trauma and Healing
• The Concept of Body Wisdom
• Pleasure and Eroticism Post-Trauma
• Reflections on Publishing and Self-Care
• Reading from 'Proud Flesh'

Connect with Catherine:

Get 'Proud Flesh'

Website

Instagram

Facebook

Resources:

Free Masterclass:  The Alchemy of the Perimenopause Portal

Ayurvedic Dosha Quick Reference Guide

Abhyanga Self Massage Guide

Weekend Nervous System Reset

Nourished For Resilience Workbook


Find me at www.nourishednervoussystem.com

and @nourishednervoussytem on Instagram

Vibrancy is a glow, a sparkle and an aura of excitement.  To feel truly vibrant is a robust, grounded and vital feeling.  Do you feel vibrant?  If not, when was the last time you truly felt vibrant? 

In Ayurvedic thought the feeling of vibrancy and vitality is connected to ojas, a biological protoplasmic substance that governs immunity and vitality in the body.

In this episode:

• What ojas is and how it is formed
• Why what we eat and digest affects our ojas
• The relationship of stress and burn out to ojas
• How to build and maintain ojas
• The importance of practices like abhyangha (oil massage) and meditation to build and maintain ojas
• Why vibrancy is a long game

References:

Batdorff, D., AP (n.d.). The 7 Dhatus: An Introduction to Ayurveda’s Tissue Layers. Banyan Botanicals. https://www.banyanbotanicals.com/info/blog-the-banyan-insight/details/dhatus-tissue-layers/

Lad, V., M.A.Sc (1990). Textbook of Ayurveda, Fundamental Principles (Volume 1). The Ayurvedic Press.

Resources:

Free Masterclass:  The Alchemy of the Perimenopause Portal

Ayurvedic Dosha Quick Reference Guide

Abhyanga Self Massage Guide

Weekend Nervous System Reset

Nourished For Resilience Workbook


Find me at www.nourishednervoussystem.com

and @nourishednervoussytem on Instagram

How often do you sit with a cup of herbal tea and really feel the effects that it has in your body?  And if you have experienced this, what did you notice?  

Traditionally, through many ancient cultures plants have been allies to humans.  Meditating with plants and fostering relationship with plants can be a profound way to potentiate both the plants and the meditation practice.

In this special episode of The Nourished Nervous System, I am thrilled to welcome David Crow, an expert in herbalism and classical Asian medicine. 

We dive into an enlightening conversation about the synergy between herbs and meditation, exploring how these practices can potentiate each other. 

I share my serendipitous journey with David, highlighting key moments that led to deep learning experiences. 

David elaborates on his path studying Acupuncture, Tibetan and Ayurvedic medicine and his practices in meditation. 

We discuss practical applications of herbs combined with meditation to enhance healing, introducing the concept of 'illuminated herbalism.' 

This conversation covers the profound relationship between mindfulness and herbal practices, and I wrap up with details on David's courses and resources for those interested in this integrative approach.


In this episode:

• David Crow's Background and Journey
• Integrating Herbal Medicine and Meditation
• Practical Applications and Personal Experiences
• Mindful Tea Drinking: Unlocking Hidden Dimensions
• The Power of Attention in Herbal Potency
• Using Herbs to Enhance Yoga Nidra and Meditation
• Directing Herbal Effects with Focused Attention
• Practical Applications: Herbs for Different Systems
• Exploring the Unity of Breath and Plants

Connect with David:

Website

Instagram

Facebook

Illuminated Herbalism Course

Shop with all courses and books

Resources:

Free Masterclass:  The Alchemy of the Perimenopause Portal

Ayurvedic Dosha Quick Reference Guide

Abhyanga Self Massage Guide

Weekend Nervous System Reset

Nourished For Resilience Workbook


Find me at www.nourishednervoussystem.com

and @nourishednervoussytem on Instagram

We've all heard the adage, "patience is a virtue",  but I think of patience as an integral aspect of resilience. 

In this episode, I share personal reflections on recent challenges involving summer illnesses, rescheduling, and navigating the transitions between Pitta and Vata seasons. 

Drawing parallels between my gardening experiences and broader life processes, I discuss the importance of patience and the pitfalls of hyper-criticism. 

I delve into how I manage to zoom out and see the bigger picture, recognizing my progress amidst self-criticism. 

I also explore the concept of patience through personal anecdotes, definitions, and Ayurvedic principles, offering practical advice on embodying patience. 

Cultivating patience can actually be a pathway to more peace and ease in your body and your life. 

In this episode:

• Garden Reflections and Self-Criticism
• Zooming Out and Gaining Perspective
• Exploring Patience and Its Importance
• Practical Steps to Cultivate Patience
• Embodying Patience

Resources:

Episode on Pitta Dosha

Ayurvedic Dosha Quick Reference Guide

Resources:

Free Masterclass:  The Alchemy of the Perimenopause Portal

Ayurvedic Dosha Quick Reference Guide

Abhyanga Self Massage Guide

Weekend Nervous System Reset

Nourished For Resilience Workbook


Find me at www.nourishednervoussystem.com

and @nourishednervoussytem on Instagram

The health of the pelvic floor is more nuanced than just doing Kegels.

In this episode of the Nourished Nervous System podcast, I'm joined by my dear friend Kay'aleya from The Herbal Womb Wisdom Podcast. 

We delve into the pelvic floor, exploring its physiology, connection to breath, the belly, and the nervous system. 

Kay'a shares her journey as an herbalist and bodyworker, shedding light on how herbs can support both the nervous system and the pelvic floor. 

She also leads us through a beautiful practice to connect with our pelvic floor. 

Remember, this podcast is for educational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice.


In this episode:

• Kaya's Journey to Herbalism and Body Work
• Understanding the Pelvic Floor
• The Pelvic Floor, Breath, and Belly Connection
• The Pelvic Floor and Nervous System Connection
• Herbal Allies for Pelvic Floor and Nervous System
• Exploring the Benefits of Castor Oil
• Motherwort: A Heart-Womb Connection
• Lobelia: A Powerful but Cautious Ally
• Guided Embodied Practice

Connect with Kay'a:

Website

Instagram

Natural Contraception Course Waitlist

Resources:

Free Masterclass:  The Alchemy of the Perimenopause Portal

Ayurvedic Dosha Quick Reference Guide

Abhyanga Self Massage Guide

Weekend Nervous System Reset

Nourished For Resilience Workbook


Find me at www.nourishednervoussystem.com

and @nourishednervoussytem on Instagram

Are there certain seasons, foods or activities that aggravate your health or help you feel better?  Are they different than the people who are close to you?  This is because your body, mind and spirit is unique and has unique needs.

In this episode, I talk about the Ayurvedic concept of Prakriti, which is your unique constitutional blueprint determined at conception. 

I explain the importance of understanding Prakriti to maintain balance and well-being, drawing from my own experiences and a recent trip that offered me insights into rest and self-awareness. 

I discuss the challenges of identifying one's Prakriti and differentiate it from current imbalances, known as Vikriti. 

I offer practical steps for discovering Prakriti, including keeping a journal, talking to others and consulting knowledgeable individuals. These steps help us learn what brings us in and out of balance, ultimately fostering a deeper understanding of ourselves through the lens of Ayurveda.

In this episode:

• Understanding Prakriti: Your Ayurvedic Constitution
• The Importance of Knowing Your Prakriti
• Balancing Your Prakriti Through Life Stages
• Practical Steps to Discover Your Prakriti

Resources:

Free Masterclass:  The Alchemy of the Perimenopause Portal

Ayurvedic Dosha Quick Reference Guide

Abhyanga Self Massage Guide

Weekend Nervous System Reset

Nourished For Resilience Workbook


Find me at www.nourishednervoussystem.com

and @nourishednervoussytem on Instagram

This week is a flashback episode!  This is an episode I put out almost two years ago about the basics of Pitta Dosha.  I'll be back next week with a new episode!

Original shownotes:

Ever feel hangry?  That’s Pitta.  Acne and spreading rashes?  That’s Pitta.  Feel irritable and angry in hot weather?  Also Pitta.  

Pitta Dosha is a combination of the Fire and Water elements.  Fire is transformational,  it literally changes things.  A tree into ash, water into steam.  When we are going through a challenging or life changing experience,  we sometimes say we are “stepping into the fire”.   Without this fire, things would always stay the same and remain stuck.   If we didn’t have Pitta Dosha in our bodies, we wouldn’t be able to transform our food into usable components or transform our sensory impressions into thoughts, emotions or sensations. 

In this episode:

• What is Pitta Dosha
• What does Pitta look like in the macrocosm of the world and the microcosm of our bodies
• What does healthy and unhealthy Pitta look like
• Pitta times of day, time of year and time of life
• Qualities of the Pitta predominant person
• How to balance Pitta

Sources:
Lad, V., M.A.Sc (2002). Textbook of Ayurveda, Fundamental Principles (1st ed.). The Ayurvedic Press.

Resources:

Free Masterclass:  The Alchemy of the Perimenopause Portal

Ayurvedic Dosha Quick Reference Guide

Abhyanga Self Massage Guide

Weekend Nervous System Reset

Nourished For Resilience Workbook


Find me at www.nourishednervoussystem.com

and @nourishednervoussytem on Instagram

In this special episode of Nourish Nervous System, I'm offering you a rejuvenating Yoga Nidra practice to help if you're feeling spread thin, burnt out, or depleted. 

Based on my own recent experiences with overbooking during the busy summer season, I'll share insights on recognizing and managing the spreading quality of Pitta Dosha. 

This episode includes a guided meditation focusing on softening, nourishing, and resting your body and mind. I'll encourage you to pause, set up a comfortable space for the practice, and remind you that finding balance is an ongoing practice, especially in a demanding world.

I also mention that I will be away next week, and there will not be an episode coming out until the following week.

In this episode:

• Introduction to Yoga Nidra Practice
• Personal Experience with Pitta Dosha
• Tools for Balance and Rejuvenation
• Preparing for Yoga Nidra
• Guided Yoga Nidra Practice
• Returning to Awareness

Related Episodes:

Episode 101-Navigating Pitta Energy to Prevent Summer Burn Out 

Episode 79 -Winter Restoration: A Yoga Nidra Practice for You

Resources:

Free Masterclass:  The Alchemy of the Perimenopause Portal

Ayurvedic Dosha Quick Reference Guide

Abhyanga Self Massage Guide

Weekend Nervous System Reset

Nourished For Resilience Workbook


Find me at www.nourishednervoussystem.com

and @nourishednervoussytem on Instagram

What is vitality and how do we begin to cultivate it?  

In this episode , I explore these questions with Deborah Zucker, a naturopathic physician, mental health counselor, health coach, and award-winning author of the Vitality Map. 

Deborah discusses her journey through healing from chronic fatigue and depression and introduces her approach to deep vitality. 

The conversation explores the nine keys to deep vitality from Deborah's book, emphasizing the importance of self-awareness, resilience, and self-care. 

Deborah shares insights on aligning with one's true self, facing shadows, and experimenting with playful curiosity. 

The episode also highlights the importance of community and inviting support, and Deborah provides an action step for listeners to identify what brings them alive. 

Deborah's new companion book, the Vitality Journal, is also mentioned.

In this episode:

• Meet Deborah Zucker: A Journey to Vitality
• Understanding Deep Vitality
• The Vitality Map: A New Approach to Health
• The Nine Keys to Deep Vitality
• Living Like You Matter
• Inviting Support and Connection

Connect with Deborah:

The Vitality Map book

Website

Instagram

Facebook

LinkedIn

Resources:

Free Masterclass:  The Alchemy of the Perimenopause Portal

Ayurvedic Dosha Quick Reference Guide

Abhyanga Self Massage Guide

Weekend Nervous System Reset

Nourished For Resilience Workbook


Find me at www.nourishednervoussystem.com

and @nourishednervoussytem on Instagram

Do you experience gas, bloating or indigestion?  You may need to work on your kindling your digestive fire.  In Ayurveda, we call this agni.  A digestive fire that burns just right will make digestion more efficient and can have a positive impact on other body systems.  

In this episode, I delve into the importance of digestion and its impact on various aspects of health, including the nervous system, hormones, and immune function. 

I share five practical and cost-free tips to improve digestion: drinking warm or room temperature water, chewing food thoroughly, maintaining consistent daily meal times, being mindful around snacking, and eating in a relaxed state. 

Emphasizing the role of self-love and mindfulness, I encourage listeners to experiment with these practices and observe the benefits over time.

In this episode: 

• The Importance of Digestion in Ayurveda
• Tip 1: Drink Warm or Room Temperature Water
• Tip 2: Chew Your Food Thoroughly
• Tip 3: Create Daily Rhythms
• Tip 4: Be Mindful Around Snacking
• Tip 5: Eat in a Relaxed State

Resources:

Free Masterclass:  The Alchemy of the Perimenopause Portal

Ayurvedic Dosha Quick Reference Guide

Abhyanga Self Massage Guide

Weekend Nervous System Reset

Nourished For Resilience Workbook


Find me at www.nourishednervoussystem.com

and @nourishednervoussytem on Instagram

In this episode I welcome Julian Bermudez, a therapist and guide specializing in trauma, identity, and the integration of psychedelic experiences. 

Julian shares his personal journey from growing up in a racially divided, challenging environment to becoming a healer who helps others reconnect with their true selves. 

He discusses his unique approach to therapy, focusing on presence, deep listening, and somatic work to help clients navigate their pain and survival patterns. 

The episode delves into the importance of understanding the roots of addiction, the impact of trauma on the body, and practical steps to cultivate presence and healing. 

This conversation offers profound insights for anyone interested in personal growth and holistic healing.

In this episode:

• Julian's Early Life and Struggles
• Discovering the Path to Healing
• Understanding Trauma and Presence
• The Root of Addiction
• Sensitivity and Coping Mechanisms
• Julian's Unique Approach to Therapy
• Psychedelic Integration in Therapy
• Understanding Deeply Entrenched Patterns
• Healing Through Presence and Comfort
• The Importance of Consistent Practice
• Building a Daily Practice
• The Role of Community in Healing

Connect with Julian:

Website

Instagram

Resources:

Free Masterclass:  The Alchemy of the Perimenopause Portal

Ayurvedic Dosha Quick Reference Guide

Abhyanga Self Massage Guide

Weekend Nervous System Reset

Nourished For Resilience Workbook


Find me at www.nourishednervoussystem.com

and @nourishednervoussytem on Instagram

Caffeine is something that is integrated into most people's lives, but do you ever take a step back to really look at your relationship with caffeine? 

In this episode I discuss the effects of caffeine on the body and mind from both personal and Ayurvedic perspectives, comparing caffeine consumption to using an energy credit card. 

I explain how different Ayurvedic constitutions (Vata, Pitta, Kapha) react to caffeine, and I share my personal journey with and eventual break-up from caffeine. 

I explore the scientific and Ayurvedic views on caffeine's impact on the nervous system and emphasize the importance of self-awareness and moderation. 

I encourage listeners to track their caffeine consumption and its effects to better understand their relationship with the stimulant. My aim is to provide insight and guidance on maintaining a balanced and healthy approach to caffeine.

In this episode:

• Today's Topic: Caffeine
• Personal Perspective on Caffeine
• Ayurvedic Perspective on Caffeine
• Caffeine and the Mind
• Personal Journey with Caffeine
• Tips for Managing Caffeine Consumption

Resources mentioned in today's episode:

The Nourished for Resilience Path

Nourished for Resilience Workbook

The Weekend Nervous System Reset

Resources:

Free Masterclass:  The Alchemy of the Perimenopause Portal

Ayurvedic Dosha Quick Reference Guide

Abhyanga Self Massage Guide

Weekend Nervous System Reset

Nourished For Resilience Workbook


Find me at www.nourishednervoussystem.com

and @nourishednervoussytem on Instagram

The breath is an incredible tool for nervous system regulation that we always have with us.  Like meditation or movement practices, the more you practice with it the more it becomes second nature.  

In this episode I have a profound conversation with Leo Mars about the transformative potential of breathwork. 

Leo shares his life story from growing up in Alaska to becoming an entrepreneur, and how an altered state experience put him on the path towards integrating breathwork into his life. 

We discuss the physiological, energetic, and spiritual benefits of breathwork, how it can help regulate and calm the nervous system, and how breath awareness can enhance our responses to modern technological challenges. 

Leo also introduces his upcoming book 'The New Creator: Rise of the Mindful Artist in the New Meaning Economy' and his breathwork app, Ethr. 

We conclude with a practical breathing exercise to help listeners connect more deeply with their bodies and make decisions from a place of centeredness and authenticity.

In this episode:

• Leo's Spiritual Awakening and Integral Theory
• The Breath Studio and Its Impact
• The Power of Breath in Daily Life
• Breaking Patterns with Breath
• The Power of Breath and Presence
• Integrating Breath with Technology
• Guided Breath Exercise

Connect with Leo:

Instagram

Ethr : 7 Day Free Trial

Resources:

Free Masterclass:  The Alchemy of the Perimenopause Portal

Ayurvedic Dosha Quick Reference Guide

Abhyanga Self Massage Guide

Weekend Nervous System Reset

Nourished For Resilience Workbook


Find me at www.nourishednervoussystem.com

and @nourishednervoussytem on Instagram

Do you have the tendency to spread yourself thin in the summer?  I know I do.  There is inevitably a point (or many points) in the summer that I feel burnt out.  

I've been thinking about this in relation to the spreading quality of Pitta Dosha, and the tendency to "spread yourself thin" in the summer time.  

In this episode, I explore the qualities of Pitta energy and its impact as we transition from spring to summer. 

I discuss the tendency of Pitta to 'spread,' both physically and energetically, and share my personal insights on managing this energy. 

Tips include adjusting diet and activities to balance Pitta, and practical strategies like pruning commitments and reducing screen time. 

I encourage you to find a balance between enjoying summer activities and preventing burnout, offering small steps to consolidate energy for a healthier, more fulfilling season.

In this Episode:

• Transitioning from Spring to Summer
• Understanding Pitta's Spreading Quality
• Balancing Activities and Energy
• Pruning for a Flourishing Life
• Managing Screen Time and Energy

Did you know that I have a newsletter?  It comes out twice a month and it includes a love note from me and my journey on this path of resilience.  It also includes a "For You" section, which is a resource for you from one of my previous podcast guests.  So far there has been recipes, meditations, breathwork practice, and a gut healing workbook.  These are links and downloads, no strings attached.  The newsletter also includes the two most recent podcast episodes, as well as my current offers and specials.  

Subscribe to my Newsletter!

Resources:

Free Masterclass:  The Alchemy of the Perimenopause Portal

Ayurvedic Dosha Quick Reference Guide

Abhyanga Self Massage Guide

Weekend Nervous System Reset

Nourished For Resilience Workbook


Find me at www.nourishednervoussystem.com

and @nourishednervoussytem on Instagram

Have you ever had a stressful or tramatic experience and your body begins to involuntarily shake?  Have you also tried to stop the shaking?  It is very common in our culture to do so, but this shaking is a key to processing stress and trauma.

In this episode, I welcome Siv Shields, a chiropractor from Norway with a deep background in meditation and various stress relief practices. 

We dive into the fascinating topic of neurogenic tremoring, a natural mechanism our bodies use to release stress and trauma through involuntary shaking. 

Siv shares her journey, including her discovery and training in this technique, and explains how it can benefit those dealing with chronic stress, and trauma. 

We discuss the importance of understanding and allowing our bodies to naturally release tension, and Siv provides insights on integrating this practice into various therapeutic and daily routines for overall well-being. 

I'm excited to share this powerful tool with you and offer ways to learn more about it.

In this episode:

• Siv's Journey and Professional Background
• Discovering Neurogenic Tremoring
• Understanding Neurogenic Tremoring
• Practical Applications and Benefits
• Challenges and Misconceptions
• How to Learn and Practice Neurogenic Tremoring
• Conclusion and Special Offer

Learn more about Neurogenic Integration:

Website

Instagram

Youtube

LinkedIn

Discount Codes:

1. For the ones that want to dive in use «NourishedMember»:  50% discount on a 1 yr membership - this includes our Foundations course, access to all our online sessions (several per week) and some workshops, access to our Mighty Network Community, and upcoming Advances Practices Course. (A $120 value).

2. For those who want to just learn Neurogenic Tremoring and practice by themselves, use "NourishedCourse": it gives a $10 discount on our Foundations Course. (A $10 value).

This is the lint to the Neurogenic Integration Website: https://neurogenic-integration.com/  

To use the code go to the shop and put it in at checkout and the discount will be applied to the basket, direct link to the shop: https://neurogenic-integration.com/webshop/#ue-tab1

Resources:

Free Masterclass:  The Alchemy of the Perimenopause Portal

Ayurvedic Dosha Quick Reference Guide

Abhyanga Self Massage Guide

Weekend Nervous System Reset

Nourished For Resilience Workbook


Find me at www.nourishednervoussystem.com

and @nourishednervoussytem on Instagram

I've been talking a lot about "connecting to your life force" but what exactly IS your life force?  

It could be many things, and one of the ways I think of it is Prana.

In this episode, I explore the concept of prana, the vital life force in yogic and Ayurvedic traditions. 

I discuss prana's nature as the universal energy that animates all natural life, its movement in the body through energy channels called nadis, and physical channels called srotas. 

I also share a guided meditation practice focused on bringing prana into the heart center, highlighting the deep connection between mind, breath, and prana. 

Additionally, I offer practical tips for incorporating these principles into daily life to maintain vitality and health.

In this episode:

• Introduction to Prana
• The Role of Prana in the Body
• Prana and the Mind-Body Connection
• Prana Flow and Somatic Practices
• Guided Prana Meditation
• Conclusion and Additional Resources

Resources:  

Claudia Welch's "Secrets of the Mind" PDF

Resources:

Free Masterclass:  The Alchemy of the Perimenopause Portal

Ayurvedic Dosha Quick Reference Guide

Abhyanga Self Massage Guide

Weekend Nervous System Reset

Nourished For Resilience Workbook


Find me at www.nourishednervoussystem.com

and @nourishednervoussytem on Instagram

If you are a parent, grandparent, aunt uncle or anyone that has small children in your life - this episode is for you.  How do we ride the waves of emotion with our children, building connection and creating a relationship built on trust and love?

We will explore this topic in this episode with Randi Johnson, a parenting coach and founder of Crib Notes Consulting, who specializes in nervous system regulation for families with children from birth to elementary years. 

Randi discusses her journey into child development and her innovative approach to sleep training, emphasizing the importance of co-regulation and developing neural pathways for both parents and children. 

She explains how to manage a child's emotions and guide them through challenging behaviors using empathetic techniques. 

The episode offers practical tips for parents to regulate their own nervous systems while maintaining a strong, supportive connection with their children.

In this episode:

• Randi's Journey and Philosophy
• The Importance of Nervous System Regulation
• Building Neural Pathways in Children
• Sleep Training and Emotional Regulation
• Understanding Different Types of Crying
• Regulating Yourself to Help Your Child
• The Importance of Intentional Parenting
• Tips for Parents to Stay Regulated

Connect with Randi:

Website

Instagram

Resources:

Free Masterclass:  The Alchemy of the Perimenopause Portal

Ayurvedic Dosha Quick Reference Guide

Abhyanga Self Massage Guide

Weekend Nervous System Reset

Nourished For Resilience Workbook


Find me at www.nourishednervoussystem.com

and @nourishednervoussytem on Instagram

Your body, mind and spirit want to heal.  It is a matter of getting situated in the self and connecting to your life force and creating the conditions for thriving.   But this is easier said than done.  

What gets in the way of healing?  There could be so many answers to these questions but there are a few barriers that seem universal.

In this episode , emphasizing Ayurvedic and somatic principles, I explore common barriers such as perceived lack of money and time, and offer practical strategies to overcome them. 

I also delve into deeper psychological barriers, encouraging you to adopt a mindset of honesty and self-compassion. 

The session highlights the value of small, sustainable steps and the need to prioritize self-care in accessible ways. 

I offer resources like the Weekend Nervous System Reset and the Nourished for Resilience workbook to support you on your journey to holistic well-being.

In this episode:

• Life Force Connection
• Ayurveda and Somatic Healing
• Barriers to Healing: Money and Time
• Overcoming Perceived Barriers
• Creating Accessible Healing Practices
• The Importance of Honesty and Prioritization
• Addressing Deeper Barriers to Self-Care
• The Role of Age and Self-Compassion

Related Episodes:

Resistance is a Normal Part of Change

Resources:

Free Masterclass:  The Alchemy of the Perimenopause Portal

Ayurvedic Dosha Quick Reference Guide

Abhyanga Self Massage Guide

Weekend Nervous System Reset

Nourished For Resilience Workbook


Find me at www.nourishednervoussystem.com

and @nourishednervoussytem on Instagram

What you eat is such a big part of Ayurveda because it is literally what makes up your body.  But there is so much more to the food we eat than how it affects us physically.  

In this episode of the Nourished Nervous System, I am joined by Veronica Wolf Casey, a board-certified Ayurvedic medical practitioner, Ayurvedic chef, and Ayurvedic yoga therapist. 

Veronica shares her unique journey from the United States Air Force to embracing Ayurveda. 

The conversation delves into the deep connections between food, self-love, and Ayurveda, offering insights into how seasonal eating and mindful food choices can foster better mental and physical health. 

Listeners will gain practical tips for eating in alignment with the seasons and transforming their relationship with food. 

The episode emphasizes the importance of self-compassion and listening to one's body, and concludes with actionable steps for achieving balance and nourishment.

In this episode:

• Veronica's Journey to Ayurveda
• The Importance of Food and Ayurveda
• Cravings and Balance
• Seasonal Eating and Cooking Tips
• Emotional Connections to Food
• Seated in the Self: The Definition of Health
• Self-Love and Acceptance
• Useful vs. Unuseful: A New Perspective
• Compassion and the Journey to Self-Discovery
• Joyful Eating and Self-Care

Connect with Veronica:

Website

Instagram

Facebook

Sign up to get weekly recipes and biweekly podcast episodes HERE

Resources:

Free Masterclass:  The Alchemy of the Perimenopause Portal

Ayurvedic Dosha Quick Reference Guide

Abhyanga Self Massage Guide

Weekend Nervous System Reset

Nourished For Resilience Workbook


Find me at www.nourishednervoussystem.com

and @nourishednervoussytem on Instagram

This idea for this episode began while starting seeds.  Is anyone else consistently amazed when their seeds sprout?  An I the only one?

In this episode, I reflect on this awe-inspiring experience and draw a parallel to the ways we sometimes relate to our health and wellness. 

Through exploring the natural growth of plants and their unique care requirements, I illustrate how creating the right conditions allows both plants and humans to thrive. 

Despite societal pressures to conform, I emphasize the importance of recognizing and honoring our individual needs, informed by Ayurvedic principles. 

I encourage you to identify your own 'soil, water, and light' conditions necessary for personal well-being. Additionally, I share my personal experiences and practical advice on achieving a balanced and healthy lifestyle.

In this episode:

• The Miracle of Seeds
• Seeds as a Metaphor for Health
• Ayurvedic Body Work and Healing
• Personal Plant Stories and Lessons
• Understanding Individual Needs
• Connecting to Your Life Force

Related Episodes:

Resources:

Free Masterclass:  The Alchemy of the Perimenopause Portal

Ayurvedic Dosha Quick Reference Guide

Abhyanga Self Massage Guide

Weekend Nervous System Reset

Nourished For Resilience Workbook


Find me at www.nourishednervoussystem.com

and @nourishednervoussytem on Instagram

In this episode of the Nourished Nervous System, I have a deep and insightful conversation with Elysia Skye, a motivational speaker, mindfulness facilitator, author, podcast host, and intuitive life and business coach. 

Elysia shares her journey to becoming an intuitive business coach and the crucial role intuition played in her life, particularly during a health crisis. 

Together, we discuss how to recognize and trust your intuition, overcome self-limiting beliefs in business, and the importance of being the 'lighthouse'—guiding others from a place of strength. 

Elysia also provides practical advice on staying present, managing worry, and the power of grounding techniques. 

The episode concludes with actionable steps you can take to enhance your mindfulness and self-awareness.

In this episode:

• Elysia's Journey to Intuitive Business Coaching
• Understanding and Trusting Your Intuition: Elysia's Personal Story
• Challenges Faced by Spiritual Business Owners
• Being Present and Connecting to Intuition
• The Power of Grounding Techniques
• The Importance of Feeling Safe
• The Lighthouse Metaphor
• Daily Action Steps for Clarity

Connect with Elysia:

Website

Instagram

Facebook

X

TikTik

LinkedIn

Watch or Listen to The Brilliance Method Podcast and learn how to Create Your Life on Purpose: elysiaskye.com/podcast  

Apply to join Elysia's weekly coaching membership to receive support getting out of your own way and expand and your business in an energetically aligned way :   The Emerald Collective of The Brilliance Method: https://innercircle.thebrilliancemethod.com/emerald

Resources:

Free Masterclass:  The Alchemy of the Perimenopause Portal

Ayurvedic Dosha Quick Reference Guide

Abhyanga Self Massage Guide

Weekend Nervous System Reset

Nourished For Resilience Workbook


Find me at www.nourishednervoussystem.com

and @nourishednervoussytem on Instagram

Food is more than it's nutritional composition.  It is also a composition of tastes, and these tastes can be important clues to whether that food is going to bring us in or out of balance.

In this episode, I focus on the six fundamental tastes in Ayurveda and their effects on the body's doshas. 

I elaborate on how these tastes—sweet, salty, sour, bitter, pungent, and astringent—influence our physical and emotional wellbeing through the foods and herbs we consume. 

To aid your understanding, I've created a detailed six-taste chart, which will be available through my newsletter and the show notes. 

Alongside discussing the tastes, their elemental composition, and their impact on various doshas, I provide practical examples of foods and herbs for each taste. 

I encourage you to track your daily taste intake and adjust according to the season's dominant dosha for better balance and overall health.

In this episode:

• Introduction to the Six Tastes in Ayurveda
• The Sweet Taste: Nourishment and Balance
• The Bitter Taste: Cleansing and Cooling
• The Pungent Taste: Stimulating and Invigorating
• The Sour Taste: Warming and Moistening
• The Salty Taste: Energizing and Grounding
• The Astringent Taste: Drying and Tonifying
• Incorporating All Six Tastes for Balance

Free Six Tastes Chart

Join my Email Newsletter

Resources:

Free Masterclass:  The Alchemy of the Perimenopause Portal

Ayurvedic Dosha Quick Reference Guide

Abhyanga Self Massage Guide

Weekend Nervous System Reset

Nourished For Resilience Workbook


Find me at www.nourishednervoussystem.com

and @nourishednervoussytem on Instagram

In this episode of The Nourished Nervous System, I welcome my longtime friend Daniel Bear Davis, a somatic experiencing practitioner with a rich background in dance, performance and bodywork. 

Our conversation explores the intersections of somatic experiencing, cultural somatics, and authentic movement. 

Daniel shares how dance and movement have shaped his approach to trauma renegotiation, emphasizing the importance of body awareness and elemental balance. 

We discuss the transformative power of community practices, the concept of 'agency of attention,' and creating space for healing within our bodies and society. 

Daniel also introduces his upcoming eight-week series, Web Nest Earth Home, inviting listeners to explore these profound somatic practices in a supportive group setting. 

This episode is a deep dive into the wisdom of the body and the healing potential of somatic work.

In this episode:

• Daniel's Background and Journey
•  Understanding Somatic Experiencing
•  Cultural Somatics Explained
•  The Concept of Bodies Within Bodies
•  Agency of Attention
•  Combining Authentic Movement with Somatic Experiencing
•  Improvisational Dance and Trauma Renegotiation
•  Cultural and Elemental Somatics

Connect with Daniel:

WEB, NEST, EARTH, HOME. Somatic Practices for Woven Bodies An 8-Week Committed Movement Group Wednesdays 9:30-11:30. April 9 - June 4 (no class April 23) Drop Ins April 9 & 16  Join us for this 8-week group combining authentic movement, free writing, and other movement practices with insights from Somatic Experiencing and cultural somatics. We will combine tools for orienting, settling, and resourcing with contemplative movement and perception practices to weave dynamic relations between our flesh bodies and the larger bodies of which we are part (land/place, ancestry, culture, nature).  Each class will offer specific focus and content to frame improvised movement explorations in group sections and one-on-one witnessing. Open to all bodies with curiosity about movement and the landscapes of the human experience. 

FB: https://www.facebook.com/share/1BmF6RgZmM/

Daniel's Website

Daniel's FB Page

Resources:

Free Masterclass:  The Alchemy of the Perimenopause Portal

Ayurvedic Dosha Quick Reference Guide

Abhyanga Self Massage Guide

Weekend Nervous System Reset

Nourished For Resilience Workbook


Find me at www.nourishednervoussystem.com

and @nourishednervoussytem on Instagram

Do you ever feel stuck in the early spring?  Heavy, tired, sluggish digestion or stuck in your emotions?  This is because one of the qualities of Kapha Dosha, present in the spring is the "sticky" quality.  

In this episode I'm going to dive into Kapha Dosha, specifically the sticky quality and explore some ways to get unstuck.

I talk about how Kapha's qualities can impact us, using personal stories of dealing with sluggish lymph nodes and a clogged kitchen sink to illustrate. 

I also offer practical tips like adding more movement, warmth, spring cleaning, and spending time outside to help shake off the heaviness and feel more vibrant. 

Tune in for some easy, actionable ways to stay balanced and energized this season.

In this episode:

• Understanding Kapha Season
• Personal Experience with Kapha Dosha
• Getting Unstuck: Movement and Breathwork
• Getting Unstuck: Warmth and Techniques
• Spring Cleaning and Outdoor Activities

Weekend Nervous System Reset

May Ayurvedic Rejuvenation Retreat at Limina Renewal Center in Maine

Resources:

Free Masterclass:  The Alchemy of the Perimenopause Portal

Ayurvedic Dosha Quick Reference Guide

Abhyanga Self Massage Guide

Weekend Nervous System Reset

Nourished For Resilience Workbook


Find me at www.nourishednervoussystem.com

and @nourishednervoussytem on Instagram

As things feel more chaotic in the world, there is a common sentiment that this is an important time to focus on community.  

I hear a lot about community in the circles I am in, but what does it actually mean to be in community?  And how can one create or foster community wherever they are at in the process?  

These are some of the questions that Chandra Cantor, a mom, yoga teacher, life coach, and passionate community builder, shares on this episode.  

 The conversation delves into what community means, how it manifests, and its critical role in human well-being. 

Chandra emphasizes the significance of being open, vulnerable, and appreciative, while also discussing practical ways to create and nurture a sense of belonging. 

Listeners will learn about the spiritual and practical aspects of community, including overcoming isolation, embracing diversity, resolving conflicts, and offering mutual support. 

The episode provides valuable action steps for anyone looking to enhance their sense of connection and build a thriving community around them.

In this episode:

• Chandra's Background and Passion for Community
• The Importance of Community
• Creating and Fostering Community
• Key Ingredients for a Healthy Community
• Navigating Conflict and Differences in Community
• Spiritual and Individual Aspects of Community
• Practical Steps to Build Community

“Do you already know that your existence--who and how you are--is in and of itself a contribution to the people and place around you? Not after or because you do some particular thing, but simply the miracle of your life. And that the people around you, and the place(s), have contributions as well? Do you understand that your quality of life and your survival are tied to how authentic and generous the connections are between you and the people and place you live with and in?

Are you actively practicing generosity and vulnerability in order to make the connections between you and others clear, open, available, durable? Generosity here means giving of what you have without strings or expectations attached. Vulnerability means showing your needs.”
― Adrienne Maree Brown, Emergent Strategy: Shaping Change, Changing Worlds 

Connect with Chandra:

 www.steppingintobalance.com
Chandra Cantor Yoga on FB
patreon.com/chandrayoga
Chandra Cantor on You Tube

Resources:

Free Masterclass:  The Alchemy of the Perimenopause Portal

Ayurvedic Dosha Quick Reference Guide

Abhyanga Self Massage Guide

Weekend Nervous System Reset

Nourished For Resilience Workbook


Find me at www.nourishednervoussystem.com

and @nourishednervoussytem on Instagram

Curiosity is innate, and yet it is also something that can be cultivated.  It can be used as a tool for more self awareness as well as creating connection.

In this episode of The Nourished Nervous System, I explore the concept of curiosity and its importance as a pathway to resilience. 

I discuss how curiosity can help combat rigidity, control, and perfectionism by promoting flexibility and openness. 

Sharing personal anecdotes, including a story about understanding my son’s anxiety, I illustrate how cultivating curiosity can lead to deeper connections and better problem-solving. 

I provide philosophical insights and practical tips, encouraging you to adopt a 'curiosity mindset' in various aspects of your life.

In this episode:

• Exploring the Concept of Curiosity
• Curiosity and Resilience
• Curiosity in Parenting
• Curiosity in Relationships and Health
• Curiosity in the Political Climate
• Cultivating a Curiosity Mindset

Resources mentioned in this episode: 

Weekend Nervous System Reset

Nourished for Resilience Workbook

Resources:

Free Masterclass:  The Alchemy of the Perimenopause Portal

Ayurvedic Dosha Quick Reference Guide

Abhyanga Self Massage Guide

Weekend Nervous System Reset

Nourished For Resilience Workbook


Find me at www.nourishednervoussystem.com

and @nourishednervoussytem on Instagram

Neuroplasticity is a big part of resilience.  We know the impact of our thoughts on so many aspects of our lives.  But how does your posture and movement affect your brain and neuroplasticity?

We are going to explore this in this episode of The Nourished Nervous System with Lara Heimann, a physical therapist, yoga teacher, movement educator, and creator of the LYT Method. 

We discuss Lara's journey, from her early interests in movement and curiosity-driven upbringing to her development of the LYT Method, which combines physical therapy, yoga, and neuroscience to enhance posture, movement, and brain health. 

Our conversation explores the importance of neuroplasticity, resilience, and intention in movement, emphasizing the holistic benefits of integrating body awareness, functional anatomy, and spiritual connection. 

We provide actionable insights into redefining movement as a daily celebration of the body and offer resources for engaging with LYT Yoga practices.

In this episode:

• Lara Heimann's Journey and Background
• What is Optimal Posture
• Neuroscience and Movement
• Integrating Spirituality and Science
• The Importance of Presence

Connect with Lara and check out LYT:

Website

Instagram LYT Method

Instagram Lara Heimann

The LYT Daily online platform is an incredible resource for anyone looking to advance their movement practice and feel more at home in their bodies. Bringing the best of the disciplines of yoga, physical therapy and neuroscience, the platform offers hundreds of classes for all levels, durations, and specific themes. Become educated and empowered to move and live more optimally! https://lytyoga.uscreen.io/pages/what_is_lyt

Resources:

Free Masterclass:  The Alchemy of the Perimenopause Portal

Ayurvedic Dosha Quick Reference Guide

Abhyanga Self Massage Guide

Weekend Nervous System Reset

Nourished For Resilience Workbook


Find me at www.nourishednervoussystem.com

and @nourishednervoussytem on Instagram

Have you ever wondered why Ayurveda is so focused on seasonal transitions, digestion and prevention?  It all ties into the Ayurvedic perspective of disease and how it manifests in the body.

In this episode I delve into the Ayurvedic principles of maintaining health and preventing disease through seasonal transitions. With the world in a state of flux, grounding and resilience become paramount. 

I discuss the concept of Samprapti, or the birth of disease, explaining the six stages from accumulation to differentiation. 

I highlight the importance of daily practices to balance doshas—Vata, Pitta, and Kapha—especially during seasonal changes, and offer practical tips for staying in tune with your body's needs. 

Tune in for an exploration of how to listen to your body's intelligence, prevent disease, and make small yet impactful steps towards a healthier life.

In this episode:

• Understanding Doshas and Their Seasonal Impact
• The Six Stages of Disease in Ayurveda
• Causes of Disease: Crimes Against Intelligence and Sensory Misuse
• Stages of Disease: Accumulation to Provocation
• Stages of Disease: Spreading to Manifestation
• Stages of Disease: Differentiation and Prevention
• Personal Reflections and Practical Tips
• Balancing Vata and Kapha in Late Winter

Related Episode:

Episode 84 -Ayurveda and Mental Clarity with Kate O'Donnell: Integrating Food and Mind for Balance

Other Resources:

Weekend Nervous System Reset

Ayurvedic Rejuvenation Retreat at Limina in Maine

References:  

Lad, V., M.A.Sc (2006). Textbook of Ayurveda: A Complete Guide to Clinical Assessment. The Ayurvedic Press.

Resources:

Free Masterclass:  The Alchemy of the Perimenopause Portal

Ayurvedic Dosha Quick Reference Guide

Abhyanga Self Massage Guide

Weekend Nervous System Reset

Nourished For Resilience Workbook


Find me at www.nourishednervoussystem.com

and @nourishednervoussytem on Instagram

Do you have food sensitivities or allergies?  Do you cook for someone that does?  If you answered "yes" to either of those questions, you won't want to miss this episode with Chay Wike, author of 'The Kitchen Commune'b. 

This heartfelt conversation delves into Chay's journey with autoimmune diseases and Lyme disease, and how it led her to discover the power of food as a tool for healing. 

Chay discusses her approach to inclusive eating, the importance of community and shared meals, and the integral role whole foods play in self-healing. 

We also touch on social and cultural aspects of food, the emotional connections we have with it, and practical strategies for maintaining dietary needs without feeling isolated. 

Chay shares personal stories, insights, and a profound message about curiosity and compassion in how we nourish ourselves and others.

In this episode:

• Meet Chay Wike: Author of The Kitchen Commune Cookbook
• Chay's Journey with Autoimmune Diseases
• Inclusive Eating and Dietary Inclusivity
• The Healing Power of Food
• Ethical Eating and Personal Food Choices
• Understanding Food Ego and Intuition
• Navigating Social Dynamics and Food Choices
• The Emotional Connection to Food
• Curiosity and Practical Tips for Health

Connect with Chay:  

Website

Instagram

Resources:

Free Masterclass:  The Alchemy of the Perimenopause Portal

Ayurvedic Dosha Quick Reference Guide

Abhyanga Self Massage Guide

Weekend Nervous System Reset

Nourished For Resilience Workbook


Find me at www.nourishednervoussystem.com

and @nourishednervoussytem on Instagram