Free To Be Me

Episode 29: A Radical Rest Revolution with guest Karen Brody

Host, Karen Pawley, interviews Karen Brody, founder of the community Daring to Rest. Karen Brody emphasizes the importance of rest and introduces Yoga Nidra as a powerful sleep meditation practice that leads to deep rest and transformation. Karen Brody shares her personal journey from experiencing chronic panic attacks and exhaustion to discovering Yoga Nidra, which profoundly improved her well-being. She highlights the challenges of overcoming societal pressures that undervalue rest and explains how rest can help reclaim one's true nature, often lost in our fast-paced, productivity-driven culture. The conversation touches on the heroine’s journey concept from Maureen Murdoch, contrasting it with the traditional hero's journey. It describes a pathway for women to rediscover their essence through challenges like burnout or health crises, leading to a deep connection with the divine feminine and a more authentic, restful life. Karen Brody also emphasizes the role of the body in finding wisdom and advocates for embodied practices to connect more deeply with oneself. She proposes creating rest doulas to hold space for rest, allowing people to explore new, rested ways of being before reaching a crisis point. The conversation concludes with a vision for communities to value and facilitate rest, fostering healthier cultures and households. Links to find: Host Karen Pawley Website [https://health2healing.com/] &  Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/health2healing/] & Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/health2healingcoach] & LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/karen-pawley-8ab06195/] Guest Karen Brody Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/daringtorest/] Book Daring to Rest [https://www.amazon.com/Daring-Rest-Reclaim-Power-Meditation-ebook/dp/B073XY9KVC/ref=sr_1_1?crid=8HBL7LDFB7D7&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.wfeHdSQ455dda0KJj_MC6gmATu-1LkMj1ypJpa-4TMgGruf1UimuYOtJICRmwzpVp3VhHjp6zhsZe16R91Hrlz4nob87_pCLwqhsK_hx5R7KgXF69DWwv0NXIyE-BtrAA3sY_ddPe_lHh2m9Av1Jh5bNp1OI5bMcqH62YlYmd8Oq2W--EnFMjEc7JRXzszEj.T3UJlOpS3UUbBCzmT9SRd3FQ6TrWr_KvxGGE5yXc5_E&dib_tag=se&keywords=daring+to+rest&qid=1733940946&sprefix=daring+to+rest%2Caps%2C257&sr=8-1] 2025 Daring to Rest 40-Day Program [http://daringtorest.com/restwriteheal] Daring to Rest Facilitator Training [http://daringtorest.com/facilitator]

Episode 28: Navigating Neurodiversity with guest Caghrey West

In this episode of the Free-to-Be-Me podcast, host Karen Pawley introduces a friend Caghrey West, who shares her transformative journey following a late-life neurodiversity diagnosis of autism. Caghrey, at 48, discovered her diagnosis after her daughter received a similar one, which led her to reconsidering her family's dynamics, communication styles, and previous notions of normalcy. Her journey from suffering anxiety unknowingly since childhood to understanding her identity through the lens of autism has been revelatory, providing a sense of belonging and making sense of her lifelong feelings of alienation. Caghrey's story emphasizes the importance of self-acceptance, the relief in understanding oneself, and the courage it takes to live authentically, challenging societal norms. Through this personal story, the podcast illustrates a broader message about the strength required to question the status quo and the beauty of embracing one's true self.   Links to find: Host Karen Pawley Website [https://health2healing.com/] &  Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/health2healing/] & Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/health2healingcoach] & LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/karen-pawley-8ab06195/] Guest Caghrey West Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/nourish_me_neuro/] & Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/caghrey.west] Psychiatric Clinic Optima Rustenvrede in Stellenbosch [http://www.optimarustenvrede.com/]  The Neuro Diversity Centre [http://www.neurodiversitycentre.co.za/]

Episode 27: Unlocking Love with guest Rose Viggiano

In this episode we delve into the complexities of self-discovery and relationships, highlighting both personal growth and interconnectedness. Host, Karen Pawley reflects on the year's journey toward understanding herself better, uncovering that deep insights often arise through relationships. Guest,  Rose Viggiano, a relationship coach and attachment specialist, shares her transformative journey from challenging and unsatisfactory relationships rooted in childhood experiences to healing and building healthy, supportive connections. Together, they emphasize the role of attachment styles and the importance of evolving from codependent behaviors towards secure, interdependent relationships, underscoring the balance of self-awareness and mutual support. Rose candidly discusses her personal healing journey, emphasizing how relationships can drive significant personal growth and advocating for a holistic approach to repair and nurture lasting, authentic bonds. Rose also shares her insights on attachment theory, the importance of awareness in breaking unhealthy patterns, and the power of community in healing. Whether you're single, in a relationship, or seeking to deepen your connections, this episode offers valuable guidance on navigating the complexities of love and finding personal fulfillment.   Links to find: Host Karen Pawley Website [https://health2healing.com/] &  Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/health2healing/] & Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/health2healingcoach] & LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/karen-pawley-8ab06195/] Guest Rose Viggiano Website [https://roseviggiano.com/] & Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/awakeningrelationships/] & YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_VgXJ4_DNvRg6Akdynpw5g] Know Your Attachment Style  Free Mini-Quiz [https://roseviggiano.kit.com/942a7d6216]

Episode 26: Trapped in Silence with guest Kim Ballantine

In this engaging podcast episode, host Karen Pawley introduces Kim Ballantine, a remarkable woman who has overcome tremendous challenges in her life. The discussion traverses the profound impact of spasmodic dysphonia on Kim, a condition that severely affected her ability to speak. Despite the devastation and isolation that came with losing her voice, Kim shares how she was able to maintain hope and humor through her journey. She talks about the importance of choosing a positive response amidst adversity, highlighting the role of her supportive family and her choices to continue engaging with the world. Kim also reflects on the public's varied reactions to her condition and shares anecdotes that illustrate her resilience and determination to maintain a sense of normalcy and joy in her life. Through her experiences, Kim demonstrates the power of perseverance and the impact of a supportive community in overcoming life's challenges.   Links to find: Host Karen Pawley Website [https://health2healing.com/] &  Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/health2healing/] & Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/health2healingcoach] & LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/karen-pawley-8ab06195/] Guest Kim Ballantine Website [http://www.kimballantine.com] & Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/ballantine.kim/] & Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/kimvercueil.ballantine] & YouTube Story [https://www.dstv.com/m-net/en-za/video/six-years-of-silence] Book: Hot Tea & Apricots [https://amzn.to/41cldNF] written by Kim Ballantine

Episode 25: Becoming Your Own Bridge with guest Kristin Quattlebaum

In this episode host Karen Pawley initiates an exploration of personal authenticity and self-discovery, setting a reflective tone for listeners on their own journeys. Karen shares her experiences of recent life transitions, particularly the notion of 'purging'—a process of letting go of the unnecessary to create room for self-awareness and healing, which can initially evoke feelings of insecurity or loss. She encourages listeners to introspect on the reasons behind their attachments and the underlying fears of rejection or inadequacy, proposing that such self-probing can ultimately lead to self-acceptance and love. Karen is joined by guest Kristin Quattlebaum, who shares her transformative journey from corporate life to entrepreneurship, highlighted by a shift in her professional identity from a 'purpose guide and healer' to a 'truth seer and shadow alchemist.' Kristin delves into her nomadic lifestyle post-2020, emphasizing how it enabled her to deepen her self-trust, connect with diverse people, and experience spiritual growth by interacting with different lands. Through their dialogue, they underscore the importance of embracing life's uncertainties, allowing intuition to guide personal and professional evolutions.   Links to find: Host Karen Pawley Website [https://health2healing.com/] &  Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/health2healing/] & Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/health2healingcoach] & LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/karen-pawley-8ab06195/] Guest Kristin Quattlebaum Website [https://www.kqunplugged.co/] & Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/p/DCJimHyvhW-/?img_index=1] & YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/@kqunplugged] & Podcast [https://open.spotify.com/show/7qXLlUlLwvHth3Tr37byA7]