E004: Sisu with Liisa Kovala

E005: The Art of Slowing Down

In this solo episode I talk about our addiction to speed in modern culture, and adopting practices to counteract the speed culture by intentionally slowing down and savoring moments. Ironically, the quest for quickness and productivity often fails to deliver the intended benefits and instead fills up any created space with more tasks. This episode delves into the concept of slow movements, such as the slow food and slow dating movements, and the positive impacts of slowing down on mental well-being and deeper thinking. Practical tips for incorporating slowing down and savoring into daily life, such as mindful eating, distraction-free walks, and appreciating nature, are shared. Takeaway: How can you practice these techniques to build positive memories and enhance your overall quality of life? As always, I welcome your thoughts! TIMESTAMPS 00:00 Introduction: Our Addiction to Speed 01:27 The Illusion of Creating More Space 05:46 The Slow Movements: A Revolutionary Act 06:55 The Neuroscience of Slowing Down 12:00 Practical Tips for Slowing Down 19:19 Savoring Techniques: Making Moments Luxurious 25:06 Conclusion: Embracing Slow Moments LINKS Maggie’s Substack [http://maggiehollinbeck.substack.com] This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit maggiehollinbeck.substack.com [https://maggiehollinbeck.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1]

E004: Sisu with Liisa Kovala

Today I’m excited to share my first interview for the podcast! I had a lovely conversation a few weeks ago with Liisa Kovala, a Finnish-Canadian writer and book coach. We found each other on Substack when we both shared posts about sisu around the same time. What is sisu? Well, listen up and you’ll hear all about it! GUEST BIO Liisa Kovala is a Finnish-Canadian writer and book coach. Her debut novel, Sisu’s Winter War, was released by Latitude 46 Publishing in 2022. Surviving Stutthof: My Father’s Memories Behind the Death Gate (Latitude 46, 2017) was translated and published by Docendo in Finland, and short-listed for a Northern Lit award. Liisa’s short stories and creative non-fiction have been published in a variety of anthologies and literary magazines, and she received first prize in Geist’s 18th Annual Literal Literary Postcard Short Story Contest. As a certified Author Accelerator fiction and memoir book coach, Liisa works with writers both in small group settings and individually. Liisa features fellow writers in her Women Writing newsletter, hosts the Women Writing Podcast and co-hosts Rekindle Creativity Women’s Writing Retreats with Dinah Laprairie. Learn more about Liisa at liisakovalabookcoach.com [http://liisakovalabookcoach.com/] and visit liisakovalawomenwriting.substack.com [http://liisakovalawomenwriting.substack.com/]. TIMESTAMPS 00:00 Intro 00:39 First Interview: Liisa Kovala on Sisu 00:56 Exploring the Concept of Sisu 03:15 Liisa's Journey and Work 06:06 Sisu in Historical Context 20:52 Practicing Sisu in Daily Life 31:26 The Importance of Community 35:35 Closing Remarks and Outro LINKS Maggie’s Substack [http://maggiehollinbeck.substack.com] Maggie’s website [http://www.maggiehollinbeck.com] Liisa’s Substack [http://liisakovalawomenwriting.substack.com] Liisa’s website [http://liisakovalabookcoach.com] The book that started me on my sisu journey! [https://bookshop.org/p/books/the-finnish-way-finding-courage-wellness-and-happiness-through-the-power-of-sisu-katja-pantzar/6670132?aid=107583&ean=9780143132998&listref=recommended-reading-maggie-hollinbeck] (Note: this is an affiliate link and I think I get three tenths of a penny if you buy the book here.) This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit maggiehollinbeck.substack.com [https://maggiehollinbeck.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1]

E003: Let's Talk About Trauma

On this episode of Tending the Soul, we're diving into the topic of trauma. I explore the evolving definition of trauma, emphasizing that it is not necessarily the event itself but our response to it that determines its traumatic nature. I'll also frame trauma in the way I do with my clients: as a nervous system digestive issue, which vibes with ancient wisdom found in Ayurveda -- fun fact! We'll go over the differences between healing tools for trauma recovery, and preventative measures to build resilience. Practical tools for recovery, such as journaling, walking, and therapy techniques like brainspotting and EFT (tapping), are highlighted. Finally, we'll look at fundamental daily practices like sleep, exercise, meditation, and journaling for fostering a more trauma-resilient nervous system. TIMESTAMPS 00:00 Introduction to Tending the Soul 00:38 Understanding Trauma: Definition and Evolution 06:15 Trauma as a Digestive Issue 13:17 Tools for Trauma Recovery 18:24 Building Trauma Resilience 25:40 Conclusion and Resources LINKS Maggie's Substack: http://maggiehollinbeck.substack.com Bilateral music track (royalty-free): https://drive.google.com/file/d/1YcD_HYhHDYlmx1WPhh-2yRPeY4YTZbpk/view?usp=drivesdk [https://drive.google.com/file/d/1YcD_HYhHDYlmx1WPhh-2yRPeY4YTZbpk/view?usp=drivesdk] Waitlist for "Healing Everyday Trauma" Course: https://maggie-hollinbeck.myflodesk.com/het-waitlist-sas [https://maggie-hollinbeck.myflodesk.com/het-waitlist-sas] This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit maggiehollinbeck.substack.com [https://maggiehollinbeck.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1]

E002: What the Happiest People on Earth Do Differently

E002: What the Happiest Countries on Earth Do Differently Maggie explores four aspects of the world's happiest countries -- key cultural values and practices that shape the mental health of the people who live there, and what we can learn from them. 00:00 Introduction and Podcast Name Change 00:51 Exploring the Happiness of Nordic Countries 04:08 Security: A Pillar of Nordic Happiness 09:44 Flat Hierarchy: Equality in Nordic Societies 19:11 Connection to Nature: Embracing the Outdoors 23:03 Community and Togetherness: The Nordic Way 27:34 Conclusion and Reflections Links: Maggie’s Substack [http://maggiehollinbeck.substack.com] Produced by Maggie Hollinbeck, all rights reserved. Music by Dmytro Kuvalin [https://pixabay.com/users/elephantgreen-42056970/] from Pixabay [https://pixabay.com]. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit maggiehollinbeck.substack.com [https://maggiehollinbeck.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1]

E001 Embracing Stubborn Gladness: Finding Joy in Hard Times

Embracing Stubborn Gladness: Finding Joy in Hard Times In the inaugural episode of the 'Stubborn Gladness Podcast,' host Maggie Hollinbeck, a psychotherapist and happiness enthusiast, introduces the concept of 'stubborn gladness' inspired by Elizabeth Gilbert's book 'Big Magic' and Jack Gilbert's poem 'A Brief for the Defense.' Maggie shares personal stories and insights from her 20-year career, emphasizing the importance of cultivating grounded positivity despite life's challenges. She encourages listeners to adopt stubborn gladness as a practice to find small moments of joy and resilience. Maggie also provides a call to action for listeners to reflect on their unique interpretations of stubborn gladness and participate in the community through her Substack. 00:00 Welcome to the Stubborn Gladness Podcast 00:37 Introduction to Stubborn Gladness 02:10 Personal Journey and Challenges 02:46 Choosing Stubborn Gladness 06:35 The Power of Finding Joy in Hard Times 08:33 Reflections 10:47 Conclusion and Staying Connected Maggie’s Substack [http://maggiehollinbeck.substack.com] Produced by Maggie Hollinbeck, all rights reserved. Music by Dmytro Kuvalin [https://pixabay.com/users/elephantgreen-42056970/] from Pixabay [https://pixabay.com]. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit maggiehollinbeck.substack.com [https://maggiehollinbeck.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1]