Sacred Illness™

🔥 What if your desire isn’t the problem—but the path? 🔥 Welcome to Episode 41 of the Sacred Illness™ Podcast. In this solo transmission, I unpack the deep link between longing, healing, and evolution. We’re told desire is a distraction. That suffering must be eliminated. That symptoms are obstacles. But what if illness is the sacred interrupter—and desire is the fuel that leads us through it? This episode explores what it really means to evolve, why your desires will never be satisfied (and why that’s a good thing), and how to stop missing your life in the pursuit of healing.   What You’ll Discover: 🌿 Why desire keeps you stuck in the search—and how to step off the hamster wheel 🌿 How illness is designed to interrupt the misaligned life 🌿 The two-part path of real healing: awareness + integration 🌿 How to identify subconscious beliefs that keep you sick (like “I’m not enough”) 🌿 The subtle trap of “what’s next?” and how it sabotages transformation 🌿 Why cultivating presence is the antidote to insatiable longing 🌿 How to work with your desire as sacred momentum—not a destination   This episode is both a personal reflection and a wake-up call. If you’ve ever wondered why the healing journey feels like an endless search that never bears results... this one's for you.   ⏳ Timestamps: 00:00 Podcast update + new solo episodes 01:00 Illness as a sacred disruption 03:00 Personal story: desire and disappointment 05:00 The meaning of life? 07:00 Facing your shadows as the path to healing 10:00 Why Western medicine reflects our fear of suffering 12:00 Desire on the healing journey: when pursuit becomes addiction 14:00 The necessity of stillness after seeking 16:00 The healing work: living what you've learned 19:00 How desire tricks us into missing our arrival 22:00 Holding presence and desire together 24:00 Recap + invitation into deeper work   🔮 Mentioned in this episode: → Apply to be a guest on the podcast: https://www.aurorasomatic.com/podcast-guest [https://www.aurorasomatic.com/podcast-guest] → Join the Sacred Illness™ Membership and alchemize your wounds into purpose: https://www.aurorasomatic.com/sacred-illness [https://www.aurorasomatic.com/sacred-illness] 💸 Use code PODCAST for 20% off your first month → Follow my transmissions + reflections on Substack: https://sacredillness.substack.com [https://sacredillness.substack.com]   🎶 Music by: Instructions for Living a Life by Savfk www.youtube.com/@SavfkMusic

What if your chronic disease symptoms aren't just physical—but the result of a nervous system stuck in survival mode? For episode 40 of the Sacred Illness™ Podcast, I am sharing an interview I had the honor of recording with ⁨@lizziieedunn⁩ on her MEN1 Mosaic podcast! From Lizzie's Notes: "In this deeply personal and thought-shifting conversation, I speak with Dr Erin Hayford, a naturopathic doctor and somatic practitioner who has lived on both sides of the healing journey. From being bed bound with Crohn’s disease to exploring what it really means to feel safe in your body, this episode dives into why trauma, people-pleasing, and misalignment with self can all play a role in how chronic illness expresses—and what can actually help. Key takeaways: How nervous system dysregulation affects chronic illness The emotional root of symptoms (even in genetic conditions) Why food fear and over-restriction might be doing more harm than good  A simple technique to reconnect with your body and calm your system" Stay tuned for a future episode where I will have Lizzie as a guest and we'll get to learn more about her own journey with chronic illness. Enjoy! ____ Follow Lizzie and her chronic illness healing journey and find resources for MEN1 @lizziieedunn on YouTube! ____ If this message resonates with you, consider supporting my work and helping me continue to share these teachings. You can buy me a coffee here: www.buymeacoffee.com/drerin [http://www.buymeacoffee.com/drerin] Your generosity keeps this sacred work flowing. Grateful to have you on this journey! ____ Are you on a healing journey? Are you feeling suck, unsure of the next step, or wondering if a next step even exists? If so, you are invited to join the Sacred Illness™ Membership, a profound and transformative group that supports you in alchemizing your wounds into medicine. Inside, you'll find all the tools you need to reconnect with your deepest purpose, find all of the roadblocks standing between you and your most authentic health, and the confidence to exist in the world in your fullest, most vibrant expression. This is a space dedicated to transforming illness into a sacred path of growth, meaning, and connection. Join us today! Check out https://www.aurorasomatic.com/sacred-illness [https://www.aurorasomatic.com/sacred-illness] for more information. Use coupon code PODCAST to save 20% off of the first month of your membership! ____ Are you someone who has or has had a chronic illness or chronic symptoms? Did your healing journey help you understand a deeper meaning and purpose of your symptoms? If so, we'd love to have you as a guest on the podcast! Click here to apply: https://www.aurorasomatic.com/podcast-guest [https://www.aurorasomatic.com/podcast-guest] ____ Music used: Instructions for Living a Life by Savfk - www.youtube.com/@SavfkMusic [http://www.youtube.com/@SavfkMusic] #chronicillness #healingjourney #mindbodyconnection #alternativemedicine #sacredillness #drerinhayford #polyvagaltheory #chronicpain #biofeedback #mindbodymedicine #somaticexperiencing #pots #mcas #autoimmunedisease #ibs #sibo #fibromyalgia #mysteryillness #shadowwork #suffering #transformation #healingjourney

In this episode of the Sacred Illness™ Podcast, Dr. Erin Hayford interviews Daniëlle from the Netherlands, currently living in Bali, about her transformative healing journey after a severe bicycle accident. Daniëlle shares her story of overcoming depression, dealing with post-concussion syndrome, and how she found a new way to relate to herself and her body through breath work, somatic experiencing, and intuitive movement.    This conversation dives deep into the intelligence of the body, the importance of listening to our inner voice, and how suffering invites us to break old patterns and discover a more profound connection to life.    Join us for an inspiring discussion on navigating the complexities of healing and living a more authentic, embodied life.  Enjoy!   00:00 Introduction to Body Awareness and Healing  00:17 The Warrior Spirit and Realization  02:11 Daniëlle's Bicycle Accident and Initial Struggles  04:18 The Long Road to Recovery  09:09 Exploring New Healing Modalities  15:24 The Gift of Silence and Letting Go  24:07 The Grief of Letting Go  25:36 Healing as a Spiral 27:06 Journey to Bali  30:45 Intuitive Healing  33:11 The Intelligence of the Body  43:54 Embracing Suffering  46:22 Final Reflections  ____ Follow Daniëlle on Instagram to stay up to date with her journey and offerings @danielleneomi  ____ Are you on a healing journey? Are you feeling suck, unsure of the next step, or wondering if a next step even exists? If so, you are invited to join the Sacred Illness™ Membership, a profound and transformative group that supports you in alchemizing your wounds into medicine. Inside, you'll find all the tools you need to reconnect with your deepest purpose, find all of the roadblocks standing between you and your most authentic health, and the confidence to exist in the world in your fullest, most vibrant expression. This is a space dedicated to transforming illness into a sacred path of growth, meaning, and connection. Join us today! Check out https://www.aurorasomatic.com/sacred-illness [https://www.aurorasomatic.com/sacred-illness]  for more information. Use coupon code PODCAST to save 20% off of the first month of your membership! ____ Are you someone who has or has had a chronic illness or chronic symptoms? Did your healing journey help you understand a deeper meaning and purpose of your symptoms? If so, we'd love to have you as a guest on the podcast! Click here to apply: https://www.aurorasomatic.com/podcast-guest [https://www.aurorasomatic.com/podcast-guest] ____ Music used: Instructions for Living a Life by Savfk - www.youtube.com/@SavfkMusic [http://www.youtube.com/@SavfkMusic]   #chronicillness #healingjourney #mindbodyconnection #alternativemedicine #sacredillness #drerinhayford #polyvagaltheory #chronicpain #biofeedback #mindbodymedicine #somaticexperiencing #pots #mcas #autoimmunedisease #ibs #sibo #fibromyalgia #mysteryillness #shadowwork #suffering #transformation #healingjourney

In this deeply moving episode of the Sacred Illness™ Podcast, I sit down with Robyn Watt, a former social worker from Ontario, Canada, who courageously shares her profound journey through a cancer diagnosis and recovery. Robyn's story begins with the shocking news of her aggressive, diffuse B-cell, non-Hodgkin's lymphoma diagnosis and follows her through the physical and emotional trials of chemotherapy. With deep reflections on the symbolism of her illness and a moving ceremony to release her hair, Robyn illustrates how this life-altering experience became an invitation to truly align with herself. Join us as Robyn recounts her path from overwhelming stress and burnout to a renewed focus on self-care, nature, and inner peace. Her insights and resilience offer a powerful message of healing and transformation for anyone navigating their own health challenges. Enjoy!   00:00 The Day I Found Out I Had Cancer 03:33 Robyn's Journey with Cancer 04:18 Life Before the Diagnosis 10:19 The Move to Ontario and Its Impact 14:47 The Struggles of Single Parenting and Social Work 19:58 The Cancer Diagnosis and Initial Reactions 25:56 The Emotional Rollercoaster of Treatment 38:20 Finding Meaning and Clarity Through Illness 44:52 Embracing Life After Chemotherapy 45:50 Facing the Fear of Recurrence 46:36 The Joy of Remission 47:33 The Importance of Self-Care 48:49 Reflecting on the Journey 50:23 The Deeper Meaning of Illness 51:49 Living in Alignment with Self 54:48 Finding Peace and Joy in Simple Things 59:45 Navigating Systemic Challenges 01:08:37 The Power of Nature and Gratitude 01:14:42 Ceremony and Healing 01:22:13 Final Reflections and Gratitude   ____ Follow Robyn on Instagram to stay up to date with her journey and offerings at @_wildsong   ____ Are you on a healing journey? Are you feeling suck, unsure of the next step, or wondering if a next step even exists? If so, you are invited to join the Sacred Illness™ Membership [http://www.aurorasomatic.com/sacred-illness], a profound and transformative group that supports you in alchemizing your wounds into medicine. Inside, you'll find all the tools you need to reconnect with your deepest purpose, find all of the roadblocks standing between you and your most authentic health, and the confidence to exist in the world in your fullest, most vibrant expression. This is a space dedicated to transforming illness into a sacred path of growth, meaning, and connection. Join us today! Check out https://www.aurorasomatic.com/sacred-illness [https://www.aurorasomatic.com/sacred-illness] for more information. Use coupon code PODCAST to save 20% off of the first month of your membership!   ____ Are you someone who has or has had a chronic illness or chronic symptoms? Did you work with any type of mind-body medicine modality to lessen/ heal/ or alleviate your symptoms in any way? If so, we'd love to have you as a guest on the podcast! Click here to apply: https://www.aurorasomatic.com/podcast-guest [https://www.aurorasomatic.com/podcast-guest]   ____ Music used: Instructions for Living a Life by Savfk - www.youtube.com/@SavfkMusic [http://www.youtube.com/@SavfkMusic]   #chronicillness #healingjourney #mindbodyconnection #naturalhealth #complementarymedicine #alternativemedicine #sacredillness #drerinhayford #polyvagaltheory #chronicpain #biofeedback #mindbodymedicine #somaticexperiencing #pots #mcas #autoimmunedisease #ibs #sibo #fibromyalgia #mysteryillness

In this episode of the Sacred Illness™ Podcast, host Dr. Erin Hayford welcomes Andrew, a civil and environmental engineer from the Atlanta area, to share his transformative journey of healing from chronic pelvic pain. Andrew, an avid cyclist, dives deep into his experience with mind-body medicine and how his dysregulated nervous system and inability to process emotions were at the root of his pain. Through engaging storytelling and practical insights, Andrew discusses the steps he took to radically shift his approach to pain, emphasizing pain science, nervous system regulation, and the importance of emotional exploration. This episode is a must-listen for anyone dealing with chronic pain, offering hope and actionable advice for reclaiming a joyful, fulfilling life. Enjoy!   00:00 Introduction to Chronic Pain and Nervous System 01:53 Guest Introduction: Andrew's Story 03:04 Andrew's Journey with Chronic Pelvic Pain 03:48 Discovering Mind-Body Medicine 08:20 Understanding Pain Science and TMS 11:26 The Role of Stress and Nervous System Regulation 19:39 Emotional Healing and Somatic Tracking 26:58 Practical Advice for Managing Chronic Pain 34:09 The Culture Shift and Safety in Medicine 34:39 Personal Crisis and Turning Points 35:44 Navigating Dark Moments and Finding Hope 37:33 The Role of Social Media and New Perspectives 38:33 Understanding Pain and the Nervous System 42:23 Reevaluating Life and Exercise 43:46 The Journey of Healing and Coaching 48:10 The Importance of Trying Different Approaches 56:57 Final Thoughts and Encouragement ____ Follow Andrew on Instagram to stay up to date with his journey!: @andrewmbcyclist ____ Are you on a healing journey? Are you feeling suck, unsure of the next step, or wondering if a next step even exists? If so, you are invited to join the Sacred Illness™ Membership, a profound and transformative group that supports you in alchemizing your wounds into medicine. Inside, you'll find all the tools you need to reconnect with your deepest purpose, find all of the roadblocks standing between you and your most authentic health, and the confidence to exist in the world in your fullest, most vibrant expression. This is a space dedicated to transforming illness into a sacred path of growth, meaning, and connection. Join us today! Check out https://www.aurorasomatic.com/sacred-illness [https://www.aurorasomatic.com/sacred-illness] for more information. Use coupon code SACRED to save 20% off of the first month of your membership! ____ Are you someone who has or has had a chronic illness or chronic symptoms? Did you work with any type of mind-body medicine modality to lessen/ heal/ or alleviate your symptoms in any way? If so, we'd love to have you as a guest on the podcast! Click here to apply: https://www.aurorasomatic.com/podcast-guest [https://www.aurorasomatic.com/podcast-guest]  ____ Music used: Instructions for Living a Life by Savfk - www.youtube.com/@SavfkMusic [http://www.youtube.com/@SavfkMusic]   #chronicillness #healingjourney #mindbodyconnection #naturalhealth #complementarymedicine #alternativemedicine #sacredillness #drerinhayford #polyvagaltheory #chronicpain #biofeedback #mindbodymedicine #somaticexperiencing #pots #mcas #autoimmunedisease #ibs #sibo #fibromyalgia #mysteryillness