The Modern Creative Woman

Ask me a question or let me know what you think! [https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/2199359/open_sms] The body remembers the bones. Remember the joints. Remember even the little finger remembers. Memory is lodged in pictures and feelings in cells themselves."        -Clarissa Pinkola, Estes Episode Summary: In this episode, Dr. Amy Backos explores embodied cognition — the scientific and soulful understanding that our bodies think, remember, and know in ways beyond words. From the comforting scent of freshly baked bread to the gestures we make when we talk, Amy reveals how our physical experiences shape emotion, memory, creativity, and healing. Drawing from psychology and art therapy, she explains the four main tenets of embodied cognition, the science behind mirror neurons, and even the fascinating concept of “enclothed cognition” — how what we wear influences our mental state. Through personal stories and practical examples, you’ll learn how to deepen your awareness, enhance your creativity, and connect more fully with the wisdom already living in your body. Key Themes: * The science and psychology behind embodied cognition * How sensory memories (like scent and touch) shape emotion * Mirror neurons and the art of “action understanding” * How your posture, gestures, and clothing influence your mindset * Using embodied awareness in art, therapy, and daily life Takeaway: Your body is a source of intelligence, insight, and creativity. By tuning in to your sensory experiences and movements, you can access new ways of knowing — and a deeper connection to yourself. Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2199359/support] Explore the Modern Creative Woman Community https://moderncreativewoman.com [https://arttherapycentersf.com/] Free Goodies and Subscribe to the Monthly Newsletter https://moderncreativewoman.com/subscribe-to-the-creative-woman/ [https://mcusercontent.com/53c5579a5feca0090377003c7/files/b4f5b916-6160-01d5-e760-40b1327eac06/Modern_Creative_Woman_Manifesta.pdf] Connect with Dr. Amy on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/dramybackos/ [https://www.instagram.com/dramybackos/]

Ask me a question or let me know what you think! [https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/2199359/open_sms] "Play is the state of mind that we can use in our creative process to our advantage."  Jessica Walsh  Grab your Modern Creative Woman Manifest Here! [https://moderncreativewoman.com/subscribe/] Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2199359/support] Explore the Modern Creative Woman Community https://moderncreativewoman.com [https://arttherapycentersf.com/] Free Goodies and Subscribe to the Monthly Newsletter https://moderncreativewoman.com/subscribe-to-the-creative-woman/ [https://mcusercontent.com/53c5579a5feca0090377003c7/files/b4f5b916-6160-01d5-e760-40b1327eac06/Modern_Creative_Woman_Manifesta.pdf] Connect with Dr. Amy on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/dramybackos/ [https://www.instagram.com/dramybackos/]

Ask me a question or let me know what you think! [https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/2199359/open_sms] "Is this hot or not hot?" Skylar Collé holds a dual Master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy and Art Therapy, and she is currently pursuing a PhD in Clinical Sexology. Her research focuses on the 4-D Wheel as a tool for embodied, liberated, and decolonial healing. Skylar’s work brings together instinct and intellect, neuroscience and intuition, moving at the intersection of ritual and evidence-based therapy to support deep transformation and wholeness. Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2199359/support] Explore the Modern Creative Woman Community https://moderncreativewoman.com [https://arttherapycentersf.com/] Free Goodies and Subscribe to the Monthly Newsletter https://moderncreativewoman.com/subscribe-to-the-creative-woman/ [https://mcusercontent.com/53c5579a5feca0090377003c7/files/b4f5b916-6160-01d5-e760-40b1327eac06/Modern_Creative_Woman_Manifesta.pdf] Connect with Dr. Amy on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/dramybackos/ [https://www.instagram.com/dramybackos/]

Ask me a question or let me know what you think! [https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/2199359/open_sms] "Joy does not simply happen to us. We have to choose joy and keep choosing it every day." – Henri Nouwen This week on The Modern Creative Woman Podcast, Dr. Amy shares reflections from hosting a benefit tea party for I Support the Girls and how small, simple acts of service can ripple out into meaningful change. Then we dive deep into the psychology of wonder and awe — what they are, how they shape our perception of the world, and why openness to experience makes us more likely to feel them. You’ll learn: ✨ The difference between happiness, wonder, and awe ✨ What personality trait predicts your ability to feel awe ✨ Simple daily practices to spark wonder — from sky-gazing to art-making ✨ Why cultivating awe can shift your mindset and boost well-being This episode will leave you inspired to slow down, look around, and notice the extraordinary in the everyday. 🔗 Links & Resources: * I Support the Girls [https://isupportthegirls.org/] – Donate or host your own simple benefit * Free 21-Day Gratitude Challenge [https://moderncreativewoman.com/gratitude-challenge/] * Subscribe to the Modern Creative Woman Digital Magazine [https://moderncreativewoman.com/subscribe/] 🎧 Listen now and share [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2199359] with three friends who could use a little more wonder in their lives! Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2199359/support] Explore the Modern Creative Woman Community https://moderncreativewoman.com [https://arttherapycentersf.com/] Free Goodies and Subscribe to the Monthly Newsletter https://moderncreativewoman.com/subscribe-to-the-creative-woman/ [https://mcusercontent.com/53c5579a5feca0090377003c7/files/b4f5b916-6160-01d5-e760-40b1327eac06/Modern_Creative_Woman_Manifesta.pdf] Connect with Dr. Amy on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/dramybackos/ [https://www.instagram.com/dramybackos/]

Ask me a question or let me know what you think! [https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/2199359/open_sms] “I would sooner live in a cottage and wonder at everything. Then live in a castle and wonder at nothing.”  Joan Windmill Brown  Hope is not just a feeling — it’s a practice, a mindset, and a vital ingredient for healing and growth. In today’s episode, Dr. Amy Backos explores the psychology of hope and how we can intentionally cultivate it in our lives. You’ll learn: ✨ Why hope is the first and most important step toward feeling better ✨ How solution-focused thinking rewires your brain for possibility ✨ Simple actions (like celebrating small wins!) that spark hope and momentum ✨ The neuroscience of awe — and why it feels so transformative ✨ Creative practices to connect with wonder, from museum visits to land art Plus, Amy shares behind-the-scenes inspiration from organizing a donation drive for I Support the Girls — a beautiful example of community action that restores dignity and hope for women in need. If you’re craving a sense of optimism, connection, and meaning — this episode will help you take creative action and share hope with those around you. 🔗 Links & Resources: * I Support the Girls [https://isupportthegirls.org] – learn how to donate or organize a collection in your community * Modern Creative Woman Retreat [https://moderncreativewoman.com/art-therapy-retreat-san-francisco/] – Oct 11, San Francisco – join us for a day of creativity, connection, and inspiration Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2199359/support] Explore the Modern Creative Woman Community https://moderncreativewoman.com [https://arttherapycentersf.com/] Free Goodies and Subscribe to the Monthly Newsletter https://moderncreativewoman.com/subscribe-to-the-creative-woman/ [https://mcusercontent.com/53c5579a5feca0090377003c7/files/b4f5b916-6160-01d5-e760-40b1327eac06/Modern_Creative_Woman_Manifesta.pdf] Connect with Dr. Amy on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/dramybackos/ [https://www.instagram.com/dramybackos/]