The Sustained Well Podcast

Support and small steps of hope when living with a chronic disease with Lori Wong

Lori Wong started practicing mindfulness in 2003. She started teaching mindfulness in 2009 in an informal group called Insight Meditation Modesto. She was the founding teacher and leader of Insight Meditation Central Valley in Modesto, California until 2020 when she retired from teaching. She was trained as a Community Dharma Leader by Spirit Rock Meditation Center and as a meditation instructor at the Insight Meditation Center in Redwood City, California. She is a Stanford-certified Compassion Cultivation Training (CCT) teacher and began offering CCT courses in Modesto and Stockton to general populations as well as healthcare and mental health professionals in 2014. In 2020, Lori enrolled in David Treleaven’s Trauma-Sensitive Mindfulness (TSM) Course and continued training with a year-long Advanced Level TSM Program. That journey then led her to learning about somatic abolitionism and healing intergenerational racial trauma with Resmaa Menakem, PhD. Lori was diagnosed with inclusion body myositis in 2021 after 5 years of tests and multiple specialists. She has a B.S. in Physics from California State University at Fresno and was a computer scientist before teaching mindfulness and compassion.

Healing is a Process...

You are doing the work! It's so important to acknowledge that you're doing the work and celebrate along the way. And to know that healing is a process and a constant ebb and flow and honoring that it's not a linear process.  In this episode: 1.) Reminder that you are doing the work and you are making progress  2.) Healing isn't linear  3.) Celebrate along the way and keep doing the work, keep believing what's possible for you.  Sending you so much love on this journey as we walk along together. Thank you for doing the work!

Thich Nhat Hanh's Words of Wisdom about Washing the Dishes

In this very short episode I share a passage from The Miracle of Mindfulness: An Introduction to the Practice of Meditation by Thich Nhat Hanh.  This is such a game changer when it comes to present moment awareness and presence. SO powerful! I can't wait for you to hear it!

Shift Overthinking by Tending to Our Nervous System and Cultivating Creativity

I am so excited for you to meet and learn from Dr. El! He shares such practical tools with simple, helpful phrases to shift overthinking and practical ways to tend to our nervous system.    In this episode, you will learn about:  1.) Two key phrases to interrupt overthinking and self-judgement.  2.) Practical ways to support and tend to your nervous system. 3.) How creativity is for everyone and why you should do it!    Enjoy our conversation and I can't wait to see how these support your well-being!    Dr. El (Elnur Gajiev, PsyD) is a licensed clinical psychologist, creative strategist, and growth coach dedicated to helping purpose-driven leaders, social entrepreneurs, and change-makers amplify their impact while sustaining their well-being. Blending neuroscience-backed practices, transformative storytelling, and mindful leadership, Dr. El guides individuals and organizations from scattered, overextended, overwhelmed, and burnt out to aligned, clear, confident, present, and resilient. When he’s not coaching, writing, or teaching, you can find him practicing balance—whether through yoga, surfing, or basketball—exploring new cultures, enjoying spoken word poetry and jazz, or losing himself in a creative project, always learning from life’s evolving moments. Instagram: @dr.el.creates Website: https://www.dr-el.com/ [https://www.dr-el.com/]

How Sound Heals, Tapping Into Intuition, Learning from our Emotions

Meet Sound Healing Practitioner, Denise Alamo!  You will hear about:  1.) Her journey to healing her body with holistic methods including the use of sound.  2.) How sound can help tap into our intuition and natural states of being.  3.) How listening to our emotions can be such a powerful and healing practice and how to do it.  Disclaimer:  This is based on her experience and is not meant to be medical advice or replacement for medical advice or in any way discarding the necessity and validity of/for medical treatment.  Meet Denise: Denise Alamo is a certified sound healing practitioner, spiritual awakening mentor, crystal channel, and energy healer. Her journey into holistic healing began shortly after receiving a life-altering medical diagnosis that sparked her curiosity and exploration of natural healing methods. Denise discovered the transformative power of quartz crystal sound bowls, propelling her deep commitment to healing both body and mind. Determined to reclaim her health, Denise immersed herself in a variety of holistic practices, including the use of herbs, tinctures and mindfulness meditations, as well as mastering energy healing arts such as Reiki and sound healing. This deep dedication led to a profound shift in her overall well-being, encompassing body, mind, and spirit.  Driven by her strong passion for holistic healing, Denise is dedicated to sharing her knowledge, experience and intuitive gifts with clients. She facilitates their healing journeys, empowering them to embrace their own paths toward wellness and spiritual awakening.   @makinglifegolden on Instagram