Meditation, Anxiety & Why Stillness Isn’t Always the Answer

Meditation, Anxiety & Why Stillness Isn’t Always the Answer

In this episode, I return from my podcasting nap (hi again! 👋) to talk about something near and dear to my breath-holding, stomach-clenching, thought-spiraling heart: anxiety—and why meditation can be both a healing path and a terrible idea... depending on your nervous system's current mood. We cover: * Why I haven’t talked much about meditation before — even though it’s been my jam for a decade * The sneaky, spiraling cycle of anxiety and fear—and how thoughts and bodily reactions egg each other on like drama queens * Why “regulate first, think later” might just be the tattoo your nervous system needs * How meditation helps you stop believing every anxious thought (but only after you’ve had a snack and shaken your limbs a bit) * Why stillness is not always the best medicine (and how to know when it is) * Tips on getting started with a meditation practice—especially if your brain is like a squirrel on espresso Plus, here is my Insight Timer profile [https://insig.ht/CrO8oxJaoVb]that I share about in the episode that has many other meditation recommendations, and a gentle reminder that you’re not broken—you’re just a human in a human body. 🧘‍♀️✨ TL;DR: You don't have to believe everything you think. Regulate first. Then we’ll talk:)

The Sacred Pause: Honoring Endings, Embracing Change

This episode is dear to my heart because it marks a gentle goodbye — not forever, but for now. I’m taking a break from the podcast (and Instagram too) to honor a deeper call within myself: to slow down, to retreat, and to turn more intentionally toward my spiritual practice. Here are the ways you can reach me in the meantime: My meditations on Insight Timer (free meditation app) [https://insighttimer.com/YelienaTheo] My newsletter sign up [https://www.mybloomingheart.com/nervoussystemregulationworkbook] My website contact form [https://www.mybloomingheart.com/contact] that will put your message into my inbox Main Talking Points * 🌿 Why I’m taking a sacred six-month pause from podcasting and Instagram, and what’s been stirring beneath the surface. * 🧘‍♀️ The deepening of my Buddhist and meditation practice, and how that’s reshaping how I use my energy and time. * 🔥 The burnout I didn’t want to admit, and the slow realization that “doing it all” was no longer sustainable. * 💌 What happened when I told my community I needed a break — and the surprising wave of support that followed. * ⚰️ How letting go mirrors a death process, and what Buddhist teachings on dying have shown me about lightening our attachments. * 🌙 The power of seasonal living, inner alignment, and creating space to hear the truth of your own needs. * 🌺 An invitation to reflect on your own sacred pause — and what you might need to release or retreat from right now. Thank you so much for walking this path with me. I’ll be back — but for now, I hope this episode can be a gentle companion as you honor your own inner seasons. 💛

Making Space for You: Embracing the Art of Intentional Living

In today’s episode of The Peace Grows Here Podcast, I’m sharing a personal story about the importance of slowing down and listening to your heart’s deepest desires. Life often pulls us in many directions, and it’s easy to get caught up in the fast-paced grind. But what if the answer isn’t pushing harder but slowing down? Join me as I explore how slowing down, creating space, and picking your battles can lead to a more fulfilling, calmer life. This episode is for anyone feeling overwhelmed and craving a shift towards a more intentional pace. Main Talking Points: * The Need for Slowing Down: In a world where productivity and hustle are glorified, it's important to recognize when to slow down and recalibrate. Taking moments to breathe, eat mindfully, and even meditate can help bring peace to an anxious, overworked mind. * Choosing Your Battles: Life is about balance. There’s wisdom in letting go of things that no longer serve you and deciding where to put your energy. The key is to pick your battles thoughtfully and avoid spreading yourself too thin. * The Connection Between Anxiety and Pace: Anxiety often thrives in chaotic environments. By slowing down and creating a more intentional pace, we allow our nervous system to find balance and tranquility, giving us more space to breathe and heal. * Embracing the Pause: It’s essential to make space for practices like meditation or intentional movement. These simple acts can help regulate your nervous system, restore inner calm, and bring more clarity into your life. * The Luxury of Slow: Slowing down doesn’t have to mean sacrificing productivity, but rather learning how to align your actions with your personal well-being. This balance can help mitigate burnout and make life feel more sustainable. * Small Shifts for Lasting Change: Slowing down is a process. Begin by making small shifts—take your time eating, rest more, meditate, and listen to your body. These tiny adjustments can lead to a life that feels more intentional and whole. * Listening to Your Heart: The underlying message of today’s episode is to reconnect with what your heart truly craves. Whether that’s a slower morning routine or more time with loved ones, listening to your needs is vital for long-term well-being. Remember, the world will always try to pull you in multiple directions, but you have the power to choose your pace. Take the time to slow down, listen to your body, and reclaim your peace.

From Corporate to Creative: Cheryl's Journey to Soulful Branding

In today’s episode, I am joined by the incredible Cheryl Geonanga, an intuitive art director, brand alchemist, and mentor. Cheryl shares her inspiring journey from the corporate world to entrepreneurship, weaving in her deep connection to spirituality and the miracles she has experienced along the way. Despite her success in the corporate world, she found that her soul was yearning for something more meaningful. After a layoff, she took the opportunity to transition into entrepreneurship. What followed was a journey of self-discovery, spiritual growth, and a deeper understanding of her true purpose in both life and business. Through her experiences, Cheryl learned how to integrate her spiritual practices into her professional life, helping her create a business that aligns with her soul’s mission. Her personal story is one of healing, especially after experiencing multiple miscarriages while building her business. Cheryl shares a powerful story about a sign from the universe that deepened her faith in the spiritual realm and changed the trajectory of her life. This experience of receiving a profound, physical sign while meditating was a turning point in her journey, reaffirming her belief in the mysteries of life. Key Talking Points * The Spiritual Side of Branding: Cheryl discusses her transition from traditional branding to intuitive branding, where she combines her creative expertise with spiritual insights to help clients build meaningful connections with their audience. * Miracles and Signs: Cheryl shares a deeply personal experience involving a powerful sign during a difficult period in her life. This experience shaped her understanding of the interconnectedness of spirit and matter. * Entrepreneurship and Personal Growth: From her early struggles with MLM to her current work as a mentor and brand alchemist, Cheryl emphasizes the importance of mindset, courage, and self-worth in the entrepreneurial journey. * Embracing Spirituality in Business: Cheryl reflects on how she integrates spiritual practices into her business and how this has allowed her to align with her true purpose while helping other entrepreneurs do the same. * The Role of Intuition in Branding: Cheryl explains how intuition plays a key role in her approach to branding, noting that she connects with her clients on a deeper level to understand the heart-centered intentions behind their businesses. * Evolving Through Challenges: Cheryl’s story is an example of how challenges, both personal and professional, can be opportunities for deep personal growth and spiritual evolution. Links and Resources Follow Cheryl on Instagram @cheryl.geonanga [https://www.instagram.com/cheryl.geonanga/#] on Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/cheryl.geonanga.3] and here her Website [https://cgeonanga.wixsite.com/website]

Exploring Shadow Work and Astrology with Hannah

I welcome my guest Hannah Dudley, an astrologer with a deep focus on integrating shadow work and astrology. Hannah shares her personal journey of self-discovery, from a transformative time in Australia to her evolving work with astrology and helping others explore their shadow selves. Main Topics Discussed: * Hannah's Journey to Astrology Hannah reflects on her time in Australia, where a period of loneliness and physical injury became a wake-up call, guiding her toward her purpose of helping others through astrology and self-awareness. * The Power of Shadow Work Hannah discusses the importance of confronting and embracing the "shadow self"—the parts of us that we often hide or ignore. This process, though challenging, is crucial for personal growth and healing. * Astrology as a Tool for Deep Self-Discovery With a psychological lens, Hannah explains how astrology offers profound insights into one's psyche, using archetypes and symbols in the natal chart to illuminate hidden aspects of ourselves. * The Role of the Universe in Personal Growth Hannah shares how life challenges and cosmic influences, like her own Pluto line through Sydney, have guided her path and deepened her understanding of her purpose. * Integrating Astrology and Shadow Work Discover how combining astrology with shadow work can empower you to confront your fears, heal from past wounds, and step into your authentic self. * Practical Tips for Exploring Shadow Work with Astrology For those interested in doing their own deep work, Hannah offers advice on how to begin using astrology as a lens to better understand their inner challenges and opportunities for growth. Connect with Hannah Dudley IG @hannah.marie.astrology [https://www.instagram.com/hannah.marie.astrology/#] Youtube HeartCenteredVisionaries [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCZDrAnDM-AL79tApnpfTiJg] 1:1 Astrology Reading [https://hannahmarie.as.me/schedule/9a6dafa2/appointment/25572153/calendar/1557548?appointmentTypeIds%5B%5D=25572153] Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/HannahMarieCoaching]