Stories of Astonishing Light with KJ Nasrul
KJ Hoard Nasrul
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Join Kimberly Jane ("KJ") Nasrul - artist, speaker, licensed trauma specialist nursing a lifelong obsession with storytelling and melting cheese - in conversation about mental wellness, resilience, and creativity as the catalyst for true healing. Serving as a guide for the recovery of your Creativity & Compassion, KJ's mission is to support you in recovering and expressing your unique voice, your story of astonishing light.
Available episodes
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May 15, 2022
We Are All Held | Erica Skone-Rees
"We are being held in all moments.”
~ Erica Skone-Rees *
*KJ welcomes her friend and creative collaborator* *Erica Skone-Rees to the Astonishing Story Gallery today. Erica is a mindfulness & meditation teacher, chronic illness warrior, and healing arts practitioner. For the last 3 and 1/2 years, she has navigated recovery from mold toxicity and Lyme disease which required her to identify and embrace her own resourcefulness. Erica is dedicated to living her full potential, at her highest vibration; her Heart's Work is to empower others to do the same.
*Compassionate Considerations:*
* Your pain may reveal your purpose.
* Invite your discomfort into a dialogue, and request it impart its wisdom upon you.
* Even on your darkest days, you can find joy.
* Create space with nonjudgmental observation and pauses to embody wise action; to become responsive instead of reactive.
*Episode Mentions - Erica Skone-Rees:*
* Web www.ourwovenpath.com & www.ourwovenpathlifestyle.com
* Instagram @ourwovenpath & @ourwovenpathlifestyle
* *Mention this podcast ("SOAL") and receive 30% off a group or class!
* Ep 72 background music is composed & performed by* **KJ Nasrul*
* Intro & Outro music: Canada Lo Res by Pictures Of The Floating World
Please leave a review for this podcast if our stories have astonished you as well. *https://ratethispodcast.com/astonishingstories*
*Connect With KJ & Bliss Begins Within
*Only *three spaces left* in June to work with KJ 1:1 in an intimate experience! Rediscover your creativity while replenishing and re-narrate your familial stories so that you can continue sharing your medicine with the world.
Schedule a chat with KJ here >> *Healing Our Healers and Creativity & Compassion Days*
* IG: * @MusingsOnOther** **@BlissBeginsWithin** **@AdopteeSociety** *
* Website: *https://blissbeginswithin.com** *
* The Creatives' Coworking Cohort is *Open NOW*! DM *Suzanne** **& KJ* with questions
* Receive invitations for monthly creative gatherings *https://bit.ly/BlissBeginsList*
* Clubhouse *@kjnasrul *
* *Facebook** & **Twitter*Support the show
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Apr 29, 2022
Tiny Astonishments: Showing Up For Self Care | KJ Nasrul
Showing up messy, showing up [40 minutes!] late, showing up Real. This is what Self Care looks like for KJ- sitting with streaky mascara in her car outside her massage therapist's studio, holding a Live Instagram #mondayswiththemuse session.
After this solo show, stay for a sneak listen from next week's guest Erica Skone-Rees of *Our Woven Path** *Erica is a mindfulness guide, chronic illness warrior, and healing arts practitioner. She guides us into the present with an invitation to arrive wholly.
*Considerations: *
* How do you practice self-care?
* Do you prioritize time and spaciousness to honor rest, reset, and self-compassion?
* Are you engaged with the surrounding Creative Intelligence?
* Do you like the IG Lip Ring Filter? Because KJ sure does.
*Want to work with KJ?* Only one space in May remains to work with KJ 1:1 in an intimate container of replenishment, rediscovery, and release of familial stories in order to continue uplifting others. Bookings in June and July are beginning to fill up! Reach out to sign up for *Healing Our Healers and Creativity & Compassion Days
*Enjoying the podcast? Please leave a review for this podcast if our stories have astonished you as well. Your words and thoughts are the fuel for this little listening gallery. *https://ratethispodcast.com/astonishingstories*
*Episode Mentions*
* Pop Up Creativity *Workshop: **Rediscover Your Hidden Healing Artist* 4/30/22
* *Creatives' Coworking Cohort* is Opening its Doors on May 8th! DM Suzanne & KJ to sign up!
* Join KJ in an intimate 1:1 Intensive or Small Group *VIP Days*
* Meet Erica Skone-Rees of *Our Woven Path *
* Ep 72 background music is "Seashell" Composed & performed by* **KJ Nasrul*
* Intro & Outro music: Canada Lo Res by Pictures Of The Floating World
*Connect With KJ & Bliss Begins Within *
* Work With KJ -* **Psychology Today** *
* IG: * @MusingsOnOther** **@BlissBeginsWithin** **@AdopteeSociety** *
* Website: *https://blissbeginswithin.com** *
* KJ on Clubhouse *@kjnasrul *
* KJ on *Facebook** & **Twitter*Support the show (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/SOALPodcast)
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Apr 15, 2022
Orientating Towards Our True Selves | Karen Sprinkel Ancelet
Author and Somatic Experiencing Practitioner (SEP) Karen Sprinkel Ancelet joins KJ today in a conversation about bridging our highest identities so that we can truly thrive even while there is suffering.
Dear friends for over fifteen years, KJ and Karen "Sprink" explore evidence that healing IS possible. In her work, Sprink acts as a witness to the process and offers direct guidance and techniques to help one attain the life they want to live with ease and wisdom.
*Compassionate Considerations from this Story: *
* Our healing and self-nourishing are to be embodied every single day.
* To begin opening up to deep uncovering/recovery, take 30 seconds at a time.
* We are conscious, phenomenally-minded mammals
* Rest is an integral part of the whole healing process.
Please leave a review for this podcast if our stories have astonished you as well. *https://ratethispodcast.com/astonishingstories*
*Episode Mentions:*
* Web *karensprinkel.com*
*TheThrivingSelf.com*
* YouTube: *The Thriving Self*
* *LinkedIn*
* *Facebook*
* *Dr. Peter Levine *and *Somatic Experiencing*
* *Multiple Intelligences (Gardner) *
* Ep 71 background music is composed & performed by* **KJ Nasrul*
* Intro & Outro music: Canada Lo Res by Pictures Of The Floating World
*Connect With KJ & Bliss Begins Within
*Three spaces are available in May to work with KJ 1:1 in an intimate experience of replenishment, rediscovery, and release of familial stories so that you can continue sharing your medicine with the world.
Sign up to chat here >> *Healing Our Healers and Creativity & Compassion Days*
* IG: * @MusingsOnOther** **@BlissBeginsWithin** **@AdopteeSociety** *
* Website: *https://blissbeginswithin.com** *
* Creatives' Coworking Cohort is *Opening in MAY*! DM *Suzanne** **& KJ* to join!
* Receive invitations for monthly creative gatherings *https://bit.ly/BlissBeginsList*
* Clubhouse *@kjnasrul *
* *Facebook** & **Twitter*Support the show (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/SOALPodcast)
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Apr 8, 2022
Nutritional Integrative Medicine: Biodiversity of soil and soul | Lauren Bryson
Question: How sexy are the topics of healthy dirt and regenerative agriculture?
Answer: SO VERY.
Especially as we realize how 𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐧𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐞𝐝 we are: healthy, diverse soil > 𝓃𝑜𝓊𝓇𝒾𝓈𝒽𝑒𝒹 planet > enriched humans > optimal 𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐥 𝐰𝐞𝐥𝐥𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐬
Lauren Bryson, Certified Holistic Nutritionist, returns to the show to launch the Quarterly Wellness Check Sessions (stay tuned for a sassier name) with KJ!
Some Nourishing Niblets from today's conversation:
* Everyone is creative, everyone can cook and be responsible for the nutrients you ingest
* Ask: What time has elapsed between picking the vegetables from their vines and their arrival in my body?
* Harness your Big Kid Energy: be curious, be playful, and be adventurous.
Here’s your homework until our next Quarterly Wellness Check:
* Plant a tree
* Go play in the dirt
Please leave a review for this podcast if our stories have astonished you as well. Your words and thoughts are the fuel for this little listening gallery. *https://ratethispodcast.com/astonishingstories*
*Episode Mentions:*
* Website *www.laurenemersonwellness.com*
* IG *@laurenemersonwellness*
* FB *https://www.facebook.com/LaurenEmersonWellness/*
* LinkedIn *https://www.linkedin.com/in/lauren-bryson/*
* Kiss The Ground (Netflix Documentary)
* The Biggest Little Farm ( Indie Film)
* Green Thumb Gang (FB Group)
* Braiding Sweetgrass by Robin Wall Kimmerer (Book)
* Ep 70 background music is composed & performed by* **KJ Nasrul*
* Intro & Outro music: Canada Lo Res by Pictures Of The Floating World
*Connect With KJ & Bliss Begins Within
*Three spaces are available in May to work with KJ 1:1 for a day in an intimate experience of replenishment, rediscovery, and release of familial stories so that you can continue sharing your medicine with the world.
Sign up to chat here >> *Healing Our Healers and Creativity & Compassion Days*
* IG: * @MusingsOnOther** **@BlissBeginsWithin** **@AdopteeSociety** *
* Creatives' Coworking Cohort is Opening in MAY! DM *Suzanne** **& KJ* to join!
* Website: *https://blissbeginswithin.com** *
* Receive invitations for monthly creative gatherings *https://bit.ly/BlissBeginsList*
* Clubhouse *@kjnasrul *
* *Facebook** & **Twitter*Support the show (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/SOALPodcast)
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Apr 1, 2022
Tiny Astonishments: May Our Healers Heal | KJ Nasrul
"The Wounded Healer is not someone who was wounded and is now healed. It is someone who continues to courageously break open the self and ego as a means for deep integration." ~Kim Krans, Archetype Deck, HEALER Card
Dearest Ones, how do you as highly sensitive people, healers, and caregivers (because we all give and care for someone else) hold your grief?
KJ returns after spending more than a month in her childhood home caring for her mother who became suddenly, frighteningly ill.
*Compassionate Inquiry:*
1. How do I make space to breathe and nourish?
2. How do I handle the changes from a child to a caregiver role?
3. How can creativity and self-compassion be lifesaving?
4. How do you decide how you'll spend your time and with whom?
KJ discovered she holds a need to connect with other Healers for regeneration, grieving, and releasing untold stories that emerged with becoming a caregiver.
*Want to work with KJ?* Only three spaces are available for April and May to work with KJ 1:1 in intimate containers of replenishment, rediscovery, and release of familial stories in order to continue uplifting others. Reach out to sign up for *Healing Our Healers and Creativity & Compassion Days
*Enjoying the podcast? Please leave a review for this podcast if our stories have astonished you as well. Your words and thoughts are the fuel for this little listening gallery. *https://ratethispodcast.com/astonishingstories*
*Episode Mentions*
* Jen Morris' (Spotlight Listener) SOAL Episode: Well Rounded Creativepreneurs
* Creatives' Cohort is Opening its Doors very soon! DM Suzanne & KJ to sign up!
* *Help For The Helper* by Babette Rothschild
* Ep 69 background music is all composed & performed by* **KJ Nasrul*
* Intro & Outro music: Canada Lo Res by Pictures Of The Floating World
*Connect With KJ & Bliss Begins Within *
* Work With KJ -* **Psychology Today** *
* IG: * @MusingsOnOther** **@BlissBeginsWithin** **@AdopteeSociety** *
* Website: *https://blissbeginswithin.com** *
* Join KJ in 1:1 & Group *VIP Days** *
* KJ on Clubhouse *@kjnasrul *
* KJ on *Facebook** & **Twitter*Support the show (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/SOALPodcast)
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Mar 22, 2022
The Power of Visualisation: Envision Your Passionate and Purposeful Life Pt 2 | Beth Hewitt
“I wish I could show you when you are lonely or in darkness, the astonishing light of your own being.” - Hafiz
*
*Concluding part two of the conversation about attracting, visualising and accepting gifts, Beth Hewitt introduces us to her methodology including the strengthening of her intuition with the aid of Oracle Cards she uses in her work.
Beth Hewitt is a Spiritual Performance Coach, Speaker, Author, and Hostess of the Visualise You Podcast, where she shares the transformational stories of people who have taken a leap to follow their soul calling. She is a gifted intuitive.
*Story Points: *
* It can be difficult when we're not willing to let go of our preconceived ideas and Shoulds
* We'll use these words all of the time without recognizing we are sabotaging ourselves
* Enhance your active listening skills. There is a transformation in being heard & understood.
* Pay attention to your defensiveness. Defensiveness is a protectiveness and reminder of compassionate inquiry.
* Beth's Self-Compassion and Replenishment practices include: Surrendering to the flow, detaching from the outcome, and morning meditation to set the tone of the day
*Episode Mentions*
* *The Visualise & Thrive Membership** *doors will open again soon! Join KJ in The Club!
* Visualise You *Facebook Group* * *
* Website: *BethHewitt.com*
* Podcast: *Visualise You*
* Ep 68 background music is all composed & performed by* **KJ Nasrul*
* Intro & Outro music: Canada Lo Res by Pictures Of The Floating World
*Connect With KJ & Bliss Begins Within *
* Work With KJ -* **Psychology Today** *
* IG: * @MusingsOnOther** **@BlissBeginsWithin** **@AdopteeSociety** *
* Website: *https://blissbeginswithin.com** *
* Receive alerts for upcoming Creativity events with KJ here *https://bit.ly/BlissBeginsList*
* KJ on Clubhouse *@kjnasrul *
* KJ on *Facebook** & **Twitter*Support the show (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/SOALPodcast)
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Mar 2, 2022
The Power of Visualisation: Envision Your Passionate and Purposeful Life Pt 1 | Beth Hewitt
In a return after a hiatus, KJ FINALLY connects with her dear friend, Beth Hewitt with this intimate two-part conversation. Beth is a Spiritual Performance Coach, Speaker, Author, and Hostess of the Visualise You Podcast, where she shares the transformational stories of people who have taken a leap to follow their true soul’s calling.
Manifesting for the first time at just four years old, Beth specializes in gratitude & the power of visualisation. She helps people move from unfulfilled to passionately living life purposefully with clarity and clear intentions.
*Story Points: *
* Knowing from a very young age that our work would be NON- Traditional
* Understanding that we are gifted, intuitive beings already
* The majesty and miracles that happen when flow and intuition work in tandem
*Episode Mentions:*
* *The Visualise & Thrive Membership* is OPEN NOW! Join KJ in The Club!
* Visualise You *Facebook Group* * *
* Website: *BethHewitt.com*
* Podcast: *Visualise You*
* Ep 67 background music is all composed & performed by* **KJ Nasrul*
* Intro & Outro music: Canada Lo Res by Pictures Of The Floating World
*Connect With KJ & Bliss Begins Within *
* Work With KJ -* **Psychology Today** *
* IG: * @MusingsOnOther** **@BlissBeginsWithin** **@AdopteeSociety** *
* Website: *https://blissbeginswithin.com** *
* Receive alerts for upcoming Creativity events with KJ here *https://bit.ly/BlissBeginsList*
* KJ on Clubhouse *@kjnasrul *
* KJ on *Facebook** & **Twitter*Support the show (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/SOALPodcast)
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Jan 26, 2022
Curiosity and Co-Creating: Nurturing beginnings while in good company | Dingding Hu
KJ and her friend, illustrator and author Dingding Hu welcome community over competition by meeting a couple times a month to churn on seedlings of ideas and current experiences. Hailing from China, Dingding is currently based in New York City and she specializes in drawing bubbly characters as well as serendipitous storytelling all of which can be found at her studio and site *Hu Is Hungry*.
KJ and Dingding discovered the riches of consistent jam sessions as artists, Asian women business owners, trying to form safe spaces for all of us “Weirdo Kids” (coined in KJ and Dingding's first Story Exchange, *Episode 43*) to gather and riff on concepts that build up instead of tearing down.
*Compassionate Considerations *
* Curiosity and collaboration may be the antidote to fears
* Seek reframe opportunities in all feedback (or any "Unsubscribes")
* Flip the negative self-talk by noticing the overwhelming evidence supporting The Good that you already do
Please leave a review for this podcast if our stories have astonished you as well. Your words and thoughts are the fuel for this little listening gallery. *https://ratethispodcast.com/astonishingstories**
*
*Episode Mentions:*
* Hu Is Hungry Weekly Newsletter *Monday Mimosas ** *
* Instagram *@HuIsHungry*
* *The Artist's Way* by Julia Cameron
* Receive *Notes* for upcoming Creativity events with KJ *https://bit.ly/BlissBeginsList*
* Ep 66 background music is all composed & performed by* **KJ Nasrul*
* Intro & Outro music: Canada Lo Res by Pictures Of The Floating World
*Connect With KJ & Bliss Begins Within *
* Work With KJ -* **Psychology Today** *
* IG: * @MusingsOnOther** **@BlissBeginsWithin** **@AdopteeSociety** *
* Want to join our Podcast Creator's Winter Cohort? Contact Us *here:*
* * All The Things Podcast **with **The Magical Cartographers** is LIVE! *
* Website: *https://blissbeginswithin.com** *
* KJ on Clubhouse *@kjnasrul *
* KJ on *Facebook** & **Twitter*Support the show (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/SOALPodcast)
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Jan 12, 2022
Inviting In Imposter Syndrome | Margaret Soraya
"Who am I to do this?" This isn't an interview, but rather a super casual jam session between friends, fellow artists, and podcasters about the fascinating and ever-hovering topic of Imposter Syndrome (IS). KJ and her friend, the gifted land and seascape photographer Margaret Soraya wonder: Is the pervasiveness of IS due to it having been labeled? Is it across cultures, genders, and all professions?
*Takeaways & Ponderings *
1. Is Self Awareness is key?
- Knowing boundaries and knowing what is uncomfortable?
- Having the conversations out loud and often will invite increased self-awareness
2. Gain confidence from doing
- Movement invites momentum and un-sticking
- What happens when resources aren't available to take action?
3. Imposter Syndrome reveals our harsh self-talk
- We are harshest on ourselves with comparison and evaluative/critique
- Would we speak so cruelly towards our best friends? Towards a child who is learning?
Please leave a review for this podcast if our stories have astonished you as well. Your words and thoughts are the fuel for this little listening gallery. *https://ratethispodcast.com/astonishingstories*
*Episode Mentions:*
* Website * **https://www.margaretsoraya.com/ *
* Instagram *https://www.instagram.com/margaretsoraya/*
* Facebook* https://www.facebook.com/quietlandscapes/*
* Podcast: *Quiet Landscapes with Margaret Soraya*
* Receive alerts for upcoming Creativity events here *https://bit.ly/BlissBeginsList*
* Ep 65 background music is all composed & performed by* **KJ Nasrul*
* Intro & Outro music: Canada Lo Res by Pictures Of The Floating World
*Connect With KJ & Bliss Begins Within *
* Work With KJ -* **Psychology Today** *
* IG: * @MusingsOnOther** **@BlissBeginsWithin** **@AdopteeSociety** *
* Join us for our Wellness Series on Self-Care! Email us at: *TheLightHealers96@gmail.com*
* Want to join our Podcast Creator's Winter Cohort? Contact Us *here:*
* * All The Things Podcast **with **The Magical Cartographers** is LIVE! *
* Website: *https://blissbeginswithin.com** *
* KJ on Clubhouse *@kjnasrul *
* KJ on *Facebook** & **Twitter*Support the show (https://paypal.me/KJNasrulMFT )
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Jan 6, 2022
New Year's Nourishment and Nutrition | Lauren Bryson
KJ invites friend and SOAL fan-favorite Lauren Bryson, a certified holistic nutritionist, back to the show to usher in 2022 with a tantalizing topic: nutrition and gut health to support overall physical and emotional health.
Lauren understands the therapeutic value of real, nutrient-dense food and she recognizes the impact the environment, chronic stressors, and mindset have on our whole health. She created Lauren Emerson Wellness, to guide clients 1:1 on achieving their health goals. She is also a wellness facilitator with Bauman Wellness and teaches kids cooking classes with Kids Cooking for Life.*
*
Some nourishing niblets from today's conversation:
* 70% of our immune system is located in our gut
* Feed your [sexy] microbiome with sexy nutrients (oh hiiiii, sauerkraut!)
* Self Compassion means advocating for and prioritizing our own immunity
* Self Care equals proactive nourishment by getting outside and playing in the dirt!
Please leave a review for this podcast if our stories have astonished you as well. Your words and thoughts are the fuel for this little listening gallery. *https://ratethispodcast.com/astonishingstories*
*Episode Mentions:*
* Website *www.laurenemersonwellness.com*
* IG *@laurenemersonwellness*
* FB *https://www.facebook.com/LaurenEmersonWellness/*
* LinkedIn *https://www.linkedin.com/in/lauren-bryson/*
* Want to join our Podcast Creator's Winter Cohort? Contact Us *here:*
* Meet The Magical Cartographers on* All The Things Podcast *
* Ep 64 background music is composed & performed by* **KJ Nasrul*
* Intro & Outro music: Canada Lo Res by Pictures Of The Floating World
*Connect With KJ & Bliss Begins Within *
* Work With KJ -* **Psychology Today** *
* IG: * @MusingsOnOther** **@BlissBeginsWithin** **@AdopteeSociety** *
* Join us for our Wellness Series on Self-Care for the New Year! Email us at *TheLightHealers96@gmail.com *for more information.
* Website: *https://blissbeginswithin.com** *
* Receive love notes & invitations for creative gatherings *https://bit.ly/BlissBeginsList*
* KJ on Clubhouse *@kjnasrul *
* KJ on *Facebook** & **Twitter*Support the show (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/SOALPodcast)
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Dec 22, 2021
Tiny Astonishments: Embracing Endings and Beginnings | KJ Nasrul
"To truly choose to love is heroic" - bell hooks
It's the final episode of 2021. Today, KJ holds space to honor themes and threads of this unparalleled year: the practice of self-compassion by setting boundaries, participation in creativity, and listening to the dialogue of our body.
Compassion is activism.
Please* leave a review* for this podcast if our stories have astonished you as well. *https://ratethispodcast.com/astonishingstories**
Have you thought about starting your own podcast? *Join KJ and dear friend* Suzanne Dressler* this Winter in an intimate Creatives' Cohort to learn how to launch your own show with the surrounding support of other new podcasters. Email KJ (kj@blissbeginswithin.com) with questions!
*Listen in to the* *Fan Favorites of SOAL 2021:*
* Ep 44 - on Somatic Psychology with *Arielle Schwartz ** *
* Ep 31 - on Gut Health, mental wealth with* Lauren Bryson *
*Episode Mentions:*
* The Majesty of *bell hooks*
* Closing Compassion Meditation gifte…
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Dec 9, 2021
Sounding Your Voice, Summoning Abundance | Amanda Sellers
Join KJ and enchanting Voice Actor Amanda Sellers in an uplifting conversation about vocalizing our requests for The Good. Amanda is the mother of 2 amazing boys, a musician, a Voiceover mentor, and a meditation* *teacher. She has also co-founded TheVoiceOverSchool.com and is the creator of the #1 Mindfulness tool, Abundance Wands. You’ve probably heard her dulcet voice across campaigns for mega brands such as Axe, Nike, Apple and Roomba! Her bedtime meditation for kids and her happy morning guided visualizations are regularly featured favorites on Insight Timer.
Whether in a resilient response to burnout, or in lulling her young son to sleep, Amanda and KJ explore ways our voices call in wealth, creativity, and wellness.
*Takeaways: *
1. The Courage to start new projects can be driven by the question: "What's next, Dreamer?"
2. For combatting Imposter Syndrome: move through it, feel the fear, do it anyway.
3. The most successful voice talent speaks from the heart and not of the h…
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Dec 2, 2021
The Beauty in Belonging and Finding Your Tribe | The Magical Cartographers
When and how did you know you belonged? When and how did you know you had found your tribe? Today, KJ jams with her Karaoke crew--The Magical Cartographers--about the nuances and complexities of belonging and how our desire to connect with others shapes our decisions and the way we show up in the world every day.
Today, in addition to reminiscing about Def Leppard concerts, KJ introduces you to three astonishing, spicy women who are mapping out the uncharted territories through storytelling, with the mission to create space for folks to gather and share their experiences about being authentic, doing things differently, and bringing voice to diverse ideas and perspectives. This is all in an invitation for you to do the same. Please join us? You are always welcome in this tribe, Healers.
*Takeaways and Considerations: *
1. We are absorbing, sensitive creatures in our youth.
2. How is your idea of belonging informed when you found no representations in the “outside world” that looke…
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Nov 24, 2021
Tiny Astonishments: Restoring Balance After Burnout | KJ Nasrul
In this season of gratitude, KJ names appreciation for burning out, coastal train rides, and actress/director Kristen Stewart. This Tiny Astonishment almost wasn't published; the podcast was nearly placed on an indefinite hiatus.
How does one come back from bouts of exhaustion and overwhelm, especially during these charged and tender times? KJ shares her recommendations for reconnecting with joy and creativity, even if you feel you've lost it wholly, even when you don't expect it. First step- embrace your #Other. Secondly, give into it.
*Takeaways:*
* Go back to the Beginning
* Allow it to be effortless
* This is not your first time (accomplishing, succeeding!)
* Listen to the landscape
* Celebrate the joyful lesson
Please leave a review for this podcast if our stories have astonished you as well. You could be SOAL Spotlight Reviewer featured on the show! *https://ratethispodcast.com/astonishingstories*
*Episode Mentions:*
* Opening Poem: *Don't Hesitate* by Mary Olive…
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Oct 27, 2021
Sun Still Rising: Poetry For Overcoming Shame | Noor Pinna
It's another SOAL Special featuring an Astonishing #WOCHealer! Ms. Noor Pinna is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor and transformative mindset coach. She helps women break free from the barriers of shame, emboldening them to advocate for themselves and their communities, and to embody resiliency.
Noor guides women to celebrate deeply nourishing self-care rituals byway of designing healthy boundaries and reframing any cognitive dissonances. She has administered mental health services internationally, notably in the support of Afghan women.
KJ and Noor, instant kindreds, dive into charged topics including the cost of shame, our discomfort in honoring our accomplishments, and the curious and glorious bravery of what is deemed the “ Midnight Brain".
The episode opens with Noor’s reading of her own exquisite composition, a poem that garnered the attention of Ted Talk organizers, and led to an invitation to share her musings on Shame Resilience from the massive TedX stage. Noor is in…
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Oct 21, 2021
We Shine On: Revealing and Repatterning Our Beliefs | Shanna Windle
Today KJ opens the SOAL listening gallery for a story from Shanna Windle, an attorney turned holistic-subconscious mind-hacker with a mission of helping us utilize the natural resources within ourselves to make changes and regain control in certain arenas of our lives. Using the award- winning approach of Rapid Transformational Therapy Hypnosis, Shanna guides her clients towards finally, completely breaking negative patterns in emotions and behaviors that have kept them from living their full potential.
In the aftermath of grief and loss, including a divorce and the death of her mother, Shanna experienced the deterioration of her own emotional and physical well being. She sought answers to rising questions about mental wellness, maladaptive behavior patterns, and sustainable health which led Shanna to the decision to leave a 15-year career in law. She created a holistic health and Rapid Transformational Therapy practice based in Florida, Shine Wellness.* *
*Takeaways *
* Hypnothe…
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Oct 13, 2021
Redefining Our Feminine Armory: Create Safety and Radical Love | Nina Flores
Childhood friends KJ and Dr. Nina Flores jam about empowered presence as biracial Women Of Color. Dr. Flores is an Assistant Professor with the Social & Cultural Analysis of Education master’s program in the College of Education at California State University, Long Beach. There she engages students in deep analyses of issues concerning justice, power, and resistance.* *
Nina's writing and research on topics such as gender-based violence, and harassment experienced at academic conferences has been featured in several esteemed Academic journals including Gender & Education and Journal of Critical Thought and Praxis as well as national outlets:* **Washington Post**, **Huffington Post**,** **Ms. Magazine Blog**, **Progressive Planning Magazine**, *and the* *OC Weekly.
Today KJ and Nina discuss messaging around harassment and safety and the multitude of layers comprising true Self Care, including boundary setting and designing our "Dressed Up" Outsides in both feminine expression and ar…
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Oct 6, 2021
Tiny Astonishments: Qualities of gratitude when quitting your job | KJ Nasrul
Tis the Season! KJ assesses and honors qualities of gratitude for all the challenges and blessings received in the months of August and September.* *KJ returns with the first Tiny Astonishment (solo show) of Season Three after unexpectedly taking a month off from podcasting to experience a number of fairly significant life events.
* KJ's husband* *NN* *became a US Citizen!
* She and said American Citizen Husband subsequently got dropped by COVID.
* KJ quit her 9-5 corporate healthcare job to pursue creative endeavors and to expand her expressive arts and trauma informed counseling practice* Bliss Begins Within Psychotherapy. *
* .... and she returned to school.
September was something special. Nevertheless, KJ welcomes Fall with open arms and a grateful heart.
*Please Rate and Review This Podcast *if our stories have astonished you as well. Your review could be read on the show, AND you're qualified for a FREE private 1:1 call with KJ! *https://ratethispodcast.com/astonishin…
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Sep 29, 2021
A Rebellious Beauty: What Is AAPI Mental Wellness? | Judy Tsuei
Hey Rebels and Misfits! Welcome to the newest episode of the SOAL Season 3 Mini-Series: Astonishing women of color healers. Today's #WOCHealer is Judy Tsuei. She's a yoga teacher, Reiki, healer. Writer and speaker on all things, mental health for Asian-Americans. She is the hostess of F*ck Saving Face, a podcast that is both assuring and provocative while empowering Asian Americans to rebel against upholding the model minority standard. Judy aims to redefine what it means to be strong, courageous, and to break taboos placed on us by the generations that came before.
Judy & KJ explore charged topics today: * *
* **Storytelling can bridge generational gaps and destigmatize discussions around Mental Health. *
* **We can create and be new models for Asian beauty. *
Here's to redefining beauty and wellness for the new line of advocates!
*
Takeaways: *
* Names, pronunciation-all language--is significant in shaping our relationships and our cultural identity.
* There are struggle…
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Sep 22, 2021
Well-Rounded Creativepreneurs: How to become a triple threat in wellness | Jen Morris
KJ jams with her friend Jen Morris on today's new SOAL. Jen is an actor, Certified Health Coach and the host of the Well-Rounded Actor, a show that helps actors become Today’s Triple Threat - mentally, physically and financially WELL. She ardently believes that actors are built for business - and not just show business. She started her first business as a struggling 26-year-old NYC actor and grew it to a multiple 6-figure earning vehicle while continuing to go after her acting goals and do motherhood on her own terms.
Jen is on a mission to help more actors put their talents to work in high impact, income producing businesses that can give them the leverage they need and fulfillment they deserve.
*Takeaways: *
1. Who are we waiting for to grant us permission to take action?
2. Awareness can arrive as an external source offering feedback
3. Grant grace and the time to others and ourselves to make decisions
4. Notice when fear prevents us from stepping in to our alignment.
5. Imposte…
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Sep 13, 2021
Surrender With Wonder and regain your natural delight | Yasmin Afrazeh
When was the last time you experienced divine play? "Lila" is a Sanskrit word used in Hinduism and yogic philosophy, loosely translated as "play", and "delight in the moment." Today's new episode explores these concepts and is the first interview of a new mini-series: Astonishing WOC Healers. KJ will share conversations held with healers, social activists and educators who are Women of Color.
Meet Yasmin Afrazeh, a Certified Kundalini Yoga instructor, Radiant Child-trained Children’s Yoga teacher and Therapeutic Art Life Coach. She is the founder of *House of Lila*, a space for children to learn mindfulness through Kundalini Yoga and expressive arts including movement and storytelling.
House of Lila grew from Yasmin's vision to help children preserve their natural wisdom and radiance, and regain their inherent state of being--of joy, awareness, creativity. Spanning across Persia and Australia and solo road trips within the badlands of Montana, KJ and Yasmin recall the lessons on ho…
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Sep 1, 2021
Sacred Sound: Crystal bowl healing Pt 2 | Deva Munay
*** BIRTHDAY & NEW SEASON CELEBRATIONS ** *Today’s opening episode for the third season of SOAL is the nourishing, concluding conversation with Yoga & Meditation teacher and Certified Sound Healer Deva Munay. In the first part of this conversation [Episode 49], we learned that Deva’s home community had perished in a California wildfire earlier this year, and friends and neighbors came together in a mission to raise money for a rebuild. And during such already charged times, Deva separated from her longtime love. We ponder ways we recover from such layered devastation and grief.
*Takeaways: *
* Deva's mantra: Hold to the center.
* *Inquiries*: What is the Divine Plan? Is this for our protection?
* Response: We must learn to entrust that something will be there to hold us in our journey through destruction and pain.
* *Inquiry:* How can we be nourished while we encounter and discard old patterns?
* Response: Follow the sound.
Please enjoy a mini sound bowl healing sessio…
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Jul 28, 2021
SOAL Second Listen: Raise Your Resilience | KJ Nasrul
**BONUS** Here's a SOAL Second Listen to hold you until the Season 3 premiere. In the Fall of 2020, KJ was featured on the incredible podcast* **Go To Gal* as hosted by *Jaclyn Mellone*. Today, just as she did on Go To Gal, KJ shares observations after years of studying resilience: People exhibit common elements which indicate high resiliency levels. Do you possess these elements too?
In the second part of this mini episode, KJ invites you to connect with your body’s wisdom in stressful moments byway of guidance from resilience expert Linda Graham and Mindful Magazine.
*Takeaways: *
* Are you able to access your basic needs to be safe in the world?
* Name at least 2 supportive resources in your life: a person or community on whom you can rely for encouragement and kindness.
* Do you* celebrate* your ability to overcome difficult situations?
* Natural Breathing is a powerful exercise in regaining control when you’re fearful; Also, it regulates and soothes the autonomic n…
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Jul 21, 2021
Tiny Astonishments: Soul Stories and Salves | KJ Nasrul
“We are ourselves creations. And we, in turn, are meant to continue creativity by being creative ourselves.” -Julia Cameron, The Artist's The Way *
*It's Episode 50 and the Season Two Finale for this Listening Gallery of Stories and Healing Salves. KJ celebrates her 11 month journey since starting Stories Of Astonishing Light by honoring her beginnings and returning to creativity.
*Takeaways:
*
1. Spotlight Listener Review from AJ Optimist
* Receiving your words wholly and gratefully, AJ!
* Reviews invite you into a chance to win a 1:1 session with KJ
* Reviews help spread the word about this
2. Four Universal Healing Salves
* *Did you stop 𝓭𝓪𝓷𝓬𝓲𝓷𝓰?*
* *Did you stop 𝓼𝓲𝓷𝓰𝓲𝓷𝓰?*
* *Did you stop being 𝓮𝓷𝓬𝓱𝓪𝓷𝓽𝓮𝓭 𝓫𝔂 𝓼𝓽𝓸𝓻𝓲𝓮𝓼?*
* *Did you stop finding comfort in the sweet territory of 𝓼𝓲𝓵𝓮𝓷𝓬𝓮?*
3. When You Quit Your Job...
* Return to your most aligne…
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Jul 14, 2021
Sacred Sound: Crystal bowl healing Pt 1 | Deva Munay
Sound is one of the oldest and most natural forms of healing known to our planet. Sound frequencies can restore one’s mind, body and spirit back to a state of balance. KJ welcomes Certified Sound Healer Deva Munay to explore what this means today in our Pandemic-riddled world.
Deva has traveled and studied healing modalities across many landscapes, including Belize, Peru, Indonesia, and Egypt with the hope of incorporating the wisdom of these cultures into her sound journeys. Her mission is to create a unified field of pure awareness, with the intention of invoking deep states of healing, transformation, awe and wonder.
In this first half of a two part conversation, KJ and Deva recall discovering the restorative properties of sound--- calm and tranquility; a technique to quiet the mind chatter!-- through extensive travel to post -injury recovery.
The ladies also acknowledge that while this was a year of heartache and grief (on a personal and global level), it introduced new resour…
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Jul 7, 2021
She Returns To Rise: Rebuilding business in difficult times | Sophia Noreen Syed
How do you dig deep and summon your resilience in a crisis? Today's SOAL friend Sophia Noreen Syed returns to the show to share her experience as she witnessed the incredible success and then the halting of her product-based start up company Also Sophia during the pandemic.
Sophia Noreen is a Toronto-based physiotherapist, podcaster, multi-business owner, mama and mentor for women entrepreneurs.
KJ and Sophia Noreen became fast friends last year as they launched podcasts and created coaching courses together in the midst of a world health crisis. Today the ladies catch up, support each other’s accomplishments and detours, and return to the drawing board as women entrepreneurs embodying resilience through creativity and compassionate reassessment.
*Takeaways: *
* * *Be willing to be introspective; self assess.
* Question: What am I willing to do? What might I delegate elsewhere?
2. There are projects, people and places who deserve the BEST of you.
* Question: Where is my…
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Jun 30, 2021
Recovering, Transforming and Transcending Fear | Terri Kozlowski
How do you move forward as an adult after experiencing a childhood filled with abuse and trauma? We discuss this in today's SOAL. Our guest is Terri Kozlowski, a Native American Warrior, certified life coach, blogger, and author of the book "Raven Transcending Fear". She is also founder of the Soul Solutions Podcast and YouTube Channel.
Terri specializes in empowering women by teaching them to set personal boundaries, reframe the stories they tell themselves, overcome their fears, and push past their limiting beliefs.
In a conversation that honors intuition and healing creativity, KJ and Terri explore how to untether from the fears that hold us back from living genuine, enriched lives. Terri shares her exquisite reframing inquiry (a simple question composed of two words) that shaped her courage as an adult to finally begin healing wounds caused by nearly unspeakable childhood trauma.
*Note: *There are references to experiencing childhood abuse, which may be triggering for some liste…
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Jun 23, 2021
Tiny Astonishments: These Unexpected Gifts | KJ Nasrul
KJ Nasrul realized she was Asian when she was 11 years old. KJ has suffered bouts of depression throughout her life, most markedly at age 17. Today, KJ has turned in her notice and is leaving her corporate job to open the doors to her trauma-informed, expressive arts healing practice.
In this personal solo episode, [Tiny Astonishment], KJ shares what happened when she returned to her rituals of morning writing and musical composition. She found herself examining her roots including her Asian ethnicity and the prevalence of mental health issues in her life.
Today’s show is a celebration of reconnecting and rediscovering our inner wisdom and resources for healing, even in heartbreaking times.
It’s our experiences and decisions to show up, even while messy and scared, that can still be the beginnings of countless astonishing stories of light.
In closing of SOAL's 46th episode, enjoy a sampling from the impromptu and inspiring jam session with KJ's friend and fellow #aapi musician,…
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Jun 10, 2021
Blooming Within Water and Salt | Dani Richards
“If the ocean can calm itself so can you. We are both salt water mixed with air.”
~Nayyirah Waheed
Today's #SOAL guest Dani Richards has known KJ for many years, having first met in an online community based on monikers and screen names built to protect identity and distance. Today's episode is their first face-to-face conversation in nearly a decade, exploring ways we can overcome barriers and connect authentically.
Dani is a 200 hour trained yoga teacher, a varsity swim coach and she is First Aid Certified in youth mental health. Dani's master's degree is counseling-based in higher education and her mission is to practice and share lessons of self-compassion and resilience to help recognize and combat stress and anxiety.
The reunited friends explore so many themes in this chat including: showing up, "showing face", and granting radical acceptance and forgiveness to ourselves and in turn, others.
*Takeaways: *
1. Observe what it might mean for you, to overcome the fear of sh…
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Jun 2, 2021
Seeking Sanctuary and Self Compassion | Arielle Schwartz
KJ embraces her inner fangirl with today's guest, clinical psychologist, yoga teacher, international speaker and author, Dr. Arielle Schwartz. Dr Schwartz is a leading voice in the healing of PTSD and complex trauma and she is the author of six books incorporating an integrative (somatic psychology, EMDR, mindfulness practices), strength-based approach to trauma treatment.
In a compassionate conversation, KJ and Dr. Schwartz speak to the power in proclaiming aloud our intentions for healing in the name of service for others. The ladies also honor the courage it takes to practice true self compassion.
*Takeaways: *
* Notice the somatic connection in your own life. What are your body’s coping mechanisms?
* *Take the risk to put your gift in the world. Someone will be impacted by it.*
* Self Compassion practices means a willingness to let go of prescription and of trying to protocol or predict where we're going.
*Episode Mentions:*
* Website Dr Arielle Schwartz
* Insta…
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May 26, 2021
A New Asian Artistry | Dingding Hu
KJ returns from a brief hiatus with a Full Moon episode, featuring her friend, artist Dingding Hu. Dingding is on a mission to spread joy and unite people through positivity. She is a Chinese illustrator based in New York City specializing in drawing bubbly characters and serendipitous storytelling. Dingding’s artwork is a combined reflection of self discovery, food cravings, people watching, and pop culture. You can find her at her studio Hu Is Hungry.
Today KJ and Dingding jam as fellow Weirdo Kids harboring secret dreams to offset societal (and familial) expectations. The ladies dive into the rich layers of what it means to belong; the renaissance of the Asian Creative and the transcendently magical and connective properties of food… *
Takeaways: *
1. Food is home. In stressful times, food represents family, comfort and tenderness.
2. Were you a Secret Dreamer? How have your childhood dreams emerged in what you do today?
3. Who defines our Asian-ness and what it means to be an…
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May 5, 2021
Friends First: Releasing Into The Current | Fawn & Matt Anderson
When did you decide to become more than Just Friends? The second part of KJ's conversation with Our Friendly World's Fawn and Matt Anderson is beguiling, flowing and whimsical. It's infused with Aikido principles, possibly revealing the recipe for creating deep, congruent relationships. KJ is a softy for a good love story, which Fawn and Matt generously provide. A universal human theme that emerged is the desire to connect, be seen and belong with each other.
*Episode Themes:*
+ Aikido principles can be applied to our relationships in search for harmony, and reducing conflict:
* redirecting momentum
* releasing into
* flowing around
* not resisting
* not attacking
* softening, reflecting, melding
+ Perhaps the formula for meaningful relationships (friendship, marriage) is:
1. Enter into another state;
2. Release into it
*Please Rate and Review This Podcast **if our stories have astonished you as well. **https://ratethispodcast.com/astonishingstories** *
*Episode…
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Apr 28, 2021
Friends First: Harnessing Extraordinary Connections | Fawn & Matt Anderson
Question: When did we become friends? KJ spends an afternoon of laughter and connection with The Andersons. Fawn Anderson is a photographer and Matt Anderson is a software developer and together they pursue social, racial, and economic justice through their thought provoking conversational podcast exploring the Art of Friendship. The movement and the podcast is called Our Friendly World with Fawn and Matt
In the first of a two-part conversation, KJ and her friends muse aloud about the significant stories that arise out of otherwise commonplace items (fridge magnets, cooling racks); and they examine an essential Shifting Moment: When and how do we pursue friendship?
*Takeaways: *
* Have curious, compassionate conversations, start now.
* Stories and connecting conversations exist everywhere.
* When or why did we stop using imagination? Can we adapt and approach problem solving with a fresh perspective?
* Survival means the ability to adapt and create currency.
* Currency is…
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Apr 22, 2021
Tiny Astonishments: Compassionate Conversations | KJ Nasrul
Can we have honest and crucial conversations -charged, heavy, electric, passionate, uncomfortable, provocative as they are-- today? If yes, what do they look like? How do we start them? It is these questions, and more that KJ contemplates in today's Solo SOAL episode. Stick around for a few minutes as she accompanies us through a Compassion Invocation and music mandala.
*Questions Worth Considering: *
1.* Would you Come Sit With Me? * If you saw me hanging out on the couch or at a table with an open, available seat, would you take it? What stops you from sitting next to me? What compels you to sit next to me, engage with me? Come Sit With Me experiment, as envisioned by artist @jackieshermanart
2. *What happens when we let go of attachment to the outcome, but instead focus in the moment, on the process?*
3. *Do you recognize the impact of **nonverbal **communication? *What happens when there are no words? An experiential Expressive Arts Therapy seminar brought many nonverbal conver…
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Apr 14, 2021
The Stories That Bond Us | Marisa Corcoran
"𝗜𝗳 𝘄𝗲'𝘃𝗲 𝗰𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝗮 𝘂𝗻𝗶𝗾𝘂𝗲 𝗺𝗲𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗱𝗼𝗹𝗼𝗴𝘆 𝗼𝗿 𝗳𝗿𝗮𝗺𝗲𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗸, 𝘀𝗼𝗺𝗲𝘁𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝘄𝗲 𝗸𝗻𝗼𝘄 𝗰𝗮𝗻 𝗵𝗲𝗹𝗽 𝗽𝗲𝗼𝗽𝗹𝗲, i𝘁'𝘀 𝗮 𝗰𝗿𝗮𝗳𝘁 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗶𝘁'𝘀 𝗮 𝗰𝗮𝗹𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗴."- Marisa Corcoran
Ready to discover what to say and how to say it to magnetically attract your dream clients? If so, then you'll want Marisa Corcoran in your corner! Our girl's words can 𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐭 𝐥𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐩𝐚𝐠𝐞𝐬 at 60% (or higher!) and her personality-filled emails compel thousands of fans to her copywriting summit and community The Copy Chat.
In today's laughter-filled jam session, KJ and her copywriting mentor Marisa explore current obsessions (it involves, books, y'all, of course!), how to access a limitless supply of sto…
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Apr 7, 2021
Storied Silence: Leaning Into Quiet Wisdom | Valerie Zaric
Today we’re doing something a little different, Healers. This episode is the recording of KJ as a guest on her friend Valerie Zaric's podcast, Future Proof Career. The ladies jam for a little while on an apparently provocative topic... *silence. *
When KJ asked a question about silence to her Facebook and Instagram friends, she learned that silence can be polarizing, unsettling and also very wise, if we allow it to be. This fun conversation was a gentle way to re-emerge after KJ's self-imposed cocooning over the past several weeks. Listen in to consider the complexities (or simplicities?) of quiet..
*Takeaways:
*Silence is:
Uncomfortable and soothing.
Contemplative and provocative.
Gentle and agitated.
Wise and torturous.
*Questions: *
What is your relationship with silence?
What stories does silence hold for you?
*Please Rate and Review This Podcast *if our stories have astonished you as well.*
*https://ratethispodcast.com/astonishingstories
*Episode Mentions: *
* Valerie Za…
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Mar 24, 2021
Tiny Astonishments: I Hurt Too | KJ Nasrul
Hi, friends, it's me, KJ. While I haven't spoken much these days, I am here, though my grief is vast. I am grateful to these three exquisite poetesses (Rupi Kaur, Morgan Harper Nichols and Katie Herzig) who do have the perfect words to express what I cannot at this time.
Stay but a few moments if you would; there are poems to be read, and a song to sing.
With Love, KJ
*Episode Notes: *
* Poem balance by Rupi Kaur
* Poem stillness by Rupi Kaur
* Poem inner critic by Morgan Harper Nichols
* Poem connected by Rupi Kaur
* Song lyrics & melody i hurt too by Katie Herzig, performed by KJ Hoard Nasrul
* intro & outro music Canada Lo Res by Pictures Of The Floating World
*Connect With KJ & Bliss Begins Within *
* Instagram: * @MusingsOnOther** **@BlissBeginsWithin** **@AdopteeSociety** *
* Clubhouse: @kjnasrul
* Website: *https://blissbeginswithin.com** *
* FREE Guide*- **Connect To Calm** * *https://bit.ly/4StepsToCalm*
* *Facebook** & **Twitter*
* *Want to create…
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Mar 17, 2021
An Invitation For Grace | Aaliyah Madadi
When you find your people, you find your way. Today's SOAL guest is Aaliyah Madadi, a Dharma Life Coach, ganja yoga teacher, US Trademarks lawyer, and the host of the Soul Sesh Podcast. She has a mission: empower women in fully embodying their purpose and living a life that truly feels good.
Today, KJ and Aaliyah explore ways to grant more grace to acknowledge our strengths as medicine for ourselves and others. The ladies create new definitions for concepts such as safety and self compassion. Also, Aaliyah shares the intricate and scary process of walking away from her big time career in corporate law to live a life of connectedness on her terms. Welcome to this delightful and soothing Soul Sesh.
*Takeaways*
* When did you know you have and are the medicine?
* How might you grant yourself the grace to accept your gifts?
* Find Your People. They will provide a safe environment for you as you take action.
* Slow down and cultivate an intentional, sacred life.
* Notice and ac…
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Mar 11, 2021
Be Powerfully Pain Free | Yvonne Castillo
This week, KJ welcomes Dr. Yvonne Castillo, a Pain-free Movement Specialist and Doctor of Physical Therapy. Yvonne has cracked the code to getting and staying pain-free naturally, without endless painkillers, procedures or trips to the doc. As the founder of Perseverance Wellness Solutions, she’s helped over a thousand active adults stop chasing their symptoms with ineffective pills and procedures, and finally fix the true source of their pain with her proven 3S Mobility Method.
Today, KJ and Yvonne bring the attention back to the relationships we grow with our clients and the importance of modeling healthy coping skills for our loved ones . Yvonne has over a decade of experience as a Pain-free Movement Specialist, holds a Doctorate and Masters in Physical Therapy and is a Certified Pilates instructor.* *Her holistic philosophy of kindness and collaboration is inspired, and inspiring.
*Episode* *Takeaways: *
* *View healing holistically, not with a fragmented focus on pain and i…
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Mar 3, 2021
Boxing Lessons: Move gracefully through grief | Suzanne Dressler
Head up, hands up, be light-footed, be present: a few life lessons from boxing. KJ welcomes her friend Suzanne Dressler to the podcast to talk grieving a lost relationship, celebrating frontline essential workers and redefining self care. Suzanne Dressler is a professional singer/actress, runs her own tutoring business, Skyscraper Tutoring, LLC, and is a dedicated Podcaster and host of There's a Word for That!, a podcast that explores our relationships to words and expressions. She is very short and has very curly hair and she is pure delight.
*
Takeaways:*
*1. Lessons from Grenada:* Treat others with kindness; Take pride in your work; Be glad for your blessings. Enjoy a healthy lifestyle of an exchange of nourishment with the land.
*2. Lessons from Boxing: *Be light on your feet, practice vigilance . Concentrate on maintaining your form, keep your hands up, practice presence, be light footed and hold your stance; stay out of your head and trust in your form.
*3. Recognize the resili…
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Feb 24, 2021
The Advocacy For Artistry | Adam Roberts
Are the arts and creativity endangered species? KJ and Adam Roberts discuss the creative community's pivots at the one year anniversary of COVID's world premiere. One of KJ's podcasting besties, Adam Roberts, is the founder of Arts in America, a media company moving the arts from the margins to the mainstream. He hosts the Arts in America podcast, exploring how creatives survive and thrive during a global pandemic and #BlackLivesMatter.
Adam has nearly twenty years of experience in nonprofit management with such organizations as the Huntington Theatre Company, Phillips Academy, and the Handel and Haydn Society. Join in this passionate conversation about saving arts from extinction at a time when they are needed most.
*
Takeaways:*.
1. *Finding the innate good . *There is good in all our tasks no matter how little, messy or uncomfortable.
2. *Priority and preciousness of now. *We have been gifted this unique time with our loved ones.
*3. Creators and artists in America are vastly div…
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Feb 17, 2021
Tiny Astonishments: The Solace Of Sound Club...house | KJ Nasrul
KJ's brief solo mic check today touches on Clubhouse, The 100 Day Project, adoptee storytelling and the revelatory return of the auditory sense. KJ acknowledges how impactful sound [and the absence of it] has been in her creative process. Then, stay a few moments to enjoy a sound bowl session courtesy of Sound Healer Breanna Blair. And start your day with KJ's quiet seashell meditation.
*Takeaways:*
1. Creativity is thriving. Most of KJ's current projects are rooted in sound. Her #100Dayproject focuses on music, lyrics and the physical and emotional responses invoked.
2. The shift to *aural *feedback removes the Visual Pressure and stimulation.
3. Music encourages new family rituals. The Nasruls bond over Otis Redding and Miles Davis lately, not TV.
4. Clubhouse resurrects the art of compassionate conversationsand active *listening.* Reminds us how to authentically react and respond. *
*5. Introducing a very personal passion project today-* Adoptee Society.* A central resource for…
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Feb 10, 2021
Learning and Living Well | Lauren Bryson
Connect with the powerful healing properties of food! Today KJ chats with Nutrition Consultant, Lauren Bryson. Lauren discovered the world of holistic healing after experiencing her own personal health crisis in which she bounced in and out of hospitals for years and received countless unneeded prescriptions and misdiagnoses. Reclaiming her power, Lauren found remedies for her body imbalances using nutrition and holistic lifestyle practices.
Today's chat highlights Lauren's goal of educating and empowering clients in learning the healing properties of food (including the coolest gig- teaching Elementary school kids how to Cook For Life ) and the fascinating gut-brain connection. Plus, listeners are introduced to the ultra sexy topic of microorganism communities = The Microbiome.
*
Takeaways:*.
1. Bio individuality means every body is different.
2. Stay in tune with your own body, participate in intuitive eating.
3. Become friends with nutrient-dense whole foods.
4. Avoid Nutrition Ba…
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Feb 3, 2021
We Are The Catalysts | Ellen Yin
In this bright, buoyant episode, KJ welcomes entrepreneur and marketing strategist Ellen Yin to chat all the ways we women (of all colors, shapes, ages and sizes) can be the CEOs of our dream businesses and lives. We are the changemakers!
Topics today flow from Craigslist Baby Grand Pianos, Gilmore Girls ambitions and identifying priorities of cultivation for a successful business. Ellen is the founder of Cubicle to CEO, an online membership teaching entrepreneurs who sell client services how to make their first $10K month - without a large audience. She has been featured on the TODAY show with Hoda & Jenna and in several publications like Authority Magazine, BlogHer, Databird Business Journal and Disrupt Magazine.
Ellen is also the host of the award-winning Cubicle to CEO Podcast, which features weekly interviews with successful female founders and has been downloaded in over 100 countries worldwide.
*Takeaways:*
1. You CAN be paid using your skills and gifts and doing what excites…
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Jan 27, 2021
Tiny Astonishments: Replenish, Renew | KJ Nasrul
In her first solo musings of 2021, KJ Nasrul shares a couple of the lessons learned in the shedding of the challenging, grief-filled days of 2020 to fully step into the new year. KJ touches upon her first experience doing a plant based cleanse and she remembers the losses that prompted her to pursue her own healing through compassion and stillness. This reflective episode unwinds with KJ's invocation meditation of compassion and a quiet sound mandala.
*Takeaways: *
1. A 10 Day Plant Based Reset brought the clarity and clearing I needed.
2. The absolute essentialness of Self Care and Compassion
2. I take inspired action, and the Universe takes care of me
3. I surrender to creative solutions
4. In Stillness I receive
5. Compassion Invocation - Breathing in compassion and kindness for ourselves and others
*Please Rate and Review This Podcast *if our stories have astonished you as well. *
*https://ratethispodcast.com/astonishingstories Every review you leave enters you into a drawing to…
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Jan 23, 2021
Mindful Movement Part 2 | Pamela Stokes
**SURPRISE** Here is part two of KJ's conversation with Trauma Informed healer, Pamela Stokes. Absorbing lessons learned in her own recovery quest, Pamela created a method called Somatic Release--a synthesis of movement, sound and mindfulness for trauma resolution. We wrap up our conversation by exploring self compassionate practices and Pamela gently guides us through a simple and impactful release technique to create new neural pathways, i.e. new opportunities to live each moment optimally.
*Part Two* *Takeaways
*1. Your body holds such a wealth of knowledge. It is communicating with you always.
2. Noticing your pain points is the first step towards healing and RELEASING extremely potent energy, masquerading as stored anger and fear. Once you recognize your body’s pain signals, you'll begin the process of connecting with sensation again.
3. You have the power to retrain your brain in communicating with your nervous system.
4. Meet in the middle. The In-Between is your body’s…
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Jan 20, 2021
Mindful Movement Part 1 | Pamela Stokes
Can mindful movement heal buried trauma? "YES", says Pamela Stokes. In today's episode, KJ chats with Pamela, a trauma informed healer with an extensive background in biology, education, movement and music. From* *early dreams of dancing on Broadway in NYC, to teaching biology as a Science Specialist, Pamela was aware of a constant companion--pain. She sought balm for the discomfort of fibromyalgia through inquiry into neuroscience and sensory-motor training. Absorbing lessons learned in her own recovery, Pamela created a method called Somatic Release--a synthesis of movement, sound and mindfulness for trauma resolution. This conversation is so rich it expanded to grant space as KJ and Pamela touch on everything from Entomology, religion and trauma healing through neuroplasticity. The body speaks its story loud and clear, and Pamela provides counsel on how to truly listen.
*Part One* *Takeaways
*
1. Our bodies are a wealth of information. We are impactful and powerful when we bring aw…
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Jan 13, 2021
Creatives Can Money | Eowyn Levene
In Season Two's debut, KJ connects with Eowyn Levene, a massage therapist and money coach. Through a membership community, podcast (Creatives Do Money) and 1:1 work, Eowyn guides self-employed artists, creatives, and healers in mastering their money and building financial stability to fuel a creative future. This conversation explores compassionate ways we can shift our relationship with a "charged and tender" topic for many (including KJ): money.
*Takeaways: *
* Radical Acceptance means surrendering to Now.
* The emotion and struggle in our relationship with money is REAL due to our primal associations and base, human needs (safety, health, acceptance).
* Money management can be a neutral tool that grants us freedom to support people and causes that are meaningful.
* Day to day money awareness is the key to building new habits and creating long term stability.
* Eowyn dispels three belief patterns that creatives hold about money today 1.) Money is the root of all evil 2. M…
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Dec 30, 2020
SOAL Second Listen: Future Proofing Today | Valerie Zaric
In the final episode for 2020, KJ returns to an interview that left a lasting impression for weeks after the session ended. It's striking how timely this replay is, featuring Valerie Zaric, discussing future proofing our careers, and preparing for the unexpected. I love this interview because in less than 38 minutes, Valerie provides action packed recommendations we can use RIGHT NOW. We can better position ourselves for success even as we transition into the new year. This conversation offers steadiness at a time we need it most.
*Valerie and KJ examine questions such as: *
* What would Future Me do today?
* How can we address uncertainty and overwhelm?
* What might we need to confront tomorrow because of new revelations today?
*TAKEAWAYS *
* Address all the uncertainty by taking control in small manageable chunks
* Another Definition of Resilience: Moving through Trauma and being stronger because of it.
* This worldwide Health Crisis is producing surprising results. W…
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Dec 23, 2020
Pivoting Into The Known | Mia Hagerty
KJ and Mia Hagerty consider the pivot from the cerebral to the expressive physical via making films. There is confidence in our creative abilities, even before we have the language for it. Mia is an artist and transracial adoptee, born in China and raised in Michigan, amongst a multicultural household with an American mother and Portuguese father. As a self-taught filmmaker, she creates nonfiction work that explores the curiosity, adventure, and wonder of the human experience.
*TAKEAWAYS: *
* Say the thing even before you're the thing. Claim it aloud. *Telling people what you are and what you do. *Confidence is in the repetition of showing up and logging that information- every time you show up- as evidence!
* You’re already creative by doing, but you’ve redefined it, dropped out of being cerebral, and into physical expression.
* Breaking free of the rigidity-- once you’ve established it as foundation- is your launch pad! Try something new, even if uncomfortable. It’s m…
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Dec 16, 2020
Your Restoration Is Your Resilience | Jessica Hernandez
You can be your optimal self by building in restoration and reset into your daily life. Today’s amazing guest Jessica Hernandez teaches us that balance is possible once you examine your priorities. She is a Holistic Health Coach and Reiki practitioner with a strong passion for empowering others through strength training, plant-based healing, veganism, and energy work. Jess has transformed a weekend side hustle into a flourishing wellness business while [at times single-handedly] raising children and rising through the corporate ranks to snag her current job as a Business Development Executive for a Fortune 500 company. Listen in as Jessica shares how she does it *all. *
*Takeaways: *
* *You can always return if you wandered from your health routines during the COVID Pandemic. Reset. *
* *Sit down, list it out, take inventory. Determine what you can start eliminating and delegating in your life immediately. *
* *Detox at least four times a year. Re-alkalize your body and relea…
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Dec 9, 2020
You Already Know | Asma Kassam
Where do you hold your joy? Your grief? Stretch therapist and injury specialist Asma Kassam reminds us to listen to our own body's stories. KJ and Asma explore ways that health challenges--Asma herself has experienced female triad syndrome, adrenal fatigue, and numerous injuries -- prompt one to fully step into her mission. Asma serves as guide for women in trusting their divine feminine life force energy to find their optimal flow and live each day empowered, fierce, and in alignment.
*Takeaways:*
* It starts with breath. Improper breathing leads to misalignment and 9 of 10 times causes injuries in the neck and shoulder regions.
* Dance it out, move out of your head and into your body.
* Women hold their shame in their deep abdomen: womb, cervix.
* Grief when stored in our bodies manifests in our digestion and in our shoulders.
* Our bodies will tell us what we need. Listen.
* Unlearn, relearn, break down the lifelong conditioning of "health"
* Be intentional with yo…
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Dec 2, 2020
Feel Good, Girl | Torrey Felber
On today's show, KJ chats with certified personal trainer, health and nutrition coach Torrey Felber. As CEO of Feel Good Girl, Torrey's passion is in helping women become the thriving CEOs of their own wellness through restoring their relationship with mind, body and soul. Over the last three years Torrey has helped hundreds of women lose hundreds of pounds. You'll feel empowered listening to Torrey's recovery story and her accessible recommendations in nutrition, fitness and mindset.
*Takeaways:*
* It’s only an obstacle if you decide it is.
* You are an active participant in your life.
* Break free from two common mindset barriers 1) All Or Nothing 2) Bad vs Good
* What Stories are we holding onto that we should let go? Do these stories hold us back?
* The longer we avoid addressing our grief, the likelier we are to become sick.
* Living optimally means building your day around self care and wellness. Time Blocking and Scheduling compassionate practice prioritizes sel…
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Nov 28, 2020
Tiny Astonishments: Gifting Creativity & Compassion | KJ Nasrul
*How do I find a therapist, and how do I know if my therapist is right for me? How can I work 1:1 with KJ ? And, am I a Healer? In the first ever Q + A episode of SOAL, KJ answers these questions and more as submitted by listeners. It's also the BEST time to join the Healing Our Healers Creativity and Compassion Series, which begins December 2, 2020! *
*Questions Answered In This Episode: *
* *How do I find a therapist?*
* *How do I know if I’ve selected the RIGHT therapist? *
* *How can I work with you, KJ? *
* *Am I a Healer? Am I the right fit for your Healing Our Healers Program? *
* *I want to join the December Creativity and Compassion/Healing Our Healers program, but don't think I can attend all 5 weeks. How can I still participate? *
*Please Rate and Review This Podcast** ... if our Stories have astonished you too. For every review you leave between now and November 30, 2020, you enter a chance to win a 30 minute FREE Counseling/Coaching Session with ME! Just lea…
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Nov 25, 2020
Tiny Astonishments: A Gratitude Mixtape | KJ Nasrul
*KJ changes it up a little bit with a review of six favorite lessons learned since the launch of the SOAL Podcast. While 2020 has presented heartbreak and devastation, it also has revealed abundant opportunities for reassessment and gratitude. *
*Six Stories of Astonishing Light *
* *Michelle** @embracing_empathy_ *
*Listen. There are remarkable lessons to be learned from every single person we encounter. *
* *Suzanne ** @suzannerachel13** *
*Words are powerful and have lasting impact. Let’s be mindful of how we hear them, how we use them. *
* *Majo **@MajoMolfino** *
*We are Co-Designers with The Universe. We are participants in our creative purpose. *
* *Adam** @ArtsinAmerica** *
*We can be the creators of the changes we want to see in the world. There is hope. *
* *Valerie **@ValerieZaric *
*Impeccable timing for conversations about confidence and embracing the discomfort in the present. *
* *Shanta **@trauma_transformation_adoptee *
*When we embrace our O…
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Nov 20, 2020
Lessons in Listening | Tyler Gravley
*Get ready for a jolt of joy as KJ welcomes Tyler Gravley to the podcast. Tyler is a mindset and meditation coach and hostess of the podcast The Pollen Show. Tyler's mission is to help you clear old thought patterns, gain positive momentum, and take control over your own choices in life. Today's episode is jam packed with laughter, honesty and gratitude as we remember that communication, simplicity and listening are keys to transforming our thoughts into positive action.*
*TAKEAWAYS: *
* *Simple Mantra to guide you through a day: I am Here. I am breathing in. I am breathing out. *
* *When we strive to get better, we make those around us better; also, we attract those who are doing the work. *
* *Self Reflection and awareness is not always pretty. *
* *Are we communicating with our partners? Did I ask for what I want and need?*
* *What have you discovered about yourself in this pandemic? Do you know how to administer self care, self compassion? *
*Please Rate and Revie…
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Nov 18, 2020
Future Proof Your Career | Valerie Zaric
*Valerie Zaric is a podcast host and futuristic career strategist. She helps nine-to-fivers create peace of mind, become resilient, and discover their ideal Future-Proof Career. She has a decade of experience in corporate leadership positions and lives in Wisconsin with her husband and two toddlers. In a conversation jam-packed with tangible and inspiring advice, Valerie and KJ chat about pivoting into confidence, embracing discomfort, and authentically networking to summon incredible, dream client connections. *
*TAKEAWAYS *
* *Address all the uncertainty by taking control in small manageable chunks*
* *Another Definition of Resilience: Moving through Trauma and being stronger because of it. *
* *Worldwide Health Crisis may produce surprising results. Confidence, our ability to better embrace/or tolerate discomfort*
* *One tip to maintain/sustain balance: Schedule in Family Time. Use Block Scheduling*
* *You can connect with your dream interviewees/clients by networking in…
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Nov 14, 2020
Tiny Astonishments: How We Heal | KJ Nasrul
KJ explores ways to tap into our own resources as healers for ourselves and for others. KJ also introduces her new live coaching/psychotherapy program Healing Our Healers; sharing her why for creating the program. The solo episode closes with a short meditation for you, a technique to help connect with calm.
*Resources and Links*
*Red Cross Disaster Response *
* Red Cross Philippines- How You Can Help During the Vamco/Ulysses Typhoon
* American Red Cross
*COVID Wellness *
* Coping with Stress during the Corona Virus - Centers for Disease Control & Prevention
* COVID -19 Hotline, California: 1-833-422-4255, M-F 8 AM - 8 PM, SA SU 8AM - 5 PM
* COVID California https://www.covid19counselingca.org/ Counseling Resources for Frontline workers
* FRONTLINE WORKERS COUNSELING PROJECT (FREE): https://www.fwcp.org
*Mental Health Warmlines and Links *
* National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Resource and Information
* Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 800-273-8255; Text 83825…
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Nov 11, 2020
Reclaim Your Feminine Creative Power | Majo Molfino
Majo Molfino is a Latinx author, designer, and women’s leadership expert. She is the author of Break the Good Girl Myth (HarperOne) and host of the HEROINE podcast featuring top female leaders, creatives, and visionaries. Her leadership program, IGNITE, guides women to design and share a creative dream with the world. She has a master’s degree in learning, design, and technology from Stanford University and a bachelor’s degree in psychology with a minor in cultural studies from McGill University. Her work can be found at *majomolfino.com**. *Today, KJ and Majo explore new definitions for creativity and how we can reclaim our feminine narratives through ritual, defiance and acts of self-compassion.
*TAKEAWAYS: *
* Creativity’s definition is broad + expansive. Move beyond labels of artistry into a process and intention
* The process of manifestation involves both the passive and active energies. Actively design the structures and systems around you to support your creativit…
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Nov 4, 2020
Becoming Boss, Ladies | Sophia Noreen Syed
Turns out that we Ladies CAN have it all. Sophia Noreen Syed is a registered physiotherapist, podcaster, Lady Boss Mentor, mama, wife and multi-business owner based in Canada. Not too long ago, she was a manager at a publicly funded medical clinic when she decided to scale back and work part-time, in order to pursue her product-based startup company. This move paid off BIG TIME, as her products landed in Walmart Canada last spring to a warm reception! Today Sophia Noreen and I riff on ways to remain accountable in our business and home life decisions, how it’s OK for a woman to decide to pursue all the wins, including entrepreneurship, and we explore a few self care practices to maintain A Lady Boss Life.
*Takeaways *
* *The Lady Can Do What She Wants *
* There isn’t anything stopping a woman, not the color of her skin, not her religion, not her status as a mother from pursuing all that she wants.
* ASK for what you want and claim it
* Communicate with your colleagues an…
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Oct 30, 2020
Healing Our Healers | Shanta Hyche
BIRTHDAY BONUS EPISODE! Listen into a poignant and uplifting conversation with a soul sister. Shante Hyche is a counseling student, a mom and adoptee advocate with inspiring global goals. We talk about our experiences as biracial adoptees, being empathic and creative...all elements that inform our most prominent role - HEALER. Shanta is the Founder of Trauma Transformation Global Ministries, INC a nonprofit founded to globally teach orphaned, adopted, and fostered children they are loved, valued, and enough. She is the hostess of Trauma Transformation Adoptee Podcast and is eager to introduce her newest initiative: Spiritual healing for adult women separated at birth from their moms.
*Episode Takeaways*
*1. Early Acts of Empathy *
* Honor the sensitivities and special gifts procured as a child
* Knowing the feeling of being “other” and “different” are indicators of your empathy...and potential life’s work as a healer
*2. Artistic Expression Liberates *
* Answers ma…
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Oct 28, 2020
Tiny Astonishments: Embrace Your Other | KJ Nasrul
KJ shares a story about growing up #other, #different, #weird, #biracial, #adopted, which ultimately bestowed lessons on becoming comfortable in her skin, and embracing her majesty.
*Episode Takeaways *
1. *Spotlight Listener Review *
* *Miss El Yu*, thank you for your kind and articulate review of the show on Apple Podcasts!
* The more you review, the more you spread the word about the topics most important to you. *Thank yo*u for spotlighting my little show, thank you for downloading, just passing 1000 downloads! Keep going and you have *all my gratitude*.
* Please consider leaving a review for this podcast at https://ratethispodcast.com/astonishingstories
2. *Your Otherness is Your Majesty *
* All the traits and characteristics that you are shy about, that set you apart as *different*, that make you *unconventional *… They are your strengths, they are your genius
* When we embrace our Other we reveal our *resilience*.
*Please Rate and Review This Podcast* ... if…
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Oct 21, 2020
A Sound Healing Journey | Breanna Blair
Breanna Blair was working as a preschool teacher until she discovered alignment in becoming a certified sound healer and doula. Today she holds many titles including certified 500 hour Trainer with the Awakened Warrior Yoga Teacher Training as well as Quantum Healing Hypnosis Practitioner. Today we discuss knowing when it’s time to leave your job and the shedding of perfectionism. After our catch up session, we invite you to immerse yourself in a healing sound bath session as performed (and gifted) by Breanna. Melt away, loves... *
Episode Takeaways
1. Done is better than perfect. *
* Hesitation to put yourself out there may mean that someone who seeks your particular message, method or skill today misses out on working with you and benefitting from your knowledge.
2. *Action tends to lead to clarity/Check In with yourself *
* You might ask these questions: Is this something I want to get up for every day in the morning? Does it excite me, light me up?
* Ready, Fire, Aim -…
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Oct 14, 2020
An Artist’s Retreat | Margaret Soraya
We are gifted artists already, we just sometimes forget this, especially in these frenetic days. Margaret Soraya is a retreat leader and a professional photographer living in Scotland, specializing in landscapes and seascapes. She encourages us to explore the vast possibilities of our passions within the safe surroundings of personal introspection. We do that by welcoming the quiet, returning to artful listening.
*Takeaways
1. You can move through unnameable difficulties*
* Your resilient experience grants you a genuine , deeper understanding
* Through doing, we find our way
* The way you model moving through challenges can impact ONE person
* Impacting ONE PERSON is powerful enough
*2. Retreating is Essential Self Care *
* Retreat means to pull back, withdraw from the noise of expectations + social media
* Doing so uncovers the beauty already within you
* Self Care promotes healthier relationships and healthier people in your life
* Reacquaint yourself with what y…
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Oct 12, 2020
Finding Our Friendly World | Fawn Anderson
We are Misfits, Other and Dark Girls. My friend Fawn and I discuss the lost art of making friends through compassionate conversations. Fawn Anderson is a documentary photographer and founder- along with her husband Matt- of Be Friendly World, a social movement for compassion, dialogue, and friendship. Listen in as we recall the first fears-turned-freedom of being “other” and “dark-skinned girls”. We chat about childhood crushes who inspired our ultimate career paths, and ways to uncover deeper connections, for less loneliness.
*Episode Takeaways: *
1. Your Outsider, Other status is freedom
* Feeling outsider-y propels you to make bold decisions
* Promotes creativity and unique perspective
2. Glimpses of your ultimate creative path your whole life
* Honor the experiences which have set you apart while growing up
* Guideposts on using your imagination and visionary skills to be everything you dream
3. Compassionate Conversations are the root of everything
* Invit…
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Oct 7, 2020
Tiny Astonishments: Purple Hair Bows for Baby Girl T-Rex | KJ Nasrul
KJ shares the sweet lessons on joy and creativity learned from 2nd grade super heroes and an18-month-old bubble enthusiast. Stay ‘til the end, to hear a new original piano Sound Mandala sample...?
*1. An Incredible Beginning and a Spotlighted Listener Review *
* Seven episodes and a trailer done! Such overwhelmingly kind responses, new connections open, new friends and adventures created.
* Skonita, thank you for your kind show review on Apple Podcasts!
* The more you review, the more you spread the word about the topics that are important to you. Please consider leaving a review for this podcast at* **https://ratethispodcast.com/astonishingstories** *
*2. Hey, Girl, Hey- How Do You Manage It All? *
* Mandalas, Mantras and Meditation create routine and centering.
* Planning out the day intentionally, by including self care activities and breaks provides structure and accountability
* Celebrate the joy in moment to moment awareness
*3. Noticing joy and wonder in the m…
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Sep 30, 2020
Reveling in the Reset | Samantha Jo Harvey
Samantha Jo Harvey is a professional dancer, life coach, and entrepreneur. Having personally experienced divorce, worthiness struggles and disordered eating, she empowers women to rediscover their passion, rewrite their stories, and step into their power. Now she is modeling the beauty and wonder in the rediscovery of her own strength. She always knew she was a dancer, but only recently gave permission to refer to herself as a creative being. Today she is reveling in her new position of reset and possibility, and it’s beautiful to witness. Join me in this truly joyful conversation with my friend Sam.* *
*1. Find joy and fun in everyday occurrences *
* Dance Party Remixes while in the midst of not favorite tasks like packing, moving and shedding skin
* Have a good laugh over the fact that your sexy convertible still doesn’t have room for your boxes
*2. Processing emotions through physical expression *
* Literally, physically move through your grief, anger, uncertainty, dep…
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Sep 25, 2020
Embracing Empathy Part 2 | Michelle Yearick, RN
Here is Part Two of our conversation with Michelle Yearick, RN, a neonatal lactation consultant and Frontline Essential Healthcare Worker. Michelle is in the trenches working with women in their most powerful and vulnerable states of being- during pregnancy and in the moments after giving birth. She is my very first and dearest friend in the world- and her style is no-filter, blunt, straight talking honesty combined with unparalleled compassion and empathy.
*Episode (Part 2) Takeaways: *
*1. Look to your children and your own childhood mischiefs for creative clues on what soothes you during these unsettling times. *
* Early signs of curiosity might be the key to your optimum health.
* Honor your discoveries and explorations as a child
* Remember the places holding joy and comfort for you* *
*2. Connect with others Human to Human *
* Ask open-ended questions
* Invite deeper conversations
* Intentionally hear the responses* *
*3. Listen. *
* Listen to the answers giv…
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Sep 23, 2020
Embracing Empathy Part 1 | Michelle Yearick, RN
As a neonatal lactation consultant, Michelle Yearick is in the trenches working with women in their most powerful and vulnerable states of being- during pregnancy and in the moments after giving birth.
She is my very first and dearest friend in the world- and her style is no-filter, blunt, straight-talking honesty combined with unparalleled compassion and empathy. She serves as guide for our return to the very basic human necessities: kind conversations about essential life topics- love, loss, bonding, grieving, and the celebration of women’s resilience.
*Episode (Part 1) Takeaways: *
1. Look to your children and your own childhood mischiefs for creative clues on what soothes you during these unsettling times.
* Early signs of curiosity might be the key to your optimum health.
* Honor your discoveries and explorations as a child
* Remember the places holding joy and comfort for you
2. To connect with others on a human level, first go with your feelings
* Ask open-ended…
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Sep 16, 2020
Your Superpowers Redefined | Sachiko Cohen
When Sachiko was 18 years old, she left her hometown of Chiba in search of adventure and inspiration. From Japan to Switzerland, the US and back, she realized that adventure and inspiration sought her. Listen in on this rich conversation with Sachiko Cohen: psychotherapist, coach, mama, and impassioned defender of the shy and the bullied. Prepare for enchantment.
*Takeaways: *
*1. You have a lasting impact on one person and many people, by being YOU. *
* Show up - even if it’s messy, because your presence is real and relatable.
* Your genuineness may light the fire of creativity and advocacy in one other person, which is enough to start a movement.
*2. Our beliefs have power over us; let's challenge and disrupt them.*
* We can deconstruct a label, and break the power it has over us.
* We can re-wire and change a lifetime of default thinking. You're not "shy" after all.
*3. * *Our instincts may be our superpower.*
* Listen to your natural responses. They are the bluep…
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Sep 9, 2020
Rediscovering Roots | Megs Jolliff
Not too long ago, fashion merchandiser Meagan Jolliff was unemployed and riddled with anxiety and grief so badly she would not drive, and she would not leave her house. She rediscovered her fight when she remembered the strong women who served as luminous guides before her. Join me in conversation with one of my childhood best friends as she recounts the steps she took to defy her inner critic and launch a thriving online business in these unpredictable times.
*Episode Takeaways: *
*1. Return To Nature *
* Place your hands and feet in the ground - start a garden, plant olive trees
* Return to comforts of childhood- the trees, the beach, near the water
*2. Celebrate your Accomplishments*
* You have overcome hardships many times before, know you can do it again
* You have unique skills, talents and abilities that could be helpful and healing for someone else
*3. If you can't remember the good, perhaps remember someone who can*
* Honor and celebrate your role models growi…
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Sep 2, 2020
Living Artfully In A Pandemic | Kathryn Le Grice
How can you connect with your creativity during a world crisis? Can you practice self care when you are a multi-hyphenate Super Mama also sheltering in place? Join me in an inspiring tea time conversation with my muse, Welsh artist Kathryn Le Grice.
*Episode Takeaways: *
1. Practice Self Care during unsettling times
* Keep your routines + rituals for structure and comfort
* Be open to discovery. Your own neighborhood is a treasure trove!
* Return to childhood loves and activities: language, dance, nature
2. Lean into The Wonder of each moment
* Listen to what your children teach you
* Keep a notebook/sketchbook or camera on hand
* Pause. In-the-moment awareness offers new angles and possibilities.
*Please Review This Podcast* ... if our Stories have astonished you too.
*Links To Topics Mentioned In The Show:*
* Kathryn Le Grice's Art Website
* Painter Henri Matisse
* Intro & Outro Music: Canada Lo Res by Pictures Of The Floating World
*All The Places To Find…
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Aug 31, 2020
Tiny Astonishments: Butterfly Courage | KJ Nasrul
Welcome, Healers, to the first episode of the show-- a solo vignette to introduce you to the podcast. Here's a Tiny Astonishment about finding the courage to show up, even if only for 182 seconds. Also... I play a little piano for ya.
*Episode Takeaways: *
* *Reflection:* How do *you* drop into your bravery? How do you access your courage? What activity or physical anchor... or whom helps you?
* The *outro music for this episode*? *That's **me**. *I composed, recorded, and asked my kickass editing team to help me link it to the episode before crawling into bed a few evenings previously.
* *Six months ago* I wouldn't show my face on Facebook or Instagram Stories, let alone show up LIVE with my own show, and my own musical compositions. Now I'm sharing what I do... out loud, in hopes of encouraging others to do the same.
* *It's Progress*, not perfection
* *New* episodes will post every Wednesday.
* *Next* episode lands *this Wednesday, Sept 2, 2020*, with a guest- artist *…
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Jul 19, 2020
TRAILER: Astonishing Light Coming Soon!
*Episode 00: Trailer *Introducing my new health and wellness podcast! We’ll discuss behavioral health and culture concepts such as courage, resilience and the words we use to communicate about crucial conversations. Topics cover mental health issues and advocacy, racism, trauma recovery, emotional intelligence, creativity and adoptee voices.
Weekly episodes will feature recorded interviews and live sessions with creatives, leaders and healers demonstrating healing practices of art, storytelling and music.
*Coming Late August 2020
*Connect with KJ and Bliss Begins Within *
* IG @MusingsOnOther
* IG @Bliss Begins Within
* Become Pen Pals- Email List
* Bliss Begins Within Website
* Work with KJ https://blissbeginswithin.as.me/
* Facebook
* TwitterSupport the show (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/SOALPodcast)
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