Aligned Expressions

In this episode we feature Toby Israel, Ph.D. is a visionary founder of the field of Design Psychology and author of her new book Designing–Women’s Lives: Transforming Place and Self

A foundational exploration of the psychological, lived experience of women and place, Designing–Women’s Lives (Oro Editions, 2023) demonstrates how women can break new ground by using Design Psychology as the touchstone for creating emotionally-satisfying environments.

In this episode, we dive into Toby Israel’s book which draws us in with personal stories about the spaces women create and inhabit. This is a visually beautiful book with many layers; it is very readable and a rich resource.

Defined as “the practice of architecture, planning and interior design in which psychology is the principal design tool”, this discipline continues to gain international attention including in the L.A. Times, Oprah Home, The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, The Boston Globe, the Philadelphia Inquirer, IIDA and on CBS Sunday Morning, NPR’s Talk of the Nation and Radio Times (radio interview with Marty Moss-Coane).

Trained as an Environmental Psychologist, Dr. Israel has over twenty-five years of experience in design, psychology, the arts and education. She can be found at http://www.designpsychology.net

Discover the ancient wisdom of Ayurveda and unlock a world of self-care practices that promote holistic well-being in our latest podcast episode. Join us as we delve into the fundamentals of Ayurveda, an ancient Indian system of medicine that focuses on achieving balance and harmony within the body, mind, and spirit.

In this episode, we'll explore the doshas – Vata, Pitta, and Kapha – the three distinct energy types that define an individual's constitution in Ayurveda. Learn how understanding your unique constitution can empower you to make informed choices about your lifestyle, diet, and daily routines to enhance your overall health.

Naomi Edwards is a Holistic Health Practitioner who specializes in the practices of Ayurveda, Yoga and Plant Medicine. Her passion is to share the knowledge of Ayurveda and give people the education of preventative health in a joyful way. 

She began her own healing journey 20 years ago with yoga, which led her to teach. Her many years of classical ballet and competitive swimming took quite a toll on her body, chronic injuries and malnutrition. It was the gift of yoga and ayurveda that gave her the awareness and inspiration to take better care of her mind, body and spirit. In her 14 years of working in holistic health she’s found her highest intention is to guide individuals back to their bodies through mindful movement and teaching the continuous practice of self care.

I am personally in love with her Ayurvedic Body Serum from Hillabrant Apothecary. It restores radiance and beauty to my skin, providing a youthful glow and velvety touch. The careful formulation with high-quality ingredients that rejuvenate, repair, hydrate, and nourish the skin showcases your commitment to offering the best for your clients. The fact that it works on all types of skin, being tri-doshic and invigorating tired skin, makes it a must-try product for anyone looking to enhance their skincare routine. The idea of using it for Abhyanga massage or as a daily moisturizer sounds fantastic.

For our listeners, I have great news! You can purchase this amazing Body Serum at https://www.hillabrantholistics.com/shop. And to make it even better, Naomi is offering a special discount of 10% off your first order. Just use the code "alignexpressions10" at checkout.

Personally, I love using this Body Serum as nourishment for my skin after a refreshing shower or bath. It's an excellent way to pamper oneself and embrace the joy of self-care.

References in this podcast:

The Ageless Woman, Nancy Lonsdorfhttps://www.amazon.com/Ageless-Woman-Natural-Maharishi-Ayurveda/dp/0972123350
Absolute Beauty, Pratima Raichurhttps://www.amazon.com/Pratima-Raichur-Absolute-Radiant-Ayurveda/dp/B00HTJX1TM
What to Eat for how you feel, Divya Alterhttps://www.amazon.com/Ayurveda-Beginners-Guide-Essential-Principles/dp/1939754178/ref=d_bmx_dp_ohg8rdnn_sccl_2_5/147-0304815-9343744?pd_rd_w=2HS5s&content-id=amzn1.sym.368b1da3-bd5e-471c-a642-a329f8f53bef&pf_rd_p=368b1da3-bd5e-471c-a642-a329f8f53bef&pf_rd_r=856HTNJ4VJ6EEEDFQSN0&pd_rd_wg=7sFkw&pd_rd_r=39f20f6a-0ba2-420b-af0f-6fb49ca41b8a&pd_rd_i=1939754178&psc=1

On this Podcast Episode Raghda Abdelmaksoud, a renowned Clinical Aromatherapist associated with the esteemed Ebers School of Aromatherapy joins us on a fragrant journey as we explore the captivating world of aromatherapy and dive deep into its artistry and scientific principles.

In each episode, Raghda Abdelmaksoud sheds light on the various facets of aromatherapy, providing valuable insights and expert guidance. Safety is of utmost importance when it comes to aromatherapy, and Raghda shares her extensive knowledge on this subject, discussing best practices and precautions to ensure a secure and enjoyable aromatherapy experience.

Discover the incredible benefits that aromatherapy has to offer as Raghda uncovers its therapeutic potential. From stress relief and mood enhancement to promoting relaxation and improving sleep, aromatherapy has a profound impact on our well-being. Raghda discusses the science behind these benefits, backed by research and clinical evidence, to help you harness the power of essential oils effectively.

Ever wondered about the role of a certified aromatherapist? Raghda provides a comprehensive understanding of their expertise and the importance of seeking professional guidance. Learn about the skills, training, and ethical considerations involved in becoming a certified aromatherapist and gain a deeper appreciation for their vital role in supporting your aromatherapy journey.

Our homes are our sanctuaries, and Raghda shares practical tips on how to incorporate aromatherapy into our living spaces. Discover the art of blending essential oils to create inviting scents and explore the myriad ways to use aromatherapy in your home environment, from uplifting and purifying the air to creating a calming ambiance.

Diffusing essential oils is a popular method of enjoying their aromatic benefits, but safety is paramount. Raghda delves into the topic of safe diffusion, guiding you through the selection of appropriate diffusers, recommended dilutions, and duration of use. Learn how to create a safe and harmonious atmosphere in your home with essential oil diffusion techniques that maximize their therapeutic properties.

Whether you're a novice or a seasoned aromatherapy enthusiast, this podcast offers a wealth of information, practical tips, and engaging discussions that will deepen your understanding of aromatherapy and empower you to create a fragrant and healthy lifestyle. Join us on this aromatic adventure and unlock the transformative potential of aromatherapy in your life.

This episode features guest Realtor Francine Gregory. Francine is a real estate professional with 10+ years of marketing and advertising experience and 30+ years living in the Sacramento, CA region. She is the proprietor of I Life Realty. Francine likes the beach, reading, art & architecture and tech. She enjoys action movies and spending time in the sun and solving puzzles. Breakfast is her favorite kind of food. Francine serves the greater Sacramento communities.

In this episode we explore:

Enjoy!!!

Sherry Steine host of Aligned Expressions interviews The London School of Feng Shui Founder and Director, EJ Shaffert, an international Feng Shui consultant, educator, and author, with 20 years experience working with a wide range of residential and business projects.

He is the author of FENG SHUI & MONEY:  A Nine Week Program for Creating Wealth Using Ancient Principles and Techniques. Published in 2002 in four languages. In this episode, EJ and Sherry discuss the foundations of Geopathic Stress and how it affects you and your home.
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EJ Shaffert has been training Feng Shui consultants in NYC and London over 10 years, and he is also a regular instructor at the College of Psychic Studies. With his teaching, consulting, and media, E.J. has helped thousands of people improve their lives with the power of Feng Shui.

Sherry discusses Banyan Botanticals a favorite vitamin supplement retailer of host Sherry Steine. Purchase with SHERRY15.

The Love Jones Cohort centers on the voices and lifestyles of members of the Black middle class who are single and living alone (SALA). While much has been written about both the Black middle class and the rise of singlehood, this book represents a first foray into bridging these two concepts. The Love Jones Cohort provides a more nuanced understanding of how race, gender, and class, coupled with social structures. In this episode, Host Sherry Steine interviews, The Love Jones Cohort Author, Dr. Krish Marsh on how this population, chooses their lifestyles, maintain overall health, well-being, and coping mechanisms.

Dr. Kris Marsh is Associate Professor of Sociology at the University of Maryland and author of the book The Love Jones Cohort. This episode is brought to you by Bayan Botanticals a favorite supplement retailer of host Sherry Steine.

In this Episode, Dr. Rebecca Williams joins us to talk about mindfulness exercises for those who are recovering from addiction including working with those who are suffering from addiction and impacts on interior environments, clutter, hoarding, etc.

Dr. Williams is an award-winning author, psychologist, and wellness expert specializing in healthy recovery from mental illness, addiction, and life’s challenges.   She is the author of The Mindfulness Workbook for Addiction .For the past 25 years, her work has focused on building resilience and embracing emotional well-being. She has been a program director at the VA San Diego Healthcare System and an associate clinical professor at The University of California, San Diego School of Medicine. A life-long yoga enthusiast, Rebecca has also been a yoga teacher. She combines the ancient wisdom of yoga and mindfulness with compassionate recovery from addiction in her books. 

A life-long yoga enthusiast, Rebecca trained as a yoga instructor in Raja Yoga. “I have always believed deeply in the mind-body connection, once you know this connection it’s easy to return to it when things feel out of balance”she says. She was able to combine the ancient teachings of yoga and mindfulness with the power of emotional recovery from substance abuse in her two books.

Topics:

-The Mindfulness Workbook for Addiction

-Rebecca’s personal and professional background in psychology, addiction, recovery and addiction.

-What inspired Rebecca to write a book on addiction recovery and mindfulness

-How addiction contributes to hoarding, clutter in your interior environment and how mindfulness can help you work through it

-How mindfulness exercises can work with any addiction.

If you like this episode, please rate and review on your favorite platform.  Support this podcast by clicking here and going to the Support Link. Also, check out Sherry's new Complimentary E-Book:  Inspired Sanctuary: Rituals to Create A Happy, Healthy Home to Enhance Wellness

In this episode, we focus on the topic of Yoga Therapy.  Yoga therapy practices enhance muscular strength and body flexibility, promote and improve respiratory and cardiovascular function, promote recovery from and treatment of addiction, reduce stress, anxiety, depression, and chronic pain, improve sleep patterns, and enhance overall well-being and quality of life.

Interviewed on this episode is Melissa Aguirre is a certified C-IAYT, ERYT 500, YACEP, Holistic Life Coach and Stress Management Specialist focused on intuitive and mindful movement to optimize self awareness, regulation and vitality. Mel focuses on mental and emotional hygiene by utilizing mind-body practices that address imbalances from a holistic lens. Her multi-modality approach provides comprehensive experiences that are both intentional and informational aiding you to step into your power.

Melissa is the owner of MelMarie Yoga which is focused on harnessesing holistic healing in way that includes integrative modalities of mind body medicine, narrative healing, relieving subconscious patterns, and more. Serving the military, traumatic brain injury communities, structural rehabilitation to higher education, corporate wellness and innovative learning that guides the community and individual into an embodied sense of being. Currently, MelMarie Yoga offers online resources, memberships, classes, and both livestream/in person education to continue guiding you in the art of coming home to YOU.

In this episode, Sherry Steine interviews Lindsay Fauntleroy is a licensed acupuncturist and the founder of The Spirit Seed, a school that offers personal and professional development courses that are rooted in ancestral understandings of health, humanity, nature, and the cosmos. She is the author of the new book In Our Element: Using the Five Elements as Soul Medicine to Unleash Your Personal Power (2022) Lindsay is a certified instructor for the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM), as well as a facilitator of the Flower Essence Society's global practitioner certification program. Her approach to soul medicine emerged through over 15 years of clinical practice, Doctoral studies of Indigenous and African Diasporic psychology, and her commitment to community wellness. Lindsay's line of Five-Element flower essence remedies, the Elementals, is available nationally and internationally.

If you like this episode, please rate and review on your favorite platform.  Support this podcast by clicking here and going to the Support Link. Also, check out Sherry's new E-Book:  Inspired Sanctuary: Rituals to Create A Happy, Healthy Home to Enhance Wellness

Restoring your body, mind, and spirit amid change is an act of courage, empowerment, and hope. This warm, powerful guide will help you honor the changes and spaces in your life with purposeful rest and reflection.

Drawing wisdom from yoga philosophy and her many years of teaching experience, Raheem offers us the motivation and guidance we need to restore ourselves in the midst of all types of change.  She gives us three simple restorative yoga poses (savasana, side lying pose, and child’s pose), and offers short teachings, reflections, and practices to see us through times of ending, beginning, and liminal/transitional space. She shows us how slowing down, stillness, and deeper connection to our own transitions empower us to move through collective shifts with more grace--and what it means to navigate shifts and change with presence and courage.

OCTAVIA RAHEEM is a mother, author, yoga teacher and practitioner, and activist. She has received national attention for her work training yoga teachers and diversifying the yoga and wellness industry. Her work as a yoga professional focuses on practical tools to teach individuals how to manage stress, anxiety, and fatigue through yoga and meditation in a way that is accessible to all levels/abilities, and restorative to the nervous system. Her work has been featured in Yoga Journal, Mantra magazine, Well + Good, CNN, WXIA, and Atlanta Magazine.About the Author