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Exciting update about an in-person class scheduled for the end of January in Southern California! This will focus on a less lethal self-defense option for those who may not feel comfortable carrying a gun. The host emphasizes the importance of learning how to feel safe in your body as well as feeling safe while out and about, and highlights the benefits of this self defense tool she will share. Stay tuned!

Please sign up to be notified at AwareAndPrepared.Life. 

Scroll to the bottom of that website and enter your info to be notified of class specifics (and other helpful resources)!

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Master The Art of NOT “Biting The Hook” with Dr. Marina Dorian, a psychologist and meditation instructor.  She shares wisdom from her personal journey of co-parenting with a narcissist. Building on last week’s conversation about her challenges, Dr. Dorian dives into practical mindfulness strategies to help anyone avoid being emotionally "hooked" by others' triggering behaviors. 

She shares about our tendency to get attached or triggered—and provides actionable steps to recognize and interrupt emotional reactivity. Whether you're dealing with difficult co-parenting dynamics or simply navigating daily stressors, her advice is universally valuable.

Dr. Dorian also explores the power of self-compassion and loving-kindness meditation as tools for grounding and emotional resilience. Listeners will learn how to redirect their energy and cultivate inner peace amidst external chaos!

LESSONS LEARNED

Mindfulness can help you stay grounded. Simple practices like focused breathing and observing emotions without judgment can reduce stress and help you respond thoughtfully to difficult situations.

Learning to protect your energy is essential, especially in challenging co-parenting dynamics.

Recognizing and addressing your emotional responses can lead to greater self-awareness and resilience.

You don’t have to engage in every conflict. Choosing when and how to respond can give you control over your emotional energy.

Focus on what you can control: Shifting your attention from the narcissist’s behavior to your own actions empowers you to navigate co-parenting with less frustration.

RESOURCES

Commonly recommended resources for dealing with narcissistic relationships and co-parenting include:

Books:

"The Parallel Parenting Solution" by Carl Knickerbocker

"Will I Ever Be Free of You?" by Karyl McBride

"Co-Parenting With a Toxic Ex" by Amy J.L. Baker and Paul R. Fine

Websites and Support Groups:

One Mom’s Battle website and IG: Navigating family court with a narcissistic ex

Narcissistic Abuse Support: website with articles, forums, and recovery tips

Therapists and Legal Experts: 

Seek a therapist (contact Dr. Dorian) and / or lawyer specialized in narcissistic abuse 

Apps: 

OurFamilyWizard or Talking Parents: Communication tools designed to keep co-parenting interactions business-like and on record

Dr. Marina Dorian Instagram

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Reach Mandi through her website AwareAndPrepared.Life or Instagram @WomenAwareAndPrepared

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What happens when the person you most trusted turns out to be the source of your deepest pain? Hear Dr. Marina Dorian, a psychologist and mindfulness-based counseling professor share her powerful journey of reclaiming her life from narcissistic abuse. She unveils the psychological and physical toll of living with and co-parenting alongside a narcissist, offering a profound exploration of manipulation, gaslighting, and coercive communication. 

What are the different types of narcissists, the signs of abuse, and its complex impact on survivors? Learn invaluable tools for healing!

LESSONS LEARNED

Recognizing Manipulation: Understand the subtle tactics of narcissistic manipulation and how they erode self-trust and independence.

The Power of Awareness: Awareness is the first step to breaking free from unhealthy dynamics.

Reclaiming Self-Worth: Healing begins with realizing your inherent value and setting boundaries to protect it.

Healing Is a Process: Recovery from abuse takes time, patience, and self-compassion, but it’s possible.

Building self-awareness and emotional resilience helps in recognizing and preventing future toxic relationships.

Parallel Parenting Over Co-Parenting: Minimize conflict by maintaining clear boundaries and limiting direct interaction. Focus on your child’s well-being without engaging in the narcissist’s manipulations.

RESOURCES

Commonly recommended resources for dealing with narcissistic relationships and co-parenting include:

1. Books:
   • "The Parallel Parenting Solution" by Carl Knickerbocker
   • "Will I Ever Be Free of You?" by Karyl McBride
   • "Co-Parenting With a Toxic Ex" by Amy J.L. Baker and Paul R. Fine
2. Websites and Support Groups:
   • One Mom’s Battle website and IG: Navigating family court with a narcissistic ex
   • Narcissistic Abuse Support: website with articles, forums, and recovery tips
3. Therapists and Legal Experts: Seek a therapist and / or lawyer specialized in narcissistic abuse 
4. Apps: OurFamilyWizard or Talking Parents: Communication tools designed to keep co-parenting interactions business-like and on record

Dr. Marina Dorian Instagram

JOIN Mandi’s email list so you are notified of when her self defense course is live again and for workshop info. Sign up at awareandprepared.life at the bottom of the website.

Reach Mandi through her website AwareAndPrepared.Life or Instagram @WomenAwareAndPrepared

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Want to feel safer in your body, embrace your voice, and be ok with taking up space? Listen in as Mandi and Keean explore how being present and reconnecting with your body can transform emotional wounds into self-love. 

Join host Mandi Pratt and psychotherapist Keean as they discuss the role of movement, witnessing emotions, and reframing shame in finding freedom and empowerment after trauma. Discover practical tools to feel safer in your body, embrace your voice, and take up space again!

LESSONS LEARNED

Self-Love Requires Presence
Being present in your body helps you witness yourself and create space for healing.

Movement Heals
Reconnecting with your body through movement helps release emotions, build confidence, and take up space.

Shame Masks Deeper Emotions
Shame often hides emotions like anger or grief. Reframing it helps access and heal those feelings.

Emotions Aren't Threats
Separating emotions from past trauma lets you respond to them in healthier ways.

Healing Is Gradual
Recovery happens step by step with practices that feel safe and personal to you.

RESOURCES

Keean.org and Instagram @holistic.therapist 

JOIN Mandi's email list so you are notified when her self defense course (including nervous system regulation) is live again and when we have an in person workshop on non-lethal self defense training. Sign up at awareandprepared.life at the bottom of the website.

Reach Mandi through her website AwareAndPrepared.Life or Instagram @WomenAwareAndPrepared

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Whether you're a trauma survivor or curious about the connection between mental and physical well-being, this conversation offers valuable perspectives on healing and empowerment.

In this episode, Keean, a psychotherapist and life coach, dives deep into the impact of trauma on the nervous system and how it shapes behaviors like taking up less space and silencing our voices. He shares powerful insights on unlearning these patterns through self-compassion, reconnecting with the body, and even embracing self-defense as a transformative tool. Together, we explore the journey from survival to thriving, emphasizing the importance of self-love, setting boundaries, and awakening dormant parts of ourselves.

Tune in to hear practical strategies for easing into self-love, building resilience, and learning to take up space unapologetically! (Part 1 of 2)

LESSONS LEARNED

Trauma can create unconscious patterns that disconnect us from our bodies and suppress our voices.

Reconnecting with the body through self-defense or movement awakens dormant parts of the nervous system.

Self-compassion is essential for healing and easing into practices that challenge trauma responses.

Learning to take up space, use your voice, and set boundaries are acts of self-love and empowerment.

Emotional and physical safety are interconnected, and growth requires sitting with discomfort and resistance.

Self-defense begins with mindset shifts, such as recognizing the importance of self-worth and boundaries.

Healing involves unlearning fear-based responses and embracing self-awareness and love.

RESOURCES

Keean.org and Instagram @holistic.therapist

JOIN my email list so you are notified of when my self defense course is live again and when we have an in person workshop on non-lethal self defense training. Sign up at awareandprepared.life at the bottom of the website.

Reach Mandi through her website AwareAndPrepared.Life or Instagram @WomenAwareAndPrepared

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Wrapping up our series on self-defense with a weapon! We explore both lethal and non-lethal options. Mandi and Andrea dive into the real costs associated with self-defense, such as handguns, training, range fees, and concealed carry permits, particularly in California. They address challenges faced by those who may feel less safe but also face financial barriers, making it difficult to access these resources. Additionally, they discuss tips for choosing the right handgun, emphasizing the importance of asking experts for advice and taking personal comfort and safety into consideration.

They also cover privacy considerations when carrying, advising listeners to keep firearm ownership discreet, especially if they’re in vulnerable situations like escaping abuse or facing stalkers. Mandi stresses the importance of securing firearms if mental health struggles are a concern and advises against carrying for those in high-risk mental health seasons. Listeners are encouraged to take baby steps towards their self-protection, respecting each unique situation while prioritizing safety and peace.

LESSONS

Self-defense costs can add up – Expenses for a firearm, training, range fees, and concealed carry permits can be significant, especially in places like California.

Seek expert advice for choosing firearms – It’s a good idea to consult instructors, gun range experts, or trusted store employees when selecting a self-defense weapon that suits personal needs.

Discretion is important when carrying – For safety, firearm owners should be discreet about their ownership, especially in cases involving intimate partner violence or stalkers.

Privacy laws protect firearm registration – In most states, firearm registration information isn’t public, which can be beneficial for those in protective situations.

Consider mental health when owning a firearm – People experiencing severe mental health struggles, especially suicidal ideation, are advised to avoid having firearms accessible for their safety.

Customization in self-defense is crucial – Every person’s self-defense approach should be tailored to their individual situation, needs, and comfort level with weapons.

A self-defense plan can increase confidence – Knowing that there’s a strategy in place can create a greater sense of peace and reduce feelings of vulnerability.

Baby steps toward self-protection – Building a self-defense plan can be gradual; taking small steps over time can help people feel more prepared without adding extra stress.

Victims deserve the right to self-defense – Being a victim does not mean staying vulnerable, and everyone has the right to defend themselves and regain control over their safety.

RESOURCES

Helpful article here and helpful website here

Helpful ebook: Concealed Carry For Women

https://ccwsafe.com/ One option for CCW insurance - a must have if you are carrying.

JOIN my email list so you are notified of when my self defense course is live again and when we have an in person workshop on non-lethal self defense training. Sign up at awareandprepared.life at the bottom of the website.

Reach Mandi through her website

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Listen to part 2 in answering the question I get: "What’s your stance on guns for personal protection?" I share honest insights for those considering firearm ownership, covering everything from the initial training needed to the responsibility of regular practice. For anyone thinking about applying for a concealed carry permit (CCW), we discuss the realities of keeping your skills sharp, along with the legal and safety aspects that come with carrying a weapon responsibly.

We also go into the mindset needed in high-stakes situations, like when to make the decision to draw your weapon and how crucial muscle memory and mental preparation are for reacting under pressure. 

For those interested in alternative self-defense tools, we touch on other options like pepper spray and offer a practical look at the pros, cons, and requirements of different approaches. Join us to gain a clearer understanding of what it truly takes to carry a weapon safely and with confidence.

LESSONS LEARNED

Guns for Self-Defense Require Practice: Skill level varies per person, but regular training and muscle memory are crucial for responsibly carrying and potentially using a firearm.

Know the Legal Requirements: Gun laws vary widely by location, so understanding local CCW regulations, where firearms are prohibited, and safe storage practices is essential.

Responsibility and Safety are Priorities: Safety measures, like storing firearms in secure safes (especially with children at home) and routine maintenance, are critical steps in responsible firearm ownership.

Consider Alternatives if Unsure: Pepper spray and other non-lethal tools are options. These also require familiarization, practice, and situational awareness.

Mindset and Preparation Matter: Confidence and preparedness go hand-in-hand; practicing scenarios and mentally preparing to react under pressure can help ensure self-defense actions are deliberate and controlled.

Situational Awareness and Readiness: Understanding the importance of element of surprise and using one’s voice as a deterrent are practical ways to stay alert and defend if needed.

RESOURCES

Helpful e-book: Concealed Carry for Women

https://ccwsafe.com/ One option for CCW insurance - a must have if you are carrying.

JOIN my email list so you are notified of when my self defense course is live again and when we have an in person workshop on non-lethal self defense training. Sign up at awareandprepared.life at the bottom of the website.

Reach Mandi through her website AwareAndPrepared.Life or Instagram @WomenAwareAndPrepared

Send us a text

Mandi opens up about her personal journey with firearms, from dealing with the vulnerability of her past to making the decision to own a gun for protection. Joined by her podcast editor Andrea, the two discuss the emotional weight, responsibility, and real-life experiences that shape their views on self-defense.

Mandi talks about the need for responsible gun ownership, the importance of proper training, and how she practices with her firearm. Whether you're for or against guns, this episode is a judgment-free zone where different perspectives are explored with respect, caution, and personal experience. If you've ever wondered about self-defense options—whether a gun, pepper spray, or something else—this episode will give you plenty to think about.

LESSONS LEARNED

Self-defense is a personal choice—explore what feels right for you.

Responsible gun ownership requires proper training and practice.

There are various self-defense options to feel empowered and prepared: lethal & non-lethal.

Please respect and listen to different perspectives on sensitive issues like gun ownership.

RESOURCES

JOIN my email list so you are notified of when my self defense course is live again and when we have an in person workshop on non-lethal self defense training. Sign up at awareandprepared.life at the bottom of the website.

***Don’t forget to review the show (bottom of all episodes) - is it helpful, practical, insightful?***

Book Mandi for a keynote and workshops for your school, conference or retreat to share her real life story, how she healed and practical takeaways to inspire and empower your audience.

Reach Mandi through her website AwareAndPrepared.Life or Instagram @WomenAwareAndPrepared

Send us a text

Hear this true crime story—a crime trend in my neighborhood. In this gripping episode of the Aware and Prepared podcast, we dive deeper into the importance of trusting your instincts when encountering overly friendly strangers. Mandi shares a recent local crime story that offers a stark reminder of how easy it is to become a target, especially for kind-hearted individuals. 

Learn how to stay safe, use your voice confidently, and remain aware of your surroundings in public spaces—without feeling paranoid. 

LESSONS LEARNED

Trust Your Intuition: Pay attention to how you feel when strangers approach you, especially if they are overly friendly. It’s okay to listen to your gut and act on it.

Use Your Voice: Don’t hesitate to speak up loudly if someone invades your personal space. A simple, firm "Stop!" can deter potential threats.

Be Aware of Distraction Techniques: Criminals may use friendliness or ask for help to divert your attention and steal your belongings.

Report Suspicious Activity: Even if a crime wasn’t committed, reporting suspicious behavior to the police helps prevent future crimes and assists with investigations.

Stay Mindful in Public: Keep an eye on your surroundings, avoid getting absorbed in your phone, and be cautious when wearing valuable jewelry in public places.

RESOURCES

WeTip.com or 1-800-78-CRIME - Anonymous reporting system OR call your local police and ask that you stay anonymous.

Aware and Prepared Podcast Weekly Email: Provides show notes and links to resources mentioned in each episode. Sign up at awareandprepared.life at the bottom of the website.

***Don’t forget to review the show (bottom of all episodes) - is it helpful, practical, insightful?***

Book Mandi for a keynote and workshops for your school, conference or retreat to share her real life story, how she healed and practical takeaways to inspire and empower your audience.

Reach Mandi through her website AwareAndPrepared.Life or Instagram @WomenAwareAndPrepared

Send us a text

Ever feel like someone is following you? Hear about the crime trend, jugging, and how to stay aware and safer. Mandi highly recommends subscribing to police news releases in your local city to be aware of crime trends. 

Hear this true story of "jugging," where criminals follow the victim from picking up valuable jewelry in LA. Hear what happens and learn from this story. The episode offers practical tips for identifying if you're being followed and what to do.

LESSONS LEARNED

Pay attention to being followed – Be aware of your surroundings calmly.

Trust your intuition – If your intuition tells you something is off, listen to it and act accordingly by either varying your route and seeking help.

Don't leave valuables in your car – Avoid leaving items, even those that don’t seem valuable, in plain sight inside your vehicle, as it may attract criminals.

Know what to do if your car is broken into – call 911 if you still feel in danger, or call the non-emergency number if time has passed and the situation is safe.

RESOURCES

Aware and Prepared Podcast Weekly Email: Provides show notes and links to resources mentioned in each episode. Sign up at awareandprepared.life at the bottom of the website.

***Don’t forget to review the show (bottom of all episodes) - is it helpful, practical, insightful?***

Book Mandi for a keynote and workshops for your school, conference or retreat to share her real life story, how she healed and practical takeaways to inspire and empower your audience.

Reach Mandi through her website AwareAndPrepared.Life or Instagram @WomenAwareAndPrepared