Lost in an unending loop of responsibilities and distractions? Longing for a transformative escape? Join host Meghan Thomas with special guests Jaime Weisberg and Tracy Dando Mergler as they take you on a journey through the profound power of retreats in this episode. 

Explore with us as we discuss exactly how retreats provide us with a chance to hit the pause button on our fast-paced lives, enabling us to disconnect from the world and reconnect with our authentic selves. We also touch on the collective and individual energy experienced during a retreat and how this allows us to safely step into our vulnerability, to connect and be seen. We also discover new tools that can be brought back into our lives that will have a profound effect on not only ourselves but the people closest to us as well. 

We warmly invite you to join us at our upcoming retreat - Root to Rise: Connect and Be Seen at the beautiful VanderKamp in Cleveland New York. We've designed this retreat to be a sanctuary for self-care and self-reflection. We offer a variety of activities aimed at helping you connect with your inner-self, while fostering a sense of belonging among participants. We also shed light on how we've made accessibility and affordability central to our retreat, with special scholarship opportunities for those in need. With a combination of movement, positive psychology and group circles is our way of creating a safe space for vulnerability, healing, and connection. 

Root to Rise is more than just a retreat. It’s our mission to empower you to trust your own voice, to build a life that resonates with your inner truth and find a community that truly supports you. We can't wait to meet you and help you embark on this transformative journey.

Root to Rise Retreat October 27, 2023: https://www.roottorisecny.com/

Episode 14 with Jaime Weisberg: https://spotify.link/I39tPznUADb

Ep 35 with Tracy Dando Mergler: https://spotify.link/jtvXE8oUADb`

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Life can be a rollercoaster, and for our incredible guest Diana Lockett, author of "The Call to Freedom," the journey to self-discovery and healing was no exception. Through the trials and tribulations of her childhood, Diana learned to reconnect with the parts of herself she had denied, disowned, and shut down. Join us as she bravely shares her experiences growing up, the impact of her upbringing on her relationships, and her path to healing and self-discovery.

Together, we discuss various tools and practices for emotional healing, such as meditation, energy healing, and yoga. I open up about my own experiences learning these practices and how they have helped me reclaim deeply buried parts of myself. As we explore the challenging process of forgiveness – from generational traumas to moments of self-sabotage – we reflect on the importance of creating space for growth and healing.

Diana also shares her journey as a speech pathologist and her experience of opening and closing yoga studios, offering valuable lessons she's learned along the way. We emphasize the significance of boundaries, communication, and the power of vulnerability throughout our heartfelt conversation. Join us in this inspiring episode as we uncover the journey to love, purpose, and healing through life's many challenges.

--------- EPISODE CHAPTERS ---------

(0:00:02) - Healing Through Imperfection

(0:14:32) - Tools and Practices for Emotional Healing

(0:25:15) - The Journey of Forgiveness and Self-Forgiveness

(0:33:48) - Boundaries and Communication

(0:39:27) - Speech Pathology and Yoga

(0:43:36) - The Journey to Love and Purpose

Connect with Diana Lockett:

-Book: The Call to Freedom: Heal Your Pain, Awaken Your Loving Presence: https://amzn.to/3NEdIYt

-Free gift: A Call to Freedom: Heal your Pain, Awaken Your Loving Presence Companion Journal. A 30 page ebook with journal prompts to awaken in your life: https://bit.ly/CTFJournal 

-Socials/website: 

https://linktr.ee/diana_lockett

Connect with Meg:

-Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/emotional_expedition/

-Website: https://www.meghanthomas.com/

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Our personal struggles can often lead us to our true purpose. This week Meg sat down with Dr. Ali Novitsky, a physician-turned-coach with a powerful story of overcoming body image issues and discovering her true calling in health and preventative care. Ali's unique journey through body acceptance, CBT, and postpartum depression has informed her approach to helping women become the best, most authentic versions of themselves.

We also delved into the importance of emotional health and how it's deeply connected to our physical and mental well-being. Ali shared her insights on various techniques, such as exercise and dialectical behavioral therapy, that can help us regulate our emotions and ultimately live our most optimal lives. The conversation emphasized the significance of acknowledging and nurturing our emotions to truly reap the benefits of physical and mental health.

Lastly, Ali's expertise in genetics shed light on how understanding our unique genetic makeup can help us manage our emotions, overcome limiting beliefs, and even address emotional eating. With a focus on optimal health strategies and mindset work, we discussed the importance of trusting the process and creating a loving relationship with ourselves. Don't miss this enlightening conversation with Dr. Ali Novitsky, filled with valuable insights on embracing our true selves and achieving our best health.

--------- EPISODE CHAPTERS ---------

(0:00:02) - From Doctor to Coach

(0:08:42) - Physical and Emotional Health Connection

(0:14:56) - Managing Emotions and Limiting Beliefs

(0:26:56) - Understanding Genetics and Mental Health

(0:33:15) - Genetic Factors in Emotional Eating

(0:40:48) - Optimal Health Strategies and Mindset Work

(0:51:44) - Trusting the Process

Connect with Dr. Ali Novitsky:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alinovitskymd/

Website: https://www.lifecoachingforwomenphysicians.com/podcast

PROGRAMS: 

Men's Program, Fit Dad Collective™: https://www.lifecoachingforwomenphysicians.com/fdc

Physician CME Program, Transform®: https://www.goals-society.com/transform

The Fit Woman Collective™ is launching in August. COMING SOON!!!!!

Connect with Meg:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/emotional_expedition/

Website: https://www.meghanthomas.com/

Atlas of the Heart Book Study: https://www.meghanthomas.com/atlas-of-the-heart

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this powerful and transformative discussion with Jana Wilson, author of the prescriptive memoir: Wise Little One: Learning to Love and Listen to my Inner Child, we explore how her own personal journey led her to create this unique blend of storytelling and healing. Jana takes us through her challenging childhood in the South, with young parents, an alcoholic and abusive father, and a mother diagnosed with mental illness. Jana shares how she discovered the power of unconditional love, the importance of reparenting, and the profound impact of connecting with her inner child.

Listen in as Jana and I discuss the concept of becoming a cycle breaker and how she used her imagination to manifest her dreams. We also examine the gift of trauma, the power of introversion, and Jana's connection to animals. As we uncover the beautiful story of self-discovery, self-love, and the importance of taking responsibility for our own choices, we are reminded that we can all find light even in our darkest moments.

Finally, we explore the teachings of Deepak Chopra and Mark Nepo, and how their wisdom can be applied to our everyday lives. This episode is a must-listen for anyone on a journey of self-discovery, healing, and personal growth.

Connect with Jana: 

Pre-order Wise Little One: https://www.janawilson.com/

Emotional Healing Retreats: https://www.emotionalhealingretreat.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/emotional_healing_retreats/

Connect with Meg:

Website: https://www.meghanthomas.com/

Atlas of the Heart Book Study: https://www.meghanthomas.com/atlas-of-the-heart

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/emotional_expedition/

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of the Emotional Expedition Podcast Meghan Thomas interviews Paula Crossfield, a vedic astrologer and business coach. Paula shares her journey of self-discovery and spiritual awakening. She discusses her early life, her travels, and her deep connection with different cultures and spirituality. Paula is a beacon of inspiration and wisdom.

Paula begins by sharing her personal journey growing up in Oklahoma, revealing how she navigated through intense emotions and anxiety. She speaks of her exploration of yoga and traditional Indian chanting, tools she employed to understand and manage her emotional rollercoasters. Paula's life story is an inspiring testimony of resilience and determination, serving as a reminder that our emotional struggles can be catalysts for transformation.

Shifting gears, the conversation moves towards the intriguing connection between emotions and celestial phenomena. Paula sheds light on the profound emotional impacts of events such as eclipses and discusses their influence on our lives, even if we're not astrologically aware. Her insights give listeners a fresh perspective on how the cosmic realm may intersect with our emotional world.

In a compelling dialogue on entrepreneurship, Paula reveals her approach to guiding spirit-led entrepreneurs. She explains how she aids them in aligning their business strategies with their cosmic blueprints, leading to not just financial success, but also meaningful impact. This part of the discussion unravels how money, a traditionally tangible entity, can intertwine with spirituality in entrepreneurial ventures.

Paula also delves into the emotional relationship people have with money, illuminating how it can limit their financial growth. She talks about helping spiritual practitioners overcome mindset blocks that obstruct their earnings. 

The podcast also explores the significance of taking calculated risks.  Paula underlines her unique business model, centered on health, well-being, and philanthropy. As a tribute to her father's influence, she emphasizes the importance of charitable giving, marking it as a vital part of her business operations.

Wrapping up this enlightening episode, Paula recounts her transformative travel experiences. Her deep connection with Estonia's unique culture and her newfound appreciation for her home environment in Maine offer fascinating insights into the profound impacts of travel and exploration on personal growth.

Join Meghan and Paula on this Emotional Expedition, and embark on a journey to unlock your own emotional understanding and potential.

Connect with Paula: 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/weaveyourbliss/

Podcast: The Cosmic Business Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/5QrjaD8C2NDdpG931ZDchV?si=5d5d150bc6d542c9

Website: https://www.weaveyourbliss.com

Connect with Meg:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/emotional_expedition/

Website: https://www.meghanthomas.com/

Atlas of the Heart Book Study: https://www.meghanthomas.com/atlas-of-the-heart

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In a recent podcast episode Meg had an enlightening conversation with Annabel Chown, a breast cancer survivor, architect, yoga teacher, and author. Annabel shared her journey from diagnosis to recovery, the emotional and physical challenges she faced, and how she found a new sense of purpose and direction in life.

Annabel was diagnosed with breast cancer at the age of 31. She was working as an architect, leading a busy life, and was in the prime of her youth when the diagnosis came. The news was shocking and life-altering. The emotional toll was significant. She grappled with fear, self-consciousness, and body image issues.

Despite these challenges, Annabel found solace in her yoga practice. It provided a sense of peace and connection to a part of herself that felt spacious and calm. She eventually became a yoga teacher, eager to share the benefits she had experienced with others.

Annabel also underwent testing for the BRCA gene, a gene associated with a higher risk of breast and ovarian cancer. She tested positive, which led to further surgeries, including a mastectomy and the removal of her ovaries. This decision was made more complex by her desire to have a child.

After a long journey, including IVF, Annabel and her husband were blessed with a son. She acknowledges the challenges of infertility, which affects one in six women, and the stress of modern life that can contribute to these struggles.

Today, Annabel leads a quiet, balanced life. She wakes up early for her yoga and meditation practice, spends quality time with her son, and dedicates time to her writing. She has written a book about her journey, transforming her challenging experience into a beautiful piece of work.

Annabel's story is a testament to resilience and the power of self-care. She has navigated her way through life-altering experiences, finding strength in her body, solace in her yoga practice, and a new sense of purpose in her writing. Her journey serves as an inspiration for others facing similar challenges, reminding us all of the importance of emotional readiness, self-care, and the power of sharing our stories.

To connect with Annabel:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/annabelchown/

Website: https://www.annabelchown.com

Substack: This Beating Heart: https://annabelchown.substack.com

Book: Hidden: Young, Single, Cancer: https://amzn.to/3IioiBo

To connect with Meg:

Website: https://www.meghanthomas.com/

Atlas of the Heart Book Study: https://www.meghanthomas.com/atlas-of-the-heart

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this special episode of the Emotional Expedition podcast, host Meghan Thomas celebrates her 40th birthday by sharing 40 profound quotes that have shaped and inspired her life. These quotes serve as guiding lights on her emotional journey and offer valuable insights for listeners seeking wisdom and personal growth.

Throughout the episode, Meghan reflects on the significance of each quote, sharing personal anecdotes and the lessons she has learned along the way. From renowned authors and philosophers to beloved fictional characters, these quotes capture the essence of human experiences, resilience, and self-discovery.

Highlights from the episode include:

Meghan also draws inspiration from Oprah, Brené Brown, Paulo Coehlo, Cleo Wade, Yung Pueblo and other influential figures. She emphasizes the importance of gratitude, the interconnectedness of spirituality and humanity, and the everlasting love and lessons shared by our furry friends.

Join Meghan on this insightful episode as she invites listeners to embark on their own emotional expeditions, armed with these 40 powerful quotes that can ignite personal transformation, offer solace in challenging times, and remind us of the inherent strength within ourselves.

Connect with Meg:

https://www.meghanthomas.com/

Atlas of the Heart Book Study:

https://www.meghanthomas.com/atlas-of-the-heart

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In a recent podcast episode, Meg had an enlightening conversation with Amanda Bullat, a registered dietitian and the owner of Alpine Nutrition, a practice that helps women in midlife redefine their relationship with food and their bodies. Amanda shared her personal journey from being a competitive runner to experiencing a significant identity shift, which led her to her current work. 

Amanda's journey began as a competitive runner, where she experienced the pressure of maintaining a certain body size and weight. This led to disordered eating and an unhealthy relationship with food and her body. However, a significant turning point came during a trek in Nepal with her father. Despite being physically weak due to her disordered eating, Amanda was one of the only two people in her group who didn't need medication for high altitude sickness. This experience made her realize that her body was resilient and capable, despite not fitting into the societal ideals of diet culture.

The most impactful part of Amanda's Nepal story was when she found herself feeling weak and frail while descending a pass. She realized that she wanted to continue having such adventures, but didn't want to feel weak doing so. This realization led her to vow to do whatever it took to regain her strength, even if it meant gaining weight and eating more. This was the catalyst for her journey towards recovery and her eventual work in helping others redefine their relationship with food and their bodies.

Amanda's approach to helping her clients is rooted in the acronym SAVOR, which stands for Start, Awareness, Variety, Options, and Reflect and Release. She guides her clients to start noticing how cultural messages affect their relationship with their bodies, develop awareness of their feelings and bodily sensations, explore a variety of foods and self-nourishment practices, consider their options for greater self-nourishment, and reflect on their experiences while releasing judgment.

Amanda emphasizes the importance of viewing these steps as a practice rather than a linear trajectory towards a fixed goal. She encourages her clients to reflect on what they like and what they want to change, and to release any judgment associated with these experiences. This approach helps her clients develop a healthier and more dynamic relationship with food and their bodies.

Amanda's story and her work highlight the importance of redefining our relationship with food and our bodies, especially as we navigate through different stages of life. Her approach encourages us to practice self-nourishment, mindfulness, and reflection, and to release judgment and expectations. It's a reminder that our bodies are resilient and capable, and that we can redefine our relationship with food and our bodies to better align with our personal goals and desires.

To learn more about Amanda's work:

Website: www.alpinenutrition.org

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alpinenutrition/

Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/1wabNuFKPai72ZnqmOQoK7?si=a111e3e12fb6474b

To connect with Meg:

https://www.meghanthomas.com/

Atlas of the Heart Book Study:

https://www.meghanthomas.com/atlas-of-the-heart

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of the Emotional Expedition podcast, host Meghan Thomas interviews KJ Nasrul, a psychotherapist, healing artist, speaker, and host of the Stories of Astonishing Light podcast. They discuss KJ's experiences as a transracial adoptee, the complexities of emotions surrounding adoption, and the importance of self-reclamation and embracing personal journeys.

KJ shares her story of being adopted and the emotional challenges that came with it, including feelings of displacement, abandonment, and loss. She reflects on the impact of her adopted father's passing on her life and how her Puerto Rican lineage discovery brought mixed emotions. Despite being told her differences didn't matter, she felt a strong connection to her islander heritage and sought ways to express herself through music and movement.

Meg and KJ explore the concept of belonging and fitting in, with KJ noting that she feels a stronger connection to specific people and places rather than a particular culture. They discuss the challenges of navigating connections with biological family members, adoptive family, and donor conceived relatives.

KJ emphasizes the importance of acknowledging and discussing differences instead of dismissing them, noting that messages like "I'm colorblind" can be both helpful and harmful. She also highlights the value of the language used in adoption, such as "bio mom" and "transracial adoptee," which helped her connect with her experiences and understand her background better.

Meg and KJ share the importance of taking brave steps in their personal journeys, with KJ recently reconnecting with her musical roots by pulling out her guitar and signing up for a 23andMe account. They both stress the significance of belonging to oneself and embracing self-worth and self-love. KJ shares her playful approach to her cultural identity, creating her own blend of Filipino and Puerto Rican heritage.

KJ leaves listeners with the quote "be impeccable with your word" from the Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz, emphasizing the power of language and the importance of being mindful of the words we use, especially towards ourselves.

Key Takeaways:

1. Transracial adoptees often face unique challenges and emotions when discovering their biological heritage.

2. Connections with biological family members can bring up complicated feelings, especially concerning adoptive family relationships.

3. Belonging to oneself and embracing self-worth and self-love is crucial.

4. One's identity can be a unique blend of cultures and experiences, transcending traditional categories.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/musingsonother/

Website: https://www.blissbeginswithin.com

Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/3lXorShaoXzBMnXNR8J7Ni?si=a6cd75181fa442bf

Bali Creativity Retreat: https://www.blissbeginswithin.com/featured-eventsworkshops-copy

To Connect with Meg: 

https://www.meghanthomas.com/

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of the Emotional Expedition podcast, host Meghan Thomas interviews Tere Marie, creator of Cycle Alchemy, astrologer, somatic movement expert, and organic farmer. They explore the intersection of science and spirit, reproductive sovereignty, and the significant role of cycles in our lives. Tere shares her experiences of living on Wyllie Fox Farm in upstate New York and her journey through nature, intuition, and personal growth.

Tere Marie explores the different cycles we experience, including the zodiac, the menstrual cycle, and the lunar cycle, and how they intersect to create our unique experiences. She emphasizes the importance of observation and anchoring ourselves within these cycles to understand our emotions better. 

Tere explains how the seasons can be used as a metaphor for different phases of the menstrual cycle, helping us to better understand and trust our feelings: 

These phases correspond to different hormonal changes and can influence our emotions and intuition. For many, the luteal and menstrual phases tend to be more intuitive and offer increased clarity.

Tere's path to understanding cycles and the natural world was influenced by her cycle-positive upbringing, experiences with childbirth, and personal growth through overcoming challenges. 

They highlight how embracing discomfort and facing our fears during the shadowy phases of life can lead to profound learning experiences. Tere explains that our bodies store experiences and that somatic movement can help connect the mind and body, allowing for healing and growth.

Lastly, Tere and Meghan touch on the power of joy, flow state, and community in somatic dance and movement. They emphasize the importance of safe environments, music, and emotional processing in somatic movement practices. Join them for this captivating episode as they guide you through an emotional expedition, exploring cycles, emotions, and personal transformation.

Connect with Tere:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cyclealchemist/

Website: https://www.teremariemartini.com/

Connect with Meg: 

Website: https://www.meghanthomas.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/emotional_expedition/

Atlas of the Heart Book Study: https://www.meghanthomas.com/atlas-of-the-heart

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices