In this episode we feature Enneagram 7, Becky Curtis, who talks with us about empathy and overcoming chronic pain. We also end the episode with advice on how each of the 9 Enneagram types can be more empathetic.

In the summer of 2005, Becky Curtis was in a violent rollover car accident in the remote Big Hole Valley of Montana—just past the sign that read “Wisdom 14 miles.”

A C-4 spinal cord injury almost took her life—twice. She fought to stay alive and rehabilitate from the severe injuries. Months of therapy helped her relearn many of the motor skills I’d lost, until she became somewhat used to her physical limitations.

Then she encountered an even harder challenge: excruciating, burning, aching central nerve pain caused by a cyst on the spinal cord. It was inoperable. It seemed I faced a life of never-ending pain—so unbearable I didn’t know how I could go on.

Her doctors worked hard to help her find a solution, but the best medications for nerve pain didn’t help. Narcotics didn’t even touch the pain; they just made it harder for her to cope with her pain. She was trapped in her body and desperately wanted to get out.

She prayed for answers and for hope. Referral to a pain clinic gave her training in the science of pain, knowledge of the mind-body aspects of pain, and tools to make desired behavioral changes and reach measurable goals. she now had a way to decrease her pain.

She continued to research pain and to collaborate with medical specialists, but she recognized that a piece was missing for most people in pain: ongoing support, learning how to personally manage pain, and motivation to make lasting change. This sparked an idea that soon became her passion: helping others with chronic pain learn effective ways to decrease their pain experience and permanently manage their pain.

I recognized a piece that was missing for most people in pain: ongoing support and learning how to personally manage pain.

Becky Curtis founded Take Courage Coaching® with a vision to share what she was learning—how to manage my pain so it wasn’t the center of her universe. In time she gathered and trained a group of people who are equally passionate about making life less about pain and more about living. Through the contagious courage of our great team of NBCHWC coaches, others are finding their way back from the brink of despair. Her dream is to make pain management coaching the standard of care for everyone with chronic pain.

Pain no longer has control of her life. Every day she actively manages her pain under the backdrop of the towering mountains of Utah. And every day is filled with the joy of helping others learn and practice strategies that help free them from the tyranny of pain.

Wisdom is no longer just the name of a small town in the middle of Montana. Today it means the power to understand pain and send it back where it belongs.

https://takecouragecoaching.com

A conversation with Rachel Graber Fortin about music, yoga, personality, parenting, and sisterhood.

During this episode we talk with Margaret Summersell about yoga, meditation, parenting, personality, earth schooling (home schooling), spirituality, and so much more. Margaret is a Yoga Instructor, Trauma Informed Breathwork Facilitator, Somatic Healing Practitioner, and Homeschooling Mama.

She has been sharing Yoga & working in Somatics for over 8 years.

As a Mother of two young children, she is passionate about guiding women back into connection with their bodies, and through somatic practices, she serves as a guide to reconnect others to the beauty of their true essence.

Margaret runs her own business selling vintage clothing, offers Private + Group Yoga & Breathwork/Meditation Classes, & shares her current inspirations & life (including yummy healthy recipes) via her Instagram (@bohemianseed)

Jennifer Hobbs grew up in Chattanooga.  Shortly after graduating from UTC with a degree in secondary education, she traveled out west to work as a whitewater guide on the Arkansas River in Colorado.  One season turned into a decade where she spent time riding the rivers, hiking the mountains, biking the trails, climbing the rocks, and living the dream.  After having her son in 2000, she knew it was time to move back home and reconnect with family.  Life soon got busy with kids and work and going back to school and all the things.  Yoga came into her life when Jessica Jollie and Sara Mingus opened North Shore Yoga in 2008.  Over the next 17 years or so, her practice evolved from passive observer to passionate instructor and practioner.

The yogic teachings have transformed her modus operandi in all areas of her life and serve as a constant sounding board.  The asanas have taught me appreciation, confidence, patience, and humility.  The prana and breath work may have possibly saved a life or two as it taught me composure, self restrain, discipline, and the importance of going inward to find her true self.  

She passionate about sharing this beautiful teachings with others, and even more passionate about learning from instrumental yoga teachers.  When not practicing or leading yoga, I can be found in my 8th grade ELA classroom at Chattanooga Valley Middle School, exploring the great outdoors, collecting cool rocks, playing in my garden, hanging with my family, and forever crafting.

Jennifer teaches yoga at Yoga Landing in Chattanooga, TN and offers pop-up classes at Rising Fawn Gardens.

A Brand New Podcast Episode Featuring Alicia King! We Talk Yogazl, the Enneagram, & Mental Health!

Alicia King is a graduate student in counseling, a certified yoga teacher, and a marketing professional.

She works to live and prioritizes her time outside of work to grow and offer the best of herself to the community.

Follow Alicia on Instagram: @gayotic_good

Alicia King is a graduate student in counseling, a certified yoga teacher, and a marketing professional.

She works to live and prioritizes her time outside of work to grow and offer the best of herself to the community.

In our podcast episodes with her she gives shout outs to these yoga teachers:

Erica - https://www.instagram.com/zenbendyoga?igsh=YzRkemV3bjB0c3Qz

Titus- https://www.instagram.com/thafourth?igsh=ZTY3c29idHdrdXBi

Alicia King is a graduate student in counseling, a certified yoga teacher, and a marketing professional.

She works to love and prioritizes her time outside of work to grow and offer the best of herself to the community.

In our podcast episodes with her she gives shout outs to these yoga teachers:

Erica - https://www.instagram.com/zenbendyoga?igsh=YzRkemV3bjB0c3Qz

Titus- https://www.instagram.com/thafourth?igsh=ZTY3c29idHdrdXBi