everyday compassion with Henny Flynn

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Today we're back with Kate Adams, founder of Inner Work Project and the publisher of In the Flow - journal your inner wisdom, my brand new book (toot toot). 

We have turned the tables and Kate is interviewing me...

Our conversation begins with a personal reflection from Kate, that grounds our conversation in real life. And beautifully illustrates how journaling can be one of the most powerful tools to support us when things in life feel challenging.

We cover...

• What led to my own journaling practice, and the changes it helped me make
• How journaling helps us reconnect with the deeper, inner wiser part of me - enabling us to really SEE ourselves
• Ways we can learn to meet ourselves where we are, without judgement, allowing for whatever emerges - often with surprising moments of insight
• Things that can get in the way of journaling - and what can help us get started, or restarted
• The compassionate, practical guidance and inspirational journaling prompts that flow through the book

This was a rich and nourishing conversation. I found it fascinating to have my own ideas opened up in this way and I hope it feels useful for you too, in your own journaling practice.

To order your own copy of In the Flow (pub. 30.05.24)
http://innerworkproject.com/product/in-the-flow/

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My good friend Susan McCulley is back on the show. And this time we're talking about the tough stuff.

Author, somatic movement coach and artist, Susan brings a breadth and depth of wisdom, knowledge and personal experience to every conversation and this episode is no exception.

We look at the topic of Tough Stuff from many perspectives. 

Exploring the importance of going gently with ourselves when things FEEL hard - and the importance of facing into and taking action to navigate the things that are hard to DO. Some of the areas we cover include:

• Not just about the DOINGNESS but also the BEINGWITHNESS
• Understanding our capacity is vital to how we care for ourselves in the face of tough things
• Being persistent, learning, and feeling good about yourself are all affected by a crucial neurological mechanism responsible for cultivating qualities of tenacity and willpower
• Doing effortful things is GOOD for you - but we also need BALANCE
• How making small changes can lead to big results

We finish with Susan's beautiful enquiry: 'How can I make more space for what's needed right now?'

CONNECT WITH SUSAN
For movement, books & art https://www.susanmcculley.com/
For women over 50 https://www.susanmcculley.com/women-over-50

REFERENCES
Dr Andrew Huberman - the 'source' of the will to live
Stephen Covey -  7 Habits of Highly Successful People 
James Clear - Atomic Habits

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Explore the power of Flow Journaling, self-compassion and gentle change in a supportive space.
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Today we’re exploring Patience.

It arose as a topic out of a random selection of a page from an old journal. As I dived into the idea, it expanded for me. Perhaps these reflections will support you, in some way, too.

This is an invitation to explore how Patience feels for you, the thoughts and beliefs you have about it, the stories you may be carrying that inform it.

Some of the ideas that arose were:

• The use of Angel Cards as journal prompts
• The 3 types of Patience, researched by Dr. Sarah Schnitker, Associate Professor of Psychology and Neuroscience
• Fixed and growth mindsets in how we see our own relationship to Patience (and the work of Carol Dweck)
• How Patience sits in the centre point between passivity and recklessness - and how it can be seen to support our emotional regulation
• Modern attitudes to patience versus our ancient, shared, cultural heritage of what Patience is and how it can serve us

I close with the poem, Patience, by Emily Dickinson

Patience – has a quiet Outer –

Patience – Look within –

Is an Insect’s futile forces

Infinites – between –

‘Scaping one – against the other

Fruitlesser to fling –

Patience – is the Smile’s exertion

Through the quivering –

REFERENCES

• John O'Donohue - poem FLUENT
• Dr. Sarah Schnitker - research in Patience
• Carol Dweck - research in fixed & growth mindsets
• Thich Naht Hanh - we are all the traffic 

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***

A piece of quiet
Your weekly pause - a calming relaxation practice, every Wednesday. A few minutes to settle, a few minutes to write. First aid for the soul.
Join here - use the code PEACE for 20% off your first year

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Sign up to hear more - and only receive what speaks to you.
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everyday ♡ compassion
Tiny reminders of self-love and presence, delivered three times a week.
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Free Events & Small Group Courses
Explore the power of Flow Journaling, self-compassion and gentle change in a supportive space.
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Rest, reflect and reconnect – fully supported in a place of deep natural beauty.
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Books, Journaling Resources & Self-paced Courses
Explore tools for inner connection and compassionate growth.
Visit the library

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Explore whether coaching could support what’s calling for change.
...

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My guest today is the optimistic and courageous Jo Moseley. Water lover, stand-up paddle boarder (SUP), author of a bestselling book and creator of an award winning tiny film.

I love the double meaning in today's title, because I see that through her adventures, Jo really has stood-up for herself, and for all women in mid-life. She embodies the joy of adventure, solo travel and ageing well. 

We talk of experiences that were deeply challenging in her past and how in 2016, she first stepped onto a paddleboard. And then proceeded to paddleboard 162 miles coast to coast across Britain. She wrote her first book at 57 and now, on the tipping point of 60, is about to publish her second.

She's a gorgeous soul who shares her story with compassion and courage. We speak of:

• Courage and fresh starts
• Things that can get in the way of adventure
• What can help us access our inner resources
• The role of (self) compassion in navigating life
• Ageing with a fresh perspective

I also share the poem, Fluent, by John O'Donoghue - it feels resonant here.
I would love to live
Like a river flows
Carried by the surprise
Of its own unfolding

This episode has a transcript.

To connect with Jo https://www.jomoseley.com/ or Instagram @jomoseley

REFERENCES

• Amy Cuddy TED talk - Jo references this as part of what helps her access her courage - it's a talk I've mentioned before on the podcast and highly recommended
• Stand-up Paddleboarding in Great Britain: Beautiful places to paddleboard in England, Scotland & Wales by Jo Moseley

Support the show

***

A piece of quiet
Your weekly pause - a calming relaxation practice, every Wednesday. A few minutes to settle, a few minutes to write. First aid for the soul.
Join here - use the code PEACE for 20% off your first year

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everyday ♡ compassion
Tiny reminders of self-love and presence, delivered three times a week.
Subscribe here

Free Events & Small Group Courses
Explore the power of Flow Journaling, self-compassion and gentle change in a supportive space.
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Solo Retreats at Bach Brook
Rest, reflect and reconnect – fully supported in a place of deep natural beauty.
Retreat with me

Books, Journaling Resources & Self-paced Courses
Explore tools for inner connection and compassionate growth.
Visit the library

Free 20-minute Call
Explore whether coaching could support what’s calling for change.
...

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We’re hardwired to respond to stories. Before the written word, stories were how humans passed down critical information - Bullet points and facts don’t stick around as long. Stories provide us with a way to make sense of the world and neuroscience now shows us how the brain encodes memories in terms of narrative.

But.

Sometimes the stories we’ve picked up along the way of our life might no longer serve us. This episode explores the opportunity we may have to rewrite our narrative. 

It touches on...

• We all learn & gather stories, beginning in early childhood - from our families, our culture, our community
• Jung’s interest in fairytales and how they can shine a light into our life experience
• Some of the stories we carry might actually belong to others
• The 3 steps we can explore to take control of the narrative
• Exploring how we can transform and rewrite the stories we hold

Support the show

***

A piece of quiet
Your weekly pause - a calming relaxation practice, every Wednesday. A few minutes to settle, a few minutes to write. First aid for the soul.
Join here - use the code PEACE for 20% off your first year

Let’s stay connected
Sign up to hear more - and only receive what speaks to you.
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everyday ♡ compassion
Tiny reminders of self-love and presence, delivered three times a week.
Subscribe here

Free Events & Small Group Courses
Explore the power of Flow Journaling, self-compassion and gentle change in a supportive space.
See what’s on

Solo Retreats at Bach Brook
Rest, reflect and reconnect – fully supported in a place of deep natural beauty.
Retreat with me

Books, Journaling Resources & Self-paced Courses
Explore tools for inner connection and compassionate growth.
Visit the library

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Explore whether coaching could support what’s calling for change.
...

Tap to send me your reflections ♡

Today, I’d like to talk about Inner Change, and how - at its heart - it's about returning to Self.

This was a surprisingly emotive topic for me. You’ll hear there’s a moment I need to gather myself before continuing - proof (if I needed it) of the significance and importance of connecting deeply and compassionately with ourselves.

Some of the things I cover, include:

• The importance of reflecting on how far we have travelled 
• How taking off my rose-tinted spectacles was part of my own change journey
• That change goes beyond resolutions and goals
• The difference between Will Power and Way Power (part of Motivational Theory)
• The fundamental truth that caring deeply for your Self is part of caring deeply for the world and the people around you

I also share a piece of writing I originally wrote on Instagram, and it felt useful to include it here...
I’ve been noisier than usual recently. Sharing poems, thoughts, things about myself. It’s surprising me but I’m going with it. Something is drawing me to speak. And maybe it’s you I’m speaking to? Maybe you’re feeling like you want to be heard? Maybe something within you is asking to be seen? Maybe you sense an awakening of a long dormant part? Maybe… maybe you’d like to talk? Maybe it’s time? Maybe you’ve been wondering about this for a while? Maybe it’s a new surgence* within? Maybe you’ve been doing the Work for a while and want to see what to do with what you’ve found? Maybe this change you feel rising feels overwhelming at times? Maybe you’re seeking a guide. Maybe having someone walking beside you a while would feel like comfort and courage combined. If a yes arises to one or more, then maybe you are why I’m here right now, asking all these maybes. Maybe this is the moment to reach in? With love ❤️

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***

A piece of quiet
Your weekly pause - a calming relaxation practice, every Wednesday. A few minutes to settle, a few minutes to write. First aid for the soul.
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Sign up to hear more - and only receive what speaks to you.
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everyday ♡ compassion
Tiny reminders of self-love and presence, delivered three times a week.
Subscribe here

Free Events & Small Group Courses
Explore the power of Flow Journaling, self-compassion and gentle change in a supportive space.
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Solo Retreats at Bach Brook
Rest, reflect and reconnect – fully supported in a place of deep natural beauty.
Retreat with me

Books, Journaling Resources & Self-paced Courses
Explore tools for inner connection and compassionate growth.
Visit the library

Free 20-minute Call
Explore whether coaching could support what’s calling for change.
...

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In ancient Sanskrit, mandala means “circle.”

Gradually working outward from the central first dot, the creator builds an intricate and beautiful design. And then, the whole thing is wiped clean. They’re ephemeral by nature.

Today I’d like to explore how the principles inherent within Mandalas could support us; and dip into what I’m calling: the Mandala Mindset.

Along the way, we'll be looking at:

• How Mandalas represent the ephemeral nature of all things
• The full version of the famous Marcus Aurelius quote that led to our modern usage of the adage: “live each day as if it were your last.”
• What it could mean to be aware of our own mortality
• How learning somethng new can help us connect with the Mandala Mindset
• Pema Chödrön’s observation that “Each person’s life is like a mandala”

 
“Everything that shows up in your mandala is a vehicle for your awakening. From this point of view awakening is right at your fingertips continually.” Pema Chödrön

Support the show

***

A piece of quiet
Your weekly pause - a calming relaxation practice, every Wednesday. A few minutes to settle, a few minutes to write. First aid for the soul.
Join here - use the code PEACE for 20% off your first year

Let’s stay connected
Sign up to hear more - and only receive what speaks to you.
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everyday ♡ compassion
Tiny reminders of self-love and presence, delivered three times a week.
Subscribe here

Free Events & Small Group Courses
Explore the power of Flow Journaling, self-compassion and gentle change in a supportive space.
See what’s on

Solo Retreats at Bach Brook
Rest, reflect and reconnect – fully supported in a place of deep natural beauty.
Retreat with me

Books, Journaling Resources & Self-paced Courses
Explore tools for inner connection and compassionate growth.
Visit the library

Free 20-minute Call
Explore whether coaching could support what’s calling for change.
...

Tap to send me your reflections ♡

My guest today is the publisher Kate Adams.

Kate has published many books you’d recognise, including You Are What You Eat by Gillian McKeith, A New Earth by Eckhart Tolle and Live Well Every Day by Dr Alex George. After working at Random House and then Penguin, she launched the Aster imprint for Octopus Books. Her experience has informed her deep curiosity about her own inner work - and has inspired the creation of the Inner Work Project. 

This is a wonderful expansive conversation that covers so many things - all enriching. I felt deeply calm after chatting with Kate. She has a wonderful energy that speaks to her curiosity and independent thinking.

I think you’ll enjoy meeting her too!

Some of the things we discussed include…

• The books & writers that can prompt us to start our journey on the inner work
• How our age and Lifestage can inform where we place our attention
• The power of letting the wild mother in (and releasing our need to be ‘good’)
• One of my favourite quotes: "Beware the man of one book"
• How we can reach outside ourselves for the answers - when they really sit within
• The importance of purpose as we craft the life we are creating

Lastly, there was a phrase that came to me as we spoke. Grasp the nettle and make tea. At the time it felt important. Maybe it speaks to you too.

Support the show

***

A piece of quiet
Your weekly pause - a calming relaxation practice, every Wednesday. A few minutes to settle, a few minutes to write. First aid for the soul.
Join here - use the code PEACE for 20% off your first year

Let’s stay connected
Sign up to hear more - and only receive what speaks to you.
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everyday ♡ compassion
Tiny reminders of self-love and presence, delivered three times a week.
Subscribe here

Free Events & Small Group Courses
Explore the power of Flow Journaling, self-compassion and gentle change in a supportive space.
See what’s on

Solo Retreats at Bach Brook
Rest, reflect and reconnect – fully supported in a place of deep natural beauty.
Retreat with me

Books, Journaling Resources & Self-paced Courses
Explore tools for inner connection and compassionate growth.
Visit the library

Free 20-minute Call
Explore whether coaching could support what’s calling for change.
...

Tap to send me your reflections ♡

Moving into a new year, a new job, a new relationship, a new home, a new mindset we can feel as though the old is falling away. In truth, we might find we're seeking this 'letting go', this 'falling away' - insisting even, that we no longer carry the old stories, beliefs, experiences and only see the new.

And yet.

I’m not sure that’s ever truly so. Though things may transmute, change, adapt. Do they ever completely disappear?

Today we explore this idea of how we make room for the new. Some thoughts that appear are:

• The idea that there is no ‘away’ - materially or metaphorically
• With change we sometimes forget we also carry the past with us
• When we mindfully, kindfully pay attention to what was, we can create the space for what will be
• Change seems to me to be more about revelation, rather than transformation
• Part of our new this year could be learning to see the glimmers

This is an explorative, expansive, reflective episode… spoken from the heart, the hara (though every now and again my head does seem to insist on getting involved). 

If you love this kind of reflection, I'd love to hear your own meandering thoughts on where it takes you.

Support the show

***

A piece of quiet
Your weekly pause - a calming relaxation practice, every Wednesday. A few minutes to settle, a few minutes to write. First aid for the soul.
Join here - use the code PEACE for 20% off your first year

Let’s stay connected
Sign up to hear more - and only receive what speaks to you.
Join the list here

everyday ♡ compassion
Tiny reminders of self-love and presence, delivered three times a week.
Subscribe here

Free Events & Small Group Courses
Explore the power of Flow Journaling, self-compassion and gentle change in a supportive space.
See what’s on

Solo Retreats at Bach Brook
Rest, reflect and reconnect – fully supported in a place of deep natural beauty.
Retreat with me

Books, Journaling Resources & Self-paced Courses
Explore tools for inner connection and compassionate growth.
Visit the library

Free 20-minute Call
Explore whether coaching could support what’s calling for change.
...

Tap to send me your reflections ♡

The root of this episode was inspired by a young man I met this summer.

You'll hear the story that prompted today's question: how are you answering the call?

This isn't the first time someone has posed this question - you'll hear I share some of their words too. Yet, I feel it bears repeating.

And while I recognise it may seem particularly pertinent at this time of year, I see it as a universal, eternal question. Something, perhaps, we can all continue to ask.

Thoughts that arise are:

• The words of Mary Oliver’s timeless poem, The Summer Day
• Seneca, Eckhart and Confucius on the shortness of life
• This can be a beautiful time to reflect on what was, to see what is, to look ahead to what will be
• That we may not know the answer to the question, and that’s ok - the importance is we keep listening in for the call
• The choices we have about how we envision the now we are creating 

And we close with the same tender, compassionate, curious enquiry: how are you answering the call?

Support the show

***

A piece of quiet
Your weekly pause - a calming relaxation practice, every Wednesday. A few minutes to settle, a few minutes to write. First aid for the soul.
Join here - use the code PEACE for 20% off your first year

Let’s stay connected
Sign up to hear more - and only receive what speaks to you.
Join the list here

everyday ♡ compassion
Tiny reminders of self-love and presence, delivered three times a week.
Subscribe here

Free Events & Small Group Courses
Explore the power of Flow Journaling, self-compassion and gentle change in a supportive space.
See what’s on

Solo Retreats at Bach Brook
Rest, reflect and reconnect – fully supported in a place of deep natural beauty.
Retreat with me

Books, Journaling Resources & Self-paced Courses
Explore tools for inner connection and compassionate growth.
Visit the library

Free 20-minute Call
Explore whether coaching could support what’s calling for change.
...