Exploring the Seasons of Life

“Every woman’s success should be an inspiration to another. We’re strongest when we cheer each other on.” ~ Serena Williams

Guest Introduction: 

Hi, I’m Cindy MacMillan—your go-to Travel Bestie and the founder of Pangea World Travel Agency. Welcome back to Exploring the Seasons of Life: Travel Edition!

This podcast is designed for three unique yet wonderfully interconnected groups: busy midlife professionals, empty nesters, and women with an adventurous spirit.

Whether you’re navigating the demands of a thriving career while balancing personal commitments, stepping into the newfound freedom that comes with an empty nest, or feeling the call to explore the world in ways that truly speak to your soul—this podcast is your companion.

After years of dedication to your career and family, it’s time to rediscover the joy of travel and reignite your passions. Does that resonate with the Season of Life you’re in right now?

In each bi-weekly episode, I’ll be joined by inspiring guests who share your love for travel, personal growth, and wellness. Together, we’ll dive into topics that matter most, guiding you toward a life that’s richer, fuller, and more adventurous.

Grab your cup of coffee, get comfy, and let’s dive into the incredible possibilities that await you!

Now, it’s my pleasure to introduce today’s guest, Angie Brandt.

Angie believes that a single moment can profoundly impact our lives—shaping our story and sculpting our legacy. For those open to it, travel is the ultimate connector and a gift that keeps giving. Through this lens, Angie founded Both Worlds Travel to cater to clients who are as curious as they are passionate about experiencing the world in all its beauty and diversity.

 Both Worlds Travel specializes in crafting highly customized, refined journeys and small ship cruises for discerning travelers, offering unique experiences that blend quiet luxury with thoughtful exploration. 

Here’s a glimpse of our conversation: 

Welcome to the podcast.

3:24 I believe the most profound travel story of my life actually happened before I was even born. On the wall of my grandmother's house was a photo taken in the 1960s when she and her grandmother, my great-grandmother, traveled to Iceland—back to my great-grandmother's homeland where she was born.

7:39 I remember the headlights and being with my aunt, who was just a couple of years older than me and my parents, and a song came on the radio. I think it was Every Breath You Take, which, looking back on it, you know, that song's a little suspect now, but that song was on the radio, and we were driving through the bluffs at night, and it was magic to me.

12:54 I think as women, we often do it all, right? We become everything for everyone, except for ourselves most of the time. We tend to neglect our own needs and put ourselves last. It's not that we don’t want to embark on a journey of self-improvement, but by the time we've invested our energy and effort into everyone and everything else, there’s very little left for ourselves. At the end of the day, we’re exhausted, and then we wake up the next day, trying again, doing our best.

16:24 The boys may not have fully understood what was happening in the moment, the way that the adults did, but I do know that, in 20 years, they're going to be looking back and remembering that they were there, with their moms for that big game.

28:25 To travel responsibly and respectfully means you'll have a richer experience as a traveler. I believe you'll also gain a deeper appreciation for the natural beauty and its delicate nature, even amidst its ruggedness.

You can find Angie Brandt at:

Website |FaceBook | Instagram

 Thank you so much for tuning in to Exploring the Seasons of Life: Travel Edition. I’m Cindy MacMillan, and it’s been a joy to share this journey with you. Just a few weeks before the pandemic, I launched this podcast to dive into the "beginnings, endings, and the messy bits in between" that we, as women, experience. Now, as we shift our focus towards travel, I’m thrilled to continue bringing topics that resonate deeply with our community and add value to your life.

If you enjoyed this episode—and I know you did—be sure to subscribe so you never miss a show. And if you could take a moment to leave a review, it would mean the world to me and help us reach even more amazing listeners like you.

Ready to stop dreaming and start doing? Head over to PangeaWorldTravelAgency.com, get in touch, and let’s plan your next unforgettable journey.

Until next time, keep exploring, stay curious, and take care!

“It takes a lifetime to discover Greece, but it only takes an instant to fall in love with her.” ~  Henry Miller

Guest Introduction: 

Welcome back to Exploring the Seasons of Life: Travel Edition! I’m Cindy MacMillan, your host and the founder of Pangea World Travel Agency.

If you’re a woman with an adventurous spirit, a busy midlife professional, or an empty nester looking to rediscover life’s magic through travel, you’re in the right place. Imagine this: You’ve spent years building a successful career, raising a family, and checking off life’s milestones. But now, it’s your time—a time to embrace the joy of discovery, reignite those passions that once filled your heart with excitement, and explore the world in ways that are truly fulfilling.

In each bi-weekly episode, I’ll be joined by guests who share your passions—from travel enthusiasts to experts in personal growth and wellness. Together, we’ll explore topics that truly matter to you, enhancing your journey toward a more enriched and adventurous life.

So, grab your coffee, get cozy, and let’s dive into this journey together.

Here’s a glimpse of our conversation: 

It’s a pleasure to introduce today’s guest, Hannah Clemente.

Hannah is the owner of Clemente Travels, a travel advisory based in Canton, OH, where she crafts unforgettable adventures for her clients. As an avid adventure seeker, Hannah's love for hiking, kayaking, yoga, and all things outdoors fuels her passion for exploration. Having started her travel journey at just 6 months old and never looking back after her first overseas trip at 19, she brings a lifetime of experience and enthusiasm to helping others discover the world.

7:01 Greece is my happy place. The people are so genuine and kind, with a carefree spirit that makes you feel at home. The food is incredible, and the country is steeped in history—from the cities to the monasteries in northern Greece. Then there are the beaches: sandy, pebbled, even black sand beaches. I could go on and on, but truly, Greece has it all.

11:09 I try to put them in the mindset that it’s not bad, it’s not wrong—it’s just different.

15:45 Over the last decade, I’ve especially learned patience. I grew up with none, but it’s become my biggest lesson.

20:22 My best friend is going right before us, and we'll be meeting her there for a few days. I added a note on her itinerary: 'Please bring comfortable shoes, wear a backpack, and don’t go there if it’s windy!

32:58 Travel is full of ups and downs—they’re inevitable with every trip. But with that said, get the travel insurance. If I could shout it from the rooftops, I would! Please, just get the travel insurance. Even if you're in perfect health, you still need it.

You can find Hannah Clemente at:

Website |FaceBook | Instagram

Thanks so much for joining us on 'Exploring the Seasons of Life: Travel Edition.' I’m Cindy MacMillan, and you can find me over at PangeaWorldTravelAgency.com.

If you enjoyed this episode—and I really hope you did—make sure to hit that subscribe button so you never miss a show. And if you could leave a review, it would mean the world to me. Your support helps us reach more amazing listeners just like you.

Remember, if you're dreaming of your next cruise or adventure, I'm here to help make it happen. Head on over to my website to get in touch, and let’s start planning your journey.

Until next time, keep exploring, stay curious, and take care!

“Treat employees like they make a difference, and they will.” ~ Jim Goodnight

Guest Introduction: 

Welcome back to Exploring the Seasons of Life: Travel Edition! I’m Cindy MacMillan, your host and the founder of Pangea World Travel Agency.

If you’re a woman with an adventurous spirit, a busy midlife professional, or an empty nester looking to rediscover life’s magic through travel, you’re in the right place.  Imagine this: You’ve spent years building a successful career, raising a family, and checking off life’s milestones. But now, it’s your time—a time to embrace the joy of discovery, to reignite those passions that once filled your heart with excitement, and to explore the world in ways that are truly fulfilling.

In each episode, I’ll be joined by insightful guests from a variety of fields, including travel, personal growth, and wellness. We will delve into topics that resonate with you and enhance your journey towards a more enriched and adventurous life.

So, grab your favorite drink, get cozy, and let’s dive into this journey together.

We are joined today with Eyad Mubaied, Founder and CEO of Cultivate Culture LLC, and author of the Culture Driven Organization: How to Create Your Desired Organizational Culture and Sustain It. Eyad spent over 20 years practicing as a CPA at KPMG and L3Harris then found himself at a crossroads at the end of 2023 and has an unconventional story about changing careers that we can hear from him directly.

Here’s a glimpse of our conversation: 

Eyad, welcome to the show. 

3:56 Organizational culture was something I've always loved.

4:57 If you had asked me six or nine months ago if I would be doing this, I would have said you were absolutely nuts. But one thing led to another, and I found doors closing and others opening, and I just went through them.

5:25 The technical term that I use or definition that I use in the book is the manifestation of shared beliefs reflected in common behaviors.

11:36 In any organization, just like countries, there would be multiple cultural traits. The idea of the book is how do you now bridge the two? How do you take a good leader?  And then take them through the process of actually instilling or integrating their philosophies into a process and then instilling it into people.

14:20 You could be a good, genuinely good leader from a people perspective, but maybe not the best leader when it comes to continuous improvement or innovation.

14:34 The two or three biggest traits for a good culture have to include humility as one of them.

33:12 And at the end of the day, your organization's heart, its people.

You can find Eyad Mubaied at:

Website |E-Mail: [email protected]

Thank you for joining us today on Exploring the Seasons of Life: Travel Edition. I'm your host, Cindy MacMillan, and you can find me at PangeaWorldTravelAgency.com.

If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with your friends. Your support means the world to us. For any travel inquiries or to start planning your next adventure, feel free to reach out to me directly through my website. Until next time, happy travels and take care!

“I haven't been everywhere, but it's on my list.” ~ Susan Sontag

Guest Introduction: 

Hey there, friend! Welcome to Exploring the Seasons of Life: Travel Edition! I’m Cindy MacMillan, your host and founder of Pangea World Travel Agency. If you’re a busy midlife professional, an empty nester, or a woman with a heart for adventure, you’re in exactly the right place. Here, we believe that travel isn’t just a getaway; it’s a chance to grow, discover, and deeply connect with the world.

This podcast is more than just a show—it’s an invitation to embark on a journey with us. My mission is to bring you guests who resonate with your dreams, understand your challenges, and ignite your adventurous spirit. Together, we’re building a vibrant community of travelers ready to embrace their next great adventure.

Today, we’re talking about how a travel advisor can save you time, stress, and even money, all while promoting responsible tourism. We’ll dive into choosing eco-friendly options, supporting local communities, and reducing our carbon footprint—all while exploring this incredible planet of ours.

So, pour yourself a big cup of coffee, get comfy, and let’s embark on this journey together. You ready? Let’s do this!

It's my pleasure to introduce Rachel Velthuisen, the owner and travel advisor behind Essence of Elegance Travel, based in Raleigh, North Carolina. With an a deep love for travel, Rachel has explored 22 countries across 5 continents, bringing a wealth of experience to every journey she crafts. Her talent for creating one-of-a-kind trips ensures that each itinerary is infused with heart and soul. Rachel is dedicated to helping you explore the world in the most enriching and unforgettable way possible.

Here’s a glimpse of our conversation: 

Oh my goodness, Rachel—22 countries! That's truly incredible. Thank you so much for being here on the podcast today. 

2:23 My first memory of being intrigued by the idea of traveling, stems from my Nana. She came home from Antigua and talked all about the wonderful people that she met, the beautiful beaches and being in Wisconsin at the time. It was a lovely picture to envision, in the cold of the winter, got me thinking about what it was like to travel.

3:23 I have three children, and I get to take them on these exciting adventures around the world with me. Really, I just love planning the details of all these trips.

6:43 Yeah, so in my day job I’m an air quality consultant. I have a PhD in Chemistry and I’ve been doing this job for 20 years, over 20 years now, and as a consultant, I feel that a lot of what I do in my day-to-day work carries over to working with clients on the travel side. I keep track of a lot of moving parts in different projects.

14:55 First, I would see if you have friends and family that are using a travel advisor and get a good referral. I think that's a good place to start, is to know that someone has used someone and recommends them.  Referrals are good. First place to start. If you don't know anyone who's using a travel advisor, I would do a search online.

20:40 I'm a member of Virtuoso which is our consortia and I'm a member of the Virtuoso Sustainability Community. So, I hear about a lot of new hotel chains or tour operators around the world that are focusing on that aspect and trying to work more with the local communities and with incorporating sustainable practices into their day-to-day operations.

31:04 I would have to say it would be the ability to be willing to step outside of my comfort zone and try new things.

You can find Rachel Velthuisen at:

Website |FaceBook | Instagram

Thanks so much for joining us on 'Exploring the Seasons of Life: Travel Edition.' I’m Cindy MacMillan, and you can find me over at PangeaWorldTravelAgency.com.

If you enjoyed this episode—and I really hope you did—make sure to hit that subscribe button so you never miss a show. And if you could leave a review, it would mean the world to me. Your support helps us reach more amazing listeners just like you.

Remember, if you're dreaming of your next cruise or adventure, I'm here to help make it happen. Head on over to my website to get in touch, and let’s start planning your journey.

Until next time, keep exploring, stay curious, and take care!

“I feel very grateful I get to write my own ending.” ~ Simone Biles

Guest Introduction: 

Welcome to Exploring the Seasons of Life: Travel Edition! I'm Cindy MacMillan, your host and founder of Pangea World Travel Agency. If you're a busy midlife professional, an empty nester, or a woman who simply loves to explore, you're in the right place. We believe travel isn't just a vacation; it's your chance to grow, discover, and truly connect with the world around you.

Join us as we take you to incredible destinations, share practical travel tips, and tell stories from fellow wanderers just like you. Whether you're dreaming of far-off lands or eager to find beauty close to home, this podcast is your guide to making those dreams a reality. Tune in to discover how you can create unforgettable experiences and make the most of your travel adventures, no matter where you are in life.

I'm so excited to chat with Kelly Tolliday, a Wellness Travel Expert, Retreat Facilitator, Travel Advisor & Podcast Host of Transform with Travel. 

She's also a 500-Hr Registered Yoga Teacher & an Accredited Continued Education Provider for the Yoga Industry.

She's the Co-Founder of RNR, a boutique retreat & travel company, guiding you on intentional travel experiences in the world's most breathtaking destinations. Through their organized group tours & retreats, custom travel advising services, as well as retreat management & facilitation for coaches, businesses & communities, RNR is your one-stop shop for all your travel needs.

She's married to her husband Sam and is a mom to 2 beautiful girls & 2 crazy dogs.

Here’s a glimpse of our conversation:

Thank you for being here today, Kelly.

4:38: I've been running group tours and retreats for seven years and I know we'll probably chat about this later down the track but one of the biggest takeaways that I see in people traveling, not only do they get to see the Eiffel Tower, but they get to walk away with a renewed sense of themselves or a renewed commitment or a sense of their purpose, or they get to feel strong within themselves.

6:21: I've actually never been asked that so that's it's a really really good question. What you learn through the practice of yoga is that everyone is having their own perceptions of reality and that is a hundred percent what I've learned through this podcast is everyone is experiencing travel in different ways and not everyone actually perceives travel as this enlightening, opening, freeing experience. It can be fraught with stress.

14:06: On our retreat in Greece, in 2023, the overall theme that we all took away with - was how can we slow down more in our day-to-day life? We noticed how agitated all of us retreat facilitator, me included, we noticed how agitated we were with how slow the pace of life was on this small island south of Athens.  And we noticed with that agitation, like, wait a minute, this could be a point of healing or transformation for us.

16:16 One of the biggest joys for me is seeing people learn from a 20-year-old learning from a sixty-year-old and a sixty-year-old learning from a 20-year-old. I'm like, that is community, that is humanity, coming together.

21:08: When you're traveling, you can't go on autopilot. You're using every sense, taking in new information every single second. It's a beautiful place to be—the present moment.

You can find Kelly Tolliday at:

Website | Podcast | Instagram

Hey there, friend! Thanks so much for joining us on 'Exploring the Seasons of Life: Travel Edition.' I’m Cindy MacMillan, and you can find me over at PangeaWorldTravelAgency.com.

If you enjoyed this episode—and I really hope you did—make sure to hit that subscribe button so you never miss a show. And if you could leave a review, it would mean the world to me. Your support helps us reach more amazing listeners just like you.

Remember, if you're dreaming of your next cruise or adventure, I'm here to help make it happen. Head on over to my website to get in touch, and let’s start planning your journey.

Until next time, keep exploring, stay curious, and take care!

"The most beautiful thing in the world is, of course, the world itself." ~ Wallace Stevens

Guest Introduction: 

Welcome to Exploring the Seasons of Life: Travel Edition. I'm Cindy MacMillan, and I’m so glad you’re here.

A bit about our journey together: I launched Exploring the Seasons of Life just weeks before the pandemic, initially focusing on the unique seasons we, as women, experience—the beginnings, the endings, and all the messy bits in between.

With the launch of Pangea World Travel Agency, our podcast is evolving. We're now shifting our focus to explore the transformative power of travel, particularly for busy midlife professionals, empty nesters, and women. Join me as we dive into amazing travel experiences that enrich our lives, reduce stress, and help us grow. Each episode, we’ll have insightful conversations with travel experts, share personal stories from fellow travel enthusiasts, and offer practical advice to inspire your next adventure.

Let’s explore the seasons of life through the lens of travel.

Today, we have a special guest, Dr. Jaya Prakash, affectionately known as Coach Jaya. As a retired physician and professor, she has been helping young professionals, medical and chiropractic students, colleagues, and community members manage day-to-day chronic stress for nearly four decades. Her guidance is deeply rooted in mindfulness practices that are easy to adapt and sustain. She offers individual coaching, group workshops, and the Thrive workplace wellness plan. Coach Jaya is very active in the community, currently serving as vice president of the Kiwanis Club of Melbourne, ambassador for the Cocoa Beach Chamber, and member of many other nonprofit organizations serving the community.

Here’s a glimpse of our conversation:

Welcome Coach Jaya, thank you for being a guest.

2:57 Anytime you have mental or emotional response to difficult situations which seems interfering with your life. That is called stress. So, it is not so much as a physical response, but something which is mental and emotional, which is stretching your endurance beyond what you can deal with. Then that would be called stress.

10:23 We are digitally connected and socially isolated.

12:45 It’s not just the modern world, it is also just the loss of connected, real human connection. 

29:00 Travelling to new places also makes you more mindful because you're noticing what is in front of you, rather than obsessing about what happened last week or what's happening next week. 

Thank you for joining us today on 'Exploring the Seasons of Life: Travel Edition.' I'm your host, Cindy MacMillan, and you can find me at PangeaWorldTravelAgency.com. Remember, while stress is a part of life, it doesn't have to overshadow your travel dreams. Take a deep breath, plan that adventure, and let the journey transform you. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with your friends. Your support means the world to us. For any travel inquiries or to start planning your next adventure, feel free to reach out to me directly through my website. Until next time, happy travels and take care!

You can find Coach Jaya at:

LinkedIn

“There is a voice inside that does not use words. Listen.” ~ Rumi

Welcome to Exploring the Seasons of Life podcast. I’m your host Cindy MacMillan.

I have conversations with coaches, spiritual explorers and thought leaders from all walks of life about beginnings, endings, and the messy bits in-between. Self-love, well-being, and mindset are at the heart of our conversations because once you change the inside, the outside will begin to change as well. 

In this episode, I’m thrilled to dive into the work of Judith Maxey, whose exploration into alternative and traditional healing practices began while pursuing a Master’s degree in Applied Anthropology, exploring the cultural roots of healing.  

Judith is the owner of Almus Energy Medicine, has been practicing energy medicine for over 15 years.  She is an experienced and certified Usui/Holy Fire® and Karuna Reiki® master teacher, mentor, shamanic practitioner, meditation guide and essential oil specialist. In 2023, she also became a certified End-of-Life Doula.

Welcome Judith. I’ve really been looking forward to this conversation.

Judith: “There's always an underlying level of grief. Right now, I feel, in part because of the pandemic we just simply did not acknowledge the grieving that might have happened. That should have happened because we have a very, in my opinion, narrow perspective on what grief is.”

Judith: “I'm a doTERRA wellness advocate, so I use mostly doTERRA oils. I believe in their quality, but I use a Snow Lotus aromatherapy oil that was created by a Five Element Acupuncturist, and it's called Sedate Metal and so from the Chinese medicine perspective. It's about metal and it's very good in fall for the lungs where we hold grief and it is a blend of Copaiba balsam, Atlas cedarwood, Amyris, and Geranium.  And I would never even attempt to blend it the way that Peter Holmes does. It's just an amazing blend. I keep it in my office.”

Judith: “I'm so happy that there are end-of-life doulas  for the person who is passing and also for everyone involved  and that's what I found was really there was so much learning  in my end of life doula training  about that about the  interactions between the caregivers and what was happening for everyone how to be  aware of the cues and  Like everything else, Cindy,  again, I feel like I say a certain few things throughout the conversation, but it's about being present.”

Judith: “And then I started, in the same community as my Reiki teacher, I'll give her a shout out, Colleen Benelli, Licensed Reiki Teacher, The International Center for Reiki Training. She was also involved in The LightSong Community of 21st Century Shamanism and Energy Medicine. So, I started doing core shamanism training as well.”

Judith: “You are meant to use us and, and we're meant to work together. And so, I started bringing in essential oils, the plants to my work.  And I just feel like the combination of the shamanic practices that, I'd say in general, allow you to work with larger energies than yourself, Reiki, and the miracle, the magic of the plants, you know, getting to work with those three in a session with someone is a powerhouse. It's so supportive.

Judith: “I would suggest, your ceremony be specific to you and what you're comfortable with. And most importantly, what you will actually do.  You know, we can look at a lot of different ceremonies, but what calls to you? Do you want to gather in a big crowd? Do you want to gather with your three closest friends? In the darkness, with a candle? Being grateful?  Saying out loud what you want to get rid of?  You know?  I think those elements are the important part. Again, gratitude, community, release, and calling in what you would like for the new year or your life. I'll say that I would suggest those same elements for any ceremony.

Judith: “Forgiveness is so much larger than that. A little bit like grief, right?”

Judith: “I also want to say that in 2024. I'll be coming out with Plant Speak Retreats, and that's for the doTERRA community to learn how to build relationships, spiritual personal energetic relationships with the oils.”

Resource Mentioned: Firewalk Ceremony

“Wellness is the complete integration of body, mind and spirit.  The realization that everything we do, think, feel and believe has an effect on our wellbeing” ~ Greg Anderson

Welcome to the Exploring the Seasons of Life podcast! I'm your host, Cindy MacMillan and I'm thrilled to have you here. Today, we're diving into the extraordinary world of holistic living in our new series, Holistic Living: Embracing Wholeness In Everyday Life.

Holistic living, it's not some fancy buzzword. It's like coming home to yourself – body, mind, heart, and soul. Imagine showing up for yourself in every way possible, like you're your own best friend, therapist, chef, and personal cheerleader. It's about nurturing all those parts of you that make you, well, you.

Now, wholeness – that's where the magic sparkles. It's embracing your stories, your scars, your stumbles, and your soaring moments, and realizing they're all essential brushstrokes that create your masterpiece. You're not a puzzle with pieces missing; you're a tapestry woven from the threads of your experiences.

Holistic living isn't about adding more to your plate; it's about savoring every bite, every breath, every precious moment.

Prepare to unlock the doors of your heart and mind, inviting in a world filled with love, connection, and profound insights. Let’s dive in?

Shā Sparks is an energetic catalyst and fearless communicator who sparks leaders in transition, who are unclear, go from fear to fired up about their life and business. Through her renowned Spark Your ALPHA program, Shā’s audiences and clients experience more confidence, amplified emotional intelligence, and the spark that ignites their fearless action.

Welcome, Sha!

Sha: “It's not just a one and done and we become this beautiful butterfly. No, I think sometimes our butterflies become different butterflies depending on the season of life that we're in. And I know for my own I have overcome so many different adversities and, you know, came out one butterfly with each one of those.”

Sha: “I think all of them, we go through a little bit of grieving process because the identity of who we've been is disappearing. And part of us is like, I don't want to lose that part. And, honestly, we don't technically lose it, but it just shifts and molds into, you know, like we're a piece of clay.”

Sha: “I started to capture my own thoughts, like really understand that my voice in my head, that inner voice that we all have, was not helping me and propelling me. It was holding me back and hurting me. And so, I just started a brain dump, is what I call it and write down all the negative things that I would say to myself.”

Sha: “I knew that we are a mirror of what we see. So, I then started to think about all the people that I admire. I started researching billionaires and millionaires and successful leaders of all walks of life and just started to write down the characteristics of what I admired in them. And then I wrote the two most powerful words in the English language before each one. I AM.

Sha: “I took an improv class, a comedy improv class for a year.  And it was just so much fun and so out of my comfort zone. And it was not about being funny at all.  It's, it's about surrendering to the process and being able to dance with your partners on stage and say, yes.

Sha: “So that my brain was picking up and noticing how whenever I saw a cigarette or anything that looked resembled a cigarette, it reminded my brain that I don't want it.”

Sha: “Confidence is a journey. You gain confidence all along the way just by doing little things and then acknowledging yourself for doing those little things and patting yourself on the back.”

 Hello and a warm welcome, friends, to another episode of Exploring the Seasons of Life podcast! I'm your host, Cindy MacMillan, and I hope you're finding inspiration and connection in our new podcast series – Holistic Living: Embracing Wholeness In Everyday Life. And if you happen to be joining us for the first time, a heartfelt welcome to you, new friends.

Throughout this series, I've had the privilege of chatting with some incredible healers and experts in various modalities. From the transformative power of sound baths to the profound wisdom of yoga, the sacred art of womb healing, the realm of angels, and the soul stirring beauty of poetry, we've delved into the diverse practices and perspectives that contribute to our holistic well-being.

My goal here is to offer you insights, stories, and practical advice. Wisdom. Wisdom that can inspire you to live a more authentic, balanced, and fulfilled life. Whether you're a seasoned explorer of these healing paths or just beginning your journey, there's something for everyone in this series. 

Go ahead and cozy up with your favorite drink, find a snug place to unwind, because we're about to embark on a deeply inspiring conversation.

Terry Dulin is a fourth-generation paranormal practitioner. She was raised in a metaphysical environment by her mother who is a professional psychic, trance medium and healer. She started assisting her mom doing healings at the early age of 12. She initially learned Reiki in 2002 to assist her mom in her practice. In 2008 she had a spiritual calling - a strong desire to do something more. She was led for Reiki to be a stronger presence in her life. In 2009 she learned Reiki II and a few months later she took the ART/Master class. Terry traveled to Southfield MI in 2010 to learn Karuna Reiki ® from William Rand.

Terry: “It really was not until 2008 to 2009 when, Reiki, and I didn't know Reiki was going to be this, divine force in my life. I had a spiritual calling, you know, for me, it's God. My spiritual calling is God, right? So, God was, encouraging me telling me I needed to do something more with my life than what it was.” 

Terry: “I have to tell you, it's been an amazing journey to see how it has shifted, altered and really propelled me to be where I'm at and who I'm meant to be.” 

Terry: “Every practitioner has their own way of practicing, right? Doing Reiki. So, they might ask someone, you know, for permission to touch.” 

Terry: “You can have an intention, you can go in with having, say, pain on your knee, or with your knee, and the Reiki energy will know that something is off in your body, and that say maybe the root cause is the hip.” 

Terry: “Just like we don't necessarily always get along with every person. So, every relationship is different. Every Reiki experience is different. If you really want to come from a stance of true knowledge, my encouragement would be to have a session.” 

Terry: “I of course would encourage you to find someone within your local area. I’m a Licensed Teacher with The International Center for Reiki Training. I am a member of the Reiki Membership Association. So, my encouragement would be to start there at Reiki. org and they have a link on their website to find a practitioner in your area.

Holistic Living: Embracing Wholeness In Everyday Life Series

The Healing Power of Sound Baths with Stephanie Weber

Trust in Your Soul with Sonee Singh

Empowering Your Inner Wellness Warrior: Insights from Joyce Jimenez

Journey of Healing with Alana Keddie

Conversation with Julie Jancius: The Angel Medium

Ceremonies and Healing with Stacy Mitchell

Conversation with Yoga and Reiki Teacher Jerry Mikutis

"Adopt the pace of nature. Her secret is patience." ~ Ralph Waldo Emerson

This podcast is for women with a big heart on a spiritual journey who are ready to lead healthier and happier lives and improve their emotional well-being.

I interview coaches, spiritual explorers and thought leaders from all walks of life about beginnings, endings, and the messy bits in-between. Self-love, well-being, and mindset are at the heart of our conversations because once you change the inside, the outside will begin to change as well. 

Welcome back to Exploring the Seasons of Life podcast. I’m your host Cindy MacMillan.

I am really excited about today’s interview and before we jump in, I want to say thank you for being here.

Today’s guest is Jerry Mikutis. She is a Licensed Reiki Master Teacher with the International Center for Reiki Training, a yoga teacher and crystal practitioner and I am so excited to share this conversation with you! 

Let me tell you a little more about Jerry Mikutis. She has been enthralled by yoga ever since her first class in 2005 as a means for mental clarity from the stresses of life. The sense of peace the practice cultivated kept her coming back to the mat and the physical benefits soon made themselves evident. Her yoga practice eventually led her to subtler practices such as Reiki and other methods of energy harmonizing, such as connecting with the beauty of crystals. She facilitates yoga and Reiki classes as well as meditations online. Jerry lives in Chicago with her 2 cats Rosie and Milo and dozens of plants and looks for the magic everywhere.

Welcome Jerry.

Jerry: “I had this coupon, a postcard, that your first class was free. And I remember that the class completely transformed me. It showed me the stillness within me; I was probably like a hundred pounds heavier, and I couldn't do any of the poses.” 

Jerry: “Yoga was just really showing me how the body relates to the mind. So that was my introduction to yoga during a really difficult time in my life. It gave me that sense of peace and clarity.” 

Jerry: “I came from a very linear, logical thinking family. My dad was a math teacher. All my friends from college were, that were in my life at that time, they were just very logical thinkers.” 

Jerry: “That really made me realize even more that we’re always in communication with each other. It may not be words, it may not be eye contact, but it's within what we carry in our energy field.”

Jerry: “When people ask me what crystal they should get, I almost always say, like, start off with rose quartz, because it's soft pink, the crystal itself isn't soft, because it's quartz, but the colors are soft pink. I think of it as the light of the heart, the light of connection with others, the light of connection with the divine.” 

Jerry: “So we have cats that like to sleep. So, they teach us how to rest and to sleep and take things slower. I have two cats.” 

Jerry: “So back to your question about how I find the magic. I think Chicago is a very nature centered city in itself in so many ways. I live about three blocks from Lake Michigan, which is one of the largest lakes in the world.”

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