As human beings, we were born with a negativity bias that makes it very easy for us to notice what’s “wrong.” This innate bias is intended to help us detect and avoid danger. The problem is that while detecting what is uncomfortable or undesired might help us to survive, it doesn't help us to thrive! We benefit when we cultivate a more balanced experiencing of our world by turning toward the good that is already occurring. 

The teachings and practices in this episode can help to make your positive experiences “stickier” and help you shift the negativity bias, putting you on a path of resilience.

I have a whole section of free daily practice for joy and resilience over at Flourish and Bloom, a membership platform offering resources and events for mindfulness and self-discovery. You'll find guided meditations, journal prompts, and tons of self-access resources. Come check it out—Your mindful and spacious life awaits.  

(By Katie Dutcher; Music by Adil Ech-Chahi)

 Being outdoors can be so grounding, supportive, and even healing. But it also matters how we spend time outside. In this episode, I share about slowing down and even being still, in order to pay attention more closely to what is happening in the natural world and what is happening inside you. I share tips on how to slow yourself down, including a simple and powerful practice, “Sit Spot.”

In this Episode:

Sit Spot: Cultivating Belonging

Mindful Ramble: Connect Deeply with Your World

katiedutcher.com

(Music by Adil Ech-Chahi)

Ever since I was very young I’ve loved being outside. But I don't think I ever understood the power and necessity of the medicine of the outdoors until I was heartsick. Back in 2014 after my dad died, I would walk and walk and walk every day, finding space and solace for my grief. In the heartsickness of this year, I've found myself going outdoors more than ever, now on purpose, as medicine.

In this Episode:

Mindful Ramble: Connect Deeply with Your World

Sit Spot: Cultivating Belonging

katiedutcher.com

(Music by Adil Ech-Chahi)

In episode 5 of Flourish and Bloom podcast, host Katie Dutcher speaks with Cain Carroll. Cain is a teacher and author who leads courses in radical self-healing and embodied spiritual practice, and his work is informed by years of in-depth study and practice of Yoga, Qigong, Buddhism, Daoism, and Classical Chinese Medicine. “Friendliness with Yourself” is the frame of our discussion, and here, Cain expands on how friendliness (rather than forcing and pushing) has transformed his practice and become a core principle guiding his work. Cain’s background is fascinating, combining “exotic” locales with practical approaches, and from this wealth, he offers wonderful teachings on how friendliness and curiosity can open doors to new learnings and lead us toward the wellbeing that we are seeking. (Music by Adil Ech-Chahi)

More about Cain Carroll:

Cain’s website (Events, Resources, Blog posts)

Quest for Calm (video series with Cain, in collaboration with Myra Goodman)

Dec. 12, 10:00 am free live class

The Four Dignities, by Cain Carroll

Also mentioned in this episode:

Katie’s Quest for Calm practice diary

Lao Tzu & Chuang Tzu

In episode 4 of Flourish and Bloom podcast, host Katie Dutcher speaks with Jennifer Farley, who is a fellow teacher at Monterey Bay Meditation Studio, a dance/movement therapist, a licensed professional clinical counselor, and a shamanic healer who has trained with Andean shamans in Peru and been initiated into their ancient lineage. For me, one of the most intriguing and exciting takeaways is in this quote from Jenn: "We are taught to live under the belief that we can think our way through everything, that our mind is the vehicle through which we understand, learn, and solve problems, and that is just really limited. If you can really cultivate awareness of those senses and of those sensations, you’d be amazed by how much information is trying to be communicated that could help you navigate the world and navigate relationships.” Jenn offers us powerful and practical ways to rebuild connection to body and spirit, and to start listening inward to cultivate and to trust our inner knowing. 

More about Jennifer Farley, MA, LPCC, BC-DMT:

Jenn’s website, Shaman Healing Monterey

Jenn’s offerings through Monterey Bay Meditation Studio (check back for additional offerings for 2021!)

Also mentioned in this episode:

Jenn’s interview on The One Inside podcast

Music by Adil Ech-Chahi

In episode three of Flourish & Bloom podcast, host Katie Dutcher speaks with Marianne Rowe, who, in addition to her work as a therapist, is a co-founder and co-teacher with Katie at Monterey Bay Meditation Studio. “Being Who You Are” is about what it means to be authentic to yourself, and what gets in the way of our full self-expression. Katie reflects, “We talked a LOT about boundaries, and in the days since we spoke, I’ve found myself returning to our conversation again and again to keep processing the new ideas and perspectives that Marianne offered, and to share them with others.” Marianne’s approach, and her concrete suggestions for how to begin, make setting boundaries feel so much more possible, and so much more essential for being connected and kind in the world. You may find that you’re going to want to take notes during this conversation!  (Music and sound by Adil Ech-Chahi)

More about Marianne B. Rowe, LMFT:

Online course beginning Oct. 8, 2020 “Fierce Compassion: Setting Boundaries”

Marianne’s therapy practice

Also mentioned in this episode:

The Gifts of Imperfection, by Brené Brown

Authentic World, Authentic Relating

Conflict Equals Energy, by Jason Diggs

Nonviolent Communication, by Marshall Rosenberg

In episode two of Flourish & Bloom podcast, host Katie Dutcher speaks with Amy Eden Jollymore, writer and journal-writing advocate. Our broad topic "Knowing Who You Are" —  is huge, and it’s hugely important. Amy shares about surviving and thriving after a traumatic childhood, and she models how sharing your story is important not just for the teller, but as a gift for those who would benefit from hearing it. We spoke about various ways to explore and claim our identity, including the alchemy of journal writing. You’ll find some tips here for getting started with self-reflective writing! (Music and sound by Adil Ech-Chahi)

More about Amy Eden Jollymore:

Also mentioned in this episode, the work of Marylene Cloitre and the book: “Wounds Into Wisdom: Healing Intergenerational Jewish Trauma” by Tirzah Firestone.

This conversation took place live as part of Flourish & Bloom Collective, a cozy online group for mindfulness and personal growth hosted by Katie Dutcher. Katie is a teacher of mindfulness and meditation, and one of the founders of Monterey Bay Meditation Studio. In this podcast, listen in to interesting and authentic conversations between folks who are practicing mindfulness, courage, and compassion, and learning to be with ourselves exactly as we are.

Get Support in Knowing Who You Are Join Flourish & Bloom Collective! Together, we’re exploring through writing prompts, meditation, reflection, and weekly calls. We’re learning and practicing together. Get in on all the action in this cozy group - start your monthly or annual subscription now and see what it's like to Learn ~ Connect ~ Transform together.

In the very first episode of Flourish & Bloom podcast, host Katie Dutcher speaks with Danette Relic. of Radical Creative Sanctuary. Our broad topic "Showing Up for Yourself" — what it means, what gets in the way, and what we and those around us actually gain as we learn to tune into our own needs. Along the way, we talk about how difficult times can offer the "gift" of making self-care non-negotiable. We also get a masterclass from Danette in taking responsibility for setting boundaries, which for me totally re-framed the way I think about boundaries. This conversation is full of self-love, warm chuckles, and inspiration to commit to your relationship with yourself in a new way. (Music and sound by Adil Ech-Chahi)

More about Danette Relic

This conversation took place live as part of Flourish & Bloom Collective, a cozy online group for mindfulness and personal growth hosted by Katie Dutcher. Katie is a teacher of mindfulness and meditation, and one of the founders of Monterey Bay Meditation Studio. In this podcast, listen in to interesting and authentic conversations between folks who are practicing mindfulness, courage, and compassion, and learning to be with ourselves exactly as we are. 

Get Support in Showing Up for Yourself — Join Flourish & Bloom Collective! Together, we’re exploring through writing prompts, meditation, reflection, and weekly calls. We’re learning and practicing together. Get in on all the action in this cozy group - start your monthly or annual subscription now and see what it's like to Learn ~ Connect ~ Transform together.