Get Merry

10 weeks have passed since I started Yoga Teacher Training with Essence of Living here on the Gold Coast, that means I'm done! Certified yogi: tick ;)  I seriously can't believe how fast 10 weekends went. That's 20 days. 200 hours. Boom. Going into the training I knew I would learn a heap of stuff. I mean I was about to spend 10 weeks in yoga land... how could I not learn some cool stuff? BUT I wasn't prepared for the epicness of the learnings and the changes that I went through. From the get go, I had this knowing that I was supposed to do my yoga training... it wasn't a matter of if, it was just a matter of when. So to be able to finally go on this adventure was a freaking blessing in itself, and thank you to Michelle, founder of Essence of Living for having the belief in me and for making this happen. But let's get into the good stuff... you're here because you wanna know the surprising things I learnt BUT let's quickly cover the unsurprising stuff I learnt... (all kind of duh moments)... epic yoga technique (during the 10 weeks I did a total of 91 hours of yoga practice... that's a lot I reckon), so my down dawwwgs are pretty much #onpoint most days #10xselfbelief ;) really cool breathing techniques aka pranayama that literally change your thoughts in minutes and the physicality of your body (if you do them enough)... that's freaking cool. I'll be sharing some of these inside our next Challenge! some Sanskrit. This is the ancient Indian language that the yoga teachings are written in. One of my goals for 2017 was to learn a new language, I feel like this could almost tick that off :P. Because, Utthita Hasta Padangustasana. Seriously, that is so fun to say. Extended-hand-to-big-toe pose if you're wondering (you totally were).  how to meditate. I also got a hell-o-va lot more inspired to meditate too... because we talked about the benefits A LOT (that's like a whole other 50 blog posts). bones, muscles and all the systems of the magical human body. That I have an 'Ether' body type. Ok so this wasn't really a duh moment because I didn't really know there were different body types like: air, fire, water, earth and ether... but because this was part of the Ayurvedic day we did it wasn't a surprise that I learned this. Basically, it means that I should learn lots and focus on the big picture/creativity ;). Ok yay, for better yoga and yay for all that cool stuff... but let's get to the juicy stuff. The stuff that came out of the woodworks and hit me like a big freaking AHA! moment more than a few times during the 10 weeks.  Enthusiasm is a super power we all have... you just have to use it I love being enthusiastic about pretty much everything, it makes life way more fun and magical. I was described as 'Carla is very enthusiastic' multiple times on school reports. I remember looking it up in the dictionary in year 5. Ready for the surprise? Being enthusiastic about your goals, your life and realising your higher purpose makes it all come to reality faster. It's not woo-woo crap. Think about it. If you're enthusiastic about what you're doing, if you're truly excited and passionate OF COURSE it's going to come faster... because you're actually doing. If you were complaining, procrastinating and taking zero action, then you'll get zero results or change.  Flashback to high school when I wanted the lead role in the school musical. I enthusiastically asked my Mum for singing lessons so I had the best chance at scoring the lead. I practised every day. I prepared. I was excited and shared my enthusiasm with the Director of the show (pretty much every day until the audition :P, over kill? Maybe!).  Either way, I got the lead. Even though I wasn't the best singer, the best dancer... I showed up with enthusiasm. Be impeccable with your words Choose your words carefully and speak only when you truly have something meaningful to say. I LOVE to talk. Em and I recently realised how many random conversations we have when we're working. It may be because we spend so (too) much time together that we run out of 'normal' stuff to talk...

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Jonny Yang, the acupuncturist, traditional Chinese practitioner... actually just an amazing guy. He shared a heap of magic on this episode. The thing we like the most is that all the stuff he shares comes with a bunch of action steps. Action steps to help your anxiety and so much more.  The main reason we wanted to chat about Anxiety was because Jonny helped me (Emma) with my anxiety.  Which came about from my break up. I'd never ever really truly suffered from anxiety, not like this anyway. The up all night, can not sleep for a week level (seriously, sucked so bad). I felt so disconnected from myself. I literally felt like I had a different human living inside me and she was not shutting up. She was just going on and on and on.  I used an old addiction to try help me. Exercise.  One day I did an hour of super hard pilates, walked for 8 kms and then walked for another 8 kms. The next day I did more pilates and the BOOM my foot spasmed and felt like it was burning from this inside out.   Maybe...  too much exercise?  I put up with more sleepless nights, now, not only from the alien in my head but also the burning foot.  I know there is some kind of proper term but it was like my body and mind were operating at an intense pace. When they shouldn't be. For example, when I was laying in bed trying to sleep, it felt like I had been running. My temperature was up/down. It was so weird. Intuitively I knew it was to do with my central nervous system. I've interviewed enough epic health experts on this topic from our challenges to know this is not a good thing. Judes Yang (we interviewed her here on yoga, connection and meditation) came to my rescue, first with a foot massage and then connecting me with her bro Jonny Yang.  I kind of joke about it (coz that's what I do in shitty situations) but he really did coach me out my breakup depression/grief/anxiety/whatever you call it/craziness (along with my epic family and friends and yes, I FEEL all the FEELS).  What started as a helping foot thing turned into helping me deal with anxiety which happened because of the breakup BUT actually, at the core, it was from a fear of being alone. And Jonny helped me figure this out which helped me to deal with ALL OF IT.  Anyway enough of my rambles.  Here's the stuff we talk about... What is anxiety? What causes anxiety? Ahhh everything HAHA. How self-awareness, action and creating new habits is key to helping your own anxiety.  Zen and yoga stuff.  Acupuncture, meridians, muscle fascia, energy. Breathing. Ahhh we actually loved this!  The worry jar. Super easy exercise you can do at home. How to support your loved ones when they suffer from anxiety. How we over complicate everything when it comes to anxiety. Small changes, additions, subtractions you can make from and to your life to help your anxiety. Far out we feel bloody lucky to connect and chat with people like Jonny Yang.  We 100% recommend Jonny and the whole team over at Life Synergy. Grateful for all that they do! Check them out HERE. Book in if you live on the Gold Coast! Please share this podcast with anyone you know who suffers from anxiety if you think it might help them and remember if you need help now, there's always someone who will listen, contact Lifeline.  Always Merrymaking, Emma + Carla 

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If you're a keen #GetMerry listener (we love you) you probably already listened to episode 100. It was epic. Can you believe it... 100! Woah, crazy! Also, if you haven't listened you should listen, after or before this biz and life reflection ramble. Take your pick.  The year so far. The good, bad and probably the right word would be sad.  It was really fun doing a podcast just us two. Who really knows what we talked about, but we're pretty sure it's something like the below (probably, maybe?!). We (think we) talk about stuff like... What went awesome during the first half of 2017. What didn't. Our goal to keep everything really real on our social media, how we're well and truly over the fake crap. The new way we're operating our biz, surrendering. Devotion, it's our new thing. Plan to do everything we do with this in mind.  The break up comes up a-bloody-gain, Emma cries some. Other stuff, can't remember!  Send us or tag us in a pic of you listening to #GetMerry. Because FUN!  Always merrymaking, Emma + Carla 

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We had this idea for our episode 100. Actually, it wasn't our idea... heaps of other people have done this. We wanted to get someone else to interview us. It would be a huge celebration of goodness to mark this epic 100 number. Did you catch the title? Shame and shadows. Yeh, it's full of goodness but not what we expected and probably not what you expect either (now you have to listen, yeh?). We asked our amazing, beautiful, red headed, potty mouthed friend AKA Karly Nimmo AKA the sexual dancing goddess (this will make sense if you listen and yes Karly, we are officially keeping you accountable) to do the interview. If you know Karly you know she doesn't do stuff inside the box so when we gave creative control we quickly realised anything was possible. And please note. This episode contains swear words.  So Karly rocks up to our house. We catch up (saaah fun), talk about our Merry apartment picnic happening later this same day (best kinda love fest), sit on the couch with our microphones ready and Karly throws in the topic of our conversation... SHADOWS. To be honest this was me in my head (it's Emma FYI)... I don't really even know what the term shadow means, I've heard it so much, I've read about it, but never ever have I thought about my shadows. Woah. WTAF am I gonna to say...  So it turns out I have lots in my shadows. Also turns out it feels bloody good talking about them and bringing them to the light.  Here's the stuff we talk about... What Carla hides in her shadows, how they were 'good' things and yoga brought them out.  Emma's addiction to external validation. Relationships, break ups, ups and downs. Depression. Expectations. Pilates and yoga duhhhh.  Dancing and being a sexual goddess. Shame! Wow what an interesting topic. Let us know what you think! And also if you do the #ShameShare let us know and tag us @themerrymakersisters!  Also! We think you should also tune into episode 101 (hello Get Merry marathon!), we did a biz/life/everything reflection of the last 6 months. There was laughter and tears. It's real. Check it out right over here.   Always merrymaking, Emma + Carla Also, remember you're not alone. If you need to chat to anyone about anything you're going through and need extra support you can call Lifeline.

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The Gold Coast is such a cool place. Most of you know we grew up in Canberra (we love Canberra) it's sahhhh different to the Gold Coast. You might think of Gold Coast, and automatically think of Surfers Paradise and partying hard. But there's so much more! And there's this polar opposite thing going on. Like with vibes, attitudes, people etc. It's interesting to observe. Like there's one side where everything seems so materialistic and fake, and then the other side with this realness, connection, yoga, spirit, holistic healthy vibe thing.  Another cool thing about the GC is the abundance of crazy cool events and workshops.  Emma met Kyle Laz aka the Chocolate Wizard aka the magical herb man at his botanical boutique high tea (like fo-realz, how could I not go to that?!).  "Herbal medicine is where you find the balance of ART and SCIENCE. It is the beginning of a path, one of learning and sharing, To alleviate suffering, the fundamental intention. Encircled in MAGIC and MYSTICAL processes." Kyle Laz We're super pumped about this podcast. There's so much magic to listening to someone talk about something they're passionate about... and even better when you know nothing about it. There is so much magic to different perspectives. Love love love.  Here's the stuff we talk about... How plants and herbs can help you heal yo-self.  Cannabis, how the laws are slowly changing. The health benefits. We included a disclaimer about this, yay our first disclaimer on our podcast hehe. Since we've rarely talked about cannabis and also since lots of you listen with your beautiful kiddies! And we love that! But we get it, this may not be your vibe.  Chocolate, chocolate and more chocolate! We also eat it! Oh, and also... apparently it helps you lose weight (we will take that!). How plants, nature, herbs help you connect to yourself, to others, to spirit or your higher self.  Power of intention.  Harry Potter pops up. Happy dance!  Alchemy.  Shamanic ceremonies. Ayahuasca in particular and how too many people are doing it without researching it. Oh, so much more! Go and listen! Ahhhh! And then come and join us for a Merry Chocolate party YAY. Like actually.  Let us know what you think of the episode! We're keen to have Kyle back on the show to go deeper into a particular subject. Watch this space! Merrymaker mantra of the week: I live in a friendly universe.  Ahhhhh we hope you can feel the love vibes.  Links to stuff we talk about... Kyle's Instagram, check it out. Kyle's delish chocolate, Supherb Chocolate. If you loved this podcast you might also like our chat with yoga and meditation teacher, Judes Yang. Always merrymaking, Emma + Carla

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Are you a confident person? Do you believe in yourself? Do you love yourself, your whole self? Whether the answer is yes, no or sometimes or I dunno?! We know you're going to get some gold from this podcast episode. Right now, we are both the most confident we've ever been and we're keen to keep this going and growing for the rest of our lives. So, let's talk, how to get more confident!  Because one believes in oneself, one doesn't try to convince others. Because one is content with oneself, one doesn't need others' approval. Because one accepts oneself, the whole world accepts him or her.― Lao Tzu Here's the stuff we talk about... What is confidence? What does it mean to be a confident person?  We share our personal stories. How Emma went from 'the shy' kid to becoming pretty darn confident in herself (hell yeah). How self-doubt, fear and a negative mind ruled for many years (and how it still comes and goes).  How Carla was pretty much born confident, how school bullies impacted her negatively. How her confidence became a mask to hide the hurt from the bullies.  The 3rd chakra, the solar plexus. What it is and the things we can do energetically and physically to unblock this chakra.  How hanging out with less confident people or more confident people can influence you. But it's your responsibility. What you can do to get more confident. These are real easy and do-able steps.  To be yourself in a world that is constantly trying to make you something else is the greatest accomplishment. - Ralph Waldo Emerson Links to stuff we talk about... The Amy Cuddy body language TED talk.  Avoid avoiding conflict TEDx talk. Take a listen to the episode and share with anyone who might need it! Also, if you loved the episode, let us know all about it!  Remember you can subscribe to the Get Merry podcast on your podcast app. Here are the links to iTunes and Stitcher for Androids. That way you stay up to date with all the episodes! YAY!  Always merrymaking, Emma + Carla

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Today we chat with the beautiful Rachel Jansen, ex-journalist, health coach and podcaster. We go real deep into social media, ESPECIALLY Instagram and how it's affecting teens and women... and how we're personally affected by it too.  Can't wait for you all to tune in! It's a topic we all need to be aware of so we can make sure we don't fall down that comparison trap (you know the one!).  Here's the stuff we talk about... Balancing motherhood and career. Psychological impacts of Instagram on teenagers. How Rachel is managing social media use for her kids. Why Rachel isn't allowing social media use (yet) and limits screen time for her kids. How social media can be carefully curated (so yeah... don't compare... ok?!). Links to Rachel Jansen Rachel's website Take a listen to the episode and share with anyone who might need some action steps to step away from the social media monster (or atleast clean up their feed so it's full of positivity and good vibes!).  Remember you can subscribe to the Get Merry podcast on your podcast app. Here are the links to iTunes and Stitcher for Androids. That way you stay up to date with all the episodes! YAY!  Always merrymaking, Emma + Carla

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During episode 96 we go into detail about our relationship with exercise. From a super young age, to now and everything in between. And let us tell you... there is EVERYTHING in between.  Here's the stuff we talk about... How our exercise obsession began. How exercise was always a chore for us and now it isn't. Why we stopped exercising for a year (because we hated it) and how we got back into it. The difference between exercising from a place of fear and negativity to a place of love and positivity. You can this too!  Why the most important part of exercise is JOY. Merrymaker mantra of the week: exercise with love and honour your body.  SERIOUSLY. As soon as you starting exercising with love as your intention... watch your whole life transform.  Take a listen to the episode and share with anyone who needs this <3 <3  Remember you can subscribe to the Get Merry podcast on your podcast app. Here are the links to iTunes and Stitcher for Androids. That way you stay up to date with all the episodes! YAY!  Always merrymaking, Emma + Carla

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Today we chat with the AMAZZZZZING John Wayne Parr. 10 times world champion of Muay Thai. He's had 128 fights, 96 wins and 45 knockouts. But there's so much more to this epic human than just fighting. His journey is full of inspiration. A true tale of having a purpose from a super young age and not stopping, never giving up until you reach that dream. Tune in and get ready for epic lessons to flow your way.  Here's the stuff we talk about... John Wayne Parr's personal journey.  How to focus on following your true calling. The culture and spiritual stuff within Muay Thai. Creating a legacy. Pre-fight training and nutrition. Women in fighting. How John Wayne Parr met his wife (love a good love story! :D). Merrymaker mantra of the week: don't let go of your dreams. No matter what it is you want to do, don't let go, just keep going. Whether it be painting, dancing, cooking, Muay Thai... just keep at it!  Links to John Wayne Parr Boonchu Gym John Wayne Parr will be fighting on 4 August 2017, if you're keen to check out something different! :O  Take a listen to the episode and share with anyone who might need some action steps to take a leap of faith and trust in their dreams!  Remember you can subscribe to the Get Merry podcast on your podcast app. Here are the links to iTunes and Stitcher for Androids. That way you stay up to date with all the episodes! YAY!  Always merrymaking, Emma + Carla

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Today we chat with our epic friend and awesome Naturopath Jules Galloway! We cover the main topic of Adrenal Fatigue but it's us so you know we're gonna go on tangents and you know we're gonna have a heap of fun!  Can't wait for you all to tune in! It's a goody! We say the 'F' word by the way. So cover your ears! Here's the stuff we talk about... What is Adrenal Fatigue Symptoms and stages of Adrenal Fatigue What to do about it if you think you have Adrenal Fatigue Lots of fun stories... hehe!  Merrymaker mantra of the week: do one thing at a time, mindfully. How good! It's not about making a bazillion changes at once! You just need to pick one thing to focus on and DO THAT! Yew! Join the 14 day challenge!  If you're keen to join our Get Merry Challenge fun, we're ready to welcome you in! It's 14 days of meal plans, brand new recipes, shopping lists, tips and expert masterclasses. If you need some kick up butt motivation or want to start your healthy eating journey, then this is for you! Grab your spot here for $39! Links to Jules Galloway!  Jules' Website Take a listen to the episode and share with anyone who might need some action steps to feel MERRY again!  Remember you can subscribe to the Get Merry podcast on your podcast app. Here are the links to iTunes and Stitcher for Androids. That way you stay up to date with all the episodes! YAY!  Always merrymaking, Emma + Carla

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