Today we have the incredible Ashley Neese with us again, a renowned breathwork teacher, somatic practitioner, author, mother, land steward and dear friend of mine. Ashley is not only the host of The Deeper Call podcast, where she offers restorative conversations and somatic practices to foster connection and regeneration, but she's also the author of the newly released book, Permission to Rest.

And let me tell you – this book is a game-changer for parents and young people alike, offering 35 transformative practices to find rest and reconnect with themselves. 

With over a decade of experience in the realms of embodiment, transformation, and renewal, Ashley is here to share her wisdom and insights for how to embrace real rest, the importance of somatic practices, balancing parenthood and self-care, and creating a nurturing environment for emotional growth. 

She's truly a 2023 version of Mother Teresa, extending her care and knowledge to all who seek it. In this episode, we dive into Ashley's journey and her mission to empower individuals to feel their emotions, put a pin in them, and schedule time for self-care. So, if you're looking to embrace your feelings, be present in life, and strengthen your relationships, you're in for a real treat. 

We also cover…

(02:00) Learning to Downshift in Stressful Moments

• What inspired Ashley to write Permission to Rest 
• How our resistance to rest stems from how we were raised
• What activities are simple but restoring
• How to infuse more rest and ease into hectic transition times in your day
• Tips for managing meltdowns in the moment

(19:00) Making Space for Processing Emotions 

• Exploring tolerance versus capacity 
• Understanding the body’s capacity for stress in the nervous system
• Why resistance to rest can be resistance to confronting emotions
• Somatic practices for working through emotions
• Shifting the stress response cycle 
• How to develop your relationship with grief 
• Ashley’s process for making space to process grief or other emotions

(37:00) Expanding Your Capacity for Rest & Presence 

• How learning to rest can impact your kids, too
• Navigating parenting challenges with tools that promote deeper connection
• Building your capacity and resilience as a parent to show up for your kids
• Practice for presence and attunement
• Saying no as a rest practice
• Setting boundaries around being on the phone
• What to do when you lose presence when you’re with your kids 

Resources:

• Read: Permission to Rest by Ashley Neese
• Instagram: @ashley_neese
• Podcast: The Deeper Call
• Substack: @thedeepercall
• Website: ashleyneese.com
• Episode #94: The Power of the Exhale with Ashley Neese

Connect with Kelly:

• kellyleveque.com
• Instagram: @bewellbykelly
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/bewellbykelly

Be Well By Kelly is produced by Crate Media.

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