Let's All Flourish (L.A.F.)

We may want to relieve stress. We may want to go to Africa. We may wish we had more time in the day.

The truth is, it all is not possible unless you are intentional with your actions to make it happen.

Lucky stress relief? Ehhhhhh. Let’s try this first!

Are you stressed? Tapped for time? Yeah - I get it! Take two minutes to create time for yourself. Two minutes to release stress, cultivate focus and create time!

Hang with us for just a quick bit and recap Season 1 - we quickly walk through the season and talk about what's to come.    To our loyal LAFFERS, we are so grateful for your support, for sharing our podcast and message with your friends, family, and sending us virtually around the world!  We will be back after a short holiday.  If you have thoughts on what you would like to hear about or who you would like to hear from, please contact me at [email protected].   #letsallflourish

In health, Les

Reimagining youth sports with the Faith brothers. Three boys with years of experience in a variety of sports featuring Kung Fu, gymnastics, swimming, discuss there best/worst coaching experiences, and their ideas for a better utopian youth sports world.

"The average child spends less than 3 years playing a sport, quitting by age 11".  Surprised by that?  I sure was!  Today we talk with coach and Recreation Therapy lecturer, Cassie Faith who discuses the importance of reimagining youth sports now that we have this "break".  Please check out the Aspen Institute Project Play  - there is a lot going on there!

The State of Play in the U.S.

A call for action for Physical Literacy in the U.S.

Tori McKay and Ava Fierro are two of the most thoughtful, insightful, inspiring young people you will meet.  They are best friends and survivors of the Camp fire in Paradise, CA.  These wise young women have much to share with our young people, parents, and teachers on how to navigate our current world of Covid, fires (that were breaking out the week we spoke!), and resulting isolation, distance learning, and our new normal.

Tori and Ava's nuggets:

 1). The isolation they felt after the Campfire is similar to the isolation of Covid and kids can use technology purposefully to connect. 2). Put the bad news away and don’t drown in it. 3). It’s easy to feel helpless, like we have no choices. Look at what you can control. 4) As kids, we are so young and have so much to look forward to. There are a lot of good times coming our way. 5). We need to appreciate everything we have. Even a tree. 6). In your online classes, connect with your acquaintances too - reach out. Everyone is missing everyone. Don’t be afraid to reach out. 7) The opposite of negative is warmth (I LOVE THIS ONE). 8. Initiate a gratitude practice. 9. The worst days are the best days to be grateful. 10. Please parents, listen and support your kids. Hold your anger, sometimes hold your advice and just listen - let your kids talk and this will build their trust.  11. Please educators, be patient and understanding - it’s hard to retain information right now. 12. Kids, give out as much light and connection as possible - whatever that means to you.

A teacher from Chico comes on today to revisit his experiences through the traumatic Camp Fire and the effects it had on him and his students.

Let's chat with Jake Pina - yes!  Incoming Cal Poly SLO freshman who has played baseball most of his life.  Jake is an amazing young man who recognized his Varsity baseball team was struggling and not performing at the level they could be, nor as collaboratively as they should to reach their peak.  Jake had been exposed to Yoga Nidra through Jill Weston and his Mom's practice and he had witnessed his Mom's experience first-hand.  With nothing left to lose, he suggested his team visit Jill at her studio.  You will want to hear how this all turned out for the group of high school boys, the effects on them individually, and the team.  

As always, we encourage anyone who is experiencing anxiety or depression to seek professional help immediately.  Do not wait.  There is help out there, you matter, and you do not have to feel this way.  #Let'sallflourish

THRILLED to have Jill Weston on the show today to discuss her Yoga Nidra practice and studio, Breathing Space. Jill will share with us not only what the heck Yoga Nidra is, and why it is important for all of us to be aware of the connection between our mind and body. Why did it take me so long to explore Yoga Nidra?? That is exactly what you might say also. Unless of course, you’re already a practitioner and in that case, I say – “way to go!” to you!

In a typical yoga nidra session, a teacher will guide students into the yoga nidra state, focusing your awareness on your breath, bodily sensations, emotions and thoughts. Throughout the session, students are gently encouraged to remain awake and aware and welcome whatever is present without getting becoming taken away in it. Jill offers the visualization of a suitcase that everyone brings to class. While in the yoga nidra state – the contents of the suitcase may become quite clear. It is an opportunity to examine the contents, rearrange, repack, remove items, change things up. We are in control of our own suitcases.

Jill will discuss the difference between yoga nidra and meditation, why some clients experiences are different than others, and also why it feels good to have a practice where it feels good to be in control.

Here's the article we discussed about masks and fight or flight:  https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/somatic-psychology/202005/why-face-masks-can-trigger-unpleasant-emotions

As always, we encourage anyone who is experiencing anxiety or depression to seek professional help immediately.  Do not wait.  There is help out there, you matter, and you do not have to feel this way.  #Let'sallflourish

This week our discussion around disappointment continues with our young friend, Mckinley Stoller!  Mckinley attends the University of Oregon and is majoring in psychology with a minor in sociology.  She is passionate about spreading awareness for those struggling with mental health issues and approaches the show with pure honesty and transparency with her own past issues and how she is flourishing.  We will be talking about social media and phones for kids, how social media can lead kids down a path of disappointment in themselves, and steps to pull yourself up and flourish again.  Starting with talking to friends, family, someone you trust.  Tune in to hear Mckinley's story!

Talking with someone about thoughts and feelings is the first step to flourishing and can save a life.  If you or someone you know is facing anxiety or depression, steps to recovery may include:  

If you or someone you know is in crisis, Call 911 if danger is imminent, or connect online with the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline to get support. 

Learn more here about action steps you can take. You can also call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255), talk to their professionals, and follow their guidance.