In this episode of The Skeptical Shaman podcast, host Rachel White (of TOTEM Readings) chats with her second client EVER when she opened TOTEM Readings 15 years ago in Chicago: Laura Hunnewell.

Not only is Laura a friend of TOTEM and The Skeptical Shaman-- as well as a super-talented Licensed Esthetician-- she is a serious survivor, spending the last several years navigating serious health issues and a relentless chronic pain disorder.

Laura has been diagnosed with trigeminal neuralgia, otherwise known as "the suicide disease" because of the life-altering levels of pain it brings. And, while she continues to get traditional medical treatment (including TWO craniotomies), she has also embraced some more Woo-based tools to help her get through the day with a sense of peace, optimism and joy. In this episode (and show notes, below) Laura shares multiple books, resources, daily practices, and more with Rachel and The Skeptical Shaman listeners.

Laura is living reminder that you can be "in it" and still show up for others. Despite dealing with an acutely painful and debilitating heath condition, Laura is kind and present for others-- proof positive that NONE of us have an excuse to be a sh*t just because we're having a bad day;)

What's more: this episode also reminds us to show up every day with intentionality and compassion. Many of our fellow humans are struggling with unseen challenges we know nothing about, and outward appearances can be deceiving. 

So, when in doubt, be kind.

Rachel's LINKS:

Rachel's Website: https://www.totemreadings.com
TOTEM Readings Substack: https://totemrach.substack.com
Rachel's Other Links: https://linktr.ee/totemrach

Our Sponsors' LINKS:

The TOTEM Flower Essence Deck: https://a.co/d/gw16LsG
The TOTEM Tarot Deck: https://totemreadingsatx.etsy.com/listing/1492934343
The TOTEM Flower Essences: https://www.etsy.com/shop/TotemReadingsATX
TOTEM Spiritual Transformation Coaching: https://www.totemreadings.com/coaching
TOTEM Business of Woo Mentoring: https://www.totemreadings.com/business-of-woo

Books mentioned in this episode:

• The Places that Scare You by Pema Chodron
• Don't Believe Everything You Think by Joseph Ngyuen
• Can't Stop Thinking by Nancy Colier
• When The Body Says No by Gabor Mate
• The Myth of Normal by Gabor Mate
• Maybe This Will Help by Michelle Rial 
• The Healing Power of Sound by Michell Gaynor 

Laura's Links:

• Laura's website: laurahunnewell.com
• Laura teaches here: www.yogaloftstudios.com

Please note: The views and opinions expressed on The Skeptical Shaman do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the podcast. Any content provided by our guests, bloggers, sponsors or authors are of their opinion and are not intended to malign any religion, protected class, group, club, organization, business individual, anyone or anything. And remember: sticks and stones may break our bones, but words—or discussions of religious or spiritual topics-- will never hurt us.