We want to hear from you! Send us a text message.

Embracing YOUR Face: Kat Parks joins us to chat about expression, aging, and the freedom to be seen

What if the lines on your face aren’t flaws to fix, but stories to honor?

Kat Parks is back on the Nearly Enlightened Podcast, and this time we’re diving deep into Face Freedom—her revolutionary approach that moves way beyond traditional face yoga. This isn’t about chasing youth or smoothing out every wrinkle. It’s about reconnecting with your natural expression, releasing long-held tension, and rewriting the narrative around beauty and aging.

Most of us are walking around totally disconnected from our faces—holding tension in our jaws, clenching around our eyes, barely breathing—and we don’t even realize it. Kat helps us tune back in as she explains how these unconscious patterns not only shape how we look, but also how we feel and how we show up in the world.

This episode is a powerful invitation to reclaim your face—not the one you had ten years ago, and not the one a filter says you should have—but the one that’s here now. The one that reflects your truth, your joy, your vitality.

We talk about:

• Why face yoga is about so much more than appearance—it supports lymphatic flow, emotional regulation, and nervous system health
• How cultural messaging and the beauty industry condition us to fear aging and distrust our natural looks
• Why vitality and joy are more magnetic than perfection
• The rise of injectables and filters—and how they subtly disconnect us from our bodies and emotions
• How to gently begin a face awareness practice, without pressure or shame
• What it means to be truly expressive, embodied, and free

This conversation is part truth-telling, part soul medicine, and part loving wake-up call to not just accept yourself, but to LOVE yourself. Whether you're face yoga curious or just ready to stop fighting your reflection, this one’s for you.

✨ Ready to begin your Face Freedom journey?
Kat’s 12-week program starts May 9th—head to findyourfacefreedom.com or find her on Instagram @beeasyfaceyoga to learn more and grab her free tension release guide.

Nearly Enlightened Podcast
Your high-vibe toolbox to connect with your body, mind, and spirit. Empowering you to uncover your Inner Wisdom.

Subscribe & Listen on your favorite platform.

Explore More: Meditate to Elevate | Blog | Free Guide
Let's grow together: @nearlyenlightened | Nearly Enlightened

We want to hear from you! Send us a text message.

BIG NEWS ✨
Dee and I have been waiting to share this with you...

If you've been craving a deeper connection to your practice—beyond just the poses—this is for you. We’re SO excited to invite you to join us for our Free 30-Day Yoga Challenge, starting May 1st!

This challenge was born from a shared desire to return to the roots of yoga—to explore the full 8 limbs of this sacred tradition, not just what we see on Instagram. Because let’s be real: yoga is so much more than pretty poses. It’s breath, reflection, stillness, devotion, and community. It’s a way of living with more presence.

Every day, you’ll receive an email with a simple, soul-nourishing prompt. Some days it’s movement, some days breathwork, journaling, or meditation. You don’t need anything fancy—just a journal, a pen, your breath, and your willingness to show up exactly as you are. ✨

This journey is for everybody—whether you’ve been practicing for years or are just getting curious about yoga as a lifestyle. And you won’t be doing it alone. We’ll be practicing right alongside you, sharing reflections and cheering you on. When you share your journey on Instagram, use our hashtag to connect with others on the path—it’s going to be so beautiful to witness.

Oh, and we’re also hosting a special charity yoga event during the challenge to raise money for Ten Lives Cat Rescue—because seva (selfless service) is yoga, too. 🐾💗

This isn’t about perfection. It’s about showing up with presence. Tuning into yourSelf. Listening inward. Letting this daily practice be your little love note from soul to soul.

✨ Ready to join us?

Sign up now by clicking here!

 and follow along on IG @nearlyenlightened + @anahata.yoga.bienestar

Let's walk this path together!

Nearly Enlightened Podcast
Your high-vibe toolbox to connect with your body, mind, and spirit. Empowering you to uncover your Inner Wisdom.

Subscribe & Listen on your favorite platform.

Explore More: Meditate to Elevate | Blog | Free Guide
Let's grow together: @nearlyenlightened | Nearly Enlightened

We want to hear from you! Send us a text message.

Crystal Cerrato's spiritual awakening didn’t happen overnight. After practicing yoga inconsistently for a decade, it was her 200-hour teacher training that sparked a profound shift. "I discovered what we yogis know as the capital S Self," she shares, reflecting on the moment she truly connected to her body and eternal soul.

As the founder of Body of Light Yoga School, Director of Education for The Primal Flow, and creator of BodyWell, Crystal now dedicates her life to guiding others on their transformative journeys. In this episode, we explore how yoga often starts as a physical practice but, with commitment, becomes a gateway to deeper self-awareness and spiritual connection.

Crystal offers a powerful reframe for those hesitant to begin:

"You don't have to be too dirty to take a bath. You have to take the bath to get clean."

We dive into how yoga peels back the layers of conditioning, allowing us to witness our experiences with compassion instead of judgment. Crystal also shares how the practice provides invaluable tools for managing triggers, responding instead of reacting, and finding clarity in the chaos.

If you're feeling disconnected or stuck, Crystal’s advice is simple yet profound: move your body, journal about what nourishes your spirit, and envision the life you want to create. For those seeking an even deeper transformation, she encourages considering yoga teacher training as a powerful portal to growth.

Ready to explore the magic of yoga beyond the mat? Connect with Crystal on Instagram @crystalcerratoyoga or visit bodywell.live for classes, resources, and wellness support. 

Tune in for an inspiring conversation on discovering your inner radiance, strength, and limitless potential through the practice of yoga.

Want to get certified in The Primal Flow? Check out the latest certification happening July 2025. theprimalflow.com/certifications

Nearly Enlightened Podcast
Your high-vibe toolbox to connect with your body, mind, and spirit. Empowering you to uncover your Inner Wisdom.

Subscribe & Listen on your favorite platform.

Explore More: Meditate to Elevate | Blog | Free Guide
Let's grow together: @nearlyenlightened | Nearly Enlightened

We want to hear from you! Send us a text message.

Feeling the weight of unfulfilled New Year’s resolutions? You’re not alone. The truth is, January isn’t the real start of the year—Aries season is. As the final sign of the zodiac, Pisces marks the true ending, a time for reflection, release, and deep inner work before the fresh energy of Aries season and spring’s renewal.

In this episode of The Nearly Enlightened Podcast, host Giana Giarrusso explores why so many resolutions fail and how to align your personal growth with the natural rhythms of the seasons. Instead of forcing new habits in the depths of winter, now is the time to slow down, nurture yourself, and plant seeds of intention that will bloom when spring arrives.

You’ll learn:
✨ Why winter is for rest, not hustle—and how to honor that
✨ The deep meaning of Pisces season and its role in personal transformation
✨ How to embrace this time for reflection, release, and intuitive goal-setting
✨ How Aries season and the arrival of spring bring fresh energy for action

If you've felt out of sync with your goals or pressured to make changes before you were ready, this episode is your permission slip to reset and realign. Tune in now, and don’t forget to subscribe, share, and tag @nearlyenlightened on Instagram—let’s keep this conversation going!

Nearly Enlightened Podcast
Your high-vibe toolbox to connect with your body, mind, and spirit. Empowering you to uncover your Inner Wisdom.

Subscribe & Listen on your favorite platform.

Explore More: Meditate to Elevate | Blog | Free Guide
Let's grow together: @nearlyenlightened | Nearly Enlightened

We want to hear from you! Send us a text message.

After a life-changing car accident took away her sense of taste and smell, Kelly McMenamin, founder of Forest Farms, embarked on a transformative journey into beekeeping, clean beauty, and holistic wellness. In this inspiring episode, Kelly shares how nature became her greatest healer, leading her to embrace organic living, herbal remedies, and intentional self-care.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
🌿 How Kelly turned adversity into a thriving wellness brand
🍯 The power of beeswax, tallow, and oils in skincare
🫒 Why natural ingredients outperform synthetic beauty products
🌱 Healing benefits of herbs like comfrey and oregano
🧘‍♀️ Yoga and mindfulness as essential tools for intentional living
🏡 How connecting with nature strengthens personal and community well-being

From handcrafted lotion bars to the wonders of castor oil, Kelly reveals the secrets behind nourishing your skin—without toxins. This episode is packed with actionable insights for anyone looking to simplify their lifestyle, embrace clean beauty, and reconnect with nature’s wisdom.

Tune in and discover how small, intentional choices can transform your health, skin, and spirit. 🎧✨

Nearly Enlightened Podcast
Your high-vibe toolbox to connect with your body, mind, and spirit. Empowering you to uncover your Inner Wisdom.

Subscribe & Listen on your favorite platform.

Explore More: Meditate to Elevate | Blog | Free Guide
Let's grow together: @nearlyenlightened | Nearly Enlightened

We want to hear from you! Send us a text message.

Discover How Cosmic Events Shape Your Inner World on the Nearly Enlightened Podcast

Ever wondered how the Cancer full moon or natural events like the California fires influence your emotions and energy? Join me, Giana Giarrusso, on the Nearly Enlightened Podcast as I sit down with intuitive healer Danielle Manseau of Venus Rising. Together, we explore the deep connection between cosmic and earthly events and how they mirror our internal emotional states. From releasing outdated energy to embracing the transformative power of adversity, this episode offers insights into navigating personal growth in a fast-paced, chaotic world.

Our conversation dives into the challenges of emotional, energetic, and physical transitions. We discuss how seasonal stress, holiday pressures, and full moons can amplify health and emotional struggles—and why embracing discomfort is key to transformation. Danielle and I share practical tips for grounding, energy cleansing, and finding balance during the colder months.

You’ll also learn how to harness community support and self-care to navigate tough times, while acknowledging the collective growth that happens during chaotic periods. With actionable tools for grounding, healing, and emotional stability, this episode is perfect for anyone seeking to connect more deeply with themselves and the world around them.

Key Takeaways:

• How the Cancer full moon influences emotions and healing
• Grounding techniques to combat emotional and seasonal stress
• The impact of chaotic current events on personal energy
• Practical tools for energy cleansing and self-care during winter
• Why discomfort is a powerful pathway to growth and transformation
• The importance of community support for holistic healing

Don’t miss this empowering episode filled with insights to help you stay grounded, find clarity, and embrace transformation through life’s challenges.

Nearly Enlightened Podcast
Your high-vibe toolbox to connect with your body, mind, and spirit. Empowering you to uncover your Inner Wisdom.

Subscribe & Listen on your favorite platform.

Explore More: Meditate to Elevate | Blog | Free Guide
Let's grow together: @nearlyenlightened | Nearly Enlightened

We want to hear from you! Send us a text message.

How do you navigate feedback that feels more like a personal attack than helpful guidance? In this candid and thought-provoking episode, I’m joined by  Deirdre "Dee" Doyno, a yoga teacher living off-grid life in Panama, as we explore the realities of navigating criticism while staying true to our teaching styles. Together, we dive into the delicate balance of authenticity and growth, honoring yoga’s rich traditions while adapting to modern trends.

We’ll discuss the complexities within the yoga community, from the diversity of teaching styles to competitive dynamics among teachers. Discover how props, once resisted, have become invaluable in making yoga accessible, and reflect on the impact of evolving trends like shorter class durations and innovative practices such as laughter and shake meditations.

This conversation shines a light on fostering inclusivity, building a culture of openness, and embracing yoga’s deeper philosophical roots beyond physical postures. Whether you’re a teacher or a student, this episode will inspire you to connect the ancient with the contemporary, advocate for authenticity, and cultivate continuous growth within yourself and your community.

Highlights:

Navigating criticism as a yoga teacher

Honoring yoga’s traditions while embracing innovation

The role of props and accessibility in modern yoga

Balancing personal teaching styles with student growth

Building inclusivity and dialogue within the yoga community

Exploring yoga as a holistic practice beyond asana


Have thoughts or a different perspective? We’d love to hear from you—reach out and join the conversation!

Nearly Enlightened Podcast
Your high-vibe toolbox to connect with your body, mind, and spirit. Empowering you to uncover your Inner Wisdom.

Subscribe & Listen on your favorite platform.

Explore More: Meditate to Elevate | Blog | Free Guide
Let's grow together: @nearlyenlightened | Nearly Enlightened

We want to hear from you! Send us a text message.

Discover how embracing the natural rhythms of the earth can transform your life and business as we welcome Jayme Rose Gray, a soul purpose guide and business coach, to our Nearly Enlightened podcast. We promise you'll gain insights into aligning with the true wheel of the year and be inspired to pause and reflect during winter's restful embrace. Jayme shares her wisdom on balancing society's relentless pace with nurturing feminine energy, leading us to find inspiration in the darker, quieter times and prepare to plant seeds for future growth.

Jayme shares personal stories of breaking free from conventional schooling to explore the joys of nature-based education and personal freedom. She shares her journey of stepping away from traditional systems, witnessing her children's  growth in "wild school" settings. Join us in celebrating the creation of environments that foster exploration and creativity, aligning our lives with Earth's natural cycles. This episode offers a fresh perspective on marking time and new beginnings authentically, embracing the continuous spiral of the year.

As the winter solstice approaches, we explore rituals and community connections that can empower and align us with our true purpose. Learn how to integrate spirituality and business, much like a Druid's communion with nature, and discover the profound impact of daily practices that tap into local energy. By sharing our personal stories and traditions, we emphasize the importance of connection and nourishment during this introspective season, reminding you that embracing both light and darkness leads to sustainable success. Join us in this transformative journey of self-exploration and alignment.

Connect with Jayme:
Website
Instagram 

Nearly Enlightened Podcast
Your high-vibe toolbox to connect with your body, mind, and spirit. Empowering you to uncover your Inner Wisdom.

Subscribe & Listen on your favorite platform.

Explore More: Meditate to Elevate | Blog | Free Guide
Let's grow together: @nearlyenlightened | Nearly Enlightened

We want to hear from you! Send us a text message.

Marissa Lynn returns to share her incredible journey of transformation and empowerment through her training in sexological bodywork and somatic sex education that brought her all the way to Australia. Her adventure begins in Hawaii, where she rekindled a cherished friendship and discovered the magic of traveling solo. Marissa shines a light on the integrity and ethics of the Institute of Somatic Sexology, highlighting their trauma-informed approach and the meaningful welcome ceremony by Aboriginal people. Despite battling illness, Marissa's experience was enriched by the connection with the land and the power of spiritual awakening, underscoring the unexpected gratitude for Western medicine along the way.

Travel becomes a catalyst for personal growth, as Marissa reflects on the challenges and rewards of intense training abroad. Her story takes a mystical turn with a past trip to Haiti that sparked a life-changing spiritual awakening, showcasing the unique energy different lands offer. The conversation branches into the profound impact of embracing new cultures and experiences, balancing personal desires and partnership dynamics, and how aligning workout routines with the menstrual cycle can optimize well-being. Listeners are invited to explore the themes of body acceptance, intimacy, and empowerment, learning how somatic practices can foster a deep sense of self-love.

Personal sovereignty and curiosity in relationships take center stage as Marissa discusses the nuances of compromise within partnerships. Her personal story with her husband on navigating individual needs versus shared activities offers a relatable insight into maintaining personal space while enhancing connection. 

This episode promises a rich tapestry of personal stories, professional insights, and transformative experiences, making it a must-listen for those on their own journeys of self-discovery and empowerment.


Connect with Marissa:
marissalynnhealing.com
IG: @marissalynnhealing
Join the Red Tent facebook.com/groups/503873578646785/ 

Nearly Enlightened Podcast
Your high-vibe toolbox to connect with your body, mind, and spirit. Empowering you to uncover your Inner Wisdom.

Subscribe & Listen on your favorite platform.

Explore More: Meditate to Elevate | Blog | Free Guide
Let's grow together: @nearlyenlightened | Nearly Enlightened

We want to hear from you! Send us a text message.

Amidst the chaos of today's political and media landscape, can we find common ground that transcends our differences? Join me, Giana Girrusso, as I share my personal insights on how we can harness our shared values for societal progress. By weaving spirituality into our daily lives, we explore how to engage in tough, respectful conversations that pave the way for constructive change. Through my own experiences of evolving perspectives, I emphasize the need to remain open to new information and ideas, fostering a Renaissance of art, connection, and empathy in our communities.

As we navigate this mass awakening towards a more conscious society, personal growth and self-care become essential tools for transformation. I share my journey of dealing with stress and anxiety, underscoring how practices like yoga and reaching out for support can illuminate our inner light, ultimately inspiring others and making lasting changes. Reflecting on the stark contrast between new and old media, we discuss the societal shift towards truth and analysis, and the importance of embracing all emotions without judgment. Lean on supportive communities and tools, as it's okay to seek help in facing both personal and collective challenges.

Balancing self-care with social change is a critical endeavor, particularly for millennials straddling the pre- and post-technology worlds. By setting boundaries with social media, engaging in joyful activities like baking and book clubs, and finding grounding practices through platforms like "Meditate to Elevate," we can reconnect with ourselves and others. I urge listeners to embrace discomfort in conversations and perform selfless acts, seizing opportunities to volunteer and spread kindness as the seasons change. Through meditation and meaningful dialogue, find peace amidst the chaos and continue progressing on your journey of personal and spiritual development.

Click here to join Meditate to Elevate and start your meditation practice today!

Nearly Enlightened Podcast
Your high-vibe toolbox to connect with your body, mind, and spirit. Empowering you to uncover your Inner Wisdom.

Subscribe & Listen on your favorite platform.

Explore More: Meditate to Elevate | Blog | Free Guide
Let's grow together: @nearlyenlightened | Nearly Enlightened