I talk to Shannon Schueler on this episode about the benefits of Breathwork and about her journey with this healing modality.

Shannon is a BSN RN, board-certified Holistic Nurse, Professional Nurse Coach, and Breathwork facilitator.

Shannon was a participant in the first graduating cohort of the Breathwork facilitator training of Chauna Bryant's Breath Liberation Society--a group which is radically inclusive, diverse, trauma-informed, and committed to cultivating liberation and transformation thought.

Learn more about the science and benefit of Breathwork.

You can find Shannon Schueler on Instagram and follow her @breathe.rn for virtual Breathwork offerings.

The term "Minnesota Nice" refers to a cultural dynamic & behavior that many people exhibit, particularly in Minnesota and in the Midwest.

It's not uncommon for people anywhere in the world to adopt these behaviors or patterns, but it's especially prevalent in Minnesota. Along with tater-tot hot dish and green bean casserole.

I define "Minnesota Nice" and redefine what kindness is. I cover topics like people-pleasing, boundaries, authenticity, and how honoring yourself is worth it.

In this episode, friend, former classmate, BSN Registered Nurse, and Nurse Practitioner in-training, Ashley Burkett, shares vulnerably about her journey and the challenges she faced as she navigated her chronic illness. She talks about what she wishes she would have known and what has helped her heal.

Ashley was 15 years old when symptoms started appearing and by her 20's became increasingly ill. Episodes of fainting, chronic uncontrolled pain, autoimmune and gut health as well as mental health issues persisted.

Conventional medicine provided little to no relief or resolution, so one modality at a time, Ashley started exploring holistic therapies.

Now, she is super passionate about functional medicine and working with women like her that are going through what she's been through. Ashley envisions herself practicing as a Functional Nurse Practitioner in a clinical setting when she graduates.

She wants everyone to be able to have access to affordable care, hopes that she can be a bridge between the worlds of conventional and holistic medicine, and wants to prevent others from experiencing the amount of suffering and isolation she has endured.

You can email Ashley Burkett at [email protected] for a list of her recommended providers, modalities, and other resources. Ashley is also offering free consults to those who feel they still have questions or need guidance.

**This consult and resources being offered should not replace your medical provider. Ashley will only talk about what has helped in her experience, but in no way should this be considered a replacement for professional medical advice.

Discomfort is the currency of our dreams. Everyone feels discomfort at all stages intermittently when growing, stretching in some way, or trying to reach goals.

In order to accomplish anything in life, we need to have a compelling vision of our future and a heart-felt feeling about the version of the self we are becoming. We need to be willing to feel any feeling that might come up and feed the creativity rather than the fear/doubt/discomfort.

Would you rather feel the discomfort of working toward a goal or the discomfort that comes with stagnation and a life not fully lived?

When we surround ourselves with inspiring & encouraging people who have done what we want to do, who are being who we want to be, or are in the process of being on the journey that we are on, we create more story and possibility in our life.

Our brain and body love examples sometimes of what's possible, before we dare to think it is doable for ourselves. But it's also possible to be a visionary and believe in yourself and your dream without a doubt, even if no one else does.

I chose the name for my coaching and consulting business with intention.

However, the word "Rebel" is often misconstrued and has a negative connotation. Often collectively, we think of it meaning resistance, aggression, breaking the rules, disrespect, and at times even violence. Or perhaps you think of the the "bad girl or boy" who is wild and has a lot of fun.

In this episode, I take time to define how I interpret the word rebel and how I've reclaimed it as a powerful word that is related to our transformation.

A Rebel Heart to me is someone who is in tune or becoming in tune with one's own inner authority, sovereignty, intuition, gut feelings, & heart, It's someone who despite external circumstances, obstacles, fear, and bad programming, goes on the journey anyway. Says yes to a calling when the future is unknown. Is present for both the demands of the physical world, but pays attention to and is guided by and tuned into ones' inner life.

At the center of this inner rebellion is our faith, connection with the divine and ourselves, and our willingness to betray another to be true to ourselves. When we align with what feels right for us, we give back from an authentic and more wholesome place and serve from a fuller cup.

We become an example and inspiration to others, despite criticism, perceived failures, and challenges along the way.

Enjoying the journey of life with all of it's challenges and complexity can be hard, especially if we aren't where we want to be yet in any given moment. The journey is often filled with hardship and difficulty and doesn't always seem to make sense.

In this episode, I explain how we could be more accepting and reverent of the journey for the way it prepares us for each new destination.

The primitive part of our brain wants us to remain safe and comfortable at all costs. It is programmed to alert us to impending danger. Our brains our adapted to the time when we lived in caves and had to be careful of occasional tigers or other animals eating us. However, our brains haven't necessarily caught up to modern times where our brain interprets a lot of things and situations as dangerous, even if it's truly not. Your brain starts to interpret everything as the "dangerous tiger": your boss, your difficult coworker, traffic, deadlines, kids, schedules, or starting anything new. Anything new or unfamiliar causes a warning sign in the brain to alert us. The brain starts telling us to stop and other lies in an earnest attempt to keep us safe.

The problem is that the definition of growth is discomfort. In order to reach our dreams, we must be willing to be uncomfortable. This means in order for us to continue to grow and change and evolve as we are naturally meant to do on this human journey, we have to override our primal brain's tendencies and develop our frontal lobe to intercept these self-sabatoging messages. Imposter syndrome shows up as a limiting belief that has us convinced that we are a phony, fake, not good enough, too old, not enough education, etc. It is one way our brain attempts to self-sabatoge us in something we want to do or say or be. I explain more about it here.

Trailer for Season 1 and Introduction of the Rebel Heart Coaching podcast and host Samantha Shatek.

I explain why I'm doing this podcast and what to expect.

Let's go!