Yes, I've been avoiding you. Today, I'm talking about my three-month absence. I share about the loss of my great-aunt and the emotional challenges I've been facing including the struggle to find motivation and creativity during this period. But we are back... for now!

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Last week I visited my Bà Ý (great aunt) one last time to say goodbye to her. She was a pivotal figure in my life and today, I'm sharing personal stories and lessons learned from her. I reflecting on the profound impact she had on my upbringing and the foundational lessons she imparted. These lessons include the importance of independence, enjoying simple mornings, the essence of generosity, the power of being present, unconditional love, acceptance, and creating a safe space for mistakes. I share how these core values have shaped my identity and outlook on life and reflect on the lasting influence of loved ones on our personal journey and the legacy we carry forward.

Chapters:

01:34 The Heartbreaking Farewell and Last Visit

03:57 Inspirational Lessons from Bà Ý

10:51 Embracing Generosity and Presence

21:39 The Power of Unconditional Love and Acceptance

30:28 Reflecting on Impact and Pursuing Happiness

36:34 Closing Thoughts and Gratitude

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Today I'm fessing up and discussing the impact of honesty on personal growth and relationships. Inspired by my commitment to truth and a recent incident with my mum's car, I reflect on the dangers of deceit, drawing on my own life where I frequently found myself lying to avoid trouble or meet others' expectations. I share some personal details about lying regarding my virginity due to cultural and religious pressures, highlighting how this not only shaped my identity but also affected my relationships. Through my journey, I've learned the importance of aligning words with truth, creating safe spaces for honesty, and the liberation that comes with living authentically.

01:01 The Road Trip Incident: A Catalyst for Honesty

02:55 Childhood Lies and Their Impact on Identity

06:44 The Complex Web of Lies Around Virginity

17:37 The Journey Towards Truth and Authenticity

26:41 Creating a Safe Space for Truth

31:43 Embracing Honesty and Authenticity

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In this episode, Amanda delves deep into the personal and societal aspects of being in your thirties and choosing to live child-free. Amanda shares her reflections on societal pressures, personal growth, and the evolving understanding of fulfilment and legacy that comes with choosing not to have children. She openly discusses her journey from envisioning motherhood in her youth to embracing a child-free life, highlighting the freedom, personal development, and opportunities it has afforded her. Amanda tackles the challenges and misconceptions faced by those who decide against parenthood, emphasizing the importance of intentional living and the diverse paths to finding meaning and happiness. This episode offers insight, support, and encouragement for anyone navigating life choices around parenthood and seeking to understand the profound impact of these decisions on identity, relationships, and legacy.

Chapters:

(01:26) The Societal Pressure of Life Milestones

(07:07) Redefining Fulfillment: Life Without Children

(12:00) Navigating the Thirties: Challenges and Realisations

(18:03) The Decision Not to Have Children: Societal Reactions

(23:39) Considering Parenthood: A Personal Journey

(43:10) The Legacy of a Life Without Children

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Social media undeniably has an impact on how we form connections. Today I'm discussing the importance of strong friendships for a happy and healthy life and the challenges and complexities involved in sustaining and making new friendships. I talk about acknowledging the differences between acquaintances, peers, community, and true friends, noting the transient nature of many friendships versus the few that last a lifetime. I also offer some reflection points and tips for making new friends, emphasizing the value of vulnerability, openness, and actively seeking out connections with others who share core values, despite differing opinions or lifestyles.

(00:46) The Evolution of Friendships: Seasons, Reasons, and Lifelong Bonds

(01:33) The Impact of Travel on Friendships: Challenges and Realizations

(02:59) Navigating the Complexities of Sustaining Friendships

(08:58) The Adventure of Making New Friends Abroad

(13:41) Reflecting on the Nature of Friendships and Self-Discovery

(22:42) Tips for Making New Friends and Embracing Change

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The focus is on understanding the crucial difference between gathering resources and information versus taking tangible action towards personal development. I talk about the idea that despite having access to the same information and resources, the distinction between individuals who experience radical change in their lives and those who remain stagnant lies in the readiness to take action and discipline. I talk about my personal journey of learning, gathering information, and eventually realizing that without action, no real change occurs. The episode invites listeners to reflect on their own lives and consider the actions they might be avoiding or need to take to see genuine personal development.

(02:45) The Journey of Self-Awareness and Growth

(05:46) The Importance of Taking Action for Personal Growth

(06:23) My Personal Journey: From Information to Action

(12:55) Learning to Love Myself Through Action

(21:54) Reflecting on Your Own Journey and Next Steps

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Joining me today is special guest, Francie Fishman, the founder of Pure Flow Yoga, a vocal empowerment coach, and a musician focused on sacred sounds. Francie shares her journey of moving to Bali, her experiences with running yoga retreats, and her path of reinvention following the closure of her yoga center due to COVID-19. She discusses the profound connection between trauma and voice loss, the healing power of music, and her process of rediscovering her voice through vocal activation and sound healing. Francie also dives into her work with Compassionate Inquiry, a program by Gabor Maté aimed at addressing underlying traumas. She talks about her encounters with plant medicine, specifically Ayahuasca, and its role in her healing journey. Additionally, Francie outlines her passion for helping others awaken their authentic voices through yoga, music, and joy practices, offering insights into how individuals can connect with their creativity and authentic self-expression.

(01:02) Francie's Journey to Bali and Yoga

(03:28) Awakening the Authentic Voice and Healing Through Music

(06:36) The Journey of Healing and Self-Compassion

(10:34) Exploring Compassionate Inquiry

(22:28) The Role of Plant Medicine in Healing

(31:22) The Power of Music in Personal Growth

(34:25) The Impact of Music and Community in Childhood

(35:42) The Journey to Becoming a Vocal Empowerment Coach

(38:30) The Transformational Power of Voice Work

(41:25) Upcoming Projects and Programs

(43:53) Who Can Benefit from Voice Work

(46:23) The Power of Joy Practices and Artist Dates

(52:30) Sharing a Powerful Hawaiian Mantra

About Francie:

Francie, the inspired founder of the award-winning Pure Flow Yoga school, recognized as one of the top 8 Retreats worldwide by The Guardian UK, is a trauma-informed Yoga Professional, Vocal Luminary, and Sacred Sounds Musician. Renowned for her vibrant, playful, and free-spirited enthusiasm, Francie has guided thousands globally through 200+ transformative Yoga retreats and teacher trainings. With university degrees in Psychology and Education, Francie, a devoted seeker and perpetual student of life, has delved deeply into the teachings of global master instructors. Currently, she is immersed in the study of Compassionate Inquiry, a somatic psychotherapeutic approach to trauma resolution. An educator at heart, Francie is passionate about sharing the profound power of healing through music. Currently based in Ubud, Bali, Francie offers ongoing Yoga Classes at the world-renowned Yoga Barn, alongside Transformational Retreats, Teacher Trainings, Singing Circles, Sound Healings, Virtual Courses and 1-on-1 Mentorships.

Contact Francie:

Follow Francie on Instagram

Listen to Francie on Spotify

Learn more about Pure Flow Yoga

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Today we're discussing burnout. I was recently visiting Japan and reflected on how different it was for me when I was there last year. The last time I was there, I was burnt out and depleted, feeling hopeless and unmotivated. This time was different although I noticed early signs of burnout and managed to come out of it. I discuss what burnout is, signs to look out for and how to notice that you might be approaching burnout. I also talk about the recovery process and what tools you can implement to help support your health if you're burnt out. I talk about prevention methods and regular routines and habits to implement to keep you steadily in the green zone and to maintain a balanced and healthy life.

(00:00) Introduction and Welcome

(00:20) Personal Experience with Burnout

(07:24) Understanding Burnout

(08:10) Signs and Symptoms of Burnout

(11:57) Recovering from Burnout

(17:13) Preventing Burnout

(23:24) Recognising Pre-Burnout Signs

(26:20) Conclusion and Final Thoughts

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Today I discuss the complex issue of dating people for their potential rather than who they currently are. I talk about the importance of self-awareness, and acceptance and how projecting our own goals, fears, and trauma onto our partners can create unhealthy dynamics within the relationship. There's a critical difference between being supportive of a partner's growth and trying to mould them into an ideal vision.

(00:00) Introduction and Welcome

(00:55) Optimism and Hope

(03:12) Projecting Our Desires and Potential onto Others

(06:23) The Role of Trauma

(10:16) The Hero Complex and Distraction from Self-Work

(13:42) Potential as a Source of Inspiration and Growth

(16:36) The Balance of Acceptance and Aspiration

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Happy lover's day to all the lovers out there. Today I'm sharing my love story with the most important person in the world to me.

Enjoy!

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