the Henny Flynn podcast

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How is it to experience the space where time & effort cease to exist?

Join us as we explore the concept of flow with Dr. Sue Jackson, a distinguished psychologist and author, who shares the wisdom of 30-years of research and brings her expertise across sports, business, education, and everyday life. 

In this episode...

• We navigate the nuanced relationship between flow, perfectionism, and mindfulness (this was particularly resonant as I listened back & realised my mic appeared to be underwater as we were recording!)
• Drawing inspiration from Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi's pioneering work, we investigate how flow can provide a sanctuary of ease and deep attention in our often chaotic, multitasking work environments. 
• From the influence of Buddhist principles to the power of being present, we reflect on personal experiences that demonstrate the transformative potential of flow. 
• We also hear the importance of reducing self-consciousness to foster flow and authentic connection - with Self, with others and with the task at hand - amidst modern life's disruptions.

I love how Sue guides us through the art of balancing challenge, trust in ourselves and skill to avoid the pitfalls of anxiety and boredom, whether on the ski slopes or tackling a mundane household task.

This episode celebrates the universal appeal - and the essential nature - of flow.

READ MORE
Sue's book Experiencing Flow: Life Beyond Boredom and Anxiety, is available direct from her or Amazon UK, Amazon (US), Amazon.com.au
Dr Sue Jackson
Performance Psychologist, Author, & Consultant www.bodyandmindflow.com.au

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Self-abandonment can often feel like a hidden force, quietly pulling us away from the very practices that could ground us in our most challenging moments.

Have you ever wondered why we neglect meditation, journaling, or even a simple walk when they could help us the most? In this episode, we unravel the complexities behind these behaviours and explore how fear of confronting deeper issues keeps us from self-care. By shifting our perspective from "letting go" to "letting be," we create a compassionate space for our emotions, allowing us to approach our fears with curiosity rather than avoidance.

Continuing this journey, we explore the uplifting power of affirmations, such as "I am worthy of this attention", as a tool for reconnecting with oneself and overcoming self-abandonment. My "Affirmations in Practice" mini-course offers a beautiful place to explore the science and practical application of affirmations - full of guidance for those eager to nurture their inner equilibrium.

As we stand at the cusp of a new year, there's no better time to set intentions for personal growth and self-care - and if this raises deeper questions for you, then I'd be honoured to explore Working together one-to-one.

Affirmations in Practice Mini-Course
Just £7 with PROMO CODE: PODCAST

https://hennyflynn.ck.page/products/affirmations-in-practice-mini-course?promo=PODCAST

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Imagine having a gentle yet powerful tool in your back pocket that you can use whenever you need some First Aid. A tool that's there for you, whatever situation you find yourself in - helping to manage feelings of overwhelm, overstimulation and dysregulation, as you navigate life's unpredictable changes.

This self-guided emotional "first aid" technique is built around the mnemonic TONIC. In the episode we'll explore how these 5 stages: Time out, Options, Name, Intention, Compassion help us to recognise and nurture what we're feeling in the moment - and identify a way forward.

Join us as we explore the power of setting positive intentions and nurturing self-compassion. By focusing on simple affirmations like "I am safe" or "I am here," we connect mind and body to soothe the nervous system and encourage self-kindness, just as we would show to a loved one. Through physical gestures and written reflections, discover ways to cultivate a sense of warmth and care towards yourself. 

As we embrace this new fortnightly rhythm to our podcast, I am so grateful for your support. Thank you to everyone who has taken the time to connect and share your reflections. I also invite you to sign up for my written reflections, offering a continuous source of support in your own journey.

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Have you ever wondered how much of our lives are governed by unwritten rules we've imposed on ourselves? 

Today's episode is a meander through some of the self-imposed constraints that often originate from societal expectations or beliefs we've inherited. We look at...

• Some of my own once unshakeable ideas - for example, that for work to be meaningful, it must always feel hard (spoiler alert... it's not true)
• How we can question and dismantle limiting constraints and the 'rules' we place around ourselves - to embrace flexibility and creative freedom
• How the concept of 'beautiful disruption' can help us create small, intentional changes in routine that help build adaptability, resilience and creativity. 

Like many of these reflective episodes, this has sparked a personal response for me too. And so, I'm now breaking one of the rules I'd inadvertently created for myself. I'm shifting from publishing the podcast weekly to fortnightly. It's an experiment and we'll see how it goes... after all, there are no rules! 

I would LOVE to hear what you think about this. Depending on where you're listening you may see a little link to message me your reflections - or you can always email. 

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This episode is about the paradox of embracing detachment (I love a paradox!)

Join me on a reflective journey exploring the transformative practices of detachment and self-compassion. I'll share what inspired this episode, diving into the intentional act of releasing - creating meaningful space around our behaviours and beliefs. And we'll touch on how moving away from a fear-based mindset and embracing flow and surrender can lead to healthier, more fulfilling ways of living. 

With loving detachment, we can let go of our relentless need to control, extending this practice to both external situations and our inner world. 

This active state of awareness invites us to address what genuinely needs our attention without falling into automatic, triggered responses. It's about embracing life’s moments without judgment or force. I close with a heartfelt message, sending you a virtual hug and wave. 

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How can music change the way we think, feel and heal?

Meet Kathy Harmon-Luber, the author of "Suffering to Thriving: Your Toolkit for Navigating Your Healing Journey," who joins me this week to share her  story of overcoming serious health challenges through the power of sound healing. 

In our conversation, we unravel the ancient wisdom and modern science behind sound’s impact on emotional and physiological well-being. From personal anecdotes to professional insights, we explore the profound role sound and music play in cultivating self-compassion, emotional stability, and overall healing.

• How sound healing is making a resurgence in modern medicine, finding its place in hospitals and nursing homes in the States. 
• The therapeutic effects of various musical genres, vocal yoga, and the intuitive joy of musical expression. 
• Kathy shares some compelling research along the way, from organisations like UCLA, which opens up how these practices could play a role in reducing stress and inflammation.
• Personal stories of how sound has helped overcome physical and emotional barriers, illustrating the remarkable benefits of integrating sound into daily life.
• Finally, we explore the future of sound healing through the lens of innovative medical treatments and pioneering professionals like Dr. Mitchell Gaynor. 

Our episode includes a special offering for listeners—a short course on healing the heart chakra, complete with a sound bath designed to open this vital energy point.

This episode is a celebration of Kathy’s journey from suffering to thriving and a testament to the incredible healing potential of sound and music - a journey of transformation and renewal.

CONNECT
You can find out more about Kathy, her FREE heart chakra offering, the Yoga Magazine article on sound, and her book here: www.SufferingToThriving.com
For Kathy's free heart chakra and sound bath offering, you can find out more here: https://healingartshealthandwellness.aweb.page/p/bfd182f7-b456-4ce8-b743-f21fcbd630d8

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Today I'm speaking with the sculptor, ceramicist, artist Paul Smith.   

I first came across his work many years ago and have always been struck by the powerful quality of compassion that, for me, sits within the pieces he creates.

Since then I've (joyfully) brought two of his pieces into my home - you'll hear more about what they represent to me... and how Paul keeps his own interpretation of his work open, so each person finds their own story within them.

It was a joy to speak with Paul and I'm delighted he accepted my invitation to join us here.

In our conversation, we explore the profound interplay between compassion, creativity, and masculinity. We touch on how true human connections, such as heartfelt hugs, are mirrored in creative works and the concept of gestalt, where intertwined figures symbolise both unity and individuality. And Paul shares his insights on the importance of compassion in our relationship with the natural world and the critical need to protect keystone species. His reflections highlight how creativity can foster a closer connection with our environment - as well as with our own emotional landscape. Toward the end of the episode, we come to understand this conversation is really about balance: balance in the beautiful work Paul shares, the importance of balance in nature and how we create balance across the different aspects in our inner and outer lives.

I loved speaking with Paul. I hope you enjoy listening.

MEET PAUL & see more of his work:
INSTAGRAM: @paulsmithsculptures

www.paulsmithsculptures.co.uk

REFERENCES:
Women Who Run with the Wolves: Myths and Stories of the Wild Woman Archetype, by American psychoanalyst Clarissa Pinkola Estés (My enormous apologies for getting her name wrong in the episode!)

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How do we navigate the stormy seas of grief while keeping our creative spark alive?

In this deeply personal episode, I open up about the emotional toll of grief and how it's impacted my ability to produce consistent podcast episodes this season. You'll hear about a fully recorded session that I ended up deleting, and how, with Anton's wise guidance, I've seen that speaking about how creativity can diminish in grief, is part of rekindling creativity.

From personal experiences like the loss of loved ones or navigating significant changes, we explore how activities like journaling can provide emotional relief and support. We discuss the concept of "transitional work," emphasising the importance of letting go of expectations and allowing our creativity to serve as a healing process.

Drawing wisdom from a grieving artist and a poignant Chinese proverb, we highlight the necessity of self-compassion and the role of various creative outlets—whether it's painting, music, or gardening—in holding sorrow so it doesn't overwhelm us.

Finally, I touch on the joy and inner wisdom that can be found in Flow Journaling, and an invitation to explore my book, "In the Flow" - and see how it can enhance your journaling practice and connection to your inner self.

BOOK: In the Flow - journal your creative wisdom

https://www.hennyflynn.co.uk/bookshop

RESOURCES

https://www.insightcreativecoaching.com/blog-1/2023/11/10/art-and-grief#:~:text=Experiencing%20a%20significant%20loss%20or,for%20a%20period%20of%20time.

https://www.headspace.com/articles/grief-creativity-together

POEM

Memory is a strange bird doling out the world in 

shards—
 the stuff we are made of. 

I am the keeper, now, I hold them all. 

Tonight as I write I become conjurer— 

When I open my hands: A thousand sparrows 

Jessica Moore, Everything, Now. 

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Imagine navigating the challenges of menopause while excelling in your career—could a compassionate workplace make all the difference? Join us as we sit down with Pamela Windle, a passionate women's health coach who sheds light on the transformative power of empathy in corporate environments. Pamela shares her journey from confronting her health struggles in 2012 to becoming an integrated women's health coach by 2015, offering a deeply personal perspective on the importance of understanding and supporting women through all life stages in professional settings.

Pamela opens up about the misunderstandings and lack of education surrounding menopause, particularly in the workplace. She recounts her own experiences with chronic fatigue and job loss, emphasising the need for a more holistic approach to women's health. Through her narrative, we explore the steps organisations can take to create a supportive atmosphere for all employees, touching on critical aspects like self-compassion, gratitude, and the identification of root causes. Pamela's insights are a call to action for leaders to reassess and improve their current practices, creating a more inclusive and nurturing work environment.

We also tackle the unique challenges that black women face in the workplace, especially around health conditions like fibroids and autoimmune diseases. Pamela discusses the impact of societal stereotypes and the importance of cultural sensitivity and comprehensive workplace guidance. Through the powerful metaphor of a Jenga tower, we illustrate how life stressors disrupt women's hormonal balance and overall well-being. Concluding with Pamela's empowering "Phoenix Rising" narrative, this episode is a celebration of resilience and the beauty of rewriting one's life story, offering a refreshing perspective on aging and transformation.

CONNECT WITH PAMELA
Pamela Windle https://www.smarterchange.co.uk/

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Today's offering is something different - a mindful meditation; an invitation to explore the concept of 'releasing what binds you' from a physical, mental and emotional place of rest and relaxation.

There are no demands here. Simply the act of listening and following my voice. Seeing how it feels to let go of all tension, to fully rest in the present moment.

You'll hear I mention this is a piece I wrote as a stepping stone into a Flow Journaling practice. If you'd like to journal after listening, you could use the prompt: As I pick up my pen I am noticing... and see what flows from there.

This is the first prompt from my book, In the Flow, and is a wonderful place to start - and to return to - in your journaling practice.

Henny x

In the Flow - journal your inner wisdom - available from all major bookstores

If you're driving, wait until you are somewhere you can stop, close your eyes and get completely comfortable.

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