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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://healingartshealthandwel

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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 wr

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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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A different episode today.
I turned to my journal to see what it could share with me. And found that perhaps it is something that may resonate with you, too.
With love, wherever you are on your journey.

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What does burnout look like? How do we know when it's on our horizon? How can we find our way through it?

This conversation with Dr. Danielle De La Mare was inspiring, informative and full of inner wisdom.

The founder of Self-Compassionate Professor, Danielle focuses on healing academics’ relationship to work, helping them to clear mental and emotional clutter, make space for their own needs and wants, and find the clarity to make sound and meaningful career decisions grounded in wellness.

We talk about:

• The journey we can unwittingly take into burnout 
• Our relationships with loved ones and colleagues when we're on the brink - and when we're moving through burnout
• The impact of ill-health - and recovery from illness - on the burnout experience
• How imposter complex can play a part in the journey toward and experience of  burnout 
• The specific challenges of working within higher education and academia 
• Strategies for coping with these issues, including self-compassion, mindfulness, and finding balance in work and life
• The vital need for self-care, boundaries, and prioritising well-being
• The importance of empathy and understanding towards individuals struggling with burnout and imposter syndrome
• Practical tips for cultivating mindfulness and trust in career wellness

CONNECT

• Find out more about Danielle's powerful (and beautiful) compassion-based work here https://danielledelamare.com/

REFERENCES

• In the Flow - journal your inner wisdom Buy it from any bookshop or get it direct from my publisher Inner Work Project

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A GENTLE NOTE OF GUIDANCE: Early on in this episode (around 7 mins in), Katy shares a difficult story from her childhood that some listeners may find challenging to listen to.

Katy Theakston and I first spoke on this topic sharing a stage at Wellbeing by the Lakes in 2023.

We'd never met before, but we trusted we were safe in each other's hands. And, of course, so we were. At the end of the talk, our audience spontaneously asked for a group hug. For me it shows the power and deep personal connection we ALL have to this topic.

I hope you enjoy listening as much as I enjoyed speaking with Katy. A beautiful woman with a wonderful mission - find out more about her and the work she does to create powerful women's circles and retreats: https://owlapothecary.com/

Henny x

'Mostly what I have learned so far about aging, despite the creakiness of one’s bones and cragginess of one’s once-silken skin, is this: Do it. By all means, do it.'
MAYA ANGELOU 

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I'm very mindful I've named this episode at risk of making it sound like Ibiza is an illusion. Which, of course, it's patently not! It's a beautiful island that's home to very real people. So... this is more of a metaphor about beauty and perfection, and the role of reality in and amongst it. Ibiza, because of my own wonderful experiences there, just happens to be my idealised concept of what perfection feels like. Your's may well be somewhere else.

I asked AI to give me a summary of the episode (gosh, now there's another topic for a podcast) and this is what it said:

Henny Flynn discusses the 'Ibiza illusion' in wellness retreats, where individuals often feel pressure to present a perfect image. She argues that embracing imperfections and vulnerability can lead to a deeper connection with oneself and others. Flynn encourages listeners to reflect on the true purpose of wellness retreats and how they can be designed to be more inclusive and beneficial for all individuals. By making room for emotions and practicing everyday compassion, we can cultivate a more authentic and meaningful connection with ourselves and the world around us.

Slightly scarily, I think it's captured it.

I'd love to hear what you think. This is one of the (many!) episodes I feel vulnerable about sharing, so I know there's something in it that means something (to me, at least). Maybe it resonates with you too.

With love
Henny x

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Today I'm in conversation with Dr Nolan Beise. We're discussing the potential of advanced neurotechnology to improve brain health and well-being.

Yes. That. It's a big topic. And a wonderful episode to close this season.

You'll hear that Nolan weaves the science with profound compassion, beginning with his reflections on how his younger self struggled to navigate the world.

He shares powerful statistics, research and evidence on the way our brains work - and how so many of us are not (yet) optimising the full capacity of our brain function.

We discuss... 

• The importance of understanding brain function to prevent brain health issues
• Our shared personal experiences with burnout
• The technology Nolan has developed to help people understand their brains better
• The intersections of personal growth, mindfulness, compassion and wisdom in how we maximise our opportunity for supporting a healthy brain
• The importance of rest, self-knowledge and supporting oneself and others in developing our brain health

If you're curious about how your brain works, and how you could improve your brain health... have a listen.

There is a short period where the signal between the UK and Canada went a little wobbly - rather than edit it out, I've chosen to keep it in as I think what Nolan was sharing was important. Hopefully it won't disrupt you too much as you listen.

To connect with Nolan & find out more about the Circl headset and app...
https://www.linkedin.com/in/nolanbeise/
https://circlbrain.com/

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A piece of quiet
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everyday ♡ compassion
Tiny reminders of self-love and presence, delivered three times a week.
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Free Events & Small Group Courses
Explore the power of Flow Journaling, self-compassion and gentle change in a supportive space.
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Solo Retreats at Bach Brook
Rest, reflect and reconnect – fully supported in a place of deep natural beauty.
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Books, Journaling Resources & Self-paced Courses
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Visit the library

Free 20-minute Call
Explore whether coaching could support what’s calling for change.
...