The Intention Sessions Podcast

I’m wrapping up 2020.  Pictured alongside me is my dog, Piper, who pretty much barked in every episode!

This is a thank you for listening.  It’s also a thank you to my guests for their honest, raw and beautiful sharing.  I share why I started, what I learned and express my thanks.

Thank you here to Penny Cook for getting the podcast distributed and to Matthew Robertson for being the very best editor ever!

I’ll be back in February! 

Keep listening.  Keep sharing.  Subscribe.  Drop a review.  All of these things help share the goodness.

Be well XO

Key Takeaways:

(00:00)            A big gigantic thank you!  Why I started, what I learned & what I’m grateful for

Mentioned in This Episode:

May You Know Joy Cards

Intentional Days Book

Intentional Days Subscription Membership – I’d love for you to join us

More About This Guest:

It’s your host Adrienne, Founder of May You Know Joy.  I’m trying to inspire your joy & intentional living through products, experiences and conversations like these.

Through my recovery from addiction, I learned that I could choose how I wanted to show up and what I created for myself.  I’m just after peace, joy and connection.

That’s why I created this podcast – to talk to inspiring people who are on the journey – just like you and me.  May you be inspired.  May you know great joy and may you lead your most fulfilling life with each small intentional steps.

Website:         www.mayyouknowjoy.com

Instagram:       @mayyouknowjoy

Facebook:       May You Know Joy

We had some internet connections fail us but, we persevered!  And, with our incredible editor, we put it all together, warts and all so, you don’t miss a thing.

Tara Greene is a world-renowned astrologer and I had the opportunity of hearing her 2020 forecast last fall.  I was intrigued to have her back to find out what astrology has to reveal about the state of the world and what we can expect in 2021.  It’s a great episode!

Key Takeaways:

(00:50)            Intro and Tara’s Bio

(03:13)            What Tara had forecasted for 2020

(03:48)            What astrology is and why we can’t blame the planets

(04:23)            About 2020

(06:17)            Our tech snafu

(07:10)            We pick up on 2020

(08:49)            December 21st, 2020 is a turning point initiating a brand new 20-year cycle

(12:18)            Pluto return for the USA

(12:36)            What 2021 means based on numerology and tarot

(14:58)            2021 is about love, speaking out and fixing

(15:48)            Understanding astrology & the 4 elements

(18:10)            What our horoscopes mean

(23:29)            More about what to expect in 2021

(30:13)            Working with the cycles of the moon in our personal lives

(35:36)            How to mark December 21st this year

(39:28)            Creating regular practices

(42:52)            How to connect with Tara

(44:30)            Tara’s closing comments

Mentioned in This Episode:

www.astro.com

Doris Lessing Books

More About This Guest:

Tara Greene is a natural-born Psychic who has always remembered her past lives and that we are all multi-dimensional spiritual beings. She is an internationally known Intuitive, Tarot Reader, Astrologer, Numerologist, Women’s Spirituality and Ceremonial Workshop Leader, Shamanic Healer and Dreamwork Expert. Tara has read for 30,000 people at corporate events and private readings worldwide since 1991. Tara writes horoscopes and leads women's spirituality workshops at The Grail Springs Wellness Retreat in Bancroft Ontario and in Sedona, Arizona, her second home. Tara is a Double Sagittarius with Scorpio Rising. She loves to connect deeply with others through her work and, in doing so, bring them greater awareness and self-empowerment.

Website:         www.taratarot.com

Instagram:       @taragreenetarot

Twitter:           @6thsensemoment

YouTube:         Tara Greene             

In this inspiring episode, I talk to Gurbeen Bhasin who is the Executive Director of Aangen Community – a thriving social enterprise contributing to the fabric of Toronto.

We hear Gurbeen’s inspiring journey.  She is true to her lineage in her community building.  And – what inspired me most was her desire to blaze a new trail, always say yes and be incredibly resourceful.

She reminds us of how important it is to hold our vision and stay true to it.  Her beautifully woven stories remind us that opportunity can knock at any moment and there are some things we just can’t plan for.  Prepare to be inspired.

Key Takeaways:

(00:50)            Gurbeen’s Bio

(03:54)            How Gurbeen’s frustration with existing systems drove innovation

(07:40)            How Aangen has been a labour of love over several years

(12:25)            Gurbeen had a belief this would happen

(14:29)            How Aangen got started

(16:16)            How Aangen began to expand (such great stories)

(23:55)            Expanding into office cleaning

(28:00)            Saying yes

(29:35)            Expanding to food service

(32:15)            Aangen make half a million meals

(33:34)            The impact of COVID 19

(37:44)            Getting healthy meals to seniors

(39:02)            About self-care

(41:29)            Gurbeen’s reflections and thoughts on truth & holding your vision

Mentioned in This Episode:

Farm Products

Chance for Change Program

More About This Guest:

Gurbeen Bhasin is the founder and executive director of Aangen, a Toronto-based non-profit organization that focuses on advancing food security and social justice locally and globally. A trained social worker, Gurbeen established Aangen in 2000, following in the footsteps of multiple ancestors who welcomed and supported community members facing challenges. She and her team run community service programs that help families in crisis access food, shelter and other essentials; and that provides jobs and support services to those who have faced homeless, addiction, mental illness and other barriers to sustainable employment. Aangen funds these programs by operating social enterprises that sell farm products and provide catering and cleaning services. Her primary purpose with Aangen is to foster personal empowerment and nurture communities by responding to community needs as they arise with sustainable and equitable solutions.

Her professional journey has included serving as project manager of a global human rights initiative; senior analyst at the Canadian Mental Health Association; and as an entrepreneur and creator in Toronto’s independent arts sector. Gurbeen holds a Master of Social Work degree from the University of Michigan, a Master of Arts degree in International Relations from the University of Windsor, and a BA in Political Science from York University. She is best known for her mile-wide smile, her funky shoes and her mom’s timeless life wisdom.

Website:         www.aangen.com

Instagram:      @aangencommunity

                        @gurbeenbhasin

Facebook:        @Aangen

In this episode, Madeleine returns to share The Four Seasons of Manifesting.  This is an intuitive and practical system for taking stock of where we are and intentionally moving into (and through) the new year in a mindful way.

Grab a journal and something to write with.  We will begin with November and Madeleine will walk us through looking at all aspects of our life, identifying what we want to create, a New Year’s Eve ritual and synching with the energy of the seasons to manifest our dreams.

Key Takeaways:

(00:50)            Madeleine’s bio

(03:30)            Madeleine introduces the process encourages us to not stop dreaming

(06:59)             Grab your pen & paper

(08:20)            Grab a journal & an annual calendar

(08:50)            How do we use our connection to everything to live optimally

(12:10)            Re-assess your life and ask yourself… what are your top 10 core values

(14:50)            November is about Accountability & reflection

(20:57)            December is about Vision/Description of Circle of Life

(34:20)            Circle of Life – Health & Selfcare, Spirituality, Relationships, Financial Wellbeing, Continued Education, Purpose/Path/Career, Travel & Adventure, Community, Sacred Home, Play, Giving Back and Planet Earth

(44:05)            The Magic Question:  So, what else is possible?

(46:40)            New Year’s Eve (not Christmas Eve) Ritual

(48:28)            January is for Planning

(49:27)            February is “The Preparer”

(50:10)            March – Spring Equinox is ‘Launch Day’ (The Planter)

(51:06)            April – The Month of the Guardian (Guard Your Dreams)               

(52:52)            May – The Connector (Nurturing Collaborations)

(52:30)            June – The Celebrator (Enjoy the fruits of your labour)

(54:12)            July – The Wayfarer (Take time to release & express love of life)

(56:09)            August – Restful (Rest & restore before Fall Harvest)

(57:30)            September – The Month of the Harvester

(58:04)            October – Gratitude

(58:40)            November – A return to Accountability

(59:08)            The importance of light

(1:01:45)         Creating & finding joy in chaos – the importance of practice

Mentioned in This Episode:

Four Seasons of the Soul

Core Values List

More About This Guest:

Madeleine Marentette is the founder and CEO of Grail Springs Retreat Centre for Wellbeing, Canada’s leading holistic wellness destination. Bestselling author, Metaphysician, educator, soul coach and healer, she continues to illuminate the path for individuals seeking personal transformation and life fulfillment. For over twenty-five years Madeleine has dedicated herself to the study and processes of the human-soul-energy-connection, this awareness she feels, relevant more than ever to today’s changing and challenging world. A dedicated life of service to people, planet and our sacred animal kingdom, has her working relentlessly taking action, co-creating with others, and hosting wellness retreat programs at Grail Springs. Madeleine holds a series of lectures and retreats throughout the year both at Grail Springs and abroad. She is presently working on her next book on the human condition as it relates to the sacred, and the evolutionary track of soul consciousness and destiny.

Website:         www.grailsprings.com            

                        www.madeleinemarentette.com

Instagram:      @grailsprings

                        @madeleinemarentette

Facebook:        Grail Springs

Twitter:           @grailsprings

In this episode, I am in conversation with the beautiful, Emma Kupu Mitchell, from Hawaii.  Emma is an incredible healing practitioner and she shares with us how we can use sound vibration (specifically crystal bowls) and the energy of the moon cycles to amplify and bring deeper meaning to our intention setting rituals.

We examine her ‘buffet of self-love’ and we tap into ancient wisdom to bring this energy into our everyday lives.  She is incredible at sharing both large concepts and practical wisdom in very accessible ways.  A true gift.

If you are short for time, go straight to the 20 min mark for beautiful self-care rituals in alignment with the moon cycles.

Key Takeaways:

(00:50)            Emma’s bio

(03:00)            Emma is a life-long learner

(04:06)            About sensory practices & weaving them together

(06:30)            What brought Emma to this work

(08:20)            Exploring astrology, the energy of the skies & the world we live in

(11:24)            About sound meditation

(12:52)            What astrological charts tell us and how we can use it

(20:00)            Simple self-care rituals for various moon cycles

(27:34)            What’s happening right now astrologically

(36:25)            Using sound for healing

(46:10)            Emma’s closing words and information about her inspiring offerings

Mentioned in This Episode:

Emma’s Astrology Work

Emma’s Sound Healing

Emma’s Membership

Emma’s Sound Healing

More About This Guest:

Emma Kupu Mitchell is a Soul Medicine Artist. She has been a practitioner of holistic therapies for over 30 years, including clinical Aromatherapy, Plant Medicine, Ayurveda, Depth Numerology, Elemental Astrology with an emphasis on the Moon, Yoga Nidra, and Sound Healing. Her passion lies in elemental and shamanic astrology (particularly the lunar/moon wisdom).  Her intention is to demystify and share these teachings with you in practical ways and invite you to embody these wisdoms into your every day to create greater health, harmony and alignment in all areas of our lives.

Website:         www.emmakupumitchell.com

Instagram:      @soulguidekupu

Facebook:        Soul Sensory Guide

In this episode, I talk to Tony Colley who is the Founder and CEO of B12Give.  B12Give is an app that recirculates prepared food from retailers/restaurants/venues to homeless shelters in Toronto.  He shares his own personal journey from the world of banking to food insecurity to his social impact work today.

We talk about what food insecurity means, how you can support his work and how we can all intentionally make a difference in our own lives.

Food insecurity is a significant issue and COVID has amplified the need to change this.  Tony’s work is nothing short of remarkable and I know you will be inspired.  Enjoy listening!

Key Takeaways:

(00:50)            Tony’s bio

(02:28)            Tony tells his story of falling into food insecurity & the road to social impact

(07:10)            The launch of b12give

(12:04)            What food insecurity is and the 3 categories

(16:15)            COVID’s impact on food insecurity and Tony’s work

(21:12)            How the b12give app works

(26:22)            Tony’s highest hope

(31:50)            A call out to all major food retailers to work with b12give

(35:34)            What consumers can do in their day-to-day live to make a difference

(43:17)            How to reach out to Tony & b12give

(44:15)            Tony’s empowerment as a black, gay man running a sustainability business

(45:55)            Tony’s incredible journey doing this on his own

(51:06)            Life lessons from COVID

Mentioned in This Episode:

From Social Assistance to Social Impact (Tony’s Speaker Slam Talk – Listen!)

B12give News Media Coverage

Tony’s CBC Community Champion Award

More About This Guest:

Tony Colley is a sustainability entrepreneur who developed an app called B12Give, combating food insecurity via the redistribution of surplus unsold prepared food from retail operators. The app creates a circular food economy rescuing and redistributing surplus food to shelters within the hour of receipt. Tony aims to lower retailers' carbon footprint by providing healthy, nourishing meals to the estimated 5.6 million Canadians who are currently suffering from food insecurity.

Website:         www.b12give.ca

Instagram:      @b12give

Facebook:        Be One to Give

Twitter:           @b12give

Often, we think about intentional living in terms of our daily practices – the activities and rituals that lift us up, bring up back to centre and inspire joy.

However, it’s these very same practices that can also support us as we navigate some of our toughest human experiences – like grief for example.

In this episode, Susan talks to us about how grief impacts us, what it feels like and how we can move forward.  She reminds us how raw it feels and that it is something that we will all go through.  She also reminds us that each person’s experience of it can be very unique so, there’s no on-size-fits-all step/stage or solution for what we should do or how we should be feeling.

We also discuss how essential self-care (intentional) practices are to helping us grieve productively.  We need to reach out, get help and find our way forward.

There is so much wisdom here for everyone.  However, if you are grieving or know someone who is, this might be an extra special resource when the time feels right to give it a listen.

Key Takeaways:

(00:50)            Susan’s bio

(02:56)            What brought Susan to do this work

(08:38)            The raw emotion of grief

(09:00)            The loss of significant people in our lives & stages of grief

(11:30)            The universality of this experience

(12:20)            The problem with women who are grieving & self-care

(15:05)            Productive and non-productive grieving

(17:15)            Susan describes self-care and why it’s essential to moving us through grief

(24:19)            Susan talks about her book, The Mourning Pages

(28:00)            Susan tells us about her colour work & the gift of pink

(30:34)            About the colour yellow and the healing properties of colour

(37:49)            Growing through grief

(43:12)            Choosing life every day is a lesson grief teaches us

(44:47)            Finding counsellors you like and trust

(47:55)            There is a way to feel better & know joy

(51:22)            Susan’s final words for someone who is grieving right now

Mentioned in This Episode:

The Mourning Pages:  Working Through Loss (Experiential Workbook)

The Colour Bottles on Susan’s Website

More About This Guest:

Susan McKenzie is a Clarity Coach, writer and a healer and incorporates modalities such as colour, vibration and relaxation massage. She works extensively with women grieving the loss of a significant person in their life helping them to embrace grief as a journey to transform their lives, so they can, experience joy again. In October 2019, Susan published “The Mourning Pages; Working through Loss”, an experiential workbook infused with healing to guide grievers along their journey.

Website:         www.susanmckenzie.biz

Instagram:      @susanmckenzie.biz

Facebook:        Susan McKenzie

Anne-Marie is an award-winning event producer (you can read her impressive bio below). She is also my sister and one of my favourite people on the planet.

In this episode, we are detouring from her career accomplishments to talk about when the body has other ideas, women’s heart health and intentionally navigating life.

18 months ago, Anne had heart failure and it is her journey to change her life that inspires this conversation. I deeply admire how she became more attuned with her body and really initiated a road to recovery that would see her thrive. Things were immediately re-prioritized and I believe this in an important story for all people – particularly women who may find themselves in a similar situation.

I imagine listeners will find that Anne’s experiences, perspective and lifestyle changes offer valuable insights.  She talks about advocating for herself, how her life has completely changed, the importance of patience, advocating for yourself and the incredible connection she’s made to herself.

PS – Our voices sound similar so, that’s fun!

Key Takeaways:

(00:50)            Anne’s bio

(2:56)              Anne’s background, how life was hectic & how she felt

(4:55)              What the doctors had said when Anne wasn’t feeling well

(5:39)              Anne was hospitalized with congestive heart failure

(7:15)              How women with heart trouble actually feel

(10:50)            Anne shares her healthcare experience

(11:30)            Anne needed a total life reset

(12:54)            What practices helped Anne the most

(14:48)            Anne describes her breathwork technique

(17:11)            How yoga helped Anne not only cope but, change her physical response

(19:10)            How Anne changed her work-life and what actually happened

(22:40)            Anne’s proactive approach to her health

(27:00)            Anne shares her biggest lessons

(31:50)            Paying attention in your life & making shifts

Mentioned in This Episode:

Grail Springs Retreat Centre for Well-Being

“Pump” Breathwork (with David Donnelly)

Dr. Caroline Meyer, Naturopathic Doctor

More About This Guest:

Anne-Marie is an award-winning event producer, speaker, and co-founder of Pulledin Productions, an event production company. She is widely considered a specialist in live and virtual events, strategic partnerships and in the immersive technology market segment. Her long list of legendary event productions includes TED, Bloor Street Entertains, Honda Celebration of Light, Walk a Mile in Her Shoes, CVR (Consumer Virtual Reality Show) and the VR/AR Global Summits.

When not producing events, Anne-Marie can be found hanging out on the beach, playing yahtzee, meditating and exploring the Sunshine Coast, where she lives with her family.

Website:         www.pulledin.com    

Instagram:      @annemarieenz

Facebook:        Anne-Marie Enns

As many of you know, I have been 8+ years sober and this journey completely altered my life and continues to do so every day.  To me, addiction and recovery are essential conversations.  With that, I am thrilled to share this interview with Jean McCarthy with you.  She is a prominent voice in the recovery community and has been telling her own story and the stories of others for years now – most notably through her blog, her books and her Bubble Hour podcast.

In this episode, we have a candid conversation about her own recovery.  She is raw and authentic and also offers sage wisdom for people in recovery and those around them.  Whether you struggle with addiction or not, it is my experience that meeting our true selves without numbing is a challenge for everyone – it can be the most uncomfortable and yet, most worthwhile journey of this lifetime.  This episode has something for everyone and I encourage you to give it a listen.

Key Takeaways:

(00:50)            Jean’s bio

(04:12)            Jean’s history with alcoholism and what was going on around her

(07:42)            Jean’s turning point and avoiding rock bottom

(09:30)            Sharing our problems with people we trust

(10:58)            Our truth vs what the world tells us

(12:11)            Jean’s first blog post and what happened from there

(14:40)            The cycle of addiction and how we heal

(18:37)            Universal themes from Jean’s podcast

(21:04)            How Jean actually recovered – on day 1 and over the years

(24:53)            The kindest thing you can say to someone who wants to stop drinking

(28:25)            How relationship dynamics change

(32:50)            How to socialize without alcohol

(36:59)            Recovery & healing the reason you numbed in the first place

(41:48)            Letting go of shame

(43:25)            Jean talks to us about her writing

(48:23)            Jean’s wise and inspiring advice to anyone who is struggling

Mentioned in This Episode:

Unpickled Blog

Bubble Hour Podcast

UnPickled Holiday Survival Guide

The Ember Ever There

SheRecovers

#recoveryposse (on Twitter)

#xa (on Twitter)

More About This Guest:

Jean McCarthy is an award-winning blogger and podcaster who is best-known as a voice of recovery advocacy. Her blog UnPickled began in 2011 and has continued to chronicle Jean’s alcohol-free lifestyle since her first day of sobriety. Thousands of readers credit UnPickled as a motivating factor in their decision to quit drinking. Jean joined The Bubble Hour podcast as a co-host in 2013. She took over the weekly program as its sole producer and host in 2016. The show has a devoted and enthusiastic audience. She has published 2 books about recovery: UnPickled Holiday Survival Guide, a resource for sobriety over the festive season, and The Ember Ever There, a collection of poems about recovery. At a gala in New York City, Jean was named recipient of the 2017 SheRecovers Hope Award in recognition of her efforts to help others seek positive changes in their lives. She lives in Alberta, Canada with her husband Ross and dog Scout.

Website:         www.jeanmccarthy.ca

Instagram:      @jeanmccarthy_writes

Twitter:           @jeanmccarthy_ca

@unpickled

Facebook:        @unpickled     

@thebubblehour

Mikaila is an incredible yoga and meditation teacher.  She’s a best-selling author, an entrepreneur and the founder of Empowerment Within.

Mikaila shares her harrowing tale from 9/11, how it changed the course of her life and how it profoundly affected the path that has led her to today.  She shares how 9/11 shaped who she was and how yoga and meditation shaped how she dealt with it.

This is a beautiful and intimate conversation about the power of our moments, how we can truly be present in them and how every moment is rich with very powerful choices.

Key Takeaways:

(00:50)            Mikaila’s bio

(03:00)            Mikaila’s experience on 9/11

(13:05)            Yoga, meditation, anxiety and PTSD 

(15:17)            After a traumatic event, how do you even begin to meditate?

(17:25)            The misconceptions about meditation and how simple it really is

(19:47)            Addiction, anxiety and numbing versus awareness

(22:45)            Every day we can create a new life

(23:32)            How do we pick ourselves out of tough times?

(30:00)            What does it really meant to practice yoga?

(32:15)            The shift from Wall Street to life as it is today

(35:55)            Mikaila gives us a sneak preview of her new book

(40:07)            Mikaila’s work in the world

(42:26)            Final words of inspiration

Mentioned in This Episode:

Mikaila’s book:  Pursuing Your Destiny

Karma Yoga

Bhagavad Gita

More About This Guest:

Mikaila Cruz is a yoga and meditation teacher, best-selling author, and entrepreneur from New York City. She combines studies of the Eight Limbs of Yoga with alignment, creating a dynamic flow. As the voice for humanity’s evolutionary movement, Mikaila is the founder of Empowerment Within, LLC, a consulting firm devoted to empowering people from all walks of life. Her mindful practice is shared with all levels of yoga and meditation. ​ ​Over the past decade, Mikaila has been recognized by CNN, NBC Nightly News, FOX and BBC named the “Woman of Empowerment” by the Washington Times, and her words have been featured in “Manifesting Grace Through Gratitude,” Oprah’s 21-Day Meditation Experience. Mikaila travels to host classes and workshops in yoga, meditation, and empowerment.

Website:         www.theempowermentwithin.com

Instagram:      @mikaila_nyc

Facebook:        Mikaila Cruz