The JOY Factor

This episode is brought to you by Care/Of. Take advantage of this month's special New Year offer! For 50 percent off your first month of personalized Care/of vitamins, go to TakeCareOf.com and enter "joyfactor50".

Hello and welcome to episode #23 of the Joy Factor Podcast.

Today’s guest is one of my favorite yoga teachers, Lori Love.

Lori loves to incorporate pranayama (breath work), play and alignment into all of her classes.   A prana flow instructor for more 15 years, she is trained in the Shiva Rea lineage and earned her 500-hour yoga certification as an Ayurvedic Yoga Specialist through the New Mexico School of Yoga.

Lori also holds certifications in yin and restorative yoga.  Additionally, she is a Power Pilates 600-hour apparatus-trained instructor.  Lori has a personal training designation, too, and has been known to swing a kettlebell (not in yoga classes!).

Lori holds a Bachelor of Science degree in journalism and has worked in management, sales, and marketing.  She holds a life coaching certification from Soul Salt Academy. When Lori isn’t teaching, she’s happiest spending time with her three children and looking for the best hiking trails in the area.

Join us as she shares from her wealth of knowledge on all things yoga. Lori quietly shows up and sets the tone for others to put down their mat and develop a relationship with yoga and all that it can offer. Her style of teaching and the warmth, energy, patience, and generosity she brings to her classes make for a truly joyful experience. I found that talking with her was equally joyful and hope you enjoy the show!

Things we’re talking about:

• Lori’s journey to becoming a yoga teacher

• What brought her to the mat?
• Joy role models
• How yoga helps us strengthen our capacity to trust and make conscious choices?
• How having a yoga practice enhances our ability to bring more joy into our lives.
• The importance of showing up
• Breath practices
• Ayurvedic practices

Resources:

Lori's Facebook Page 

Maria Garre 

A short guide to a happy life- Anna Quinlan

Cher slapping Nicholas CageThe right Questions- Debbie Ford

Ayurvedic Practices

Using a Neti Pots

Nasya oil- oil for the nostril

Hello and welcome to the Joy Factor podcast. Today’s episode is brought to you by Lola. For 40% of all subscriptions, visit mylola.com and enter promo code “Joy” when you subscribe!

Our show is all about helping people connect to their natural ability to bring joy alive in their lives. We all have the capacity for joy and as we’ve discussed before it doesn’t have to come on the heels of an event or an experience. It’s something we can bring alive with our intention, action and through consistent practice.

Sometimes though, life throws us curve balls and we end up stuck in ways that make it feel impossible to find relief from emotional or physical pain, let alone access joy. If you can relate to this, you’re not alone and I’m glad you’re tuning in today. One message I’d like to send is that no one has to suffer alone. Everyone deserves to have a support system. Just for a moment imagine that you’re seated at the head of a long table. The table represents your life and each chair represents someone who has earned the right to have a seat at your table. Who do you currently have and who do you need? No one can create the team for you but there is support in helping you fill your table with the people and resources that will strengthen your ability to enjoy your life.

Today we’re talking to somatic experiencing practitioner and yoga therapist, Alicia Barmon. She’s someone I’m proud to have at my table both as a friend and colleague. Did I mention my belief that everybody needs a therapist at their table? Well, get comfortable and enjoy my interview with Alicia. Her wisdom is sure to resonate with many and hopefully, you feel as hopeful and inspired by her words as I did. Enjoy the show.

Resources Mentioned on Today's Show

What Somatic Experiencing (SE) is and what to expect for this style of therapy. 

Founder of SE Peter Levine

Work of Buddhist teacher, author, nun and mother Pema Chodron 

Audio recording Martin Prechtel. Grief and praise. Understanding that stuck energy creates problems. 

Ph.D, psychologist, author, and teacher of meditation, emotional healing and spiritual awakening, Tara Brach 

 Sol Yoga

If you haven’t had a chance to share your thoughts on the show, there are many ways to rate and review:

https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/julie-hanson/the-joy-factor

https://www.podbean.com/podcast-detail/cwgs7-42058/The-JOY-Factor-Mindfulness-Compassion-Positive-Psychology-Healing-Yoga-Podcast

https://chartable.com/podcasts/the-joy-factor-mindfulness-compassion-positive-psychology-healing-yoga/reviews

www.thejoyfactorpodcast.com

If you haven’t had a chance to share your thoughts on the show, there are many ways to rate and review:

https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/julie-hanson/the-joy-factor

https://www.podbean.com/podcast-detail/cwgs7-42058/The-JOY-Factor-Mindfulness-Compassion-Positive-Psychology-Healing-Yoga-Podcast

https://chartable.com/podcasts/the-joy-factor-mindfulness-compassion-positive-psychology-healing-yoga/reviews

www.thejoyfactorpodcast.com

Would you mind taking a moment to complete a fast survey so we can better understand who our listeners are?

https://survey.libsyn.com/thejoyfactorpodcast

Hello and welcome to the Joy Factor Podcast! We’re 130,000+ downloads strong which is super exciting! Your ratings and reviews help the message of the show continue to be spread to those who need it the most so thank you!

If you haven’t had a chance to share your thoughts on the show, there are many ways to rate and review:

https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/julie-hanson/the-joy-factor

https://www.podbean.com/podcast-detail/cwgs7-42058/The-JOY-Factor-Mindfulness-Compassion-Positive-Psychology-Healing-Yoga-Podcast

https://chartable.com/podcasts/the-joy-factor-mindfulness-compassion-positive-psychology-healing-yoga/reviews

www.thejoyfactorpodcast.com

Would you mind taking a moment to complete a fast survey so we can better understand who our listeners are?

https://survey.libsyn.com/thejoyfactorpodcast

Today is episode 21 and I’m talking with Dr. Allison Bomba, a Maryland based psychologist who specializes in helping children navigate the grief process. Dr. Bomba brings hope and healing to children and families as they navigate the painful and confusing process of healing from a loss. Despite the seriousness of her work she’s still able to connect with her own joy factor and offers keen insight on how to help children recover after the death of a loved one.

Today we're exploring:

The most important lessons children teach us about grieving?

Worden’s 4 tasks of mourning

• Accepting the reality of death.

• Working through the pain of grief. 

• Adjusting to a world in which the deceased person no longer lives.
• Finding a way to maintain a connection with a deceased person.

Steps to support a grieving child:

Signs that a child needed counseling or some other intervention to handle the grief?

Dr. Bomba’s sources of personal inspiration 

If Dr. Bomba’s words resonated with you, know that you’re not alone. There is help out there. If you or someone you love is struggling with grief please reach out for support. You don’t have to do it alone. Taking it one step at a time you will be able to help yourself and your loved ones work through the pain, find ways to keep memories alive and begin healing together. 

Thanks for joining us today and take good care.

Resources:

www.drbomba.com

Sesame Street in Communities/Grief

National Alliance for Grieving Children

University of Iowa Stead Family Children’s Hospital 

Overview

The practice of yoga can change your life. Today's guess offers up a beautiful perspective on how each of us can connect with a practice is uniquely our own. She also invites us to remember that we're the ones we've been waiting for. Be your own guru :).

Amy Day is a longtime yogi, writer, herbalist, mama & lover of all things creative.  

She believes in crafting practices & communities which supports us inside this Life right now.  In creating rituals and relationships that liberate, activate & sustain us. 

She works with groups and individuals that are hungry for transformation. The type that shows up not just on the cellular or soul level - but that ripples into the world beyond.  

Through her work as a teacher, podcaster, healer, storyteller, et. al. she hopes to inspire us all to use the mighty tools we all possess - to craft the type of world we wish to inhabit.  

One faltering & bless-ed step at a time.

What We’ll Learn

• Why is community building so important?
• The deep understanding that we hold the medicine for our own healing.
• How can we begin to answer to call to bring what can heal to those who need it the most?
• What it takes to be a force for good.
• What does resilience have to do with joy?
• How can we begin our own resilience practice?
• Why is “calling it” in so important?
• How to make your yoga practice yours.

Resources

http://www.theworkofthesehands.com/

https://www.mendpodcast.com 

We'd like to learn more about who is listening- please fill out a 1 minute survey right here: https://survey.libsyn.com/thejoyfactorpodcast

Today’s show is brought to you by Yoga Intentions, a Boulder-based studio aiming to provide high quality, affordable yoga, that encourages individual growth and a sense of community and friendship.

The show today contains subjects for mature audiences and may not be appropriate for young listeners. My guest is Angela Rae Clark, She’s a survivor of sexual abuse and exploitation by her grandfather. Angela is on a mission to help break the cycle of silence and reach beyond the pain felt by abuse survivors. She is a life coach specializing in helping clients reclaim their voice and rebuild confidence during recovery. Angela is a true inspiration for anyone who is on the journey of recovery. If you liked the show please let us know! You can leave a review on iTunes or stop by our facebook page The Joy Factor Podcast The best way to spread the joy though, is to tell your friends and family about us

I’d also like to thank our sponsor for today’s show, Yoga Intentions. If you’re in the Boulder area do yourself a favor and visit Yoga Intentions for a fresh yoga experience that’s not only affordable but also makes the best aspects of a yoga community accessible to all. Whether you’d like to Create a yoga practice or deepen your journey, Yoga Intentions offers a kind, compassionate and inspiring space to support you. Check out yogaintentions.com for more information.

More from Angela:

“Our past does not define our future - we have choices, healing is possible. My emphasis is on practical tools and education in regard to our thoughts and feelings. Healing happens through one-on-one connection, community, and hope. I'm a Life Coach specializing in reclaiming your voice and rebuilding confidence during recovery with a focus on self-care practices, boundaries, and defining what's next in business and relationships. I'm a member of the National Survivor Network for Human Trafficking and I'm a volunteer with www.FREA.support, a non-profit that teaches emotional and energy medicine techniques.  www.AngelaRaeClark.com 

I enjoy Dances of Universal Peace, hiking, and adventures in the wild. I love my life - I want other survivors to know they can thrive too. “

Welcome to the show. Today we’re talking therapy! Specifically how to be a smart consumer when it comes to finding a therapist who is a good fit and understanding a few tips on how to do therapy. You’ve recognized a need to get some help and are ready to take the first step. Now what? Here are ten strategies to get the most out of the therapy hour.

1. Be Choosy. It’s ok to screen potential therapists. Credentials are important because they give you a clue about what approach the therapist was trained in. Ultimately though,  the most important consideration is how you feel with the therapist. Do they seem interested and capable? Do you sense that they enjoy their work? Do you trust them to guide you toward your goals?
2. Once you decide on a therapist give it 3 sessions before you decide whether to commit to the process. Therapists are only human and the process does take a little time. It’s not unusual to feel uncomfortable, or uncertain whether therapy is helping. Commit to at least 3 sessions to give yourself the chance to understand how the process works and decide if a particular therapist is a good fit to help you.
3. Take care of payment and ask about scheduling or billing questions at the top of the hour. Getting the logistics out the way gives you plenty of space to use your time efficiently.
4. Bring a notebook. Jot down takeaways during the session as well as reflections/observations during your week. Important insights might seem obvious when they’re occurring but might be lost if they’re not written down.
5. Set the intention of making therapy a top priority and make a commitment to yourself to stick with it. Keep working outside the therapy time. Dedicate time and space to practice the skills you’re learning and complete assignments you’re given.
6. View therapy as a co-created alliance. You will set the agenda and your therapist will offer guidance support and strategies to help you reach your goals. If you’re not sure what goals don’t be afraid to speak up. A competent therapist will speak up and guide the process but if that doesn’t happen let your voice be heard.
7. Be honest. Say what’s on your mind during therapy. This might be the only interaction you have all week that allows you to fully speak your mind without fear of being judged. Good therapy means working toward authenticity and understanding that the process is messy at times.
8. Know that you will bring your habits into therapy. Issues going on in your life will often show up during the therapy hour. A skilled therapist will kindly but firmly shine the light on this and help you develop new ways of operating.
9. Be aware who you share your story with. If you’re confiding in friends or family about your therapy experience, protect yourself from unsolicited opinions and advice. Helpful support attempts can sometimes sabotage your therapy. There’s nothing wrong with reaching out for support as long as it’s from those who will genuinely offer it.
10. Keep your sense of humor. Laughter and light-heartedness are the hallmarks of resilience. Yes, the issues you are struggling with are serious but activating the power of the human spirit can offer a soothing balm during painful times.

 Resources for Finding a Therapist:

www.psychologytoday.com

www.goodtherapy.org 

Hello and welcome to episode #17 of the JOY Factor Podcast. It’s good to be here with you today and I think you’re going to enjoy this episode. I recently enjoyed a reiki session with Judy and her energy truly is special. Enjoy the show!

Judy Buchanan is an entrepreneur, Certified Medical Reiki Master, public speaker, retired U.S. Army solider, wife and mother of two. Her passion is to empower women to safely release trauma, anxiety, grief and pain so they can feel better and thrive. Judy provides Reiki treatments, Reiki classes, supports holistic workshops and retreats as well as provides lectures to educate her community.

Judy Buchanan has attained the level of Karuna Reiki Master through the International Center for Reiki Training (IRCT) and the Okuden level of Jikiden Reiki®. Certification in Medical Reiki through Raven Keyes Medical Reiki International. Certification in Sacred Childbirth with Reiki through Rev. Cori Nielsen. She has a Bachelor’s degree in Social Work (BSW), and a Master’s in Business Administration (MBA). Judy spent 20+ years in the U.S. Army as Medical Service Corps Officer. Her military journey came with many adventures, friendship, and accomplishment as well as many struggles and obstacles. Judy can relate to the stressors working parents, service members, and dual military couples experience while raising a family. Like many other service members, she has been on both sides of deployment: the soldier who deployed and the family member at home taking care of the children while their spouse is away.

For many years, Judy experienced many significant health challenges and pain due to her response to high levels of stress. Her desire to heal was the catalyst to explore many complementary medicine techniques. She made great improvements from several different types of holistic therapies but Reiki was different. After having her first Reiki treatment, she knew immediately she needed to learn Reiki and share this amazing therapy with others. When we restore peace and harmony to our body, mind, spirit, or to a situation, we open the pathway so healing can occur. She has been a student of holistic therapies for more than a decade and believes education is a fundamental means of empowering others.

Judy educates our community by providing lectures on Reiki and its benefits as well as encouraging others to explore many complementary therapies to heal. She supports the Frederick County Library System Adult Education Program, Maryland State Wellness at Work Program/ Frederick Chamber of Commerce 5 Pillar of Health Lecture Series, Frederick Community Hospital Employee Health and Wellness Program, Fort Detrick United States Army Medical Materiel Development Agency’s Stress-Free Zone, and Frederick Community College Employee Wellness Fair.

Judy’s passion is realized through the development of her practice where she provides Reiki treatments and training classes to clients, and through community contribution by providing Reiki treatments to cancer patients and staff at the Frederick Memorial Hospital Cancer Center.  She also volunteers with Veterans Team Recovery Immersion Process (VETRIIP) a non-profit organization located in Texas and Operation Second Chance located in Maryland providing women veterans with Reiki treatments and stress reduction techniques to provide comfort, as well as pain and stress relief.  

Contact Information: www.judy-buchanan.com facebook: @judybuchananenergy

Judy's Joy Tips!

How to define my joy factor?  Gratitude is the key to happiness

Quotes:

Don’t worry Be Happy – Bobby McFerrin

Your task is not to seek love, but merely to seek and find all the barriers within yourself that you have built against it. – Rumi

Online Resources to create Joy:

http://karisamuels.com Kari Samuels Intuitive Counselor and Happiness Coach

James Corden’s Karpool Karaoke – Cracks me up  

Music – i.e. my JOY JAM:

Feeling Good – Michael Buble

Brave – Sara Bareilles

Unconditionally- Katy Perry

We are family – Sister Sledge

You are not alone – Marie Miller

Happy – Pharrell Williams

Good to be Alive – Any Grammer

Rise – Katy Perry

Favorite book:  The Travelers Gift - Seven Decisions that Determine Personal Success by – Andy Andrews

 The lesson pertaining to happiness in The Travelers Gift:

Today I will choose to be happy – Anne Frank

           Our very lives are fashioned by choice. First, we make choices. Then our choices make us.

Hello and welcome to episode #16 of the JOY Factor Podcast. It’s good to be here with you today and I think you’re going to enjoy this episode- especially if you’re a guy looking for a solid relationship or even just a good date.

My guest is Jeffrey Platts-he’s a men's coach and authentic communication expert who is passionate about helping men create amazing relationships with women. With over 20 years of personal study and transformational training, he has led nearly 200 workshops and retreats on personal growth, dating, and communication. Jeffrey's work and writing has been featured in the Huffington Post, Washington Post, ABC News, Authentic Man Program and the Good Men Project. He brings a rich toolbox of insights and experiences to his facilitation, integrating his adventures as DJ, amateur stand-up comedian, salsa dancer, yoga teacher and world traveler. Find out more at http://www.jeffreyplatts.com.   More from Jeffrey: http://www.jeffreyplatts.com http://facebook.com/jeffreyplatts http://instagram.com/jeffreyplatts http://huffingtonpost.com/jeffrey-platts "Whatever you think the world is withholding from you, you are withholding from the world." - Eckhart Tolle

Welcome to episode 15 of the JOY Factor. Today we're talking about the benefits of taking a break from technology and setting the stage to help you take your own detox. If your internet habits leave you feeling a little edgy, frustrated or down, take heart. You don't have to give up your phone but you can greatly benefit from reigning it in and being more intentional with your use. 

This is a call to give yourself the space to reflect on how you're spending the time and seize the opportunity to make changes where you need to. 

Enjoy the show and let me know what you think!

Today I'm interviewing an amazing leader at Helping Services for Northeast Iowa. Kathleen Davis leads the Domestic Violence Resource Center team and is talking today about her work and breaking down myths about survivors of domestic violence. There's still time to donate and/or register for the Sena Hanson Memorial 5k being held on October 1 in Decorah Iowa. 100 % of the proceeds will go to Helping Services of Northeast Iowa. Money raised will provide needed assistance to domestic violence survivors and their children. Here's the link if you'd like to donate https://www.helpingservices.org/events/2nd-annual-sena-hanson-memorial-5k-walkrunbike/ If you need help our support please know that there are folks waiting to help. Call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at1-800-799-7233 | 1-800-787-3224 (TTY)

Thanks to everyone who is listening, peace and love to all who are suffering and power to those who can take a stand to help someone. 

About Kathleen

Kathleen Davis is the Director of the Domestic Abuse Resource Center which is a program of Helping Services for Northeast Iowa based in Decorah, Iowa.  Kathleen began working at Helping Services in 1999 after graduating from Upper Iowa University where she graduated with a bachelor's of science degree in Public Administration.   While attending college full time, she also worked in the counseling department and realized that helping people was her passion.  Kathleen and her husband reside in West Union where they have raised two amazing sons and are fortunate to have two adorable grandchildren that live close by.   Kathleen proudly serves on the leadership team at the Iowa Coalition Against Domestic Violence and as a board member for the Building Direction for Families (BDF).