I earned my Brazilian Jiu Jitsu black belt after 8 years of training and a long detour through Lyme disease and chronic illness. In this episode, I share what BJJ taught me about resilience, micro wins, and finding your way back after life changes your path. If you’re returning to martial arts, rebuilding after illness, or learning to trust the long game, this one’s for you.

Connect with me on Substack for videos, guides, and resources on mindset, BJJ, music, herbalism & much more:

https://substack.com/@thoughtexperimentcalledlife

IG: @thought_experiment_called_life / @altarviolet

TikTok: @thoughtexperimentcalled / @altarvioletmusic

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What does it really mean to live a soul-based life in a world that’s loud, overstimulating, and constantly pulling us away from ourselves?

In this episode of Thought Experiment, I sit down with Sally Marie Young, Reiki Master, teacher, and founder of BeSoul, for a grounding and expansive conversation about energetic healing, nervous system regulation, and remembering who you are beneath roles, expectations, and cultural noise.

We explore how Reiki and energy work have evolved from being labeled “woo” into practical tools for emotional regulation and holistic wellness, why ritual and intentional practices are essential for mental health, and how reconnecting with nature and natural rhythms helps us come back into alignment with ourselves.

Sally shares her personal journey through motherhood, identity shifts, divorce, and rebuilding a life rooted in soul, along with the moment she heard the phrase that became the foundation of her work: “Just be soul.”

This episode is an invitation to slow down, breathe, and remember that you are more than productivity, performance, or survival mode. If you’re navigating burnout, anxiety, spiritual awakening, or a desire for deeper meaning, this conversation offers a gentle but powerful reset.

• What it means to live a soul-based life
• Reiki healing and energetic hygiene as practical wellness tools
• Nervous system regulation and emotional resilience
• Ritual, meditation, and intentional living
• Coming back to yourself during and after motherhood
• Identity beyond roles and expectations
• Healing through nature, rhythm, and breath
• From “woo” to grounded spirituality
• Finding meaning in a noisy, modern world

Sally Marie Young is a Reiki Master, energetic healer, and founder of BeSoul, a community and teaching space devoted to helping people reconnect with their inner world through Reiki, ritual, and soul-based living. Her work supports nervous system health, emotional regulation, and spiritual growth in a grounded, accessible way.

Instagram: @besoulstudio & @sallysoulspace

Website & offerings:

https://signup.sallysoulspaceportal.com/register

https://besoulwellnessstudio.carrd.co

🎧 If this resonates, you may enjoy Thought Experiment, a podcast exploring mindset, creativity, embodiment, and the art of living a meaningful life.

✨ Thank you for listening, sharing, and being part of this growing community.

Connect with me on Substack for videos, guides, and resources on mindset, BJJ, music, herbalism & much more:

https://substack.com/@thoughtexperimentcalledlife

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As we close out 2025, I’m sharing why I’ve never really resonated with New Year’s resolutions and what I do instead. In this episode, we explore intention setting through cycles, seasons, and a more human rhythm that actually supports your nervous system.

This is a grounded, practical, and slightly magical way to approach the new year without pressure, rebranding, or forcing change.

✨ I’ve shared a simple reflection practice and the five journaling questions I personally use to close a cycle exclusively on my Substack. If you want to go deeper and reflect alongside this episode, you’ll find them there.

Listen gently. Move slowly.

Find the questions on Substack →https://thoughtexperimentcalledlife.substack.com/p/setting-intentions-that-love-you

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In this episode, I sit down with Rachel Honeyman, founder of Honeybee Bold, to talk about building a business that actually feels like you.

We explore authenticity vs virality, using AI without losing your voice, nonlinear paths, intuition, and the surprising ways martial arts prepares you for entrepreneurship.

This is a conversation about staying human, trusting your gut, and creating meaningful work without chasing the algorithm.

If you’re a creative, entrepreneur, or anyone navigating an unconventional path, you’ll feel right at home here.

Connect with Rachel here:

Website: honeybebold.com/waitlist

Insta: https://www.instagram.com/honey_be_bold

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@honeybebold

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/honeybebold/

This work is shared freely.

If it resonates, becoming a paid Substack member for $5/month helps me continue.

Sharing, rating, or recommending this space is also a generous (and free) way to support.

👉 Subscribe here: https://thoughtexperimentcalledlife.substack.com

SPONSORS:

BOHEAD Apparel: In a world of copy-paste fashion, stand out with original designs from Bohead — art inspired by nature, surf, skate, and tattoo culture. Get 15% off with code THOUGHT15. https://bohead.art

TERRAPIN RIDGE FARMS:

Terrapin Ridge Farms makes the kind of sauces and spreads that turn basic meals into little moments of joy...highly recommend checking them out: http://terrapinridgefarmscreator.sjv.io/jeOdDn

AUDIBLE: Try Audible for FREE 30 Days and see how your life changes! www.audibletrial.com/Xmd5z4

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Holiday Support for Sensitive Souls | Plant Allies & Nutrients

The holidays can be beautiful and overwhelming.. especially for sensitive nervous systems. In this episode, I share gentle plant allies and nutrients that have helped me navigate stress, sleep, and emotional overload during the holidays and beyond.

🌿 All studies, research links, and product recommendations discussed are listed on my Substack page so you can explore at your own pace:

https://thoughtexperimentcalledlife.substack.com

This content is not medical advice. Please consult your trusted healthcare practitioners before making changes to your routine.

SPONSORS:

BOHEAD Apparel: In a world of copy-paste fashion, stand out with original designs from Bohead — art inspired by nature, surf, skate, and tattoo culture. Get 15% off with code THOUGHT15. https://bohead.art

TERRAPIN RIDGE FARMS:

Terrapin Ridge Farms makes the kind of sauces and spreads that turn basic meals into little moments of joy...highly recommend checking them out: http://terrapinridgefarmscreator.sjv.io/jeOdDn

AUDIBLE: Try Audible for FREE 30 Days and see how your life changes! www.audibletrial.com/Xmd5z4

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I sat down with Danny Neudecker... clinical therapist and pairs skater training for the 2030 Olympic Trials.

I met Danny through Thrive Health Systems and was so moved by the way he navigated intense vertigo after a fall on the ice... and how he talked about healing, presence, and purpose. When he told me he was also a therapist, that sealed the deal.

We talk about...

✨ sitting with discomfort

✨ the difference between thoughts and thinking

✨ OCD, ERP, and EMDR

✨ the neuroscience of healing

✨ what it means to wear many hats without losing yourself

✨ following the paths that call your heart

Danny’s story is full of grounded wisdom and real humanity.

You can work with Danny here: https://thecompassioncollaborative.com/daniel-neudecker/

If this work resonates, supporting the podcast for $5/month helps me keep bringing these conversations to you. https://thoughtexperimentcalledlife.substack.com

And rating, reviewing, or sharing the episode is a completely free way to help Thought Experiment reach the people who might really need this message.

In gratitude ✨

Greta

SPONSORS:

BOHEAD Apparel: In a world of copy-paste fashion, stand out with original designs from Bohead — art inspired by nature, surf, skate, and tattoo culture. Get 15% off with code THOUGHT15. https://bohead.art

TERRAPIN RIDGE FARMS:

Terrapin Ridge Farms makes the kind of sauces and spreads that turn basic meals into little moments of joy...highly recommend checking them out: http://terrapinridgefarmscreator.sjv.io/jeOdDn

AUDIBLE: Try Audible for FREE 30 Days and see how your life changes! www.audibletrial.com/Xmd5z4

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The holidays bring up everything... nostalgia, grief, joy, overwhelm, and the inner child expecting “the most magical Christmas ever.” I’ve had my own complicated history with this season (yes, I once wrote a very choice word Christmas song for those who are not loving the holiday season 😅 https://youtu.be/90FdyjmTkSg?si=fipB8K5ZBXej3D8U).

So I’m sharing the tools and mindsets that have helped me navigate December as a sensitive, neurodivergent human:

✨ giving yourself transition time

✨ grounding mantras

✨ choosing what really matters

✨ saying “no” with love

✨ therapy when needed

✨ giving yourself permission to be human

✨ book recommendations

My holiday intention this year:

“May I meet the season with openness, ease, and joy.”

Book recommendations and full post available on my substack page: https://thoughtexperimentcalledlife.substack.com

SPONSORS:

BOHEAD Apparel: In a world of copy-paste fashion, stand out with original designs from Bohead — art inspired by nature, surf, skate, and tattoo culture. Get 15% off with code THOUGHT15. https://bohead.art

TERRAPIN RIDGE FARMS:

Terrapin Ridge Farms makes the kind of sauces and spreads that turn basic meals into little moments of joy...highly recommend checking them out: http://terrapinridgefarmscreator.sjv.io/jeOdDn

AUDIBLE: Try Audible for FREE 30 Days and see how your life changes! www.audibletrial.com/Xmd5z4

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In this episode, I sit down with mindfulness meditation teacher Nick Shopa of Tibet House NYC to explore how meditation can genuinely change your life. We dive into the real benefits of mindfulness—less stress, more clarity, emotional balance, and a deeper sense of presence.

If this conversation resonates, you can read the full write-up and join my community on Substack here: thoughtexperimentcalledlife.substack.com

You can also find Nick’s class schedule by following him at @synthunit on Instagram or emailing him at [email protected].

New episodes every week. Thanks for being here. 💛

SPONSORS:

BOHEAD Apparel: In a world of copy-paste fashion, stand out with original designs from Bohead — art inspired by nature, surf, skate, and tattoo culture. Get 15% off with code THOUGHT15. https://bohead.art

TERRAPIN RIDGE FARMS:

Terrapin Ridge Farms makes the kind of sauces and spreads that turn basic meals into little moments of joy...highly recommend checking them out: http://terrapinridgefarmscreator.sjv.io/jeOdDn

AUDIBLE: Try Audible for FREE 30 Days and see how your life changes! www.audibletrial.com/Xmd5z4

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A Bonus Episode for the Multi‑Passionate Soul Who Won’t Quit

Today’s episode is a soft reminder for the multi‑passionate, the brave, the discouraged, and the stubborn-hearted. The ones who keep choosing the path that chooses them back.

We explore the joy of learning, what the mats can teach us about becoming, why “sucking at something” is not a verdict but a doorway, and how consistency quietly sculpts us into the people we’re trying to become. This is a love note to anyone taking small steps in a big direction.

Keep going. You’re building something sacred.

From my heart to yours,

Greta

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I don’t know about you, but I wrestle with feeling my joy when I know others in the world are living lives that are anything but joyful. I reflect on this often and recently spent an entire therapy appointment delving into this topic. When I got down the heart of the matter I realized I was feeling that the louder the bad news…whether it’s global or local…the louder my commitment grows to being stubbornly joyful…even when it’s uncomfortable.

Ultimately, I always come back to this truth: joy doesn’t exist if we don’t have it in our lives. And keeping joy alive within ourselves keeps it alive for others.

When we sit in our joy, we become light bearers for those who may have lost hope. Our joy is proof that life is real and worth living for. This doesn’t mean we stop advocating for others or paying attention to the world…it means we allow ourselves to fully experience joy alongside our work.

In this short, little boop of an episode, I discuss:

• How to soak up your joy
• Ways to increase it in everyday life
• Why keeping it alive is the greatest hope for a brighter future

I hope this message finds you with joy in your heart. I’d love to hear what’s bringing you joy right now—whether it’s big, small, or even seemingly mundane moments.

From my heart to yours,

Greta

For Mini Meditations please visit my sister, Dr. Hotmer’s, YouTube channel.

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