What if the richest, most meaningful moments of your life are already here, hidden in the ordinary?

In this episode of The Calming Ground, host Elizabeth Mintun explores “the sacred and the mundane.” Not necessarily religious or spiritual (though it can be), sacredness is that deep feeling of aliveness, wonder, or tenderness that makes you pause and think, this matters.

But most of life is ordinary, filled with tasks such as folding laundry, answering emails, and making the bed. Elizabeth talks about why we often miss meaningful moments and offers simple practices to invite more of the extraordinary - or the sacred - into your everyday life. 

Key Task

• Getting caught in autopilot living and overthinking can often lead to more experiences of the mundane than the extraordinary. 
• There is a perhaps surprising link between presence and sacredness.
• Small practices, such as “micro thank-yous” and reframing ordinary tasks as meaningful acts of care can make a significant difference.

✨ Reflection Question:

If you approached one daily task as sacred this week, what would you choose—and what might shift for you if you did?

Learn more about 1:1 Coaching here. 

Contact Elizabeth: elizabethmintun@thecalmingground.com

DM Elizabeth on Instagram or Facebook @TheCalmingGround

If you found this episode supportive, please consider subscribing, leaving a review, or sharing it with a friend. Every bit of kindness helps this podcast reach more people who could use a moment of calm.

Does January feel like it was forever ago? If so, you’re not alone. 

Mid-year is the perfect time to pause, reflect, and gently re-align with what truly matters for the rest of 2025 - and that’s exactly what host Elizabeth Mintun does in this episode. Elizabeth guides you through a calming mid-year reflection, celebrating what’s worked, gently acknowledging what feels heavy and ready to be released, and setting mindful intentions for the months of 2025 still to come.

Key Takeaways

• Mid-year is a natural time to pause and realign. You don’t have to wait for January to check in with your goals and your well-being.
• Reflection creates clarity. Asking gentle questions like “What am I proud of?” or “What felt draining?” can help you move forward with intention, not autopilot.
• Your inner life matters. Noticing how you're really doing (without judgment) is an act of self-care in itself.
• Visualization connects you to your future self. Imagining how you want to feel at the end of the year can help you make aligned choices today.

Resources

Join the Stress Resilience Formula: 6-Week Reset – If stress has been running the show lately, this small-group coaching program will help you feel calmer, clearer, and more in control… no matter what life throws at you. Doors close Friday, July 25, and we start next week!

The Calming Ground Self-Care Membership – Get ongoing seasonal mindfulness practices, guided reflections, and self-care tools. Learn more here.

Learn more about 1:1 Coaching here. 

Contact Elizabeth: elizabethmintun@thecalmingground.com

DM Elizabeth on Instagram or Facebook @TheCalmingGround

If you found this episode supportive, please consider subscribing, leaving a review, or sharing it with a friend. Every bit of kindness helps this podcast reach more people who could use a moment of calm.

In this episode, Elizabeth Mintun is joined by Carley Weissert, a self-love and body image coach for women, who helps her clients create peace with their bodies, find freedom with food, and dismantle the rules and beliefs that keep them stuck in cycles of shame, perfectionism, and restriction.

Carley shares her own transformational journey, from years of disordered eating and self-criticism to hitting her rock bottom. Through candid storytelling, she walks us through the moment she got “sick of herself” and how working with a coach opened the door to body peace and self-trust. Carley’s honesty, warmth, and lived experience make this episode a must-listen for anyone who’s ever struggled with their relationship to food, their body, or the internalized need to be "perfect."

Key Takeaways

• Inner-child and - especially - inner teen work can uncover hidden beliefs that could be significantly contributing to body image issues. 
• Self-compassion, including common humanity (the idea that we’re not alone) is a key component of healing body image struggles. 
• Shame keeps us silent, and bringing our shame into the light is one of the first steps to healing. 

🎧 Quotable Moments 

“Your body has always been your friend. You just have to come back to her.”

“Body peace isn’t a destination. It’s a daily practice.”

“You’re not here to be small and perfect. You’re here to live your life.”

Resources

Free Guided Meditation: https://www.thecalmingground.com/free-guided-meditation

Contact Elizabeth: elizabethmintun@thecalmingground.com

Visit Carley’s website: https://www.carleyweissert.com/

Find Carley on IG: https://www.instagram.com/carleyweissert/

Take the Quiz: Food Freedom + Body Love Quiz

Join Carley’s Free Body Peace Boost Challenge: Body Peace Boost Challenge

Is luck something that simply happens to us, or can we actually influence how lucky we are?

In this episode, Elizabeth Mintun draws on insights from psychologist Dr. Richard Wiseman’s decade-long study on the nature of luck. She explores how lucky people think, act, and respond to life differently - and how you might do the same. Elizabeth also shares a personal story from her winding career path that illustrates how what can look like “bad luck” might really be a redirection in disguise.

Key Takeaways: 

• Research has shown that our brains filter our perception of opportunities that come our way (confirmation and negativity bias). 
• Openness, emotional flexibility, and mindfulness can possibly increase your chances of “lucky breaks”.
• Different cultures offer unique perspectives on luck, from qi and harmony to being in right relationship with the natural world. 
• A practice for the next week could be to approach each day as if something beautiful is about to happen. Stay open, follow a nudge, say yes to a gentle stretch, and see what unfolds.

Resources

Learn more or inquire about Inner Compass Coaching: www.thecalmingground.com

💌 Contact Elizabeth directly: elizabethmintun@thecalmingground.com

🎧 Like this episode? Share it with a friend or leave a review - it helps this work reach more hearts and minds.

Learn more about Dr. Richard Wiseman’s research at richardwiseman.com

Have you ever found yourself thinking, “I’ve done the work... So why do I still feel stuck?” 

In this heartfelt and grounding episode, Elizabeth Mintun explores what it means to be in the “in-between” - that quiet, uncertain space where transformation is happening under the surface, even if it doesn’t look like it on the outside. Elizabeth shares personal reflections and nourishing insights into why the stuckness we feel isn’t a sign of failure, but actually a sign of becoming. Whether your nervous system is integrating, your old tools are no longer working, or you’re simply in a season of rest, this episode offers compassionate guidance and practical practices to support you.

Key Takeaways

• Progress and plateaus are a natural rhythm of growth. 
• Our nervous system requires time to adjust to a new sense of safety.
• Shifting the ways we relate to our stuckness can improve our sense of wellbeing and trust in the process. 

Resources

If you’re interested in receiving the free journal prompts, contact Elizabeth: Elizabethmintun@thecalmingground.com

Or DM Elizabeth on Facebook or Instagram @thecalmingground and say “JOURNAL PROMPTS” 

💌 Support and Connect:

If this episode resonated with you, please share it with someone who might need a little encouragement in their “in-between”.

Books can nourish us just like friendships do, can’t they?  

In this episode, Elizabeth Mintun shares 10 stories and reflections that have nourished her spirit over the years. They are ones that have comforted her in hard times, expanded her perspective, supported her professional growth, and reminded her of what truly matters. The books aren't ranked in any particular order; each one holds a special place. 

Key Takeaways

• "When you want something, all the universe conspires in helping you to achieve it." —Paulo Coelho
• "All flourishing is mutual." —Robin Wall Kimmerer
• "You don't have to see the whole path. Just take the next step." —James Norbury
• "The flower doesn’t dream of the bee. It blossoms and the bee comes." —Mark Nepo
• "Living in rhythm with the seasons is a way of remembering who we are." —John Kirkwood

 Resources

Contact: Elizabethmintun@thecalmingground.com

Find The Calmingground on IG & Facebook @thecalmingground

Books Mentioned: 

1. The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho
2. Braiding Sweetgrass by Robin Wall Kimmerer
3. Big Panda and Tiny Dragon by James Norbury
4. The Book of Awakening by Mark Nepo
5. The Way of the Five Seasons by John Kirkwood
6. Adult Children of Emotionally Immature Parents by Lindsay Gibson
7. Qigong and Psychotherapy by Patrick Dougherty
8. ​​Stop Overthinking by Nick Trenton
9. Meditation Secrets for Women by Camille Maureen and Lorin Roche

Xiu Yang: The Ancient Chinese Art of Self-Cultivation for a Healthier, Happier, More Balanced Life by Mimi Kuo-Deemer

Key Takeaways

• In ancient Chinese medicine, our organs aren't just physical structures; they're part of an interconnected system that includes our emotional, mental, and energetic health.
• In western medicine, the liver is known for its detoxification and processing what's no longer needed. In Chinese medicine, the liver is also believed to filter our emotions, our plans, and our direction in life.
• When the wood element of springtime is in balance, according to ancient Chinese medicine, we experience flexibility along with the wisdom of clear vision, propelling us forward, notifying us of barriers, and allowing us the clarity to find our way.

Resources

Free reflective journal prompts: https://www.thecalmingground.com/reflection-prompts-selfcare

Episode 53: Breathe, Balance, & Release: Aligning with Fall through the Metal Element

Episode 64: The Art of Wintering: Embracing Rest & Renewal this Winter

What if you could shed the barriers that get in your way and truly allow your inner essence to shine through? 

In this episode, Elizabeth Mintun talks with business and life coach Renee Vogel about her perspective on how to return to and live from the inner beauty within. Renee shared about her own essence and how she helps others break through the layers that keep themselves from living more authentically and freely as they are (rather than as they feel they should be). 

Key Takeaways 

• It’s important to notice and explore our “essence”. In other words, who you are beyond the survival mechanisms that have been put in place throughout your life. Your essence is your truest self. 
• Play can help support our return to our essence. 
• Coaching can help support and guide you to your goals, however if there are deep seated traumas creating barriers, therapy would be a better first step. 

Resources 

Contact Elizabeth Mintun with any questions, comments, or concerns: elizabethmintun@thecalmingground.com

Learn about The Calming Ground: https://www.thecalmingground.com/

Free reflective journal prompts: https://www.thecalmingground.com/reflection-prompts-selfcare

Contact Renee via email: beingcoachrv@gmail.com, ph: 614-306-2026

What if menopause could be experienced and celebrated as a new beginning, an invitation to look within, to realign one’s health, beliefs and connection to one’s truest self?

That’s just what perimenopause doula Bean Bindloss suggests in this conversation with Elizabeth Mintun. Bean talks about the value in supporting women in perimenopause and menopause with nutritional therapy, integrative hypnosis and spiritual support. She works with women who value a body-heart-mind-soul approach to their health and wellbeing and who don’t want to sleep walk through this major midlife transition, The widely-held narrative of menopause being a miserable, chaotic ending, couldn’t be more limiting. This phase is in fact a new beginning, an invitation to look within, to realign one’s health, beliefs and connection to one’s truest self. This transition has the potential to become a spiritual awakening and a launchpad for the most empowered time of life yet. 

Key Takeaways

• During the fertile years of a woman’s life, her hormones are protective. As hormones change during the time of perimenopause and menopause, a woman can make lifestyle shifts to offer herself and her body the protection she needs and deserves. 
• The widely-held narrative of menopause being a miserable, chaotic ending, couldn’t be more limiting. This phase can represent a powerful new beginning, an invitation to look within, and to realign your health, beliefs and connection to your truest self.
• The menopause transition has the potential to become a spiritual awakening and a launchpad for the most empowered time of life yet.

Contact Elizabeth Mintun with any questions, comments, or concerns: elizabethmintun@thecalmingground.com

Learn about The Calming Ground: https://www.thecalmingground.com/

Free reflective journal prompts: https://www.thecalmingground.com/reflection-prompts-selfcare

Find Bean on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thenutritionalbean/

Bean’s Website: https://www.thenutritionalbean.com/ 

When any of you listeners sign up for Bean’s upcoming course “Perimenopause Foundations”, you’ll receive a FREE 60-minute consultation. Just use the code: CalmingGround

Perimenopause Foundations course: https://www.thenutritionalbean.com/perimenopause-foundations

What if you had a roadmap to understand yourself and others on a deeper level? The Enneagram isn’t just a personality test—it’s a powerful tool for self-discovery, personal growth, and improving relationships.

In this episode, Elizabeth talks with Certified Enneagram coach Alyssa Nicole about how the Enneagram can be used as a powerful tool for personal development, relationships, and workplace dynamics. Alyssa shares insights on how understanding Enneagram types, wings, and growth paths can help individuals build self-awareness, strengthen relationships, and improve communication.

Key Takeaways

• The Enneagram is a tool for growth rather than a tool that simply offers a fixed personality type
• The Enneagram can be used to recognize stress patterns and develop healthier behaviors
• The Enneagram can be helpful for pinpointing reasons why you might be getting stuck. 

Contact Elizabeth Mintun with any questions, comments, or concerns: elizabethmintun@thecalmingground.com

Learn about The Calming Ground: https://www.thecalmingground.com/

Free reflective journal prompts: https://www.thecalmingground.com/reflection-prompts-selfcare

Alyssa Nicole’s podcast

Here is one of Beatrice Chestnut’s books mentioned in this episode

Find Alyssa on IG and Facebook: @enneagramleadershipco

When life feels overwhelming and your mind won’t stop racing, the instinct for many of us is to retreat and figure things out alone. What if resilience isn’t always found in solitude, but in community?

In this episode, Elizabeth Mintun explores how overthinking often thrives in isolation and how connection can be a powerful antidote. Through personal stories, insights from years of facilitating groups, and real-life transformations, she dives into how emotionally safe communities foster clarity, accountability, and confidence.

• Though being vulnerable in a group can feel more daunting than in individual one-on-one experiences, the power of being in an emotionally safe community can’t be overstated. 
• Anxiety tends to operate in overthinking loops and over-analyzing. When we’re alone, it is harder to interrupt these cycles. 
• Often, as we feel more connected and trusting in community, we simultaneously experience greater confidence, connection, and trust in ourselves. 

Resources 

Register for my free one-hour masterclass on March 27th: www.thecalmingground.com/stress-resilience

Email me at: elizabethmintun@thecalmingground.com

DM me on Instagram or Facebook: @thecalmingground

Stress is a part of life, but it doesn’t have to knock you down. 

In today’s episode, Elizabeth Mintun explores the difference between stress management and stress resilience. She shares a personal story of getting stuck in people-pleasing and discusses the benefits of both stress management techniques and stress resilience. In addition, Elizabeth unpacks why building resilience is the key to navigating life’s inevitable ups and downs with greater ease and confidence. 

Elizabeth also announced her FREE live masterclass on March 27th at 11 a.m. ET, where she will be teaching the four paths to building resilience. If you’re ready to shift from feeling overwhelmed to feeling steady and capable, you won’t want to miss this! 

Key Takeaways

• Mindful stress prevention techniques can be vital to me managing overthinking and stress after it has taken hold, while stress resilience pathways that help you grow through the stress and become more resilient in the face of it. 
• When you build resilience, you become more adaptable, more grounded, more confident in your ability to handle whatever comes your way.
• Self awareness is a key component to resilience. 

Resources

📅 Sign up for the Free Masterclass on March 27th at 11am ET

📖 Elizabeth’s article on People-Pleasing

📚 Rising Strong by Brené Brown 

Articles on Resilience: 

https://www.in-equilibrium.co.uk/comparing-resilience-training-and-stress-management-training-what-is-the-difference/

If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review — it helps more people discover the podcast!

Whether you're feeling tired, invisible, or simply longing for more meaning in the everyday, this episode is a poetic call to return to what soothes you, delights you, and reminds you of who you truly are.

Key Takeaways

• Beauty has the capacity to stabilize our nervous system by calling us back to the present moment. 
• Aging can be seen as a season of ripening. Just like summer, your radiance can be unapologetic, full, and deeply nourishing.
• Even simple acts, like lighting a candle, noticing the way light hits a leaf, or wearing something that feels like you, can ground you in moments of grief, stress, or transition. These quiet gestures become anchors, reminding you that you’re still here… and still worthy of beauty.

Resources

Unlock Your Resilience Style FREE Quiz: https://www.thecalmingground.com/resilience-quiz

Podcast Episode on the Healing Power of Music (Episode 72): https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/72-the-healing-power-of-music/id1704337948?i=1000689185340

Explore the Self-Care Membership: https://www.thecalmingground.com/calming-ground-membership-waitlist

Learn more about 1:1 Coaching: https://www.thecalmingground.com/inner-compass

Contact Elizabeth: elizabethmintun@thecalmingground.com

Share your reflection using #TheCalmingGround

If you found this episode supportive, please consider subscribing, leaving a review, or sharing it with a friend. Every bit of kindness helps this podcast reach more people who could use a moment of calm.

What helps us stay connected to ourselves and our identities even when we’re patients in a healthcare setting?

This is the second episode in a 2-part series inspired by listener Debbie Margulies' powerful question about maintaining control in medical settings and managing unhelpful pity from others based on your medical condition. Elizabeth interviews oncology social worker Samantha Hulett about her experience working with patients and their families. In this conversation, Sam shares the importance of identifying for ourselves what our priorities are in life. In addition, she speaks to the importance of slowing ourselves and our providers down in order to ensure that our needs are getting met and we are getting the clarity we need. 

Key Takeaways

• Keeping a journal by the bed can be a useful way to record any thoughts that arise when the distractions aren’t as prevalent before bedtime. This can become a tool to help later formulate questions and concerns to take to the doctor. 
• Value-based decision making can be helpful in determining your non-negotiable priorities in your life, even while undergoing medical treatment. 
• Slowing ourselves down before, during, and after medical visits can help us remain clear about the questions we need answered, and to help us remain grounded and centered. 

• Email your thoughts, topic ideas, and questions: elizabethmintun@thecalmingground.com
• Connect on social media: @thecalmingground on Facebook and Instagram

How do we navigate the medical system in a way that feels empowering and maintains our sense of dignity?

This episode was inspired by listener Debbie Margulies' powerful question about maintaining control in medical settings and managing unhelpful pity from others based on your medical condition. Elizabeth explores the difficult experience of needing expert care while feeling stripped of your autonomy, as well as medical trauma that can impact our experience of getting medical care. Elizabeth also offers several tips and strategies to help with grounding. This is the first of two episodes on this topic.

• To help with medical appointments and/or hospital settings, you might consider bringing an advocate to appointments, setting boundaries with medical staff, and maintaining personal rituals to anchor your sense of self. 
• Depending on the situation, focusing on your personal growth journey rather than your patient/victim journey (as well as reminding others to focus on the power involved in this as a personal growth journey) can sometimes nourish a sense of empowerment rather than pity. 
• It can be helpful to identify elements you can control even in challenging circumstances (no matter how small). 

• Email your thoughts, topic ideas, and questions: elizabethmintun@thecalmingground
• Connect on social media: @thecalmingground on Facebook and Instagram
• Study on discrimination in healthcare
• Free Guided Meditation: https://www.thecalmingground.com/free-guided-meditation

Have you ever experienced a sense of deep loss for something you never actually had?

In this episode, Elizabeth Mintun explores the concept of grieving the empty space - an often overlooked form of grief. This grief typically centers around circumstances or things that never happened - the empty spaces where something should have been such as mourning a relationship that didn’t reach its full potential, a path we didn’t take, a childhood we deserved but didn't receive, and futures we planned that disappeared. In this episode, Elizabeth also offers ways to navigate this form of grief. 

• Invisible grief is real and valid – mourning what never happened is a legitimate form of grief that deserves acknowledgment.
• Grief for what never was often ripples through time, affecting not just our past but our present circumstances and future possibilities.
• Naming your grief helps validate your experience and begins the healing process. 
• Sharing your experience with others can provide validation and connection, revealing how common this form of grief actually is.

• Contact Elizabeth: elizabethmintun@thecalmingground.com
• November 2023 interview with Jean Sutton on the power of rituals: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/05-interview-with-jean-sutton-using-rituals-to-enhance/id1704337948?i=1000633317348
• Psychology Today article: "2 Types of Invisible Grief" - Read here

Ever feel the urge to slow down and rest more in winter? According to Traditional Chinese Medicine, that instinct is deeply connected to the Water Element, which is the element of winter. 

In this episode, Elizabeth Mintun dives into the wisdom of Qigong and ancient Chinese medicine to explore how we can align with winter’s natural rhythm for better well-being. Elizabeth explains about what the water element represents in Chinese medicine and how this connects to inner balance, especially in the season of winter. 

Key takeaways

• Many of us tend to fight against rather than listen to our natural rhythms in winter. 
• A simple foot soak can offer rest and relaxation in the winter time.
• Certain essential oils, like basil and sandalwood, are particularly associated with winter wellness. 

Resources

Free Journal Reflection Prompts: https://www.thecalmingground.com/reflection-prompts-selfcare

Podcast episode “Breathing Through Stress: 5 Breathing Techniques for Calm & Balance”: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/71-breathing-through-stress-5-breathing-techniques/id1704337948?i=1000686586207

Contact Elizabeth: elizabethmintun@thecalmingground.com

Foot Soak Recipe: 

Approximately 1 gallon warm water

Juice of one lemon

½ cup of sea salt

2 Tablespoons of ground ginger. 

Stir the ingredients into the water and then soak your feet in the mixture for about 10-20 minutes. (https://www.webmd.com/beauty/features/purifying-lemon-ginger-foot-soak)

If you enjoyed this episode, please share it with a friend who could use a little winter wellness wisdom. I’d love to hear from you! How do you embrace rest during winter?

What if mastering communication and connection with your partner wasn’t just about what you say, but how you embody and balance both the masculine and feminine energies within you? 

In this episode, I’m joined by Nicola Navon, a Communication & Leadership Coach, and Expert in Masculine/Feminine Dynamics. She specializes in helping driven couples create a deeper connection and lasting passion through masterful communication. In this conversation, we explore the dance between masculine and feminine energies in communication and how balancing them can create more meaningful connections.

Key Takeaways

• The process of repairing and reconnecting after conflict is powerful for deepening connection and intimacy for a couple. 
• Often when we’re giving more than receiving in a partnership there is also an imbalance within us that needs attending to. 
• Pausing and checking in with our bodies when we’re feeling hurt or triggered can help us to build our self awareness and determine how to best communicate what is happening for us within the relationship. 

Resources

https://www.nicolanavon.com/

https://www.instagram.com/nicolanavon/

Free Reflection Journal Prompts: https://www.thecalmingground.com/reflection-prompts-selfcare

Contact Elizabeth: elizabethmintun@thecalmingground.com

Have you ever noticed how a familiar song can instantly shift your mood? 

In this episode, Elizabeth Mintun explores the profound impact music has on our emotions, nervous system, and physical health. Elizabeth dives into the fascinating ways music influences the brain and supports overall well-being; from ancient healing traditions to modern neuroscience, she uncovers why sound is such a powerful tool for relaxation and stress relief. In addition, Elizabeth offers a little sound experiment for you to try tuning into your mind/body and the impact of different sounds on how you feel. 

Key Takeaways

🎵 Music can bring us into a flow state, helping us become fully present.

🎵 Music triggers feel-good hormones. When we listen to or move to music, we may release dopamine, serotonin, and endorphins, which boost mood and reduce stress.

🎵 Music has been used for healing for centuries. From the didgeridoo of Australian Aborigines to Pythagoras using harmonies for sleep, music’s power to restore balance has stood the test of time.

Resources

Free Playlists for to relax or feel energized: https://www.thecalmingground.com/relax-and-energize-playlist

Contact Elizabeth: elizabethmintun@thecalmingground.com

The Science and History of Sound Therapy

Psychology Today: The Power of Music

Johns Hopkins on Music and Brain Health

Berklee College of Music: Music & Brain Connectivity

If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a review—it helps others discover the power of music for stress relief! 💙🎶

Vietnamese Buddhist monk Thích Nhất Hạnh said: "Breath is the bridge between mind and body. When you return to your breath, you return to yourself." 

In this episode, Elizabeth Mintun shares a personal story about my journey from being an anxious child to discovering the transformative power of breathwork. She discusses the science behind how breathwork helps shift us from a high-stress state to a calm and balanced one. In addition, she offers five practical breathwork techniques you can start using today to soothe your body and mind, reset your nervous system, and build resilience against stress. Whether you’re new to breathwork or looking to deepen your practice, this episode offers tools and insights to help you on your journey.

Key Takeaways

• The difference between helpful anxiety that prepares us and the anxiety that gets in our way. 
• Breathwork activates the “rest and digest” mode.
• Practicing daily, even in short sessions, helps make breathwork a natural response during stressful times.
• If breathwork feels challenging at first, starting with awareness of your natural breath can help you ease into the practice.
• Five breathwork techniques to try:

1. 5-Finger Breathing - A tactile technique that combines touch and breath.
2. Box Breathing - A method to calm your mind through balanced inhales and exhales.
3. Straw Breathing (Pursed Lip Breathing) - Perfect for releasing tension and slowing your breath.
4. Focused Breathing - Pairing breath awareness with phrases for relaxation.
5. Resonant Breathing (Coherent Breathing) - A practice to optimize your heart rate variability and reduce stress.

Resources

Free Guided Meditation: https://www.thecalmingground.com/free-guided-meditation

Follow/DM me on Instagram or Facebook: @thecalmingground

Email: elizabethmintun@thecalmingground.com

Let’s take a breath together and create more calm in our lives! If you enjoyed this episode, please share it with a friend or leave a review. Your support means the world!

Have you ever caught yourself thinking, "I’m just not good at this," or "I never have enough time?"

It might feel like these thoughts are just facts of life, but what if they’re not? What if these are actually limiting beliefs - stories we tell ourselves that keep us stuck?

In this episode Elizabeth Mintun explores what limiting beliefs are and how they form, three clear signs that you’re likely experiencing a limiting belief, and a simple 5-step process to start breaking free from these thoughts and reclaiming your confidence. Elizabeth also shares a personal story about how she noticed a limiting belief sneaking into her own life recently, and how she used the 5-step process to shift it.

Plus, as a bonus, Elizabeth created a free tool to help you take these insights even deeper: Break Free: A Simple 5-Step Guide to Releasing Limiting Beliefs and Reclaiming Your Confidence. Grab your copy here: 

https://www.thecalmingground.com/download-releasing-limiting-beliefs

Key Takeaways

• Building awareness is a crucial first step - once we identify we’re grappling with a limiting belief, we can take the steps to break free from it. 
• When we notice a thought pattern as part of a limiting belief, we are already weakening its power.
• There are clear steps we can take to begin to transform our limiting beliefs into empowering ones. 

Resources

Free Guide to Break Free from Limiting Beliefs: https://www.thecalmingground.com/download-releasing-limiting-beliefs

Contact Elizabeth: elizabethmintun@thecalmingground.com

Stay Connected

Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review The Calming Ground. Share this episode with someone who could use a little mental peace today!

If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by your thoughts or stuck in unproductive loops, this episode is for you. 

Elizabeth Mintun shares personal experiences, scientific insights, and practical tips to help you declutter your mind and create more space for peace and clarity. Elizabeth dives into how our daily habits and mindset contribute to our mental overwhelm and offers 5 simple strategies to find greater ease. 

Key Takeaways

• Experiment with talking to yourself the way you’d comfort a trusted friend, to create distance from overwhelming thoughts.
• Creating a 15-minute “mental white space” break can help with restoration and clarity. 
• Setting aside time this week for a brain dump and then, later, sifting through the dump to see what emerges as important can be an effective way to discern what is cluttering your mind and what truly matters to you. 
• "You deserve some peace in your life. No day is better than today, no moment is better than now, to take a little step toward calm."

Resources

Free Journal Reflection Prompts: https://www.thecalmingground.com/reflection-prompts-selfcare

Free Guided Meditation: https://www.thecalmingground.com/free-guided-meditation

Contact Elizabeth at: elizabethmintun@thecalmingground.com

Stay Connected

Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review The Calming Ground. Share this episode with someone who could use a little mental peace today!

What if decluttering your space in 2025 can actually support creating spaciousness in your mind? 

In this episode, Elizabeth Mintun interviews Annette Kurtz, Feng Shui Expert, Clutter Clearing Coach, and the author of the Amazon #1 bestseller Harmonize Your Home: 52 Tips to Energize Your Work From Home Life for Greater Success. Annette dives into the profound connection between our physical spaces, mental well-being, and our sense of harmony, flow, and renewal in life. Whether you're navigating grief, stuck in overwhelm, or simply seeking clarity, this conversation offers practical steps and a fresh perspective. 

• We can use decluttering as a tool to free emotional baggage and create mental spaciousness.
• The decluttering process can help grow our awareness as we identify what objects we’re holding onto and why.
• “Your home should be a place where your nervous system can relax and recharge.” ~Annette Kurtz

Resources

Free 5 - Day Intentional 2025 Challenge for Women: https://www.thecalmingground.com/intentional-2025

Contact Elizabeth at elizabethmintun@thecalmingground.com to receive your free copy of Annette’s book, the Amazon #1 bestseller Harmonize Your Home: 52 Tips to Energize Your Work From Home Life for Greater Success

https://annettekurtz.com/

Have you ever woken up at 3 a.m. worrying about money - your chest tight, your mind racing, even if you’ve done everything 'right'? 

In this episode, Elizabeth Mintun explores why financial stress activates your fight-or-flight system, how to shift to an abundance mindset, 5 grounded strategies to work with money as energy (not just numbers), and how to gently soothe shame, comparison, or catastrophizing with practical self-compassion. Plus, she guides you through a short grounding practice to close the episode so you can reset your nervous system and reconnect to a sense of possibility, even in uncertain times.

Key Takeaways

• Thinking of money as energy can shift the way we relate to it. 
• Financial concerns often layer on top of other responsibilities (like caregiving, health, or career stress) amplifying the overall emotional load.
• An abundance mindset focuses on flow, gratitude, generosity, and alignment with your values. This does not mean ignoring limitations, but rather choosing a perspective of hope and agency.

Resources

Unlock Your Resilience Style FREE Quiz: https://www.thecalmingground.com/resilience-quiz

Contact Elizabeth: elizabethmintun@thecalmingground.com

Find us on IG & FB @thecalmingground

Visit The Calming Ground: http://www.thecalmingground.com

If you found this episode supportive, please consider subscribing, leaving a review, or sharing it with a friend. Every bit of kindness helps this podcast reach more people who could use a moment of calm.

As we step into 2025, this episode invites you to explore the art of letting go and more fully embracing presence. 

Elizabeth Mintun dives into mindfulness as a practice of release and renewal, creating space for the new while honoring what is. She offers personal stories of transformation, including lessons from friendship, family, and surrendering control. Elizabeth also provides practical reflections to guide you toward flexibility, grace, and curiosity in the new year.

• Letting go isn’t about giving up—it’s about releasing control, honoring the present, and making space for what’s to come.
• Clinging to “shoulds” often prevents us from being fully present. Releasing expectations can foster connection, creativity, and resilience.
• Experiment with a small act of surrender, such as letting go of a daily routine or approaching a challenge with curiosity rather than control.
• Write down one area of life where you’d like to practice letting go and create space for new possibilities.

Resources

Free 5 - Day Intentional 2025 Challenge for Women: https://www.thecalmingground.com/intentional-2025

A Path with Heart by Jack Kornfield: https://www.amazon.com/Path-Heart-Through-Promises-Spiritual/dp/0553372114/ref=asc_df_0553372114?mcid=eae3531dffeb3337ae5ebb092cf8e5e5&hvocijid=2470859143031407366-0553372114-&hvexpln=73&tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=721245378154&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=2470859143031407366&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9014979&hvtargid=pla-2281435176178&psc=1

Take a moment to pause and ground yourself in the midst of the holiday season. In this special episode, Elizabeth Mintun offers a soothing guided meditation designed to help you find peace, presence, and a sense of connection—whether you’re surrounded by loved ones, enjoying quiet solitude, or navigating mixed emotions today.

• Whether you’re starting your day with intention, taking a break in the middle of holiday hustle, or unwinding after a busy day, this brief meditation is here to support you to center your mind and body. 
• This is a peaceful invitation to release stress and welcome ease, wherever you are.

Additional Free Guided Meditation: https://www.thecalmingground.com/free-guided-meditation

Subscribe to The Calming Ground Podcast for more mindful living tips.

Thank you for tuning in and giving yourself this moment of care. Wherever this day finds you, may it bring ease, warmth, and a sense of connection.

When you reflect on 2024, what lessons did this year hold for you? 

As we get closer to closing the chapter on 2024, Elizabeth Mintun shares in this episode her personal reflections of this year. She explores a strengths and resilience-based approach to mindful, sustainable intention-setting as an alternative to new year’s resolutions. She also shares a creative reflection exercise she tried with her mentor to spark some energy, joy, and clarity around the new year. Give it a try and see what comes alive for you! 

Key Takeaways: 

• Setting intentions can offer a guiding principle that can be more sustainable over time than a punitive and shame-based goal or resolution. 
• We can learn from our resistance to moving forward with our intentions and/or goals.
• Journaling can be a helpful way to set aside time for reflection and notice what emerges. 

Resources

Free Journal Reflection Prompts: https://www.thecalmingground.com/reflection-prompts-selfcare

Free Guided Meditation: https://www.thecalmingground.com/free-guided-meditation

Episode 63: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/63-why-were-hard-on-ourselves-and-how-to-break-the-cycle/id1704337948?i=1000679166535

Contact Elizabeth here: elizabethmintun@thecalmingground.com

Thank you for joining me on this reflective journey. May the coming year bring you growth, ease, and moments of deep connection. If this episode resonated with you, please leave a review or share it with someone who might find it helpful!

As the days grow shorter and colder, many of us dread the winter season. But what if winter holds hidden treasures we haven’t considered? What if our mindset could be the greatest barrier to finding joy and nourishment in this season?

In today's episode, Elizabeth Mintun explores the concept of wintering. In the northern hemisphere, as we approach winter solstice - the shortest and darkest day of the year - she shares insights into how we can reframe our perspective on winter and uncover its gifts. From biological rhythms to the restorative potential of darkness, she walks you through ways to embrace this season with curiosity and intention.

Key Takeaways: 

• Embrace rest as a natural rhythm of the season. Try catnaps or one-minute breathing “resting” pauses during your day.
• Create a cozy atmosphere with candles or warm lighting.
• Hygge-inspired practices can bring comfort and mindfulness into your daily life.

Resources

https://www.thecalmingground.com/opt-in

https://www.thecalmingground.com/free-guided-meditation

https://www.amazon.com/Wintering-Power-Retreat-Difficult-Times/dp/0593189485/ref=pd_lpo_d_sccl_1/133-3817138-6764125?pd_rd_w=8vK6U&content-id=amzn1.sym.4c8c52db-06f8-4e42-8e56-912796f2ea6c&pf_rd_p=4c8c52db-06f8-4e42-8e56-912796f2ea6c&pf_rd_r=6JQ58GNFDFGC39F0BN5D&pd_rd_wg=0H2vT&pd_rd_r=63ab5abf-a5e5-43e4-afd8-8eef0dbc6d96&pd_rd_i=0593189485&psc=1

I’d love to hear your thoughts on wintering and how you plan to shift your mindset this season. Feel free to reach out:

• Email: elizabethmintun@thecalmingground.com
• Social: @thecalmingground on Facebook & Instagram

Research sources for this episode: 

 "Winter Health: How to Cope with Seasonal Depression." The Independent, 6 Dec. 2024, https://www.independent.co.uk/health-and-fitness/winter-health-seasonal-depression-light-b2646316.html.

Walton, Alice G. “Dreading a Dark Winter Lockdown? Think Like a Norwegian.” The Guardian, 26 Sept. 2020, https://www.theguardian.com/science/2020/sep/26/dreading-a-dark-winter-lockdown-think-like-a-norwegian.

Warner, Kelsey. “What Is Hygge? 13 Ways to Practice This Danish Lifestyle Trend at Home.” SELF, 2 Dec. 2020, https://www.self.com/story/practicing-hygge-danish-lifestyle.

What if you are already good enough, just the way you are?

In today's episode, Elizabeth Mintun delves into a profound truth: that we don’t need to be fixed. She suggests that the struggles we experience are adaptations to our own unique nature and life experiences, rather than evidence of our brokenness. Elizabeth uncovers the top 5 reasons she has found that people are unkind to themselves, offers research-backed perspectives, and shares practical ways to cultivate kindness and self-compassion. 

Key Takeaways: 

• Many people fear self-compassion will reduce motivation. 
• Because so many of our negative and harsh self-talk is automatic, we may not even realize when we’re doing it. 
• Lack of self-awareness can create barriers to moving towards greater self-acceptance. 

Resources

https://www.thecalmingground.com/free-guided-meditation

In this episode, Elizabeth quotes from these sources:

https://selfcompassion.web.unc.edu/what-is-self-compassion/what-self-compassion-is-not/

https://www.forbes.com/sites/womensmedia/2021/01/15/the-benefits-of-resting-and-how-to-unplug-in-a-busy-world/

https://sites.lifesci.ucla.edu/psych-pia/2020-10-15-using-self-compassion-to-reduce-negative-self-talk/#:~:text=o%20Self%2Dcompassion%20involves%20recognizing,will%20take%20time%20to%20cultivate

https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/break-free-from-3-self-sabotaging-ants-automatic-negative-thoughts-202211082847

https://mindfulhealthsolutions.com/the-psychology-of-comparison-why-we-do-it-and-how-to-stop/#:~:text=Reduced%20Self%2DWorth,experience%20persistent%20negative%20self%2Dtalk

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC2790748/#:~:text=In%20a%20study%20of%20self,the%20development%20of%20self%2Dcompassion

Have you ever felt that a significant life change or an experience of grief and loss taught you about love or connection?

In this episode, Elizabeth Mintun explores grief with returning guest Edie Gudaitis, the CEO & founder of Edie Gudaitis Wellness. Edie shares her story and perspective on how the loss of her mother, along with other significant losses and life changes, led her to a deeper understanding of love, courage, and her connection to self and others. Edie is certified in yoga and breathwork, she is a best selling author, a meditation facilitator, and a wellness coach. Edie supports clients through retreats, workshops, public speaking, writing, and podcasting on “The Stress DETOX Podcast”. 

Key Takeaways: 

• The wisdom beneath the layers: we can think of grief as an “onion,” a process of peeling back layers of emotions - fear, anger, sadness - arriving at love.
• Grief and courage: it can be helpful to understand courage as a "heart word" and how it allows us to hold fear and move through it with love.
• Connection beyond loss: at times being in nature and engaging in practices such as meditation or prayer can help us experience connection to ourselves and to those we have lost. 

Connect with Us:

We’d love to hear your reflections or stories of transformation. Share your thoughts with us @Thecalmingground on IG or Facebook or tag us on social media using #CalmingGroundPodcast.

Resources

https://www.thecalmingground.com/free-guided-meditation

Connect with Edie on IG: @ediegudaitis.wellness

Connect with Edie on LI: Edie Gudaitis

 Self led programs: https://ediegudaitiswellness.com/online-programs/

Mexico Retreat: https://ediegudaitiswellness.com/international-retreats/

Workplace Wellness: https://ediegudaitiswellness.com/employee-wellness/

1-on-1 Coaching - Stress and / or Grief:

https://ediegudaitiswellnessbookinglink.as.me/schedule/3fab735c/appointment/43794315/calendar/4399336?appointmentTypeIds%5B%5D=43794315

https://www.amazon.com/Grieving-Brain-Surprising-Science-Learn/dp/0062946234

What does it mean to live from the heart?

In this episode, Elizabeth Mintun is joined by coach, author, facilitator, and TEDx speaker Christine Samuel. Christine shares her journey of personal transformation and addresses the importance of self-awareness, curiosity, and shifting from analytical, head-centered thinking to heart-centered awareness.  She explores how this approach can enable deeper connections with ourselves and others. She also offers practical exercises to embody this awareness and touches on the profound realizations that come from observing judgment and embracing the interconnected nature of human experiences.

Key Takeaways:

• Awareness as a catalyst for change: Transformation begins with self-awareness and the desire to break out of habitual thinking patterns.
• The heart space is a place of gentle holding where all emotions and thoughts are welcome: living more often from this space allows us to navigate complex feelings without judgment, promoting deep listening and genuine connection.
• A reminder of our power: Christine emphasizes the power of choosing our response to experiences and owning our emotions. 

Resources

https://christinesamuel.ca/

https://www.innerworkmatters.com/

IG: https://www.innerworkmatters.com/

Book:https://mybook.to/theheartspace

TEDx talk: https://shorturl.at/eFSTI

Download a free chapter of the Heart Space book: https://christinesamuel.ca/

https://www.thecalmingground.com/10minute-morning-routine

How do we cope when our daily life stressors are compounded by events over which we have no sense of control?

In today's episode, Elizabeth Mintun delves into how global uncertainty, marked by economic, environmental, and political shifts, affects our emotional and mental well-being. She explores the unique blend of grief and fear that arises when the world feels unpredictable, and addresses how to acknowledge these intertwined emotions, why they matter, and what steps you can take to navigate through them to find resilience and hope.

Key Takeaways:

• Grief can feel like losing both our map and our compass. 
• Often grief is closely linked with fear. 
• Grief and fear can be navigated not as foes, but as indicators of what matters most and opportunities to grow stronger and more connected.

Resources

https://www.thecalmingground.com/10minute-morning-routine

https://www.thecalmingground.com/reflection-prompts-selfcare

https://www.thecalmingground.com/free-guided-meditation

What does forgiveness truly mean, anyway? 

In this episode, Elizabeth Mintun dives into what forgiveness is, why it can be so challenging, and how it can be an act of self-care. The key message is that forgiveness is a process, not a one-time event, and encourages listeners to be gentle with themselves as they work towards greater peace and acceptance.

Key Takeaways:

• Forgiveness is not about forgetting or excusing harmful actions, but rather an intentional decision to let go of the weight of uncomfortable feelings.
• Holding onto resentment can lead to chronic stress and negatively impact physical and mental health.
• Forgiveness is a journey, not a one-time event, so it's important to be gentle with yourself throughout the process.

Resources

https://www.thecalmingground.com/reflection-prompts-selfcare

https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/forgiveness-your-health-depends-on-it

https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/adult-health/in-depth/forgiveness/art-20047692#:~:text=Forgiveness%20doesn't%20mean%20forgetting,you%20go%20on%20with%20life

Have you ever experienced an empowering feeling when quitting a path that no longer served you? 

In this episode, Elizabeth Mintun talks with therapist Anne Brady about the often-overlooked strength of knowing when to quit, how flexibility can empower us, and why self-kindness is essential in our journey toward a more balanced life. In this conversation, Anne explores the art of letting go with compassion, sharing insights on how to attune to our needs, respect our personal limits, and embrace change as a form of self-care.

Key Takeaways:

• Redefining Quitting: How quitting is not about failure but about making aligned choices that serve our growth and well-being. 
• The Power of Flexibility: Ways to approach goals with openness, embracing life’s twists and turns as opportunities to pivot and reassess.
• Practicing Self-Kindness: How to develop a self-compassionate mindset that supports us in navigating change with less guilt, shame, and/or self-criticism.
• Attuning to Inner Signals: How to recognize when it’s time to shift directions, release old commitments, or take a pause for self-care.

Resources

https://www.annebradylisws.com/

https://www.thecalmingground.com/reflection-prompts-selfcare

Schedule your free consultation with Elizabeth by emailing: elizabethmintun@thecalmingground.com (deadline to reach out to schedule is 10/30/24 at 11:59pm PT)

https://www.thecalmingground.com/free-guided-meditation

Do you ever find yourself endlessly scrolling through bad news, feeling more and more stressed, anxious, or hopeless? You’re not alone. 

In today’s episode, host Elizabeth Mintun explores the impact of doomscrolling - that compulsive pull to stay plugged into a constant stream of alarming stories - and why our brains are wired to do it. She talks about what doomscrolling is and why it feels so hard to stop, how our nervous system responds to negative news, and offers practical ways to create boundaries for news and social media so that we can stay informed without being consumed. 

Elizabeth also shares inspiring examples of human goodness,  reminding us that even tiny acts of kindness can reconnect us to hope and resilience.

Key Takeaways

• Doomscrolling is designed to keep us engaged, not necessarily to keep us healthy
• Negative news activates our stress response and raises cortisol, leading to physical and mental impacts
• Small steps - like mindful time limits and trustworthy sources - can protect our peace
• Grounding practices and gratitude can help us re-center and reconnect to what is within our power

Resources

Unlock Your Resilience Style FREE Quiz: https://www.thecalmingground.com/resilience-quiz

Contact Elizabeth: elizabethmintun@thecalmingground.com

Find us on IG & FB @thecalmingground

Visit The Calming Ground: http://www.thecalmingground.com

Good News Network: goodnewsnetwork.org

On Being Episode: ​​https://onbeing.org/programs/david-bornstein-on-our-lives-with-the-news/

If you found this episode supportive, please consider subscribing, leaving a review, or sharing it with a friend. Every bit of kindness helps this podcast reach more people who could use a moment of calm.

Did you know that having a regular intentional morning self-care routine can create a lasting impact throughout your days? 

In this episode, Elizabeth explores the research behind morning rituals and routines and talks about the way even just a simple, brief mindful morning routine in an otherwise busy morning can make a huge difference. 

Key Takeaways: 

• Morning routines reduce stress and anxiety.
• A structured morning ritual (even a short one) can boost productivity throughout the day. 
• Having a consistent morning practice can improve mood, life satisfaction, mental wellbeing, and physical health. 

Resources

https://www.skilledsleeper.com/rhythm?aff_sub=&aff_sub2=&affiliate_id=4249926&cookiepreview=false&noautoplay=false&nopopup=false

https://www.thecalmingground.com/10minute-morning-routine

Schedule your free consultation with Elizabeth by emailing: elizabethmintun@thecalmingground.com (deadline to reach out to schedule is 10/30/24 at 11:59pm PT)

https://www.thecalmingground.com/free-guided-meditation

Need a few moments to relax and unwind? 

As part of this week’s anniversary of The Calming Ground podcast, I am offering this meditation, which comes from Cari Beyerstedt’s interview back in October of 2023 (Episode 2). 

Enjoy! 

Resources

https://www.caribeyerstedt.com/ 

Schedule your free consultation with Elizabeth by emailing: elizabethmintun@thecalmingground.com (deadline to reach out to schedule is 10/30/24 at 11:59pm PT)

https://www.thecalmingground.com/free-guided-meditation

It’s hard to believe that an entire year has gone by since The Calming Ground podcast was born! 

What an amazing project this has become in my life. I have loved every minute of reflecting, learning, and sharing the insight and wisdom of so many people throughout this year. As part of this celebration, this episode pulled from some of my favorite interviews throughout this year on The Calming Ground podcast, weaving them together around certain central themes that emerged throughout the year. 

Highlights from (in order of appearance in this compilation):  

• Margy Davis-Mintun ~ Episode 43
• Edie Guaditis ~ Episode 50 (https://ediegudaitiswellness.com/)
• Allison Bruce ~ Episode 25 (https://www.allisonebruce.com/)
• Dawn Glasco ~ Episode 27 (https://www.dawnglasco.com/)
• Kelli Younglove ~ Episode 29 (www.kelliyounglove.com)
• Cari Beyerstedt ~ Episode 2 (https://www.caribeyerstedt.com/)
• Caleb Tipple ~ Episode 51 (https://www.calebtipple.com/)
• Courtney Edwards ~ Episode 15 (www.shineandsoar.com)
• Aura Martinez ~ Episode 52 (www.auraemartinez.com)
• Anne Vainio ~ Episode 12 (https://www.avain.io/)
• Kelli Trinoskey ~ Episode 37 (https://kellitrinoskey.wixsite.com/website)
• Jodi Rose Gonzales ~ Episode 41 (JodiRoseStudio.com)
• Dr. Fred Moss ~ Episode 17 (https://drfred360.com/)
• Donna O’Shea ~ Episode 13 (@innerwild_therapy)

Resources

Schedule your free consultation with Elizabeth by emailing: elizabethmintun@thecalmingground.com (deadline to reach out to schedule is 10/30/24 at 11:59pm PT)

https://www.thecalmingground.com/free-guided-meditation

Have you ever wondered what the mind-gut connection actually means? Your gut and brain are in regular communication through all kinds of signaling within your body - so what impacts one affects the other. Have you ever felt your stomach turn because of a distressing thought? There you go! 

In this episode, Elizabeth Mintun speaks with functional gut health registered dietician Naria Le Mire about the different ways that gut health and hormone imbalance can impact us. Naria shares a wealth of information in particular about the importance of considering our gut health for clarity of mind. 

Key Takeaways: 

• Prevention in key - our bodies are offering us all kinds of subtle clues when things are out of balance. If we listen and attune, we can respond early and take care of ourselves. 
• Oftentimes brain fog is an indication of imbalance in the gut. 
• Addressing gut health and hormone balance can lead to a much smoother experience of perimenopause and menopause. 

Resources

https://www.thecalmingground.com/free-guided-meditation

https://narialemirenutrition.com

Social Media: @narialemirenutrition

Atomic Habits by James Clear

Have you ever noticed any correlation between how you feel and the season in nature?

In this episode, Elizabeth uses the framework and foundation of qigong to explore the wisdom of fall and the element of metal, which teaches us the power of refining and letting go. As the season of autumn invites us to slow down and reflect, Elizabeth discusses how the metal element—connected to the lungs, skin, and large intestine—helps us release both emotional clutter and clutter in our physical space. You’ll also learn practical self-care tips for supporting yourself through the wisdom of the fall season.

Whether you’re seeking more emotional clarity or looking to align your self-care with the rhythms of nature, this episode will offer you a reflection on embracing change and finding peace in letting go.

Key Takeaways:

• The symbolism of fall and the metal element in qigong relate to letting go and refinement.
• According to traditional Chinese medicine, the lungs and large intestine play a key role in processing and releasing both physically and emotionally.
• Simple, effective breathwork techniques can help support your lungs and emotional well-being during the fall season.
• Decluttering your environment can help support the process and “okay-ness” of letting go. 

Resources

https://www.thecalmingground.com/opt-in

https://www.thecalmingground.com/free-guided-meditation

https://www.facebook.com/thecalmingground/

https://www.instagram.com/thecalmingground/

If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a review and share what you liked about it! Your feedback helps the show grow!

Have you ever noticed how no matter what diet or fitness regimen you might try, it doesn’t necessarily lead to a sense of intrinsic value, inner balance, or sustainable contentment in your life?

In this episode, Elizabeth Mintun speaks with author and self-discovery and empowerment coach Aura Martinez about her journey from being a nutritionist to focusing on self-discovery both within herself and for others. Aura shares how she found that, in working with people (and in her own experience), once people are able to connect with and embrace themselves more deeply within, the other wellness habits like eating and fitness, simply come naturally and easily. 

Key Takeaways: 

• If barriers are arising as you attempt to make lifestyle shifts for your wellness, it is likely that there are underlying issues that need attending to first. 
• Often the barriers we experience to balance and wellness within ourselves are unconscious, so it can be very helpful to reach for professional support, if it’s accessible, to identify and move through those barriers. 
• Once we are able to address and heal from the internal struggles that are keeping us stuck, we tend to make choices in life that support and nurture our wellness and wellbeing. 

Resources

Website: www.auraemartinez.com

Instagram: www.instagram.com/AuraElenaMartinez

Facebook page: www.facebook.com/AuraEMartinezCoach

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@AuraEMartinez

Private FB group Inner GlobeTrotters: www.facebook.com/groups/InnerGlobeTrotters

Isn’t it amazing to consider that memory and impulses stored in our body lead to many decisions we make in our lives and impact our ability to be fully present?

In this episode, Elizabeth Mintun explores the therapeutic modality of Somatic Experiencing (founded by Peter Levine) with psychotherapist Caleb Tipple. Caleb discusses his own journey that led him to get trained in this particular modality, as well as the experience and knowledge he has working with clients who have experienced trauma using this modality. 

Key Takeaways: 

• Somatic Experiencing is a natural approach to renegotiating trauma energy energy. 
• Nervous system regulation is a balance and harmony between the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous system. 
• Your body is a wonderful teacher and holds incredible wisdom. 

Resources

https://www.thecalmingground.com/relax-and-energize-playlist

https://www.thecalmingground.com/free-guided-meditation

https://www.calebtipple.com/

Resma Menakum: https://resmaa.com

His book My Grandmother's Hands: https://resmaa.com/merch/

Peter Levine’s books:https://www.somaticexperiencing.com/se-books

https://traumahealing.org

What if bodies hold an innate wisdom just waiting for us to tap into it? And, what if this wisdom can be particularly potent when we slow down enough to deeply access it? 

In this episode, Elizabeth Mintun takes a deep dive with Edie Gudaitis, the CEO & founder of Edie Gudaitis Wellness, into her work and personal experiences with learning to slow down and deeply listen to her body. Edie is certified in yoga and breathwork, she is a best selling author, a meditation facilitator, and a wellness coach. Edie supports clients through retreats, workshops, public speaking, writing, and podcasting on “The Stress DETOX Podcast”. 

Key Takeaways: 

• A deeper belief drives us to maintain current lifestyle patterns. Learning more about this deeper belief can help the process of shifting these patterns. 
• It can be helpful to ask the question: “Who were you before the world told you who you should be?”  
• Simple, accessible practices (like breathwork) can be incredibly helpful to create significant shifts in our internal narrative and lifestyle. 
• 5 deep breaths every morning and every night can make a huge difference. 

Resources

https://www.thecalmingground.com/relax-and-energize-playlist

https://www.thecalmingground.com/free-guided-meditation

Connect with Edie on IG: @ediegudaitis.wellness

Connect with Edie on LI: Edie Gudaitis

 Self led programs: https://ediegudaitiswellness.com/online-programs/

Mexico Retreat: https://ediegudaitiswellness.com/international-retreats/

Workplace Wellness: https://ediegudaitiswellness.com/employee-wellness/

1-on-1 Coaching - Stress and / or Grief:

https://ediegudaitiswellnessbookinglink.as.me/schedule/3fab735c/appointment/43794315/calendar/4399336?appointmentTypeIds%5B%5D=43794315

What if by paying attention to what and how we eat, women could improve their experience of the peri and menopausal stages of life? 

In this episode, Elizabeth Mintun talked with chef Christine Van Bloem. Christine shared her journey through professional and personal hardships that led her to shifting her nutrition to improve her wellbeing, and then inspired her to help others on their journeys. Christine particularly talked about her focus on lifestyle and nutrition to help alleviate symptoms for women in perimenopause and menopause. 

Key Takeaways: 

• Nutrition that focuses on weight loss tends to not be as sustainable. 
• Small shifts in eating (portion size rather than cutting out sugar, for example) tend more sustainable over time. 
• The Mediterranean diet offers wonderful benefits and can be relatively easy to adopt. 

Resources: 

https://www.thecalmingground.com/mindful-living-challenge

https://emptynestkitchen.com

Facebook: @emptynestkitchen

Instagram: @theemptynestkitchen

https://www.thecalmingground.com/relax-and-energize-playlist

https://www.thecalmingground.com/free-guided-meditation

What does it mean to live in a mindfully embodied way?

In this episode, Elizabeth Mintun speaks with guest Linda Zurak, a trauma-informed Somatic Movement Educator, therapist, and embodiment coach. Linda’s primary vision in her work is to inspire others to live beyond their perceived limitations. Linda talks about both actionable steps that you can begin to practice now to increase your connection with your body, as well as her own journey that brought her to this work. 

Key Takeaways: 

• An important key to living more mindfully is offering ourselves permission and acceptance to be as we are. 
• There is a great emphasis in our society to focus externally; somatic work is about also connecting internally with the “inner landscape” and noticing what is happening within. This is as important as what is happening externally in embodiment work. 

Resources: 

https://lindazurak.com/feel-free-in-relationships/

https://www.facebook.com/lzurak

https://lindazurak.com/

https://www.instagram.com/lindazurak?igsh=MWpyZjhzNGpkbnpodg%3D%3D&utm_source=qr

https://www.thecalmingground.com/relax-and-energize-playlist

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So many of us enter midlife feeling like we’re fighting against our bodies - battling fatigue, physical changes, mood swings, and stress that seems to settle into our bones. But what if the answer isn’t to fight harder… but to listen more closely? 

In this episode, host Elizabeth Mintun is joined by Wendy Kleinke, a fitness and menopause coach. Wendy shares how tuning into your body’s changing needs - through strength training, nourishing nutrition, and stress resilience - can actually help you feel stronger, more balanced, and more at home in your body than ever before. In this conversation with Elizabeth, Wendy reminds us of the importance of the mind/body connection in life in general, and particularly when we’re facing life changes like perimenopause and menopause. 

Key takeaways

• Stress can take the form of physical stress, emotional stress, and chemical stress. 
• It’s best to introduce new habits and lifestyle changes slowly and allow yourself to adapt before adding more changes. 
• Often heavy cardio exercise isn’t the best fit for people and strength training can lead to more sustainable and healthier results. 

Resources

Visit The Calming Ground: http://www.thecalmingground.com

Contact Elizabeth: elizabethmintun@thecalmingground.com

https://www.lifebeyondhormones.com/

https://www.tiktok.com/@lifebeyondhormones

https://www.instagram.com/lifebeyondhormones/

https://www.facebook.com/lifebeyondhormones/

https://www.youtube.com/@lifebeyondhormones

Fear is a natural, protective response, often trying to keep us safe from perceived dangers. But what happens when our fears become blown out of proportion and start guiding our decisions in ways that don’t serve us? 

In this episode, Elizabeth Mintun explores a reframe of many fears as shadow puppets - seemingly ominous and large, when so often they are projected from situations or things that are not actually as large or threatening as they seem. 

Key Takeaways: 

• Naming the fear can help create mental distance between the situation and the fearful emotion. 
• Noticing what is happening non-judgmentally can be very useful in practicing compassion and managing/navigating the fear. 
• Body-based relaxation strategies can help! 

Resources: 

https://www.thecalmingground.com/free-guided-meditation

https://www.thecalmingground.com/relax-and-energize-playlist

Imagine a life where your potential is no longer confined by limiting beliefs. 

In this episode, Elizabeth Mintun speaks with returning guest Dawn Glasco, a community engagement strategist, speaker, author, and consultant. Dawn shares her journey - the empowering path of shedding the restrictions of limiting beliefs and conditioning, trusting the process, and the key role spirituality has played in her journey. 

Key Takeaways: 

• We all receive messages about our limitations due to our upbringing, gender, socio-economic status, roles, appearance, etc. These limiting beliefs can be very restrictive and cause us to believe that we cannot follow our dreams. 
• Trusting and listening to our intuition can serve as a guide along our journey in life. 
• Practicing gratitude towards yourself for all the little steps you’ve taken in your journey can help honor your presence, your process, and foster trust and appreciation in yourself. 

Resources: 

https://www.dawnglasco.com/

https://www.thecalmingground.com/free-guided-meditation

Interested in hearing the first interview with Dawn? Check out episode 27.

Have you ever noticed how easy it is to fall off the bandwagon of prioritizing your self-care when life gets hectic? 

In this episode, Elizabeth Mintun reveals her own journey to discovering grounding and centering self-care practices that worked for her and eventually led to her creation of The Calming Ground Membership. 

Key Takeaways: 

• Simple activities that can be incorporated into daily life can be very effective at increasing inner peace and calm. 
• Receiving reminders and support to practice grounding strategies can be useful - especially when life is busy and it’s particularly easy to cast them aside or forget. 

Resources: 

https://www.thecalmingground.com/free-guided-meditation

elizabethmintun@thecalmingground.com

https://www.thecalmingground.com/

Have you ever had a person you deeply care about go through a terrible loss and you didn’t quite know what to say or how to help? 

In our culture here in the United States, grief is so misunderstood. People often are very well-intended, but say things to their friends, co-workers, and family members in an effort to help that ultimately leads to greater isolation for the person in grief. 

In this week’s episode, Elizabeth Mintun shares the “do’s” and “don’ts” on how to best support someone experiencing intense grief. She offers details and actionable steps that will hopefully support anyone wanting to be there for someone who is currently grieving. 

Key Takeaways: 

• Advice-giving and attempting to “cheer someone up” is typically not helpful (and even potentially damaging) to someone in the grieving process. 
• Everyone’s experience of grief is unique; one person’s grief cannot be compared to another’s. 
• Offering to step in either to simply compassionately listen or to offer acts of service to lighten the load for the griever tends to be the most helpful. Telling a griever to “call me if you need me” isn’t usually helpful because that puts the work on the griever to reach out at a time when they’re exhausted and in survival mode. 

Resources: 

https://refugeingrief.com/

https://www.thecalmingground.com/free-guided-meditation

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