Sacred Illness™ – Details, episodes & analysis

In this episode of the Sacred Illness™ Podcast, Dr. Erin interviews Dr. Brad Lichtenstein about the concept of acceptance in the face of illness.

They discuss how acceptance is often misunderstood as a passive process, the connection between the mind and body, and how attitudes and perspectives on illness can impact one's quality of life.

Dr. Brad shares his personal journey and professional insights, particularly his work with patients in hospice care and chronic pain, emphasizing the importance of asking, 'How are you living with this?'.

The conversation touches on the roles of resilience, societal expectations, and how to find peace by living in the present despite discomfort.

Enjoy!

Timestamp Overview:

00:00 The Illusion of Immortality

01:00 Understanding Acceptance

01:18 The Practice of Acceptance

02:18 Dr. Brad's Influence and Journey

02:52 Mind-Body Medicine and Personal Aha Moments

05:30 Dr. Brad's Background and Early Life

07:12 Discovering Natural Foods and Whole Foods

08:19 Journey to Naturopathic Medicine

08:42 Profound Experiences in HIV Care

09:37 Shifting Focus to Acceptance and Living

10:58 Biofeedback and Chronic Illness

11:54 The Concept of Acceptance in Practice

12:20 Cultural Obsession with Perfection

13:37 The Harm of Perfectionism and Biohacking

13:49 Acceptance vs. Perfectionism

13:58 The Practice of Acceptance Revisited

14:48 Living with Chronic Illness

17:56 The Importance of Relaxation and Breathing

20:01 The Impact of Expectations on Health

21:00 The Role of Acceptance in Pain Management

21:35 Cultural Conditioning and Pain

22:24 The Importance of Mantras and Affirmations

22:54 Systemic Issues in Work Culture

23:45 The Vicious Cycle of Worthiness and Productivity

24:30 The Need for Systemic Change

25:31 The Role of Ergonomics and Lifestyle

26:31 The Impact of Chronic Stress

27:00 The Relationship with News and Media

28:04 Mindful Use of Resources

28:33 The Spoon Theory and Energy Management

29:13 Embracing Discomfort in Parenting

32:00 Conditioned Responses and Relationships

35:43 The Power of Acceptance

39:58 Navigating Illness and Identity

48:31 Mindfulness and Meditation Practices

53:36 Final Reflections and Gratitude

Resources mentioned:

Dr, Brad's website: https://www.thebreathspace.com/ 

____

Are you on a healing journey?

Are you feeling suck, unsure of the next step, or wondering if a next step even exists?

If so, you are invited to join the Sacred Illness™ Community, a profound and transformative group that supports you in alchemizing your wounds into medicine.

Inside, you'll find all the tools you need to reconnect with your deepest purpose, find all of the roadblocks standing between you and your most authentic health, and the confidence to exist in the world in your fullest, most vibrant expression.

This is a space dedicated to transforming illness into a sacred path of growth, meaning, and connection.

Join us today!

Check out https://www.aurorasomatic.com/sacred-illness for more information.

____

Are you someone who has or has had a chronic illness or chronic symptoms?

Did you work with any type of mind-body medicine modality to lessen/ heal/ or alleviate your symptoms in any way?

If so, we'd love to have you as a guest on the podcast!

Click here to apply: https://www.aurorasomatic.com/podcast-guest 

____

Music used: Instructions for Living a Life by Savfk - www.youtube.com/@SavfkMusic 

#chronicillness #gastrointestinalissues #anxiety #mindbodyconnection #naturalhealth #complementarymedicine #alternativemedicine #sacredillness #drerinhayford #polyvagaltheory #spontaneousremission #chronicillness #chronicpain #healingjourney #biofeedback #mindbodymedicine #acceptance

Transforming Parenting Through Inner Child Work and Emotional Regulation  

In this episode of the Sacred Illness Podcast, host Dr. Erin Hayford along with guest Kimberly Sleeth explore the profound connections between inner child work and modern parenting techniques.   

They discuss the impact of unresolved childhood issues on parenting styles, the importance of addressing emotional needs, and strategies for nervous system regulation.   

Through personal anecdotes, the conversation highlights the importance of creating a safe and loving environment for children, recognizing and managing emotional dysregulation, and embracing gentle parenting methods.   

Enjoy!  

00:00 Introduction to Parenting Challenges 

01:23 Exploring Inner Child Work 

03:38 Impact of Childhood on Parenting 

06:18 Personal Parenting Experiences 

20:00 Modern Parenting Pressures 

28:52 Facing the Tantrum: A New Parenting Approach 

29:03 The Modern Parenting Village: Challenges and Changes 

30:25 The Dysregulation of Parenthood 

32:33 Understanding the Fight or Flight Response 

35:46 Co-Regulation: Helping Your Child Calm Down 

41:27 Finding Personal Space as a Parent 

47:39 Inner Child Work: Healing Through Parenting 

50:30 Resources for Modern Parenting 

53:23 The Importance of Community in Healing 

54:41 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

____

Resources mentioned:  

"The Body Keeps the Score" - Bessel van der Kolk 

"How to Talk So Kids will Listen and Listen So Kids will Talk" and "Siblings without Rivalry" by Adele Faber and Elaine Mazlish 

Circle of Security: https://www.circleofsecurityinternational.com/

____

Are you a Wounded Healer?

Are you someone who is walking your own path of healing and transformation, learning how to turn your struggles with illness into powerful tools for growth, wisdom, and service to others?

If so, you are invited to join the Sacred Illness™ Community, a profound and transformative group that supports Wounded Healers in alchemizing your wounds into medicine.

Inside, you'll find all the tools you need to reconnect with your deepest purpose, find all of the roadblocks standing between you and your most authentic health, and the confidence to get your gift out into the world in its fullest, most vibrant expression.

This is your chance to transform illness into a sacred path of growth, meaning, and connection.

Join us today!

Check out https://www.aurorasomatic.com/sacred-illness for more information.

____

Are you someone who has or has had a chronic illness or chronic symptoms? Did you work with any type of mind-body medicine modality to lessen/ heal/ or alleviate your symptoms in any way?

If so, we'd love to have you as a guest on the podcast!

Click here to apply: https://www.aurorasomatic.com/podcast-guest

____

Music used: Instructions for Living a Life by Savfk - www.youtube.com/@SavfkMusic

#parentingjourney #innerchildwork #mindbodyhealing #sacredillness #childhoodtrauma #parentingchallenges #gentleparenting #nervoussystemregulation #healingjourney #emotionalwellbeing #parentingsupport #communityhealing #parentalguidance #secureattachment #consciousparenting

Welcome to episode 22 of the Sacred Illness™ Podcast, where we explore the mind-body intersection of trauma and chronic illness.

In part two with our interview with Hannah Jenkins, she shares the complexities of navigating the healing journey and what she wishes she knew before going on this journey that she knows now that would have provided the hope needed to keep her going on some of the darker and more challenging aspects of her healing experience.

Hannah also lays out the three stages of healing, and explains in detail why the physical symptoms often take longer to shift, providing the encouragement needed to those who are feeling stuck.

We explore the impact of limiting beliefs, and discuss the necessity of slowing down, respecting the body's boundaries, and finding joy and growth in the midst of adversity.

This episode is a rich tapestry of personal stories, expert insights, and heartfelt discussions that challenge the quick-fix mentality of Western medicine, advocating instead for a holistic approach to health and well-being. In it we aim to provide hope to those needing a guiding light in what can often otherwise be dark and confusing territory.

Whether you're currently struggling with an illness, supporting a loved one, or simply curious about the Sacred Illness™ model, this episode offers valuable perspectives and practical advice to inspire your own healing journey.

Tune in and discover why sometimes slowing down is the most powerful step forward.

From the video: "It's not like you wake up one day and you're just all of a sudden better. It's slowly but surely you gain a little bit more capacity and confidence and physical capability... and then it just builds and builds and builds."

Key topics:

00:00 Being a hope rope for others.

04:26 Striving for a balanced, intentional life and career.

10:18 Embrace illness, find joy in authentic existence.

14:02 Healing is non-linear, but instead a continuous upward spiral.

18:52 Triggers cause physiological response; understand and break cycle.

24:38 Healing is slow, gradual, not all suffering.

28:14 Healing POTS symptoms, grateful for everyday activities.

31:18 Slowing down helps you notice and feel.

33:30 Embracing the world, a deeper connection within.

39:14 Developing trust in challenging health and wellness.

41:26 Seeking support crucial for building trust and understanding.

43:58 Respecting individual journeys through challenging experiences.

47:46 Exploring core beliefs and values.

54:19 You are not alone.

If you find the information contained in this podcast helpful or inspiring, you are invited to join Dr. Erin and the Sacred Illness™ Program where you will be guided through this exact process, tailored to fit your individual needs, in order to achieve sustainable health and deep healing like never before.

Check out https://www.aurorasomatic.com/sacred-illness-program for more information!

________

Are you someone who has or has had a chronic illness or chronic symptoms? Did you work with any type of mind-body medicine modality to lessen/ heal/ or alleviate your symptoms in any way? If so, we'd love to have you as a guest on the podcast!

Click here to apply: https://www.aurorasomatic.com/podcast-guest

________

Music used: Instructions for Living a Life by Savfk - www.youtube.com/@SavfkMusic

#suppressedgrief #anxietysymptoms #panicattacks #reflux #postpartumrage #militarydeployment #isolation #adjustmenttolife #ElPaso #cancerconcerns #higharousalstate #traumaimpact #sacredillnessparadigm #mindbodyconnection #fightorflightstate #histamineintolerance #naturopathicdoctor #complexPTSD #nervoussystemregulation #traumatherapy #EMDR #mentalhealthcrisis #healthstruggles #nervoussystemhealing #chronicillness #COVID19symptoms #negativeinternalmonologue #narcissisticparent #childhoodtrauma #emotionalshutdown #toxicattachmentstyles

Welcome to episode 21 of the Sacred Illness™ Podcast, where we explore the mind-body intersection of trauma and chronic illness.

In this deeply moving episode, our host Dr. Erin Hayford sits down for part 1 with Hannah Jenkins, who courageously shares her journey through suppressed grief, anxiety, and a lost sense of self that culminated in profound physical symptoms that arose after moving back to the U.S. from Germany.

Facing dismissive diagnoses and a healthy dose of medical gaslighting, Hannah's story illuminates the harsh realities of navigating mental and physical health struggles exacerbated by military deployment, COVID-19, and a lack of proper medical support.

Together, Dr. Erin and Hannah delve into the importance of recognizing trauma as part of the healing process and the Sacred Illness™ paradigm that emphasizes self-healing and the mind-body connection.

Listen as Hannah candidly unfolds her battles with medical uncertainty, the negative effects of a narcissistic parent, and the pivotal moment of understanding the role her nervous system plays in her illness, the importance of regulating it, and her ambitions to become a trauma-focused therapist.

Hannah’s story is one of resilience, self-discovery, and hope. Her experiences underscore the necessity of seeking alternative treatments, trusting one’s instincts, and the potential for healing beyond the confines of Western medicine.

Join us in this episode as we explore the depths of human vulnerability and the transformative power of addressing trauma head-on.

Tune in next week for part 2 of our conversation. Enjoy!

From the video: "It still doesn't take away the grief or the suffering that comes along with [being sick] or the anger or wishing I didn't have this, but I at least am like, oh, this makes complete sense now. I understand the connection between my traumatic past and my chronic symptoms."

Key topics:

04:56 Struggling to fit in after military moves.

08:26 Testing positive for COVID the first time.

11:30 Struggling through health setbacks, seeking alternative medicine.

15:39 Living with narcissistic mother and ensuring identity crisis.

19:14 Realized family dynamics after living abroad.

22:30 Healing and new beginnings after difficult past.

25:47 Healing uncovering pain, leading to self-discovery.

28:45 Struggle with identity and overcoming ingrained beliefs.

39:23 Validation and understanding are crucial for healing.

41:58 Questioning the diagnosis and relentless pursuit of answers.

48:23 Thinking outside the box to create change.

53:28 Illness led to purpose, focus on health.

54:14 Understanding nervous system, symptoms, self-care, prevention.

____

If you find the information contained in this podcast helpful or inspiring, you are invited to join Dr. Erin and the Sacred Illness™ Program where you will be guided through this exact process, tailored to fit your individual needs, in order to achieve sustainable health and deep healing like never before.

Check out https://www.aurorasomatic.com/sacred-illness-program for more information!

____

Are you someone who has or has had a chronic illness or chronic symptoms? Did you work with any type of mind-body medicine modality to lessen/ heal/ or alleviate your symptoms in any way? If so, we'd love to have you as a guest on the podcast!

Click here to apply: https://www.aurorasomatic.com/podcast-guest

____

Music used: Instructions for Living a Life by Savfk - www.youtube.com/@SavfkMusic

#suppressedgrief #anxietysymptoms #panicattacks #reflux #postpartumrage #militarydeployment #isolation #adjustmenttolife #ElPaso #cancerconcerns #higharousalstate #traumaimpact #sacredillnessparadigm #mindbodyconnection #fightorflightstate #histamineintolerance #naturopathicdoctor #complexPTSD #nervoussystemregulation #traumatherapy #EMDR #mentalhealthcrisis #healthstruggles #nervoussystemhealing #chronicillness #COVID19symptoms #negativeinternalmonologue #narcissisticparent #childhoodtrauma #emotionalshutdown #toxicattachmentstyles

Welcome to the Sacred Illness™ Podcast, where we delve into the transformative power of healing through the mind-body connection.

In Episode 20, we journey with Stormie Carter as she shares her personal journey navigating chronic illnesses. Stormie explores with us the onset of her mysterious symptoms, the years of struggle between symptom emergence and diagnosis, to finally finding hope and healing.

Together we discuss the profound impact somatic therapy and reconnecting to the body had on Stormie, as well as the resilient spirit required in overcoming debilitating conditions like narcolepsy, Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, and postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS).

Stormie also sheds light on the complexities of navigating the healthcare system, the often inevitable requirement of self-advocacy, the struggle with addiction, and the transformative path towards recovery.

While her journey is her own, her experiences are so common to all of us who have walked some form of a healing journey with chronic illness. Tune in to uncover the power our sacred illnesses have in shaping our lives and ultimately unlocking our innate capacity for self-healing.

Enjoy!

From the video: "If we ignore the mind body connection and are not exploring the ways in which our nervous system continues to be dysregulated or in a chronic state of activation and stress, any healing modality that we put into our body from the outside in is going to be less effective, if not effective at all."

Key topics:

00:00 Chronic symptoms since 17, traumatic childhood impact.

07:37 Self-advocacy and challenges in the conventional medicine world.

17:46 Diagnosis and treatments offered with narcolepsy.

25:13 Autonomic nervous system connection to chronic illness.

27:31 Positive changes after finding accessible alternative treatments.

30:40 Trauma disconnects us from our bodies.

38:53 Rapid symptom shift with somatic awareness discovery.

41:21 Balancing self-care and supporting the underlying cause.

47:24 The crucial needs to reconnect with our bodies.

53:04 Aligning life, creating new path, giving hope.

If you find the information contained in this podcast helpful or inspiring, you are invited to join Dr. Erin and the Sacred Illness™ Program where you will be guided through this exact process, tailored to fit your individual needs, in order to achieve sustainable health and deep healing like never before.

Click here for more information!

----

Be a Guest on the Podcast!

Are you someone who has or has had a chronic illness or chronic symptoms? Did you work with any type of mind-body medicine modality to lessen/ heal/ or alleviate your symptoms in any way?

If so, we'd love to have you as a guest on the podcast!

Click here to apply

----

References from this episode:

Book: "The Body Keeps the Score" by Bessel van der Kolk

----

Music used: Instructions for Living a Life by Savfk - www.youtube.com/@SavfkMusic

#POTS #EhlersDanlosSyndrome #EDS #CFS #fatigue #apnea #chronicfatiguesyndrome #vintageclothes #homehealthnurse #dysautonomia #somatictherapy #mindbodyconnection #narcolepsy #bodymemories #chronicillness #mentalhealth #trauma #disconnectingfromthebody #healing #values #groupcoaching #nervoussystemdysregulation #wellbeing #medication #sacredillnessparadigm #selfhealingcapacity #symptomaticrelief #chronicillnesses #lifestylechanges #hope #advocacy #healthcaresystem #socialmedia #substanceabuse

Welcome to Episode 19 of the Sacred Illness™ Podcast!

In this episode, we explore the inevitability of fear in the healing journey - how it shows up, why it shows up, and how it can keep us stuck in old ways of being that ultimately keep us sick.

We discuss how our nervous systems are programmed for survival, which makes the unknown of the healing journey so terrifying - the nervous system prefers what is safe and familiar, and because of this it will continuously try to steer us off course.

We also discuss ways to navigate these challenges using the Hero's Journey as a map of what to expect as you progress through the various stages of healing, along with the idea of a "Dark Night of the Soul" and more.

If you are finding yourself stuck on your own healing journey, or continuously derailing after making progress, this is an episode you won't want to mis! Stay tuned to uncover how to tap into your own healing capabilities and shift towards a more empowered, self-aware way of being.

And don't forget to share this episode and subscribe for more enlightening discussions!

Enjoy!

From the video: "If someone told you that you could be healed today, if you were willing to let go of things in your life, like jobs, relationships... are you willing to let go of those things if somebody told you you could be healed on the other side?"

Key topics:

00:00 Learning to accept and work with fear.

05:39 Struggling with denial and fear of diagnosis.

09:24 Treating symptoms, missing the deeper disease causes.

19:16 Complex cycle of fear and growth in families.

21:02 Initial excitement fades as work delves deeper.

24:38 Struggles lead to growth and cycles of healing.

27:19 Struggling with loss, rebuilding identity amidst pain.

36:40 Navigating change and temptation in personal growth.

37:38 Exploring how our past shapes our illness.

46:32 Integration of new self before moving forward.

50:04 Reassuring the nervous system to ensure safety.

52:05 Examining fear can reveal illogical thoughts.

56:34 Choose consciously, take control of your life.

If you find the information shared here helpful or inspiring, you are invited to join Dr. Erin and the Sacred Illness™ Program where you will be guided through a deep self-healing journey in order to achieve sustainable health and deep healing like never before. And right now, we are offering a 14-day free trial! Access all aspects of the program totally for free, see what you think. After that, membership is only $37 a month.

Click here for more information!

___

Be a guest on the podcast!

Are you someone who has or has had a chronic illness or chronic symptoms? Did you work with any type of mind-body medicine modality to lessen/ heal/ or alleviate your symptoms in any way? If so, we'd love to have you as a guest on the podcast!

Click here to apply!

___

Upcoming Somatic Retreat: Sacred Restoration

I am honored to be part of this 7-day Somatic Experiencing® trauma-healing intensive in my beautiful home state of Maine!

From August 27-September 3, you will be immersed in an abundance of potent, supportive, and grounding offerings including:

• Individual Somatic Experiencing® sessions
• Daily movement practices (yoga, Tai Chi, dance)
• Daily guided trauma-informed meditation and grounding practices
• Hands-on treatments like craniosacral therapy and acupuncture
• Art therapy
• Sound healing sessions
• And so much more!

Add in the incredible farm-to-table meals (all inclusive), the community experience, a week on a beautiful farm and the 8-weeks(!) of follow up support you will receive following the event...

You will connect with your innate self-healing capacity in deeply transformative ways likely never before experienced.

Space is very limited! 

Click here to learn more and apply!

___

Music used: Instructions for Living a Life by Savfk - www.youtube.com/@savfkmusic

#believinginoneself #deservingmore #marriage #career #darknightofthesoul #liminalspace #cocoonphase #challengingjourney #fearateverystep #newwaysofbeing #discomfort #actofsurrender #unknownspaces #nervoussystemresponses #deconstructingfears #worstcasescenarios #survival #herosjourney #befriendingfears #healingjourney #familiarhealingmodalities #deeperlevelofhealing #personalempowerment #sacredillnessparadigm #mindbodyconnection #dysregulation #trauma #alternativepathsforhealing #chronicsymptoms #spontaneousremissions #physiologicalbackgroundoffear

Welcome to Episode 18 of the Sacred Illness™ Podcast!

Today, I'm honored to have Dr. Nikita Patel with on the show. Dr. Niki is a Naturopathic Doctor, Mind-Body Medicine Facilitator, and Energy Medicine Practitioner who specializes in providing heart-centered and trauma-informed healthcare for intuitive and energy-sensitive women experiencing anxiety, depression, chronic fatigue, and beyond.

In this episode, Dr. Niki shares her journey into the holistic medicine field and how this journey mirrored and deepened her own self-healing work and relationship with self. Influenced by her upbringing with Ayurvedic traditions and following transformative encounters with medical mediums, Dr. Niki's journey powerfully illustrates the profound impact of listening to our bodies and using symptoms as guides back to ourselves.

We cover so many topics in this episode, including details of the healing modalities Dr. Niki utilizes, as well as more esoteric discussions of what it really means to be human and the idea of "slow-healing."

And! As a bonus: Dr. Niki guides us through a heart-brain coherence meditation aimed at enhancing connection to positive emotions and inner peace at the very end of the episode - so stay tuned to the very end!

Enjoy!

From the video: "I see it in everyone that the physical symptoms have so much information about what's out of harmony, and that becomes our guiding force to help us become more of who we are, to be authentic and to live fully."

Key topics:

06:58 The journey of holistic healing and spirituality.

15:38 Struggling with skin issues, stress, and identity.

19:21 Discovery of deeper intuition through challenging journey.

22:51 Healing journey: obstacles lead to growth.

32:24 Frustrated by health mystery, diagnosed with autoimmunity.

38:28 Understanding the slow healing process and trusting.

43:39 Healthcare practitioners need to reprogram and evolve current mindset and approach.

47:42 Grassroots change, authenticity, love, appreciation, evolution.

53:14 Dr. Niki's Heart-Brain Coherence meditation

If you find the information shared here helpful or inspiring, you are invited to join Dr. Erin and the Sacred Illness™ Group Coaching Program where you will be guided through a deep self-healing journey in order to achieve sustainable health and deep healing like never before.

And right now, we are offering a 14-day free trial!

Access all aspects of the program totally for free, see what you think. After that, membership is only $37 a month.

Check out https://www.aurorasomatic.com/sacred-illness-program for more information!

____

Get in touch with Dr. Niki!

Website: https://www.drnikitapatel.com/

• On Dr. Niki's website you can learn all about her incredible offerings, subscribe to her newsletter, sign up for her FREE bi-weekly guided meditations, and access other supportive free resources.
• And for a limited time, you can also book a free discovery call to see if working 1:1 with Dr. Niki is right for you! Click here to schedule.

Instagram: @authentically.nikki

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

____

Be a guest on the podcast!

Are you someone who has or has had a chronic illness or chronic symptoms? Did you work with any type of mind-body medicine modality to lessen/ heal/ or alleviate your symptoms in any way? If so, we'd love to have you as a guest on the podcast!

Click here to apply: https://www.aurorasomatic.com/podcast-guest

____

Upcoming Retreat: Sacred Restoration

I am honored to be part of this 7-day Somatic Experiencing® trauma-healing intensive in my beautiful home state of Maine!

From August 27-September 3, you will be immersed in an abundance of potent, supportive, and grounding offerings including:

• Individual Somatic Experiencing® sessions

Daily movement practices (yoga, Tai Chi, dance)

• Daily guided trauma-informed meditation and grounding practices
• Hands-on treatments like craniosacral therapy and acupuncture
• Art therapy
• Sound healing sessions
• And so much more!

Add in the incredible farm-to-table meals (all inclusive), the community experience, a week on a beautiful farm and the 8-weeks(!) of follow up support you will receive following the event...

You will connect with your innate self-healing capacity in deeply transformative ways likely never before experienced.

Space is very limited! To learn more and apply, head on over to https://eightfoldpath.us/sacred-restoration-2024

I hope to see you there!

____

Music used: Instructions for Living a Life by Savfk - www.youtube.com/@savfkmusic

#holistichealing #mindbodymedicine #chronicillness #naturopathicmedicine #meditation #traumahealing #emotionalhealing #anxiety #depression #chronicfatigue #physicalsymptoms #authenticity #freetrial #SacredIllnessprogram #retreat #ayurvedicmedicine #naturalremedies #rawvegandiet #energymedicine #emotionalfreedomtechniques #heartbraincoherence #foodsensitivity #autoimmunesyndrome #innerhealing #guidedmeditation #breathwork #emotionalrelease #hypnosistechniques #pastliferegression #shamanichealing

Welcome to Episode 17 of the Sacred Illness Podcast, a continuation of our Authentic Self miniseries!

Today, hosts Dr. Erin and Oriana Broderick delve deeper into understanding various child archetypes and how they impact our adult lives.

We’ll explore the complexities of the "yes person" and "hero worshiper" archetypes, as well as the "life of the party" and the "rescuer."

We examine the fine line between selflessness and neglect of personal needs, and how these behaviors affect mental and physical health.

Join us as we embrace radical honesty and uncover the ways in which childhood experiences shape our health and happiness - and how to get back on track. Enjoy!

From the video: "The only way that she could get her needs met was to self sacrifice. There were so many places where she just didn't fit in... she didn't fit anywhere in society, so it made so much more sense to be the yes person, because how are you going to get seen and heard in the best possible way? Well, of course, to say yes to everyone and everything, no matter what."

Key topics:

00:00 Encouraging authentic roles and natural expressions.

04:33 Balancing caretaking archetype and authentic self-worth.

09:27 Identity, archetypes, shedding layers, vulnerability, and illness.

10:27 Struggle to let go of rescuer role.

15:33 Alcohol as a tool to cope with emotional discomfort.

21:45 Difficult childhood and the resulting self-sacrificing behavior.

33:18 Unappreciated yes person eventually gets overlooked.

37:23 Embrace being human, including discomfort.

45:00 Seeking balanced passion and grounded trust.

If you find the information contained in this podcast helpful or inspiring, you are invited to join Dr. Erin and the Sacred Illness™ Group Coaching Program where you will be guided through this exact process, tailored to fit your individual needs, in order to achieve sustainable health and deep healing like never before.

Check out www.aurorasomatic.com/sacred-illlness-program for more information!

Music used: Instructions for Living a Life by Savfk - www.youtube.com/@savfkmusic

#yesperson #heroworshiper #selflessness #depression #mindbodyconnection #sacredillnessparadigm #groupcoaching #socialanxiety #personalgrowth #selfsacrifice #codependency #narcissisticparent #skepticism #trustissues #alternativehealthcare #spontaneousremissions #miraclecures #authenticself #childarchetypes #rescuerprotectorarchetype #healthyboundaries #caretakerrole #personalizedhealing #onesizefitsallapproach #empowermentinhealing #archetypesandpersonas #midwifepersona #lifeofthepartypersona #alcoholuse #relationshipdynamics

Welcome to Episode 16 of the Sacred Illness™ Podcast!

Today, we dive deep into the transformative practice of integrating our emotions with our physical experiences, exploring somatic methods designed to regulate and heal our nervous systems.

Dr. Erin will share enlightening insights on various techniques such as the cornerstone somatic practice of "Voo" and the butterfly hug, and the concept of resourcing, which involves tapping into safe and supportive memories or sensations to foster calm.

We’ll also expand on long-term strategies like grounding, yoga, and even swimming that aid in becoming comfortable with new emotional tools, turning temporary practices into life-long habits.

The major emphasis of this episode is the reflection on the profound shift of realizing the true essence of life—to simply be alive without the constant pursuit of more. We discuss how societal pressures often skew our healing processes and how returning to simpler, more authentic life aspects can be profoundly grounding.

We also open up about our personal journeys, sharing the challenges and triumphs of integrating new practices.

Stay tuned as we unravel these transformative concepts, hoping to inspire and deepen your own relationship with life and wellbeing. Feel free to provide feedback and share your personal journey with us in the comments below! Now, let’s begin our exploration.. Enjoy!

From the video: "[During the healing journey] all of these things start coming up. New symptoms, new emotions... and we think, 'I'm not doing enough,' and we start adding on more of this work. We're constantly searching for enoughness. But this is an opportunity to pause and look at those things and just be with them... or decide if you just need a break from the work. Because sometimes it's that too. When big things come up, sometimes we just need a little bit of a break."

Key topics:

03:05 Integration after breakthroughs, discussing possible pause points.

07:08 Facing challenges expands our emotional capacity layers.

10:06 Struggle with trauma response and integration practices.

14:45 Signs you need to pause and integrate.

19:00 Mindfulness essential for success amidst overwhelming feelings.

26:17 Healing involves shedding old coping mechanisms gently.

30:57 Struggling with integration; working towards personal growth.

34:27 Constantly striving for more and the impact on healing.

37:51 Redefining health beyond productivity and functionality.

47:01 Somatic practices for grounding and integrating.

If you find the information contained in this podcast helpful or inspiring, you are invited to join Dr. Erin and the Sacred Illness Group Coaching Program where you will be guided through this exact process, tailored to fit your individual needs, in order to achieve sustainable health and deep healing like never before.

Check out www.aurorasomatic.com for more information!

Music used: Instructions for Living a Life by Savfk - www.youtube.com/@savfkmusic

#somaticpractices #nervoussystemregulation #vutechnique #butterflyhug #containmenthold #resourcing #groundingexercises #journaling #yoga #swimming #emotionalintegration #visionstatement #limitingbeliefs #societalpressure #selfchange #spontaneousremissions #miraculoushealing #energywells #somaticexperiencing #sacredillnessparadigm #groupcoachingprogram #healthandproductivity #authenticityinhealing #embodimentpractices #windowoftolerance #mindfulness #emotionalinputmanagement #natureintegration #personaltransformation #copingmechanisms

Welcome to Episode 15 of the Sacred Illness Podcast!

Today is a powerful episode where our first ever podcast guest, Kady Wilson, shares her transformative journey with chronic pain.

Through Kady's story and self-healing journey, we get to see firsthand the powerful innate healing capacity that lies in each of us, as well as how trusting and following our intuition can guide us back to the health we seek.

Kady discusses the pivotal moments of her journey, emphasizing the importance of reframing experiences and creating nourishing habits and practices for healing. She shares how, layer by layer, she was able to change her thinking about her pain, eventually seeing it as a profound, relentless gift that continues to guide her back to herself.

Join us as we uncover the layers of healing, celebrate the small victories, and discuss the tools that have supported Kady’s path to wellness—including her impactful dopamine-boosting checklist. In sharing these experiences, we hope to inspire and empower you to embrace your own healing journey as a path to deeper self-awareness and renewal.

Enjoy!

From the video: "At first I remember that didn't feel right. Why would I be grateful for something that causes me so much annoyance? But the more that I was grateful for the fact that my body could communicate to me, the less it felt like a burden. And also just the experience that I've had... it brought me back to myself."

Key topics:

03:46 Struggling with diagnosis and treatment, avoiding immediate medication.

08:25 Changed habits, created structure, and maintained consistency.

13:50 Struggling with dissociation, the importance of support, connection.

15:54 Navigating unknown terrains can feel out of control.

23:08 Reframing depression as a transformative experience.

27:43 Pushing forward despite challenges, seeking true path.

34:40 Intuitive approach to body acceptance and healing.

36:39 Healing as peeling back layers of onion.

41:20 Finding safety to reduce unconscious tension and pain.

44:49 Understanding mind-body connection offers valuable insights.

If you find the information contained in this podcast helpful or inspiring, you are invited to join Dr. Erin and the Sacred Illness™ Group Coaching Program where you will be guided through this exact process, tailored to fit your individual needs, in order to achieve sustainable health and deep healing like never before.

Check out https://www.aurorasomatic.com/sacred-illness-program for more information!

----

Be a Guest on the Podcast!

Are you someone who has or has had a chronic illness or chronic symptoms? Did you work with any type of mind-body medicine modality to lessen/ heal/ or alleviate your symptoms in any way?

If so, we'd love to have you as a guest on the podcast!

Click here to apply: https://www.aurorasomatic.com/podcast-guest

----

References from this episode:

Book: "Don't Believe Everything You Think: Why Your Thinking Is The Beginning & End Of Suffering" by Joseph Nguyen

----

Music used: Instructions for Living a Life by Savfk - www.youtube.com/@savfkmusic

#chronicillness #selfhealing #personalgrowth #mindbodyconnection #sacredillnessparadigm #healingjourney #journaling #intuitivehealing #nervoussystem #chronicpainmanagement #safetyandhealing #breakthroughexperiences #supportduringhealing #dopamineboosting #wellness #mentalhealth #spiritualhealth #selfcare #mindsetshift #painperception #traumaimpact #restorativeyoga #unconscioustension #stressresponses #guestsharingexperiences #chronicstress #traumaandillness #internalhealing #mindbodymodalities #chronicillnessmanagement