81. WTF is "Resistance" in Healing Work?

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Ever felt like something's holding you back from reaching your goals? That's resistance—your inner roadblock to getting what you want. Picture this: you have a goal in mind, let's say a healthy and happy relationship. But every time you get close to it, things go haywire, or you end up self-sabotaging. That's when resistance raises its pesky head. And damn, do I know this first hand!

So, what's the connection between resistance and Shadow Work (see Rebel Soul Health Radio Episode 79)? Well, Shadow Work is all about delving into the unconscious, the hidden parts of ourselves. And how do we spot those hidden aspects? You guessed it, through resistance. It's like a signal from our unconscious, telling us there's something we need to explore and work on.

When we feel resistance, it's as if we're rowing a boat against the current. Our conscious self sets a course for a desired outcome, but there are other parts of us—those hidden fragments—that push us in the opposite direction. It's like a crew pulling in different directions, causing friction and making progress difficult.

But here's the crucial thing to understand: resistance is always valid. It's not self-sabotage, as some might believe. Instead, it's the protective mechanism of various parts within us. These parts might have experienced hurt or harm in the past and are trying to shield us from potential pain.

So, how do we deal with resistance? The key is not to fight against it but to acknowledge and accept it as a valid message from within. Resistance is like a cry for attention, understanding, or healing from a part of ourselves.

Imagine trying to row that boat without shushing or disciplining the parts in opposition. We need to have a compassionate chat with them, addressing their concerns and fears. This way, we can get all the crew members on board, rowing in harmony toward our goals.

Now, let's address the ego. Some see it as a separate entity, but really, it's the sum of all these protective mechanisms we've developed over time. These mechanisms serve to keep us safe and guide our actions based on past experiences.

When traumatic events occur, especially during childhood, they leave imprints on our psyche. Our child's mind might interpret these experiences in ways that aren't entirely accurate. For instance, if mom was mad, we might assume we're bad. These interpretations linger in our unconscious, influencing our reactions and decisions.

So, when we face situations similar to those triggering events, we feel resistance. It's like the ego reminding us not to touch the hot stove because it burned us before.

Now, how do we dig deeper into resistance and uncover its root cause? There are several techniques to explore:

• Self-inquiry and Journaling: Ask yourself questions about the feeling of resistance and write down your thoughts and emotions.

• Visualization and Future Self Technique: Imagine having what you desire and notice any negative beliefs or self-talk that arises.

• Talk It Out: Verbally process your conflicting thoughts with friends or family.

• Tarot or Oracle Cards: Use cards to gain insight into the resistance and its underlying causes.

• Dreams: Pay attention to dreams and set intentions before sleep to explore resistance.

• Search Your Feelings: Close your eyes, look towards your heart, and breathe deeply. Observe where you feel heavy or negative emotions.

• Somatic exercises like Breathwork!

Remember, the most important thing is to be aware of the feeling sense that comes with resistance. It's the thread leading us into the realm of Shadow Work.

So, the next time you encounter resistance on your journey, don't battle against it. Embrace it, thank it for its message, and approach it with curiosity and compassion.

Want to learn how breathwork truly can be the hidden secret to YOUR healing? Join my upcoming 3 month virtual Breathe Alchemy Circle and start your journey today!

Disclaimer: The information provided in this podcast is for educational purposes only. Please consult with a qualified professional before implementing any breathwork or nervous system regulation techniques. Breathe responsibly and rock on!

Listen to this blog as a podcast HERE.

80. WTF Does it Mean to "Integrate" & Embody"?

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I miss teaching workshops. I did it for years, in front of thousands of people at Rythmia, and one of my favorite concepts to share is and that truly resonates with me is the art of integration. But what does that truly mean? What does it mean to embody something fully? It's interesting how the mind can often deceive us into believing that merely understanding something logically will lead to transformation. Yet, as many of us (all of us?) have experienced, this isn't usually the case.

We can immerse ourselves in books, podcasts, and a sea of content, only to find ourselves still feeling stuck. In my early years of study, I got fired up at countless workshops, walked fire with Tony Robbins, and did retreat after retreat only to get home and forget. Lose momentum. Say f*ck it.

This stems from a lack of integration; a disconnect between understanding and embodying. And this is where my fascination with breathwork comes to life. Breathwork offers us a path to seamlessly integrate these teachings, making them a visceral part of our being.

You see, we often try to force our logical understanding into our emotional state, and it's no surprise that this approach isn't sustainable. Breathwork becomes our bridge, allowing us to open up to these insights more fluidly. This is a pivotal reason why I'm so passionate about this practice and why I truly believe it can change lives. It's about liberating ourselves from overthinking and diving into the boundless energy within.

When it comes to healing and creating actual lasting change, it takes only about 20% mindset work and and a whopping 80% in energy work.

When we let our minds run amok, we inadvertently limit ourselves because the mind dwells in constraints, while the body is a vessel of limitless potential. There's an intelligence within our bodies that far surpasses what our minds can fathom.

By quieting the mind's chatter and tuning into our bodies, we create space for the wisdom they hold. This shift leads us to live from the heart and intuition rather than the constrictions of the mind. It's a practice, a conscious choice we make daily. When life throws challenges our way – anxiety, stress, or overwhelm – it's about asking ourselves where we're operating from and what we're focusing on.

Anxiety often roots us in fear, dwelling on potential negative outcomes. On the flip side, feeling amazing means living from the heart and embracing the positives. It's an internal shift that ripples through our external reality.

And that shift is grounded in embodiment. This isn't just a theoretical notion; it's about embracing and living these concepts.

It's a transformation from head-centric living to heart-centered existence. There's a profound brilliance in quieting the mind – I've discovered that my body's intelligence far outweighs the limitations of my mind. This shift unlocks the gateway to transformative experiences.

Think about that moment right after a breathwork session – that profound sense of embodiment. Imagine living from that place consistently. It's about taking emotional responsibility, about engaging with our triggers and lessons. Instead of projecting onto others, we embrace accountability and curiosity.

It's easy to outsource our triggers, but doing so robs us of growth. Remember, challenges occur for a reason. By diving into why we're triggered, we uncover lessons and insights that otherwise remain hidden. This mindset shift empowers us to truly own our emotions, cultivating a stronger connection with ourselves.

The true game of life isn't an external chase; it's an internal journey towards happiness. I spent years pursuing freedom externally – money, travel, entrepreneurship – until I realized that real freedom is within. It's about freeing our energy, our emotions, and our essence.

And this brings us back to embodiment – the bridge between conceptual understanding and lived experience. It's about nurturing personal accountability and emotional resonance. By dissolving stories and embracing our energy, we find fulfillment in the present moment.

So, let's embrace this mantra: "I come alive when I'm in my body." Feel that truth deep within you. Your energy is boundless; don't shackle it with limiting narratives. It's about aligning with the universe, recognizing that you're an integral part of a grand tapestry.

Remember, you're never alone. You're part of something far greater. It's time to connect with your soul, to feel that vibrant aliveness coursing through you. This is your journey, your path to integration, to becoming truly alive.

Want to learn how breathwork truly can be the hidden secret to YOUR healing? Join my upcoming 3 month virtual Breathe Alchemy Circle and start your journey today!

Stay tuned to my instagram and here on the podcast and blog for details about my upcoming Healing the Sister Wound Circle!

Disclaimer: The information provided in this podcast is for educational purposes only. Please consult with a qualified professional before implementing any breathwork or nervous system regulation techniques. Breathe responsibly and rock on!

Listen to this blog as a podcast HERE.

EP. 79 Shadow Work: A Journey of Healing and Self-Discovery (& How Breathwork Helps)

Listen to this as a podcast HERE

You've probably heard about "Shadow Work," but what exactly is it? Let's break it down in simple terms. The shadow represents all those unconscious aspects of ourselves that we may not be aware of. And guess what? It's not just about trauma and negative beliefs. It's also a treasure trove of hidden gifts and talents waiting to be uncovered.

Now, most people do venture into shadow work because they're dealing with patterns that hold them back—things like self-sabotage, addictions, and tricky triggers. And this is where shadow work comes to the rescue, serving as the first step in taking radical responsibility for our own experiences and emotions.

Life is going to keep on life-ing, and healing is our responsibility.

You might have heard some folks on the internet talk about shadow work as if it's a horror show. Yeah, it can seem daunting. After all, we're diving into our traumas and their impact on us. But don't worry, the worst part of those traumatic events? Already in the past. Shadow work empowers us to navigate the emotional waves and examine the beliefs we developed as a result.

Oh, and here's an eye-opener: trauma isn't always about the big catastrophic events. Nope! It could be anything that overwhelmed our emotional or physiological system and didn't get a chance to process fully. Even that cringe-worthy nose-picking incident from your childhood can leave a mark. In previous episodes of the podcast I have spoken about “the spilt” or the notion of dissociation, and when we talk shadow-work we often refer to this concept as fragmentation

In shadow work, fragmentation refers to the process where certain experiences or traumas become compartmentalized or "split off" from our conscious awareness. When we go through distressing or overwhelming events, especially during childhood, our psyche may create a coping mechanism to protect us from the full impact of those experiences. As a result, parts of our emotions, memories, and beliefs related to the trauma get dissociated from our conscious mind and remain buried in the unconscious.

These fragmented aspects of ourselves are often seen as "shadow" elements because they are not fully integrated into our conscious self-image. They might hold unresolved emotions, negative beliefs, or unhealed wounds that continue to influence our thoughts, behaviors, and emotional responses without us being fully aware of it.

The process of shadow work involves bringing these fragmented parts into the light of consciousness and integrating them into our whole being. By doing so, we gain a deeper understanding of ourselves and can begin the healing process. It allows us to acknowledge, process, and release the emotional charge associated with the traumatic events, enabling us to grow, evolve, and live more authentically.

But here's the beautiful side of it: shadow work isn't just about healing trauma; it's also a way to embrace the hidden parts of ourselves and get to know ourselves better. No demon-slaying missions always required! Instead, we're here to listen, understand, and yes, even love our demons. In fact, those demons might just be little fragments of our inner child.

Now, let's talk about how to do this shadow work thing. There are various methods to choose from, so you can find what resonates with you. You can get reflective with self-inquiry and journaling, or test out various therapeutic techniques like something called the mirror exercise (more on that later), or explore “parts” work or existential kink (intriguing, right?). For those who like to get physical, somatic release, breathwork, and even ecstatic movement are part of the process.

Individuals engaged in shadow work aim to re-establish connection and acceptance of these fragmented aspects of themselves. This work can be transformative, as it leads to increased self-awareness, emotional healing, and personal growth. Embracing and integrating these fragmented parts is an essential step toward achieving wholeness and balance in our lives.

The whole point of shadow work is to bring those unconscious patterns and beliefs into the light. That's why we call it "shadow" work—illuminating the hidden corners of our minds. And it's not just about the mind; we've got to do some physiological work too. Techniques like somatic release, EFT, and acupuncture can be incredibly helpful in this journey.

So, here's the deal: shadow work might sound a bit intimidating, but it's an adventure worth embarking on. It's about healing, discovering, and embracing every part of ourselves. Breathwork is an incredible tool for this! So let's get started and invite our demons for a chat—after all, they might just be little inner child fragments looking for some love and understanding.

Want to learn how breathwork truly can be the hidden secret to YOUR healing? Join my upcoming 3 month virtual Breathe Alchemy Circle and start your journey today!

Stay tuned to my instagram and here on the podcast and blog for details about my upcoming Healing the Sister Wound Circle!

Disclaimer: The information provided in this podcast is for educational purposes only. Please consult with a qualified professional before implementing any breathwork or nervous system regulation techniques. Breathe responsibly and rock on!

Listen to this blog as a podcast HERE.