In Episode 95 we talk about the opening of Sydney's new Yoga Space, Sacred Space Yoga. Her vision of the space and how she had to shift things internally in order to manifest it.

About how we can support one another moving forward as we open our hearts and show up authentically.

Connect with Sydney: innerelementwellness.com

Episode 94: Bringing The Light Into The Story of Dying with Tynan Grierson

Overview: In this episode, we welcome Tynan Grierson, the founder of The Story Ark. Tynan shares his journey from launching a service to record the stories of loved ones and finding himself becoming a grief counselor, guide, coach, and confidant. He discusses the powerful role storytelling plays in how we process and understand death, and how Western culture’s discomfort with death affects us all. Tynan’s personal experience of nursing his father through his final days deeply informs this conversation.

Key Discussion Points:

• The Story Ark: Tynan launched The Story Ark just before the pandemic to capture the voices and stories of loved ones. His work evolved into guiding others through grief, helping them embrace their stories as part of their legacy.
• Western Culture and Death: The group explores how Western society tends to distance itself from death and aging, often placing elders in homes to avoid the reality of mortality.
• Emotional Capacity: Sydney highlights the struggle some people have with holding space for others during grief, leading to a sealing off of emotions and, ultimately, despair.
• Personal Stories of Loss: Tynan shares his experience of caring for his father through his illness and death, and the expectations placed on him to manage others’ emotions during this time.
• Cultural Perspectives on Death: They discuss how cultures like India’s have communal rituals that prepare people for death, contrasting with Western society’s lack of preparation.
• Melissa’s Experience: Melissa recounts the shock of discovering her mother and brother after they had died, and the impact of being unprepared for such events.
• Kundalini Yoga and Death: Sydney shares her experiences with Kundalini Yoga’s practices of “dying consciously” and rebirthing, which helped her develop a nurturing relationship with death.
• Grief and Storytelling: Tynan offers insights on moving through grief, emphasizing that it’s okay to let the process unfold naturally. He encourages everyone to share their stories, as every life holds wisdom and value.

Call to Action: To learn more about The Story Ark and how you can preserve the stories of your loved ones, visit www.thestoryark.ca.

Hosts: Melissa McHugh & Sydney Decker
Podcast: The Goddess & The Medicine Woman In this episode, Melissa and Sydney dive deep into the subject of negativity, exploring how our minds often gravitate toward the worst-case scenario when faced with challenging situations. They discuss how, as adults, we are conditioned to prepare for the worst, a stark contrast to the innate sense of magic and wonder we possess as children.

Melissa opens up about her personal tendency to brace for the worst, highlighting how this mindset can become ingrained over time. The conversation touches on how control, particularly in parenting, often stems from fear, and how these belief systems are passed down, making negativity an easier default. They emphasize the impact of our surroundings, noting how being in the company of negative people can make it easier to adopt a negative outlook as a way to connect with others.

However, the episode also offers hope and practical guidance for shifting toward positivity. Sydney shares action steps from her own experiences that listeners can use to begin fostering a more positive mindset. She stresses the importance of being willing to feel and release emotions within the body, recognizing the interconnectedness of our radiant, emotional, physical, and mental bodies. Paying attention to all aspects of ourselves allows for more informed decisions in life.

Melissa discusses how she applies these processes with her EFT clients, especially those dealing with weight loss. She encourages connecting with the body rather than staying disconnected due to negative feelings about it.

The conversation expands to critique modern marketing systems that rely on negative messaging to sell products, exploiting buyers' traumas for profit.

Melissa and Sydney suggest that small energy shifts could lead to more positive and effective marketing strategies as well as shifting the energies of our systems in general.

The episode concludes with a discussion on the power of Yoga and meditation, emphasizing the importance of finding the right practice and teacher to truly connect with your Whole being. They encourage listeners to reclaim their power, heal themselves, and shift from a mindset of fear to one of love. By being in service of ourselves, rather than sacrificing ourselves, we can create a more fulfilling and positive life.

Key Takeaways:

• Our minds often default to negativity, but this can be shifted with conscious effort.
• Surroundings and upbringing play a significant role in how we perceive and respond to situations.
• It’s possible to learn from positive people by asking questions and getting curious.
• Feeling and releasing emotions in the body is crucial for overall well-being.
• Marketing systems often use negative energy, but small shifts can create more positive approaches.
• Yoga and meditation are powerful tools for connecting with your whole being.
• Shifting from fear to love is a journey of reclaiming personal power and healing.

Action Steps:

• Start by recognizing negative thoughts and questioning their validity.
• Surround yourself with positive influences and be mindful of your environment.
• Practice feeling emotions in your body and releasing them.
• Explore Yoga or meditation to find practices that resonate with you.
• Approach life with curiosity and a willingness to reclaim your power.

Connect with Sydney: innerelementwellness.com

Connect with Melissa: thespiritualtools.com