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

Hosts: Melissa McHugh and Sydney Decker

In this profound episode, Melissa McHugh and Sydney Decker delve into the current energetic shifts on our planet and their implications for humanity. They emphasize the interconnectedness of all life, highlighting that humans are part of nature, not separate or in control of it.

1. Planetary Energies and Human Influence:

   • The planet is undergoing significant changes, influenced by the influx of light from the sun.
   • This light is prompting a call for humans to "enlighten" themselves, encouraging deep, transformative change.

2. Human Reactions to Energetic Shifts:

   • Many people are struggling, particularly those who aren't actively releasing trauma and emotions.
   • Unresolved pain can lead to external expressions of rage and hurt, impacting interactions with others.

3. Choosing Our Path:

   • We have two paths: react unconsciously or breathe and make conscious decisions.
   • Sydney passionately discusses the vision of a new world driven by open-heartedness and love rather than fear.

4. Inner Work and Personal Responsibility:

   • Emphasizes the need for inward reflection and taking responsibility for our own lives.
   • Encourages becoming independent thinkers rather than followers, and holding onto our own dreams and wishes.

5. Practical Steps for Transformation:

   • Advocates for introspection and experiencing our true feelings.
   • Differentiates between true peace and compliance, stressing the harm of compromising oneself for the sake of maintaining the status quo.

6. Epigenetics and Health:

   • Discussion on how our DNA, along with nurture and nature, shapes our cellular structure.
   • Highlights the average onset of gene expression related to diseases around age 57.
   • Stresses the importance of releasing trapped emotions to prevent physical ailments like heart disease and cancer.

• How can you incorporate more introspection and conscious decision-making into your daily life?
• What steps can you take to release trapped emotions and traumas?
• In what ways can you shift from a mindset of fear to one of love?

• Epigenetics Research

Stay tuned for the next episode where Melissa and Sydney will continue to explore profound topics to aid your journey of transformation and healing.

Connect with Sydney

Connect with Melissa

Episode 91: Remembering Our Profound Connection to Nature

Hosts: Melissa McHugh and Sydney Decker

Summary:

In this enlightening episode, Melissa and Sydney delve into the profound connection between humans and nature, ignited by Sydney’s remarkable encounter with a sparrow named Alan. They explore how we are awakening to the natural world and rediscovering the innate wisdom that resides within us.

Key Points:

1. Sydney’s Encounter with Alan:

   • Sydney shares a touching story about her interaction with a sparrow named Alan, highlighting the deep bond we can have with nature.

2. Reawakening to Natural Wisdom:

   • Discussion on how people are beginning to remember the ancient connections with nature and the knowledge that has been within us all along.

3. Historical Suppression of Knowledge:

   • Exploration of how ancient knowledge and divine wisdom were suppressed throughout history.
   • The subtle ways women had to operate due to safety concerns and how they are now making significant changes.

4. Women Empowerment:

   • Many women are now choosing to leave unhealthy marriages, become financially independent, and heal family lineages.

5. Evolution and Trust in the Process:

   • Insight into the slow evolution of the world and the importance of trusting the process.
   • Encouragement to stay neutral and hold space amidst fear.

6. Nature’s Intelligence:

   • Observations on how trees, birds, and salmon evolve for safety and survival, drawing parallels to human evolution.

7. Honoring Our Food Sources:

   • Acknowledgement of the living creatures that become our food and how to honor them, inspired by Native American practices.

8. From Consumers to Creators:

   • The necessity of shifting from being mere consumers to becoming creators.
   • Encouragement to look inward and navigate through human life with a deeper understanding and respect for nature.

Conclusion:

Melissa and Sydney wrap up the episode by emphasizing the importance of reconnecting with nature, honoring our food sources, and embracing our roles as creators. They encourage listeners to trust in the evolutionary process and hold space for positive change, without succumbing to fear.

Call to Action:

• Reflect on your own connection with nature and consider ways to honor it in your daily life.
• Explore the ways you can shift from being a consumer to a creator.
• Stay informed and empowered, and trust in the journey of personal and collective evolution.

Tune in next week as we continue to explore the intricate connections between our inner and outer worlds.

Connect with Sydney: innerelementwellness.com

Connect with Melissa: thespiritualtools.com

Podcast: The Goddess & The Medicine Woman

Hosts: Melissa McHugh and Sydney Decker

Episode: 90

Guest: Greg Peterson

Greg Peterson is a lifelong food-growing enthusiast with a deep passion for sustainable agriculture. His journey into the world of aquaculture began at an early age, with a focus on growing fish for food. By his teenage years in the 1970s, Greg was building fish ponds for backyard food production.

Witnessing the vulnerabilities in our food system, Greg started growing his own food and discovered Permaculture in 1991. This discovery profoundly shifted his perspective from a linear to a regenerative way of thinking.

In 2001, while completing his degree, Greg initiated The Urban Farm project, transforming his home of 32 years into an old growth food forest. He mastered rainwater and greywater harvesting, reuse of building materials, fruit tree cultivation, and harmonious interaction with nature.

Greg emphasizes the critical importance of understanding food origins and self-sufficiency in food production due to our current broken food system. His vision is encapsulated in the question: “What if there was a garden and fruit tree in every yard?”

Over 32 years, Greg developed one of Phoenix's pioneering environmental showcase homes for urban farming on a 1/4-acre yard, featuring over 80 fruit trees, rainwater and greywater harvesting systems, solar applications, and extensive use of reclaimed materials.

In 2003, Greg founded UrbanFarm.org as an educational portal for urban farming. In 2015, he launched the Urban Farm Podcast to share gardening stories and insights, furthering his mission of promoting homegrown food.

• Greg's Early Years: Greg began with fish farming in 1981 and explored the potential of creating waste-free fish farms.
• Permaculture Principles: In 1991, Greg attended a Permaculture Design Course, aligning his thinking with nature's regenerative processes, contrasting monoculture with nature's balanced ecosystem.
• Urban Farming: Discussion on the potential of urban farming, including indoor farming solutions for low-income households and the importance of local food production. Sydney shares a client’s project in Pittsburgh similar to Greg’s initiatives.
• Sustainable Food Systems: Greg believes cities are ideal for growing food and advocates for tower gardens, hydroponics, container farms, and community farms to decentralize corporate farming.
• Global Inspirations: Greg's visits to Croatia and Italy, where front yard gardens are common, highlight the feasibility and benefits of urban gardening.
• Education and Outreach: With decades of teaching experience, Greg dedicates his life to educating others about sustainable farming in small spaces. He offers courses and runs the Urban Farm Podcast, providing valuable resources for aspiring gardeners.

Discover Healthy Soil with Greg Peterson

Visit HealthySoilHacked.com for a free video series on building healthy soil, which is essential for a successful garden. Learn about:

• The 5 Components of Healthy Soil
• Sheet Mulching 101
• Parri's Instant Garden (how to build a garden in one day for under $100)

Join Greg Peterson as he shares his insights and experiences in creating sustainable, self-sufficient urban farms. His decades of dedication to permaculture and urban farming provide invaluable knowledge for anyone looking to start their own food-growing journey.

Tune in to Episode 90 of The Goddess & The Medicine Woman podcast to hear more from Greg Peterson about the art and science of working with nature and transforming urban spaces into thriving food forests.

Welcome to Episode 89 of The Goddess & The Medicine Woman podcast! In this captivating episode, we sit down with Bob Martin, a man whose life story is anything but common. Bob's journey is a rich tapestry of diverse careers and deep spiritual exploration. He has worn many hats throughout his life: criminal trial attorney, social worker, therapist, professor, columnist, happiness coach, and mindfulness teacher. His journey through various roles and spiritual practices has culminated in a fascinating new book that weaves together his experiences and insights.

Guest: Bob

• Author, ex-defense attorney for the mob
• Mindfulness and meditation instructor
• Former criminal trial attorney, social worker, therapist, professor, columnist, and happiness coach
• Explores and integrates teachings from Taoism, Buddhism, and Christianity

Episode Highlights:

1. Bob’s Extraordinary Journey

   • Bob’s multifaceted career: from defending mobsters to teaching mindfulness.
   • His spiritual journey and exploration of different religions.
   • The personal anecdotes and colorful experiences that enrich his storytelling.

2. Interfaith Perspectives

   • How Bob blends the teachings of Jesus and the Tao in his new book.
   • The Tao Te Ching and its relevance in today’s world.
   • Reimagining Eastern wisdom in Christian terminology.

3. Personal and Spiritual Growth

   • Learning to love yourself as God loves you.
   • Overcoming personal and familial conflicts to create harmony.
   • The power of resolving individual issues to address larger societal problems.

4. Practical Wisdom

   • Bob’s advice on dealing with perceived injustices.
   • Techniques to sense and feel your way through life for better balance.
   • Insights from the Tao, the I Ching, and other spiritual teachings.

5. Bob’s Reading

   • A powerful reading from the first chapter of Bob’s book.
   • The impact of his words and the transformative experience it offers listeners.

Key Quotes:

• "The person who follows the way of Jesus or the Tao will live a practical, productive, meaningful, and contented life."
• "Learning to love yourself is learning how God loves you."

Discussion Points:

• How Bob’s upbringing with atheist parents from diverse cultural backgrounds shaped his worldview.
• The influence of his study under Hua Ching Ni, a 72-generation Master from the Shaolin Temple.
• Bob’s reflections on his life experiences, including his battles with trauma and demons.

Call to Action:

• If you are intrigued by the intersection of Christianity and Eastern philosophy, Bob’s book is a must-read.
• Embrace the teachings of Jesus and the Tao to find new perspectives on faith, love, and balance.

Connect with Bob:

• Website: www.iamthewaybook.com
• FREE E-Book on Meditation

Don’t Miss:

• Sydney’s insightful questions about spirituality, justice, and personal growth.
• Bob’s practical advice on living a balanced and fulfilling life.

Join us for this enlightening conversation that promises to inspire and challenge your thinking. Bob’s wisdom and experiences offer a unique perspective on life, spirituality, and the journey to inner peace.

Subscribe and Leave a Review: If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe to our podcast and leave a review. Your feedback helps us bring more inspiring conversations to you.

In this enlightening episode, Melissa McHugh and Sydney Decker delve into the profound connection between our internal processes and how they manifest externally in our lives. The discussion starts with the current global overwhelm, marked by tension and change, and how we can navigate these turbulent times by recognizing and asserting our intrinsic value.

1. Overwhelm in Today's World

   • Addressing the tension and change affecting us all.
   • Acknowledging the collective and personal stress we experience.

2. Asking for What We Need

   • Emphasizing the importance of not feeling guilty about wanting others to show up for us.
   • Encouraging listeners to ask for what they need without shame.

3. Trusting Ourselves

   • Highlighting the necessity of trusting ourselves rather than seeking validation from others.
   • Understanding that others perceive us through their own lenses and experiences.

4. Intrinsic Value

   • Discussing how we know ourselves best and can trust our judgment.
   • Encouraging listeners to recognize and honor their internal value.

5. Ignoring External Opinions

   • Learning to move forward with our own vision, even when others can't see what we see.
   • Not letting others' opinions overshadow our self-worth.

6. Understanding "Good Enough"

   • Exploring the concept of being "good enough."
   • Questioning who we are trying to prove ourselves to and why.

7. Programming and Self-Worth

   • Discussing how societal and parental programming can impact our self-perception.
   • Challenging the idea of a universal standard for being "good enough."

8. Personal Journey and Internal Process

   • Melissa shares her recent experience of feeling stuck and how she overcame it.
   • The symbolism of buying a new car as a reflection of her internal value.

9. Support and Realization

   • Sydney's role in helping Melissa realize her worth and the power of showing up for oneself.
   • Finding people who honor and value us for who we are.

10. Internal Shifts Leading to External Manifestations

    • Noticing how internal changes manifest in our reality.
    • Embracing the journey of finding joy and worth from within.

11. Claiming Our Deserved Life

    • Taking a stance of deserving all that life has to offer.
    • Allowing internal energy to create external realities.

• "We know ourselves best and can trust that we know what's right for us."
• "Not letting anyone else's opinion matter as much as our own."
• "The internal process leads to external manifestation."

• Reflect on what you truly need and don't hesitate to ask for it.
• Trust your own value and judgment over external opinions.
• Challenge societal and self-imposed standards of being "good enough."
• Focus on internal growth to see positive changes in your external world.
• Surround yourself with people who truly value and honor you.

Melissa and Sydney's conversation is a powerful reminder that our internal beliefs and processes significantly impact our external experiences. By trusting ourselves, recognizing our intrinsic value, and challenging outdated programming, we can manifest a life that truly reflects our worth and joy. This episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to deepen their understanding of self-worth and the journey towards internal and external alignment.

Tune in to Episode 88 of The Goddess & The Medicine Woman Podcast for an inspiring conversation on knowing your value and manifesting your dreams from the inside out. EFT Tapping with Melissa

Connect with Sydney