1 00:00:00,000 --> 00:00:11,400 Hello everybody and welcome to the final podcast episode of 2021. 2 00:00:11,400 --> 00:00:14,600 It's the Awaken Together podcast and I'm Kat. 3 00:00:14,600 --> 00:00:15,600 I'm Jenn. 4 00:00:15,600 --> 00:00:20,760 And first off, thank you so much for being with us this whole year. 5 00:00:20,760 --> 00:00:25,120 We really hope you've gotten a lot out of this whole podcast experience. 6 00:00:25,120 --> 00:00:29,340 And believe it or not, we have two weeks left of 2021. 7 00:00:29,340 --> 00:00:30,840 I can't believe it. 8 00:00:30,840 --> 00:00:31,840 Wild. 9 00:00:31,840 --> 00:00:38,440 So we were thinking it's really the perfect time to reflect on what this year was for 10 00:00:38,440 --> 00:00:39,440 you. 11 00:00:39,440 --> 00:00:43,060 But first, before we dive into that, it's been a while since Jen and I have been here 12 00:00:43,060 --> 00:00:44,060 together for an episode. 13 00:00:44,060 --> 00:00:47,120 So we'd love to catch up with you all. 14 00:00:47,120 --> 00:00:51,240 Jen, how is everything in your world? 15 00:00:51,240 --> 00:00:52,240 Thanks for asking. 16 00:00:52,240 --> 00:00:55,280 Honestly, it's so nice to be back in this space. 17 00:00:55,280 --> 00:01:02,280 I don't know how we missed each other for three weeks, but if it isn't pointing and 18 00:01:02,280 --> 00:01:07,160 all telling that me and Kat have had kind of an interesting few months, or interesting 19 00:01:07,160 --> 00:01:11,120 month rather, it's definitely true. 20 00:01:11,120 --> 00:01:18,400 I shared that I was sick for too long in my eyes. 21 00:01:18,400 --> 00:01:24,320 We were talking before that me and Kat both struggle with being slowed down. 22 00:01:24,320 --> 00:01:26,880 It was not easy for me. 23 00:01:26,880 --> 00:01:32,800 And yeah, obviously I shared too that the eclipse, I blamed it on the eclipse, but I 24 00:01:32,800 --> 00:01:38,640 feel like I really faced my shadows when I was sick for such a prolonged amount of time. 25 00:01:38,640 --> 00:01:45,120 I really watched my coping strategies and got to see, yeah, it doesn't take much for 26 00:01:45,120 --> 00:01:47,320 those old habits to want to come back. 27 00:01:47,320 --> 00:01:52,920 So you have to fall like double down on your practices of self care, the things that ground 28 00:01:52,920 --> 00:01:54,000 you. 29 00:01:54,000 --> 00:01:59,600 And yeah, the second I got back into my normal swing, I was back in my grandma's house. 30 00:01:59,600 --> 00:02:05,240 This is where we've kind of made our final pit stop on our travels on the road. 31 00:02:05,240 --> 00:02:07,200 My grandma got really sick. 32 00:02:07,200 --> 00:02:11,340 And so yeah, it's just been one big fun after the other. 33 00:02:11,340 --> 00:02:18,200 But honestly, I really have been deeply appreciating the practices that we share in this podcast 34 00:02:18,200 --> 00:02:19,200 all along. 35 00:02:19,200 --> 00:02:24,840 I've fallen back on those and as hard as I can be on myself when I slow down, I also 36 00:02:24,840 --> 00:02:31,360 know I have such a more beautiful way of coping with change and stress than what I used to. 37 00:02:31,360 --> 00:02:33,960 So that's my little mini update. 38 00:02:33,960 --> 00:02:35,440 What about you, Kat? 39 00:02:35,440 --> 00:02:39,360 Yeah, I mean, shocker, not too different from you. 40 00:02:39,360 --> 00:02:40,360 Never is. 41 00:02:40,360 --> 00:02:42,040 I know, right? 42 00:02:42,040 --> 00:02:44,440 So yeah, we've had sickness in our household too. 43 00:02:44,440 --> 00:02:47,960 I shared on my last episode of the podcast. 44 00:02:47,960 --> 00:02:50,000 I've taken a little bit of a turn since. 45 00:02:50,000 --> 00:02:54,560 So last I shared, Kyle had COVID and we were in the middle of quarantine for that. 46 00:02:54,560 --> 00:03:00,060 I had managed to dodge it for a week and a half, maybe even two weeks. 47 00:03:00,060 --> 00:03:01,800 So we finished up quarantine. 48 00:03:01,800 --> 00:03:04,560 I had a negative test like two days before. 49 00:03:04,560 --> 00:03:06,000 I went to a yoga class. 50 00:03:06,000 --> 00:03:07,000 I went and got a massage. 51 00:03:07,000 --> 00:03:12,560 I was feeling pretty decent, like a little bit of congestion, but that was nothing new. 52 00:03:12,560 --> 00:03:19,760 And then I was set to fly to Boston on Thursday and then I took a test like last thing Wednesday 53 00:03:19,760 --> 00:03:24,160 night while I was packing just to be triple sure, because I wasn't getting better, but 54 00:03:24,160 --> 00:03:26,200 I wasn't getting worse. 55 00:03:26,200 --> 00:03:27,200 And it was positive. 56 00:03:27,200 --> 00:03:28,200 So I felt so bad. 57 00:03:28,200 --> 00:03:37,520 After all that 10 days of quarantining, not having it, I had to go right back into quarantine 58 00:03:37,520 --> 00:03:39,760 because I got COVID too. 59 00:03:39,760 --> 00:03:45,720 And so right now as I'm talking to you, I guess I technically still have COVID, but 60 00:03:45,720 --> 00:03:48,800 I'm really lucky that it's super mild for me. 61 00:03:48,800 --> 00:03:54,000 I do attribute like healthy practices that I have in place with sleeping while eating, 62 00:03:54,000 --> 00:03:58,440 while hydrating, not living a super stressed out life. 63 00:03:58,440 --> 00:04:01,920 And yeah, some of the other self-care practices that we talk about here with just getting 64 00:04:01,920 --> 00:04:05,680 my mind in check with meditation, more to come on that. 65 00:04:05,680 --> 00:04:12,600 But yeah, right now I just can't really taste or smell and I still have this lingering congestion. 66 00:04:12,600 --> 00:04:20,560 So my quarantine is done this Saturday and after that I am going to be free to the world 67 00:04:20,560 --> 00:04:21,840 and I am grateful. 68 00:04:21,840 --> 00:04:26,480 I will say that all of this is kind of wrapping up before Christmas and New Year's and the 69 00:04:26,480 --> 00:04:27,480 holidays. 70 00:04:27,480 --> 00:04:32,520 So I'll still have some time to enjoy that and just, I love this time of the year normally, 71 00:04:32,520 --> 00:04:35,360 just getting festive and getting together with friends. 72 00:04:35,360 --> 00:04:41,560 So I won't be able to go home, but I'll still make it the best that I can here in Colorado. 73 00:04:41,560 --> 00:04:43,320 Yeah, I'm sorry. 74 00:04:43,320 --> 00:04:44,320 You've been sick Kat. 75 00:04:44,320 --> 00:04:45,320 Thanks, likewise. 76 00:04:45,320 --> 00:04:46,320 Yeah, here we are. 77 00:04:46,320 --> 00:04:52,320 Learning lessons at the same time as we do. 78 00:04:52,320 --> 00:04:53,320 That's right. 79 00:04:53,320 --> 00:04:57,120 Slowing the F down, our constant life lesson. 80 00:04:57,120 --> 00:04:58,120 Yes. 81 00:04:58,120 --> 00:05:06,200 So today we were going to share with you one of the biggest things that I think has inspired 82 00:05:06,200 --> 00:05:11,080 some of what we're going to talk about in this episode and just making it a ritual to 83 00:05:11,080 --> 00:05:18,640 close out your year and then open up your New Year with not necessarily the classic 84 00:05:18,640 --> 00:05:25,040 like goal setting, but with kind of a deeper, deeper intention setting. 85 00:05:25,040 --> 00:05:31,960 So we, me and Kat are both big fans of the Yoga Girl podcast with Rachel Brathen. 86 00:05:31,960 --> 00:05:39,060 I had listened to that podcast for years and it's also what led me to start the group on 87 00:05:39,060 --> 00:05:44,440 Facebook that led to me meeting Kat, which by the way, I feel like we should emphasize 88 00:05:44,440 --> 00:05:48,600 because I don't know if you guys even know this, but me and Kat have only met in person 89 00:05:48,600 --> 00:05:49,900 one time. 90 00:05:49,900 --> 00:05:50,900 It's so wild. 91 00:05:50,900 --> 00:05:51,900 Still blows my mind. 92 00:05:51,900 --> 00:05:52,900 It's like so weird. 93 00:05:52,900 --> 00:05:59,040 I like love her and she's a soul sister we've met once in person. 94 00:05:59,040 --> 00:06:03,320 So it's that shows you what you can do with your internet friends. 95 00:06:03,320 --> 00:06:05,000 So just don't forget that. 96 00:06:05,000 --> 00:06:08,240 But anyway, that is our inspiration. 97 00:06:08,240 --> 00:06:15,400 One of the things that Yoga Girl does every year, the very last episode of the year, she 98 00:06:15,400 --> 00:06:23,720 leads us in reflection on the past year and how she usually breaks it up is four sections. 99 00:06:23,720 --> 00:06:29,120 You look at home, you look on mind, you look on body and you look on spirit and you check 100 00:06:29,120 --> 00:06:34,440 in through all those categories and just reflect on what the year held for each category. 101 00:06:34,440 --> 00:06:36,020 That's right. 102 00:06:36,020 --> 00:06:38,800 It's been a super impactful exercise for me to do. 103 00:06:38,800 --> 00:06:44,400 I believe I've done it the past three or four years in a row and it's just a really nice 104 00:06:44,400 --> 00:06:50,480 way to tie a bow on the year because we were talking a little bit before this and if we 105 00:06:50,480 --> 00:06:56,440 don't take that time to reflect on what the heck happened in the year that we just completed, 106 00:06:56,440 --> 00:07:00,580 kind of like our rituals with the full and new moons, then it becomes really difficult 107 00:07:00,580 --> 00:07:06,160 to see any progression in life and we need to celebrate what worked well and we also 108 00:07:06,160 --> 00:07:11,480 need to learn from what didn't work so well so we can amplify more of the good and make 109 00:07:11,480 --> 00:07:16,600 sure that our lives are living in the way that we want to feel aligned and you want 110 00:07:16,600 --> 00:07:20,760 to talk manifesting 101 like this is what it's all about. 111 00:07:20,760 --> 00:07:22,640 Yeah, exactly. 112 00:07:22,640 --> 00:07:28,160 And I think it gets kind of more socially accepted to look forward on what you want 113 00:07:28,160 --> 00:07:32,840 of the year but one of the things that I don't think I had done until I was introduced to 114 00:07:32,840 --> 00:07:36,920 that practice was I don't think I reflected back very much. 115 00:07:36,920 --> 00:07:41,600 I remember I would post like some pictures for the year, you know, sometimes it was like 116 00:07:41,600 --> 00:07:47,600 year in reviews and stuff would pop up and I would share a few memories but I don't remember 117 00:07:47,600 --> 00:07:53,600 like extensively going over like all the things that had occurred so I could really process 118 00:07:53,600 --> 00:07:54,960 it. 119 00:07:54,960 --> 00:08:00,360 I was not the best at doing that and I also think I let those goals for the next year 120 00:08:00,360 --> 00:08:06,200 consume me and overwhelm me so much that they fell apart as you know is very advertised 121 00:08:06,200 --> 00:08:07,200 and talked about. 122 00:08:07,200 --> 00:08:10,280 I think that happens with most people. 123 00:08:10,280 --> 00:08:12,800 We're not meant to see beyond a whole year. 124 00:08:12,800 --> 00:08:19,120 I think we do need to break it up but I love the process of really going through categories 125 00:08:19,120 --> 00:08:24,200 to like what our intentions would be for all of those and I also love setting just like 126 00:08:24,200 --> 00:08:29,400 a word for the next year so that's something we're going to talk about a little bit too. 127 00:08:29,400 --> 00:08:35,520 Absolutely and I think all the more it's important to do an exercise like this while we're still 128 00:08:35,520 --> 00:08:38,240 kind of living in this COVID world. 129 00:08:38,240 --> 00:08:43,200 I led this meditation that I'm going to share with you all in just a few minutes with my 130 00:08:43,200 --> 00:08:49,240 meditation club last December actually and it was the year of 2020 closing out and some 131 00:08:49,240 --> 00:08:55,200 of the feedback that I received was that it's really, it can be really hard to reflect on 132 00:08:55,200 --> 00:09:01,400 the highs and the lows of the year when you don't have events or travels to tie them to 133 00:09:01,400 --> 00:09:06,160 and now naturally the world is, it has been opening back up so we have more of those events 134 00:09:06,160 --> 00:09:12,760 but I'll really encourage you all to consider not only the big events because sometimes 135 00:09:12,760 --> 00:09:17,000 the greatest teachings happen in the mundane of everyday life. 136 00:09:17,000 --> 00:09:18,000 Extra challenge. 137 00:09:18,000 --> 00:09:22,920 Yeah I'm so glad you said that and that's, that is really the problem with that kind 138 00:09:22,920 --> 00:09:27,320 of trend of posting just a few pictures of the year that capture probably the moments 139 00:09:27,320 --> 00:09:29,040 that were more like highlights. 140 00:09:29,040 --> 00:09:36,200 And so yeah that I think I've always struggled with more future based thinking. 141 00:09:36,200 --> 00:09:41,800 I think COVID really, the initial pandemic dropped all of us more into the now because 142 00:09:41,800 --> 00:09:46,880 we couldn't really plan out our future which was a beautiful collective lesson to learn 143 00:09:46,880 --> 00:09:49,440 but yeah I tend to chunk things together. 144 00:09:49,440 --> 00:09:53,900 I look at my past and I think I just, yes probably summarize it more into like the good 145 00:09:53,900 --> 00:09:59,000 moments the good takeaways and just like lump things partly because of my ADHD brain and 146 00:09:59,000 --> 00:10:04,280 I think a little bit but exactly as you said just like pointing out oh I went to this, 147 00:10:04,280 --> 00:10:09,280 I did this and so yeah it's beautiful to elaborate and open up on that. 148 00:10:09,280 --> 00:10:12,640 I think it gives you more clarity than you could expect. 149 00:10:12,640 --> 00:10:19,680 Yeah well how about instead of talking about this grandiose practice we feel it for ourselves. 150 00:10:19,680 --> 00:10:21,560 Yes ready. 151 00:10:21,560 --> 00:10:23,440 Okay let's do it. 152 00:10:23,440 --> 00:10:29,240 So wherever you might be right now if you have the space where you can sit or lay if 153 00:10:29,240 --> 00:10:34,800 you're at home I really encourage you to do that to find a comfortable position one where 154 00:10:34,800 --> 00:10:38,720 you're both comfortable and alert. 155 00:10:38,720 --> 00:10:48,440 So go ahead get any little wiggles out gently close your eyes if you feel safe doing so. 156 00:10:48,440 --> 00:10:51,760 Begin to bring your awareness simply to your breath. 157 00:10:51,760 --> 00:10:57,080 Start to slow it down. 158 00:10:57,080 --> 00:11:01,200 Take five slow deep breaths together. 159 00:11:01,200 --> 00:11:05,760 Take a breath in. 160 00:11:05,760 --> 00:11:10,880 Exhale let it go. 161 00:11:10,880 --> 00:11:11,880 Again breathe in. 162 00:11:11,880 --> 00:11:18,520 Breathe out. 163 00:11:18,520 --> 00:11:23,080 Thinking if you can slow your exhales to be a little longer than your inhales. 164 00:11:23,080 --> 00:11:28,000 Breathe in. 165 00:11:28,000 --> 00:11:32,800 Exhale soften. 166 00:11:32,800 --> 00:11:40,840 Again inhale through your nose and exhale through your nose. 167 00:11:40,840 --> 00:11:44,920 Empty out. 168 00:11:44,920 --> 00:11:49,720 Hold at the bottom and take in one last deep breath all the way in. 169 00:11:49,720 --> 00:11:54,040 Feel your belly expand ribs expand. 170 00:11:54,040 --> 00:11:58,120 This time open your mouth and sigh it all out. 171 00:11:58,120 --> 00:12:03,920 You can just settle your mind down. 172 00:12:03,920 --> 00:12:09,040 Return to your normal breathing in and out through your nose. 173 00:12:09,040 --> 00:12:13,600 No need to control it. 174 00:12:13,600 --> 00:12:19,720 Just let it be natural. 175 00:12:19,720 --> 00:12:25,080 Start just by taking notice of where you are at the moment. 176 00:12:25,080 --> 00:12:32,120 Scanning your body and mind for information. 177 00:12:32,120 --> 00:12:38,160 Notice how you feel physically and mentally. 178 00:12:38,160 --> 00:12:44,960 And then begin to observe your thoughts in a neutral non-judgmental way as they come 179 00:12:44,960 --> 00:12:48,000 and go. 180 00:12:48,000 --> 00:12:56,440 This practice isn't about clearing your mind but rather noticing your gut reaction of what 181 00:12:56,440 --> 00:12:58,920 comes up first. 182 00:12:58,920 --> 00:13:07,280 Your instinct. 183 00:13:07,280 --> 00:13:14,400 Now begin to replay the year in your mind slowly as if you were watching a movie reel 184 00:13:14,400 --> 00:13:23,160 of highlights lowlights big and small moments from your year. 185 00:13:23,160 --> 00:13:31,320 And as you do keep in mind the following four categories of your life to help guide your 186 00:13:31,320 --> 00:13:34,080 thoughts and memories. 187 00:13:34,080 --> 00:13:41,200 Home what happened with your family in your house. 188 00:13:41,200 --> 00:13:50,120 Mind literally thoughts themes that came to mind your work. 189 00:13:50,120 --> 00:13:53,440 Hobbies. 190 00:13:53,440 --> 00:13:57,760 Body how did your body feel? 191 00:13:57,760 --> 00:14:00,680 What changes did you make and how you take care of yourself? 192 00:14:00,680 --> 00:14:06,280 Are you moved to eat? 193 00:14:06,280 --> 00:14:12,320 And finally the fourth category is spirit or soul. 194 00:14:12,320 --> 00:14:16,120 Considering your spiritual practice. 195 00:14:16,120 --> 00:14:24,360 Any internal talk shifts that you've experienced. 196 00:14:24,360 --> 00:14:35,840 Start with January 1st 2021 New Year's Day and move through your year month by month. 197 00:14:35,840 --> 00:14:52,600 Recalling the people, moments, emotions, activities, details, mistakes, highlights, all of it. 198 00:14:52,600 --> 00:14:56,680 Just play through these memories from the year little by little in your mind as they 199 00:14:56,680 --> 00:15:01,880 come to you and watch them like a recap of all that happened. 200 00:15:01,880 --> 00:15:09,840 Try to stay with each moment for a little while moving on to the next handling it one 201 00:15:09,840 --> 00:15:12,920 month at a time. 202 00:15:12,920 --> 00:15:35,560 As your mind wanders away from your reflection reel, gently bring it back. 203 00:15:35,560 --> 00:15:39,000 Which month are you in mentally? 204 00:15:39,000 --> 00:15:49,960 What's happening? 205 00:15:49,960 --> 00:15:53,480 Now I know we all move at our own pace. 206 00:15:53,480 --> 00:15:56,560 I don't want to rush you. 207 00:15:56,560 --> 00:16:04,480 So I invite you to pause this podcast to continue thinking about each month, the highs and the 208 00:16:04,480 --> 00:16:08,480 lows and don't rush it. 209 00:16:08,480 --> 00:16:16,080 When you reach the end of December, finish the movie reel of the year and notice how 210 00:16:16,080 --> 00:16:19,600 you feel. 211 00:16:19,600 --> 00:16:29,320 Now begin to settle your attention on your biggest challenge from this year. 212 00:16:29,320 --> 00:16:36,960 In what ways did this experience, person or situation challenge you? 213 00:16:36,960 --> 00:16:39,920 What did you learn from this experience? 214 00:16:39,920 --> 00:16:46,440 What was the lesson behind the teaching? 215 00:16:46,440 --> 00:16:55,040 Now begin to settle your attention on your favorite moment from this past year. 216 00:16:55,040 --> 00:17:01,520 Hold it at the center of your mind and take it in through all of your senses. 217 00:17:01,520 --> 00:17:08,800 Really replay this moment in your mind's eye. 218 00:17:08,800 --> 00:17:16,320 Try to take that feeling into all of yourselves with your entire mind and heart. 219 00:17:16,320 --> 00:17:23,400 Really feel that state you were in when you were living through this favorite moment. 220 00:17:23,400 --> 00:17:27,160 Don't rush this part. 221 00:17:27,160 --> 00:17:43,920 Recall how your body felt, what your mind state was, what your energy felt like. 222 00:17:43,920 --> 00:17:54,120 Recall any colors, images and sensations. 223 00:17:54,120 --> 00:17:59,720 As you bring your attention to this positive memory, identify what you can do to experience 224 00:17:59,720 --> 00:18:04,280 more feelings like this in your life. 225 00:18:04,280 --> 00:18:10,680 What is in your control? 226 00:18:10,680 --> 00:18:17,640 Stay with it for another moment. 227 00:18:17,640 --> 00:18:23,920 And slowly transition your mind back into the present moment by bringing your awareness 228 00:18:23,920 --> 00:18:29,400 back to your breath. 229 00:18:29,400 --> 00:18:35,480 Deep inhales and slow exhales. 230 00:18:35,480 --> 00:18:45,760 It's now the time to take all of the general feelings in this year and pick one word that 231 00:18:45,760 --> 00:18:50,920 encompasses what it taught you. 232 00:18:50,920 --> 00:18:54,760 Take a deep breath in through your nose. 233 00:18:54,760 --> 00:19:02,640 Exhale, let it go. 234 00:19:02,640 --> 00:19:10,800 When you're ready, you can begin to open your eyes, bring your awareness back and we'll 235 00:19:10,800 --> 00:19:16,760 turn to some journaling. 236 00:19:16,760 --> 00:19:21,240 Writing down your thoughts and ideas helps to really reinforce any learnings that comes 237 00:19:21,240 --> 00:19:23,280 with reflection. 238 00:19:23,280 --> 00:19:29,000 So I'm going to offer a few journal prompts and we'll share the rest of them on our Facebook 239 00:19:29,000 --> 00:19:30,880 and Instagram pages. 240 00:19:30,880 --> 00:19:35,080 For those who'd like to really go deeper, you're welcome to take five minutes or two 241 00:19:35,080 --> 00:19:38,760 hours to put all of your thoughts down on paper. 242 00:19:38,760 --> 00:19:45,000 You can write in an unstructured way or you can respond directly to these prompts, whatever 243 00:19:45,000 --> 00:19:48,400 works best for you. 244 00:19:48,400 --> 00:19:56,560 Prompt number one, what mattered most to me this year? 245 00:19:56,560 --> 00:20:06,600 What mattered most to me this year? 246 00:20:06,600 --> 00:20:16,880 Number two, list the things that you were proud of in the last year. 247 00:20:16,880 --> 00:20:29,360 List the things that you were proud of this last year. 248 00:20:29,360 --> 00:20:39,360 Number three, list the things you regret and why. 249 00:20:39,360 --> 00:20:45,640 List the things you regret and why. 250 00:20:45,640 --> 00:20:59,960 So once you've got those down, you're welcome to right away and then you can pause this. 251 00:20:59,960 --> 00:21:04,760 You're welcome to return after you've done your journaling prompts or you can do it after 252 00:21:04,760 --> 00:21:06,840 this podcast wraps up. 253 00:21:06,840 --> 00:21:13,080 But I'll encourage you to take a look at what you've written, given all your responses, 254 00:21:13,080 --> 00:21:19,160 list out the things that you'd like to create, feel, achieve and plan for the next year. 255 00:21:19,160 --> 00:21:20,160 So check. 256 00:21:20,160 --> 00:21:21,160 Thank you, Kat. 257 00:21:21,160 --> 00:21:22,160 Welcome back. 258 00:21:22,160 --> 00:21:23,160 Yeah. 259 00:21:23,160 --> 00:21:26,480 Oh, I like, eyes are teared up. 260 00:21:26,480 --> 00:21:30,360 I wasn't expecting such a response, but that was beautiful. 261 00:21:30,360 --> 00:21:31,360 Thank you. 262 00:21:31,360 --> 00:21:32,360 Of course. 263 00:21:32,360 --> 00:21:33,360 Yeah. 264 00:21:33,360 --> 00:21:37,680 I wanted to ask and we wanted to just reflect a little bit out loud just for you guys to 265 00:21:37,680 --> 00:21:43,480 kind of hear our mental thought process, if it helps inspire some of your writing. 266 00:21:43,480 --> 00:21:47,520 But Kat, why don't you share a few of the things that you feel like fit into those four 267 00:21:47,520 --> 00:21:52,960 categories, home, mind, body, spirit or soul. 268 00:21:52,960 --> 00:21:57,400 Just give us a few of the things you, that stick out in your mind from 2021. 269 00:21:57,400 --> 00:21:58,920 Yeah, for sure. 270 00:21:58,920 --> 00:21:59,920 I'd love to. 271 00:21:59,920 --> 00:22:01,320 This is such a great exercise. 272 00:22:01,320 --> 00:22:03,200 I'm with you. 273 00:22:03,200 --> 00:22:09,880 So for home, for me, I nested a lot this year, more than ever. 274 00:22:09,880 --> 00:22:15,280 So with our home, we made it really cozy and I got to share every day pretty much with 275 00:22:15,280 --> 00:22:21,480 my husband, Kyle and our dog, Minnie, which felt just like really homey and it made me 276 00:22:21,480 --> 00:22:23,440 slow down. 277 00:22:23,440 --> 00:22:26,160 So this year was all about that. 278 00:22:26,160 --> 00:22:32,200 Last year was too, but like this year we also, we had to focus on, like I got married this 279 00:22:32,200 --> 00:22:33,200 year. 280 00:22:33,200 --> 00:22:40,080 So that was a big part of my home life too, with planning a wedding and moving that wedding 281 00:22:40,080 --> 00:22:46,280 and changing the plans as we went along because of COVID and just whatever felt right to us. 282 00:22:46,280 --> 00:22:54,480 So yeah, home was really, really big in terms of like my relationship and marriage and growth 283 00:22:54,480 --> 00:22:59,480 that all happened within these four walls and outside. 284 00:22:59,480 --> 00:23:02,600 And then mind, mind was really interesting. 285 00:23:02,600 --> 00:23:08,960 It started out early in the year with fluctuations of extreme highs and extreme lows as I navigated 286 00:23:08,960 --> 00:23:10,400 starting my business. 287 00:23:10,400 --> 00:23:14,880 I started it in December, so it was very new this year. 288 00:23:14,880 --> 00:23:20,840 And I also, I believe it was around June when I kind of had this epiphany of like, chill 289 00:23:20,840 --> 00:23:23,300 out, like this is your business. 290 00:23:23,300 --> 00:23:26,920 You have to make this work for you, not the other way around. 291 00:23:26,920 --> 00:23:33,880 And from there I was able to experience periods of more steadiness towards the summer and 292 00:23:33,880 --> 00:23:39,520 the fall in my mind and my capacity and my work. 293 00:23:39,520 --> 00:23:44,040 And this was also a big year of building my confidence back up after a year of being really 294 00:23:44,040 --> 00:23:47,400 low when I was let go for my last job. 295 00:23:47,400 --> 00:23:54,120 And yeah, just like understanding what having my own business meant to me and what I got 296 00:23:54,120 --> 00:23:55,920 to make it mean. 297 00:23:55,920 --> 00:24:02,920 And aside from that, just like me as a person, like detaching from these labels and understanding 298 00:24:02,920 --> 00:24:07,880 what that meant to me alone as myself. 299 00:24:07,880 --> 00:24:10,760 And then body, this is really big. 300 00:24:10,760 --> 00:24:13,720 And it wasn't until I wrote this down that I realized it. 301 00:24:13,720 --> 00:24:16,280 So I'm excited to share it with you. 302 00:24:16,280 --> 00:24:21,800 But this is the first year ever that I haven't counted calories in some app or been to a 303 00:24:21,800 --> 00:24:23,560 gym once. 304 00:24:23,560 --> 00:24:30,600 And what's shocking is this is the steadiest that my weight has ever been and probably 305 00:24:30,600 --> 00:24:33,480 the most confident that I've ever been in my body. 306 00:24:33,480 --> 00:24:34,480 Wow. 307 00:24:34,480 --> 00:24:35,840 No coincidence there. 308 00:24:35,840 --> 00:24:36,840 I know, right? 309 00:24:36,840 --> 00:24:42,720 So like my former orthorexic self who dealt with disordered eating would be shocked that 310 00:24:42,720 --> 00:24:43,720 that's possible. 311 00:24:43,720 --> 00:24:48,440 That like not obsessing over the things can actually lead to more steadiness and ease 312 00:24:48,440 --> 00:24:49,840 and love and flow. 313 00:24:49,840 --> 00:24:52,960 So yeah, I leaned into nourishment. 314 00:24:52,960 --> 00:24:59,320 I felt good for my body, you know, fruits, veggies, but also comfort foods, yoga, Pilates, 315 00:24:59,320 --> 00:25:04,680 walks, hikes, kickboxing, dancing, all from my home or in nature. 316 00:25:04,680 --> 00:25:07,520 And that felt really, really good. 317 00:25:07,520 --> 00:25:13,440 And then finally, spirit for me, my spiritual practice has flourished this year. 318 00:25:13,440 --> 00:25:18,000 And I feel like it's become more of a regular staple of my days now, whether it's like pulling 319 00:25:18,000 --> 00:25:22,920 a car, doing some self Reiki, meditating or connecting with nature. 320 00:25:22,920 --> 00:25:28,640 I feel really grounded in spirituality and my place in this world right now. 321 00:25:28,640 --> 00:25:31,600 It feels really cool to say. 322 00:25:31,600 --> 00:25:32,600 Thanks for sharing. 323 00:25:32,600 --> 00:25:33,600 Yeah, of course. 324 00:25:33,600 --> 00:25:38,480 I'm excited to hear about these four categories for you this past year. 325 00:25:38,480 --> 00:25:39,480 Yeah. 326 00:25:39,480 --> 00:25:45,680 Also as that, I mean, the reason this podcast even happened this year is because me and 327 00:25:45,680 --> 00:25:52,760 Kat were in a pretty similar place the start of the year to even be in this space and in 328 00:25:52,760 --> 00:25:58,720 this, yeah, this kind of mental mindset to share all of this stuff. 329 00:25:58,720 --> 00:26:02,640 So yeah, clearly a big year. 330 00:26:02,640 --> 00:26:04,400 Or I'll start with home like you did. 331 00:26:04,400 --> 00:26:13,840 So for home category, home was very funny this year because I've been homeless. 332 00:26:13,840 --> 00:26:20,680 So I chose to live in my car, shared this before on the podcast, but me and Danny and 333 00:26:20,680 --> 00:26:27,240 our dog, we just wanted to like have a real true break. 334 00:26:27,240 --> 00:26:32,760 And we didn't feel like we could fully make that happen while we were paying rent and 335 00:26:32,760 --> 00:26:34,800 just dealing with all the other things. 336 00:26:34,800 --> 00:26:39,040 So we turned the back of our SUV into our home. 337 00:26:39,040 --> 00:26:40,320 We got a roof rack. 338 00:26:40,320 --> 00:26:42,400 We filled it up with all the necessities. 339 00:26:42,400 --> 00:26:48,280 We have solar panels and all this stuff to just like be able to make it in the middle 340 00:26:48,280 --> 00:26:49,840 of nowhere. 341 00:26:49,840 --> 00:26:59,160 And so home has been huge category because although I didn't have a set home base, I 342 00:26:59,160 --> 00:27:03,840 really learned to redefine what home even meant. 343 00:27:03,840 --> 00:27:08,840 And it was beautiful to get to spend, yeah, just like you, a lot more time with my dog 344 00:27:08,840 --> 00:27:10,400 and my husband. 345 00:27:10,400 --> 00:27:14,720 And I just don't think I was very present. 346 00:27:14,720 --> 00:27:20,160 I was really burned out of energy by the time I got home most of the time from my physical 347 00:27:20,160 --> 00:27:25,880 therapy job, giving a lot to patients that I don't think that quality time had really 348 00:27:25,880 --> 00:27:27,740 thoroughly been there. 349 00:27:27,740 --> 00:27:29,640 And so it was beautiful. 350 00:27:29,640 --> 00:27:34,040 A lot of people ask me if that made me crazy to be in that small of a space with both of 351 00:27:34,040 --> 00:27:38,160 them, but honestly, it was beautiful and really needed. 352 00:27:38,160 --> 00:27:40,880 I just don't think we had enough of that. 353 00:27:40,880 --> 00:27:47,880 So I was full of gratitude as I was experiencing, knowing that it wasn't going to be forever. 354 00:27:47,880 --> 00:27:50,480 Life was going to come back with more chaos at some point. 355 00:27:50,480 --> 00:27:53,680 So I really stayed in that moment. 356 00:27:53,680 --> 00:28:00,640 And then the mind category, doing this podcast and having like outlets to talk, the mind 357 00:28:00,640 --> 00:28:05,720 category also has been beautiful because that's helped with my mental health so much. 358 00:28:05,720 --> 00:28:12,640 I think a lot of the anxiety I was having even in 2020 and before that was I was never 359 00:28:12,640 --> 00:28:14,240 using my voice. 360 00:28:14,240 --> 00:28:20,520 I was a hoarder of information, but never really sharing any of it, not thinking it 361 00:28:20,520 --> 00:28:22,000 was really necessary. 362 00:28:22,000 --> 00:28:27,400 I don't think until a lot deeper healing happened for me. 363 00:28:27,400 --> 00:28:35,160 So getting an outlet to share and teach and having my TikTok page with 50,000 followers, 364 00:28:35,160 --> 00:28:36,160 which is nuts. 365 00:28:36,160 --> 00:28:39,040 I would have never thought that would happen. 366 00:28:39,040 --> 00:28:43,800 But having just a community that's been built on me authentically to sharing the things 367 00:28:43,800 --> 00:28:48,320 that I'm passionate about has been so mentally healing. 368 00:28:48,320 --> 00:28:55,520 And yeah, I started like tearing up thinking just of how many people have trusted me to 369 00:28:55,520 --> 00:28:56,520 guide them. 370 00:28:56,520 --> 00:28:57,880 And it's been so beautiful. 371 00:28:57,880 --> 00:29:03,680 The retreats I've led and all of our supporters of this podcast and all of the supporters 372 00:29:03,680 --> 00:29:08,640 on the various events I've done. 373 00:29:08,640 --> 00:29:11,000 You've had beautiful clients, Kat. 374 00:29:11,000 --> 00:29:16,800 I've had beautiful people trust me with teaching them astrology and going over their birth 375 00:29:16,800 --> 00:29:24,040 charts with them or even tapping into their aura, which is very vulnerable. 376 00:29:24,040 --> 00:29:29,720 So much good, so much beautiful stuff for my mental health. 377 00:29:29,720 --> 00:29:35,440 And a lot of that falls even under the spiritual category as well, because each of those active 378 00:29:35,440 --> 00:29:41,800 things led to deep spiritual experiences, some I've shared along the way. 379 00:29:41,800 --> 00:29:44,520 And then I'll just do body. 380 00:29:44,520 --> 00:29:49,680 It was really strange at first as I was writing this, because I was like, I think I've put 381 00:29:49,680 --> 00:29:51,840 the least amount of energy into body. 382 00:29:51,840 --> 00:29:56,240 But then at the same time, that makes it almost the loudest. 383 00:29:56,240 --> 00:30:01,760 Because I really haven't hyper focused on my body. 384 00:30:01,760 --> 00:30:04,640 So it feels like I've given it the least amount of attention. 385 00:30:04,640 --> 00:30:11,560 But I think honestly, the ability to let go of my body probably holds more weight than 386 00:30:11,560 --> 00:30:12,560 any of it. 387 00:30:12,560 --> 00:30:16,840 Just as you said, I was in the gym four days a week consistently. 388 00:30:16,840 --> 00:30:21,000 And now my movement practices have had to look so different because I've been on the 389 00:30:21,000 --> 00:30:26,040 road and various weather and it's just been totally different. 390 00:30:26,040 --> 00:30:29,760 But yet I think I've dropped into my body a lot, a lot more. 391 00:30:29,760 --> 00:30:33,600 It's just been a lot less of probably what I would have thought connecting with my body 392 00:30:33,600 --> 00:30:36,640 would look like previously. 393 00:30:36,640 --> 00:30:39,040 So yeah, I think that's a lot of it. 394 00:30:39,040 --> 00:30:40,040 It's been so beautiful. 395 00:30:40,040 --> 00:30:43,600 Oh, this year, I'm going to have to have even a deeper cry. 396 00:30:43,600 --> 00:30:44,600 I can feel it. 397 00:30:44,600 --> 00:30:48,160 But it's been so freaking beautiful. 398 00:30:48,160 --> 00:30:49,160 I feel that. 399 00:30:49,160 --> 00:30:50,800 I feel that so much. 400 00:30:50,800 --> 00:30:56,440 Because your reflection also made me think about other things that I hadn't thought to 401 00:30:56,440 --> 00:30:57,440 share. 402 00:30:57,440 --> 00:30:59,280 Oh my gosh, so beautiful. 403 00:30:59,280 --> 00:31:03,960 And I am excited to go back and do some of my own journaling on this too. 404 00:31:03,960 --> 00:31:04,960 Yeah. 405 00:31:04,960 --> 00:31:06,200 So thank you guys. 406 00:31:06,200 --> 00:31:11,360 This comes in layers and Kat emphasized it a lot as she shared the meditation. 407 00:31:11,360 --> 00:31:17,200 But take a lot of time and just feel it because your body, it might provoke more emotions 408 00:31:17,200 --> 00:31:18,200 than you think. 409 00:31:18,200 --> 00:31:23,520 I'm expecting to have tears from that little meditation, but our body's always holding 410 00:31:23,520 --> 00:31:24,520 the memory. 411 00:31:24,520 --> 00:31:28,120 And if we move too quickly, we're not allowing our body the chance to feel it. 412 00:31:28,120 --> 00:31:33,320 So do that meditation, connect with the journaling prompts, continuously close your eyes and 413 00:31:33,320 --> 00:31:35,520 see where you feel it. 414 00:31:35,520 --> 00:31:38,220 Yeah, it's the most beautiful practice. 415 00:31:38,220 --> 00:31:40,440 So we thank you guys. 416 00:31:40,440 --> 00:31:45,000 And just a few close out things for you. 417 00:31:45,000 --> 00:31:50,120 This is going to be the end of our season one, but we are going to continue into season 418 00:31:50,120 --> 00:31:52,200 two, January 7th. 419 00:31:52,200 --> 00:31:57,240 So you'll have a few weeks without a podcast episode, but we will be back. 420 00:31:57,240 --> 00:32:03,000 We wanted to divide it up in season so that we can kind of give ourselves a little break, 421 00:32:03,000 --> 00:32:07,420 but also so you have some space in between to reflect. 422 00:32:07,420 --> 00:32:14,880 So we have shared on our Instagram and Facebook that we are hosting a free event for you guys 423 00:32:14,880 --> 00:32:22,880 that will be on December 18th at three o'clock Eastern Standard Time, two Central, one o'clock 424 00:32:22,880 --> 00:32:24,600 Mountain Time. 425 00:32:24,600 --> 00:32:29,880 And yeah, the Zoom link is on the bio of our Awaken Together podcast Instagram page. 426 00:32:29,880 --> 00:32:30,880 You can sign up. 427 00:32:30,880 --> 00:32:35,180 We're going to guide you through a full moon ceremony and then answer any questions that 428 00:32:35,180 --> 00:32:36,560 have come up in the podcast. 429 00:32:36,560 --> 00:32:41,560 We've talked about so many cool topics and we'd love to just hear some feedback from 430 00:32:41,560 --> 00:32:42,560 you guys. 431 00:32:42,560 --> 00:32:49,240 So I hope we see you tomorrow as you listen to this podcast, go sign up. 432 00:32:49,240 --> 00:32:55,040 And Kat, thank you for the most beautiful season one of something I thought was just 433 00:32:55,040 --> 00:32:57,440 going to be a dream, having a podcast. 434 00:32:57,440 --> 00:32:58,440 Me too. 435 00:32:58,440 --> 00:32:59,440 Me too. 436 00:32:59,440 --> 00:33:04,120 Like if it weren't for you, I would have never been able to do this on my own. 437 00:33:04,120 --> 00:33:09,880 So I'm so grateful to be able to not only like one, have a podcast, but two, share this 438 00:33:09,880 --> 00:33:13,320 with you because it makes everything better. 439 00:33:13,320 --> 00:33:17,520 And I'm just so grateful for you in these conversations and you as a friend. 440 00:33:17,520 --> 00:33:21,440 So thank you and thank you so much to all of our listeners. 441 00:33:21,440 --> 00:33:22,440 We hope to see you tomorrow. 442 00:33:22,440 --> 00:33:40,040 Bye love, love, love, love.