Sensitive Matters • Podcast

Discover how to drift gently into nourishing sleep with this calming Yoga Nidra practice designed to help your body, mind, and nervous system deeply restore. In this guided Yoga Nidra session, Christina Zipperlen invites you into a state of conscious relaxation, often called Yogic Sleep. You’ll be led into stillness, softening, and surrender, allowing sleep to come naturally. This practice creates a safe, nurturing container where your body and mind can rest, your nervous system can reset, and your spirit can reconnect to its essence. No prior experience is needed, only a quiet space where you can lie down and let go. Christina reminds us: “You are exactly where you need to be.” Key Takeaways Yoga Nidra offers a bridge between wakefulness and sleep, creating space for deep rest and healing. Intentions (Sankalpa) can be planted in this receptive state, supporting transformation and peace. The practice allows you to safely release tension, connect inward, and let go of what no longer serves you. Sleep, if it arrives during the meditation, is not a failure—it is welcomed as part of the process. Timestamps 00:00 – Welcome & introduction to Yoga Nidra 01:05 – Preparing your body and space for rest 05:02 – Gentle tension and release sequence 10:30 – Setting your Sankalpa (intention) 16:18 – Guided breathwork and relaxation 19:12 – Awareness through the body practice 24:53 – Visualization: safe, serene landscapes 29:05 – Trusting the process and letting go 31:31 – Closing guidance into restful sleep 🧘🏼‍♀️❣️📿🕋🧘🏽‍♀️ This podcast is hosted by Christina Zipperlen, a teacher, writer, and founder of Ananda Soul, a heart-led jewelry brand and community devoted to beauty, healing, and intention. Her work bridges spiritual practice and intentional living, guiding others to cultivate inner peace and soulful alignment. Also join her in these spaces: Website Podcast Instagram 🧘🏼‍♀️❣️📿🕋🧘🏽‍♀️ Have you been moved by what you heard in this week's episode of Sensitive Matters?  If so, Christina invites you to leave an honest review of how this episode impacted you. Also, share this podcast with a friend! Sensitive Matters music is royalty free music that is found on Epidemic Sound. The podcast producer for Sensitive Matters is Crackers In Soup.

What if coming of age wasn’t just for the child, but a sacred shift for the parent, too? In this heartfelt continuation, Christina and ritualist Day Schildkret explore how ritual can support us through the challenges of parenting, puberty, and personal transformation. From nightly hand-cleansing practices to memory book ceremonies, they offer meaningful ways to honor change with clarity, creativity, and compassion. For anyone navigating family transitions or seeking new ways to mark life’s thresholds, this episode is a gentle invitation to pause, reflect, and reconnect with the sacred in everyday life. Enjoy 10% off Ananda Soul’s ritual-inspired jewelry with code PENDULUM10 at checkout. See the full show notes and resources mentioned at https://anandasoul.com/blogs/sensitive-matters-podcast/rituals-for-puberty-parenting-and-personal-healing Connect with Day Schildkret Morning Altars Teacher Training Instagram Facebook   Connect with Ananda Soul: Website New Collection: The Inner Oracle Join the Moon Gathering Instagram for Ananda Soul YouTube Channel Instagram for Sensitive Matters

What if grief wasn’t something to move through quickly, but a sacred space to honor, feel, and be transformed by? In this episode, I’m joined by ritualist Day Schildkret to explore the healing power of ritual in times of loss, change, and uncertainty. From marking transitions to creating sacred moments in everyday life, they invite us to slow down, remember, and reconnect with what matters most. For anyone navigating a life shift or holding space for someone who is, this episode offers meaning, comfort, and a path to deeper presence. Enjoy 10% off Ananda Soul’s ritual-inspired jewelry with code PENDULUM10 at checkout. See the full show notes and resources mentioned at https://anandasoul.com/blogs/sensitive-matters-podcast/rituals-for-change-grief-and-everyday-meaning-with-day-schildkret   Connect with Day Schildkret Morning Altars Teacher Training Instagram Facebook   Connect with Ananda Soul: Website New Collection: The Inner Oracle Join the Moon Gathering Instagram for Ananda Soul YouTube Channel Instagram for Sensitive Matters

When doubt, fear, or overwhelm arise, this guided affirmation practice offers a gentle return to what has always been true. Before words. Before stories. Rooted in the wisdom of early imprints, those first cellular questions: Am I safe? Do I belong? This practice invites you to soften. To come home to yourself. Let the affirmations support your nervous system, unwind old patterns, and gently reconnect you with the quiet truth that you matter, just as you are. Come as you are. Breathe. Receive. For more soul-nourishing practices, explore our free Affirmation Quiz or join our next Virtual Moon Gathering. See the full show notes and resources mentioned at https://anandasoul.com/blogs/sensitive-matters-podcast/affirmations-for-safety-and-self-worth   Connect with Ananda Soul: Website New Collection: Inner Oracle Join the Moon Gathering Instagram for Ananda Soul YouTube Channel Instagram for Sensitive Matters

When life feels like the world is moving too fast, this guided yoga nidra practice is a soft invitation to rest, reflect, and reconnect with your body’s inner wisdom. Whether you're in transition, healing, or simply craving stillness, allow this gentle journey to ground you in presence and offer the deep restoration your soul is calling for. You’ll move through grounding breathwork, gentle reflection, and soothing visualization, ending in quiet spaciousness for intuitive insight. There’s no right way to experience this—just come as you are. For more soul-nourishing practices, join our Virtual Moon Gatherings, a sacred space for reflection and connection under the Full Moon. See the full show notes and resources mentioned at https://anandasoul.com/blogs/sensitive-matters-podcast/yoga-nidra-for-deep-rest-and-trusting-your-bodys-wisdom This episode features binaural beats set to a theta brainwave frequency, designed to support deep relaxation and meditative states. Connect with Ananda Soul: Website New Collection: Unbroken Light Join the Moon Gathering Instagram for Ananda Soul YouTube Channel Instagram for Sensitive Matters

What if postpartum wasn’t about “bouncing back” but about becoming someone new? In this tender follow-up conversation, Christina and midwife Lianne Schwartz explore the sacred transformation that unfolds after birth. From emotional waves and identity shifts to breastfeeding truths and the power of rest, they honor postpartum as a time of deep healing and rebirth—for both mother and family. For anyone walking the path of new motherhood or supporting someone who is, this episode offers gentle wisdom, validation, and care. Let it be a reminder: you are not alone, and this season deserves to be met with tenderness and truth. Enjoy 15% off Christina’s new jewelry collection, Unbroken Light, with code UNBROKEN15 at checkout. See the full show notes and resources mentioned at https://anandasoul.com/blogs/sensitive-matters-podcast/postpartum-rebirth-path-of-healing-and-identity-with-lianne-schwartz   Related Episode 46: Spirit Babies, Conscious Birth & Healing with Lianne Schwartz   Connect with Lianne Schwartz Website Instagram Facebook   Connect with Ananda Soul: Website New Collection: Unbroken Light Join the Moon Gathering Instagram for Ananda Soul YouTube Channel Instagram for Sensitive Matters  

Christina often touches on the spiritual and emotional layers of motherhood, and in this episode, she and midwife Lianne Schwartz explore the unseen bond between mother and child—long before birth. From spirit baby connection to ancestral healing, they discuss the emotional truths of conception, pregnancy, and birth. Together, they offer guidance for transforming fear, honoring trauma, and trusting the innate wisdom of the body. Through Lianne’s nearly 30 years of experience as an intuitive healer and midwife, this conversation invites you to a deeper understanding of birth as a sacred threshold and a portal for profound healing and transformation. As a special gift, enjoy 15% off the Artemis Collection from Ananda Soul—a symbol of strength and sacred femininity. Use code ARTEMIS15 at checkout. Be sure to come back next week as we continue this journey into the sacred postpartum space—where the mother is also reborn. See the full show notes and resources mentioned at https://anandasoul.com/blogs/sensitive-matters-podcast/spirit-babies-conscious-birth-and-healing-with-lianne-schwartz   Related Episodes 47: Postpartum Rebirth: The Path of Healing with Lianne Schwartz   Connect with Lianne Schwartz Website Instagram Facebook   Connect with Ananda Soul Website Artemis Collection Instagram for Ananda Soul YouTube Channel Instagram for Sensitive Matters  

Inspired by Nyepi, the Balinese Day of Silence, this meditation invites you to pause, breathe, and embrace deep stillness. Perfect for life’s transitions—whether stepping into a new season, a new year, or a new chapter within yourself—this practice helps you release the past like falling rain and plant seeds for clarity, renewal, and peace. Find a cozy spot, let go of distractions, and allow yourself to be guided into deep relaxation. If you feel called, take a moment to journal afterward, capturing the insights and serenity you’ve cultivated. For more soul-nourishing practices, join our free Virtual Moon Gatherings, a sacred space for reflection and connection under the Full Moon.   This meditation blends the sacred vibration of OM with theta-frequency binaural beats (4–8 Hz) to guide you into deep relaxation and renewal. Let these frequencies quiet the mind, release the past, and create space for clarity, peace, and new beginnings.   See the full show notes and resources mentioned at https://anandasoul.com/blogs/sensitive-matters-podcast/theta-meditation-for-renewal-inspired-by-Nyepis-sacred-stillness This podcast is brought to you and made possible by Ananda Soul Jewelry. Ananda brings creativity, respect for Balinese rituals, and a wish to give back to the local community in everything we do. To learn more about our story, ethics and to receive $15 off your first order when you sign up for a newsletter, head over to Ananda Soul.   Connect with Ananda Soul Website New Collection: Unbroken Light Join our upcoming Moon Gathering Instagram for Ananda Soul YouTube Channel Instagram for Sensitive Matters Website for Sensitive Matters

Thank you for choosing a piece from our Unbroken Light collection, inspired by the wisdom of Goddess Akhilanda—She Who Is Never Not Broken. As a heartfelt gift, we invite you to pause, breathe, and receive an exclusive guided meditation. The Goddess Akhilanda teaches us that transformation is not something to fear but to embrace. The cracks in our lives are not flaws—they are openings for light to enter. This meditation is a gentle companion in times of change, guiding you back to your inner radiance and reminding you of your wholeness. Let this sacred practice bring you comfort, clarity, and empowerment as you step into your next chapter.

A new episode of our Sensitive Matters Podcast is live and together with this week’s guest Fio Gede Parma. Christina takes us onto an exciting journey of witchcraft, spirituality, and our profound connection to nature.   In this conversation, Christina and Fio discuss the importance of acknowledging indigenous lands and the cultural significance of witchcraft, particularly in relation to marginalized voices. Fio shares insights into their personal practices and the role of nature in witchcraft, emphasizing the sacredness of emotions and the present moment. Their exchange explores Fio’s deep connection to Bali, exploring the cultural and spiritual significance of their heritage. They discusses the role of tarot as a tool for meditation and insight, emphasizing its historical roots and practical applications. The conversation shifts to a collective tarot reading, offering guidance for the future, highlighting the importance of gratitude and friendship in navigating challenges. Fio also shares their literary works and upcoming projects, inviting listeners to explore the realms of magic and spirituality. We truly hope you enjoy this sparkly and magical episode. Listen and share with us your key take aways of this episode! And if you like, leave us a review and your feedback below!  

Podcast Chapters 01:31 Introduction to Astrology and Healing Arts 06:03 The Journey to Astrology: A Personal Path 10:52 Inner Sight and the Connection to Earth 15:42 Embodied Astrology: Integrating Body and Cosmos 21:31 Astrology's Role in Understanding Global Events 29:18 Reflections on 2024 and the Transition Ahead 31:12 The Shift in Power Dynamics 34:34 Spiritual Rebirth and Transformation 37:25 The Call for Participation 40:18 Navigating the Unknown in 2025 46:47 The Transition from Pisces to Aries 50:39 Local Action and Community Empowerment 55:54 Reimagining Freedom and Potential 01:00:07 Rediscovering Individual and Collective Identity A new episode of our Sensitive Matters Podcast has launched and in this one Christina Zipperlen takes us among the stars as she speaks with intuitive astrologer and seer Virginia Rosenberg. In this fascinating and almost mystical conversation, Christina and Virginia explore their journeys of self-discovery through astrology, emphasizing the importance of inner sight and embodied practices. Virginia discusses the healing aspects of astrology, the interconnectedness of personal and collective experiences, and offers insights into the astrological themes for 2025, including the significance of water and the transition of Pluto into Aquarius. The conversation highlights the need for spiritual transformation and self-governance in the face of historical shifts. The discussion also touches on the transition from the end of one zodiac cycle to the beginning of another, particularly with Pluto moving into Aquarius, as well as the themes of freedom, identity, and the necessity of tending to both our bodies and communities during these transformative times.  Virginia is an astrologer, a seer, guide, and writer with a background in cultural anthropology, taoist inner alchemy, and healing arts. With a unique approach to astrology, she helps individuals better understand themselves, their relationships, and their experience of Earth and cosmos. Virginia is known for her perspective that astrology is a tool for healing, cultural evolution, and connecting people to their embodied, intuitive wisdom We truly hope you enjoy this episode. Listen and share with us your key take aways of this episode! And if you like, leave us a review and your feedback below! Episode Resources ✨ The Year-Ahead Forecast and Cosmic Calendar Explore the astrological insights for 2025: Click here Use code 2025PODCAST for a special discount! ✨ Sky Scholar Waitlist Dive deeper into the cosmos: Join the waitlist ✨ Book an Intuitive Astrology Reading Discover personalized insights: Learn more here ✨ Find more about Virginia Rosenberg here   ABOUT OUR HOST: Christina Zipperlen is the designer and founder of Ananda Soul, but her journey doesn’t end there. She is now a mom to a beautiful daughter named Jaya Ariel, and also a writer and counselor, helping others to heal trauma, find their authentic self, and feel safe and whole as they walk through this life. She uses a somatic approach combined with Compassionate Inquiry to form a deep understanding of how the body, mind, and soul are undeniably interwoven.   Interested? You can learn more by visiting www.SensitiveMatters.com 

This is a meditation for deep nourishment and self-care. This practice has been recorded during our first Moon Gathering in October 2024. As we all know this last coming stretch of the year can be a busy and overwhelming time with the holidays ahead, family and friends get togethers and more. Here is an invitation for you to pause and replenish your energy, so you may meet all that is to come with grace and patience and presence and love. Grab a cushion or blanket, find yourself in your most comfortable seat or lie down and allow yourself to be carried into a safe space.

A new episode of our Sensitive Matters Podcast has launched and this time we speak about the hot topic of Financial Empowerment and Wealth. In this enlightening conversation, Christina Zipperlen and Mel Loh explore the multifaceted nature of wealth and financial empowerment. They discuss the importance of redefining wealth beyond mere monetary accumulation, emphasizing holistic well-being, personal finance education, and the need to break societal taboos surrounding money. The dialogue also highlights the unique challenges women face in financial conversations and the importance of fostering a supportive environment for discussing finances openly. Ultimately, they envision a future where financial education is accessible to all, leading to a more equitable society. Mel Loh is a passionate advocate for personal finance education and empowering individuals towards financial freedom and well-being. With a background in business strategy consulting and advisory for mission-driven organizations and entrepreneurs, Mel's journey has taken her across diverse industries including tech, crypto, regenerative real estate, wellness, and leadership development. We truly hope you enjoy this episode. Listen and share with us your key take aways of this episode! And if you like, leave us a review and your feedback below!

After a long hiatus, or in other words – pregnancy, birth and new motherhood –  our Sensitive Matters podcast is finally back! We begin this new chapter with a unique episode: a heart-to-heart conversation with my best friend Emily Kuser. Emily is a yoga and embodiment teacher who currently lives in Bali and had a baby two months before my daughter Jaya Ariel was born. In this podcast episode, we discuss our shared journey of pregnancy, birth, and motherhood. We reflect on the experience of being pregnant at the same time and raising our daughters just two months apart. We dive deep into the process of unlearning myths and challenging societal narratives about pregnancy and birth, how living in Bali influences our choices and how it has shaped our approach to motherhood and personal healing. The conversation touches on themes of independence, grief, and the importance of cycle awareness and feminine wisdom. We share ways on living healthily and treating our bodies, we tap into the question of whether yoga is still good for women, and share our prayers for our own daughters. It is a juicy first episode of the season that taps into the importance of ancestral healing, choices that go against societal norms, and the power of the postpartum period. We reflect on the unlearnings and transformations we have experienced during pregnancy and how it has shaped their lives moving forward. So - get ready for this slightly unusual episode as it is simply a conversation between two best friends in my bedroom while our babies were sleeping. Join us as we share our dreams, fears, prayers and insights on this journey of motherhood and simply being alive in these times. We truly hope you enjoy this episode. Listen and leave us a review and your feedback below!

Having existed in this world in the last few years meant having subscribed to wobbly, bumpy and often times weird tides of life, whether we wanted it or not. Collective changes, personal challenges, triggers and displaced nervous systems were felt and experienced on many levels. But there was also a lot of positive outcome. It is what life does. The good and the bad go hand in hand. And this gives us the power of choice. Even in those moments where it didn’t feel like it. Earth day is this month – on April 22nd. It is a day that reminds us of our collective responsibility towards resources - the Earth’s and ours as humans. Earth Day is not just about planting trees, cleaning up beaches, or reducing carbon emissions. It's also about fostering a deeper connection with nature and recognizing our place within the intricate web of life. Similarly, being grounded in oneself involves finding stability and balance amidst the chaos of modern life. Just as we strive to nurture the Earth, we must also cultivate our inner landscapes to promote harmony and resilience.   Find out more in www.anandasoul.com

In October we launched a new podcast mini series HER STORIES – Life in a female body. Our first episode was with Emily Kuser in which we explored the experience of living and growing a new life in a pregnant body. Our second episode featured 68 year old Soma Temple and her story of how she moved through the ages. Bodies come in many shapes, sizes, ages and stages of health. As humans and almost on a daily basis, we are exposed to standardized perceptions of what a beautiful, strong and healthy body and their features should look and feel like. We meet peer judgement, silent judgement and our own self-talk, oftentimes without even asking where these ways of thinking and believing are truly coming from. In this series ‘HER STORIES – Life in a female body’ we interviewed an incredible mix of inspiring women that all represent in their own ways different facets and aspects of beauty with having on thing in common: they are without any doubt beautiful.  Our third interview is with Sophie Siegel, also known as Sophie Sofree, Musician, Ecstatic Dance Djane, Spaceholder and Mama of little Mila. In this interview Sophie shares her experience in her female body, what it is like to grow up as the daughter of a model, how she experienced her body prior to becoming pregnant and what initiations she and her little family went through. We hope it touches something within you!

I put this meditation together as a gift for those of you who wish to find ways to feel into their hearts, to live, speak and act from this place and to curiously explore the pathways within and around it. The world can be a busy and hectic place. Especially shortly before the Holiday season, especially on Black Friday. Many seek to claim your attention right this moment in time and we are glad you landed here, with us, in a space of reprieve. As the wise Rumi once said “If the light is in your heart, you will find your way home.” I think this quote beautifully shares every reason why we should be in our hearts more, today more than ever: to find our own ways as we dare to get out of our way and to see and feel with clarity, but only when we are truly tapped into our hearts. With this offering you are invited to come to meet yourself in all facets of who you are. To leap out of the current role you find yourself in right this moment in time and to take a grounded seat within your own chest. May this bring out the beauty of your own heart and may you take action to lift it like a prayer to the sky. A few instructions Grab a cushion or blanket, find yourself in your most comfortable seat or lie down and allow yourself to be carried into a safe space. After the meditation, if you feel like it, grab pen and paper and write from your heart whatever floods your being. Let it be a reminder for you of what it feels like to be in your own heart.   “As you live Deeper in the Heart, the Mirror gets clearer and cleaner.” – Rumi

Last week we launched our new podcast mini series HER STORIES – Life in a female body. Our first episode was with Emily Kuser in which we explored the experience of living and growing a new life in a pregnant body.  Bodies come in many shapes, sizes, ages and stages of health. As humans and almost on a daily basis, we are exposed to standardized perceptions of what a beautiful, strong and healthy body and their features should look and feel like. We meet peer judgement, silent judgement and our own self-talk, oftentimes without even asking where these ways of thinking and believing are truly coming from. In this series ‘HER STORIES – Life in a female body’ we interviewed an incredible mix of inspiring women that all represent in their own ways different facets and aspects of beauty with having on thing in common: they are without any doubt beautiful.  Our second interview is with Soma Temple, who is 68 year old, owner of Om Rudraksha, her own mala company and a close member of our community in Bali, Indonesia.   In this episode we explore with Soma her story of moving through the ages and what it feels like to be in a 68 years old body today. We hope you will love it! 

Bodies come in many shapes, sizes, ages and stages of health. As humans and almost on a daily basis, we are exposed to standardized perceptions of what a beautiful, strong and healthy body and their features should look and feel like. We meet peer judgement, silent judgement and our own self-talk, oftentimes without even asking where these ways of thinking and believing are truly coming from. In the following series ‘HER STORIES – Life in a female body’ we interviewed an incredible mix of inspiring women that all represent in their own ways different facets and aspects of beauty with having on thing in common: they are without any doubt beautiful. Our first interview is with Emily Kuser, yoga and embodiment teacher who currently lives in Bali. Emily is at the time of the interview 8 months pregnant and on her very own journey around beauty and how it feels to be in this human body. In the upcoming episodes we will speak with the 68 year old Soma who shares her heart and eye-opening story around moving through the ages and what it feels like to be in a 68 years old body today. Sophie shares her story on having a baby and what it feels like to turn to a new found sense of embodiment and wisdom. Please stay put... ;)

Welcome to the newest episode of Sensitive Matters. This time we are taking a dive deep into the mysterious and fascinating world of mythology together with the wonderful Chris Skidmore, a therapist registered with the psychotherapy and counselling foundation of Australia. Chris is also a biodynamic craniosacral therapist and has been a practicing astrologer for the past seven years. In his podcast ‘On the soul’s terms’ Chris shares insights on well-known myths and figures and analyses them with the concepts of astrology, mythology, archetypes and legends from the past. Today’s episode is a dedication to the Greek Goddess Artemis whose presence is a big part of our newest collection ‘Tales from Within’. This episode covers the following points: Embark on a journey into the profound world of mythology, where intricate life complexities are unraveled, inviting introspection and deeper existential inquiries. Explore the intricacies of the human experience through mythological tales, which serve as mirrors reflecting the delicate shades of gray and moral dilemmas we encounter. Dive deep into the archetype of Artemis, embodying the harmonious blend of untamed intuition and the delicate balance between domesticity and the wild. Uncover the unforeseen consequences of the "never again" mindset, delving into its potential to lead to tragic outcomes and a gradual hardening of one's identity. Find out how ancient archetypes offer insights to navigate personal narratives, heal from pain, and glean wisdom amidst betrayal. Witness the transformative fusion of astrology, fairy tales, and personal anecdotes from Christina and guest, Chris Skidmore as they share illuminating new perspectives and providing profound life guidance. Embark on an enlightening exploration of the captivating Artemis, as we unravel her multifaceted essence—a guardian, sensual enigma, and embodiment of life force. Navigate Artemis within the rich tapestry of ancient Greek deities, discovering her distinct role and dynamic interplay among the divine beings. Immerse yourself in practical applications of "Artemis Energy," drawing upon her fierce vitality to infuse your narrative with courage, intuition, and authenticity. Discover how Christina was inspired by “Artemis Energy” to create Ananda Soul’s new Artemis collection. Reflect on the captivating exploration of Artemis, inviting you to embrace your untamed nature within, fostering intuitive revelations and nurturing the transformative power of myth.  We truly hope you are as fascinated about this episode as we are! Listen and leave us a review and your feedback below! Find more about Chris Skidmore here: https://onthesoulsterms.com Check out Chris 'On the Soul's' podcast    ABOUT OUR HOST: Christina Zipperlen is the designer and founder of Ananda Soul, but her journey doesn’t end there. She is also a writer and counselor, helping others to heal trauma, find their authentic self, and feel safe and whole as they walk through this life. She uses a somatic approach combined with Compassionate Inquiry to form a deep understanding of how the body, mind, and soul are undeniably interwoven. Interested? You can learn more by visiting www.SensitiveMatters.com