LIT Lotus

Welcome to Season 2 of the LIT Lotus Podcast!  After a long hiatus, I'm back with some fresh insights and what I have been up to this past year. I'm opening up about my recent experiences with burnout and how I've been learning about pressure in my open root and sacral centers—it's been quite the journey! I'm sharing how I've been working on letting go of all the stories I attach to things (easier said than done, right?) and diving into some inner child work that's brought me to a completely new place with Spirit. I discuss the importance of daily energy alignment, and the practices that keep me in this centered space. I'm talking about that shift from always doing, doing, doing to just... being. And wow, what a difference that makes. Join me for a real, honest conversation about where I'm at right now and what I'm learning about, my own healing, and connection with Spirit in a whole new way.

This week we explore how we can use the law of attraction to shift your mindset, and take steps towards better health. Episode Highlights: What you give your attention to is what transpires - you are the creator of our reality By focusing on your desires you set things in motion to attract these things to you Negative emotions are your indicator of you are out of alignment with your desire Where you feel resistance is an indicator that you are not allowing  Pivoting from negative emotions - playing the What if? game Show References: Website - www.litlotus.me Books - Abraham-Hicks, Ask and It is Given - https://www.abraham-hickslawofattraction.com/ask-and-it-is-given.html    

Explore the idea of magic in this episode, and how to bring magic back into your life.  Magic uplifts your spirit, raises your vibration, and helps you create (or co-create) the life you dream of. Highlights: Melinda's journey of magic - from belief, to rebellion, to finding the magic once again How to tune into your own magic to create your reality and manifest your dream life For more about Melinda, and how to work with her, head to: www.litlotus.me  

In this episode Melinda explores the idea of what it means to be "selfish." Selfishness is really about self-care.  Finding total mind-body-spirit health starts there - setting boundaries and prioritizing your self-care before anything else.  It is up to you to shift into a higher vibration, to step into the life you want to live. Episode highlights: Nothing is more important than you feeling good.  You are the creator of your reality and you have the power to change your emotions.  There is only expansion and contraction - the key is to staying in a state of expansion. “How’s your spirit today?”  If the answer is one that is a low emotional set point, work on shifting your emotions to a higher frequency through self-care practices. When you let go of resistance and feel into flow, you can manifest whatever you desire - health, wealth, romance, connection. Intention setting throughout your day - visualizing your amazing, expansive life. To learn more about Melinda, go to: www.linktr.ee/litlotus www.litlotus.me  

This week we dive deep into how to architect your environment to make healthy choices - setting yourself up for success, and finding ways to make lasting changes.  Highlights of this episode include: Structuring your life to create an ideal situation for success Making healthy eating choices - eating for the seasonal shift from Winter to Spring Creating spaciousness in your life - purging your pantry, declutting your spaces, clearing your calendar, setting up positive boundaries Breaking down the overwhelming tasks to make them feel easier- creating a daily routine of support to do the hard things Meditation to release old thought patterns and mind chatter  Setting up your environment and asking for support to help make lasting changes Finding compassion in the choices you do make Melinda is a Holistic and Spiritual Lifestyle and Health Coach bringing the wisdom of yoga and Ayurveda, combined with modern habit evolution.  To learn more about her offerings, go to www.litlotus.me or www.linktr.ee/litlotus to connect on Insight Timer, YouTube, and more. If you enjoy this podcast please follow LIT Lotus, share this episode, and leave a rating.  The biggest thank you to us is to help spread the word.     

In this episode we look at the importance of pairing mindset shift with embodied practices in order to make lasting habit changes. We also discuss ways in which we self-sabotage, how to recognize these, and move out of the self-sabotage mindset. Episode highlights: Prioritizing self-care for lasting changes Shifting your mindset AND embodying healthy habits Self-sabotage and the Three Malas Learn more about me at: www.litlotus.me https://linktr.ee/litlotus    

This episode explores ways to soothe the nervous system during holiday burnout and exhaustion.  We discuss briefly the Polyvagal Theory by Dr. Stephen Porges, and ways to soothe the parasympathetic nervous system. Highlights: Experiencing total exhaustion and burn-out during the holiday season Setting boundaries to honor your energy levels 5 Tips for soothing your nervous system, including breathwork    References: LIT Lotus Website: https://litlotus.me   Dr. Stephen Porges and the Polyvagal Institute: https://www.polyvagalinstitute.org/   Breathwork: 4-7-8 Breath from Dr. Andrew Weil  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p8fjYPC-k2k Bumble Bee Breath (Bhramari Pranayama) https://www.arhantayoga.org/blog/bhramari-pranayama-beginners-guide/

This episode focuses on bringing in forgiveness to change your life's trajectory. When you can find forgiveness, you can move into a space of expansiveness.  Forgiveness cleans out your emotional baggage, and makes room for you to receive. Practicing forgiveness with the Ho'oponopono prayer Using Daily affirmations to move through this process    Website: https://melindavankirk.com https://litlotus.me (coming soon) References: Liz Cortez - Shamanic Energy Healing www.heartandsol.yoga  

In this episode we explore the idea of rest, and how it can bring us back into flow - that balanced state of mind, body, and spirit that feels easeful, peaceful, joyful, and secure. This episode explores . . . What rest really means How we can use rest to find a flow state What is flow-state?   Tuning into your imbalances and treating these through rest How our daily practices can help us into this flow state and balance - through mindfulness practices, high vibrational foods, prioritizing self-care Importance of flow as we transition seasons  Idea of Radical Rest - many of us need to rest before we can find health - finding balance is key - taking inspired action - embracing all of life’s possibilities Episode References: Radical Rest - Jennifer Allen Yoga and Wellness https://jenniferallenyogaandwellness.heymarvelous.com/ Book - Rushing Woman's Syndrome by Dr. Libby Weaver Website: https://litlotus.me httos://melindavankirk.com    

In this episode we explore how to manifest the life you want.  You are the creator of your own reality - what you receive in life is a mirror of what you put out there - you are a microcosm of the macrocosm.  When you create expansiveness within yourself, you create less stress and cultivate ease in your life.  This episode takes a deeper look at your life and how it's structured - asking for help, ridding yourself of chaos and busyness, and bringing joy into your life to create a new reality of peace, love, and joy. Suggested Actions: Go to bed early, rise early, and create your morning ritual  Mindful movement with meditation Set your intentions daily - set your boundaries to reduce stress and chaos Surround yourself with supportive people and don't be afraid to ask for help   Website: litlotus.me (coming soon) melindavankirk.com The Living Inspiration Tribe https://melindavankirk.com/living_inspiration_tribe_personal-redesign/

This week we explore the concept of limiting beliefs, the stories we tell ourselves, and work on rewriting these stories. Explore your shadow and the roots behind your beliefs - you may be surprised what you find in this self-exploration! (Note: My apologies for some of the muffled audio in this episode - technical difficulties!) Reflections: What are your limiting beliefs?  What's the story you tell yourself?  Write them down. Where does this story come from? Why do you tell yourself this story?  What is the deeper reason behind this story?  How do you want to rewrite your story?  What does your new story look like?  Is it believable?  If not, how can you make it believable?   Find me on: https://linktr.ee/litlotus https://melindavankirk.com (coming soon litlotus.me)   Book with Melinda: Clarity Call-  https://melindavankirkllc.hbportal.co/schedule/607f61f0c86775002ae95941 Private Yoga, Distance Reiki - https://melindavankirk.com In person at The Reiki Center (1:1 Wellness Coaching, Energy Healing, Restorative Yoga)- https://www.thereikicenter.net/ In person at Balancing Owl Yoga (Yoga Classes, Energy Healing, 1:1 Wellness Coaching)- https://balancingowlyoga.com/  

This episode talks about honoring your body's signals - physically, emotionally, and energetically.  Make space in your life to find self-care.  Raise your vibration through your daily practices - allowing for flow.  Reconnect to your physical self in order to elevate your emotional and mental body to a higher state.  Set your boundaries in order to take care of you.   Episode Links: https://linktr.ee/litlotus https://melindavankirk.com/ (https://litlotus.me - coming soon)   Soul Path Reading by Melanie Britz https://melaniebritz.com/  

Are you having fun on a regular basis?  What does fun have to do with health?  Listen in this week to hear Melinda's perspective on how fun can help you with your total health and wellbeing. Your Action Items: Ask yourself - How can you have fun?  How do you make fun a priority? Brainstorm activities that are fun - make a list Commit to starting your day with something fun (even 5 minutes!) - what do you enjoy, that you can do everyday that inspires playfulness, connection, and flow?  Make sure you can do this EVERYDAY - make it a non-negotiable! Journal - are you in victim mindset?  What do you need to do to shift out of victim mindset, and bring in more fun and joy? Podcast mentions:  Cate Stillman Thrive Podcast (correction - podcast episode referenced is on her June 22nd Wellness Pro Podcast - "Cultivating Joy and Fun") https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/wellness-pro-podcast-with-cate-stillman/id1251967087   TED Talk - Catherine Price - "Why Having Fun is the Secret to a Healthier Life" https://www.ted.com/talks/catherine_price_why_having_fun_is_the_secret_to_a_healthier_life?utm_campaign=tedspread&utm_medium=referral&utm_source=tedcomshare   Additional References: https://melindavankirk.com https://litlotus.me (coming soon) The Living Inspiration Tribe - https://melindavankirk.com/living_inspiration_tribe_personal-redesign/ Want to learn more?  Book a Clarity Call! https://melindavankirkllc.hbportal.co/schedule/607f61f0c86775002ae95941  

Dig deep into the layers that make up who you are, through exploration of the concept of ego vs. your true self, and how the ego gets wrapped up in identities attached to things, want, food, body image, and sickness.  Learn techniques to help "train your barking dog" (aka the ego mind) through meditation and samadhhi - one pointed concentration. Recognize your triggers, behaviors, and rewards in order to create a new desired behavior.   Yogic philosophies discussed - (Yamas and Niyamas) Santosha - contentment; Aparigraha - non-attachment Resources: Marissa Peer "I am Enough"- https://youtu.be/lw3NyUMLh7Y Website - https://melindavankirk.com https://litlotus.me (coming soon)  

In this episode we explore how your daily routine can help you to become more in-sync with nature's rhythms.  Learn about the Dosha Clock, and how to structure your day for optimal energy. Lastly, we address the concept of sadhana, or spiritual mind-body practice, and how to bring an element of spirituality to all your daily practices. Episode Notes: The Dosha Clock: Vata Time of Day - 2 am - 6am, 2 pm - 6 pm - Energy is scattered Kapha Time of Day - 6 am - 10 am, 6 pm - 10 pm - Energy moving down Pitta Time of Day - 10 am - 2 pm, 10 pm - 2 am - Energy moving up   Your Evening Routine: Earlier, Lighter Dinner (Dinner by 6 pm) - Lunch main meal Early to Bed (by 10 pm), rise by 6 a.m. Designing your morning as daily sadhana - yoga and meditation routine - making it a spiritual practice, and becoming present.   Learn more about Melinda's offerings at . . . https://melindavankirk.com https://litlotus.me (Coming soon) Explore my coaching program the Living Inspiration Tribe at . . . https://melindavankirk.com/living_inspiration_tribe_personal-redesign/   Follow me on Insight Timer  https://insig.ht/TwBYBAXB2zb?utm_source=copy_link&utm_medium=live_stream_share and Instragram https://www.instagram.com/litlotus.me/  

This episode explores the yogic concept of Svadhyaya, or Self-study, and how it relates to your total mind-body wellness.  Discuss shifting victim mentality to empowered choices and taking aligned action. Learn about the doshas - or energy types in Ayurveda - and how these show up in your mind and your body.  When you understand the energy of the doshas, you begin to understand yourself better, which helps you make the choices that lead you to your own healing. Ultimately the goal is homeostasis in the body - listen in to learn how these concepts all work together.   https://melindavankirk.com litlotus.me (coming soon) The Living Inspiration Tribe year long community - learn more @ https://melindavankirk.com/living_inspiration_tribe_personal-redesign/  

In this episode Melinda explores the concept of dharma - your unique purpose and path - and how this connects to your total wellbeing.  Living from a place of inspiration and flow is essential to your mental, emotional, and physical health.  Tune in to learn more about this yogic concept, and to help you discover what lights you up. Learn more about the Living Inspiration Tribe https://melindavankirk.com/living_inspiration_tribe_personal-redesign/ Website:  https://melindavankirk.com/ https://litlotus.me (coming soon) Work with Melinda: https://melindavankirk.com/offerings/

In this first episode of the LIT Lotus podcast, Melinda shares her story from childhood to now, and how she transformed her life through yoga and Ayurveda.  She gets super honest about her fears, her obstacles, her limiting beliefs, and her transformation to wellness in this inaugural episode. Melinda debunks the myth that we must work harder to thrive, and shares her perspective on how you can transform your life. Sign up for a free "Rebalancing Self" mini-course or complementary Self-Discovery session with Melinda @ https://melindavankirk.com (coming soon https://litlotus.me)