How the Wise One Grows

In episode 54 we dive into the importance of tending to the roots of our nervous system and embracing ease as we work towards our goals.Join Holly for a mindful moment as we explore the power of the parasympathetic nervous system and discover how to tap into it through a transformative guided breathwork and meditation practice. In this session, we'll introduce you to the calming and rejuvenating technique of the 1:2 breath to tap into your parasympathetic nervous system, promoting relaxation and calmness.Through this episode, we invite you to cultivate self-awareness and foster a sense of tranquility amidst the busyness of everyday life. Tune in to discover the keys to unlocking your potential for growth by nurturing your nervous system's roots.04:10 Meditation beginsSupport the showFollow Holly on Instagram and check out her offerings online.Join the ~*Dream Team*~ and get a shout-out on our next episode as you help make dreams come true!Episode sponsored by Connect Wellness. Connect Wellness empowers people with tools to connect with themselves, others, and the present moment.Be wise-- sign up to be the first to know what's next!

In this mindful moment, Holly Zajur shares a guided mindfulness-based meditation called "the pause," drawing inspiration from Katie Silcox's teachings in episode 52 and her forthcoming book, "Glow Worthy: Practices for Awakening Your Inner Light and Loving Yourself As You Are-- Broken, Beautiful, and Sacred."This transformative meditation practice, rooted in "The Holy Pause" from Katie's book and Tara Brach's "Sacred Pause," emphasizes the importance of mindfulness's two wings: awareness and compassion. Join Holly as she guides you through this powerful practice, enabling you to create a conscious space to respond rather than react when faced with triggering situations.Whether you seek better emotional control or enhanced decision-making skills, this practice is applicable to everyday moments. It's recommended to initially practice in a controlled setting to reinforce the benefits and later incorporate them into your daily life.Take a deep breath as we embark on this journey together with the How the Wise One Grows podcast community. Meditation begins [1:41]Episodes Referenced:Awaken Your Inner Light with Katie Silcox: A Special Interview on "Glow Worthy" (Ep. 52)Support the showFollow Holly on Instagram and check out her offerings online.Join the ~*Dream Team*~ and get a shout-out on our next episode as you help make dreams come true!Episode sponsored by Connect Wellness. Connect Wellness empowers people with tools to connect with themselves, others, and the present moment.Be wise-- sign up to be the first to know what's next!

Join Holly Zajur on How the Wise One Grows podcast as she interviews Katie Silcox, a renowned yoga teacher and Ayurvedic practitioner, about her upcoming book, Glow Worthy: Practices for Awakening Your Inner Light and Loving Yourself as You Are—Broken, Beautiful, and Sacred. In this episode, they delve into the role of women in spirituality, the body as a gateway for spiritual connection, and the relationship between sexuality and spirituality.Katie candidly shares her own journey of healing and self-discovery, from being on the cover of Yoga Journal to ending up in the ER, and how pain can serve as a portal for wholeness. The conversation dives deep into spirituality and wellness, providing insights and wisdom for personal growth.If you're searching for an inspiring conversation on spirituality, personal growth, and wellness, don't miss How the Wise One Grows podcast, Episode 53, An Interview with the Author, Katie Silcox. Tune in and discover the transformative power of embracing your fullest self.From the cover of Yoga Journal to the ER [03:40] She who is never not broken: Our pain as a portal for wholeness [12:50]The role of women in spirituality [21:30]The body as a gateway for spiritual Connection [37:48]The role of sexuality in spirituality [43:58]Episode references:Episode 3:  Exploring the Divine Feminine with Lynsie McKeownPre-order "Glow Worthy" today!Follow @theshaktischool and check out www.katiesilcox.ccom and www.theshaktischool.com for more with Katie SilcoxSupport the showFollow Holly on Instagram and check out her offerings online.Join the ~*Dream Team*~ and get a shout-out on our next episode as you help make dreams come true!Episode sponsored by Connect Wellness. Connect Wellness empowers people with tools to connect with themselves, others, and the present moment.Be wise-- sign up to be the first to know what's next!

In this episode, we delve into the practice of mindfulness meditation to help alleviate suffering. We begin by discussing the Two Darts meditation, a powerful mindfulness technique that can help us handle painful emotions and thoughts more effectively. The concept of Two Darts comes from a Buddhist teaching that explains how our reactions to the initial painful experience create suffering.Whether you're new to mindfulness or a seasoned practitioner, this episode offers valuable insights and practical tools for alleviating suffering and cultivating a more mindful way of life. Join us for a mindful moment and discover how you can start living with greater awareness and compassion today.Support the showFollow Holly on Instagram and check out her offerings online.Join the ~*Dream Team*~ and get a shout-out on our next episode as you help make dreams come true!Episode sponsored by Connect Wellness. Connect Wellness empowers people with tools to connect with themselves, others, and the present moment.Be wise-- sign up to be the first to know what's next!

How the Wise One Grows is officially one year old!! We are celebrating with a special one-year check-in episode with my best friend AND we made it extra fun by wheel-throwing during our conversation! In this episode, we talk about how this last year has been, the physical symptoms of pushing too hard, how to bring yourself back when you fall off course, and our intentions for the year ahead. Reflecting on the first year of HTWOG podcast [06:29]Who are you if you take your work away?[18:10]Physical symptoms of pushing too hard [33:50]Getting back on track when you fall off course [41:47]Grounding intentions for this moment [55:00]Episode References:Episode 12: The Power of Female Friendship with Emma HernYoutube Wheel Throwing VideoEpisode 19: Overcoming Doubt in the Creative Process with Jada and DavidFollow Holly on InstagramMore with HollyFollow Emma on InstagramFollow Zane Ceramics on InstagramSupport the showFollow Holly on Instagram and check out her offerings online.Join the ~*Dream Team*~ and get a shout-out on our next episode as you help make dreams come true!Episode sponsored by Connect Wellness. Connect Wellness empowers people with tools to connect with themselves, others, and the present moment.Be wise-- sign up to be the first to know what's next!

This mindful moment shares reflections from Holly's first silent meditation retreat and a new moon meditation with an emphasis on silence and slowing down. This practice is based on Episode 48: Understanding Astrology with Christina Lyon of Lua Astrology and the new moon in Aries solar eclipse on April 19, 2023. This meditation is beginner-friendly and all levels are invited to practice.•06:44 Meditation beginsSupport the showFollow Holly on Instagram and check out her offerings online.Join the ~*Dream Team*~ and get a shout-out on our next episode as you help make dreams come true!Episode sponsored by Connect Wellness. Connect Wellness empowers people with tools to connect with themselves, others, and the present moment.Be wise-- sign up to be the first to know what's next!

This episode answers all the astrology questions! Astrologer Christina Lyon talks about working with astrology as a practice, understanding your birth chart, and how astrology relates to mental well-being and can be used as a tool during times of transition and change. Make sure you listen through this episode to get a code for 15% off your first reading with Christina!PS, if you are watching this on youtube, you get to watch me throw some pots!What is Astrology [04:29]Understanding the “Big 3” [14:30]North Node, South Node, and Midheaven [20:12]What is a Saturn Return? [30:34]How astrology relates to mental wellness [38:17]Working with astrology to navigate transitions [54:20]Instagram : @lau.astrologyhttps://www.luaastrology.com/Christina Lyon is a professional astrologer and the creator of Lua Astrology. Christina uses her intuitive gifts and knowledge of astrology, psychology, and numerology to offer personalized natal chart readings to her clients.As a Gemini sun, Sagittarius moon, and Sagittarius rising, born under a full moon lunar eclipse Christina is a self-proclaimed rebel and lover of all things occult. She sees astrology as the language of the universe and a cosmic blueprint to understanding your soul’s karma and purpose in life.Christina completed her B.S. in Psychology from Virginia Commonwealth University and received a Minor in Religious Studies. She has been studying astrology since 2014 and completed a year-long astrology course in 2021, created by professional astrologer Heather Eland, MA. Christina is also a 200 Hr registered yoga teacher from Kripalu, Center for Yoga, and a holistic health coach certified by the Institute of Integrative Nutrition. Christina practices traditional astrology and uses the whole sign house system in her readings.Support the showFollow Holly on Instagram and check out her offerings online.Join the ~*Dream Team*~ and get a shout-out on our next episode as you help make dreams come true!Episode sponsored by Connect Wellness. Connect Wellness empowers people with tools to connect with themselves, others, and the present moment.Be wise-- sign up to be the first to know what's next!

This mindful moment shares a mindful eating practice. This practice is based on Episode 45: Finding Freedom with Food with Lex Daddio of Daddio's Kitchen. This meditation is beginner-friendly and all levels are invited to practice. If a meditation on eating could be triggering for you, skip this episode. •02:22 Meditation beginsSupport the showFollow Holly on Instagram and check out her offerings online.Join the ~*Dream Team*~ and get a shout-out on our next episode as you help make dreams come true!Episode sponsored by Connect Wellness. Connect Wellness empowers people with tools to connect with themselves, others, and the present moment.Be wise-- sign up to be the first to know what's next!

This mindful moment holds space to sit with the profound pain associated with gun violence.  This is not a moment to bypass the work that needs to be done.  This is one small step to tend to ourselves as we step into long-term, sustainable, collective action.•04:49 Meditation beginsTake action with Moms Demand Action. Text ACT to 644-33 to take action on gun violence.Support the showFollow Holly on Instagram and check out her offerings online.Join the ~*Dream Team*~ and get a shout-out on our next episode as you help make dreams come true!Episode sponsored by Connect Wellness. Connect Wellness empowers people with tools to connect with themselves, others, and the present moment.Be wise-- sign up to be the first to know what's next!

In this episode, we get to talk to my oldest friend, Lex Daddio of Daddio’s Kitchen about her journey of finding freedom with food. Lex shares how a technology fluke turned her Instagram into her livelihood, her journey with an eating disorder, and parenting as it relates to helping your kids have a healthy relationship with food. This episode is full of a childhood love story and a lot of vulnerability. If hearing people talk about eating disorders is triggering for you, go ahead and skip this episode. Introducing Lex Daddio [03:08]An Instagram accident turned into a livelihood [06:21]Eating disorder recovery: Lex’s journey [23:30]Helping your kids have a healthy relationship with food [36:38]Finding freedom with food [43:00]Instagram: @daddioskitchenwww.daddioskitchen.comSupport the showFollow Holly on Instagram and check out her offerings online.Join the ~*Dream Team*~ and get a shout-out on our next episode as you help make dreams come true!Episode sponsored by Connect Wellness. Connect Wellness empowers people with tools to connect with themselves, others, and the present moment.Be wise-- sign up to be the first to know what's next!

This mindful moment shares a meditation on being with grief. This practice is based on Episode 43: Experiencing Grief with Litsa Williams of What's Your Grief. This meditation is beginner-friendly and all levels are invited to practice.•01:30 Meditation beginsSupport the showFollow Holly on Instagram and check out her offerings online.Join the ~*Dream Team*~ and get a shout-out on our next episode as you help make dreams come true!Episode sponsored by Connect Wellness. Connect Wellness empowers people with tools to connect with themselves, others, and the present moment.Be wise-- sign up to be the first to know what's next!

This episode shares a powerful conversation about the highly misconstrued and often avoided topic of grief. Grief therapist and co-founder of the online grief community, Litsa Williams of What’s Your Grief,  shares misconceptions about grief, helps us understand what types of grief we might experience, and how to cultivate a healthy relationship with grief. Whether you have lost a loved one, or something else significant, there are many losses that we grieve and this episode shares how to cultivate a relationship with the many kinds of grief that we carry.Introducing Litsa and grief [03:08]Misconceptions about grief [12:45]The history of Grief Theory [17:17]Debunking the 5 stages of Grief [25:47]Types of Grief [34:12]How to support yourself through grief and how to support others as they grieve [54:28]Instagram: @whatsyourgriefSupport the showFollow Holly on Instagram and check out her offerings online.Join the ~*Dream Team*~ and get a shout-out on our next episode as you help make dreams come true!Episode sponsored by Connect Wellness. Connect Wellness empowers people with tools to connect with themselves, others, and the present moment.Be wise-- sign up to be the first to know what's next!

This mindful moment shares a meditation on being with a wide range of energies and experiences. This practice reflects on "the gunas" from the yoga sutras and how they relate to emotional and energetic states based on Episode 41: How Counseling Relates to the Yoga Sutras with Izzy Shurte.01:26 Meditation beginsSupport the showFollow Holly on Instagram and check out her offerings online.Join the ~*Dream Team*~ and get a shout-out on our next episode as you help make dreams come true!Episode sponsored by Connect Wellness. Connect Wellness empowers people with tools to connect with themselves, others, and the present moment.Be wise-- sign up to be the first to know what's next!

In this episode, we talk with Izzy Shurte, a Licensed Professional Counselor and Yoga teacher, about the Yoga Sutras, Mindfulness and Acceptance Based Therapy, and how these modalities can support mental health.Izzy Shares the ways that primary source yoga texts can coincide and differ from counseling practices and approaches. We even workshop yoga sutra 2.16 together and share how it is applicable to daily life. Introducing Izzy Shurte [02:38]What is the difference between yoga, mindful movement, and the yoga sutras [04:00]Skillful living: how Yoga relates to Mindfulness and Acceptance Based Therapy [15:10]Intuition or avoidance?[26:16]Parallels between Eastern philosophy and Western therapy [29:03]Yoga Sutra 2.16 as it applies to daily life [39:31]Instagram: @bhaktiflowrvaIzzy Shurte is a Licensed Professional Counselor and E-RYT 500 Yoga Teacher based in Richmond, VA.  Having completed her 200 and 300HR yoga trainings at Asheville Yoga Center she studied closely under Michael and Stephanie Johnson.  As a counselor, she specializes in Mindfulness and Acceptance based therapies treating Eating Disorders, Anxiety Disorders, OCD, and Emotion Regulation Concerns.  In recent years Izzy has studied meditation with Vince and Emily Horn of Buddhist Geeks and Shadow Yoga under the direction of Andy Matinog.  Her greatest passion in life, aside from her daughter Mariel, is sharing the healing potential of mindful movement and the wisdom of primary source yoga texts with students, clients, and anyone willing to listen.Support the showFollow Holly on Instagram and check out her offerings online.Join the ~*Dream Team*~ and get a shout-out on our next episode as you help make dreams come true!Episode sponsored by Connect Wellness. Connect Wellness empowers people with tools to connect with themselves, others, and the present moment.Be wise-- sign up to be the first to know what's next!

This mindful moment shares a walking meditation. This meditation can be practiced during your daily walk, down a hallway, or any place you can take a few steps.  There are a lot of benefits to walking meditation, but my favorite is the way it helps us connect with the earth as we connect with ourselves. And this meditation gets us moving, which Dr. Ariele foster reminded us of the importance of in Episode 39: Movement as we Age with Dr. Ariele Foster. • 07:00 Meditation beginsSupport the showFollow Holly on Instagram and check out her offerings online.Join the ~*Dream Team*~ and get a shout-out on our next episode as you help make dreams come true!Episode sponsored by Connect Wellness. Connect Wellness empowers people with tools to connect with themselves, others, and the present moment.Be wise-- sign up to be the first to know what's next!

In this episode, we talk with Dr. Ariele Foster, a physical therapist and founder of Yoga Anatomy Academy, about movement as we age. Ariele de-bunks common misconceptions about movement and yoga asana in the wellness space, such as the difference between yoga and yoga asana, what functional movement actually is and why it matters, and how to modify movement as we age.Introducing Ariele Foster [02:59]What is the difference between yoga and asana? [12:12]How physical therapy impacts yoga asana [14:49]What is functional movement and why is it important?[21:00]How to modify movement as we age? [28:50]How do we know when it’s time to adjust our movement routine?[44:00] Instagram : @yogaanatomyacademy @dr.ariele.fosterAriele is a doctor of physical therapy and the founder of Yoga Anatomy Academy, a no-nonsense, evidence-based resource for learning yoga anatomy and movement science. She runs an integrative physical therapy clinic both virtually and in Washington DC. In addition to teaching online courses and an anatomy mentorship through Yoga Anatomy Academy, she has taught courses with and written for Yoga Journal on hip stability and fascia release, before gracing the cover of Yoga Journal Australia in 2018. Ariele began teaching yoga in 2001. Her grandmother was also a yoga teacher. Support the showFollow Holly on Instagram and check out her offerings online.Join the ~*Dream Team*~ and get a shout-out on our next episode as you help make dreams come true!Episode sponsored by Connect Wellness. Connect Wellness empowers people with tools to connect with themselves, others, and the present moment.Be wise-- sign up to be the first to know what's next!

This mindful moment shares a meditation on dealing with difficult emotions based on RAIN from Tara Brach and Dr. Kristin Neff's practice, "Soften, Soothe, and Allow".  This practice holds space to feel and nurture yourself and difficult emotions as they arise. Practice this meditation in a place where you feel safe and supported, and if you do not feel ready to practice, or are in a peaceful mood, skip this one and return to it at a later date. This practice is based on Episode 37: What You Eat Matters with Jessica Due.02:09 Meditation beginsSupport the showFollow Holly on Instagram and check out her offerings online.Join the ~*Dream Team*~ and get a shout-out on our next episode as you help make dreams come true!Episode sponsored by Connect Wellness. Connect Wellness empowers people with tools to connect with themselves, others, and the present moment.Be wise-- sign up to be the first to know what's next!

In this episode, we talk with Jess Due, who was most recently a member of the executive leadership team for one of the largest animal sanctuaries in the United States. This conversation with Jessica talks about care, food system transformation, environmental racism, and how these systems relate to social justice. Introducing Jess Due [01:53]What is animal care? What is the animal protection movement? [11:27]How does animal care relate to food systems and social justice? [25:30]The story of June B and Susan [35:42]How can we start to reframe our relationship with the food system? [51:51]Instagram: @jess_due  and @the_duem_ranchJessica Due brings over a decade of expertise and experience providing specialized care to rescued and rehabilitated farm animals at sanctuaries across the country, partnering with UCLA, UC Davis, and Cornell University.Most recently, as a member of the executive leadership team for one of the largest sanctuaries in the United States, Jessica led national animal care, rescue and placement. For the past decade, Jessica has implemented sanctuary best practices, standard operating procedures, strategic planning, programmatic alignment, and integration while partnering with and supporting multiple other sanctuaries across the country. Jessica began her career in animal care and rescue at a national sanctuary before co-founding her own care farm and has served as a keynote speaker at conferences and has been featured on podcasts, at fundraising galas, and by media outlets including the LA Times, Animal Planet, and NPR. Her work includes contributions to legislative advocacy and policy reform.Through her advocacy, Jessica believes in addressing interrelated issues of oppression and approaches her work through a social justice lens, centering diversity, equity, and inclusion within the animal protection movement and raising systemic issues of access to food and land. Jessica supports farm worker rights and centering BIPoC perspectives and voices.Support the showFollow Holly on Instagram and check out her offerings online.Join the ~*Dream Team*~ and get a shout-out on our next episode as you help make dreams come true!Episode sponsored by Connect Wellness. Connect Wellness empowers people with tools to connect with themselves, others, and the present moment.Be wise-- sign up to be the first to know what's next!

How often do you take care of your body throughout the day? This mindful moment helps you listen to and honor your body to support your well-being. This episode is based on Episode 35: Wellness for Makers with Missy Graff Ballone.01:47 Meditation beginsSupport the showFollow Holly on Instagram and check out her offerings online.Join the ~*Dream Team*~ and get a shout-out on our next episode as you help make dreams come true!Episode sponsored by Connect Wellness. Connect Wellness empowers people with tools to connect with themselves, others, and the present moment.Be wise-- sign up to be the first to know what's next!

Missy Graff Ballone, author and creator of Wellness for Makers: A Movement Guide for Artists, shares about what wellness truly is, who and what a maker is, and how wellness can impact your creative practice and life. Missy has a background as a yoga teacher, massage therapist, and artist and pulls from these fields to empower creatives to care for their bodies in their creative practice. Whether you are an artisan or work at a desk, this episode is full of tips to help support your body and mind as you create your life.Introducing Missy and Wellness for Makers[02:40]Integrating multiple passions into a profession [09:56]What is wellness? [18:59]Who or what is a maker? How does wellness support makers?[23:52]How does wellness impact our lives as a whole? [42:56]How can you make wellness a part of your creative practice? [49:17]Instagram: @wellnessformakersPodcast: Wellness for MakersMissy Graff Ballone,  founder and Podcast Host of Wellness for Makers and the author of Wellness for Makers: A Movement Guide for Artists. Missy’s mission is to motivate and empower creatives through education, mindful living, and movement! Missy uses her background as an Artist, Alignment-based Yoga Instructor RYT500, and Licensed Massage Therapist to make information about the body accessible to artists everywhere.Support the showFollow Holly on Instagram and check out her offerings online.Join the ~*Dream Team*~ and get a shout-out on our next episode as you help make dreams come true!Episode sponsored by Connect Wellness. Connect Wellness empowers people with tools to connect with themselves, others, and the present moment.Be wise-- sign up to be the first to know what's next!