DiscoverBehind The Smile with Ash ButterssEp 141. I’ve Been in a Dark Place: A Raw Reflection with Ash Butterss
Ep 141. I’ve Been in a Dark Place: A Raw Reflection with Ash Butterss

Ep 141. I’ve Been in a Dark Place: A Raw Reflection with Ash Butterss

Update: 2025-09-21
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In this raw and unfiltered solo episode, Ash opens up about what really happened after returning from a powerful retreat in Bali. She shares the unexpected crash that followed, the darkness she found herself sitting in, and how she’s been navigating waves of depression with honesty and self-compassion.


Ash talks about the messy reality of healing, the role of the nervous system in moments of struggle, and the surprising strength that comes from leaning on community. She doesn’t sugarcoat the hard parts, but instead shows how vulnerability, connection, and small acts of self-care can carry us through even the heaviest seasons.


If you’ve ever felt like you “should” be further along or questioned why things feel so hard after big breakthroughs, this episode will remind you that you’re not alone, and that the path to healing is never a straight line.


The episode highlights are:

00:00 Introduction to the Retreat and Podcast

01:38 Vulnerability and Personal Reflection

02:34 Post-Retreat Struggles and Burnout

05:24 Navigating Depression and Emotional Awareness

10:14 Finding Comfort in Nostalgia and Self-Care

14:22 Understanding Nervous System Regulation

17:47 The Importance of Emotional Processing

20:53 Self-Compassion and Authenticity

28:51 Insights from the Retreat Experience

33:20 Looking Ahead: Slowing Down and Self-Care


To access your free guided meditations, head to the Freebie Page on Ash’s websitehttps://www.ashbutterss.com/free-resources⁠


Follow and connect with Ash on: 

⁠Instagram⁠ 

⁠TikTok ⁠

Website⁠

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Ep 141. I’ve Been in a Dark Place: A Raw Reflection with Ash Butterss

Ep 141. I’ve Been in a Dark Place: A Raw Reflection with Ash Butterss

Ashleigh Butterss