Stillness Matters

Sara Penney

Join me on a journey of self-discovery and inner peace as we explore the art of mindfulness and self-care. In each episode of Stillness Matters, I invite you to curl up with a cup of tea and let go of the hustle and bustle of daily life. Through thoughtful conversations with experts and personal anecdotes, I will show you how to incorporate mindfulness and self-care into your routine and find moments of peace and tranquility in your day. Whether you're dealing with stress and burnout, or just looking to cultivate a more balanced and healthy lifestyle, this is the show for you.

  1. 2024-10-31

    S2E19 - Step into your Personal Power with Cheya Thousand

    “Stress is part of the human experience. You're going to be under stress.If you're breathing, you're under stress.” In this episode, we engage in a powerful conversation with Cheya Thousand, a Corporate Wellness Consultant, Host of the WellFit Lab Podcast, and Author, who shares her journey from burnout in New York to a life of balance and wellness in Miami. As a corporate wellness consultant, Cheya specializes in emotional intelligence, stress management, and self-care. She provides insights into recognizing and mitigating burnout and stresses the importance of differentiating between reactions and responses to stress. In this episode, you will learn: 1. Recognizing Burnout:    - Key signs: chronic fatigue, lack of enthusiasm, increased anxiety.    - Burnout analogy: A candle burning at different rates. 2. Managing Stress:    - Differentiating reactions vs. responses.    - Completing the "stress cycle" for personal growth. 3. Three A's of Personal Power:    - Accept, Acknowledge, Ascend.    - Framework for navigating emotional experiences and fostering healing. 4. Community and Well-being:    - Importance of community as illustrated by Blue Zones.    - Advocacy for intentional, supportive connections. 5. Modern-Day Challenges:    - Culture of busyness and reclaiming time for meaningful engagements.    - Conducting a time audit for improved self-care practices. 6. Cheya's Book:    - A workbook on enhancing self-care routines through exercises and affirmations.    - Invitation to join her text community for daily emotional intelligence prompts. Connect with Cheya: Email: cheya@cheyathousand.com Socials: @cheyathousand  Website: www.cheyathousand.com www.ctwellnessco.com  Publications: My books, Holding Space for Self and I Am More Than A Conquror. Podcast: The WellFit Lab  Freebie/Offer: 30 days of mindfulness text series  81010 ,  curated mindful dinner events - Kairos Kitchens  81010 https://drive.google.com/file/d/1zt764CRLCMufoUObW3uGHci9cbnIE3SY/view?usp=share_link  Connect with me: Stay up to date on Instagram @stillnessmatters: https://www.instagram.com/stillnessmatters/  Watch quick bits and entertainment on TikTok @stillnessmatters:  https://www.tiktok.com/@stillnessmatters Connect with me, ask questions, and hear more Stillness Matters content on Wisdom @stillnessmatters Send me an email at info@stillnessmatters.com --- If you enjoyed this episode, leave a review and tell me so! It helps the show grow (plus, I'll love you forever as one of my first listeners). Questions? Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/stillnessmatters/message

    1h 5m
  2. 2024-10-18

    S2E18 - The Path to Resilience with Shannen Bryant

    “I'm with my husband now 15 years. But for the first five or six years, it was really rough until I got a handle on my jealousy. So I wanted to be able to give back to other people.” - Shannen Bryant Ever wondered how some people seem to transform their emotional turmoil into inner peace and self-confidence? Dive into our latest episode where we unravel the journey from insecurity to empowerment with Shanenn Bryant, CEO of Top Self.  Discover how overcoming jealousy and building trust can unlock a life of inner stillness and authentic relationships. Your paths to emotional resilience starts here—don’t miss it! In this episode you will learn: Emotional Complexity: Understand how jealousy and insecurity can disrupt inner peace and how they're often rooted in past fears. Transformative Steps: Learn to navigate jealousy by focusing on introspection rather than external blame, leading to better self-awareness. Mindfulness and Regulation: Practice techniques like box breathing to stay calm and communicate constructively in relationships. Building Trust: Foster mutual trust through open dialogues that support both partners’ growth and healing. Personal Growth Methods: Explore self-regulation strategies, such as nature therapy and physical activities, to encourage personal growth. Journey to Stillness: Hear Shanenn's personal story of achieving inner peace, emphasizing the value of simple, fearless moments. Let us know which part of her journey resonates with you by sharing your thoughts on our Instagram page @stillnessmatters! Connect with Shanenn: Email: sbryant@topself.com Instagram: @topselfcoach Website: https://www.topself.com/ Connect with me: Stay up to date on Instagram @stillnessmatters: https://www.instagram.com/stillnessmatters/  Watch quick bits and entertainment on TikTok @stillnessmatters:  https://www.tiktok.com/@stillnessmatters Connect with me, ask questions, and hear more Stillness Matters content on Wisdom @stillnessmatters Send me an email at info@stillnessmatters.com --- If you enjoyed this episode, leave a review and tell me so! It helps the show grow (plus, I'll love you forever as one of my first listeners). Questions? Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/stillnessmatters/message

    55 min
  3. 2024-09-25

    S2E17 - Birthing Ideas with Gwendolyn Kuhlmann

    “My favorite part of this is helping you figure out what it even is that you're making and then helping you advocate for it” Gwendolyn Kuhlmann If you're looking to break through creative roadblocks and bring your ideas to life, this is an episode you won't want to miss! In this episode, The Idea Doula- Bringing your ideas to life, Sara talks with Gwendolyn Kuhlmann, known as the Idea Doula, about how stillness, community, and authenticity play pivotal roles in fostering creativity.  In this episode, you will: Learn how Gwendolyn transitioned from a career in opera to becoming the Idea Doula, helping individuals actualize their creative visions. Discover how stillness and introspection allowed Gwendolyn to reconnect with her authentic self and foster deeper creativity. Understand the importance of community in creative projects, especially through Gwendolyn’s work with individuals facing homelessness. Explore Gwendolyn’s structured coaching approach, including her “Tell Me Your Story” and “Next Move Intensive” programs that help clients turn ideas into action. Be inspired by Gwendolyn’s belief that ideas are living entities waiting to be realized, and how taking action on your ideas is crucial for personal growth. Gwendolyn offers a fresh perspective on creativity and personal growth, with actionable insights that can inspire you to move forward with your own ideas. Let us know which part of her journey resonates with you by sharing your thoughts on our Instagram page @stillnessmatters ! Connect with Gwendolyn: Socials: @gwendolynkuhlmann  Website: www.journal.birthingideas.com Connect with me: Stay up to date on Instagram @stillnessmatters: https://www.instagram.com/stillnessmatters/  Watch quick bits and entertainment on TikTok @stillnessmatters:  https://www.tiktok.com/@stillnessmatters Connect with me, ask questions, and hear more Stillness Matters content on Wisdom @stillnessmatters Send me an email at info@stillnessmatters.com --- If you enjoyed this episode, leave a review and tell me so! It helps the show grow (plus, I'll love you forever as one of my first listeners). Questions? Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/stillnessmatters/message

    44 min
  4. 2024-09-11

    S2E16 - Just BREATHE with Ramond Phipps

    “Stillness is scary. Stillness is challenging, but stillness has the greatest rewards towards our health improvement that we would never see unless we chose to practice this over and over and over again” -Ramond Phipps. In this episode of the Stillness Matters Podcast, Sara engages in a profound discussion with Ramond Phipps, a breathwork facilitator with extensive experience in mental health, addictions counseling, and crisis response. Together, they explore the transformative effects of breathwork and mindfulness on mental well-being and emotional resilience. Key Learnings: 1. Understanding Emotional Crises: Everyday Stressors: Ramond challenges the notion that only dramatic events trigger crises, emphasizing the impact of daily stress. Managing Perspectives: Discussing the importance of shifting how we perceive and manage stress for better resilience. 2.  Coping vs. Emotional Processing: Role of Breathwork: Explaining how breathwork aids both coping in the moment and deeper emotional processing. Growth and Healing: Ramond highlights the journey of understanding emotions through breathwork as a path to personal growth. 3. Practical Breathwork Techniques: Diaphragmatic Breathing: Focusing on effective breathing techniques for stress relief and mental health. Integration into Daily Life: Encouraging listeners to incorporate breathwork as a consistent practice for well-being. 4. Stillness as an Active Choice: Confronting Thoughts: Viewing stillness as a space for confronting and understanding one's thoughts. Emotional Intelligence and Resilience: How breathwork and stillness enhance mental clarity and emotional strength. This episode serves as a heartfelt reminder of the power we have to cultivate stillness and utilize breath to overcome life's challenges. It encourages listeners to explore breathwork and mindfulness as empowering tools for navigating stress and enhancing mental well-being. Connect with Ramond: Socials: @ibreatherp YouTube: @ibreatherp & ibreatherp.com  Connect with me: Stay up to date on Instagram @stillnessmatters: https://www.instagram.com/stillnessmatters/  Watch quick bits and entertainment on TikTok @stillnessmatters:  https://www.tiktok.com/@stillnessmatters Connect with me, ask questions, and hear more Stillness Matters content on Wisdom @stillnessmatters Send me an email at info@stillnessmatters.com --- If you enjoyed this episode, leave a review and tell me so! It helps the show grow (plus, I'll love you forever as one of my first listeners). Questions? Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/stillnessmatters/message

    59 min
  5. 2024-08-13

    S2E15 - Embracing Stillness through Grief with Annie McDonald

    "If you just stuff things down and numb yourself out, you're numbing yourself to joy as well as sadness.” - Annie McDonald In this episode of the Stillness Matters podcast,  Sara Penney welcomes Annie McDonell, a grief movement guide, who shares her journey and insights on how grief affects one’s sense of stillness. Annie offers valuable advice and tools to process grief and find inner peace. Key Learnings: 1. Understanding Grief: Complex Emotion: Grief is a multifaceted emotion involving various feelings and stages. Healing through Feeling: The importance of fully experiencing grief to heal. 2. Misconceptions and Emotions: Misconceptions of Grief: Debunking false beliefs about grief. Mosaic of Emotions: Recognizing the range of emotions involved in grief. 3. Suppression and Navigation: Not Suppressing Grief: The harm in suppressing grief and the need to process it. Gradual Process: Navigating grief gradually while acknowledging physical and emotional impacts. 4. Mind-Body Connection: Processing Grief: Importance of the mind-body connection. Compassionate Space: Holding space for oneself with compassion. 5. Tools for Processing Grief: Breathwork and Movement: Using breathwork and movement to process emotions. Sound Healing: Incorporating sound healing in grief processing. Curious Exploration: Exploring emotions with curiosity. 6. Seeking Support: Connections and Community: Importance of seeking support and building connections. Anticipatory Grief Resources: Resources for those experiencing anticipatory grief. 7. Stillness and Healing: Craniosacral Therapy: Experiences of stillness through craniosacral therapy. Pathways to Peace: Exploring different pathways to access inner peace through body, mind, and spirit. Annie McDonnell’s insights guide listeners through the importance of exploring grief and stillness with an open heart and compassion. Utilizing recommended tools and supporting each other in the journey to healing, listeners can find strength and peace. Join Sara Penney in future episodes of "Stillness Matters" for more profound insights and tools to navigate life's challenges with grace and stillness. Stay compassionate, and seek your inner peace. Connect with Annie: Instagram: @acupunctureannie Facebook: @joyalchemyacupunctureelvi.com Freebie/Offer: The free guide for anticipatory grief: https://griefcare.ck.page/anticipatorygriefguide and; The free monthly virtual grief circle: https://joyalchemyacupuncture.as.me/griefcircle Connect with me: Stay up to date on Instagram @stillnessmatters: https://www.instagram.com/stillnessmatters/  Watch quick bits and entertainment on TikTok @stillnessmatters:  https://www.tiktok.com/@stillnessmatters Connect with me, ask questions, and hear more Stillness Matters content on Wisdom @stillnessmatters Send me an email at info@stillnessmatters.com --- If you enjoyed this episode, leave a review and tell me so! It helps the show grow (plus, I'll love you forever as one of my first listeners). Questions? Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/stillnessmatters/message

    51 min
  6. 2024-07-31

    S2E14 - Finding your Authentic Voice with Jennifer Dohr

    "Authenticity has become a performance.” - Jennifer Dohr Today, Sara Penney is joined by Jennifer Dohr, an authenticity guide and founder of Authentic Voice. Jennifer discusses her transition from educator to authenticity guide, highlighting the crucial role of reconnecting with one's inner knowing through writing. Key Learnings: Writing as a Tool for Self-Discovery: Reconnecting with Inner Knowing: Jennifer emphasizes writing as a means to access hidden beliefs and emotions, aiding in self-discovery. Five-Step Process: Drawing on her teaching experience, Jennifer outlines a five-step process for accessing the subconscious through writing. This structured approach guides listeners on a transformative journey of self-exploration. Embracing Complexity: Beyond the “True Self” Myth: Challenging the idea of a singular "true self," Jennifer promotes embracing the complexities that make each individual unique. Unjudgmental Exploration: Encouraging listeners to drop judgment during the writing process, to freely explore their subconscious and gain fresh perspectives. Therapeutic Benefits of Writing: Integration for Self-Acceptance: Highlighting the importance of integrating all aspects of oneself for true self-acceptance and understanding. Complementary Therapies: Exploring parallels between intuitive writing and other therapeutic methods such as tapping and guided meditation. Techniques for Intuitive Writing: Processing Emotions Through Writing: Emphasizing intuitive writing as a tool for processing emotions and insights. Versatile Techniques: Various techniques, including dialogues with oneself and scriptwriting, are discussed to illustrate the versatility of intuitive writing. The Power of Stillness: Decision-Making and Creativity: Discussing the impact of stillness on overall well-being, enhancing decision-making, and sparking creativity. Internal Landscapes: A reflection on stillness and internal landscapes, underscoring the role of personal experiences in shaping peace and clarity. Connect with Jennifer here:  Website: www.authenticvoicenow.com Facebook:@ authenticvoicenow Linkedin:@jenniferdohr/ Instagram:@authenticvoiceus/ Connect with me: Stay up to date on Instagram @stillnessmatters: https://www.instagram.com/stillnessmatters/  Watch quick bits and entertainment on TikTok @stillnessmatters:  https://www.tiktok.com/@stillnessmatters Connect with me, ask questions, and hear more Stillness Matters content on Wisdom @stillnessmatters Send me an email at info@stillnessmatters.com --- If you enjoyed this episode, leave a review and tell me so! It helps the show grow (plus, I'll love you forever as one of my first listeners). Questions? Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/stillnessmatters/message

    51 min
  7. 2024-07-23

    S2E13 - Creating Safety for the Inner Child with Rachel Brown

    “If you are not fed love on a silver spoon, then you will learn to lick it off of knives..” In this episode of the Stillness Matters podcast, Sara converses with Rachel Brown, a multifaceted professional - a marriage and family therapist, registered nurse, midwife, and mother of three. Rachel brings her extensive expertise and personal experiences to the table, providing invaluable insights into understanding and healing mother and father wounds. Key Learnings: Impact of Childhood Experiences: Childhood Shaping Defaults: Rachel explains how our childhood experiences influence our default programming and internal voices. Effects of Critical Parents: The consequences of having critical or emotionally distant parents on our behaviors and self-perception. Acknowledge Over Glorify: The importance of recognizing and healing childhood wounds rather than romanticizing them as growth catalysts. Balancing Positivity and Healing: Authentic Pain Processing: Emphasizing the significance of feeling and processing pain authentically instead of masking it with forced positivity. Making Space for Healing: Encouraging individuals to acknowledge and work through difficult experiences without rushing for silver linings. Personal Identity and Self-Love: Independent Self-Worth: Reflecting on recognizing one's worth and potential independently of past traumas or external validations. Compassionate Self-Discovery: Advocating for self-compassion and resilience through embracing complexities and prioritizing healing. Forgiveness and Healing: Impact of Parents: Exploring the lasting effects of childhood wounds inflicted by parents and loved ones. Forgiveness Journey:  Emphasizing forgiveness as part of the healing journey, focusing on self-compassion and releasing shame and guilt. Safe Space Creation:  Highlighting the need to create a safe space to confront and process wounds before embarking on the forgiveness process. Setting Boundaries: Importance of setting boundaries in relationships to prevent triggers. Healing the Inner Child: Inner Child Delight: Exploring individualized healing journeys and delighting in one's inner child. Navigating Parent Relationships: Strategies for navigating relationships with parents to support personal growth. Self-Liberation through Forgiveness: Portraying forgiveness as a personal journey toward self-liberation rather than absolving others. Connect with Rachel: Email: rachel@mindmombodyrn.com Socials: @mindmombodyrn Publications: www.mindmombodyrn.com Podcast: The MindMomBodyRN Podcast & YouTube Free coaching call www.mindmombodyrn.com  Connect with me: Stay up to date on Instagram @stillnessmatters: https://www.instagram.com/stillnessmatters/  Watch quick bits and entertainment on TikTok @stillnessmatters:  https://www.tiktok.com/@stillnessmatters Connect with me, ask questions, and hear more Stillness Matters content on Wisdom @stillnessmatters Send me an email at info@stillnessmatters.com --- If you enjoyed this episode, leave a review and tell me so! It helps the show grow (plus, I'll love you forever as one of my first listeners). Questions? Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/stillnessmatters/message

    46 min
  8. 2024-06-19

    S2E12 - From Burnout to Self-Care-Super-Mom with Jill Wright

    "This is one of the greatest gifts you could give yourself - to take care of yourself.” - Jill Wright In this week's episode, we are joined by a remarkable guest, Jill Wright – author, speaker, and host of the Grow Like a Mother podcast. Jill shares invaluable insights on combating burnout among super moms, stemming from her own personal journey with anxiety and overwhelm. Dive into a discussion rich with strategies, practical advice, and transformative ideas tailored specifically for mothers striving for balance and well-being. Key Learnings: Inspiration and Book Insights: - Book Introduction: Jill introduces her book "Happy, Healthy, Wealthy, and Wise," which outlines tools for self-care inspired by her battles with anxiety and feeling overwhelmed. - Supermom Archetypes: Discussion on five distinct supermom archetypes, each with tailored strategies to combat burnout. Emphasis is placed on the importance of boundaries, seeking help, and delegation as means of self-preservation. Boundaries and Communication: Evolution of Boundaries: Exploration of how setting boundaries transitions from feelings of vulnerability to empowerment. The conversation stresses the importance of effective communication in maintaining healthy relationships. Self-Awareness: Jill’s approach highlights the need for self-awareness and advocating for one’s personal needs to build confidence and overall well-being. Transformative Impact: The positive effects of boundaries on personal growth and relationships are examined, with an emphasis on adaptation and respect within support networks. Personal Relationships and Core Values: Gradual Approach: Importance of a gradual process in setting and maintaining boundaries to ensure clarity and avoid confusion. Connecting with Inner Truths: The conversation underscores the significance of identifying core values and deep desires, recommending stillness to connect with inner truths and intuition. Intuition Tools: Discussion on using tools like journaling and verbalization to access subconscious truths and gain clarity. Structured Framework and Time Management: Framework for Moms in Business: Jill introduces a structured framework to help moms in business navigate self-discovery and manage time effectively. Calendar Audit: Importance of understanding one’s archetype, conducting a calendar audit, and addressing underlying issues to create a personalized time management system aligned with one’s goals. Meeting Immediate Needs: Encouragement to address immediate needs and guide individuals toward self-awareness and alignment. Self-Compassion and Incremental Progress: Journey of Self-Improvement: Emphasis on self-compassion and making incremental progress without the pressure of immediate results. SMART Goals: Discussion on using SMART goals to guide progress and foster sustained personal growth. Challenging Comfort Zones: The transformative power of self-hypnosis and stepping out of comfort zones to enhance growth and self-awareness. Tune in to learn from Jill Wright and start your path towards a balanced and thriving life. Don’t forget to leave reviews and ratings and stay connected for more empowering episodes. Connect with Jill: Socials: @growlikeamother Publications: Happy Healthy and Wise book  Podcast: grow like a mother  Connect with me: Stay up to date on Instagram @stillnessmatters: https://www.instagram.com/stillnessmatters/  Watch quick bits and entertainment on TikTok @stillnessmatters:  https://www.tiktok.com/@stillnessmatters Connect with me, ask questions, and hear more Stillness Matters content on Wisdom @stillnessmatters Send me an email at info@stillnessmatters.com --- If you enjoyed this episode, leave a review and tell me so! It helps the show grow (plus, I'll love you forever as one of my first listeners). Questions? Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/stillnessmatters/message

    58 min

Ratings & Reviews

About

Join me on a journey of self-discovery and inner peace as we explore the art of mindfulness and self-care. In each episode of Stillness Matters, I invite you to curl up with a cup of tea and let go of the hustle and bustle of daily life. Through thoughtful conversations with experts and personal anecdotes, I will show you how to incorporate mindfulness and self-care into your routine and find moments of peace and tranquility in your day. Whether you're dealing with stress and burnout, or just looking to cultivate a more balanced and healthy lifestyle, this is the show for you.