Just The Way You Are

Mira Rao, Rose Rivera

What if at the end of your life, you were able to look back and have NO regrets? A life in which, despite all the challenges, you felt satisfied and content with how you showed up and who you were. In a world where anxiety, depression, and generational trauma abound, this podcast strives to make navigating these and living with yourself as easy (meaningful and enjoyable) as possible. Join co-hosts Rose Rivera and Mira Rao as we guide you to explore the depths of who you are and how to create a life that's authentic, unique, and actually worth living. Drawing inspiration from everywhere including ancient wisdom traditions, somatic practices, spiritual teachings, and cutting-edge psychological research, we're offering you the opportunity to explore and find your own Truth, adopt what works for you, and toss out the rest. Because it's not about what you "should do" but what you feel most called to do, what you want to do, and learning to live in a way that's aligned with your deepest values. Turns out crafting a life that allows you to be Just The Way You Are is both the goal and the path that gets you there. (As far as we can tell, that's the real secret to having the "no regrets" part at the end.) *** Why listen to us at all? Here are some details so you can decide. Mira Rao Creds: - Master of Counselling - Master of Business Administration - Coach & Therapist, Yoga & Applied PolyVagal Instructor, Entrepreneur - Areas of expertise include resilience, trauma recovery, embodiment Rose Rivera Creds: - Master of Business Administration specializing in Global Business - Master of Medicine, Family & Sexuality Studies - Coach, Educator, Entrepreneur, Futurist for over 15 years - Areas of expertise include emerging technologies, business, human dynamics, personal psychology

  1. Value of VULNERABILITY

    12/23/2024

    Value of VULNERABILITY

    What if vulnerability was your greatest superpower? 💡   In this episode, we're peeling back the layers of what it means to be vulnerable—and how it can unlock deeper connections, emotional growth, and personal transformation.  With insights from Brené Brown and raw, real stories from Rose and Mira, we're diving into the messy, beautiful process of stepping outside your comfort zone. Learn how to navigate the fears and risks that come with vulnerability and turn them into opportunities for growth.  We'll share practical tools like self-compassion, emotional regulation, and authenticity to help you embrace your true self and create a life that feels real and meaningful.   Are you ready to take the leap? Let's do it together.      Episode at a Glance:  01:17: Introduction to Vulnerability  01:50: Defining Vulnerability  02:29: Exploring Zones of Vulnerability  03:38: Emotional Risks in Relationships  05:14: The Fear of Rejection  06:42: The Risk of Being Misunderstood  08:32: The Scale of Vulnerability  10:38: Willingness to Face Pain  12:13: The Importance of Self-Knowledge  14:32: The Reward of Vulnerability  16:09: Tools for Practicing Vulnerability  18:17: Compassion and Reparenting  20:15: Practical Steps for Vulnerability  22:39: Handling Rejection and Pain  25:04: Grounding in Values  27:18: The Role of Death in Meaning  29:56: Embracing Aliveness  32:14: Preparing for Emotional Risk  34:38: The Journey of Self-Discovery    ***     Learn more about Mira: https://www.mirarao.com.au/      Learn more about Rose's SINful Tech: https://roserivera.com     Next Up in Season 3:   Time to take EVERYTHING you've learned in Season 1 and 2 and bring the full, authentic YOU into the world. You're ready.

    45 min
  2. Compassionate COMMITMENT

    12/16/2024

    Compassionate COMMITMENT

    🎧 Ready to flip the script on commitment?   This episode takes you beyond the old-school mindset of obligation and entrapment. Instead, we're uncovering how commitment can be a powerful ally in your personal growth, relationships, and daily rituals.    What if commitment felt energizing, flexible, and in perfect sync with your values?   We're diving deep into how to break free from cultural conditioning and transform commitment into a dynamic force that evolves with you. Tune in to learn how to listen to your emotions and body, redefine your agreements, and step into a life of freedom, agency, and authentic connection. Let's rewrite the rules—together.     Episode at a Glance:  01:23: Introduction to Commitment  01:54: Exploring Rituals and Values  02:27: The Undercurrent of Commitment  03:04: Softening the Edges of Commitment  03:23: Cultural Conditioning and Commitment  04:30: Cycles of Commitment  05:05: Commitment as a Flexible Concept  06:32: Longevity and Ego in Commitment  07:34: Authenticity and Service  08:30: Ego and Grit in Commitment  09:28: Commitment in Relationships  10:34: Cyclical Nature of Commitment  11:34: Checking and Recalibrating Commitments  12:51: Embodied Envisioning and Flexibility  13:56: Multi-Level Commitment  15:39: The Tool is Not the Target  17:01: Commitment in Marriage  19:03: Building Harmonious Commitments  20:47: Commitment Across Life Areas  22:15: Lightness and Energizing Commitment  23:49: Internal Calibration and Freedom  25:53: Commitment as Agency  27:25: Dynamic Nature of Commitment    ***     Learn more about Mira: https://www.mirarao.com.au/      Learn more about Rose's SINful Tech: https://roserivera.com     Next Up in Episode 12:   What if vulnerability was the secret to deeper connections and real growth? Tune in as we unpack the power of stepping outside your comfort zone, with raw stories, expert insights, and tools to help you turn fear into transformation.

    31 min
  3. Rituals of GROWTH

    12/09/2024

    Rituals of GROWTH

    Struggling with Affirmations That Don't Feel Real? Let's Fix That!  Ever find yourself repeating affirmations that just don't click?  Learn to create affirmations and visualizations that truly resonate with who you are right now—and who you're becoming.   Discover how to bridge the gap between your current reality and your ideal self with gentle, practical strategies that actually work. From perfect timing to game-changing "calibration points," we'll explore how to align your goals with what your heart really wants.   Ready to make affirmations feel empowering instead of empty? Let's do it!     Episode at a Glance:  01:20 - Introduction to Rituals of Growth  02:23 - The Art of Crafting Affirmations  03:43 - Bridging the Gap with Affirmations  05:34 - Softening Affirmations for Growth  07:20 - Timing and Choice Points in Affirmations  09:11 - Neural Conditioning and Affirmations  11:20 - Evidence and Truth in Affirmations  13:12 - Embodiment and Integration  15:00 - Visioning Work and Calibration Points  17:31 - Conceptualization in Visualization  20:12 - Systematizing Rituals for Growth  23:31 - Experimentation and Flexibility in Growth  27:26 - Emotional Triggers and Decision Making    ***     Learn more about Mira: https://www.mirarao.com.au/      Learn more about Rose's SINful Tech: https://roserivera.com     Next Up in Episode 11:   Tired of thinking commitment equals being stuck? Tune in to discover how to transform commitment into a liberating, evolving force that fuels your growth, freedom, and connection!

    34 min
  4. Rituals of DEVOTION

    12/02/2024

    Rituals of DEVOTION

    Turn Your Everyday Routine into a Sacred Act of Love and Intention!  What if your daily grind could feel like a soulful ritual instead of a checklist of chores?  We're showing you how to infuse spirituality and meaning into the simplest tasks, transforming them into powerful acts of devotion. From anchoring your routines in personal values to creating rituals that reflect your true self, you'll learn how to elevate the mundane into something magical.   Shift your perspective and watch your daily life become a source of joy, purpose, and authentic manifestation. Ready to reimagine your routine? Let's dive in!     Episode at a Glance:  1:42: Reflecting on Your Average Wednesday  2:12: Transforming the Mundane into Sacred  2:51: Introducing Mira and the Mystic of the Mundane  3:56: The Connection to Mystery and Wonderment  5:33: Intentionality and Resilience in Daily Life  7:00: Anchoring into True Values  8:57: The Shift from Routine to Devotion  10:33: Finding Meaning in Daily Tasks  12:40: Letting Go of Conditioned Patterns  14:40: Navigating Fear and Resistance  16:53: Integrating Rituals for Personal Growth  18:49: Symbols of Devotion and Archetypes  21:01: Applying Devotion in Professional Life  24:39: The Role of Rituals in Achieving Visions    ***     Learn more about Mira: https://www.mirarao.com.au/      Learn more about Rose's SINful Tech: https://roserivera.com     Next Up in Episode 10:   Ever feel like affirmations just aren't hitting the mark? In our next episode, we'll teach you how to craft affirmations and visualizations that actually resonate, helping you bridge the gap between where you are and where you want to be with authenticity and ease!

    32 min
  5. Rituals of SENSUALITY

    11/25/2024

    Rituals of SENSUALITY

    Ever feel like your emotions are running the show?   We're uncovering the mind-blowing connection between emotions and your body, showing you how feelings aren't just thoughts—they're physical experiences too!   You'll learn how to level up your emotional intelligence with practical tools like an emotional color wheel (goodbye, "fine," hello, precisely how you feel!). Plus, we'll guide you through sensual rituals that help you intentionally invite the emotions you want to experience.   Discover how small physical movements can help shift your mood and even reframe the stories you tell yourself. It's time to master your emotional landscape and feel fully empowered. Ready to dive in?   Don't miss our next episode, where we explore living in alignment with your true values!     Episode at a Glance:  01:33 - Introduction to Decision-Making Resistance  02:00 - Understanding Underlying Fears  02:22 - Emotions as Bodily Sensations  02:48 - Redefining Sensuality  03:18 - The Role of Sensuality in Emotional Awareness  04:24 - Emotional Literacy and the Color Wheel  05:20 - Linking Emotions and Sensations  06:33 - The Challenge of Feeling Emotions  07:29 - Starting the Journey into Sensuality  08:29 - Numbness as a Sensation  09:59 - The Impact of Numbness on Emotional Awareness  11:32 - Creating Rituals of Sensuality  12:29 - Embodied Envisioning and Manifestation  13:48 - Distinguishing Fear from Intuition  15:08 - The Science of Intuition  16:34 - The Role of Collective Consciousness  18:04 - Developing Sensory Awareness  19:14 - Understanding Emotional Patterns  20:31 - Intentionality in Emotional Experience  21:56 - The Importance of Self-Trust  23:01 - Changing Physical State to Influence Emotions  24:00 - The Power of Movement in Emotional Regulation  25:00 - State Creates Story  26:03 - The Simplicity of Emotional Agency    ***     Learn more about Mira: https://www.mirarao.com.au/      Learn more about Rose's SINful Tech: https://roserivera.com     Next Up in Episode 9:   What if your daily chores could feel like sacred acts of devotion? In episode 9, we'll show you how to infuse meaning, love, and intention into your everyday routine, transforming the mundane into something truly magical!

    38 min
  6. Rituals of MANIFESTATION

    11/18/2024

    Rituals of MANIFESTATION

    What if your rituals could dissolve fear and unlock your true power?   In this episode, we're diving into manifestation rituals that will help you step into your authenticity and create real, lasting growth.   We're exploring how rituals can be your anchors in stormy times, bringing you back to your core values and intentions. If you've been through trauma or chronic stress, aligning your goals with your true self is key—and we've got the tools to help. 🔥   Get ready to discover practices that calm a frazzled nervous system, restore your energy, and can be tailored to fit your own unique journey.     Episode at a Glance:   01:43: Introduction to Rituals of Resilience 03:53: The Nature of Rituals  04:26: The Power of Rituals in Practice  05:26: Welcoming Mira and Episode Overview  06:53: Understanding Manifestation Rituals  08:18: Aligning with Authentic Life  09:45: Navigating Fear and Intuition  11:10: The Role of Intuition  13:06: Defining Rituals  14:21: The Importance of Intent  16:19: Resourcing, Regulating, and Routines  18:09: The Bath Metaphor for Resourcing  19:55: Quick Regulation Techniques  21:05: The Role of Routines  22:48: Nervous System Hygiene  24:06: Rituals Throughout the Day  25:23: Sensuality as a Doorway to Regulation  26:53: Understanding Sensuality  29:16: Reclaiming Sensuality    ***     Learn more about Mira: https://www.mirarao.com.au/      Learn more about Rose's SINful Tech: https://www.roserivera.com    Next Up in Episode 8:   Did you know your emotions aren't just in your head—they live in your body too? In our next episode, we'll show you how to decode your feelings, use rituals of sensuality to invite emotional ease, and tap into simple movements to shift your mood and rewrite your inner narrative!

    31 min
  7. Power of SURRENDER

    11/11/2024

    Power of SURRENDER

    Have you ever felt overwhelmed by the need to control everything around you?   What would happen if you just let go...?   There is incredible liberation in surrender when done right. Being able to release control of things that aren't within your personal agency is a powerful form of self-empowerment that is almost always overlooked.   In this episode we're linking surrender to radical responsibility, living according to your values, and setting healthy boundaries. You'll start to understand why yielding is a strength, not a weakness, and how it can open up new pathways to success.   By nurturing self-trust, you can learn to release the grip of fear under your need for control and embrace life's unpredictability with confidence.    Episode at a Glance:   01:23 - The Illusion of Control 02:21 - Shifting the Conversation: Letting Go of Control 03:58 - The Power of Surrender 05:17 - Embodiment and the Cycle of Empowerment 06:57 - Surrender as a Path to Inner Peace 08:16 - Trusting Yourself and the Universe 09:33 - Relational Dynamics and Sovereignty 11:11 - The Metaphor of the Stream: Flow and Surrender 13:03 - Radical Responsibility and Surrender 14:40 - The Duality of Action and Letting Go 16:00 - Rituals of Resilience: Practical Applications 17:02 - Living with Peace and Fulfillment     ***   Learn more about Mira: https://www.mirarao.com.au/        Curious about leaning into surrender as a path of empowerment? Visit Secrets of Sacred Surrender to work with Rose and learn more about this unique journey.    Next Up in Episode 7:   What do you do when you take authentic action and receive pushback from your friends, work, partner? To ensure sustained change, you need a plan of how to deal with your own elevated nervous system. This is where Rituals of Manifestation come in! Next episode we're walking you step-by-step through how to create a series of "Rituals" that you can rely on to get you through the most challenging criticisms. See you then!

    33 min
  8. The ANATOMY of a Boundary

    11/04/2024

    The ANATOMY of a Boundary

    Are you ready to transform your relationships by mastering the art of boundary-setting?   In this episode, we're taking you step-by-step through the essential process of establishing and maintaining personal boundaries - a crucial skill for emotional and relational well-being.   We start with learning how to recognize your emotional triggers and understand the messages your emotions are sending you.   Then guide you through the steps of preparing for boundary conversations, emphasizing the importance of self-awareness and self-compassion. Discover how to communicate your needs with love and vulnerability, and prepare for potential challenges like boundary backlash.   Join us on this journey of self-discovery and empowerment, as you learn to navigate the complexities of maintaining your authentic self in relationships.    Episode at a Glance:  01:50 - Introduction to Boundaries  03:02 - Identifying Boundary Violations  04:14 – Setting and Reinforcing Boundaries  04:49 - Practical Tools for Boundary Setting  06:11 – Understanding Emotions Linked to Boundaries  07:48 – The Role of Anger in Boundary Setting  11:11 – Cultural Perspectives on Emotions  12:28 – Emotional Literacy and Self-Validation  17:17 - The Process of Internal Reflection  18:39 - Taking Action on Boundaries  20:32 – Finding Courage to Set Boundaries  21:36 – Rehearsing Boundary Conversations  22:60 - Leading with Love and Need  29:07 – Communicating Needs Effectively  34:43 – Negotiating Boundaries in Relationships  41:43 - Dealing with Boundary Backlash  45:49 – Self-Regulation and Emotional Management  51:18 - The Cycle of Self-Trust and Authenticity  54:54 - The Importance of Self-Compassion    ***     Learn more about Mira: https://www.mirarao.com.au/      Learn more about Rose: Coaching & Free Lessons   Next Up in Episode 6:   What does surrender have to do with living your most empowered life? Turns out – a lot! Next episode we're exploring the counterintuitive links between self-confidence, trust, and your ability let go of what's not in your control. See you then!

    39 min

About

What if at the end of your life, you were able to look back and have NO regrets? A life in which, despite all the challenges, you felt satisfied and content with how you showed up and who you were. In a world where anxiety, depression, and generational trauma abound, this podcast strives to make navigating these and living with yourself as easy (meaningful and enjoyable) as possible. Join co-hosts Rose Rivera and Mira Rao as we guide you to explore the depths of who you are and how to create a life that's authentic, unique, and actually worth living. Drawing inspiration from everywhere including ancient wisdom traditions, somatic practices, spiritual teachings, and cutting-edge psychological research, we're offering you the opportunity to explore and find your own Truth, adopt what works for you, and toss out the rest. Because it's not about what you "should do" but what you feel most called to do, what you want to do, and learning to live in a way that's aligned with your deepest values. Turns out crafting a life that allows you to be Just The Way You Are is both the goal and the path that gets you there. (As far as we can tell, that's the real secret to having the "no regrets" part at the end.) *** Why listen to us at all? Here are some details so you can decide. Mira Rao Creds: - Master of Counselling - Master of Business Administration - Coach & Therapist, Yoga & Applied PolyVagal Instructor, Entrepreneur - Areas of expertise include resilience, trauma recovery, embodiment Rose Rivera Creds: - Master of Business Administration specializing in Global Business - Master of Medicine, Family & Sexuality Studies - Coach, Educator, Entrepreneur, Futurist for over 15 years - Areas of expertise include emerging technologies, business, human dynamics, personal psychology