84. Honor Diastole and Live A Wholehearted Life with Dr. Gail Wright

Delight is NOT decadent. It is sustenance.

When we honor diastole, we honor ourselves. Honoring diastole is healing for our own hearts. A necessary, but often neglected, action for healers.

Today’s episode includes a special guest, Dr. Gail Wright, a pediatric cardiologist, a disciple of Dr. Rachel Naomi Remen, mindfulness teacher, and founder of Redwood Resilience. She also happens to be Jessie’s friend, soul sister in many endeavors, and her co-lead for the Honoring Diastole Retreats at Pie Ranch.

In this episode, we reflect on the importance of diastole in our lives, finding delight in the practice of medicine, and the why of the experience we provide at Pie Ranch. 

Diastole is the phase of the heartbeat when the heart muscle relaxes and allows the chambers to fill with blood. The idea of a heart needing to relax in order to continue to function properly extends to each of us as individuals.  Our hearts know that diastole should be 2/3 of the cardiac cycle for a long and healthy life. Most of us don’t live a life that honors rest, refilling, and relaxing in this way.  

A key eye-opening point made from the cardiologist's perspective is that diastole in the heart is actually only a matter of milliseconds. 

Even small practices, seconds or 1 day, can make a huge difference in how we show up at work and at home.​

Listen to our conversation to learn why mindful movement helps you find the place between effort and ease and reconnect to the natural rhythms within yourself.   We share how reflective writing allows you to get back into the flow, be seen and known, and see and know.  We also discuss how mindful coaching helps you “wonder rather than worry."  

Nature is a shared love of Gail's and mine and a huge component of why and how we collaborate.  Nature is an essential ingredient in all of my retreat offerings because it, along with mindfulness, coaching, and yoga, helps you live into a bigger version of yourself.  Gail reminds us that nature is a reminder of the rhythms of life,  that helps us “learn to stand tall, with dignity and grace, and drink from the clouds.”

Retreats are a way to honor diastole. They are an intentional gift for a healthy heart, mind, and spirit. When we retreat, we take a respite and create space for reflection.

We would love to have you join us at Pie Ranch in the fall or spring, www.jessiemahoneymd.com/honoring-diastole

or Jessie at Sagrada in either September 2022 or the spring of 2023  www.jessiemahoneymd.com/retreat-nourish-and-transf...

If you are inspired by the idea of wondering rather than worrying, set up a call with Jessie to explore mindful coaching options. www.jessiemahoneymd.com/work-with-me,  www.jessiemahoneymd.com/coaching

Dr. Gail Wright can be found at www.RedwoodResilience.com.  Gail works with individuals, teams, and organizations. She offers professional development, team building, and resilience building.

If you are interested in joining the Mindful Healthcare Collective. www.facebook.com/groups/mindfulhealthcarecollectiv...

*Nothing in this episode should be considered medical advice.