Nurturing Resilience

Lesha Nelson

Welcome to Nurturing Resilience, where your host, Lesha Nelson weaves together the worlds of somatics, science + energy to nurture a deeper connection to yourself. From guests storytelling rights of passage that catalyzed their resiliency, to nervous system + mind-body health education, to deep contemplation on topics such as cultivating connection to ourselves and others in a complex world. Lesha is an occupational therapist, somatic bodyworker, attachment specialist, and baby whisperer with over 20 years of experience with mind-body connection and supporting matrescence.

  1. 3d ago

    We Aren't The Same Every Day w/ Shara Jackson Harper

    What if the problem isn’t that you’re inconsistent… but that you were never meant to be the same every day? In this conversation, I sit down with mental health therapist, childbirth educator, doula, and mother of five Shara Jackson Harper to explore the intersection of hormones, nervous system health, motherhood, and life transitions. This conversation felt both validating and expansive, especially in a world that asks us to perform with the same capacity every single day. We talk about the realities of cyclical living, how stress and cortisol shape our emotional experiences, and why so many women feel like they’re failing when their bodies may actually be asking for something different. This conversation also moves into pregnancy, postpartum, caregiving, self-trust, and the cultural pressures that make rest feel impossible. In this episode, we talk about: Why women are not meant to feel the same every dayThe four phases of the menstrual cycle and how they impact mood, energy, communication, and capacityHow hormones and the nervous system work together (and sometimes against us)Why cortisol hits differently depending on where you are in your cycleWhat actually happens hormonally after birth and why postpartum can feel so emotionally intenseThe nervous system cost of modern motherhood, overstimulation, and productivity cultureRest as a biological need and not a luxuryMom guilt, self-trust, and learning to listen to your body Why repair matters more than perfection in parentingCommunity, play, and connection as nervous system medicineOne of my favorite reminders from this conversation: “Rest is productive.” If you’ve ever wondered why some days you feel clear, social, and energized and other days everything feels like too muchthis episode is for you. Connect with Shara: https://www.instagram.com/growthinherseasons/ Website: https://growthinherseasons.com/ Link to all of her awesome downloads and resources: https://linktr.ee/sharalea?utm_source=ig&utm_medium=social&utm_content=link_in_bio&fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQPOTM2NjE5NzQzMzkyNDU5AAGna9XxC6MU_i--FZyOLHU4fPqENmUemrxTQHcxA9NtLu_4GvHZhlG4sulvavc_aem_eB46ADTgPmtFx74qn21_Qw Work with and support Lesha: https://www.instagram.com/lesha__nelson/ www.leshanelson.com

    1h 21m
  2. 12/31/2025

    Birth, Blame & the Myth of Spiritual Readiness w/ Annalee Muse

    In this episode of Nurturing Resilience, host Lesha Nelson speaks with Annalee Muse, a birth worker and doula, about her journey through birth experiences, the impact of societal narratives on birthing individuals, and the importance of community and connection in the birthing process. They discuss the role of spirituality, the significance of birth story medicine, and the need for ritual and ceremony in navigating the complexities of motherhood. Annalee shares her insights on healing from birth trauma and offers advice for expecting mothers, emphasizing the importance of self-compassion and learning in the postpartum period. Main Takeaways: Anna Lee's journey into birth work began after her own challenging birth experiences.The societal narrative often blames birthing individuals for outcomes that are beyond their control.Spirituality and preparation are important, but they cannot guarantee specific birth outcomes.Birth story medicine helps individuals process their experiences and find healing.Community support is crucial for navigating the complexities of birth and postpartum.Ritual and ceremony can play a significant role in honoring the birthing experience.Social media can create unrealistic expectations around birth and motherhood.Healing from birth trauma is a long process that requires time and self-compassion.Expecting mothers should focus on learning how to mother rather than performing perfectly.Acknowledging the gray areas in birth experiences can lead to deeper understanding and healing.Work with Annalee: https://musebirth.com/ https://www.instagram.com/muse.birth/ Work with Lesha: https://www.leshanelson.com https://www.instagram.com/lesha__nelson/ Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to Anna Lee's Journey 02:04 Exploring Birth Experiences and Spirituality 04:05 The Complexity of Birth Narratives 05:57 Navigating Birth Expectations and Reality 09:56 Cultural Perspectives on Birth Outcomes 12:28 The Role of Birth Story Medicine 14:34 Understanding the Nuances of Birth Preparation 20:26 The Impact of Social Media on Birth Narratives 27:25 Earning Worthiness in Motherhood 35:28 Advice for New Mothers in Postpartum 38:44 The Influence of AI on Birth Support 42:30 Environmental Impact of AI and Human Connection 45:18 The Importance of Initiation and Knowledge in Birth 47:50 The Role of Ceremony and Ritual in Healing 49:47 Navigating Spiritual Practices in Birth 53:18 Presence and Authenticity in Rituals 56:17 Preparing for Birth: Personal Reflections and Insights 01:00:51 Processing Birth Trauma and Personal Growth 01:06:52 Unraveling Beliefs Around Birth Experiences 01:11:29 The Journey of Healing and Support in Birth

    1h 13m
  3. 11/19/2025

    The Golden Hour: Healing Birth When it Doesn’t go as Planned w/ Briana Georjae

    What happens when the golden hour is missed? When the first imprint we carry is one of separation and rupture- not safety or skin-to-skin? In this episode, we explore the blueprint of connection we’re born with and what’s possible when that blueprint is interrupted. I begin by sharing some personal reflections on being born via C-section and how that shaped my own attachment patterns. Then I’m joined by Briana Georjae, practitioner, doula, and guide, who shares her story of being separated from her mother at birth and the lifelong healing that followed. Together, we explore: When something goes out of plan, how can we shift our perspectives that something happened for us. Recognizing your power can transform experiences.There is a blueprint in nature that can guide us.The innate intelligence runs through all living things.Communication with our life force fosters resilience and understanding our connection to creation is vital.What it means to respond to rupture with power and presence This is a conversation about the places we begin, the patterns we inherit, and the possibility of reconnecting with our bodies, our babies, and the blueprints written in nature itself. About Briana: Briana Georjae serves from the critical need to preserve and foster the innate intelligence of women’s bodies. Within a traditional, intuitive, and woman-led container, she offers herbal consultations, holistic womb care, psychedelic integration, and doula services. Work with Briana: https://www.heirlooms.love/ Work with Lesha: https://www.leshanelson.com keywords: power, response, blueprint, innate intelligence, life force, nature, communication, self-awareness, creation, energy, golden hour, birth trauma resolution

    1h 28m
  4. 10/29/2024

    Tongue Ties & Oral Restrictions

    Welcome back to another episode of Nurturing Resilience where today we're diving into a fascinating topic that's been buzzing in both medical and alternative health circles: the rise in tongue-ties and changes in oral-facial development. Have you noticed more people talking about tongue-ties lately? Or maybe you've heard about changes in facial structures affecting breathing and sleep? Well, you're not alone. There's been a noticeable increase in these conditions, and today we're going to break down why I think this might be happening. Since my practice has opened 13 years ago I have definitely seen an increase in oral restrictions. I get asked all of the time "why is this happening?" If you know me, you know that I like to answer my clients with the best information I can, and so today I am sharing the top seven reasons (aka rabbit holes) I have found to hold true. In this episode I share the 7 reasons which include: - Processed diets lacking essential nutrients - Increased exposure to environmental toxins - Changes in breastfeeding practices - Genetic factors like MTHFR mutations and folic acid - More sedentary lifestyles - Increased awanress and diagnosis - Changes in our oral habits and development While the exact cause is not fully understood, it is clear the rise in tongue-ties and changes in oral-facial development likely result from a combination of modern lifestyle factors. I talk about what are the factors we can control and what to do to seek help if you are mom struggling with this issue. This is a nuanced topic and I did my best to highlight multiple perspectives and thoughts. The biggest take away is to get help! You do not need to struggle through this alone and there are many people trained specifically to address this topic. Remember, while we're seeing an increase in these conditions, understanding the potential causes empowers us to make positive changes that can affect future generations.

    44 min
5
out of 5
5 Ratings

About

Welcome to Nurturing Resilience, where your host, Lesha Nelson weaves together the worlds of somatics, science + energy to nurture a deeper connection to yourself. From guests storytelling rights of passage that catalyzed their resiliency, to nervous system + mind-body health education, to deep contemplation on topics such as cultivating connection to ourselves and others in a complex world. Lesha is an occupational therapist, somatic bodyworker, attachment specialist, and baby whisperer with over 20 years of experience with mind-body connection and supporting matrescence.

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