Spirit Sessions: Sex, Spirit & Self-Care Katie Silcox

For the past four years, I have had the incredible good fortune to work very closely with a one-on-one mentor and therapist named Cristal Mortensen.  And today, I am so honored to share this podcast with you where I interview her. In it, we discuss what she calls "the healing climate," and why, without it, our efforts to heal ourselves and to hold space for others may work against our deepest desire. This podcast touches deep into the essence of my personal inner practice, as well as the ethos we are working each day to do our best to uphold within what we teach at The Shakti School. 
In this episode you’ll hear: 
~ What the healing climate is and how it can help us 
~ Resistance and how finding ‘the spot’ within ourselves can be supportive of healing 
~ The importance of compassion and gentleness toward ourselves
~ Letting awareness be the light that shines through our uncomfortable feelings, rather than changing them
~ Our unique resources within and how we may be able to better access them
~ How these techniques can impact manifestation intentions
~ Noticing how we experience ourselves energetically and the way it can bring self-compassion
~ Being in relationship with energy
~ Join Katie and The Shakti School for the Embodied Ayurveda + Mystical Mind live in-person and virtual retreat May 6th and 7th. Live spaces are filling up fast, so register now to get in! Payment plan options available.
~ Cristal Mortensen is a trauma and nervous system specialist and Certified Somatic Experiencing Practitioner, in private practice for over 20 years. She helps people heal and clear unresolved trauma, attachment wounds, balance energetic, emotional and mental disequilibriums, find their way back to themselves and discover their wholeness.  Her multidimensional approach to trauma healing developed out of her own journey of healing, which began when she learned yoga and meditation at the age of 16 and henceforth dedicated her life to the path of healing.  She has healed from debilitating complex PTSD, severe anxiety and depression, addiction, disordered eating, chronic pain and physical illness and has dedicated her life to supporting others in healing from the pain of trauma and finding freedom. 
Cristal’s ability to deftly weave between and integrate the realms of the mind, emotion, physical body, subtle body, energy and spirit and bridge ordinary and non ordinary reality, along with her compassionate presence has made her unique work highly sought after.
She has practiced and studied extensively over the past 30 years with masters in the fields of trauma, attachment, somatics, meditation, breath, movement and energy healing, bringing the balance of ancient wisdom and modern science to her work.  She has developed Multidimensional Trauma Healing and Sacred Attachment work, out of the need for an approach to trauma healing that is truly effective and transformative.   Her work builds access to an organizing matrix from which inherent safety, security and an integrated mind and body can develop, creating a new template from which we can heal and our life can evolve.  Her mission is to be a guiding light for those suffering from trauma.  She believes passionately that the seeds of healing and transformation are within each of us, waiting to be discovered and activated.  You can connect with her at awarealignedawake.com
 
This episode is brought to you by PAAVANI Ayurveda. Use discount code SHAKTI15 at checkout for 15% off a one time purchase on paavaniayurveda.com
Female founded PAAVANI Ayurveda is an artisan line of small-batch, pure, organic health & skincare products formulated in Northern California. 
Handcrafted with the wisdom of Ayurveda, these gals seek to raise conscious awareness of the whole by practicing the philosophy of ahimsa or nonviolence in making their products. This means that their offerings are certified cruelty free and vegan and that PAAVANI carefully selects herbal ingred

Katie speaks to the Harvard studies on listening. We may think we are great listeners, but most of us could use some tips! Learn why being a great listener is also good for you, as well as techniques and meditative embodied methods that help you become a great listener. It truly is the medicine we need now in our polarized world!
In this episode you’ll hear: 
~ The power of listening to connect with others
~ How social media could be hindering our ability to be truly seen and heard
~ Tangible benefits of being a good listener, backed up by studies from Harvard
~ Katie shares some personal anecdotes as it relates to listening 
~ Great listening involves being present in your own body
~ How nonverbal communication matters for both listening and speaking 
~ Actionable ways we can practice better listening
~ Katie teaches an energy practice for intentional capacity building and deep listening
~ Join Katie and The Shakti School for the Embodied Ayurveda + Mystical Mind live in-person and virtual retreat May 6th and 7th. Live spaces are filling up fast, so register now to get in! Payment plan options available.
 
This episode is brought to you by PAAVANI Ayurveda. Use discount code SHAKTI15 at checkout for 15% off a one time purchase on paavaniayurveda.com
Female founded PAAVANI Ayurveda is an artisan line of small-batch, pure, organic health & skincare products formulated in Northern California. 
Handcrafted with the wisdom of Ayurveda, these gals seek to raise conscious awareness of the whole by practicing the philosophy of ahimsa or nonviolence in making their products. This means that their offerings are certified cruelty free and vegan and that PAAVANI carefully selects herbal ingredients that are sustainable, ensuring that plant medicine is abundant for future generations. 
In addition to mindful formulations, PAAVANI Ayurveda packages their products in glass to maintain the integrity of their herbal ingredients. Additionally, their labels are printed on recycled paper stock, using water-based inks that generate little to no paper waste & no harmful volatile organic compounds (VOCs). 
With every purchase made with PAAVANI Ayurveda, you are supporting a female founded, small business that strives to maintain the health of not only your skin, but also our earth. 

Get the full show notes: www.TheShaktiSchool.com/podcast/
 
Learn more:
Want to connect? Shoot us a note to info@theshaktischool.com
Ayurveda Certification
The Shakti School Subscription
 
HELP US SPREAD OUR POD WINGS
This show is a passion project that I produce for the love of sharing. If you enjoy this show and want a free and easy way to help it grow, the most effective way you can help is to:
1. Subscribe to the show by clicking “subscribe” in iTunes
2. Write us a review in iTunes
3. Share this show with one friend right now!
It seems simple, but you’d be AMAZED to know how much it helps my little love project reach more people. iTunes’ algorithm uses ratings and reviews to know who to show our show to in their app.
Here’s the link to leave us reviews in iTunes. 
From my heart to your screen,
Katie
 

In this episode, Katie illuminates how denying our sensuality and sexuality can repress it, and in turn show up in insidious ways. She also discusses the polarization around tantra and sex, and how this can be limiting. Tune in to learn how tantra can help us find a place of rest amongst the chaos and how this can support a healthy intimate relationship with ourselves and others.
In this episode you’ll hear: 
~ Some of the deeper meanings of the word TANTRA
~ The polarization around tantra and sex 
~ Why we all need to go back to Kindergarten when it comes to Sex Ed
~ The meaning of SAHAJA and sex life 
~ Embodied Ayurveda + Western Mystical Mind Event - join us live or virtually!
~ Katie’s book recommendations:
White Tigress Green Dragon: Taoist Sexual Secrets for Youthful Restoration and Spiritual Illumination
Healing Love through the Tao: Cultivating Female Sexual Energy Taoist Secrets of Love: Cultivating Male Sexual Energy Tao Tantric Arts for Women: Cultivating Sexual Energy, Love, and Spirit

Get the full show notes: www.TheShaktiSchool.com/podcast/
Learn more:
Want to connect? Shoot us a note to info@theshaktischool.com
Ayurveda Certification
The Shakti School Subscription
 
HELP US SPREAD OUR POD WINGS
This show is a passion project that I produce for the love of sharing. If you enjoy this show and want a free and easy way to help it grow, the most effective way you can help is to:
1. Subscribe to the show by clicking “subscribe” in iTunes
2. Write us a review in iTunes
3. Share this show with one friend right now!
It seems simple, but you’d be AMAZED to know how much it helps my little love project reach more people. iTunes’ algorithm uses ratings and reviews to know who to show our show to in their app.
Here’s the link to leave us reviews in iTunes. 
From my heart to your screen,
Katie

What if instead of just resolutions, we committed to a spiritual practice that would actually help us get clear on our Heart’s Deepest Longings? What if instead of constantly looking to the outside world as a mirror, we cultivated an inner reservoir that could nurture us in ways we only dreamed possible? This episode is from a webinar led by Katie on infusing spirit into your new year. Katie leads a 10 minute meditation that you can tap into anytime.
In this episode you’ll hear: 
~ What does it mean to start a spiritual practice?
~ Paradox is the path
~ How to work with unconditional positive regard
~ How ‘patiently sitting on the edge of consciousness’ can bring magic into your life
~ Katie leads a 10 minute meditation that you can access anytime
~ Click here for the Sacred Steps PDF Katie mentions in the episode 
~ Level 1 Ayurveda School starts THIS WEDNESDAY January 18, 2023! Here’s your chance to launch your Ayurvedic path with our one-of-a-kind course. If you’ve ever considered diving deep into this healing tradition, whether for your own health journey or as a career path, this is your chance to jump start that change and get the support you need. 
~Have questions about Ayurveda School? Head here to book a free coaching call with a Shakti School grad
Get the full show notes: www.TheShaktiSchool.com/podcast/
Learn more:
Want to connect? Shoot us a note to info@theshaktischool.com
Ayurveda Certification
The Shakti School Subscription
 
HELP US SPREAD OUR POD WINGS
This show is a passion project that I produce for the love of sharing. If you enjoy this show and want a free and easy way to help it grow, the most effective way you can help is to:
Subscribe to the show by clicking “subscribe” in iTunes Write us a review in iTunes Share this show with one friend right now! It seems simple, but you’d be AMAZED to know how much it helps my little love project reach more people. iTunes’ algorithm uses ratings and reviews to know who to show our show to in their app. 
Here’s the link to leave us reviews in iTunes. 
From my heart to your screen,
Katie

We have another special guest-led episode this week with author, Ayurvedic counselor, and Shakti Ayurveda School teacher, Lisa Marie Rankin. Lisa hosted this ‘author talk’ featuring Katie and Healthy, Happy, Sexy. Tune in to the discussion on a myriad of topics and some practical ways for supporting yourself spiritually and emotionally.
In this episode you’ll hear: 
~ How our lineage roots inform our current energies
~ What is Svastha?
~ How to balance between the feminine and the masculine
~ The heart field as the feminine lodge 
~ Katie’s take on the word ‘happy’ and it’s deeper meaning
~ Internal conflict and emotions
~ How can you create ease if you have a chaotic lifestyle? 
~ Supporting ourselves by being able to hold the chaos and move spirit through ourselves in the moment
~ Why is it so hard to change our habits?!
~ You can find Lisa Marie Rankin’s book The Goddess Solution here and find her at LisaMarieRankin.com
~ Get on the waitlist for Lisa's 10-week Divine Feminine Ayurveda program to increase your energy, boost your radiance, and ignite your sensuality.
https://www.lisamarierankin.com/waitlist
~ Level 1 Ayurveda School starts January 18, 2023! Here’s your chance to launch your Ayurvedic path with our one-of-a-kind course. If you’ve ever considered diving deep into this healing tradition, whether for your own health journey or as a career path, this is your chance to jump start that change and get the support you need. 
~Have questions about Ayurveda School? Head here to book a free coaching call with a Shakti School grad
 
Get the full show notes: www.TheShaktiSchool.com/podcast/
Learn more:
Want to connect? Shoot us a note to info@theshaktischool.com
Ayurveda Certification
The Shakti School Subscription
HELP US SPREAD OUR POD WINGS
This show is a passion project that I produce for the love of sharing. If you enjoy this show and want a free and easy way to help it grow, the most effective way you can help is to:
Subscribe to the show by clicking “subscribe” in iTunes Write us a review in iTunes Share this show with one friend right now! It seems simple, but you’d be AMAZED to know how much it helps my little love project reach more people. iTunes’ algorithm uses ratings and reviews to know who to show our show to in their app.
Here’s the link to leave us reviews in iTunes. 
From my heart to your screen,
Katie

This is a special episode hosted by the lovely and amazing, Eden Garcia Thaler, originally aired on her podcast who has generously given us this audio recording of our conversation on her podcast Field Notes from the Spiritual Journey Podcast with Eden Garcia Thaler. Eden is a Shakti Ayurveda School graduate, a shadow alchemist, helping highly sensitive beings liberate their true selves, connect to their personal version of the divine, and manifest their desires by integrating their shadows and blocks. 
In this episode you’ll hear: 
~ What is "the Goddess?"
~ How can we relate to the goddess archetypes within us
~ How our ancestors personified nature through symbols and deity work
~ The importance of death work in Winter, the spirituality of Winter in the northern hemisphere, the loss of the light (physical and spiritual), and the birth of eros
~ Reviving ancient rituals in modern times
~ Learning to venerate even the parts of you that you find "intolerable"
~ Projection, division, and integrating the "good" and "bad" that exists within
~ About Eden: Eden Garcia Thaler is a shadow alchemist helping highly sensitive beings liberate their true selves, connect to their personal version of the Divine, and manifest their desires by integrating their shadows and blocks. She's also the host of Field Notes From the Spiritual Journey podcast where she explores topics like how to do shadow work, the anatomy of feedback loops, shares her personal manifestation stories and interviews experts in personal development and spirituality. Learn more at www.edengarciathaler.com
~ Level 1 Ayurveda School starts January 18, 2023! Here’s your chance to launch your Ayurvedic path with our one-of-a-kind course. If you’ve ever considered diving deep into this healing tradition, whether for your own health journey or as a career path, this is your chance to jump start that change and get the support you need. 
~Have questions about Ayurveda School? Head here to book a free coaching call with a Shakti School grad


Get the full show notes: www.TheShaktiSchool.com/podcast/
Learn more:
Want to connect? Shoot us a note to info@theshaktischool.com
Ayurveda Certification
The Shakti School Subscription
 
HELP US SPREAD OUR POD WINGS
This show is a passion project that I produce for the love of sharing. If you enjoy this show and want a free and easy way to help it grow, the most effective way you can help is to:
Subscribe to the show by clicking “subscribe” in iTunes Write us a review in iTunes Share this show with one friend right now! It seems simple, but you’d be AMAZED to know how much it helps my little love project reach more people. iTunes’ algorithm uses ratings and reviews to know who to show our show to in their app.
Here’s the link to leave us reviews in iTunes. 
From my heart to your screen,
Katie