The WellMess Dona Monroe

Accomplished wellness expert Siri Baruc Thornton joins the show to discuss her unique path from Hollywood actor to the role of holistic practioner. As a Certified Reiki Master, Mountain Breathwork facilitator, and advanced Akashic Record Reader, Siri shares insights into maintaining a balanced life while juggling being a wife and mother. Siri talks about her upbringing in a Kundalini Yoga ashram, and how she learned to navigate her past experiences to apply the beneficial aspects of healing practices in her life.  She shares the importance of self-improvement and self-love, underlining the belief that everyone can heal themselves. Siri also provides an overview of her personal Buddhist chanting practice, demonstrating how it aligns her energy with the universe. We discuss how different practices have changed her life, mostly by helping her feel safe and self-regulated, thereby also improving her role as a spouse and mother. Moreover, she shares the significance of practices like Reiki, Mountain Breathwork, Akashic Record Reading, and Human Design in understanding oneself better and leading a fulfilling life.
00:00 Introduction and Guest Background
00:59 Siri's Unique Upbringing and Spiritual Journey
03:23 The Impact of Leaving the Ashram and Embracing New Practices
05:10 Siri's Acting Career and Personal Struggles
09:02 The Role of Reiki and Akashic Record Reading in Siri's Life
14:17 Balancing Motherhood and Spiritual Entrepreneurship
14:52 The Importance of Nervous System Regulation and Self-Care
21:56 Siri's Buddhist Practice and Its Influence
35:05 The Power of Practices like Reiki, Akashic Record Reading, and Mountain Breathwork
48:06 Closing Thoughts and Reflections


Siri's Bio: 
Siri Baruc Thornton’s purpose is to facilitate a return to the soul that you are. A Reiki Master of Masters with 26 years professional experience as a healer, Akashic Record Reading Instructor, Spiritual Tools Teacher, Certified Advanced Mountain Breathwork Facilitator, The Embodied Woman: a home for the authentic creative podcast host and newly Human Design Reader. She is a wife, Mom of two boys and two dogs and lives in Camas, Washington just outside Portland, Oregon.

You can find Siri here: 
https://www.sageandblushwellness.com/

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-embodied-woman-a-home-for-the-authentic-creative/id1628408288

https://www.instagram.com/siribaructhornton
If you loved this episode please leave us a rating and review, thank you!

©2023 Dona Monroe

In this Part Two episode with Wellness Coach Julia, she delves into her transformation journey from being a former theatre industry professional and shifting her focus from the external pressures of her physical transformation to exploring her mental, spiritual, sexual, and financial wellness. She shares how she transitioned from the theatre industry to starting her own coaching practice, discussing her approach to wellness, coaching strategies, shifting perceptions on health, weight loss, and dieting culture. Julia explains her methodology as 'Complete Wellness',  involving five branches representing different parts of wellness infused with the practice of breathwork and awareness. She also underscores the importance of self-reflection, redefining perceptions, and practicing curiosity and non-judgemental self-awareness to enhance personal growth and transformation.

00:00 Introduction
00:00 Julia's Journey to Wellness Coaching
01:30 Challenging Gender Norms in Wellness Coaching
02:46 The Power of Self-Value and Setting Boundaries
04:28 The Impact of Coaching on Personal Relationships
05:34 Transitioning to Full-Time Coaching
07:14 The Role of Gratitude in Career Transition
08:08 The Journey to Self-Discovery
09:24 The Challenges of Self-Employment
10:18 The Importance of a Healthy Relationship with Work
14:29 The Importance of Body Fat Percentage in Weight Loss
15:18 The Harmful Effects of Diet Culture
17:46 The Role of Awareness in Wellness
21:42 The Five Parts of Complete Wellness
28:25 The Role of Breathwork in Wellness
33:38 Controlling Your Thoughts Through Meditation
34:26 The Power of Meditation and Its Impact on Our Lives
35:16 The Science Behind Meditation and Its Physiological Effects
36:12 The Importance of Environment in Wellness
36:42 The Impact of Your Surroundings on Your Well-being
38:01 The Power of Self-Talk and Its Influence on Your Life
38:11 The Benefits of Journaling for Self-Reflection
40:46 Overcoming Obstacles to Start Your Wellness Journey
42:07 The Importance of Consistency in Wellness Practices
43:34 The Power of Visualization in Achieving Your Goals
50:05 The Role of Language and Vocabulary in Shaping Our Mindset
54:11 The Journey of Self-Discovery and Personal Growth
01:00:40 The Power of Curiosity in Personal Transformation
01:02:40 Conclusion: Embracing the Journey of Wellness

Julia's Life After Breath podcast:
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/life-after-breath/id1713661645
INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/juliachristinehealth/

If you loved this episode please leave a rating and review and share with a friend!
Thank you! I'm so grateful for your support! 


If you loved this episode please leave us a rating and review, thank you!

©2023 Dona Monroe

In this raw conversation with Certified Optavia Wellness Coach, Julia Christine, we hear about her transformational journey from self-deprecation, low self-esteem, and being overweight to self-love, confidence, and becoming a wellness coach. Julia shares her struggles with self-perception, the societal narratives around body image, and her breakthrough moment of realizing she was not the 'big girl' she always thought she was. She discusses the importance of nurturing body, mind, and spirit in achieving complete wellness, with special emphasis on breathing exercises, awareness, and gratitude. She also shares how patience, grace, and persistence in one's wellness journey can lead to transformative results mentally, physically, and spiritually.
This is part one to a two part conversation we had together. Please tune in for Part Two as well which will post next week.

00:00 Introduction and Podcast Purpose
00:10 Guest Introduction: Julia's Health Transformation Journey
00:43 Julia's Self-Perception and Body Image Struggles
02:22 The Impact of Work and Lifestyle on Julia's Health
04:38 Julia's Lowest Point and Decision to Change
06:49 The Start of Julia's Health Transformation Journey
07:01 The Importance of Self-Love and Confidence in Transformation
08:20 Julia's Experience with Yoga and Self-Perception
10:00 The Role of Self-Fulfilling Prophecy in Julia's Journey
12:29 The Power of Thoughts and Words in shaping reality
13:57 The Importance of Consistency and Self-Trust in Transformation
22:44 The Role of Breathwork and other Tools in Julia's Coaching
25:43 Embracing Your Personal Journey
25:53 The Importance of Self-Awareness
26:38 The Power of Positive Self-Talk
27:21 Understanding the Non-Linear Path of Wellness
29:37 The Role of Breathwork in Wellness
31:14 The Power of Awareness and Mindfulness
38:42 The Connection Between Physical, Mental, and Spiritual Wellness
40:28 The Importance of Complete Wellness
46:53 The Power of Starting Small and Being Curious
48:50 Conclusion and Final Thoughts---------

Julia's Life After Breath podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/life-after-breath/id1713661645
INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/juliachristinehealth/


If you loved this episode please leave us a rating and review, thank you!

©2023 Dona Monroe

In my first guest episode, I talk with Lydia, a mom of two, entrepreneur, and former global advertising director in the sporting goods industry. Lydia discusses the challenges of balancing motherhood while maintaining her career, and how the pandemic offered her an opportunity to pivot towards her entrepreneurial interests. She shares her family's unique living arrangement, splitting time between Portland and Mexico, and her dedication to providing a multicultural experience to her kids. Lydia emphasizes the importance of self-care through physical fitness and personal connections. She also shares a poignant shift in perspective about seeking 'harmony' rather than 'balance' in life's various responsibilities.

You can find Lydia at:
https://bio.site/lydialauer/
Book Casa Madre at: 
https://www.instagram.com/casa.madre.mx/
Lydia's IG here:
https://www.instagram.com/lydialamadre/

00:00 Introduction and Welcome
00:18 Balancing Work and Motherhood
00:49 Journey to Mexico and Career Transition
02:51 Entrepreneurial Ventures and Current Work
04:12 Reflecting on Corporate Life and Motherhood
04:59 Importance of Support Systems
06:40 Challenges of Balancing Work and Family Life
07:50 Transitioning to Work from Home
15:42 Maintaining Personal Identity and Self-Care
20:25 Lessons from Motherhood and Wellness Practices
31:39 Closing Thoughts and Future Plans
If you loved this episode please leave us a rating and review, thank you!

©2023 Dona Monroe

📣 Hey there, friends! 🌟 I'm beyond excited to share with you my brand new podcast, "The WellMess Podcast " 🎉  I wanted to share with you what you can expect each episode as you join me on this incredible journey as I open up about my own health and wellness transformation as a working mom. With two young girls and a hectic job in the design industry, I understand the struggle of finding balance and taking care of ourselves both physically and mentally.

✨ In each episode, we'll dive deep into topics like meditation, parenting, nutrition, personal transformation and so much more. 🧘🏻‍♀️🥦 I've been on a quest for knowledge, exploring holistic practices, like  breathwork, meditation and functional nutrition. Together, we'll navigate this fascinating world and learn how to create a more balanced and healthy lifestyle.

🤝 I believe that everyone's experience is valuable, so my podcast is for all genders, not just working moms. ✨ I want to create a space where we can learn, laugh, cry, and grow together. It's about expanding our consciousness, changing our habits, and finding our inner peace and then spreading that beautiful energy beyond ourselves. 

🎧 So, get ready to tune in and join me on this exciting adventure! Stay tuned for the very first episode, where we'll kick off the WellMess conversation. See you there! 👋🏻😊 
If you loved this episode please leave us a rating and review, thank you!

©2023 Dona Monroe

The Well Mess
Mother’s finding themselves through wellness
TRANSCRIPT:
Welcome to the Well Mess podcast, where mama’s find themselves through wellness. I’m your host Dona Monroe.
I’m a designer by trade and a working mom of two young daughters. I started this podcast to share what I’ve learned along my wellness journey in the hopes that I can support other mamas out there.
Let's get real about striving towards wellness. As working moms we struggle with balancing it all, we feel like we're drowning. I get it, I've been there. I AM there. 
It's a daily practice to work on wellness and still try to be an amazing mom; all the while trying to kill it at the office!

On this podcast you'll hear from other working moms who found that spark of inspiration to start their wellness journeys. We'll discuss the amazing things they've been able to accomplish as badass women as well as the raw messy bits that sometimes derail us.

 Let's talk about the different ways we can start to introduce healthier habits in our daily lives. We are all a work in progress and there is no perfect destination.
Let's motivate each other to keep at it and understand that success comes from having the courage to work through the failures and to just keep getting up when life gets us down. Just like you tell your kids every day .. "WE CAN DO HARD THINGS."

And I’d love to know, how are you ... really? 
Join me every week as we dig deep into the Well Mess. 




If you loved this episode please leave us a rating and review, thank you!

©2023 Dona Monroe