Sensitive Matters • Podcast

39: Pregnancy, birth and motherhood with Emily Kuser

After a long hiatus, or in other words – pregnancy, birth and new motherhood –  our Sensitive Matters podcast is finally back!
We begin this new chapter with a unique episode: a heart-to-heart conversation with my best friend Emily Kuser. Emily is a yoga and embodiment teacher who currently lives in Bali and had a baby two months before my daughter Jaya Ariel was born.
In this podcast episode, we discuss our shared journey of pregnancy, birth, and motherhood. We reflect on the experience of being pregnant at the same time and raising our daughters just two months apart.
We dive deep into the process of unlearning myths and challenging societal narratives about pregnancy and birth, how living in Bali influences our choices and how it has shaped our approach to motherhood and personal healing.
The conversation touches on themes of independence, grief, and the importance of cycle awareness and feminine wisdom. We share ways on living healthily and treating our bodies, we tap into the question of whether yoga is still good for women, and share our prayers for our own daughters.
It is a juicy first episode of the season that taps into the importance of ancestral healing, choices that go against societal norms, and the power of the postpartum period. We reflect on the unlearnings and transformations we have experienced during pregnancy and how it has shaped their lives moving forward.
So - get ready for this slightly unusual episode as it is simply a conversation between two best friends in my bedroom while our babies were sleeping. Join us as we share our dreams, fears, prayers and insights on this journey of motherhood and simply being alive in these times.
We truly hope you enjoy this episode. Listen and leave us a review and your feedback below!

38: A grounding meditation: recharge yourself with Mother Earth and give it right back

Having existed in this world in the last few years meant having subscribed to wobbly, bumpy and often times weird tides of life, whether we wanted it or not. Collective changes, personal challenges, triggers and displaced nervous systems were felt and experienced on many levels. But there was also a lot of positive outcome. It is what life does. The good and the bad go hand in hand. And this gives us the power of choice. Even in those moments where it didn’t feel like it.
Earth day is this month
– on April 22nd. It is a day that reminds us of our collective responsibility towards resources - the Earth’s and ours as humans. Earth Day is not just about planting trees, cleaning up beaches, or reducing carbon emissions. It's also about fostering a deeper connection with nature and recognizing our place within the intricate web of life. Similarly, being grounded in oneself involves finding stability and balance amidst the chaos of modern life. Just as we strive to nurture the Earth, we must also cultivate our inner landscapes to promote harmony and resilience.
 
Find out more in www.anandasoul.com

37: HER STORIES – Life in a female body | EP03 with Sophie Siegel

In October we launched a new podcast mini series HER STORIES – Life in a female body. Our first episode was with Emily Kuser in which we explored the experience of living and growing a new life in a pregnant body. Our second episode featured 68 year old Soma Temple and her story of how she moved through the ages.
Bodies come in many shapes, sizes, ages and stages of health. As humans and almost on a daily basis, we are exposed to standardized perceptions of what a beautiful, strong and healthy body and their features should look and feel like. We meet peer judgement, silent judgement and our own self-talk, oftentimes without even asking where these ways of thinking and believing are truly coming from.
In this series ‘HER STORIES – Life in a female body’ we interviewed an incredible mix of inspiring women that all represent in their own ways different facets and aspects of beauty with having on thing in common: they are without any doubt beautiful. 
Our third interview is with Sophie Siegel, also known as Sophie Sofree, Musician, Ecstatic Dance Djane, Spaceholder and Mama of little Mila. In this interview Sophie shares her experience in her female body, what it is like to grow up as the daughter of a model, how she experienced her body prior to becoming pregnant and what initiations she and her little family went through.
We hope it touches something within you!

36: Heart Meditation to Stay in Your Center by Christina Zipperlen

I put this meditation together as a gift for those of you who wish to find ways to feel into their hearts, to live, speak and act from this place and to curiously explore the pathways within and around it.
The world can be a busy and hectic place. Especially shortly before the Holiday season, especially on Black Friday. Many seek to claim your attention right this moment in time and we are glad you landed here, with us, in a space of reprieve.
As the wise Rumi once said
“If the light is in your heart, you will find your way home.”
I think this quote beautifully shares every reason why we should be in our hearts more, today more than ever: to find our own ways as we dare to get out of our way and to see and feel with clarity, but only when we are truly tapped into our hearts.
With this offering you are invited to come to meet yourself in all facets of who you are. To leap out of the current role you find yourself in right this moment in time and to take a grounded seat within your own chest. May this bring out the beauty of your own heart and may you take action to lift it like a prayer to the sky.
A few instructions
Grab a cushion or blanket, find yourself in your most comfortable seat or lie down and allow yourself to be carried into a safe space.
After the meditation, if you feel like it, grab pen and paper and write from your heart whatever floods your being. Let it be a reminder for you of what it feels like to be in your own heart.
 
“As you live Deeper in the Heart, the Mirror gets clearer and cleaner.” – Rumi

35: HER STORIES – Life in a female body | EP02 with Soma Temple

Last week we launched our new podcast mini series HER STORIES – Life in a female body. Our first episode was with Emily Kuser in which we explored the experience of living and growing a new life in a pregnant body. 
Bodies come in many shapes, sizes, ages and stages of health. As humans and almost on a daily basis, we are exposed to standardized perceptions of what a beautiful, strong and healthy body and their features should look and feel like. We meet peer judgement, silent judgement and our own self-talk, oftentimes without even asking where these ways of thinking and believing are truly coming from.
In this series ‘HER STORIES – Life in a female body’ we interviewed an incredible mix of inspiring women that all represent in their own ways different facets and aspects of beauty with having on thing in common: they are without any doubt beautiful. 
Our second interview is with Soma Temple, who is 68 year old, owner of Om Rudraksha, her own mala company and a close member of our community in Bali, Indonesia.  
In this episode we explore with Soma her story of moving through the ages and what it feels like to be in a 68 years old body today. We hope you will love it! 

34: HER STORIES – Life in a female body | EP 01 with Emily Kuser

Bodies come in many shapes, sizes, ages and stages of health. As humans and almost on a daily basis, we are exposed to standardized perceptions of what a beautiful, strong and healthy body and their features should look and feel like. We meet peer judgement, silent judgement and our own self-talk, oftentimes without even asking where these ways of thinking and believing are truly coming from.
In the following series ‘HER STORIES – Life in a female body’ we interviewed an incredible mix of inspiring women that all represent in their own ways different facets and aspects of beauty with having on thing in common: they are without any doubt beautiful.
Our first interview is with Emily Kuser, yoga and embodiment teacher who currently lives in Bali. Emily is at the time of the interview 8 months pregnant and on her very own journey around beauty and how it feels to be in this human body.
In the upcoming episodes we will speak with the 68 year old Soma who shares her heart and eye-opening story around moving through the ages and what it feels like to be in a 68 years old body today. Sophie shares her story on having a baby and what it feels like to turn to a new found sense of embodiment and wisdom. Please stay put... ;)

33: Meeting with Artemis – Chris Skidmore and ancient tales of humanity

Welcome to the newest episode of Sensitive Matters. This time we are taking a dive deep into the mysterious and fascinating world of mythology together with the wonderful Chris Skidmore, a therapist registered with the psychotherapy and counselling foundation of Australia. Chris is also a biodynamic craniosacral therapist and has been a practicing astrologer for the past seven years. In his podcast ‘On the soul’s terms’ Chris shares insights on well-known myths and figures and analyses them with the concepts of astrology, mythology, archetypes and legends from the past.
Today’s episode is a dedication to the Greek Goddess Artemis whose presence is a big part of our newest collection ‘Tales from Within’.
This episode covers the following points:
Embark on a journey into the profound world of mythology, where intricate life complexities are unraveled, inviting introspection and deeper existential inquiries.
Explore the intricacies of the human experience through mythological tales, which serve as mirrors reflecting the delicate shades of gray and moral dilemmas we encounter.
Dive deep into the archetype of Artemis, embodying the harmonious blend of untamed intuition and the delicate balance between domesticity and the wild.
Uncover the unforeseen consequences of the "never again" mindset, delving into its potential to lead to tragic outcomes and a gradual hardening of one's identity.
Find out how ancient archetypes offer insights to navigate personal narratives, heal from pain, and glean wisdom amidst betrayal.
Witness the transformative fusion of astrology, fairy tales, and personal anecdotes from Christina and guest, Chris Skidmore as they share illuminating new perspectives and providing profound life guidance.
Embark on an enlightening exploration of the captivating Artemis, as we unravel her multifaceted essence—a guardian, sensual enigma, and embodiment of life force.
Navigate Artemis within the rich tapestry of ancient Greek deities, discovering her distinct role and dynamic interplay among the divine beings.
Immerse yourself in practical applications of "Artemis Energy," drawing upon her fierce vitality to infuse your narrative with courage, intuition, and authenticity.
Discover how Christina was inspired by “Artemis Energy” to create Ananda Soul’s new Artemis collection.
Reflect on the captivating exploration of Artemis, inviting you to embrace your untamed nature within, fostering intuitive revelations and nurturing the transformative power of myth. 
We truly hope you are as fascinated about this episode as we are! Listen and leave us a review and your feedback below!
Find more about Chris Skidmore here: https://onthesoulsterms.com
Check out Chris 'On the Soul's' podcast 
 
ABOUT OUR HOST:
Christina Zipperlen is the designer and founder of Ananda Soul, but her journey doesn’t end there. She is also a writer and counselor, helping others to heal trauma, find their authentic self, and feel safe and whole as they walk through this life. She uses a somatic approach combined with Compassionate Inquiry to form a deep understanding of how the body, mind, and soul are undeniably interwoven. Interested? You can learn more by visiting www.SensitiveMatters.com

32: Sink Into Your Intuition Meditation by Christina Zipperlen

Within us resides a collection of tales and stories – a wisdom passed on through generations a long, long time ago. You are invited to join me in a 10 minute meditation to come to meet tales, wonders and magic that have always already been residing within you, but might have not been accessible to you. You will be guided to listen to the wonders and whispers of your own inner wisdom that stir your heart and ignite a fire deep within your soul. You will be guided back to getting in touch with your intuition, your heart and gut, so you may move into the world as a full expression of your truth.
Grab a cushion or blanket, find yourself in your most comfortable seat or lie down and allow yourself to be carried into a safe space from which you get to see all parts and tales of you.
We hope you will enjoy this unique exploration into your own world of tales and wonders. 
Here is your free meditation with Christina. Find a quiet space, maybe a cushion, and press play 🤍

31: Grounding meditation with Anna Fries

Inspired by the celebration of Earth Day last week, we wanted to speak to the idea of acknowledging and honoring Mother Earth as the nurturer and bearer of all life.
Earth Day is a day that celebrates and honors our planet. It brings light to the efforts and the achievements of the global environmental movement and raises awareness of the need to protect Mother Earth’s resources for future generations to come. The intention is to educate, diversify and activate. Earth Day creates visibility for projects and initiatives that support our resources and our future.
Our offering for Earth Day is to bring you and us back to our own inner earth and with this to our interconnectedness.
This Earth Day we are offering a grounding meditation to connect deeper to where we are coming from.
Start by settling into a comfortable seat, sensing into the weight of your lower body and notice your particles settle as you arrive. Make sure you are supported and able to be at ease.
Notice the way in which your weight is distributed in your seat. Take note if it is even, or if you are more inclined towards the left, the right, the front or the back and if you are able to find your center.Imagine your pelvis is an anchor - grounding you into the Earth you are sitting on.
Feel down into the base of your spine, the point that connects you to the Earth. Envision roots growing from the base of your spine, like a tree, burrowing down, anchoring so deeply into the earth, you become a part of her. Nothing can rock you, pull you out of your foundation.
Feel yourself rooted in the place that you are in now.
From these roots imagine the spine and torso as the trunk of a solid tree. Visualize its bark, the structure, texture, smell, stability - give it adjectives as you continue to give it your awareness and observations
Take the space to lean back into that which is you, that holds you.
Let your inner eye wander through the belly, through your diaphragm, the base of your heart, your heart towards your shoulders.
From the shoulders upward we imagine/feel as if we had branches extending skyward, towards the astral. Branches that make up a crown that you would wear.
Where the leaves of our tree would be, we see the benevolent faces of our loved ones, community, familial and spiritual ancestry from which we receive blessings, love and support in form of liquid light flowing down to us. The stars are woven into our branches like diamonds from the sky.
Let the light, the love from our loved ones trickle down through our branches, our trunk and roots back into the Earth.
Let the light and love be a creative intelligence that exists through you, that permeates you and passed on into the Earth itself, you are a connection point between the Earth and the heavens.
Allow yourself to bask in the sensation and support of the Earth as well as your guides. All is connected, in deep reciprocity. Our roots are like super highways that share nourishment, energy and wisdom with one another. You are not alone on this Earthly realm.
Slowly start to bring awareness back to your surroundings, notice any other sensation your senses grasp before opening your eyes slowly. Move with mindfulness and intention as you take the sensation of groundedness into your day.
 

30: Nancy Aronie & the healing power of writing

We are incredibly honored to speak with Nancy Aronie on the 23rd episode of our Sensitive Matters podcast. Nancy is a writing coach and workshop leader who has helped countless writers access their own unique voice and create a
safe space for self-expression. She has worked with various big institutions such as Harvard University, Kripalu Center for Yoga and Health, and Omega Institute, among others.
Her book Memoir as Medicine in which she shares her own moving stories invites writers to tap into the healing power of writing.
This episode covers the following points:
How to create a positive atmosphere where writers can feel comfortable sharing their work and being vulnerable by setting clear guidelines for respectful communication.
How writers can overcome their self-doubt and fear of judgment to continue on their writing journey, using her own experiences as an example.
The importance of finding the right group of writers who will support and encourage each other to grow and thrive.
The therapeutic benefits of writing, and how it can be used as a tool for self-discovery and personal growth.
Nancy shares practical advice on how writers can use writing to tap into their unique voice and perspective, and how prompts and exercises can be used to spark creativity and inspiration.
The importance of writers tapping into their unique voice and perspective to create authentic and powerful writing.
Tips on using prompts and exercises to overcome writer's block and spark creativity.
The importance of positive feedback and encouragement in the creative process, and how it can help writers stay motivated and confident.
How writing can be used as a tool to process trauma and difficult emotions, and how it can lead to healing and growth.
The benefits of creating a regular writing practice, and how it can serve as a form of self-care and self-expression.
We truly hope you love this episode as much as we do! Listen and leave us a review and your feedback below!
Learn more about Nancy Aronie here:
https://chilmarkwritingworkshop.com/nancy-aronie
Check out her new book 'Memoir as Medicine'
ABOUT OUR HOST:
Christina Zipperlen is the designer and founder of Ananda Soul, but her journey doesn’t end there. She is also a writer and counselor, helping others to heal trauma, find their authentic self, and feel safe and whole as they walk through this life. She uses a somatic approach combined with Compassionate Inquiry to form a deep understanding of how the body, mind, and soul are undeniably interwoven. Interested? You can learn more by visiting www.SensitiveMatters.com