She Talks

We all know the adage that good (and bad) things come in threes. But what about when they come in fours? That’s when a “perfect storm” strikes and the universe is demanding that we radically transform ourselves-- and our entire lives. Meet Lisa Brown, a long time sister in our community, who’s opening her arms in a big “yes” to her own perfect storm. A few years ago, Lisa came to me as a one-on-one SHE Mentoring clients because, out of the blue, her husband of two decades asked her for a divorce. On top of this, she was preparing for her eldest son to go off to college, while grappling with the massive physiological and identity shifts of menopause. She was IN IT. In preparation for this podcast series, I remembered Lisa’s journey with loss and heartbreak (and how impressed I was with how consciously she was facing it). So I asked if she’d like to be interviewed about it now, a couple of years later. My email landed in her life during a very liminal time-- she was in hospice with her mother, who

When a woman owns her most harrowing life experiences deep in her bones, she becomes a gift to her community-- and the world. And, yet, that process of deeply feeling, accepting, and learning from our hardships is both grizzly and grueling. It’s one that few women have the courage to endure, much less emerge from stronger and more free. Merryl Rothaus is a testament to what’s possible for all of us when we say a full-bodied “Yes” to whatever darkness live hurls at us. In this truth-telling conversation, Merryl and I discuss: -Hard truths that many women face around becoming single mothers when they’re not in a relationship and are nearing the end of their childbearing years -How she dealt with infertility struggles -How she lived through two second trimester miscarriages-- one which ended in a 16-hour at-home labor -What happened when she became outraged at the Divine -How she has made peace with being a “Mother without Children,” and the fire in her belly to raise awareness around this unreco

“I don’t know anyone who hasn’t gone through multiple heartbreaks,” Sabrina says. She’s lived an unconventional life-- especially as a Chinese-American, seen through the eyes of her more conservative parents. While all of her siblings got married and had children, when yet another one of Sabrina’s relationships would end, her mother would shake her head and tell her, “Sabrina, you’re so unlucky in love.” A devout student and pioneering teacher in feminine spiritual practice, Sabrina is well-known for leading women’s circles in San Francisco and assisting David Deida at his intensives around the country. Now in her late fifties, she has dedicated her life to expressing a truer, freer form of love than convention acknowledges. In our conversation we explore: - The big shifts Sabrina noticed upon turning fifty, and now approaching sixty, and how she honors these big milestones - How menopause forced Sabrina to discover a new sense of sexiness and womanhood - Ways that Sabrina made peace with nev

Heartbreak is a harsh — but incredibly potent — teacher. It carries us straight into our deepest wounds and invites us to heal them, once and for all. It pulls the rug out from under us — and asks us to find our footing amidst the freefall. Heartbreak shatters us — and demands we piece ourselves back together, more whole and holy than before. One of the most painful pieces of heartbreak is the isolation it brings. I’m on a mission to help shift this by creating a safe space where women share not only the highs of our lives, but, more importantly, the lows. To help us find a sense of community in our struggles, and to give voice to the losses that we often grieve in silence, I’ve created a special interview series on our podcast called “The Heartbreak Diaries.” Here, I’ll feature 4 intimate interviews with women who’ve weathered intense heartbreak — and come out the other side even stronger. Today, please enjoy the first interview of this series, with Leadership Trainer and Coach, Krista Barbour. On an ea

Last week we also passed through the milestone of Imbolc. Here in the northern hemisphere, this marks the halfway point between winter and spring. We’re in the time of the year when the seeds deep inside the earth, like all the cells in our bodies, start to turn towards the light. These seasonal touchstones offer us chances to pause and reflect. Winter--the season of hibernation, gestation, and visioning--urges us to prioritize stillness, inner listening, and patience with what feels gritty and uncomfortable. It’s hard, I know. Because, even if you’re not experiencing winter geographically, you’re nose-to-nose with transition and uncertainty, and I came across something that I think you’ll find helpful. Last week we welcomed women between 26 and 65, from 14 countries, into this year’s SHE School. One of the things that I shared with the group this past week was a SHE Talk on our theme for February, “Leaving Your Normal Life.” The first step along our 9-part Heroine’s Journey, the central lesson of this

We all have seasons in our lives where we feel like all hope is lost and we’re desperately groping in the dark. We struggle with trusting the process of life and having faith that we can make the right decision. We feel like we’re constantly both fighting off our inner voices that tell us we can't do it whilst battling the fear to forge ahead to still claim what we want out of life. If, like me, you’ve ever grappled with any of these things, today’s episode is for you. Tune in to learn everyday ways to surrender and trust the process of your life; how to live with true joy & calmness in the face of the truism that life is full of uncertainty and can knock you out at anytime; the best way to make any decision from you deepest, wisest self; ways to better hear your SHE (or your feminine intuition) to know irrefutably who you are and what you want in this life. You have infinite wisdom within you. But none of it matters unless you take the time to listen to and live from it. If you’re inspired by this 4-part

Welcome to the first class in our 4-part series, Chaotic Calm: Living from Your Confident Center in Turbulent Times. In today’s class, I’ll share the exact practices, routines, mini-rituals, and tools I relied on in 2016 — the trial-by-fire year that brought me to my knees. Whatever kind of initiation you’re facing right now — whether it’s learning to stay sane with a new baby on board, trying to rekindle some sexiness in your long-term relationship, or simply trying to stay connected to yourself so you don’t spiral into exhaustion — you’ll find boundless wisdom here to support you, right away. Miniature practices create massive transformation. And the best time to start? Is fresh, in the morning … What if--even when you get up on the wrong side of the bed-- you could easily reverse that to the right side of the bed, every day? So you could move through your meetings and errands and carpools and random run-ins with your ex — feeling totally yourself. Vibrant. Centered. And maybe even a tad glowing.

Your body’s a temple -- but someone made a mess in it. And you try to meditate your way to inner peace -- but your monkey mind is flinging banana peels everywhere. You’re not doing anything wrong! These obstacles to inner peace are so common, the Buddha named them: the 5 Hindrances. Enjoy this inspiring SHE dharma talk to make coming home to yourself much, much sweeter. Want more? Join my 9-month spiritual practice community for women, now open for a very short time at: www.TheSHESchool.com.

You’re on the verge of a new chapter in your life -- but you feel resistant and awkward. You’re about to kickstart deeper self-care (and prioritize standing in your own truth), but you’re all elbows and self-doubting. The beginnings of things are hard. Especially when they really, really matter to us. This is the archetype of the Maiden in the Heroine’s Journey. When we understand and honor her (and bring not only our Beginner’s Mind… but also our Beginner’s HEART), we can melt resistance, bring ease into the fiery crucible of change, and say YES to our current “spiritual assignment.” Want more support for your Beginner’s Heart? Discover The SHE School 2017, now open for a very brief window here: www.TheSHESchool.com

The beginnings of things -- even wonderful, self-caring things -- can be challenging. You sit down to meditate and your mind won’t shut up. You hop on your yoga mat and feel stiff and awkward the first 15 minutes. Hear what I told women the opening night of my last SHE Retreat about honoring transitions and beginnings. We talk mindfulness, the two kinds of self-care practices (yes, retail therapy counts!), how to work with resistance, and an ultra-simple practice to determine your “growing edge,” in the Sacred Feminine. Enjoy in a cozy bubble bath. Because living true to ourselves is challenging; and the journey needs all the gentleness and sweetness we can muster. Want more? Join my 9-month spiritual practice community for women, now open at: www.TheSHESchool.com.

Over these past few weeks we’ve turned women’s yoga, meditation, and feminine spirituality inside out and upside down. Today it’s time to look at it from one final angle. Let’s explore the business of teaching yoga to women-- and the host of strings (ahem: challenges!) that come along with this gift. A fitting finale to our Poolside Sutras summertime podcast series! It’s not only for yoga teachers and aspiring yoga teachers; but it’s also for anyone who struggles with making a living from her passion. If you love these Sutras, please consider joining me for my upcoming SHE Yoga & Meditation Teacher Training. At this unconventional gathering, I’ll share the under-the-hood techniques and principles I’ve used in my own yoga & meditation for two decades — and taught to thousands of women, worldwide. Whether you’re aching to support other women or just deepen your own practice, you’ll find the feminine heart of yoga and meditation there. And, yes: we’ll have plenty of pool-time, too. www.SHEYogaTraining.com

In today’s episode, the second-to-last in our special Poolside Sutras summertime series, I’m sharing how I (literally!) stumbled across an embodiment practice that drastically changed my life. Welcome to a Woman’s Guide to Yin Yoga. These practices soothe and rejuvenate me. They prepare me for whatever life is asking me to meet, and they return me to myself. I wish for every woman to have this, too; because yin yoga is one of the best allies we can have in our embodiment tool kits. In today’s Poolside Sutra, I’ll share the unexpected story of how I found yin yoga (it involves not sleeping for 3 days straight!); ways to use yin yoga to work with adrenal fatigue, anxiety, insomnia, and more; and why this practice is one of the best ways to skillfully align our yoga practice with our hormonal cycles. If you love these Sutras, please consider joining me for my upcoming SHE Yoga & Meditation Teacher Training. At this unconventional gathering, I’ll share the under-the-hood techniques and principles I’ve used

We can have the perfect meditation accoutrements adorning our perfect, meditative environment. But when we sit down, expecting our minds to still, distractions to vanish, and inner turmoil to cease--simply because we’re meditating--we’re setting ourselves up for failure (and usually more tension than we started with!). Meditation isn’t about seeking some tranquil space. Nor is it about overriding sadness, depression, monkey mind, or fatigue. In today’s Poolside Sutra, we’ll explore what meditation really is- and, hopefully, you’ll discover that it’s a lot more accessible than you thought. If you’re struggling to get (or stay) on your cushion, much less making friends with yourself once you do, today’s episode is for you. If you love these Sutras, please consider joining me for my upcoming SHE Yoga & Meditation Teacher Training, now open for registration. At this unconventional gathering, I’ll share the under-the-hood techniques and principles I’ve used in my own yoga & meditation for two decades — and t

Have you ever woken up too tired, too busy, too distracted to practice yoga or meditate? If so, you’re in the right place. And you’re not alone. In today’s episode, I’ll talk about how I developed a consistent, daily yoga & meditation practice nearly two decades ago, and how I have since helped countless other women do the same; ways to create the space and time for practice (even when you don’t think you have any); practice workarounds for travel, irregular schedules, and for any woman who thinks she’s not a morning person; and how to handle boredom, low energy, and diminishing motivation and inspiration. Starting our days in connection with the Sacred allows us to show up for life as the women we most long to be. Settle in for today’s Poolside Sutra, sisters. This isn’t some idealized, Polyanna advice, it’s down-to-earth, practical, and fiercely loving guidance to help you create a daily practice in the way that is right for you, and your life, right now. If you love these Sutras, please consider joini

Welcome to our new, seasonal podcast series, Poolside Sutras: my summertime gift to you. Pull up a chaise lounge, soak up the twinkling blue view, and let’s chat about what matters most. I’ll share stories from my own life and practice. Hard-won insights and life-changing lessons from my own mentors, answering the most common struggles you asked about when I inquired: “what’s holding you back in your yoga and meditation practice and teaching?” Today’s episode is all about the mysterious path of women’s yoga. In it, I speak about my humble (unexpected) beginnings, the core differences between masculine and feminine approaches to yoga, and how you can trust the zigs and zags of your own journey, too. If you love these Sutras, please consider joining me for my upcoming SHE Yoga & Meditation Teacher Training, now open for registration. At this unconventional gathering, I’ll share the under-the-hood techniques and principles I’ve used in my own yoga & meditation for two decades — and taught to thousands of

Today’s talk is a fitting closing for our “Bubble Bath Wisdom” series, because it’s all about integration. It’s about taking our insights from the yoga mat or the meditation cushion and bringing them into our intimate relationships, our parenting, our leadership, and something as foundational as the inner attitude we move through each day with. In it, I’m sharing a few clips from some of last year’s SHE School mentoring calls. Each clip holds a question from one of the program participants. All are very deep and complex- reflecting the women who ask them. And they all help us to see how we can take all our inner work, and start to shine it out into the world. They lead us to remember that, if we’re not where we want to be in life, maybe it’s time to stop believing our thoughts and following our same old habits. And maybe it’s time for us to source our next steps from a deeper truth about who we are, and what really matters to us in this precious life. Listen in to learn: * The crucial differences between

Over the past two months, we’ve explored our inner voices, hormonal cycles, the Heroine’s Journey, daily rituals, yin yoga, and meditation. You may be surprised to hear that, when practiced alone, all of these can cause us to harden and insulate. They threaten to deaden us in the never-ending cycle of Drill Sargent self-improvement. But, since this is the second-to-last episode in this podcast series, it’s now time to stitch these all together. Not with any old thread. With racy, red lace. When combined and viewed inside the larger perspective I’m sharing today, these practices return us to the deep sea of feminine devotion. Adorned with fruit, flowers, celebration, and exuberant, heart-bursting love. Today’s talk is an excerpt from our 2014 Red Tent (now The SHE School); and it offers an initiatory glimpse into feminine spiritual practice. In it, I share: * How to reroute your self-sabotaging tendencies into vitality, vibrancy, and unstoppable creativity * Why you must Be the Lover, above all else W

Instead of featuring one of my own talks on today’s podcast episode, I’m sharing an excerpt from a talk that one of my own beloved teachers-- Sarah Powers-- gave to our SHE School community a few years back. We in the SHE School sisterhood love Sarah Powers. She’s an incredibly grounded, wise, globe-trotting yogini, who also happens to be a devoted wife, mother, and author. When I first met Sarah in my early twenties, I felt I had finally found a role model for a woman who’s ambitious and successful, while also having a (very) deep practice and a nourishing home life. Plus, Sarah has a really innovative perspective on a woman’s path to wholeness, one that has helped to create the foundation for my own work in the world. In this clip, Sarah shares: * The key practices she recommends ​for becoming an empowered, female practitioner * How to trust your inner signals, and let go of the need for outer verification *Ways to cultivate earthy confidence *Why you need to have a practice that speaks to all o

In today’s “Bubble Bath Wisdom” podcast episode, I unpack why we women need to include Mindfulness Meditation in our daily lives, as well as offer a practice to help you get started. We women need to cultivate our Inner Warriors. We need to know we’re strong enough to handle the storms of life. We need to get comfortable with being uncomfortable. All too often we collapse into the Victim, or the Damsel in Distress, and, in so doing, we miss out on discovering our innate, inner strength. So, good news! It’s totally possible to enjoy the fruits of meditation without the yuck of getting all rigid and heady about it. Listen in, and I’ll tell you how.

In this clip from the first retreat in Reversing Our “Curse,” I give an overview of how to appreciate and partner with our monthly hormonal cycles (at any age) as constant reminders calling us home. When we align with our cycles, we emerge every month renewed and empowered. At the end, I’ll share a simple, 4-step morning ritual. I never start a day without it! This will help you safeguard your sanity and creativity as you ride the (often tumultuous!) waves of your hormonal cycles each day.