From Exhaustion to Enlightenment: A Journey Through Mindfulness and Self-Love
Episode description
Alana introduced Michelle Shalin, an international speaker, author, and mental fitness coach, who shared tips on confidence and self-love. Michele has coached and guided thousands of individuals across the globe over the past three decades. She is known for her expert strategies for conquering exhaustion through meditation, mindfulness, and breathwork. Michele, originally from Chicago, is currently on a US book tour, with her audiobook version of "Mindful Metaphors" recently released. She resides in Austin, Texas.
Michele's Personal Journey and Mindfulness
Michele shared her personal journey of relocation, including her time in Texas, Key West, Phoenix, and Valencia, Spain, which influenced the writing of her book, Mindful Metamorphosis. She discussed her involvement in various support communities, particularly Workaholics Anonymous, and how her experiences led to her interest in mindfulness and inner transformation. Michele also highlighted the significant impact that meditation had on her healing and spiritual growth, despite having undergone back surgery due to the effects of her workaholic lifestyle. Alana showed interest in Michele's book and asked for more details about the concept of inner transformation and Michele's application of mindfulness in it.
Michele's Journey to Self-Discovery and Healing
Michele shared her personal journey of self-discovery and healing. After a back surgery in 2014, she began to question her constant need for movement and busyness. She realized that her discomfort with stillness was rooted in suppressed emotions and a fear of being alone. Michele's decision to separate from her husband in 2010 led her to Spain, where she experienced significant personal growth through meditation, mindfulness, and yoga. She also confronted her childhood trauma and relived past relationships, leading her to understand the importance of self-love and the need to surround herself with like-minded women.
Michele's Quarantine Experiences in Spain
Michele shared her experiences during the quarantine period in Spain. She highlighted how her plans to extend her second visa and work legally were disrupted by the pandemic. The strict restrictions imposed during the quarantine, which included being confined to her studio apartment with no balcony or yard, were also described by Michele. Despite the challenging circumstances, she managed to find solace in the company of her friends and the ability to open her shutter windows.
Michele's Personal Growth and Psilocybin Experiences
Michele shared her intentional decision to limit her exposure to violent and disturbing content and instead focus on inspirational, motivational, and educational material. She explained how this shift in her media consumption influenced her personal growth, including her work on cultivating self-love through guided meditations and breathwork. Michele also discussed her experiences with psilocybin and how it amplified her efforts in areas like forgiveness and gratitude. Alana then interjected, noting that Michele's journey, including her move to Spain and her rediscovery of her adolescence, was detailed in her book.
Michele and Alana's Discussion on Meditation, Plant-Based Drugs, and Suffering
Michele shared her journey of how she started practicing meditation after a back surgery in 2014, which later led her to explore plant-based drugs like psilocybin mushrooms. Alana expressed concern about the potential risks and recommended seeking guidance from a spiritual guide for such experiences. Michele agreed and emphasized the importance of integration after such experiences. They both agreed on the importance of having tools to manage suffering and Michele shared a quote from Buddhist monk Thich Nhat Hanh, "When you learn to suffer better, you'll suffer much less."
Embracing Emotions and Self-Love Journey
Alana and Michele discussed the negative impacts of suppressing emotions and the benefits of self-love and acceptance. Michele shared her personal experiences, including a transformative journey following the consumption of a mushroom juice in Indonesia and the subsequent writing of a book about her healing process. She emphasized the importance of embracing all aspects of oneself, including difficult emotions, and how this has led to a deeper connection with her deceased mother. Alana affirmed Michele's sentiments, highlighting the positive impact of self-love on their journey.
Self-Love and Acceptance Practices
Michele emphasized the importance of self-love and acceptance, which she achieved through various practices including meditation, breath work, and affirmations. She highlighted the role of self-forgiveness in this process, particularly in letting go of guilt related to past actions. Michele also shared her experiences of using these practices to improve her self-talk and treat herself with more compassion. Alana expressed gratitude for Michele's insights and asked for her contact information.
Holistic Practices for Stress and Anxiety Management
Michele shared that her book, available on Amazon and Barnes and Noble in English and Spanish, offers insights on holistic practices to manage stress and anxiety. She also mentioned her Facebook group, Mindful Metamorphosis, and her YouTube channel, where she shares helpful videos.
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