This episode continues our "Sober Curious" conversation from Episode 88, diving deeper into community stories and examining the roles of cannabis and psilocybin and being "California Sober". We also explore the question, "What is a substance?" You'll hear from community members about their evolving relationships with substances, the impact these substances have on personal relationships and mental health, and diverse perspectives on defining a substance. Please note: If discussions about substan...
Jan 17, 2024•36 min•Season 1Ep. 89
What does it mean to be "sober curious"? From "dry January" to the sober curious movement, people are questioning the societal pressure to drink in a culture that emphasizes alcohol consumption. In Episode 88, we explore the concept of being "sober curious" through a conversation with Jody Sidel, a shop owner and advocate for non-alcoholic alternatives in Richmond. We also share insights from our listeners. This episode features individuals who are reevaluating their relationship with alcohol an...
Jan 10, 2024•50 min•Season 1Ep. 88
What if instead of setting resolutions, you start the new year by facing your fears? This episode shares a meditation designed to guide you through fear by acknowledging it, feeling it physically, and witnessing what aids in being with it. We explore the positive transformations that can occur when you meet your fears and help you tap into what lives on the other side of fear. Discover how fear and excitement share similar sensations in the body and how our perception shapes our experience of th...
Jan 03, 2024•21 min•Season 1Ep. 87
Traveling can make it challenging to keep up with a wellness routine. But, it doesn't have to be that way. In this episode you will learn how we drove cross country to Canada and back with our dog without eating fast food, getting 6,000+ steps/day, AND not losing our minds. Learn how to take care of your body and mind while on the road. From mindful eating tips to the benefits of brown noise for better sleep, we're covering it all. We're also sharing the importance of making conscious choices, n...
Dec 27, 2023•39 min•Season 1Ep. 85
In this Winter Solstice episode, we embrace the solstice as a time for inner stillness and rejuvenation. It's an opportunity to transform the shortest day into a deeply spiritual experience, one where we connect intimately with the rhythm of Mother Earth. This episode includes a guided meditation to practice during the winter solstice, helping us to turn inwards and anchor ourselves in the natural cycles of growth. This episode is a call to end the year feeling rooted and rested, dispelling the ...
Dec 20, 2023•20 min•Season 1Ep. 85
If you feel overwhelmed, disconnected, or even lost... you aren't alone. That's why we're here. Join me, Holly Zajur, and guests for heartful conversations about spirituality, health, wellness, nature, and all the things that help us as we navigate being human. How the Wise One Grows podcast is a space where we come together to reconnect to our inner wisdom, one another, and the natural world. Every episode intends to empower you with a deep sense of self-awareness and confidence as you cultivat...
Dec 14, 2023•1 min•Season 1Ep. 85
Feeling overwhelmed? Tune in for a guided meditation designed to turn your attention inward to your body's signals, regulate your nervous system, and communicate your needs more effectively. This 7-minute mindfulness meditation is a powerful tool for tackling overwhelm, and it is particularly beneficial during the holiday season when stress tends to peak. Download this episode now to have support whenever you face overwhelming moments. 04:43 Meditation Begins Referenced Epsiodes: Episode 83 on t...
Dec 13, 2023•12 min•Season 1Ep. 84
In this episode, Liz Bowden shares herstory of the history of psychedelic mushrooms, challenging preconceived narratives surrounding them. If you haven't listened to Ep 5 with Liz on Microdosing Mushrooms , go back and listen before starting this episode. From the ancient Greeks and the war on drugs to modern micro-dosing, it's time to rewrite the narratives we have been told about psilocybin and navigate conversations around psychedelic use, debunk myths, and shine a light on their potential fo...
Dec 06, 2023•57 min•Season 1Ep. 83
Ready to unwrap the BEST present you can give yourself this holiday season?! Give yourself the gift of mindful compassion. This episode will guide you through a five-minute meditation practice to use every day from now until Christmas. Download the episode and join the challenge by practicing every day to support your physical, mental, and emotional well-being. This episode will guide you through the techniques of equal-part breathing, creating a balance within your body and mind. 01:57 Meditati...
Nov 29, 2023•7 min•Season 1Ep. 82
Are the holidays the "most wonderful time of the year"...or not? Listen to hear what listeners had to say about how they feel about the holidays AND devise a plan for the holiday season. In this episode, you'll learn 3 things that you NEED to bring to your holiday gatherings to maintain mental well-being and be present with the FULLNESS that the holidays bring. Navigating the holiday season isn't only about dealing with external factors, but also about tending to your inner self. From managing e...
Nov 22, 2023•22 min•Season 1Ep. 81
Unlock the transformative power of a 18-minute guided yoga nidra-based practice, simulating the rejuvenating effects of a full 90-minute REM sleep cycle. The practice guides you through breathwork, a detailed body scan, and sensory awareness. Whether you're seeking to drift into a peaceful sleep or need a gentle pick-me-up in the middle of your day, this episode is a nourishing gift for your mind and body. Download this episode and start at the time stamp below to give yourself the gift of rest ...
Nov 15, 2023•20 min•Season 1Ep. 80
Pain is a part of life. We all deal with it. In this episode, I share TWO of the most helpful tools I know for dealing with pain. Discover how the amount of suffering we experience is directly tied to our resistance to the present moment. Join me for a meditation about breaking free from the cycle of suffering. We're talking about shedding that resistance to pain, tuning in to our bodies, and making life a whole lot lighter. This episode includes a meditation on the concept that suffering equals...
Nov 08, 2023•18 min•Season 1Ep. 79
Ever wondered what Día de los Muertos is and how this holiday is an important part of grief and healing? Our guest, Laura Barrios, born and raised in Merida, Mexico, shares about this rich tradition that's steeped in Aztec culture. Laura shares stories of how her family prepares for this special day, honoring the departed with the four elements of wind, water, earth, and fire. Beyond mourning, Día de los Muertos is a celebration and remembrance of our loved ones, forging a unique connection to o...
Nov 01, 2023•26 min•Season 1Ep. 78
Ever wondered how celestial events like lunar eclipses can stir up your emotions and teach you life-altering lessons? This is your chance to explore that connection. In this episode, we navigate the upcoming lunar eclipse in Taurus on Saturday, October 28, 2023. Eclipses can be a time of unstable energy that can stir up big emotions. In this context, self-care takes center stage, especially during this lunar event. Join us as we explore the connection between celestial energies and emotional wel...
Oct 25, 2023•19 min•Season 1Ep. 77
This episode is a potent brew of insightful conversations to unearth the witchy wisdom within you, just in time for spooky season. In this episode, we unravel the societal stigmas surrounding women's innate ties to nature and spirit, empowering you to reconnect with these mystical aspects of yourself. Throughout our podcast series, we've explored diverse topics, from reclaiming the power of our bodies and natural cycles with Cait Bonet (Ep 6 ) to delving into herbalism with Leah Larabell of High...
Oct 18, 2023•20 min•Season 1Ep. 76
This guided meditation focuses on working with the Libra solar eclipse on October 14th. In this practice, we confront the shadows of our personal lives and world issues. We reflect on: What drains your energy and focus? What can you do to protect your energy? How are we, as individuals and as a collective, affected by global issues? How can we extend our support while safeguarding our mental and emotional well-being? We invite you to contemplate these questions as we discuss the importance of se...
Oct 11, 2023•16 min•Season 1Ep. 75
Learn how to transform pain into your purpose in Episode 74 as we venture into the realm of Shamanism with Ashley Coleman – a Certified Shamanic Energy Medicine Practitioner, Reiki Master Teacher, Yoga Instructor, and Soul-Growth Mentor. Ashley shares about shamanism and the ways we are all "of great spirit". Ashley helps us understand the roles of the ego, soul, and spirit and the roles the play in our lifes. Gain insights into the healing journey and the pivotal role of unconditional self-love...
Oct 04, 2023•51 min•Season 1Ep. 74
Practice cultivating energetic balance and nurturing a secure inner space with this week's mindful moment. This meditation inspiration is based on episode 71 with Faith Hunter on the significance of representation in wellness and creating inclusive and supportive environments within the wellness community. In this episode, we go beyond external spaces and focus on how we can cultivate a sanctuary within ourselves, especially as we navigate through less supportive spaces in society. This mindful ...
Sep 27, 2023•16 min•Season 1Ep. 73
What if the changing seasons mirrored transformations in your own life? This mindfulness meditation explores the balance of our energy and emotions as we shift through changing seasons, both internally and externally. As we approach the autumn equinox, we invite you to join us in a collective pause and breath, grounding ourselves amidst the changing colors around us. We discuss utilizing our five senses to connect more profoundly with our surroundings and how to ask ourselves the challenging que...
Sep 22, 2023•14 min•Season 1Ep. 72
In this episode, we had the honor of speaking with Faith Hunter about the importance of representation in wellness. Faith is not just a global influencer in the wellness industry, she is a trailblazer, breaking barriers and redesigning what inclusivity and representation should look like in this space. Hear Faith’s story, from being the first dark-skinned black woman gracing the cover of Yoga Journal to creating safe and inclusive spaces for people of color in the yoga community. We're not just ...
Sep 20, 2023•29 min•Season 1Ep. 71
Join us for a transformative guided meditation journey where we explore the five Koshas to foster a deeper self-connection and cultivate inner equilibrium, bliss, and oneness. Drawing inspiration from the insights shared in Episode 69 with Preston Slaughter of LOCAL Adventures RVA , this meditation is thoughtfully designed to lead you on a path toward rediscovering inner bliss and oneness. By nurturing each of the Koshas, you'll embark on a holistic journey of self-transformation and well-being....
Sep 13, 2023•18 min•Season 1Ep. 70
Delve into the powerful influence of mindfulness, yoga, and outdoor adventures on today's youth. Discover how Preston Slaughter empowers youth with essential self-care, mindfulness, and compassion skills through her organization, LOCAL RVA. Explore the authentic connections forged among youth, centered on critical themes such as stress management, trust building, and self-acceptance. Preston's journey began when she returned to the United States after two years of teaching English in Thailand an...
Sep 06, 2023•49 min•Season 1Ep. 69
Do you ever find yourself in a trap of pleasing others, compromising your wants and needs? Based on episode 67 with therapist Justine Carino, this mindfulness-based meditation helps people-pleasers identify their needs, express them, and manage any discomfort that may arise. 03:10 Meditation begins Support the show Follow @howthewiseonegrows and @hollyzajur on Instagram for more and check out more offerings online . Join the ~*Dream Team*~ to support the podcast! Get the 28 Day Creative Wellness...
Aug 30, 2023•14 min•Season 1Ep. 68
Are you exhausted from constantly putting other's needs before your own? In our latest conversation, I sat down with mental health counselor and anxiety treatment specialist, Justine Carino, to dissect the complex pattern of people pleasing. We get to the root of people pleasing, why we do it, and how it's deeply ingrained in our survival instincts. We delve into the uncomfortable feelings that arise when setting boundaries - a crucial step to escape the people-pleasing cycle. Justine offers her...
Aug 23, 2023•48 min•Season 1Ep. 67
Extend kindness to yourself, someone you love, a neutral person, and even someone you struggle with. This practice is a Sharon Salzberg-inspired metta/ loving-kindness meditation based on episode 65 on the Enneagram. This meditation invites you to extend compassion to yourself, someone you love, a neutral person, and even someone you struggle with. It's a transformative practice, simple yet powerful, opening up your heart to empathy and understanding. 03:19 Meditation Begins Support the show Fol...
Aug 16, 2023•11 min•Season 1Ep. 66
What if there was a tool to help you understand not just the 'what' but the 'why' of your behavior? A tool that could lead you to a path of self-discovery and freedom from behaviors and attitudes that no longer serve you. This conversation with Enneagram coach Chelsie Engle explores the profound tool of the Enneagram to do just that. We navigate the nuances of the Enneagram system, and how it sets itself apart from other personality tests. Chelsie and I also explore how the Enneagram sheds light...
Aug 09, 2023•1 hr•Season 1Ep. 65
Reawaken your awareness of interbeing and reaffirm the interconnected nature of life. This meditation is based on Episode 63 with Michelle Cassandra Johnson and practices from her book 'We Heal Together', to remind us of our inherent interconnectedness and the communal nature of healing. Practice this meditation to cultivate a deeper connection to yourself and the world we inhabit. Through this guided meditation, you'll reconnect with your understanding of interbeing and uncover the unifying thr...
Aug 02, 2023•18 min•Season 1Ep. 64
It's a common misconception that healing is an individual experience. While individual healing is important, community and ancestral healing are necessary as well. In this episode, we delve into the many aspects of healing with Michelle Cassandra Johnson and talk about her new book, "We Heal Together," as we uncover the continuous process of healing that embraces both personal and collective aspects of our lives. Our conversation spans from the significance of interconnection to the importance o...
Jul 26, 2023•1 hr 2 min•Season 1Ep. 63
Reconnect with yourself and the natural world. Take note of the moon phases each you practice this meditation and notice what came up during this particular moon phase. And see if that pattern repeats over time and just simply witness the changes. Witnessing these patterns can be a great reminder that just like the natural world is changing every single day, so are you. This practice is not just about self-awareness, it's about understanding our connection with the natural world. 05:15 Meditatio...
Jul 19, 2023•16 min•Season 1Ep. 62
Have you ever wondered about the moon's impact on how you feel? Eleanor Medina, a holistic, nature therapist and the creator of Mindfulness with the Moon shares how working with these cycles can unravel layers of wisdom and insight that lie within ourselves. During our conversation, we explore the link between mindfulness, women's moon cycles, and the lunar phases. Eleanor shares the unique energies associated with the new and full moon and how to harness these energies for clarity and support i...
Jul 12, 2023•48 min•Season 1Ep. 61