Host, Karen Pawley, interviews Karen Brody, founder of the community Daring to Rest. Karen Brody emphasizes the importance of rest and introduces Yoga Nidra as a powerful sleep meditation practice that leads to deep rest and transformation. Karen Brody shares her personal journey from experiencing chronic panic attacks and exhaustion to discovering Yoga Nidra, which profoundly improved her well-being. She highlights the challenges of overcoming societal pressures that undervalue rest and explains how rest can help reclaim one's true nature, often lost in our fast-paced, productivity-driven culture.

The conversation touches on the heroine’s journey concept from Maureen Murdoch, contrasting it with the traditional hero's journey. It describes a pathway for women to rediscover their essence through challenges like burnout or health crises, leading to a deep connection with the divine feminine and a more authentic, restful life. Karen Brody also emphasizes the role of the body in finding wisdom and advocates for embodied practices to connect more deeply with oneself. She proposes creating rest doulas to hold space for rest, allowing people to explore new, rested ways of being before reaching a crisis point. The conversation concludes with a vision for communities to value and facilitate rest, fostering healthier cultures and households.

Links to find:

Host Karen Pawley Website & Instagram & Facebook & LinkedIn

Guest Karen Brody Instagram

Book Daring to Rest

2025 Daring to Rest 40-Day Program

Daring to Rest Facilitator Training

In this episode of the Free-to-Be-Me podcast, host Karen Pawley introduces a friend Caghrey West, who shares her transformative journey following a late-life neurodiversity diagnosis of autism. Caghrey, at 48, discovered her diagnosis after her daughter received a similar one, which led her to reconsidering her family's dynamics, communication styles, and previous notions of normalcy. Her journey from suffering anxiety unknowingly since childhood to understanding her identity through the lens of autism has been revelatory, providing a sense of belonging and making sense of her lifelong feelings of alienation. Caghrey's story emphasizes the importance of self-acceptance, the relief in understanding oneself, and the courage it takes to live authentically, challenging societal norms. Through this personal story, the podcast illustrates a broader message about the strength required to question the status quo and the beauty of embracing one's true self.

Links to find:

Host Karen Pawley Website & Instagram & Facebook & LinkedIn

Guest Caghrey West Instagram & Facebook

Psychiatric Clinic Optima Rustenvrede in Stellenbosch

The Neuro Diversity Centre

In this episode we delve into the complexities of self-discovery and relationships, highlighting both personal growth and interconnectedness. Host, Karen Pawley reflects on the year's journey toward understanding herself better, uncovering that deep insights often arise through relationships. Guest, Rose Viggiano, a relationship coach and attachment specialist, shares her transformative journey from challenging and unsatisfactory relationships rooted in childhood experiences to healing and building healthy, supportive connections. Together, they emphasize the role of attachment styles and the importance of evolving from codependent behaviors towards secure, interdependent relationships, underscoring the balance of self-awareness and mutual support. Rose candidly discusses her personal healing journey, emphasizing how relationships can drive significant personal growth and advocating for a holistic approach to repair and nurture lasting, authentic bonds. Rose also shares her insights on attachment theory, the importance of awareness in breaking unhealthy patterns, and the power of community in healing. Whether you're single, in a relationship, or seeking to deepen your connections, this episode offers valuable guidance on navigating the complexities of love and finding personal fulfillment.

Links to find:

Host Karen Pawley Website & Instagram & Facebook & LinkedIn

Guest Rose Viggiano Website & Instagram & YouTube

Know Your Attachment Style Free Mini-Quiz