Soul Medicine
By Dana Damara
Listen to Dana each week talk about themes you can focus on to re-member how perfect and Divine you really are.
Evolve your soul. Feed your soul the medicine it deserves
Soul MedicineJun 14, 2023
Episode 75: Resonance
The intention of SOUL MEDICINE is to offer you, the listener, ways to reconnect to your soul. This week I talk to my friend Alexandrah Love from Beautiful Chorus. What I love about Alexandrah the most is that she always challenges me to think things through from a higher perspective. She will challenge me and my words … I LOVE THIS about the people in my circles. This is what happens when other people want you to RESONATE at that higher frequency. They uplift you in ways that you may not have done for yourself.
Listen to us discuss the idea of RESONANCE and why it’s really important …. Why you ask? Well, it creates everything in your life.
Find Dana on Youtube, Instagram at @danadamaraevolution and www.danadamara.com. You can find Alexandrah at @beautifulchorus and https://www.beautifulchorus.com/ I love you Thank you
DD x
Episode 74: Hot/Cold Therapy
The intention of SOUL MEDICINE is to offer you, the listener, ways to reconnect to your soul. This week I talk to Dr Sarah Anne Rothman about the benefits of HOT/COLD THERAPY. This podcast is NOT in any way, shape or form, offering you medical advice. Even though Dr Sarah is a doctor, please remember to check in with your own health professional, use your intuition and then make the best decision for you.
Hot/cold has become all the rage … but honestly, it’s been around forever. You don’t need to buy an expensive cold plunge to get the benefits … Listen to us discuss this topic and hear what Dr Sarah recommends to start incorporating now to change your health.
Find Dana on Youtube, Instagram at @danadamaraevolution and www.danadamara.com. You can find Dr Sarah at @drsarahannerothman and https://www.drsarahrothman.com/ I love you Thank you
DD x
Episode 73: Community
The intention of SOUL MEDICINE is to offer you, the listener, ways to reconnect to your soul. This week I talk to Dr Sarah Anne Rothman about COMMUNITY. This woman lives on the island of Maui so she is re-emembering how powerful COMMUNITY really is. We know it, we need it, we thrive in it and yet … the power of community sometimes, is so undervalued.
We do not exist in a vacuum .. we need community … According to Dan Buettner, who went to (5) Blue Zones in the world to see what was necessary, across the board, for people to live a healthy, long life … community was at the top of the list for every single country.
Find Dana on Youtube, Instagram at @danadamaraevolution and www.danadamara.com. You can find Dr Sarah at @drsarahannerothman and https://www.drsarahrothman.com/ I love you Thank you
DD x
Episode 72: The Void
The intention of SOUL MEDICINE is to offer you, the listener, ways to reconnect to your soul. This week I want to talk about the VOID. That space between space, where seemingly nothing is happening, and yet .. beyond your small scope of vision, it’s when everything is happening.
It’s when you let the Universe take over; you watch for signs, you listen to your intuition, you allow yourself to be still. Even the Moon has a “void of course” where everything stands still. Why can’t you? It’s where all the magic is!
Find Dana on Youtube, Instagram at @danadamaraevolution and www.danadamara.com. I love you Thank you
DD x
Episode 71: Midlife
The intention of SOUL MEDICINE is to offer you, the listener, ways to reconnect to your soul. This week I wanted to talk about MIDLIFE. I was inspired to talk about this after my birthday … and no, I will not tell you how young I am. But I believe there is a difference in our Gregorian calendar age, our spiritual/wisdom age, and our biological age … so really, it doesn’t matter.
There are a few things I’m not super excited about and there are a few things I am over the Moon about, stepping into this milestone. I’d love to hear from you.
Find Dana on Youtube, Instagram at @danadamaraevolution and www.danadamara.com. I love you Thank you
DD x
Episode 70: Feminine Leadership
The intention of SOUL MEDICINE is to offer you, the listener, ways to reconnect to your soul. This week I wanted to talk about FEMININE LEADERSHIP. Dr Sarah and I start off talking about Women’s Leadership, to segue into our retreat, and ended up discussing FEMININE LEADERSHIP and what it really means. Women’s Leadership sounded awkward to us both but once we began talking about how the art of feminine energy, and how it shifts everything.
Compassion. Connection. Co-creation. Collaboration. I love this woman … we have so much fun together and when we record these podcasts, it’s like hanging out with a friend because it is. Listen to the end if you can .. we talk some twists and turns in our conversation, but we finally come back to love.
Find Dana on Youtube, Instagram at @danadamaraevolution and www.danadamara.com. and Dr Sarah @drsarahannerothman
I love you Thank you
DD x
Episode 69: Pain as a Teacher
The intention of SOUL MEDICINE is to offer you, the listener, ways to reconnect to your soul. This week I wanted to talk about PAIN AS A TEACHER. This podcast was inspired by my recent trip to Europe and how I used the physical pain of hurting my knee, to unlock and awaken the deeper meaning behind physical pain. Remembering that you are so much more than this body is liberating and so very enlightening.
Treating pain as a teacher and a gift, is seriously one of the most profound lessons in this life. I hope you enjoy this episode.
Find Dana on Youtube, Instagram at @danadamaraevolution and www.danadamara.com.
I love you Thank you
DD x
Episode 68: Hormone Supplements
The intention of SOUL MEDICINE is to offer you, the listener, ways to reconnect to your soul. This week is week (4) of our (4) week series with Dr. Sarah Rothman on HORMONES!! Today, Dr Sarah offers up information on valuable supplements you can be taking right now to support hormone health. Your hormones are everything so don’t wait … understand that you were meant to feel good.
Balancing your hormones is the key to a healthy life.
Find Dana on Youtube, Instagram at @danadamaraevolution and www.danadamara.com. Find Dr Sarah at @drsarahannrothman and www.drsarahrothman.com
I love you Thank you
DD x
Episode 67: Hormone Replacement Therapy
The intention of SOUL MEDICINE is to offer you, the listener, ways to reconnect to your soul. This week is week (3) of our (4) week series with Dr. Sarah Rothman on HORMONES!! Today we talk about Hormone Replacement Therapy. Oddly, after I did this episode with Dr Sarah and I read so much more on this topic. Ladies … DO YOUR RESEARCH!
HRT got a bad rap way back when, when the pharmaceutical companies linked HRT to cancer. What they failed to mention was that the studies were done on patients with synthetic HRT, not bio-identical organic options. Know your facts!
Find Dana on Youtube, Instagram at @danadamaraevolution and www.danadamara.com. Find Dr Sarah at @drsarahannrothman and www.drsarahrothman.com
I love you Thank you
DD x
Episode 66: Hormone Testing
The intention of SOUL MEDICINE is to offer you, the listener, ways to reconnect to your soul. This week is week (2) of our (4) week series with Dr. Sarah Rothman on HORMONES!! Today we talk about Hormone testing. How to get your hormones tested, which will work for you, what is the difference between blood tests, saliva testing, and the DUTCH test.
I personally found that using the blood test offered by my doctor was great, but the DUTCH test was invaluable! Take a listen and see what make work for you!
Find Dana on Youtube, Instagram at @danadamaraevolution and www.danadamara.com. Find Dr Sarah at @drsarahannrothman and www.drsarahrothman.com
I love you Thank you
DD x
Episode 65: Hormones 101
The intention of SOUL MEDICINE is to offer you, the listener, ways to reconnect to your soul. This week kicks off our (4) week series with Dr. Sarah Rothman on HORMONES!! Truth be told, I’m so intrigued because I’m at that “stage” in my life where my hormones are shifting. There’s so much information out there, not enough information, AND gimmicks to “ease the symptoms of menopause” when there’s nothing to “ease”.
It’s about balance!
Dr Sarah talks about which hormones are the drivers of your internal system and WHY it’s important to find that balance. In the following weeks, we talk about hormone testing, hormone replacement therapy, and supplements that can support your system in finding balance. Ladies .. this one is for you!
Find Dana on Youtube, Instagram at @danadamaraevolution and www.danadamara.com. Find Dr Sarah at @drsarahannrothman and www.drsarahrothman.com
I love you Thank you
DD x
Episode 64: Yamas and Niyamas
The intention of SOUL MEDICINE is to offer you, the listener, ways to reconnect to your soul. This week I’m talking Yamas and Niyamas. Now obviously I am just skimming the surface with this podcast. The philosophy that holds the foundation of the yoga practice is everything. We cannot hold a “steady comfortable pose” if we are scattered in the mind. If are spewing resentment instead of gratitude. If are not upholding the truth that lives in our own hearts.
The (8) Limbs of Yoga are powerful benchmarks that hold me to my truth every single day. The Yamas and the Niyamas spell out the 10 “code of ethics” are valuable for an awakened existence.
- Yamas are the attitudes towards others and the world around you.
Ahimsa or non-violence: Compassion for all living things
Satya or truthfulness: Commitment to the truth
Asteya or non-stealing: Not taking anything that has not been freely given
Bramacharya or non-lust: Merging with the One
Aparigraha or non-possessiveness: Non grasping
- Niyamas are how you treat yourself or your attitude towards yourself.
Saucha - cleanliness
Santosha - contentment
Tapas - burning passion
Svadhyaya - study of the sacred text and of one's self
Isvarapranidhama - Celebration of the Divine.
These principles are the backbone of this practice. Take a listen to learn more!
Find Dana on Youtube, Instagram at @danadamaraevolution and www.danadamara.com
I love you Thank you
DD x
Episode 63: The 8 Limbs of Yoga
The intention of SOUL MEDICINE is to offer you, the listener, ways to reconnect to your soul. The intention of SOUL MEDICINE is to offer you, the listener, ways to reconnect to your soul. This week I go back to the basics of yoga. Which means to unite, or yoke. To bring together …
We begin at the beginning with the (8) Limbs of Yoga as spelled out by Swami Satchidananda. I speak a lot in class as the “asana being only 1/8 of this practice .. “ and this is why.
I look at the (8) Limbs as being something like a tool kit that I can pull from whenever I need an awakening. No two days are ever the same, no two situations are the same, and we are evolving beings. Therefore … we will need varying degrees of “yoga” depending on the day. Take a listen to learn more!
Find Dana on Youtube, Instagram at @danadamaraevolution and www.danadamara.com
I love you Thank you
DD x
Episode 62: Back to the Mat
The intention of SOUL MEDICINE is to offer you, the listener, ways to reconnect to your soul. The intention of SOUL MEDICINE is to offer you, the listener, ways to reconnect to your soul. This week I want to talk a little bit about yoga and the idea of acceptance, and compassion, and how we meet this practice.
I’ve had the privilege to teach in different cities; take trainings all over the world, and drop into classes that offer so many variations of this practice. For me, the foundation of yoga is Oneness. Not ego. Not conforming. Not judging or expecting. Instead … just an evolution of you. This one was tough for me. I tried to remain non-judgmental but I’m sure somewhere in there, I was just human.
Find Dana on Youtube, Instagram at @danadamaraevolution and www.danadamara.com
I love you Thank you
DD x
Episode 61: Sound Therapy with Guy Douglas
The intention of SOUL MEDICINE is to offer you, the listener, ways to reconnect to your soul. The intention of SOUL MEDICINE is to offer you, the listener, ways to reconnect to your soul. I have been playing around sound healing for several years. It was this man (and his partner Simona) who inspired me to use the bowls in my own life.
His passion for sound and how it heals the body, mind, and soul is riveting. He is fueled by a desire to heal the planet, one gong at a time. I am talking with Guy Douglas this week and you should hear his perspective on sound healing. Love him. Thank you Guy .. you can find Guy Douglas in LA and at www.thegongguy.com
Find Dana on Youtube, Instagram at @danadamaraevolution
I love you Thank you
DD x
Episode 60: SEVA: Selfless Service
The intention of SOUL MEDICINE is to offer you, the listener, ways to reconnect to your soul. When I started this practice of yoga, my very first yoga training required us to perform (8) hours of SEVA to graduate. This was the single most powerful thing Beth Shaw could have instilled into my practice. Always coming from a place of service. Remembering that what we DO in this life is a gift; especially if we are afforded the opportunity to practice and share healing gifts.
This topic gets lost in our capitalistic society. There’s an unhealthy striving for more to no end. But from where I’m standing, and like a lot of other individuals I have the honor to work with, it’s all that’s there is … this idea of SEVA.
This is by far one of my favorite quotes from the Yoga Sutras: Translated by Swami Satchidananda:
You have all these things to equip yourself to serve others. You must have a bed to
rest in to feel refreshed in the morning to go out to serve others. You must eat to
have enough energy to serve others. So, you do everything with the idea that you
are preparing yourself to serve others. So, even your Yogic meditation becomes a
selfless action. That is what is meant by “Even with God do not have attachment”.
This non-attachment alone is enough to change your entire life into a joyful one.
My humble belief is that SEVA can be described as moving beyond your own ego and supporting the Universe around you through selfless action and spiritual activism. SEVA refers to selfless service for altruistic purposes on behalf of, and for the betterment of a community.
SEVA is a means to promote humility and demote egoism. It‘s moving fearlessly beyond your prior expectations and self-imposed limitations and elevating human consciousness through selfless service.
This is why we “work” and “do” what we do. This podcast was inspired by my mentor, teacher, colleague, and friend, BrahmanKyrie, founder of Brahman Project Foundation Inc. and Freedom on the Inside. She asked me to do a breathwork and sound healing session in partnership with her program and I couldn’t be more excited about it!
Freedom on the Inside Project is a set of spiritual teachings and conscious programming that is offered at Donovan State Prison, one of California's maximum-security prisons. They provide spiritual and rehabilitative tools that assist each individual in overcoming trauma, addiction and other emotional difficulties that would otherwise prevent them from living the life they were born to live. These individuals regularly attend weekly meditation classes, are instrumental in organizing conscious events and are about to graduate as facilitators where they will be teaching what they have learnt in class.
Serving our community is of deep value; it’s driven my work for years. I’m posting this podcast about SEVA so you re-member why you are here and ask those deeply valuable questions about your life, who you “are”, and what you are truly offering to this world. Are you fulfilled? If not … look to see where you are taking instead of giving.
Sometimes we feel like we cannot give another ounce; but that is when we forget how Divinely supported, we truly are. I’m also asking that you give to the GoFundMe for our project. We need mats, blocks, blankets, and eye coverings for this project, and we would love your help.
I’ll provide the link here … every little bit helps. Thank you for listening and thank you for supporting. Om Shanti.
D
Find Dana on Youtube, Instagram at @danadamaraevolution
I love you Thank you
DD x
Episode 59: Adrenals and Hormones
The intention of SOUL MEDICINE is to offer you, the listener, ways to reconnect to your soul. This week Dr Sarah joins me and she offers up fantastic info on your adrenals: where they are, what their function is, how to take care of them, and warning signs to look out for! I love this woman ... There's so many things in life I learn from her. Take a listen and learn something!
Find Dana on Youtube, Instagram at @danadamaraevolution and at her website www.danadamara.com Find Dr. Sarah at www.drsarahrothman.com
I love you Thank you
DD x
Episode 58: Beautiful Chorus
The intention of SOUL MEDICINE is to offer you, the listener, ways to reconnect to your soul. I am so excited about this week’s podcast. I’m talking to my dear friend Alexandrah Love from Beautiful Chorus. If you don’t know who this woman is .. you are missing out.
The way I met her was Divine, the synchronicity that put us together was incredible, and the resonance I feel when I am with her is astounding. I want you to know this woman and her ensemble of women who vibrate at a higher frequency than most of us put together.
We talk a little about life, a lot of about love, a shit ton about how much we appreciate and value each other, but mostly about how to truly live an authentic life of love and gratitude.
She exemplifies what it means to hold another woman up in her power; she is open and honest and smart as a whip. I love love this woman and I know you will too. There are so many topics I want to speak about with her, but for now, I want you to know her and just listen to her take on life and love.
So grateful.
You can find SOUL MEDICINE at www.soulmedicine.live (http://www.soulmedicine.live/) … or listen on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.
I love you Thank you
DD x
🎧 LINK IN BIO 🎧
Episode 57: Demystifying Meditation
The intention of SOUL MEDICINE is to offer you, the listener, ways to reconnect to your soul. This week I talk about meditation and why you just can't use the "I don't have the time" excuse. There is always time and ... meditation is the single most powerful tool you can use to stay focused. You needn't take 20 minutes every day (although that is ideal). A simple morning ritual will be just right ... Do YOU
Find Dana on Youtube, Instagram at @danadamaraevolution and at her website www.danadamara.com Find Dr. Sarah at www.drsarahrothman.com
I love you Thank you
DD x
Episode 56: Thyroid Love
The intention of SOUL MEDICINE is to offer you, the listener, ways to reconnect to your soul. This week I talk about our thyroid and why it's important; the shape, the functions, and its role in our health. Remember we are not 1 dimensional ... we are multi-dimensional and, our internal workings are affected by so much. Of course, I couldn't have this conversation without Dr Sarah Rothman, so please ... listen in and gain an understanding on how you can support your thyroid... it's easier than you think.
Find Dana on Youtube, Instagram at @danadamaraevolution and at her website www.danadamara.com Find Dr. Sarah at www.drsarahrothman.com
I love you Thank you
DD x
Episode 55: Breathwork as an Initiator
The intention of SOUL MEDICINE is to offer you, the listener, ways to reconnect to your soul. This week I talk about Breathwork (again) and how it has awakened me. Not just to myself, my patterns, my trauma, or my gifts ... but also how it has awakened me to life. It's a crazy world we live in ... one that is not slowing down anytime soon. If you're not paying attention you are most likely getting sucked up into the void of algorithms, distracting content, unnecessary overthinking, other peoples judgments, and the 1D world.
The funny thing is none of this will matter at the end of your life. The things you feel anxious over now, most likely will not mean a damn thing at the end of your life. How you lived will matter. Who you spent time with, will matter. How you loved will matter. How you served will matter. All the other stuff .. not important. And yet, I sit in an airport watching people NOT make eye contact hunch over their phones, and completely distract themselves. It's not for me ... and yet, I too can fall into that .. So I practice breathwork. Yoga used to do it for me .. but that is just a layer ... breathwork goes deeper. And if you are to live a life that is truly your own, you must get past that subterranean hum of anxiety that overlays it all ... trust me.
Listen to this episode and gain a deeper understanding around the practice of breathwork, how I found it, why I think it's important and how to avoid falling into "line" with life.
Find Dana on Youtube, Instagram at @danadamaraevolution and at her website www.danadamara.com
I love you Thank you
DD x
Episode 54: Liver Health
The intention of SOUL MEDICINE is to offer you, the listener, ways to reconnect to your soul. This week I talk with Dr Sarah Rothman again!! This time we discuss Liver health and keeping our bodies in alignment with the seasons.
Listen to this episode and gain a deeper understanding around the functions of your liver, what emotions affect the liver, and how to take care of this organ in your body that has over 500 functions!
Find Dana on Youtube, Instagram at @danadamaraevolution and at her website www.danadamara.com
I love you Thank you
DD x
Episode 53: Quantum Leap
The intention of SOUL MEDICINE is to offer you, the listener, ways to reconnect to your soul. This week I talk to about the how to make Quantum Leaps in your life. It's easy than you think ... you just need to have the courage to keep going ... one step at a time.
Listen to this episode and gain a deeper understanding on how to shift your life into the lane that is your highest potential.
I love you Thank you
DD x
Find Dana on Youtube, Instagram at @danadamaraevolution and at her website www.danadamara.com
Episode 52: Intensity
🎧EPISODE 52🎧
The intention of SOUL MEDICINE is to offer you, the listener, ways to reconnect to your soul. This week I talk about INTENSITY. I talk a little about the idea around intensity and how it can actually be really good for you! And also how you can drive the rudder of your intensity meter.
Listen to this episode and gain new perspective on intensity and how to handle it.
You can find SOUL MEDICINE at www.soulmedicine.live (http://www.soulmedicine.live/) … or listen on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.
I love you
Thank you
DD x
Episode 51: The Magic of Breathwork
The intention of SOUL MEDICINE is to offer you, the listener, ways to reconnect to your soul. This week I talk to Dr Sarah Anne Rothman about the power of Breathwork. You asked for science, okay ... we will give you some. However .. not without a promise that you will try and remember that it's all magic. It's all the power of this beautiful vessel you call your body.
Listen to this episode and gain a deeper understanding about the power of your breath.
I love you Thank you
DD x
Find Dana on Youtube, Instagram at @danadamaraevolution and at her website www.danadamara.com
Episode 50 - Energetic Boundaries
The intention of SOUL MEDICINE is to offer you, the listener, ways to reconnect to your soul. This week I talk about BOUNDARIES. Seems to be a hot topic with many clients of mine and it IS the topic of this new Astrological Year that begins March 20-21, 2023. Boundaries: why they are necessary, how to set them lovingly, how to love yourself first, and why setting compassionate, loving boundaries is actually the highest form of self-love.
Listen to this episode and gain new perspective on boundaries.
I love you
Thank you
DD x
Find Dana on Youtube, Instagram at @danadamaraevolution and at her website www.danadamara.com
Episode 49 - Yoga Versus Asana
🎧EPISODE 49🎧
The intention of SOUL MEDICINE is to offer you, the listener, ways to reconnect to your soul. This week I talk about yoga the practice, versus asana …. 1/8th of the practice. I’ll be honest I have a hard time with people thinking that yoga is only for flexible, fit people. Yoga means to unite, to yoke, to bring things together as one. Asana defined is a steady, comfortable pose while you maintain continuity of breath. So why do we make such a huge deal about the poses? Why does it take a lean body, flipping around in poses, to get our attention? Why isn’t talking about Pratayahara sexy?
List to this episode and scratch the surface on a few ideas about the real yoga.
Find Dana on Youtube, Instagram at @danadamaraevolution and at her website www.danadamara.com
I love you
Thank you
DD x
EPISODE 48: Empowered Women Series: Dr Sarah Anne Rothman
The intention of SOUL MEDICINE is to offer you, the listener, ways to reconnect to your soul. I offer so many tools and modalities, but I also have access to some amazing women … and so it begins.
On this week’s podcast I’ll introduce you to Dr Sarah Anne Rothman: acupuncturist, Naturopath, breathwork facilitator and friend. You’ll meet her before we talk about all the topics YOU requested on women’s health, hormones, thyroid issues, breathwork and menopause.
Trust me when I say you will learn a lot from this woman. Thank you Sarah - so grateful for you in my life! Find Dana on Youtube, Instagram at @danadamaraevolution and at her website www.danadamara.com
Episode 47: Manifest
Manifesting is such an overused word. The reality is we are manifesting in every second. Every thought becomes a word, words become things, and all that becomes your life. So convenient how we take full credit for the things we WANTED to create, but not for the things we feel are less than desirable. The truth is, you created it all… every single thing.
And this whole idea of Co-manifesting … manifesting with a higher power. Well that’s when it really gets good. You begin to remember that you don’t know it all. You are just a little speck of dust, with all that power, hopefully wielding it in a way that aligns with your truth. Co-manifesting is relying on a Higher Power to support you … not likened to exactly what you want, but instead what you need.
Listen to Dana talk about MANIFESTING and CO-MANIFESTING and the beauty of it all. Find her on Youtube, Instagram at @danadamaraevolution and at her website www.danadamara.com
Episode 46: Self-Doubt
Self-doubt is a tricky little bugger. Sneaks up on you when you need it the least. Of course it's nice to know where it all started, but it's more important to begin telling a new story about your ability to co-create your dreams with the Divine. Self-doubt will kill every dream you have; it will sabotage your best laid plans; and it will derail you from living your most desirable life.
Learn how to spot it and what to do to eliminate this old habit of yours. Listen to Dana Damara talk about SELF-DOUBT how you can stop it in its tracks! Find her on Youtube, Instagram at @danadamaraevolution and at her website www.danadamara.com
Episode 45: This Sacred Life
How sacred is this life?
How sacred do we treat this life?
Are you living with a sense of sacred reverence or reacting to all life is tossing "at you."
I don't know about you but I want to revel in the beauty of life, the magical encounters, the priceless depth of intimacy, the humility of forgiveness and the alchemy of love. I have zero interest in small talk, surface skimming, negativity, and news headlines. Settle in and listen with your heart.
Listen to Dana Damara talk about THE SACREDNESS OF LIFE - and what it can mean to you! Find her on Youtube, Instagram at @danadamaraevolution and at her website www.danadamara.com
Episode 44: Breathe Beyond the Rage
Thank you @officiallymcconaughey for giving me the words that could not come yesterday.
Enough is enough – not as if all the times before this mass shooting meant less, but everyone has a breaking point. The breaking point, of all breaking points honestly.
Gun violence, racism, violence against LGBTQ+, education “reform”, pro-choice, women’s rights … it’s a bunch of political bullshit that I choose to stay out of and instead, live my life in connection and love for all.
But this mass shooting has hit me to my own core – Basta. Enough. In this moment, I’m embarrassed of being American. Appalled. And I know that the rage I feel inside now, is translated through this post so I am writing, deleting, editing, and rewriting multiple times … I can only do my best when 19 people are shot down in an elementary school. When parents of these children must have a DNA test to properly identify their children … it’s horrific.
And I know that we are, as a society, pointing the finger at the gunman, and the laws for guns. Those are easy targets to get angry about. “This heinous crime. That terrible person. These ridiculous laws.” All true to a point…
I’m tired of posting flags, blacking out my screen, hosting charity events … for what? Nothing changes. It’s like my friend @andresalvageassociates said to me years ago, (about George Floyd),
“This will all be forgotten in a week or so.” We are a distracted society … like squirrels going for what is shiny and new. It disgusts me, makes me cringe really, and pierces my heart. But I’d like to elaborate after conversing with my daughter who is 17 years old and wise beyond her years …
This post is too long for your word count … more in the comments. If you care, listen with an open heart.
Episode 43: Say YES!
What are you saying YES to these days? Let’s start there. And then notice where and why you are saying no to life. Conversations I’m hearing lately include fear and discontent with how the world is “turning” again. Um, hello … it never stopped turning. We are only beginning to witness reverberations from the shift that awakened more people than ever before. The trick is to stay ABOVE the noise and negativity and say YES anyway. TUNE IN DEEPER to your heart … that’s the compass the points to the truth of your YES.
Find the balance between your fears and your ability to move forward with those things that are in alignment with your heart. Fear, while it is false evidence appearing real, can also be a very powerful pivot point for you to drop in deeper and examine what's real. This world is shifting ... time to say YES to the things that soul powered.
Listen to Dana Damara talk about SAYING YES - and what it can mean to you! Find her on Youtube, Instagram at @danadamaraevolution and at her website www.danadamara.com
Episode 42: Devotion
Devotion is defined as “love, loyalty, or enthusiasm for a person, activity, or cause”. I define it as something that takes your breath away. That makes time stand still. That fills your heart with expansion. It feels like an abundance in life; an overflowing of love and of all resources.
It’s not free from challenges, or pains, or uncomfortable-ness. No, devotion holds everything.
Devotion gives you super-human powers to go beyond; to see clearly; to live in the realm of nothing that holds everything. To live in the unknown because in that unknown, everything makes sense. To live in the darkness knowing that the light will shine when it’s time.
Devotion breeds unconditional love, acceptance and integrity. And, it’s fueled by an inner compass that is indeed, indescribable. Our devotion defies gravity, logic, reasoning and sometimes Universal Laws. It needn’t make sense, we can’t possibly understand the “logic” of the heart because it’s more intricate that our brain, so how could we understand it?
Sometimes we are told what to be devoted to. You know, that can’t happen because no one lives in our own personal heart of hearts. No one can hear the song of our heart except ourselves; only we know what we are devoted too. We may try to be devoted to someone else’s path or idea but really, it is our own that will keep calling us back.
We may stray, when things are blurry or we are in a state of fear or confusion. That’s okay. Because in that straying we learn; we gather and we observe other ways of doing things or portals into something new that spark our heart and send it back to it’s path. Sometimes we stray because we are so afraid of the transparent vulnerability that comes with devotion, that we must look away. The light of devotion illuminates everything and until we are okay with this light and what shadows it creates, we will continue to live in mediocrity.
Devotion is the only way to live fully. Being devoted to a moment. To a breath. To presence. To your partner, to your children, to evolving, to expanding, to learning, to loving unconditionally. To loving it all, without putting anything outside of that ring of love. To holding space for it all and allowing yourself to fall into everything that has brought you to this moment. Listen to Dana Damara talk DEVOTION - and what it can mean to you! Find her on Youtube, Instagram at @danadamaraevolution and at her website www.danadamara.com
Episode 41: Courage
Courage is the highest connection you have with the Divine. Courage is the bridge from sky to Earth. It's the moment you go beyond the "should" in life, and get to the yes. It doesn't always show up as an act of "doing" something - it can be in the nothing that courage comes into play. Example: a momma bear, like myself, stepping back and allowing their child to go through whatever it is they need to go through, knowing that all is well and in Divine timing. (gulp) It's in the letting go, and the stepping forward.
Courage is sometimes portrayed as an agni thing .. but honestly it's all in the heart, the air, the breath. Courage is love. So many stories about courage. I've taken many leaps of faith in my life, always from a place of "ticking off" the boxes, writing out the lists, and then finally --- in the end, following my heart with courage.
Listen to Dana Damara talk COURAGE - and what it can mean to you! Find her on Youtube, Instagram at @danadamaraevolution and at her website www.danadamara.com
Episode 40: Authenticity
Authenticity: the act of being genuine. It can be tough - people may judge you. You may not get those likes. You may not gain the popular vote if you're authentic. No one may agree with you. This is one issue with being authentic. Another factor may be fear. Fear of being "called out" - or rubbing others the wrong way. All of these things affect your ability to be authentic.
Now factor in times in your life when you are in the midst of transformation. Stepping into that new way of being. Leaving that relationship. Dropping into a new way of being in your life. It can be scary - you'll lose friends, maybe money, respect ... but .. if you move from your heart, and only your heart - you can't help but be authentic in all your relations. Not always easy but the best if you believe that this life is about magnetizing what is true, right and real for you. And ... by the way .. the times "before" you were being authentic, yeah ... you were authentic then too. You've just evolved, so cut yourself some slack.
Listen to Dana Damara talk AUTHENTICITY - and what it can mean to you! Find her on Youtube, Instagram at @danadamaraevolution and at her website www.danadamara.com
Episode 39: Surrender
The idea of surrender is a slippery slope. It's defined as letting go of control, but the truth is, we never had control anyway. So how could that be the definition? When you let go and surrender to the gifts already inherent within yourself, your life shines brightly. You radiate love and abundance. But because the undertone of surrender is one of “giving up”, you become fearful. Which is obviously false evidence appearing real.
Surrender actually means letting go of patterns inhibiting you from living your life full out. It means believing in the abundance and love that are there for you all the time. Surrender is a natural evolution of your soul, and necessary for you to become your most authentic self. It also means allowing yourself to be held by a Higher Power. Surrender asks you to trust that all is well - and the truth is, when you truly surrender, life hands you all the gifts and abundance you have been chasing after. Listen to Dana Damara talk SURRENDER - and what it can mean to you! Find me on Youtube, Instagram at @danadamaraevolution and at my website www.danadamara.com
Episode 38: Liberation
I revisit this word every year around this time. Just after July 4th and before the New Moon, mid year. It's just unavoidable. And every time the word means more to me. As we are all awakened to this "New Earth" that has been brewing beneath the surface of our lives, we are offered a opportunity to liberate ourselves from so much.
Liberation begins with recognizing what is holding you back, and accountability for letting go. As humans, we hold on to things, sometimes much longer than is necessary: tangible items that live in bins in our garage, jobs, cars, relationships, grudges, trauma and beliefs. Just a few examples but I'm sure, there's more.
Listen to Dana Damara talk LIBERATION - and what it can mean to you! Find me on Youtube, Instagram at @danadamaraevolution and at my website www.danadamara.com
Episode 37: Initiation
"Initiation: The action of beginning something." Although I think it is more than that. It's those moments in your life when you are not only "beginning" something, but when you are moving beyond something. Sometimes those moments show up as a challenging interaction with someone else. Or a pivotal decision in your life. Most often, it's in those moments where you hear yourself saying, "Why does this always happen to me?" and in that moment you realize you are being initiated.
Our intention, in this life, is to allow our soul to evolve. And in order to do that, we are offered numerous opportunities to be initiated to the next level of our existence. In this podcast I talk about the process of initiation and how to find gratitude and grace while moving through hard things. Find me on Youtube, Instagram at @danadamaraevolution and at my website www.danadamara.com
Episode 36: Patience
Excerpt from my book Oms from the Mat
Patience, when we really breathe into it, reveals the truth.
You feel me on this one?
I remember, when I was younger saying, out loud (this is no joke), “I wish I could wiggle my nose and get to where I am supposed to be next.” When I got older and I was going through a tough time, instead of dropping into the struggle, I would run away and move onto something else. So instead of having patience with the process and learning from the journey, I just wanted the destination or the end result.
- What did that do? Re-create lesson after lesson after lesson until I finally woke up and recognized the pattern.
- The pattern of thinking I knew it all.
- The pattern of not-enoughness …I better grab THIS opportunity, another one might not come along.
- The pattern of skimming the surface of my life for an illusion of perfection.
We don’t know it all.
There are infinite opportunities and an abundance of resources.
The depth of our journey reveals our connection to the Divine.
- Patience is not just a virtue .. it’s a pathway to the Divine.
- It is the key to soulful living.
- Patience is the recipe for truth, freedom and love.
We sit and we wait; we wait for the breath of the Divine to guide us into our truth, and our purpose and we have patience as we observe our life and all the amazingness that happens as we move through each connection, each struggle, each embrace and each disappointment. We have patience and when it’s right and it’s time .. we know. That’s all … we just know. Find me on Youtube, Instagram at @danadamaraevolution, Facebook @danadamaraevolution, and at my website www.danadamara.com
Episode 35: Ritual
Ritual is defined as "a religious or solemn ceremony consisting of a series of actions performed according to a prescribed order." While I can respect this definition I find it to be much more than that. For me, ritual is simply a ceremony that connects us to a higher power. Across all religious cultures, there are rituals that are important and impactful to connection. They keep us grounded in our humanity, and elevated to the Divine. Ritual can be an elaborate ceremony, or simply weaved into your day-to-day life. As a mother of two now adolescent young women, I have held true to daily, weekly, and special event rituals. They are important (in my opinion) as these two women head out into the world on their own. Listen to my new podcast about Ritual. And stay to the end; we had an event happen the day of recording that really brought it home and it included a Monarch Butterfly, a milkweed plant, and painted rocks.
Find me on Youtube, Instagram at @danadamaraevolution and at my website www.danadamara.com
Episode 34: Attunement
Attunement: the experience of unbroken feeling connectedness by providing a reciprocal affect and/or resonating response. I love this definition. Makes so much sense. How attuned are you to the energy around you? The people you call family and friends? The flow of life? Is it supporting you and sustaining you? Or is it dragging you down? Attunement is a word I use often with clients, in yoga sessions, and in Reiki training. We become attuned to a higher frequency, but the trick is to remember that you were always transmitting that energy in the first place. So then, how do we explain “negative” attunement? We allow, for one reason or another, the negative tendencies of others to infiltrate our system … hopefully for a reason of spiritual growth and evolution. Is it “bad or good?” It’s neither, it’s perfect. And then we come back to an elevated attunement.
Find me on Youtube, Instagram at @danadamaraevolution and at my website www.danadamara.com
Episode 33: Review, Reflect, Remember
But not really … this week is about any “re” word. Any word that has “re” as it’s prefix. This simple prefix offers up an opportunity to come back to something in your life and give yourself space for it to show up differently. And honestly, we can all use that! Re-member Re-view Re-visit When we do this, we choose between lowering our energy, remaining stagnant, or elevating to a higher frequency. With the astrology the way it is, it’s beneficial to pause and “re-flect” so you don’t “re-peat” patterns that don’t work in this new paradigm. Re-create Re-calibrate Re-align Valuable “time-outs” to come back to an essence of yourself, and “re-shape” your vision. Re-enter Re-emerge Make a list of your “re” words while Mercury is in retrograde and we are in between Eclipses. It’s a powerful time to “up the anty” of your life. What’s your “re” word for this week?
Find me on Youtube, Instagram at @danadamaraevolution and at my website www.danadamara.com
Episode 32: Welcome Back
I had a hard time naming this podcast. The theme for class this week is PRAJNA ... or wisdom. So we could call it that. Taking the wisdom from 2020 and parlaying it into 2021. But I also like to think of PRAJNA as clarity. That kind of wisdom that can only grow out of experience. Diving into the lessons and drawing wisdom from the depth of the moment. Or in our global home ... the moments.
2020 was a year to remember. And as we re-emerge into 2021, it's important to do so with kindness, compassion, grace, and breath. These teachings of yoga span far beyond the mat. They are woven into every moment we spend in conversation, connection, and now ... kinda-post-pandemic. No two pandemics are made equal - but we can all treat each other with kindness as we step out into a new world.
I'm very happy to be returning to the mic with this podcast. Feeling fulfilled and grateful after year of loss, grief, despair, and lessons ... welcome back. Om Shanti Shanti Shanti
Find me on Instagram at @danadamaraevolution and at my website www.danadamara.com
Episode 31: Sacred Pause
It's time to pause ... to regroup. To realign. To restructure. To replenish our souls. To begin again. I believe in Divine Timing and that all is well, even when it doesn't look that way. Even when it's uncomfortable as hell... which is what we are experiencing now. Taking action too quickly will result in perpetuating patterns. Sitting still doing nothing and zoning out, will result in the same old patterning. But resting in the Sacred Pause will give us all time to reflect, renew, listen and then move forward to create this new world with purpose, power, and authentic passion for life.
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Use this time to go in with an eye on your heart and your life. Do not judge ... just observe. Listen deeply and act slowly. Pause. Rest. Love. Listen to me talk about the Sacred Pause and why it's essential to our humanity now. Listen to me talk about the SACRED PAUSE as a necessity, Find me on Instagram at @danadamaraevolution and at my website www.danadamara.com
Episode 30: Frequency
Frequency: the measurement of energy and vibration. What does that have to do with you as a human? Only everything. Where you "vibrate" is what you create. This isn't "good vibes only" ... this is your undercurrent that is creating your life. This is the heart and head merging together putting a focus on big decisions that must come from the heart for powerful healing, which is driven by your frequency.
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Your F R E Q U E N C Y dictates your life. But, that does NOT mean that when you are experiencing "bad things", your vibe is "bad". It means that there is something within you that is needing attention for some reason or another. And what's "bad" anyway? It is also does meant that we can spiritually bypass the things that we consider “low-vibratory-frequency” just to experience "good vibes." It means to find the frequency aligned with LOVE in ALL that you are going through, and all that is happening in your life right now. Bring your F R E Q U E N C Y to a pulse that can resonate with the mystical, the Divine, and the power of love. Which is easy to witness when things are going well…. find that frequency in ALL the things. That means no “Namastay-ing” yourself through life. Or passing on “sending light and love” bombs. This energy is about aligning with the conjunction of your heart, your mind, and your soul so you can bring your frequency to a place that only knows love.
Episode 29: Compassion
Ahimsa is usually translated as nonviolence, but this goes far beyond physically hurting others or ourselves. First and foremost we have to learn how to be nonviolent toward ourselves. We can include verbally abusing ourselves – becoming consciously aware of what our “I am” statements sound like. This can be as subtle as criticizing our body, our actions or even saying things like, “I’m old!” Any thought, word, or action that prevents us (or someone else) from growing and living freely is one that is considered harmful.
The practice of compassion becomes essential when practicing ahimsa. When we begin to recognize the life created around us through nature and animals, we begin to realize that we are an integral part of its sustainability and preservation. We naturally find ourselves wanting to protect all living things. It becomes difficult to avoid recycling, damaging a tree or harming an animal – even an insect. Each act would be an act of violence toward ourselves as well. Listen to me talk about COMPASSION as a necessity, Find me on Instagram at @danadamaraevolution and at my website www.danadamara.com
Episode 28: Dream Big
Have you ever wanted to do something for yourself and then decided at the last minute, “I better not,” or thought “I shouldn’t do this... I have so many other obligations I need to take care of first”?
We all do it—put everyone else’s needs first. If you’re a woman, it’s almost an inherent trait to put yourself last. But just for fun, dare I ask, why? Why do you continue to put everyone else’s needs and desires before your own? Why do you continue to put your dreams on hold for your so-called “obligations” in life? What message is that sending to your loved ones, yourself, God?
Ask yourself right now—what are your dreams and desires? What would the life of your dreams look like? This isn’t some obligatory life that has been directed by your parents, teachers, or peers, but a life that is truly your own.
Do you even know what your dreams are? Or has it been so long that you have forgotten what they are?
The obligatory self-talk is what gets you to stop dreaming. Listen to me talk about Dreaming Big, making things happen, and listening to my heart. Find me on Instagram at @danadamaraevolution and at my website www.danadamara.com
Episode 27: Communication
90,000 thoughts a day, only 21,600 breaths. You are bound to fall into a pattern and react instead respond. What does this have to do with communication? Everything! The way you communicate to yourself is actually the first thing you must focus on if you are to have successful relationships. Because whatever is showing up in relationship outside of yourself is actually in direct proportion to how you speak and interact with yourself.
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Be mindful of how you are communicating to yourself first... that will tell you everything. And then remember a few things: so much of communication is non verbal. We lose that in technology. Communication is not just talking, it's listening. And assimilating. And projecting. And integrating. Listen this week ... Mercury went into retrograde the other day. Pay attention!! You communication is everything!
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Listen to me talk about communication and how important it is. Find me on Instagram at @danadamaraevolution and at my website www.danadamara.com
Episode 26: Diving Guidance
Divine Guidance is a real thing. It's the highest octave of listening. It's following the tune of your heart without concern or consultation of anyone else around you. Listening to divine guidance and following it are two different things!! So listen in, tune in, and then follow the pulse of your heart. Tangible action is why you're here. We can listen in all we want but if there's no follow through it makes no difference. Tangible action makes this life, life.
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Listen in to me talk about divine guidance and why it's essential to my personal way of living. Find me on Instagram at @danadamaraevolution and at my website www.danadamara.com