The Mama Retreat

As we jump into season 3 of The Mama Retreat, you'll notice a couple of changes!

The Mama Retreat continues to evolve and change with needs that we see around us-- and one of those needs has been dispelling myths and speaking truth about the reality of pornography addiction.

Brittany and her husband Colton talk about their very real, and very scary experiences with addiction recovery and betrayal trauma.

The goal of this episode is to bring knowledge, hope, and peace when it comes to these real-world topics.

On our last retreat, we were taught about the Japanese art of Kintsugi. We learned so much!

The primary lesson that we learned is that there is beauty and value in the brokenness.

You are worthy, beautiful, and just the way you were meant to be. There is not only beauty in the brokenness--but strength.

Have you ever done Kintsugi? What lessons have you learned? Share with us on Instagram!

Thinking of supporting this podcast? We would be more than happy to give you a shout out on our podcast when you support us with a donation. A small donation will help this podcast reach more women like you, and bring YOU more episodes. 

Can't support monetarily? That's ok! Leaving a review helps tremendously. Thank you again, and hang in there, sister! You've got this!

--- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/themamaretreat/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/themamaretreat/support

Seasonal depression-- it seems to rear its ugly head every winter, especially with multiple overcast days in a row.

But we believe that our Creator gave us this Earth for our benefit-- long nights and all! 

You can listen to this short, guided meditation at anytime. You'll learn the science behind seasonal depression, and how this winter season can benefit YOU. 

Hang in there sister, you've got this!

**OUR AMAZING NEW SPONSOR**

108 meditate is are a subscription box company that offers curated spiritual and wellness practices delivered to your door monthly. Each box contains a fun mix of products including things like: oils, aromatherapy, crystals, natural self care, mindfulness tools, sacred space decor, cards, nourishing snacks and more. They are different from other subscription boxes in that they are not just offering products but a full on practice. Each box has 3 or more guided meditations, practices and/or rituals that are easily accessed with QR codes that come in the reading material included in your box.

Get your box 10% off by using our code RETREAT

https://www.108-meditate.com/subscription-box

Hey mamas! We've been MIA but we're back babyyy! 

This episode we chat about the difficulties of communicating with a significant other. It's HARD to be vulnerable, but its ALSO hard to not feel heard and to feel resentful. 

Just a reminder that we are just two BFFs chatting from life experience, and we are not professionals in any fields other than changing diapers and concocting dirty sodas. Hang in there sister! 

The audio book Kaity couldn't remember the name of is For All Eternity by Dr John Lund.

**OUR AMAZING NEW SPONSOR** 

108 meditate is are a subscription box company that offers curated spiritual and wellness practices delivered to your door monthly. Each box contains a fun mix of products including things like: oils, aromatherapy, crystals, natural self care, mindfulness tools, sacred space decor, cards, nourishing snacks and more. They are different from other subscription boxes in that they are not just offering products but a full on practice. Each box has 3 or more guided meditations, practices and/or rituals that are easily accessed with QR codes that come in the reading material included in your box. 

Get your box 10% off by using our code RETREAT 

https://www.108-meditate.com/subscription-box

Hang in there sister! You've got this! 

Hey Mama!  We have been busy just like all of you this time of year! Catch up with us!  How do you do Christmas with your family? Share your traditions with us on instagram @the.mama.retreat  Did you hear the exciting news?? We have collaborated with Modern Maykes to get the cutest merch. The All of Us bouquet design is available on your choice of a sweatshirt or tshirt! Order gift shirts for the women in your life by December 15th to get yours in time for Christmas! Just be sure to add the All of Us bouquet in the notes to get our custom design.  https://www.etsy.com/listing/1082532892/custom-birth-month-birth-flower-shirt-2?ga_order=most_relevant&ga_search_type=all&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_search_query=modern+makes&ref=sr_gallery-1-1&frs=1&edd=1&sts=1&organic_search_click=1 Hang in there mama, you've got this!  Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/themamaretreat/message  Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/themamaretreat/support

Have you been up in the middle of the night bargaining with God? "If my baby falls asleep right now I'll do anything you want!"... US TOO! 

This episode is near and dear to us! We finally interviewed the one and only Marietta Paxson who started the sleeping consulting company called Little Dreamers. Both of us have used Marietta's tips, and we can attest that we sleep better for it! 

We discuss what sleep training is and she of the misconceptions behind it. Not only will you learn more about sleeping this episode, but we also dive into how we an get rid of some of the fear that comes with motherhood. 

You can find Marietta and her team on instagram @littledreamers.us or on line at www.littlerdreamers.us. 

Are you ready to get some sleep? We hope you get those much needed zzzs. 

Hang in there mama, you've got this! 

Mothering can be so incredibly difficult (especially in today's society). Not only are you trying to raise good human beings, but you're also having to deal with your own wounded inner child. If you're feeling like you want to parent with more love, and have more power and control over your parenting style, this episode is for you!

If this episode (or others you have listened to!) resonate with you in any way, please share with a friend! Or you can tag us on your social media @the.mama.retreat . We have big dreams for this podcast, and know that these messages are blessing mothers around the world. We keep you in mind every time we create an episode, and we are praying for your well-being and success in your motherhood. 

Today, we're interviewing Aubree Walsh. Aubree is a holistic health professional and advanced BodyTalk practitioner. She's dedicated the last decade of her life to her own spiritual evolution and self development through holistic MINDBODY medicine. It completely transformed her life and she knew she was being called to help women, especially mothers, to do the same. She is trained in countless holistic and energetic healing modalities and loves them all. But once she experienced immediate and tangible transformation through her own BodyTalk session, she knew she had found her calling and now helps hundreds of beings heal trauma from their bodies without years of therapy.

Do you start your days on your own terms with intention? Yeah us either! But, dang it, we're trying! 

After doing a miracle morning for 30 days in a row, Kaity knew that other mamas needed to learn about the benefits of a morning routine or ritual. Through SAVERS she was able to take ownership on each morning, and start the day with a quiet attitude that made the long days of mothering possible! What are the SAVERS? 

S- Silence

A- Affirmations

V- Visualization

E- Exercise

R- Reading 

S- Scribing 

Find more information about the miracle morning in Hal Elrod's book titled The Miracle Morning or at https://miraclemorning.com

Thinking of supporting this podcast? We would be more than happy to give you a shout out on our podcast when you support us with a donation. A small donation will help this podcast reach more women like you, and bring YOU more episodes. Venmo us @themamaretreat.

Can't support monetarily? That's ok! Leaving a review helps tremendously. Thank you again, and hang in there, sister! You've got this!

--- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/themamaretreat/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/themamaretreat/support

Join us for this interactive meditation!

What color came up for you? Message us on instagram, and tell us about your thoughts and feelings from this meditation at @the.mama.retreat

Color is a tool for intention that isn't normally thought of. Look for ways that you can be intentional with the color in your life. 

You can find Jonny Tanner @spirit.painter on Instagram and join the next retreat at https://mauispiritpainter.com/process-of-rebirth-retreat

Thinking of supporting this podcast? We would be more than happy to give you a shout out on our podcast when you support us with a donation. A small donation will help this podcast reach more women like you, and bring YOU more episodes. Venmo us @themamaretreat.

Can't support monetarily? That's ok! Leaving a review helps tremendously. Thank you again, and hang in there, sister! You've got this!

Jonny Tanner is an artist that focuses on color, intuition, and creating spiritual alignment through his work. Many call him the “Spirit Painter” after the process he has created, “Spirit Painting”.

Jonny currently lives in Ogden, Ut with his wife, daughter, and puppy. They are expecting their second child, a son, any day know!

Jonny has an in-home studio where he creates Spirit Paintings full time. He also focuses his energy (with TONS of help from his amazing wife Lu 😉) on creating retreats, events, and other experiences to further help others with their own spiritual alignment.

You can follow Jonny on instagram at spirit.painter or join him on their next retreat at https://mauispiritpainter.com/process-of-rebirth-retreat

Thinking of supporting this podcast? We would be more than happy to give you a shout out on our podcast when you support us with a donation. A small donation will help this podcast reach more women like you, and bring YOU more episodes. You can Venmo us at @themamaretreat or use the link below.

Can't support monetarily? That's ok! Leaving a review helps tremendously. Thank you again, and hang in there, sister! You've got this!

--- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/themamaretreat/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/themamaretreat/support

--- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/themamaretreat/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/themamaretreat/support

Mental illness is one of those things that is becoming more acceptable to talk about, but still isn't at all common knowledge.

Today, we're sharing 3 signs of postpartum mental illness, and what to do if you find yourself experiencing these symptoms. Sharing this knowledge will help you, whether you're struggling yourself, or identifying when other mamas may be struggling.

3 Signs You May Have Postpartum Mental Illness:

#1. Feeling disconnected from your child.

#2. Unable to put feelings into words.

#3. Intense mood swings, agitation, rage.

*This episode is solely the thoughts, perspectives, experiences and opinions of the hosts. If you feel like you are suffering from mental illness, please reach out to a professional as soon as possible.

Annie Hutchings is a certified sound healing practitioner and yoga instructor that runs womens healing retreats and events, as well as a homeschooling mother of 4 who splits her time between Kauai and Utah.

What is sound therapy? We're so glad you asked! Listen to this interview and learn how sound therapy can bring healing into your life in so many ways. 

We met Annie at the retreat that inspired the Mama Retreat Podcast, so this interview was extra special for us. We hope that you can feel the love and strength that we did while we explored intuition in this episode! 

Find Annie at annie.hutchings on instagram or to join the next retreat visit https://mauispiritpainter.com/process-of-rebirth-retreat

Thinking of supporting this podcast? We would be more than happy to give you a shout out on our podcast when you support us with a donation. A small donation will help this podcast reach more women like you, and bring YOU more episodes.

Can't support monetarily? That's ok! Leaving a review helps tremendously. Thank you again, and hang in there, sister! You've got this!

--- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/themamaretreat/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/themamaretreat/support

This week's BONUS episode brought to you by... you! 

We asked you on Instagram, "What's your biggest concern when it comes to making friends?" We're joined again by friend-making expert, Kylie Scott. Together, we brainstorm wisdom to help you answer these questions. Listen to the whole episode for GOLD MINE answers, or skip around by going to the time stamps below!

Go find the discussion on Instagram to ask one of your own questions! We can brainstorm together!

Hang in there sister, you've got this!

love, Kaitlyn & Brittany

• 1:01 I have a small social battery life. I can only do so much and then I feel like I’m letting new friends down.
• 4:19 I don’t know how to start a conversation.
• 6:05 How do you start? Where do you find friends and how do you initiate a friendship?
• 8:05 What if I’m not ‘outgoing’ or am too shy to make the first move.
• 9:21 I struggle with keeping friends. I’m the worst at staying in touch.
• 11:08 How do I connect with someone who has different hobbies than me?
• 13:50 My struggle is, they already have friends. Or they have different parenting styles. Our kids aren’t the same age. I honestly just want a best mom friend to come over & hang out, run errands with, go on fun play dates, but feel like others don’t want that. OR they already have a friend they are like that with.
• 16:33 How do I find someone who is willing and wants to put in mutual effort?
• 17:42 How do I find someone who is in a similar life status?
• 18:56 What if our husbands don’t get along?
• 19:51 I am shy at first. I have trouble getting out of my shell unless someone drags it out.
• 25:32 Getting to know anything about another person when you are constantly distracted by your kids’ needs – hungry, thirsty, don’t want to share, crying, etc. Hanging out with friends feels so much more exhausting now because you have to manage your kids and their interactions with your friends kids, and struggling to engage in a conversation what seems to trigger your kids want for more attention.
• 2:15 My biggest struggle is I get too anxious... 1) Because when talking to adults after just being with little kids, I feel like I am always saying the wrong thing or unable to hold relevant conversations. 2) my 3 year old has some hyperactivity/attention issues. It causes him be overwhelmed and, as sweet as he is, he quickly becomes the "wild" kid and I am the only mom constantly redirecting my child. It's not his fault-- he is doing his best but it makes me feel self conscious about what other moms are thinking.
• 32:50 Finding someone with kids close in age, hard to have friends that aren’t multipurpose. Ie. Family friends.
• 27:21 Finding friends that don’t judge my beliefs or convictions.
• 31:30 Not wanting to bother other people!

After listening to a 3-in-30 episode highlighting the tragedy of child drowning, Kaitlyn knew that she wanted to put her kids in survival swim lessons (after all--Brittany and Kaity spend a lot of their summers on a boat).

Kaitlyn found Little Squirts Aquatics in Northwest Arkansas, but she felt like she experienced more than just swim lessons. She felt like she was empowering her children with skills and confidence that would help them in years to come. In today's episode, we talk about the details of what those experiences were like, and how you, too, can empower your children and have a sound mind around the water. 

Our Guests:

Libby McFarland is the founder and owner of Little Squirts Aquatics in NW Arkansas.  For the past decade, she, her husband, Mike, and their two boys, Maxwell and Jackson, have called NWA home.  She enjoys spending time with her friends and family, playing sports, and cheering on the Razorbacks and Packers.

When her oldest son turned six months old, she researched survival swim programs in her area and was disappointed in the results. For nearly ten years, she worked as an accountant and grew tired of the corporate environment.  She wanted to pursue something she was passionate about while spending more time with her family thus becoming a certified Infant Aquatics swim instructor came naturally.

Nearly seven years ago, Little Squirts Aquatics was born.  Libby is proud to have grown her business to include two fellow Infant Aquatics instructors and two wonderful maintenance instructors.  She and her team recognize the importance of providing children confidence and appreciation of the water and look forward to continuing to serve NWA for many years to come!

Wendy Harris is originally from northeast Ohio, but now proudly calls Arkansas home. She resides in Rogers Arkansas with her husband Wes and their three beautiful children Logan, Mackenzie & Ellie. She enjoys traveling, is a hopeless Cleveland sports fanatic, and loves spending time with my family.

Growing up, her 12 years as a competitive swimmer, and work experience as a lifeguard and head swim coach instilled in her a love for the water and a passion for water safety. After experiencing a non-fatal drowning incident with her son during a traditional group swim lesson in 2019, she was on a mission to find something better.

After witnessing first-hand the skills and confidence all three of her children achieved in completing the LSA survival swim program she was inspired by the realization that she too could make a difference in the prevention of childhood drowning.  As a certified instructor it’s her mission to ensure as many children in NWA gain the skills to self-rescue and prevent any parent from experiencing the terror and grief associated with childhood drowning

This topic is near and dear to our hearts. It truly goes into all three categories of power, love, and a sound mind. 

We find power through faith that gives us the strength to get through life's trials. 

We find love for ourselves and those who surround us when we recognize that we are all a part of God's family.

We can have a sound mind when we can quiet the noise of a tumultuous world, and enjoy the stillness of a loving and faithful God. 

This is an introduction to guided meditation and how it can bring you more power, love and a sound mind into your mothering. You can do this guided meditation at any point where you need a calm moment. 

Sources:

https://mindworks.org/blog/what-is-guided-meditation/

https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/meditation/in-depth/meditation/art-20045858

https://mindfulzen.co/5-minute-meditation/#5-minute-relaxation-meditation-script