Holy crap has it been a long time since I've sat down to record an episode of the show. How have 8 whole months passed?! I've sat down to record a few times in that span, but never knew how to start it or what I would even say. It feels like so much has changed that I didn't know if I could truly encapsulate what has been happening for me.  This episode hits all of the big strokes of what's been going on for me over the last 8 months — big and small — and where things are heading.    Hope you'll take a listen!    And if you'd like to connect after the episode, you can find me over on Instagram (@emilylevenson) or through email at emily@madewithlev.com.       

Some Kind Of Magic

Updates Galore!

I had the chance to sit down with Emily Cassel of the Sexy Soulful Success Podcast. Emily and I spent our time talking about sisterhood and how holding space for other women through things like sisterhood circles is a sacred act. The episode begins with a discussion around masculine versus feminine energy, turns towards old paradigms for success and why they don’t work for women, moves into the power of relationships and how they challenge us to grow and evolve, and ends with all of the reasons why sisterhood and sisterhood circles are a tool for the empowerment of women and the world as a whole. To say that I learned a lot from our conversation would be an understatement. And I hope you feel the same after listening to it yourself. I’d love to hear from you! What stood out most from Emily’s interview? What does sisterhood look and feel like to you? Have you ever been a part of a sisterhood circle yourself? And if not, is that something that you would be interested in exploring more after hearing from Emily? Topics Discussed: An introduction to Emily Cassel and what she does Masculine and feminine energy versus gender Pushing for the sake of achievement versus fulfillment Old paradigms of success and how they hold women back The shadow side of our ambition and how it shows up Paying attention to where the world needs our energy  Emily’s experience at an all-female college and how that had a profound impact on her life How to create space for sisterhood in your own life Why Emily says that if we don’t look out for each other, none of us will truly be able to rise up Sisterhood versus female friendships and what sets them apart Sisterhood circles and the power of holding space for one another The inherent structure of sisterhood circles and how to set one up Relationships as a mirror and how to use them as a tool for personal growth and evolution Why Emily says if we can see it them then it means it exists in us Sisterhood as a tool to examine our judgments and perceived flaws The gifts of difficult situations and how sisterhood allows us to see the bigger picture Finding the balance between giving and receiving and why Emily says we should probably be receiving way more than we think we should Resetting the being in order to inform the doing Emily’s definition of everyday magic and how it shows up in her life Connect with Emily Cassel online: Website Instagram Podcast Facebook Private FB Group Resource Links: The Millionth Circle* by Dr. Jean Shinoda Bolen Hit me up: Twitter: @emilylevenson and #somekindofmagic Instagram: @emilylevenson and #somekindofmagic FB Page: Emily Levenson * This is an affiliate link.  

25: How to show up in sisterhood (with Emily Cassel)

 Self-care is a conversation that I've been wanting to dive deep with and am thrilled to be talking about it with Monica Ballard, a massage therapist, reiki practitioner, yoga instructor, and fellow podcaster. Monica shares about her her life and work, using her personal journey to inform her professional passions around radical self-care.  We start our conversation with several book recommendations in the self-help genre, then weave our way through the concept of radical self-care as it relates to authenticity, awareness, integrity, and integration, and, finally, end on one of the most beautiful stories about crocodiles and the Never-Not-Broken Goddess.  I found this entire conversation to be informative, thought-provoking, and profound and am truly excited to go back and listen again because of the nuggets of wisdom Monica shares throughout.  I’d love to hear from you! What stood out most from Monica’s interview? What does the concept of radical self-care mean to you and how can you take steps to come into integrity in your own life? Topics Discussed: An introduction to Monica Ballard and what she does Monica's bookclub and the books that they've been reading so far (see Resource Links) How radical self-care came into Monica's life and what it means for her Why Monica says self-care and authenticity go hand and hand The root of radical self-care is deep listening and awareness Integrity as integration of body, mind, and spirit Why the core of self-care is about giving yourself what you need in the moment Monica's mantra of do no harm, but take no shit How we view others and what that says about how we view ourselves Why you cannot ask another person to do what you are unwilling to do for yourself Activating your feminine gifts through self-care What your psychic womb is and how to use it in your day to day life Why Monica says that anything we overuse can be turned into a weakness How to know when your out of alignment with your feminine energy Symbols as a way to bring us back to the core of who we are What do you desire and what are you willing to receive Desire as a gateway to uncovering your purpose and passion The story of Akilandeshwari, AKA the Never-Not-Broken Goddess  Monica’s definition of everyday magic and how it shows up in her life Connect with Monica Ballard online: Website Subscriber Wellness Hub (where the Book Club lives) Facebook Instagram INHABIT Creation Lab IN{HABIT} Podcast Resource Links: The Upside of Stress* by Kelly McGonigal The Willpower Instinct* by Kelly McGonigal Come As You Are* by Emily Nagoski Ph.D. The Top Five Regrets of the Dying* by Bronnie Ware   The self-care post (from Emily) The story of the Never-Not-Broken-Goddess (from Monica) Hit me up: Twitter: @emilylevenson and #somekindofmagic Instagram: @emilylevenson and #somekindofmagic FB Page: Emily Levenson * This is an affiliate link. 

How to embrace radical self-care in your own life (with Monica Ballard)

I’m fairly certain that there isn’t a person on the planet who would argue that breathing isn’t important. Hell, it’s what keeps us alive. But did you know that our breath is also a tool that we can use to regulate our emotions, bring more awareness into our lives, and balance our energy?  That’s what Meagan Roppo of She Enlightened and I spend our time talking about in this week’s episode of the podcast.  Meagan is a writer, an activist, a yogini, an advocate, and a dreamer. She founded She Enlightened to encourage and empower women and girls to bring forth their gifts, voices, and light through the power of meditation and natural healing.  I’d love to hear from you! What stood out most from Meagan’s interview? What role has meditation played in your own life and journey? Topics Discussed: An introduction to Meagan Roppo and what she does How Meagan found meditation and the role it played in her life Meditation as a tool for self-care Making meditation and yoga accessible to everyone, regardless of their backgrounds or experiences What meditation (and yoga) has done for Meagan over the past 7 years The power of meditation to accept your situation for what it is and be present The many benefits of meditation — from sleeping better to feeling empowered to having more room to process our emotions The feminine side of meditation Affirmations, visualization, and loving kindness meditation  The ripple effect of meditation  Why Meagan says that yoga found her and how she’s exploring it now The power of the breath on and off the yoga mat Why Meagan says that every emotion has a specific breath associated with it Alternate nostril breathing and connecting with the wisdom of our bodies Meagan’s advice for anyone wanting to get into meditation (and it’s not what you think) Setting intentions for your meditation practice  Why Meagan says that meditation it is what it becomes What everyday magic looks and feels like for Meagan and how it unfolds in her life Connect with Meagan Roppo online: Website Medium LinkedIn Resource Links: Gabby Bernstein Sharon Salzberg 10% Happier Podcast + The Loving Kindness Episode The Nourish + Flourish episode about yoga (Apple Podcasts) Alternate Nostril Breathing The What, Why, and How of Meditation The Himalayan Institute (Pittsburgh) Hit me up: Twitter: @emilylevenson and #somekindofmagic Instagram: @emilylevenson and #somekindofmagic FB Page: Emily Levenson * This is an affiliate link.

23: Why it all comes back to the breath (with Meagan Roppo)

 I had the absolute pleasure of sitting down with Lauren Hayes of The Luna Celeste to talk about all things energy work, tarot, crystals, and spirituality. Not only did Lauren share about her personal awakening and how she came to embrace her spiritual side, she speaks to the power of the being open, finding flow, and exploring the things that trigger you most.  This conversation with Lauren was a profound one for me because it gave me a deeper understanding of my own spiritual awakening, as well as some brand new insights about my experiences last year during my sabbatical.  Here's to being open to what the journey has in store for us all.  I’d love to hear from you! What stood out most from Lauren’s interview? Have you experienced your own kind of spiritual awakening? Topics Discussed: An introduction to Lauren Hayes and what she does How Lauren went from running a courier business to becoming an energy worker and spiritual coach Why Lauren says she experienced a dark night of the soul that completely changed her life Lauren's experience of her third eye opening and chi (qi) balls  The power of intentions when it comes to connecting with spirits and the energetic world Lauren's spiritual lineage and how she discovered her place within it The power of crystals and how they can support us in any phase of life The crystals Lauren is carrying around in her purse right now Simple tools for clearing your energy The power of asking yourself "What do I think of this?" Learning how to access the answers that are held within Why Lauren believes that spirit speaks to us in synchrocities Angel numbers and what they can tell us Staying in flow, staying open, and trusting the processing How mindset plays a role in your spiritual evolution Life as an upward spiral and what that means in our lives Triggers and what they offer us in terms of growth The more you surrender the easier it will be Learning to love yourself no matter what Masculine and feminine energy and finding balance What happens when you outgrow where you've been Lauren’s definition of everyday magic and how it shows up in her life Connect with Lauren Hayes online: Website Instagram Facebook YouTube Resource Links: The SKOM Interview with Annabelle Needles The Game of Life and How To Play It* by Florence Scovel Shinn The SKOM Interview with Tina Conroy Denise Duffield-Thomas and her book, Get Rich, Lucky Bitch* Hit me up: Twitter: @emilylevenson and #somekindofmagic Instagram: @emilylevenson and #somekindofmagic FB Page: Emily Levenson * This is an affiliate link. 

22: Learning how to embrace the spiritual path (with Lauren Hayes)

 Hello, friends, and welcome back to Season 2 of the podcast! I am thrilled to be sitting down with De Lisa Patterson, brand mixologist and all around creative. One, because she's freakin' hilarious. And two, because she is a wealth of knowledge and inspiration.  De Lisa's journey starts with a tale of loss — of a job, a relationship, and her self-confidence all at the same time. She shares how those losses took their toll, and also how they shaped her journey. De Lisa offers practical tips for staying in the room and sitting with the discomfort, as well as mindset shifts that were profound for her own transformation. We also touch on the importance of patience, mindfulness, and gratitude. Three things that have played a major role in my own life and journey.  I’d love to hear from you! What stood out most from De Lisa’s interview? What do you think about her perspective around worth, loss, and confidence? Topics Discussed: An introduction to De Lisa Patterson and what she does Coping with loss (of a relationship, a job, self-esteem) and how that has shaped her journey Redefining your purpose, particularly when you get knocked down from where you thought you belonged Why De Lisa says that everything you do leads you to the next thing Feeling unloved and unworthy and how De Lisa found herself again The power of movement and how that helped De Lisa shed the "weight" of the pain and grief How focusing your energy outward can be the antidote to grief and loss Staying in the room and sitting with discomfort The questions De Lisa asks herself in order to get herself back on track Focusing your energy on the things you CAN do instead of on what you can't Staying connected to the present moment to keep anxiety at bay Why worrying about what may or may not happen is unproductive How experiences from De Lisa's past influenced her future Being wealthy in life and what that means for De Lisa now The power of vision and staying true to your beliefs It's not possible or practical until it is Learning to be patient and trusting in the journey It's okay if you don't get your stuff when everyone else got their stuff De Lisa’s definition of everyday magic and how it shows up in her life Connect with De Lisa Patterson online: Website Instagram Facebook YouTube De Lisa Carol Collective (podcast) Resource Links: Loretta LaRoche   Life Is Not A Stress Rehearsal* Hit me up: Twitter: @emilylevenson and #somekindofmagic Instagram: @emilylevenson and #somekindofmagic FB Page: Emily Levenson * This is an affiliate link. 

Why you need to learn how to sit with the discomfort (with De Lisa Patterson)

This week's Quick Tip episode is all about how I plan for the week ahead in order to make sure that I'm spending my time on the things that I value the most. There are two things that I do every weekend to ensure that my week gets off to a great start: menu planning and a review of what I have going on for the week.  It may sound simple at the outset (and perhaps it is), but this weekly ritual is something that helps me feel anchored and in total alignment with the things I value most.   Resource Links: Podcast Archives The Newsletter Better Than Before* by Gretchen Rubin Sunday Summit from Christine Kane Unravel Your Year Workbook from Susannah Conway Pinterest Board with Tarot/Oracle Spreads     Hit me up: Twitter: @emilylevenson and #somekindofmagic Instagram: @emilylevenson and #somekindofmagic FB Page: Emily Levenson   * This is an affiliate link.

Quick Tip: How I make sure my time is spent on the things I value the most

I am incredibly excited to have my friend and fellow health coach slash healthy living pal, Lindsey Smith, on the show. Lindsey has a long list of accomplishments under her belt included being a published author, speaker, coach, and inspirational rapper. (That is not a typo.) And while all of that is amazing (and it truly IS amazing), the most impressive thing about Lindsey that I've witnessed in the 8+ years I've know her is her power to create magic in her life. So when Lindsey agreed to peel back the curtain and let me pick her brain about manifestation and how she creates magic every single day, I jumped at the chance. I hope you enjoy getting to know Lindsey in a new way through this conversation and that it helps to connect some dots in your own life between thoughts and feelings and bringing them into reality. I’d love to hear from you! What stood out most from Lindsey’s interview? What do you think about her perspective around manifestation and creating magic in her own life?   Topics Discussed: An introduction to Lindsey Smith and what she does Lindsey's path to becoming and author The power of faith and trust when it comes to manifesting From thoughts to reality and how that shows up for Lindsey Knowing when to push for something and when to sit back and wait How Lindsey goes from inspiration to manifestation in her daily life Why people aren't good at manifesting (hint: it has everything to do with feelings) The scary nature of feelings and why we avoid them, good or bad How Lindsey first started manifesting as a child and some examples from childhood The power of intuition, taking inspired action, and belief in the process Why Lindsey says that visualization was a huge part of the manifestation puzzle as a kid The world as a mirror and how it reflects back to us what we're thinking and feeling Combatting self-doubt and getting back to a place of openness and balance What to do when past stories and emotions come up How the experiences in our lives can teach us multiple things over time Why Lindsey says that she wants to live in the grey Lindsey’s definition of everyday magic and how it shows up in her life Connect with Lindsey Smith online: Website Twitter Instagram Facebook Resource Links: Eat Your Feelings* Junk Foods & Junk Moods* Challenge 24 (now 24 Game)   Hit me up: Twitter: @emilylevenson and #somekindofmagic Instagram: @emilylevenson and #somekindofmagic FB Page: Emily Levenson   * This is an affiliate link.

How to go from inspiration to manifestation (with Lindsey Smith)

This week, I have the absolute pleasure to sit down with Latrice Sampson Richards of the Unicorns Talk podcast. Latrice is a Licensed Professional Counselor and Certified Life-Purpose and Relationship Coach for Black women who are ready to heal from their past so they can build a future they deserve. We dive deep into topics like manifestation, law of attraction, and forgiveness and Latrice shares the process she used for herself (and now uses with her clients) to know herself fully and bring about positive change in her life. This episode is chock-full of wisdom and would recommend that you a.) have a notebook and pen handy so that you can take copious notes and b.) listen back as often as needed so that you can navigate creating change and manifest whatever your heart desires in your own life. I’d love to hear from you! What stood out most from Latrice’s interview? What do you think about her perspective around relationships, expectations versus boundaries, and change?   Topics Discussed: An introduction to Latrice Sampson Richards and what she does How Latrice's went from simply existing to thriving in her late 20s What Latrice means when she says she had to get to the other side of happy Understanding that if you are not okay, then everyone else is not okay The power of a personal to-do list and how that helped Latrice completely transform her life The importance of knowing who you are first before anyone else can really know you Why Latrice says that the more success you experience, the more likely you are to experience success Changing your perspective around change in order to grow and evolve Getting really clear about your expectations and boundaries Why creating something that's realistic AND optimistic is the key to manifesting Adjusting your understanding of forgiveness as a way to move forward in your life Core people and PRN people and how those relationships impact our lives The tools Latrice uses and teaches around forgiveness The difference between viewing things from a child's perspective versus an adult's perspective Understanding the difference between expectations and boundaries The logistics of manifestation and how to overcome obstacles The power of viewing everything as a data point when it comes to creating change Change as a spiral versus a linear experience Doing the foundational work up front so that you can reach your goals with ease Latrice’s definition of everyday magic and how it shows up in her life Connect with Latrice online: Website The Unicorns Talk Podcast Latrice on Facebook + Instagram Unicorns Talk on Facebook + Instagram Trust Village FB Group Resource Links: EmpowHER Your Vision Masterclass Ho’oponopono Epsom Salt Foot Soaks Change Gone Come   Hit me up: Twitter: @emilylevenson and #somekindofmagic Instagram: @emilylevenson and #somekindofmagic FB Page: Emily Levenson   * This is an affiliate link.

How to have a happy and fulfilling life (with Latrice Sampson Richards)

As someone who's been on the spiritual path for the better part of a decade, I am always on the lookout for people who just GET IT. You know, people who share an interest in growing and evolving and who are open to things like yoga, meditation, tarot, and energy work. So when I came across Eryn Johnson of the Living Open podcast, I knew that she was someone I wanted to connect with and get to know better. Eryn is a Philly-based creative, healer, and seeker whose tools include yoga, reiki, tarot, and storytelling. In this episode, Eryn talks about how all of these tools have come together in her life to help her peel away the layers and become connected with her divine truth. It's equal parts personal journey and an introductory course on the power of yoga and mudras, energy work, and tarot.  If you're also someone who is looking to dive more deeply into spiritual waters, this episode is for you. And if you're also looking for others who just GET IT, I would highly encourage to reach out to Eryn online and say hello. I’d love to hear from you! What stood out most from Eryn’s interview? What are your thoughts on things like reiki, mudras, and tarot?   Topics Discussed: An introduction to Eryn Johnson and what she does Eryn's path to finding her purpose, including a trip to India to learn yoga What reiki is and how it found it's way into Eryn's life Connecting with the moments that matter and how Eryn has been able to tune into that Why Eryn says that reiki has been a return to her inner knowing Believing in feelings versus needing to understand in a rational way Embracing the wholeness of our experiences Tarot as a guide and a spread to use for insight into your current state How Tarot came into Eryn's life and what it has meant in her journey of self-discovery Combining yoga with tarot in a very physical way Mudras and how to use them in your everyday life 3 of Eryn's favorite mudras and how to use them (see below for link) The story of The Fool and the meaning behind the card for this conversation today The big picture of energy work and how the journey of learning, curiosity, and opening up our hearts has the potential to change the world Finding and following what makes you feel good Why Eryn says we have to surrender control at some point in order to find happiness Eryn’s definition of everyday magic and how it unfolds in her life Connect with Eryn online: Website Living Open (on Apple Podcast) Instagram Facebook   Resource Links: Lindsay Mack + her February's monthly medicine around blossoming in the void The Biddy Tarot 3-card exercise (scroll down to the final spread in the post called Deep Dive into the Major Arcana) Eryn's 3-card spread + Emily's 3-card spread Alexandra Franzen A primer on mudras 12 mudras to shift your energy (with pictures of the Garuda, Padma and Anjali Mudra) The Women's Book of Healing: Auras, Chakras, Laying On of Hands, Crystals, Gemstones, and Colors* by Diane Stein   Hit me up: Twitter: @emilylevenson and #somekindofmagic Instagram: @emilylevenson and #somekindofmagic FB Page: Emily Levenson   * This is an affiliate link.

Finding and following what makes you feel good (with Eryn Johnson of Living Open)

I sat down with Tina Conroy, A.K.A The Intuitive Woman, to talk about all things intuition. Tina is a yoga instructor, reiki master, and intuitive who first realized she could connect with Spirit and intuition as a child. Tina shares story after story of how she first connected with her gifts, her family history with intuition and prophetic dreams in particular, and how she really came into her own with intuition as an adult.  What I love most about this episode — and I really loved all of it — is how Tina breaks down the components of intuition and shares practical tools for developing it your own life. If you've ever been curious about intuition or wanted to strengthen your own skills, this episode is for you. We talk about everything from what intuition is and how it shows up for people, daily practices to help you be more in tune with your intuition, and tools to help you along the way (like meditation, crystals, and oracle cards). I’d love to hear from you! What stood out most from Tina’s interview? Do you consider yourself to be intuitive? How has that shown up in your life?  Topics Discussed: An introduction to Tina Conroy and what she does When Tina first realized she was intuitive and how that shaped her childhood Intuition in children and why that fades as we get older What intuition is and how that can show up for people The 4 "clairs" of intuition — clairaudience (hearing voices), clairvoyance (seeing images), clairsentience (recognizing feelings), and claircognizance (knowing) How to determine your "clair" and what that means for you The cultural and societal differences with feelings and intuition Empathic versus clairsentient (or intuitive) and how that shows up Tools for protecting your energy and creating a shield around yourself The benefits of intuition and learning to trust what's showing up Daily practices to help you connect with your own intuition The value of a morning routine and what Tina's looks like Tarot versus oracle cards and the different messages that show up based on what you use Why Tina says "rejection is God's protection" Tina’s definition of everyday magic and how it shows up in her life Gratitude as a way to be more present to the miracles in the everyday A spiritual growth period and how that culminated for Emily during her sabbatical Connect with Tina online: Website The Intuitive Woman Podcast The Intuitive Woman Group on FB Instagram Resource Links: The Miracle Morning* by Hal Elrod Insight Timer The Sacred Creators Oracle Deck* by Chris-Anne Donnelly of Pixie Curio Wisdom of the Oracle Divination Cards: Ask and Know* from Collette Baron Reid Thank & Grow Rich* by Pam Grout   Hit me up: Twitter: @emilylevenson and #somekindofmagic Instagram: @emilylevenson and #somekindofmagic FB Page: Emily Levenson   * This is an affiliate link.

Learning how to develop your own intuition (with Tina Conroy)

I’m so excited to be sitting down with Cyndie Spiegel, a Brooklyn-based small business consultant, coach, and TEDx speaker. Cyndie is the brains behind The Collective (of Us), a small business accelerator for women, and The Community (of Us), an online hub for conversation and change-making community. Regardless of the work she's doing, Cyndie has a gift for bringing people together AND for telling it like it is. Her perspective on community and belonging is beautiful and important, her talks are filled with truth bombs (and f-bombs), and her knack for facilitating difficult conversations is second to none.  If you're looking for ways to create change in your life or to expand your community of strong and supportive women, this episode is for you. We touch on the damaging effects of echo chambers, the power of empathy, truly listening to those around you, the importance of sisterhood, standing in your truth, and why belonging to yourself first is a necessary part of being in community.   So grab your favorite cup of something and settle in for an insightful and enjoyable conversation. I’d love to hear from you! What stood out most from Cyndie’s interview? What role does community play in your life?  Topics Discussed: An introduction to Cyndie Spiegel and what she does Why Cyndie says the work you're trained to do isn't always the work you're meant to do The value of being around people who don't think like you  The Community of Us and how that came about in reaction to the events of 2017 Echo chambers and why they can be detrimental to our wellbeing Why Cyndie believes that change happens through conversations with people who are different than us The importance of flexibility while learning to stand alone in your truth Why practice is the difference between falling apart and integrating new perspectives Why we all need to learn how to listen and allow people to be who they are Letting it be so that it can grow Belonging to yourself first and why that's a necessary first step Allowing yourself to be uncomfortable more often Surround yourself with powerful women who stand for you and not agree with you all the time Standing in your truth means letting go of what doesn't feel right Learning that standing in your truth doesn't always mean you'll be liked Trying on new things and ideas without clinging to the end result  The concept of "upspiraling" and what that means for creating change Cyndie's definition of everyday magic and how it shows up in her life Connect with Cyndie Spiegel online: CyndieSpiegel.com The Community of Us The Collective of Us Instagram Resource Links: Daring Greatly* by  The Gifts of Imperfection* by Brené Brown Braving the Wilderness* by Brené Brown Anatomy of the Spirit* by Caroline Myss Morning Pages The Artists Way* by Julia Cameron   Hit me up: Twitter: @emilylevenson and #somekindofmagic Instagram: @emilylevenson and #somekindofmagic FB Page: Emily Levenson   * This is an affiliate link.  

Why community is so important to creating change (with Cyndie Spiegel)

I wanted to share with you some of the tools that I've been using as of late to get a handle on my time and be more intentional about where my energy is going. There are four tools in particular that have had a huge impact on my life and my mood: tarot, automatic writing, meditation, and weekly planning. What I love most about these tools is how they help me feel grounded and get me to connect with parts of myself that I don't often connect with. They also help me to slow down and savor my experiences (especially with my daughter), to be more aware of the thought patterns and stories that I carry around with me, and to pay more attention to what I need to function at my best in the world. In the last few months that I've been doing these things, I feel like I am more organized and on top of things, I know what's expected of me, and I'm more intentional and planful about how I'm showing up. And when I don't do them, I notice a huge difference. I feel more scattered and unsure of what to do with my time. Tool #1: Tarot Tarot has become a tool for knowledge and exploration. I love doing weekly and daily spreads to help ground me in the upcoming week. The cards help me feel more focused and allow me to set intentions for the week, see patterns that have been showing up, and also to get guidance in areas where I've been struggling. Some of my favorite 3-card spreads: What to do / What not to do / What will bring me joy A reflection of me / A meaningful intention / A message from spirit Issue Guides are helping with now / What my Guides want me to know / How I can connect with my Guides What to expect / Unexpected / Theme of the day What to be aware of / What to remember / What to let go of A favorite weekly spread: Theme or general energy of the week / What I most need to focus on this week / Challenges that may come up this week / Strengths can I use to overcome these challenges Other resources: Interview on N+F with Leslie McAllister of Juju Tarot for Personal Growth board on Pinterest Decks: Universal Waite* + Sacred Creators Oracle Tool #2: Automatic Writing Automatic writing is a tool for self-discovery that helps me access the wisdom and guidance I need in the moment. I find that automatic writing is able to get me deeper than straight journaling and provides me with more meaningful information than Morning Pages. So what is this magical tool? It is a way to connect with your higher self, spirit guides, and our unconscious through writing. I've found that I do best by writing it down with pen on paper, but you could also use a computer to connect in this way. The most effective way for me to do automatic writing is by first setting the intention for staying open, taking a few deep breaths, and then starting my session off with a question like, what do I need to know right now? so that the writing can unfold. The best part about automatic writing is that the more you do it, the easier it becomes to sit down and write. I know that doesn't sound super helpful, but I promise it's an easy process. The resources below go into more detail about what it is and how to do it, so if this is a tool that interests you, I'd suggest clicking around and reading a bit more. Resources: How to do automatic writing Automatic Writing 101: 10 Tips and Techniques How to Channel Your Soul Through Automatic Writing Tool #3: Meditation Meditation is something that I chose to focus my time and energy on for The 100 Day Project. I knew that I needed a little extra motivation to stick to a daily practice. 50 days into the project, I've realized a few things about meditation and what it does for me. First, it helps me become more aware of my thoughts and patterns, which is a seriously powerful tool for creating positive change in my life and mood. Second, I'm less reactive to stressors — which I happen to have a lot of with a sassy 4-year-old at home. Meditation has also led me to make other positive changes in my life because I've been more aware of how I'm feeling mind, body, and soul. Finally, because I've been meditating at night, I've noticed that I've been sleeping a whole lot better. Heck. Yeah. The only requirement I set for myself when I started with my 100 Day Project was to spend at least 5 minutes each day meditating. That could be as simple as focusing on my breath for 5 minutes, diving into a longer guided meditation, or even listening to something like binaural beats. So far, I've done all of the above, as well as meditating in the shower and bathtub, outside on a walk, and in Shavasana following a yoga practice. Resources: The what, why, and how of meditation @meditately — the IG account where I'm sharing more about the journey Breath Meditation Binaural Beats (actual meditations can be found through a quick search on YouTube) Some of the guided meditations that I've been using Meditation Oasis Tool #4: Sunday Forcast I'm the kind of person that barely looks at her calendar and often doesn't realize that I need to be somewhere until I'm supposed to be leaving. So taking the time to sit down on a Sunday and look at what I have going on during the week and also what I want (or need) to get done for the week has been a gamechanger for me. It allows me to be intentional with my time and to make a plan for how I will get it all done. It also helps me to prioritize my time more effectively while also spending time doing the things that I value: connection, self-care, being outside, etc. What I ask myself in order to get my week in order: What do I have on the calendar for the week? What do I need to get done? What do I want to get done? How does it all fit in throughout the week? Am I focusing on what I value most? If not, what can I do to bring my schedule more into alignment? What will we be eating this week? What do I need to prep? What is my intention or theme for the week? The whole process takes like 10 minutes to do (minus the menu planning, that can take an hour with all of my food restrictions and how much cooking I do at home). And I typically write it down in a notebook because I do better with remembering it all that way. Resources: A post about Christine Kane's Sunday Summit 20 productive things to do on a Sunday from The Blissful Mind // While you can do each of these tools on their own, there is something magical about how they work together and support each other. At least that's how it's been for me. If that sounds like too much, or if you'd rather try them one at a time, I totally feel you. Pick the one that you're most curious about or feel like you need the most in your life right now and start there. You can always add more in once you feel settled into your new routine.   *This is an affiliate link

4 tools for personal growth and self-care

I'm really excited to be sitting down with Catherine Beard of The Blissful Mind this week to talk about the importance of mindfulness and self-care, two topics that I have become pretty focused on as of late. Our conversation starts with the power of awareness, as Catherine shares how mindfulness found its way into her life and what it's changed as a result. We also talk about the difference between mindfulness and meditation, as well as the tools that allow you to be more mindful in your everyday life. We round out the conversation with a discussion about self-care and mindfulness and how they are integral pieces of the same puzzle. And while all of those things are pretty darn great, my favorite part about this conversation is how Catherine is able to make mindfulness approachable and grounded in our current reality. Because without mindfulness, life becomes a never-ending sprint to the finish line of acquiring more things without really pausing to appreciate the journey that got you there. I’d love to hear from you! What stood out most from Catherine’s interview? What role does mindfulness play in your own life?   Topics Discussed: An introduction to Catherine Beard and what she does How Catherine got into mindfulness by way of minimalism and a capsule wardrobe The power of awareness and how that has changed Catherine's journey Knowing better versus doing better Our daily choices and how routines help to keep you on track How to create a morning or evening routine that works for you The difference between meditation and mindfulness Easy ways to infuse more mindfulness into your day Mindfulness and eating — finding a way to slow down and savor each bite Self-care and how that relates to mindfulness Consumer-based self-care versus true holistic self-care Self-care versus laziness and where do you draw the line The chicken and egg question around self-care and mindfulness The boundaries between work and play and how mindfulness plays a role Mindfulness and religion. Is there room for both? Catherine’s definition of everyday magic and how it shows up in her life Journaling and how Catherine approaches it as a tool for mindfulness Connect with Catherine online: The Blissful Mind Pinterest Instagram Facebook Resource Links: The original interview on Nourish + Flourish with Catherine Posts from The Blissful Mind around morning routines The self-care power hour that Catherine follows Why self-care is more than bubble baths and spa days (Emily's blog post) Automatic writing   Hit me up: Twitter: @emilylevenson and #somekindofmagic Instagram: @emilylevenson and #somekindofmagic FB Page: Emily Levenson   * This is an affiliate link.

How to bring more mindfulness into your life (with Catherine Beard)

Money. The very thought of it can make people squirm in the seats. The word alone has the power to conjure up feelings of anger, jealousy, despair, excitement, fear, anxiety, and gratitude. The good news is, money doesn't have to be a dirty word. And our relationship to it can truly be life-changing. Which is why I'm so excited to be sitting down with my good friend Jenny Karlsson, the brilliant mind behind Financials for Creatives. Jenny is, in my estimation, the perfect combination of left and right brain, with a love for both photography and numbers. Our conversation is a candid one and focuses on both the practical and softer sides of money. We talk money mindset and how the stories we carry around money, success, and work really impact our relationship with money. We also explore how Jenny uses tarot and crystals to support her work, as well as the more traditional approaches like budgeting, spending plans, and YNAB. I hope you enjoy this one as much as I have and that it gives you plenty of food for thought when it comes to your personal relationship with money. I’d love to hear from you! What stood out most from Jenny’s interview? How can you begin to shift your relationship with money by embracing some of the tools Jenny shared? Topics Discussed: An introduction to Jenny Karlsson and the work she does through Financials for Creatives Where Jenny's love for numbers came from The problem with looking left to right versus inside when it comes to money Money as a data point and how to make sure your spending and your values are in alignment Money blocks, self-worth, and how those things relate to our feelings about money The stories that we have told ourselves over the years about money and how they've impacted our lives Why having a coach is a godsend when it comes to working through our money "stuff" How Jenny uses non-traditional tools like tarot and crystals to address money issues Having a JOY budget and setting aside money for the things that bring you joy Using crystals to help support your money goals Why Jenny loves and recommends You Need A Budget What everyday magic looks and feels like to Jenny Resource Links: Connect with Jenny Karlsson online: Website | Instagram | Pinterest Profit First* by Mike Michalowicz Sacred Creators Oracle by Chris-Anne Donnelly You Need A Budget (YNAB) Morning Pages by Julia Cameron Hit me up: Twitter: @emilylevenson and #somekindofmagic Instagram: @emilylevenson and #somekindofmagic FB Page: Emily Levenson Pinterest: Emily Levenson 

Looking at money in a more soulful way (with Jenny Karlsson)

Some Kind Of Magic is a podcast that seeks to understand and embrace the magical in the mundane, everyday moments of life. Conversations will center around gratitude, mindfulness, creativity, meditation, intuition, spirituality, living in alignment, finding your purpose, and the bigger picture of wellness. For more information and show notes, visit http://emilylevenson.com/podcast

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Some Kind Of Magic

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