In this episode, I return from my podcasting nap (hi again! 👋) to talk about something near and dear to my breath-holding, stomach-clenching, thought-spiraling heart: anxiety—and why meditation can be both a healing path and a terrible idea... depending on your nervous system's current mood.

We cover:

• Why I haven’t talked much about meditation before — even though it’s been my jam for a decade
• The sneaky, spiraling cycle of anxiety and fear—and how thoughts and bodily reactions egg each other on like drama queens
• Why “regulate first, think later” might just be the tattoo your nervous system needs
• How meditation helps you stop believing every anxious thought (but only after you’ve had a snack and shaken your limbs a bit)
• Why stillness is not always the best medicine (and how to know when it is)
• Tips on getting started with a meditation practice—especially if your brain is like a squirrel on espresso

Plus, here is my Insight Timer profile that I share about in the episode that has many other meditation recommendations, and a gentle reminder that you’re not broken—you’re just a human in a human body.

🧘‍♀️✨ TL;DR: You don't have to believe everything you think. Regulate first. Then we’ll talk:)

This episode is dear to my heart because it marks a gentle goodbye — not forever, but for now. I’m taking a break from the podcast (and Instagram too) to honor a deeper call within myself: to slow down, to retreat, and to turn more intentionally toward my spiritual practice.

Here are the ways you can reach me in the meantime:

My meditations on Insight Timer (free meditation app)

My newsletter sign up

My website contact form that will put your message into my inbox

Main Talking Points

• 🌿 Why I’m taking a sacred six-month pause from podcasting and Instagram, and what’s been stirring beneath the surface.
• 🧘‍♀️ The deepening of my Buddhist and meditation practice, and how that’s reshaping how I use my energy and time.
• 🔥 The burnout I didn’t want to admit, and the slow realization that “doing it all” was no longer sustainable.
• 💌 What happened when I told my community I needed a break — and the surprising wave of support that followed.
• ⚰️ How letting go mirrors a death process, and what Buddhist teachings on dying have shown me about lightening our attachments.
• 🌙 The power of seasonal living, inner alignment, and creating space to hear the truth of your own needs.
• 🌺 An invitation to reflect on your own sacred pause — and what you might need to release or retreat from right now.

Thank you so much for walking this path with me. I’ll be back — but for now, I hope this episode can be a gentle companion as you honor your own inner seasons. 💛

In today’s episode of The Peace Grows Here Podcast, I’m sharing a personal story about the importance of slowing down and listening to your heart’s deepest desires.

Life often pulls us in many directions, and it’s easy to get caught up in the fast-paced grind. But what if the answer isn’t pushing harder but slowing down?

Join me as I explore how slowing down, creating space, and picking your battles can lead to a more fulfilling, calmer life.

This episode is for anyone feeling overwhelmed and craving a shift towards a more intentional pace.

Main Talking Points:

• The Need for Slowing Down: In a world where productivity and hustle are glorified, it's important to recognize when to slow down and recalibrate. Taking moments to breathe, eat mindfully, and even meditate can help bring peace to an anxious, overworked mind.
• Choosing Your Battles: Life is about balance. There’s wisdom in letting go of things that no longer serve you and deciding where to put your energy. The key is to pick your battles thoughtfully and avoid spreading yourself too thin.
• The Connection Between Anxiety and Pace: Anxiety often thrives in chaotic environments. By slowing down and creating a more intentional pace, we allow our nervous system to find balance and tranquility, giving us more space to breathe and heal.
• Embracing the Pause: It’s essential to make space for practices like meditation or intentional movement. These simple acts can help regulate your nervous system, restore inner calm, and bring more clarity into your life.
• The Luxury of Slow: Slowing down doesn’t have to mean sacrificing productivity, but rather learning how to align your actions with your personal well-being. This balance can help mitigate burnout and make life feel more sustainable.
• Small Shifts for Lasting Change: Slowing down is a process. Begin by making small shifts—take your time eating, rest more, meditate, and listen to your body. These tiny adjustments can lead to a life that feels more intentional and whole.
• Listening to Your Heart: The underlying message of today’s episode is to reconnect with what your heart truly craves. Whether that’s a slower morning routine or more time with loved ones, listening to your needs is vital for long-term well-being.

Remember, the world will always try to pull you in multiple directions, but you have the power to choose your pace. Take the time to slow down, listen to your body, and reclaim your peace.