In Episode 40, the Season 2 Finale of "Chakras and Chardonnay," host Maria Mayes welcomes Elizabeth Marshall, founder of Reiki Uprising. Straddling the worlds of classical music and energy healing, Elizabeth Marshall has cultivated a career path that has spanned nearly three decades and the entirety of the globe.  As a cellist, Elizabeth has worked with headliners such as Lady Gaga, The Eagles, Andrea Bocelli, Weird Al Yankovich, Lionel Richie, Jon Secada, and Seth MacFarlane.  As owner of Rise Wellness and the Reiki Uprising in Portland, Oregon, Elizabeth has cultivated a Reiki certification program that has produced over 300 Reiki practitioners to date.  Elizabeth has been fortunate enough to combine the two paths of her life into one cohesive experience through sound healing workshops that include cello, singing bowls, drones, and beats. In their discussion, Elizabeth introduces Reiki as the channeling of universal intelligence to send healing energy to others, emphasizing its ability to inspire healing and turn the tide of negativity. Elizabeth shares her journey from being a professional cellist to transitioning full-time into energy healing, citing the correlation between music, vibration, and energy healing. Listeners gain insight into Reiki sessions and sound healing techniques as Elizabeth describes the process of a Reiki session, highlighting relaxation and the body's innate healing abilities. She also discusses the complementary role of sound healing, including cello music and singing bowls, in addressing specific needs and chakra blockages.As the conversation moves to wine Elizabeth shares her love of the varied nuances of Oregon Pinot Noir. The episode concludes with a special gift of meditation to a beautiful cello piece by Elizabeth. To learn more and connect with Elizabeth: www.ReikiUprising.com https://www.instagram.com/reikiuprising/Wines Featured in this Episode of Chakras & Chardonnay: https://www.pennerash.com/https://www.duskygoose.com/Learn more about Maria and her work at Take5.Health and subscribe to receive tips and free Guided Meditations each Wednesday. Connect with Maria on social: Instagram LinkedIn

When was the last time you thought about your hand health?   Likely not recently. Yet how often do you rely on your hands for your work or play?  In Episode 39 of the Chakras & Chardonnay podcast, Maria Mayes welcomes Dr. Terry Zachary to discuss the importance of hand health and the often overlooked role of grip muscles in overall well-being. Dr. Zachary shares his journey from pro golfer and sports chiropractor to grip and hand exercise specialist, motivated by his observations of athletes facing repetitive grip injuries.  Having helped pro athletes, musicians, and artists Dr. Zachary highlights the anatomy of the hand emphasizing the significance of the muscles that close, open, and spread the hand, along with the role of forearm muscles in controlling hand position during gripping activities. He stresses the importance of maintaining balance between these muscle groups to prevent repetitive grip injuries and optimize hand function.Throughout the conversation, Maria and Dr. Zachary explore topics including the impact of modern lifestyles on hand health, such as extensive smartphone and computer use. Dr. Zachary also addresses common concerns, such as arthritis, and explains how proper hand exercises can support joint health by improving blood flow and nutrient delivery to the affected areas. By incorporating mindful exercises that engage both the closing and opening muscles of the hand, individuals can enhance their hand health and reduce the risk of repetitive strain injuries. Dr. Terry offers simple yet effective exercises for listeners to incorporate into their daily routines to promote hand strength, flexibility, and overall well-being.  Maria guides us through a guided relaxation incorporating such exercises to close out the show. To connect with Dr. Terry: https://www.doczac.com/https://www.instagram.com/handmasterplus/Dr. Terry's wine pick: https://phantomcreekestates.com/This Episode is sponsored by Kaena Wines: Learn more about Kaena at: https://www.kaenawine.com/Order your Mindful Tasting Trio here: https://www.kaenawine.com/product/Mindful-Tasting-TrioLearn more about Maria and her work at Take5.Health and subscribe to receive tips and free Guided Meditations each Wednesday. Connect with Maria on social: Instagram LinkedIn

In Episode 38 of Chakras & Chardonnay, Maria Mayes welcomes guest  Reina Bach, an Executive and Lifestyle coach with a passion for wine. Reina shares insights into her background, blending executive coaching with her experience as a certified French Chef and Wine Sommelier. With over 30 years of experience both as a leader and as a leadership development consultant, executive coach and facilitator. Reina's journey from Wall Street to the French Culinary Institute and wine studies reflects her pursuit of authenticity and joy.Maria and Reina delve into the importance of mindfulness and reconnecting with one's senses, especially for successful professionals who may have lost touch with their authentic selves amidst career demands. Reina introduces the listeners to Evox, a new technology for reframing an individual's perception about a specific topic or any aspect of life they would like to improve.Throughout the episode, Reina's passion for mindfulness, sensory exploration, and holistic well-being shines, offering listeners a refreshing perspective on life's pleasures and the transformative power of presence.  Stick around till the end for a guided retreat into the present moment.To connect with Reina Bach: https://reinabach.com/https://www.instagram.com/IAMREINABACH/https://www.linkedin.com/in/reinabach/This Episode is sponsored by Kaena Wines: Learn more about Kaena at: https://www.kaenawine.com/Order your Mindful Tasting Trio here: https://www.kaenawine.com/product/Mindful-Tasting-TrioLearn more about Maria and her work at Take5.Health and subscribe to receive tips and free Guided Meditations each Wednesday. Connect with Maria on social: Instagram LinkedIn

In Episode 37 Maria is joined by Sally Sigouin, owner of Kaena Wine Company where they discuss Sally's journey into winemaking with her husband and the unique story behind Kaena Wine. Sally shares that Kaena, meaning "proud" in Hawaiian, was a name given to her husband by his great-grandmother, representing something one is “really proud of”. They began their winemaking journey after working in fine-dining restaurants and realizing their passion for wine.Specializing in Grenache varietals, Kaena Wine focuses on creating wines they love to drink. Sally explains the challenges and rewards of working with Grenache, highlighting its unique characteristics and the importance of patience in winemaking. She also discusses their expansion to a second location in Solvang and the experience they offer there, complete with a 65,000-square-foot tasting room set in a picturesque barn setting.Sally emphasizes the importance of setting boundaries to balance work and family life, sharing her approach to prioritizing family time and being present for her children. She also discusses the mindfulness practices she incorporates into her routine, particularly emphasizing the role of exercise in maintaining mental well-being.Listeners are invited to explore Kaena Wine's offerings through their website and are encouraged to join virtual tastings or visit their tasting rooms in Los Olivos or Solvang. The episode concludes with Maria leading us through a short guided mindfulness journey.To learn more or order from Kaena: https://www.kaenawine.com/https://www.instagram.com/kaenawinesOrder the Mindful Tasting Trio: A special three-pack of Grenache that comes with the mindful tasting experience: https://www.kaenawine.com/product/Mindful-Tasting-TrioLearn more about Maria and her work at Take5.Health and subscribe to receive tips and free Guided Meditations each Wednesday. Connect with Maria on social: Instagram LinkedIn

In Episode 36 of "Chakras and Chardonnay," host Maria Mayes welcomes Erin Kempe, owner of two wine labels and tasting rooms in California. Erin shares her journey from working in high-end restaurants to venturing into the wine industry, culminating in the establishment of her own labels and tasting rooms in Los Olivos and downtown Santa Barbara. She discusses the unique dynamic of running a business alongside her husband and reflects on the challenges of maintaining well-being while managing a bustling business, emphasizing the importance of carving out personal time amidst the demands of entrepreneurship. She shares her experiences navigating the uncertainties of the COVID-19 pandemic, including the shift to online sales and the profound appreciation for in-person interactions upon reopening.The conversation delves into the art of wine tasting, with Erin offering insights on simplifying the experience for beginners and encouraging exploration without intimidation. She emphasizes the value of connecting with customers on a personal level, creating an engaging atmosphere in the tasting room, and shares her passion for a diverse array of wine varietals.Enjoy a guided full-body relaxation at the end of the Episode. To get in touch with Erin and Explore Barbiere & Kempe Wines Visit: https://barbieriwines.com/https://www.instagram.com/Barbieri_kempe_winesLearn more about Maria and her work at Take5.Health and subscribe to receive tips and free Guided Meditations each Wednesday. Connect with Maria on social: Instagram LinkedIn

In Episode 35 of Chakras and Chardonnay, host Maria Mayes sits down with Becky Bailey, founder of Wild West Wellness and Thermography, dedicated to empowering individuals to take control of their health through proactive measures. Becky shares her journey into founding her unique business, inspired by personal experiences and a desire to find holistic health solutions after her 1st husband's battle with cancer. Thermography, a non-invasive and radiation-free imaging technique, becomes the focal point of their discussion, offering insights into its functionality and benefits.Becky explains how thermography works by detecting temperature variations in the body, which can indicate inflammation and potential health issues. She emphasizes the importance of early detection and proactive lifestyle changes, showcasing how thermography is a valuable preventive healthcare tool. Becky offers various scan options, with the breast and full-body scans being among the most popular, providing individuals with baseline data and facilitating ongoing health monitoring.The conversation delves into real-life examples where thermography has detected issues beyond cancer, such as infections and inflammation, highlighting its versatility and holistic approach. Additionally, Becky shares her journey with detoxing and juicing, inspired by her 2nd husband's battle with cancer, and the transformative effects it has had on her overall well-being.Becky's story is a testament to the healing power of holistic approaches to health and wellness.  Maria seals the episode with a guided relaxation designed to help us activate the Heart Chakra. To connect with Becky and book your scan: https://www.wildwestthermography.com/https://www.instagram.com/wildwestthermography/Featured on this Episode of Chakras & Chardonnay:  https://www.brickbarnwineestate.com/https://www.infrareadthermography.com/about-thermographyLearn more about Maria and her work at Take5.Health and subscribe to receive tips and free Guided Meditations each Wednesday. Connect with Maria on social: Instagram LinkedIn

Today, Maria is joined by Yogi Aaron, and they delve into the world of yoga, anatomy, and the misconception surrounding stretching. Yogi Aaron is the creator of the revolutionary approach to yoga, Applied Yoga Anatomy and Muscle Activation, Ayama as well as the Online Platform, the Yogi Club host of the Yoga Podcast, Stop Stretching, author of Autobiography of a Naked Yogi and the recently published, Stop Stretching, a New Yogic Approach to Master your Body and live Pain Free. Yogi Aaron shares his personal journey with chronic back pain and how he transitioned from a focus on stretching to muscle activation for pain relief. They discuss the importance of understanding the language of the body and avoiding ego-driven injuries in yoga practice.Yogi Aaron emphasizes the significance of stillness and joy in yoga poses, encouraging practitioners to find steadiness and ease rather than pushing for extreme flexibility. He also sheds light on the concept of being addicted to pain and how it can shape one's narrative.The conversation takes a turn towards wine, with Yogi Aaron sharing his love for exploring wineries and enjoying wines from regions like La Rioja in Spain. He describes the unique tastes and stories that wines can tell, highlighting the connection between history, land, and the experience of the wine.To connect with Yoga Aaron: To purchase Yogi Aaron's latest book:  https://amzn.to/3xHJmMkOn social: @yogi_aaron For those interested in Yogi Aaron's approach to yoga anatomy and pain relief, he recommends checking out his free Pain-Free Series on his website: yogiaaron.com.  Featured in this Episode: Vallobera Crianza Rioja 2020 at Trader Joe's  https://vallobera.com/Learn more about Maria and her work at Take5.Health and subscribe to receive tips and free Guided Meditations each Wednesday. Connect with Maria on social: Instagram LinkedIn

In Episode 33 Maria is joined by Rachel Levin, author of "The Donut Diaries" and a personal trainer and health coach with over 20 years of experience. Rachel shares her background and the transformative journey she underwent while writing her book.Rachel reflects on her initial approach to the fitness industry, where the focus was on achieving a smaller body size. However, as she grew older, she became tired of the constant pressure to conform to a particular body image. Turning 40, she realized that despite achieving a size zero, she was still unhappy. This realization led her to explore the concept of "health at every size" and the damaging effects of restrictive dieting.The conversation delves into the importance of self-love and the challenges women face in embracing their bodies. Rachel emphasizes the need to shift the mindset and shares her personal journey of overcoming societal pressures and negative self-talk. Maria and Rachel discuss the significance of recognizing and challenging negative beliefs rooted in adolescence and the impact of seeking external validation.Rachel introduces a simple yet powerful exercise for listeners to implement in their daily lives – using affirmations or proclamations. The conversation continues with insights into the ongoing journey of self-love and the importance of setting boundaries. Rachel encourages women to stop seeking external opinions about their bodies and shares mantras she developed to protect her mental health. The episode concludes with a discussion on the quote that has profoundly influenced Rachel's perspective on wholeness followed by a guided relaxation led by Maria intended to help you remember your wholeness. To connect with Rachel: https://www.facebook.com/rachel.lavinhttps://instagram.com/rachellavinwellness?igshid=OGQ5ZDc2ODk2ZA==https://www.linkedin.com/in/rachel-lavin-wellness-33707b17https://rachellavinwellness.com/Featured on this Episode of Chakras & Chardonnay: https://takearecess.com/shop/recess-mood/the-new-mood-samplerLearn more about Maria and her work at Take5.Health and subscribe to receive tips and free Guided Meditations each Wednesday. Connect with Maria on social: Instagram LinkedIn

In Episode 32, Maria Mayes welcomes Zane Landin, a communication professional, NAMI Next Gen Advisor, mental health and disability advocate, queer rights activist, body positivity proponent, entrepreneur, and positive change maker. Zane earned their Bachelor of Science in Communication and Public Relations from Cal Poly Pomona and is the founder of PositiveVibes Magazine, a digital magazine dedicated to telling authentic stories about mental health, wellness, and inspiration. Zane is a passionate storyteller who regularly writes about wellness, psychology, and culture for the Power of Positivity, Entrepreneur, Brainz Magazine, and Lady Gaga's Channel Kindness. Zane is intrigued by how we can leverage powerful stories to create a more inclusive world for all to thrive.  Zane strives to reduce mental health stigma, normalize the experience, and uplift the voices of those with lived experience.Zane shares insights into his background, passion for communication, and his role at the National Geographic Society. The conversation delves into the intersection of mental and physical health, discussing Zane's ongoing weight loss journey.Zane emphasizes the importance of seeking help for mental health, breaking the stigma surrounding it, and highlights the availability of free resources. He encourages listeners to explore their feelings, understand the reasons behind them, and reach out for support when needed. Zane also shares his perspective on body positivity, stressing the significance of making conscious health choices while embracing self-love.  The episode closes out with a guided relaxation to invite in present moment awareness, the breath, and a bit of self-compassion.  To Connect with Zane: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zane-landin-b2417a187/https://www.instagram.com/zanelandinTo learn more about Soluna:The new free mental well-being resource available to youth ages 13-25 in California visit https://solunaapp.com/Learn more about Maria and her work at Take5.Health and subscribe to receive tips and free Guided Meditations each Wednesday. Connect with Maria on social: Instagram LinkedIn

This week Maria is joined by Lauren Leduc, a visionary teacher, intuitive mentor, and founder of True Love Yoga, Kansas City.  Lauren's journey began at 17 when she was diagnosed with anorexia, leading to a decade of challenges like anxiety and depression. With support, she discovered tools for healing, eventually founding a popular outdoor program, Pop Up Yoga KC, which evolved into True Love Yoga, a pay-what-you-can studio offering trauma-informed yoga classes and teacher training.In 2022, Lauren became a certified Dharma and spiritual life coach, merging her experience into a transformative one-on-one program. Her focus is empowering women and femmes to embrace their fullness through her book, "Embody Your Inner Goddess: A Guided Path to Radical Wholeness." In the podcast, she shares insights into intuitive readings, guiding clients through chakras and connecting them with their inner goddess.Maria explores Lauren's journey from teaching to coaching, highlighting the intertwined yet distinct aspects of these roles. Lauren emphasizes the importance of self-trust and offers a wellbeing tip from her book: a self-massage practice to foster body positivity.Their conversation delves into the importance of self-awareness, shedding light on how societal norms affect self-perception. Lauren shares insights on stepping away from self-numbing behaviors and embracing vulnerability as fertile soil for growth.Transitioning to wine, Lauren expresses a preference for crisp Sauvignon Blanc, Champagne, Prosecco, Pinot Noir, and rosé. She shares her recent experience in Sicily, immersing in yoga and wine tastings, and enjoying locally grown grapes.Lauren's reflections underscore the value of understanding the craft behind wine, akin to savoring its journey from vine to glass. Her discussion intertwines mindfulness, healing, and appreciation for life's nuances.  Lauren leads a guided meditation at the end designed to help one get out of their own way.  To connect with Lauren:https://www.laurenleduc.com/embody-your-inner-goddess-book Instagram.com/iamlaurenleducLearn more about Maria and her work at Take5.Health and subscribe to receive tips and free Guided Meditations each Wednesday. Connect with Maria on social: Instagram LinkedIn

In the first episode of 2024, the script is flipped and Maria gets interviewed by Heather Carey, a clinical nutritionist, chef, and host of Real Food Stories.  In this episode, we go behind the scenes on Maria's unique approach which challenges conventional perspectives on alcohol consumption. Whether you are exploring a dry or damp January, are always dry, or just looking to explore mindfulness, this episode is for you. With over a decade's experience in both meditation and the wine industry, Maria merges the worlds of mindfulness and wine tasting, presenting a fascinating perspective for those who question their drinking habits.Maria shares her journey with alcohol, stemming from her childhood observations of alcohol's role as a stress reliever. Throughout her career in a high-pressure corporate environment, she found alcohol often acted as a social lubricant and stress alleviator. However, it wasn't until a period of self-reflection, grief, and a full breakdown that she began to explore mindfulness practices, including meditation. This introspective conversation takes us into the why behind her approach to wine tasting mindfully, weaving together her love for wine with her newfound awareness and self-love.The conversation delves into Maria's mindful drinking process, breaking it down into steps and their discussion touches on the significance of self-compassion in the journey toward mindfulness, highlighting the importance of understanding oneself and fostering a lifestyle that combines consciousness with indulgence. Maria's insights offer a compelling perspective for those questioning their relationship with alcohol and seeking a mindful approach to consumption. Her guidance emphasizes self-awareness, intentionality, and gratitude as pivotal steps toward a more mindful and fulfilling life.  To round out this episode Maria guides us through an exercise in arriving in full presence. Featured in this Episode of Chakras & Chardonnay: To get in touch with Heather Carey: https://www.heathercarey.com/To learn more about the Soluna App now available for free to all adolescents in California: https://solunaapp.com/To work with Maria directly: https://take5.health/Learn more about Maria and her work at Take5.Health and subscribe to receive tips and free Guided Meditations each Wednesday. Connect with Maria on social: Instagram LinkedIn

Episode 29: Scheduling SELF as the Solution | Beyond the Chardonnay BufferIn Episode 29 of Chakras & Chardonnay, host Maria welcomes Tracy Pleschourt, founder of Self Made You, a coaching company focused on teaching individuals how to coach themselves to become the solution to their problems. Tracy shares her journey from the corporate world to entrepreneurship, emphasizing the importance of self-awareness and self-coaching. She introduces the SELF framework—which helps individuals tap into their potential and overcome challenges by understanding their thoughts and responses. Tracy emphasizes the significance of self-awareness and offers a 10-minute self-check-in process to identify and understand your emotions and underlying beliefs. She highlights the power of separating oneself from reactive thoughts and responding intentionally using mental fitness techniques.  Maria and Tracy discuss their journeys with Chardonnay, touching on a shared history of using it as a coping mechanism and leveraging self-awareness to step out of it.  The episode closes with a guided reflection visualization and relaxation to close out 2023. To connect with Tracy: https://www.self-madeu.com/To join her upcoming "Stop Overeating Masterclass" December 29th: https://www.self-madeu.com/stopovereatingmasterclasshttps://www.instagram.com/self_madeu/https://www.linkedin.com/in/tracypleschourt/Learn more about Maria and her work at Take5.Health and subscribe to receive tips and free Guided Meditations each Wednesday. Connect with Maria on social: Instagram LinkedIn

Ep. 28 The Power of Centering Prayer & Holiday Spiced WineIn Episode 28 Maria is joined by Rich Lewis, an expert in Centering Prayer.  The two discuss its roots in Christianity's tradition of silence and its transformative impact.  Aptly timed just before Christmas Rich explains Centering Prayer in detail as a silent meditation fostering a deep connection with God. He shares the technique of sitting in silence and utilizing a sacred word or anchor to refocus when thoughts wander. He addresses misconceptions about meditation in religious contexts and encourages an open-minded approach. Rich shares the personal benefits of this practice, including increased confidence, openness to new experiences, improved listening skills, and enhanced patience. He advises starting gradually.  The conversation transitions to wine where Rich shares how he enjoys both Zinfandel and Sangria and Maria shares some background on Sangria and Mulled Wine for the Holidays. Maria leads us through a special Holiday Relaxation at the end. Featured in this Episode of Chakras & Chardonnay: To connect with Rich Lewis:  https://silenceteaches.com/Holiday Sangria and Mulled Wine Recipes: https://www.taketwotapas.com/mulling-spices/ https://bakerbynature.com/mulled-wine-sangria/https://www.recipesfromeurope.com/german-mulled-wine/Learn more about Maria and her work at Take5.Health and subscribe to receive tips and free Guided Meditations each Wednesday. Connect with Maria on social: Instagram LinkedIn

In Episode 27, Maria is joined by Patrick Tromley, also known as The Level Up Dad. As a Mindset & Performance coach, Patrick assists individuals in overcoming detrimental habits and excuses, guiding them toward an undeniable transformation through the development of positive habits, discipline, fitness, and nutrition. Patrick recounts his journey, detailing how he shifted away from self-centeredness and the traits of a "manchild" by embracing discipline, starting with a focus on nutrition. This change rippled into every facet of his life, enabling him to fully commit to his family.  Patrick explains that stepping into his masculine energy enabled his wife to embrace her feminine energy more deeply. Despite experiencing upheavals due to the Mortgage Meltdown in 2008 and subsequent career setbacks, Patrick persevered, ultimately transitioning into real estate investing then as a result of his own self-improvement journey performance coaching and embracing his role as a husband and father to three boys.Motivated by his own transformation, Patrick felt compelled to aid thousands of others in achieving similar life-altering changes. He candidly shares his journey away from alcohol and the immensely positive effects it had on his life as well as what it means to him to be a true servant leader. Maria reviews a Non-Alcoholic Sauvignon Blanc and leads a meditation session aimed at balancing masculine and feminine energies through breathwork.Featured on this Episode: To learn more about Patrick TromleyReach out on Instagram - @thelevelupdadAlcohol-Free Sauvignon Blanc: Giesen WinesLearn more about Maria and her work at Take5.Health and subscribe to receive tips and free Guided Meditations each Wednesday. Connect with Maria on social: Instagram LinkedIn

In Episode 26, Maria hosts Dr. Gary Simonds who shares a fresh perspective with his insights into preventing burnout among healthcare professionals. Gary was the founding Chief of Neurosurgery and Neurosurgery Residency Program Director at the Carilion Clinic and the Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine, until retiring from clinical Neurosurgery in 2019. He remains a Professor at the Virginia Tech School of Neuroscience and the Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine (VTCSOM). Gary majored in Biochemistry at Dartmouth College then received his medical degree from UMDNJ-Rutgers Medical School. He trained in neurosurgery at Walter Reed Army Medical Center, and completed a fellowship in Medical Research at the Walter Reed Army Institute of Research. He also holds a master’s degree in Health Care Delivery Science from the Dartmouth Institute and the Dartmouth Tuck School of Business, and is a fellow of the American Association of Neurological Surgeons.Gary has performed over 13,500 major neurosurgical procedures of all types and complexities and has treated tens of thousands of patients. He continues to teach undergraduates at Virginia Tech and medical students at VTCSOM, produces educational material for international medical education company Medmastery, and writes a blog for Psychology Today online. His professional passions have included clinical neuroscience, medical education, humanism, science, writing, ethics, medical socioeconomics, and personal wellness. He routinely presents and teaches at various national and international courses and meetings. For the past 14 years, Gary has studied and lectured widely on burnout and resilience. He has written three related books: Building Resilience in Neurosurgical Residents, The Thriving Physician, and Thriving in Healthcare. He has recently released his first novel, a medical/psychological thriller, entitled “Deaths Pale Flag” He is currently working on a coming of age soccer novel  “One Happy Accident.”Residing in North Carolina with his wife of 42 years Cindy and trusty Border Collie Hamish, Gary delves into hobbies like banjo and guitar playing, and even braves the challenge of learning the bagpipes, much to his neighbors' amusement. The episode concludes with Maria leading a relaxing breathwork practice aimed at fostering resilience.Featured on this Episode: To learn more about Dr. Gary Simonds and his work:https://garyrsimonds.com https://www.facebook.com/garyrsimonds/https://twitter.com/garyrsimondshttps://www.instagram.com/garyrsimonds/https://www.tiktok.com/@garyrsimondshttps://www.pinterest.com/garyrsimonds/Learn more about Maria and her work at Take5.Health and subscribe to receive tips and free Guided Meditations each Wednesday. Connect with Maria on social: Instagram LinkedIn

Episode 25 delves into the elusive quest for happiness.  Whether you’ve found yourself successful by the world's definition yet still unhappy, or just want to uplevel your joy quotient, this episode is for you. Maria Mayes chats with guest Rebecca Morrison, a lawyer turned leadership and happiness coach on a mission to spread joy by helping people discover what they need to live happier, lead happier and build happy businesses.  Author of "The Happiness Recipe," exploring how to find joy even after reaching success, Morrison shares a simple yet powerful well-being practice  - focusing on acknowledging three good things daily. The conversation transitions from mindfulness practices to their shared love for wine, making it a delightful, insightful, and lighthearted exchange. If you're seeking a blend of practical happiness advice and casual conversation, this episode offers a refreshing perspective on finding joy in life's simple moments. Maria shares a little insight on what Meritage wine is and a review of one of her favorites from Sonoma California. Be sure to stick around for the guided relaxation at the end.Featured on this Episode: To learn more about Rebecca Morrison and her work: www.untanglehappiness.com https://www.linkedin.com/in/thebeckymorrisonhttps://www.instagram.com/the.becky.morrison/Talk Dirty to Me Wine: Tank Garage Winery 2021 Talk Dirty to Me, Red Wine, Sonoma CountyLearn more about Maria and her work at Take5.Health and subscribe to receive tips and free Guided Meditations each Wednesday. Connect with Maria on social: Instagram LinkedIn

EP 24 The Power of Presence & Gratitude with Rosanne Nieboer of the Chakra WayA special treat as we enter the Thanksgiving Holiday.  Maria is joined by Rosanne Nieboer, founder of The Chakra Way. In this delightful conversation, Rosanne and Maria dive into the world of chakras, yoga, and wine, connecting the peaceful moments of life with mindfulness and gratitude. Rosanne, an experienced yoga teacher, shared her journey into merging yoga and chakras, initially discovering the chakras through her yoga practice and eventually creating a course to share this knowledge.Rosanne discusses the transformations she's witnessed in her clients, emphasizing the power of self-awareness and gratitude in fostering personal growth. Maria and Rosanne delve into the correlation between mindful wine tasting and chakras.The conversation reminds us how gratitude is to be felt, not just stated.  An engaging and informative exchange that left space for relaxation as Rosanne led a guided relaxation session, wrapping up the episode with a serene moment.Rosanne has been a yoga teacher for over 20 years, is a meditation leader and chakra expert. The Chakra Way Journey is her newest offering and is a 7-month container for self-discovery using the chakras as a guide to find inner healing, deeper understanding and the modalities of healing that resonate and that will work for each individual. Her offerings through The Chakra Way include a Podcast featuring weekly meditations and fortnightly conversations with healers, and of course, Yoga! Featured on this Episode of Chakras & Chardonnay: To get in touch with Rosanne visit https://chakra-way.com/ or @yogawithrosanne on InstagramLearn more about Maria and her work at Take5.Health and subscribe to receive tips and free Guided Meditations each Wednesday. Connect with Maria on social: Instagram LinkedIn

Join Maria in Episode 23 as she engages in a captivating conversation with Katrina Blair, a multifaceted woman who wears the hats of a devoted wife, caring mom, and business owner of Alpha Behavioral Counseling Center and Omega Mental Health. In this enlightening episode, Katrina, a seasoned Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) with over two decades of experience, shares her warmth, understanding, and acceptance in counseling, particularly as a multicultural, BIPOC therapist navigating diverse cultural backgrounds.Katrina's educational journey, rooted in the heart of California's Central Valley, unfolds as she earned her BA in Social Work and MS in Marriage and Family Therapy from California State University, Fresno. As a Certified Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing Therapy (EMDR) therapist and EMDR Consultant in Training, Katrina dives into the origins of EMDR, explores trauma symptoms, and provides valuable insights into the various training levels.This episode serves as a comprehensive guide to EMDR, shedding light on its applications and offering guidance on identifying certified therapists. Katrina illustrates with examples of some of the movements used to soothe the nervous system, providing listeners with a clear understanding of how EMDR addresses mental health challenges, specifically in the treatment of PTSD and anxiety and more.The conversation takes an intriguing turn as Katrina and Maria pivot into the realm of wine, where Katrina shares her love for sweet wines and offers insights on mindful consumption. Tune in for an informative and engaging discussion that unpacks the nuances of EMDR as a healing therapy. Featured on this Episode: To learn more about Katrina Blair and her work: Website: www.abccenterinc.comOn Instagram: @alphabehavioralcounselinghttps://www.instagram.com/alphabehavioralcounselingLearn more about Maria and her work at Take5.Health and subscribe to receive tips and free Guided Meditations each Wednesday. Connect with Maria on social: Instagram LinkedIn

Episode 22 features a soul-stirring discussion as Maria welcomes the talented artist and Soul Prints creator, Suz Alexandra, to the show. Dive deep into the enchanting world of Soul Prints, where Suz skillfully imprints her clients' souls onto canvas, allowing them to discover their inner light, beauty, power, and an unwavering sense of self-worth.This moving conversation between Suz and Maria delves into the common human experience of feeling unseen, invisible, inadequate, and diminutive. Suz's extraordinary gift as an artist transcends mere brush strokes, as she guides her clients to embrace their visibility, connect with their heart and soul, and recognize their intrinsic worth.As Suz unfolds her experiences of painting her clients, you'll witness how each canvas expanded her own soul, and discover the profound impact that living with two brain aneurysms had on her perspective, instilling a newfound appreciation for life. Suz also reveals the sacred process behind her soulful artistry, along with the transformative power of living authentically, making it the ultimate safe haven.In a world craving meaningful connections and self-acceptance, this conversation is a beacon of light. Suz and Maria even take a delightful detour to discuss Suz's love for a unique rose with an exquisite floral taste.Tune in to this captivating episode to witness the magic of self-discovery through art and the profound wisdom that lies within each stroke of Suz's brush.Featured on this Episode: To learn more about Suz Alexandra and her work: Website: www.suzannealexandra.com On Instagram: @_soul_prints_Stolpman Vineyards 2022 Love You Bunches Rose: https://www.stolpmanvineyards.com/product/Love-You-Bunches-Rose-2022Learn more about Maria and her work at Take5.Health and subscribe to receive tips and free Guided Meditations each Wednesday. Connect with Maria on social: Instagram LinkedIn

Ep. 21 Taking Leaps, Fostering Community, and Savoring Distinctive WhitesIn the Season 2 premiere of Chakras & Chardonnay, Maria invites Tyler Skinner to the show, who made a bold move in 2020 by launching Women Making Waves. This platform unites determined women who share a vision of co-creating a future where they can step into leadership roles, both personally and professionally, in a fresh and empowering way. Tyler is on a mission to revolutionize women's roles through thoughtfully curated workshops, events, and transformative adventures, providing women with the tools and support they need to expand their horizons, accomplish more, and be their true selves. She strongly believes that women deserve to be acknowledged and supported in their endeavors.Tyler, a dynamic entrepreneur with a myriad of passions, has repeatedly reinvented herself to foster connections and collaborative communities that drive positive social and cultural change. She brings people together to rally behind causes greater than themselves and discover the magic of motivating others. In addition to her leadership at Women Making Waves, Tyler also serves as the President of the Central Coast Chapter of NAWBO (National Organization for Women Business Owners).Join Maria and Tyler in a deep conversation about the significance of community-building, embracing transformation, and Tyler's appreciation for unique white wines, including those from Ulloa Cellars in Paso Robles, California.Featured on this Episode of Chakras & Chardonnay: To get in touch with Tyler and Women Making Waves: www.women-making-waves.com www.connectedcommunitiesco.com tyler@women-making-waves.comOn Social Media: @women.making.wavesUlloa Cellars: https://ulloacellars.com/Learn more about Maria and her work at Take5.Health and subscribe to receive tips and free Guided Meditations each Wednesday. Connect with Maria on social: Instagram LinkedIn