Living Embodied: Reclaiming Our Body as Safe, Sacred and Sovereign Space

Living Embodied: Reclaiming Our Body as Safe, Sacred and Sovereign Space, a podcast where we explore mental health and wellbeing through nurturing the mind-body connection. Hosted by Sydney Bell, MSW/RSW www.gaiatherapy.net Episode # 11 Mindful Movement With special guest Diana Byron Episode length: 52:51 In this episode of Living Embodied, Sydney chats with Diana Byron about exploring embodiment through mindful movement. Diana shares her wisdom and insight as a yoga teacher, healer and herbalist.  We wrap up the session with a helpful mindfulness exercise offered by Diana to help us center ourselves and feel grounded in our body. Meet Diana Diana Byron, RYT 200 is a certified Kripalu Yoga teacher and founder of Dhyāna Yoga and Wellness, located in Putnam, Connecticut (USA). Diana is dedicated to helping others heal and transform their lives through yoga by offering inclusive, body-positive group classes and private 1-1 instruction, in her studio and online. She also enjoys leading yearly retreats and facilitating women's groups. With over 30 years of experience with meditation, Diana offers free, weekly group meditations and facilitates the online community, Women Who Meditate (https://www.facebook.com/groups/WomenWhoMeditate). As an Herbalist, Diana enjoys teaching workshops and online courses on using plants to stay healthy. You can find out more about Diana's offerings at her website, DhyanaYogaAndWellness.com About Sydney Sydney Bell, MSW is  a registered Social Worker offering counselling and therapeutic services to support people with a range of life challenges such as depression, anxiety, unhelpful patterns, or relationship and family issues.  Through her practice, Embracing the Body Divine, she also works with people to come to reclaim their Body Sovereignty by developing unconditional positive regard and trust in their body.

Living Embodied - Reclaiming Our Body as Safe and Sacred Space with Sydney Bell, MSW/RSW Episode 10 - Embodied Self Perception with Vivienne McMaster In this episode of Living Embodied we are chatting with Vivienne McMaster, a Body Acceptance Photographer, Trauma Informed Coach and Certified Body Trust Provider. About the conversation Are you one of those people who has a hard time with photographs of yourself?  If you are, you are not alone!  Many people, myself included, have challenging feelings of body shame when we see photos of ourselves. In this episode you will meet Vivienne McMaster and hear her insights on how we can work through some of these feelings and not only become more comfortable with seeing photographs of ourselves, but also how the camera can become a tool of healing and supporting us in living an embodied life.   About Vivienne Vivienne McMaster is a Body Acceptance Photographer, Trauma Informed Coach and Certified Body Trust Provider. She works with folks through online classes, coaching and photo sessions to shift how they feel about the person looking back at them in photos. The camera and self-portraiture helped her heal her own negative body image. She's now on a mission to share these tools and help folks choose compassion over critique and return to body trust, one photo at a time.  You can more about her at www.beyourownbeloved.com  Resources In our conversation Vivienne mentions this book that may be of interest to listeners: The Wisdom of Your Body: Finding Healing, Wholeness, and Connection through Embodied Living  by Hillary McBride About Sydney Sydney Bell, MSW is  a registered Social Worker offering counselling and therapeutic services to support people with a range of life challenges such as depression, anxiety, unhelpful patterns, or relationship and family issues.  Through her practice, Embracing the Body Divine, she also works with people to come to reclaim their Body Sovereignty by developing unconditional positive regard and trust in their body.  www.gaiatherapy.net

Living Embodied - Reclaiming Our Body as Safe and Sacred Space with Sydney Bell, MSW/RSW Episode 9 - Gentle Presence with Our Bodies and Ourselves with Lisa Papez In this episode of Living Embodied we meet Lisa Papez, a Tarot reader/Educator, content creator and author. Join Sydney in conversation with Lisa as they explore how we relate to our bodies, our selves, and the difference between loneliness and being alone. We also explore the value of practicing mindful presence in accessing intuitive wisdom and the role of gentleness.  I think you will enjoy this conversation! Lisa is a Woman of Wisdom and has so much insight to offer those on a healing journey, with their body and healing the self in general.   Connect with Lisa Papez www.supportivetarot.com Creator of The Unicorn's Journey Tarot Author of The Self-Worth Path: A Guided Journey to an Empowered Life Instagram: @supportivetarot Lisa's resource recommendation's:  Lisa mentioned the first book by Brene Brown - as we couldn't remember the name of the book, here are the first three that I found via internet search: Women and Shame I Thought It Was Just Me The Gifts of Imperfection Lisa also recommended: Health at Every Size: The Surprising Truth About Your Weight by Lindo Bacon   Connect with Sydney: https://gaiatherapy.net/ Sign up for Sydney’s Newsletter: http://eepurl.com/bBGfpz Connect on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/embracingthebodydivine Connect on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/embracingthebodydivine/

Living Embodied: Reclaiming Our Body as Safe, Sacred and Sovereign Space, a podcast where we explore mental health and wellbeing through nurturing the mind-body connection. Hosted by Sydney Bell, MSW/RSW www.gaiatherapy.net Episode # 8 Release and Body Shame With special guest Ali Shewan Sydney and Ali discuss their thoughts on embodiment and explore the topic of release in healing from body shame.   About Ali Alexandra (or Ali) Shewan (she/they) is a Registered Clinical Counsellor with a virtual counselling and consulting business, Selkie Counselling, based out of Victoria, BC on unceded lək̓ʷəŋən and W̱SÁNEĆ territories. She is passionate about building community for fat people and addressing anti-fat bias and healthism in the field of mental health. She supports clients in uprooting internalized oppression, addressing their privileges and biases, and connecting more to their bodies in a compassionate way. www.selkiecounselling.ca alexandra@selkiecounselling.ca Instagram: @selkiecounselling About Sydney Sydney Bell, MSW is  a registered Social Worker offering counselling and therapeutic services to support people with a range of life challenges such as depression, anxiety, unhelpful patterns, or relationship and family issues.  Through her practice, Embracing the Body Divine, she also works with people to come to reclaim their Body Sovereignty by developing unconditional positive regard and trust in their body.

Living Embodied: Reclaiming Our Body as Safe, Sacred and Sovereign Space Episode 7 - Exploring the role of Balance in Embodiment With special guest:  Kelly Woo - Web and Graphic Designer, Community Builder and Wise Woman  In this episode Sydney speaks with Kelly Woo, a long term friend and spiritual Sister. Join the discussion on embodiment and the role balance plays in keeping us connected to our wise bodies. Sydney has created a worksheet on Black and White Thinking that can be accessed at her website here:  https://gaiatherapy.net/resources/ About Kelly Kelly is a web and graphic designer and casual artist, living in Montreal, Quebec, Canada with my husband and three sons. She is an avid student of life who is passionate about weaving the spiritual and sacred through all aspects of her life–home, work, and community. She enjoys holding community space for people to learn, share, heal, support and empower one another to find their voice and express their own inherent wisdom. She has been working more deeply on connecting with ancestor work and the wisdom traditions of her Chinese ancestry, weaving elements of Taoism, Wu shamanism, Chinese folk practices, Traditional Chinese Medicine, martial arts, tai chi, and Qi Gong into her personal practice. Follow her work at weavergirlways.com or on Instagram @weavergirlways. About Sydney Sydney Bell, MSW is a registered social worker and psychotherapist, providing strength-based support to people struggling with self worth, body image concerns, and life transitions.  Sydney's passion is contributing to the invigorating emergence of rejecting diet culture and healing body shame.  You can find Sydney online at www.gaiatherapy.net

Living Embodied with Sydney Bell Reclaiming our Body as Safe, Sacred and Sovereign Space Episode 6 - Reflecting on the Role of Nature with the Purple Goddess In this episode I reflect on how our relationship with nature can support feeling more at home in our body and our general wellbeing. Joining me later in the episode is Purple Goddess to help us explore this topic.  We discuss how the Celtic Wheel of the Year can help us to keep in tune with the natural world and ourselves, as well as Purple Goddess's book Sophia's Return. Connect with Sydney: https://gaiatherapy.net/ Sign up for Sydney’s Living Embodied Newsletter: http://eepurl.com/bBGfpz Connect on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/embracingthebodydivine Connect on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/embracingthebodydivine/  Guest: Purple Goddess https://purplegoddess.guru/ Juicy Crone Nation:  https://www.facebook.com/groups/2318350125008925 Meet the Purple Goddess Purple Goddess has dedicated her life to supporting women’s transformation. She has been walking a Goddess path for over 30 years and adopted the name “Purple Goddess” when she was “crowned” a Crone (wise woman).  Purple Goddess regularly leads sacred circles journeying through the Celtic Wheel of the Year embracing the energies of the Triple Goddess – Maiden, Mother and Crone. These circles are the source of profound experience and transformation. Purple Goddess connects with her followers and clients through inspirational emails, seasonal newsletters, Purple Goddess Timely Tarot Readings, Honest Conversations with Purple Goddess podcasts, Purple Goddess Juicy Crone Nation Facebook page and sacred ceremonies. As an intuitive and innovative presenter she encourages women to find their Goddess path through ritual, ceremony, Tarot, and personal introspection. Her new book, Sophia’s Return – a Guide to Creating a Goddess-Inspired Sacred Circle is available on Amazon or by contacting anne@purplegoddess.guru. Coming soon is the Purple Goddess Tarot Deck.

Living Embodied: Reclaiming Our Body as Safe, Sacred and Sovereign Space Episode 5 with guest: Danielle Blackwood In this episode Sydney chats with Danielle Blackwood, author, counsellor and archetypal astrologer. Learn how connecting with the Feminine Divine can support empowered and healthy embodiment and heal body shame. Also in the episode, Danielle leads a beautiful guided pathworking to connect with the goddess Aphrodite.   Danielle Blackwood Registered Counselling Therapist and Professional Astrologer Bestselling Author at Llewellyn Worldwide Connect with Danielle: Website: https://danielleblackwood.com/ IG: https://www.instagram.com/danielleblackwoodastrologer/ FB: https://www.facebook.com/danielleblackwoodastrologer/   Danielle's books: The Twelve Faces of the Goddess A Lantern in the Dark   Danielle's suggested resources: -works of Carl Jung -author Jean Shinoda Bolen including Goddesses in Every Woman and Goddesses in Older Women -author Clarrisa Pinkola Estes including Women Who Run with The Wolves -poet John O'Donohue including To Bless the Space Between Us Connect with Sydney: https://gaiatherapy.net/ Sign up for Sydney’s Newsletter: http://eepurl.com/bBGfpz Connect on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/embracingthebodydivine Connect on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/embracingthebodydivine/

Living Embodied: Reclaiming Our Body as Safe, Sacred and Sovereign Space Episode 4 with guest: Kathleen Roussel Author/artist/owner at Morgan's Fancies Studios About Kathleen Roussel Kathleen Roussel, a big, beautiful goddess and self-taught artist has spent most of her life trying to justify her right to exist in her body just as it is. It took the ending of a relationship and working with a life coach to change her view of herself and the world around her. Now she has created a coloring book using her innate talent for creativity and her newfound passion to bring awareness to the fact that women of larger sizes have the right to not only exist but to be seen and thrive in the modern world. https://www.facebook.com/morgansfanciesstudios Amazon Author Page:  https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B09WHJ61XP/ref=dbs_a_def_rwt_hsch_vapi_taft_p1_i4 Big Beautiful Goddesses Colouring Book This colouring book was created with the goal of awareness of the lack of representation of women who live in larger body sizes than that of the current societal standards. Filled with not only images of beautiful larger ladies but quotes and affirmations to aid Big Beautiful Goddesses to love themselves just as they are. To help them not only see their own beauty but also to inspire and encourage them to be seen not only existing but following their dreams with passion and enthusiasm for life! Also by Kathleen Mother's Day Journal  Inspirational Mother's Day Coloring Book  Big Beautiful Goddesses Journal  Zany Zandalas Coloring Book  Sydney's suggested Resources The Art of Body Acceptance by Ashlee Bennet Drawing as an Embodied Practice: Neurographic Art https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y50hqwBkrSM Connect with Sydney: https://gaiatherapy.net/ Sign up for Sydney’s Newsletter: http://eepurl.com/bBGfpz Connect on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/embracingthebodydivine Connect on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/embracingthebodydivine/

Episode 3: Living Embodied: Reclaiming Our Body as Safe, Sacred and Sovereign Space Topic:  Food and Embodiment Guest:  Suzanne Dietrich, Registered Dietician Host:  Sydney Bell How we relate to food is so important to our ability to be comfortable in our bodies and live an embodied life, and yet because of diet culture, we live in fear of food and distrust of our bodies. In this episode of Living Embodied: Reclaiming Our Body as Safe Sacred and Sovereign Space I talk with Suzanne Dietrich, Certified Intuitive Eating Counsellor and Eating Disorder Dietitian.  Suzanne is the owner of Gut Instincts Nutrition Counselling in Waterloo & Guelph and connects via video with people from all over, Ontario.  Plus an embodiment learning activity. **************** Connect with Suzanne: Suzanne Dietrich, Registered Dietitian https://www.gutinstincts.ca/ Instagram: food.peace.mama facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sdietrichrd/ Suzanne’s Suggested Resources The Association for Size Diversity and Health (ASDAH) https://asdah.org/ Lucy Aphramor https://lucyaphramor.com/ Elyse Resch and Evelyn Tribole Intuitive Eating: A Revolutionary Program that Works Kristen Neff Self-Compassion: The Proven Power of Being Kind to Yourself Fierce Self-Compassion: How Women Can Harness Kindness to Speak Up, Claim Their Power, and Thrive Christy Harrison: https://christyharrison.com/ Dr. Anita Johnston: Eating in the Light of the Moon: How Women Can Transform Their  Dr.Maria Paredes Relationship with Food Through Myths, Metaphors, and Storytelling https://www.threebirdscounseling.com/maria-paredes Dr. Jennifer Gaudiani - https://www.gaudianiclinic.com/ ************************ Connect with Sydney: https://gaiatherapy.net/ Sign up for Sydney’s Newsletter: http://eepurl.com/bBGfpz Connect on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/embracingthebodydivine Connect on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/embracingthebodydivine/  Sydney's suggested resources Kathy Kater www.BodyImageHealth.org – Kathy Kater, LICSW is a psychotherapist, author, and internationally recognized authority in treatment and prevention of body image, eating, fitness and weight concerns. Healthy Bodies; Teaching Kids What They Need to Know: A Comprehensive Curriculum to Address Body Image, Eating, Fitness and Weight Concerns in Today's Challenging Environment Real Kids Come in All Sizes: Ten Essential Lessons to Build Your Child's Body Esteem

Living Embodied: Reclaiming Our Body as Safe, Sacred and Sovereign Space, with Sydney Bell Episode 2 - Sydney chats with social worker and fat activist Katie McCrindle.  Also, Sydney shares a short embodiment practice to help us tune into our emotional state through body sensations. Guest:  Katie McCrindle Registered Social Worker, Body Liberation Counsellor, and Fat Activist. Reach Katie https://www.katiemccrindle.com/ Instagram: katiemccrindlecounselling/ facebook: https://www.facebook.com/katiemccrindlecounselling FatChat:  https://www.facebook.com/groups/776245756042306/ Katie’s suggested resources Sonya Renee Taylor: https://www.sonyareneetaylor.com/ Shalom Mountain: https://www.shalommountain.com/ Prentice Hemphill: https://prentishemphill.com/  Insight Timer App: https://insighttimer.com/en-ca Joyn: https://www.joyn.co/ -free online movement classes, also free of diet culture Connect with Sydney https://gaiatherapy.net/ Sign up for Sydney’s Newsletter: http://eepurl.com/bBGfpz Connect on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/embracingthebodydivine Connect on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/embracingthebodydivine/

Episode 1 with Sydney Bell Podcast Launch:  Meet Sydney in this premier episode as she ponders what embodiment means and why it is important to pursue. Links Find the Indigenous Nations and learn about the treaties associate with the land near you: native-land.ca  Sydney’s contact info: Website: www.gaiatherapy.ca Newsletter: http://eepurl.com/bBGfpz Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/embracingthebodydivine Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/embracingthebodydivine/ Release date: June 21, 2022 ********************** About this podcast Living Embodied: Reclaiming Our Body as Safe, Sacred and Sovereign Space What does it mean to experience embodiment, to live at home in our body? Mental and physical health is deeply tied to how we experience a mind-body-soul connection.  Join Sydney Bell, registered social worker and practising psychotherapist in exploring what role healing shame and embracing our divine body plays in our wellbeing.   So many of us feel disconnected and separate from our body. We struggle with body shame, or we find it hard to be fully present in our body, relationships or life. The good news is, we can reconnect and reclaim our body as safe, sacred and sovereign space.  We can integrate what we do for our health and wellbeing so that we know it in our bones and become truly and fully present in our lives and in ourselves.  How do we do this?  How do we honour our wise body as our friend and ally? Through cultivating and practicing embodiment. The Living Embodied: Reclaiming Our Body as Safe, Sacred and Sovereign Space Podcast will feature reflections and conversations with Sydney and special guests, seeking to uncover and understand the deep healing available to us from fully accepting and living in our our body.   Guests and topics for the first six episodes: Episode 1 with Sydney Bell Podcast Launch:  Meet Sydney in this premier episode as she ponders what embodiment means and why it is important to pursue.  Release date: June 21, 2022 Episode 2 with Katie McCrindle, Registered Social Worker, Body Liberation Counsellor, and Fat Activist Topic: A deeper dive into understanding embodiment. Release date: July 5, 2022 Episode 3 with Suzanne Dietrich, Registered Dietitian Topic: What does our relationship with food have to do with embodiment? Release date: July 19, 2022 Episode 4 with Sydney Bell Topic: Healing body shame by reclaiming body sovereignty. Release date: August 2, 2022 Episode 5 with Kathleen J. Roussel Topic: Art and creative expression as a tool for healing body shame.  The Big Beautiful Goddesses Coloring Book Release date: August 16, 2022 Episode 6 with Danielle Blackwood, Registered Counselling Therapist and Professional Astrologer Topic: Embodiment and Spirituality Release date: August 30th, 2022