Unraveling Rachel

I Hit Publish and it Felt Good

Raw Expressions in Unraveling

33 | 10 Insights From My Cancer Experience

Over the last few months I've joked that cancer prepared me for the pandemic. It's really quite true. In this episode I talk about 10 of the most prominent things I learned from my cancer experience. These insights may help you now.

32 | Trauma & These Trying Times

Sorting through these heavy days, exploring: Goodness v. Progress, Curiosity v. Comfort, trauma & healing, self care & expectations -- AND -- the fascinating, amazing power of our human brain to grow and change.   Mentioned in this episode: Irene Lyon, Resmaa Menakem, Norman Doidge

31 | Trauma & These Trying Times

Sorting through these heavy days, exploring: Goodness v. Progress, Curiosity v. Comfort, trauma & healing, self care & expectations -- AND -- the fascinating, amazing power of our human brain to grow and change.   Mentioned in this episode: Irene Lyon, Resmaa Menakem, Norman Doidge

31 | enough

That's it. ⁣ ⁣ Just enough.⁣ ⁣ No more. No less. ⁣ ⁣ I wish you enough today, too.⁣

30 | Commitment, Curiosity, Compassion & COVID-19

An update on how I am working my 3 C's for 2020 in the time of another unexpected 'C' - COVID-19. Take-aways: Commitment is not static. Curiosity requires safety. Compassion presumes suffering and requires good boundaries.

29 | Words That Get In The Way

“The syntactical nature of reality, the real secret of magic, is that the world is made of words. And if you know the words that the world is made of, you can make of it whatever you wish.” -- Terence McKenna   The words we use create our reality. Some words block the creation of what we want. Are you using these words to keep yourself stuck? 

28 | Is Hope A Problem?

During these last two COVID months I've been fascinated with the concept of hope. To learn more about it, I went to a coach I admire, respect and have learned SO MUCH from and found she has a podcast titled "Hope is a Problem."  Well now, is it really? Maybe. Here's my take. For reference: Brooke Castillo's The Life Coach School Podcast Ep #153: Hope is a Problem  

27 | The Root Chakra

We can't consciously recall it, but our experience of the world from conception to that magical one year birthday lays the foundation of our entire life experience. Understanding this can reveal a lot about how we're reacting to the world circumstances today. "Somebody wasn't hugged enough as a child," said of the grumpy, mean, or awkward person, is a commentary rooted in wisdom. Continued reading with commentary from Eastern Body Western Mind by Anodea Judith.

26 | Easing Anxiety

There can't be any large-scale revolution until there's a personal revolution, on an individual level. It's got to happen inside first. - Jim Morrison Brooke Castillo, The Life Coach School Circumstance --> Thought --> Feeling --> Action --> Result --> Being Again Managing your thoughts = directing your experience. TED Talk on Fear containing quote "Fear is an incredible act of the imagination"  

25 | Fear, Survival & The Root Chakra

It feels like the rug has been pulled out from under us...we're on shaky ground...things are unstable, uncertain...fear and scarcity are rampant. The wounds of our root chakra are revealed. In this time of social distancing and self-preservation there's also opportunity, for the individual and the collective: this viral pandemic can help reveal a path towards even greater health. Explored through reading about the Root Chakra from Eastern Body, Western Mind by Anodea Judith.

24 | Weekly Unravel #6

Structure and scheduling still haven't happened the way I thought they would, but structure and order have come through in other ways since returning home from Florida. A commitment to growth means embracing change in alignment with values. The big aha that has called forth a paradigm shift came to me as a peaceful knowing -- the way that truth often so lovingly does, which unfortunately makes it way less attractive to most of us than fear. The knowing is this: the system that made me sick w...

23 | Weekly Unravel #5

An update on my commitment to No Sugar February and how I'm making shifts in my relationship to food. Recommitting to goals with refinement, integrity, and clarity. Time management and real talk about failure.  "Fear is just excitement without the breath." - Dr. Fritz Perls Coming Up: Recording from Florida next week!

22 | Weekly Unravel #4

Have you ever experienced something and then thought it was the best thing for everyone? Is there something in your past you wish you had pursued but didn't and now you think life might be better if you had? Can't understand why someone in your life keeps doing things that are clearly not good for them? This episode is for you -- if you're ready for it.

21 | Inspired Unravel #1

How this weekend's workshop on polyvagal theory helped me see the inner wisdom of my body in knowing what it needed to heal and that my depression was linked to a lack of expression. This episode explores my unique relationship to depression. We are all on our own journey. Take care of yourself as you listen.

20 | Weekly Unravel #3

How something I once resisted has become a daily habit that I never regret. COMPASSION in action. And, what I'm COMMITTING to in February for self care and building trust with myself. 

19 | Weekly Update #2

In this episode I: discuss moving through some recent health hiccups; break down an experience I had with a stranger while slacklining at the park; talk about my deepening relationship with my father; reveal that I get pretty sad sometimes when I look in the mirror. And of course, the three key questions I learned last weekend at a workshop led by Jennifer Samore ( www.JenniferSamore.com / @tendingtothewholeself). They helped guide the experiences of my week AND this podcast. I hope they're ...

18 | Weekly Download #1

In this weekly download: Overcoming resistance. Keeping Commitment. Finding the Sacred in Everything. Gratitude Rampage. Importance of movement & touch, especially when feeling stuck or alone. Waking Up App    

17 | Curiosity, Compassion, & Commitment

In this episode: Cold showers. Just doing the damn thing. How we're all just here chasing a feeling. How and why my 2020 is going to be awesome. Why gratitude is the currency of abundance. Being nice to computers so they don't kill us when they take over the world. ANNOUNCEMENTS FOR SAN DIEGO FRIENDS Women's Circle - January 23 @ 6pm For women seeking wellness and relief from autoimmune disorders or other mysterious or undiagnosed health mysteries. Polyvagal Theory Workshop at G...

16 | MRI Results and Other Stuff

In this episode: MRI Results, a surprise meeting with an important person at work and how anxiety is showing up for me. I intended to post this episode 12/28 but the post failed! It's not my favorite episode, so I considered just nixing it, but I want to honor the imperfect process, so -- here it is.

15 | Celebrating One Year of Unraveling Rachel

I launched the podcast on December 17, 2018. Join me in this episode as I reflect on the perfection of this last year's journey. It's a great listen for anyone in the midst of or sitting on a creative endeavor of their own.

14 | Body Image: Before & After Cancer

In this episode, I share my personal experience with weight and body image before cancer and the shift in mindset after cancer. I explore feelings of dissociation, emotional eating, gratitude and skewed societal beliefs about weight, worth, health, and happiness.  There is SO much more I wish I'd said on this subject and a bigger conversation we ALL - especially women - need to have on this. But I think this episode is a great place to start. What feelings does it bring up for you?

13 | Rare Cancer Day, Sober October, & Asking for Help

Suddenly it's October. My favorite month! This is an off the cuff episode prompted by the fact that October 1st is National Rare Cancer Day. In this episode: Raising awareness for PMP & Appendix Cancer - why it's important and a bit of my story Sober October and three more reasons October is awesome Self-Reliance, Interdependence and how not wanting to die "with my music still inside" is fueling my commitment to health and my decision to ask for help + a sneak peak at two upcoming pod...

12 | How Not To Die With Your Music Still Inside of You

Seeing just how real your own mortality is will make you think about things like this. This has been my experience. If you haven't had an experience like that -- don't wait for that to be the wake up call to turning up the volume of your truth and purpose. In this episode I share 5 thoughts on how to live your music full out. Would love to hear your tips, too! 

11 | Slimer Free and Back to the Podcast

Episode Highlights Almost 13 weeks Slimer Free. Called to process the emotional trauma since the biggest part of physical healing has passed. Feeling some grief and looking for a place to process it. Grateful for the support of my community. Everything in life has prepared me for this experience. Committed to not dying with my music still inside of me. The Wild Edge of Sorrow - at the root of depression is unprocessed grief. I'm the only one holding me back. Listen for more &...

10 | Heart Cracked Open + Peek at My Spiritual View of Slimer

An update on my literal unraveling.  Questioning if I'm creating what I thought I would. Grateful for what is anyway. Realizing how closed my heart has been. Learning to receive and reflecting on how I've given. Slimer's significance to me.

09 | Feeling Expressed

The big theme of this podcast is COMMITMENT...especially how fear of commitment has kept me from the things I really want in life. I talk about the value of vocalizing desire and learning to TRUST and tune in and lean into the unknown. Also mentioned in this episode: My awesome friend Lauren in Perth. She's got great fashion tips and super cute cooking vids on her blog and Youtube. Instagram Web: https://laurennatalia.co/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/laurennatalia.co/ Youtu...

08 | Being Worthy of Expression

  Dori Frame, my awesome friend and brilliant Life Coach who pointed out that I don't value easy. Dori's IG@brightbluemoment Tim Ferris on What if it was easy? Tim Ferris Interview with Marie Forleo Tim talks about fear, anxiety, psychedelics, self love and writing routines -- all of which I found very interesting and valuable. You might, too. Burning Man Website , for those who may not know what Burning Man is or are curious to learn more. Join me on Instagram @unravelingrachel...

07 | A Morning Ritual for Feeling Good Feelings

I talk about two practices I use to help let my feelings flow and tune my mindset in to a vibration of positivity and abundance  - Morning Pages and Magical Mornings. I share a Magical Morning for my day to help you see how it’s done and how good it can feel to witness this practice from others. Let me know if you give it a try! Mentioned in this episode: Julia Cameron, The Artist’s Way Let’s unravel together on IG! Join me @unravelingrachel.

06 | Potato Chips, Pema Chödrön, Presence, and Poop

“All Addictions stem from this moment, when we meet our edge and we just can’t stand it.” More wise words from Pema Chodron as I continue reading from Things Fall Apart: Heart Advice for Difficult Times. In this episode, I read Chapter 3: This Very Moment is the Perfect Teacher. At the end, I talk about a recent meeting I had with my edge as I was making an attempt at Marie Kondo-ing my bedroom and check out from overwhelm with a bag of chips. And I share an analogy about the importance...

05 | Peace or War? Reading from When Things Fall Apart

In this episode I read Chapters 1 and 2 from Pema Chödrön’s When Things Fall Apart: Heart Advice for Difficult Times. This book called to me one night and the message was so relevant and useful that I wanted to share it here with you. The first chapter, Intimacy with Fear, for me speaks right to the heart of what Unraveling is for me. The wisdom flows on into Chapter 2, titled the same as the book, which poses a big question for our lives, “Am I going to practice peace or am I going to war...

04 | Finding Home & Living by The Four Agreements

I’m baaaack! And I’ve moved to a new home! In this update on my unraveling I talk about...transition...home...creative space...trusting the universe...flowing with what is...being gentle with myself...and one of my faves - The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz. It’s good to be back with you. The Four Agreements - Don Miguel Ruiz The Alchemist  - Paulo Coelho

02 | Off the cuff: Anxiety, Response-ability, and a Rainbow Wedding

Upon arriving back from a week of rainbow wedding festivities for a dear friend, I encounter overwhelm and anxiety - two familiar friends. Inspired action led me to record a podcast about how I’ve learned to handle situations like this. I talk about getting into my body and out of my head, starting with doing just one thing, celebrating accomplishments, and knowing we have the power to make change for ourselves.

03 | A Personal Story of Authenticity, Love, and Attachment

Inspired by a passage from Oneness by Rasha and a quote from Yung Pueblo, I share my experience of really, deeply feeling love and appreciation for the first time and how that has forever changed my view on life. That rock song got it wrong, love never hurts (but attachment sure does). Oneness - Rasha Inward -  Yung Pueblo

02 | Off the cuff: Anxiety, Response-ability, and a Rainbow Wedding

Upon arriving back from a week of rainbow wedding festivities for a dear friend, I encounter overwhelm and anxiety - two familiar friends. Inspired action led me to record a podcast about how I’ve learned to handle situations like this. I talk about getting into my body and out of my head, starting with doing just one thing, celebrating accomplishments, and knowing we have the power to make change for ourselves.  

01 | Welcome: This is Unraveling Rachel

In this episode I share a bit of my story, talk about why I started this podcast and what you can expect in following episodes. Show notes: The Gifts of Imperfection - Brene Brown