Where The Lotus Grows artwork

Where The Lotus Grows

178 episodes - English - Latest episode: over 1 year ago - ★★★★★ - 23 ratings

As Integrative Sustainable Movement Educators and Health Advocates, our goal is to provide you with evidence based information gathered from research, experts in the field, and our personal and professional experience to help you advocate for your own health and wellness.Listen to Tonya and Kimberly as they take you on an intimate look into their lives and inspiring journey. Weekly episodes of storytelling, wisdom and talks sometimes with special guests as they dive into the grittiness of life as they find balance, trust, love, kindness and come out stronger for sharing their vulnerability with others.

Arts yoga yoga therapy integrative medicine panchamaya model healing detroit kimberly searl tonya drew alternative medicine health
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Episodes

Toxic Positivity

September 30, 2022 19:00 - 41 minutes - 28.8 MB

Toxic positivity can be hard not to encounter and sometimes we're all guilty of urging others and even ourselves to "look on the bright side" instead of sitting with discomfort.  At what point do "positive vibe" platitudes become toxic and how can we avoid falling into the toxic positivity trap? Kim and Tonya have a few ideas.  Support the show

Kim's Journey Pt. 20: What Comes After Cancer

August 10, 2022 14:00 - 45 minutes - 31.5 MB

Last time we caught up with Kim, she had great news -  as her scans were all clear, BUT the next part of her journey had just begun.  In todays episode, the ladies discuss Kim's upcoming surgery as a preventative measure and the new drug therapy regime that they're asking her to take.  Spoiler - the list of pros and cons are lengthy and uncover a lot of discussion about being your own best advocate. Enjoy!  Support the show

Let's Revisit Cannabis - Professional Edition

July 18, 2022 15:00 - 45 minutes - 31.2 MB

Since her cancer diagnosis, Kim has learned a lot more about the medical marijuana industry and the use of cannabis in cancer care.  The ladies dive deep into all of the new things she's learned from working with cannabis coaches and nurses specializing in the field, and Tonya shares her recent experience touring a Colorado growing facility.  Support the show

A very special episode: Abortion

June 30, 2022 04:00 - 1 hour - 61 MB

In the light of the SCOTUS  decision over turning Roe V. Wade, the WTLG  wanted to turn our  grief into something that is (hopefully)  constructive for the couragitarians.  It was certainly cathartic for us. This episode contains fun facts about the progress women have made in the last 50 years,  personal abortion stories, facts, statistics and above all support for the RADICAL notion that women, as humans,  have the right to full body autonomy.   Warning: this episode discusses sexual assa...

Kim's Journey pt. 19: Finally Some Good News

June 16, 2022 21:00 - 58 minutes - 40.3 MB

Kim shares the good news and LOTS of thoughts about what happens next and how the health care system could be improved.  A vital episode if you've been following Kim's Journey - Enjoy! Support the show

Interview: Dr. Gail Parker, PhD, C-IAYT, E-RYT

May 19, 2022 15:00 - 1 hour - 52.5 MB

We are so excited to share our conversation with Dr. Gail Parker!  Gail Parker, Ph.D. CIAYT, E-RYT 500 is an author, psychologist, educator, certified yoga therapist and a lifelong practitioner of yoga. She became president of the Black Yoga Teachers Alliance (BYTA) Board of Directors in 2020. Dr. Parker is well known for her pioneering efforts to blend psychology, yoga, and meditation as effective self-care strategies that can enhance emotional balance, and contribute to the overall health...

The Pursuit of Perfect Health

May 19, 2022 13:00 - 52 minutes - 36.3 MB

The ladies discuss the idea of achieving "perfect heath," the marketing and capitalizing of health and wellness as an industry, and the dangers of health and wellness myths and stereotypes. They further discuss what ideal health now means to them in light of ongoing health issues.  Support the show

Kim's Journey pt. 18: Rehabilitation Begins

May 03, 2022 17:00 - 50 minutes - 34.6 MB

Kim shares her experience starting physical therapy, the pros and cons of being on the flip side of movement education, and the value of difficult teachers.  Support the show

Kim's Journey pt. 18: Rehabilitation Begins

May 03, 2022 17:00 - 50 minutes - 34.6 MB

Kim shares her experience starting physical therapy, the pros and cons of being on the flip side of movement education, and the value of difficult teachers.  Support the show

Intentional Grounding

April 27, 2022 14:00 - 41 minutes - 28.3 MB

Tonya and Kim talk about the practice of intentional grounding, why it should be a part of your  regular self care routine and how, once practiced regularly, it can become a powerful tool in a variety of situations.  Bonus: Kim shares an Intentional Grounding Meditation on social media and on our Patreon.   Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/user?u=13598261)

Intentional Grounding

April 27, 2022 14:00 - 41 minutes - 28.3 MB

Tonya and Kim talk about the practice of intentional grounding, why it should be a part of your  regular self care routine and how, once practiced regularly, it can become a powerful tool in a variety of situations.  Bonus: Kim shares an Intentional Grounding Meditation on social media and on our Patreon.   Support the show

Maintaining Health During Times of Prolonged Stress

April 13, 2022 11:00 - 53 minutes - 36.9 MB

Let's fact it, stressful situations are a regular part of our day to day lives, and often the choices that we make regarding our own physical and mental health maintenance determine our overall state.  What happens when we experience additional prolonged stressful situations such as a medical diagnosis, the care of a sick family member, that throw a wrench in our usual stress-management routine?  Today the ladies talk about the difficulty of maintaining a healthy routine when facing addition...

Kim's Journey pt. 17: Radiation Complete

April 06, 2022 10:00 - 1 hour - 52.4 MB

Kim walks us through the remainder of her radiation journey and while excited to be done with that intense and painful process, discovers there is still so much more in store for post radiation treatment.  Additionally, she is confronted with having to piece together her own aftercare teams to maintain a solid prevention/early detection plan to stay on top of her genetic mutation.   Support the show

Let's Talk About Aging

March 30, 2022 12:00 - 52 minutes - 36.3 MB

Today the ladies discuss the process of aging, both from their personal experience in embracing getting older, to caring for our elderly and how to get the most out of life as you age.  Support the show

Kim's Journey Pt. 16: The Radiation Experience

March 16, 2022 11:00 - 55 minutes - 38.2 MB

Kim describes her radiation experience, the mindfulness and breathing tools she employs during her sessions and how her awareness and interception is received by the nurses and technicians in the radiology department.  She also shares with Tonya how incredibly venerable the process is and how the after care has her building a new relationship with her changing/healing body.   Support the show

Cooking as Self-Care

March 02, 2022 13:00 - 44 minutes - 30.8 MB

As we've followed Kim on her Cancer Journey, self-care has come up more than ever. Today the ladies discuss cooking as a form of self-care and nourishment for the body, the mind, and the soul.  Support the show

Kim's Journey Part 115: Radiation Run Through

February 23, 2022 11:00 - 38 minutes - 26.8 MB

 Kim shares her experience preparing for radiation and all the fancy and not so fancy tech and devices related to this next phase of treatment.  The process is highly venerable and the ladies discuss ways in which the medical community could be more mindful and trauma informed as treatment providers.  Warning: This episode briefly discusses sexual assault. Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/user?u=13598261)

Kim's Journey Part 15: Radiation Run Through

February 23, 2022 11:00 - 38 minutes - 26.8 MB

 Kim shares her experience preparing for radiation and all the fancy and not so fancy tech and devices related to this next phase of treatment.  The process is highly venerable and the ladies discuss ways in which the medical community could be more mindful and trauma informed as treatment providers.  Warning: This episode briefly discusses sexual assault. Support the show

Kim's Journey Pt. 14: Prosthesis

February 09, 2022 11:00 - 39 minutes - 53.7 MB

Post chemo, pre radiation, Kim went in for a prosthesis fitting.  While there is still a lot to get used to in her new body, Kim's main concern after this experience is how mastectomy prosthesis and accessories should be more comfortable AND more physically appealing. Perhaps a new business venture is in the works for our ladies? Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/user?u=13598261)

Kim's Journey Pt. 14: Prosthesis

February 09, 2022 11:00 - 39 minutes - 53.7 MB

Post chemo, pre radiation, Kim went in for a prosthesis fitting.  While there is still a lot to get used to in her new body, Kim's main concern after this experience is how mastectomy prosthesis and accessories should be more comfortable AND more physically appealing. Perhaps a new business venture is in the works for our ladies? Support the show

Taking Time for Rest

February 02, 2022 13:00 - 42 minutes - 29.4 MB

Today, the ladies discuss the importance of rest and prioritizing real quiet time for yourself regularly.  Rest is healing, revitalizing and a necessity in times when burnout seems inevitable. We hope you enjoy!  Support the show

Taking Time for Rest

February 02, 2022 13:00 - 42 minutes - 29.4 MB

Today, the ladies discuss the importance of rest and prioritizing real quiet time for yourself regularly.  Rest is healing, revitalizing and a necessity in times when burnout seems inevitable. We hope you enjoy!  Support the show

Kim's Journey - Pt. 13: Healing and Getting Back to it.... Within Limits

January 26, 2022 16:00 - 55 minutes - 37.9 MB

Kim shares how healing from her double mastectomy has impacted her everyday life.  Learning to appreciate the simple things, take things slowly, and maintain a steady pace forward has been challenging but so rewarding.  She also shares the next steps she anticipates in her continued treatment.  Support the show

Getting to Know Tonya: A Birth Story Pt. 2 Home Birth Addition

January 19, 2022 11:00 - 1 hour - 41.8 MB

Circling back to our series getting to know Tonya, today's episode continues with the home birth of her daughter.  Very different than the hospital birth and subsequent neonatal needs required during her first birth, birth two was a husband and wife DIY under the guidance of a a certified midwife.  We hope you enjoy!  Support the show

Getting to Know Tonya: A Birth Story Pt. 2 Home Birth Addition

January 19, 2022 11:00 - 1 hour - 41.8 MB

Circling back to our series getting to know Tonya, today's episode continues with the home birth of her daughter.  Very different than the hospital birth and subsequent neonatal needs required during her first birth, birth two was a husband and wife DIY under the guidance of a a certified midwife.  We hope you enjoy!  Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/user?u=13598261)

2021 Reflections and Moving Forward

January 12, 2022 14:00 - 1 hour - 52.2 MB

Who could have predicted that 2021 would throw us more curve balls than 2020? In today's episode the ladies reflect on the previous year and discuss how it might define 2022.  As always, a few words were selected as gentle guides easing into the new year.  Gratitude is number one for both, with Kim adding connection, love and miracles -  Tonya connecting with peace, surrender, and joy.  We encourage you, if you haven't already, to choose a few words to connect with and guide you into 2022.  ...

Kim's Journey - Pt 12: Surgery Recap and What Comes Next

January 05, 2022 11:00 - 1 hour - 69.4 MB

Though far from the final stages of healing, the process begins as Kim shares the details of her double mastectomy including pre and post op procedures and the hopeful next steps.   Support the show

New Beginnings Nidra

December 29, 2021 14:00 - 11 minutes - 8.23 MB

Another holiday gift to you. Today’s episode contains a Tonya guided meditation for you to enjoy.  Another little disclaimer:  if you usually listen to us while driving or working, this episode should probably be saved for when you have some quiet down time, when you can sit quietly, close your eyes, and truly enjoy.  Happy Holidays to you and yours. We appreciate you so much.  We’ll be back with our usual content in the new year.  * Added disclaimer: Our sound engineer was still out sick a...

New Beginnings Nidra

December 29, 2021 14:00 - 11 minutes - 8.23 MB

Another holiday gift to you. Today’s episode contains a Tonya guided meditation for you to enjoy.  Another little disclaimer:  if you usually listen to us while driving or working, this episode should probably be saved for when you have some quiet down time, when you can sit quietly, close your eyes, and truly enjoy.  Happy Holidays to you and yours. We appreciate you so much.  We’ll be back with our usual content in the new year.  * Added disclaimer: Our sound engineer was still out sick a...

A Winter Meditation

December 15, 2021 13:00 - 38 minutes - 26.7 MB

As a holiday gift to you, today’s episode contains a Kim guided meditation for you to enjoy.  I just wanted to add a little disclaimer, that if you usually listen to us while driving or working, this episode should probably be saved for when you have some quiet down time, when you can sit quietly, close your eyes, and truly enjoy.  Happy Holidays to you and yours. We appreciate you so much.  We’ll be back with our usual content in the new year.  * Added disclaimer: Our sound engineer is out...

Mindful Tips for Holiday Stress

December 08, 2021 23:00 - 32 minutes - 22.6 MB

This time of year can be filled celebration and festivities. For may of us, this also means additional stress in an already stressful time.  Here are a few tips to help bring you comfort and joy this season.  Please note: the next two episodes will be gifts of guided meditation, followed by two weeks off and a return in 2022 with some wonderful new content. We can't wait for you to join us!  Support the show

Kim's Journey - Pt. 11: Light at the End of Tunnel #1

November 24, 2021 11:00 - 42 minutes - 29.5 MB

Kim get's some much needed positive news and we pause for a mini celebration/ happy dance before taking a deep breath and embracing the next phase of this big journey.  Note: This will be the last update on Kim until we return in the new year. We still  have a few more fun ones in store before our break, but we want to take a moment and extend our deepest gratitude to our couragitarians who have supported us through the last few years.  You're listenership and participation means so much.  ...

Getting to Know Tonya: A Birth Story Pt. 1

November 17, 2021 11:00 - 52 minutes - 36.1 MB

Birth stories are as unique as every individual - no two are alike.  They can be beautiful, painful, joyful, difficult,  traumatic and all of those simultaneously.    This week, Kim talks to Tonya about her two very different birth experiences and the good, bad & ugly of giving birth.  Support the show

Kim's Journey: Pt.10 Genetics & Cancer

November 10, 2021 11:00 - 46 minutes - 32.2 MB

Kim shares the results of her genetic screenings and get to the root of her specific type of cancer.  This one is science heavy and tbh, pretty darn interesting!  Support the show

Getting to Know Tonya: Parenting Beyond Gender Stereotypes

October 21, 2021 10:00 - 57 minutes - 39.3 MB

Parents have a lot to think about when consciously raising their children.  One of those things is perpetuating gender equality and trying to break gender based stereotypes.  Today's discussion on gender equality in childrearing was fun and informative. We hope you enjoy!  Support the show

Getting to Know Tonya: Parenting Beyond Gender Stereotypes

October 21, 2021 10:00 - 57 minutes - 39.3 MB

Parents have a lot to think about when consciously raising their children.  One of those things is perpetuating gender equality and trying to break gender based stereotypes.  Today's discussion on gender equality in childrearing was fun and informative. We hope you enjoy!  Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/user?u=13598261)

Interview: Diane Finlayson, MA, MFA, C-IAYT and Laurie Hyland Robertson, MS, E-RYT, C-IAYT

October 13, 2021 10:00 - 57 minutes - 39.5 MB

We're so excited to share our conversation with the Co-Editors of "Yoga Therapy Foundations, Tools, and Practice: A Comprehensive Textbook", Diane Finlayson and Laurie Hyland Robertson.  We hope you enjoy this as much as we did.  Diane Finlayson, MA, MFA, C-IAYT, is Department Chair for Yoga Therapy and Ayurveda at the Maryland University of Integrative Health (MUIH.) Diane received her MFA in writing from Mississippi University for women and a master's degree from Johns Hopkins University...

Kim's Journey: Pt. 9

October 06, 2021 00:00 - 46 minutes - 32.1 MB

Kim is officially halfway through her chemotherapy and hopefully much closer to knowing what comes next.  In this episode, our hosts dive deep into treatment; what Kim has experienced physically, emotionally, mentally, and spiritually.  Support the show

Getting to Know Tonya: Homeschool Edition

September 29, 2021 10:00 - 59 minutes - 40.6 MB

As this season has been about sharing all of the big life adjustments we've had to make this last year or two and the feedback on Kim's health episodes have been positive and engaging, she really wanted to shift the spotlight for a few episodes on some of Tonya's unique experiences the last few years.  The first episode in this "Getting to Know Tonya" series discusses the difficult decision to homeschool during the pandemic and navigating the pros and cons of homeschool life.  We hope you en...

Greif pt. 3: A Conversation with Friends

September 22, 2021 10:00 - 1 hour - 43.4 MB

In the last 19 months we have seen prolific loss in our country and around the word.  Our small circle is no different.  Today, we've brought in Maggie McCuisten and Patricia Guillian to continue the conversation on grief, and living with the loss of those we whole dear. Support the show

Grief Pt. 2 - Feeling Other Losses

September 15, 2021 10:00 - 46 minutes - 31.8 MB

The feeling of grief is almost always associated with the loss of a life, but sadness and a sense of deep loss and grieving can be felt for many things.  Today's episode looks at other things that have been lost the last year and a half as our lives have been turned upside down by Covid and cancer.  Support the show

Kim's Journey Part: 8 A New Cocktail

September 08, 2021 10:00 - 37 minutes - 25.6 MB

Kim shares a chemotherapy update.  Inspired by the seemingly positive effects of the previous meds, this new one brings promise as well as anxiety.  Support the show

Interview: Jeffery Sargent, MS, C-IAYT, E-RYT, YACEP

September 01, 2021 10:00 - 55 minutes - 37.9 MB

Jeffrey Sargent, retired Major with the U.S. Army, MS Yoga Therapy, E-RYT, YACEP, has 20 years of military service, including combat tours in Iraq as a tactical intelligence officer and in Kuwait & Iraq as a Military Intelligence Company Commander. He is the recipient of The Defense Meritorious Service Medal, and numerous other awards including being selected as the #1 ROTC graduate in the United States in 1996. Jeff enlisted in the Army in 1986 and earned the rank of Staff Sergeant before e...

Grief Pt. 1

August 18, 2021 10:00 - 45 minutes - 31.3 MB

We've all experienced loss.  The last 18+ months of the pandemic have magnified many, if not all of those losses.  It feels as though the current necessity of adapting and evolving so quickly is even changing how we grieve.   Our newest series on grief will run in tandem with Kim's journey.  We hope you'll join us.  Support the show

Grief Pt. 1

August 18, 2021 10:00 - 45 minutes - 31.3 MB

We've all experienced loss.  The last 18+ months of the pandemic have magnified many, if not all of those losses.  It feels as though the current necessity of adapting and evolving so quickly is even changing how we grieve.   Our newest series on grief will run in tandem with Kim's journey.  We hope you'll join us.  Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/user?u=13598261)

Kim's Journey pt. 7: Some Advice for the Caregiver

August 11, 2021 10:00 - 51 minutes - 35.1 MB

We've often found ourselves in the role of caregiver. Does the advice for other caregivers change when we find ourselves needing care?  Support the show

Kim's Journey pt. 6: Treatment Begins

August 04, 2021 10:00 - 41 minutes - 28.8 MB

Kim shares the scary reality of chemotherapy treatments, rookie mistakes, and having to muster the strength to endure when things don't go as planned.  Support the show

Kim's Journey pt. 6: Treatment Begins

August 04, 2021 10:00 - 41 minutes - 28.8 MB

Kim shares the scary reality of chemotherapy treatments, rookie mistakes, and having to muster the strength to endure when things don't go as planned.  Support the show

Kim's Journey pt. 5: A Treatment Plan and Overwhelming Grief

July 16, 2021 13:00 - 1 hour - 42.9 MB

Thank you for joining us on this journey, Couragitarians. Today's episode is a challenging one.  Kim meets with surgeons, oncologists, and an amazing supportive treatment team.  Then, receives heartbreaking news.  Support the show

Kim's Journey pt. 5: A Treatment Plan and Overwhelming Grief

July 16, 2021 13:00 - 1 hour - 42.9 MB

Thank you for joining us on this journey, Couragitarians. Today's episode is a challenging one.  Kim meets with surgeons, oncologists, and an amazing supportive treatment team.  Then, receives heartbreaking news.  Support the show