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Ep. 209 A Good Death: Sensuality, Life and Learning to Die Authentically with Katy Butler

Spirit Sessions Podcast Ep. 209 A Good Death: Sensuality, Life and Learning to Die Authentically with Katy Butler

Today Katie is joined by Buddhist journalist and New York Times bestseller, Katy Butler. Her books examine how our culture has over-medicalized death and lost touch with its sacredness. In this episode, Katy and Katie candidly discuss the topics others often avoid including food addictions, death and finding your voice in the bedroom!

If you’re ready to deepen your spiritual practice we invite you to join the 2025 class of our Divine Feminine Ayurveda School. Doors close soon, so click here to learn more and enroll today!

CW: Abuse against women and childhood abuse are mentioned in this episode which may be triggering for some listeners.

In this episode with Katy Butler, you’ll hear:

~ An invitation to our Feminine-Form Ayurveda School!

~ How Katy overcame her food addiction

~ How to start shedding shame

~ Katy Butlers’s experiences studying with Thich Nhat Hanh

~ The importance of telling your story

~ How Katy Butler found her journalistic voice

~ The five Buddhist remembrances

~ Lessons learned from watching a loved one die

~ What is a good death?

~ The Ars Moriendi (The Art of Dying)

~ Bringing homegrown ritual into your life and death

~ Finding your voice in the bedroom

~ How Katy keeps her relationship steamy in her 70s

~ Get our free mini-course about Women’s Wisdom and Ayurveda!

Other resources mentioned in this episode:

~ Learn more about our Ayurveda School

~ Connect with Katy Butler on her website and Facebook

~ Katy’s first book, Knocking on Heaven’s Door

~ Katy’s latest book, The Art of Dying Well

~ Read Katy Butler’s article in Tricycle: The Buddhist Review, Not Empty, Not Full

~ The Hite Report: A National Study of Female Sexuality

~ Our Spirit Sessions Membership

~ Follow The Shakti School on Instagram and Facebook

Related episodes:

~ Ep. 142 360 Degree Love: It Ain’t All Sex, Bonbons and Roses

~ Ep. 205 Winter Magic, Death and Dignity

Or Subscribe on iTunes

Learn more:

  • Ayurveda Certification
  • The Shakti School Subscription

Help Us Spread Our Pod Wings!

I hope you loved this discussion with Katy Butler! This show is a passion project that I produce for the love of sharing. If you love show and want a free and easy way to help it grow, the most effective way you can help is to:

  1. Subscribe to the show by clicking “subscribe” in iTunes
  2. Write us a review in iTunes
  3. Share this show with one friend right now!

It’s seems simple, but you’d be AMAZED to know how much it helps my little love project reach more people. iTunes’ algorithm uses ratings and reviews to know who to show our show to in their app.

Here’s the link to leave us reviews in iTunes.

From my heart to yours,

Katie

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Ep. 186 Menopause Made Me Look Like My Mother with Mary Thompson

This is a picture of Mary Thompson and Katie Silcox. It links to the show notes for and episode of the Spirit Sessions podcast about menopause.

If you’re perimenopausal or know someone in menopause, this episode is for you! Unfortunately, much of the mainstream conversation around menopause shames women for experiencing symptoms, but in this episode, Katie and fellow Ayurveda wise woman Mary Thompson offer a softer, more spiritual perspective. They discuss common symptoms of perimenopause, simple Ayurvedic practices you can use to mitigate these symptoms and the spiritual gifts of menopause!

Want to learn more about menopause and women's wellness from Mary Thompson and our other amazing teachers? Our year-long Ayurveda School is open for registration!

 

In this episode you’ll hear: 

~ What's going on in your body during menopause?

~ Freeing yourself from shame

~ Common perimenopause symptoms

~ Ayurvedic practices to prevent and soothe symptoms of menopause

~ The deeper meaning of our symptoms and struggle

~ What does Ayurveda say about bioidentical hormones?

~ The maiden, mother, creatrix and crone

~ The Ama - Agni - Ojas formula

~ Benefits of seasonal Ayurvedic Cleansing for hormone balance

~ The spiritual gifts of menopause

~ Sign up for our free mini-course about Women’s Wisdom and Ayurveda!

 

Other links mentioned in this episode:

~ Mary's Podcast: Ayur.. What Now?

~ Mary’s website: The Ayurvedic Approach

~ Herbalist Susun Weed

~ Book: Strong Women Stay Young

Or Subscribe on iTunes

Learn more:

  • Ayurveda Certification
  • The Shakti School Subscription

HELP US SPREAD OUR POD WINGS

Did you love listening to this conversation about menopause and Ayurvedic practices to sooth perimenopause symptoms? This show is a passion project that I produce for the love of sharing. If you enjoy this show and want a free and easy way to help it grow, the most effective way you can help is to:

  1. Subscribe to the show by clicking “subscribe” in iTunes
  2. Write us a review in iTunes
  3. Share this show with one friend right now!

It seems simple, but you’d be AMAZED to know how much it helps my little love project reach more people. iTunes’ algorithm uses ratings and reviews to know who to show our show to in their app.

Here’s the link to leave us reviews in iTunes.

Have fun stepping into the menopause energy of the Creatrix!

From my heart to your screen,

Katie

Continue Reading

Ep. 31 Better Digestion, Sex and Less Wrinkles? Thanks, Ghee!

Learn the ancient healing knowledge of Ghee and how it can be used to boost your digestion, sex and nourish skin.

In this episode I discuss:

~What the heck is a fat free burger?

~A dream about Ghee

~The truth about Fat

~How Ghee is healing and why Fat is your friend

~A fat-free lifestyle is a sex-free lifestyle.

~The mama energy

~The nectar of love

~Ghee as a Gut Balm

~Ghee moisturizer I love!

~Other Ghee products for the body: Banyan’s Beauty Balm, other balms

~How Ghee effects different tissues in your body

~How Ghee effects our fertility

~Ghee as a metaphor for love

~The use of Ghee in detoxification

~How to MAKE Ghee!

~Lineage of Love Free Trial!

~We have new friends in the Ahara Ghee family! Use promocode GHEESPOT at checkout for $5 off your order.

Studies Cited:

~Harvard Study: https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/magazine/magazine_article/is-butter-really-back/

~Fats: https://www.westonaprice.org/health-topics/know-your-fats/the-skinny-on-fats/

Or Subscribe on iTunes

Learn more:

Shakti Ayurveda School

Lineage of Love Community

HELP US SPREAD OUR POD WINGS

This show is a passion project that I produce for the love of sharing. If you enjoy this show and want a free and easy way to help it grow, the most effective way you can help is to:

  1. Subscribe to the show by clicking “subscribe” in iTunes
  2. Write us a review in iTunes
  3. Share this show with one friend right now!

It’s seems simple, but you’d be AMAZED to know how much it helps my little love project reach more people. iTunes’ algorithm uses ratings and reviews to know who to show our show to in their app.

Here’s the link to leave us reviews in iTunes.

From my heart to your screen,

Katie

Continue Reading

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theshaktischool

TheShaktiSchool

We’re so excited to share that on June 11th, our We’re so excited to share that on June 11th, our Level 1 Ayurvedic Wellness Coach Certification students will receive a special bonus class with Amanda Ree of Sama Dog Wellbeing. 🐶🌿✨⁠
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For the dog mamas in our community, this is such an exciting opportunity to explore the role of Ayurveda in the relationships we share with our pets and how we can support our pets’ individual constitutions. We can’t wait for students to experience Amanda’s warmth, wisdom and unique perspective on supporting animals through a holistic lens!⁠
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In this class, students will learn:⁠
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• How Ayurvedic principles and the doshas can be applied to dogs and other animals⁠
• How to identify signs of Vata, Pitta and Kapha imbalance in pets⁠
• Practical ways to support animals through routines, environment, grounding, and sensory experiences⁠
• Holistic tools to support animal wellbeing like mindfulness practices, flower essences and more⁠
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Amanda Ree is an Ayurvedic practitioner and educator with over 25 years of experience, and the founder of Sama Dog and Sama Circle - a space devoted to helping people care for their dogs through a more natural, holistic, and deeply connected approach.⁠
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Her work brings together Ayurvedic principles, modern wellness and a profound respect for the emotional and spiritual bond between humans and animals. A lead educator within the Chopra Center for many years, Amanda brings extensive training in yoga, meditation, and conscious living to her work — developing a perspective on canine care that goes beyond symptom management, guiding dog guardians to understand the full picture of their dog's health across body, mind and spirit.⁠
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Amanda is also a Canine Wellness Practitioner and Animal Chaplain, bringing a rare combination of ancient wisdom and compassionate presence to the humans and animals she serves.⁠
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🌹 Shakti students, tell us your pet’s name and what you’re most looking forward to learning from this class down below! 🐾
Ayurveda views premenstrual symptoms as the manife Ayurveda views premenstrual symptoms as the manifestation of a doshic imbalance. Menstrual symptoms can reflect imbalance in any of the doshas, but typically, the premenstrual period is linked to vata and pitta dosha—things can get too dry, too heated or too emotional.⁠
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It’s especially important to tend to vata dosha during the luteal phase, the couple of weeks that precede your bleed. Tending to vata during this time means grounding, stabilizing and soothing the nervous system. ⁠
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Here are some Ayurvedic recommendations for your luteal phase:⁠
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🍠 Eating For Your Luteal Phase⁠
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• Root vegetables - Carrots, parsnips, beets and sweet potatoes are deeply nourishing and grounding, helping to counter vata anxiety ⁠
• Ghee and healthy fats - Supports healthy hormones and nutrient absorption⁠
• Steamed greens - Leafy greens offer vital nutrients and their bitterness and astringent qualities counter pitta’s heat⁠
• Warm, cooked grains - Steady nourishment for smooth digestion and steady agni⁠
• Soups and stews - Supports digestion and the nervous system at the same time—also beneficial for kapha types and kapha imbalances⁠
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🌿 Supportive Herbs & Spices⁠
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• Turmeric - Helps support the body’s detoxification pathways, aiding hormone regulation⁠
• Ginger - Kindles agni and steadies digestion⁠
• Ashwagandha - Provides essential nervous system steadiness through emotional waves⁠
• Shatavari - Supports women’s hormonal balance; is cooling and moistening⁠
• Brahmi - An Ayurvedic herb known for supporting mental ease and balance⁠
• Cumin - Digestive aid soothing vata (aka goodbye gassiness!)⁠
• Fennel - Cooling digestive support that helps reduce both vata and pitta ⁠
• Coriander - Pitta-reducing to help mitigate irritability and excess heat⁠
• Sesame Seeds - Contain essential minerals and fatty acids that promote hormonal balance⁠
• Fenugreek - Anti-inflammatory qualities may help ease menstrual discomfort⁠
• Mint - Helps to cool and aid digestion, balancing both pitta and vata⁠
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🥀 Save for your next grocery trip during your luteal phase! And if you’re ready for more, comment WISDOM to access our free Divine Feminine Ayurveda course now.
Are you ready to embrace another year of healing, Are you ready to embrace another year of healing, spirit and transformation that fits seamlessly into your busy life? ⁠
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We've gotten started with a couple amazing classes, alongside a beautiful community of women, that are waiting for you as soon as you sign up!⁠
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Level 2 is so special because it’s a much smaller group - this means more opportunity to get to know your cohort (aka Ayurveda best-gal-pals) and the teachers. A more intimate group really gives Level 2 a distinct feel that we absolutely love. And of course, the opportunity to take your studies to the next level!⁠
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Our 2026 Level 2 classes are now in session, and you can start immediately! The first couple of classes of the year are in the Shakti classroom now, waiting for you. Don't miss this opportunity to integrate all that you learned in Level 1 and go deeper into your practice.⁠
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The doors will soon close until 2027... if you've been considering deepening your learning, connecting with an incredible community and supporting your own healing, join us today. 🦋🗝️
Ayurveda doesn’t separate the body into isolated Ayurveda doesn’t separate the body into isolated systems. When you support digestion, you support hormones. When you calm inflammation, you calm the mind. These herbs are working on multiple layers at once, gently guiding the body back into balance.

Here are some foundational herbal helpers to keep in mind for common imbalances:

🫚 For digestion:
• Triphala cleanses, tones the gut and supports elimination
• Trikatu is hot, sharp and activating, cutting through ama
• Hing is pungent and penetrating, breaking up gas and stagnation
• Ginger is warming, helping digestion come online
• Ajwain is a carminative, clearing bloating from the digestive tract

🌿 For inflammation:
• Turmeric moves through the blood, helping clear heat and stagnation
• Guduchi is cooling, restorative and calming
• Amalaki is rejuvenative and cooling, supporting the blood and skin
• Licorice is sweet and soothing, coating irritated tissues and calming the gut and lungs
• Aloe vera is cooling and moistening, pulling heat out of the system

🌀For the nervous system:
• Ashwagandha is grounding, stabilizing and supports the stress response
• Shankhpushpi is calming, clarifying and helps ease anxiety
• Jatamansi helps settle excess vata and support emotional regulation

🧠For mental clarity:
• Brahmi is light and sattvic, clearing mental fog and supporting memory and focus
• Gotu kola supports circulation to the brain, helping create steady, grounded clarity
• Saffron is subtle and uplifting, supporting mood and perception
• Tulsi clears the mind and invigorates the respiratory system, increasing alertness
• Rosemary is aromatic and stimulating, helping wake up the mind and sharpen concentration

🌹 If you’re ready to dive deeper into this work, comment WISDOM for our free Women’s Wisdom and Ayurveda mini-course. 

✨ Calling all Level 1 Graduates - the first classes of our Level 2 Ayurvedic Health Counselor Training are waiting for you inside the virtual classroom and this is the final call to get in the door. Comment “LEVEL2” (one word) to learn more.
Happy Mother’s Day to the mothers, the ones who Happy Mother’s Day to the mothers, the ones who long to be mothers, the ones navigating complicated or tender relationships with their mothers, and the ones learning to mother themselves in new ways. 🌺⁠
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Today we’re honoring the mothers of Team Shakti—the women who shaped us, held us, challenged us and loved us. When we asked our team to describe their mothers, these are just a few of the words that surfaced: generous, earth-conscious, devoted, vibrant, kind, thoughtful, adventurous, loving, supportive.⁠
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We’re also honoring the universal, inner threads that are woven through this holiday and offer something that we can each lean into, no matter our personal stories: the archetype of the Divine Mother. The Inner Mother who lives in all of us.⁠
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Reconnecting with this archetype allows us to become better mothers to ourselves, more compassionate in how we show up for others, and to begin healing the ancestral cords we carry from the lineage of women who came before us.⁠
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Today we are honoring all of it. The love, the complexity and the becoming. Happy Mother’s Day from Katie & Team Shakti! 💐💚✨🌸 Spread the love with us - share a photo of your mom or your stories and make sure to tag us so that we can reshare it!

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