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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

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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

Gone are the days of overbooking yourself, overthi Gone are the days of overbooking yourself, overthinking everything and pretending exhaustion is a personality trait.⁠
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The new Hot Girl Summer?⁠
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She's hydrated.⁠
She's unbothered.⁠
She's in bed by 10.⁠
She's protecting her peace.⁠
⁠
And somehow she's glowing harder than ever.⁠
⁠
That's why we've added a brand-new, watermelon-infused Mega Bonus to make your summer even sweeter.⁠
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Think cooling rituals, radiant skin, happy hormones, better energy and simple Ayurvedic practices designed to help you feel refreshed from the inside out.⁠
⁠
Because this season isn't about doing more.⁠
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It's about slowing down enough to actually enjoy your life.⁠
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So grab your watermelon, find a shady spot, and let's make this your most radiant summer yet.⁠
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Today, on the Summer Solstice, we're officially launching our Hot Girl Summer: Lay Low & Glow Bonus for women joining our 2027 Level 1 or Level 2 Ayurveda School. ⁠
⁠
When you enroll between now and August 1st, you'll receive…⁠
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💖 $100 off your tuition ⁠(on top of earlybird tuition)⁠
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🌿 A FREE Paavani Summer Sampler Kit (cooling spritzer, body oil and digestive blend)⁠ @paavaniayurveda⁠
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🌺 A special YEAR-LONG FREE MEMBERSHIP to our thriving Spirit Sessions Membership with a vault of 130+ lectures and practices plus LIVE monthly workshops with yours truly and special guests.⁠
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🍓 A downloadable Ayurveda for Summer recipe book, straight outta' Katie's kitchen⁠
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Just use code HGS100 when registering for 2027 Ayurveda School (L1 & L2) to receive the discount and ALL the gifts! ⁠
⁠
🍉 Comment AYURVEDASCHOOL below to learn more and join us.
The solstice is a time to let our UP + OUT energy The solstice is a time to let our UP + OUT energy flow. It’s time to allow the higher frequencies of celebration and gratitude to pierce our hearts and bask in the abundance of light. 

Here are some simple solstice remembrances to maximize this powerful seasonal shift this weekend:

• Sun-Gaze. Take your morning meditation outside. Recognize and feel the sun’s presence. See if you can really tap into the frequency of gratitude for how the sun nurtures all life. 

• Build an Outdoor Altar. Use things from your backyard, objects that you want to infuse with your intentions, and light incense and candles. This is also a really fun activity to do with friends or family if you’re gathering to celebrate!

• Build a Bonfire. Ancient Northern and Central European pagans welcomed Midsummer with bonfires. It was thought that bonfires would boost the sun’s energy for the rest of the growing season and guarantee a good harvest for the fall.

• Indulge in Pitta-Reducing Delights. Seek out your local farmers market and pay homage to the summer harvest by using seasonal ingredients.

• Set New Goals. Take time to reflect on the themes, shifts and lessons that have shaped the past six months, and revisit the intentions you set at the winter solstice. As you look ahead, ask yourself what you want to cultivate, release or expand - physically, emotionally and spiritually.

Wishing you a day of prosperity, fertility, and new growth in ways big and small,

Katie + Team Shakti 🌞
When I was younger, connecting with my intuition w When I was younger, connecting with my intuition was more like an intentional practice of learning about it and studying it.⁠
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Now my intuition is really accessible, and it’s really fast. And it’s also deeply challenging.⁠
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I know very quickly the highest and best move, action-wise. So the task isn’t as much, “is this my intuition? How do I connect to my intuition?” ⁠
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My intuition is already right there. And so is yours.⁠
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The challenge is to actually do what it says. ⁠
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Our ego, or our little self, is so used to thinking and acting like it’s in charge… But our intuition is like, “Hey lady, why don’t you NOT react and just pause instead? What if you don’t know everything? What if you really take a moment to listen?”⁠
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As we age, the most important thing around intuition is this: ⁠
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Do what it freaking says. ⁠
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Sometimes, that’s really, really hard because our reactions are almost instant. ⁠
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But here’s the thing. When you start to learn what happens when you DON’T listen to your intuition - you begin to learn that the cost is usually too much NOT to listen.⁠
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When did listening to your intuition really “click” in your personal evolution or aging process? Share with me down below - I wanna hear your experience.⁠
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If you want to dive even deeper into this convo, check out my latest Spirit Session Podcast episode. ⁠
⁠
🎧 Comment “245” for the link to Ep. 245 Spirit-Led Business Success for Female Entrepreneurs with Angelica Neri where we chat intuition, business, and so much more.
Here’s how to use these different herbs to balan Here’s how to use these different herbs to balance summer pitta heat: ⁠
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🌹TEAS & INFUSIONS⁠
Steep dried herbs in boiling water for several hours:⁠
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• Licorice⁠
• Rose⁠
• Hibiscus⁠
• Rose Hips⁠
• Marshmallow⁠
• Mint⁠
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In the summer, you want to stay really hydrated, and that doesn’t mean just drinking a ton of cold ice water. It means drinking things that hold lubricants in them like licorice tea, rose tea, hibiscus tea, rose hips and marshmallow tea. All of these are cooling and damp and will help plump up the skin full of water (but not in a water-retentive sort of way).⁠
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🌿 HERBS FOR ABHYANGA⁠
Choose oils infused with these herbs and plants over the summer:⁠
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• Neem⁠
• Lavender⁠
• Jasmine ⁠
• Rose⁠
• Helichrysum⁠
• Frankincense⁠
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Ayurveda teaches that staying hydrated and cool is really about having a daily skincare routine whether it be January or July. The cornerstone of Ayurvedic skincare is putting herbal-infused oils on your body every day. Herbal infused oils are natural skin protectants and healers.⁠
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🌸 FACIAL CARE⁠
Make a hydrating facial spritzer with:⁠
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• Jasmine⁠
• Rose⁠
• Lavender⁠
• Frankincense⁠
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You also want to stay hydrated on the outside. This time of year, I’ve got little bottles of spritzers everywhere and I just spritz myself all the time, slightly obsessively. Keep your skin moist. Mist and spritz! ⁠
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Lady, we’ve got one thing that we do here at The Shakti School, and we do it the best in the whole world: feminine-form Ayurveda. Every single year our Ayurvedic Wellness Coach training gets more magical - with more teachers, more students and more women from all over the world gathering to remember what truly matters. ⁠
⁠
🌹 Early Bird registration for our 2027 Level 1 Ayurvedic Wellness Coach Certification Training is officially open. Comment AYURVEDASCHOOL for more information.⁠
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🕯️If you’ve been craving a more feminine, intuitive and nourishing approach to your wellbeing, comment WISDOM to dive into our free Women’s Wisdom + Ayurveda mini-course now.
Remember some of the qualities of pitta: hot, ligh Remember some of the qualities of pitta: hot, light, oily, sharp, intense, and mobile. 

Because of these inherent qualities, pitta-type people will do best with forms of body movement that cultivate the opposing qualities (i.e., exercising in temperate or cool weather, and exercising in a calm and steady way). 

Working out in this manner will help relieve some of the tension, intensity, heat, and irritability associated with pitta imbalance. It will also help get rid of any excess Fire (i.e., stress and acid) in the body, most specifically in the sites where heat accumulates—small intestine, liver, blood, head, and eyes. If you exercise in a way that aggravates pitta, you will actually accumulate more Fire in those body parts. 

Any body type will benefit from using the pitta-reducing routine if they are relatively healthy and it is summer.

Pitta types can tend to be overly competitive and “burn out.” Make sure to hydrate your pitta body with water or other liquids, particularly in the summer time.

🌿 Ready to explore a softer, deeper way to approach healing and women’s health? Comment WISDOM to get our free Women’s Wisdom and Ayurveda mini-course right now.

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