sex

Ep. 135 Turning Pain into Bliss with Dr. John Douillard

Spirit Sessions Podcast Guest for website

Katie here with a VERY special podcast guest on how we can take our life's greatest challenges and extract the bliss (yes, for real bliss).

Don't miss this episode where I sit down with Dr. John Douillard - former Director of Player Development for the New Jersey Nets NBA team, author of 7 health books including his newest bestseller Eat Wheat, a repeat guest on the Dr. Oz show, and founder of the LifeSpa Ayurvedic Clinic, the 2013 Holistic Wellness Center of the Year in Boulder, CO.

In this episode you’ll hear:

~ What is conscious aging?

~ Embracing the vata stage of life

~ Our modern information age and our nature of satisfaction

~ Benefits of the ‘longevity hormone’

~ Practical ways to support yourself for longevity

~ The incredible benefits of pranayama

~ You can connect with Dr. Douillard and learn more at LifeSpa.com

~ Level 1 Ayurveda School is open for early bird registration! Get in now before prices go up by $500 after September 30

~ Click here to book a free coaching call about Ayurveda School

~ Send a screenshot of your rating and review of Spirit Sessions Podcast to [email protected]l.com to receive a special gift!

Or Subscribe on iTunes

Learn more:

Ayurveda Certification

The Shakti School Subscription

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:

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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.

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From my heart to your screen,

Katie

Ep. 132 Dr. Gundry on All Things Health, Heart and Longevity

We have a very exciting episode today as Katie is joined by the one and only Dr. Steven Gundry. Dr. Gundry is a cardiothoracic surgeon, a heart surgeon, a medical researcher, and a New York Times best-selling author. Tune in to hear Katie and Dr. Gundry discuss what led Dr. Gundry from being a heart surgeon to where he is today, the reason young adults are suffering from gut issues and chronic fatigue but the older generation isn’t, and Dr. Gundry’s infamous advice to women who struggle with people who don’t take them seriously.

In this episode you’ll hear:

~ An inspiring story about Dr. Gundry’s patient, Big Ed, ultimately leading Dr. Gundry to change the trajectory of his career

~ The concept of uncoupling your mitochondria, why you want your mitochondria uncoupled, and specific fats that bring about this mitochondrial supercharging

~ Why you should worry about the quality and not quantity of the fat you are ingesting, and why Americans have it all wrong

~ The role of polyphenols and why they are important for our health (p.s. Get your hands on some cloves!)

~ Dr. Gundry’s non-negotiables in his daily life that keep him looking young and vibrant

~ Level 1 Ayurveda School is currently at the lowest price it will be! Use discount code HotGirlSummer for $100 off any of the payment options at registration

~ You can connect with Dr. Gundry at drgundry.com and gundrymd.com, via Instagram @drstevengundry, and The Dr. Gundry Podcast

Or Subscribe on iTunes

Learn more:

Ayurveda Certification

The Shakti School Subscription

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:

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

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

From my heart to your screen,

Katie

Ep. 130 Can Dating NOT Suck These Days?

In this episode, Katie dished with spirit-infused dating expert Lisa Holden, who is here to make dating fun! When she’s not writing up her dating experiences for outlets like Popsugar and Marie Claire, she offers 1:1 dating hype sessions to light up your single life and help everyone make the most of their dating adventures.

In this episode you’ll hear:

~ All about Lisa’s fascinating background growing up in a spiritual community and how it informed her current life’s work

~ The current state and culture of dating and how dating has been reinvented in the digital age

~ Dating is supposed to be fun! And ways to make it more fun

~ Energy work during dates as a way to more deeply get to know inner self and states that you hold

~ How coming to dates as your authentic self can attract people and creates a deep love within

~ Vulnerability and how it is earned, not a right

~ Lisa’s ultimate dating tip when you don’t have a lot of dating prospects

~ How our limiting beliefs when it comes to dating can hold you back from meeting someone amazing

~ Something every person should do before going on a date that may surprise you..

~ Ancient Tantric wisdom on how we hold sexual energy in our organs

~ Tips for gracefully exiting a bad date

~ Follow @lisaaholden across all social channels and learn more at www.lisaaholden.com

~ Level 1 Ayurveda School is currently at the lowest price it will be! Use discount code HotGirlSummer for $100 off any of the payment options at registration

Or Subscribe on iTunes

Learn more:

Ayurveda Certification

The Shakti School Subscription

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:

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

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

From my heart to your screen,

Katie

Ep. 109 My #1 Sleep Secret? The Eyes

The retinas are a powerful portal which have a direct effect on your sleep, as well as the endocrine and nervous systems. Listen to learn all about the importance of your retinas and aspects of light. Utilize the short Realm of Vision Expansion practice to support a healthy sleep cycle and wellness.

In this episode you’ll hear:

~ The power of the holy pause

~ The retina as a part of your brain existing outside of your body

~ How we feel is related to what we’re doing with our eyes

~ Eyes as a portal into spiritual practice

~ How the retina communicates with the endocrine and nervous systems

~ The health benefits of taking in sattvic morning light

~ How sunrise supports sleep

~ Peripheral vision as a way to calm the mind and body

~ Realm of vision expansion practice

~ Earlybird pricing for Ayurveda School ends September 30th!

Or Subscribe on iTunes

Learn more:

Ayurveda Certification

The Shakti School Subscription

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:

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

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

From my heart to your screen,

Katie

Ep. 108 Sex Magic: Obsidian Sex Toys and Divine Ecstasy

This episode delves into the tantrika practice of harnessing sexual energy and prana as a channel for manifestation. Learn practices to help you commune with your own body and lean into the realm of subtle sexual magnetism.

In this episode you’ll hear:

~ The capacity we have in our bodies to use sexual energy as a manifestation technology

~ Accessing our full magnetism and manifestation powers through the Prana body

~ How to practice communing with your body

~ Our sexual longing and pulsation of desire to expand

~ Sexual sovereignty

~ Physical pleasure and procreative power as spiritual magic

~ Solo sex and the realm of subtle magnetism

~ Use coupon code SHAKTILOVE for 10% off at ForiaWellness.com

~ Want more on Sex Magick? Join Spirit Sessions for a 2 hour workshop on manifesting with subtle sexual energy

Or Subscribe on iTunes

Sponsored: This episode is brought to you by PAAVANI Ayurveda. PAAVANI Ayurveda is a female owned and family run health & skincare company based in Northern California. Use promocode GHEESPOT at checkout for 15% off your order.

Learn more:

Ayurveda Certification

The Shakti School Subscription

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:

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

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

From my heart to your screen,

Katie

Ep. 95 Pleasure Pathways + Erotic Embodiment with Chris Muse

In this episode I talk with Somatic Sex Educator and Shakti School teacher Chris Muse. Chris is devoted to helping people quiet their voices of doubt and get comfortable taking the leap into knowing and trusting themselves more fully. Join us in this juicy conversation about pleasure, its connection to the nervous system and how to achieve erotic embodiment.

In this episode you’ll hear:

~ The importance of knowing our anatomy as a way to navigate arousal

~ Cultural conditioning and how it relates the nervous system + pleasure

~ “Junk food pleasure” versus “nutrient dense pleasure” as it relates to the nervous system

~ How technology and social media is affecting our pleasure pathways

~ The necessity of safety for erotic embodiment

~ Slowing down as a way to maximize pleasure

~ How to cultivate what is already well within us

Find Chris online at:

~ https://www.chris-muse.com/

~ https://www.theverdantcollective.com/

~ https://www.instituteforeroticintelligence.com/

Or Subscribe on iTunes

Sponsored: This episode is brought to you by Ahara Ghee. Visit them online at iloveghee.com. Use promocode GHEESPOT at checkout for $5 off your order.

Learn more:

Book a call with Amaury about Ayurveda School

Shakti Ayurveda School

Free Divine Feminine Ayurveda Mini-Course

LOVEFIT: The Shakti School Subscription

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:

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

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

From my heart to your screen,

Katie

The Pelvic Floor & Pleasure

The pelvic floor was designed not to be a muscle you train, but rather a muscle that moves fluidly in connection with the muscles in your lower limbs and trunk of your body. The combination of these muscles working together in a feminine flow is what results in a healthy pelvic floor. Contrary to popular belief, repetitively engaging in kegel exercises (exercises that train the pelvis to contract) is not a balanced approach for strengthening the pelvic bowl, unless you are using them for postpartum recovery or targeting a certain injury or imbalance. Don’t get me wrong, kegel exercises do have their place in women’s health. Kegels and other tightening exercises (like using a jade egg: See p. 198 of Happy, Healthy, Sexy) can be extremely beneficial to mother’s after giving birth or any woman working to retrain, retone, and re-tighten the vaginal walls. Outside of that, when we exclusively focus on contracting the pelvic floor we become vulnerable to many health imbalances including chronic stress, bloating, hormonal issues, and possibly pelvic floor disorder. When our pelvic floor muscles are too tight it can dull our sensitivity to arousal and sexual pleasure. For a flower to open, it must surrender it’s petals. It all comes back to balance.

Did you know that there is a direct line of fascia linking your jaw to your pelvis?

The connection and bio-mechanical relationship that your jaw and pelvis have is particularly helpful for women to understand. It's especially relevant for women with pelvic floor pain. A study in the Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics from Hanover Medical School in Germany revealed that TMJ (aka temporo-mandibular joint dysfunction) plays an important role in hip mobility restriction experienced by patients with pain. This indicated a connectedness between these two intrinsic parts of the body.

If you've been stuck in a pattern of clenching the pelvis it may be difficult to even know where to begin when it comes to relaxing those muscles. Going to the jawline can be a more accessible place to start and will seem to magically open the pelvic bowl. Ina May Gaskin, a female healer and wise leader in midwifery, even coined the term “the sphincter law” to explain that if the jaw and throat are relaxed then the buttocks and pelvis will be too. She says, “The state of relaxation of the mouth and jaw is directly correlated to the ability of the cervix, the vagina, and the anus to open to full capacity.” (Gaskin, 2003, p. 170) On the flip side, if you are clenching your jaw often, you’re probably also clenching your pelvis.

How do I know if my pelvis is contracted?

If you exercise frequently, do yoga, stress easily, or wear heels above 1/8th of an inch, your pelvis is probably contracted. In the modern day yoga and fitness world many women are cued to “contract the navel, lift your belly in and up, draw your navel in and pull your tailbone down,” and while these cues may have there place for certain exercises, if you aren’t spending adequate time intentionally doing the opposite and relaxing you are cuing your body to stay in a hyperarousal state. When we wear heels it causes an anterior pelvic tilt.

These incredible bodies we live in were made to keep each body part in balance with the other. If one body part becomes fixed, the whole system has to compensate. This can lead to a chain reaction of imbalance causing our abdominal organs to be squashed and our belly to bloat.

Many of us have lost our sensitivity to even feel this hyper-flexed state because we've become somewhat disconnected from our bodies. By engaging in more fluid, less structured movement, and through time spent softening, surrendering, and relaxing the pelvic floor those muscles will actually become stronger! Just like the rest of the body, when you overtax a certain muscle, you need adequate rest and recovery time in order for that muscle to actually grow and remain healthy.

How can we maintain an overall healthy pelvic floor?

Diversify your movements! Don’t just focus on one exercise. Doing kegels is similar to doing a bicep curl for your pelvis. You’re only going to strengthen one muscle. Try engaging in a wide range of fluid motions. Movements involving squatting, lunging, and lengthening of the limbs will help tone the pelvis while also help to strengthen the extremities which will create ease on the pelvis while also gaining strength and longevity.

Exercises to tone, relax, & strengthen the pelvis:

Breathing practices with elongated exhales
Long walks in shoes without heels
Take pause throughout the day to relax the jaw
Lay down with some massage balls!
Get or give yourself a face massage
Chakravakasana (cat cow) with lion’s breath to loosen the hips and the jaw
Anytime you are doing tightening or strengthening exercises make sure to take adequate recovery time and focus on relaxing the jaw & the pelvic bowl
Our Foam roller and pelvic release classes in the Shakti School Membership Community:

How will having a more relaxed & toned pelvis lead to experiencing more pleasure?

When the pelvic floor muscles are chronically tensed the muscles will eventually become less flexible. When the muscles are unable to move and stretch, sensations will become weakened and the ability to engage with that area emotionally will also become more difficult.

In Happy Healthy Sexy: Ayurveda Wisdom for Modern Women, I wrote: “Pleasure-power has everything to do with cultivating our ability to feel and experience pleasure in daily life-- in and out of the bedroom. It’s about getting quiet and content enough to experience the immense beauty that is always present when our senses are tuned in.” Similarly, when we educate ourselves on the pelvic floor it is essential for us to focus on being in continuous engagement with our bodies. The key element to building strength, fluidity, and our ability to experience pleasure is to return to movements that are less rigid, more balanced, and more fluid. It is there where we will find more ease with the body, mind, and spirit.

Our Favorite Products for Pelvic Floor Health

Foria Awaken Arousel Fluid and Personal Lubricant

We LOVE this product. It's main ingredients are Hemp (a source of CBD!) and Kava. It helps relax the pelvic floor and increase blood circulation to nourish your tissues and increase your capacity for pleasure. Get 10% off your order with the promocode SHAKTILOVE.

Jade Eggs Set

Banyan’s Coconut Brahmi Oil

Use promocode SHAKTI10 for 10% off your order with Banyan.

Foods that are good for your connective tissue:

Bone Broth
Ghee
Collagen
Tocos (Plant collagen-like supplement) Receive 15% with code SHAKTISUN
Magnesium
Spring Water
Chia Seeds
Golden Milk
Women's Blend Tea

References

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19539119

https://www.nutritiousmovement.com/kegel-queen/

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4573594/

https://www.alignpt.com/mysterious-connection-pelvis-jaw/

https://www.christinemathesonnd.com/blog/pelvic-health-jaw-tension-connection

Sex and the Three Doshas

We are all a composite of all three doshas. There are times when you may feel like making love like a bunny (vata style) or lounging about like a tigress (kapha style). Remember, you have all of nature’s gifts at your disposal, so don’t put yourself in a sexual doshic box.

That said, we do have tendencies that we were born with, and those tendencies lead us toward behaviors, which in turn have their own doshic expressions. For example, vata is the part of our sexual expression that is mobile. When vata is balanced, we have freedom of movement, but also the ability to hold back our climax. When out of balance, climax can happen too fast and sex can leave us feeling depleted and breathless. Pitta is the part of our sexuality that relates to sexual vitality and vigor. It is the part of us that initiates sex and feels the burning passion for our lover. When out of balance, we may have no desire. Kapha sexuality is related to our sexual staying power, potency, and physical unctuousness. When in balance, our sex secretions are of good quantity and quality. Excess kapha can lead to sexual laziness and a heavy quality to lovemaking.

Sexual expression is all about expansiveness. Through the union of two beings, and orgasm, there is a potentiality to experience a state of consciousness very different from the consciousness you hold, say, in line at the post office or on the phone with your mother (thank God). Due to this potential for expansion, sex can be incredibly healing or incredibly destructive.

Healthy, life-bringing, satisfying sex requires open channels. Think of the entire mind/body as a complex and interrelated system of physical and energetic tubes (srotas and nadis). Just as there are channels that move our blood, lymph, and waste products, there are also channels that move our sex

ual energy. In general, if we are blocked in any of the channels, our sexual energy can be blocked. This is why chronically constipated women commonly suffer from depressed libido and sleep disorders, in that both sleep and sex require a relaxing and an opening in the channels that govern letting go.

Similarly, if we are worried or unsatisfied, our sex channels get blocked. In this holistic framework, taking care of your digestion, skin, and emotions can create a mandala-like positive effect on every other realm of your life. Who would have thought it? Igniting the power of your digestion may be the best way to have more fulfilling orgasms.

~Katie

Ep. 135 Turning Pain into Bliss with Dr. John Douillard

Ep. 132 Dr. Gundry on All Things Health, Heart and Longevity

Ep. 130 Can Dating NOT Suck These Days?

Ep. 109 My #1 Sleep Secret? The Eyes

Ep. 108 Sex Magic: Obsidian Sex Toys and Divine Ecstasy

The Pelvic Floor & Pleasure

Did you know that there is a direct line of fascia linking your jaw to your pelvis?

How do I know if my pelvis is contracted?

How can we maintain an overall healthy pelvic floor?

How will having a more relaxed & toned pelvis lead to experiencing more pleasure?

Our Favorite Products for Pelvic Floor Health

Sex and the Three Doshas

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