EP20: "Honoring the Inner Child " Liza Fenster

Welcome to one of the most heart felt, humbling, vulnerable and powerful conversation we’ve had on The Live Journal Podcast, as Liza Fenster - a woman whom I adore and admire - shares her life experiences, and how the hardships faced during childhood and teenage hood shaped the healing conduit she is today.

Liza is a NY based Reiki Master Teacher and Tarot reader that works under the moniker of Crow Mother. She offers a combined 20 years of study and experience in service to a local and global community, and it is her highest honor to do so.

I’ve had the pleasure of getting to know Liza this past year, and did Reiki I training with her guidance. Listen in, get inspired, feel the love, and If you’d like to know more about her services you please go to thecrowmother.com , or @crow..mother on Instagram.

LIZA’S FAVORITES

My “keep my sanity” essentials are pretty simple but I cherish them so much! I love to get a few minutes of alone time in the morning when I walk our dog to get coffee while my husband gets our son up and sorted. I have a daily mantra meditation practice that has become meaningful and grounding, and I also reaaallllyyyy love to go to Great Jones Spa for a soak and a facial every month or two. 

My non negotiable self care tool is the very necessary act of literally unplugging for a bit a bit at the end of the day. It absolutely “saves me” to be in a quiet house with no noise, no tv or phone, low lights and little to no talking. It’s not all evening, but there is usually at least an hour or so when I make this possible. 

My favorite form of movement is yoga, specifically the Katonah practice. I’m a Vata dosha, so it’s not advisable for me to do lots of high impact activity (I *am* a high impact activity) and this study of yoga helps my body stretch and strengthen, while also cooling my mind. 

The best advice I think I’ve gotten from someone is from a mentor I had a long time ago. She often reminded me to just “be where my feet are” and that “what was for me, would always be for me” and when I can really practice that, so much energy is freed up to just BE, instead of worrying what else I should be doing or worrying about what other people are doing. It reminds to stay in my lane. And when I do that, beautiful things happen. 

In Light,

Liza Fenster

Hi friends, I’m gifting a free Wellness Assessment Session… Here’s how to enter:

1. Purchase “The Mini Cleanse” -$33, by Friday 5/24 at 12pm.

2. Follow me on Instagram

3. Tag 3 friends.

In addition to a 90min session with me ($375 value) you’ll also win a FREE Colon Hydro Therapy session with the one and only Nacim Valdez of True Being ($120 value) to use during your cleanse.

The winner will be randomly selected, and announced at 1pm on Friday 5/24 (that’s this Friday). Let’s get ready for summer!

"Breath, Mind, Skin" workshop @ The Spring Meditation

Hello friends,

My last workshop for May “Breath, Mind, Skin” Is this Saturday 5/18.

I’lll be sharing best use of Essential Oils for shifting negative thought patterns through breath, journaling and meditation - and how this self-care practice supports healthier, glowing skin. You’ll walk away with a simple ritual to practice at home and a sample of my custom blend TOUCH balancing oil.

Saturday 5/18

2-4pm

The Spring Meditation

145 6th Avenue, Studio 6E
New York NY 10013

$40

SIGN UP HERE

All love,

Paola

EP19: "Holding Space" Paola Atlason

My dear friend and Vedic Meditation teacher Arden Martin felt it was time to turn the tables. During this conversation we discuss my wellness journey, what started it all, and how passing on what I’ve learned during this bumpy yet joyful ride has become my life’s mission.

Listen in for a candid chat, and if you want to learn more about the topics discusses come to our workshop “Breath, Mind, Skin” on Saturday 5/18 at The Spring Meditation in New York City, where I’ll be teaching best uses of essentials oils for positive mindset and glowing skin. Sign Up Here

ps: you can also read a q&a I did with Arden here

MY FAVORITES

My "keep my sanity"’ essentials?

Vedic meditation, iced decaf black, home made green juice and hardcore workouts.

What’s your favorite workout or form of movement?

Tracy Anderson Method, The Class by Taryn Toomey, Yoga at Kula.

What is your non-negotiable self care routine or tool?

Oils, oils and more oils! I oil my hair, face and skin daily, and I’ve created my own blend since I’m so obsessed (coming very soon). oh and of course Vedic Meditation (always).

What is the best beauty / health / wellness advise a loved one has given you?

Beauty is a state of being. Age is a state of mind. And always moisturize - my mom.

EP18: "Knowing by Feeling" Paramatma Siri Sadhana

Paramatma Siri Sadhana lives in the ethers, an illustrious being, almost a myth - her words guide me. Through the Space Weather Service she gives daily transmissions illuminating the celestial weather and most optimal Kundalini practices from the Sat Nam Rasayan space. And boy let me tell you, this speak to everyones hearts.

She’s also the founder and director of The Invincible Hall in New York City. A direct student of Yogi Bhajan, the Mahan Tantric and Guru Dev Singh, the Master of Sat Nam Rasayan, her visionary work is leading a revolution in sound, meditation  and consciousness in New York City and beyond ~ influencing meditative perspectives, teaching pedagogies and strategies, Aquarian perceptions, practices and the emergent lexicons of Aquarian consciousness.  

Paramatma Siri Sadhana is also a musician, vocalist, filmmaker and honors graduate of Georgetown University.

Listen in for a mind expanding conversation, and if you’re in New York this week you can see her in action this Saturday May 4th as we co-host a workshop on inner and outer beauty rituals at The Invincible Hall. Come join us! info and registration here.

You can also see her projects on Instagram @_propheta_ or her website paramatmasirisadhana.com

Paramatma what are your "keep my sanity"’ essentials?

Sadhana. Baths. Music. Beast-mode workouts. Beauty-mode workouts. Community. Seva. A daily commitment to learning, listening and contributing. More music. Salt water and nature as often as possible.

What’s your favorite workout or form of movement?

Kundalini Yoga ~ Radiant Body Kriya, Jaap Sahib & Northern Lights Meditation

What is your non-negotiable self care routine or tool?

Water & Music. Positive Thinking. Prayer. Trust.

What is the best beauty / health / wellness advise a loved one has given you?

My mother always teaches me by example to keep moving ~ She used to take me as a girl to this modern dance class taught by a Kundalini yogini, Modern Body Education, it made an extraordinary impression and impact on me. She still gives me a regular update on her bike rides, walks and calisthenics. When we talk she asks “Did you move today?” “Are you praying?” 

Workshops: May 2019

Aquarian Serums Rituals for Inner and Outer Beauty @ The Invincible Hall

Saturday May 4th

12/2pm

$40

Sign Up Here

Join Paramatma Siri Sadhana and Paola Atlason for a beautiful afternoon of kundalini yoga practice and intentional beauty ritual. We will practice Kriyas, Meditations, Breathwork and Soundcurrents to open the Inner Beauty Serums. With the use of crystal, sound and essential oil plant medicines, we will then bring conscious awareness to the Temple Body, sharing the Ancient Outer Beauty Art of Oiling the Skin. You will leave feeling radiant, vibrant and refreshed with a new understanding of the synthesis of inner and outer beauty serums as well as new effective beauty rituals to practice at home.

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Reclaiming Your Divine Feminine: Self-Care Rituals to Embody Your Higher Self @ Maha Rose

Saturday May 11th

11am/1pm

$40

Sign Up Here

Do you feel small or triggered in your work or personal relationships? Would you like to show up fully in your day to day life? Join me in this interactive workshop, during which we’ll identify our Divine vs. Shadow Feminine energies. With the support of essential oils you’ll learn simple rituals to help you shift towards your higher self. You’ll walk away feeling empowered, refreshed and ready to take the day.

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Breath, Mind, Skin @ The Spring Meditation

Saturday May 18th

2/4pm

$40

Sign Up Here

Learn how to use essential oils as positive triggers to encourage the breath, reprogram thoughts, and soothe the skin. Participants will take home a sample of Touch, Paola's signature balancing oil.

Group meditation is included - no meditation experience necessary. 

This is a space for people to learn, connect, and grow. Join us!

EP17: "Wellness is Beauty" Cindy DiPrima

Happy Spring friends! I’m excited to bring you my conversation with Cindy DiPrima, Co-Founder and Creative Director of CAP beauty and co-author of “High Vibrational Beauty”.

Known for her intelligent and elevated approach to style, Cindy has contributed to Harper’s Bazaar, Domino, and Town & Country among other publications and ad campaigns. As two style-obsessed friends, she and Kerrilynn Pamer dreamed of building a store that was as inspiring as it was pure in it’s mission.

While sitting with Cindy you can’t help but notice her deep and wise glow. During this insightful chat she shares how their common love for cooking, elevated entertaining and passion for wellness guided her and Kerrilynn to birth their ever inspiring brand. These women have not only defined what we know as “clean beauty”, they’ve brought to light to their community (and the world!) that what we put on our bodies is as important - and of substance - as we what put in it.

For the full experience please listen to my interview with Kerrilynn.

CINDY’S FAVORITES

Cindy what are your "keep my sanity"’ essentials? 

Green juice. Following a plant-based and food combining diet. Running. Yoga. Phone-free time with my kids (still working on this one! the camera is my weakness!). Cooking for family and friends

What’s your favorite workout or form of movement?

Yoga is really my go-to. I’ve done lots of types and am now in a phase of loving hot yoga. The heat and sweat are both so therapeutic and really keep me well and my body has never been stronger. I don’t practice Bikram but go to a looser style class at Modo. 

I also love running and love that this is something I can do with my husband. I’m not fast or distance driven. I just really like the workout. 

What is your non-negotiable self care ritual or tool?

Gravity colonics with Gil Jacobs in NYC. 

What is the best beauty / health / wellness advise a parent or loved one has ever given you?

My parents are and were healthy in a very mainstream sort of way, not radical and very respectful of the advice of doctors and Western medicine in general. I veer more to the left of that! But I am very grateful that my parents always questioned the over-use of antibiotics. I was raised not to take them unless absolutely necessary. THAT is advice for the ages.

A simple beauty ritual / recipe / tonic you’d like to share with listeners.

Bedtime tonic

This is a great way to end the day and promotes deep, easy sleep and restoration:

1/2 teaspoon CAP Beauty’s The 10PM

1 to 2 teaspoons CAP’s The Coconut Butter (or more to taste! It’s crazy delicious.)

1 tablespoon Dandy Blend (optional)

6 ounces hot water

Splash of homemade nut, seed or oat milk

Put all ingredients in a blender and run on high until mixed and frothy. Or put all ingredients your favorite mug and mix with an aero latte.

EP16: "Beauty is Wellness" Kerrilynn Pamer

Happy birthday “High Vibrational Beauty”! In honoring this gorgeous holistic lifestyle guide I’m thrilled to share my conversation with Kerrilynn Pamer, it’s co-author, and co-founder and CEO of CAP Beauty.

Kerrilynn’s first business, the boutique, Castor & Pollux, was a much-loved fixture in the West Village. In 2010 she introduced her customers to a small selection of naturals and watched the interest and love for this category grow. She decided at that point that New York City (and the world!) needed a store committed to natural beauty. Kerrilynn partnered with her longtime friend and collaborator, the photo stylist Cindy DiPrima Morisse, a perfect match as they had bonded for so long over their interest in healthful living.

Kerrilynn and I became friends over Instagram (yes, it’s a thing) and upon meeting felt as though we had met many times before. Her radiance is palpable, she truly walks her talk and is the embodiment of a modern ethereal being. Please listen in on this inspiring conversation from which I walked away vibing high, and listen to my interview with Cindy for the full experience.

KERRILYNN’S FAVORITES

Kerrilynn what are your "keep my sanity"’ essentials? 

Spending time with my husband and dogs. Espresso in the morning, The 4 PM blend in the afternoon. Saturday yoga class at Kula. Healthy food in the fridge and cupboards. Daily Kundalini. Daily TM.

What’s your Favorite workout or form of movement?

I adore the Saturday class at Kula with Jillian Turecki. A favorite moment during the week. 

What is your non-negotiable self care ritual or tool?

I've been exploring the idea of having no "non-negotiables". It was creating a rigidity that I wasn't comfortable with, so these days I'm making efforts to just do what makes me feel good without the "should" wrapped around it. It's working for me. 

What is the best beauty / health / wellness advise a parent or loved one has ever given you?

My Dad told me to never give up, and keep moving forward. That's a pretty good one. 

A simple beauty ritual / recipe / tonic you’d like to share with listeners.

The CAP Beauty Matcha mixed with our Coconut Butter, some seed milk that my husband makes (his is the best!), turmeric and some tocotrienols served warm with bee pollen on top. A favorite. 

Spring Offering: The Mini Cleanse

Spring is finally here! As the cold months shift into warmth my skin breaks out - sometimes mildly, others terribly - and three years ago I designed this cleanse for myself, to support my body in clearing out any winter debris by smoothing the digestive process. It had immediate results and I soon found myself sharing it with close friends, who have repeatedly asked I share it with the world.

A simple program created for ease use, it can be followed for 1 week as a quick reset, 2 weeks for a deeper cleanse, or 3 weeks for a full detox. This cleanse always helps me lose a few pounds of winter weight, in addition to giving me clear healthy and glowing skin.

This cleanse PDF manual includes:

Foods to include and avoid during to lose weight and clear the skin.

Detailed cleanse guidelines.

How to properly portion your ideal plate.

Simple and delicious recipe ideas for smoothies, salads, soups and even dessert!

• You can download the manual here

• You may also purchase the manual + a 45min nutrition coaching session here.

• If you need further support during the program contact me for a range of offerings.

EP15: "We Are All Special" Jill Blakeway, L.Ac, DACM

For this week’s episode I had the honor of sitting with Dr. Jill Blakeway to discuss her latest book “Energy Medicine: The Science and Mystery of Healing”.

Dr. Blakeway is a licensed and board certified acupuncturist and clinical herbalist. She’s the founder of Yinova, an alternative health clinic in New York City. She is the co-author of Making Babies: A Proven 3-Month Program for Maximum Fertility, and the author of Sex Again: Recharging your Libido.

In her new book she seamlessly connects the spiritual aspects and scientific facts of Healing Energy Work, how this tool is accessible to all, and it’s expansive Universal source. This book is written in a beautiful, thorough and honest way, and it is unique in it’s simplicity and warmth. I highly recommend it.

During our conversation Dr. Blakeway shares how her turbulent childhood enhanced her sensitivity to this energy, how she eventually found herself in this work, and a few simple techniques with which we can tap into it ourselves. Please listen in and enjoy.

ps: This book literally fell off the shelf for me as they say - as I’ve been deep into studying the subject and have recently become certified as a Reiki 1 practitioner - I truly feel as though my teacher appeared.

“Energy Medicine: The Science and Mystery of Healing” comes out April 2nd (run, don’t walk to get your copy). You can also find Dr. Blakeway and her incredible team at yinovacenter.com

JILL’S FAVORITES

Dr. Blakeway what are your “keep my sanity” essentials?

Breathing exercises. In my new book, Energy Medicine, I give an example of a breathing exercise that I use when treating patients. As part of my research for the book, I was given an EEG of my brain and an EKG of my heart, and found that they went into resonance with each other when I treated patients. That means that may brain and heart emit the same frequency when I am performing acupuncture. Interestingly, the patient’s heart then goes into resonance with mine. To accomplish this, I take 6 breaths a minute which increases my heart rate variability and allows me to adapt my body so that my energy field can connect with a patients field in a way that allows a transfer of information.  This slow regular breathing makes me feel calm and I also do it simply to remain clear and grounded. 

What's your favorite workout or type of movement?

Qi gong is an ancient technique that helps energy flow through the body. It perfectly balances yin and yang and allows qi to flow. It’s the perfect form of exercise for an energy healer. There is also a form of qi gong, called medical qi gong, where a practitioner uses the qi gong exercises to cultivate energy and then transmits the energy generated to a patient. 

What’s your non-negotiable self-care ritual or tool?

I’m British, so I love a cup of tea and find taking time to make and drink tea to be a calming ritual. When I was writing Energy Medicine, I spent a lot of time in Japan, where the ritual surrounding tea is an art form. Slowly sipping green tea from my favorite cup is a daily treat and the way I unwind. 

What is the best beauty/health/wellness advice a parent or loved one has given you?

My mother was an excellent cook and my father was a very good gardener. I used to host a weekly podcast for CBS called Grow Cook Heal that combined my love of growing vegetables, cooking nourishing food and wellness. I got that from my family and I’m grateful. These days my husband Noah and I have a vegetable garden in upstate New York and nothing gives me more pleasure than wandering down to the garden and picking what is ripe and ready to eat and cooking with it. It’s a way of letting the seasons guide my food choices. 

EP14: "Reclaiming your Time" Natalie Kuhn

Natalie Kuhn is a spark of light. As the Executive Vice President and Founding Teacher of The Class by Taryn Toomey, a new movement of spiritual fitness which uses physical conditioning to expand self awareness.

Natalie's background includes a BFA in performance from NYU with years of multi-disciplinary movement training including Suzuki, Viewpoints, Grotowski and Committed Impulse. Her Classes are athletic, vigorous, empowering, and suffused with her natural effervescence. She brings her students face-to-face with their own personal challenges; together, they sweat, they dig deep, and they come out energized — discovering how strong they are, mentally and physically.

During this intimate conversation we discuss ‘stopping’ as a key to self-care, how a good playlist is a wellness tool, and the importance of shifting to a state of conscious awareness in order to return to oneself. This was truly a treat, I love you Natalie!

You can find Natalie on Instagram @ThisIsNatalie , and on The Class’ website at TarynTommey.com to see her class schedule and incredible upcoming retreats.

NATALIE’S FAVORITES:

Natalie what are your “keep my sanity” essentials?

I have developed a ritual for myself that transitions me out of work and into my personal space - both physically and otherwise. When I leave the office, I use the subway ride to finish up any last text, Slack, or email. Once I'm off the subway, I put my earbuds on, turn on a playlist that is specifically created to welcoming in a softer, more receptive me into being, and when I step into my apartment, I switch the music to the apartment speakers. I light a trillion candles, take a shower, and somewhere between the playlist, the candles, and the shower, I'm back in my feminine, receptive, soft, soothed self. 

What’s your favorite workout or form of movement?

Well, I suppose it's no surprise that The Class by Taryn Toomey is my favorite. I live it and breathe it. It is my vocation. 

What is your non-negotiable self care routine or tool?

Time in the calendar with my best girlfriends. We don't let our dinner or coffee date end without having the next one on the books. 

What’s the best beauty/health/wellness advice a parent or family member has given you? 

"Do what you need to do to feel prepared for what you're heading off into. Spend whatever time in the mirror as you see fit. But after you leave the house, be with the people you are with, stand in the place that you are, and don't give the mirror another glance." - My grandmama 

EP13: "Embracing Individuality" Lara Devgan MD

Dr. Lara Devgan is a prominent plastic surgeon in a male dominated field. As a mother of six - 4 boys and 2 girls -she’s built a practice where you are encouraged to embrace your individuality and unique differences. In a judgmental world with taboos and stigmas around plastic surgery, she’s demystifying what’s behind the curtain and truly believes you can be a person of substance and want to look your best.

I had the pleasure of meeting Dr. Devgan last year while interviewing doctors as I considered a breast lift. I immediately fell in love with her, she has a gentle hand and a subtle approach to plastic surgery. I’m not only happy with the results of this very complex procedure, but am forever grateful that this inspiring woman is in my life.

Dr. Devgan is a board-certified, Yale-educated, Johns Hopkins Medical School-instructed, and Columbia/ New York Presbyterian Hospital-trained plastic & reconstructive surgeon. Her special interests are cosmetic surgery of the face and body, and reconstructive surgery for breast cancer, skin cancer, and facial injuries.  

She’s also the creator of Dr. Devgan Scientific Beauty, a luxury medical-grade skin care line and the host of an acclaimed podcast, Beauty Bosses. You can find her on Instagram @laradevganmd and to learn more about her services or purchase her cosmetics line visit her website LaraDevganMD.com

p.s: if you’re curious about my breast lift experience email me your questions paola@paolaatlason.live, I’m an open book.

LARA’S FAVORITES:

What are your "keep my sanity"’ essentials?

Earl Gray Tea and listening to podcasts in the shower

Favorite workout or form of movement?

Chasing after my 6 kids

What’s your non-negotiable self care routine or tool?

My Platinum Hyaluronic serum and conservative injectables

What is your most treasured beauty / health / wellness advise a parent or family member has given you?

True beauty is confidence, poise, and knowing who you are!

EP12: "Keep the Gifts Moving" Elena Brower

Elena Brower is a soul mother, while in her presence you feel embraced and supported. She’s by far the most graceful, generous and giving person I’ve had the honor of meeting, and when she speaks you can’t help but attentively listen.

This incredible woman is an author, speaker, Doterra leader and mama to a very grounded little guy. Elena has taught yoga since 1999. Her first book Art of Attention has been ranked number one in design on Amazon, and her second book Practice You: A Journal is being incorporated into teaching curricula worldwide for all ages. This book was a game changer for me, I highly recommend it to anyone interested in journaling. Her writing prompts are deeply introspective and Elena’s watercolors are sublime. Her podcast of the same name, Practice You, launched in January 2019 - a must listen.

To learn more about Elena please visit her website EleneBrower.com

ELENA’S FAVORITES:

Elena what are your "keep my sanity"’ essentials?

Bath:  2c Sea or Epsom with 3d Frankincense, 1d Bergamot 

Acupuncture weekly a must

Meditation daily: 

AM = Self Compassion from the Sanctuary App

PM = Nidra or other meditation from Glo.com
What’s your favorite workout or form of movement?

12-18 mins of HIIT followed by a juicy stretch. 

What’s your non-negotiable self care routine or tool?

Sleeping 7-8 hours.

What’s the best beauty / health / wellness advise a parent or family member has given you?

Drink water, and SLEEP AS MUCH AS YOU CAN

EP 11: "Be who you Be" Amina AlTai

Amina is a dear friend and mentor. Compassionate, sweet and wise she has the power of bringing to life any undertaking. On a mission to radically transform how we think about our work, Amina is in service as a business coach, speaker and wellness expert. She is the first social entrepreneur to successfully create a methodology which simultaneously supports the health of a business and its people.

A decade in marketing and brand management and a fast-paced career led Amina to two autoimmune diseases and complete burnout.  In hopes of healing her own life, she sought out training in nutrition, fitness and mindfulness and succeeded in regaining her health. This fueled her goal to teach others how to balance a thriving career with a healthy body and mind.  

If you want to learn more about Amina and her coaching practice please visit her website aminaaltai.com or follow her on instagram @aminaaltai

Amina’s Favorites:

Lovely Amina what are your "keep my sanity"’ essentials?

My sanity essentials vary depending on how much time I have. But on a good day,  I wake up early and meditate for 20-minutes (I’m a vedic meditator and have been trained with a specific vedic mantra).  I follow that up with a kundalini practice. After meditation, I move my body (usually a mix of yoga, pilates, HIIT and spin).  I find healthy movement to be so instrumental for me in processing emotion. I meditate again at 4pm for another 20 minutes.  I usually end the day with a candle and quiet with an early bedtime to boot. Honestly, nothing says self care and sanity to me like going to bed at 9:30pm :)

On a crazy day it looks like a whole lot less.  Meditation is my non-negotiable so I always start my day with 20 minutes and do my second sitting in the afternoon—sometimes later than I'd like. And on these more condensed days, I will take 5-minutes and do something that brings me joy.  Even if it’s just reading a magazine, coloring or watching Friends, I have to have that in there to stay sane. 

What’s your favorite workout?

Ahh, so many.  I love me some high intensity (for my high intensity Scorpio personality) and I used to be a spin teacher. My workouts are a mix of HIIT, spin, hot yoga and pilates.  

What is your non-negotiable self care routine or tool? 

Meditation.  That is the one thing I cannot do without.  Take away all my powders, adaptogens and practices, but me and meditation are for life.  

What is the best beauty / health / wellness advise a parent or family member has given you?

I was born with a lot of fire and energy and I have a tendency to push myself really hard. My mom is super chill and used to tell me ALL THE TIME in high school that I should take "mental health days."  I used to roll my eyes and be so annoyed at the suggestion of missing school (I was such a goodie goodie) but nowadays, I take them regularly.  We need them.  We need the opportunity to pause, recharge and reevaluate.  Nothing can come through when we are heads down and pushing all the time.  

EP 10: "Why we choose who we choose" Vienna Pharaon

Vienna Pharaon is a wise soul. As the founder of Mindful Marriage and Family Therapy she is one of the most sought after Licensed Therapists in New York City. A loving counselor with a side of “woo-woo”, she has a unique way of holding space for others, connecting deeply to their needs and supporting them in expressing their inner voice. Vienna is the relationship expert for Motherly, and has been featured in The Economist, Fatherly, The New York Post, and Vogue, to name a few. With over 200K followers on Instagram, Vienna is recognized as one of the great relationship influencers of our time.

Please listen in and get to know how her parents divorce inspired Vienna to choose this path, how she believes that relationships can evolve and be healthy even though an end might be in sight, and the simple ways she takes care of her Self in order to best care for others.

If you want to know more about Vienna’s practice, to sign up for her February 18th webinar “Understanding Women” (I’ve already signed up!) or are interested in her April Couples Retreat please visit her website www.newyorkcouplescounseling.com . You can also follow Vienna on Instagram for incredibly inspiring advice @MINDFULMFT

Vienna’s Favorites:

Vienna what are your "keep my sanity"’ essentials?

My sanity essentials are maintaining healthy relationships and prioritizing connection and togetherness with the people in my life. Almost every week I get a foot and body massage from this amazing hole in the wall massage place that is so restorative. Working out keeps my sanity, diffusing oils, keeping my home as a calm and soothing space, sleeping (friends, invest in your sleep space), and maintaining a sense of playfulness in each day.

What’s your favorite workout?

Favorite workouts are boxing and The Class by Taryn Toomey. I do them both multiple times a week. 

Your non-negotiable self care routine or tool?

Being at peace with myself and others. It's the greatest routine in the world. Clear, healthy thoughts and choosing peace over suffering as often as I can. But that's probably not the answer you were expecting ;), so....self care where I don't negotiate: vitamins, evening routine that winds me down for the day -- give me an Image Skincare sheet mask every night of my life and I'm a happy camper (have you tried them?!) and some Tammy Fender lavender oil. I'm digging dry brushing and using a gua sha to release tension in my face and jaw! AND...SLEEP. I don't short change myself there.

And finally what is the best beauty / health / wellness advise a parent or family member has given you?

Sleep and water do wonders.

Joy is what makes you beautiful. 

EP 9: "You are not your feelings" Arden Martin

Arden Martin is a special soul. Shortly after meeting at mediation class we clicked, and became the sort of friends that don’t remember exactly how they became friends, but whose bond feels true and old.

For the past two years we’ve seen each other expand and fully embrace the roles we were chosen to serve, and I couldn’t be more proud of her. Now a mother to baby Jesse, she’s on a mission to make meditation accessible to all. As a teacher and co-founder of The Spring Meditation, Arden is also a Beautycounter consultant and an advocate for personal care safety.

In this episode we discuss the gradual benefits of meditation, how practicing stabilizes your nervous system, how it supports you in experiencing more confidence and self-love, and the simplicity and ease of Vedic Meditation in particular. You can find Arden at TheSpringMeditation.com and on Instagram @ardenmartin.

Arden’s Favorites:

1. Arden what are your "keep my sanity"’ essentials? Vedic Meditation, dark chocolate, healthy fats, and high-quality skincare. Now that I’m a mama, showering and washing my face have become a sacred acts of self-care.

2. What’s your favorite workout? Dancing at weddings with my husband. He’s got moves!

3. What is your non-negotiable self care routine or tool? Vedic Meditation before starting my day. I also do some sort of facial massage or Gua Sha every morning because it makes me feel like a queen.

4. And what’s the best beauty / health / wellness advise a parent or family member has given you? Growing up, my parents always encouraged me to stop everything and rest when I’m sick rather than push through. I still do this unapologetically as an adult!

Listen on iTunes

EP 8: "Change and Wonderment" Elizabeth Traina

And we’re back! welcome to Season 2 of The .Live Journal podcast.

For our first episode I had the pleasure of sitting with Elizabeth Traina: artist, light worker and spiritual mama. She’s been instrumental in my personal growth and while in session has helped me shed limiting beliefs - on the spot. Elizabeth works with individuals, groups, and spaces offering her gifts, motivated by guiding principles that enable consciousness awakening and sovereign activation.

During the past fifteen years, she has worked closely with master healers to become a certified Reiki Healer and Hypnotherapist trained with Paul Aurand Transpersonal and Past Life Regression Hypnotherapy. Currently, Elizabeth resides in Brooklyn, NY where she holds a private healing practice and in addition Elizabeth has an active studio Art practice where she explores themes relative to personal and collective awakening. Her paintings, murals and multimedia installations serve as instruments for discovery and renewal.

It’s my pleasure to introduce you to her magic and her voice. Please listen in as we discuss her path to high-priestess-hood, and how she considers change and wonderment as lifesaving self-care habits.

Elizabeth’s favorites:

1. What are your "keep my sanity"’ essentials? I take a salt bath every evening to wash off the day and sooth the body. Celery juice in the morning to cleanse and smooth me out. And daily movement - dance, yoga or a long walk. 

2. What’s your favorite workout or type of movement? Hot yoga, dance class and a night out dancing.

3. What’s s your non-negotiable self-care routine or tool? Community - Sharing my life with my friends and loved ones is essential to keep me grounded and connected. Creative expression - intimate quality time with myself to nurture my art practice and exploration of my unique gifts and talents.

4. What’s the best beauty / health / wellness advise from your parents or family? From my mother happiness and hosting. My Mom knows how to host a party, prepare a spread and share her home with loved ones. This is when my mom shines. We look and feel great when we entertain and offer our gifts to others. And my mom always sleeps in something beautiful, she knows how to enjoy her femininity. There is a lot to learn from her!

To learn more please visit her website www.elizabethtraina.com , or Instagram @eliztraina

Listen on iTunes

Workshops: Healthy Mindset

I had the pleasure of hosting another group workshop last Monday. We gathered at the beautiful Hatch Collection space downtown, where a group of lovely women got to learn simple methods to creating a healthy mindset. The include identifying the areas of your life where you don’t feel nourished or fulfilled, analyzing the limiting thoughts that keep you stuck there and breaking these beliefs with powerful truths. We meditated, journaled and learned about essential oils that support in keeping us balanced.

Thank you to the lovely Amina AlTai for partnering in cohosting this experience, Shikah for the gorgeous photos and Arden Martin for sharing some clean beauty goodies from Beauty Counter we got to take home.

If you’re interested in staying in the loop with upcoming events please sign up to my once-in-a-while newsletter here.

With love - Paola

EP 7: "Vulnerability and Strength" Courtney Deri

Ladies and gentlemen, I present to you the sublime, crystalized, and inimitable Courtney Deri (pronounced DER-I please). 26 years in this lifetime, with a heart of crystal quartz. She's a yoga teacher and an instructor of the life changing The Class by Taryn Toomey. She's made me laugh, and cry, and laugh-cry at the same time. She's a straight talker and a soul cleanser, and as grounded-yet-out-there as one can get (our palo santo obsession runs DEEEEEP).

Without further ado please listen in on this goose bump inducing magical episode where we discuss letting go of labels, self trust, and never stopping being a student. 

Continue reading for the .LIVE Journal's Q+A.

Hi dearest Courtney, how would you define your occupation? Teacher and Manager of Training at The Class by Taryn Toomey, Private Yoga Teacher.

What's your nationality / background? Irish / Israeli / Caucasian - such a weird combo .

What were you favorite and least favorite foods mom cooked for you as a child? Favorites: Strawberry Short Cake / Mac & Cheese / Artichokes / Salads!! Least Favorites: Meatloaf! haha ( sorry mom ) 

What is your favorite healthy home-made recipe? I love to keep it simple. Arugula, minced garlic, cherry tomatoes, avocado, parmesan cheese, olive oil and sea salt. A salad I eat almost every day. 

“When I feel something in my body and I trust that, 99.99% of the time it’s true.”

What are your "keep my sanity"’ essentials? Meditation / The Class by TT family / my yoga practice / rose oil / Essentia Water / Wine / Books

What was your favorite bonding activity you did with your mom as a child? Going to Disneyland! 

What has been the best beauty / health / wellness advice your mother has given you? Wear sun screen, drink lots of water, & stop picking at your face. 

What beauty / health / wellness advice will you pass on to your kids? SEE ABOVE. 

What is your go to / favorite workout? The Class by Taryn Toomey - DUH !

What is your non-negotiable self care routine or tool? Washing my face & my meditation practice.

If you're interested in training with Courtney, please visit taryntoomey.com and book one of her classes. For private yoga sessions please email her at courtneyd@taryntoomey.com

EP 6: "Shedding light on the Shadows" Amina AlTai

Meet my dear friend Amina AlTai, 33 years young in this lifetime, with an ancient and wise soul. Our paths crossed again following a brief disconnect, and I'm ecstatic I get to see her lovely visage regularly during our coaching sessions (Amina is MY wellness and business coach... yes.. wellness coaches get coached too :)

Please read below for our .LIVE Journal Q+A, and listen in as we discuss shedding light on your shadows, how what you hide owns you, and the direct link between nutrition and career performance.

p.s If you're loving our podcasts, Arden and I would love you even more if you leave us a review :)

Hi Amina! How would you define your occupation? Nourishment Expert, Healthy Business Coach.

What's your nationality / background? Half Welsh, Half Iraqi.

What were you favorite and least favorite foods mom cooked for you as a child? Favorite: Bamya... It's an Arab dish made with okra and lamb in a tomato sauce.  That was my jam! Least favorite food: Anything with raisins.  Why not just eat grapes?!  I seriously didn't get them and used to tell my mom they "gave me a headache" so she wouldn't make me eat them.  

What is your favorite healthy home-made recipe? I eat pretty simply at home and I'm a creature of habit so I like to make things I can eat for a few days at a time.  This time of year I like lots of soups and broths so I'm really into Red Lentil Bolognese.  It's gluten free, vegan and super delish (in my humble opinion)

Ingredients

1 cup red lentils

4 ripe tomatoes, chopped

2 cloves of garlic

1/2 onion, chopped

1 carrot, shredded

4 celery stalks, diced

1 cup veggie broth

4 tbs sundried tomato powder (or tomato paste)

1 tbs oregano

1 tsp fennel seeds

1 tsp black pepper

1 tsp chipotle powder

Salt & pepper to taste

Instructions

Sauté onions, garlic, celery, carrots and tomatoes in 1 tbsp of olive oil over medium heat until tender, about 5-10 minutes.

Add veggie broth to pan along with lentils and remaining spices. Continue to cook over medium heat until lentils are soft, about 30-45 minutes.

You may serve this dish over spaghetti squash, quinoa, brown rice or on its own.

“Whatever pulls you is pulling you for a good reason, so it’s worth examining.”

What are your "keep my sanity"’ essentials? I have at least 4 baths a week—they are so key to my sanity!  I'm also a Vedic meditator which really really helps in this busy city.  Also, working out 4-5 times a week is my sweet spot and those are major stress busters for me!  

What was your favorite bonding activity you did with your mom as a child? We used to go on Sunday family hikes and those were always the best. I loved being out in nature with my parents and just running free.  Great times.  

What has been the best beauty / health / wellness advice your mother has given you? Always wear sunscreen!  I have much more melanin than my Welsh mom—but I'm not immune to sun damage.  So, protecting my skin with hats, good quality sunscreen and a great skin care routine are clutch.  

What beauty / health / wellness advice will you pass on to your kids? If I have children, I would love for them to feel the same way about veggies that I do. But, I'd settle for them avoiding sugar.  From wreaking havoc on skin, to brain health to type 2 diabetes, sugar really is the route of all evil. (Well, maybe not all, but a lot!)

What is your go to / favorite workout? I'm super in HIIT but balanced out with yoga and spin.  I love Switch Playground NYC and Modo for hot yoga. The.  Best.  

What is your non-negotiable self care routine or tool? Sleep is everything to me.  With two autoimmune diseases I try hard not to mess with it.   It's so key not only for a well-functioning brain but in my case it really impacts my digestion.  

One beauty tool I'm obsessed with right now is my jade gua sha tool.  It's amazing for depuffing, but allows for healthy lymphatic drainage in my face.  I have Hashimotos thyroiditis and one of the side effects is swelling in my face.  This tool works such a treat on that puffiness. Its a game-changer.  

Additional advice you'd like to share? My big juicy life goal is to bring nourishment, joy and abundance to women in business.  We spend more time at work than anywhere else, why can't we feel our best in it?  And I firmly believe that healthy founders and leaders  are tied to healthy bottom line.  If you're interested in checking out my Entrepreneurial-nourished Coaching Program you can learn more here.

For more information on Amina's wonderful programs please visit AminaAlTai.com

and follow her along on Instagram @aminaaltai