Curious Nature

To wrap up season two, we got curious about Feng Shui! We spoke with certified feng shui practitioner Catherine Andrews about the origins of feng shui, the one thing she wishes more people would do in their offices, the importance of trusting your intuition, how to work with the bagua map, and so much more.  Highlights How to build a relationship of mutual support with your home Working with feng shui and new year energies (save this episode to relisten in December!) What command position is and how to work with it.  How fung shui and your nervous system can support each other Ideas for managing cords if your desk is in the middle of the room What to do if parts of the Bagua Map are “missing” from your home How your surroundings are a reflection of your unconscious mind What turning on all your stove burners has to do with your wealth center What “shipwreck art” in the bedroom signals to Catherine Resources & Mentions: Check out Catherine’s work at https://www.catherinedandrews.com/. You can send her a DM at @catherineandrews and an email to catherine@catherinedandrews.com. Here’s a Bagua Map, courtesy of MindBodyGreen. Listen to Kabir Green’s new Album, “I See Gold” available digitally everywhere  Meghan has opened up spots for her Snap Sessions on May21st here in D.C.! If you’re a small business owner looking to present your brand in your best light so your people can find you, you’ll want to book a Snap Session. Visit www.LaPrairiePhoto.com or drop Meghan a DM at @MeghanLaPrairie. For the first time, Olivia is opening her hit course, Tending Together: Goal Setting for Couples, to the public! This three-week program kicks off on May 7. For details and to sign up, visit ThisIsSacredNature.com/tending-together. Use promo code EARLY50 and save $50 when you register by April 30. Questions? Message her at @ThisIsSacredNature.

“Energy work” can refer to so many different things, so we were curious about how energy healer Missy Toy Ozeas helps her clients clear blocks and attract what they really want. Missy takes us through what energy healing looks like for her, shares her daily morning practice, and reminds us that we all have seniority and authority over our own energy fields. Highlights The quantum physics of emotions The challenges of being an empath, and how you can protect your energy when around others How people can cultivate their own energy gifts Olivia shares a magical energy moment from her first daughter’s birth Magic and energy are personal – how to work with your own  Meghan tells the story of picking up on some big time energy in a previous job Resources & Mentions: Check out Missy’s work at MissyEnergyHealing.com. You can send her a DM at @MissyEnergyHealing and an email to Hello@MissyEnergyHealing.com Use code CURIOUS to save on $25 off the price of Missy’s course Unlocking Abundance Guardian of the Night tarot deck Listen to Kabir Green’s new Album, “I See Gold” available digitally everywhere  Check out Meghan’s work at Meghan LaPrairie Photography and on Instagram Be the first to sign up for Meghan’s Snap Branding Sessions on her website here and learn more about this incredible offering. One day only! May 9th at a studio in the DMV. Check out Olivia’s work at ThisIsSacredNature.com and on Instagram

Curious about “embodied intelligence?” UZAZU practitioner Crosby Noricks got curious about it, too, on a drive to Palm Springs when she remembered how much she loved dancing and movement – and wondered how that might support her work as a business coach. Her exploration led her to UZAZU, a research-backed approach that uses different poses to support how we feel and process emotions.    Highlights The foundations of UZAZU embodied intelligence Meghan and Olivia share their experiences giving it a try An overview of core UZAZU movements The long tradition of somatic processing in indigenous communities How to tune into different feelings, including big ones like anger Resources & Mentions: Check out Crosby’s work at CrosbyNoricks.com and on Instagram Learn more about UZAZU and take the free self assessment Listen to Kabir Green’s new Album, “I See Gold” available digitally everywhere  Check out Meghan’s work at Meghan LaPrairie Photography and on Instagram Sign up for Meghan's In Focus Branding Sessions. Sign up on her website here and learn more about this incredible offering. One day only! May 9th at a DC studio. Check out Olivia’s work at ThisIsSacredNature.com and on Instagram

If you’re curious about working with stones and crystals, this episode is for you! We get curious about Stone Medicine with special guest Rose Gebken.  She’s a certified Taoist stone medicine practitioner, and she walks us through what this practice is (spoiler: NOT what Olivia thought it was!), what a typical session might look like, and how to work with and select stones. Meghan also shares her experience of stone medicine with Rose.  Listen in and get curious about this form of energy healing. You might even expand how you think about what qualifies as “alive.”  Highlights Rose introduces stone medicine, highlighting her training in this 3,000-year-old Chinese tradition, drawing parallels with acupuncture's origins. The discussion challenges conventional definitions of life, emphasizing stones' consciousness and intention beyond visible movement. We explore the partnership between Western medicine and stone medicine, recognizing the value of both approaches in different contexts. Rose introduces the concept of eight extraordinary meridians, distinct from chakras, and discusses their alignment with Chinese five-element theory. Don’t miss Rose’s favorite sources for ethically sourced stones to use in your own practice.  Resources & Mentions: Connect with Rose on Instagram @RoseJadeStoneMedicine or book a session with her here. Save 50% off of your first session with Rose by using code CURIOUS50 Rose recommends sourcing stones from Rockbelly, Upper Clarity Crystal Shop, and Hale’s Lapidary  Upper Clarity School of Stone Medicine Listen to Kabir Green’s new Album, “I See Gold” available digitally everywhere  Check out Meghan’s work at Meghan LaPrairie Photography Save 20% on your first order of Sacred Nature Herbals (Olivia’s line) with code CURIOUS20

Today we’re getting curious about tarot with special guest Athena Monet! The Seaside Shaman teaches us tarot basics, talks us through a reading, and shares guidance for picking a deck and how to know you’ve found the right person to do your reading.  Highlights An intro to the deck: major and minor arcana, and the core meanings of each suit What to do if your card leaves you stymied, whether it’s a reversal, a “scary” card, or just doesn’t make immediate sense How tarot often serves as the entry point for many on their spiritual journey, guiding them to self-awareness The empowering aspect of tarot, providing individuals with insights to take control of their lives Athena discusses her approach, blending shamanic practices with scientific principles, creating a unique and holistic coaching experience. Resources and Mentions  Connect with Athena on Instagram for insights, updates, and more Learn about Athena’s Soul Medicine Program  Get Olivia’s FREE Nervous System Magic guide when you join her email list Meghan LaPrairie Photography Listen to Kabir Greens new Album, “I See Gold” available digitally everywhere starting February 9, 2024 The Osho Zen Tarot Deck Rider Waite Deck Tarot of Mermaids Deck Hay House Decks

We’re back, baby! Season 2 is all about practical magic, and we couldn’t think of a better place to start than with getting to know your nervous system. Listen in as we simplify the complexities of the nervous system, offering actionable insights to help you understand and regulate your different states. Discover how to identify your fight, flight, freeze, and fawn responses; the role of delight in nervous system regulation; and practical techniques for achieving a more balanced and empowered life – including our favorites to share with your kids  Key Takeaways Understanding the ladder analogy for regulated and activated states in the nervous system. Embracing the importance of ventral states and the role of delight in regulation. Exploring various nervous system regulation techniques, allowing listeners to find what works best for them. Recognizing the natural self-expression methods children use and reclaiming them as adults. Fostering a daily practice of nervous system hygiene for proactive well-being. Resources and Mentions  Polyvagal Theory in Therapy, by Deb Dana Get Olivia’s FREE Nervous System Magic guide when you join her email list Meghan LaPrairie Photography Listen to Kabir Greens new Album, “I See Gold” available digitally everywhere starting February 9, 2024 Join Catherine Andrews’ Intentional Home feng shui course, and save 15% with code CURIOUSNATURE

Let’s start the year right with what one of Curious Ones called “a hug for your ears.”  Today we’re featuring you, our wonderful listeners, sharing what you loved from Season 1. Don’t miss the tip from one caller that changed Olivia’s life and inspired some of her stocking stuffers this year. Before we get to all that, Meghan and Olivia share quick updates on what’s been happening in our lives since our last episode – the good, the bad, the exciting.  – **Special Discount: Sacred Nature Coaching Workshop** Move beyond pressure-filled new year’s resolutions and create a whole frigging life that feels delicious during the Sacred Nature Coaching “Living for Your 90-Year-Old Self” Workshop. Join live on Sunday, January 7, at 5p PT / 8p ET, or catch the lifetime replay.  Curious Nature listeners save 15% with promo code CURIOUS at checkout.  –  **Last Call: Discounted 1x1 Coaching**  If you book a free Vision Casting Call before January 15, you can save more than $700 on this life-changing program! No promo code necessary.  – Resources & Mentions Meghan LaPrairie Photography (https://laprairiephoto.com/)  Sacred Nature Coaching (www.oliviabowen.com) Are you ready to create a life that feels vibrant, aligned, and free? Olivia’s 1-on-1 coaching program will help you do exactly that. Over 3 months, she’ll guide you on a journey of self-discovery and personal transformation, helping you tap into your inner wisdom and move to the rhythm of your soul’s desires. For more about this episode (including transcript), the show, and your hosts, visit curiousnaturepod.com or connect with us @curiousnaturepod.

Our first season is coming to a close, Curious Ones, and we saved the best for last! Today we bring you a conversation with the brilliant and thoughtful Sarah Brennan, who is the deputy program manager for NASA's water resource program area. An expert on the water cycle, Sarah answered all our questions – like:  What’s the most responsible thing we can do to better manage our water? (The answer surprised us!) Is it bad to flush spoiled food down the toilet? How much water do we have access to, and is it clean? What is gray water or brown water, and how can we reuse it? What gives Sarah hope as we look to the future? If you want to be a more informed steward of our precious planet, you won’t want to miss this one.  *** We want to feature you in a future episode! If an episode led you look at something differently, changed how you approach something, or have an insight to share,  we want to know!  Send a voice note to curiousnaturepod@gmail.com and we might feature you in a special bonus episode to cap off season one.  *** Resources & Mentions Learn more about your local water (or just Google “Where does my water come from” + your municipality) Managing and disposing of hazardous household waste (via epa.gov) Limiting Your Exposure to PFAS (via epa.gov) Root and Ritual by Becca Piastrelli

Have you ever longed for the days of a red tent? When people could gather and bleed together, set aside other responsibilities, and allow this monthly period (pun intended) of rest?  We do, too!  But since we can’t quite finagle that, we have the next best thing: a deeply personal, sometimes practical, conversation about periods, un-shaming, and how we can start to reclaim our power by planning things to work with our menstrual cycles.  – Resources & Mentions Moon Energy: A Practical Guide To Using Lunar Cycles to Unleash Your Inner Goddess by Stéphanie Lafranque Sacred Nature Coaching (www.oliviabowen.com) Meghan LaPrairie Photography (https://laprairiephoto.com/)  For more about this episode (including transcript), the show, and your hosts, visit curiousnaturepod.com or connect with us @curiousnaturepod.

How do you feel about the moon, Curious One? Do you track the moon cycles, set intentions, or take it into consideration when planting your garden?  Would you like to?  Or do you think it’s a bunch of nonsense?  In today’s episode, your curious hosts explore all things lunar, from how earth’s natural satellite was formed to full moon releasing ceremonies, and everything in between.  – Resources & Mentions The Moon Deck written by Aarona Lea and illustrated by Andrea Keh You Are the Medicine by Asha Frost Moon Magic by Aurora Kane The Fair Play Deck by Eve Rodsky Full moon releasing ritual  Sacred Nature Coaching (www.oliviabowen.com) Meghan LaPrairie Photography (https://laprairiephoto.com/)  For more about this episode (including transcript), the show, and your hosts, visit curiousnaturepod.com or connect with us @curiousnaturepod.

Did you know that each day of the week has its own planetary ally and energy? In this episode, we get curious about what it’s like to work with these energies to bring more magic ease to your life.  Here’s a snapshot of how to work with each day:  Sunday - The sun represents the self, the ego, the soul, and our higher purpose. This is a beautiful day to bask in the sun and recharge your energy with any activity that nourishes your soul. Monday - The moon has no light of its own, but reflects that from the sun. Working with the moon, Mo(o)nday is a wonderful day for reflection and introspection. Tuesday (Mardi in French) - Mars is the planet of action, making Tuesdays a great day to take bold steps, start new projects, and get things done. Wednesday (Mercredi) - Mercury is associated with communication, so Wednesday is a great day to use your voice and express yourself. 
 Thursday (Jeudi) - Jupiter is associated with expansion, abundance, and wisdom.

Thursdays are a wonderful day to focus on personal growth, explore something new, and seek wisdom through mentorship, coaching, or spiritual practices. 
 Friday (Vendredi) - Venus is the planet of love, beauty, and harmony.
 Saturday - Saturn is associated with discipline, structure, and responsibility.
Imagine having the house reset and tedious tasks tended to on Saturday so you could fully surrender to the joy of Sunday. – Resources & Mentions Lightseers Tarot Deck David Bedrick's UnShamed course Chani’s Week Ahead podcast Sacred Nature Coaching (www.oliviabowen.com) Meghan LaPrairie Photography (https://laprairiephoto.com/)  For more about this episode (including transcript), the show, and your hosts, visit curiousnaturepod.com or connect with us @curiousnaturepod

Today we’re taking an alternative look at productivity and achievement, one that draws lessons from nature rather than the daily grind of the 9 to 5. We take a meandering path, exploring what it’s like to live with chronic pain, a way to think about body acceptance that has nothing to do with the scale, and why suffering is not a prerequisite for progress.  Resources & Mentions There I Am: The Journey from Hopelessness to Healing--A Memoir by Ruthie Lindsey Unspoken Podcast by Miles Adcox and Ruthie Lindsey The Cure for Chronic Pain Podcast by Nicole Sachs, LCSW S1 Ep. 86 All things Pelvic Pain with Whitney Rydman and Nicole Sachs Modern Witch Tarot Deck Sacred Nature Coaching - Olivia Bowen’s Website Meghan LaPrairie Photography - Meghan LaPrairie’s website For more about this episode, the show, and your hosts, visit curiousnaturepod.com.

Is there an alternative way to look at productivity and achievement, one that could draw lessons from nature? That Curious One, is what we are uncovering in our second episode: Nonstop Peaks Are Just a Plateau. Join us for this episode on 9/13/2023. Hosted by Meghan LaPrairie and Olivia Bowen

What if there were a way to get everything done without pushing? If you could honor your own longings for rest and productivity? And what if, on top of that, you had a reason to celebrate every six weeks – and get closer to the rhythms of the earth while you do that?  That, Curious One, is exactly what we’re digging into in our first episode: The Beauty of Cyclical Living.  Seasonal Energies and Correspondences Winter Holidays: Yule and Imbolc Element: earth Direction: north Time of day: midnight Moon phase: new moon or dark moon Menstrual phase: bleeding Spring Holidays: Ostara and Beltane Element: air Direction: east Time of day: morning Moon phase: waxing Menstrual phase: follicular Summer:  Holidays: Litha and Lughnasadh Element: fire Direction: south Time of day: high noon  Moon phase: full Menstrual phase: ovulating Fall:  Holidays: Mabon and Samhain Element: water Direction: west Time of day: evening Moon phase: waning Menstrual phase: luteal Resources The books, decks, and other goodies we reference and want to share with you Modern Witch Tarot Deck The Spirited Kitchen: Recipes and Rituals for the Wheel of the Year by Carmen Spagnola The Ultimate Guide to the Witch's Wheel of the Year: Rituals, Spells & Practices for Magical Sabbats, Holidays & Celebrations by Anjou Kiernan Wheel of the Year - Wikipedia The Pagan Federation Website  Celtic Reconstructionist Movement - Wikipedia "The Celtic Wheel of the Year" by Patricia Monaghan Sacred Nature Coaching - Olivia Bowen’s website Meghan LaPrairie Photography - Meghan LaPrairie’s website If you’d like to learn more about the Wheel of the Year, join Olivia’s course, Tending the Magic, starting this September. Podcast listeners can save 10% with the promo code CURIOUS at checkout.

What if there were a way to get everything done without pushing? If you could honor your own longings for rest and productivity? And what if, on top of that, you had a reason to celebrate every six weeks – and get closer to the rhythms of the earth while you do that?  That, Curious One, is exactly what we’re digging into in our first episode: The Beauty of Cyclical Living.  Our very first episode will officially launch on 8/30/2023. Subscribe now anywhere you listen to podcasts. Hosted by: Meghan LaPrairie & Olivia Bowen.

Curious Nature - Where Science Meets Wonder The Curious Nature Podcast is hosted by Meghan LaPrairie and Olivia Bowen. Season One will focus on Cycles and Episode One will release on August 30th, 2023.