Welcome to the sixth episode in the Costa Rica Creators Series, featuring my fellow TikTok creators that I met at a life-changing retreat in Costa Rica. There is a magic that happens on retreats. If you’ve ever been on one, you may know what I mean. It’s like being on another planet where everyone is working towards a common goal. Whether you’re there because of a divorce, death, job change, or just to experience plant medicine, there is a sort of kismet thing that happens when you bring all of these like-minded people together who just want to change something about themselves.  In this week’s episode, I sat down with another friend I met on the retreat, Bianca, to talk about all things retreats, ecstatic dancing, ayahuasca, plant medicine, and more.  Retreats create a safe space for people to be who they are without having to worry about anyone else. It’s all about connecting to your center and just allowing you to get out of your head. They do this with things like ecstatic dancing, which is a way to get up, move your body however you want to, and let go of the emotions or trauma weighing you down.  Just giving ecstatic dancing even 50% effort will cause you to leave the dance floor a different person. You get the chance to focus on what you need and want, not anyone else and it is truly transformational.  If you really want to break out of the mundane and really crack yourself open, go on a retreat by yourself. It will change your life. What’s in this episode: How Bianca plans out retreats What you can expect from ecstatic dance How trauma is stored in the body The benefits of ecstatic dancing How cacao activations can help you feel more connected How to find a place to do ecstatic dance near you What to expect if you want to go to one of Bianca’s retreat How solo travel can change your life For full show notes, resources, and links, head to: https://www.meredythwillits.com/podcast Are you ready to go deeper? I am giving you the keys to the castle. If you enjoyed this podcast and want to hear more, make sure to subscribe so you’ll never miss an episode! You can also join us on Patreon for exclusive content you’ll only hear there: https://www.patreon.com/MeredythWillits You can connect more by visiting me on my website at https://www.meredythwillits.com/ or connecting with me on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/MeredythWillits34 or Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/meredyth_willits.

Welcome to the fifth episode in the Costa Rica Creators Series, featuring my fellow TikTok creators that I met at a life-changing retreat in Costa Rica. There is a lot of misinformation out there in the world on the topic of psychedelics and plant medicine. We were told growing up that if we took them, it would inevitably ruin our lives. However, they actually help us check in with ourselves on a deeper, more impactful level.  In this week’s episode of Meredyth with a Why, I sat down with my dear friend Alyssa LeBlanc to talk about psychedelics, mental health, Human Design, and the transformative healing she experienced with Ayahuasca.  Alyssa struggled with severe depression and experienced suicidal thoughts throughout her life and tried everything to make them go away. She partied, she took medications, psychiatry, therapy, meditation, and so much more but nothing took away the darkness inside of her. She stumbled upon Ayahuasca and within one ceremony, the darkness was gone. Alyssa now feels a lightness and connectedness instead of the darkness of her depression.  According to Alyssa, Ayahuasca calls to you when you’re ready. For some people, the changes that come from these ceremonies can be felt quickly. After numerous ceremonies, your life will be changed. Instead of checking out of your problems like you do with alcohol, you’ll be able to check in with yourself and experience a new level of healing.  What’s in this episode: What Alyssa went through when she was struggling with her mental health Alyssa’s Ayahuasca journey What an Ayahuasca ceremony feels like How plant medicine and psychedelics help you check in and be more present with yourself The world is changing drastically and plant medicine is going to become more prevalent The effects alcohol has on your body How to find an Ayahuasca ceremony What integration is when it comes to ayahuasca ceremonies The importance of monitoring your vibration Why you can’t keep yourself small because of comfort How Human Design impacts your life How you can hear more from Alyssa For full show notes, resources, and links, head to: https://www.meredythwillits.com/podcast Are you ready to go deeper? I am giving you the keys to the castle. If you enjoyed this podcast and want to hear more, make sure to subscribe so you’ll never miss an episode! You can also join us on Patreon for exclusive content you’ll only hear there: https://www.patreon.com/MeredythWillits You can connect more by visiting me on my website at https://www.meredythwillits.com/ or connecting with me on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/MeredythWillits34 or Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/meredyth_willits.

Welcome to the fourth episode in the Costa Rica Creators Series, featuring my fellow TikTok creators that I met at a life-changing retreat in Costa Rica. Needing to “loosen up” with a drink or two at the beginning of a party, family gathering, wedding reception, or other group event is a common response to the discomfort people often feel being around others. Whether it’s an in-law that makes you uncomfortable or a new group of friends, we often think we need “liquid courage” to get us through. In today’s episode, I’m chatting with my friend Evan Cudworth, a party coach who helps people revolutionize their partying experience without the need for alcohol or drugs. Evan talks about how freeing it is to get vulnerable and be yourself around others, how to get creative with your partying, and how to not rely on substances for enjoyment. You’ll learn how to move from consumer to creator—how to enjoy yourself by creating fun and generating good vibes and living a life that you want to live instead of one that you feel like you have to escape. Taking time to connect authentically may feel awkward and vulnerable, but the connection will be that much deeper and more powerful. What’s in this episode: Evan’s life journey and how he became a party coach How to experience freedom and connection without substances How to reprogram partying to be more about connectedness and experiences Pinpointing the fear that is associated with needing “a drink or two” to feel comfortable in a group setting Why it’s helpful to sit with your feelings and move through your discomfort and vulnerability Creating a life that you want, not one that you have to escape from Bringing awareness into your life around alcohol consumption and not allowing judgment or shame (from yourself or others) about your choices What ecstatic dance is How Evan helps people to enjoy their FULL selves and learn how to up their party game to rely on vibes and fun How you can work with Evan For full show notes, resources, and links, head to: https://www.meredythwillits.com/podcast Are you ready to go deeper? I am giving you the keys to the castle. If you enjoyed this podcast and want to hear more, make sure to subscribe so you’ll never miss an episode! You can also join us on Patreon for exclusive content you’ll only hear there: https://www.patreon.com/MeredythWillits You can connect more by visiting me on my website at https://www.meredythwillits.com/ or connecting with me on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/MeredythWillits34 or Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/meredyth_willits.

Welcome to the third episode in the Costa Rica Creators Series, featuring my fellow TikTok creators that I met at a life-changing retreat in Costa Rica. Psychedelics tend to have a negative connotation in people’s minds. You might think of it as a “hard drug” or just be generally opposed to it because you don’t understand it. Psychedelics are also known as plant medicine, and they’re a useful tool for uncovering shadows and connecting to your higher self. In today’s episode in my new series, I’m talking with my friend Lauren Nikohl, a multidimensional singer/songwriter, producer, and DJ. She’s sharing her experience with plant medicine and how it can help you improve your overall well-being, expand your consciousness, and open you up to the joys of life. This conversation is a way to dispel myths about psychedelics and provide you with an understanding of plant medicine’s healing properties. If you are open to the experience and ready to safely try plant medicine, be sure to check out Lauren’s new book, Psychedelic Guide & Integration Journal. This guide and journal will help you to intentionally explore and heal with plant medicine. What’s in this episode: Lauren’s new book and how it can help you fully experience the benefits plant medicine Lauren’s perspective of psychedelics growing up and what her first experience was like How plant medicine can help you open up to the joys of life The intentions and consequences of taking plant medicine and how they’re different from taking “hard drugs” Lauren’s advice for someone wanting to experience plant medicine for the first time What microdosing is, how it works, and how it can be helpful for mental health issues Lauren’s as experience as a DJ and what she loves about it The importance of honoring what you want to do For full show notes, resources, and links, head to: https://www.meredythwillits.com/podcast Are you ready to go deeper? I am giving you the keys to the castle. If you enjoyed this podcast and want to hear more, make sure to subscribe so you’ll never miss an episode! You can also join us on Patreon for exclusive content you’ll only hear there: https://www.patreon.com/MeredythWillits You can connect more by visiting me on my website at https://www.meredythwillits.com/ or connecting with me on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/MeredythWillits34 or Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/meredyth_willits.

Welcome to the second episode in the Costa Rica Creators Series, featuring my fellow TikTok creators that I met at a life-changing retreat in Costa Rica. Whether you realize it or not, you practice manifestation every day – with your actions, with your words, and even with your subconscious thoughts. But the key to attracting the things you desire is learning to harness that power and manifest consciously. Contrary to popular belief, conscious manifestation doesn’t simply mean asking the Universe for what you want and receiving it immediately. It means doing the work to define your greatest desires and learning to follow your joy towards the life you want. When you finally learn to get out of your own way, you’ll find that manifestation is easier than you ever imagined. In this episode of my new series, I’m chatting with my friend Latha Jay, a spiritual manifestation coach and co-creator of the GLOW Retreat. She’s sharing her manifesting journey and the many ways that manifestation has changed her life. Then, she’s explaining how you can start consciously manifesting your deepest desires. If you’re ready to get started, be sure to check out her new book, The Law of Attraction Manifestation Journal. It’s full of prompts and exercises to help you create the life you want and deserve. What’s in this episode: How Latha and I bonded at the Costa Rica retreat she organized How Latha teaches manifestation as a practical, achievable art Latha’s manifestation journey The power of breaking away from societal expectation Putting your life before your work and learning to “follow your bliss” How manifestation has worked in Latha’s life and in her clients’ lives How to practice conscious manifestation How to “get out of your own way” as you manifest Embracing the concept of “hiring slow and firing fast” in your everyday life How to attend our GLOW Retreat in October For full show notes, resources, and links, head to: https://www.meredythwillits.com/podcast Are you ready to go deeper? I am giving you the keys to the castle. If you enjoyed this podcast and want to hear more, make sure to subscribe so you’ll never miss an episode! You can also join us on Patreon for exclusive content you’ll only hear there: https://www.patreon.com/MeredythWillits You can connect more by visiting me on my website at https://www.meredythwillits.com/ or connecting with me on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/MeredythWillits34 or Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/meredyth_willits.

Welcome to the first episode in the Costa Rica Creators Series, featuring my fellow TikTok creators that I met at a life-changing retreat in Costa Rica. Have you noticed how your self-limited beliefs hold you back? Are you interested in exploring your triggers? Have you had enough with people pushing your buttons? Do you want to heal from past traumas? If you answered yes to any of these questions, what you need is shadow work. Your shadow is the darker parts of you that you try to hide or that you may not even realize exist. Maybe it was something that happened to you, or something you did, or something someone told you can’t or shouldn’t do. We all exist in duality, carrying the positive and the negative with us. In this first episode of my new series, I’m chatting with my friend Valerie, an intuitive and a healer, about shadow work. We’re talking about how your shadow affects all aspects of your life, why it’s important to acknowledge it, and how to heal so that you can prioritize your needs and live as your authentic self.  Valerie’s new book, Embrace Your Shadow, beautifully guides you with prompts and energy healing modalities. Shadow work is an incredibly transformative technique on the path to healing. What’s in this episode: Learning what your shadow is and the ways that it can manifest Why it’s important to address shadow work (so it doesn’t run your life) How your shadow aspects influence all parts of your life How acknowledging your shadow and why it exists helps you live authentically An example of a prompt from Valerie’s book, Embrace Your Shadow, and how it can help you with your own shadow work Why showing up for yourself makes you a better version of yourself as well as a better parent, friend, etc. How your shadow can hide your inherent talents How energetic healing techniques give you a variety of ways to drop into your body and begin to heal What Valerie is looking forward to most about co-hosting the GLOW Retreat with me Why being vulnerable and moving on doesn’t have to be scary For full show notes, resources, and links, head to: https://www.meredythwillits.com/podcast Are you ready to go deeper? I am giving you the keys to the castle. If you enjoyed this podcast and want to hear more, make sure to subscribe so you’ll never miss an episode! You can also join us on Patreon for exclusive content you’ll only hear there: https://www.patreon.com/MeredythWillits You can connect more by visiting me on my website at https://www.meredythwillits.com/ or connecting with me on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/MeredythWillits34 or Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/meredyth_willits.

Recently, I’ve been at a loss. I see all the negative things happening around our country – shootings, stolen rights, political power plays – and I think to myself, “Who could possibly stand for this?” But those people are out there, making our laws and taking our liberties. And until they truly start acting for the good of the people, I’m not going to be quiet about how angry I am. On today’s episode, I’m talking about my rage, my disappointment, and my fear for our country. I’m sharing why I’m so upset by recent events, particularly the overturning of Roe v. Wade. But I’m also talking about how I’m going to funnel my anger into action to hopefully create a better future for our country and the people in it. This isn’t a happy episode, but it’s real. If you’re just as angry and scared as I am, I invite you to tune in. What’s in this episode: How I’m feeling right now with the state of the world Finding ways to reconcile my love for your country with my rage and disappointment How to channel your anger and sadness into action Why I’m struggling to understand our current situation and the actions of those in power Why I’m so afraid for the future of our country Which protests I’m funneling my rage and energy into For full show notes, resources, and links, head to: https://www.meredythwillits.com/podcast Are you ready to go deeper? I am giving you the keys to the castle. If you enjoyed this podcast and want to hear more, make sure to subscribe so you’ll never miss an episode! You can also join us on Patreon for exclusive content you’ll only hear there: https://www.patreon.com/MeredythWillits You can connect more by visiting me on my website at https://www.meredythwillits.com/ or connecting with me on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/MeredythWillits34 or Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/meredyth_willits.

When was the last time you considered your own mortality? The truth is, we all are guaranteed one thing in life: to experience death. Why is it that we don’t get intimate with death? Death is a gift for the living that gives us perspective. When we see it around us, we don’t tend to confront our own mortality but I think we should shift that. When we can take a step back and get intimate with dying, we get a chance to start living.  In today’s episode, I’m sharing my perspective on mortality and the nuances of our Western culture and how we perceive death which differs from much of the world.  What’s in this episode: How the U.S. differs from other countries when it comes to death and funerals  Creative options for handling the funeral How we have arms length away approach of death Why it's important to be intimate with death How not paying attention to the fact that your mortal stops you from truly living How death is a gift for the living    For full show notes, resources, and links, head to: https://www.meredythwillits.com/podcast Join Meredyth’s Patreon here! I’m co-hosting GLOW Retreat October 13-16 in Pennsylvania. There will be workshops, daily yoga, breathwork, and opportunities to connect. Join us to tap into your divine intuition and manifest your best life! There’s limited seats available, so jump on it if you’re interested in attending!  Are you ready to go deeper? I am giving you the keys to the castle. If you enjoyed this podcast and want to hear more, make sure to subscribe so you’ll never miss an episode! You can also join us on Patreon for exclusive content you’ll only hear there: https://www.patreon.com/MeredythWillits

Does this feel like the end of an era? Or maybe the beginning of a new one? Regardless of which side of this discussion you find yourself on, this is just the beginning for all of us, for change, for expansion, and for human existence.  In the past decade, we’ve been faced with constant change and uncertainty, from elections to the pandemic to education to economics. Even if some of those changes have been individually negative, for our human collective, we’re just now beginning our awakening.  Of course, there’s lots of resistance to changes in the world from those who want to keep the old education systems, the old patriarchy, the old hierarchies and religions, etc and I believe that’s what we’re feeling now with Roe v Wade. This is the uncomfortable blowback and contraction to all the change around, which is necessary before we can again move forward. The labor before the birth.  I’m here to tell you that if we can open up to the possibilities ahead of us, we can move forward from anger and hatred and fear into faith. We can use the discomfort to move into the new life that is being birthed into the world. We can step into our power and reclaim our freedom, especially as women. This is our moment.  What’s in this episode: How we are and have been living in a world full of change Why some systems (like education) need to change for us to move forward Why this decision on Roe v Wade is the contraction before our birth into something new Why we shouldn’t give in to the urge to fight just to fight Why it’s time for women, the bringers of life, to step into their power How we can save ourselves instead of waiting for men to do it for us How you can choose to suffer and freak out or choose to take back your power Why I’m focusing on my children and preparing them for the new world How you get to choose how you get through this moment in history For full show notes, resources, and links, head to: https://www.meredythwillits.com/podcast Join Meredyth’s Patreon here! I’m co-hosting GLOW Retreat October 13-16 in Pennsylvania. There will be workshops, daily yoga, breathwork, and opportunities to connect. Join us to tap into your divine intuition and manifest your best life! There’s limited seats available, so jump on it if you’re interested in attending!  Are you ready to go deeper? I am giving you the keys to the castle. If you enjoyed this podcast and want to hear more, make sure to subscribe so you’ll never miss an episode! You can also join us on Patreon for exclusive content you’ll only hear there: https://www.patreon.com/MeredythWillits You can connect more by visiting me on my website at https://www.meredythwillits.com/ or connecting with me on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/MeredythWillits34 or Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/meredyth_willits.

Do you know who you are? Where you’re going? What you want? Do you believe that you are enough? The person I am today is not the same person that I was when I was younger. People spend a lot of time trying to get people to see them and understand them… and I’m here to tell you it’s a complete waste of time. In today’s episode, I’m talking about why you have to become the person you are meant to be, and not worry about what others think—not strangers, not your friends, not your family. Don’t let others’ perception of you stop you from being who you are. Other people—from your past, present, or future—will never see you the way you want to be seen. It’s time to find it in yourself to be your own biggest fan, to tell yourself that you’re enough, to be confident and proud of the person you are.   What’s in this episode: How we are affected by those who observe us Why it can be hard sometimes for people to change and grow Why it’s important to move away from home and discover who you are Why you shouldn’t bother explaining yourself to people who don’t want to or aren't ready to understand who you are Why jealousy doesn’t serve you How important it is to be your own biggest advocate and cheerleader Why you need regular morning mantras   For full show notes, resources, and links, head to: https://www.meredythwillits.com/podcast Join Meredyth’s Patreon here! I’m co-hosting GLOW Retreat October 13-16 in Pennsylvania. There will be workshops, daily yoga, breathwork, and opportunities to connect. Join us to tap into your divine intuition and manifest your best life! There’s limited seats available, so jump on it if you’re interested in attending!  Are you ready to go deeper? I am giving you the keys to the castle. If you enjoyed this podcast and want to hear more, make sure to subscribe so you’ll never miss an episode! You can also join us on Patreon for exclusive content you’ll only hear there: https://www.patreon.com/MeredythWillits You can connect more by visiting me on my website at https://www.meredythwillits.com/ or connecting with me on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/MeredythWillits34 or Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/meredyth_willits.