The Dragonfly Connection

Reflections with Ilene Leshinsky

"Your body will lead you to health and wellbeing"

For three decades, Ilene struggled with
Body image, weight, and her relationship with food. 

During a big chunk of that time, she also practiced as a clinical social worker, working primarily with women who were struggling with issues similar to hers. They came to her with feelings of depression, anxiety, relationship challenges, and unresolved traumas. They  hoped that if they could change their bodies, all of these things would magically disappear or at least become less significant.

In her own words, she says, "they were wrong - and so was I"!

Ilene embraced what is now called intuitive eating - or the belief in the body's innate wisdom. She made a commitment to her own self-care, and shifted to focusing on health and wellbeing rather than the size of her body. 

She quit dieting, embraced intuitive eating, and developed a program to help other women find their innate body wisdom and their path to body freedom.

After listening to this episode, if this story resonates with you, like it did for Amber; you may want to pick up a copy of Ilenes brand new book, "Reflections of a fat girl, Wisdom Lost and Found from Growing Up Overweight. 

You can connect with Ilene and learn more about her program called, "Find Body Freedom" on Instagram or through email at Ileneleshinksy@gmail.com

 

Sliding Doors with Amber Cook

“It’s a funny thing about life, once you begin to take note of the things you are grateful for, you begin to lose sight of the things that you lack.”

In this episode, The Dragonfly Connection host, Amber Cook, begins by sharing a story of forgiveness that, in an instant, healed 25+ years of confusion and hurt. She then ponders how the events of her life; if played out differently could have prevented her from experiencing some of the most traumatic events in her life...and then as a result, also prevented some of her greatest blessings.

Amber has dedicated her life to healing her own PTSD and familial mental health issues; so she can help her children, her family, her friends, and her clients on their healing journeys. 

Learn Ambers simple, yet effective daily gratitude practice, and start using it today to help you live your best, most fulfilling life. 

Connect with Amber on Instagram for daily inspirational/humorous posts, life hacks, and more. 

Co-Creating And Balance with Michelle Lasley

"Our time of birth was an answer to the question of the time." ~ Vanessa Couto

Michelle Lasley's interpretation is, "I believe we all have a purpose to be here, and part of our life's path is to unlock what that is, the exploration."

And, she is living her purpose! 

Michelle is a mom, social justice advocate, artist, coach, educator and a sustainability guru. At the age of 11, she learned that our world needed saving and from that moment on, creating a sustainable world became her mission. 

In this episode she also shares a couple easy to do things you can do to help, starting in your own house. 

She is a huge believer in co-creation in all aspects of life - big and small. Michelle believes in order for us to change the world, to co-create a better world, a world that works better for all of us; we need to work together. 

Hence the title of all her work and her podcast - Balanced Shared. 

She says, we need to raise people up, heal ourselves, model the healed behavior and ripple that out. And, she's right! 

You're going to get a lot of great information in this episode. 

Cause, we're better together. 

Connect with Michelle on Instagram

Listen to her podcast at https://michellelasley.com/podcast/

Love Yourself For Where You're At with Wendy Bjork

As is the case with many of Amber guests, Wendy Bjork stepped up to be the support she wished she had had when she was first diagnosed with MS (and for those that don't know much about MS or multiple sclerosis; Wendy is happy to be a resource). 

Her favorite quote is "I am not a product of my circumstances, I am a product of my decisions", by Stephen Covey. And, man does she live by that quote! 

MS is a confusing disease with many different symptoms...all of which could really mess your life up! 

At one point Wendy was having daily symptoms and felt like she was a medical guinea pig -  very disempowering! 

But Wendy, the MS Warrior Queen, chose to take charge and focus on her mindset, faith and healing through holistic methods. Once she figured out how to bring herself back to wholeness, she wanted to help others do the same. 

She's now written a book, and is currently creating another book in collaboration with others. She also created an extensive program to help women fill in the gaps in care that leave them feeling lost and unsupported (Learn more below).

She said, "when I decided to look for other answers, there wasn't one simple solution. I now want to be that resource and link arms with them on their journey to wholeness."

Although Wendy's focus is helping those with MS, and it's talked about in this episode, her story is inspirational in general. Whether you're going through a scary medical diagnosis, or not, you'll enjoy listening in on this conversation. 

Please share this episode and Wendys contact info with someone you know who has MS. It could really make a difference!

Contact Wendy for a FREE introductory call: support@heartsofwellness.com

All of Wendy's offerings can be found HERE. 

Die Hard For Your Dreams with Russ McGarry

"Just put your heart into it and just keep trying, and you'll be absolutely blown away with what you can accomplish." Russ McGarry

This was one of the last things Russ said before saying goodbye and it really does embody his attitude towards life. He continues to be blown away by his accomplishments and gifts that life continues to bring him - because he chooses to follow his dreams. 

Russ McGarry is a former stand up comedian. amongst many other titles he's held in his first 50 years. He has lived amongst the glamorous and not so glamorous; and still manages to be a sensitive, down to earth guy. 

In this episode, he talks candidly about his successes and failures...including the  "Nun Bun" mockumentary, various television scripts, marriage and divorce, and so much more; all leading to where he is today. He's a writer, poet, successful business owner, husband, and step-father to a teenager. 

And, of course, as is the case with many of this podcasts guests; he had some life changing run-ins with a therapist who in his words; "Blew the barn door of his life wide open!". 

His story is inspirational and entertaining. 

You can learn more about Russ and his work on social media: 

On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/therustyboy/

On Twitter: https://twitter.com/RussMcGarry

If you're interested in learning more about the documentary One Fall, Click HERE. 

And, of course you gotta check out the  Nun Bun!

 

 

 

Take A Time Out with Amber Cook

Are you feeling overwhelmed by all that's going on in the world? Do all the changes and unknowns have you feeling rundown? 

Take a 5 minute timeout and escape to a warm, relaxing natural hot spring with Amber in this special meditation episode. Amber guides you into a deep relaxation that will leave you feeling rejuvenated and refreshed. It truly takes just 5 minutes! 

Get yourself into a comfortable quiet space, sitting or lying down to listen (you can't listen to this one while driving or walking). 

Next week, Amber returns with a conversation to inspire and empower you. But, feel free to come back and listen to this episode over and over -daily if you need. 

Feel free to leave a comment and review on Ambers Facebook Page.

Get previews and lots of great contact when you follow Amber on Instagram @the_dragonfly_momma

Learn more about Ambers company which can help you find the help you need on your wellness journey at HealingWaze.com

Going With The Flow with Victor Berreda-Pazos

"Life is what happens while you are making other plans."

Boy, ain't that the truth! 

If we could all live by that philosophy and go with the flow, life would feel a lot lighter. 

This is one of Victor Barreda-Pazos' favorite quotes, and after listening to our conversation, you'll understand why. 

This was actually the second time doing this podcast, as the first one just went 'poof' into some cloud somewhere. But, rather than get upset; Victor said "I am sure there is a reason why I didn't get recorded. The next one will be even better!"

And he was right. 

The connection was a poor at times, but Amber made it work - putting her editing skills to the test. She did a great job! 

This conversation includes Victors story of immigration to the US, Career Changes, Marriage, and most importantly (or life changing) fatherhood. Victor is an inspiration and his journey is a testament to what can unfold for you by following your heart and your passion. 

Not only is Victor a good person, teacher, and father, he's also a Massage Therapist and Watsu practitioner. 

For listeners in the Portland, OR area; after listening, you should schedule a Watsu session or a Massage with Victor (Aqua4life). 

At www.watsuportland.com

With over 15 years of experience in the Physical Therapy and Massage Therapy world, Victor offers Watsu® and Integrative Massage to people who are recovering from an acute injury, seeking relief from chronic pain, and/or looking for a unique deep state of relaxation and inner balance. 

With the knowledge gained from studying pregnancy and birth alongside his wife, a Full Spectrum Doula, and over a decade of being a conscious parent and educator he also offers his wisdom and understanding of this process for pregnant people, infants, children, and families in general.

Visit watsuportland.com to get yourself back to a state of well being and thriving so you can enjoy life to the fullest.

Connect with him on social media: On Facebook and Instagram

 

 

 

Expansive Life with Kristine Rosenquist

You know when you have to make a decision and your inner voice is saying, "Yeah, this is right for me!"; But, everyone else is saying, "What the hell are you doing?!"?

This is a dilemma very familiar to Kristine Rosenquist. But, Kristine is really good at saying she's going to do something - such as making a move, changing careers, starting a business, finding a soulmate partner...then actually doing it. 

And, to those watching; it may seem to happen very quickly. 

Like one of her favorite quotes from Mary Oliver says,

"I did think, let’s go about this slowly. This is important. This should take
some really deep thought. We should take
small thoughtful steps.

But, bless us, we didn’t."

No matter how quickly or slowly it takes you to make a decision; It's all about paying attention. Pay attention to those thoughts that come in, telling you it's time for a change. Do the research, be still so you can hear your intuition, then take action.

Kristine says, "Learning to listen to this inner knowing and taking action has time and again, given me the confidence to step out of my comfort zone and just go for it, whatever "it" may be."

When Amber first met Kristine, she was a single mom with a successful massage business she had grown from scratch and writing a memoir of her journey through drug use, a failed marriage, and becoming a single mother. 

Things were going well for her and her business until she was hit with some medical issues, forcing her to quickly change careers. In true Kristine form she started a new business - one which is doing quite well, as you'll hear about in this episode. 

Not only is she still working on her memoir; she's also in the process of writing a television series.  

During that time of career change, she also decided that she was ready to find her soulmate partner after being single for many years...and to no surprise; he practically just walked right in. 

Kristine says, "Life is not supposed to be a struggle. You're not supposed to be constantly fighting against a current that's holding you down. Life is expansive and beautiful and wonderful if we pay attention to what's coming in to our world." 

And, we couldn't agree more! 

Wherever you are in life, figuring out where you want to live next, changing careers due to the pandemic or something else, struggling to just keep going, looking for a romantic partner, needing some inspiration, or just seeking a story that will bring you joy, this episode will deliver. 

Connect with Kristine on Instagram.

Learn more about her newest business located in Portland, OR at https://www.kinderspirit.school/

Purpose Quest with Vanessa Couto

Have you ever done something, that although it may have seemed crazy to some, you just knew you had to do it? 

This is something Amber and her guest, Vanessa Couto are very familiar with - in different ways. 

Vanessa immigrated to the US from Brazil when she was just 10 years old. Her lifelong quest to bridge what she loves, her interests, and her livelihood has driven her to follow her dreams no matter where they may take her...and no matter how scary they may seem. 

She now lives in Portland Oregon by way of the East Coast, where she spent the later half of her childhood and some of her college years. Vanessa holds a degree in Counseling Psychology, which you will learn in this episode came in pretty handy when she was forced to navigate the death of her father while birthing a business. 

She says, she always thought that life had a purpose, and that SHE had a purpose. And, that is true for all of us; life does have a purpose and so do you. 

Have you found your purpose or are you still searching? 

Either way, you're going to really enjoy listening to this conversation.

If you're now pondering the big questions about life’s transitions, purpose and livelihood, Vanessa may be the perfect companion to go on that journey with you. She's an archetypal astrologer, artist, and teacher...and an idea maven. 

Working with Vanessa can help you claim all the spokes of your life's wheel. Whether you're at a crossroads or needing help getting your business to stand out from the crowd, you don’t have to do this alone.

Learn more about her work at Vanessa Couto.com

Follow her on Facebook and Instagram to get tons of helpful-FREE content.  

Learn more about Vanessa's role as part of the support team at HealingWaze.com. 

Healing Journey with Natasha Nirvana

According to Ambers guest Natasha Nirvana, "There's nothing more dangerous than a wounded healer who's not willing to do the work." 

The work she's talking about is the healing work, or healing journey. This applies to all professions, not just those in the wellness industry. 

Unfortunately there are a bunch of professionals, many in services fields, walking around with open psychological wounds, bleeding all over people. 

Our unhealed trauma does effect other people, professionally and personally. 

Just another reason seeking healing is very important! Amber preaches about talk therapy, but there are many ways to receive healing. What works for her, may not work for you. 

In her conversation with Natasha, they chat about familial mental illness and relationship trauma. She shares what has worked for her and how the results of her seeking healing rather than avoidance has helped her manifest her soulmate partner and business. 

After learning about Natasha's personal story, we hope you are inspired to discover your own soul’s purpose and live authentically by sharing you unique energy and gifts with the world.

Natasha Nirvana is a Reiki Master Teacher and also a Spiritual Business Coach, here to guide you on you spiritual & healing journey.

She uses her signature Trinity Method for helping others to heal physically, emotionally, and spiritually. 

Learn how Natashas work may be able to help you at natashanirvana.com

Or on Instagram 

Natasha is also a part of the HealingWaze team (Ambers Company). Learn more about her role HERE or in the directory at https://healingwaze.com/practitioners/natasha-olson/