The Mindful Movement Podcast and Community

Karen Canham is the founder of Karen Ann Wellness and a Nervous System Mastery Coach who helps high-achieving women move beyond burnout and perfectionism into sustainable, embodied success.

In this conversation we explore the different states of the nervous system, focusing on the dorsal, ventral, and sympathetic states, and the role of the vagus nerve in regulating these states for emotional and mental well-being.

Connect with Karen here: https://www.karenannwellness.com

Instagram: @karenann_wellness

Join Sara and Les in Boone, NC...

Deanna Hansen is an Athletic Therapist and the creator of Block Therapy, a therapeutic system designed to release adhesions in the fascia, restore structural alignment, and improve overall wellbeing through breath, pressure, and stillness. After her own struggles with anxiety, body image, and chronic tension, she discovered how deeply the fascial system responds to emotion, stress, and gravity and built an approach that helps people decompress both physically and mentally.

In this interview, Deanna breaks down the connection between emotional trauma and the body, explaining how the fascia can lock in old patterns and...

In this episode I sit down with Rachael Davis, RDH and Orofacial Myofunctional Therapist from R.A.D. Myofunctional Therapy, to dig into how oral health and breathing patterns go far beyond the dentist’s chair. We explore everything from tongue positioning and low tongue tone, to how breastfeeding and diet shape early oral development, and even how emotional stress shows up in our faces, mouths and posture.

Rachael shares powerful insights into daily practices you can use at home: why it matters where your tongue rests when you’re not swallowing, how nasal brea...

In this interview, I sit down with Thais Gibson, founder of The Personal Development School, to talk about how our attachment styles shape the way we love, communicate, and connect with others, and how understanding them can completely change your mental health and relationships.

Thais breaks down the four main attachment styles: secure, anxious attachment, avoidant attachment style, and fearful avoidant, explaining how each one forms in childhood and shows up later in life. We also dive into what it actually takes to heal those old wounds, improve mental health awareness, and start building...

Dan Brulé is a world-renowned breathwork pioneer, Navy veteran, and author of Just Breathe, known for training hundreds of thousands of people in over 70 countries on the art and science of conscious breathing.

In this interview, Les and Dan dive deep into the transformative power of breathwork, exploring its ancient roots, modern applications, and Dan’s personal journey from the military to becoming one of the leading voices in rebirthing and conscious breathing. They discuss how CO₂ tolerance influences performance and calm, the hidden effects of birth trauma, and how different breath techniques can be tailored to suppo...

In the words of John Lennon, “Love is the flower you’ve got to let grow.” This is part 4 of a 7 part chakra meditation series with the focus on the fourth or heart chakra. This chakra is the expression of our love and compassion. When the heart center is open and the energy is balanced here, you feel connected to and love for all the people in your life. Enjoy this guided meditation with music to balance this particular chakra created by Sonic Yogi.

We function best when the chakras are open and in balanc...

Energy is grounded at the root chakra, flows into emotions in the sacral chakra, then begins to become power at the third or solar plexus chakra. When you are aligned with your purpose and energy is balanced, your power will come naturally. If you are looking to build strength and develop your will, this energy center needs to be in balance. This is part 3 of a 7 part chakra meditation series with the focus on the third or solar plexus chakra. Enjoy a guided meditation with music to balance this particular chakra created by Sonic Yogi.

This interview straight up gave me hope. It's been hard recently seeing bad thing after bad thing happening around the world. Sometimes it makes me feel a bit nihilistic.

Speaking with Matt was exactly the change in perspective that I needed. He's truly doing some amazing things with some amazing people and saving a ton of lives along the way.

I hope this interview gives you a bit of optimism as well. Check out Matts links and bio below.

Connect with Matt:

...

Next in line in this chakra series is the Sacral Chakra.

Knock knock...

Who's there?

Orange.

Orange who?

Orange you glad it's time to balance the Sacral Chakra?

Be sure to check out the other meditations in this series.

Meditation written and read by Sara Raymond

Chakra Balancing Music Created by: Sonic Yogi http://sonicyogi.com

http://youtube.com/sonicyogi

Buy Sara's New Book Here!

...

Parenting isn’t something we’re born knowing how to do, it’s something we learn. In this episode of the Mindful Movement Podcast, parenting coach Tia Slightham breaks down why effective parenting skills come from education and practice, not intuition.

She explores how different parenting styles and discipline strategies impact your child’s growth.

You’ll learn about child behavior, gentle parenting, emotional triggers, and reactive parenting.

We also dig into modern challenges like social media, communication breakdowns, and balancing support with independence. Tia explains how developing emotional intelligence creates stronger family dynamics a...

If you are looking for a meditation practice to balance your energy, feel a sense of grounding, and relieve stress, look no further. In this collaboration with Sonic Yogi, listen to a powerful meditation to balance your root chakra with music specifically designed for this chakra.

We function best when the chakras are open and in balance. Each of the meditation practices in this series can help you open and balance the chakras individually so your energy system can move more efficiently as a whole. The ability to heal and balance the chakras takes time and with...

In this interview, I sit down with Joe Smarro former police officer turned mental health advocate, to talk about his powerful journey of trauma, healing, and growth. Joe opens up about how vulnerability became his strength, why empathy in crisis situations is life-saving, and how his own experiences shaped his mission.

We dive deep into his use of ketamine therapy for trauma recovery, the creation of the CCRTC de-escalation model (curiosity, connection, rapport, trust, compliance), and why self-awareness and unconditional love are key to mental health. Joe also shares how parenting reveals unresolved trauma...

If you are struggling to make a decision in your life or simply want to get to know yourself better, this special yoga nidra meditation and visualization practice is for you. It is incredibly relaxing and rejuvenating if used during the day. It can also be used to help you fall asleep and enjoy extremely productive and healing sleep. It has been said that 1 hour of yoga nidra equates to 4 hours of deep sleep. Using this systematic approach to full body and mind meditative rest to enjoy blissful peace and uncover your heart’s desires while you relieve stress.

What if your mind could see beyond words? In this interview, Tom Matte introduces his phenomenon called Upside Vision, a way of perceiving holographic images, symbols, and insights that go far deeper than everyday conversation. We explore the role of permission, the surprising connection between trauma and hidden abilities, and the idea that the brain may function more like a receiver than a generator. Along the way, Tom shares how meditation, symbolism, and personal journeys all shape this unusual form of perception.

As the discussion unfolds, we step into questions about the future of...

Let's start this morning in stillness preparing you for a day filled with positive energy and a powerful connection to your inner wisdom and healing. Enjoy this 15-minute Morning Somatic Mindfulness Meditation.

Meditation written and read by Sara Raymond

Music Credit: Stress Melt by Chris Collins from Indiemusicbox.com

Buy Sara's New Book Here!

Please give a review and let the community know what you think!

Thanks so much for all of your support!

With gratitude,

Les and Sara<...

Sara and Les catch up on the new channel and discuss some of their own growth around recognizing the source of shame, and how they have grown from it. Sara also touches on the upcoming live workshop where she will guide you through a similar process of her private sessions.

Click HERE for this Saturday's Workshop!

Check Out the New YouTube Channel Here

1:1 Sessions

PERSONALIZED HYPNOTHERAPY, TRANSFORMATIONAL COACHING, OR MOVEMENT COACHING

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Buy Sara's New Book Here!

Like the leaves falling in Autumn allows new growth in the spring, you too can let go of the old to make room for something new.

Meditation written and read by Sara Raymond

Music Credit: Adrift (Delta) by Christopher Lloyd Clarke https://www.christopherlloydclarke.com Licensed by Enlightened Audio

Buy Sara's New Book Here!

Please give a review and let the community know what you think!

Thanks so much for all of your support!

With gratitude,

Les and Sara

<...

In this episode, I sit down with Ashley Armstrong to explore the deep connection between food, health, and the land it comes from. Ashley shares her journey from a suburban upbringing to discovering the power of regenerative farming and becoming a passionate advocate for sustainable practices.

We dive into what separates regenerative agriculture from industrial methods, how soil and animal health influence the nutrients on our plate, and why understanding fatty acids is so important for overall well-being. Ashley also talks about how technology can support farming without compromising nature, and how ancestral diets...

In this conversation, I sit down with Eva Hooft to talk about the realities of detoxification. Eva shares her personal journey, explaining why it’s important to understand the root causes of congestion rather than relying on quick fixes. She also discusses how excessive detox practices can deplete essential minerals and place strain on the adrenal and nervous systems.

Throughout our talk, Eva points out that not all detox methods are safe or effective. Some approaches can even lead to hospitalization if done improperly. This interview highlights why it’s so important to listen to y...

In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Diana Driscoll to hear her story of living with Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS). She shares how a virus triggered her condition and the struggle of getting properly diagnosed in a medical system that often misunderstands POTS.

We explore the autonomic nervous system and the role of chronic inflammation in health. Dr. Driscoll also explains how genetics can influence the way your body responds to stress and illness.

Nutrition and supplements come up as key tools for supporting acetylcholine production, a...

This guided meditation for inner peace and emotional healing offers a powerful journey toward self-discovery and profound transformation. Creating a sacred space within your heart allows you to explore and embrace your emotions with compassion and acceptance. Through the gentle release of emotional pain and the cultivation of unconditional love, this practice guides you toward inner peace, healing, and emotional wholeness. Take this opportunity to connect with your inner sanctuary and embark on a journey of self-discovery and renewal.

Meditation written and read by Sara Raymond

Music Credit: Wandering in the Warmth...

In this conversation with  @JaysonGaddis , relationship coach and founder of The Relationship School, we dive deep into the messy, beautiful, and transformative nature of human connection. From the way food and emotions intertwine with our relationships, to the challenges of parenting, conflict, and repair, this interview is packed with insights on how to grow without running from discomfort.

Jayson and I explore why validation is such a powerful force, how emotional responses shape our behavior, and why vulnerability is the real gateway to intimacy and growth. Along the way, we discuss family dynamics, men’s em...

If you struggle with racing thoughts, anxiety, or a busy mind, this meditation can help you observe your thoughts without getting caught up in them, and create a space of calmness and clarity within yourself.

By taking time to sit with your thoughts and emotions, you can learn to respond to them with greater wisdom and kindness and live more fully in the present moment. Cultivate a greater self-awareness, compassion, and presence in your daily life.

Meditation written and read by Sara Raymond

Music Credit: Celestial Light by Christopher Lloyd...

In this conversation, I sit down with Dr. Nicole Dolan, a depth psychologist, to explore how depth psychology reveals the deep connections between the unconscious mind, dreams, and personal transformation. We discuss how working with the unconscious can unlock insights hidden beneath the surface, how spiritual dimensions influence healing, and why intuition is such a powerful tool in therapy.

We dive into the role of dreams as a window into emotional and psychological states, and how they can guide the process of integrating trauma. Dr. Dolan shares how different therapeutic modalities can be applied...

Enjoy this 20-minute guided mindfulness meditation to cultivate joy and happiness using Loving Kindness. Although it may not always feel like it, joy can be your choice rather than a condition of if something happens or if you get something, then you experience joy.

For today, let go of the “I’ll be happy when…” mindset. See your joy as available to you just on the other side of a door, you simply need to open it and let joy into your heart. Today, bring joy intentionally into your world and heart. Find ease in stres...

In this interview, I had the opportunity to sit down with  @SwamiRevatikaantaOfficial  and hear his remarkable story of transformation. From his roots in Brazil to his life as a Hindu monk, we explored deep spiritual concepts like Dharma, the soul’s purpose, and how reincarnation reflects the desires we carry.

What struck me most was his emphasis on humility and compassion, not as abstract virtues, but as essential tools for understanding ourselves and others. He also explained how the divine responds to sincere desire for change and growth, often in quiet, surprising ways.

Today’s deep sleep meditation to help you fall asleep fast is about cultivating space for a new realm of healing to take place. For your health to thrive, you need a coordinated effort of many moving parts, just like an orchestra coordinating on stage to create a perfect harmony. Today I will guide you to build the stage, open the curtains, and harmonize with the healing powers of the universe.

This healing will take place as you drift to a deep, uninterrupted sleep and all through the night. Tonight, fill your mind with pr...

In this episode, I sit down with Doug Noll, a former lawyer turned peacemaker and author, to talk about the power of emotional intelligence and conflict resolution. Doug shares how listening to emotions and using affect labeling can instantly calm people in distress.

We also dig into:

Why non-judgmental communication is the foundation of trust

How childhood experiences and cultural conditioning shape our emotional responses

Why emotional intelligence is a superpower for leaders and anyone who wants better relationships

This conversation opened my...

The meditation will leave you feeling grounded, empowered, and at peace, with a reminder of your inner resilience and strength. This practice focuses on nurturing your core power and stability.

Meditation written and read by Sara Raymond

Music Credit: Whispers in the Wind by Chris Collins Indiemusicbox.com

Buy Sara's New Book Here!

Please give a review and let the community know what you think!

Thanks so much for all of your support!

With gratitude,

Les and Sara

It is your mind’s job to think, just as it is your stomach’s job to digest the food you eat. When practicing meditation, you may feel like you need to stop your thoughts or clear your mind completely. Your thoughts do not cause suffering, when you attach to your thoughts, and believe they are absolutely true with no other possible reality, this is what causes suffering. Because it is impossible to stop your thoughts entirely, I invite you to shift your intention to one of releasing attachments to thoughts.

Whether your thoughts are...

Take 20 minutes out of your day to practice this guided mindfulness meditation for pain relief and relaxation. Today's meditation scans your body as an anchor to this present moment. It will connect you to what is good in your body right now and invite the peace to expand within you. We often resist pain, we don't like to be uncomfortable, and we push it down and mask the pain. This resistance to the sensations in our body can cause additional suffering.

While this meditation practice is not a substitute for medical treatment if needed...

In this episode, I had the opportunity to sit down with Dr. Tommy Rhee to dive into the complex and exciting world of stem cell therapy and regenerative medicine. Dr. Rhee brings a rare combination of clinical experience and personal experimentation to the table, sharing how he’s used stem cells in his own healing journey. We explored the evolution of regenerative medicine, the critical role of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), and how these cells signal our body’s existing tissues to repair and regenerate. Dr. Rhee broke down how telomeres influence aging, why exosomes and extracellular vesicles are key...

Its about 10 minutes... We hope you enjoy!

Meditation written by Les Raymond and read by Sara Raymond

Music Credit: Serenity by Chris Collins, indiemusicbox.com

Buy Sara's New Book Here!

Please give a review and let the community know what you think!

Thanks so much for all of your support!

With gratitude,

Les and Sara

1:1 Sessions

PERSONALIZED HYPNOTHERAPY with Sara:

https://www.themindfulmovement.com/sara

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#relaxation #mindfulness #meditation

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In this powerful interview, Keala Kanae shares how a deep shift in perspective transformed his relationship with his father and ultimately, himself. This is not your typical forgiveness story. Keala goes beyond the concept of right and wrong and steps into a space of gratitude for the very experiences that once caused him pain.

He explains why simply forgiving someone can still keep you locked in a narrative of judgment, while gratitude frees you from resentment by helping you see how everything, even the hard things, served your growth.

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It may come easy to find gratitude for what’s good in life. But true satisfaction and fulfillment come to those who find gratitude for the obstacles and challenges in life. When we can change how we look at these challenges, they can become our blessings.

Today, we will practice connecting with the good and resonating with the energy of gratitude. Observe how you can turn the dial of how you feel when you practice gratitude. Build your own emotional resilience.

Meditation written and read by Sara Raymond

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In this episode of The Mindful Movement Podcast, I sit down with Craig Filek, creator of Purpose Mapping, for a powerful conversation about how we navigate major life transitions, especially those moments that challenge our identity and sense of direction.

Craig brings deep insight into the nature of the midlife crisis, explaining how periods of uncertainty can actually signal the beginning of something greater: a transformation rooted in purpose. We explore the difference between purpose and mission, and why understanding this distinction is key to personal fulfillment.

From the...

In the moments right before sleep, your mind is listening to your thoughts, wishes, and dreams for the future. What you focus on during this time expands and you are calling in more of it in your life. Use this deep sleep meditation (with a dark screen) to set your intentions to evolve and expand into new beginnings.

Meditation written and read by Sara Raymond

Music Credit: Wandering in the Warmth by Christopher Lloyd Clarke

Buy Sara's New Book Here!

Please give a review and let the community...

In this episode I am sharing my four favorite stress management gadgets. None of these replace the importance of basic lifestyle habits that nourish your body and soul, but they sure can come in handy to provide extra support. Below are the links to the products discussed in this episode. If you are in the Maryland area and would like to test out the AmpCoil, send me a message through our contact form and I can set up a demo at our house. I hope you enjoy the episode.

The Apollo Neuro code: Mindful

The...

The philosophy of a beginner’s mind has been around for a long time and today, I will guide you to consider how this can be applied to your meditation practice as well as how it translates to approaching your daily life. When we practice a beginner’s mind, it is a way to see everything, as if for the first time. We can leave behind our biases, judgments and expectations because this moment is the only moment. We can meet the present with an open attitude. The beginner’s mind isn’t concerned with the past or the future...

In this conversation, I sit down with Peter Crone to explore how so many of us normalize suffering without even realizing it. We dig into why recognizing discomfort is such a crucial part of personal growth and how often we stay stuck in patterns of dis-ease simply because they feel familiar. Peter shares powerful insights on how self-awareness can become the gateway to a more peaceful, fulfilled life, and how ignoring our inner signals keeps us locked in cycles of unhappiness.

Listening to Peter over the years, I have watched him refine the beautiful...