Dr. Melissa Ming Foynes - Podcast Details

Shows

The Inner Alchemy Podcast with Becca Clegg: Empowering You to Create Your Dream Life Using the Magic WithinBecca with Dr. Melissa Ming Foynes on Turning Wounds Into Wisdom and Curating Your Own Path to HealingYou're in for a treat... and a crash course in the vastness of you. Holistic coach Dr. Melissa Ming Foynes joins us to dive deep into the unique pathways to healing (a.k.a. what this WHOLE season of the Inner Alchemy Podcast is about!). She discusses how what we need changes over time, meaning we have the freedom and power to curate our individual healing-- almost like it's an art form. We chat about how mindfulness doesn't exist without ancient pathways to wisdom, treating our lives like curriculum, and staying by your intuition's side, even when society judges...2022-05-1834 min

The Science and Soul of Living WellGrieving is Loving: The Depth & Breadth of GriefIn this episode, I have a deeply powerful and inspiring conversation with Dr. Joanne Cacciatore (@grief_doctor), a grief educator, bereaved mother, tenured professor, best-selling author, and more. Dr. Jo started the first therapeutic carefarm in the world (@selah_carefarm) for traumatic grief which was recently featured on Oprah Winfrey and Prince Harry's Apple TV docuseries, "The Me You Can't See." Dr. Jo and I talk about both the subtle and more obvious ways American culture often marginalizes, invalidates, and oversimplifies grief and human suffering. We share our perspectives on what it means to live w...2022-04-151h 19

The Science and Soul of Living WellListening to your body’s wisdom: Embodied resilience in daily lifeIn this episode, I have a rich conversation with Becca Clegg (@beccaclegglpc), an inspiring author, psychotherapist, embodiment teacher, consultant, & speaker, about listening to & learning from your body's wisdom. Becca & I talk about what it means to live in an "embodied" way & why embodiment is so important. We also offer specific examples of how to recognize when you are veering toward disembodiment. Throughout our conversation, we share simple & accessible ways you can deepen your own practice of embodiment. We also highlight how embodiment and connecting and/or reconnecting with your body is a non-judgmental, compassionate framework for feeling...2022-01-141h 01

The Science and Soul of Living WellAyurvedic care that promotes holistic healing in postpartum and beyondIn today's episode, I speak with Ameya Duprey (@ShaktiCare), board certified Ayurvedic practitioner, massage therapist and Ayurvedic postpartum doula about 5 key pillars of Ayurvedic wisdom ("eat, heat, sleep, love, and repeat") that can guide postpartum care that truly nurtures the birthing parent in the immediate aftermath of birth and for many years beyond. Ayurveda is a rich and complex holistic preventative medicine system originating in India over 5,000 years ago. Ayurveda can promote recalibration in times of stress, transition, and imbalance, and there are specific recommendations and healing modalities that can be particularly beneficial in the postpartum period...2021-12-021h 03

The Science and Soul of Living WellLearning about yourself through the lens of AyurvedaIn today's episode, I share some pearls of wisdom from Ayurveda, a rich and complex holistic preventative medicine system originating in India over 5,000 years ago. One translation of the word "Ayurveda" means "the science of life." Ayurveda can deepen your understanding of your unique mental and physical constitution in ways that can help you cultivate and craft your life in ways that promotes recalibration in times of stress, transition, and imbalance. Ayurvedic healing modalities include food, nutrition, and spices, specific physical activities, addressing thought patterns and actions, lifestyle practices, pranayama (breathwork), meditation, bodywork (e.g., abhyanga (warm...2021-11-041h 26

The Science and Soul of Living WellSetting and Maintaining Boundaries as a Highly Sensitive Person (HSP)In today's episode, I briefly review what "high sensitivity" means. I also discuss different kinds of boundaries and containers that can help you thrive as an HSP. I also share examples of common barriers that many HSPs face in cultivating lifestyles that support boundaries and containers. I also offer some concrete tips and actionable strategies for for setting and maintaining boundaries as an HSP, including 1) ways to stay balanced in your life and consistently implement meaningful self-care practices that keep high sensitivity in mind, 2) ways to regularly tune into your inner landscape of thoughts, emotions, and sensations, 3) ways to u...2021-10-211h 25

The Science and Soul of Living WellRecovering from criticism as a highly sensitive person (HSP)In today's episode, I describe the trait of high sensitivity and share some key research that is helpful in understanding high sensitivity. I also discuss how cultural values, families of origin, life experiences and relationships shape our perceptions of high sensitivity. The judgment and criticism that highly sensitive people (HSPs) often face from others can result in an internalization of these harmful messages and profound self-judgment. Because this self-judgment can really erode self-esteem as an HSP, I share several examples of concrete ways we can both individually and collectively work on reframing how we think, talk about, and treat...2021-10-061h 11

The Science and Soul of Living WellBreaking the cycles of perfectionismIn today's episode, I focus on actionable ways that you can break the cycle of perfectionism and shift perfectionistic tendencies. I highlight various principles that I think are important to keep in mind as you go on this journey, as well as some helpful strategies and tips that I have found to be useful in addressing perfectionism in my own life and in the lives of the clients with whom I work. I start off by sharing a definition of perfectionism derived from decades of research, and then discuss the importance of identifying what motivates you, on a personal l...2021-09-211h 22

The Science and Soul of Living WellSigns of perfectionism: A guided self-assessmentThis week's episode is the second episode in a three-part series on perfectionism. This episode is intended to give you an opportunity to dive more deeply into different domains of your life (e.g., physical appearance, physical fitness, profession, hobbies/vocation, parenting/mentorship, relationships, sexual life, physical environment, vulnerability, relationship to time and space, relationship to success, self-worth/beliefs) and to thoughtfully and non-judgmentally consider some of your tendencies and ways in which they may rise to the level of perfectionism, even if in subtle ways. Reflecting on perfectionistic patterns and ways they both do and don’t serve yo...2021-09-0741 min

A Handful of Hope183. You Have to Feel to Heal - Dr. Melissa Ming FoynesWe cover:* How we can become better support systems* Why we need to listen more and fix less* Learning to have compassion for selfAnd much moreDr. Melissa Ming Foynes is a clinical psychologist, holistic wellness coach, international educator & consultant, as well as a trauma-informed mindfulness, meditation and yoga teacher, and Ayurvedic doula. She owns an online holistic coaching business that integrates evidence-based tools from psychology with wisdom from complementary and alternative medicine to help women work through anxiety, self-doubt, and self-judgment in order to live their lives...2021-08-3041 min

The Science and Soul of Living WellUnderstanding perfectionism: Root causes, myths & factsIn this first episode of a 3-part series on perfectionism, I define perfectionism and outline three key dimensions: 1) 𝘴𝘦𝘭𝘧-𝘰𝘳𝘪𝘦𝘯𝘵𝘦𝘥 𝘱𝘦𝘳𝘧𝘦𝘤𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯𝘪𝘴𝘮, which involves requiring perfection of yourself, 2) 𝘰𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳-𝘰𝘳𝘪𝘦𝘯𝘵𝘦𝘥 𝘱𝘦𝘳𝘧𝘦𝘤𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯𝘪𝘴𝘮 which involves requiring perfection of other people, and 3) 𝘴𝘰𝘤𝘪𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘺 𝘱𝘳𝘦𝘴𝘤𝘳𝘪𝘣𝘦𝘥 𝘱𝘦𝘳𝘧𝘦𝘤𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯𝘪𝘴𝘮, which involves believing that other people require perfection of you. I also help you examine the ways in which perfectionism may show up in varying degrees in different life domains of your life (e.g., appearance, physical fitness, profession, hobbies/vocation, parenting/mentorship, relationships, sexual life, physical environment, vulnerability, relationship to time and space, relationship to success, self-worth/beliefs). I describe some of the root causes of perfectionism to help you consider how perfectionism might have been developed in your own life, all through a lens of compassion since perfectionistic tendencies often develop in an attempt to cope with anxiety and in response to prior...2021-08-241h 01

The Science and Soul of Living WellMindfulness, movement & music in everyday life: Tips for children & adultsIn this episode, I speak with Kira Willey (@kirawilley), an award-winning children’s music artist, author, kids’ yoga & mindfulness expert, TEDx speaker, & creator of Rockin’ Yoga school programs (read more about Kira below). Kira is an incredibly inspiring & passionate gem of a human, & she has dedicated herself so wholeheartedly to sharing the wisdom of "the 3 M's" (mindfulness, movement, & music) & their benefits for children & adults alike. Kira shares the 3 Ms in such an accessible way & demystifies what it means to practice them daily. She emphasizes how important it is to have FUN with them & "bite-sized" ways you can p...2021-08-1058 min

The Science and Soul of Living WellGrief is not a "choose your own adventure"In this episode, I speak with Jesse Brisendine (@jessebrisendine), a best-selling author, award-winning speaker, and world-renowned expert who, in his words, works with individuals and organizations to "move beyond their limitations, unlock their greatness, & build their Camelot." We highlight different kinds of supports that can help us navigate immense heartache when someone we love dearly dies. We discuss personalized rituals and how they can help us create habits and structure that support us through grief. Jesse also generously shares about a unique community-based grief ritual he created (the Sunrise/ Sunset Project) as well as various personal rituals he created t...2021-07-271h 00

The Science and Soul of Living WellDefining spirituality for yourselfIn this episode, I speak with Kristjana Hillberg (@kristjana_hillberg), founder of Your Freelance Friend and host of the Red Door Podcast, about growing up in a system of religion that did not resonate with her. Through heartfelt and inspiring anecdotes about her personal journey, Kris shares how she stayed connected to her intuition throughout many difficult life experiences, which led to an ultimate realization that spirituality doesn't have to involve organized religion. We talk about how important it is for your overall health and well-being to define spirituality on your own terms. We also emphasize how questioning your...2021-07-1457 min $Releasing Trauma; a Survivor\'s Podcast$ Releasing Trauma; a Survivor's PodcastNavigating Pregnancy and Childbirth as a Sexual Assault Survivor, With Melissa Ming FoynesPregnancy and child birth should be one of the most amazing times in a woman's life. However for sexual assault survivors, it can be one of the scariest and most triggering times in their life. Melissa Ming Foynes shares her insights and tips for navigating this beautiful time while minimizing the fear and triggers. Takeaways:What it means to have trauma-informed care;You are in control of your pregnancy;Creating a birthing team;And more.2021-07-1425 min

The Science and Soul of Living WellIntuition, balance, & feminine energy: Preventing burnout & beyondIn this episode, I speak with Isabelle Havers, an intuition coach who helps women make themselves their own priority by learning how to cultivate more joy & ease in their lives. We talk about the pressures many of us face in workplace settings to overwork and over-perform in ways that lead to burnout and a disconnection from what we truly want and need emotionally, physically & spiritually. We talk about the principles of masculine and feminine energy that exist in many different wisdom traditions and highlight the unique qualities and importance of each. We emphasize that while both types of energy a...2021-06-2653 min

Uncomfortably, Beautifully Human#20 Holistic Healing With Ayurveda with Holistic Healer Dr. Melissa Ming FoynesToday's episode features Melissa. Melissa is a Clinical Psychologist, Trauma-informed meditation, mindfulness and yoga teacher, and Ayurvedic doula. In her practice, she emphasizes a truly holistic approach to healing that involves mind, body, heart, and spirit. Melissa's main goal is to equip people with tools and strategies that can be implemented in daily life, even in the hardest and most stressful of times.In this episode, Emma + Melissa discuss:Yoga as a psychologyMeditation & KoshasGut/Brain Connection: Food & SpiritAyurveda & Cultural Appropriation& more!Guest Links and Resources:Melissa's Website...2021-06-1751 min

The Science and Soul of Living WellHolistic strategies for coping with self-criticismIn this episode, I share a variety of concrete, actionable tools from evidence-based psychology and other Eastern and Western healing traditions that can help you respond more effectively and holistically to self-criticism in different domains of your life. I cover a variety of strategies including mindfulness-based approaches (e.g., RAIN meditation, mindful self-compassion, cognitive defusion, visualization, metta, and connection to archetype and symbol), cognitive-behavioral techniques (e.g., dialectical thinking, challenging critical thoughts and beliefs, acting "as if," and empowerment lists), and more spiritual approaches (e.g., yoga philosophy, ahimsa, mantra, mudra, yoga asana, compassionate movement and touch, and music). T...2021-06-121h 22

Hope when there was noneOvercoming inner criticism with Melissa Foynes- Episode #105Dr. Melissa Ming Foynes is a clinical psychologist, educator, coach, as well trauma-informed mindfulness, meditation and yoga teacher, and Ayurvedic doula. She owns a therapy practice specializing in trauma, grief, and loss in Durham, NC, USA, as well as an online coaching business that integrates evidence-based tools from psychology with wisdom from complementary and alternative medicine to help women work through anxiety, self-doubt, and self-judgment in order to live their lives in alignment with their innermost needs, desires, dreams, and values. In addition to her advanced training in various Eastern and Western healing modalities, Dr. Foynes received her Ph...2021-06-1135 min

The Feel Good Nakd Podcast for WomenMIND-BODY-GUT CONNECTIONI speak with Dr. Melissa Ming Foynes, a clinical psychologist, educator and coach about the intricate and often-misunderstood connection between the mind, body and gut. To connect: Website Instagram Facebook Podcast: The Science & Soul of Living Well Free Resilience Series To learn more about the Feel Good Nakd Community, see here: www.feelgoodnakd.com 2021-06-0123 min

The Science and Soul of Living WellUnderstanding our inner critics: The power of insight & compassionIn this episode, I emphasize how essential it is to understand your relationship to self-criticism & the ways in which it shows up in your life. From this foundation of insight, you can then enhance your ability to respond to self-criticism more effectively, particularly with a compassionate stance, so that it becomes a less dominant force. I begin by offering examples of the multitude of influences that can cultivate & perpetuate self-criticism & then guide you through a self-assessment exercise that you can engage with as either a guided meditation or written inquiry to help deepen your understanding of the role of se...2021-05-291h 15

The Science and Soul of Living WellBetter sex through mindfulness: Cultivating embodied & satisfying sexualityIn this episode, I speak with Dr. Lori Brotto (@ubcshr), Registered Psychologist, Professor in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology at the University of British Columbia, Executive Director of the Women’s Health Research Institute, leading international expert on the topic of sexuality, & author of the powerful book "Better Sex Through Mindfulness" (https://greystonebooks.com/products/better-sex-through-mindfulness). Dr. Brotto conducts research on women’s sexual health & difficulties, develops & tests mindfulness-based & psychoeducational interventions for women with sexual desire & arousal complaints, & studies many aspects of sexual health including: culture & sexuality, hormones & sexual desire, cancer & sexuality, concerns about HPV & sexuality, asexuality, & more. I...2021-05-1853 min

The Science and Soul of Living WellBetrayal, betrayal trauma, & DARVO: Promoting individual & collective healingIn this episode, I speak with Dr. Jennifer J. Freyd, the Founder and President of the Center for Institutional Courage, Inc (https://www.institutionalcourage.org/), keynote speaker, author, and professor emerit of psychology with over 30 years of experience researching people and their relationships with institutions.) Dr. Freyd emphasizes how it is in our nature as human beings to be sensitive to betrayal because experiencing betrayal can be so costly. She also explains how our wiring for connection, attachment, and love can contribute to us not only feeling great shame when we are betrayed, but also may also co...2021-05-0845 min

The Science and Soul of Living WellLiving with vitality: Mindfulness, meaning, & valuesIn this episode, I speak with Dr. Robyn Walser, a warm-hearted soul with so much wisdom to share, about ways we can change our relationship to painful life experiences in order to move more freely in our lives. We talk about how living life with vitality, rather than focusing primarily on getting rid of certain symptoms, can help us meet painful emotions like anxiety and grief without shame and self-blame. We also discuss how mindfulness and compassion can help us meet human experiences with acceptance, so that we can still go on to create meaning and value in our...2021-05-0155 min

Respected & Connected: Create a More Intimate, Collaborative RelationshipNavigating Conflict Around Sexual Intimacy, Part 2 | Dr. Melissa Ming FoynesHow to talk to your partner about sex, especially when you want something to change, starts with understanding yourself. Dr. Melissa Ming Foynes shares great insights and tips for communicating with your partner about your sexual preferences. Do an inventory about what you want. Prioritize what's most important or what seems easiest to talk about. What do you want to result of the conversation to be? Melissa also shares her perspective and some great advice for women who feel that they've been carrying the weight of the relationship on their own for far too long.2021-04-2732 min

Respected & Connected: Create a More Intimate, Collaborative RelationshipNavigating Conflict Around Sexual Intimacy, Part 1| Dr. Melissa Ming FoynesIs it possible to talk about your sexual preferences and desires without being feeling awkward and uncomfortable? Melissa Ming Foynes, a licensed psychologist and host of the Science & Soul of Living Well Podcast says it starts by looking inward and getting clear within ourselves about what we actually want sexually. We discuss: The conditioning and high emotional charge that can create differences Common conflicts in couples Differentiating the goal of sexual intimacy to create more satisfaction Recognizing context that contributes to sexual function, and Effective communication related to sexual intimacy Get the full...2021-04-2040 min

The Science and Soul of Living WellFamily dynamics: Moving from habit to choiceIn this episode, I highlight different dynamics in our families of origin and ways they contribute to the development of certain patterns that help us survive and/or get our needs met, yet also can cause problems in our lives in adulthood (e.g., in terms of relationships, sense of self, responses to our emotions and ways of expressing them, etc.). Specifically, I focus on specific patterns and tendencies that can emerge from our family’s style of conflict resolution, use of criticism, values related to emotions and their expression, level of nurturance or caregiving, grief and stress, family se...2021-04-181h 15

The Science and Soul of Living WellThe effects of patriarchy & capitalism: Promoting individual & collective healingIn this episode, I speak with Laura Lu (@themindhealthspot) about patriarchy and capitalism and the ways in which we are all affected by these systems as well as concrete actions we can take to heal from their harmful effects. We highlight several core problems that we have observed in ourselves, loved ones, clients, and communities stemming from these systems and share possible tools and strategies to not only promote individual and collective healing, but also to deconstruct, dismantle, and rail against these systems, from the inside out. Some of the messages and ideals that we often internalize from these...2021-04-091h 20

The Science and Soul of Living WellBurnout, body image, & true purpose: Tools for healing & homecomingIn this episode, I have a heartfelt and candid conversation with Leslie Rangel (@newsyogi), a journalist and yoga teacher, about the ways in which high-stress jobs like journalism can disconnect us from our deeper sense of meaning and purpose. We discuss ways that we can promote self-care & healing in order to come home to ourselves, to remember who we really are and why we do what we do professionally. We highlight specific practices that can be integrated into our daily lives (e.g., yoga, breath work, mantra, work-life balance, mindfulness, cooking) that not only can prevent burnout, but also...2021-04-021h 09

The Science and Soul of Living WellWhat's wrong with judging? The why and how of nonjudgmental stanceMany of us have heard people say things like, “try not to judge yourself so much” or “let go of your judgments." While we may intellectually recognize that judgments may not be all that helpful, we do not always feel well-grounded in why letting go of judgments is so important, or clear about what to do instead of judging. In this episode we talk about: 1) what makes a judgment a judgment and how judgmental statements differ from nonjudgmental ones, 2) the ways in which judgments can both help and harm us, 3) research supporting the importance of working toward more of a nonj...2021-03-261h 14

The Science and Soul of Living WellFinding our center: Grounding through body, breath, nutrition, & lifestyleIn this episode, I focus on concrete ways we can find our center ~ ways we can access a grounded sense of safety, stability, security, & soothing ~ even in really difficult times where we may be overwhelmed with stress, grief, fatigue, and pain. While we can and do access grounding through our body, full grounding doesn’t just involve the physical body. Thus, finding our center is a holistic process ~ involving body, mind, heart, & spirit ~ and one that can be unifying and create wholeness. We focus on four categories of grounding, informed by my understanding of western psychological principles, yoga philosophy & Ay...2021-03-191h 14

The Science and Soul of Living WellContainers for grief: Ritual, writing, nature, art & meaningful connectionIn this week's episode, I had the deep honor of speaking with Rona Fernandez, a 2nd generation Filipino-American, about her grief journey and the death of her beloved daughter Naima. She highlighted ways that various "containers" can support our grief process (e.g., space, time, nature, ritual, writing, art, sharing memories, social media, meaningful support and connection). She also offered some specific examples of ways in which we can explore and cultivate our own containers, especially when existing structures are not in place or do not resonate with us. Rona reads an excerpt from her powerful writing, "The Ritual,"...2021-03-121h 05

The Science and Soul of Living WellWise mind, wise gut: Supporting the gut-brain axisIn this week's episode I discuss the gut-microbiome-brain axis and how it affects different aspects of our health and well-being. I begin by talking about the how the microbiome is one of the five natural defense systems in the body and ways that it is impacted by the foods we eat and how we digest them. I also highlight the impact of an imbalanced microbiome on a host of mental and physical health problems in ourselves, as well as its impact intergenerationally. Throughout this episode I highlight scientific research that demonstrates the connection between our gut and our brain – emot...2021-03-061h 05

The Science and Soul of Living WellGrief without a physical death: Honoring a spectrum of lossesIn this episode, I speak with Amy Wright Glenn about what it means to live in a grief-denying, grief-phobic culture, and steps we can take to work toward shifting this culture. We also talk about grieving losses that don't involve a physical death (e.g., estrangements, challenging relationships with caregivers, loved ones with mental health challenges, visions for who we think we might have been had it not been for trauma and other adverse life experiences) and how these losses can get encoded in our memories and stored in our bodies even if they occurred at an early age...2021-02-2541 min

The Science and Soul of Living WellEmbodied Ayurveda: Tools for balance & alignmentIn today's episode, I speak with Ivy Ingram, an Ayurvedic Practitioner and yoga teacher, about the wisdom and science of Ayurveda. Ayurveda is one of the world's oldest holistic healing system's and originated in India over 5,000 years ago. We highlight specific Ayurvedic tools for managing stress and supporting and maintaining true balance and alignment in our lives, including how to take a preventative approach to health and healing. We describe Ayurveda's teachings regarding our constitutions and ways that learning about our constitutions can help us harmonize with our internal rhythms and those of nature. And if you have every...2021-02-191h 14

The Science and Soul of Living WellSelf-forgiveness, repair, & committed actionIn this week's episode, I focus on self-forgiveness from both a psychological and contemplative/meditative perspective: what it means to self-forgive and ways we can practice self-forgiveness. I share some of the psychological research to date on the benefits of self-forgiveness and then draw on this research to discuss some specific strategies for engaging in the practice of self-forgiveness: 1) acknowledgement and accountability; 2) self-understanding through the lens of self-compassion; 3) intra- and interpersonal amends-making and repair; and 4) committed action. I end with a guided meditation focused on self-forgiveness that incorporates many of these strategies. To connect more with Dr...2021-02-131h 10

The Science and Soul of Living WellThe Wisdom of EnvyIn this episode I talk about envy and the ways in which we can learn from its wisdom. I begin by talking about the neuroscience of envy and the ways in which it serves an important purpose in our lives, even though envy can be extremely painful and has its potential harms and costs. When we know how to work with and learn from envy, we can relate to it in a way that helps us meet unmet needs and live in closer alignment with ourselves and our values. In addition to offering some key strategies that can help...2021-02-051h 04

The Science and Soul of Living WellYoga as a mirror: Life alignment on and off the matIn this week’s episode I talk with Einat Peled-Katz about ways in which we can seek greater alignment with our values and the truest versions of ourselves through our yoga practice. We explore not just the physical practice of yoga (asana), but the 8-limbed path of yoga, and ways in which each of these limbs can give us an opportunity to cultivate this practice of living in alignment. We also talk about yoga asana as a mirror that can help us learn more about ourselves. Through personal examples, we discuss how yoga asana can shine a light on ho...2021-01-3057 min

The Science and Soul of Living Well5 Steps for observing limits: Preventing burnout, building resilienceIn today's episode, I focus on a 5-step approach for observing limits (which some people refer to as setting boundaries) and the ways in which this approach is not only a practice of self-care that can prevent burnout, but also a practice of resilience-building that fosters empowerment, compassion, and alignment with ourselves and our values. In addition to helping us care for ourselves and attend to our needs, observing limits is a necessary part of being in relationship with others and nurturing relationship health. To this end, I discuss practical strategies related to 1) identifying our limits and knowing when t...2021-01-251h 01

The Science and Soul of Living WellThe power of sexual awakening: Mindfulness, self-trust, & intimacyOn today's episode I talk with Justine Dawson, an incredibly inspiring and powerful force in the world of mindfulness, meditation, and the erotic. We highlight how difficulties and stuck points in sex often parallel the broader landscapes of our lives, and ways in which we can learn from our sex lives to deepen our knowledge of ourselves. We also talk about ways that we can cultivate a sense of self-trust, inner wisdom, and self-intimacy to enhance the power and aliveness we experience in both sex and life. We also discuss conditioning related to how we think about sex, express...2021-01-161h 10

The Science and Soul of Living WellSkillfully responding to harmful relationship dynamicsIn today’s episode, I discuss two sets of relationship and communication patterns that have been identified by scientific research to have a harmful effect. I also share 6 key strategies that can be used not only to skillfully respond to these patterns, but also to change them in meaningful ways. Enhancing the quality of our relationships involves both identifying these patterns more clearly in the moment and having a concrete sense of how to effectively respond when they do arise. To connect more with Dr. Foynes: Check out the free 4-part video series on building re...2021-01-1159 min

The Science and Soul of Living WellNeuroplasticity + The Practice of Letting GoIn today’s episode, we focus on what it means on a practical level to "let go" of behaviors, thought patterns, and relationships that are no longer serving us and how we can embark upon this process in a personalized, realistic, and concrete way. In addition to defining "letting go" and framing it as a practice, I highlight some key elements that are involved in the practice of letting go, including clarity, radical acceptance, and compassion, and key findings from neuroscience research that can inform and support our letting go process. To connect more with Dr. Foynes:...2021-01-0141 min

The Science and Soul of Living WellThe synergy of values, intentions & goals in creating meaningful changeIn today’s episode, we focus on the importance of values, intentions, and goals in creating meaningful changes in our lives. We begin by clarifying the differences between values, intentions, and goals and highlighting how all three are important and interrelated agents of change. Together, they have a synergistic effect and are more powerful than any one element on its own. We’ll also hone in on 7 key strategies for approaching a change-oriented process and effectively achieving the changes we desire in a way that is purpose-driven, sustainable, and grounded in the real practicalities of our lives. To con...2020-12-2356 min

The Science and Soul of Living WellThe cost of *not* grievingOn today's episode we discuss important findings from scientific research that can deepen our understanding of grief and help us work toward a compassionate conceptualization of grief and the purpose it serves in our lives. We also focus on 5 key considerations that can not only support us as we navigate grief individually and collectively but also enhance the support and solace we offer to others who are grieving. To connect more with Dr. Foynes: Check out the free 4-part video series on building resilience: https://melissafoynes.com/free-series 1:1 Coaching Program: https://melissafoynes.com/1...2020-12-1643 min