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Ashley Whitten founder of Well + Ash
23 Plays5 months ago
TheraSistersStL talk with Ash the founder of Well + Ash. Amy and Katheryn learn about Ash's journey that led her to playing sound bowls. We learn the benefits of soundbathing and a more in-depth understanding of soundbathing. TheraSistersStL get insight on Ash's definition of healing.
Check out Ashely on INSTAGRAM and WELL + ASH.
Check out what Katheryn and Amy are up to on INSTAGRAM and THERASISTERSSTL
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Transcript
Introduction and Greetings
00:00:00
Speaker
I need to do a clap. I know you love the clap. I was just told to do the clap. Yeah. Okay. Are we ready? oh just in case Good morning, Catherine.
Travel Plans & Excitement
00:00:13
Speaker
Hello. Hi, it's Sarah Sisters and I'm Amy Camp Ryan. Hi, Catherine Barton. Yes. How are you today? I'm doing well. I'm good. A little discombobulated, but I think it'll come back. You're not the only one. Yes. yeah I forgot we were taping a podcast today. Thank goodness we have the wonderful Ash who's patient and kind here with us.
00:00:38
Speaker
But we have some things, some traveling coming up. We are? Yes. Yeah, we do. Yeah, we're going to Colorado! Yay! I know, I'm excited. Yeah. Our niece is graduating from high school. And we're excited to celebrate. Yeah. It's going to be a good time. Yeah. Yeah, it's a beautiful place. Yes. So excited about the fresh air in the mountains. Yes. Not excited about the drive. No. That'll be okay. How many years? Like, six of us? in the juicy van. Six of us in the juicy van for many hours. Should be a good time. I've got a lot of books on video that I have lined up. I also have books that move into my Kindle so we'll see if we can get done. I think it's interesting that we're different in that way where you're an audio person and I'm more of a visual. If I listened to an audiobook I would not be able to process it or
00:01:35
Speaker
I would just zone off. I'm sure there's things that I miss. But, or if it feels like I miss a lot, I'll go back. But I've also gotten to a point with some books that I like to listen to them at the faster speed.
Introducing Ashley and Sound Baths
00:01:47
Speaker
Okay. And there's certain books that I've actually listened to at two point speed, which is like, oh, wow, depending on the topics. Then my husband, he he He thinks, oh, what? He's like, how is that relaxing? And I'm like, well, sometimes the purpose for this for me is not to relax, it's to finish the book.
00:02:12
Speaker
oh
00:02:15
Speaker
so
00:02:18
Speaker
Well, instead of speeding things up, I think it's good to slow things down. And I think sound bowls is a great way of doing that. Do you want to introduce? Yes. Yes. Introduce. Yes. So Ashley, come on in. Come on in, Ashley. OK. And do you like Ashley or Ash? Yeah. You can call me whatever. OK. So I think I don't go first. It changes during the home day. Yeah.
00:02:49
Speaker
Yes. So Ash from Well and Ash is here with us today. And you do sound bowls. Yes. Yeah, I do. And we've been to a couple sound baths. Yes. I appreciate you guys coming. They're amazing. I love them. I've been one of those sound people.
00:03:11
Speaker
Well, that is yeah, it is interesting because your sounds, I think give me permission two zone out. And it does calm my brain versus, I think, listening to a book, um sometimes even podcasts. Yeah, there's a lot of focus, whereas with sound baths, I don't andt necessarily need to focus. I can just be. Yeah. Yeah. That's kind
Ashley's Sound Bath Journey
00:03:37
Speaker
of the point. It's, you know, a sound bath isn't, it's not music, you know what I mean? It's really unorganized. You know, I play differently every single time, as you guys know, since you've been to a handful. Yes.
00:03:48
Speaker
And it just kind of allows you to, you know, find this place to pause, right? And, you know, kind of go on your own sound journey. And with me playing differently every time, you're not having to pay attention like as you do in a song, right? You know, the chorus is coming up, you know, so it's that active brainwave state that we're trying to get out of. Okay. And so, you know, we think of that as, I guess, meditation. Yeah. Yeah. yeah So I'm curious of what led you to doing.
00:04:23
Speaker
um Especially for people that have like never been to a sound bathroom, like what are you doing playing bowls? Like what do you like put your hands on? What is that movie? It's like Sandra Bullock and Miss Congeniality or something. that she like yeah this when beautiful do like my years like like I I have no idea. So I, I don't know, I just, you know, I i was on this really, not was, I am, on a really big wellness journey. And, you know, but music, gosh, ever since I was a child, right? Like I love music. I love the way that sound makes me feel. And so in my wellness journey, I started attending sound baths and this was um actually when I got certified through
00:05:15
Speaker
uh, San Luis based companies abound with Lisa Greslach. Um, so I've been to her, um, sound baths a handful of times. And I always loved the way that it made me feel, um, not just during, but even after. Um, and so when I learned that I could become a practitioner, um, with her, like to train, I like felt immediately aligned. Like I was like, Oh, this is for me. Like there was no question. Um, Actually, it's kind of funny how the universe works because like they didn't have any space for the sessions that I was trying to sign up for. They like sold out. Um, but then an opening happened and I was like, let's do it. So yes, the Um, and so, yeah, so I actually, it was like a year ago that I started my sound journey. wow I started the certification in may of last year and then wrapped up in October. And then I started my group sessions in November.
00:06:09
Speaker
So it's been about six months of actually playing like in the public. But yeah, I'm drawn to it. i am It's like like this really feel-good addiction. It's like people who play guitars. You know what I mean? Like one that I have that I can't play. But it's just it's like my own therapy. When I'm playing, it's like this space not only to give people a place to pause and be in their own kind of inner stillness, I like to say. but For me, when I am playing, it's like all I could pay attention to. You know, I can't think of other things while I'm playing because it looks easy, you know, when you're playing, but there's notes, there's techniques, there's, you know, a method behind what we're doing because if you've ever been to a sound back that maybe they were playing a little too loud, I mean, it could be jarring for some people. yeah We're talking about nervous systems. Yeah. and and yeah Yes, it could be jarring and it could not be a great experience.
00:07:08
Speaker
um you know I hope that I've always given a very therapeutic, calming experience through my own sound baths and I'm always learning and you know we'll forever be a student. um But it's meditative for me too. you know I am much calmer coming out of a sound bath than I am putting into one. you know And so I get kind of you know addicted
Mindfulness & Relaxation through Sound Baths
00:07:27
Speaker
to it. like I know that when I haven't gotten to play for a while, this maybe life is just a little too busy, I i feel it internally that like I need to be reset as well. okay Yeah. Well, so when you think about the sound bath and using sound as to go kind of along with our theme is healing. yeah How would you describe how sound maybe helps you heal and how it helps others? Yeah. um So first and foremost, um when I think of healing, like I don't like a lot of people say sound healing. And that's something and I probably don't use very often because I feel like
00:08:04
Speaker
when we're talking about healing, we're talking about like, Oh, I have a problem. I need to fix this. You know, I need to be healed in a way. Um, for me, it's like, I just want you to come and slow down with me. I want you to like, I say, it all comes in out with me. Um, you know, because I think that life asks a lot from us, you know? And I think that a part of stress in every life is just not understanding your own ability to slow down, you know? And it's like a mindfulness. You talk about mindfulness all the time. It's like a mindfulness practice that you know, allows you to like, you could just sit still, you know, especially in a sound bath. but It's hard to do for a lot of people, you know what I mean? It's a practice. It really is. oh But if you can just be still and kind of have this method of like, okay, I'm going to deeply listen to the sound. We're not listening to music. We're not like, it's not like active listening to like TV. It's like deeply listening, like a whole body listening experience, right?
00:09:03
Speaker
um When you're on the sound journey, it just allows you to go inward, right? It's a meditative experience. So that when you are done with your journey, right? And maybe you expose yourself to a sound bath once a week or twice a month. um It's this deep conditioning. There's science behind sound that's happening in our bodies and our minds. But ultimately, just getting into the state of harmony and nitter's illness, it's like our inner sanctuary. So when we come out of it, you feel like, okay, I'm more connected to myself.
00:09:34
Speaker
right? That's their, you know, self understanding the connection and getting still with yourself and your th thoughts and just letting things go. You know, you might even have revelations during yourself. Emotions might come up, but ultimately it's coming out of it. You just feel reset so that you could feel like a better human to yourself, but also to others. And I think, you know, from experiencing a sound bath with you, you talk about that. getting to know yourself a little bit better. And I think having the practice of being still and turning off or lightening some of our other senses of sight, perhaps, or touch, taste, smell, and then focusing solely on the sound and to trust that we can be still and trust that our mind can
00:10:29
Speaker
Yeah, calm, be in a calm state. I think that just, yeah, it's good for us. It is important for us. And to, yeah, trust ourselves that we can take care, right? That our body and mind is safe and yeah, that connection. And I do, it really is a great experience because just for me, I get colors in my head, what to sound and it's just so It's just this like, I'm so glad I like landed in this modality. It's like, it was meant for me. But it it really is. It's just a beautiful experience. And no person's experience is the same as the other, right? And your experience from maybe, you know, the first time you did a sound balcony to the one where you're hanging in a trapeze that was very different. yeah
00:11:21
Speaker
so It is just this, it's like people going to a yoga class or getting beside. It is this practice that is ah to help achieve this state of ah balance and harmony within our minds and our bodies. So I'm happy that you guys had me on this show to really talk about it. You know, I could be on social media all day long and post my beautiful videos like just me playing, you know, but a lot of times when I'm just getting the chance to talk it out and help people understand, especially.
00:11:54
Speaker
scott Yeah. ah
00:12:00
Speaker
but And so, you know, to help people understand that this is such a growing modality and that, you know, it's not just like the hippies out in California doing it. This is for anybody every day in this place. And you know, be able to provide that. It's fitting to the roots too of just i something so macro, right? That's something that's so, I don't know what the right word is, but it's just such a part of us, but being able to almost amplify it. And I know for me, my experience at the beginning, it is hard to quiet the mind and it is really hard to get in that space of letting that go and just enjoying it and letting the sound kind of take over you. And I really have the times where I'm like, don't fall asleep. And I know you're not really supposed to. But I just remember at the very always at the end, it's just like, I don't want it to end. You know, and it's just that feeling of
00:13:00
Speaker
relaxation and like you said, just letting go. yeah well And think that there's moments of you lose track of time. In the beginning it might seem like, okay, when is this? I'm here forever and all these voices in my head, my own voice. but But then you do go through this phase and you get to the end, you're like, what?
Sound Techniques and Personal Experience
00:13:27
Speaker
No, you don't want to be over. But I think there is something about losing track of time because we are so regimented on this appointment, that appointment. I have to get this done by this time. and
00:13:40
Speaker
It's just nice to have an hour however long where you do lose that track of time. Yeah, there's um so you know like I said earlier you know I take you on this like sound journey right so in the beginning you're just like especially if it's your first time you're like what's happening okay like it sounds good but this is different you know and you're trying to like shut the mind down you know and and our brains are not meant to shut down they're just meant to kind of ping pong and you know um But, you know, there's a point where, like, what I'm trying to do is get you into a theta state, okay? So if you've ever heard of, like, theta healing and everything, this is the state that I ultimately want you to be in. This is actually the meditative state. Explain a little bit more theta state, please. Yeah, so theta is, like, so we all know about brain waves, right? So this is called, you know, brain wave entrainment through sound.
00:14:30
Speaker
so Theta is the state right before you fall asleep. So your conscious is still there, you're still aware, but you are dreamlike. And that's when people who state, I feel like I was having an out of body experience. Because you're not used to, it's either you're awake, or you're falling asleep, or you're asleep. That's what we're used to, it's just that natural cycle. But theta, if you stay in it long enough, this is where people have these, I don't want to say revelations, but they just It's like you have these aha moments or even like a moment of creativity, like what meditation is. Yeah. i was just thinking that yeah So when you're in theta or when you're in a true meditative state, that is the state.
00:15:11
Speaker
Okay. And so that is the goal. That is where I want you to be. I don't want you to be sleeping, right? And although, like, if you fall asleep, it just means you're tired of getting rest and I get it. And it's hard, you know what I mean? Like, I can imagine me trying not to, like, fall asleep, especially if you have a long workday and it's, you know, typically held in the evening and you're like, whoa, okay, um, time to fall asleep. But no, it's really to be present, right? It's to really stay aware and be aware of the sound and and you know, kind of get into that beta state What are the benefits of t you know, they say theta like where, you know, your your heart rate starts to you know, kind of decrease. Like this is where you it's like a state of calm
00:15:54
Speaker
Okay. You know, we're sleeping, it's like full restorative, like, you know, your body is working to kind of repair, you know, like, from throughout the day. And that's the thing that Theta is like, it's just this moment, like, if you can access that in your mind, like, and you come out of it, it's just, it's so unique. It really is. And that's why my right? And you could talk all day about meditation. Yes, mindful moments. And so, um, so that, you know, like talking about kind of, um, and there's so much research happening, you know, kind of like science kind of sound, um, I won't forever be a student and learning about it. Um, you know, but it's just, you know, understanding how sound impacts us and
00:16:37
Speaker
how do you alter our brainwaves? And, you know, well, I see those commercials for those apps, like the listen to the brown sound, oh the green sound. Yeah. Calm. I think it's the name of the app. And I'm like, I will listen to the different, I don't think I like pink. yeah So how do you like this? Do you see sounds as like, is there a color when you're doing your. um
00:17:06
Speaker
I mean, I know, that I understand like notes and tones and how like, you know, maybe a higher pitched tone, like my little F goal is, you know, I can't play it for too long because it's like, it could be jarring, you know, but it's just a nice little, you know, kind of melody into, you know, making my big 14 inch grounding goals, you know, that you don't, I don't want to be playing that the whole time because then you're just going to be like probably asleep. So just kind of, um, when I play, I mean, I have nine goals, you know, yeah. Um, it really grown my set. Um, but, um, you know, each one has their own note and it's like, I know that I can maybe hold these two higher notes for a little while to maybe bring you back up. You know, um, if I feel like I've been kind of playing my deeper grounding goals a little too long, it's just like taking you on this journey so that you don't just like crash and fall asleep. You know, and that's why you'll hear like chimes and, you know, kind of different striking methods and that kind of thing to kind of keep you in the state
00:18:02
Speaker
versus just asleep. Going right into the ID sleep state. So theta is more restorative, perhaps, than reparative. That's a good way to think of it. Yeah. okay And in that state. I like that. Well, and as you go through this journey and you're choosing the goals of your just, I guess, tell us a little bit about just what that feels like for you and how good questions you want to know. Well, for one, I mean, like, So there's vibration involved. And like, so when I'm playing, I feel vibrations like in my body, you know what I mean? I'm like playing. And so I get so sent out. Sometimes I'm like, not even in my thinking mind, if that makes sense. Like I'm like, I don't know, like when you zone out for a while and you're like, oh, like that's like, that happens to me where I have to like, come back. Okay, don't do that. I gotta to like provide something here.
00:19:00
Speaker
Like I said earlier, I don't play the same every time, you know? It's just kind of like how I'm feeling, you know? And, oh, I want to use this technique. But, you know, I typically will start off with, like, a chime, which is just a nice little, like, lullaby, right? Like, I mean, you guys have heard it. It's just a beauty. I wish I had it with me. I didn't even think about that. I didn't think about, like, how did I do it? It's exciting. But, you know, to kind of, like, lull you in, and then I'll probably, you know, start with, like, maybe not the grounding, like the big goals, because they could be very like, like a lot for, especially somebody that's never done this before. So I'm thinking like, cause I'm very sound sensitive. So I'm thinking of the person that's just like, I've never done this. So kind of lull me in, bring me a little, and I don't start very high because again, I don't want it to be like, this is too much, you know, like, I'm like, I'm playing over here. I'm just thinking of my way, my way. Um, but you know, I'll play just very like harmoniously. I'll probably strike a little bit just to kind of,
00:19:58
Speaker
Um, you know, have a different technique that isn't just singing and striking. It's like just a yard ballot that I'm just tapping. Okay. You know, that's not like, you know, anyway, you know, like about halfway through, I'll start bringing in those really deep holes and just trying to kind of get you theta. or if you haven't gotten there yet, you know? And then like 75% of the way it's through, I'll start to bring it back up, right? So it's just this like journey. I always have a good timer with me. I was gonna say, how do you keep track? I always have my timer. Those moments when you're like in it too. Yeah, I've got my timer, I'm watching, like I usually go in like 15 minute increments, you know? um And I always play a song, I don't think I did it with you guys in the beginning, but I always play like a song in the very beginning to kind of issue
00:20:47
Speaker
Like in this topic of change, you know, just to get you grounded in your state versus just starting to play and you're like, nah, nah, nah, like my brain's everywhere. um And then just kind of doing like a body scan and just trying to help you, you know, like punch your jaw, relax your shoulder, take a deep breath in, you know. we all
00:21:08
Speaker
But yeah, that's usually like the beginning. And then the end, it's just like a slowly bringing you out of it. And then I kind of let you just take your time, like the space is yours, you know. You have the energy for it. Yeah. I mean, just sitting here with you and listening to you talk to me, I'm like, yes. I remember the sound bowl. You have the energy. Thank you. You're welcome. I think anybody could surely, you know, play, right? But there is, there's like an energy exchange. you know If I come in, I'm stressed out. I mean, you gotta to hear it. Like, you're gonna, I'm gonna drop a mallet. I'm like, yeah. Like, you know, and so I have, most of the time, like, if I get the chance, I will practice an hour before I play, you know, just so that I'm grounded. And that way I'm ready to receive you guys when you have it in. You know, and that way you feel like, oh, it actually sounds stressed. She's good. She's got me, you know?
Integration of Yoga and Wellness Journey
00:22:01
Speaker
And there's just that moment of like, there's trust, you know? Especially if you're new.
00:22:06
Speaker
So is that part of your self care of how you take care of yourself? Is that hour beforehand? Yeah, I love it. It's, it's probably like my favorite, not trying to like, you know, some video recording just to have really later on in the line with social media, post that thing but it's just a really nice way for me to keep my practice because it's me, I have to take care of me too, so that I can really provide this calming energy for others. So, so if I don't, like if I come in, maybe I had three back-to-back reveals into the studio. And you know what I mean? Like, it's just been kind of a stressful day, you know? But if I just sit down my goals and you guys come in and lay down, I'm not there yet, you know? I need to be there. So reveals in that you worked with Jay at the photography studio. And that's a different energy. ah Beautiful.
00:23:00
Speaker
I mean, if I could just, oh no, I couldn't play goals all the time because I would just be like totally sent out. um And it's funny. I mean, I've had moments where I've played for an hour and I've played for an hour, you know, for people. And then by the time I'm done, like Jay will be like, so do you want to like go grab a bite? And I'm like, no, I want to go home. I'm like, I'm not present. Yes. Yeah. I need to go home. Um, so yeah, so it affects me as well. Um, and I think that that's why it's like this two-fold situation, you know what I mean? Like I get to experience this, you know, um, beautiful but modality every time I play while sharing with others. That's nice. Yeah. Cause I think as therapists, um, we do have an experience in session with our clients and I know that there are times where I'm definitely still learning and I learned from my clients and, um, yet.
00:23:54
Speaker
I think it is different in the sense that we get to hold and stay grounded. Not that you're not grounded, but it's just different, I think. And you get to be more immersed in it, which is nice. Yeah, it's unique. I never thought about it that way. In regards to like the therapist, right? Like having to be grounded and hold space, you know, it's gotta be safe, right? Like if I came and sat down with the therapist and they were stressed out and talking about like maybe their bad day, I'm like, Are you here for me? Or, you know, yeah. Energy exchange. Yes, exactly. So you have your hour beforehand and we have a few minutes. This is why we come to you, right? So help us heal. So do you do anything outside of the sound baths and that hour beforehand for yourself? Yeah. Um, so actually recently, so back February 1st, I started, um, a 200 hour yoga teacher training program. Oh, wow. Um, so that has been an experience. Um, so it's out of the O'Fallon, Illinois. Um, so I'm the bird yoga who I absolutely love and enjoy. I know, so cute. It's a beautiful kind of, um, you know, uh, they flipped a whole house and it's just a beautiful studio. Um, and actually partner with them as well. So like, not only am I my
00:25:18
Speaker
you know, yoga training with them, you know, but I do, so they have a yoga practice called Restorative Yoga. And at the very end, they do like a 25 minute mini sound bath. And it's just a beautiful yoga and sound. It's like, that's kind of why I got into it, right? so I mean, sound I got into for other reasons, but yoga, like partnering with it, you know, I'm gonna, actually this coming weekend, I'm gonna learn, get trained in yoga and, you know, just doing things that like are grounding and like, Um, I always think of like sound baths are like the doorway to my wellness right now. Now it's also yoga. Like what's next? It could be record. It could, you know, I could learn meditation. Like yeah there's so many things. Yeah. So, um, so how will you incorporate or combine maybe the two of sound baths with, you know, they're like, can you do that? So, okay. Well, right now, I mean, I, like, I, um,
00:26:15
Speaker
we'll see what happens, you know what I mean? Because it's like, I can only do so much, but but I could envision, you know, like, because yin yoga is like, get in a pose, hold the pose, you know, and I can maybe do many sound baths like with each pose. Same thing with restorative, but you know, um I could be hands off, you know, because sometimes restorative does like a, you know, like massage or touch that kind of thing. But you could do hands off. And so, yeah, just kind of, you know, combining the two, I think that there is definitely space for that. I think that people, the general public would love it. So, really exciting stuff. That is exciting. I can see how it goes together. Yeah, right? Yeah. Yeah. I can imagine being in a pose and just being surrounded by someone in that pose. And maybe that could even help you deepen the pose and just even be more present. Yeah. i I'm all for it. But yeah, so that, you know, just yoga, the yoga practice, you know, just doing, doing that is definitely, um, you know, yoga is like all about body lifting, like weights, you know, i'm just yoga it's a beautiful practice and coming to that stillness and balance. Um, it's not about, you know, a perfect pose, you know, it's really about connecting to yourself on the mat. So yes. Well, I'm hearing that you're doing these classes for it, um, so that you can,
00:27:38
Speaker
teaching. And so while you're taking those classes and learning, is it also healing for you? Yeah, it is like, it has been the coolest journey. And that's kind of why like I started it because I knew that it was going to help deepen my own wellness journey. Not just to be like, Oh, I could do this pose. It's not even about that. It's like, there's this, the class is so cool. My teacher is amazing. um Tracy, she is like, I just can't say enough good things about her. But my class is absolutely wonderful. We have such great connection. We really support each other. And we're actually like at the very end of our, like I'm teaching my community class. You guys can come if you want. When is it? May 30th. 7 30. Don't come. No, I'm kidding. um Is it Thursday? yeah
00:28:30
Speaker
So, but yeah, so we're all kind of you know coming to the end of this journey and it's now it's not about teaching, it's really about just being this beautiful human so that you can hold space for others that are on their own journey and having this like sense of community yeah and just kind of doing your best with whatever it is. you know But yoga is a practice to come to just like a sound bath. It is this practice to just come to be present. And be in it in that moment. Yes. And lose track of time. Yeah. Yeah. Healing. So then what, was there any particular thing with that initiated this wellness journey for you? Um, I think it was honestly like, you know, I'm 36. I started this like a year and a half ago, so I was, you know, 34. And, um,
00:29:25
Speaker
I don't know. I think in my young thirties, I just kind of like, I'm just going through the motion of life, you know, and not to say that I wasn't fulfilled and I don't discount any, um, progress or achievements that I had, you know, before my wellness journey. Um, but I just felt like, you know, I wasn't really connected to myself, you know, I was kind of just going through like the life, like just the routine, the task, the, you know, climbing the corporate ladder and you know, doing all the things, you know, that I felt was what success is. And so not like having that sense of connectedness is what kind of brought me into a place of stillness. And so, you know, so when I kind of like deep dive into it, I mean, I put alcohol for a year, like I was doing all the things not like to be like, Oh, I did it. I was just doing all these things that were like trying to get me to a space of like who I,
00:30:18
Speaker
yeah versus like, you know, we all have deep conditioning in our own childhood experiences and things that we grew up understanding that this is what your life should look like. hope Oh, no reality. No. Sure. Yeah. There's something that told you, I don't connect. How did you even get to that space of like, Oh, I want to change things. Yeah. I, I don't know. of I Sad, but like there's a point, I think that anybody's healing journey, there's just this moment of like, I just, I need to shift something, you know, something you yeah yeah like Yeah. Yeah. Enjoy life. we So, you know, i like I said, I quit alcohol for a year and not even in just in that, you know, it was like, I stopped moving to like bars two or three nights a week. It's just like, I had to kind of let go, not of like friendships, but just letting go like that lifestyle. Um, because I think I was numbing a lot, like not like when I was overdoing it, but
00:31:17
Speaker
I was working so much, and then I would go out. You know, just like illness, right? There was no stillness, because it's like work, busy, busy, busy. Then, oh, let's go drinking, social, and noise. When I think of ours, I think of noise. And then, yes, finding that stillness. Yeah, I got to this state of stillness. And then, you know, and like I said, I've been going to sound baths. And, you know, the time I learned that I become a practitioner, Oh, I think this is my next step. You know, I jumped on it and like, it's been this beautiful journey ever since and I cannot like, foresee my life without it. You know, it is something that will always be with me. And I just want to share it with everybody.
Personal Growth and Relationships
00:31:59
Speaker
Yeah, I hear you. That's awesome. Yeah, we're glad you're sharing. Thank you. Thank you for allowing me to. Yes. Do we want to talk about glimmers? So yeah, glimmers, right? Those moments of
00:32:14
Speaker
joy or those moments that we recognize that, huh, I have grown in this moment and I recognize it. Have you? Yeah, I was like one that was more like pivotal for me. So I talked about the U of A teacher training program. So it has been an adventure, like so much. I was like, I don't know if I can do this way harder than I expected. But if it wasn't hard, then everybody could do it. Right. And and You have to have the passion, right? To keep going. Yes. Yeah. Cause I mean, all of us in our group are probably like, what did I sign up for? Like this is a lot. Um, but my deliver, I would say is, you know, like, um, throughout the weekend. So it's not every weekend. It's like once or twice a month. Um, but we've had to like teach 15 minutes, 30 minutes, 45 minutes in our hour. So like you literally like with the class, you know,
00:33:08
Speaker
ah Every weekend, 15 minutes, 30 minutes, 45 minutes, I would just, it just, it wasn't working. So we had to teach without music. My timing was always off, like I could not get my, there's so much, if you ever, the OV teacher was being one is easy, it is so hard. There's so much that goes into it. And my timing was always off. Well, finally, two weekends ago, I had to teach my one hour, but we have to have music.
00:33:38
Speaker
I wrapped in like 58 minutes and I was like, I'll take that. But it was like, I was missing the music. But if your music goes out, it's like, well, you gotta teach me the music. So that was kind of the point. So my glimmer, I literally had like, like, influence. I was like, really, like tears were welding up in my eyes. Nobody could see me, but I was just like, I could do this. Like, I had that moment. I'm like, I can do it. I can do it. I can do it. But it's just, it's like, believing in yourself so much, like I, if you would have said a year and a half ago, you know, instructor, I've been like, excuse me, like, I've done for like, for many years, but maybe not a well-taped practice in going every week, but it was something that I always enjoyed and loved. But to become an instructor, I never thought I could do it. But then standing up there, and I'm like, I did it! It was a great glimmer. Yes, that is a good glimmer.
00:34:33
Speaker
Yeah, a moment of achievement and confidence and yes, all of that. Yes, um and yes I have a clear moment. um So you were helping me Amy was helping me with ways to allow
00:34:55
Speaker
ways to be better connected to the kiddo when she does big emotions. We didn't get to the point where we had that like the conversation of talking about what to do in those moments before we had the big moments. And so last night was a night of big moments and I needed to take a break. And then when I was able to come back, I had a moment where I just sat with her and we just sat and I was like, can I just sit with you? And we sat. And it's getting even right now. No, hold on. um We were able to sit it and just kind of get to a calm place because she's just like, I don't know how to pull my thigh right now. I don't know how to be calm.
00:35:42
Speaker
And I was like, I get it, let's sit here with this. And I tried to incorporate some of the mindfulness things, but since we hadn't really set it up, they didn't necessarily play out. But we were able to talk through them, and I was able to distract, and we were able to find the blue things in the room, and things like that. And so she got home. And you know, this was right before that, and it was getting late. It was like, you look at somebody like 839, and it was like 10. ah you
00:36:10
Speaker
so it was wonderful because we got to a space where we got to be calm and it was even for me it was just being able to experience being able to be in that moment to be okay and it not be we're trying to fix this or we're trying to change this or you need to calm down or all of those things that's look good good job you were able to hold that space. It is so hard as a parent to see your children uncomfortable, right? Or anyone you love in an uncomfortable space and you know that they're afraid and and it's really hard to sit there. And so, good job. Yeah. And for her too, you can do that too to sit through that. Cause it was stuff we were talking about too of like, it feels like I'm allowed to cry. And so it was like, you're allowed to cry.
00:37:01
Speaker
And all of these things affect all of us, right? Like, because I was having reactions, too, and I was having emotions, and I was able to talk about my frustration and where that's coming from for me, too. So it was just kind of a learning moment for us. Yeah, so it was the beginning. I know. Now you're like, OK, I know what to do. ah Yeah, so the groundwork is there, and we can build on it. Good job. Thank you. Yeah, I thought that was a good one.
00:37:28
Speaker
Mine isn't as profound.
00:37:33
Speaker
every yeah It's more about recognizing that I can do adult things in life and just like being able to go especially around like financial stuff and getting more comfortable with but money and being able to organize it and whatever. But yeah, I went to the bank to move some things around and just having a conversation and to walk out of there going, all right, I did that. And I feel confident about the choices I made. And I did all of my own. I didn't have anyone else there with me. So I was like, 100% adulting, making my own decision. So that was like, again, I think it's an achievement, right?
00:38:26
Speaker
face something that was maybe challenging or we doubted ourselves and didn't have the confidence in and then to walk out of there with that confidence. Yeah. yeah yeah tesica It is a good feeling. We have one more piece. We do. help it over yeah because informn you oh but r is your question question a random new question And then we all get to kind of give our answer for it. You pick the question. They're always different. Is there a question? Oh, yeah. Just a really long piece of paper. Okay. adam Who do you love to work with? That's like a no-brainer for me. My studio partner, Jay. Well, so when I think of like work, right, definitely, you know, Jay has been on the
00:39:20
Speaker
like my biggest supporter, biggest fan when it comes to going on these adventures, like sound baths and yoga, you know, and just having the ability and kind of flexibility, you know, like I'm always in the studio, but if I have this chap there, she's like, you do you, you know what I mean? But we have such a great partnership when it comes to the studio, like she is the photographer and the creative, right? And then I'm like, the boring stuff. I mean, it's not boring, it's fun. But the business side, the sales side, the portrait view is always a beautiful process. And so we can't do one without the other. And that's why we work so well together. But also see my husband. Oh, I like that. I mean, him and I are like, we don't get to see each other like as much as I would love, which things could change. We have a very good working like partnership, relationship, friendship,
00:40:14
Speaker
um you know like we understand each other we understand like you know when it comes to like hey like the dishes really need to get down in the trash there's no ask like it's just like this beautiful working you know it's nice relationship that we have but um you know i know a lot of you know married or not married whatever partners may not have that um and so yeah i mean it's not perfect but um i do come to realize that like He makes my life easier and you know, I hope that I kind of do the same. So do you guys, are you answering too? Yeah, sure. I can go first. Well, let's see. I think who,
00:40:57
Speaker
maybe as a general term, right? I enjoy working with um people.
Conclusion and Farewells
00:41:05
Speaker
It's mostly been women, but people who are trying to bring calm into our lives and their life is just really chaotic and they just don't know what to do and at the same time not only that but just having the mindset to be open to making changes and to hearing other points of view and other ways of doing that but I also enjoy working with
00:41:35
Speaker
Catherine my sister I mean it really has been a wonderful thing and I tell you Catherine You are my motivator but you are just my motivator and you get me to Do things that I would normally be scared to do and to look at things differently and I would not be doing a podcast Okay I appreciate you and not support us. I was going to say my third sister as well. And yeah, keeping me grounded and keeping me, um you know, it's that confidence of like, we can do this, right? Like, even if I throw out some crazy idea, you're like, all right, well let's try it. So that is a wonderful thing.
00:42:27
Speaker
And then I was thinking too of like, if I think about the clients I really like to work with is couples, obviously. But I think about the couples that just feel lost, right? The couples that feel really stuck and that this love is here, but we, so many things are getting in our way and we're just struggling to really communicate that with each other, either because of our backgrounds and how we're, kind of taught to communicate or how we're taught to protect ourselves that gets in the way of us being vulnerable. So that's, that's what I, I guess I'm about to say that I like to work with. Yeah. Yeah. So that's my, yeah. Yeah. So that brings us to our end. Yes. ah Thank you. it talk day right what
00:43:19
Speaker
but Oh, one more thing was, do you have anything to promote? Do you have anything that's coming down the pipeline for people to. function Well, where you could find me. Um, so obviously social media, I have Instagram, Facebook. Um, so just like, um, if you search well and Ash, um, you'll find me, it's literally a well plus sign Ash. Um, so yeah, that's always the nice thing. Yeah. you know, the photography studio that I work out of, at least one photography studio in Old Town, Illinois, across the river. That is definitely where I host a lot of my sound baths. I also do a monthly sound bath outside of, I try to do biweekly, like one hour sessions, usually on like a Wednesday night, from like seven to eight. But monthly session, it's actually a really cool experience. It's called Ambient Immersive Sound Bath.
00:44:17
Speaker
What it is, is I partner with a different Jacob. and He calls himself the holistic guitarist. And so can I partner and collaborate and we do an hour and a half sound bath where he plays his Telecaster. Okay. Just ambient, beautiful music. And then I partner my goals with him. So you're getting that sound bath feel, but also like some beautiful ambient music. How does that work? thursday um so i'll see you guys coming but up But yeah, so, you know, it's all like we play differently every time, you know, it's got a lot of music and so he whatever he want to play and i'm listening and i
00:44:56
Speaker
bowl, I'm nine, um has a note, and so I'm just kind of syncing up with them, their harmony, and I don't call myself a musician, but I think you do have to have kind of somewhat of a musical ear to do that. So yeah, so so we do that monthly, you know, like I said, I do a lot of partnerships with Invert, my yoga studio, um yoga fam, and just looking for unique ways, you know, like for instance, I have the trapeze yoga with Mandy, It sounds like you got to come to, which was such a cool experience. and But yeah, you know that's kind of what I have. It's just like whatever feels good, you know whatever I want to do. Jacob and I were talking about maybe doing something outdoors.
00:45:40
Speaker
you know, often it's not raining. bar being goes But yeah, so that's kind of, you know, in the future. I also have, it's a Women's Wellness Retreat. It's just one brought about women's sex. It's actually with Hope Wellness Center out of Swansea, my friend Mindy. And we're doing, basically it's centered around women's wellness and menopause and beyond. Yeah.
00:46:13
Speaker
But I'm doing a sound bath, but also restorative yoga at the same time with my fellow yogi. Her name is Mia. She is like the restorative queen at Bloomberg. And so we are going to be doing that with a little retreat. Can we find them on your website? So all of them, typically when I'm posting or collaborating, you'll see it on my website and social media as well. Awesome. good Yeah. Well, thanks for coming. Thank you for having me. Yes. And sharing all of this. It was wonderful. Yeah. Thank you. Do we have anything to promote? I don't think we have enough. You can find us online at Spotify and Apple. Yeah. Wonderful. Thank you for coming. Thank you for coming. Bye. Okay, hold on. Keep going.