In this episode of Chasing Thoughts, Mindy and Keith dive deep into the shadows with “Facing The Darkness.” 🌑✨ We explore the often misunderstood parts of ourselves—the darkness within. Instead of seeing these hidden aspects as forces to fear or ignore, we discuss how they’re here to teach us, not harm us. By learning to communicate with these inner depths, we can uncover the wisdom and strength they hold. 🕯️🌱

Join us as we discuss how to see life as a garden to be experienced rather than a journey with a final destination. Life's garden is rich with moments for growth, understanding, and embracing even the dark parts that shape us.

🌿 Let’s shift our perspective on life’s darker corners and discover the balance, resilience, and beauty within.

#ChasingThoughts #FacingTheDarkness #InnerWork #SelfDiscovery #EmbraceYourShadows #LifeIsAGarden #PodcastLife #Mindfulness #GrowthMindset

00:00:00 Introduction

00:02:07 Facing the darkness

00:05:25 We need the dark, just as we need the light

00:11:17 Learning to communicate with all of who we are

00:14:23 Living in our heads or through our senses

00:21:03 Visualizations

00:25:14 Seeing some of our own darkness

00:31:58 The darkness is designed to serve us

00:34:54 How much do we miss when we live in our heads and forget about our senses

00:46:28 Experiencing life as a garden rather than a journey

Show Notes:

Green has a natural calming effect on us, largely because of our evolutionary connection to nature. When you hike and are surrounded by green, your brain associates it with natural environments that are safe, nourishing, and supportive of life. Studies show that green can lower stress levels, help calm the nervous system, and even improve mood, which is why spending time in green spaces can feel so restorative.

Beyond the color itself, the act of being in nature immerses you in patterns and sounds that our minds find soothing and rhythmic, like leaves rustling and birds chirping. The combination of movement, fresh air, and sensory connection to nature’s colors can make hiking a perfect recipe for a peaceful, recharged mind.

If you would like to know more about Mindy or Keith you can find them here:

Mindy Aisling (@mindyaisling)

www.mindyaisling.com

mindy@mindyaisling.com

Keith Dauch (@mastercheeseee)

www.breakpointcoaching.org

keith@breakpointcoaching.org

More on Chasing Thoughts:

https://www.mindyaisling.com/chasingthoughts.html