The Soul Net sisters share on ways we experience grief and loss in our lifetime. We explore the desire to return to the safety of the womb during times of deep grief, somatic messages in the body, running from our feelings, learning to celebrate endings and so much more.

Join us for a heart centered episode as we find our way through hard places and open to laughter and lots of love.

Show Notes:

How we carry grief, how we learn to name it, and how midlife opens doors to healing and self-compassion.

0:00 – 2:20:Welcome & setting the theme: grief as a shared but rarely named experience. The hosts reflect on childhood grief and the absence of language or tools to process loss.

2:21 – 3:52:Unresolved childhood grief: the loss of a father, unacknowledged until years later. How avoidance and shame can bury early loss.

3:53 – 5:20:Freezing and emotional shutdown as grief responses. Stories of grandparent loss, and how grief later surfaces in adult relationships.

5:21 – 7:27:Cultural patterns around “moving on.” The survival strategy of emotional detachment. How midlife reveals old, unprocessed emotions.

7:28 – 9:37:Grief in menopause: losing fertility, identity shifts, and reckoning with aging. The practice of death meditation as a grounding tool.

9:38 – 11:09:The “curse” of living in times of change. Exploring grief as a lifelong return to the womb’s lost safety. Body language and curling inward as unconscious grief signals.

11:10 – 13:13:The human drive to recreate certainty and be “liked.” Grief as a foundational rupture we spend life trying to repair through meaning-making and achievement.

13:14 – 15:09:Embodied grief during sleep: how the body holds emotion. Learning to unfurl from protective postures and meet grief with curiosity and compassion.

15:10 – 16:25:Hair loss and feminine identity: the gift of confronting appearance-based attachments. Self-love as a product of acceptance, not achievement.

16:26 – 17:40:Reframing grief as a series of endings we rarely honor. The power of grief rituals, death meditations, and somatic practices for integration.

17:41 – 19:39:Grief and gratitude as healing partners. How honoring past chapters and parts of ourselves softens the emotional edge of loss.

19:40 – 21:18:Finding spiritual connection with lost loved ones. The comforting ritual of “keeping the love alive” through nature, memory, and presence.

21:19 – 22:00:Closing words: grief, anger, fear—all welcome. Remembering the healing balm of love and the courage to feel.

"When I reflect on grief, I feel like it's a midlife emotion as we go through menopause; we are no longer the vessel that creates life, we're going to create other things. So there is a loss of that whole era and chapter of our lives as well." ~Dayna Bango

Drawing upon wisdom from spiritual traditions, ancestral reflections, and personal stories, Islena shares with Dayna and Megan how fear, scarcity, and the desire for control, shapes our relationships and communities from the love of power, versus the power of love.

We explore the critical importance of vulnerability, repair, and building bridges, both within ourselves and with others, in the power of love.

You are invited to consider what it means to be a new kind of warrior: one who leads with compassion, holds space for diversity, and embodies the role of a bridge-builder. Drawing inspiration from nature, parenting, and ancient texts, we offer practical insights for fostering connection and healing in divided times.

Time-Stamped Show Notes:

0:00 - Opening: The concept of the warrior and building bridges instead of attacking across divides.

0:25 - Introduction: A new kind of warrior wisdom around the power of love versus the love of power.

2:22 - Reflection: The importance of holding the vibration of love within communities.

3:12 - Ancestral Scarcity: Discussion on how fear of loss and scarcity is inherited and shapes our drive for power and control.

5:04 - Relationships: How fear of loss leads to control and division, both personally and collectively.

6:52 - Repairing Relationships: The necessity of repair and vulnerability in maintaining love.

8:14 - Power of Love vs. Love of Power: Exploring how love enables repair and connection, while power seeks control.

10:20 - Modern Warrior: The story of a woman in the trades building bridges, not walls, and the significance of authentic leadership.

13:00 - Nature’s Bridges: Drawing inspiration from nature to build bridges rather than walls in interpersonal relationships.

16:03 - Spiritual Warrior: Merging spiritual depth (Pisces) with action (Aries); lessons from the Bhagavad Gita on fulfilling duty without becoming the conflict.

19:34 - Inner and Outer Conflict: Personal growth as a model for collective healing; embracing vulnerability and difficult conversations.

22:41 - New Warrior Archetype: The bridge builder and lighthouse parent...leaders who hold space for diverse experiences.

25:28 - All My Relations: Honoring ancestors and future generations through connection and attunement.

28:14 - Full Circle: The power of maintaining bridges of peace and mutual respect to prevent division and conflict.

29:27 - Closing: Encouragement for listeners to become bridge builders and a preview of the next episode on healing through grief and loss.

Notable Quotes:

“Maybe the lighthouse warrior IS the power of love. Wow, we came full circle.” ~ Islena

“Lighthouses don’t go running all over an island looking for boats to save; they just stand there shining.” ~ Anne Lamott

“Here in another universe, I meet my father when he is a child. … He tells me he isn’t allowed to cry, but sometimes the world hurts him, and he doesn’t know what to do with all of that pain. So I give him the shoulder he needs to cry on, and he does. … I wish someone could have done that for him, been a kind, safe place for the child he used to be. Would it have made a difference?” ~ Nikita Gill

Resources:

Bhagavad Gita for Beginners (Radha Krishna Temple) – An accessible introduction to the Bhagavad Gita’s teachings.

Anne Lamott – author, novelist.

Nikita Gill’s Poetry and Books – poet, author of poem about father and the importance of safe spaces for emotions.

To wrap our special menopause series, Megan shares her thoughts about the soul's journey during this time and specifically the tension that comes when women experience powerful mind/body/spirit transformations. She talks with Islena and Dayna about the soul’s cry for freedom and its need for solitude to do the work of emotional healing and re-alignment of values. When we consider that menopause is a time for women to journey inward, reclaim authenticity and personal power, we open our minds and our wings to new and higher possibilities.

Resources mentioned in this episode include:

Elizabeth Gilbert's practice of writing Love Letters.

Wise Power: Discover the Liberating Power of Menopause Book by Alexandra Pope and Sjanie Hugo Wurlitzer

The Map of Consciousness Explained by David R. Hawkins

Timeline Show Notes:

0:00 – 3:30

- Introduction to the episode and theme: the “soul cry,” anger, and transformation during perimenopause.
- Framing menopause as a “second spring” or second adolescence, a time for untethering from conditioning and attachments.
- Emphasis on seeking self-reliance and authentic self-worth.

3:30 – 7:00

- Unlearning conditioning from childhood, relationships, and career.
- Midlife as a period when unconscious patterns surface.
- Confronting past beliefs and finding safe spaces for vulnerability.
- Discussion of physical and emotional changes: hormonal fluctuations, health challenges, and anxiety.7:00 – 10:30- The importance of accepting change and softening resistance.
- Putting oneself first and learning self-care, even amidst family and work responsibilities.
- Personal reflections on prioritizing self-needs and learning to be alone.

10:30 – 14:00

- Introduction of the “angry daughter” archetype: the hyper-independent woman burdened by people-pleasing.
- Reading and discussion of a quote describing the angry daughter’s experience.
- Validating anger as a healthy and transformative energy in perimenopause.
- The necessity of expressing anger to avoid illness and to catalyze liberation.

14:00 – 17:30

- How to move and transform anger: writing, movement, and creative practices.
- Reference to David Hawkins’ map of consciousness: anger as an action-oriented emotion that can spark change.
- Encouragement to allow full expression of emotions, especially anger towards parental figures, without blame.

17:30 – 21:00

- The importance of being with your actual experience and using anger as a flash of energy for growth.
- Learning to be comfortable in aloneness and stillness, especially during perimenopause.
- Sharing personal practices: meditation, movement, and joining online communities for support.
- The role of community in validating experiences and soothing the nervous system.

21:00 – 25:00

- The value of soul friends and finding community aligned with new values.
- The dance between ego and soul during this life stage.
- The importance of safe containers for vulnerability and expressing one’s truth.
- Suggestions for practices: self-love letters (Elizabeth Gilbert), and recommended reading (Wise Power by Alexandra Pope & Sjanie Hugo Wurlitzer).

25:00 – End

- Personal reflections on writing and reading as spiritual practices.

Notable Quotes

“The soul cry, the anger, the angry daughter— you’re gonna feel it in perimenopause. Move that. That’s what’s going to help you. That’s what this time in the cocoon is for; to transform that energy into something beautiful.”

“Menopause is a second spring…an invitation to honor your independence, to honor your journey.”

“Healthy anger is like a flash of energy…use it to write, to move, to transform. It’s not victimhood—it’s liberation.”

Disclaimer
The information shared in this episode is not medical advice. Please consult your healthcare provider for guidance specific to your needs.

Thank you for listening to Soul Net! Join us next time as we explore “The Power of Love vs. The Love of Power.”

In this episode, we are joined by naturopathic doctor and hormonal health specialist, Dr. Ana Lopez, to discuss the Dutch Test and how it helps women obtain a clear picture of their hormone and metabolic health during menopause. Dr. Lopez explains the benefits, investment and timing for women to explore hormonal testing. If you are a woman in your 30's, 40's, or 50's, this episode is for you!

If you have specific questions for Dr. Lopez, you can reach her at dr.analopez@gmail.com or find her at her clinic https://noblenaturopathic.com/

To learn more about the Dutch Test, visit https://dutchtest.com/

How to Support Your Hormones in Menopause:

🔹 Why inflammation matters – Learn at 9:00 how inflammation can disrupt hormone balance and what to do about it.

🔹 Should you test your progesterone? – Find out at 18:00 why some experts recommend it and others don’t.

🔹 Does HRT work for everyone? – Hear at 27:00 what the research says about hormone therapy and who it benefits most.

Show Notes Timeline:

0:00 – Understanding the Dutch test: A comprehensive look at estrogen, progesterone, and how they interact in menopause.

3:00 – Welcome & introductions: Dr Ana Lopez on menopause and hormone health.

6:00 – Why menopause is misunderstood: The importance of education, research, and breaking the stigma.

9:00 – Inflammation and hormone balance: How inflammation affects menopause and what tests can reveal about your body.

12:00 – The reality of perimenopause: Why symptoms vary widely, and how to prepare for hormonal shifts.

15:00 – FSH levels explained: Why follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) fluctuates and what it means for menopause.

18:00 – Progesterone testing: Should you request a test from your doctor? The pros and cons.

21:00 – Estrogen metabolism: How your body processes estrogen and why it matters for symptom relief.

24:00 – Common menopause symptoms: Brain fog, fatigue, and why it’s not “just in your head.”

27:00 – Hormone replacement therapy (HRT): What to consider, myths vs. facts, and who benefits most.

30:00 – Lifestyle strategies for hormone balance: How diet, sleep, and stress impact menopause symptoms.

33:00 – Supplements for menopause: What actually works, and what to be cautious about.

36:00 – The importance of tracking symptoms: Why keeping a journal helps with treatment and self-care.

39:00 – Final thoughts: Empowerment through education—why knowing your body is key to thriving in menopause.

In this fun and informative episode Dayna and Megan welcome Kim Vopni AKA the Vagina Coach to the show. Kim shares her journey on how witnessing childbirth ignited a curiosity for helping herself and other women to build strength in their pelvic floor. She emphasizes the importance of Core function and its impacts on creativity, intimacy, and overall well-being.

We discuss the Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause (GSM) and its symptoms, including genital changes, urinary issues, and sexual problems that can affect us both physically and emotionally. She share’s details of her Buff Muff Method that marries pelvic floor exercises with resistance training to help improve function and quality of life at all ages of a women’s life including pre and postpartum, peri-menopause and beyond.

Learn more about Kim and her offerings at

https://www.vaginacoach.com

References in this episode include:

Estrogen Matters

The Great Menopause Myth

Show Notes Timestamps:

0:00 – Introduction to pelvic health: The vagina as a power source, creativity, and intimacy center. The impact of pelvic floor issues on daily life.

2:30 – Meet Kim Vopni, the "Vagina Coach": How she became a pelvic health expert and her personal journey into the field.

5:30 – The importance of pelvic floor health: How pregnancy, childbirth, and aging affect pelvic function. The overlooked role of postpartum recovery.

9:00 – Common misconceptions: Why Kegels aren’t always the answer, and why pelvic floor issues aren’t just about urine leakage.

12:00 – The emotional impact: How shame around pelvic issues limits women’s lives and why open conversations help.

15:00 – What is GSM, Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause?: How hormonal changes impact vaginal health, bladder function, and sexual well-being.

19:00 – Why pelvic floor issues are often misdiagnosed: The long journey to getting proper care and the limitations of the medical system.

22:30 – The role of hormone therapy: How systemic and vaginal estrogen can help alongside pelvic floor training.

26:00 – Strength training and the pelvic floor: Why combining resistance training with pelvic floor exercises is crucial.

29:30 – The Buff Muff Method: Kim’s step-by-step approach to training and maintaining pelvic floor health.

33:00 – Common bladder irritants: Caffeine, alcohol, and other unexpected triggers of urgency and incontinence.

36:00 – The importance of regular pelvic floor physio: Why all women should see a pelvic floor therapist, even without symptoms.

39:00 – Final thoughts: It’s never too late to start strengthening your pelvic floor. Kim’s message of empowerment and action.

How to Help Your Pelvic Floor:

Why Kegels alone aren’t enough – Learn at 9:00 why you need a dynamic approach to pelvic floor training.

The hidden impact of bladder irritants – Find out at 33:00 how common drinks and foods might be making your symptoms worse.

Why every woman should see a pelvic floor physio – Hear at 36:00 why prevention is key, and how to take control of your pelvic health.

In this special video episode we are celebrating 2 years of Soul Net. The sisters gather and reflect on some of their favourite episodes and how the collective timeless wisdom they share has been a source of support and learning during challenging times in their own lives.

Soul Net is thrilled to welcome very special guest Shirley Weir, founder of Menopause Chicks, highlighting our Menopause series!

Shirley is a women’s health advocate, author, podcaster, and educator who helps women navigate perimenopause-to-postmenopause with confidence and ease.

Her mission is to ensure everyone understands how our hormones work when cycles are regular, so we can be in the best position to make health decisions for ourselves when cycles are no longer regular.

Join us as Shirley returns home from global travel for World Menopause Day, sharing an abundance of resources and wisdom for everyday women.

In Shirley’s own words, “If menopause feels like a foreign language to you, that’s ok, meet your translator!”

List of References:

Find Shirley at @menopausechicks on IG and FB

Join the Menopause Chicks community at www.menopausechicks.com or www.menopausecommunity.com

Shirley’s free PDF Menopause Guidebook, “Feel Amazing”: https://menopausechicks.myflodesk.com/free-feel-amazing

Menopause Masterclass: https://menopausechicks.myflodesk.com/

BC Women’s Hospital Heart Health Clinic: http://www.bcwomens.ca/our-services/specialized-services/womens-heart-health-clinic

Shirley’s shared quotes:

“Our biggest challenge is not to learn, but to UN-learn.” -Gloria Steinem

"Some say the system is too big to change. I say we ARE the system." - Shirley Weir

Focusing on midlife mental health, join our very own Islena in diving deep into the neuroendocrine changes that occur during menopause, reframing this stage of life as a "second adolescence".

Time-Stamped Highlights:

0:00 - 0:27 Menopause as a neuroendocrine journey of transformation.
0:30 - 1:50 Islena shares her personal experience with anxiety during menopause and the tools she uses to navigate it.
2:00 - 5:40 Exploring the concept of befriending sensations rather than chasing symptoms. Insights into menopause as a second adolescence.
6:07 - 9:38 Internal family systems therapy explained: Recognizing inner child sensations and their connection to stored trauma.
9:39 - 13:46 The role of attunement in grounding anxious energy and creating presence in the moment. Practical tips for connecting with your surroundings.
13:47 - 18:30 Generational patterns and how they shape our responses to stress during menopause. Validating stored energy in the body through a self-compassion practice.
18:31 - 19:17 Reconciliation with younger adolescent parts during menopause as a healing process.
19:18 - 27:23 Guided visualization exercise led by Islena to soothe anxious thinking and connect with stored unprocessed energy in the body.

Gain insights on:

• Understanding menopause as a time of transformation rather than symptom-chasing.
• The mind's need to "fix and cure" symptoms of discomfort and how that fixation can partition into anxiety during menopause.
• Tools for befriending sensations and emotions through practices like guided visualization and Internal Family Systems therapy.
• Guided practices to integrate and stabilize unprocessed energy.
• How generational patterns impact our responses to stress and change.

Islena demonstrates how to befriend (and not resist) sensations that arise during challenge & stress, and guides us in a Grounding Meditation, closing with hands-on practical tools from her embodiment practices, to help you traverse biochemical, neurological, and emotional shifts with grace.

If you'd like to connect with Islena, you can find her at⁠ ⁠www.onboardyoga.com⁠⁠ or⁠ ⁠linktr.ee/islenafaircrest⁠⁠.

With over 23 years experience as a yoga educator, somatic therapist, and IFS practitioner, she utilizes the trauma informed healing centered engagement of Internal Family Systems with her clients and community. A mother of two young adults, and a former doula and prenatal educator, Islena has taught yoga teacher trainings & retreats world-wide, and written for health content media. As a somatic & wellness educator, she teaches nervous system regulation & holistic wellness practices, mentoring individuals & families in their healing journey towards empowered living, with workshops, stress management, therapeutic movement, breathwork, counselling, and healing attachment trauma.