Golden Mirror: Recent Episodes
Dr. Tricia Wolanin
So often we forget the authentic power and gold that lies within. Psychologist, author, and wellness speaker Dr. Tricia reflects back our internal abundance, and offers tips to remind ourselves this throughout the week in under 10 minutes.
We explore the importance of pilgrimages in our lives and my upcoming camino de santiago, from Santiago de Compostella to Finisterre. “Pilgrimage invites us to notice what we are holding too tightly to, so we might release ourselves into the current of life.” — Christine Valters Paintner
In this episode we explore how essential it is to reset ourselves through frequent trips into nature.
In this podcast, I discuss the impact of Matt Haig's book The Midnight Library and encourage you to reflect on multiverses and parallel lives. Are there regrets that ruminate in your head? How many twists could your life take currently?
In this episode, I share a recent loss of my beloved pet Puzo and the beauty of a recent podcast called Dying For Sex. I encourage you to reflect on the question if you know you only have so much time left on earth, how do you want to live your life?
In this episode, we explore the concept of the availability bias. Is our perspective clouded by things that just happen? How can we balance our perspectives?
In this episode we look at the question, what is the universe telling you. Can you be receptive and present enough to hear the question and the response through signs and synchronicities?
In today's episode, we again look at the book The Gap and The Gain, but specifically target questions one may ask in making various decisions. Through reflecting on targeted questions, we can discern if we are living a successful life according to our own standards.
In this episode we explore the book The Gap and The Gain by Dan Sullivan and Dr. Benjamin Hardy . How are you living in the gap and how can you pivot towards living in the gain?
“The future isn’t a reality—it’s a projection. And because it’s not reality, it can’t be part of any real measurement of your progress. The only way to measure goals is backward, against the past. Use the reality of where you currently are and measure backward from there to the reality of where you started.”-The Gap and The Gain
“There is great joy in giving. It’s thrilling and exhilarating. It’s important to be part of sharing. It is my love. It is my joy.” —W. Clement Stone
How to find joy in the small moments and welcome joy in with friends. What brings you joy?
Do you ever hear a song over and over again knowing that it is a sign for you? This was the case for me and my brother with the song Brand New Person by Tame Impala, reminding us that transformation is around the corner. A song that came out 7 years ago seems to be popping up all over the world now. How may you be called to transform at this time?
"There are shortcuts to happiness and dancing is one of them." Life is a celebration. How are you going to celebrate life this summer with your loved ones? We need more moments of joy and celebration!-Vicki Baum
"Keep your face always toward the sunshine—and shadows will fall behind you."-Walt Whitman
Remind yourself to take simple breaks to be outside and catch some sun and Vitamin D. It will offer a world of difference.
The body is your temple. Keep it pure and clean for the soul to reside in. B.K.S. Iyengar
A simple reminder to move and care for our body daily. We explore the reasons why.
"The great victory, which appears so simple today, was the result of a series of small victories that went unnoticed" - Paulo Coelho
It's important to celebrate our small wins, on the path to achieving larger goals. Explore why.
For the 111th episode, we explore why it's beneficial to seek out signs and synchronicities in your own life. "In every moment, the Universe is whispering to you. You're constantly surrounded by signs, coincidences, and synchronicities , all aimed at propelling you in the direction of your destiny."-Denise Linn
In this episode, we further discuss The Artist Way's concept of Morning Pages. What are they? What does it look like? Why should we do them? If you are interested in exploring your creativity further, try out a coaching session with me. Find out more at www.drtricia.co “Leap, and the net will appear.” ― Julia Cameron, The Artist's Way: A Spiritual Path to Higher Creativity
In this week's episode we continue to dive into The Artist Way, by exploring Artist Dates. What is it, how often do you do it, and why? If interested in diving deeper, explore creativity coaching sessions with me. Find me at www.drtricia.co
“In filling the well, think magic. Think delight. Think fun. Do not think duty. Do not do what you should do—spiritual sit-ups like reading a dull but recommended critical text. Do what intrigues you, explore what interests you; think mystery, not mastery.” ― Julia Cameron, The Artist's Way: A Spiritual Path to Higher Creativity
In this episode we dip into an overview of Julia Cameron's 12 week workbook The Artist Way. If you would like to explore further creativity coaching sessions with me, check out my website www.drtricia.co “Serious art is born from serious play.” ― Julia Cameron, The Artist's Way: A Spiritual Path to Higher Creativity
There's beauty in doing vision boards, regardless of the time of year. Find out why there is extra magic when you do vision boards in groups.
“Too many people spend money they haven’t earned to buy things they don’t want to impress people they don’t like.” – Will Rogers. With moving to Paris, I have become a tiny home convert. We explore pleasures that can be had with living in a tiny home
There is an aphorism "The Grass is Always Greener On the Other Side." This seems to be perpetually true for where we live, but we have a choice in our perception. Explore this with me in the episode.
"If you don't like something change it. If you can't change it, change your attitude."-Maya Angelou. Bumps in the road are inevitable, but our reaction to them is our choice. Explore ways we can detour our moods, after allowing ourselves to feel them.
"Even the greatest was once a beginner. Don't be afraid to take the first step."-Anonymous
When we set new goals, we all start from scratch. We have yet to develop excellence, and can struggle with learning a new skill. Is it possible to stick with it? Explore this with me.
"You are never too old to set another goal or to dream a new dream."-cs lewis
How did you bring in the new year? Are you setting resolutions in the same manner? How do you plan to keep these resolutions? Explore this small tip of reframing how you view goals.
We reflect on how to access the wise you that is already in existence. Also The Golden Mirror will take a brief pause, as I relocate to Paris. Happy holidays and happy wisdom seeking.
“We write to taste life twice, in the moment and in retrospect.” ― Anais Nin We explore the benefits of journaling daily, not just in times of trouble or joy. We can savor moments through writing about them!
"Everyone and everything that shows up in our life is a reflection of something that is happening inside of us."-Alan Cohen
Witness and explore how those in your atmosphere are reflecting back to you what you are thinking, feeling, and exploring.
How has Covid impacted the decisions in your life? Are you ready to take the leap? Explore with me questions to reflect on during this important time.
What does autumn do to you? When we witness the change in seasons in our atmosphere, often we explore ways to change internally. In this episode, we explore the importance of pausing and reflecting during this transitional period.
What was one peak summer memory that occurred this year? What about a summer memory from your childhood? We explore how although the characters in our lives may change, there are still staples in the summer season that we can cherish.
We hold issues in our tissues and our bodies keep the score, how do you release these stuck emotions? Explore the episode to find out.
“As long as you keep secrets and suppress information, you are fundamentally at war with yourself…The critical issue is allowing yourself to know what you know. That takes an enormous amount of courage.”-Dr. Bessel van der Kolk
The concept of intermittent fasting is explored in addition to other areas in your life that you may want to create boundaries in.
Oftentimes we hear that we should enjoy the ride versus the destination. How do you implement this in your everyday life?
Explore why it''s important to time chunk your life. Most of us are feeling time deprived, and are longing for time affluence. Time chunking can assist.
How are your preparing yourselves mentally and emotionally if another lockdown occurs? How can you reframe now?
Explore ways to remove distractions to reveal the essentials. If you are interested in creativity coaching sessions, find out more on www.drtricia.co
“Life is short, break the rules, forgive quickly, kiss slowly, love truly, laugh uncontrollably, and never regret anything that made you smile. Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn’t do than by the ones you did. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.”-Mark Twain
We explore the beauty of this quote and live fully into each day.
Is there an old habit that you want to implement in your life again? explore these top five ways to incorporate an old way of being back into your life.
"Don't be into trends. Don't make fashion own you, but you decide what you are, what you want to express by the way you dress and the way to live." —Gianni Versace
You are what you wear. Why are particular clothes in your closet? Are they due to comfort, memories, or expectations? Discard that what does not serve you, and choose only to wear what brings joy.
We explore the concept of taking yourself on an artist date weekly, per recommendation of author and artist Julia Cameron. Explore how engaging in a self care act weekly can nourish you.
"Vigilance in oneself is very important. Vigilance means to be alert to what happens inside, so you can catch an old, collective habit pattern. "-Eckhart Tolle. When we are stressed, we tend to lean on our old patterns. I am a recovering Type A Personality, what is your go to pattern? If you are interested in coaching sessions, check out my website www.drtricia.co
How do you land home to yourself? When you remove the distractions or the surface coping skills, how do you access internal wisdom? We briefly discuss this.
Explore one poem a day through The Slow Down Podcast. For more information on coaching with me, check out www.drtricia.co
When we say yes to one thing, it means saying no to others. Explore how you can implement this in your life. In addition for coaching sessions with Dr. Tricia check out www.drtricia.co . Additionally check out Christine Arylo's podcast about the power pause podcast is Feminine Power Time .
This episode is inspired by the book Authentic: How to be yourself and why it matters (Author Stephen Joseph) . We explore two journal prompts to nudge you on your authenticity journey and why authenticity is important. If you are interested in creativity coaching sessions, check out my website www.drtricia.co for more information.
"Once you give a bird name. You no longer see the bird. Try to go through life without naming things. That brings the wonder back."-Adyashanti. In this podcast, I share how a recent drawing exercise brought out the mental limitations we create, which keeps us from experiencing the totality of life.
People say that the soul, on hearing the song of creation, entered the body, but in reality the soul itself was the song. - Hafiz
There is such beauty in immersing yourself in a sound bath. I share my experience of my first gong bath. If you are interested in setting up a creativity coaching session find out more information at www.drtricia.co
As a child the number one question we are faced with is what do you want to be? There are numerous repercussions when we don't live up to this, but also even when we do. Instead of asking yourself what you want to be, what would happen if you asked yourself how do you want to be?
"The only way to learn is to live." -The Midnight Library, Matt Haig
This book The Midnight Library has been so fascinating to me. What would your life have been like if you made different choices? How many lives could you have had and how would this have impacted those around you?
“Once she stopped rushing through life, she was amazed how much more life she had time for.” ― Unknown
What lessons have you gained from the pandemic or will you return to the distractions?
What is on your bucket list? What is the intention behind that goal? Work from Maria Nemeth P.D. is shared on how to explore what are our true intentions. It's never too late to live a more intentional creative life. For coaching packages and to get on a mailing list check out www.drtricia.co
"accountability is the glue that ties the commitment to the result."-bob proctor
How are you doing with your 2021 goals? Explore the reasons why we all need an accountability partner.
It's easy to return to our base levels of happiness, even with boosts of positive events that happen in our lives. Positive psychology tips are shared to counter this. Please check the link below for a recent essay I have written in a new Chicken Soup for the Soul series. http://bit.ly/3kzB8y4
"To forget one's ancestors is to be a brook without a source, a tree without a root."-Chinese Proverb
Amidst the recent racist crimes against Asians this week in America, I thought it was important to share brief thoughts on how we can honor our heritage and ancestors.
Check out my live meditation below for details on a meditation on Honoring our Ancestors
https://insig.ht/wypR3hk5Neb?utm_source=copy_link&utm_medium=live_stream_share
Do you curate what enters your life? This episode explores how we can be intentional with what we choose to listen to, scroll, or ingest and how this impacts our mood.
Clothes make the man/woman. Get inspired by changing up your look, even in the midst of covid. "What you wear is how you present yourself to the world, especially today when human contacts go so fast. Fashion is instant language. "-Miuccia Prada
"Let the beauty you love be what you do, there are hundreds of ways to kneel and kiss the ground."-Rumi
This week we dip into Sahara Rose's new book Discover Your Dharma, and how you can begin to have your passions match what the universe needs right now.
If you are feeling overwhelmed with your 2021 goals, what small action steps can you take today?
Small steps work—grandiose goals don’t. Sonia Choquette
Have you thought of taking up a pilgrimage in 2021? Thoughts are shared in this podcast from Phil Cousineau's book The Art of Pilgrimage. Regardless of how large or small your pilgrimage is the importance is one's intention in how to make things sacred. This could be the Camino de Santiago, Jerusalem, Mecca, India, or the Shakespeare and Co Bookstore in Paris.
When we set goals using the SMART technique, we may sometimes be disappointed when things do not happen as we planned. Sometimes, we must surrender and allow collaboration to occur with the universe, which may have a different timeline than you.
“There are two ways to live your life. One is as though nothing is a miracle. The other is as though everything is a miracle.”-Albert Einstein
Have you set your goals for 2021? We explore how important it is to explore our obstacles, and not just the completion of a vision board.
How have you surprised yourself in 2020? Was it how you responded to the pandemic, your emotional reactions, your resilience, or creativity? Take time to reflect and stay curious.
Many of us have experienced loss in 2020, and are dealing with grief. Oftentimes we feel we alone in are suffering, but the truth is we can find connection in the most difficult of times.
As we celebrate Thanksgiving and all we are grateful for, why not explore how we can give back? Giving and serving can be the best medicine to lift us out of depression and loneliness.
What goals did you set out for 2020? Were some achieved? Could they be reframed? If we set to be world explorers, perhaps you opted to pivot to explore your internal landscape. Maybe you were like me and yearned to slow down, and this year provided you with an opportunity. Explore this episode as you reflect on the year and step into crafting 2021.
“In a society that worships love, freedom, and beauty, dance is sacred. It is a prayer for the future, a remembrance of the past and a joyful exclamation of thanks for the present.” –Amelia Atwater-Rhodes
Dance is our bodies natural reaction to celebration. It’s a way to release the excess energy that’s been accumulating in our bones. Words cannot always express what our bodies have been feeling. And so was the case when the election results were made...
"We rise by lifting others."-Robert Ingersoll
Reminders of how to pivot to kindness to strangers during these challenging times.
How would you define 2020 in three words or less? Is it possible to reframe and repackage that if for some reason it is overly negative. When we focus on only the negative aspects, it keeps us from enjoying the present.
Poem "Welcome to Holland" by Emily Perl Kingsley is discussed.
Twenty years of journals in this one art piece. How can you repurpose the old you? If we get new cells every 7 years physically, how are you shifting internally? For inspiration, check out the art by Phillips Bowers.
We explore the law of attraction, also known as the secret. In what areas of your life are you living in a mindset of abundance or scarcity?
We explore briefly the documentary The Social Dilemma and technology's influence on you. Can you be intentional with the start of your day versus allowing notifications and emails to rule you?
"If your compassion does not include yourself it is not complete."-Jack Kornfield. We explore briefly the work of Dr. Kristin Neff and self-compassion versus self-esteem. How are you caring for yourself during these times?
“You can’t reach for anything new if your hands are still full of yesterday’s junk.” -Louise Smith
Spring isn't the only time to declutter. As we approach fall, and the leaves shed from the trees, we can opt to declutter. Re-explore the Marie Kondo method. Touch an item, see if it sparks joy, and thank it for serving you. We can do this with tangible things, but also our thoughts, emotions, and people.
What's your Camino de Santiago? What would it take for you to walk a 500 mile pilgrimage whether in Spain to the remains of St. James, in the Australian Alps, or Pacific Crest Trail? Let your feet walk you to the answers in your heart. "I was amazed that what I needed to survive could be carried on my back. And, most surprising of all, that I could carry it. That I could bear the unbearable."-Cheryl Strayed, Wild
“Travel isn’t always pretty. It isn’t always comfortable. Sometimes it hurts, it even breaks your heart. But that’s okay. The journey changes you; it should change you. It leaves marks on your memory, on your consciousness, on your heart, and on your body. You take something with you. Hopefully, you leave something good behind.” – Anthony Bourdain
"True friends are families which you can select."-Audrey Hepburn. During this crazy time of Covid, we need our friends more than ever. How can we stay curious and committed to this curated family?
Who do you choose to surround yourself with? We can opt to select the friends in your atmosphere. Negativity is contagious, but so is positivity. Choose wisely.
Instead of fearing growing older, embrace the season in your life. Forty is the new phoenix. What do you want to accomplish in this next decade? What is on your bucket list? There is no day but today.
How are you with your 2020 goals? Is it time to reframe them? Can you balance planning with flexibility? Aparigraha is a yogic principle of non-greediness or non-possessiveness. Yogic Teacher Tosha Silver further adds that if we are grasping tightly to our desires and wants, there is no space in our hands to receive.
We generally think greatness is reserved for the few, but greatness doesn't exist in a vacuum. Our contributions to the worlds of art, science, politics, and advocacy build on each other. I share a bit about the inspirational works of Liz Gilbert and Lin Manuel Miranda.
Hamilton PBS Special: https://youtu.be/SDTmITgsye8?fbclid=IwAR0ULUQtQgRLR4sKcWa_2CiTyDAn41wu1G8czqd-8giHv2jiN6EW6yoYgIg
What is spiritual bypassing? We peak into this and how it can conflict with the law of attraction. Explore how during this time it's important to turn towards the pain of the world and not just what you want to achieve in your own personal life. Check out www.leesareneehall.com for more information.
"If you stand for nothing Burr, what will you fall for?" Although millions are excited for Hamilton the musical to premiere on Disney, are we truly opting to take a stand for what we believe? Rachel Cargle and Lin-Manuel Miranda parter to find parallels with lyrics from Hamilton and our current realities
Explore the necessity to choose love over fear at times like these. “Love is what we are born with. Fear is what we learn. The spiritual journey is the unlearning of fear and prejudices and the acceptance of love back in our hearts. Love is the essential reality and our purpose on earth. To be consciously aware of it, to experience love in ourselves and others, is the meaning of life. Meaning does not lie in things. Meaning lies in us.”― Marianne Williamson
"Transform your anger into power. Your power can set the world on fire. Anger will only burn it down." Sara Loos. Today is Juneteenth day, a day that slavery was totally abolished for all Americans. In the midst of everything right now, it's easy to be stirred and fired up. But what will you do with that anger? How can that anger serve the larger community and the world? Explore this in today's episode.
What are your dreams calling for you to do right now? In the midst of chaos, pandemics, and protests, what are your dreams literally calling for you to do right now? Can you slow down enough to pay attention on how your soul wants you to show up and serve in this world?
"When you know better you do better."-Maya Angelou
Blacklivesmatter is not just a political, racial, or socioeconomic issue. Its a humanitarian issue, and a sentient being issue.
Watching the protests and riots in your homeland from afar is frustrating. It's normal to feel angry, sad, hurt, and fearful. Reflect on what you can do during this time. Prayers, meditation, peaceful protests, donations, registering to vote, learning and unlearning about our privilege, creating conversations in our communities, families, and with our children. Explore other worldviews and white privilege. Explore how we can be reflecting on questions together as a road to the answer. "Racism is not getting worse, it's getting filmed"-Will Smith
"You are only as old as your back is flexible."-Iyengar
We can still grow and stretch ourselves with our age. Elongate your body with proper posture, release emotional and metaphorical baggage to find freedom in your spine. Watch yourself grow. Check out the Tibetan Rites also known as the fountain of youth for a short workout in 7 minutes to revitalize your energy and vitality again.
This time period has been known as the Sacred Pause, but I'm naming it the Emergency Brake. Stop and see if this is the life you want to live versus mindlessly driving at a fast speed down the path of someone else's life.
"When the waves of the mind subside, you will see that everything you seek is already within you."-Amma
We explore the importance of quieting the mind, to reconnect to the wisdom within. Authors and podcasters recommended in this episode: Laura Lynn Jackson, Gabrielle Bernstein, Carrie Suwal, and Sahara Rose
Who is the most authentic you at 5, 10, 15, 20, 30? Has the true you stayed the same, or what has shifted?
A recent Jay Shetty Podcast with author Glennon Doyle inspired me to reflection the question: who is the most true you? most true relationship?
"I will not stay not ever again- in room or conversation or relationship or institution that requires me to abandon myself."-Glennon Doyle, Untamed
"He who can no longer pause to wonder and stand rapt in awe, is as good as dead; his eyes are closed."-Albert Einstein
We explore how this time can be viewed as the Sacred Pause, thoughts shared by Sahara Rose and value shifts to be worked on at this time.
Explore the Top 10 Mental Health Benefits of Covid-19. We are always finding what's wrong, why not find what is right?
"Without music Life would be a mistake."-Neitzsche
How b
Photo is me and Rachel Yamagata
"Don't Let an Old Person Move into your Body."-Wayne Dyer
When we move our bodies, there is a freedom that exists like no other. How are you moving during this time of social isolation? How can you release stuck energy?
Question to reflect on : If someone designed a playground just for you, what would be in it? How would you spend your recess period?"-Aesthetics of Joy
The parallels of the Lindy Hope and Tik Tok are explored. Can dance save our down and out souls during times of depression? History seems to think so. Check out the swing documentary Alive and Kicking and if you haven't already Tik Tok.
Find motivation in knowing that everyday is a special occasion, even if it's in social isolation
With Easter weekend approaching, how are you opting to be reborn? Thoughts from Tosha Silver's work are shared. How will you emerge after social isolation is complete?
"Play is the highest form of research."-Einstein. How are you opting to play at this phase in your life and during this time of social isolation?
"We cannot cure the world of sorrows, but we can choose to live in joy."-Joseph Campbell. During this trying time we are living in, life doesn't have to be 100% serious. Opt to choose joy.
"Death is not the greatest loss in life. The greatest loss is what dies inside while we live."-Norman Cousins
While the world is on quarantine, it's a time to reflect on one's life and values. The Buddhists have a principle to remind yourself five times a day you are going to die, to encourage reflection on how you want to live. Use this time in your life to do that.
With the heightened collective contagiousness of fear, anxiety, and scarcity mentality (which is in addition to the coronavirus), it's really important to take time and CTFO (chill the f$*k out) with some digital detox and mindfulness. When discussing the craziness of overstocking up on toilet paper with my brother the other day, he was right on when he wittingly said "people are literally scared sh$tless."
Wisdom shared by Jack Kornfield: "Instead of getting lost in each of the movies that play: the romantic comedy, the war movie, action, comedy of errors...can you say oh yeah, that's the movie. And here we are . The space of awareness can bow and touch it. Be touched by it. Be present for it. Not reactive, not lost, not afraid. This is the gift that will liberate you and it's not detachment. You are more present, more loving, more alive."
Just as negativity or the coronavirus is contagious. So is inspiration. Let the muse of Lin Manuel Miranda (or fill in the blanks any artist) infiltrate you.
Why not treat yourself to the royalty that you are? Stop waiting for that special day. Everyday is special!
Explore ways you can live your life as a tourist for 40 days. I share the backdrop of my book The Fragrance of Wanderlust: How to Capture the Essence of Travel in Our Everyday Lives.
Who would be on your board of sages if you could craft a league of wise and spiritual thought leaders to be on your side?
How do you respond when people ask you "what do you do?" Is it an automatic response? Do you change up your answer? You have a choice, and a choice to ask deeper questions. Shared Jay Shetty's podcast and the company Irrational Labs.
Are we only one archetype, or was this path laid out for us? We have the option to change courses. Mentioned in this podcast was Caroline Myss, Carl Jung, and Ennegrams, check them out.
Friendships and trust take time to develop. Allow that to unfold and discern who is worthy to let in.
Breaking our patterns is tough because they are stubborn as bulldogs. Explore ways to create new routines to achieve your goals.
Are you keeping goals that are stale and no longer serve you? Explore if they are necessary to keep or can be released?
Stay Golden Podcast Episode 11 Passion Project Procrastination - 2:4:20, 9.58 PM by Dr. Tricia Wolanin
It's easy to become overwhelmed with what our grand purpose is in our lives, but this episode reminds us to break our purpose into smaller bite size chunks.
We are all creative beings, but sometimes we forget that and save creativity for the "artistic ones." Allow yourself the freedom to create without expectation.
If we are the average of the five people we spend the most time with, how are you curating your life?
Do you ever feel guilty for receiving presents or taking time off? Treat yo-self to wealth available everyday
First episode focusing on the importance of Goal Setting, Accountability, and Believing in oneself