Embracing Intensity

In this solo episode, I delve into my personal journey of overcoming a prolonged burnout to explore the concept of truly restful rest. I discuss the five areas of energy balance—physical, emotional, mental, social, and connection—from my 'Balancing Your Time and Energy' workbook. Through my experience, including the importance of joy-driven activities, social connections, and the INCUP (Interest, Novelty, Challenge, Urgency, and Passion) framework, I provide practical advice on how to replenish energy reserves effectively. Also, discover the value of doing an energy audit to identify draining versus energizing activities. Learn more about my strategies for achieving genuine rest and explore my workbook collection for further guidance.  In this Episode: Experiencing burnout and the importance of restful rest. Five Areas of Energy Balance: Physical, Emotional, Mental, Social, and Connection. Physical Rest: Emphasizes the importance of activities that truly relax the nervous system, like going for walks. Mental Rest: Stresses shifting focus to activities driven by joy rather than duty to avoid energy drain. Emotional Rest: Highlights the significance of assertive actions over anxiety-driven actions. Social Rest: Explains how spending time with comfortable social connections can be energizing. Connection: Discusses the importance of feeling connected to oneself, others, and the world. Motivation Factors: INCUP - Interest, Novelty, Challenge, Urgency, and Passion - as motivational strategies. Urgency: Talks about creating a sense of urgency through public accountability to stay motivated. Challenge: Transforming tasks into challenges to stay engaged and motivated. Interest: Recommends revisiting previous interests to reignite passion. Novelty and Passion: Encourages switching things up to maintain novelty and passion in tasks. Join our upcoming community call on the healing power of music! Resources: Join the Embracing Intensity Community for our upcoming call!

In this episode of the Embracing Intensity podcast, host Aurora Remember Holtzman interviews Bob Yamtich about his journey with intensity, nonviolent communication (NVC), and self-connection. Bob shares his personal experiences with bipolar disorder and hypomania, the importance of shared reality, and his passion for self-connection. He discusses his work, including his self-connection coloring book, and provides insights into the practice of NVC for both self-awareness and enhancing interpersonal communication. Aurora and Bob also delve into the challenges and rewards of forming in-person connections and the role of intensity in their lives. The episode concludes with Bob's emphasis on the foundational role of self-connection in his approach to NVC and a preview of his upcoming live discussion on the topic. About Bob: Bob Yamtich is a therapist and Nonviolent Communication trainer. He completed his Bachelor’s in Civil Engineering in 2003, the BayNVC Nonviolent Communication Leadership Program in 2007 (assisting in LP08), and his Master’s in Counseling Psychology in 2011. He earned his Marriage and Family Therapist license in California in 2014. He was a founding member of the Da Vinci Center for Gifted Children in Alameda, CA, and Genesis Innovation Academy in Atlanta, GA. Bob currently lives in Indiana and offers phone coaching and in-person training. He can be followed on Twitter @BobYamtich. In this episode: Introduction by Bob about trusting intensity based on shared reality and positive contributions. Aurora introduces Bob Yamtich, mentioning his upcoming talk on Nonviolent Communication (NVC) and their mutual appreciation for NVC. Bob expresses gratitude for being on the podcast. Aurora asks Bob about what he is intensely passionate about; Bob mentions his role as a dad and his professional passion for developing self-connection, highlighting his self-connection coloring book. Discussion on how NVC helps both with self-connection and interpersonal communication. Bob speaks about overcoming hypomania and psychosis, emphasizing the need for stability and shared reality. Bob shares his journey with bipolar disorder and the importance of medication alongside therapeutic practices. Aurora asks about the impact of intensity during Bob's upbringing; Bob shares how his extreme passion led to feelings of guilt and loneliness. Bob mentions his gifted program experience and the importance of having passionate friends. Bob discusses how nonviolent communication helped him rebuild his life and manage his intensity. Aurora and Bob talk about the challenges and benefits of connecting with others in person versus online. Bob reflects on the shadow side of his intensity, including an episode where he buried treasure and was not in touch with shared reality. Emphasis on the importance of self-connection in managing intensity and understanding one's needs. Bob shares a final blessing of self-connection and invites listeners to explore this concept along with empathy and honesty in nonviolent communication.  Resources: Bob’s Website Embracing Intensity Memberships Join our Community & Check out our calendar of upcoming events!  

This week on Embracing Intensity, we share part of our call with Sharon J. Burton on "Creativity as Self-Care." Sharon delves into a chapter from her upcoming book "Creative Sparks" that explores how embracing creativity can be a powerful form of self-care. Through affirmations, inspiration, and practical tips, Sharon will guide attendees on how to use their creative talents to nurture their well-being, reduce stress, and cultivate a more mindful and fulfilling life. Join us for an enlightening discussion on the transformative power of creativity in self-care practices. Join us for an engaging discussion with Sharon, a creativity coach, visual artist, teaching artist, yoga nidra guide, meditation guide, poet, and soon-to-be author. Sharon shares her journey back to art after pursuing a traditional career path and emphasizes the importance of creativity as self-care. The conversation covers themes such as the challenges and joys of embracing creativity at midlife, especially for those who may not have received encouragement earlier in life due to societal pressures towards more conventional careers. Sharon introduces her upcoming book, 'Creative Sparks: 21 Affirmations and Inspirations for Creativity at Midlife,' aimed at inspiring people to reconnect with their creativity. The discussion also explores the significance of creativity for personal growth, mental health, and cultural expression, particularly within the African American community. Additionally, it addresses overcoming common obstacles like the inner critic, imposter syndrome, and societal expectations, encouraging listeners to give themselves permission to explore their passions and creative impulses fully. About Sharon Sharon J. Burton is a visual artist, art curator, poet and certified creative coach and Founder of Spark Your Creative Coaching. Since 2016, she has focused on helping people in "creative recovery"... those looking to revive or jump start their creativity through group and individual coaching, workshops, her blog and as the host of Spark Your Creative Podcast which features artists and other creatives who are using their unique talents to create more mindful communities and a safer world. Sharon is a certified creativity coach through the Creativity Coaching Association. She completed requirements for the professional certificate in Art Business from New York University and a certificate in Art History through the Smithsonian. a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and a Master of Public Administration. Sharon is also a Level II, Reiki Certified practitioner and received her Breath Work + Meditation Teacher Certification. Sharon infuses her creativity coaching with wellness practices to help her clients break through the blocks that prevent them from fully engaging in their creative potential. In this episode: Aurora welcomes Sharon Burton to the "Embracing Intensity" podcast to discuss creativity as self-care. Sharon reflects on reconnecting with Aurora after years and discusses the importance of creativity in her life and others'. Aurora mentions the podcast's start in 2016, noting Sharon's early appearance in its second year. Sharon introduces herself as a creativity coach, visual artist, yoga nidra and meditation guide, and soon-to-be author. The discussion pivots to Sharon's upcoming book, "Creative Sparks: 21 Affirmations and Inspirations for Creativity at Midlife," focused on encouraging creativity in midlife individuals. Sharon shares her journey from pursuing a practical business degree to rediscovering her artistic side, emphasizing the challenge and reward of returning to creativity. A chapter from Sharon's book is shared, highlighting how creative practice can serve as a powerful form of self-care and aid in stress reduction, self-expression, self-discovery, boosting self-esteem, and promoting physical well-being. Aurora and Sharon discuss the societal pressures that often discourage creative pursuits and share personal insights on recognizing and affirming one's creativity. The conversation includes questions from the audience, exploring challenges faced by multi-talented individuals and ways to prioritize creativity amidst life's demands. Discussion on where creativity comes from, suggesting it can originate both from within the mind and beyond the physical body. The dialogue transitions to a discussion segment, where Sheldon joins to emphasize the unique experiences of creativity within the Black community and the impact of cultural and societal expectations. Sharon responds by highlighting the evolving opportunities for creative expression enabled by technology and the importance of embracing creativity at any life stage. Aurora wraps up by summarizing key takeaways: understanding one's creative "why," giving oneself permission to prioritize creativity, and inviting listeners to explore Sharon's upcoming book as a resource for inspiration and empowerment. Sharon concludes with details about her book launch, her podcast, and how to connect with her online for more insights into fostering creativity. Resources: Sharon's Website Sharon's Book! I Must Be Bug'n Podcast Embracing Intensity Memberships Join our Community & Check out our calendar of upcoming events!

Join us in a profound exploration of fun, creativity, and self-care in our latest Embracing Intensity Podcast episode with special guest Boontarika Sripom. Dive deep into the significance of play in nurturing personal growth and bringing joy into our lives, especially for the intensely creative and gifted. Boontarika, a life coach with a passion for play and a background in clinical psychology and human development, shares her insights on how engaging in playful activities can foster innovation, relieve stress, and support our overall well-being. Discover the psychological foundations of play, its role in human development, and how to incorporate more playful moments into your daily routine. Whether you're seeking ways to rejuvenate your creative spirit or find balance in your intense life, this conversation is a reminder of play's transformative power. For the creative, differently wired, and divergent thinker, play can be as natural as breathing. For some of us, there are layers of shame or uncertainty that inhibit playing across the lifespan. We may be separated from an essential part of maintaining authenticity. This conversation will explore the power of play, sprinkle archetypal journeys within play and fandoms, and encourage listeners to honor their inner children by playing. To those who continue playing: My inner child honors yours. I just waved at you across the playground. :) About Boontarika: Boontarika Sripom, MA is a therapy-informed life coach. Her work focuses on coaching using archetypes and understanding the cognition of the differently wired, specifically highly sensitive, creative, and gamer folks. She believes knowledge, guidance, and compassion leads to insights, individual acceptance, and empowerment to change. Boonie is a former preschool teacher, paraprofessional in special education, Outreach Counselor Intern, and College Counselor for creative students. She earned her Master’s in Clinical Psychology from the Chicago School of Professional Psychology. Her favorite games are Age of Empires, World of Warcraft, and Minecraft. She is currently playing Fortnite, Roblox, and The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild. In this episode: Rejuvenating rest and exploring creativity as self-care with Sharon Burton's upcoming book release. The significance of play, especially for intense, gifted, creative individuals. Boontarika introduces her talk on play's importance, touching on her background in clinical psychology and love for video games. Discussion on the psychological aspects of play, highlighting its components like being purposeless, voluntary, and having inherent attraction. Mentions of Stuart Brown and the National Institute of Play, and their work on defining the components of play. Boontarika shares personal anecdotes and illustrations to explain concepts of play. Exploration of play's therapeutic and developmental benefits, including combating depression and fostering a sense of community. Reference to Jane McGonigal's works on how games can improve our lives and the role of gamification. Emphasis on the therapeutic aspects for neurodivergent individuals and how play serves as a safe space. Reflection on societal pressures, adulthood's responsibilities, and the overall decline in play. Discussion turns to practical ways to reintegrate play into life and its broader benefits. Concluding thoughts on the cultural and personal importance of play, inviting the audience to explore their own playful nature. Integrating play into educational settings and acknowledging the varying definitions of play. Resources: Boontarika's Website Embracing Intensity Memberships Join our Community & Check out our calendar of upcoming events!

In this engaging conversation, Aurora sits down with the multi-talented Princess Fortier, a beacon of inspiration in the journey of embracing one’s intensity. Princess shares her remarkable story, from neuroscientist to singer and model, highlighting how music became her tool for healing and transforming her life. Together, they delve into the themes of harnessing personal intensity, pursuing passions beyond conventional boundaries, and the power of gratitude journaling. Princess's insight provides a riveting exploration of living life unbounded and the beauty of connecting deeply with one's passions. Join us as we uncover the synergy between harmony and intensity, and discover how embracing your full self can lead to a fulfilling and impactful life.   Discover how Princess overcame intense migraines through her passion for singing, marking a pivotal shift in her life that not only cured her physically but also steered her towards a fulfilling career in music. Throughout the episode, Princess shares her multifaceted experiences, from her challenges with perfectionism and navigating cultural expressions to engaging deeply with neurodiversity and entrepreneurship. Aurora and Princess delve into the significance of embracing one's intensity, using personal fire for positive impact, and the liberation found in gratitude and self-expression. This episode is a testament to the strength found in vulnerability, the beauty of pursuing one's passions, and the value of community support. Tune in to be inspired, find connection, and discover how to channel your own intensity into a force for good.   This episode not only celebrates Princess's remarkable contributions to the field of music and arts but also sheds light on how embracing one's intensity can lead to groundbreaking discoveries and personal healing. Listen in as Princess shares her thoughts on perseverance, the significance of music in her life, her battle against perfectionism, and her spirited advocacy for journaling and gratitude as tools for navigating life's challenges. In this episode Princess is an inspiring figure who transitioned from a neuroscientist to a singer/model and has been featured in shows like Abbott Elementary and All American. Princess shares her unique story of how singing cured her chronic migraines, leading her to pursue a full-time music career. The power of journaling, especially gratitude journaling, as a tool for self-reflection and goal setting. Princess discusses the challenges and benefits of embracing one's intensity, including her resistance to being limited by societal expectations and finding freedom in diversity. The dialogue touches on topics like neurodivergence, perfectionism, the importance of setting boundaries, and the impact of cultural and familial pressures. Aurora and Princess share experiences of dealing with rejection sensitivity and the internal struggle of wanting to be liked and approved. They explore the concept of using one's 'fire' for good, including sharing knowledge, setting examples for others, and creating transformative art. Princess discusses how engaging in multiple passions, such as music and entrepreneurship, has allowed her to express her intensity in various domains. Aurora emphasizes the importance of self-care and taking breaks to prevent burnout, acknowledging her own past of working on urgency. The conversation also covers strategies for harnessing one's intensity and sensitivity, with Princess highlighting the power of gratitude practices. Princess encourages the audience to let go of perfectionism and embrace their passions. Both speakers reflect on personal growth, the importance of authentic self-expression, and supporting others in their journey to embrace their intensity. Princess shares ways to connect with her and learn more about her journey and work, including her website and upcoming appearances. Resources: Princess on Instagram Princess' Website Join our Community & Check out our calendar of upcoming events! Embracing Intensity Memberships

In this thought-provoking podcast episode, Jeff and Aurora delve deep into the topic of dismantling patriarchy through play. They explore the impact of societal norms on individuals, the role of neurodivergence in challenging the status quo, and the importance of celebrating uniqueness. Through personal anecdotes and insightful discussions, they highlight the power of embracing one's intensity and fostering connections through play. Stay tuned to gain valuable insights on creating a more inclusive and empathetic world through intentional actions and meaningful engagement. The podcast discussion delves into the intersection of play, patriarchy, neurodiversity, and societal norms. Jeff and Aurora explore the impact of patriarchy on both men and women, emphasizing the importance of men becoming allies to women and the need to challenge traditional gender roles. They highlight the power of play in fostering connection, breaking free from societal expectations, and celebrating neurodiversity. The conversation encourages embracing uniqueness, challenging the status quo, and fostering a sense of community and connection through play. About Jeff Jeff Harry, the founder of Rediscover Your Play, runs an organization dedicated to making work more enjoyable through play and positive psychology. With a strong belief that play can heal workplaces and communities, Jeff emphasizes the importance of embracing intensity and connecting with others authentically. He advocates for celebrating neurodivergence and challenging societal norms to create a more inclusive and empathetic world. Jeff's work focuses on dismantling patriarchy by encouraging allies to women and fostering deeper connections through play. In this episode: Jeff emphasizes the importance of play in healing workplaces and communities. Play is discussed as a tool for challenging the status quo and encouraging connection. Aurora and Jeff share stories about the power of play to bring people together. Celebrating neurodivergency and uniqueness is highlighted as a way to dismantle patriarchy. Remote companionship is discussed as both beneficial and limited in replacing in-person connections. The impact of societal norms on neurodivergent individuals and the need for acceptance and celebration. Historical examples like the 54th during the Civil War are used to showcase the ripple effects of small actions. The concept of the "cathedral effect" is introduced, encouraging individuals to make a difference even if they may not see the immediate results. The Embracing Intensity community is promoted as a supportive space for intense and gifted individuals to connect and grow. Resources: Rediscover Your Play Embracing Intensity Community Embracing Intensity Memberships

This week on Embracing Intensity, we share an enlightening conversation with award-winning author and licensed educational psychologist, Christine Fonseca. In this episode of our podcast, our host, Aurora, delves into an enriching conversation with Fonseca, exploring her insights on emotional intensity, mental health, giftedness, and our inherent human complexities.  Fonseca, a gifted adult herself, opens up about her experiences, passions, and various interests that set her apart. The discussion probes the depths of dealing with intense emotions, overcoming personal challenges, and handling burnout. The highlight of the conversation is Fonseca's perspective on the full spectrum of human emotions and the importance of dissecting, understanding, and accepting them as part of our unique individual journeys. She also talks about the necessity of open cross-disciplinary communication within the fields of mental health and related sciences to facilitate a more comprehensive understanding of the human condition.  Join us for these compelling insights and much more in our podcast of a treasured conversation with Christine Fonseca! In this Episode: Unpacking Christine Fonseca's journey from being an educational psychologist to an international speaker, author, and gifted adult Discussion on the influence and inspiration behind the podcast Unveiling Christine's multi-faceted interests including owning a lifestyle shop and being a fiber artist Emphasizing the importance of not fitting in a box and cherishing one's unique identity Navigating the nuances of social interactions and their impact on mental health Exploring the connection between emotional intensity and the nervous system dysregulation  Introduction to the ROAR protocol, a technique to understand and mitigate anxiety Christine's personal journey through overcoming burnout and the strategies she employed Deep dive into the conversation of societal pressures, the pursuit of constant happiness and its paradoxical impact on mental health The untapped power of holistic communication across different disciplinary silos in the healthcare and mental health sector Embracing the beauty and complexity of being intensely human and the power of acceptance. Resources: Embracing Intensity Community Embracing Intensity Memberships Transcript Available

In this episode of the Embracing Intensity Podcast, we bring you an inspiring conversation with Cosette "Coco" Leary. Coco’s gripping story takes us on a journey from her days as a welfare recipient to eventually becoming a celebrated motivational speaker and entrepreneur. Her story is laced with determination, resilience, and overcoming adversity to redefine herself on her own terms. Join us as we delve into Coco's remarkable life journey. Coco candidly shares her life from being a welfare recipient to ascending to the realms of high-profile activism and motivational speaking. We learn about her early struggles with poverty, systemic barriers, and personal hurdles that conditioned her resilience and determination to achieve her dreams. Coco speaks passionately about her staunch belief in the power of perseverance, community, education, and self-belief. She beautifully illustrates how she transformed a life limited by societal expectations into a path teeming with promise and endless potential. Coco’s inspiring story delivers a powerful message about fighting for one’s dreams despite being in the face of adversity. This episode is a testament to the power of resilience, the quest for education, and the determination to change the narrative regardless of one's background. Tune in for a dose of intense inspiration! In this episode: Coco shares the pivotal role desperation played in building her resilience. Her brave initiative to pen a letter to a CEO that opened new avenues in her life. The importance of having a support system and the role sisterhood played in Coco's life. How her children’s unmet needs in public schools led her to homeschooling, and the benefits thereof. The impactful experience of her stint in Capitol Hill in D.C which led her to establish her empire. Coco’s vision for transforming societal norms through increased social connection and community support. Resources: CoCo's Website Guest Call Library Embracing Intensity Membership Embracing Intensity Community

In this episode of the Embracing Intensity Podcast, host Aurora interviews Kaitlin Smith, a scholar, facilitator, and founder of Our Wild Minds. Kaitlin shares her journey as a gifted BIPOC individual, her work in supporting gifted adults, and her research on the history of mind sciences. Join Aurora and Kaitlin as they explore the intersections between intensity, cultural dynamics, and personal growth. In this interview, Aurora and Kaitlin delve into Kaitlin's experiences as a gifted BIPOC individual, the challenges she faced growing up, and the cultural factors that affected her self-expression. They discuss how Kaitlin uses her intensity to make a positive impact and navigate the complex dynamics of the workplace. Kaitlin also shares her insights on harnessing the power of intensity and helping others do the same through her community platform, Our Wild Minds. Join Aurora and Kaitlin as they delve into the complexities of intensity and its transformative potential in this thought-provoking episode of the Embracing Intensity Podcast. In This Episode: Kaitlin's journey as a scholar, facilitator, and founder of Our Wild Minds. The intersections between the history of mind sciences and African American studies in Kaitlin's research. The challenges Kaitlin faced growing up in a predominantly white suburb and the conflicting expectations placed upon her as a gifted Black individual. The impact of cultural dynamics on expression and the pressure to conform to societal expectations. How Kaitlin uses her fire for good through various roles, including her work as a PhD student, teaching fellow, and community builder. The importance of clarity, deprogramming, and prioritizing values in harnessing the power of intensity. Kaitlin's insights on creating space for connection, introspection, learning, manifestation, and giving back through Our Wild Minds. The empowering message that it's never too late to embrace authenticity and live a life aligned with your true self. Resources: Kaitlin's Website ND Planner Club Join our Community & Check out our calendar of upcoming events!  

In this age of rapid and overwhelming information, how does one choose what is important to learn? Opportunities to play are opportunities to learn. Play allows us to imagine ourselves in different realities, in different worlds where the rules are different, where we can be different. In these alternate worlds, we can demand more for ourselves. In these worlds, we can identify our needs and build rules and systems to meet our deepest needs. Just as someone imagined the world you see around you right now; the one in which neurodivergent needs go largely unmet - through play, we can imagine a world in which neurodivergent needs are met. In this episode of the Embracing Intensity Podcast, host Aurora and Dr. Kimberly Douglas discuss the power of play in decolonizing neurodivergence. Dr. Douglas shares her insights on the relationship between play, imagination, and decolonization, and how they intersect in the context of gaming and world building. They discuss the power of immersion, imagination, and safety in fostering a state of play, and how play can be a catalyst for expanding thinking and problem-solving. They explore the connection between play and power dynamics in society, particularly within the context of colonization. Dr. Douglas also shares her perspective on the need to decolonize neurodivergence and challenge oppressive systems that limit the expression of neurodivergent identities. The conversation concludes with a reflection on the possibilities and challenges of embracing play and creativity as tools for personal and societal transformation. Stay tuned for this insightful conversation on play, decolonization, and embracing neurodivergent identities. Make sure to check out Dr. Kimberly Douglas' work and follow her on social media for more valuable insights. About Kimberly: Dr Kimberly Douglass is coach/consultant to Neurodivergent Adults. Dr Douglass is currently constructing the first design studio of its kind, run by AuDHDers, for AuDHDers. Dr Douglass became a full-time coach after working as staff, peer-reviewed researcher, faculty and administrator in higher education for over 17 years. She began the neurodivergence advocacy work over 13 years ago when she became the chief advocate for her Son who is neurodivergent. She has since gotten more in touch with her own neurodivergence. Dr Douglass is married to Dean Tate and lives in Tennessee. In this episode: Dr. Douglas shares her background and expertise in working with neurodivergent individuals. The importance of safety and immersion in fostering a state of play. Play encourages imagination, ideation, and thinking outside the box The relationship between play and imagination, and the role of play in expanding thinking and problem-solving. How neurodivergence challenges societal expectations and the worker role The connection between play and power dynamics in society, and the need to decolonize neurodivergence. Why decolonizing neurodivergence requires understanding larger systems of oppression The possibilities and challenges of embracing play and creativity as tools for personal and societal transformation. Permission to play and decolonize can bring up grief but also opens up possibilities Resources: Dr. Kimberly Douglass on TikTok Learn more about Dr. Kimberly Douglass I Must be Bug'n Podcast w/ Sheldon Gay Embracing Intensity All Access Membership Guest Call Library Embracing Intensity Community