SuperFeast Podcast

Sleep- a naturally recurring altered state of consciousness in which all our vital systems get restored, and our psyche unfurls. The timing of our sleep depends on hormonal signals from the circadian clock- the circadian clock synchronises with solar time (light). Naturally, when our circadian clock shifts out of rhythm-sleep quality and overall vitality will be affected. However, as we will learn in today's episode with Australia's leading sleep expert Olivia Arezzolo- it is also the psychology and somatics of sleep that cradle sleep issues and disorders into existence. The subject of sleep from the Tao is something that weaves its way into many conversations on the podcast- last year Mason recorded a brilliant episode with Qi practitioner Jost Sauer, The Importance of Sleep For Healthy Hun and Qi. Today, sleep expert Olivia Arezzolo moves beyond the top-line sleep supports (no blue light/devices before bed, magnesium, diet, dark room, routine etc.) to the deeper elements at play causing havoc with people's rest. We're talking about the stories and beliefs that exist around sleep- "I'm a light sleeper", "I've always been a bad sleeper", "I've just got too much on at the moment", "I can't sleep because I'm stressed".  Olivia's repertoire of studies is one of the things that make her approach to guiding people to better sleep so successful. With studies in psychology, sleep psychology, personal development, nutrition, and fitness- her guidance to better sleep is a symbiotic combination of all these elements. Her coaching and programmes provide people with a step-by-step guide to long-term healthy sleep practices that work. Within Olivia's work, there is a distinct consideration for the Yin and the Yang- an integration of practical sleep support tools and the assertion of more complex psychological factors that sabotage sleep.  Olivia discusses the three chronotypes of sleep that most people fit into, which she has also written a book about (Bear, Lion, Wolf). Olivia explains how the chronotypes reflect one's inherent circadian rhythm preference, and through knowing our 'Sleep type'- the path to better sound sleep will become one of less resistance. Tune in, and scroll down for lots of beautiful resources Olivia offers on her website, including the chronotype quiz- where you can discover and learn more about your sleep type.   In this episode Olivia and Mason discuss: -Sleep anxiety. -Sleep saboteurs. -Sleep psychology. -Sleep chronotypes. -Sleep support tools. -Why sleep guidance/coaching? -Personal development for sleep. -Embracing the Yin for better sleep. -Being fluid within our sleep structure. -Basic (fundamental) supporters of sleep. -Living in alignment with the Dao for sound sleep. -Sleep strategies that are accessible for everyone. -How lack of sleep affects our hormones and health. -CBTI therapy (cognitive behavioural therapy for insomnia) Resource guide Olivia's website  Chronotype quiz Olivia's Sleep Kit Olivia's Instagram Bear, Lion or Wolf- Book email: enquiries@oliviaarezzolo.com.au   Tonics: Reishi Ashwagandha Ashwagandha capsules Sweet Dreams Bundle  Relevant Articles:  Sleep: Our Top10 Tips (article) Sleepy Ashwagandha Milk (recipe) The Amazing Benefits of Adaptogen Ashwagandha Relevant Podcasts: Reishi, Mushroom of Immortality with Dan Sipple (EP#08) The Importance of Sleep For Healthy Hun and Qi with Jost Sauer (EP#102)   Check Out The Transcript Here: https://www.superfeast.com.au/blogs/articles/ep-176-sleep-podcast-with-olivia-arezzolo  

On the podcast today, we travel beyond the system of tonic herbalism through the gateway of philosophy to explore the revered wisdom teachings that underpin Taoism: A nature-based way of living that ultimately seeks to cultivate harmony within the mind and body. Many people desire a sense of harmony to be resolved within their life and restored within themselves. But how do we bring ourselves back to centre when the Ying and The Yang are out of balance? Today, Mason delves into the Taoist teachings of The Six Thieves (the eyes, ears, nose, tongue, body, and mind), The Seven emotions, Seven Injuries, and Ten Weaknesses; Teachings laid out by the Immortals to support the intention of harmony and guide us out of excessiveness. Mason discusses the beautiful anchorage of a foundational Yin/Yang lifestyle, when cravings and desires lead to excess, how a healthy flowing liver and strong heart will keep us out of excessiveness, and why women and men are most centred when following the rhythms of the moon and Qi cycles.   Mason discusses: -What are The Six Thieves? -The Seven Emotions and Injuries. -What are The Ten Weaknesses? -How the Six Thieves steal our Jing/Qi/Shen. -Why the 24 hour Qi cycle is essential for men. -The Yin Yang foundation of a woman's moon cycle. -Why we thrive with a Yin/Yang foundational lifestyle. -Moving from cravings/desires to intention/perception. -The relationships between the seven emotions seven injuries.   Resource guide Mason's Instagram SuperFeast Instagram  Cultivating Stillness book- Eva Wong Qi Health Cycle poster - Jost Sauer Beauty Tonics: Tremella QI BLEND Schisandra BEAUTY BLEND I AM GAIA BLEND. Radiant Skin Bundle Relevant Articles:  The Three Treasures (Jing, Qi and Shen) The Taoist Brains: Who Are The Tao and What Is There Philosophy? Relevant Podcasts: Yin Yang Wuxing For Inner Harmony with Rhonda Chang (EP#89) The Wu Shen and Alchemy Vs Ascension with Stephanie Nosco (EP#123)   Check Out The Transcript Here: https://www.superfeast.com.au/blogs/articles/excessiveness-and-the-six-thieves  

"This is probably the first time we've talked about the San Jiao meridian- the invisible Yang Organ System. The San Jiao is responsible for the transportation of fluids through the body. It's responsible for the functional relationship between various Organs involved with fluid metabolism and metabolism in general. It's between the Lungs, Spleen, Kidneys, Small Intestine, and Bladder, and it's paired with the pericardium. It helps the body transport lymphatic fluid and prevents toxic build up". - Mason Taylor    Today on the podcast, we're taking a moment to observe and acknowledge the ancient healing tradition of Gua Sha. A healing technique that spans ages and cultures, bridging the gap between the practitioner's office and the home through direct engagement with the physicality of our bodies. Mason runs through the specific techniques and details of using the SuperFeast Bian stone Yin/Yang Gua Sha tools- how to engage, use them safely and feel connected to this ancient wisdom and ancient lore. Mason explains the function of eliminating internal heat and stagnation through the gentle scraping of the Gua Sha tool, supporting and assisting the movement of lymphatic fluids through the San Jiao meridian system. The Gua Sha tool offers profound benefits when incorporated into a daily facial-beauty routine, offering lasting radiance and buoyancy to the skin. But it is far more than just an elegant beauty tool for the face- it is a safe and gentle way of moving Qi around the body and preventing disease in our daily lives.   "The San Jiao meridian is the regulatory capacity for the body to move between the lower dantian, the middle dantian, the upper dantian, and the three burners-the three centres. And when they're in sync, you're connecting the Three Treasures, the Jing, the Qi, and the Shen. Everything's being regulated, harmonised, and connected, and the waters are moving on".  - Mason Taylor   Mason discusses: -Facial Gua Sha for detox. -Why Bian Stone for Gua Sha? -Chi Nei Tsang organ massage. -Immune function and Gua Sha. -How long do we use Gua sha for? -Gua Sha and the lymphatic sytem. -Gua Sha and the meridian systems. -San Jiao- the invisible Yang organ system. -How to use SuperFeasts Yin Yang Gua Sha tools. -The distinction between facial Gua Sha and body Gua Sha.  -Gua Sha and the distribution of Qi through the Gallbladder. -Why the San Jiao meridian system is essential for detoxification. -Stagnation-an indication of disease and disharmony within organ systems.   Resource guide Guest  Mason's Instagram SuperFeast Instagram    Mentioned in this episode  Movement Monk SuperFeast Gua Sha Bundle SuperFeast Yin Gua Sha Tool SuperFeast Yang Gua Sha Tool Chi Nei Tsang massage (Mantak Chia)    Beauty Tonics Tremella QI BLEND Schisandra BEAUTY BLEND I AM GAIA BLEND. Radiant Skin Bundle Relevant Articles:  Schisandra and Detox Go Hand in Hand Detoxification Guide -  A look At The Body's Detox channels Relevant Podcasts: Healing Heat: Infared Saunas with Sebastian Mierau (EP#84)   Check Out The Transcript Here: https://www.superfeast.com.au/blogs/articles/gua-sha-mason-ep-174  

Today on the podcast, we're talking about Beauty-in particular, beauty as it is understood and pursued through the Taoist lens. The Taoist embodiment of beauty could simply be summed up through the understanding that internal harmony is the key to external radiant beauty, and the preservation of youth. As within, so without. Our radiance- the quality of our skin, hair, eyes, nails, and how we hold ourselves physically, is an insightful indicator of our internal organ health.  But what are the elements of this internal harmony that deliver sparkly eyes, healthy skin, glowing Shen, animated Qi, and well cultivated Jing? In conversation with Sophia, Mason discusses the ancient practices, tonic herbs, and Taoist wisdom available to us in our pursuit of beauty through the many seasons of life. Rather than forming an unhealthy, unrealistic, obsessive relationship with beauty- this ancient ark of knowledge passed down from the Taoist immortals will keep us in an embodied, balanced, holistic pursuit of beauty- one that supports the cultivation of us evolving into graceful, wise, Shen-filled elders. Mason also goes through the beauty-focused, single tonic herbs and tonic blends within the SuperFeast range- explaining why we love to use them and how they deliver external radiant beauty; from within. This conversation is a beautiful Yin/Yang dialogue between Sophia and Mason, with many pearls of beauty-wisdom, both practical and esoteric. Make sure you scroll down to see the many topics discussed in this episode.     "As we go along, we need this barometer to ensure the body is being preserved enough. Do we have enough juice, enough sexual juices- enough Yin essence to ensure we can go through these graduation cycles and evolve into truly beautiful elders"? - Mason Taylor   Mason and Sophia discuss:  - Ageless beauty. - Blood and beauty - Spleen and beauty. - Fertility and beauty. - Shen is radiant beauty. - Preservation of Yin Jing. - Schisandra for hair health.  - Beauty and Shen development. - Herbs that regulate the Liver system. - The preservation of health as beauty. - Signs that your youth/health is deteriorating. - Lung function, Qi cultivation and beautiful skin. - Chi Nei Tsang for healthy organs and radiant beauty. - SuperFeast herbs that support the embodiment of beauty.  - Why the Liver health is a critical key to embodying beauty.    Resource guide Guest: Mason's Instagram SuperFeast Instagram  Jost Sauer Organ Wheel poster Stephen Harrod Buhner Books Beauty Tonics: Tremella QI BLEND Schisandra BEAUTY BLEND I AM GAIA BLEND. Radiant Skin Bundle Relevant Articles:  Schisandra And Detox Go Hand In Hand BEAUTY BLEND: It's Amazing Health Benefits The Incredible Health Benefits Of Tremella Mushroom Relevant Podcasts: The Ancient Daoist Beauty Tonics with Mason Taylor (EP#29)  Deconstructing The Beauty Industry with Jessica DeFino (EP#152) Natural Beauty; Holistic Self Care and Dental Care with Nadine Artemis (EP#101)     Check Out The Transcript Here: https://www.superfeast.com.au/blogs/articles/beauty-taoism-mason-ep-173  

As we enter the last month of Winter here in the Southern Hemisphere, it's very tempting to daydream about the sweet Spring air and warmer weather that awaits us. However, as we will learn in today's Winter podcast, this last month of Winter is critical to how we show up in Spring, Summer, and beyond. So as much as you can- REST, sleep, nurture and nourish yourself in these last days before spring arrives... Reflection, restoration, rest- through these Winter practices, we are able to access the wisdom of the Kidneys and the cultivation of Jing that will sustain us through Spring, the peak of Summer, and beyond. Today on the podcast, Tahnee and Mason share the practices, Kidney herbs, and Taoist wisdom of Winter/ Water time in a way that calls us to reflect and ask ourselves- Are we getting enough rest? If we observe the health of the collective during our current Winter season, the answer points to no. Tahnee dives deep into the energy of the Kidneys- explaining why rest/sleep in these cooler water cultivating months is critical to our vitality in every season.  Mason speaks to the Kidneys relationship with fear- when it's useful- when it's destructive, and how when we surrender to the stillness and darkness this season grants us, there is an opportunity for profound transformation- spiritually-mentally-physically.  This conversation comes at a most significant time, bringing up the much broader and ubiquitous question of sustainability. How sustainable are the lifestyles we live- and at what cost do they come to our health?   "I'm sleeping until seven most mornings, and I'm really feeling this deep nourishment from sleep at the moment. Obviously, we have a business and children, so naturally, we still end up burning the candle. But how many of us push through winter not getting that hibernation time, that deep rest of restoration in the Qi and the Organs? Then we get sick, and then we're suddenly crook all the time. It's like this because- as a culture, we keep the momentum going all year round. We don't have this time of acknowledging and making sacred the rest and the sleep that we require".    -Tahnee Taylor   Mason and Tahnee discuss: -Qi Gong -Jing energy -Qi cultivation -The organ wheel -Fear and the Kidneys. -Yin Yang Kidney herbs. -Why we need rest in Winter. -Herbs and foods for Winter. -Transforming fear into wisdom. -The Heart and Kidney meridians. -The esoteric nature of the Kidneys. -Balancing our Yin and Yang energy. -The Water element and the Kidneys. -Why we need sleep to cultivate Jing. -Why we protect ourselves against the cold. -Practices and meditations to support us through Winter. -What the menstrual flow says about our Jing/Kidney essence.   Resource guide Tahnee's website  Tahnee's Instagram Mason's Instagram SuperFeast Instagram  Jost Sauer Qi cycle poster Yoga Nidra: Divine Sleep Yoga Nidra The Yellow Emperor's Classic of Medicine- a new translation of the Neijing.  Tonics: JING blend  Cordyceps Deer Antler Eucommia Bark Three Treasures bundle Relevant Articles:  Jing: What Is It? How To Cultivate It.  Adrenals and Kidney Health- Breathing and Movement. Relevant Podcasts: Adrenal Fatigue and Reapir with Dan and Sage (EP#170)  Water Element and Winter Food Therapy with Kimberly Ashton (EP#168) The Importance Of Sleep For Healthy Hun and Qi with Jost Sauer (EP#102)   Check Out The Transcript Here: https://www.superfeast.com.au/blogs/articles/winter-rest-tahnee-mason-ep-172  

Today is the first of many podcasts to come, where we take a monograph-style deep dive into herbs and blends within the SuperFeast apothecary. Being 30 days of JING- and being our star foundation blend, it felt fitting to start with the JING blend.  In dialogue with Sophia- a long-time SuperFeast team member, stellar human being, and herb educator, Mason discusses the process of developing the JING blend, its beautiful balance of Yin/Yang herbs, and why it's an essential foundational blend for most people. We use the term foundational because the JING blend specifically focuses on servicing blood, core energy, libido, bones, marrow, longevity, brain capacity, youthfulness, buoyancy, and general hormonal regulation. In short, it's the blend to go to when you start to feel exhaustion and fatigue settling within your system. In this episode, Mason talks in depth about Jing essence- the driving force, resilience, and momentum that allows us to meet life with optimal capacity and stay grounded through the most challenging and animated times. As with everything we do at SuperFeast, the intention of evolving towards elderhood with grace and ease is bound to our Jing essence- our ability to cultivate, store and use it wisely. Mason goes through the individual herbs within the JING blend detailing their herbal actions, why he incorporated them in the blend, and the organ systems they tonify and work through. It's one thing to take a herb/blend and see results as they permeate through the body- but to understand the herbal actions and grasp how they work within your system- while feeling that action and seeing results takes healing to another level. Mason also weaves in a few of the mystical lore-based Classical Chinese Medicine stories behind some of the individual herbs, taking us back to the magical roots of this revered ancient herbal system.   Mason and Sophia discuss: -Jing, Qi and Shen. -Jing and Lung function. -Jing and Spleen function. -Jing and Kidney function -Prenatal and postnatal Jing. -Herbal actions of the JING blend. -Signs of Jing depletion within the body.  -Why JING blend is great for menopause. -How JING blend stops premature ageing. -When to incorporate JING blend into your life. -JING testimonials that have transformed lives. -How the JING blend services the Kidneys and Lungs. -Sourcing regions and Di Dao for each of the herbs in JING blend. -JING blend; a great grounding-introductory product to the SuperFeast range.   Check Out The Transcript Here: https://www.superfeast.com.au/blogs/articles/jing-with-mason-ep-172  

Are you living a life of excess? Do you feel like your battery pack is running on empty; and in constant need of a recharge? It may be time to check in with your Adrenal Glands (aka. Adrenals) and see how they're holding up.  We're just over halfway through 30 days of JING- the month where we give our Adrenals and Kidneys the nourishment and recharge they deserve. Today on the podcast, we're bringing one of favourite recordings out of the SuperFeast catalogue to keep you inspired and aligned for the remaining weeks of 30 Days of Jing and beyond. Mason, naturopath Dan Sipple, and herbalist Sage Dammers go deep in delivering vital knowledge on Adrenal health, Adrenal fatigue, and why these relatively tiny glands that are the powerhouse of the endocrine system play such a critical role in our day-to-day function. Each of them bringing their own unique wisdom and expertise to the conversation, Mason, Dan, and Sage lay out the foundations of Adrenal health, how they function, their role within the endocrine system, how they become fatigued, and the chronic illness that can set in when the symptoms of fatigue get ignored. A massive part of this conversation is dedicated to herbs/supplements that support Adrenal gland function, how gut health supports our Endocrine system and how to revitalise the Adrenals and get them back functioning optimally after fatigue.     Dan, Sage and Mason discuss: -Adrenal Fatigue. -Addison's disease. -The Endocrine System. -The role of the Adrenals. -Inflammation leaks Jing. -Mitochondrial dysfunction. -Symptoms of Adrenal Fatigue. -Adaptogens for Adrenal Fatigue. -How trauma affects the Adrenals.  -Neurofeedback sessions for trauma -The emotion of fear and the Kidneys. -Chronic stress and cortisol secretion. -Herbs and Supplements for Adrenal Fatigue. -How gut health affects the Endocrine System. -Hormone production and the Endocrine System.   Foods For Adrenal Fatigue Root vegetables,  clean starches, good quality sea salt, sweet potatoes,  your taros, quinoa, buckwheat, black rice, black olives, black sesame seeds and oil, tamari or soya sauce, miso, capers, sea vegetables, jujube dates, blackberries, black beans, kidney beans, black tahini, mushrooms, seaweeds, dark kale.   Herbs that Support Adrenal Health: JING blend QI blend SHEN blend Cordyceps Deer Antler Ashwaghanda Eucommia Bark Schisandra   Who is Dan Sipple?  Dan Sipple also known as The Functional Naturopath is based on the south coast of NSW and has a special interest in gut health, immune dysfunction, pro-metabolic health, mineral rebalancing & hormones.  Dan has been in the health and wellness arena for over a decade and blends traditional herbal medicine systems and knowledge with cutting-edge functional and integrative testing to best facilitate a patient's journey to peak wellness. Who is Sage Dammers? Fuelled by a passionate desire to help people live the ultimate life and create a better world, Sage studied raw and superfood nutrition and traditional herbal systems, especially Taoist tonic herbalism. He has worked with and trained under the world’s leading master herbalists and nutrition and longevity experts in Costa Rica, Australia, Bali, China, and America. Sage has developed products internationally and given lectures on peak performance nutrition in Australia, Bali, America, and France. His years of experience in this unique arena have allowed him to cultivate an unparalleled combination of cutting edge nutritional and culinary expertise. Sage has started tonic elixir bars in 5 star luxury hotels in Paris and Sydney serving longevity elixirs disguised as gourmet treats, introducing the novel concept of healthy indulgences to the market of world travellers. Resource guide Dan Website Dan Instagram Sage's website Sage's Instagram Mantak Chia Clearlight Infrared Saunas Benny Fergusson- The movement monk   Check Out The Transcript Here: https://www.superfeast.com.au/blogs/articles/adrenal-fatigue-ep-170  

Here at SuperFeast, we take great pride in the quality of our superior tonic herbs and medicinal mushrooms. We follow Di Dao philosophy and do our best to empower and educate you, our community on this ancient form of Chinese medicine sourcing that delivers the highest quality herbs and mushrooms imbued with integrity and powerful healing properties. New to SuperFeast or not, chances are at some point on your tonic herbal journey to health sovereignty you have wondered one or some of the following questions: -Which blend/formula is best for me? -What is the intention of each formula? -How many single herbs can i take at one time? -How many SuperFeast blends can i take at once? -Which bundle should I get at this point in my health journey?  In today's podcast episode Mason brings clarity to all these questions as well as breaking down the combining of herbs in tonic herbalism and the usage of single herbs within the context of Taoist tonic herbalism so you can feel empowered when integrating SuperFeast single herbs into your lifestyle and diet. Mason brings in some contextualisation around the different grades and classifications of tonic herbs, why SuperFeast chooses to use the safe superior tonic herbs (and not any major dangerous herbs), and the difference between taking practitioner level single herbs and classical/traditional Chinese medical system single herbs. There is a big difference, and both have their place.  There is a place for advanced clinical herbalist specialisation to treat specific symptomology and advanced disease states, and there is a place for individuals having their own decentralised tonic herbal engagement underpinned by an intention of proactive, sovereign, glowing health. Plants and herbs are for the people and tonic herbalism is there for all of us to engage with on different levels. Mason dives deep into the intentions behind each SuperFeast bundle as well as explaining the layered nuance when creating tonic herbal formulas that are both good for the general population and support a specific system within the body.    Mason discusses: -Combining herbs. -Herbal formulations. -Taking single herbs. -Advanced herbalism. -How to take the herbs. -Formulation in tonic herbalism. -What are superior tonic herbs? -Major, minor and supportive herbs. -Biophilia activations with single herbs. -The combining of herbs in tonic herbalism. -The classification and safety rating of herbs. -The purpose and intent of each SuperFeast bundle. -The distinction between clinical and tonic herbalism. Resource guide Guest: Mason's Instagram SuperFeast Instagram Tonics: SuperFeast Blends  SuperFeast Bundles SuperFeast Tonic Herbs Relevant Articles:  Tonic Herbs, What Are They? Everything You Need To Know. Medicinal Mushrooms: The 8 Most Powerful and Potent Mushrooms Relevant Podcasts: Yin Yang Wuxing For Inner Harmony with Rhonda Chang (EP#89) Entering The Imaginal Realms with Stephen Harrod Buhner (EP#88) Herbalism: The People's Medicine with Erin Lovell Verinder (EP#141) Preserving Classical Chinese Medicine with Dr. Simon Feeney (EP#127) The Science and Spirit of Herbal Medicine with Sajah Popham (EP#109) Relevant Books Plants For The People Book- Erin Lovell Verinder The Lost Language Of Plants- Stephen Harrod Buhner The Secret Teachings Of Plants- Stephen Harrod Buhner Plant Intelligence And The Imaginal Realms- Stephen Harrod Buhner  The Ancient Wisdom of Chinese Tonic Herbs- Ron Teeguarden book   Check Out The Transcript Here: https://www.superfeast.com.au/blogs/articles/herb-combining-and-bundles  

July is upon us, 30 days of JING has begun, and we have well and truly fallen into cooler temperatures that call for nourishment, replenishment, and slowing down. Today on the podcast, we’re reminding you of all things warming, tonifying, and delicious to replenish you in these cooler months with wellness coach and Qi Food Therapist Kimberly Ashton. We love having Kimberly on for our seasonal Five Element food podcasts- she reminds us to eat local, eat for the season, and above all, eat intuitively. Within the Five Element philosophy of Traditional Chinese Medicine, there is an understanding that the more we rest in Winter, the more harvest we can expect in Late Summer. Understanding this critical element of Water/Winter time helps us surrender more willingly into hibernation and doing-less mode. Just as nature withdraws to compound its reserves for the warmer months, so should we.  In this episode, Kimberly takes us on a journey through the flavours, foods, and cooking styles of the Water Element, explaining the philosophy behind eating and preparing food specifically for this season. Think salty flavours, Yin nourishment, and slow-cooked casseroles that leave you feeling satiated and warm. As always, Kimberly inspires us to localise our minds when buying produce, forage where possible, and eat intuitively- even if it means breaking the rules. Tune in and make sure you scroll down for Kimberly's deliciously warming black sesame superfood latte recipe.    Kimberly and Mason discuss: -Yin foods for Winter. -Winter shopping list. -Cooking styles for Winter. -Winter foods and flavours. -Supporting local produce. -The truth about soya foods.  -Foods that nourish the Kidneys. -Wild foraging Water Element foods. -How to eat if you have a Yin deficiency. -Why we don't eat the same foods all year round. -Traditional Chinese Medicine Five Element philosophy.   Kimberly's black sesame superfood latte recipe  Ingredients: -1 cup soy milk, cashew, or oat milk -1 teaspoon black sesame powder -1/2 teaspoon black tahini -1/2 teaspoon walnuts/hemp seeds (blended into powder)- optional -1 teaspoon coconut sugar/brown rice syrup or sweetener of choice -1/4 teaspoon SuperFeast JING tonic herb- optional -1/4 teaspoon Mason's Mushrooms tonic herb- optional -2 Jujube dates, to enjoy on the side    Method: -Add milk to a small pot with the black sesame powder and black tahini -Bring to a boil and then simmer -Add the sugar/sweetener, stir  -Add the walnut/hemp seed powder, stir -Turn off the heat and add the SuperFeast tonic herbs, stir well -Serve with the Jujube dates for a delicious morning or afternoon tea snack (alternatively you warm the milk and blend ALL the ingredients with the milk in a blender, including the Jujube dates- just remove the piths first).   Winter Kindney nourishing shopping list Salty condiments, good quality sea salt, tamari or soya sauce, miso, olives, capers, sea vegetables, jujube dates, Medjool dates, blackberries, black beans, black lentils, kidney beans, black sesame, black tahini, lamb, beef, beetroot, seafood, walnuts, mushrooms, seaweeds, dark kale, black rice, buckwheat.   Resource guide   Kimberly's website Kimberly's instagram Five Seasons TCM Kimberly's Element E-Book Five Elements and Cycles E-Course Tonics: Tremella Cordyceps JING blend Relevant Podcasts:  How To Eat In Spring with Kimberly Ashton (EP#133) Eating For Vitality in Summer with Kimberly Ashton (EP#147) How To Eat In Spleen Season with Kimberly Ashton (EP#151)   Check Out The Transcript Here: https://www.superfeast.com.au/blogs/articles/ep-168-winter-podcast-kimberly-ashton  

In Part two of the birthing of their son- Tahnee and Mason pick up where they left off in sharing their journey and the deeper learning that has settled ten weeks after the birth of baby Leo.  In this expansive conversation about birth and union, we hear the final moments of Tahnee and Mason's free birth experience. Mason, receiving Leo as he entered the world posterior, Tahnee birthing the placenta, and the moments after birth where only Aiya, Tahnee, and Mason present, at home in the birth space. Tahnee shares the fears that arose in her mother-lead birth experience, how she processed fear, coped with surges of pain as she progressed deeper into labour, and how her strength to push through was animated by Mason's steadfast presence. Mason reflects on his experience, sharing valuable advice for birth partners on how to hold their purpose while a mother is journeying through pain and how to feel the intensity/pressure without reacting to it- "If it's not amazing for the mother, then it's not amazing for the father. Anyone in the birth space- strongly consider if you're reacting from and bringing your fear into the space. Also, be aware of the scope of fear mothers can carry with them into birth". This is a beautiful conversation about the bond and union created between parents and the family unit when a birthing experience is healthy. It also highlights why it's so important to allow space within the pregnancy to weave in discussions about the layered passages of birth and the opportunity to have the ideal birth-the way you envision.     "And that for me, I think was what I found so rewarding about this birth in particular was I feel like I got to dig very deep into my strength and my capacity to hold myself and be held through this experience and through the pain".    - Tahnee Taylor   Mason and Tahnee discuss: -Freebirth -Posterior birth. -Preconception. -Birthing the placenta. -Placenta encapsulation. -Children in the birthspace. -Low and high intervention birth. -Craneosacral therapy for babies. -Postpartum insights from Tahnee. -The pressure birth partners experience. -Honouring and respecting the birth partner. -How Tahnee coped with the pain during birth. -How Tahnee managed her energy during birth. -How Tahnee and Mason prepared for the pain of birth. -The spectrum of fear women and birth partners bring into the birth space.    Resource guide Tahnee's website  Tahnee's Instagram Jane Hardwicke Collings -Four Seasons Journey Jane Hardwicke Collings- Shamanic Dimensions of Pregnancy. Tonics: Reishi Tremella I am Gaia Beauty Blend   Relevant Podcasts: Pregnancy Health with Tahnee and Mason (EP#20)  Birth Is A Body Based Event with Clancy Allen (EP#79) Motherhood, Birth and Embodying Your Truth with Jinti Fell (EP#129) Nurturing All Phases of Birth with Nutritionist Tahlia Mynott (EP#138) Birth Work, Ceremony, and Rites Of Passage with Caitlin Priday (EP#148)   Check Out The Transcript Here: https://www.superfeast.com.au/blogs/articles/birthing-part-2-ep-167