Deconstruction

Rachael Spyker
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Mar 18, 2025 • 21min

4. Treehouse Project | Fear Becoming Courage: Sitting with Sensations Meditation

The Fourth episode of the Treehouse Project, this guided meditation invites you into the depths of your own body, where sensations hold stories and fear is simply courage waiting to unfold.Born from a deeply attuned therapeutic relationship, this meditation was originally created for someone who had spent years building resilience, learning to meet their panic with compassion. Through accompaniment and somatic presence, they discovered the power of moving toward rather than away from the energy locked in their nervous system. With time and care, they found their own ability to hold what once felt unbearable.Now, this meditation exists as a bridge, for them and for you. A resource to accompany you as you turn toward the sensations within, knowing you are not alone.With gentle guidance, we will:• Locate the places inside holding tension or emotion• Meet them with presence instead of avoidance• Offer them care, breath, and attunement• Move with what arises, trusting your body’s wisdomThis is a space of deep listening—to your body, to your inner child, and to the wisdom that unfolds when we allow ourselves to stay.For the best experience, I recommend listening with headphones, in a quiet, comfortable space with soft or low lighting. Let this be a moment just for you.Integration and Self-CareAfter this meditation, you will find guidance on how to care for yourself after deep inner work, along with practical integration support. Drink water, journal, move, rest, or seek connection. However you choose to tend to yourself, know that you are worthy of it.*Trying to capture a deeply attuned dyadic intervention in a meditation was something I had never done before. There are things I would tweak next time, but this is the original offering for the Treehouse Project exhibition. It was meaningful to create, and I look forward to developing this skill further*In celebration of this release, donations have been made to the Irish Wildlife Trust, an offering back to the land that holds us. And in honour of the one and only Hozier, whose artistry reminds us that music, activism, and reverence for nature are deeply intertwined.Take your time. You are held.Alchemy & Rachael
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Mar 15, 2025 • 31min

3. Treehouse Project | The First Meditation

This meditation was the first one I recorded for the Treehouse Project! Though I almost did not release it. I avoided listening to it. But when I finally sat down to listen, I saw something I had not expected. I saw nervousness.I saw nervousness, but I also saw courage. I was stepping into something unknown, offering something deeply personal. And that kind of expression does not come without weight.Relating to it as art softened that.This meditation is an invitation into process. Into the state we so often enter before we begin. A state of hesitation, contraction, and the choice to move through.For the best experience, I recommend listening with headphones, in a quiet, comfortable space with soft or low lighting. Let this be a moment just for you.This episode includes: • Commentary on my initial resistance, perfectionism, and the unexpected layers of nervousness I encountered in the recording process. I share how this meditation became a mirror for my own growth and how I learned to soften control and surrender to the process of art. • Body Scan Meditation (begins at 9:06), raw, untouched. A practice of slowing down, meeting yourself where you are, and arriving fully in and through the noise of life.The Treehouse Project is not about perfection. It is about presence. | A Living Exhibition of Consciousness, The Treehouse project is a series of six guided meditations designed to root people into their bodies, to restore the relationship between Self and Body, Us and Land. I recorded these meditations in a treehouse surrounded by the living, breathing Jungle. This is about activating relationship through an immersive experience of the living world moving through human consciousness. They are meant as medicine.To bring you back into your own House of Belonging.This meditation was the first one I recorded and the third to be released. It carries something essential. As always, this offering is in service to the Trees. With this release, I donated to the Jane Goodall Canada Institute.
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Mar 7, 2025 • 38min

2. Treehouse Project | A Guided Meditation & Story for Sleep *

This is the second episode of the Treehouse Project, a series of six guided meditations designed to root people into their bodies, to restore the relationship between Self and Body, Us and Land.This project unfolds as an interactive multimedia art exhibit. It moves between meditation, storytelling, and direct action,This guided meditation was designed to help you transition out of the day and into deep rest*. Through breath, body awareness, and gentle surrender, you will be guided into a state of relaxation, allowing your nervous system to settle and your mind to quiet. As you soften into sleep, a nighttime story told by the great Myth teller, Alice, will accompany you into the dream world, inviting your imagination to drift into restful wonder. *For the best experience, I recommend listening with headphones, in a quiet, comfortable space with soft or low lighting. Let this be a moment just for you.Each meditation in this series is part of a fundraiser for the forests. With this episode, I am donating to the Ancient Forest Alliance, an organization working to protect British Columbia’s endangered old-growth forests and ensure sustainable forestry practices for future generations.Listen now and join me in protecting the forests.* Artist Commentary:I love the content and intention of this meditation. But the sound quality is Horrendous. The cicadas are like metallic jolts in my eardrums. There was also a real Trickster moment with the music at the end that, for artist integrity, I could not change. As a piece of art, come bear witness. But as an actual mental health resource... I’ll record a new one soon! Alchemy & Rachael
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Feb 24, 2025 • 28min

1. Treehouse Project | What to Remember When Waking: A Guided Morning Meditation

This is the first episode of the The Treehouse Project | A Living Exhibition of Consciousness! The Treehouse project is a series of six guided meditations designed to root people into their bodies, to restore the relationship between Self and Body, Us and Land. I recorded these meditations in a treehouse surrounded by the living, breathing Jungle. This is about activating relationship through an immersive experience of the living world moving through human consciousness. They are meant as medicine.To bring you back into your own House of Belonging.This morning meditation is designed to gently awaken your awareness, ground you in your body, and invite clarity for the day ahead. Whether you are stepping into a full schedule or moving slowly through your morning, this meditation serves as an anchor into presence, breath, and embodied aliveness.For the best experience, I recommend listening with headphones, in a quiet, comfortable space with soft or low lighting. Let this be a moment just for you.Each meditation in this series is part of a fundraiser for the forests. With this first episode, I am donating to Rainforest Concern’s Bosque de las Madres Biological Corridor, a reforestation and conservation project protecting the sacred ecosystems that jaguars and countless other beings call home.Listen now and join me in protecting the Forests.Alchemy & Rachael
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Feb 21, 2025 • 29min

Why We Prayed to the Wi-Fi: A Heretical Act of Reverence

What if the experiences you have shape not only who you are but how you experience reality? In this episode of Deconstruction, Rachael and Alice explore how tuning into your body can help you break free from unconscious programming, expand your awareness, and rebuild practices that feel true to you.Beginning with a spontaneous prayer to the Wi-Fi—both playful and intentional—their conversation unfolds into a deeper look at how beliefs live in the body and shape our sense of connection, meaning, and identity. Through personal stories, including Rachael’s process of confronting the word prayer and discovering what resonates beyond its past associations, they explore how becoming more conscious of these patterns creates space for individuation, freedom, and expansion.This episode invites you to slow down, notice what arises as you listen, and discover how deconstructing the beliefs beneath your experiences can reshape the way you move through the world.Learn More: Alchemy & Rachael
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Feb 13, 2025 • 13min

Meeting Yourself Here: A Meditation to Connect with What Is Alive Within

This meditation is an invitation to be in active relationship with your body—to notice what is present, turn toward it with care, and allow space for energy to move.Rather than forcing change, this practice supports you in creating internal safety, attuning to your body’s wisdom, and witnessing yourself with love. With each breath, you are met exactly where you are, accompanied in the courageous act of being with what is alive inside you.You do not have to do this alone.Stay as long as it feels right, pause when needed, return whenever you choose. This is your space.This is for you.For the best experience, I recommend listening with headphones, in a quiet, comfortable space with soft or low lighting. Let this be a moment just for you.More information: Alchemy& Rachael
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Jan 29, 2025 • 26min

The Sky as Mirror: Archetypal Currents, Liberation, and the Messages of This Moment

In this episode of Deconstruction, Alice and Rae bring a message of hope, capturing the energetic signature of the times inspired by the recent planetary parade on 01/25/25. Through a depth psychology lens, they explore themes of cosmic alignment, love, and liberation—examining the rise of the sacred feminine, the evolving dance of anima and animus, and the collective individuation process moving us toward belonging and freedom. For years, they both have lived in deep relationship with natural rhythms, aligning her life with the cycles of the Moon. This practice has shaped not only their personal evolution but also their understanding of how archetypal forces move through the unconscious and manifest in the outer world. Just as the psyche speaks through dreams and symbols, planetary movements offer a kind of mythic imprint—an unfolding narrative of the collective unconscious that, when engaged with curiosity, can deepen our awareness of both personal and cultural transformation. Through reflective dialogue and Jungian insight, Alice and Rae invite listeners to approach this moment in history as a liminal space—one where the old structures are dissolving, the Self is calling, and new possibilities for wholeness and integration are emerging. Click here to learn more:  Alchemy & Rachael
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Jan 28, 2025 • 30min

A Love Letter to our Elder: Dr. Clarissa Pinkola Estés

In this unique and one-of-a-kind episode, Alice and Rae celebrate the life and teachings of their elder and muse, Dr. Clarissa Pinkola Estés, on her birthday! Reflecting on the profound ways her wisdom has shaped their lives and work, they dive into themes of prayer, shadow work, storytelling, and the transformative power of creativity and community.Note: The WiFi cuts out from 12:35 - 17:55. In the spirit of authenticity and modelling process, they’ve kept it in. You can stay with them through the technical difficulties or skip ahead.Through heartfelt stories, reverent reflections, and moments of laughter, they honour Dr. Estés’ legacy as a guide, healer, and poet of the soul. This episode serves as a love letter to Dr. Estés and a call to all listeners to embrace their unique gifts, honour their elders, and courageously walk the path of healing and transformation.For more info: Alchemy & Rachael
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Jan 28, 2025 • 24min

You Belong Here: Inviting Aliveness into Connection

Welcome to a new season of Deconstruction! In this episode, Alice & Rae step into a new chapter together as co-hosts, expanding the podcast into a deeper exploration of authenticity, belonging, and the transformative power of connection. Through reflective dialogue, they explore what it means to feel truly alive in relationship—with ourselves, each other, and the greater forces shaping our lives. They unpack the role of trust, reciprocity, and intention in creating meaningful bonds, and invite listeners to embrace the deep aliveness that comes from connection rooted in safety and attunement. This episode sets the tone for the season ahead—a season of deep inquiry, attunement, and expanding the podcast into a space of collective belonging. Rae & Alice welcome you exactly as you are, offering an invitation to step into this journey with them. Click here to learn more: Alchemy & Rachael
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Aug 7, 2024 • 1h 2min

Profiting from Pain: Unveiling The Mental Health Industrial Complex (Dr. Danna Bodenheimer)

In this episode, Rachael Spyker and Dr. Danna Bodenheimer dive into the concept of the mental health industrial complex, a term that encapsulates the various industries profiting from people's suffering in the mental health field. They examine how insurance companies, treatment facilities, and other entities often prioritize profit over the well-being of individuals seeking help. The conversation sheds light on how this complex is sustained by large insurance companies and government support, creating a system lacking in transparency and accountability. Rachael and Dr. Bodenheimer discuss the critical role of therapists in navigating this complex landscape with authenticity and integrity. They explore the significance of setting boundaries in therapeutic relationships and the importance of being present with clients. The discussion underscores the power of cultivating a therapeutic space filled with curiosity, acceptance, and integrity, emphasizing the profound impact such a relationship can have on clients' healing journeys. Tune in to this insightful episode to better understand the systemic issues in the mental health industry and the essential role of therapists in fostering genuine, healing connections with their clients. Dr. Danna Bodenheimer, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) and Doctor of Social Work (DSW), who founded the Walnut Psychotherapy Center. With extensive experience in private practice in Philadelphia, Dr. Bodenheimer identified the pressing need for increased access to long-term psychodynamic psychotherapy in a safe and supportive clinical setting. Dr. Bodenheimer is also an accomplished writer and consultant for several non-profit organizations in Philadelphia. Her writings cover a range of topics such as love in psychotherapy, eating disorders, and the history of relational work. On Clinical Social Work: Meditations and Truths From the Field Real World Clinical Social Work: Find Your Voice and Find Your Way Tik Tok Instagram Click to learn more about ⁠Alchemy⁠ and ⁠Rachael⁠ Help us amplify the message! Please Rate and Review the podcast on ⁠Apple ⁠and ⁠Spotify⁠!

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