Permission to Flow

43 - Mushrooms, Destiny, and Self-Determination with Rainbo CEO Tonya Papanikolov

In today’s episode, I engage in a profound conversation with Tonya Papanikolov, the visionary founder and CEO of Rainbo, a company at the forefront of medicinal mushroom innovation. Our discussion revolves around the intriguing notion that destiny is not merely a path laid out for us but a choice that aligns with our soul's unique journey.
 
This episode also sheds light on the crucial role creativity plays in both our personal lives and professional endeavours, the power of honing our intuition and the transformative effect of transparent communication. Through her inspiring narrative, Tonya exemplifies how embracing self-determination, nurturing confidence, and preserving a sense of wonder were key to her remarkable success, even in the absence of a traditional business background.
 
We delve into the extraordinary potential of mushrooms to foster homeostasis and enhance the immune system's function. Tonya shares how Rainbo is at the cutting edge, crafting mushroom-based products that are instrumental in promoting optimal health outcomes.
 
Join us as we uncover the synergies between destiny as a conscious choice, the healing prowess of mushrooms, and the art of living authentically, as told through the journey of an entrepreneur reshaping the landscape of health and wellness.
 
 
Topics discussed in this episode include:
[0:00] - Mushrooms, Destiny, and Self-Determination
[04:43] - Exploring the Concept of Purpose and Dharma
[07:37] - Understanding Destiny and Soul's Journey
[16:29] - The Role of Intuition in Decision-Making
[27:32] - The Impact of Corporate Experience on Creativity
[30:44] - Starting a Business without a Background
[56:28] - The Role of Creativity in Life and Business
[01:02:37] - Final Questions
 
Quotes from Episode: 
"Our intuitive capacities strengthen like any muscle over time with practice and with getting to know ourselves better. But the easiest way to start is with your gut and to listen when something doesn't feel right in your body. 
 
“The gut connection or whether you want to call it intuition is incredibly right. It's incredibly fine-tuned and so I think it's important to be able to differentiate slowly with time and practice the difference between a fear and an intuition.”
 
 
Links from the Episode: 
Tonya’s Instagram 
Rainbo’s Instagram 
Rainbo’s Website
 
 
Announcements:
Sign Up for a Free Strategy Session
Donate to A Way of Thinking Podcast
Join me for Psychic Development at 9:30 a.m. and Yoga Nidra at 10:30 a.m. in-person and online. DM me for details
 
 
Connect with Jessica:
Instagram: @jessicahwangcoaching
Facebook: Jessica Hwang Coaching
Website: Jessica Hwang Coaching
 
 
Credits:
Music co-written by Steven Murillo (@someoneinatreeband) & Jessica Hwang (@jessicahwangcoaching)
Production and audio engineering by Ease of Mind Productions

42 - Embracing Change: How to Pivot Your Path and Find Success Beyond the Comfort Zone

In this episode of A Way of Thinking, I'm excited to guide you through a journey of reconsidering comfort zones and taking bold steps toward the creative career you've always desired. Drawing from my own experiences, I delve into the concept of 'sunk cost fallacy', urging you to view past experiences as stepping stones rather than wasted time. I offer practical advice on identifying transferable skills, shifting thinking patterns, and seeking inspiration from successful career transitions. 
 
Together, we'll explore the importance of embracing a growth mindset and focusing on the present moment while nurturing authenticity to find career fulfilment. Welcome to the beginning of your journey toward a more fulfilling career path!
Topics discussed in this episode include:
[02:54] - The Struggle of Changing Directions
[05:01] - Understanding the Sunk Cost Fallacy
[06:14] - Reframing 'Waste' as 'Investment'
[08:58] - Embracing Your Journey and Learning from Your Past
[17:01] - Finding Role Models and Embracing Growth
 
 
Quotes from Episode: 
“What you've been doing so far is the foundation, it’s the base layer and wherever you want to go is going to grow on top of that.” 
 
“I want you to remember that what you have been doing is going to impact and benefit where you are going. I think it will surprise you when you make that transition to see just how much the knowledge that you gained from where you were is going to help you where you're going.” 
Announcements:
Sign Up for a Free Strategy Session
Donate to A Way of Thinking Podcast
Join me for Psychic Development at 9:30 a.m. and Yoga Nidra at 10:30 a.m. in-person and online. DM me for details
 
 
Connect with Jessica:
Instagram: @jessicahwangcoaching
Facebook: Jessica Hwang Coaching
Website: Jessica Hwang Coaching
 
 
Credits:
Music co-written by Steven Murillo (@someoneinatreeband) & Jessica Hwang (@jessicahwangcoaching)
Production and audio engineering by Ease of Mind Productions

41 - Surrendering to Life's Purpose: From the Navy to Yoga on State with Rob Mendez

In this episode, we journey with Rob Mendez from his beginnings as a military surgical technologist to the founder of Yoga On State, a beloved yoga studio in Carlsbad, California. Rob's story is a testament to the transformative power of yoga, detailing how it guided him through health anxieties and led to significant personal transformation and healing. He speaks to the spiritual and physical impacts of yoga, which have reshaped his worldview and fostered a deep sense of community, acceptance, and belonging among his students.
 
Rob dives into the essence of yoga beyond its physical aspects, discussing its role in combating loneliness, fostering non-attachment in relationships, and cultivating compassion. Hie highlights yoga's capacity to inspire intentional living, grace, and empathy, making a compelling case for its practice as a life philosophy. 
 
This episode is an inspiring listen for anyone interested in the intersections of personal growth, the therapeutic benefits of yoga, and the unexpected journeys toward finding one's passion and purpose.
 
Topics discussed in this episode include:
[07:44] - Rob's Experience in the Navy and Medical Field
[26:42] - Dealing with Health Anxiety through Yoga
[38:51] - The Challenges of Starting a Studio During COVID
[40:47] - The Power of Intuition and Direction
[41:48] - The Importance of Cutting Ties and Moving Forward
[55:37] - The Power of Perspective and Compassion
[58:10] - Final Questions
Quotes from Episode: 
“Our perception is everything and if you learn how to accept all things and see them as lessons to grow from then that’s always a positive thing. My practice is to try to keep my perception in that direction.”
 
“I think purpose is something that is beyond what our ego demands. It is greater than us and our individual needs. It informs you what to make decisions on and how to act.”
Links from the Episode: 
Rob’s Instagram
Yoga on State’s Instagram
Yoga on State’s Website
 
 
Announcements:
Sign Up for a Free Strategy Session
Donate to A Way of Thinking Podcast
Join me for Psychic Development at 9:30 a.m. and Yoga Nidra at 10:30 a.m. in-person and online. DM me for details
 
 
Connect with Jessica:
Instagram: @jessicahwangcoaching
Facebook: Jessica Hwang Coaching
Website: Jessica Hwang Coaching
 
 
Credits:
Music co-written by Steven Murillo (@someoneinatreeband) & Jessica Hwang (@jessicahwangcoaching)
Production and audio engineering by Ease of Mind Productions

40 - Community and Support: A Guide to Accelerating Your Journey

In this solo episode, I delve into the profound significance of cultivating community and seeking support along our personal and professional journeys. Drawing insights from my experience as a guide for individuals transitioning to more purposeful and creative careers, I aim to reveal the transformative impact that like-minded connections can have.
 
Against the backdrop of our post-COVID landscape, I explore the pressing importance of connection and empathy as tools for overcoming pervasive feelings of isolation and loneliness. I hope this episode provides you with a timely and relevant perspective on navigating the complexities of the modern world.
 
Join me as we explore the influential role that supportive communities play in accelerating personal growth and easing the challenges inherent in life transitions. I'll share practical tips on how to seek out role models and discuss the importance of tapping into valuable resources like coaches and therapists. 
 
Topics discussed in this episode include:
[02:36] - The Importance of Community and Support
[07:17] - The Power of Role Models and Coaches
[15:15] - Building Community through Shared Interests
[16:54] - The Power of Compliments and Shared Journeys
[21:47] - Online Communities and Meetups
[21:51] - The Importance of Diverse Communities
Quotes from Episode:
"When you want to make a big change, it can be really hard when you don't have a lot of other people around you that are doing something similar because you feel like an outsider." 
 
"It's really important to look for people who have done the thing that you are trying to do because it's like building up evidence that it's possible and that you can do it." 
 
 
Announcements:
Sign Up for a Free Strategy Session
Donate to A Way of Thinking Podcast
Join me for Psychic Development at 9:30 a.m. and Yoga Nidra at 10:30 a.m. in-person and online. DM me for details
 
Connect with Jessica:
Instagram: @jessicahwangcoaching
Facebook: Jessica Hwang Coaching
Website: Jessica Hwang Coaching
 
Credits:
Music co-written by Steven Murillo (@someoneinatreeband) & Jessica Hwang (@jessicahwangcoaching)
Production and audio engineering by Ease of Mind Productions

39 - Beyond the Distractions: Embracing Stillness in Meditation with Victoria Davis

In today's episode, I had the pleasure of chatting with Victoria Davis, a fellow student of Sri Dharma Mittra and the founder of WellspringMind. We delve into the transformative power of mindfulness, highlighting its role in maintaining inner peace and aligning life choices with purpose.
 
Victoria shares her compelling journey from a career in fashion to founding Wellspring Mind, where she introduces corporations to meditation and mindfulness practices. Victoria reveals how mindfulness played a crucial role in overcoming her own challenges with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, showcasing its life-altering potential.
 
We also explore the broader impact of mindfulness in corporate settings, discussing its potential benefits for both individuals and organizations. Victoria sheds light on how a mindful workplace can enhance well-being, foster creativity, and contribute to a more harmonious and productive work environment.
 
Whether you're a seasoned practitioner or simply curious about the transformative power of mindfulness, this episode offers valuable insights and inspiration.
Topics discussed in this episode include:
[09:59] - Victoria's Journey to Meditation
[13:22] - The Power of Compassion in Starting a Business
[17:05] - The Role of Meditation in Managing Intrusive Thoughts
[32:08] - Bringing Meditation to Corporations
[40:28] - The Art of Connecting with the Reserved Audience
[44:50] - Understanding the Left and Right Hemispheres of the Brain
[46:55] - The Importance of Relaxation and Expansion in Creativity
[56.35] - Final Questions 
 
Quotes from Episode: 
When people explain why they don't meditate, they often express, "I'm too busy for meditation." That’s like someone stating, "I'm too dirty to take a bath."
 
“When people ask me what I do, I say, I teach meditation and mind training practices because when we meditate, all we're doing is training our minds to become serviceable so that we have our minds instead of our minds having us.”
Links from the Episode: 
Victoria’s Website
Victoria’s Instagram
WellspringMind
Mind Body Life Retreat
Announcements:
Sign Up for a Free Strategy Session
Donate to A Way of Thinking Podcast
Join me for Psychic Development at 9:30 a.m. and Yoga Nidra at 10:30 a.m. in-person and online. DM me for details
 
Connect with Jessica:
Instagram: @jessicahwangcoaching
Facebook: Jessica Hwang Coaching
Website: Jessica Hwang Coaching
 
Credits:
Music co-written by Steven Murillo (@someoneinatreeband) & Jessica Hwang (@jessicahwangcoaching)
Production and audio engineering by Ease of Mind Productions

38 - The Power of a Clear Vision for a Purpose-Driven Career and Life in 2024

To kick off the New Year, I delve into the transformative process of crafting a compelling vision for our future and exploring how this vision serves as a powerful compass for intentional living. Join me as I guide you through a reflective meditation, fostering a connection with your future self and unravelling your ultimate goals.
 
Discover the profound impact of a clear vision, empowering you to seize control of your life and make purposeful decisions. I emphasize the significance of understanding the "why" behind your dreams and navigating the daily actions that pave the way towards them.
 
Tune in to explore the value of cultivating a supportive network, recognizing that shared dreams flourish in a community that encourages and uplifts. Together, let's embark on a journey of self-discovery, purposeful choices, and the realization of our most profound aspirations.
 
Topics discussed in this episode include:
[04:30] - The importance of visioning
[10:51] - Beginning of guided meditation for visioning
[18.50] - End of guided meditation
[20:08] - The role of fear and excitement in visioning
[21:48] - The importance of understanding your 'why'
[28:22] - The Importance of support on your journey
 
Quotes from Episode:
"There is something really beautiful in the ability to say, I am the creator of my life and I get to choose what comes into my life." 
 
"I think that there is such value and importance in finding the right people to bring with you on this journey. Who in your life do you believe is supportive of what you want to go after? Allow those people to support you on this journey." 
 
Announcements:
Sign Up for a Free Discovery Session
Donate to A Way of Thinking Podcast
Join me for Psychic Development at 9:30 a.m. and Yoga Nidra at 10:30 a.m. in-person and online. DM me for details
 
Connect with Jessica:
Instagram: @jessicahwangcoaching
Facebook: Jessica Hwang Coaching
Website: Jessica Hwang Coaching
 
Credits:
Music co-written by Steven Murillo (@someoneinatreeband) & Jessica Hwang (@jessicahwangcoaching)
Production and audio engineering by Ease of Mind Productions

37 - Reflecting on 2023: A Year of Growth, Learning, and Moving Forward

In today's episode, we unravel the intricate threads of our lives, using self-reflection as a powerful tool to untangle recurring patterns and pave the way for positive change.
 
I will guide you through various exercises designed to deepen our understanding of the past year. We'll visualize the highs and lows, triumphs and challenges, and take note of the invaluable lessons learned along the way. Through this process, we'll discover the remarkable capacity for growth that lies within us.
 
Throughout the episode, I emphasize the need for self-compassion. Let's liberate ourselves from the harsh judgments that often accompany introspection and instead embrace a gentler, more understanding perspective. By detaching from the weight of our experiences, we create space for personal evolution and resilience.
 
 
Topics discussed in this episode include:
[04:00] - The power of self-reflection
[07:34] - Guided meditation for reflection
[14:52] - End of the meditation 
[15:07] - The role of curiosity and compassion in reflection
[21:38] - Reflect on lessons 
[27:36] - Reflect on accomplishments
[33:21] - The power of gratitude
 
 
Quotes from Episode: 
"Self-reflection is the antidote for breaking out of negative patterns." 
 
"To anyone struggling right now, know that you will emerge on the other side as a bigger, better, and stronger person. You will look back and be amazed by yourself and your ability to grow and learn."
 
 
Announcements:
Sign Up for a Free Discovery Session
Donate to A Way of Thinking Podcast
Join me for Psychic Development at 9:30 a.m. and Yoga Nidra at 10:30 a.m. in-person and online. DM me for details
Jessica Hwang Coaching
 
 
Credits:
Music co-written by Steven Murillo (@someoneinatreeband) & Jessica Hwang (@jessicahwangcoaching)
Production and audio engineering by Ease of Mind Productions

36 - Embracing Tenderness in Relationships with Prem Sadasivananda

In today's episode, I am thrilled to welcome a dear friend and our first-ever returning guest, Prem Sadasivananda. Prem is a direct and long-term disciple of Swami Vishnudevananda, the disciple of Swami Sivananda, and through his teachings of Yoga and Vedanta, he continues his service by helping others in their spiritual pursuits.
 
Together, we delve into the profound themes of tenderness, love, compatibility, and authenticity in relationships. Prem speaks on the significance of mutual respect and acceptance of each other's weaknesses as fundamental pillars for achieving success in relationships. We also navigate through the intricate dynamics of human connection, exploring the impact of fear of self-rejection on how others perceive us, often leading to feelings of loneliness and desperation.
 
Throughout the episode, we emphasize the importance of tenderness and highlight how embracing one's true self is the transformative key to overcoming loneliness and isolation. This journey toward self-acceptance paves the way to inner peace, profoundly impacting not just our lives but also enhancing the quality of our relationships.
Topics discussed in this episode include:
[10:42] - Tenderness in relationships
[31:18] - The role of tenderness in daily activities
[46:01] - The importance of compatibility in relationships
[47:32] - Maintaining a spark in relationships
[53:28] - The importance of respect in relationships
[59:56] - The importance of active listening in conflict resolution
[01:09:16] - The challenge of loneliness in modern society
[01:19:20] - The role of community in overcoming loneliness
[01:22:51] - The importance of self-acceptance in overcoming loneliness
Quotes from Episode: 
“I think tenderness is an aspect of a personality that is very rarely practiced by anybody. Tenderness connects us to something deeper within ourselves, it’s like a form of giving love in a way that is unconditional. It's a pure way of connecting with somebody.” 
 
“You don't want to be 100 percent compatible with somebody because then there's no contrast and there's nothing that you can really learn from other person.”
Links from the Episode: 
Prem's Website
Prem’s book - Open Your Heart to Love
Prem’s book - Empower Your Life
Listen to Prem's first appearance on the A Way of Thinking podcast
Padre Pio - 100 Letters For You
Sherry Turkle - Alone Together
 
Announcements:
Sign Up for a Free Discovery Session
Donate to A Way of Thinking Podcast
Join me for Psychic Development at 9:30 a.m. and Yoga Nidra at 10:30 a.m. in-person and online. DM me for details
Jessica Hwang Coaching
Credits:
Music co-written by Steven Murillo (@someoneinatreeband) & Jessica Hwang (@jessicahwangcoaching)
Production and audio engineering by Ease of Mind Productions