In today’s episode, Luis explores somatic empathy and pendulation - swinging between two different sensations or experiences. He explains why we need to develop the skillset to regulate our somatic empathy to stay present while taking in media. When you watch someone in pain, this can create the sensation of "I feel pain your pain." Luis shares steps we can take to tend to that sensation so that we can acknowledge our sense of safety so that our response can be one of compassion. Yo...

How are screens - televisions, smartphones, iPads, and more - impacting our bodies? In today’s episode, Luis breaks down how our bodies react to the news, social media feeds, and other forms of online media.Today’s society has access to more experiences than ever before. Whether we know it or not, our bodies react to these experiences - whether painful, terrifying, or upsetting, and we lose the sense of our current reality. Luis breaks down this "somatic empathy" and shares a practice f...

In today’s episode, Luis sits down for a casual chat with herbalist Aemen Bell, who is also his wife. From sharing how she healed her lung condition as a teenager to spilling the tea on one of their first dates, Luis and Aemen touch on everything about food, herbs, and relating to the land. Join the couple as they speak about her origins with herbal medicine and the joy she finds being a beacon for her clients. Enjoy this casual chat with plenty of jokes and comforting stories. You ...

Do you know what the freeze response is? In today’s episode, Luis explains how this natural tension in the body happens when we’re scared, threatened, or nervous. He does so by looking at videos from the animal kingdom. When we need it, the freeze response is helpful. It can protect us from a physical threat. But, when it results in fatigue or procrastination, it’s not so useful. It’s through somatic work that we can learn how to decipher whether or not we are threatened and feel safe in...

Today’s episode is a casual conversation with the Holistic Life Navigation Team: Luis, Camille, Evan, and Marika. The team shares their personal experiences about dissociation and what happens during that trance-like state when we ‘zone out’. Looking at dissociation through a somatic lens, the team shares what happens to the body when we dissociate and how to attune to the sensation and give our body what we need.You can read more about, and register for, the slow groups here:Embodied Pr...

In today’s episode, Luis shares what a possum protecting itself from a coyote can teach us about the ‘freeze and collapse’ response. While it is essential to survival, our bodies can turn on that same response even when there’s not a life-threatening event happening. Allowing nature to be our teacher, Luis looks at the event through the lens of overcoupling disagreement with life-threatening danger. He shares three simple tools we can all practice to help the body feel safe where it is.Y...

In today’s episode, Luis and Camille discuss how our bodies interpret threats and how to decipher the somatic reality of whether or not it’s happening to us now. When we think of something happening to us in the future and the past, the same biochemistry is triggered as if the experience is happening in real time. Luis and Camille share why this happens and how to attune our bodies to a feeling of safety. You can read more about, and register for, the slow groups here:Embodied Pract...

What foods can I eat to help me move through a stressful situation in a more tolerable way? In today’s episode, this is the exact question Luis answers for listeners seeking a way to use food to help them regulate their nervous system. Luis shares how foods directly affect our mental health and nervous system. He also shares how to use food to support our emotional and mental health and the exact foods to eat throughout the day to balance our bodies.You can read more about, and register ...

In today’s conversation, Luis and Camille Leak reflect on past experiences to chat about privilege, marginalization, diversity, and inclusion. Breaking down what these terms mean and what it looks like when someone experiences them, Camille also shares how to cultivate support and understanding from both sides. Breaking down tough terms, Camille also talks about how microaggression differs from bias, and how she helps people handle uncomfortable moments to form better relationships, from...

Why do I binge eat? In today’s episode, Luis explores the connection between stress, trauma, and binge eating to help us understand why this behavior presents itself.Sharing his personal story about trauma, Luis breaks down the physiology of prolonged stress and how bingeing offers a temporary feeling of security. He takes us through a 5-minute exercise, he then shares how to learn what’s behind the craving. You can read more about, and register for, the "Nourishing You & Your Busine...

In today’s episode, Karen Hurd explains the physics of neurotransmitters and chemical releases, and how the foods we eat alter the chemicals in our brains. From breaking down what happens when our bodies feel “hangry” to “I’m going to take over the world,” Karen and Luis share how foods impact our emotions. Every thought and movement in our bodies is governed by hormones. Karen shares how balanced nutrition balances our hormones and helps our bodies and minds to function better. You...

In today’s episode, Luis talks about the somatic exploration of how porn affects our bodies physically and mentally. Luis breaks down how the somatic experience and the physiology behind porn use are similar to the thrill of drug use. He addresses how compulsive porn use at a young age can impact men’s development later in life, and their ability to relate to both themselves and their partners. You can read more about, and register for, the "Nourishing You & Your Business" webin...

In today’s video, astrologer and author Britten LaRue is back on the podcast to talk about authenticity, transformation, and not over-identifying with your sign. Discussing emergence astrology, she shares how astrology can guide us without restricting us as we change and evolve to whatever comes up in life. She offers tips on how to be open to contradiction to be our most 'authentic selves'.You can read about, and register for, Cave Space here: https://brittenlarue.com/course/cave-...

In today’s episode, Luis answers a listener’s question- “Why do we sometimes feel tightness in our solar plexus?” Luis breaks down the mechanics of this natural response and what we can do about it.Using the “Voo” technique, Luis guides listeners on how to release stored tension and regain a sense of calm. Peter Levine, PhD. “Voo” technique https://www.nicabm.com/reducing-overwhelming-feelings-of-despair-with-peter-levine/You can read more about, and register for, the foundational self l...

In today’s video, Luis and Camille speak about suicidal ideation, and how to talk about this charged topic with love and support. Sharing their experiences from both sides of the fence, they talk about how connection, and removing stigmas, can help us find the safety we need to speak about this tough topic. They offer tips on how to support yourself and those around you when speaking about suicide. You can read more about, and register for, the foundational self led course here: htt...

On today's episode, Luis responds to some questions he received on YouTube videos that required more nuanced answers.Are there other topics you'd like to hear Luis speak to, or specific questions you have? You can head over to Luis' YouTube channel and leave your comment there.You can read more about, and register for, the foundational self led course here: https://www.holisticlifenavigation.com/self-led-new You can register for November's Addiction Circle here: https://www.holisticlifenaviga...

On today's episode, the HLN team talks about how they find regulation during presidential election seasons.They discuss:· their unique histories with politics and elections· expected & actual threat · divisiveness and identity· urgency & agency· the role that social media playsYou can read more about, and register for, the foundational self led course here: https://www.holisticlifenavigation.com/self-led-new You can read more about, and register for, the slow groups here:Embodied...

On today's video, Luis shares about a snack that can help satisfy the emotional and pleasure needs that may come up when you're craving sweets like candies or pastries.He discusses how to combine the foods, what ingredients to check for, and why the snack is helpful.You can read more about, and register for, the foundational self led course here: https://www.holisticlifenavigation.com/self-led-new You can register for November's Addiction Circle here: https://www.holisticlifenavigation.com/ev...

This is a replay of the most recent Community Somatics event. Luis takes us through a variety of topics and practices as he invites us to drop in, play with the philosophy and techniques of somatic work, and see what we learn.Community Somatics are bi-monthly, public, pay-what-you-want offerings. You can view the upcoming schedule to attend one live here: https://www.holisticlifenavigation.com/events-1You can register for November's Addiction Circle here: https://www.holisticlifenavigation.co...

On today's video, Luis shares about a specific breakfast that can help prevent anxiety, lower stress levels, and contribute to a better night's sleep.He discusses intermittent fasting, skipping breakfast, and the best time to eat breakfast. He then gives specifics on how to eat his recommended breakfast meal, and gives an option that is tailored to suit vegans, as well as one for vegetarians and omnivores.You can register for November's Addiction Circle here: https://www.holisticlifenavigatio...

On today's episode, Luis starts with a story of a recent trip: one that leads to an interview he recorded while sitting on a stoop in NYC. Kelly Ann, whose spiritual name is Learning, is a homeless transwoman who shares her honest, wise, and sometimes controversial experiences and viewpoints. Her interview is intermingled with Luis' own viewpoints and reflections.You can read more about, and register for, the Embodied Masculinity webinar here: https://www.holisticlifenavigation.com/embodying-...

On today's episode, Luis speaks with Mónica Guzmán about political divisiveness, identity, and somatics.They discuss:· building capacity for difference by spending time with and practicing being with those who disagree· curiosity vs. fear· the role of social media in divisiveness· practicing flexibility of both the nervous system and thought· the physiology of stress and disagreement· the complex story of political and morale views people haveYou can visit Mónica's website here: https://www.m...

On today's episode Luis is joined by Michelle Petties: author, writer, speaker, and processed food addict in recovery.They discuss:fluidity of identityovercouplings and foodshifting from "emotional eating" to food relationshipsthe role of narratives and the conscious and unconscious mindfood addiction and capacityfood as healing and eating to be nourishedYou can watch Michelle's Tedx Talk here: https://youtu.be/WJLr53XlIV4?si=DtvbxKj_7H-ilUG5You can learn more about Michelle, and order her bo...

On today's episode Luis speaks with Holly Howard, business coach and entrepreneur, about how she made the decision to leave social media, and how she teaches others to do the same.They discuss:how people share and speak differently in-person vs. onlineperformative allyshiphow social media amplifies misinformationhow an over-focus on social justice affects people's businesseshow social media has caused an increase in divisiveness and reactionary behaviorthe fine real between what's real and is...