Mama Says Namaste Podcast

Ah, the language of empathy - how do you connect with others where you both feel heard and affirmed? How do you get what you want from others while not being forceful or manipulative?

It's by meeting them where they are, and, as much as we can, being willing to step into their shoes and see from their perspective. It's learning to speak their language. It doesn't discount your own "native tongue"; it simply equips you with the tools to better communicate. 

Dig into some communication tips on how to connect with the language of empathy so you can truly experience how the uniqueness in each of us strengthens all of us. 

I'm back with my daughter Juliet as we share her list of the 4 pros and cons of travel. This was a fun one, as I had her write a list and then us do a podcast with me completely blind to what she wrote. 

So these are true pros and cons learned from a ten-year-old who has been traveling the states since she just turned 4. 

I love her perspective and how she's not only laid out the ups and downs of travel life, but how we've sought solutions to make things really flow for our family. 

As we dig into the "10 Questions To Ask Yourself Before Hitting the Road", we share how we were able to hit the road full-time in our RV, and, we address how these key questions are important for you to address for ANY new adventure you're about to embark on. 

Go through these questions and get clear on what you're ready to put a date on! 

Dreaming of travel, yet aren't sure where to start? Nathan and I share my friend Holly's five questions to ask yourself before any big life decision, and then we share our acronymn for full time RV travel - and how it translates to all kinds of travel.

Start with these questions, and break down the details so you're fully ready to enjoy the trip.

What do you do when you can't afford a vacation? Or maybe you can't afford NOT to take a break. Nathan and I share our top tips for vacationing on a budget, and looking outside the box of what a vacation can look and feel like. 

Have you really looked at how - or what - you're co-creating with your partner? How about your kids? Oftentimes we look at co-creation being collaboration with two or more people...yet there are two other aspects of co-creation we want to address that are important to keep in mind as you're looking forward together. 

Conversations with my 10-yr-old daughter about drive, being multi-passionate, and the beautiful grace of growth and discovery. 

Nathan and I share about the book, The Go-Giver Marriage: A Little Story About The 5 Secrets To Lasting Love. As we break down the 5 secrets and how to apply them, we share the real challenge to making a marriage to work...and it may have nothing to do with your partner. 

We're in a time of "what's your pronoun", and it can be hard to navigate roles, labels and expectations in our homes.

Nathan and I cover a LOT in 25 minutes! We're not here to give you "the answer"; we want to dig deep with the questions for you to gain clarity and confidence...even in the gray areas of life.

Because there is a lot of gray, and that's part of this life! Maybe, instead of forcing something, we simply allow that color to exist in our lives as well? 

Boredom is the plague you hope doesn't enter your home...or maybe you want it? While a kid saying "I'm booooooooorrrrrreeeedddd" can sound like fingers on a chalkboard, it's a great launchpad for amazing innovation and creativity. 

In this quick episode, we break down the B-O-R-E-D acronym and some quick tools to redirect your kids and get out of the way while they expand their minds. 

Popularity seems to be a desired commodity for kids, yet what does it really mean to be popular? It makes me think of that song from the musical, Wicked...Popular, I wanna be pop-u-lar... Join 10-year-old Juliet and Ashley as we discuss 3 key things to keep in mind to really be popular in a way that lives on beyond high school. 

This week Nathan and I discuss the book, The Danish Way of Parenting, and what the PARENT acronym stands for, as well as the importance of hygge (as well as how to pronounce it!)

Goals, words of the year...what do they really do for you? Do they inspire you or intimidate you? Is it freeing and exciting, or stifling? We'll walk you through what goals mean for us, what words and mantras we've focused on over the past 8 years, and what we're focusing on this year, along with a different twist on it all we invite you to explore for your own family. 

This week I talked with the Chief Knowledge Officer of Better Speech, Lenora Edwards, to hear about what they offer and tips for navigating speech, food and processing issues with kids. We talk about speech therapy, who all it helps, and how to support our kids at any level. 

Join me this week as I talk to Laura Hernandez, mama of ten and creator of Mama Systems, as she shares how to keep your sanity even with a busy household, special needs, or any other exceptions that are causing chaos in your home. Hop over to www.MamaSaysNamaste.com/podcast-mama-systems-laura to get the corresponding blog post and access her free self-care guide. 

Joy. Just Own it Yourself. Can you? Or are you so focused on making or bringing joy to others that you've sabotaged it with your own stress overload? In this short and sweet episode we help you with reframing so you keep your sanity and actually enjoy the upcoming weeks, as well as a few ideas where we've let go of tradition and added more simplicity and ease. 

As we're nearing Christmas, we want to share four quick tips that will help you navigate the holidays - and beyond - with an attitude of abundance and gratitude. What do drop? What's on your "don't do" list? What do you fill, and what do you accept? Check out the blog post and podcast episode - what is something that helps keep you calm and enjoying the holidays?

Not sure what to gift? Here are ideas that make a positive impact, as well as take into account the different personality styles in your life! I've added to a previous gift guide with even more ideas, and Nathan and I share about the gifts with meaning that truly leave a ripple effect of positivity vs. clutter. 

Is a wall always a brick wall of negativity? Or is there a chance to put clear boundaries around the life you want to create? As we've moved from our RV into a stationary house for the next six months or so, it's an opportunity for us to reflect on what we've created - and the walls we "kiss" - and what we choose to bring awareness and gratitude to. What might you be missing in the rush of your life? How are you teaching others to treat you? As we discuss boundaries, awareness and gratitude, we share stories from our experience and a challenge for and your family. What have you cultivated and created in your home? Are you instilling true sanctuary at home, both in the walls you do reinforce and in the awareness and gratitude of the present moment?

It's the week of Thanksgiving. While we don't celebrate the history that caused pain to so many, we do focus on what true thanksgiving is. Gather your family around to hear what we're grateful for, and follow along with our ten-year-old, Juliette, as she leads on a meditation of gratitude!