The Morning Ritual

Penni Feiner and Geri Topfer, the dynamic co-founders of be.still, candidly delve into their journeys, discussing topics such as navigating social anxiety, conquering addiction, embracing the power of service, and mastering the art of living with vulnerability and courage. These ladies are walking the walk and I’m so grateful for the opportunity to collaborate with and learn from them. What we cover in today’s episode:  {2:10} About Geri and how she transformed her social anxiety into authenticity  {8:00} When/where did Penni discover mindfulness and how she’s navigating 40 years of sobriety  {15:30} The power in giving back  {33:15} What keeps these ladies balanced and living in alignment  {37:00} “Same landscape, different eyes” and choosing how we respond to life.  {46:05} Rapid fire questions. (Spoiler alert, Geri wakes up with a quad espresso!)  Be.still provides customized mindfulness programming for innovative businesses prioritizing employee mental health. Their social impact partner, Kula for Karma, brings therapeutic yoga, meditation, and stress management programs to those recovering from mental health, trauma, and addiction challenges. Learn more about be.still and Kula for Karma here.  Register for TMR’s FREE 4-week series, ‘Into the Body’  Join the community today! And if you haven’t already, be sure to hit the subscribe button!  Our Sponsors: * Check out Recess and use my code TMR for a great deal: www.takearecess.com Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

This practice is designed to give you an extra boost of support as we transition from summer to winter. Fall is a great time to uplevel our self-care. In today’s episode we talk about: The importance of slowing down this season Demystifying self care Honoring our core needs  Followed by a grounding meditation to check in with your wants and needs.  Register for TMR’s FREE 4-week series, ‘Into the Body’ https://event.webinarjam.com/register/2/6y0k5f0  Join the community https://themorningritual.substack.com/?utm_source=substack&utm_medium=web&utm_campaign=substack_profile  And if you haven’t already, be sure to hit the subscribe button!    Our Sponsors: * Check out Recess and use my code TMR for a great deal: www.takearecess.com Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Paulie Siegel, co-host of the hilarious and insightful podcast 'Shit Talking Shrinks,' shares with us her definition of ego and how to skillfully work with it. I’m so excited to share this conversation with you and hope that you find it just as nourishing as I did. Short on time? Skip ahead: {2:22} Paulie’s definition of Ego {6:02} How to become less defensive {14:11} The ways in which our ego keeps us from meditating {17:40} Tapping into your divine masculine & divine feminine {21:56} Control and being okay with chaos {24:20} How to overcome Imposter Syndrome {29:15} Rapid-fire questions {31:45} Paulie makes fun of my morning baths Check out Shit Talking Shrinks and connect with Paulie here: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/shit-talking-shrinks/id1664254764  https://www.instagram.com/shittalkingshrinkspodcast/ Let's Connect Join the community https://themorningritual.substack.com/?utm_source=substack&utm_medium=web&utm_campaign=substack_profile  or shoot me a DM on instagram @lillybalch  And if you haven’t already, be sure to hit the subscribe button!  Our Sponsors: * Check out Recess and use my code TMR for a great deal: www.takearecess.com Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Today it’s just you and me, no meditation and no guests. What we’ll cover:  {2:10} Reintroduction to TMR and Lilly  {4:15 } What ritual means to me {5:20} How to make the most of this seasonal shift from Summer to Fall  {7:00 } Tips to refocus this Autumn  Register for TMR’s FREE 4-week series, ‘Into the Body’ https://event.webinarjam.com/register/2/6y0k5f0  Check out Lilly’s favorite Fall rituals to realign and refocus  - https://www.lillybalch.com/fallrituals  Let's Connect Join the community https://themorningritual.substack.com/?utm_source=substack&utm_medium=web&utm_campaign=substack_profile  or shoot me a DM on instagram @lillybalch  And if you haven’t already, be sure to hit the subscribe button!  Our Sponsors: * Check out Recess and use my code TMR for a great deal: www.takearecess.com Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

This simple yet effective technique is an easy way to integrate deeper listening into your daily life. This meditation will leave you feeling present, connected to yourself and ready to connect more deeply with others.  DOWNLOAD THE FREE 'Become a Beter Listener' Worksheet + 2 reflective prompts here: http://www.lillybalch.com/activelistening  Today’s episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Get 10% off your first month of therapy by going to www.trybetterhelp.com/themorningritual   Let's Connect Join the community https://themorningritual.substack.com/?utm_source=substack&utm_medium=web&utm_campaign=substack_profile  or shoot me a DM on instagram @lillybalch  And if you haven’t already, be sure to hit the subscribe button!  Our Sponsors: * Check out Recess and use my code TMR for a great deal: www.takearecess.com Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Mindfulness teaches us to sit with “not knowing” as a way to be more open and alive to the present moment. We can’t possibly know what's going to happen in the next moment so we can make our lives a lot more enjoyable if we can embrace the unknown.  Today’s episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Get 10% off your first month of therapy by going to www.trybetterhelp.com/themorningritual   Enjoying The Morning Ritual? Be sure to subscribe and connect with me on instagram @lillybalch for more.  Our Sponsors: * Check out Recess and use my code TMR for a great deal: www.takearecess.com Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Balance out all the doing with 7 minutes of stillness. Moments of mindful stillness allow your body and mind to relax and all you to open up to our fullest, wisest self. Have any feedback? We would love to hear from you. Access the feedback form here.  Today’s episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Get 10% off your first month of therapy by going to www.betterhelp.com/themorningritual   Enjoying The Morning Ritual? Be sure to subscribe and connect with me on instagram @lillybalch for more.  Our Sponsors: * Check out Recess and use my code TMR for a great deal: www.takearecess.com Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Inspired by my recent conversation with CEO of Perform with Purpose, Ariel Naftali, this meditation explores the three questions you should be asking yourself to discover your purpose. This practice can be done seated, laying down or even walking!  Have any feedback? We would love to hear from you. Access the feedback form here.  Today’s episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Get 10% off your first month of therapy by going to www.betterhelp.com/themorningritual   Enjoying The Morning Ritual? Be sure to subscribe and connect with me on instagram @lillybalch for more.  Our Sponsors: * Check out Recess and use my code TMR for a great deal: www.takearecess.com Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Ariel Naftali (CEO of Perform with Purpose) and I discuss the three pillars of your purpose map, imposter syndrome and practical steps to fulfilling your purpose. If you're seeking more purpose in your life this episode is for you!! Connect with Ariel at https://performwithpurposecoaching.com/ and book a call with her here: https://app.acuityscheduling.com/schedule.php?appointmentType=19224529&owner=21563686  Today’s episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Get 10% off your first month of therapy by going to www.betterhelp.com/themorningritual   Enjoying The Morning Ritual? Be sure to subscribe and connect with me on instagram @lillybalch for more.  Our Sponsors: * Check out Recess and use my code TMR for a great deal: www.takearecess.com Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

How can meditation help you build self-confidence, know your worth and shed-self doubt? Listen in to find out. In today’s episode we explore the importance of getting to know your inner-critic and how changing your relationship to your thoughts is KEY to building confidence.  Download the FREE Inner Critic worksheet & journal prompts here: https://www.lillybalch.com/innercritic  Today’s episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Get 10% off your first month of therapy by going to www.betterhelp.com/themorningritual   Enjoying The Morning Ritual? Be sure to subscribe and connect with me on instagram @lillybalch for more.  Our Sponsors: * Check out Recess and use my code TMR for a great deal: www.takearecess.com Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

“When our lives fall apart, we often feel broken, ashamed and deeply alone. What if you knew that, despite the uniqueness of your own experiences, each stage of the process was universal, that it was mapped out in a myth thousands of years old?” This is the premise of Carly Mountain’s latest book, “Descent & Rising”. Carly is a psychotherapist, a psychosexual somatic therapist, breathworker and writer. In today’s conversation we explore what the descent and rising is, what embodiment is and how to stay within your “window of tolerance”.  Learn more about Carly and grab your copy of "Descent & Rising" here: https://carlymountain.com/  Enjoying The Morning Ritual? Be sure to subscribe and connect with me on instagram @lillybalch for more.  The Morning Ritual is sponsored by AG1. Try AG1 and get a FREE 1-year supply of Vitamin D AND 5 free AG1 Travel Packs with your first purchase. Go to https://www.drinkAG1.com/THEMORNINGRITUAL Our Sponsors: * Check out Recess and use my code TMR for a great deal: www.takearecess.com Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Most of us have trouble accepting ourselves just the way we are. However, self-acceptance is absolutely essential for living our healthiest, happiest lives. In today’s episode we explore self-acceptance, why it's essential, and how it relates to meditation. I hope you enjoy! Download the FREE worksheet with journal prompts and my *hot tip* to cultivating more self-acceptance: https://www.lillybalch.com/selfacceptance Enjoying The Morning Ritual? Be sure to subscribe and connect with me on instagram @lillybalch for more.   Our Sponsors: * Check out Recess and use my code TMR for a great deal: www.takearecess.com Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Release anything you’ve picked up that doesn’t serve you or simply just isn't you. You will likely leave this meditation feeling lighter, freer, more energized, and connecting to yourself. Enjoy The Morning Ritual, please consider giving back by leaving a review :)  ***The Morning Ritual is sponsored by BetterHelp. For easy, accessible therapy visit www.betterhelp.com/TheMorningRitual for 10% off your first month of therapy.  Our Sponsors: * Check out Recess and use my code TMR for a great deal: www.takearecess.com Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

In today's episode, actor and meditation teacher Jeff Kober talks about the importance of setting intentions, being self centered versus centered in self, trasnceding ego, and how to shift out of a scarcity mindset. Learn more about Jeff here.  Enjoying The Morning Ritual? Be sure to subscribe and connect with me on instagram @lillybalch for more.  The Morning Ritual is sponsored by AG1. Try AG1 and get a FREE 1-year supply of Vitamin D AND 5 free AG1 Travel Packs with your first purchase. Go to drinkAG1.com/THEMORNINGRITUAL. That’s drinkAG1.com/THEMORNINGRITUAL. Check it out.  Our Sponsors: * Check out Recess and use my code TMR for a great deal: www.takearecess.com Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

The Morning Ritual joines forces with The Penny Drops Podcast to explore doing less. "Doing less enables us to confront our true nature, receive more, and learn from the experience.” In today's conversation, Laurent and I break down the seven tips to doing less and receiving more on both a physical and subtle level.  Close out your summer and prepare for fall with the Countryside Retreat, running September 1-3rd in Nottinghamshire, UK.  Learn more here. Laurent will be there leading a restorative yoga nidra class. You don't want to miss this! The Morning Ritual is sponsored by AG1. Try AG1 and get a FREE 1-year supply of Vitamin D AND 5 free AG1 Travel Packs with your first purchase. Go to drinkAG1.com/THEMORNINGRITUAL. That’s drinkAG1.com/THEMORNINGRITUAL. Check it out.  Check out The Penny Drops Podcast here.  Enjoy The Morning Ritual? Be sure to hit the subscribe button and connect on instagram @_themorningritual Our Sponsors: * Check out Recess and use my code TMR for a great deal: www.takearecess.com Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

The only constant in life is change and when we resist that we end up suffering. Let go of reistance and surrender to the ever changing nature of life. Register for TMR's (FREE) June Gathering here: https://36i7qbzyob4.typeform.com/to/iax0LIFQ?typeform-source=www.lillybalch.com  Enjoying TMR? Rate, review, enjoy and as always feel free to reach out on Instagram @lillybalch. Discover more at www.lillybalch.com  **TMR is sponsored by BetterHelp. For easy, accessible therapy visit www.betterhelp.com/TheMorningRitual for 10% off your first month of therapy.  Our Sponsors: * Check out Recess and use my code TMR for a great deal: www.takearecess.com Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

In this episode we’re joined by Day Schildkret, an artist, teacher and author of the bestselling book, ‘Morning Altars’. We explore the power of creativity, the importance of process over product, and the reality of impermanence. At the end of the episode Day shares 3 tangible tips to managing change, big or small. I hope you enjoy!  Learn more and connect with Day at https://www.dayschildkret.com/ and on instagram at https://www.instagram.com/morningaltars/  Check out Day’s Bestselling Books: Hello, Goodbye: 75 Rituals for Times of Loss, Celebration & Change https://www.morningaltars.com/hellogoodbye Morning Altars: A 7-Step Practice to Nourish Your Spirit Through Nature, Art and Ritual https://www.morningaltars.com/morningaltarsbook  Sign up for the June Gathering (PURPOSE) here: https://36i7qbzyob4.typeform.com/to/iax0LIFQ?typeform-source=www.lillybalch.com  Enjoying TMR? Rate, review, enjoy and as always feel free to reach out on Instagram @lillybalch. Discover more at www.lillybalch.com  **TMR is sponsored by BetterHelp. For easy, accessible therapy visit www.betterhelp.com/TheMorningRitual for 10% off your first month of therapy.    Our Sponsors: * Check out Recess and use my code TMR for a great deal: www.takearecess.com Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Fear, we all experience it. Whether a fear is totally irrational or not, it can be incredibly debilitating and stop us from feeling good and living our best lives. Take these 15 minutes to transform any fear, doubt, worry or uncertainty into acceptance. Sign up for the June Gathering (PURPOSE) here: https://36i7qbzyob4.typeform.com/to/iax0LIFQ?typeform-source=www.lillybalch.com  Enjoying TMR? Rate, review, enjoy and as always feel free to reach out on Instagram @lillybalch. Discover more at www.lillybalch.com  **TMR is sponsored by BetterHelp. For easy, accessible therapy visit www.betterhelp.com/TheMorningRitual for 10% off your first month of therapy.  Our Sponsors: * Check out Recess and use my code TMR for a great deal: www.takearecess.com Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Let’s go on a walk together. And not just any old walk...a mindful walk. A walking meditation is a fantastic way to connect the body and mind while you’re on the go. Whether you hate sitting still to meditate or you simply don’t have the time to sit still this is a great alternative that still cultivates present moment awareness. Enjoying TMR? Rate, review, enjoy and as always feel free to reach out on Instagram @lillybalch. Discover more at www.lillybalch.com  **TMR is sponsored by BetterHelp. For easy, accessible therapy visit www.betterhelp.com/TheMorningRitual for 10% off your first month of therapy.  Our Sponsors: * Check out Recess and use my code TMR for a great deal: www.takearecess.com Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

This episode was inspired by the widely known study ‘A Wandering Mind is an Unhappy Mind’ (check out the study below). Let’s slow down, focus the mind, and connect back to the present moment.  Enjoying TMR? Rate, review, enjoy and as always feel free to reach out on Instagram @lillybalch. Discover more at www.lillybalch.com  **TMR is sponsored by BetterHelp. For easy, accessible therapy visit www.betterhelp.com/TheMorningRitual for 10% off your first month of therapy.  A Wandering Mind is an Unhappy Mind- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21071660/   Our Sponsors: * Check out Recess and use my code TMR for a great deal: www.takearecess.com Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy