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How do we intentionally co-create connecting conversations, particularly when they are about topics that tend to be divisive like politics? How do we ensure that everyone’s voice is heard, and each person feels seen and valued as they are? How might we model for and teach our children to relate to difference from a place of mutual respect and curiosity? These are some of the ideas we explore in this episode about shifting our communication from competitive to connecting. In this episode, Lauren speaks with Chris Sautter, an entrepreneur and intentional communicator, about how to bridge the political divide, why we need diverse points of view, and how to approach conversations as a way to build bridges that lead to mutual understanding. We learn in this episode:How to shift from the common, competitive framing of conversations in which people try to “win” the conversation by proving that their perspective is “right” and the other person’s is “wrong,” to a more connection focused model of communicating in which each person is assumed to have a valid perspective for that person, and the goal is to learn more about each other and move toward deeper mutual understanding. In order to get better at navigating conflict, we need to choose to move towards conflict in an intentional way, so we can hone our connection skills and learn to self-regulate in moments of tension or discomfort and practice bringing our best selves to those moments.If we catch ourselves unconsciously framing things in a competitive way, we can pause, breathe, and shift back towards connection and the shared goal of mutual understanding.We can model for our children how to bring humility and our full humanity to difficult conversations, co-creating an opportunity to seek win/win solutions to problems in which each person’s concerns are heard, valued, and incorporated into mutually beneficial resolutions.If you found this episode helpful, we encourage you to share it with anyone in your life who might also benefit from the ideas explored and the suggestions offered that shine a light on how we might co-create a more peaceful world in which we come together in pursuit of shared values, while including and benefitting from our diverse perspectives. 

We are so excited to bring you this conversation because it’s about a topic that has quite literally changed our lives: transformation.What is transformation?  How does it work?  What does it look like in practice?  Well, this is what we're going to talk about!We have come to understand that when we are aware of the transformation process and our role in it, we can then consciously engage in it with choice.  Our wish is to empower others -- you the listener! -- to have this awareness and choice in your own life.To share this important topic, we don't just talk about transformation.  We share our stories of how we’ve experienced transformation as parents and as people.----------We believe in the power of stories to transform lives.  When we hear each others' stories, we see new possibilities for ourselves.  Do you have a story of transformation in your own life you'd like to contribute to this conversation?  We'd love to hear it and possibly feature you on a future show!  Email us!  amy@soulpathparenting.com. 

This myth is my absolute FAVORITE!  The myth that "parents need to be in control" is both culturally pervasive AND extremely destructive.  I see this as the "macro myth" that everything in Conscious Parenting connects to in some way.  Understanding and unwinding our relationship with control has the power to transform everything.This is the last episode in our 8-episode series on  Conscious Parenting and the myths that Dr. Shefali Tsabary so beautifully distinguished in her book, The Awakened Family.To bring this myth to life, we are joined by two inspiring Conscious Parenting Coaches who generously share their own authentic stories of seeing this myth and transforming their parenting and their lives: Angelica Bastida & Kelly O’Loughlin.  In this episode, we look explore:How our very earliest experience with our children - childbirth - can help us see the myth of controlWhere our desire to control comes from and how pervasive it is in our livesStories of how we seek to control our children's' thoughts, emotions and actionsHow learning to give up control can transform your life -- as a parent and beyondIf you're interested in learning more about these amazing coaches, please check out the series webpage at soulpathparenting.com.

Who was Jesus...really?  What did he really intend to teach?  What is Christ consciousness?  And what does all this mean for those of us seeking to be a part of a new consciousness emerging in the world?  That's what we explore in this conversation!  In this episode, Amy and Lauren speak with Patricia Pearce, spiritual teacher and author of Beyond Jesus.  Patricia is a teacher of oneness consciousness and, earlier in her life, before her awakening, she was a Presbyterian pastor for 17 years.  She brings her unique perspective to shining a light on what's possible.  Not only is the wisdom she shares so inspiring, but the presence that can be felt in the conversation is magical.  We learned:Jesus recognized himself as one with all; he understood that we are all divinity walking in human form.  Christ (or Unitive) Consciousness “is" awareness of and connection to the mystery of being alive and being relationship embodied.We are not only in relationships.  We are relationship. We are all interconnected, and we can experience that by being aware of it, connecting to that awareness, and experiencing it in and through our bodies while we are embodied consciousness living human lives on this earth. When we interact with others who are also aware of and experiencing this, we can experience it with and through each other, and it expands our experience of it. If you'd like a copy of Beyond Jesus, Patricia has generously offered autographed copies to our listeners at 25% off the cover price.  And, if you'd like an inscription to you or someone else as a gift, she's happy to do that as well.  Order here.  Use the promo code SOULPATH.  💕

I love this myth so much!  I believe that by unlocking our beliefs about happiness (and the ways we are blocking it!), we can transform our lives.  For those of us who are Americans, we are born into a nation so committed to the pursuit of happiness that it's in the Declaration of Independence.  And yet, this "pursuit" is exactly what has the power to make us unhappy. This show is the seventh in our 8-part series on Conscious Parenting and the parenting myths Dr. Shefali Tsabary shared in her inspiring book, The Awakened Family.   To bring this myth to life, we are joined by two inspiring Conscious Parenting Coaches who generously share their insights and wisdom: Aneika Perez and Tia Fagan.  In this episode, we look explore:What we can learn from our own experiences of pursuing happinessHow our discomfort with unhappiness -- and the other "bad" feelings -- is what stands in the way of us experiencing happinessHow to "create space" for ourselves and our kids to experience any and all feelingsMore ways to create the "conscious pause" that makes ALL. THE. DIFFERENCE. in conscious parenting and in lifeIn the conversation, we referenced two previous episodes.  You can find them here:Ep. 29: Emotions: What They Are, Where They Are, and How to Powerfully Flow Through Them – Dylan Rumley, Cognitive Medical HypnotherapistTake 5 for a Simple Exercise That Shifts Stress & Anxiety to Calm & Resourcefulness -- Becca ArmstrongIf you're interested in learning more about these amazing coaches, please check out the series webpage at soulpathparenting.com.

Here's the myth we're talking about in this episode: "A good parenting is a loving one."  If you’re thinking, "Hang on!  How is that a myth?," well, you're not alone!  That’s what I first thought when I read it.  But at the heart of this myth is one of the most profound insight in parenting and in life -- an insight that will have you understand love in a whole new way by the time this episode is done.This show is the sixth in our 8-part series on Conscious Parenting and the parenting myths Dr. Shefali Tsabary shared in her inspiring book, The Awakened Family.   To bring this myth to life, we are joined by two inspiring Conscious Parenting Coaches who generously share their insights and wisdom: Jenny Ng and Suzy Blais.  In the episode, we talk about:When love doesn't feel like love to a child, guess what.  It isn't coming from a place of love.  So, what is it then?....  The profound insight about love that has transformed my parenting:  "Love and fear cannot exist in the same moment"How we can cultivate the antidote to fear and feeling triggered: the Conscious PauseHow to recognize some of the most common fears.  (They're so sneaky!...they try to creep in and take over....but not once you can recognize them!)If you're interested in learning more about these amazing coaches, please check out the series webpage at soulpathparenting.com.

I can hardly believe it!  It's been a year since Soul Path Parenting launched.  We have learned soooo much!  We've asked dozens of experts — from therapists to educators, from parenting coaches to mediums and spiritual leaders — how we set our kids up to live their best lives, their most authentic expression of who they’re meant to be.  We've been showered with wisdom & inspiration.  Don't you just wish someone could boil down all that goodness into say, a 15 minute synopsis of the 3 most powerful things we've learned?  Well,  we have!  We are so excited to share it with you.  AND...we have big news to share about the future of the show!  The wonderful and amazing Conscious Parenting coach, healer, storyteller, and all-around amazing human Lauren Coglianese Keck will be joining me for the second half of the show for our big announcement.  💕💕💕

Today we are talking about parenting myth #4: Good parents are naturals.  And I have to tell you, it only took days into being a parent (maybe just hours!) for me to realize that it didn't come as naturally as I thought it would!  This show is the fifth in our 8-part series on Conscious Parenting the parenting myths Dr. Shefali Tsabary so beautifully shared in her book, The Awakened Family.   To bring this myth to life, we are joined by three inspiring Conscious Parenting Coaches who generously share their wisdom: Dinuka Ranasinghe, Inez Natalia, and Juliana Gomes.  In the episode, we talk about:The downsides of viewing parenting as "natural"...and the freedom that understanding this myth unlocksThe story of a pre-parenting coach and how conscious parenting is preparing her for her potential future as a parent.How letting go of "good" (and "bad") can open up joy and connection with ourselves, our kids, and the present moment.If you're interested in learning more about these amazing coaches, please check out the series webpage at soulpathparenting.com.

“What I have come to understand is that there are no good or bad children.  There are compliant children, defiant children, and then there are authentic children." -- Lauren Coglianese KeckWow.  I have to tell you, that quote alone has changed my outlook on parenting.  And that's just the first minute of the show!  This show is the fourth in our 8-part series on Conscious Parenting the parenting myths Dr. Shefali Tsabary so beautifully shared in her book, The Awakened Family.   To bring this myth to life, we are joined by two magical Conscious Parenting coaches: Lauren Coglianese Keck of Sunshower Coaching and  Karemi Alvarez of the Conscious Parenting Institute.  In the episode, we talk about:What happens when we put labels like "good", "bad", "difficult", "challenging" on our children -- and where this comes fromLauren's powerful story of transformation, now "8 years sober" from spanking her childKaremi's beautiful explanation of the double standards we have for our children vs. ourselvesAnd most importantly, how we can create the space for our children to be authentic If you're interested in learning more about these amazing coaches, please check out the series webpage at soulpathparenting.com.If you're interested in checking out Amy's new online fitness program for 40-somethings, head on over to fittest40s.com!  You can use promo code SOULPATHLOVE to get half off your first month.  

This is one of my favorite parenting myths and has probably made the biggest difference for me in my life personally and as a parent!  Here it is: "a successful child is ahead of the curve."  Depending on where you are in your parenting journey, you may see this myth for what it is.  Or, maybe you're like I was and this sounds like a an absolute truth.This show is the third in our 8-part series on Conscious Parenting the parenting myths Dr. Shefali Tsabary shared in her inspiring book, The Awakened Family.   To bring this myth to life, we are joined by four Conscious Parenting Coaches who generously share their insights and wisdom: Magaly Medina, MD, Delia Garcia, Cheryl Polsky, and Jen Klein.  In the episode, we talk about:A beautiful story of how living this myth became an awakening and eventually an epiphany that changed everythingThe double edged sword of "potential."  (If you love the idea of "potential" as much as I did, you'll want to hear this!)And, what Justin Timberlake has to do with learning how to parent kids who actually are "ahead of the curve"If you're interested in learning more about these amazing coaches, please check out the series webpage at soulpathparenting.com.

When I first heard this myth -- parenting is about the child -- I thought, "Wait.  Whaaat?!"  If it's not about the child, what IS it about?!  Well, my friends, that's what we talk about in this episode!  This myth is so powerful that once you understand it, you will be transformed.  Promise. This show is the second in our 8-part series on Conscious Parenting the parenting myths Dr. Shefali Tsabary so beautifully shared in her book, The Awakened Family.   To bring this myth to life, we are joined by three amazing Conscious Parenting Coaches who generously share their wisdom and vulnerably share their stories: Jen Klein, Claudia Pape, and Janet Philbin.  In the episode, we talk about:One of the most powerful questions every parent can (must!) ask themselves.  It will totally transform your perspective on parenting.How understanding this myth ultimately led one of our guests — a self-professed perfectionist who thought "singing was the scariest thing in the world" — to take singing lessons (...AND she now regularly dances with her daughter on TikTok)And, finally, an amazing story of how another coach helped her daughter resolve a situation of anxiety and struggle....without saying a word to her; only changing how she showed up.If you're interested in learning more about these amazing coaches, please check out the series webpage at soulpathparenting.com.

Over the 10 months of this podcast, we have focused on exploring one important & inspiring question:  “How do we set our kids up to live their best lives?... to be the most authentic expression of who they’re meant to be?”  I’ve asked this question of therapists, educators, coaches, religious leaders, and spiritual teachers.  And if I could only choose one answer to share with the world, it would be this: parent consciously.  But how do we get started?  That's what we're going to talk about!Because I believe conscious parenting is so fundamentally important to our lives, our children’s lives, and, frankly, the future of humanity, we are dedicating an entire series to it!  Our focus is understanding the parenting myths that Dr. Shefali Tsabary outlines in her book, The Awakened Family.  If you’re anything like me — or most other humans on the planet — you’ve been so steeped in these myths that you accept them as truths!  These myths have been handed down to us from our parents, from our culture, from other institutions like school and religion — and they tell us how things should be.  The problem is, they’re just made up.  And the even bigger problem is, these beliefs set us up to suffer because they disconnect us from who we and our children are authentically meant to be.This episode kicks off an 8-part series on conscious parenting and the 7 myths. Joining me in this episode are three coaches, certified in Dr. Shefali Tsabary's Conscious Parenting Method: Nina Cruz, Tilley Fine, and Janet Philbin.In this episode, we talk about:What conscious parenting is and how it differs from the mainstream modelHow conscious parenting has completely transformed their parenting and their own livesWhy we have to let go of "control" in parenting -- and what to replace it withA glimpse of the future.  I have had the unique opportunity of actually knowing someone who was parented consciously.  It's like finding a unicorn!  Knowing him has been like a masterclass.  I share how he shows up in the world, what we can learn from him, and what the future looks like for our children — and for humanity —  if we parent consciously. If you are interested in learning more about conscious parenting coaching with these amazing coaches, you can find links on our website at soulpathparenting.com.

As we kick off this unprecedented school year, it feels like our educational system has been completely upended, whether we like it or not.  AND, there’s so much possibility in that!  Today’s guest is all about what’s possible if we rethink education.Greta Harman is a board certified educational therapist and serial entrepreneur, currently working alongside Oprah’s favorite parenting expert, Dr. Shefali, to help spread the Conscious Parenting movement worldwide.  In this episode, she shares:How we can redefine educational success so our kids can thriveWhat conscious parenting means for how we approach education What Greta learned from her own journey as a parent navigating the education system (“Everything we did was wrong!”)The most important things we can do to help our children learn this school yearAnd how she - and we! - can stay present, calm, and curious in the face of it allYou can find Greta at http://www.gretaharman.com/, @greta.harman on Instagram, or somewhere on a beach in Orange County, California.  

In this 5-minute inspiration break we share a powerful exercise that transforms moments of stress, fear, anxiety, or upset into calm and resourcefulness.  We learned this from Becca Armstrong, psychotherapist & hypnotherapist, back in late March.  I've been using it ever since, any time I feel off kilter or when my kids are having big emotions.  I can tell you, it works!  As we face the uncertainty of the start of the school year and, well, life!...we wanted to bring back this magical 3-minute practice so you, too, can bring yourself into heart-brain coherence.  To hear the full interview, check out Episode 21. 

One of the powerful parenting lessons I've learned through all the interviews I've done on the show is this: In many cases, it’s not what we tell our kids that can make the difference, it’s what we ask them.  There are powerful questions that can be transformational in the way we parent our kids.  And, beyond that, there are powerful questions that we can ask ourselves.  This week we explore our favorite parenting questions from the experts who have appeared on the show, including:A question that shifts moments when one kid hurts another -- instead of blaming & shaming, we invoke kindness & compassionThe question that empowers our kids when they face struggles, pointing them to listen to their own inner guidanceAnd, the most important question we parents can ask ourselves every day.There were more favorite questions than we could cover in one episode, so I've created a one-pager for you!  If you want all 9 of our magical day-to-day parenting questions, you can download them here: soulpathparenting.com/questions.

Hello friends!  This is the last week of repeats.  We are back from our time off with family and busy cooking up exciting new content for you!  In the meanwhile, we hope you enjoy one more of our favorite episodes from the early days of the podcast....------------In this episode we talk with Steve Sachs, the co-director of Alaya Preschool, which draws on the wisdom of the Shambhala Buddhist tradition to inspire its approach to early childhood education.  Steve has been an educator for 40 years and has wonderful insights and inspiration to share from his time at Alaya, 24 years in Montessori, and experience teaching in the Early Childhood Education program at Naropa University.  He’s also a co-director of Family Camp at the Shambhala Mountain Center.In this episode, we talk about:Meeting each child in the present momentHow to handle big emotionsCultivating connection, kindness, self-acceptance, and non-competitionAnd a wonderful practice for handle the situation when child has hurt another child in some way that has been transformative in our household.I found this conversation so inspiring…and I hope you do too!

As our hiatus continues, we wanted to bring you one of our favorite episodes from one of my FAVORITE people, Willow Bradner. ❤️❤️❤️We hope you enjoy it!----------------------------Today’s show is about intuition.  Intuition is one of the keys to living a fulfilling life; it’s our window into our soul’s desires.  We were born with it... but with so many voices - our parents, society, our teachers - many of us stop listening to our inner voice.  The good news is, we all have it.  It's just a matter of tuning in!Today we’ll be talking with someone who has intuition as her superpower.  Willow Bradner is a psychic and business medium…and a mom.  She’ll be sharing with us:How we find our intuition and how we cultivate it in our kidsThe no-BS answer to how to find your purposeA definition of self-care that will inspire youWhat parents can do to set their kids up to live their full, authentic livesHelpful tips for parents with highly sensitive kidsA fantastic tip for people who struggle to sit and meditateA surprising solution for how to get that thing we all want more of…timeLinks:Willow Bradner's WebsiteThe Clarity Cure Program

Our play-filled hiatus continues!  In the meanwhile, we're bringing back some of our favorite episodes from the early days of Soul Path Parenting.  This one first aired back in November.  We hope you enjoy it!----------------------------This week we talk with Erin Breeze, the strategist and guide behind Happy Home: Life After Divorce and...my sister!  Erin will share her experience helping moms tune in to themselves to powerfully navigate life's "divine disruptions" so that they can shine bright for themselves and their kids.  We'll also talk about:Divorce is not a failure - and the two tired, old archetypes of divorced women we can throw outThe myth that a happy life is free of struggleWhat it means for our kids and us to live our best livesPowerful "Divorce Advantages" (that married people can also tap into if they're aware!)Finding purpose & pursuing passionsLinks:Erin Breeze's WebsiteFacebook Group - Happy Home: Life After Divorce Also, referenced in the episode:"Struggle For Smarts? How Eastern And Western Cultures Tackle Learning," NPR, Nov. 12, 2012

We're taking some time to play and recharge in July, so we're bringing back some of our favorite episodes from the Soul Path Parenting vault.  This one first aired back in February when normal was still, well, normal....  We hope you enjoy it!----------------------------This episode is about joy and happiness.  As we've explored how we set our kids up to live their best lives on this podcast, one theme has become clear: We parents have to be pursuing ours.  So, today, I’m sharing stories from my own life.  It may sound weird because I literally never hear anyone say this, but my life is overflowing with joy.  I  have a life, marriage, and family that exceeds anything I ever imagined.  Of course, it wasn't always this way.  In fact, there were some huge limitations standing in the way of my happiness.  But finally a decade ago I had the breakthrough that changed everything.  If you are still look to create more joy and happiness in your life, I hope that my story may have some seed of inspiration or insight so you can have a life beyond your wildest dreams too.  That's my wish for all of us.  

It's summer and it's time to play!  But is play just all fun and games?  It turns out even though it may feel purposeless, there are enormous benefits to play.  From an evolutionary standpoint, it is, in fact, very purposeful.  I became incredibly interested in play while my kids were adjusting to online learning.  While they dutifully completed their schoolwork, what they really wanted to be doing was playing.  I wondered, could it be that they get just as much out of play as they do from formal instruction?  I think so!  In this episode, we talk with Chris Vaughan, co-author of Play: How It Shapes the Brain, Opens the Imagination, and Invigorates the Soul.  We talk about:Why play is so important for our development and wellbeing -- the skill-building, brain, and happiness benefitsWhat we can learn from the animal world about playWhat the 8 play personalities are so that you can see what lights you and your kids up...and do more of it!Show Links:Play: How It Shapes the Brain, Opens the Imagination, and Invigorates the Soul (Amazon Link)