This is an episode packed with powerful stats, fascinating research and - most importantly - hope.  My guest is Amelia Miller. A psychologist and the co-founder of ​ivee.jobs​. Together with her sister Lydia, they have developed an innovative job platform dedicated to providing free resources and support for women returning to work. As you listen to the evidence and human stories, you'll understand why I was so excited to have Amelia on the show.Alongside painting us a powerful picture of Ivee's mission, Amelia debunks some of the myths of the gender pay gap and also shares her personal experience - watching their mother struggle with her own return to work.We discussed the challenges women face when returning to work after a career break, including lack of confidence and difficulty navigating the job market. And Amelia shared the solutions they have developed, such as prioritising the woman's journey back to work and providing practical support. Amelia closes with an open invitation to any woman who wants to find out more. Whether you're returning to work, on a career break or already in the workplace... you'll be welcome. https://ivee.jobs/SummaryGender pay gap myths and debunking misconceptions.The return to work challenges for women. Gender bias in job applications and how to address it. The impact of motherhood and being a carer on women's earnings. Empowering women, focusing on skills recognition and community support. The importance of community for networking and job opportunities. The impact of menopause on the issues.Many of the same challenges affect men when they take career breaks too. The impact of the Flexible Working Act. The range of options around flexible work arrangements and resources.Join the mailing list & receive the mini-course '3 little acts of self-compassion', completely free https://hennyflynn.ck.page/6e83d0227eExplore Henny's coaching, books, retreats, courses & events https://www.hennyflynn.co.uk/

Today's episode is a personal reflection on an unexpected happening last weekend.I ended up having to have an emergency medical procedure at the weekend - it all sounds very dramatic and in the moment definitely felt that way. I am ok - 100% ok. But, as is the way with these things I've also seen that embedded within it there is much richness for reflection!Some key themes came up for me.How old stories can become activated when we're facing into difficult thingsHow easy it can be to muddle resilience with foolhardinessWhat it means to respond mindfully, kindfully to pain and acknowledge our need for restThe critical value of self-awareness - both IN the moment and ABOUT the momentGratitude for what is - and for remembering how things wereThis is a short one. A canter through some thoughts. I'd love to know what it sparks for you.Sending so much love, for whatever is showing up in your life.Join the mailing list & receive the mini-course '3 little acts of self-compassion', completely free https://hennyflynn.ck.page/6e83d0227eExplore Henny's coaching, books, retreats, courses & events https://www.hennyflynn.co.uk/

Today we're back with Kate Adams, founder of Inner Work Project and the publisher of In the Flow - journal your inner wisdom, my brand new book (toot toot). We have turned the tables and Kate is interviewing me...Our conversation begins with a personal reflection from Kate, that grounds our conversation in real life. And beautifully illustrates how journaling can be one of the most powerful tools to support us when things in life feel challenging.We cover...What led to my own journaling practice, and the changes it helped me makeHow journaling helps us reconnect with the deeper, inner wiser part of me - enabling us to really SEE ourselvesWays we can learn to meet ourselves where we are, without judgement, allowing for whatever emerges - often with surprising moments of insightThings that can get in the way of journaling - and what can help us get started, or restartedThe compassionate, practical guidance and inspirational journaling prompts that flow through the bookThis was a rich and nourishing conversation. I found it fascinating to have my own ideas opened up in this way and I hope it feels useful for you too, in your own journaling practice.To order your own copy of In the Flow (pub. 30.05.24)http://innerworkproject.com/product/in-the-flow/Join the mailing list & receive the mini-course '3 little acts of self-compassion', completely free https://hennyflynn.ck.page/6e83d0227eExplore Henny's coaching, books, retreats, courses & events https://www.hennyflynn.co.uk/

My good friend Susan McCulley is back on the show. And this time we're talking about the tough stuff. Author, somatic movement coach and artist, Susan brings a breadth and depth of wisdom, knowledge and personal experience to every conversation and this episode is no exception.We look at the topic of Tough Stuff from many perspectives. Exploring the importance of going gently with ourselves when things FEEL hard - and the importance of facing into and taking action to navigate the things that are hard to DO. Some of the areas we cover include:Not just about the DOINGNESS but also the BEINGWITHNESSUnderstanding our capacity is vital to how we care for ourselves in the face of tough thingsBeing persistent, learning, and feeling good about yourself are all affected by a crucial neurological mechanism responsible for cultivating qualities of tenacity and willpowerDoing effortful things is GOOD for you - but we also need BALANCEHow making small changes can lead to big resultsWe finish with Susan's beautiful enquiry: 'How can I make more space for what's needed right now?'CONNECT WITH SUSANFor movement, books & art https://www.susanmcculley.com/For women over 50 https://www.susanmcculley.com/women-over-50REFERENCESDr Andrew Huberman - the 'source' of the will to liveStephen Covey -  7 Habits of Highly Successful People James Clear - Atomic HabitsJoin the mailing list & receive the mini-course '3 little acts of self-compassion', completely free https://hennyflynn.ck.page/6e83d0227eExplore Henny's coaching, books, retreats, courses & events https://www.hennyflynn.co.uk/

Today we’re exploring Patience. It arose as a topic out of a random selection of a page from an old journal. As I dived into the idea, it expanded for me. Perhaps these reflections will support you, in some way, too.This is an invitation to explore how Patience feels for you, the thoughts and beliefs you have about it, the stories you may be carrying that inform it.Some of the ideas that arose were:The use of Angel Cards as journal promptsThe 3 types of Patience, researched by Dr. Sarah Schnitker, Associate Professor of Psychology and NeuroscienceFixed and growth mindsets in how we see our own relationship to Patience (and the work of Carol Dweck)How Patience sits in the centre point between passivity and recklessness - and how it can be seen to support our emotional regulationModern attitudes to patience versus our ancient, shared, cultural heritage of what Patience is and how it can serve usI close with the poem, Patience, by Emily DickinsonPatience – has a quiet Outer –Patience – Look within –Is an Insect’s futile forcesInfinites – between –‘Scaping one – against the otherFruitlesser to fling –Patience – is the Smile’s exertionThrough the quivering –REFERENCESJohn O'Donohue - poem FLUENTDr. Sarah Schnitker - research in PatienceCarol Dweck - research in fixed & growth mindsetsThich Naht Hanh - we are all the traffic Join the mailing list & receive the mini-course '3 little acts of self-compassion', completely free https://hennyflynn.ck.page/6e83d0227eExplore Henny's coaching, books, retreats, courses & events https://www.hennyflynn.co.uk/

My guest today is the optimistic and courageous Jo Moseley. Water lover, stand-up paddle boarder (SUP), author of a bestselling book and creator of an award winning tiny film. I love the double meaning in today's title, because I see that through her adventures, Jo really has stood-up for herself, and for all women in mid-life. She embodies the joy of adventure, solo travel and ageing well. We talk of experiences that were deeply challenging in her past and how in 2016, she first stepped onto a paddleboard. And then proceeded to paddleboard 162 miles coast to coast across Britain. She wrote her first book at 57 and now, on the tipping point of 60, is about to publish her second.She's a gorgeous soul who shares her story with compassion and courage. We speak of:Courage and fresh startsThings that can get in the way of adventureWhat can help us access our inner resourcesThe role of (self) compassion in navigating lifeAgeing with a fresh perspectiveI also share the poem, Fluent, by John O'Donoghue - it feels resonant here.I would love to live Like a river flowsCarried by the surprise Of its own unfolding This episode has a transcript.To connect with Jo https://www.jomoseley.com/ or Instagram @jomoseleyREFERENCESAmy Cuddy TED talk - Jo references this as part of what helps her access her courage - it's a talk I've mentioned before on the podcast and highly recommendedStand-up Paddleboarding in Great Britain: Beautiful places to paddleboard in England, Scotland & Wales by Jo MoseleyStand-up Paddleboarding in the Lake District: Beautiful places to paddleboard in Cumbria by Jo MoseleyJoin the mailing list & receive the mi

We’re hardwired to respond to stories. Before the written word, stories were how humans passed down critical information - Bullet points and facts don’t stick around as long. Stories provide us with a way to make sense of the world and neuroscience now shows us how the brain encodes memories in terms of narrative.But.Sometimes the stories we’ve picked up along the way of our life might no longer serve us. This episode explores the opportunity we may have to rewrite our narrative. It touches on...We all learn & gather stories, beginning in early childhood - from our families, our culture, our communityJung’s interest in fairytales and how they can shine a light into our life experienceSome of the stories we carry might actually belong to othersThe 3 steps we can explore to take control of the narrativeExploring how we can transform and rewrite the stories we holdJoin the mailing list & receive the mini-course '3 little acts of self-compassion', completely free https://hennyflynn.ck.page/6e83d0227eExplore Henny's coaching, books, retreats, courses & events https://www.hennyflynn.co.uk/

Today, I’d like to talk about Inner Change, and how - at its heart - it's about returning to Self.This was a surprisingly emotive topic for me. You’ll hear there’s a moment I need to gather myself before continuing - proof (if I needed it) of the significance and importance of connecting deeply and compassionately with ourselves.Some of the things I cover, include:The importance of reflecting on how far we have travelled How taking off my rose-tinted spectacles was part of my own change journeyThat change goes beyond resolutions and goalsThe difference between Will Power and Way Power (part of Motivational Theory)The fundamental truth that caring deeply for your Self is part of caring deeply for the world and the people around youI also share a piece of writing I originally wrote on Instagram, and it felt useful to include it here...I’ve been noisier than usual recently. Sharing poems, thoughts, things about myself. It’s surprising me but I’m going with it. Something is drawing me to speak. And maybe it’s you I’m speaking to? Maybe you’re feeling like you want to be heard? Maybe something within you is asking to be seen? Maybe you sense an awakening of a long dormant part? Maybe… maybe you’d like to talk? Maybe it’s time? Maybe you’ve been wondering about this for a while? Maybe it’s a new surgence* within? Maybe you’ve been doing the Work for a while and want to see what to do with what you’ve found? Maybe this change you feel rising feels overwhelming at times? Maybe you’re seeking a guide. Maybe having someone walking beside you a while would feel like comfort and courage combined. If a yes arises to one or more, then maybe you are why I’m here right now, asking all these maybes. Maybe this is the moment to reach in? With love ❤️Join the mailing list & receive the mini-course '3 little acts of self-compassion', completely free https://hennyflynn.ck.page/6e83d0227eExplore Henny's coaching, books, retreats, courses & events https://www.hennyflynn.co.uk/

In ancient Sanskrit, mandala means “circle.” Gradually working outward from the central first dot, the creator builds an intricate and beautiful design. And then, the whole thing is wiped clean. They’re ephemeral by nature.Today I’d like to explore how the principles inherent within Mandalas could support us; and dip into what I’m calling: the Mandala Mindset.Along the way, we'll be looking at:How Mandalas represent the ephemeral nature of all thingsThe full version of the famous Marcus Aurelius quote that led to our modern usage of the adage: “live each day as if it were your last.”What it could mean to be aware of our own mortalityHow learning somethng new can help us connect with the Mandala MindsetPema Chödrön’s observation that “Each person’s life is like a mandala” “Everything that shows up in your mandala is a vehicle for your awakening. From this point of view awakening is right at your fingertips continually.” Pema ChödrönJoin the mailing list & receive the mini-course '3 little acts of self-compassion', completely free https://hennyflynn.ck.page/6e83d0227eExplore Henny's coaching, books, retreats, courses & events https://www.hennyflynn.co.uk/

My guest today is the publisher Kate Adams.Kate has published many books you’d recognise, including You Are What You Eat by Gillian McKeith, A New Earth by Eckhart Tolle and Live Well Every Day by Dr Alex George. After working at Random House and then Penguin, she launched the Aster imprint for Octopus Books. Her experience has informed her deep curiosity about her own inner work - and has inspired the creation of the Inner Work Project. This is a wonderful expansive conversation that covers so many things - all enriching. I felt deeply calm after chatting with Kate. She has a wonderful energy that speaks to her curiosity and independent thinking.I think you’ll enjoy meeting her too!Some of the things we discussed include…The books & writers that can prompt us to start our journey on the inner workHow our age and Lifestage can inform where we place our attentionThe power of letting the wild mother in (and releasing our need to be ‘good’)One of my favourite quotes: "Beware the man of one book"How we can reach outside ourselves for the answers - when they really sit withinThe importance of purpose as we craft the life we are creatingLastly, there was a phrase that came to me as we spoke. Grasp the nettle and make tea. At the time it felt important. Maybe it speaks to you too.Join the mailing list & receive the mini-course '3 little acts of self-compassion', completely free https://hennyflynn.ck.page/6e83d0227eExplore Henny's coaching, books, retreats, courses & events https://www.hennyflynn.co.uk/

Moving into a new year, a new job, a new relationship, a new home, a new mindset we can feel as though the old is falling away. In truth, we might find we're seeking this 'letting go', this 'falling away' - insisting even, that we no longer carry the old stories, beliefs, experiences and only see the new.And yet.I’m not sure that’s ever truly so. Though things may transmute, change, adapt. Do they ever completely disappear?Today we explore this idea of how we make room for the new. Some thoughts that appear are:The idea that there is no ‘away’ - materially or metaphoricallyWith change we sometimes forget we also carry the past with usWhen we mindfully, kindfully pay attention to what was, we can create the space for what will beChange seems to me to be more about revelation, rather than transformationPart of our new this year could be learning to see the glimmersThis is an explorative, expansive, reflective episode… spoken from the heart, the hara (though every now and again my head does seem to insist on getting involved). If you love this kind of reflection, I'd love to hear your own meandering thoughts on where it takes you.Join the mailing list & receive the mini-course '3 little acts of self-compassion', completely free https://hennyflynn.ck.page/6e83d0227eExplore Henny's coaching, books, retreats, courses & events https://www.hennyflynn.co.uk/

The root of this episode was inspired by a young man I met this summer.You'll hear the story that prompted today's question: how are you answering the call?This isn't the first time someone has posed this question - you'll hear I share some of their words too. Yet, I feel it bears repeating.And while I recognise it may seem particularly pertinent at this time of year, I see it as a universal, eternal question. Something, perhaps, we can all continue to ask.Thoughts that arise are:The words of Mary Oliver’s timeless poem, The Summer DaySeneca, Eckhart and Confucius on the shortness of lifeThis can be a beautiful time to reflect on what was, to see what is, to look ahead to what will beThat we may not know the answer to the question, and that’s ok - the importance is we keep listening in for the callThe choices we have about how we envision the now we are creating And we close with the same tender, compassionate, curious enquiry: how are you answering the call?Join the mailing list & receive the mini-course '3 little acts of self-compassion', completely free https://hennyflynn.ck.page/6e83d0227eExplore Henny's coaching, books, retreats, courses & events https://www.hennyflynn.co.uk/

It’s no accident that this episode falls on the day before Christmas. A day when many - though by no means all - of us, come together to give and receive.We all recognise there can be complexity in these kinds of festivities. But sometimes it can be useful to break down a single aspect of what’s entangled within the complexity and see how we can shine the light of awareness to help create a shift. So, today we’re exploring the art of generously receiving, through the 3 As: Acknowledging, Allowing, Accepting.This is a multi-level concept. I believe it applies whether we're being offered something from the universe, nature, others or our own wisest inner self.  We see...There are many things that can get in the way of receiving When we acknowledge something we help bring it into existenceA willingness to be vulnerable means we allow the safe passage of the thing we are being offeredAccepting the thing exactly as it is - without judgement - is not the same as losing our boundariesMaybe the most generous gift we can give is to learn how to receive generously ourselvesI'm aware there is complexity within this exploration too, so the invitation is simply to see what you receive as you listen.RESOURCES Karen Mead article: https://tinybuddha.com/blog/learning-to-receive-5-steps-to-opening-up/Tara Brach RAIN: https://youtu.be/W8e_tAEM80k?si=acft-69cYqr590QmWilliam Shakespeare, The Merchant of Venice, Act IV, Scene IJoin the mailing list & receive the mini-course '3 little acts of self-compassion', completely free https://hennyflynn.ck.page/6e83d0227eExplore Henny's coaching, books, retreats, courses & events https://www.hennyflynn.co.uk/

I was sitting by a loch on the Isle of Mull, writing these words. When I looked up I saw a school of dolphin in front of me, and above me... a sea eagle.It felt pretty profound! And seemed to give the words I'd written a certain potency. I'm sharing them here. 10 thoughts on compassionate wisdom and a concept I'm calling inner activism. Here's some of what I cover:None of us know all the answers, and the wisest amongst us may say they know nothing at allWhen we step back and see we are part of something larger than ourselves, we see the weight of the world is not all on our shouldersThere is a way of being that seeks the wisdom path, with compassionWe are the pebble in the centre of our own pond, creating the ripplesIt is in the spaces between the noise that our wisest self can be heardThis is an expansive, explorative, experimental episode. I enjoyed sharing these thoughts - hope you enjoy listening. And I'd love to hear what resonated with you.Henny xWINTER INTO SPRING RETREAT 2024Feb 19-23 - Herefordshire, UK - only a few places remaining.  If you want to know more... https://hennyflynn.ck.page/6a839471c2Join the mailing list & receive the mini-course '3 little acts of self-compassion', completely free https://hennyflynn.ck.page/6e83d0227eExplore Henny's coaching, books, retreats, courses & events https://www.hennyflynn.co.uk/

Sometimes, when we are so activated by what we’re experiencing in our inner world, our only place of control can feel like it’s to stay as we are. Even though we also know on a deep level that what will most serve us is to move, to change, to shift, to grow in some way.So today we’re talking about stuckness. And how we can create some movement within.It’s a familiar feeling for so many of us - whether from the past or something we’re feeling right now.Some of the points I cover are:Overwhelm can often come from too many choicesWhen we’re activated, our whole system fires up to avoid further riskSelf-compassion is turning toward ourselves with the desire to see our own suffering and help in some wayDifferent somatic expressions of the internal state of stuckness, and a technique to attend to thisTo feel fully safe with others, it can be vital to feel safe with ourselves firstFinally, I close with the reflection that every time you do something kind for yourself, you're creating a shift. Notice those moments, they may add up to something you haven’t fully yet recognised.With love.RESOURCESJOURNALING QUEST for Self-Compassion - free mini-course: https://hennyflynn.ck.page/c852854559Join the mailing list & receive the mini-course '3 little acts of self-compassion', completely free https://hennyflynn.ck.page/6e83d0227eExplore Henny's coaching, books, retreats, courses & events https://www.hennyflynn.co.uk/

Leonard Cohen once wrote 'so much of the world is plunged in darkness and chaos… So ring the bells that still can ring. Forget your perfect offering. There is a crack in everything. That’s how the light gets in.'Today we're exploring light. Real and metaphorical. We look at:How vital light is for our well-being - physical, mental, emotional, spiritualThe work of Polyvagal theorists, Stephen Porges and Deb DanHow glimmers, tiny moments of joy, are the powerful opposite of triggers and help us let the light inThe nueroplasticity of the brain and our ability to support ourselves as we re-establish homeostasisA poem from My darling girl vol. 1 that I now understand was all about glimmers When we care for our whole being - body, mind, spirit - when we let the light in - then we are better able to live well, and to care with compassion for the world around us, and the people around us too.Learning our own glimmers, learning how we (as individuals) can let the light in. This is part of the Work.RESOURCESStephen Porges - The Pocket Guide to the Polyvagal Theory: The Transformative Power of Feeling SafeDeb Dan - The Polyvagal Theory in Therapy: Engaging the Rhythm of RegulationJoin the mailing list & receive the mini-course '3 little acts of self-compassion', completely free https://hennyflynn.ck.page/6e83d0227eExplore Henny's coaching, books, retreats, courses & events https://www.hennyflynn.co.uk/

The Buddhist teacher thicht nacht hahn tells us how when we look at the tops of trees in a storm, they are wild and look like they might fall. But when we lower our gaze, we see their trunks are standing steady.This reflection felt so perfect when I read it after completing the practice I'd like to share with you today, a practice that introduced me to a piece of wisdom I hadn't been expecting to receive. I share:An ancient and very simple re-grounding practice, to use whenever you feel disconnected or lost in the noise and challenges of the worldMy own personal experience of using this practice, and how it feels to listen deeply to your inner wisest self as you connect with natureHow while being able to move with the flow is important, sometimes it is also important to hold ourselves steady and trust what we know to be the deepest truthYou may wish to also explore Wisdom from Within, a fully guided, online teaching to support you in deepening your connection with your own inner wisdom. https://hennyflynn.ck.page/9ca85eeaafJoin the mailing list & receive the mini-course '3 little acts of self-compassion', completely free https://hennyflynn.ck.page/6e83d0227eExplore Henny's coaching, books, retreats, courses & events https://www.hennyflynn.co.uk/

How many times have you felt disappointed or surprised that something hasn’t gone quite as you expected?Or found yourself feeling faintly uncomfortable at how something was unfolding- perhaps not quite knowing what you’re feeling or why you’re feeling it?As humans we all make assumptions all the time - they're useful things, designed to keep us safe.But the challenge is that our assumptions can be misguided at times.Today we're looking at Great (or not so great) Expectations:How we can find ourselves assuming something is going to go really well, and end up downhearted. Or we assume it will go really badly and tie ourself up in knots before the thing happens.How finding the balance between positive anticipation and unhelpful assumptions can be tricky - especially as we’re not always aware of the assumptions we’re creating.And I share an ImageWork practice that can help us create and maintain a mindful awareness of what we're facing into - where we vision the day (or event) ahead, seeing what our imagination can show us about the assumptions we might be makingI'm also offering this practice as a LIVE online eventVision The Day: Thursday 7 December 7-9pm BSTFind out more and book your tickets through Eventbrite or see the information on my website - tickets are going fast!https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/vision-the-day-tickets-754474251797?utm-campaign=social&utm-content=attendeeshare&utm-medium=discovery&utm-term=listing&utm-source=cp&aff=ebdsshcopyurlJoin the mailing list & receive the mini-course '3 little acts of self-compassion', completely free https://hennyflynn.ck.page/6e83d0227eExplore Henny's coaching, books, retreats, courses & events https://www.hennyflynn.co.uk/

In his writings ‘No Mud, No lotus’, the great Buddhist thinker, Thich Nhat Hanh says:"Suffering and happiness are not separate"Every generation faces its challenges, just as every human being faces theirs. This is a universal theme that is feeling particularly resonant right now. And so, today we’re going to be exploring what it means to make space for the joy and the pain.I explore how depending on our conditioning we may lean more toward one than the other. Perhaps suppressing our pain or our joy out of fear or shame. As children we make sense of an adult world, using the only resources we have. The challenge is that as we mature we carry the same strategy with us and keep deploying it. The grandmothers of the Hacaritama tradition in Columbia tell us  how to balance the spirit of Ecua - the spirit of pain - by welcoming in our happiness.Keep listening at the end for a bonus extra where I also share a reading from My darling girl vol.2. RESOURCEThich Naht Hahn article https://www.parallax.org/mindfulnessbell/article/no-mud-no-lotus-2/Join the mailing list & receive the mini-course '3 little acts of self-compassion', completely free https://hennyflynn.ck.page/6e83d0227eExplore Henny's coaching, books, retreats, courses & events https://www.hennyflynn.co.uk/

"Our body and mind have the capacity to heal themselves if we allow them to rest. Stopping, calming, and resting are preconditions for healing." thich nhat hanhRest is a theme we often return to here. How we can often feel we 'should' just battle through - we don’t need to rest. But, for me, my sense is that this is really the Ego talking.We’re denying the basic human biology that without rest we cannot heal, we cannot be well - whether that’s physically, mentally, emotionally or spiritually.Today I share some personal reflections, scraps of research and important fundamentals. I'd love to hear how it all resonates with you.See you in season 12!To get notified first of when the new episodes air, join the mailing list - and receive a free Yoga Nidra - one of the practices I mention in the episode that can help give us the rest that is so vital for our well-being https://hennyflynn.ck.page/ebfd053a9bRESOURCESInsightTimer meditations https://insighttimer.com/hennyflynnOnline & inperson events for the last few months of 2023 https://www.hennyflynn.co.uk/gatheringsHelping people change, coaching with compassion (caveat - I loved some aspects of this book & not others!): https://uk.bookshop.org/a/8926/9781633696563Join the mailing list & receive the mini-course '3 little acts of self-compassion', completely free https://hennyflynn.ck.page/6e83d0227eExplore Henny's coaching, books, retreats, courses & events https://www.hennyflynn.co.uk/