Ways home to ourselves when feeling overwhelmed with worthiness wounds. Too many of us believe there’s something wrong with us. This book helps show that we can trust our innate goodness, showing how we can develop the balance of clear-sightedness and compassion When we stop being at war with ourselves, we are free to live fully every precious moment of our lives.

Read more here.

Another groundbreaking read from Brene that describes eighty-seven of the emotions and experiences that define what it means to be human. And how we are all simply yearning for connection. Some truth bombs and gems - we all need this. Heavy going but worth it.

Read more here.

This highly smartly written book explores what, exactly, is wrong with heterosexuality in the twenty-first century, and what straight people can do to fix it for good. With some quirky, sassy yet accurate commentary, ultimately, the author encourages straight men and women to take a page out of queer culture, reminding them "about the human capacity to desire, fuck, and show respect at the same time."

Read more here.

Building on the iconic Ethical Slut, this is the next layer of poly lifestyle progressions. Weaving in the very necessary conversations and considerations on attachment, this book is a must for anyone trying to ‘do it right’ or as right as possible given our human-ness.

Read more here.

USA author and activist, Sonya Renee Taylor, wrote this New York Times best-selling book, adding such great value to a global social justice movement, not just our individual relationship to our bodies. Her work helps us investigate where systems of oppression live inside us. Using a radical self-love framework, it identifies and dismantles bodily-based hierarchies inside and outside ourselves to build new worlds of possibility and justice.

Read more here.

A must-read.

WARNING: significant sexual violence scenes.

Synopsis here.

Attaching to others securely - how do we do it? Brilliantly written, very practical, relatable - something here for everyone.

Read on!

Must read. Family violence. Very well written, by Jess Hill.

See it here.

On the 'to-read' list. If you're ready to be challenged to address your own privilege and tap into your own power, get into it.

Read more here

On the 'to-read' pile.

Synopsis here.

On the 'to-read' pile.

Synopsis here.

UK Dr Rangan Chatterjee shares info and interviews on a variety of health and wellbeing issues, that are very digestible. I really to feel better afterwards

Listen here

USA Dan Harris talks with eminent meditation teachers, top scientists, and even the odd celebrity. Guests include His Holiness the Dalai Lama to Brené Brown to Karamo from Queer Eye. Topics vary from enlightenment and psychedelics to science-based techniques for issues such as anxiety, productivity, and relationships. Dan's approach is seemingly modest, but secretly radical: happiness is a skill you can train, just like working your bicep in the gym. Your progress may be incremental at first, but like any good investment, it compounds over time.

Listen here

Science and storytelling converge to bring you conversations about the unconscious patterns of our minds that drive human behaviour, shape our choices and direct our relationships

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One of my ultimate favourite podcasts - all topics, nothing off limits, so inclusive. Love love love. Sex, intimacy, relationships - the full diverse spectrum. These hosts discuss super real tricky topics in super real, normalising ways. You’d be surprised how common your thoughts, concerns and questions are.

Listen here

Kemi Nekvapil is an executive and personal coach, speaker and author. These short episodes are coaching prompts that encourage you to tap into your own resources, take action and move forward. 

Listen here

Interviews with accomplished folks in mental health spaces - researchers, speakers, academics, influencers and leaders.

Hosted by the Australian and New Zealand Mental Health Association.

Listen here

An award-winning podcast putting survivors of family violence at the centre of the story. It’s simple stuff, really. Listen to lived experiences - they will tell you how it is and what’s needed. A must listen for victim-survivors, workers in this field, Federal and Family Courts of Australia Judges and Senior Judicial Registrars, bystanders, everyone.

Listen here

Jess Hill takes us through a series of nuanced and critical elements of the world of domestic and family abuse, from a variety of perspectives and real life interviews, this is heavy but invaluable. A must. 

Listen here

Ruth Reymundo Mandel & David Mandel, of the Safe and Together Institute, share ongoing intimate and professional conversations that touch on complex topics like how systems fail victims and children, how victims experience those systems, and how children are impacted by those failures. Their insider discussions delve into how society views masculinity and violence and how intersectionalities such as cultural beliefs, religious beliefs and unique vulnerabilities impact how we respond to abuse and violence. They discuss how we navigate the world as professionals, as parents and as partners. They challenge the notions that keep all of us from moving forward collectively as systems, as cultures and as families into safety, nurturance and healing. Note: Some of the topics discussed in the episodes are deeply personal and sensitive, which may be difficult for some people.

Listen here

Rhythm of breathe.

10 minutes. Australian accent.

Time just for you.

Great variety of topics, especially on compassion and self compassion. Meditations and exercises and tips all here.

Very do-able lengths here.

Great variety of topics for all experience levels. American accent.

Find what suits you here.

Variety of free medications, especially focussing on compassion and self compassion.

All free here.

Not exactly meditation, but these short follow along yoga sessions keep it real. USA Adriene peppers the movements with connection to breath and hand daily tips and reflections along the way. Not wanky, very do-able in the lounge room.

Read more here.

There are mini meditations embedded through Jenna Ward’s podcast and website and services. She is an Australian woman, now living abroad, who has built a feminine embodiment coaching business to show womxn and non-binary folks how they can live and work from their inner core true selves and thrive as a result.

Read more here.

A very short guided meditation, focussing on increasing the connection of breathe to body. A break from being in the mind. Treat yourself below.

Lavender oil droplets on the pillow help relax the mind and body into a PNS state ready for sleep.

You can pick up any lavender oil from a chemist or health/ organic store, or grow some in your pots or garden and create a dried, crushed lavender seed pocket or small pillow. Have fun with it. The whole activity might be just as therapeutic.

No brands will be promoted here.

To assist with the meditations and podcasts, and so I don’t get tangled up. This also helps tune out to other distractions in the environment or neighbourhood and really enhance the focus on oneself.

No brands will be promoted here.

Sleepy-time tea is part of a bedtime ritual that signals to my mind and body that it is time for me to relax and make my way towards sleep.

Several types can be found in health/ organic stores or supermarkets. They usually share similar ingredients of chamomile, lavender and other yummy things.

No brands will be promoted here.

Blocking out external stimuli is key to tuning inwards. And what better time to do this than for bedtime. Taking sleep seriously is key to mental health.

A blockout eye mask that is soft, beautifully textured and not too tight will help apply a gentle force to closing your eyes for the day.

No brands will be promoted here.

All senses require attention. Soothing aromas and the soft glow of a flame are a perfect combination for settling in for the night. This is part of my wind down / end of day ritual and brings my body into a relaxed state. Just don’t forget to blow out the flame before sleep.

No brands will be promoted here.

Sex toys can be a natural part of ritual, play, relaxing and/or pleasure. Find what works for you, what you are curious about. You might like to do this as a solo or with a partner/s. Either way, having access to something that tickles, excites, lubricates, or applies pressure may be helpful to relax the body, separate from the working day and drift off to a restful slumber.

No brands will be promoted here.

Temperature and texture play. The smell of a wheat/ rice bag and its' weight can be relaxing. The soft or interesting texture of a hot water bottle cover can be soothing. Heat (or cool, if you prefer an ice pack or live in warm climates) and texture are important regulatory elements for the body.

That's right. Humming, loud sighs, expressive breathing can all be regulatory and symbolic of letting go. It moves energy through you. It is usually a release. See if you can use the throat and voice organs, be expressive, permission to be slightly more auditory than usual. Notice how you feel afterwards (after the silliness wears off initially), and see.