Episode 123: Awaken Hearts in a Frozen World

We live in a world that has taught us how to think, achieve, produce, and perform—but not how to feel and stay present with what we feel.   In this episode, we explore why emotional intelligence (EQ) has become one of the most essential survival skills of our time. As technology accelerates, nervous systems overload, and connection becomes increasingly virtual, many people find themselves emotionally frozen—numb, reactive, disconnected, or overwhelmed by feelings they were never taught how to process.   This conversation dives into how emotional freezing happens slowly and protectively, not as a failure but as an intelligent response to stress and overstimulation. We reflect on the difference between expressing emotion and integrating emotion, why avoiding feelings adds layer upon layer of disconnection, and how unprocessed emotion eventually shows up in our bodies, behaviors, relationships, and health.   We also explore the role children play as mirrors in this moment—why “big feelings” aren’t the problem, and how our own capacity to stay present directly shapes how the next generation learns to regulate, feel, and stay connected.   This episode gently reframes EQ not as a soft skill, but as a foundational capacity for living fully in a crowded, fast-moving, emotionally complex world. Emotional intelligence is not about drowning in feelings or fixing them—it’s about awareness, presence, and allowing emotion to move without disappearing ourselves.   This conversation marks the beginning of something bigger—an ongoing exploration into emotional presence, nervous system health, and learning how to stay unfrozen in a world that constantly pulls us away from ourselves. These themes are part of a larger body of work currently unfolding, including Laura’s upcoming book MELT, which dives deeply into emotional integration and staying present through life’s intensity.   For continued support, practices, and deeper exploration: Visit AwakeningsOnline.net to learn more about our membership programs Visit AwakeningsHealth.com to explore our holistic health clinic in Raleigh, North Carolina   Thank you for being here and for choosing to stay present.

What if Mel Robbins’ “Let Them Theory” isn’t just a mindset shift, but an entire season inside the emotional and personal growth journey?   In this episode, Laura and Adam explore how Let Them fits directly into the Autumn Let-Go Phase of the Awakenings Seasonal Cycle—a framework used in whole-health coaching, emotional hygiene, and nervous system regulation. You’ll learn why releasing control, people-pleasing, and emotional over-responsibility frees your energy instantly, setting the stage for deeper healing, boundary clarity, and emotional maturity.   Then we move through the full cycle of transformation: Autumn (Release) → Winter (Stabilize) → Spring (Renew) → Summer (Embody) …showing how each phase helps you build emotional freedom, strengthen inner leadership, and grow beyond old patterns.   Whether you're practicing the Let Them Theory, navigating emotional boundaries, or stepping into a new season of wellness and self-development, this episode gives you a clear, holistic map for moving forward.   You’ll discover:   Why “Let Them” naturally aligns with the Autumn letting-go season   How to use it as a tool for nervous system regulation   How to stop absorbing other people’s reactions   What season comes next in the personal growth process   How cyclical transformation supports long-term wellness and self-awareness   This conversation is rooted in coaching, wellness, and holistic transformation—offering practical skills that go far beyond mindset alone.   For more tools, education, meditations, and emotional first-aid practices, visit AwakeningsOnline.net. For in-person wellness services in Raleigh, NC—including acupuncture, coaching, and integrative health—visit AwakeningsHealth.com

In this powerful listener Q&A episode, we talk about the quiet breaking point so many people are reaching right now — the overwhelm that doesn’t come from one big crisis, but from the accumulation of carrying too much for too long. From emotional shutdown to financial fear, from holiday pressure to invisible burnout, we explore why so many deeply capable, high-functioning people are hitting their limits… and why no one is saying it out loud.   Together, we unpack the questions your heart has been asking: – Why does everything feel like too much when “nothing is wrong”? – Why are the strongest ones the ones unraveling? – How do we stay open when our lives feel full to the brim? – How do we navigate money anxiety, emotional overload, comparison, dread, and the weight of expectation?   Through the lens of emotional hygiene, nervous system wisdom, seasonal medicine, and raw human honesty, this conversation offers something rare: permission to be real, space to soften, and tools to come home to yourself again.   If you’ve been stretched thin, quietly overwhelmed, or carrying more than you can say — this episode is for you. It will meet you where you are and remind you that you’re not alone, not broken, and not behind. You’re human. And there is a way back to yourself.   Check out; AwakeningsOnline.net AwakeningsHealth.com

In this candid and heartfelt episode of Magic Seeds, Laura and Adam open up about a chaotic, messy, and very human week — the kind of week that reminds us how unpredictable life can be and why emotional support systems matter more than ever.   They share the unfolding of several stressful events: Adam leaving unexpectedly for New York to support a grieving friend, his car breaking down alone on the highway late at night, Laura rushing out into the darkness to rescue him while the kids slept, the financial weight of repairs, and a week of illness moving through the entire household. With one car, full workloads, sick children, clients waiting, deadlines approaching, and life continuing at full speed, it was a week that pushed their nervous systems to the limit.   Yet beneath the overwhelm was a deeper truth: this is simply what it means to be human. Life can be beautiful, demanding, heavy, and full — often all at the same time. And it is in these moments that the need for grounded emotional support becomes undeniable. This becomes the bridge into today’s central theme: why they are building the Magic Seeds App.   Laura and Adam explore the universal truth that most people are overwhelmed not because they lack tools, but because their tools are scattered. In moments of emotional overload, people freeze. Not because they do not know what to do, but because they do not know where to start. The Magic Seeds App is designed to meet that moment — to offer emotional first aid, grounding, clarity, and support right when life hits hardest. Not later. Now.   They take listeners inside their vision: a mood tracker that helps you understand what you are actually feeling, an emotional first-aid kit that guides you through panic, anger, loneliness, or exhaustion, avatar-guided yoga poses for emotional states, two-minute meditations voiced by a calming avatar version of Laura & Adam, seasonal guidance rooted in Chinese Medicine and Ayurveda, and simple daily practices like the “Rise or Retreat” reset. The idea is not to create more noise, but to create a place of stillness, guidance, and steadying support — something human, wise, and instantly accessible.   This episode is not about selling anything. It is about the mission behind the creation. Humans today are overstimulated, disconnected, burned out, and managing emotional weight alone. Laura and Adam have spent more than two decades supporting people through regulation, healing, clarity, and resilience. The app is the natural next step in their work — a way to bring that support to people anytime, anywhere.   This week may have been messy, but it clarified the mission even more sharply: people need gentle, real support. And that is exactly what Laura and Adam are building.   For more tools, guidance, and emotional wellness support, visit https://awakeningsonline.net and https://awakeningshealth.com   Stay connected, stay grounded, and thank you for growing with us.

In this deeply moving episode of Magic Seeds, Dr. Adam Gries and Health & Spiritual Coach Laura Gries welcome back a return guest whose journey embodies what it means to rise again after life’s most devastating experiences.   Her story—rooted in childhood trauma, loss, and years of isolation—unfolds into a profound testimony of what real healing looks like when you’re met with compassion, consistency, and the right tools. Through years of personal coaching, emotional processing, holistic medicine, movement, and community support, she has gently transformed from survival into renewal.   This conversation offers listeners an intimate look at what’s possible when body, mind, and spirit are reunited. But it also reminds us that renewal is not a destination—it’s a continuous cycle. Life is ever-changing, and so are we. When we stop chasing “finished” and start honoring change as a constant companion, we discover that peace and growth are always available, right where we are. Her journey also reflects the heart behind Magic Seeds, an upcoming app designed as a “first aid kit for the human experience,” giving people everywhere access to the same kind of real-time support, teachings, and practices that helped her heal.   Tune in to witness one woman’s extraordinary courage—and rediscover your own capacity for hope, growth, and harmony within life’s constant evolution.   Learn More To learn more about Dr. Adam and Laura’s holistic approach and stay updated on the Magic Seeds app launch, visit awakeningsonline.net and awakeningshealth.com. Join the community, explore upcoming workshops, and begin your own journey through the ever-changing cycles of healing and renewal. Hosted by: Dr. Adam Gries, DACM, L.Ac. and Laura Gries, Health & Spiritual Coach

In this episode of Magic Seeds, we explore a deeply overlooked practice that holds the key to mental, emotional, and even physical health: emotional hygiene.   Just as we brush our teeth to prevent decay, we must learn to “brush” our hearts and minds to prevent emotional buildup, stress, resentment, and stagnation. Drawing from the wisdom of Chinese Medicine and Ayurveda, we examine how emotional cycles mirror nature’s seasons — and why autumn is the perfect time to release what no longer serves us.   Highlights:   Seasonal Medicine & Emotional Release Learn how autumn in Chinese Medicine corresponds with the lungs and large intestine — organs of release and letting go. Discover why this season makes us feel called to slow down, exhale what’s heavy, and create space for clarity.   The Concept of Emotional Hygiene What happens when we ignore emotional residue? From chronic stress to inflammation, the consequences are real. This episode breaks down what emotional hygiene is, why it's vital, and how we can start practicing it today.   Ayurvedic Recapitulation Ritual A powerful, ancient practice of mentally reviewing the day to clear emotional charge before bed. You’ll learn how to use this nightly ritual to reclaim your energy and prevent emotional stagnation. A   One-Minute Emotional Detox You Can Do Tonight A fast, simple practice to release emotional weight before sleep. No tools needed — just breath, awareness, and intention.   7-Day Listener Challenge Join the #LetItGoChallenge to build your emotional hygiene muscles. Each night, before sleep, ask: What can I release today? Tag your journey and let’s create a community of release and renewal.   Closing Thought: Your peace is not passive. It’s earned through daily emotional digestion. We floss our teeth — it’s time we start flossing our hearts.   For more emotional wellness tools, resources, and guidance, visit awakeningsonline.net and awakeningshealth.com. Stay tuned for next week’s episode: “Your Nervous System Isn’t Lazy — It’s Lodged.”

In this inspiring and deeply reflective episode of The Honor You Method, host Melissa Coloton welcomes Laura R. Karch Gries and Dr. Adam Gries, owners of Awakenings Health and Awakenings Online, for a transformative conversation on healing, personal growth, and the natural rhythm of the Seasons—Harvest, Autumn, Winter, Spring, and Summer.   Together, they explore how each season represents a stage of the human experience: release, reflection, restoration, renewal, and expansion. Drawing from their integrative approach to health and personal transformation, Laura and Dr. Gries share how understanding these cycles can help you navigate burnout, emotional stagnation, and change with greater balance and awareness.   Listeners will discover how Awakenings Health applies the Seasons framework to both patient care and self-development—helping individuals and organizations reconnect to their rhythm, find clarity, and cultivate resilience. This conversation bridges science and soul, offering practical wisdom for leaders, teams, and anyone seeking to live in alignment with their authentic self.   Whether you’re in a season of letting go, resting, rebuilding, or thriving, this episode reminds you that every stage of growth has purpose—and that true transformation begins when you honor where you are.   In this episode, you’ll learn: The deeper meaning behind each Season—Harvest, Autumn, Winter, Spring, and Summer—and how they mirror emotional and energetic cycles.   How to recognize the season you’re in and align your habits, mindset, and goals accordingly.   Ways to integrate seasonal awareness into leadership, wellness, and personal growth.   How Awakenings Health uses the Seasons approach in patient care and holistic coaching.   Why honoring natural rhythms leads to sustainable wellbeing and authentic success.   About the Guests: Laura R. Karch Gries and Dr. Adam Gries are the co-founders and owners of Awakenings Health and Awakenings Online, organizations devoted to guiding individuals toward balance, confidence, and emotional freedom. Through their integrative approach—blending intuitive awareness, somatic healing, mindfulness, and evidence-based care—they empower people to reconnect to their inner strength and create lasting transformation in health and life.   About the Host: Melissa Coloton is a Certified Life Coach, Corporate Wellness Mentor, and host of The Honor You Method podcast. She helps professionals, executives, and teams uncover their authentic potential through mindfulness-based coaching, emotional intelligence training, and self-leadership practices. Her work centers on cultivating self-awareness, sustainable success, and honoring the human side of performance.   Learn more about Melissa and her programs at MelissaColoton.com or explore her coaching method at TheHonorYouMethod.com   Connect with Awakenings: Website: AwakeningsOnline.net Health Programs: AwakeningsHealth.com Instagram: @AwakeningsOnline   Connect with The Honor You Method: Hosted by Melissa Coloton Learn more: MelissaColoton.com | TheHonorYouMethod.com   For more information and resources, visit AwakeningsOnline.net and AwakeningsHealth.com

In this powerful final episode of our Sixth Love Language series, Laura from Awakenings Online explores the art of building a foundation of mature love—a kind of love that goes beyond infatuation and emotional highs, and into the quiet, steady work of connection, growth, and presence. Mature love isn’t something we fall into; it’s something we create through conscious effort, emotional awareness, and daily intention. In this episode, we unpack the essential qualities that sustain lasting love:   Commitment Self-Awareness Mutual Respect Emotional Resilience   You’ll discover how these four pillars form the framework for relationships that are not only strong, but deeply fulfilling—and how self-work becomes the ultimate love language that transforms how we connect with ourselves and others.   Laura also shares five practical daily practices to nurture mature love, from choosing communication over assumption to making love a daily, mindful practice. You’ll be guided to reflect on your own growth, your patterns, and the ways you can begin showing up differently—more intentionally, more openly, and with greater compassion.   This episode challenges you to take one small but powerful step this week: Identify one area of your life where you’ve been waiting for someone else to change, and instead, take one conscious action to shift your own response.   By choosing awareness over reaction and healing over avoidance, you begin to speak the Sixth Love Language—the language of self-work.   Join us as we close this chapter with an inspiring reminder:   Love isn’t found; it’s cultivated. It isn’t perfect; it’s practiced. And it begins within you.   In this episode you’ll learn: What defines mature love and how it differs from conditional or surface-level connection The four key pillars that sustain lasting relationships How self-awareness transforms communication and intimacy The daily actions that keep love alive and grounded How self-work is the ultimate form of love—both for yourself and others   Connect with Awakenings Online: Website: AwakeningsOnline.net Instagram: @AwakeningsOnline Join the Awakenings Membership Club or download our app for guided tools, courses, and community support on your path to balance, self-awareness, and personal growth. For more resources and holistic wellness programs, visit AwakeningsOnline.net and AwakeningsHealth.com.

In this episode, we explore the deeper meaning of emotional triggers — how they surface in our relationships and how, when met with awareness and compassion, they can become powerful gateways to intimacy and growth.   What Triggers Really Are Triggers aren’t random reactions; they’re echoes of past pain surfacing in the present. When something small sets off something big, it’s often an old wound asking for attention. Being triggered doesn’t mean you’re broken — it means a part of you is ready to be seen and healed.   Awareness — The First Step to Freedom The moment you notice a surge of emotion, pause and acknowledge it: “I’m feeling triggered right now.” Naming the experience creates space between feeling and reaction, allowing you to choose a new, more conscious response. Awareness turns automatic defense into intentional healing.   Looking Beneath the Reaction Every trigger has a root. Ask yourself what the moment reminds you of, or what fear it awakens. Often, it’s not about the current situation — it’s about an older story of feeling unseen or unsafe. When you identify the source, you can soothe the wound instead of fighting the symptom.   When Your Partner Is Triggered When someone you love is triggered, meet their pain with empathy rather than defensiveness. Remind yourself: This isn’t about me. Simple words like “I can see this feels big for you” create safety and connection. Compassion becomes the bridge through emotional storms.   The Power of Vulnerable Communication Healing happens through vulnerability, not blame. Instead of accusing — “You made me feel ignored” — reveal your experience: “When you didn’t respond, I felt invisible.” Vulnerability invites understanding, and listening with openness builds deeper trust.   The Role of Boundaries and Space Sometimes the most loving response is a pause. Taking space to self-regulate is not avoidance — it’s maturity. Calm conversations repair; heated ones divide. Boundaries create room for clarity, safety, and genuine connection.   Growing Through Triggers When two people face triggers together, they move from reactivity to recognition. Seeing the human behind the reaction transforms pain into partnership. Real intimacy is built not in perfection, but in shared compassion.   The Challenge — Your Next Step This week, when you feel triggered, pause. Take a breath. Ask yourself, “What story is being reactivated here?” Then, do one brave thing — share honestly instead of reacting. One conscious moment of awareness can begin rewriting the story of your relationships and your life.   Core Message: You are not your triggers. You are the awareness that sees them — and in that awareness lies your power. When we navigate triggers together, they don’t break connection; they deepen it.   Awakeningsonline.net Awakeningshealth.com

In this episode, we explore the deeper meaning of emotional triggers — how they surface in our relationships and how, when met with awareness and compassion, they can become powerful gateways to intimacy and growth.   What Triggers Really Are Triggers aren’t random reactions; they’re echoes of past pain surfacing in the present. When something small sets off something big, it’s often an old wound asking for attention. Being triggered doesn’t mean you’re broken — it means a part of you is ready to be seen and healed.   Awareness — The First Step to Freedom The moment you notice a surge of emotion, pause and acknowledge it: “I’m feeling triggered right now.” Naming the experience creates space between feeling and reaction, allowing you to choose a new, more conscious response. Awareness turns automatic defense into intentional healing.   Looking Beneath the Reaction Every trigger has a root. Ask yourself what the moment reminds you of, or what fear it awakens. Often, it’s not about the current situation — it’s about an older story of feeling unseen or unsafe. When you identify the source, you can soothe the wound instead of fighting the symptom.   When Your Partner Is Triggered When someone you love is triggered, meet their pain with empathy rather than defensiveness. Remind yourself: This isn’t about me. Simple words like “I can see this feels big for you” create safety and connection. Compassion becomes the bridge through emotional storms.   The Power of Vulnerable Communication Healing happens through vulnerability, not blame. Instead of accusing — “You made me feel ignored” — reveal your experience: “When you didn’t respond, I felt invisible.” Vulnerability invites understanding, and listening with openness builds deeper trust.   The Role of Boundaries and Space Sometimes the most loving response is a pause. Taking space to self-regulate is not avoidance — it’s maturity. Calm conversations repair; heated ones divide. Boundaries create room for clarity, safety, and genuine connection.   Growing Through Triggers When two people face triggers together, they move from reactivity to recognition. Seeing the human behind the reaction transforms pain into partnership. Real intimacy is built not in perfection, but in shared compassion.   The Challenge Your Next Step This week, when you feel triggered, pause. Take a breath. Ask yourself, “What story is being reactivated here?” Then, do one brave thing — share honestly instead of reacting. One conscious moment of awareness can begin rewriting the story of your relationships and your life.   Core Message: You are not your triggers. You are the awareness that sees them — and in that awareness lies your power. When we navigate triggers together, they don’t break connection; they deepen it.   Awakeningsonline.net Awakeningshealth.com