Grief As Praise

Send us Fan MailIn this episode, ZGala explores the importance of boundaries in creating a life we love, sharing personal insights and practical examples from her journey. She discusses how limitations can foster creativity, self-awareness, and healthier relationships. key  topicsThe relationship between boundaries and creativityPersonal evolution in boundary-settingBoundaries in relationships and self-carePractical boundary examples from daily lifeThe role of limitations in overcoming analysis paralysis takeawaysBoundaries act as parameters that foster creativity and clarity.Self-awareness is crucial for setting effective boundaries.Boundaries are for us to uphold, not others to respect.Regularly re-evaluating boundaries ensures they serve our growth.Limitations can help us start projects faster and with more focus."Boundaries help me get started faster.""Our boundaries are for us to set and uphold.""There's more unknown than known in life."Chapters00:00Introduction to boundaries and their importance02:01Boundaries in art and creativity04:07Personal journey with boundaries and self-awareness08:04Boundaries in relationships and daily routines11:55Setting and maintaining boundaries with others15:50Adjusting boundaries over life stages19:51Boundaries and self-care routines24:13The importance of self-examination in boundary setting28:02Balancing solitude and social interaction31:59The philosophical perspective on truth and boundaries36:10Practical examples of boundary enforcement40:00Conclusion and encouragement to love oneself moreSupport the showCheck out our sponsors to increase your own creativity and self love:https://www.etsy.com/shop/sleepingdragonsco?ref=seller-platform-mcnavwww.sleepingdragonsco.comhttps://www.amazon.com/s?k=Gabrielle+Lilly&i=audible&ref=dp_byline_sr_audible_1

Send us Fan MailGrief doesn’t mean you’re broken. Sometimes it means you loved well and your heart is telling the truth. I’m Gabrielle (ZGala the Art Angel), and I’m sitting down solo to talk about a view that has been changing how I hold loss: grief as praise, a teaching I found through Martin Prechtel and his book The Smell of Rain on Dust.I share memories of Julie shortly after her passing. She once told me she wanted to change her name to “Radiance.” She never made it official, but it’s how I think of her now and how her presence felt: bright, strong, kind, and deeply influential through her work with music, children, elders, and her family. Her passing opens a wider conversation about bereavement, the grief of losing community, and why we shouldn’t rush ourselves to “get over it” or pretend it doesn’t hurt.We also explore a Mayan story about tears helping carry someone to the other side, the idea of shamans as “weepers,” and why honest mourning can be a form of healing ceremony rather than something to medicate or hide. From there, I connect grief work to emotional regulation and mental health: how suppressed feelings can fuel depression, numbness, and aggression, and how we can give emotions space without letting them run our lives. I close with the “keeping the seeds alive” metaphor and a practical invitation to savor what you love right now, while it’s here.If this resonates, listen through, share it with someone who’s grieving, and subscribe. Then leave a five-star rating or a review and tell me: what are you learning about grief and praise?Music licensed through Soundstripe.Code: QGUBD6C0T5U24YLXGabrielle shares insights on grief, praise, and living a more authentic life, inspired by her reading of Martin Prechtel and her personal experiences. This episode explores how grief is a vital part of loving and living fully.keywordsgrief, praise, living authentically, Martin Prechtel, emotional health, personal growth, spiritual insightskey topicsThe importance of grieving well and its role in emotional healthMartin Prechtel's teachings on grief and praiseThe story of Julie/Radiance and her influenceThe cultural significance of seeds and their preservationThe societal impact of losing the ability to grievePersonal reflections on loss and remembranceThe connection between grief and lovePractical ways to honor and process grieftakeawaysGrief is a form of praise and love that should be expressed fully.The story of Julie/Radiance illustrates the impact of living a radiant life.Preserving seeds symbolizes passing on cultural and spiritual knowledge.Society's mental health suffers from a lack of permission to grieve.Allowing ourselves to grieve helps keep the essence of life alive.The traditional duration of grief in Mayan culture is about 400 days.guest nameGabrielle Angel LillytitlesThe Power of Grief as Praise: Lessons from Martin PrechtelLiving Fully: Embracing Grief and LoveSound Bites"Grief well done is a form of praise.""Tears help carry the soul across.""Losing our ability to grieve harms society."Chapters00:00Introduction to the episode and guest00:23Gabrielle's background and recent works01:28Introduction to Martin Prechtel and his book02:28The significance of grief and praise03:52The story of Radiance and her influence06:40The Mayan story of tears and crossing to the other side08:28Societal mental health and the importance of grieving09:26The duration and process of grieving10:46The role of shamans as singers and weepers11:45The importance of seeds and cultural preservation14:36Grief, societal health, and the need to feel our feelings17:01The main goal: living more fully and authentically18:00Encouragement to love and appreciate in the present19:00Supporting Gabrielle's work and resourcesResourcesThe Shift: Own Your Emotions, Own Your LifeMartin Prechtel - Books and WorksGabrielle Angel Lilly - Amazon Author PageSupport the showCheck out our sponsors to increase your own creativity and self love:https://www.etsy.com/shop/sleepingdragonsco?ref=seller-platform-mcnavwww.sleepingdragonsco.comhttps://www.amazon.com/s?k=Gabrielle+Lilly&i=audible&ref=dp_byline_sr_audible_1

Send us Fan MailHolidays aren’t one-size-fits-all, and pretending they are can drain our spark. We lean into Festivus as a fresh frame for honesty—airing real grievances, naming the masks we wear to fit in, and choosing a small, brave reset when life feels stuck in the middle. I share why I’m running a 10-day personal reset anchored by a shadow mandala, a simple visual practice for meeting the parts of ourselves we’ve exiled as “too much” or “not enough,” and how that work helps chronic dis-ease shift toward coherence.We explore the hard truth about motivation: sometimes the stick works better than the carrot. Remembering the cost of inaction can push us to reclaim sleep, clear clutter, and protect the conditions for healing. From there, we get practical with The SHIFT framework from my book The Shift: Own Your Emotions, Own Your Life—turning emotions into usable data, creating a safe space to investigate patterns, feeling what we avoid, and alchemizing it into action. This is emotional fitness: the everyday reps that build freedom, resilience, and better choices.There’s also a new take on dragons. Instead of slaying what scares us, we wake it up and make it an ally. Shadow work, breath, posture, and voice become portals to the subconscious where symbols carry more weight than words. We practice coherence so we can stay calm when things get chaotic—and help others co-regulate back to center. You’ll leave with one prompt: choose a single, slightly uncomfortable shift today. Change a word in your story, retire one stale grievance, or put pen to paper and draw a circle around what you feel. If you’re ready for seasonal resets, community support, and tools that actually fit real life, hit play, subscribe, and share this with someone who could use a little shine. Then tell us: what’s the one shift you’ll make now?We use Festivus as an honest mirror for the holidays, unpacking shadow work, chronic dis-ease, and the courage it takes to reset when life feels mid and messy. A 10-day reset, a shadow mandala, and the SHIFT framework anchor a practical path toward emotional fitness and calm coherence.• honoring non-traditional holidays and personal rituals• 10-day reset structure and shadow mandala practice• chronic dis-ease, clutter, and self-healing strategies• hero’s journey resistance and the “too much” mask• airing grievances with self to release shame• dragons as hidden strengths within the shadow• carrot vs stick motivation and avoiding complacency• the SHIFT framework for emotional fitness• coherence, co-regulation, and calm under stress• one small brave shift to build momentumSponsors and CTAs:go over to sleepingdragonsco.comYou can find The Shift on Amazon nowCome practice with me and get strongerSo I really hope that you will join me and at least tryIf you join my human reboot dojo over on the school platform, you can ask me for a digital copy of that book anytimeSupport the showCheck out our sponsors to increase your own creativity and self love:https://www.etsy.com/shop/sleepingdragonsco?ref=seller-platform-mcnavwww.sleepingdragonsco.comhttps://www.amazon.com/s?k=Gabrielle+Lilly&i=audible&ref=dp_byline_sr_audible_1

Send us Fan MailWe explore why connection feels harder during the holidays and how nervous system overload, shifting roles, and quick-hit technology drain our capacity to gather. We offer small, practical tools to rebuild trust, start with self-regulation, and create new rituals that fit real life.• naming the loneliness trend and loss of trust• stories of risk, travel, and why trust grows with shared effort• catering vs cooking and the shame loop around time and money• tech distraction, dissolving roles, and invisible labor burnout• dopamine vs oxytocin and why slow talk feels hard now• interoception as the bridge from self to others• micro-practices to regulate before, during, and after gatherings• device baskets, one shared dish, and better gratitude rituals• new third spaces and a monthly three-day reset offerI hope you'll join me for my monthly three-day resets in the Human Reboot Dojo. You can find that on the school platform. I hope you'll have to check out my sponsor, the Sleeping Dragons Company.Support the showCheck out our sponsors to increase your own creativity and self love:https://www.etsy.com/shop/sleepingdragonsco?ref=seller-platform-mcnavwww.sleepingdragonsco.comhttps://www.amazon.com/s?k=Gabrielle+Lilly&i=audible&ref=dp_byline_sr_audible_1

Send us Fan MailIn this episode of the Authentic Action Podcast, Gabrielle Angel Lilly explores the complex relationship between humans and AI, particularly focusing on how AI can fulfill emotional needs through dopamine-driven interactions. She discusses the implications of relying on AI for companionship, the neurochemistry behind our emotional responses, and the importance of maintaining genuine human connections. Gabrielle offers practical tools for regaining balance and emphasizes the need for mindfulness in our interactions with technology.takeawaysAI can provide companionship but lacks true emotional depth.Dopamine drives our desire for AI interactions.Younger generations may be more vulnerable to AI dependency.Real human connections are essential for emotional health.Mindfulness is key in navigating AI relationships.AI can mimic emotional responses but cannot replace human connection.Understanding neurochemistry can help us manage our interactions with AI.Balance in technology use is crucial for mental well-being.Practicing real-world connections can enhance our lives.AI is a tool that should be used wisely, not feared.Sound Bites"AI is like a vending machine for dopamine.""Dopamine isn't bad. It's fun stuff.""Your heart still knows how to feel."Chapters00:00The Rise of AI Companionship04:07Understanding Dopamine and AI's Appeal09:51Vulnerability and Attachment in the Age of AI18:58Neurochemistry of Connection and AI28:03Regaining Control: Tools for Connection34:40Finding Balance in a Tech-Driven World38:04Arizona MoonSupport the showCheck out our sponsors to increase your own creativity and self love:https://www.etsy.com/shop/sleepingdragonsco?ref=seller-platform-mcnavwww.sleepingdragonsco.comhttps://www.amazon.com/s?k=Gabrielle+Lilly&i=audible&ref=dp_byline_sr_audible_1

Send us Fan MailIn this episode of the Authentic Action Podcast, Gabrielle Angel Lilly delves into the intricate relationship between AI and human consciousness. She explores the concept of consciousness as a spectrum, discusses how AI serves as a reflective mirror for our emotions, and emphasizes the importance of emotional fitness. Gabrielle also addresses the limitations of AI, the balance between perfection and imperfection in our lives, and how shifting personal narratives can lead to growth. The conversation invites listeners to consider the implications of AI on their own consciousness and emotional well-being.takeawaysConsciousness is a complex and often debated topic.AI reflects aspects of human consciousness.We exist on a spectrum of consciousness.Emotional fitness is crucial for well-being.AI can assist in emotional regulation and creativity.The balance between perfection and imperfection is essential.Shifting personal narratives can lead to healing.AI has limitations and should not replace human agency.Authenticity is important in a world of AI.Exploring consciousness can enhance self-awareness.titlesAI and the Nature of ConsciousnessUnderstanding Consciousness in the Age of AISound Bites"Are you conscious?""We don't want to lose our agency.""AI can help us shift our stories."Chapters00:00Exploring Consciousness: The AI Connection03:04The Spectrum of Consciousness06:24AI as a Reflective Mirror09:17Emotional Fitness and AI12:07Navigating AI's Limitations15:27The Balance of Perfection and Imperfection18:07Shifting Stories and Emotions20:28Looking Ahead: AI and Human Consciousness21:01BasketlinerSupport the showCheck out our sponsors to increase your own creativity and self love:https://www.etsy.com/shop/sleepingdragonsco?ref=seller-platform-mcnavwww.sleepingdragonsco.comhttps://www.amazon.com/s?k=Gabrielle+Lilly&i=audible&ref=dp_byline_sr_audible_1

Send us Fan MailIn this conversation, Gina Carlson shares some of her personal story of how she came to be a meditation coach and an expert in body language, biological intelligence, and personal transformation. Gina is the Founder of the Biology of Being and guides clients through her B360-degree healing program. You can find out more about her work athttps://biologyofbeing.me/Don't forget to check out our sponsor, Sleeping Dragons Company at www.sleepingdragonsco.com and my books on Amazon.Be excellent to yourself!Buzzsprout - Let's get your podcast launched!Start for FREEDisclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Support the showCheck out our sponsors to increase your own creativity and self love:https://www.etsy.com/shop/sleepingdragonsco?ref=seller-platform-mcnavwww.sleepingdragonsco.comhttps://www.amazon.com/s?k=Gabrielle+Lilly&i=audible&ref=dp_byline_sr_audible_1

Send us Fan MailListening to John Cleese talk about Creativity reminded me of how important it is to balance that creative playful flow with the more logical, linear side of our minds...Support the showCheck out our sponsors to increase your own creativity and self love:https://www.etsy.com/shop/sleepingdragonsco?ref=seller-platform-mcnavwww.sleepingdragonsco.comhttps://www.amazon.com/s?k=Gabrielle+Lilly&i=audible&ref=dp_byline_sr_audible_1

Send us Fan MailWelcome to Sensual by Design. This episode is about Honesty. Most of us think or say we value honesty, but then why do we lie so much? In my experience we all lie, to ourselves and each other, at least to some degree. I have long been curious and confused about why intention seems to matter so much when it comes to how dishonesty makes me feel. We lie by omission, accident, by being misinformed, and lack of memory or cognition. We are not always even aware we are lying, and certainly not always malicious.There seems to be a spectrum of lying...and also in any given moment, from any given perspective,, we know if WE are lying (at least intentionally). I think we actually know when we are lying even if we are not aware of it, and that it causes systemic incoherence and ultimately inflammation and disease.It FEELS bad to lie, so even if the person we lie to never finds out, it still hurts us.Add to that, that we are all interconnected on some level, and it is easy to see that lying is at least as harmful to the liar as it is to the person being lied to.What do you think about that?Check out Sleeping Dragons Co for all your Sensual Supply needs and also check out my books on Amazon and my website to sign up and connect on various platforms. www.galilly.com www.sleepingdragonsco.com Support the showCheck out our sponsors to increase your own creativity and self love:https://www.etsy.com/shop/sleepingdragonsco?ref=seller-platform-mcnavwww.sleepingdragonsco.comhttps://www.amazon.com/s?k=Gabrielle+Lilly&i=audible&ref=dp_byline_sr_audible_1

Send us Fan MailDid you know that your sense of smell has more impact on your emotions than any of your other senses?As far as we know, this is because the olfactory bulbs are actually directly connected to the limbic system of our brains.Your limbic system includes the amydala--thought to be the seat of our emotions, and the hippocampus, though to be the center of associated learning. So, that is why certain odors can trigger specific memories and the emotions associated with them AND why scents and fragrances can be used to trigger certain emotions and memories.Did you know smart marketers incorporate scent into their logo design? Both products and department store brands use scientifically formulated and patented scents to help identify themselves in our minds. Did you know humans can identify over 10,000 distinct smells?We are more influenced by smell than you might think. Smells cross the blood brain barrier and are even more influential than sight or sound when it comes to our emotions. Check out www.sleepingdragonsco.com for all your fragrance needs!Support the showCheck out our sponsors to increase your own creativity and self love:https://www.etsy.com/shop/sleepingdragonsco?ref=seller-platform-mcnavwww.sleepingdragonsco.comhttps://www.amazon.com/s?k=Gabrielle+Lilly&i=audible&ref=dp_byline_sr_audible_1