038 | What Exactly is Integration?

You've probably been told to manage your stress. Breathe more. Sleep more. Do less. But nobody really talks about WHY it's so hard to actually get there. Why the body stays braced, why rest feels impossible, why you can do everything right and still feel like you're running on empty. This episode is about that. The thing underneath the thing. Fourteen years of guiding people in the work on themselves has shown me one pattern more than any other, and today, it gets its own episode. If you've ever felt like calm is a place other people get to live, this one's for you. Subscribe to know when new episodes drop. If this episode landed, the best thing you can do is pass it on. Share it with someone who needs to hear this! 💛 Support the show on Patreon 📬 Join the newsletter 📷 Find me on Instagram 🙏 Leave a tip 🎙️ Suggest a topic or share your feedback 👁️ SelfCareCreature.com — free courses, meditations, and more

If you've ever been curious about energy work but not sure where to start (or whether to believe any of it), this one's for you. In this episode, Courtney sits down with her friend Katie Walton for one of those conversations that starts with "wait, but what even is energy?" and ends somewhere surprisingly tender. Together, Courtney and Katie wander through some genuinely big questions: what reiki actually is and how energy healing works, why so many of us live almost entirely from the neck up, and what happens in the body when we finally slow down enough to feel something. They talk about the culture of emotional repression, the 60-90 second window of pure emotion, cannabis and social connection, mindful recovery, and what it means to be in good relationship with the world around you. And somewhere in the middle of all of it, Courtney receives a great reflection: that her own challenge and struggle is exactly what makes it possible to transmit peace to others, not in spite of it, but because of it. Subscribe to know when new episodes drop. If this episode landed, the best thing you can do is pass it on. Share it with someone who needs to hear this! 🌐 Katie’s Website 📸 Katie’s IG Dates for Reiki Workshop 2026: ✨Friday May 1st ✨Friday September 18th ✨Friday December 18th Keep in Touch: 💛 Support the show on Patreon 🙏 Leave a tip 📬 Join the newsletter 🎙️ Suggest a topic or share your feedback 📷 Find me on Instagram 👁️ SelfCareCreature.com — free courses, meditations, and more

In this episode, Courtney names something that's long been foundational to her life and work, but rarely spoken about publicly: her spiritual self. She gets into what it actually means to live a spiritual life without performing it, why she's been hesitant to share this part of herself, and how American culture tends to struggle with spirituality that doesn't fit neatly into religious boxes or trend-driven wellness aesthetics. She also shares her perspective on the rise of psychedelic therapies and spiritual spaces and why tending to your foundations first isn't optional, it's everything. If you've ever felt spiritual but couldn't quite name it, or found yourself somewhere between faith and skepticism, this one's for you. Teachers mentioned directly or indirectly in this episode: Pura Vita Wellness - Cosetta Romani & Ivo Grossi BWell - Nala Walla corinna rosella Subscribe to know when new episodes drop. If this episode landed, the best thing you can do is pass it on. Share it with someone who needs to hear this! 💛 Support the show on Patreon 🙏 Leave a tip 📬 Join the newsletter 🎙️ Suggest a topic or share your feedback 📷 Find me on Instagram 👁️ SelfCareCreature.com — free courses, meditations, and more

In this episode, Courtney explores The Art of Intentional Living—not as a rigid structure, but as a fluid practice of self-trust, authenticity, and alignment. She reflects on the power of slowing down, recognizing cognitive dissonance, and the difference between being honest vs. judgmental with ourselves. Through personal stories and insights, she highlights how true intentionality helps build resilience, prevent burnout, and even strengthen community. Tune in for a grounded perspective on showing up for yourself and others in a world that thrives on distraction. Your support means so much! Please leave a quick review + be sure to subscribe for new episodes every other Friday with exclusive content focused on introspections around self-care, spirituality, healing and more. UPCOMING EVENTS: 👉 Dark Moon Ceremony at Bow Sanctuary • 🌟 PATREON PAGE 🙏 VIRTUAL TIP JAR 🎙️ PODCAST FORM 📬 NEWSLETTER SIGN UP 📚 FREE MINI COURSES 🧘‍♂️ FREE MEDITATIONS 🛒 SHOP SCC MERCH 📷 FIND US ON INSTAGRAM 🎵 FOLLOW ON TIKTOK 📺 WATCH ON YOUTUBE 🌐 SELFCARECREATURE.COM

The final months of the year can feel hectic, leaving many of us feeling off, dysregulated, or simply exhausted. In this episode, Courtney shares why this time of year can stir up funky feelings and offers support through the Self Care Creature lens. With personal reflections on what she’s been navigating lately, Courtney provides insights on holding space for yourself, finding connection, and moving through this season with intention. Tune in for grounding encouragement and a reminder with tangible tips for stepping into the new year with curiosity, compassion, and hope. Your support means so much! Please leave a quick review + be sure to subscribe for new episodes every other Friday with exclusive content focused on introspections around self-care, spirituality, healing and more. 👀 Suggested next listen: EP 18 | The Art of Being Unbothered Upcoming Events: 🌿 in person Seasonal SHIFT Shop Jan. 25th 👉 Commit to all 4 Seasons and Save $60 🌚 in person Next Dark Moon Ceremony Feb 21st - Podcast Form: https://forms.gle/5sJdbYHEpRJYKvHD6 🎙️ PODCAST FORM 🎆 online WELLSELF COURSE 🙏 VIRTUAL TIP JAR 📬 NEWSLETTER SIGN UP 📚 FREE MINI COURSES 🌟 PATREON PAGE 🧘‍♂️ FREE MEDITATIONS 🛒 SHOP SCC MERCH 📷 FIND US ON INSTAGRAM 🎵 FOLLOW ON TIKTOK 📺 WATCH ON YOUTUBE 🌐 SELFCARECREATURE.COM

In this episode, Courtney takes a heartfelt and reflective journey through the past year—both in the podcast and in life. From meaningful conversations and highlights on the podcast to personal lessons, growth, and challenges, this episode is a deep dive into what the year brought and how it’s shaping the path forward. Plus, Court invites listeners to reflect on their own year with three fun and thought-provoking questions, perfect for end-of-year contemplation. Exciting announcement at the end of the episode! Tune in for an honest, lighthearted, and grounding episode that wraps up the year with gratitude and curiosity for what’s to come. 👉 Hear something you want to know more about in this episode?! Ask in the Podcast Form! Your support means so much! Please leave a quick review + be sure to subscribe for new episodes returning January 2025 with exclusive content focused on introspections around self-care, spirituality, healing and more. MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: ✨👕 Winter Apparel PreSale Form👕✨ 🙏 Gratitude to my teachers and therapist who held space for my growth and learnings this past year and beyond, some of which are shared in this episode. Cosetta & Ivo Romani of Pura Vita Wellness Scotty Lewis BOOKS: LOUD by Drew Afulao Feeding Your Demons by Tsultrim Allione Ancestral Medicine by Daniel Foor Breathe by James Nestor The Soul Retrieval by Sandra Ingerman Of Water and Spirit by Malidoma Somé Ritual by Malidoma Somé 2025 EVENTS: Friday January 3rd DARK MOON CEREMONY Saturday January 25th SEASONAL SHIFT SHOP ALL EVENTS + CLASSES MORE: 👉 🎙️ PODCAST FORM 👈 🙏 VIRTUAL TIP JAR 📬 NEWSLETTER SIGN UP 📚 FREE MINI COURSES 🌟 PATREON PAGE 🧘‍♂️ FREE MEDITATIONS 🛒 SHOP SCC MERCH 📷 FIND US ON INSTAGRAM 🎵 FOLLOW ON TIKTOK 📺 WATCH ON YOUTUBE 🌐 SELFCARECREATURE.COM

In this episode, Courtney dives deep into cultivating sustainable practices to support us during moments of hardship, emphasizing the importance of holding space for hard emotions and understanding how self-care is intricately tied to collective well-being. Drawing inspiration from the work of Brené Brown, C.R. Snyder, Audre Lorde, Barbara Love, and her teacher, Dr. Tee Williams, Courtney offers insights, tools, and reflections to help you navigate challenging times with compassion and resilience. She also shares her personal journey of shifting perspectives, which led to her passion for bridging self-care and community care. FROM THIS EPISODE: 👉 Works for Audre Lorde 👉 Barbara Love’s Research 👉 Dr. Tee’s Website 👉 Dark Moon Ceremony Jan 3rd Your support means so much! Please leave a quick review + be sure to subscribe for new episodes every other Friday with exclusive content focused on introspections around self-care, spirituality, healing and more. 🎙️ PODCAST FORM 🎆 WELLSELF COURSE 📬 NEWSLETTER SIGN UP 🌟 PATREON PAGE 📚 FREE MINI COURSES 🛒 SHOP SCC MERCH 📷 FIND US ON INSTAGRAM 🎵 FOLLOW ON TIKTOK 📺 WATCH ON YOUTUBE 🌐 SELFCARECREATURE.COM 🙏 VIRTUAL TIP JAR

In this episode, Courtney dives deep into the concept of integration, breaking down what it truly means and how it differs from simply building habits. Together, we explore the mainstream obsession with habit formation and why this focus doesn’t necessarily lead to real growth or sustainable change. Through personal practices, resources, and insights, Courtney ties it all back into the Self Care Creature lifestyle, offering a more meaningful path towards embodying self-care as a way of being. Listen in to challenge conventional ideas about self-improvement and discover a deeper, more holistic approach to integration. Your support means so much! Please leave a quick review + be sure to subscribe for new episodes every other Friday with exclusive content focused on introspections around self-care, spirituality, healing and more. MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: 👉 Gathering for Grief 👉 My teachers at Pura Vita Wellness 👉 My teacher in grief work Nala Wala 👉 Upcoming Creature Calibration Circle 👉 WellSelf Program ALL LINKS: 🙏 VIRTUAL TIP JAR 🎙️ PODCAST FORM 📬 NEWSLETTER SIGN UP 📚 FREE MINI COURSES 🌟 PATREON PAGE 🛒 SHOP SCC MERCH 📷 FIND US ON INSTAGRAM 🎵 FOLLOW ON TIKTOK 📺 WATCH ON YOUTUBE 🌐 SELFCARECREATURE.COM

In this episode, Courtney draws on her backgrounds in Zen Buddhism and shamanic studies to explore the quality of the mind and its profound influence on well-being. She reflects on how cultivating a different relationship with the mind, recognizing thought patterns, and understanding the mind’s effect on the body are essential for personal growth. With practical insights and suggested practices, listeners are encouraged to stay curious and responsive. The episode also highlights the roles of breath and mind as foundational pillars of self-care. Tune in for thoughtful reflections and tools to deepen your mind-body connection. Your support means so much! Please leave a quick review + be sure to subscribe for new episodes every other Friday with exclusive content focused on introspections around self-care, spirituality, healing and more. 👉 Monthly in person meditation classes at Bow Sanctuary 🍂 FALL SHIFT SHOP OCT 19th, 2024 🌟 PATREON PAGE 🎙️ PODCAST FORM 📬 NEWSLETTER SIGN UP 🙏 VIRTUAL TIP JAR 📚 FREE MINI COURSES 🛒 SHOP SCC MERCH 📷 FIND US ON INSTAGRAM 🎵 FOLLOW ON TIKTOK 📺 WATCH ON YOUTUBE 🌐 SELFCARECREATURE.COM

In this episode, Courtney nerds out on the profound simplicity of the natural breathing mechanism and explores why learning how to breathe can feel basic yet be incredibly transformative. She delves into how breath influences our mind, body, and emotional balance, offering practical insights and exercises to deepen awareness. While breath can be a powerful tool, Courtney emphasizes the importance of not bypassing the deeper healing and growth work. Get ready for a playful yet meaningful dive into the quality of the breath! 👉 5m Meditation by Courtney to accompany this episode (on Insight Timer) Your support means so much! Please leave a quick review + be sure to subscribe for new episodes every other Friday with exclusive content focused on introspections around self-care, spirituality, healing and more. 🌟 PATREON PAGE 🎙️ PODCAST FORM 📬 NEWSLETTER SIGN UP 📚 FREE MINI COURSES 🙏 VIRTUAL TIP JAR 🛒 SHOP SCC MERCH 📷 FIND US ON INSTAGRAM 🎵 FOLLOW ON TIKTOK 📺 WATCH ON YOUTUBE 🌐 SELFCARECREATURE.COM