Episode 36: Processing Exercise - Not There Yet: Finding Grace in the Middle of Becoming

Today's episode of the Initiations in Love podcast is a follow-up to our previous episode: "The Threshold: How to Stay Open When Nothing Feels Clear with Christine Hassler." In that conversation, Christine shared her profoundly personal Initiation into motherhood. From freezing her eggs at thirty-three, to ultimately becoming a mother on her own terms, her story beautifully illustrated what it means to trust life's timing - and to surrender into a path that looks nothing like the plan we once imagined. In this follow-up episode, Britta reads a section from her spiritual memoir, Initiations in Love, called "Becoming a Mother," one of the most powerful times in her life when she surrendered to a greater Love. Britta then guides listeners through a journaling exercise to help you process what you've heard and reflect on your own invitations to a greater Love.  🎧 If you've ever felt called to birth something new - whether that's a creative project, a new version of yourself, or a more expansive way of loving - this episode is for you! - - - - - - - - - If you liked this episode of Initiations in Love, tell your friends! Find us on iTunes, Spotify, and anywhere you listen to podcasts to rate/review/subscribe to the show.  Looking to buy Britta's book Initiations in Love? Click here. Want more? Visit our WEBSITE, connect with Britta on FACEBOOK, and follow her on Instagram: @brittaeskey or @cortrainings. Thanks for listening and joining the conversation! Resources and References  Britta's Book- Initiations in Love Show Notes   1:10 - Britta welcomes you to the podcast and reflects on the discussion, themes, and learnings from our previously released episode 5:30 - Britta introduces today's reading from the first stage: The Awakening - a chapter entitled "Becoming a Mother." This passage speaks to that moment of standing at the edge of the unknown, when the old self begins to dissolve and something deeper starts to take shape 7:49 - Britta gives a reading of today's chosen excerpt "Becoming a Mother" from her book, Initiations in Love 14:30 - Britta asks processing questions to sense how you've been affected by the passage she read 15:24 - Britta invites you to grab paper and a writing utensil for journaling prompts Where in your life are you currently standing at a threshold - something ending, something not yet beginning? What fears or doubts come up for you when clarity hasn't arrived? What would it mean to surrender - not in resignation, but in faith - to the timing and intelligence of Life itself? Recall a time when you didn't know how things would unfold, yet looking back, you can see grace was guiding you. What did you learn from that experience? If this threshold is an Initiation into deeper Love, what might be seeking to be born through you right now? 19:45 - Britta brings the episode to a close - encouraging us to take a breath and honor the mystery we are living     EPISODE CREDITS: Executive Produced & Hosted by Britta Eskey Produced and Edited by Erin Zimmerman

In today's episode of the Initiations in Love podcast, Britta talks with Master coach and dear friend, Christine Hassler, who offers honest reflections on navigating uncertainty with grace and fierce devotion. She shares her powerful initiation into motherhood. From freezing her eggs at 33, to trusting her own timing and intuition, to the realization that this Initiation set off a dozen others, Christine dives into doing pregnancy and motherhood on her own terms. Together, they explore what it means to stand at the edge of major change – when the next step isn't obvious, and life refuses to follow a script. How do we stay open when clarity hasn't arrived? How do we keep listening for Love in the space between? 🎧If you're feeling you are on a kind of threshold where nothing feels clear, or you are living in self-doubt around decisions about your future - then this episode that covers trust, devotion, surrender, and more, is for you!   Christine Hassler is a Master coach, spiritual psychologist, facilitator and speaker with 20 years of experience. She is the best-selling author of three books, most recently Expectation Hangover: Free Yourself From Your Past, Change your Present and Get What you Really Want and is the host of top-rated podcast "Life Coaching with Christine Hassler" where she coaches people live on the show. She also works with companies and organizations to increase productivity and decrease the stress of their employees. Christine has a Masters degree in Spiritual Psychology and implements elements of NLP, psychology, spirituality, science and her own diverse life experience into her work.  She's appeared on: The Today Show, CNN, ABC, CBS, FOX, E!, Style, and The New York Times. - - - - - - - - - If you liked this episode of Initiations in Love, tell your friends! Find us on iTunes, Spotify, and anywhere you listen to podcasts to rate/review/subscribe to the show.  Looking to buy Britta's book Initiations in Love? Click here. Want more? Visit our WEBSITE, connect with Britta on FACEBOOK, and follow her on Instagram: @brittaeskey or @cortrainings. Thanks for listening and joining the conversation! Resources and References  Britta's Book- Initiations in Love www.christinehassler.com Show Notes   1:16 - Britta introduces special guest Christine Hassler 3:06 - Britta shares the focus of this episode, and Christine and Britta recount the "God moments" that brought them together 6:52 - Christine divulges a bit of her journey into motherhood, as well as what she means when she says she is a different person since her Initiation into motherhood 9:19 - Christine shares how anxiety almost stopped her from pursuing motherhood, and why she chose not to use her previously frozen eggs 11:30 - Christine recollects how her postpartum anxiety led her to get help in order to open to love instead of just managing her fear 15:49 - Britta reflects on Christine's experience and decision-making process within the Initiations in Love framework 18:48 - Christine details her increased capacity for adaptability and resilience  21:11 - Britta slows down to go deeper on Christine's thought that she didn't realize how self-absorbed she used to be 28:24 - Are we ever really prepared for an initiation? Christine and Britta discuss what a shock to the system radical life changes can be 32:29 - Britta and Christine discuss Initiations as ongoing, as well as having gnarly, messy, in-between stages 42:15 - Christine reflects on how her gift to the world has changed from teaching to reclamation, and why 47:55 - Christine shares her final thoughts 49:44 - Britta brings the episode to a close     EPISODE CREDITS: Executive Produced & Hosted by Britta Eskey Produced and Edited by Erin Zimmerman

Today's episode of the Initiations in Love podcast is a follow-up to our previous episode: "From Overdoing to Spacious Self-Love with Mary O'Connor." In that conversation, Mary shared the arc of her life: from eldest of nine children and lifelong caregiver, to someone who now lives with an emphasis on being rather than doing, and on allowing rather than striving.  As a young girl, she stepped into the role of "the Big One," tending to siblings and excelling in school, all while putting her own needs aside. Over the years, through a series of profound awakenings, Mary gently shifted into a life marked by ease, joy, and self-love. And isn't that what we all long for? In this follow-up episode, Britta reads a section from her spiritual memoir, Initiations in Love, called "Introduction to the Transformation Cauldron". She then guides listeners through a journaling exercise to help you process what you've heard and reflect on your own Transformation Cauldrons. 🎧 If you've ever needed to be the "responsible one" before you felt ready, put your own needs aside for too long, or found yourself overgiving and overdoing, this episode is for you!   - - - - - - - - - If you liked this episode of Initiations in Love, tell your friends! Find us on iTunes, Spotify, and anywhere you listen to podcasts to rate/review/subscribe to the show.  Looking to buy Britta's book Initiations in Love? Click here. Want more? Visit our WEBSITE, connect with Britta on FACEBOOK, and follow her on Instagram: @brittaeskey or @cortrainings. Thanks for listening and joining the conversation! Resources and References  Britta's Book- Initiations in Love   Show Notes   1:09 - Britta welcomes you to the podcast and reflects on the discussion, themes, and learnings from our previously released episode 4:46 - Britta introduces today's reading from the third stage: The Transformation Cauldron - a chapter entitled "Introduction to the Transformation Cauldron." This reading speaks to what happens when we get thrown into the Transformation Cauldron, why it's so challenging, and how to navigate it with trust 6:07 - Britta gives a reading of today's chosen excerpt "Introduction to the Transformation Cauldron" from her book, Initiations in Love 11:55 - Britta asks processing questions to sense how you've been affected by the passage she read 12:30 - Britta invites you to grab paper and a writing utensil for journaling prompts When did you first take on the role of being the "responsible one"? Where in your current life are you noticing patterns of overdoing or overgiving? Think of a time when you realized your way of operating wasn't working anymore. What helped you see that - and what did you do next? What needs or longings have you pushed aside to stay in control, stay helpful, or avoid being a burden? If you were to allow yourself to do a little less today - and be a little more - what might open up for you? 17:23 - Britta brings the episode to a close - encouraging us to honor the ways we've already said "yes" in our lives     EPISODE CREDITS: Executive Produced & Hosted by Britta Eskey Produced and Edited by Erin Zimmerman

In today's episode of the Initiations in Love podcast, Britta talks with entrepreneurial strategist, Mary O'Connor, who shares the powerful journey that led her from over-doing and over-giving to coming into a balanced relationship of receiving and giving, and ultimately to the gift of her own self-love. After years of raising her siblings in a household of alcoholism and neglect, Mary experienced a strong awakening experience where she felt the tangible presence of God, which propelled her into her own journey to self-love, service from fullness, and grace. 🎧Loving ourselves is often the most courageous journey we'll ever take. If you're feeling in need of an inspirational touch point, and some thoughtful advice on connecting with and coming back to YOU - then this heartfelt episode is for you!   Mary O'Connor is an irreverent truth-teller, and entrepreneurial strategist who's helped over 5,000 entrepreneurs grow thriving businesses. With 40+ years of sales savvy and 27 years of coaching under her belt, Mary blends sharp wit, deep empathy, and proven marketing psychology to help business owners get seen, get paid, and get real about their brilliance. She's the creator of the Attract Clients Now Accelerator, the diagnoser of Self-Promotion Anxiety Disorder (SPAD), and a recovering New Yorker who now rocks the hippie-chic life in Asheville with her 12-pound chi-beagle, Gracie.  When she's not helping women overcome subconscious blocks, she's doing standup comedy, sipping espresso, or planning her escape to Mexico. - - - - - - - - - If you liked this episode of Initiations in Love, tell your friends! Find us on iTunes, Spotify, and anywhere you listen to podcasts to rate/review/subscribe to the show.  Looking to buy Britta's book Initiations in Love? Click here. Want more? Visit our WEBSITE, connect with Britta on FACEBOOK, and follow her on Instagram: @brittaeskey or @cortrainings. Thanks for listening and joining the conversation! Resources and References  Britta's Book- Initiations in Love www.coachmaryoconnor.com Show Notes   1:15 - Britta introduces special guest Mary O'Connor 3:08 - Britta shares the focus of this episode, and asks Mary shares how her family life growing up propelled her into her current world of self-care 15:43 - Mary recalls how her new-found freedom in college made way for a rude awakening - and an Initiation into Love 22:07 - Britta and Mary discuss Mary's Calling from this Initiation into being a "helper" (and how it benefitted her sibling relationships) 27:10 - Mary speaks to the influence of alcohol and addiction in the family on self-hatred and violence, and what woke her up to this information 38:10 - Mary describes a strong Awakening experience where she felt the tangible presence of God and grace 45:26 - Mary reflects on the desperation and dismantling it took her - and it takes many - to say YES to an Initiation into Love 48:58 - Mary details her softer approach to her own needs and caring for herself, today, in her 70s 57:06 - Mary discusses how she helps people make space in their lives for rejuvenation 1:01:34 - Mary divulges advice for listeners who might be struggling to give themselves space, and can't find a way out1:05:38 - Britta brings the episode to a close       EPISODE CREDITS: Executive Produced & Hosted by Britta Eskey Produced and Edited by Erin Zimmerman

Today's episode of the Initiations in Love podcast is a follow-up to our previous episode: "My Love Story with God with Suwaylu Adams." In that conversation, Suwaylu shared the profound story of her lifelong romance with the Divine. Over the years, her path deepened and widened - through heartbreak, family challenges, and personal reckonings - all of which became fuel for what Britta calls the Transformation Cauldron: periods of intense inner change that, when met with surrender, alchemize into something miraculous. And, goodness, have miracles unfolded for Suwaylu! In this follow-up episode, Britta reads a section from her spiritual memoir, Initiations in Love, called "I Am Yours", recounting a major Transformation Cauldron of her own, the moment she most clearly heard the voice of the Divine. She then guides listeners through a journaling exercise to help you process what you've heard and reflect on your own initiations on your healing path. 🎧 If you've ever felt doubt in your connection to the Divine, or alone on your earthly journey, this episode offers a compassionate invitation to listen - to yourself, to the world around you, and to the Divine. - - - - - - - - - If you liked this episode of Initiations in Love, tell your friends! Find us on iTunes, Spotify, and anywhere you listen to podcasts to rate/review/subscribe to the show.  Looking to buy Britta's book Initiations in Love? Click here. Want more? Visit our WEBSITE, connect with Britta on FACEBOOK, and follow her on Instagram: @brittaeskey or @cortrainings. Thanks for listening and joining the conversation!   Resources and References  Britta's Book- Initiations in Love Show Notes   1:09 - Britta welcomes you to the podcast and reflects on the discussion, themes, and learnings from our previously released episode 4:46 - Britta introduces today's reading from the third stage: The Transformation Cauldron - a chapter entitled "I Am Yours." In this passage, Britta recounts one of the most pivotal spiritual initiations of her life - the moment she most clearly heard the voice of Spirit. 6:16 - Britta gives a reading of today's chosen excerpt "I Am Yours" from her book, Initiations in Love 12:13 - Britta asks processing questions to sense how you've been affected by the passage she read 12:45 - Britta invites you to grab paper and a writing utensil for journaling prompts When in your life have you heard the voice of Spirit - or felt a strong inner knowing? What have been the "Transformation Cauldron" moments in your own life? Is there an area in your life right now where you are being invited to say Yes to Love? Reflect on your relationship to spiritual guidance and describe your current experience If you were to say, "I Am Yours," to the Divine - what would you be offering? 18:57 - Britta brings the episode to a close - encouraging us to allow our journaling to be a quiet act of devotion, a YES to Spirit     EPISODE CREDITS: Executive Produced & Hosted by Britta Eskey Produced and Edited by Erin Zimmerman

In today's episode of the Initiations in Love podcast, Britta talks with minister and founder of The Lord's Chapel and The Land Celebration, Suwaylu Adams, who shares her profound journey of spiritual awakening and her eventual calling to ministry. Suwaylu recounts saying YES to miraculous experiences that shaped her path, including the establishment of The Lord's Chapel and The Land Celebration, a retreat center in Virginia. The conversation emphasizes the importance of listening to the divine voice, embracing all spiritual paths, and the transformative power of saying YES to Love and Spirit. 🎧 If you are feeling a little lost, or like you don't know your next best step forward, this episode is for you!   Suwaylu Adams is the founder and minister of The Lord's Chapel, also known as the Light Center, in Winchester, Virginia. Beginning her path in traditional ministry, Suwaylu underwent a transformative journey toward a more expansive understanding of Spirit—one that embraces all paths as sacred. For over 47 years, she has cultivated a welcoming space where diverse spiritual practices come together in community, compassion, and unconditional love. She also founded The Land Celebration, a 40-acre retreat property in Virginia's Blue Ridge Mountains, which has grown into a sanctuary for personal growth, spiritual gatherings, sweat lodges, and rites of passage.   Though now semi-retired, Suwaylu continues to lead weekly Chapel services and facilitate sacred ceremonies rooted in her belief in the unity of all life, the wisdom of the Earth, and the divine potential within each of us. - - - - - - - - - If you liked this episode of Initiations in Love, tell your friends! Find us on iTunes, Spotify, and anywhere you listen to podcasts to rate/review/subscribe to the show.  Looking to buy Britta's book Initiations in Love? Click here. Want more? Visit our WEBSITE, connect with Britta on FACEBOOK, and follow her on Instagram: @brittaeskey or @cortrainings. Thanks for listening and joining the conversation!   Resources and References  Britta's Book- Initiations in Love   Show Notes   1:09 - Britta introduces special guest Suwaylu Adams 2:52 - Britta shares the focus of this episode, and asks Suwaylu to recall what happened to ignite her Love story with God 12:34 - Suwaylu takes us back to some intense, dark phases in her life (and Transformation Cauldron) 16:09 - Suwaylu looks back on her time as "Sister Sue" and the miracles that transformed her when she said "yes" to the Call 20:51 - Britta and Suwaylu reflect on Suwaylu's clarity and vision 22:55 - Suwaylu details the transformation that The Lord's Chapel has gone through because of her ability to say "yes" to nearly any Call (including - and especially - the Call to LISTEN) 33:46 - Suwaylu recounts the event in which she was given the name "Suwaylu" 39:10 - Suwaylu shares some wise words of advice for tuning more deeply into our divinity and what Spirit wants us to do 46:09 - Britta brings the episode to a close     EPISODE CREDITS: Executive Produced & Hosted by Britta Eskey Produced and Edited by Erin Zimmerman

Today's episode of the Initiations in Love podcast is a follow-up to our previous episode: "Psychedelics and the Divine Dance of Self Love with Mellie Logan." In that conversation, Mellie shared how she experienced a powerful awakening in her forties through what's often called a "medicine journey"—an intentional, therapeutic use of psychedelics to access and face aspects of ourselves typically hidden from conscious awareness. For Mellie, this journey catalyzed a profound shift, waking her out of an old way of being and initiating her into a much deeper experience of self-love. In this follow-up episode, Britta expands on the idea of breakthroughs as initiations—reminding us that insight alone doesn't lead to transformation. The real healing comes through integration: the tender, courageous work of living the truth we've seen. Britta reads a section from her spiritual memoir, Initiations in Love, called "House of Cards", recounting a major initiatory moment during a time of deep vulnerability while teaching COR's Leadership Development Training. She then guides listeners through a journaling exercise to help you process what you've heard and reflect on your own initiations on your healing path. 🎧 If you've ever felt self-doubt, self-judgment, or even self-loathing—this episode offers a compassionate invitation to explore how true healing is found not just in the initial breakthrough, but in the tender, ongoing work of integration.   - - - - - - - - - If you liked this episode of Initiations in Love, tell your friends! Find us on iTunes, Spotify, and anywhere you listen to podcasts to rate/review/subscribe to the show.  Looking to buy Britta's book Initiations in Love? Click here. Want more? Visit our WEBSITE, connect with Britta on FACEBOOK, and follow her on Instagram: @brittaeskey or @cortrainings. Thanks for listening and joining the conversation! Resources and References  Britta's Book- Initiations in Love Show Notes   1:09 - Britta welcomes you to the podcast and reflects on the discussion, themes, and learnings from our previously released episode 3:45 - Britta gives a disclaimer: the kinds of breakthroughs that psychedelics can offer are initiations 5:00 - Britta introduces today's reading from the fourth stage: The Emerging - a chapter entitled "House of Cards." In this passage, Britta recounts a major initiatory moment during a time of deep vulnerability while teaching COR's Leadership Development Training 5:56 - Britta gives a reading of today's chosen excerpt "The House of Cards" from her book, Initiations in Love 14:29 - Britta asks processing questions to sense how you've been affected by the passage she read 15:40 - Britta invites you to grab paper and a writing utensil for journaling prompts What parts of myself have I historically kept out of reach, and what might it take to bring them into loving awareness? Have I ever experienced a breakthrough or opening that invited me into deeper self-love or connection with the Divine? If I imagined my own "divine dance" of healing and embodiment, what would it look and feel like? What have been the initiations in my life - chosen or unchosen - that cracked me open to something greater? What would it mean for me to truly live from the knowing that I am inherently good, lovable, and whole - even in my messiest or most tender places? 19:55 - Britta brings the episode to a close - encouraging us to allow our journaling to be a quiet act of devotion     EPISODE CREDITS: Executive Produced & Hosted by Britta Eskey Produced and Edited by Erin Zimmerman

In today's episode of the Initiations in Love podcast, Britta talks with spiritual counselor and friend, Mellie Logan. Together, they explore the complexities of emotional healing, the transformative power of surrender, and the role psychedelic medicine can play in personal growth. They discuss the importance of embracing difficult emotions, the process of transformation, and the significance of integration in any healing journey. The conversation also highlights the necessity of preparation and guidance when engaging with psychedelic work, emphasizing that these experiences can lead to profound self-discovery and healing, if held appropriately. 🎧 Curious about mindset shifting, spiritual counseling, and psychedelic healing? Tune in to hear Mellie share her journey and helpful hints on it all!   Mellie Logan is a spiritual counselor and psychedelic guide using Somatic Psychology techniques such as Hakomi, Somatic Experiencing, and IFS to address limiting core material that is held in the body. These are extremely effective ways to help transform what we believe in order to make the changes we desire in our lives. Mellie is on Faculty at The Congregation for Sacred Practices where she trains ministers to work with plant medicines. She is in private practice in Asheville, NC, and she also works on Zoom. - - - - - - - - - If you liked this episode of Initiations in Love, tell your friends! Find us on iTunes, Spotify, and anywhere you listen to podcasts to rate/review/subscribe to the show.  Looking to buy Britta's book Initiations in Love? Click here. Want to cultivate more compassion in your life? Check out Britta's upcoming program, The Brave Heart, here. Want more? Visit our WEBSITE, connect with Britta on FACEBOOK, and follow her on Instagram: @brittaeskey or @cortrainings. Thanks for listening and joining the conversation! Resources and References  Britta's Book- Initiations in Love The Brave Heart: An 8-Week Compassion Cultivation Training www.mellielogan.com   Show Notes   1:09 - The Brave Heart: An 8-Week Compassion Cultivation Training 3:59 - Britta introduces special guest Mellie Logan 5:30 - Mellie details what her life was like before her awakening 12:49 - Mellie recounts the Awakening she experienced during a medicine journey, post-divorce 18:03 - Britta inquires further about Mellie's journey to integrate her awakening experience into her life 27:13 - Mellie shares how she shifted from hating her body, to loving her body 31:26 - Britta slows Mellie down to process her Transformation Cauldron journey, why she is no longer afraid of pain, and how she serves her clients, because of what she learned. 40:28 - Britta describes what she sees as having emerged from Mellie's medicine journey, and Mellie reflects on medicine journey as a tool 46:15 - Mellie tells a personal story and then breaks down how she works with clients 57:46 - Mellie shares advice for folks who are curious about medicine journeys 1:03:20 - Mellie shares her final message as Britta brings the episode to a close 1:06:37 - Britta briefly reminds us about The Brave Heart: An upcoming 8-Week Compassion Cultivation Training!   EPISODE CREDITS: Executive Produced & Hosted by Britta Eskey Produced and Edited by Erin Zimmerman

Today's episode of the Initiations in Love podcast is a follow-up to our previous episode: "Reclaiming the Sacred in Sexuality with Diana Richardson." In that episode, Diana shared how she experienced a powerful awakening around her relationship with her body and her sexuality, and became a lifelong student—and eventually a teacher—of the tantric approach to sexuality. In this follow-up episode, Britta explores the question of "what if?" when it comes to sex and sexuality.  Britta reads an intimate section from her spiritual memoir, Initiations in Love, called "Marriage," recalling profound spiritual insights she had after making love with her husband. Britta then leads listeners through a journaling exercise for self-discovery (and possibly some perspective shift) regarding their own relationship to sexuality, intimacy, and making love. 🎧If you've ever felt disconnected, confused, or unsatisfied when it comes to sex, or you're simply curious about its deeper meaning - you are not alone, and this episode is for you!   - - - - - - - - - If you liked this episode of Initiations in Love, tell your friends! Find us on iTunes, Spotify, and anywhere you listen to podcasts to rate/review/subscribe to the show.  Looking to buy Britta's book Initiations in Love? Click here. Want to cultivate more compassion in your life? Check out Britta's upcoming program, The Brave Heart, here. Want more? Visit our WEBSITE, connect with Britta on FACEBOOK, and follow her on Instagram: @brittaeskey or @cortrainings. Thanks for listening and joining the conversation! Resources and References  Britta's Book- Initiations in Love The Brave Heart: An 8-Week Compassion Cultivation Training   Show Notes   1:09 - The Brave Heart: An 8-Week Compassion Cultivation Training 3:56 - Britta welcomes you to the podcast and reflects on the discussion, themes, and learnings from our previously released episode 7:12 - Britta introduces today's reading from the fifth and final stage: The Gift - a chapter entitled "Marriage." In this passage, Britta shares a profound insight and opening she had one morning after making love with her husband, Lee 8:31 - Britta gives a reading of today's chosen excerpt "Marriage" from her            book, Initiations in Love 15:26 - Britta asks processing questions to sense how you've been affected by the passage she read 16:30 - Britta invites you to grab paper and a writing utensil for journaling prompts What messages did you receive growing up about sex, and how have they shaped your current relationship to your sexuality? When have you experienced sex or intimacy as something sacred, connective, or healing? What would it mean for you to "slow down" in your sexual experience? Where do you notice pressure, expectation, or performance in your sexuality? How do you currently experience the connection between love, intimacy, and the Divine? 20:50 - Britta brings the episode to a close - encouraging us to honor what has surfaced in this time and trust our own insights as meaningful 21:54 - Britta briefly reminds us about The Brave Heart: An upcoming 8-Week Compassion Cultivation Training!   EPISODE CREDITS: Executive Produced & Hosted by Britta Eskey Produced and Edited by Erin Zimmerman

In this heartfelt and eye-opening episode of Initiations in Love, Britta sits down with Diana Richardson—Tantra teacher and pioneer of the slow sex movement—for a deep dive into the healing potential of sexuality. Together, they explore themes of deep connection and awareness on the journey to understanding sexuality, and how we can move beyond performance and pressure toward a more relaxed, joyful, and curious connection with our bodies and our partners. Diana shares insights on how conditioning shapes our sexual habits, why slowing down can radically transform intimacy, and how sex can be a practice of love—not just stress relief. They also touch on the power of pleasure, the emotional awakenings that can follow loss or tragedy, and how reclaiming your sexuality can be a path to spiritual and personal transformation. 🎧 Tune in if you're curious about how to bring more ease, awareness, and sacredness into your sexual life—and how sexuality, when approached with presence, can become a powerful portal to self-discovery.   Originally from South Africa with a background in law and therapeutic massage, Diana Richardson is a leading authority on human sexuality and a pioneer of the Slow Sex movement. For over 30 years, she has been teaching couples how to integrate sex and meditation for a more fulfilling love life. Together with her partner, Michael Richardson, she co-leads the renowned Making Love retreats in Switzerland, drawing participants from around the world. Her approach, rooted in 'generative sex' or 'cool sex,' offers practical tools for deeper intimacy, encapsulated in her Love Keys teachings. An acclaimed author, Diana has written eight books on Tantra, sharing her insights in multiple languages.    - - - - - - - - - If you liked this episode of Initiations in Love, tell your friends! Find us on iTunes, Spotify, and anywhere you listen to podcasts to rate/review/subscribe to the show.  Looking to buy Britta's book Initiations in Love? Click here. Want to cultivate more compassion in your life? Check out Britta's upcoming program, The Brave Heart, here. Want more? Visit our WEBSITE, connect with Britta on FACEBOOK, and follow her on Instagram: @brittaeskey or @cortrainings. Thanks for listening and joining the conversation!   Resources and References  Britta's Book- Initiations in Love The Brave Heart: An 8-Week Compassion Cultivation Training Follow Diana on Instagram Find Diana on Facebook www.livinglove.com   Show Notes   1:09 - The Brave Heart: An 8-Week Compassion Cultivation Training 4:00 - Britta introduces special guest Diana Richardson 5:47 - Diana details the Awakening she experienced when she realized she wanted a different kind of sexuality for herself 12:35 - Britta inquires further about why Diana doesn't feel she had an attachment to inherited sexual conditioning (and what that means) 15:06 - Diana continues to detail her Awakening 19:25 - Diana reveals how her body (and body of work) changed when she changed the way she made love 23:25 - Diana shares how a challenging time in her thirties quickly became a turning point in her journey 27:06 - Diana describes her approach to sex as opposed to society's tense, goal-oriented act 35:25 - Diana explains how to reorient the act of sex from merely stress relief, to love 38:16 - Diana highlights her distinction between "orgasm" and "orgasmic"  41:49 - Britta and Diana discuss different ways we can receive information, support, and awareness that could lead to transformation 48:20 - Diana breaks down what "Love Keys" are as tools 52:15 - Diana and Britta discuss the pressure modern folks feel that sex has to be "hot" and "intense" - as well as what the alternative is  1:01:06 - Diana shares some advice for single people who want to open to this kind of love making 1:05:27 - Britta reflects on the episode's message of coming back to love  1:07:08 - Britta brings the episode to a close and briefly reminds us about The Brave Heart   EPISODE CREDITS: Executive Produced & Hosted by Britta Eskey Produced and Edited by Erin Zimmerman