How to Be Human

Anger is often seen as a volatile, intense reaction, but it’s crucial to let yourself feel the full range of emotions. Unfortunately, women are held to a different standard when it comes to expressing anger and are often made to feel like their experience is invalid. On today’s episode, Anna and Nina discuss their relationship with anger and how they work to channel that energy into a positive, actionable behavior. As a collective, we’ve become so desensitized to men’s anger and have thousands of ways to deflect women’s anger. Even when a woman feels impassioned about something, she’s labeled as ‘dramatic’ (or worse), and told to just chill. Nina notes that if a woman expresses her anger in a professional environment, she’ll be put in a dangerous situation. As a result, women usually mask their emotions until something tips them over the edge. So when does anger become a problem? Anna and Nina chat about how they practice sitting with anger and finding ways to process their emotions. They also touch on the possibility of anger as a secondary emotion一it makes feel like we're doing something, but it can sometimes hold us back from addressing what we’re actually feeling. Listen in to hear Anna and Nina’s conversation about embracing anger and finding the lessons in it.  Listen to the episode on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music, iHeartRadio, Stitcher, or on your favorite podcast platformTopics Covered:What it feels like to be gaslit about your anger Growing up with parents who had a temper Rethinking frustration, irritation, and annoyance as unprocessed rageThe biological response behind anger Deciphering collective versus personal anger Validating and moving through your emotions Resources Mentioned:@notquitebeyonceBreaking Free from Good-Girl Conditioning with Robin Clark on Beyond Beauty Project: The Podcast  Get in Touch:How to Be HumanHow to Be Human InstagramAnna's InstagramNina's InstagramBook a...

Anna and Nina have realized that they tend to attract clients that want answers about their purpose in life, or are looking to generate hope around things that feel impossibly hard. So many of us go about seeking purpose backwards and struggle with feeling like we need to be good enough for our destiny, rather than accepting that purpose is neutral and exists in many containers. Anna and Nina discuss the expansiveness of purpose and how to look within in order to embody it. Nina also shares her message to any parents out there who struggle with finding purpose in their parenting and touches on the damaging nature of perfectionism, especially when it comes to raising children. Part of tapping into your purpose requires a sense of hope, but also a stripped down version of your expectations and an honest look at reality. Anna and Nina chat about how hope can sometimes feel like a delusion, but it’s important to not overindulge in your own angst and get bogged down by negativity. They bring up how they work on hopefulness with clients who are struggling with particularly tender difficulties, including infertility and heartbreak. Listen to the episode on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music, iHeartRadio, Stitcher, or on your favorite podcast platformTopics Covered:Why it’s important to remove all of the things that make us doubt our innate purpose The misconception that purpose is a single thing A reflection exercise for anyone who feels like they don’t know where to start looking for their purpose Having the courage to take action and learn from failure  What it feels like to be out of sync with your desireProducing genuine hope and belief, not toxic positivity Resources Mentioned:The Body Is Not an Apology: The Power of Radical Self-Love by Sonya Renee Taylor  Get in Touch:How to Be HumanHow to Be Human InstagramAnna's InstagramNina's InstagramBook a session with AnnaBook a session with Nina

We know that if we want to go far, we need to go together, and yet many of us struggle with feelings of jealousy, rivalry, and competition. Anna has a relatively healthy relationship with jealousy in that she can admit when she feels it, but she doesn't personalize it. Same goes for when other people are jealous of her一she’s become more aware of it, but simultaneously more open to understanding where their emotions stem from. When it comes to competition, though, Anna has noticed that she can lead herself astray because she was so focused on winning. Nina has a pretty similar experience with jealousy and competition. When those feelings come up, she tries to dig deeper on what she actually wants and how she can make it happen in her life. She and Anna agree that social media has completely changed the nature of competition. All of the sudden, we’re up against people who we don’t know, and so much of our brain space is consumed by people who don’t even know we exist. Listen in to hear Anna and Nina’s conversation unpacking the spectrum of jealousy and competition. Listen to the episode on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music, iHeartRadio, Stitcher, or on your favorite podcast platformTopics Covered:How Anna and Nina work through feelings of jealousy and competition Learning to define and measure success for yourself The toxic nature of gossiping and shit-talking Confronting the fear of being perceived as too much, but also not enough The lack of celebration for uniquenessRecognizing when your desire to win takes over your current peace and happiness Get in Touch:How to Be HumanHow to Be Human InstagramAnna's InstagramNina's InstagramBook a session with AnnaBook a session with Nina

Applying life lessons sounds so clear and easy, but actually embodying what you know and putting it into practice can be challenging. On today’s episode, Anna and Nina talk about some of the major things that they’ve had to learn the hard way, and what sort of lessons they’re currently working through. One of the most transformative lessons that Anna has learned is that she doesn't have to take everything so personally一sometimes things just happen. She’s also become a fan of approaching self-care with the 80/20 mindset and has realized the importance of keeping her tools and routines updated. Nina shares how she applies the lesson of not taking on other people’s emotions, especially in heated situations. She’s learned that when you match someone's energy, then you become it. When it comes to motherhood, she’s been demonstrating to her son that it's okay to take breaks and honor what your body is telling you. Anna and Nina discuss moments of young naivatee, including Anna realizing that you can be open to connecting with new people, but also have consideration for their feelings and vulnerability. Nina looks back on her trip to Tanzania and how that opened her eyes to ways that we make assumptions about other cultures, and also how much you can understand someone who has a very different lived experience than you. Listen to the episode on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music, iHeartRadio, Stitcher, or on your favorite podcast platformTopics Covered:Effectively managing your emotions through self-regulation Learning to treat yourself kindly and softly when you need it Finding the happy medium between not abandoning yourself, but also allowing yourself flexibility Dismantling the illusion of security that back-or-white thinking provides Working to address your internal biases Get in Touch:How to Be HumanHow to Be Human InstagramAnna's InstagramNina's InstagramBook a session with AnnaBook a session with Nina

On today’s episode, Anna and Nina do a deep dive on the origins of Tarot, explain their approach to reading, and address some of the common misconceptions about the practice. Traditionally, Tarot is a pack of 78 cards with five suits, but there have been endless variations since the original Italian Visconti-Sforza deck debuted around the year 1450. At its core, Tarot is used as a way to gain insight into one's life and tap into the past, present, and future. But, as Anna and Nina discuss in the episode, some practitioners deviate from that and engage in harmful or manipulative tactics. Anna and Nina share how they were first introduced to Tarot and what inspired them to pursue it further. They break down some of the key processes involved with reading, including keeping objectivity in check and honoring humility. They also touch on what Tarot has taught them about themselves, humanity, and the freedom of interpretation. Listen to hear more about Anna and Nina’s approach and experience with Tarot. Listen to the episode on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music, iHeartRadio, Stitcher, or on your favorite podcast platformTopics Covered:A brief overview of the history of Tarot card reading How Tarot challenges the binary Anna and Nina’s perspectives on the role of Spirit in Tarot reading Mainstream fear and apprehension surrounding Tarot What concerns Anna and Nina about certain modern psychic trainings Success stories and challenges from client sessions The importance of defining and protecting your boundaries as a Tarot reader Advice for people who are thinking about getting a reading done or want to buy their first Tarot deck Resources Mentioned:Seventy-Eight Degrees of Wisdom: A Book of Tarot by Rachel Pollack Aeclectic TarotNamaste Bookshop Get in Touch:How to Be HumanHow to Be Human InstagramAnna's InstagramNina's InstagramBook a session with...

Expressing and receiving love is something that seems universal, but communication styles, especially when it comes to romantic relationships, are highly individualized and nuanced. On today’s episode, Nina and Anna use Dr. Gary Chapman’s The Five Love Languages as a jumping off point to reflect on their current and previous partnerships and discuss how their perspectives on love and marriage have changed throughout the years.&nbsp;From Anna’s POV, Nina’s marriage seems effortless and intuitive. Nina describes how she and Huê have non-negotiables that they don’t need to talk about, but there have definitely been changes in their relationship after having a child. She illustrates her marriage as two vines that sometimes grow apart, but always grow together, which is something that Nina wants and isn’t willing to give up on. They emphasize how important it is to let go of the patriarchal message that a successful partnership requires major compromise, even at the cost of your identity.&nbsp;For so many people looking for love, it's hard to imagine something different than what they’ve always experienced. Anna expresses her desire for a partner who has a strong sense of self, but finds that hetero men are so often threatened by her strength and independence. Nina encourages her to hold out for someone who not only accepts Anna for who she fully is, but also lifts her up and enriches her life.&nbsp;Join Anna and Nina as they unpack how their love language styles have played a role in their approach to love, partnership, and marriage.&nbsp;Listen to the episode on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music, iHeartRadio, Stitcher, or on your favorite podcast platformTopics Covered:Nina and Anna’s thoughts on the concept of love languages and what their experience was like taking the quiz&nbsp;The importance of taking responsibility for letting your partner know what you need and want&nbsp;How Nina’s husband has demonstrated gentleness, sensitivity, and loveAnna’s reflections on things that are holding her back from seeking and receiving love right now&nbsp;Examining internalized patriarchal and misogynist belief systems about marriage&nbsp;Resources Mentioned:Five Love Language Quiz&nbsp;&nbsp;Heartburn by Nora EphronGet in Touch:How to Be HumanHow to Be Human Instagram<a href="https://www.instagram.com/annatoonk/" rel="noopener...

Forgiving others is a difficult emotional process. For Nina, it presents itself as anger; for Anna, it’s triggering. We all carry it with us and over time it can lead to physical ailments as much as burnout or resentment. Only you can give yourself closure and only you can do the work, however far back it may go.It’s not about the other person or the apology you most likely will not receive. It’s about giving yourself space to understand where your feelings originate and how you can best navigate the moment(s). You may find yourself where Anna did at Delphi, forgiving others means first, forgiving herself–and that’s even more difficult.&nbsp;Join Nina and Anna as they unpack the grievances they live with and the healing they’ve experienced in choosing to forgive those who have harmed them. Call back your energy and let’s do some “real-life meditation.” Listen to the episode on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music, iHeartRadio, Stitcher, or on your favorite podcast platformTopics Covered:What is forgivenessForgiveness and the health benefits that come from itRepairing emotional fracturesThe feeling of total, full body forgivenessThe difficulty in forgiving others and forgiving yourselfResources Mentioned:DelphiHealing Power of Forgiveness&nbsp;Get in Touch:How to Be HumanHow to Be Human InstagramAnna's InstagramNina's InstagramBook a session with AnnaBook a session with Nina

We live in a culture where burnout is the norm. Depression, aggression, and fear are all symptoms of burnout, and oftentimes these lead to physical symptoms–headaches, stomachaches, intestinal issues, etc. So what do you do when experiencing burnout? The secret is to do something. For some, it may be to acknowledge you’re in burnout and talk to someone about it. For others, it may be to go on a walk. The point is to do something different with your routine, maybe even find a different hobby. But Nina takes it one step further, what if you’re a parent in burnout?Join Nina &amp; Anna on today’s episode as they describe what you may be going through with a roadmap to lead you in the right direction.Listen to the episode on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music, iHeartRadio, Stitcher, or on your favorite podcast platformTopics Covered:Parents in burnoutLiving in a culture that promotes burnoutWays to relieve burnoutEmotional and physical symptoms of burnoutDifference between burnout and depressionResources Mentioned:Career Burnout: Causes and Cures13 Signs You’re Heading for Burnout&nbsp;Get in Touch:How to Be HumanHow to Be Human InstagramAnna's InstagramNina's InstagramBook a session with AnnaBook a session with Nina

Resentments run deep. Some therapists could even refer to it as a mood.What are we truly feeling? Let’s first acknowledge the resentment and sit with it. Where does it go from there? Are we jealous or are we angry? What part are we playing in these feelings? What if we step in the other person’s shoes and explore their perspective?Join Nina &amp; Anna on today’s episode as they pull back the layers on what resentment is and the hurdle that stands in our way of forgiveness and peace.&nbsp;&nbsp;Listen to the episode on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music, iHeartRadio, Stitcher, or on your favorite podcast platformTopics Covered:What is resentmentHow do you define friendshipHaving empathy for othersKnowing your triggers and acknowledging your emotionsHolding space for yourself to make room for othersKnowing when to cut ties with the emotional turmoilResources Mentioned:6 Reasons Why Resentments Creep into Your Relationships &amp; What To Do About It&nbsp;Get in Touch:How to Be HumanHow to Be Human InstagramAnna's InstagramNina's InstagramBook a session with AnnaBook a session with Nina

Spirituality means feeling, seeing, believing something bigger than ourselves - often an awareness outside of religion, tradition, or intellectual understanding.Our energy can be transformed throughout the day through this awareness and intentional connection between our mind, body, and soul. Anna + Nina believe anything can be spiritual including practicing gratitude for every day things and circumstances.Join Nina &amp; Anna on today’s episode as they walk you through how to step into your truth and move past what is tethering you to a frayed rope.Listen to the episode on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music, iHeartRadio, Stitcher, or on your favorite podcast platformTopics Covered:Spiritualism versus Spirituality&nbsp;Digging deeper to better know yourselfFeeling connected to something larger than yourselfStepping outside of the box of organized religionAlternative medicinesListening to your intuition on your spiritual journey&nbsp;Resources Mentioned:The In-Betweens: The Spiritualists, Mediums, and Legends of Camp EtnaConfraternity of Christian DoctrineDelphi Metaphysical Healing TrainingThe Decisive Moment&nbsp;Get in Touch:How to Be HumanHow to Be Human InstagramAnna's InstagramNina's InstagramBook a session with AnnaBook a session with Nina

Control doesn’t run by itself. It has two buddies and runs in a pack with fear and anxiety. This leads us to ask, is all control negative? When is it appropriate to take control? How do you know when you’re in the thralls of someone controlling? When you’ve grown up in an environment with a controlling family member, it’s familiar and comforting to find those characteristics in someone as an adult. It can get murky and confusing deciphering between control and care, many may have heard of Stockholm Syndrome.Nina &amp; Anna give us the wisdom to hold tight to our truth. On today’s episode, we learn how to use control in a positive way, stand up for ourselves, and stay true to who we are. When we can’t control our surroundings, let’s explore how we can control our own actions and behaviors and find our flow.&nbsp;Listen to the episode on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music, iHeartRadio, Stitcher, or on your favorite podcast platformTopics Covered:Why do we desire control? Where does it come from?Differentiating between love and controlThe need for adhering to your boundaries and staying loyal to yourselfControl can be positive when you can apply it to your own lifeAlways meet control with curiosityResources Mentioned:Stockholm SyndromeAll About Love by Bell HooksMindBodyGreen: How to Spot Controlling People&nbsp;Get in Touch:How to Be HumanHow to Be Human InstagramAnna's InstagramNina's InstagramBook a session with AnnaBook a session with Nina

Let’s talk about fear. Nine times out of ten it is often about your past. And in the present day, anxiety and fear can be best buds. Worry is not love and being afraid of something feeds negative energy. What happens if we give into fear?What are we actually afraid of? If we say it out loud, is it possible it won’t be scary anymore? What if we are scared of the evil of the world? How do we cope with that? Let’s walk ourselves to the edge of the cliff, then what?Nina &amp; Anna tackle all of these difficult questions and walk us through what happens when you feel your feelings, face your fears, and let them exist for what they are.Listen to the episode on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music, iHeartRadio, Stitcher, or on your favorite podcast platformTopics Covered:The relationship between anxiety and fearWhat happens when we feel are feelingsHaving the courage to face your fearsCoping mechanisms for dealing with your fearsGiving yourself the opportunity to challenge your fearsThe difference between anxiety and fearResources Mentioned:Couples Therapy on ShowtimeAlpinistWhen Things Fall Apart by Pema ChodronFunny Weather: Art in an Emergency by Olivia LaingCrudo by Olivia Laing&nbsp;Get in Touch:How to Be HumanHow to Be Human InstagramAnna's InstagramNina's InstagramBook a session with AnnaBook a session with Nina

How do we define sexuality?Our society taught us little about sex - maybe a banana in gym class or a book from a parent, but nothing we could actually understand or embody and take with us later. In today's episode we explore the evolution of sexuality and how we can better understand ourselves within it. In this episode of How To Be Human, Nina &amp; Anna unravel their understanding of sexuality from childhood to college and explore the opportunities available when you put pleasure at the forefront.Listen to the episode on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music, iHeartRadio, Stitcher, or on your favorite podcast platformTopics Covered:Indulgence versus pleasureThe evolution of sexualityHow do we educate children about sexuality?Exploring your sexualityLearning what makes you feel sexyResources Mentioned:Holly Ramey Tarot talk&nbsp;Get in Touch:How to Be HumanHow to Be Human InstagramAnna's InstagramNina's InstagramBook a session with AnnaBook a session with Nina

There is no hard line for selfishness. If you take time for yourself, are you selfish? If you prefer water to sweet tea but they only have sweet tea, are you selfish? To have a wedding or not have a wedding, which is more selfish? Selfishness is complex with a lot of layers. Join Nina &amp; Anna on today’s episode as they muddle through the negatives, the positives, and the boundaries everyone should have.Most selfishness is imposed on us early in life so now, how do you know when you’re being selfish? Some have to unlearn previous notions and undo their initial reaction. Being selfish, there is no other driver than, “I want this,” with total disregard for anyone else’s needs. Alone time often occurs after you’ve exerted yourself for other people; having boundaries, and saying, “No,” for your mental health leads to happiness you can then give back to others–the “economy of attention,” as Anna calls it.&nbsp;Our society has morphed selfishness into every man for themselves as a product of the global pandemic. Gen Z has mastered the space of individualism and thrives off borderline narcissistic qualities, the peak of selfishness and egocentricity.&nbsp;So if we navigate away from the cliff’s edge, let’s dismantle selfishness. Let’s celebrate healthy boundaries and protect our self-interests so we can then put our good energy into others and spread the word of a restored balance.Listen to the episode on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music, iHeartRadio, Stitcher, or on your favorite podcast platformTopics Covered:Negative &amp; positive connotations of selfishnessEveryone has a different version of selfishnessThere is a balance for selfishness and selflessness, we can’t be one-sidedSelfish is being concerned excessively or exclusively for one’s own self, regardless of othersNot getting your way is not the same as selfishnessResources Mentioned:WeCrashed Apple +&nbsp;We Work Hulu Documentary&nbsp;Get in Touch:How to Be HumanHow to Be Human InstagramAnna's InstagramNina's Instagram<a href="https://www.annatoonk.com/" rel="noopener...

Death is often a subject not talked about, even with our closest loved ones. Everybody has experienced death differently. The one thing we do know for sure in this world is we are all going to die. But, another thing we also know for sure is we are all going to live. Why are we so afraid of our timeline? What is it we’re actually afraid of? How often do you think about death?We often think what’s the worst that could happen? They can die. If that happens, then what do you do? There is a desire for control where there is no control. Let’s stop focusing on death and focus on living. We are powerless, so let’s change the conversation.&nbsp;Let’s soak up every possible moment we have and live without intrusive thoughts. Life and death are equally beautiful. Even if we were given the answers to our questions, would we actually want to know? Join Nina &amp; Anna on today's episode as they make space to change the conversation around death and encourage listeners to investigate the beauty that lies at the end of a lifetime.Listen to the episode on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music, iHeartRadio, Stitcher, or on your favorite podcast platformTopics Covered:The beauty of life and deathHow death early on affects the long termWhen to write a willHeather Hogan Wisdom and SageLogistics around a lossThe struggle of centering yourself in a lossThe reason behind our everyday anxietyHaving peace with being powerlessResources Mentioned:The Vanished podcastSurviving Death on NetlfixHow to Write a WillHeather Hogan / Wisdom and Sage&nbsp;&nbsp;Get in Touch:How to Be HumanHow to Be Human InstagramAnna's InstagramNina's InstagramBook a session with Anna<a href="https://ninaendrsthealth.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer"...

In today’s episode, we discuss the topic of victimhood, what that means and how it may be the result of painful ad traumatic experiences. More specifically, we dive into the topics of how to build a support system while struggling through a traumatic event, learning how to move forwards with our life, and how to transition into the healing process. It can be hard to move out of the vicious cycle of self-blame, pain, and trauma. However, if we are able to detach ourselves and our identity from one particular negative event and allow ourselves to receive help from our closest friends then we can move away from victimhood.Today, we discuss how this may lead to self-isolation, how victimhood may become a learned behaviour that feels as if it can not be changed, creates feelings of helplessness, and how we might need to separate a traumatic event from one’s identity. Being a victim can be used as a barrier to real growth or change, freezing us in a moment of time in our lives. As a result, victimhood may become a form of self-protection to prevent us from having to go through and process our emotions.&nbsp;Join us on today’s episode as we discuss these topics and much more, including learning how to move on, allowing ourselves to build a support system and how to move into the healing process.Listen to the episode on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music, iHeartRadio, Stitcher, or on your favorite podcast platformTopics Covered:How victimhood may become a learned behaviour that feels as if it can not be changedAllowing ourselves to build a support system while struggling through a traumatic eventVictimhood may become a form of self-protection&nbsp;How narcissism relates to the topic of victimhoodLearning how to move away from allowing a traumatic event from being a part of our identityResources Mentioned:STRANGERS podcast from Lea ThauThe MothGet in Touch:How to Be HumanHow to Be Human InstagramAnna's InstagramNina's InstagramBook a session with AnnaBook a session with Nina

In today’s episode, we discuss the topic of clarity, what that means, and how it manifests in our everyday lives. More specifically, we dive into how to overcome that initial fear of improving clarity in a relationship, listening to others, and the importance of honesty in building a healthy relationship.&nbsp;Today we also explore how clarity is the ability to be easily understood, think clearly, and be easily seen or heard. We also discuss how anger may be the most important reason why we are unable, to be honest, or truthful towards others. Drawing from our own experiences, we discuss how to deal with these issues and ways in which we can improve our clarity by not making assumptions and giving people the benefit of the doubt.&nbsp;Join us as we discuss the resistance that we have to clearly communicate about a relationship, learn more about the intersection between clarity and communication, and improve our honesty. Stay tuned for these topics and much more!Listen to the episode on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music, iHeartRadio, Stitcher, or on your favorite podcast platformTopics Covered:How to deal with resistance that we have about clarity in a relationshipLearning more about the intersect between clarity and communication&nbsp;How to be honest and reveal your true feelings with someone else&nbsp;How anger can lead to dishonesty or untruthfulnessLearning how to process and acknowledge conflict that arises from dishonestyGet in Touch:How to Be HumanHow to Be Human InstagramAnna's InstagramNina's InstagramBook a session with AnnaBook a session with Nina

What is the difference between the subconscious and conscious mind? In this week’s episode, we discuss the unique qualifiers of these two parts of our brain. As such, we talk about how one side allows us to rationalize our actions and think logically (the conscious mind,) whereas the subconscious mind is responsible for involuntary actions and instinct. Today, we also discuss how we can access these parts of the brain as well as how they may influence our everyday actions and behaviors.From our own experiences, we have had memories and dreams which link back to the subconscious mind. This is because dreams are a way of your subconscious mind to communicate with your conscious mind. We also dive into how dreams might reveal how we really feel and the ways in which they manifest as a trauma response.&nbsp;Join us on this week’s episode as we discuss how memories are made, how we feed our subconscious mind, as well as how to access and tap into this resource. Listen to the episode on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music, iHeartRadio, Stitcher, or on your favorite podcast platformTopics Covered:What is the difference between the conscious mind compared to the subconscious mindHow memories are made and information enters into the subconscious mindHow to access and tap into our subconscious mind, when we can use it, and how it may inform our everyday actionsHow dreams might reveal how we really feel and what they may meanHow trauma is linked to our subconscious mind&nbsp;Get in Touch:How to Be HumanHow to Be Human InstagramAnna's InstagramNina's InstagramBook a session with AnnaBook a session with NinaAsXkhmXa70BgwXFKD4R1

In today’s episode, we discuss the topic of beginnings, what that means and how it manifests in our everyday lives. More specifically, we dive into how to overcome that initial fear of trying something new, forming a deep bond with someone, or just allowing yourself to try a new hobby. It is important to move forward in life with a new story that conveys your authentic self, dreams, survival, and personal happiness.Today we also explore how letting go of the past, freeing yourself of failures and disappointments, and starting a new chapter can sometimes be beneficial for your mental and physical health. From our own experiences, it is sometimes necessary to start anew in order to gain a clearer perspective on what we want or desire from life.&nbsp;Join us as we discuss some of our professional beginnings, such as using and creating a Squarespace website, as well as personal beginnings, such as having kids and starting new relationships. Stay tuned for these topics and much more!Listen to the episode on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music, iHeartRadio, Stitcher, or on your favorite podcast platformTopics Covered:Being afraid of starting new relationshipsLearning how to face fear and failure in a professional settingForming deeper connections in life&nbsp;Freeing yourself of failures and disappointments to create a new chapter in lifeHow beginnings can change our perspectives on who we allow into our livesGet in Touch:How to Be HumanHow to Be Human InstagramAnna's InstagramNina's InstagramBook a session with AnnaBook a session with Nina

What is your process? A lot of us have been using some sort of system to make goals and track progress since before we were in school. Processes can help us feel organized and accomplished, but they can also be a major source of tension, especially for people who crave instant gratification. Today, we discuss what processes can look like in terms of work, emotions, and relationships. We get into why we think people have such a hard time working through their thoughts, the role that therapy plays with healing, and why it’s not always a good thing to play your cards close to your chest.&nbsp;One of the things that we’ve had to come to terms with is that we’re not always going to understand or agree with how other people make decisions or approach life. Nina shares a story of how a client broke a major boundary, and how that situation made her realize that she can’t be responsible for other people’s actions, but she can control how she processes it and responds. This memory sparks a conversation about the nuances between gossiping and sharing opinions, and how easy it is to get caught up in the stories that you have in your head.&nbsp;We also touch on where to start when you’re trying to figure out what your process is. Nina suggests taking a look at your current sensitivities and developing language around that in order to communicate and perhaps collaborate, about your process. Join us as we explore these topics, including giving yourself permission to honor your process or recognizing how you can improve it. Listen to the episode on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music, iHeartRadio, Stitcher, or on your favorite podcast platformTopics Covered:Identifying your processLearning how to process our emotions in the momentIssues with gossip and how that manifests in toxic ways in professional and social relationships&nbsp;Challenging the rhetoric that some people aren’t emotional&nbsp;Processing emotions through art, writing, and other mediums Get in Touch:How to Be HumanHow to Be Human InstagramAnna's InstagramNina's InstagramBook a session with AnnaBook a session with Nina

Failure is a necessary step to achieving success; however, too often we attach our own self-worth to the stumbles and falls we experience in life along the way. As a result, this ingrained fear of rejection causes us to hold back from achieving our full potential. This week, we discuss how we can re-channel our energy to view failure in a more positive and constructive light.&nbsp;With so much pressure from one side and anxiety on the other, our failures can manifest toxic and unhelpful experiences. Rather than feeling caught up in these mishaps, we should think of ways to redefine our success. Sometimes, failure is needed to bring more clarity or help us reach our goals and objectives.&nbsp;Join us on this week’s episode as we talk about how to cope with the feeling of rejection, explore new definitions of success, and how to re-envision our approach to coping with failure by viewing it in a positive light.Listen to the episode on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music, iHeartRadio, Stitcher, or on your favorite podcast platformTopics Covered:Learning how to overcome the feelings of rejectionHow to redefine success and shift your mindset to avoid failureRe-envisioning how we approach our failures in a positive lightUsing failure as clarity or to help us reach our goals and objectivesGet in Touch:How to Be HumanHow to Be Human InstagramAnna's InstagramNina's InstagramBook a session with AnnaBook a session with Nina

We have all experienced it at one point or another in our lives, that feeling of others perceiving us in an extreme or negative light. It might happen when we interact with our friends, meet new strangers, or give a presentation to our coworkers. In today’s episode, we will discuss some of our best tips and strategies to feel less self-conscious in our everyday lives.&nbsp;When we become overly self-aware in a social situation, our minds might jump to the worst possible conclusion. This causes feelings of anxiety or fear to make us feel insecure in ourselves. While this may seem negative, self-consciousness and self-awareness are sometimes healthy signs of emotional maturity. We need these emotions to help us understand when we should feel remorse to help us patch up a relationship or help us understand how to behave in a certain situation.Join us on this week’s episode as we talk about how to deal with feelings of fear about our bodies and family structure, learn how to not project negative emotions on other people, and balance self-awareness with self-consciousness.&nbsp;Listen to the episode on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music, iHeartRadio, Stitcher, or on your favorite podcast platformTopics Covered:How to deal with feelings of fear about our bodies and/or family structureSelf-awareness and its implicationsHow to be less self-conscious in social situationsLearning how to not project negative emotions on other peopleBalancing self-awareness with self-consciousnessGet in Touch:How to Be HumanHow to Be Human InstagramAnna's InstagramNina's InstagramBook a session with AnnaBook a session with Nina

Discipline allows us to ensure that we are paving our way towards specific goals or healthy habits. That said, whatever it is that we decide to be disciplined in, it should stem from a place of entertainment and pleasure. More often than not, we correlate discipline with feelings of strong negative emotions. Rather than punishment, it is important to teach discipline in the form of habits. This creates an awareness of what is appropriate and what is not in society, especially for children who require some guidance.&nbsp;Many equate discipline to living a life that abides by the rules or instructions we are given, rather than focusing on how we can use discipline to create structure in our lives. While discipline is necessary on many occasions, it is also important not to abuse this power. In the United States and throughout the world, the imposition of discipline sometimes results in reduced performance of individuals, teams, or departments. Therefore, how do we find a way to use discipline in a way that actually works?&nbsp;Join us on this week’s episode as we dive deeper into the topics of using discipline in a positive and healthy way with children, using discipline as a form of organization rather than blind obedience, and how discipline creates structure in one’s life.Listen to the episode on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music, iHeartRadio, Stitcher, or on your favorite podcast platformTopics Covered:How to use discipline in a positive, healthy way with childrenUsing discipline as a form of organization rather than blind obedienceHow do we succeed or fail as a society in teaching about discipline?Moving away from this definition of having power over another human being to emphasizing the definition of creating structure in one’s life.We still need to live in a society that has repercussions, but it is important to determine the line between harsh punishments and the need for accountability.Resources Mentioned:CBC Uncover Carrie Low VSGet in Touch:How to Be HumanHow to Be Human InstagramAnna's InstagramNina's InstagramBook a session with Anna<a href="https://ninaendrsthealth.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer"...

In this week’s episode, we explore the topic of boundaries — whether that may be physical or emotional. Sometimes setting boundaries is an important aspect of self-care that maintains our own safety and wellbeing. Too often, the fear of rejection prevents us from setting these boundaries. Instead, we might compromise our values or try to appease someone else to not feel like a bad person.As we talk about in this episode, creating firm rules around bedtime routines or the amount of work that we take on may be harder to accomplish than we think. Most of the time, we become too rigid in these boundaries and this can lead to increased personal defences. As our personal walls grow, they become harder to penetrate and change.When should we say ‘yes’, and when should we say ‘no’? Join us on this week’s episode as we discuss the topics of creating boundaries in the workspace, between friends, and how to stick with the lines that we draw by following through with them (no take-backs). Listen in as we explore these topics and much more if you want to learn more about boundaries.Listen to the episode on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music, iHeartRadio, Stitcher, or on your favorite podcast platformTopics Covered:The difference between boundaries and personal defencesHow to create boundaries in our workspaceDrinking culture and dealing with other peer pressuresLearning how to ask for help while feeling overwhelmed with social interactionsGossiping and creating boundaries with friendsGet in Touch:How to Be HumanHow to Be Human InstagramAnna's InstagramNina's InstagramBook a session with AnnaBook a session with Nina

What is the psychology of choice? It explores why we subconsciously make the decisions that we do, what motivates those decisions, and what we need to do to make these choices work in our lives. Sometimes lack of information or decreased self-trust causes us to change these decisions. During this process, we lose sight of what is important to us and why we decided on a specific choice in the first place.&nbsp;Sometimes it might be hard to determine how our individual decisions will change our entire life course. We feel as if we are at war with ourselves, second-guessing the decisions we have made as new opportunities present themselves. However, the path of your life is not predetermined. It might feel like you have no control, but it is never too late to make the changes that you want to become the happiest version of yourself.Today we discuss how the choices that we decide on determine who we meet, how we interact with the world, and the opportunities that we are given. No big deal, right? It’s okay, no sweat — we can help! Join us on this week’s episode if you are interested in learning more about how we can deal with indecisiveness, regret and, hopefully, celebrate the choices that we have made.&nbsp;Listen to the episode on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music, iHeartRadio, Stitcher, or on your favorite podcast platformTopics Covered:Learning about living with regret and strategies to&nbsp;Finding ways to cope with indecisiveness and using Tarot cards&nbsp;Learning how to celebrate the important choices in our livesTeaching ourselves how to trust in the process to reduce anxiety&nbsp;Learning how to create choices with limited information or knowledge&nbsp;Get in Touch:How to Be HumanHow to Be Human InstagramAnna's InstagramNina's InstagramBook a session with AnnaBook a session with Nina

We are all guilty of avoiding difficult conversations with friends, finishing our household chores, or taking the initiative to complete a difficult work project that nobody wants to tackle — sounds familiar, right? As humans, we tend to adopt avoidant behaviors and tendencies in order to deal with an uncomfortable, unpleasant, or difficult situation.&nbsp;Psychologically, avoidance is a coping mechanism for indirectly dealing with chronic and acute life stressors. However, this may actually increase chronic and acute life stressors when we begin to adopt avoidant behaviors and tendencies in our everyday lives. It is important, therefore, that we distinguish between healthy and unhealthy coping mechanisms. In today’s episode, we discuss how ruminations are examples of unhelpful coping mechanisms that we may consciously or unconsciously use to avoid tackling a tough issue. We also speak about procrastination as another form of avoidance.&nbsp;Interested in learning more? Join us as we discuss some of our personal favorite stories surrounding the topic of avoidance, including its psychological implications as a coping mechanism and how avoidant tendencies may advance both chronic and acute stressors.&nbsp;Listen to the episode on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music, iHeartRadio, Stitcher, or on your favorite podcast platformTopics Covered:Why avoidance is defined as a safety-seeking behavior in psychologyHow depression can be manifested from avoidant behaviors/tendenciesSome of our personal experiences confronting a problem or dealing with a stressorThe role of avoidance coping in generating both chronic and acute life stressorsHow distraction is considered to be a subtle form of an avoidant behaviorResources Mentioned:psychologytools.comverywellmind.comFollow Us:How to Be HumanHow to Be Human InstagramAnna's InstagramNina's InstagramBook a session with AnnaBook a session with Nina

If you are human, being able to trust another individual is tricky — not to mention, even trusting yourself can be hard at times. However, trust creates psychological safety, encourages questioning and risk-taking, and allows for more stable relationships. It is, therefore, important for us to learn how to rely on our friends, family, or significant other by believing in their integrity and strength. It might not be easy, but we have some tricks up ourselves which may help.First of all, you need to ask yourself: Do I believe in the inherent goodness of people? Can I open myself up to others and fully trust them? For most, answering these questions can be scary because it requires us to choose to be vulnerable and courageous. In these moments, we need to allow ourselves to accept the help of others, and ensure that we trust ourselves enough to place ourselves into these vulnerable positions.In this week’s episode, we will provide some of our favourite tips and tricks that will help you believe in the reliability, truth, ability, and strength of others. Join us on this week’s podcast as we discuss the various ways in which we can learn how to repair trust, dive into the nitty-gritty of some of our past relationships, and touch on the importance of accountability.Listen to the episode on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music, iHeartRadio, Stitcher, or on your favorite podcast platformTopics Covered:Some of the various definitions of the word “trust”How relationships are founded on mutual love and trust to an arrangementWays in which we can learn to be more honest with ourselves and othersAs humans, how can we repair trust?The importance of accountability and how that pairs with trustFollow Us:How to Be HumanHow to Be Human InstagramAnna's InstagramNina's InstagramBook a session with AnnaBook a session with Nina

Shame can be defined as "a feeling of embarrassment or humiliation that arises in relation to the perception of having done something dishonorable and moral or improper". The feeling of shame typically becomes evident when we overanalyze and evaluate ourselves too harshly, often for things that are out of our control. As a result, many of us experience this low-grade feeling of embarrassment that arises from our previous traumas.When does shame begin to become toxic to our overall health and wellbeing? From our personal experiences, we discuss how shame centers on your very identity as a person, and it becomes particularly toxic when it starts to impact your sense of self. Moreover, it creates an atmosphere of guilt and low-grade embarrassment.&nbsp;Join us in this week’s episode as we discuss this topic, exploring our own personal experiences and strategies to overcome these feelings in our everyday lives. Listen in as we discuss these topics and much more on today’s episode!Listen to the episode on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music, iHeartRadio, Stitcher, or on your favorite podcast platform.&nbsp;Topics Covered:How shame becomes internalized and may impact our overall health and wellbeingThe influence of trauma on our internal feelings of self-worthTips and strategies to overcome feelings of embarrassment or humiliationThe overlapping dimensions of guilt and shameWhat our own personal experiences have taught us about shameResources Mentioned:Ben Bernanke&nbsp;Katie StorinoHunter GradyFollow Us:How to Be HumanHow to Be Human InstagramAnna's InstagramNina's InstagramBook a session with AnnaBook a session with Nina

Being on the receiving end of someone’s projection of their own insecurities starts at a young age. Maybe your parents wanted you to be the star athlete or social butterfly that they never were. Or perhaps there was someone in your class who bullied you for your weight or hand-me-down clothes. Chances are, those criticisms and worries were core anxieties that others unconsciously projected onto you.&nbsp;&nbsp;We may not be able to control how people project onto us, but we are able to choose how we react and internalize those judgements. As we grow older, we learn how to recognize when someone is speaking from a place of insecurity and when we’re doing the same right back. Creating boundaries and having honest conversations, regardless of how uncomfortable they may be, can help minimize the power of external projections.&nbsp;&nbsp;On today’s episode, we talk about our journeys with projection and how we’ve learned to call it out. We also discuss how we’ve managed to limit our own projections on others and how Tarot has helped us see experiences from a different perspective without overstepping boundaries.&nbsp;&nbsp;Listen to the episode on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music, iHeartRadio, Stitcher, or on your favorite podcast platform.&nbsp;&nbsp;Topics Covered:Signs that you might be projecting or on the receiving end of someone’s projectionsThe connection between cheating, jealousy, and projection in relationshipsHow Tarot has helped us limit our projections and judgmentsCreating boundaries to respond to projectionsConfronting and calling out projection as it happensCatch phrases that we use when we feel like someone is projecting onto usFollow Us:How to Be HumanHow to Be Human InstagramAnna's InstagramNina's InstagramBook a session with AnnaBook a session with Nina

The past two years of the pandemic have brought to the forefront a lot of issues that have strained or even broken our friendships. As we emerge from months when you may have lost touch with friends and are eager to reconnect, it is important to think strategically about maintaining the level of connection you had before. In today’s episode, we re-examine some of our former friendships, their strengths and weaknesses, and how to overcome friendship break-ups.What is it that makes our friendships such a unique relationship? Friendships aren’t driven by sexual attraction or a sense of duty, rather it is determined by choice. It is a state of affection that is recognized by both members of the relationship. In this way, it provides individuals with a sense of meaning, happiness and belonging that can penetrate every aspect of their lives. However, it is often taken for granted and may not be reciprocated by the other person — trust us, we’ve been there.&nbsp;Stay tuned as we divulge some of our best secrets on how you can create closer bonds with your friends and find like-minded individuals to navigate the world with. Additionally, we share some of our past experiences of friendships that did not go to plan, which we guarantee will have you sitting at the edge of your seat. Join us as we explore this topic and much more on today’s episode of How to Be Human!Listen to the episode on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music, iHeartRadio, Stitcher, or on your favorite podcast platform.&nbsp;Topics Covered:The importance of friendships and how they change our ability to connect with one anotherHow to identify a false sense of loyaltyWhat is it that makes friendships such unique relationships?The tension between judgment and acceptanceExploring the strengths and weaknesses of our former friendshipsFollow Us:How to Be HumanHow to Be Human InstagramAnna's InstagramNina's InstagramBook a session with AnnaBook a session with Nina

In this week’s episode of How to Be Human, we will be taking a deep dive into the topic of insecurities. Many of us — at one point or another in our lives — have struggled with low self-esteem. Its constant presence can influence the way in which we live our lives. It can be caused by various factors such as past traumas, social anxiety, fear of rejection, and loneliness. However, once we realize our own strengths and importance, when we see the ways we’ve been hurt and can feel these issues on a deeper level, we can then break free from our insecurities.&nbsp;Therefore, changing our beliefs about the world, our perception of ourselves, and the ways in which we face adversity can help us feel more secure in ourselves. This allows us to build stronger connections with our friends, family, and strangers and permeates into other aspects of our life. The long-term solution to overcoming insecurity is self-acceptance. When we accept ourselves for who we are, we are able to shed our insecurities because we no longer care whether we are being judged. This, however, is a lot harder said than done.&nbsp;In today’s episode, we will be sharing some effective strategies and coping mechanisms to help you become the most secure version of yourself. We also touch on the topics of social media’s influence on our self-worth, how to feel more grounded in ourselves, and stories from our own experiences. Stay tuned as we explore this topic and divulge some of our best tips with you!Listen to the episode on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music, iHeartRadio, Stitcher, or on your favorite podcast platform.&nbsp;Topics Covered:Defining insecurity and how it manifests in our livesLearning how to deal with low self-worthWhat is the difference between insecurity and sensitivity?How social media filters are impacting our sense of worthHow do you feel grounded in yourselfFollow Us:How to Be HumanHow to Be Human InstagramAnna's InstagramNina's InstagramBook a session with AnnaBook a session with Nina

Though it’s one of the greatest privileges in life to have a body, it can also be a difficult and complicated gift, especially for women. Many of us are in a constant battle of trying to understand and be kind to our bodies. In today’s episode, we discuss barriers and fears that hinder our relationship with our bodies, and how we’re working to heal those wounds.&nbsp;Can you remember a time when you felt neutral and carefree about your body? Anna discusses how her family’s constant commentary on each other's weight trickled down to her at a very young age and contributed to her eating disorders later in life. Though Nina made it out mostly unscathed from that kind of criticism, she remembers how her body development brought unwanted attention at a young age.&nbsp;In adulthood, factors like illness, abuse, sex, and relationships became crutial to how we took care of our bodies. Over time, we’ve learned to check in and treat it with the tenderness that it deserves. Mindful movement and self care aren’t just buzz words–they’re tools to help heal and develop your relationship with your body. Tune in to today’s episode to hear more about how we’re writing our own rules for our bodies.&nbsp;Listen to the episode on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music, iHeartRadio, Stitcher, or on your favorite podcast platform.&nbsp;Topics Covered:Learning how to give yourself permission to take care of yourselfHow puberty, sex, and childbirth can change our connections to our bodiesThe role of diet culture in how we view and treat our bodiesMovement as a form of gratification, not punishmentCreating a nurturing and supportive relationship with your bodyResources Mentioned:&nbsp;Family Constellations with Suzi TuckerFollow Us:How to Be HumanHow to Be Human InstagramAnna's InstagramNina's InstagramBook a session with AnnaBook a session with Nina

There’s a difference between making a judgment and being judgemental. The former relies on intuition and the latter stems from a place of criticism. Judgment can be a way to maintain safety, but unhelpful and overly critical comments are usually a manifestation of our own insecurities. Not only that, but it can amplify those feelings of low self-esteem.&nbsp;As a culture, we've gotten so comfortable criticizing people. We pick apart celebrities’ fashion choices, we comment on a relative's weight gain, and our eyes widen when we see what’s inside a stranger’s shopping cart. Women especially are taught to connect through being judgmental of others and themselves. We’re working on ending that cycle for ourselves and the people that we surround ourselves with.&nbsp;On today’s episode, we unpack ways in which we’ve judged and been judged. We chat about our struggles with the judgment Tarot and understanding the energy of judgment. We also discuss practices and tools that have helped us work on becoming more compassionate and kind to ourselves and the people in our lives.&nbsp;Listen to the episode on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music, iHeartRadio, Stitcher, or on your favorite podcast platform.&nbsp;Topics Covered:Judgment and reverse judgment in TarotThe nuances between judgment and being judgementalHow our insecurities and self-doubt show up in our judgmentsWhat our judgemental triggers areThe roots of our harshly critical culture, especially as it relates to womenHow we’re working on being less judgementalResources Mentioned:Emily Ratajkowski's "Owning My Image" EssayWriter Sarah Hagi's response to Emily RatajkowskiMetta Meditation&nbsp;Follow Us:How to Be HumanHow to Be Human InstagramAnna's InstagramNina's InstagramBook a session with AnnaBook a session with Nina

When it comes down to it, pessimism and optimism are protection methods. One lets us relish in negativity and victimhood, and the other leaves us soothed and hopeful. Somewhere between those two extremes exists realism, and the goal is to live in that gray space. Sounds simple, right? In today’s episode, we discuss how that’s not exactly the case.&nbsp;Women are really tapped into avoiding being labeled negative and difficult, so oftentimes we feel the need to be optimistic. But the truth is, women can find power in pessimism. We discuss examples of the pros and cons of optimism and pessimism, and we also talk about our pessimism for the patriarchy, but our optimism for acceptance of traditionally excluded marginalized communities. Tune in to hear more!&nbsp;Listen to the episode on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music, iHeartRadio, Stitcher, or on your favorite podcast platform.&nbsp;Topics Covered:Defining optimism and pessimismWhere realism falls in the spectrum of pessimism and optimismHow gender roles can impact our reactionsThe upsides and downsides of pessimism and optimismWhat we’re currently optimistic and pessimistic aboutFollow Us:How to Be HumanHow to Be Human InstagramAnna's InstagramNina's InstagramBook a session with AnnaBook a session with Nina

This week, we’re talking all about knowledge. We start off by comparing our upbringings and how our performances in school shaped how we saw ourselves. For Anna, being the only person in her overachieving family with a learning disability automatically made her ‘the dumb one,’ and Nina skated by with her memorization skills (but don’t ask her to do long division now. That’s why we have calculators on our phones).&nbsp;After college and throughout adulthood, we realized that knowledge is so much more than report cards and what novels are sitting on our bookshelves. In this episode, we dig into how fear of failure or coming across as unknowledgeable can hold us back from learning about the world and ourselves. We also discuss how alternative learning methods and schools are paving the way for people like little Anna and Nina to excel.&nbsp;If you’re struggling with the idea that you’re not smart, investigate where that feeling is coming from, and focus your attention on your natural talents and areas where you thrive. Self-knowledge requires constant updates, and there’s no pop quiz to determine if you’re passing or failing.&nbsp;Listen to the episode on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music, iHeartRadio, Stitcher, or on your favorite podcast platform.&nbsp;Topics Covered:Overcoming fear and judgment when it comes to learningDisparities in the U.S. education systemLearning disabilities in school and beyondWorking through feelings of not being intelligent enoughSeeking out teachers and learning styles that work for youThe value of self-knowledgeResources Mentioned:The Montessori MethodFollow Us:How to Be HumanHow to Be Human InstagramAnna's InstagramNina's InstagramBook a session with AnnaBook a session with Nina

When Nina’s ex-boyfriend snarkily told her that he and his friends called her “Negative Nina,” she knew she should’ve run far away. Instead, she ignored every signal her mind and body were sending her, and ended up in a hellish apartment lease with “the king of all douchebags,” as she dubbed him. But as the saying goes, hindsight is 20/20, and Nina looks back on that time as a major turning point for her intuition development. Sometimes, you have to experience those painful moments to remind yourself of the power of your own intuition and what happens when you ignore it.&nbsp;On this week’s episode, we chat about how we’ve worked through times that we’ve been told we were wrong for simply being ourselves, starting all the way back in the sandbox days, and how healing that self-doubt has strengthened our intuition. Aligning your core being with how you present yourself to the world can bring subliminal inner peace, but it’s not without intense work and reflection. To learn more about how you can develop your intuition and what to look out for when starting that journey, listen to this week’s episode of How To Be Human.Listen to the episode on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music, iHeartRadio, Stitcher, or on your favorite podcast platform.&nbsp;Topics Covered:How the definition of intuition has changed throughout the yearsThe role of Tarot in developing intuitionLetting go of self-doubt and fears of outside perceptionFamiliarizing yourself with how intuition shows up in your lifeIntuition reflection and journaling question promptsResources Mentioned:In-Depth Channeling Course at Delphi UniversityThe Notion BarFollow Us:How to Be HumanHow to Be Human InstagramAnna's InstagramNina's InstagramBook a session with AnnaBook a session with Nina

What is the definition of self-expression? According to Lexico, self-expression is “the expression of one’s feelings, thoughts, or ideas, especially in writing, art, music, or dance”. It is an important aspect of mental health because self-expression is an excellent way to find the real version of oneself, become more balanced, and lead a happier life. Reconnecting with your inner child can help you rediscover what you love to do as a result.We begin self-expressing in childhood but usually forget how freeing it is as we grow older. Caring too much about the result and acceptance by peers is to blame. Anna and Nina share some personal experiences from when they were little, and we learn that they have a creative background in dancing and singing, respectively. Both Anna and Nina still love to do intuitive movement between client sessions to release the tension and feel lighter. They discuss the misconception that you need to be good at something to fully enjoy it.&nbsp;Instead, focusing on getting the feelings out should be your goal. Being a little bit dramatic is also a form of self-expression, and these extreme emotions could be a way to open up a dialogue with people around you. Feeling all kinds of emotions is perfectly okay, and taking a day off to be sad might help you get better instead of keeping everything inside. Connecting with other creatives is a way to encourage you to accept self-expression as it is and do what you want in that particular moment. Just letting your feelings out without any objective in mind can be very freeing. You might feel a bit uncomfortable because, after all, you are creating something and might want to share it with the world later on.&nbsp;Honesty is the key here. Your work should reflect your intentions, and it will be evident if you created something to express your true feelings or made it for an audience. Anna and Nina firmly believe that every person has a creative streak, and chasing perfection could hinder your self-expression. Anna shares her experience on how self-expression helped her build her circle of friends who all share similar interests.Listen to the episode on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Stitcher, TuneIn, or on your favorite podcast platform.Topics Covered:The definition of self-expressionSelf-expression and mental healthNarrow conceptions of creativityBeing truthful and using it for self-expressionPushing past the fear and rediscovering self-expressionResources Mentioned:BCCSLexicoCharles HarbuttFollow Us:How to Be Human<a...

What does it mean to be vulnerable and what does it mean to willingly open your heart to others? As Dr. Brené Brown mentions in her TED talk, The Power of Vulnerability, she describes the act of vulnerability as “the willingness to do something where there are no guarantees” or, more narrowly defined, “the willingness to invest in a relationship that may or may not work out”. She notes that by allowing ourselves to revel in this uncertainty, we discover that the true beauty of connecting with others lies in our willingness to let go of our controlling and predicting tendencies.&nbsp;As humans, being vulnerable is not an innate trait in and of itself. It requires work and the constant process of self-reflection. Yet, when we work from this place of gratitude and allow ourselves to experience pure joy in moments of terror, it allows us to say: I am enough. I am worthy of love. And this is my true, authentic being. As we gain this new sense of confidence, we are left with the question of how we can continue to return to this state? How does society view the topic of vulnerability? And, most importantly, what barriers or roadblocks stand in our way?&nbsp;Join us on this week’s episode as we discuss how we can become more vulnerable, empathetic humans. We also discuss tips for becoming more mindful of emotional risks in our lives, embracing life changes, and using creativity to move through our own vulnerabilities. Join us in this week’s episode of How To Be Human as we dive into these subjects, and much, much more.Listen to the episode on Simplecast, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music, iHeartRadio, Stitcher, or on your favorite podcast platform.Topics Covered:Exploring the topic of emotional riskTips for becoming more vulnerableHow to be mindful with your energy and working through past traumasUsing creativity to move through vulnerabilityApproaching vulnerable topics, such as drug overdoseResources Mentioned:Brene BrownPete Holmes and Harris Wittels PodcastAtoosa RubensteinFollow Us:How to Be HumanHow to Be Human Instagram<a href="https://www.instagram.com/annatoonk/"...

Power is complex and there are many kinds of power. By definition, power is the ability to act or produce an effect. Power is the capacity for being acted upon or undergoing an effect, legal or official capacity or right. Power is the possession of control, authority, or influence over others. Personal power, on the other hand, is the ability to influence people and events with or without formal authority.&nbsp;It is more of a person’s attitude or state of mind, and not an attempt to maneuver or control others. Personal power is aimed at self-mastery, competence, vision, positive personal (human) qualities, and service. When we take the time to reflect on our personal power, we can begin to see what we stand for, and what we’ll settle for. What we will and will not compromise.&nbsp;While it is easy to confuse aggression with power, being aggressive and having a don’t-care attitude is not personal power. Rather, it leads us to engage in self-destructive activities. Aggression and arrogance, as opposed to personal power, end up hurting us in the long run. Personal power should be the force that steers us towards a space of quiet, listening, and understanding before acting or asserting dominance. It makes us regard the people in our life because we want to earn their respect and also respect them. Join us in this week’s episode of How To Be Human as we dive into these topics, and much more.Listen to the episode on Simplecast, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music, iHeartRadio, Stitcher, or on your favorite podcast platform.Topics CoveredCan personal power come from something outside of yourselfPersonal Power ConnectorsEgo and Personal PowerPersonal Power Primary AimRight and Wrong, Good and BadDiscipline Creates the space of Personal PowerPersonal Power and StrengthResources MentionedDefinition of powerLost at Sea&nbsp;Stanley KubrickFollow Us:How to Be HumanHow to Be Human InstagramAnna's Instagram<a href="https://www.instagram.com/humannamednina/"...

What does it mean to feel ‘rooted’ or ‘grounded’ in your environment? By definition, according to the Webster-Miriam dictionary, these terms are described as “the feelings of being firmly established and connected to your surroundings”. This meaning, however, varies between individuals; it depends on whether the pieces of your built environment are functioning harmoniously or are in a state of disarray. It also depends on how aligned you feel with yourself and the people who surround you.&nbsp;There is one caveat that should be mentioned, the feeling of not being rooted in your environment may affect your overall sense of safety. This may be the result of environmental barriers and negative inner dialogues that permeate your stream of consciousness. The more we work on this, the more we can feel more grounded in our surroundings and support others whose safety is truly being threatened.&nbsp;So, what can you do to feel more connected or rooted in your environment? Is there hope? Are there solutions, techniques, and approaches that can help? In short, yes, there is and we might have some answers. In this week’s episode, we take an in-depth look at how you can manifest these connections and develop a stronger sense of security in your everyday life. We also discuss tips for handling and saving money, embracing life changes, and creating positive inner talk to feel more rooted in your surroundings. Join us in this week’s episode of How To Be Human as we dive into these topics, and much more.Listen to the episode on Simplecast, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music, iHeartRadio, Stitcher, or on your favorite podcast platform.Topics Covered:What does it mean to feel ‘rooted’ or ‘grounded’?Tips for handling and saving moneyEmbracing changes in your lifeCreating positive inner talkResources Mentioned:Root ChakraOne MedicalThe Wild Unknown Archetypes deck by Kim KransFollow Us:How to Be HumanHow to Be Human InstagramAnna's Instagram<a href="https://www.instagram.com/humannamednina/" rel="noopener

Feeling is a natural part of experiencing the world, but that doesn’t mean that learning to anticipate and accept our emotions is easy, especially when unexpected situations arise. Although we can’t control when we might experience the burn of anger or sting of sorrow, how we react to our emotions is fully within our personal power. Oftentimes the natural reaction to a feeling is to fix it through confrontation or avoidance. We might find that those suppressed or redirected emotions, however, create new problems for us down the road.&nbsp;In this episode, Anna and Nina explore questions about our emotions including: What do you do when the unexpected arises? How do you deal with the loss of a loved one? Can emotions be controlled or simply accepted? Do traumatic experiences as a child affect your emotional connection and reaction to people when an adult? How can therapy help us be more comfortable with our unwanted feelings? This episode doesn’t promise answers but rather explores personal experiences with all of the above.While some of us feel as though we were born as deeply feeling and emotional beings, others might find that their emotional style reflects the environment they grew up in. We take an in-depth look at how our emotions and feelings affect our interactions with friends, families, and even strangers. We also discuss ways to feel your feelings with judgment and how to navigate the stages of emotional healing. Join us in this week’s episode of How To Be Human as we dive into these topics, and much more.Listen to the episode on Simplecast, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music, iHeartRadio, Stitcher, or on your favorite podcast platform.Topics Covered:How to handle your emotionsDifference between Feelings and EmotionsImportance of talking to someoneEffectiveness of TherapyManaging loss and griefHow childhood experiences shape our emotional coping stylesResources Mentioned:Your DiagnonsenseDead Parent ClubTiffany RoeFollow Us:How to Be HumanHow to Be Human InstagramAnna's...

Life is a varied and wide-ranging experience, and there is no doubt that some journeys are better than others. However, as humans, we rarely take a balanced, clear, and super-informed look at what happens to us all – young and old – when we analyze our actions and behaviors. For example, how do we give ourselves permission to experience more joy? How do our actions and behaviors characterize us in the way that we are? And how does life work? Join us on our podcast How To Be Human as we have insightful conversations about the human body as a means of connecting to and coming to our spiritual selves.As professional energy healers, both Nina and Anna bring their healing work to individuals looking to create a profound ripple effect in their lives. Nina's upbringing deeply influenced her approach to healing. Her own chronic health issues and childhood trauma prompted her to deepen her practice and, ultimately, has led her to share her knowledge and expertise with a wide range of individuals. She believes in the healing power of movement, stillness, truth, and surrender and empowers individuals to align with their higher purpose. Similarly, Anna Toonk is a tarot reader and spiritual worker who believes in assisting people in reaching their end goal and empowering them to make their most authentic decisions.&nbsp;As two experts in the field of spirituality and wellness, both Nina and Anna share their guidance on the most common and often confusing things about humanness. In this episode, we will explore what this podcast is about and who we are as spiritual and wellness guides. Join us as we embark on this journey together using humor, honesty, and intuition to discuss the unanswerable questions we all share.Listen to the episode on Simplecast, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music, iHeartRadio, Stitcher, or on your favorite podcast platform.Topics Covered:Providing an in-depth look at human behaviorExamining the behaviors or thought patterns that hold you backFocusing on the commonalities of being humanLeading a more intuitively led life and moving away from complacencyEmbarking on a journey of spiritual empowerment and healingResources Mentioned:Let’s Talk About Love by Claire KannAll About Love by Bell HooksFollow Us:How to Be HumanHow to Be Human InstagramAnna's Instagram<a href="https://www.annatoonk.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer"...