#98 | Mindful Parenting with Courage: Ally Guidance for LGBTQ Families
More Human More Kind: Guidance for Parents & Allies of LGBTQ Teens · Heather Hester | Advocate for Parents of LGBTQ Teens
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Show Notes
Heather Hester welcomes Madhur-Nain, a seasoned psychotherapist, to explore the intersection of meditation, mental health, and parenting. The conversation begins with an emphasis on the importance of mindfulness in daily life, particularly for parents navigating the challenges of raising children. Hester shares her experience of meditating and how various methods can help individuals find calm amidst chaos. Nan, who integrates Eastern and Western philosophies in her practice, discusses her journey from international business to psychotherapy, underscoring her commitment to helping others through the power of meditation and breathwork. The duo highlights how meditation can serve as a tool for self-regulation, especially for parents dealing with stress and anxiety.
A significant part of the discussion revolves around the benefits of Kundalini Yoga and its unique practices, such as chanting and breathing techniques, which can aid in achieving mindfulness. Nan elaborates on how these practices not only help individuals manage mental health challenges but also strengthen familial bonds. The conversation flows into the complexities of parenting teenagers, where both Hester and Nan reflect on the profound lessons learned from their children. They agree that parenting is a journey filled with simultaneous joy and challenges, where self-awareness and communication are paramount. Ultimately, the episode encourages listeners to embrace their parenting experiences with curiosity and compassion, fostering a safe space for both themselves and their children.
Takeaways:
- Mindfulness practices, such as meditation and chanting, can significantly reduce stress and anxiety levels.
- Understanding the difference between healthy stress and toxic anxiety is crucial for mental well-being.
- The journey of processing grief and trauma is non-linear and varies for everyone.
- Building self-esteem and self-worth is essential for effective trauma processing and healing.
- Incorporating breath work and movement into your routine can help release pent-up stress.
- The importance of pausing and checking in with yourself before tackling trauma is vital.
Hi, I’m Heather Hester, and I’m so glad you’re here!
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At the heart of my work is a deep commitment to compassion, authenticity, and transformative allyship, especially for those navigating the complexities of parenting LGBTQ kids. Through this podcast, speaking, my writing, and the spaces I create, I help people unlearn bias, embrace their full humanity, and grow their capacity for courageous, compassionate connection.
For parents, allies, and those pioneering a way to lead with love and kindness, I’m here with true, messy, and heart-warming stories, real tools, and grounding support to help you move from fear to fierce, informed action.
Whether you’re listening in, working with me directly, or quietly taking it all in, I see you. And I’m so glad you’re part of this journey.
About our Guest:
Madhur-Nain Webster is a licensed marriage and family therapist who specializes in the integration of eastern and western philosophies for mental health. For over 20 years, she has empowered clients to connect with themselves and others through mindfulness and psychotherapy interventions. She applies her profound understanding of the importance of open communication at her successful private practice in Napa, California. Her first book, The Stressless Brain (2018), makes a scientific argument for the positive influence meditation has on the psyche; she is currently working on her second book. In addition to releasing over 60 meditation singles, Madhur-Nain maintains international outreach by appearing on podcasts and holding meditation workshops.
Due to a lifelong experience with, and knowledge of, yogic technology, Madhur-Nain’s therapeutic approach includes empowering clients with the ability of introspection so they can better connect with themselves and others. By developing the skill of self-observation, she believes an individual can understand and accept polarizing thoughts no matter their source. “It is not what happens to you,” she asserts; “it is how you make sense of it.” For over 20 years, she has helped people discover and build their self-trust with excellent results.
Aspiring to reach an international audience, Madhur-Nain has continuously held yoga and meditation workshops worldwide (virtually and in-person), appeared as a guest speaker on numerous podcasts, and released over 60 meditation singles. Her chants include a variety of religious prayers and psychological affirmations, making them an inclusive form of mental health healing. Her first book, The Stressless Brain (2018), is an accessible scientific argument for the positive influence meditation has on the psyche. She is working on her second book with an intended release in 2023.
Madhur-Nain currently runs a successful private practice in Napa, California, where she lives with her husband. In addition to her marriage of 27 years, her greatest accomplishment is being a mother to her two amazing adult sons. Her hobbies include traveling and expressing her creativity through clothing and jewelry design.”
More Human. More Kind. formerly Just Breathe: Parenting Your LGBTQ Teen is a safe and supportive podcast in a heartfelt and empowering space where a mom and advocate offers practical guidance and education to parents and allies, fostering empathy, kindness, love, and strong boundaries while supporting LGBTQ teens and the diverse LGBTQ community—including gay, lesiban, bisexual, trans, transgender, and queer individuals—through conversations about mental health, grief, gender identity, sexual orientation, human rights, social justice, parenting, parent support, and meaningful LGBTQ allyship and allyship in action.
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