Mending Families is hosted by Melissa Pemberton and she brings you weekly content that is a mix of trauma aware interviews, parenting tips for those caring for kids from adversity, and stories from people just like you as they share their beautiful messy moments. Melissa hopes that when you listen each week, you will feel encouraged, inspired and take a little something away to help you and your family move from broken to mended.

In this conversation, Kelly shares her personal experiences with the changing seasons and the benefits of incorporating short meditation practices into her daily routine. She also explored the physical and neurological benefits of meditation, its relation to spirituality, and the importance of self-regulation for parents and caregivers. Finally, she recommended resources for yoga and meditation practices and emphasized the value of self-care and exploration in improving mental well-being.

Kelly Smith is a global yoga and meditation teacher, author, E-RYT 500/ YACEP, founder of Yoga For You, and the host of the iTunes chart-topping podcasts Mindful in Minutes and Meditation Mama. Kelly believes that there is not a one-size-fits-all approach to yoga and meditation and encourages her students to find their own personal practice, listen to their bodies, and find inner joy by accessing their most authentic selves. Kelly is best known for her guided meditation, yoga nidra, and restorative yoga practices that she has been sharing since 2016 on her podcasts and books.

You can find more about Kelly on her website, on Instagram, or Facebook. She also has two podcasts, Mindful in Minutes and Meditation Mama.

A big THANK YOU to our new sponsor, ⁠West Plains Roasters⁠! If you have not stopped by to see them, pop in 7 days a week and get yourself some toast, coffee, or even cake on Fridays!

Topics Kelly mentions:

*Melissa needs her heated coat to survive the cold seasons… here's the link if you are perpetually cold like her!

*We can’t do for our kids what we can’t do for ourselves - we have to care for ourselves first as caregivers

*Kelly has a book called “Meditation for the Modern Family” that can help the whole family learn about meditation.

*Meditation can help reduce anxiety, depression, insomnia, post-partum anxiety, etc.

*8 minutes a day of meditation is enough to get all of the benefits for your emotions, body, and nervous system

*Kelly explains what is happening when we meditate for a better understanding of how it helps

*Kelly shares her thoughts based on her experience with meditation and Jesus

*Kelly recommends looking into a local yoga studio or YMCA to try out a class if you’ve never tried yoga before. Slow Flow or Restorative Yoga is great for beginners.

*Insight Timer has free guided meditations

* Momma Earth is a nature-based Occupational Therapist with great tips

**As an Amazon affiliate, I do receive a small commission when you purchase any of the products I have linked in this post**

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https://www.mendingfamilieswa.com