In the Alchemy of Healing podcast, hosts Erica Carroll and Krista McKeachie introduce themselves and share their experiences with chronic illness, using the "spoons" metaphor for limited energy. They explain their motivation to create a resource featuring conversations with experts and individuals who have transformed their health challenges.

They recount how they connected over their mothers' cancer diagnoses, which led them to gather and share extensive health and healing knowledge. They define "alchemy" as the inner transformation that aligns thoughts, feelings, and actions for holistic healing.

Erica and Krista share their health journeys, detailing symptoms, misdiagnoses, and Lyme disease diagnoses. They discuss the stages of chronic illness, likening them to grief stages, and stress the importance of honouring each stage without judgment.

They highlight proactive health management and understanding potential challenges for clearer choices. They hope the podcast empowers listeners with knowledge and resources for wellness and self-empowerment.

📝 More info available on our website here.

[00:01:30] - INTRODUCTION + PODCAST LAUNCH

• Goal for the podcast to create a resource • Sharing personal experience with chronic illness and our disclaimer for releasing episodes and content

[00:03:17] CHRONIC ILLNESS + SHARED EXPERIENCES

• How Erica + Krista met and shared experience of their mothers experience with colon cancer • Personal experiences with chronic illness

[00:06:08] THE SPOON THEORY

• Concept of "spoons" as a metaphor for energy levels and the theory shared by Christine Miserandino • Explanation of the spoon theory and its relevance to chronic illness • Importance of understanding energy levels and pacing for those with chronic conditions

[00:10:27] WHY WE CREATED THE PODCAST

• Opportunity to connect with people and to be of service • To be able to have an outlet to create which has an effect on the healing process

[00:11:44] NAME AND PURPOSE OF THE PODCAST

• Definition of alchemy and its relevance to the podcast • Alchemy as the practice of inner transformation, awareness of gifts and lessons from challenges • Joe Dispenza quote: An alchemist is an expert of transmutation, a practitioner capable of mystical transformation at the highest level of order. A problem solver, a life changer and unlimited creator

[00:16:00] ERICA'S HEALTH JOURNEY

• Erica shares her journey with various health challenges, including Lyme disease, Trigeminal Neuralgia, and more • Erica discusses the difficulties of navigating the healthcare system and the emotional toll of chronic illness • Tick bites and early symptoms and the progression of symptoms over the years • Challenges Erica faced with her career as an actress and navigating chronic illness

[00:37:34] KRISTA'S HEALTH JOURNEY

• Krista shares her own experiences with chronic health issues, including a significant ankle injury and the impact it had on her wellbeing over the years • Supporting a close friend with Cancer and the learnings that came from that • Hope + Anarchy blog: Kim’s experience navigating and managing cancer • Navigating the discovery of Lyme diagnosis, severe neck and nerve pain, heavy metal chelation and the layers of healing

[00:44:35] STAGES OF CHRONIC ILLNESS

• The stages of chronic illness which not dissimilar to the stages of grief • Importance of recognizing and honouring the different stages

[00:46:40] PERSPECTIVES ON ILLNESS + HEALING

• Revelations that come from moving through the various stages • “Bad news is good information.” There is value in the information - valuable and it is not who you are • Michael Bernard Beckwith “You are an unlimited, eternal, infinite, spiritual being in a human incarnation.” • Avoiding identification with diagnoses and labels, the power of language and its impact on healing • Concept of not identifying with a diagnosis and the importance of choosing language and narratives that empower rather than disempower • Viewing the imbalances as messages from the body and a means of communication

[00:53:39] SHIFT IN PERSPECTIVE

• Examining one's role in the disease process and the importance of self-awareness, mindfulness, and honouring one's limits • Challenges of taking responsibility for one's role in the disease process, examining habits and behaviours, and having the courage to seek out new treatments and modalities

[01:06:40] GOLDEN GIFTS FROM CHALLENGES

• The positive aspects of their experiences • Developing empowerment, appreciation for simple things, and connecting with exceptional people • The importance of having a general understanding of health and wellness before a crisis arises • Conclude by stressing the importance of being proactive with one's health and using the podcast as a resource for self-empowerment and wellness

• Hope + Anarchy Blog

• The Spoon Theory

• Erica’s Blog Post

• Kellyann Andrews of Platinum Energy Systems

• Erica Film & TV

• Supernatural

• When Calls the Heart

• Joe Dispenza “An alchemist is an expert of transmutation. A practitioner capable of mystical transformation at the highest level of order. A problem solver, a life changer, and unlimited creator.”

• Brian Friel “Even now, even so soon, it is being distilled of all its coarseness, and what's left is going to be precious, precious gold.”

• Stages of Chronic Illness: Stage 1: Shock and Denial • Stage 2: Pain and Guilt • Stage 3: Anger and Bargaining • Stage 4: Depression • Stage 5: The Upward Turn • Stage 6: Reconstruction and Working Through • Stage 7: Acceptance and Hope.

🔗 Explore the Resources and Tools pages for more info on our website.

💬 Be sure to check out Alchemy of Healing on Instagram, Facebook and YouTube for more nuggets!🪶 Find Erica on Instagram @divinepigeon

☕️ If the content we share resonates with you, please consider supporting the show through Alchemy of Healing's Buymeacoffee

💌 If you have any questions for us, please email us at info@alchemyofhealing.ca

🌟 Thank you for tuning in and being a part of our little community. Be well, stay weird and keep shining. 🌟

_____________________________________________________________________________

The content on this podcast and website is not medical advice; it is for informational purposes only. While aiming to foster understanding on various topics, it should not substitute professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your physician or qualified healthcare provider for any medical concerns. The views of guests do not necessarily reflect those of Alchemy of Healing and should not replace professional medical recommendations.

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit alchemyofhealing.substack.com