Show notes can be found at the bottom of the page.

52: How to Go Forward Anyway (Even When Things Aren't Perfect) – Magic, Medicine and Mayhem

Every ending is a new beginning, but it doesn't always feel that way–and it didn't in the spring of 2017. I was freshly divorced, with a storage unit full of stuff but no house to put it in, a job that I was just about to quit and no future plans at all.So I decided to ride my bicycle across the United States of America. On my own.Four and a half months later, I realized that the hardest part of any adventure–whether it's by bike, by car, in our minds and hearts, the result of a change we chose or one that was thrust upon us–is the beginning. It can feel nearly impossible to start, and many of us don't know where to even begin. And so we get stuck there.We get stuck on making things perfect. On choosing the right moment. On being ready. On what others might think. On being old enough (or too old), or not having the right skills, the right gear, the right state of mind. On what we should have or could have done.And yet, what I on learned on this journey and what my body taught me was this: Go anyway. Keep moving, day by day, breath by breath, pedal stroke by pedal stroke. Choose and then choose again. What's the worst that could happen?Actually, what's the best that could happen?Years later I can tell you: Only the most incredible of things. Things that you once only dreamed of. Things that you once never even dared to dream–like moving across an ocean. I had to ride my bike across a country, though, before I could rebuild my life on my own terms.So what is your bike ride across America? Where will it take you, if you just dare to begin?P.S. Listen to the end for reflection questions, resources and a quick breathing exercise to help you get started!LINKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:Get the freebie.Monthly witchy gatherings:-Monthly Witchy Gatherings + Witchy Goodies subscription:https://buy.stripe.com/dRmdRa6O8gEa0LQ1eocV20q-Monthly Witchy Gatherings subscription:https://buy.stripe.com/6oUcN62xSgEa0LQ0akcV20t @magicmedicineandmayhem www.sylvaflorence.comwww.magicmedicineandmayhem.comMMM FB page

Stories of Magic, Medicine and Mayhem.

Our lives are a constant cycle of change, challenge, celebration and adaptation–and I’m here to guide you through it, with a pinch of hope, a dash of magic and a cauldron of stories to light your path.

Imagine taking dives into every kind of magic–from the wisdom of trees to the Tarot to seasonal spells and rituals and how to be a modern day witch.

Picture being empowered, inspired and even helped by extraordinary stories of overcoming trauma and adversity told by “ordinary” people like you.

Imagine being empowered to heal yourself with help from the plants, animals, rivers and trees in your area, the unseen energies waiting for you tap into them, and the wisdom of your ancestors.

Come along with me on a playful, inspiring and healing romp through what it means to be a human in a world that’s much more enchanting than we’ve been taught to believe.

The Story Behind the Magic

In January of 2022, I broke my hip while cycling on a slippery road outside of Faenza, Italy. In the months of healing that followed, wanting to transform this earth-and-hip-shattering experience into something positive, I decided to learn how to create a podcast. And thus, Magic, Medicine and Mayhem was born.

Actually, this podcast was born with the title Live From Suckville, but it’s evolved as I’ve evolved. Holding space for people to heal through telling their stories lead me to ask the question, “How can I help people even more?” The answer led me to obtain a Reiki Level 2 certificate, go deper into my Shamanic practice, learn how to read Tarot and teach it to others, and, ultimately, inspired me to become an Energetic Healer by profession.

Wouldn’t you agree that this world needs more magic? If you resonate with this podcast, please share it and rate and review it on Apple iTunes so that others can access the magic, healing and hope in each episode.

“I urge each and every one of you to take a moment and listen to this incredible podcast. It’s a testament to the power of storytelling and the importance of supporting one another during challenging times. Together, let’s lend our ears and hearts to this profound narrative.”

-Jane K.

“I’ve been listening to Sylva’s podcast since she started it. It has been truly inspiring… Please take time to listen to it.”

-Cindy J.

“Just listened again. So powerful! Thanks for capturing slices of time that really helped me feel like I was peaking in the window of other people’s experiences. Towards the end of some of these, I admit I am crying my eyes out!”

-Tom L.

“One of my favorite storytelling podcasts: inspiring and uplifting. Full of true stories about women who’ve faced challenges head on and overcome adversity, expertly interviewed by Sylva. “
-Ella Hoyos

“LOVE the podcast, especially episode 3, Sylva. Well done and may have my clients listen. We all need these words of advice in this crazy time! Thanks for producing this.”

-Amy Lloyd (Therapist)

“I did manage to find your podcast–not an easy thing for old ladies. I REALLY LOVED IT! And I haven’t liked that many podcasts…”

-F.T.

SHOW NOTES

Episode 1: How to Climb the Wall of Grief (with Jacob Shannon)

Hope House

Home

“Ball in the Box” concept of grief

https://psychcentral.com/blog/coping-with-grief-ball-and-box-analogy#grief-as-a-large-ball

Episode 3: How to Go Cold Turkey (With an Emphasis on “Cold), with Jule

Minty Mermaid Youtube Channel

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC75H6vt6wlHmQFAudkkqhJA/videos%2C%2520https%3Aescription about this item

Cold Play NS Facebook Group

https://www.facebook.com/groups/193461932936680/

Episode 4: How to Navigate Pain and Power, with Tiffany Glenn

Kahlil Gibran “The Prophet”

https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poets/kahlil-gibran

“On Dialogue,” by David Bohm

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/204526.On_Dialogue

Poem: On Joy and Sorrow (Kahlil Gibran)

https://poets.org/poem/joy-and-sorrow

Episode 5: How to Forgive the Person Who Hurt You, with Amanda Mayes

Amanda’s story (video version)

Episode 25: How to Start Healing Your Trauma, with Justin Sunseri

Deb Dana (Polyvagal Ladder theory and others)

https://www.rhythmofregulation.com/

Episode 48: The Enchanting History of Samhain (and a Modern Protection Spell)

What you need to for the protection spell mentioned in the episode (and you’ll need to prepare it before listening if you want to do the spell with me):

A candle + lighter or match
A handful of salt and a small bowl or cup to put it in
Your favorite incense or smoke cleansing tool*
A rock, cone, stick or leaf from nature**

*I talk about this more in the episode, but I suggest not using white sage or Palo Santo, because both of these are part of a closed practice (unless, of course, you belong to the cultures from which they come).

**If you take something from nature, make sure to leave something in return so that the earth feels some love.

Protection Spell (created by Sylva Florence):

As on this night, the veil grows thin,

Old magic stirs, messages come in.

Protected by flame, wind, soil and sea

I am safe and blessed, so mote it be.

Sign up links for monthly witchy gatherings mentioned in the episode:

-Monthly Witchy Gatherings + Witchy Goodies subscription:
https://buy.stripe.com/dRmdRa6O8gEa0LQ1eocV20q

-1 Month of Witchy Gatherings + Witchy Goodies:
https://buy.stripe.com/00w9AU3BWbjQ526f5ecV20r

-Monthly Witchy Gatherings subscription:
https://buy.stripe.com/6oUcN62xSgEa0LQ0akcV20t

-1 Month of Witchy Gatherings:
https://buy.stripe.com/8x2fZia0k0Fccuy5uEcV20s

Lambs_Wool_Recipe Download

Music by Jonathan MacKay from Pixabay

Episode 49: Creating Deep Friendships with Plants and Trees (with Amy Terepka)

Find more about Amy:
http://www.goldenstone.love
http://www.groundwaterhealing.com
@groundwaterhealing