Being Comfortable in Paradox

01/19/22 • 76 min

Inner Archeology with Sarah Turner & Emily Pennystone

As humans, we like to see things in black and white but in fact, life is so nuanced, complex, and dynamic, and there is hardly anything that’s entirely good or entirely bad. Rather than thinking of things as “either, or” we should be thinking about them as “both, and.” The traits that you see as your biggest weaknesses are likely to also be some of your greatest strengths. We’re both on our own personal development journeys, constantly learning about ourselves and each other, and in this episode (as always) we let you into our heads as we discuss paradoxical personalities, contradictory beliefs, trauma responses, and the importance of being flexible and open to change.

Key Points From This Episode:

The unexpected interaction that we had during one of our previous episodes, The Mystic and the Scientist.
How other people can impact the way we present ourselves.
The value that lies in having discussions about ideas that are not fully formed.
Sarah shares an example of how she and her romantic partner complement one another.
Paradoxes in our personalities.
Another podcast episode that everybody should listen to!
Reasons that we attract certain people.
An explanation of the concept of ‘splitting the ambivalence.’
What traveling teaches Sarah about herself.
Why flexibility is key to the success of a relationship.
How Emily’s religious trauma affected her choice of partners.
Step one in the challenging process of changing established patterns.
What a morning routine can bring to your life.
Our experiences of breaking out of the boxes that other people have put us into.
The core of most conflict situations, and how understanding this can improve your relationships.
Important learnings that can come from trauma responses.

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

Sarah Turner on Instagram

Emily Pennystone on Instagram

Brene Brown Podcast [Esther Perel Interview]

Key Points From This Episode:

The unexpected interaction that we had during one of our previous episodes, The Mystic and the Scientist.
How other people can impact the way we present ourselves.
The value that lies in having discussions about ideas that are not fully formed.
Sarah shares an example of how she and her romantic partner complement one another.
Paradoxes in our personalities.
Another podcast episode that everybody should listen to!
Reasons that we attract certain people.
An explanation of the concept of ‘splitting the ambivalence.’
What traveling teaches Sarah about herself.
Why flexibility is key to the success of a relationship.
How Emily’s religious trauma affected her choice of partners.
Step one in the challenging process of changing established patterns.
What a morning routine can bring to your life.
Our experiences of breaking out of the boxes that other people have put us into.
The core of most conflict situations, and how understanding this can improve your relationships.
Important learnings that can come from trauma responses.

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

Sarah Turner on Instagram

Emily Pennystone on Instagram

Brene Brown Podcast [Esther Perel Interview]

Previous Episode

The Mystic & The Scientist

The tension that seems to exist between the rational and the intuitive does not necessarily have to be a conflict. If we can bring these two spheres into harmony and balance, we can draw forth a stronger and more complete understanding and approach to our lives! In this episode of the show, we unpack the ideas of the mystic and the scientist, and how leaning too far one way can leave us scared and dogmatic. From the many different systems and frameworks that we all have access to, to the inner wisdom and knowing that can be found through the right questions, there are so many paths to a fulfilling and self-actualized existence. It is only when we adhere to external and ill-fitting boxes that we find ourselves in trouble, experiences that both of us have had, especially in our younger years! In this world of dogmatic science and the still-dominant patriarchy, it is so important for inquisitive and strong-willed women to follow their hearts, and we hope this episode is a clear reminder of that. So, to hear all about it and share in this ever-blossoming flower of realization, be sure to listen in today!

Key Points From This Episode:

An introduction to the ideas of past lives, soul groupings, and human design.
The attraction of different systems for understanding our lives in today's world.
Scientific explanations for manifestation and what seemed previously inexplicable.
Experiences of allowing things to happen and making space for special encounters.
Feelings of confusion and discomfort around mysticism in our younger years.
Selecting the parts of systems that resonate and constructing your own canvas.
Sarah's memory of energetic connection and a deeper sense of knowing at a younger age.
Listening to the different parts of ourselves; accessing the subconscious and the dream self.
Accepting the knowing and responding to the urge to reach out to others.
Allowing space for astrology and the parts of it that make sense to us!
Keeping a playful and lighthearted approach to mysticism; avoiding dogma and fear.
The self-righteousness that can very often be attached to science.
Cultivating a healthy balance between the rational and mystical, and how this relates to feminine and masculine energies.
The relationship between land ownership and the oppression of women.
The work that goes into finding your inner wisdom and what knowing feels like.
Situating ourselves within the history of ostracized and exceptional women!

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

Inner Archeology Email

Sigur Rós

Many Lives, Many Masters

Breaking the Habit of Being Yourself

The Biology of Belief

The Dance of the Dissident Daughter

The Book of Longings

Virginia Woolf

Sarah Turner on Instagram

Emily Pennystone on Instagram

Next Episode

The Complicated Relationships with Our Bodies

There are few issues as thorny as body image, but who better to open the discussion than best friends with very different perspectives? Today on Inner Archeology, we talk all about our bodies and how Emily has spent years coming to terms with hers, while Sarah didn't struggle with this too much — which, weirdly enough, created other insecurities. We dive into the reasons why each of them has experienced body image the way they have, as well as why it’s so important to include people who are “on the outside” of an issue in the discussion. Find out how pregnancy and motherhood changed Emily’s perspective, and why science inspired Sarah to revere her body. We address the impact of our role models and the media on our own body image, as well as how patriarchal expectations have negatively influenced women’s appreciation for pleasure. S Sarah describes her experiences exploring other people’s concepts of sexuality, and how this has contributed to her confidence in her own body. Emily reveals why she feels we have a choice in our appreciation for our bodies, families, and situations, and why she is teaching her daughters to include their bodies and their good health in their daily gratitude. For all this, and so much more, tune in today!

Key Points From This Episode:

An introduction to today’s topic (body image), and why it makes Sarah uncomfortable.
Why Emily developed a negative self-image and the experiences that reinforced it.
How Sarah’s learned to give people space to talk about their body image issues.
Why society and people shut down discussions around body image.
How pregnancy and motherhood made Emily appreciate her body for the incredible vessel that it is.
Challenging the narrative that you can’t speak about issues that you’ve never experienced.
How science helped Sarah develop a positive body image through reverence.
The impact of different religions on women’s body image.
How sharing your struggles to help others gives your life meaning.
The idea of being in a relationship with your body: treat it like a beloved partner or friend.
Finding pleasure in your body, and how it links to body image.
How society’s views on women’s bodies and breastfeeding are shifting, and why the old views enrage Sarah.
Why exploring your own, and others' concepts of sexuality and attraction can lead to a more positive body image.
Where we develop our ideas around body image: the media or our mothers?
How experiencing the wonder of birth can encourage reverence for the human body in all its forms.
Emily’s belief that we chose the vessel that we most needed, and why it helps her accept her body.
Why including your body and your good health in your daily gratitude can help you develop a positive body image.
The value of discussing different personal issues with a variety of people: new insights.