#getmerry

We were having lunch with our amazing friend Miriam Emad (also an amazing clinical psychologist). Ahhh we have the best chats and from this 2-hour love-filled catch up we realised we need to get her back on the Get Merry podcast. STAT! We couldn't wait, so today we're sharing an interview with Miriam from our MerryBody Online Summit. During this chat we discuss all things negative body image.In this interview, you’ll gain a psychologist’s perspective on negative body image. You'll also leave with ideas and ways to deal with your negative thoughts around the way you look.Miriam talks about where and when negative body image originated and how it’s adapted in our modern society, why we compare ourselves to others and how we can begin the practice of just observing our body rather than forever judging and criticizing it.Stuff we talked about…Self-restricted dieting dates all the way back to the 13th century due to lack of resources. It was the women who would first deprive themselves so they were able to provide

Lately, we've been having many conversations about expectations. Expectations on ourselves and the expectations, we feel from others. We know they're all made up in our heads but they really do make a huge impact on our lives. And can create A LOT of unnecessary stress.Stuff we talk about…How we create high expectations of ourselves and attach to the idea that we're not good enough until we reach these expectations.It's okay to expect but also accept because no human is perfect.Not being afraid to have a difficult conversation because you hate conflict. Household chores, random? Tune in, it will make sense! How it's important to check in with your goals and be mindful of the positive and negative impacts. Example, your job promotion might mean more money BUT it might mean more stress and less time for stuff you love.It's easier to judge and label others, it's more difficult to take action with love.Remember that right here, right now, you are amazing just as you are. Hold this in your heart and

This Get Merry Podcast episode is the second of our series on Yoga Philosophy, where we delve deeper into the mind because it is really the root of all our sufferings.Tune in and hear us chat about the 5 levels of the mind as described by the yoga teacher Swami J. Stuff we talk about…The 5 levels of the mind: disturbed, dull, distracted, one-pointed focus, SamadhiHow your disturbed mind keeps you from doing anything else because of the spinning thought patterns in your head.How being in the state of dullness (Tamasic) is similar to a candle that's not lit.When you're in a distracted state (Raja), you feel super motivated and energized, and then get pretty tired.How the practice of concentration allows you to be in a one-pointed state (Pratyahara).How finding a really purposeful work can move you to the state of bliss (Samadhi).How knowing these 5 levels of the mind and being aware of which level you are in can help reduce suffering. As soon as you realise that you are not your thoughts, you can be w

When everything goes your way it all feels so good and easy, it flows. But how you do respond when all of a sudden, it stops going according to plan? Do you feel stressed, agitated, anxious, worried or angry? We're guessing if you're human (which you are) you probably do feel one of those? And we know this episode will definitely help you.This Get Merry Podcast episode is the first of our series on Yoga Philosophy, tune in and hear us chat about Ishvara Pranidhana or Surrender.'Ishvara' in Sanskrit translates to supreme, or personal, God. 'Pranidhana' translates to dedicate, devote, or surrender. So this practice of Ishvara Pranidhana is to surrender or let go of our individual ego to the bigger picture, to your higher self or to God. If you don't like to use the word 'God', simply use the other options. Or find something that works for you.Stuff we talk about…How practising Ishvara Pranidhana (the 5th Niyama of Yoga), the practice of surrender or letting go can help in every aspect of your life.How to surren

How do you do the things you need to do... when you don't want to do the things you need to do? There's just so much resistance and friction stopping you from doing these important things!In this episode, we chat about doing the work, being productive and finding the flow.Stuff we talk about…Struggling with resistance (laziness, comfort and overwhelm)Doing the work and being presentThe things that we do in our business to make it more productive, effective and run betterBeing organized and creating processesHow assigning someone to do the tasks for you allows you some space to be more creativeUse your calendarSetting up the right environment for the tasks you're doingHow productivity isn't about using a tool or an app, but making sure that you do the thingsWe are excited to hear your takeaway from this in your life and business. While you're listening to this episode, we'd love for you to take a selfie and send it to us.If you have a request on what topic to feature on this podcast, send us a DM on Instagram

In this episode, we chat about underrated (and overrated)skills. You might have this whole set of amazing skills that you don't even recognize as skills!But also, it's important to reflect, because maybe we need to give these underrated skills a little more attention!Stuff we talk about…How being really smart or having a bachelor's degree is not necessary in order to be successful.How being a loud and boisterous person at a network meeting is overrated.Networking and relationship-building can both be overrated and underrated skills.Good conversation is an underrated skill, it's important to listen and respond without bringing yourself into it.Assertiveness is another underrated skill, especially for women as we somehow get the msg that it's something to be ashamed of.Empathy is the number 1 underrated skill but how can we work on it and not let our emotions take over?Everything is compromised if we cannot manage our stress and thoughts.Disciplined and the ability to overcome resistance, more underrated s

Using the before and after photos is the traditional way of marketing in the fitness industry. But, it sucks and it generally make you feel kind of crap about yourself.We never share before and after photos within MerryBody Online Studio. We've stood by this for some time now and we've talked a lot about this and during this Get Merry Podcast episode we delve a little deeper into the reasons why we don't.Stuff we talk about…Using before and after photos affects people's mental health.The seasons of life create fluctuations in weight.The core of MerryBody isn't about the before and after transformation but how moving your body invites joy back into your life.If your decision on why you exercise is based on obligation, there's no way it's gonna feel joyful.Here in MerryBody, we're not about the before and after images... We are about the before and AHHHH, I feel amazing!It's all about feeling amazing with who you are are at this very moment.And, if you want more of this, come join us inside MerryBody. The best

We feel like we are in a smooth-sailing zone. And, it feels kind of funny because we become used, almost addicted to the ups and downs. But isn’t this low stress, neutral feeling good?It is a good thing when we feel a sense of contentment. And, self-acceptance is the first step to contentment. AHA!This episode is us chatting about life, as always! The normal hot topics come up… of self-hate, self-disgust, body image stuff, etc. Also, we are going to start welcoming mini-podcast series’. We need to shake it up around here!Stuff we talk about…In order to feel content, you must first accept where you are right here right now.You don’t need to change what you are, you just need to change how you see things.You can accept where you are but still have the desire to improve yourself.When you have a sense of disgust in yourself, you usually feel that for others too.We live in a world where non-acceptance is a more common practiceCreate something and contribute to the world and all the ‘self’ stuff become le

Join us for this guided breathwork meditation with Dreamy Guitar, the perfect way to celebrate the Get Merry Podcast's 250th Episode and the end of our 14-day Breathwork Challenge.Thanks to Damiano Mex for creating the blissful magic guitar vibes and Carla taking us through the breathwork. You really are in for a treat! Warning... at about 21 mins there's a weird noise due to the live-ness of this recording! Stuff we talk about…Yoga and Meditation, it's more about how you do it, finding time in your day and making it work for you without the pressure.The number 1 change we've felt from welcoming in the meditation practice.How meditation and yoga help you become more grateful and allow you to see opportunities standing right in front of you.How meditation, Pilates and yoga help you become less stressed and uncover the real you... the truth that you are amazing just as you are.Then you get to do the epic meditation!How did you feel before the meditation and how did you feel after?We'd love to hear from you

Here in Australia everything is slowly opening and (maybe) going back to 'normal'. If you're feeling anxious or a little afraid of going back to your 'normal life'... then this Get Merry Podcast episode is for you. Stuff we talk about…It's normal to feel anxiety and fear about going back to our normal lives.Our sense of freedom stopped during this lockdown.The realisation that you don't need a lot to feel contentment and happiness.How having a resilient mindset is more important than having a stable mindset.When going through a storm, are you going to stay put or adapt and come out stronger?Why we should also practise detachment from the things we don't like.We each get to decide what our 'normal lives' look like.Tell us how you're feeling about all these changes. Remember, however, you're feeling is okay. Give yourself kindness and compassion. And when in doubt, move your body and shake it off. Do some yoga, breathe, dance and laugh, laugh, laugh.We also mentioned our interview with Dani Smith and how w

During this episode, we chat about compromise. Lately, we've been reflecting on the changes in our lives and how decisions lead to change and that every decision comes with compromise. As Joseph Campbell says "You must enter the cave that you fear in order to find the treasure." Right now, if you're feeling stuck in making a decision because you're afraid of the compromise, if you're afraid of the change... then tune in to this episode.Stuff we talk about…Every decision comes with compromises and sacrifices.Every yes is a no to something else, and vice versa.Sometimes we live in a place of the 'fear of compromise' so we stay where we are, in the ocean of mediocrity.Is it time to step into the unknown and uncertainty?Learn from other people's mistakes.There's never a decision that never comes with a potential pro and con.When you compromise your self, your truth, your time and your love. It's time to check-in.We really loved this episode, we feel like we had some personal moments of clarity. It's lik

Before we get into this post let’s get you in the right frame of mind.Find a comfy seat, or simply get comfy where you are, roll the shoulders, shift a little side to side and now… find some stillness.Relax your shoulders. Relax your face, feel the expression melt away as you read these words.Now take a deep breath in… and open the mouth, let the breath go, like you’re fogging up the glass.Let’s do two more like that…Deep breath in and ahhhhh let the breath go.One more, deep breath in…. and exhale let the breath go.Let’s check-in, do you feel any different from when you first began reading this post?Do you feel a little more settled, a little more grounded, a little more present? You just experienced the most potent healing modality (ever) and you’ve been doing it your entire life… you’ve just been doing it wrong.BREATHING.Wait, what? Yes! Breathing, which is usually an unconscious action that naturally occurs due to the intelligence of your body.Unconscious breathing does enough to keep you al

In this episode, we had a chat with the amazing Dani Smith, a certified Wim Hof practitioner and Remedial Massage Therapist. Dani shared her Wim Hof experience and the importance of proper breathing.Stuff we talk about…How Dani's dad got sick and made her interested in starting her Wim Hof training.Health is the most valuable commodity that we have.How Dani's Wim Hof training helped her arrive back to herself and positively change her relationships.How ice bath helps you feel in a state of euphoria that lasts for a significant amount of time.How the Wim Hof method started and the scientific proofs related to its effectiveness.Dani's training experience in Poland that included exposure to different cold temperatures and climbing a mountain for more than 2 hours.Importance of breathing correctly.How to release the diaphragm. Check out the video!Importance of opening up the muscles as humans are meant to be mobile, not sedentary.Connection to self, others, and her purpose to the world as Dani's idea of success.O

In the light of the situation (global pandemic) that we're all living through right now, it's like we've been given this time and space to take stock of everything, an opportunity to re-look and re-evaluate at our goals.But with this also comes the pressure to get it all done and the anxiety of not doing enough during this time.Stuff we talk about…Not having time is just an excuse. The truth is that we can always create this time and space for ourselves if we want to.The idea of setting a goal does not necessarily have to be more, more, more. It could also be less.A goal is not only about ticking your to-do lists but also being more present, living in the moment and being with the people you love.A sense of accomplishment and achievement is important, but what's more important is how we do it.Should we be teaching kids to strive right now? Instead of striving, how about teaching them how to survive and cope with change?Instead of using this time to achieve and strive, can we use this time to feel more joy?If

What we’re all experiencing right now (global pandemic) is a challenge, but you know what? It’s also a time to seek out opportunities.Within these last four weeks, amongst the business and job loss we've also observed and experienced personal and business growth.It's been amazing to see people start new things, to move their offline business to online. It's truly inspiring to see people embracing the online world during such hardship.During this episode, we’re talking online biz stuff.If you're thinking about starting or moving to online business, tune in to this episode. We share advice, big lessons, and personal experiences to get you excited about your new venture.Stuff we talk about…How do you even start when it feels like everyone else is already doing it? Key thing to remember is that there's no one like you. There's no business just like yours. Are you willing to get up, always try again and try your best, and not let the hard times get you down? Persistence is the magic word.It's how we respond t

Now is the time to do things other than watching Netflix! ;) How about feeding your mind with books that inspire, motivate and teach you something you never knew before? During this week's episode, we chat about 12 of our favorite books that do not only entertain but create motivation and inspiration to get moving.This list is for you if you want some personal development or if you want to feel motivated, inspired and excited about life... to go deeper into all of the magic and mess.Stuff we talk about…12 books that can motivate you to move forward towards your goals in life.How the authors use their own stories of struggles and success to motivate their readers.The importance of what you already have.How these books will help you connect to your self and your true desires.OH, we really loved this episode. We could talk about our favorite motivational books all day but here's our top 12 (in no particular order).If you loved this episode please rate and review our podcast, and share it with someone you love.Al

During this Get Merry podcast episode, we chat about a bunch of perspective shifts we've experienced over the last few weeks. You probably have had them too... maybe the same as us?! Whether you're in forced lockdown or self-isolating with all non-essential businesses closed... life is different.Stuff we talk about…This experience is showing us all what is important and what is not. It's allowing us to take a 'stocktake' on life.This new way of life shows us the magic of doing less. Slowing down. The way businesses and people responded... shares a lot about the business and the person. Food, diet and exercise, try not to get obsessed with these things. But also ensure to keep moving and eating healthy... with JOY! You don't have to self-improve during this time, but you can if you want. If you loved this episode and you want to help us, please rate and review our podcast. If you didn't like... please don't (kind of kidding but not really! HAHA).  See acast.com/privacy f

We had an amazing chat with David Norris, an occupational therapist who specialises in brain health and wow did he blow our minds!We also love his goals and what Memory Health Made Easy stands for...We are resolute in our commitment to Reduce Dementia By 30%. Dementia erodes lives, creates dependency, alters roles, relationships and impacts families and communities.  If you've noticed any changes to your memory or if you experience regular brain fuzziness or you have dementia in your family... please tune in.Stuff we talk about…Why brain health and cognitive fitness is important... because you wanna stay sharp!  Women are at more risk of experiencing memory loss and dementia.What can you do NOW to prevent memory loss and dementia?Easy, doable steps you can take right now.If you loved this episode please share it with someone you love.Always merrymaking,Emma + CarlaP.s if you ever need help or guidance please contact Lifeline or Beyond Blue. Asking for help is pure courage. &

Are you suddenly working from home and everything is so weird and confusing? Not only because the world is in lockdown or self-isolation, but how the heck do you actually get work done at home? And what do you eat? How do you work with your significant other... right next to you?After working from home (also we just learnt the acronym WFH haha) for 7 years we got your backs, we got all the do's and don't's.Stuff we talk about…Don't eat lunch over your laptop, shut the laptop and just eat.Still plan your work lunches, make them healthy, don't think because you're at home you will feel like cooking and prepping at lunchtime... you'll end up eating chips or something. Trust us

How should we be reacting to the Coronavirus? It's a good question because never have we ever experienced something like what we are experiencing right now.Since when were 'self-isolation' and 'social distancing' words we used and things recommended for us all to do!?Literally we didn't even know what these terms were a week ago! The world feels weird, it feels strange, everything feels upside down, inside out. During this episode, we chat about ways to help calm the anxiety and the stress that the Coronavirus pandemic has created.Stuff we talk about…How we have been feeling... anxious and stressed. Especially for other people (call it co-dependency on steroids).What we've been doing personally to calm the nerves... yes, yoga and meditation.Other ways to deal with stress and anxiety.Free Access to MerryBody Online Studio for new members until 1 April 2020We’re committed to help out where we can, right now we’re offering free access for new members to our Online Yoga, Pilates and Meditation studio until 1