In this episode of The Inner Space Project Podcast, host Dr. Patti Ashley dives further into the concept of "liminal space"—a period of transition filled with uncertainty, yet rich with possibilities. Known for her heart-centered and authenticity-focused approach, Dr. Ashley defines liminal space as the "in-between" moments in life that challenge our need for control, inviting listeners to embrace both the fears and hopes that arise during these times. She also reflects on recent podcast segments, covering life’s beginnings, middles, and endings, including impactful conversations with guests like Zeynep Biringen, Laura Deal, and Karen Van Allen, who share stories of parenting, storytelling, and navigating grief. Dr. Ashley touches on her own experience of liminal space, both personally and professionally, and the importance of allowing inner growth to flourish in moments of the unknown.

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In this episode of the Inner Space Project Podcast, Dr. Patti Ashley speaks with Karen Van Allen, a facilitator of A Course in Miracles and volunteer at the Hospice of the Valley, about navigating grief and endings. Karen shares her personal story of loss, focusing on the tragic death of her daughter over 20 years ago. This life-altering event led her on a journey from an analytical, business-focused mindset to one of deep emotional healing and spiritual growth.

Karen discusses how grief stripped her of her identity and plunged her into feelings of victimhood and anger, which she learned to process through spiritual practices, especially A Course in Miracles. She reflects on the power of surrendering to a higher guidance and how signs, like yellow roses and feathers, reassured her along her path. Together, Dr. Ashley and Karen explore the complexities of grief, the importance of honoring anniversaries, and how loss can bring unexpected gifts, teaching us to live from the heart rather than the head.

This heartfelt conversation offers profound insights into finding meaning and peace through life's toughest transitions.

I hope you enjoy this rich conversation with Dr. Patti Ashley's dear friend, Laura Deal. Laura and Patti talk about how listening to stories can positively impact your emotional health. They also dive into the importance of metaphor in traditional tales and what that means for healing and wholeness. Laura shares with you ways that personal storytelling can be used to improve emotional health.

Laura is a storyteller, poet, dream reader, and laughter yoga leader. She tells traditional, personal, historical, and original stories to children and adults. She is the 2024 recipient of the J.J. Reneaux Emerging Artist Award. You can hear her stories on Story Story Podcast and the Apple Seed on BYU Radio, as well as her CDs, The Diffendaffer Taffy Cafe and Other Stories and Simple, Clever, and Wise. She's the author of The Newcomer's Guide to the Invisible Realm: A Journey through Dreams, Metaphor, and Imagination, andMarbles: New and Collected Poems.