304. From Empty Nest to Connection: An Orthopedic Surgeon's Retreat Story with Dr. Jennifer Swarington

When we've been carrying a lot for a long time, "fine" can start to feel like the only option.  In this conversation, Jessie is joined by Dr. Jennifer Swaringen an orthopedic surgeon and yoga teacher. She has already been to Jessie's Nicasio Creek Farm retreat twice: once with a friend, and once on her own during an empty-nest transition.  We talk about:  what shifts when women physicians step into a small, safe community how coaching helps us see the stories we've been living inside why nervous-system care (movement, breath, stillness, sound) can create a steadiness that thinking alone sometimes can't reach. Connection isn't a luxury and being cared for is a practice. We explore: How resentment, catastrophizing, and "I'm only valuable when I'm producing" show up (and soften) Why coming to a retreat alone can actually deepen connection Coaching vs. yoga: insight work and nervous-system work (and why both matter) Staying connected after the retreat so it becomes real life Empty nest as a transition point and a valid time to ask for support Pearls of wisdom Noticing our default stories reduces their power. Coaching and yoga work differently, and together. Safe community expands what feels possible. Coming alone isn't a disadvantage. Allowing ourselves to be cared for is a real practice—especially for women physicians. Reflection questions Where are you telling an old story that keeps us stuck? What support would you allow if you no longer needed to earn it? Where are you craving connection—and what is one small follow-through? Ways to work with Jessie: Coaching: www.jessiemahoneymd.comCME Wellness Retreats: www.jessiemahoneymd.com/retreats Free Live-Stream Mindful Yoga: www.jessiemahoneymd.com/yoga Blog: www.jessiemahoneymd.com/jessies-blog Podcast page: www.jessiemahoneymd.com/mindful-healers-podcast Nothing shared in the Healing Medicine Podcast is medical advice.