Ep 173. Dancing Through the Dark, Depression and Psychosis, with Taylah King

This week, Ash sits down with embodied dance artist and coach Taylah King, whose journey from darkness to rediscovery is both heart-wrenching and deeply inspiring. Taylah opens up about her twelve-year relationship and marriage that began in childhood, the growing inner whisper that something wasn't right, and the vulnerability of walking away from the only safety she'd ever known. From alcohol abuse that started at fourteen to a drug-induced psychosis triggered by ayahuasca, Taylah shares candidly about spending two years dissociated from reality, convinced she was dead, and trapped in a mental health crisis that felt inescapable.She reflects on the terrifying experience of psychosis, the inadequacy of traditional mental health support, and the overwhelming loneliness of not knowing if she'd ever come back. Taylah describes the turning point that changed everything: surrendering to faith, working with a mentor, and falling in love for the first time while sober, which allowed her to finally feel again after years of numbness. Throughout their conversation, Ash and Taylah explore the danger of spiritual bypassing, the power of embodiment practices, and the importance of learning to listen to your nervous system instead of seeking answers outside yourself.Today, Taylah uses dance and movement as medicine, helping others reconnect to their bodies and move freely in the world without substances. Her story is a powerful reminder that even in the deepest darkness, there is always a way back home to yourself.Episode Chapters:00:00 Introduction to Taylah's Journey02:56 Rediscovery Through Dance06:05 The Struggles Behind the Smile09:02 Substance Abuse and Its Impact12:01 The Role of Ayahuasca in Healing14:58 Experiencing Psychosis17:55 The Aftermath of Psychosis21:02 Finding Freedom in Movement30:11 The Journey Through Psychosis34:01 Spiritual Awakening and Healing39:12 The Role of Love and Relationships in Recovery43:10 Embodiment and Self-Connection51:13 Non-Negotiables for a Fulfilling LifeYou can connect with Taylah using the links below:Instagram: @taylahkingmovementFollow and connect with Ash on: ⁠Instagram⁠ @ashbutterssTikTok @behindthesmilewithashbWebsite⁠ www.ashbutterss.comUpcoming Workshops:The Reconnection Ritual | June 21st | Buy Tickets HereJoin Ash on retreat in 2026!The Embodied Woman Retreat | Gold Coast | May 2026 Rest and Renew Holistic Retreat in Bali | August 2026Watch Ash’s TEDx Talk here! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.