Getting Naked in the Now: Marijke McCandless on Presence, Playfulness & Healing

What this episode covers

<p>In this deeply raw and liberating episode of <em>The Mindful Journey</em>, host Sana sits down with award-winning writer and mindfulness coach <strong>Marijke McCandless</strong>, author of <em>Naked in the Now: Juicy Practices for Getting Present</em>. Together, they explore how shedding emotional armor and connecting with the sensual now can be a powerful path to healing. Marijke shares her unique “inner striptease” method to break free from limiting beliefs, and how her journey through infidelity, PTSD, and childhood trauma led her to profound self-acceptance and spiritual awakening.</p><p><strong>About the Guest:</strong><br><strong>Marijke McCandless</strong> is a playfulness instigator, mindfulness guide, and the author of <em>Naked in the Now</em>. With a rich background in writing and spiritual inquiry, she helps others reconnect with presence through embodied awareness, juicy self-inquiry, and naked writing practices. Her approach is raw, real, and refreshingly grounded in joy, sensuality, and truth.</p><p><strong>Key Takeaways:</strong></p><ul><li><p>Being “naked in the now” means showing up without mental masks or emotional baggage.</p></li><li><p>Presence is not perfection; it&#39;s about embracing each moment sensually and curiously.</p></li><li><p>Marijke’s three-question “inner striptease” helps peel back beliefs that block peace.</p></li><li><p>Vulnerability, not perfection, creates deep connection and self-acceptance.</p></li><li><p>Naked writing—unfiltered, expressive journaling—can help us befriend our minds and fears.</p></li><li><p>Healing doesn’t start with fixing; it begins with honest presence.</p></li></ul><p><strong>Connect with Marijke McCandless:</strong></p><ul><li><p><strong>Website:</strong><a href="https://www.marijkemccandless.com/">www.marijkemccandless.com</a></p></li><li><p><strong>Book:</strong><em>Naked in the Now</em> is available on Amazon, Bookshop.org, and Barnes &amp; Noble.</p></li><li><p><strong>Subscribe to her Substack</strong> via her website.</p></li><li><p><strong>Join her free global writing community:</strong><em>Right Now Mind</em></p></li></ul><p><strong>Want to be a guest on </strong><em><strong>The Mindful Journey</strong></em><strong>?</strong><br> </p><p>DM on PodMatch:<br><em>DM Me Here:</em><a href="https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/avik">https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/avik</a><br><em>Subscribe To Newsletter:</em><a href="https://healthymindbyavik.substack.com/">https://healthymindbyavik.substack.com/</a><br><em>Join Community:</em><a href="https://nas.io/healthymind">https://nas.io/healthymind</a></p><p><strong>Stay Tuned And Follow Us!</strong><br><em>YouTube:</em><a href="https://www.youtube.com/@healthymind-healthylife">https://www.youtube.com/@healthymind-healthylife</a><br><em>Instagram:</em><a href="https://www.instagram.com/podhealth.club/">https://www.instagram.com/podhealth.club/</a><br><em>Threads:</em><a href="https://www.threads.net/@podhealth.club">https://www.threads.net/@podhealth.club</a><br><em>Facebook:</em><a href="https://www.facebook.com/podcast.healthymind&quot