In The Darkness, There Is Light: Uncovering The Gifts Of Suffering

— "Although the world is full of suffering, it is also filled with the overcoming of it" These words shared by Helen Keller, Alana's ancestor, have been a source of encouragement and inspiration throughout her life. When in dark places, they have been a reminder for Alana about the truth of who and what she is — the truth of who and what we all are as human beings.  From the moment of birth, we are dominantly conditioned to turn away from uncomfortable emotions and sensations. We are living in a culture of distraction and numbing, seeking self-worth and acceptance outside of ourselves. We are not often encouraged to turn inwards, to acknowledge and embrace the discomforts of the human experience.  More and more, research is revealing the connection between our physical and emotional experiences and the consequences of burying our emotions under ice cream, social media and the latest technology fad . When we deny our emotions, this energy becomes stored in the body and can create physical symptoms, dis-ease. It has also been learned that we are unable to selectively numb our experiences. When we resist turning towards our sadness, anger and physical pain, we also limit our access to joy, connection and peace.  Turning towards suffering offers the possibility of transforming it. By acknowledging and observing emotions and sensations, without judgment and with compassion, our nervous system becomes increasingly familiar with them thus deactivating the fear response. We move from a state of protection to state of connection, internally and externally. In this state of connection we are more able to experience compassion, gratitude, joy and love within ourselves and in relationship with others. Valeria interviews Alana Newton — Psychotherapist, Founder of Compati Counselling, Mindfulness Practitioner, Lightworker, Speaker. Alana has been a healer for as long as she can remember, having attempted to revive many dead birds with the kiss of life. She formally entered the healing profession over 20 years ago as a registered nurse, then shifted her career becoming a psychotherapist to deepen her exploration of the human experience. Living with a rare disease associated with physical pain, Alana has been gifted the moment-by-moment opportunity to practice being with emotional and physical suffering. The diagnosis, coupled with her father's death, abruptly pulled back the veil of certainty and control in life. She was catapulted into her spiritual awakening and woke up to her authentic self, the truth of her existence and her purpose in this lifetime.  Weaving her knowledge, experience and awareness of body, mind, heart and soul, Alana bridges science and spirituality to integrate all parts of the human experience. She gently guides her clients to become curious and compassionate about their emotional and physical experiences and supports their transition from protection to connection, from fear to love. Alana believes when we (re)connect with our true nature as human beings, our unconditional love, we have the ability to transform and transcend suffering. Starting with herself, Alana's life purpose is to cultivate compassion, joy and peace on Earth, one person at a time. Alana has recently launched her private practice, Compati Counselling, where she compassionately guides clients towards their (re)connection with their authentic selves. She is also a consultant and public speaker about the lived experience of chronic illness and embodying an aligned and meaningful life.  To learn more about Alana Newton and her work, please visit: compaticounselling.com     — This podcast is a quest for well-being, a quest for a meaningful life through the exploration of fundamental truths, enlightening ideas, insights on physical, mental, and spiritual health. The inspiration is Love. The aspiration is to awaken new ways of thinking that can lead us to a new way of being, being well.