00:00:00 Dr. Sheetal Ajmani discusses the connection between our physical environment, such as the changing seasons, and our emotional well-being. She explains that each season brings unique qualities and energies that can affect our mood and overall health. Using the principles of Ayurveda, an ancient medical system from India, she emphasizes the importance of honoring these seasonal changes and adapting our self-care practices accordingly. Dr. Ajmani shares her personal experiences and how Ayurvedic teachings have helped her navigate different phases of her life, emphasizing the growth and lessons that can be gained even during challenging times. She encourages listeners to embrace the idea that self-care routines and practices do not have to be the same every day and that adapting to the changing seasons can lead to a more fulfilling and radiant life.

00:05:00 Dr. Ajmani shares the concept of different seasons in life and how they impact self-care and daily routines. She shares an example from a group coaching session with a woman who is a mom of four young boys, explaining that her self-care looks different than it would for someone else in a different season of life. Dr. Ajmani emphasizes that what it means to feel one's best also varies depending on the season of life, and it's essential to accept and embrace these differences rather than striving for toxic positivity. She also introduces the Ayurvedic concept of gunas, or qualities, that exist in nature and within us, and how they can influence our daily lives and self-care practices. Dr. Ajmani shares an example from her experience as a pediatrician, where she noticed an increase in constipation in children during the fall, which she attributes to the increase in air and ether elements during that season according to Ayurvedic principles.

00:10:00 She then discusses the connection between the physical seasons and the human body, using the example of the fall season and the element of Aura ether. She explains how the qualities of Aura ether, such as dryness, can manifest in the body, leading to increased constipation in children during this season. Dr. Ajmani shares her personal observation from her 16-year career as a pediatrician, noting an increased prevalence of constipation in the fall. She encourages adding more moisture to counteract the dryness and emphasizes self-compassion during challenging life situations, drawing an analogy between the physical seasons and the emotional and mental seasons of one's life.

00:15:00 In this section of the episode, Dr. Sheetal Ajmani discusses her career trajectory in healthcare, specifically her decision to specialize in Pediatrics. She explains that her desire to work with children was a natural draw for her since her own childhood. However, what truly drew her to Pediatrics was the potential to not only impact children but also their entire family unit through prevention and promoting healthy habits. This approach had the added benefit of influencing parents and other children in the family as well. Additionally, Dr. Ajmani shares her interest in working with women, which led her to transition to the Radiant Living Institute where she focuses on helping women navigate major life stressors and transitions. Throughout her career, she has found that focusing on intangible aspects of well-being, such as happiness and inner peace, allows individuals to show up as their best selves in all areas of life.

00:20:00 Dr. Sheetal Ajmani shares her personal journey from being a Pediatrician to a coach and educator, focusing on mental and emotional well-being. She found joy in interacting with parents, particularly mothers, and identified her passion for coaching and education. The healthcare system's focus on physical symptoms left her yearning for a deeper connection with patients, which she found in coaching. Dr. Ajmani started practicing yoga and learning about Ayurveda during medical school, and these experiences planted the seed for her eventual career transition. There wasn't a specific pivotal moment that led her to make the change, but rather a gradual realization that her true calling lay in addressing the emotional and mental aspects of health.

00:25:00 Dr. Ajmani outlines her personal experiences with using yoga and Ayurveda as tools for self-care and well-being during various life transitions. She emphasizes the importance of these disciplines in creating a space for growth and mental balance. Dr. Ajmani sees yoga and Ayurveda as a way of life for her, but also as a toolbox of various practices she uses when working with clients. She particularly emphasizes the importance of mindful movement, which she believes helps process emotions and cultivate a mind-body connection, ultimately aiding in stress reduction and improved physiological response.

00:30:00 Dr. Ajmani emphasizes the importance of mindfulness practices, specifically focusing on the breath and the power of exhaling. She explains that while inhaling is related to the sympathetic nervous system activation, which triggers the fight or flight response, exhaling is linked to parasympathetic nervous system activation, promoting comfort and rest. The extended exhale is what helps reduce stress and anxiety, allowing the mind to focus and slow down. Dr. Ajmani also mentions that meditation is a practice of focus and concentration, and even though it may be challenging for some to quiet their minds, the practice itself is beneficial in helping individuals get out of the constant running dialogue and focus on the present moment. She also shares that mindful movement, such as yoga, can serve as a form of meditation, providing a focus for the mind and helping individuals get out of their racing thoughts.

00:35:00 In this section of the episode with Dr. Sheetal Ajmani, she shares her passion for speaking and educating others, which dates back to her childhood. She recalls giving speeches about cultural holidays and performing in cultural events. Dr. Ajmani also mentions that she has always been well-spoken and communicative. The concept of "living radiantly" came about during her work with a business coach several years ago. She felt the need to combine her medical practice, yoga teaching, and Ayurved consultations into one comprehensive offering. At the time, she wasn't aware of business coaches or the existence of a community of professionals doing similar work. She spent a significant amount of time contemplating how to bring all these skills together and eventually founded the Radiant Living Institute to help others live radiantly through mindfulness and holistic practices.

00:40:00 Dr. Ajmani shares her personal journey of discovering her passion for helping women navigate major life stressors and transitions. She explains how she initially started her business without a clear direction but later worked with a business coach to identify her core interests and expertise. Dr. Ajmani then reveals that her true passion lies in guiding women to tune in to their inner voice and trust it to live a more authentic and aligned life. She emphasizes that radiant living begins from within and involves introspection and honest self-assessment. Dr. Ajmani has developed a six-step curriculum to help her clients embark on this journey, and she encourages listeners to download a free workbook from her website for additional resources.

00:45:00 Dr. Ajmani explains her six-step method for navigating major life transitions, which she calls the "Car Method." The first phase of this method, which stands for Clarity, Acceptance, and Rebuilding, begins with Clarity. In this phase, individuals are encouraged to assess their current lives and their ideal versions of life, and to establish empowering daily routines to maintain clarity. The second phase is Acceptance, which involves grounding oneself in the present moment through mindful movement and mindful eating practices. The third phase is Rebuilding, which focuses on setting boundaries in career, relationships, and personal habits. The final step is Celebration, which emphasizes the importance of recognizing and celebrating accomplishments, no matter how small. Dr. Ajmani guides clients through each of these steps to help them navigate life transitions and live more radiantly.

00:50:00 Dr. Sheetal Ajmani discusses the various life transitions that bring people to seek her help. These transitions can range from professional changes like burnout or a new job, to personal ones such as divorce or the birth of a child. She notes that clients often come to her when they've reached a point where they feel they've lost a part of themselves and need guidance to rediscover themselves. The results of her six-step process have been remarkable, with clients reporting renewed joy, purpose, and even major life changes. While some clients' transitions involve financial concerns, these are not the primary focus of her work, which is mainly spiritual and mindfulness-based.

00:55:00 Dr. Ajmani discusses the reasons why people are drawn to her work, particularly those dealing with career burnout and feeling disconnected from themselves. She emphasizes that while financial security is important, it's often the sense of inner peace and feeling stuck that drives individuals to seek her guidance. Dr. Ajmani also shares her personal journey of starting her podcast, Essential Self-Care, which she began as a way to cope with her own burnout and stress. She explains that the idea for the podcast had been in her mind for years, but it wasn't until she reached a particularly difficult season in her life that she felt compelled to create it. Essentially, her podcast became an essential outlet for her during a time when she needed it most.

01:00:00 In this section, Dr. Sheetal Ajmani shares the motivation behind starting her podcast. She explains that she discovered the need for this creative outlet from the first episode and finds value in meeting new people and learning from their stories. The conversations are more about the person and their journey, rather than focusing on medicine or healthcare systems. Dr. Ajmani also mentions that her guests' stories are unique and transformational. When asked about the future, she admits that she doesn't have a concrete vision for the next five years, preferring to allow herself to be guided by life's twists and turns.

01:05:00 Dr. Ajmani shares her perspective on trusting one's inner voice and letting go of the need to have a clear five-year vision. She reflects on her own experiences and how she has grown to embrace the uncertainty of the future. Dr. Ajmani emphasizes the importance of normalizing the idea that it's okay not to have everything planned out and encourages listeners to trust that they will find their way to where they are meant to be. She draws inspiration from the movie "Jurassic Park," quoting the line "life will find a way," as a reminder that each person's journey is unique and unscripted.