53. Creating a Sanctuary with Tina Hein

OFM - Why Metabolic Health Matters

In this episode of the OFM Podcast, we welcome Tina Hein, someone who embodies self-empowerment and self-improvement without relying on conventional credentials. T

In this episode I emphasize the importance of thinking for oneself and taking ownership of one’s life despite the barrage of information and opinions available on the internet. This includes mentioning that not all experts need to be credentialed and the true source of expertise, especially in the context of one’s life, is oneself. Tina and I discuss how personal experiences and introspection can be incredibly valuable toward building expertise for one’s own life.

• The importance of Personal Experience: In this episode I stress the significance of acknowledging the expertise individuals have about their own lives. This includes how many great contributors to science and engineering in the past were not necessarily credentialed, but were problem solvers.
• Tina's Journey: Tina talks about her journey of self-discovery and how she and her husband, Jeff, have created a sanctuary for themselves with the emphasis on the profound joy that comes from bringing down stress levels and taking care of oneself through the creation of a personal sanctuary.
• The role of the Internet and Messaging: Tina points out the negative impact of the constant barrage of information and expectations created by the internet, advertising, society and cultural norms, which often leads individuals to feel unworthy or not good enough.
• Childhood Wounding and Patterns of Behavior: I introduce the concept of childhood wounding and how unresolved emotional traumas can create recurring patterns of behavior throughout life. This is often complicated by societal messaging that feeds into feelings of inadequacy.
• The Power of Introspection and Self-Realization: Tina shares how her involvement in endurance running led her to realize she was running away from herself. Through introspection, she found the power in acknowledging and addressing her emotional baggage, which helped her lead a more fulfilling and authentic life.
• Creating a Sanctuary: Tina speaks about the importance of creating a peaceful sanctuary at home, feeding and taking care of family, and disengaging from systems that might not serve personal well-being. By doing so, she and her husband reinvested in themselves to live a more authentic and harmonious life.
• The Need to Recognize and Break Patterns: We discuss the importance of recognizing and breaking the patterns that stem from childhood wounds and/or societal pressures. Through conscious choices and personal introspection, individuals can work towards emotional stability and find what truly brings them joy and fulfillment. . . and guess what? This is vitally important to optimizing your metabolism and physiology.
• Understanding Relationships: Acknowledging that your partner also wants to fulfill your needs. The importance of communication; here we debunk the misconception that partners should intuitively know each other's needs.
• Importance of a Woman’s Core: Tina and I discuss the unique biological grounding women have through the reproductive cycle. Emphasis on the importance for women to be in tune with their core as a center of intuition and grounding.
• Conflicting Messages for Women in Society: The pressure to excel in multiple domains (career, parenting, fitness, etc.) can be overwhelming and contrary to one's natural inclinations. Tina discusses recognizing and respecting biological tendencies, and finding a balance that aligns with individual values and desires.
• Vulnerability as a Superpower : How vulnerability, especially among women, is powerful, and it is important for men to recognize their responsibility to provide a safe space for this vulnerability.