Removing Invisible Armor With Ash Butterss

Isn’t it time we remove the stigma around mental health, trauma, and addiction? That’s the mission of my guest Ash Butterss, a holistic transformation coach and the visionary behind "Behind The Smile" – a podcast tackling this stigma. 

After choosing sobriety in 2020, Ash left her corporate world, immersing herself in self-development and spearheading the fight against addiction-related stereotypes. Now, combining her skills in yoga and meditation, Ash aids individuals in realizing their utmost potential and cultivating a purpose-driven life.

We talk about the inspiration behind "Behind the Smile," Ash's personal journey that fueled her passion for recovery, the essence of holistic transformation, and her credentials in the field. We delve into the practices essential for deep self-connection, Ash's morning routine, and the pivotal role yoga and meditation play in her healing journey.

• [05:10] Ash created “Behind The Smile” to smash through the stigma of addiction.

• [07:43]  When Ash realized that she was an alcoholic, she also realized that more people needed to feel safe in order to step out and admit they had an addiction.

• [09:51] Ash was a daily drinker for two years and depended on alcohol to numb reality. Eventually, she became physically dependent on it.

• [10:08] February 14th, 2020 was when Ash realized it was time to make a change.

• [19:02] We talk about relapses. You don't lose the knowledge. Relapse is part of the journey. 

• [20:36] The 'gift of desperation' helped Ash stay sober. Having a solution and being willing to do the work helped too. 

• [22:14] She spent 3 weeks as an inpatient. When she got out COVID started and everything shut down.

• [24:39] Vulnerability and opening up is a gift of recovery. 12 Step is a beautiful environment to learn to trust. Ash has connected to her authentic self. 

• [29:51] There are so many amazing things we get to do when we are in recovery.

• [30:15] Holistic transformation is the connection between mind, body, and spirit. Getting clean and sober was essential in order to do the deeper work.

• [31:01] Removing the alcohol made Ash realize that she had some trauma and things to process. 

• [31:35] The holistic transformation model looks at the three sides of mind, body, and spirit. Coping mechanisms create invisible armor.

• [32:48] The armor weighs you down and prevents you from allowing people to get in. It also prevents you from connecting with your heart.

• [33:10] The first thing we have to do to remove the armor is to create awareness. 

• [34:37] The shame we carry isn't ours and we hand it back over. We also need to learn to question our conditioned thoughts.

• [41:05] After Removing alcohol, Ash had to find things to fill the hole. Yoga and meditation became a big part of her life.

• [42:28] Steps to cultivate a deeper connection with self.

• [46:50] Breathwork has changed Ash's life.

• [48:15] Ash shares her morning routine. 

• [56:01] Reaching out to someone is the most powerful thing you can do. 

 

Links mentioned in this episode:

• Camelback Recovery

• I Love Being Sober YouTube

• Ash Butterss

• Ash Butterss Instagram

• Behind The Smile

• The Miracle Morning (Updated and Expanded Edition): The Not-So-Obvious Secret Guaranteed to Transform Your Life (Before 8AM)