The Art of Being Present: Kara Stoltenberg’s Guide to Listening and Navigating Tough Emotions
🎙️ Welcome to Healthy Happy Wise Wealthy!
In this powerful and heartfelt episode, host Mary Meyer sits down with Kara Stoltenberg, coach, healer, and host of “Stepping in with Kara” podcast, to explore the essential skill of holding space and the art of active listening.
Kara shares her inspiring story of recovery from a traumatic accident, offering wisdom from over twenty years’ experience helping others process emotion, build resilience, and live a more present, integrated life.
Together, Mary and Kara break down why listening—both to ourselves and to others—is vital for our physical, emotional, and spiritual health, and how embracing all our emotions can be truly transformative.
🌟 Topics Covered:
- Kara’s journey after a life-altering bicycle accident
- The concept of “holding space” and why it matters
- How to process emotions in healthy ways (anger, sadness, grief, etc.)
- The link between physical, emotional, and spiritual health
- Managing boundaries as a friend/supporter versus a professional
- Recognizing survival strategies: fight, flight, freeze, and fawn
- Building self-listening and body awareness
- The importance of professional support in healing
- Shame, trauma, and compassion on the healing journey
Key Takeaways:
- Holding space is about listening deeply—without judgment or the urge to fix—so that others can process and heal.
- Our ability to sit with our own feelings directly impacts how well we can support others.
- All emotions are valid and carry important information—when we “digest” them rather than suppress them, we grow healthier.
- Healthy boundaries are vital: you can care for others while honoring your own limits and need for support.
- Healing from trauma and grief is possible when approached with patience, safety, and the right support network.
Some Questions I Asked:
- “What does it mean to truly hold space for someone?”
- “How can someone become more comfortable with difficult emotions in themselves?”
- “What are some practical ways to listen to your body and recognize what you need in hard times?”
- “How do boundaries play a role in holding space, whether as a friend or a professional?”
- “What support systems do you recommend to someone starting their own healing process?”
Learn More About Kara Stoltenberg:
- Instagram: @karastoltenberg
- Podcast: Stepping in with Kara
- Website: KaraStoltenberg.com
Resources and Further Learning:
- Stepping in with Kara Podcast
- Mentioned in discussion: concepts of “fight/flight/freeze/fawn” in trauma work
- For professional help: therapists, somatic practitioners, trauma recovery resources
- Emotional Processing: “Feelings Buried Alive Never Die” by Karol Truman (book suggestion for further reading on emotions and health)
- Additional wellness support: look for local trauma-informed counselors or support groups
Listen to the Continuation of this Episode with Kara Here on HHWW:
Listen to Kara’s Episodes on Detox on HHWW
Listen to the Inaugral Episode of HHWW with Kara
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Mary Meyer is a podcast host, actor, sales professional, mother and entrepreneur helping people and organizations share meaningful conversations that support health, wisdom, clarity, and growth.
Produced by the All-Talented Erika Christie
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