136. The permission to pause. Time away was needed.
Thu Jan 22 2026
Have you ever longed for a pause button—a moment where no one needs you, nothing is urgent, and you can simply breathe? In this episode, I’m sharing my deeply personal experience from a recent retreat in Costa Rica—where for the first time in a long time, I stepped out of all the roles I usually play and rediscovered what it feels like to simply be me. No titles, no to-do lists, no emotional labor. Just space.
If you’re a midlife woman feeling buried under invisible responsibilities, this episode offers you permission: to slow down, to feel, and to let go of what no longer fits. I’ll also introduce a powerful concept from yoga philosophy that I’m bringing home with me—and that might just change how you approach clarity and self-care in your own life.
In this episode:
· Why stepping away from your roles can be deeply healing in midlife
· The overlooked emotional labor women carry—and how it quietly adds up
· A heartfelt letter from a retreat participant that perfectly captures the power of solitude
· The yoga principle of Saucha—and how it can support mental and physical clarity
· Why clarity often comes not from doing more, but from removing the noise
· Simple ways to create emotional and physical space at home—even if you can’t retreat
· A gentle reminder that you are allowed to rest without guilt
Resources Mentioned:
Retreat leader: Heather Solomon Yoga Teacher (@yoga.ethos) • Instagram profileRetreat Center: Bodhi Tree Yoga Resort (@bodhitreeyogaresort) • Instagram profileCasa Om Retreat in West Virginia this April with yours truly :) April 2026 Retreat Breathwork and Wellness in West Virginia - Rising Woman ProjectConnect with me, Dr. Sara Poldmae:
Website: https://risingwomanproject.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drsarapoldmae
Have a question I can answer? Send me a message! I love to hear from my listeners!
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Have you ever longed for a pause button—a moment where no one needs you, nothing is urgent, and you can simply breathe? In this episode, I’m sharing my deeply personal experience from a recent retreat in Costa Rica—where for the first time in a long time, I stepped out of all the roles I usually play and rediscovered what it feels like to simply be me. No titles, no to-do lists, no emotional labor. Just space. If you’re a midlife woman feeling buried under invisible responsibilities, this episode offers you permission: to slow down, to feel, and to let go of what no longer fits. I’ll also introduce a powerful concept from yoga philosophy that I’m bringing home with me—and that might just change how you approach clarity and self-care in your own life. In this episode: · Why stepping away from your roles can be deeply healing in midlife · The overlooked emotional labor women carry—and how it quietly adds up · A heartfelt letter from a retreat participant that perfectly captures the power of solitude · The yoga principle of Saucha—and how it can support mental and physical clarity · Why clarity often comes not from doing more, but from removing the noise · Simple ways to create emotional and physical space at home—even if you can’t retreat · A gentle reminder that you are allowed to rest without guilt Resources Mentioned: Retreat leader: Heather Solomon Yoga Teacher (@yoga.ethos) • Instagram profileRetreat Center: Bodhi Tree Yoga Resort (@bodhitreeyogaresort) • Instagram profileCasa Om Retreat in West Virginia this April with yours truly :) April 2026 Retreat Breathwork and Wellness in West Virginia - Rising Woman ProjectConnect with me, Dr. Sara Poldmae: Website: https://risingwomanproject.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drsarapoldmae Have a question I can answer? Send me a message! I love to hear from my listeners!