What happens when life brings you to your knees—and you don’t know if you’ll rise again?

In this soul-rich conversation, Dr. Tamsin Astor joins us in the Mapping the Descent series to explore what it means to face real death, cultural death, and identity death... and emerge to tell the tale.

Tamsin shares how her child’s life-threatening medical diagnosis pulled her into the underworld, how Western culture’s discomfort with death shaped her experience, and how she began rebuilding from the ground up with the tools of mindfulness, movement, habit, humor, and spiritual curiosity.

We talk about:

• Why the descent asks us to stop trying to fix ourselves, and what to do instead

• The role and rediscovery of rituals—and our collective loss of them

• Why joy isn’t always a feeling, but a practice

• Navigating trauma, mental health, and dark seasons of life

• The power of community where you can be messy and still be loved

This episode is a balm and a reckoning. A reminder that when everything breaks apart, something ancient remembers how to begin again.

About Dr. Tamsin Astor:

Dr. Tamsin Astor is Chief Habit Scientist, Executive Coach, and Founder & CEO of Yoga Brained LLC. She works with ambitious leaders who want to exceed their goals without burning out, those who are ready to ditch the “shoulds” and lead with intention. Her clients replace indecision and overwhelm with purpose and sustainable success, through learning how to lead from within. As a facilitator, she designs and lead gatherings that spark insight, foster connection, and unlock collective intelligence. She uses research-based methods and guide from the side with presence, clarity, and trust in the group’s wisdom. What sets her apart? A unique blend of neuroscience, mindfulness, and real-life resilience. She holds a PhD in Cognitive Neuroscience and certifications in executive coaching, yoga, Ayurveda, and facilitation. She's meditated for 18+ years and draw from lived experience: parenting a child through cancer, navigating divorce, an adult ADHD diagnosis, and supporting children with mental health challenges. Clients don’t just grow professionally — they evolve personally. Boundaries strengthen, relationships deepen, and self-leadership becomes second nature.

Connect with Dr. Tamsin Astor:

https://tamsinastor.com https://www.linkedin.com/in/tamsin-astor/

Connect with Michelle:

Website: www.embodiment-alchemy.com

Instagram: www.instagram.com/michellelynnembodiment

Work with Michelle:

Force of Nature 1:1 Coaching for leaders and creatives who want to embody their power to move the world

Resources:

FREE MEDITATION - Embody Your Feminine Wisdom

FREE MINI COURSE - Moon Cycle Magic

The Non-Linear Movement Method Classes - Somatic Practice

The Secret Art of Breast Massage Course