In Sacred Harmony, hosted by Shreya, Katharine Chestnut invites us into a gentler truth: joy isn’t something you earn—it’s something you allow. This episode reframes music as a lived practice of presence, not a test of talent.

If you’ve been “fine on the outside, fried on the inside,” this is for you. You’ll hear how music (playing, listening, humming, even dancing in your kitchen) can help the nervous system soften, move emotion through the body, and bring you back to calm confidence—without adding pressure to your day.

Katharine Chestnut is a breathwork facilitator and meditation teacher who supports people navigating stress and burnout. She shares music as a grounding, spiritual practice—beyond performance and perfection.

1. 00:00 Joy as an offering, not something to earn
2. 03:10 Healing after an abusive relationship: making space for joy
3. 06:05 When music becomes perfection pressure
4. 09:20 The volunteer marching band lesson: joy without “getting it right”
5. 13:40 Why burnout pushes playfulness away
6. 17:10 When joy feels unsafe: vulnerability + survival mode
7. 21:30 Practical tools: listening, humming, rhythm, breathwork

1. Treat joy like a practice of permission, not performance.
2. Use rhythm (songs, beats, breath) to help your body regulate.
3. Try a “one-song reset” while cooking, walking, or decompressing.
4. When joy feels far, choose presence over forcing: walk + mindful listening.
5. Remember: your body often shifts before your mind believes it.

Website: https://katharinechestnut.com/

Insight Timer (meditations) + YouTube (meditations)

Books available on Amazon

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Healthy Mind By Avik™️ is a global platform redefining mental health as a necessity, not a luxury. Born during the pandemic, it has become a sanctuary for healing, growth, and mindful living. Hosted by Avik Chakraborty storyteller, survivor, and wellness advocate the platform now reaches 200K+ global listeners across 6000+ episodes, uniting voices, breaking stigma, and reminding us that every story...