“Being so close to nature… it is always wonderful for me to restore my perspective, my point of view.” — Renay Weissman-Stanners

When you have the power to create and inhabit your happy place wherever you are, you carry with you some protection — not only against the daily stresses of everyday life, but also the deeper anxieties and melancholy of lived and inherited trauma.

This episode of the Living Jewishly Podcasts is an instalment of What’s In Your Toolbox?, a podcast about mental health and the tools that we use to cope and to thrive. Host Bobby K. and his guest, 99.3 County FM radio host Renay Weissman-Stanners, have a candid and honest conversation about familial trauma, antisemitism, intergenerational stress, and the importance of being kind to yourself.

From the soothing nature of the sun to the relaxing art of embroidery to the importance of finding the right medication, Renay shares the most effective tools in her toolbox. Tune in to hear her story and the lessons she shares.

“The feeling of the sun immediately warms everything — and it warms up my thoughts, too.” — Renay Weissman-Stanners

This‌ ‌episode discusses:‌ ‌

• How Renay creates her own happy places within her home and her community
• How Renay discovered and grew into her Jewishness after her early religious confusion
• The incredible power of nature and music to heal, soothe, teach, and calm

Highlights:‌ ‌

00:53  Intro

02:07  “Walk Away Renay”

03:52  Prince Edward County

06:07  Creating happy places

08:14  Chaotic upbringing

10:42  Religious confusion

15:10  Antidepressants & intergenerational stress

17:17  Music

20:18  Embroidery

22:20  Family situations

27:46  RAST

31:16  Reading

Links:‌ ‌

To get in contact or learn more about Living Jewishly:

Visit‌ ‌our ‌website: https://livingjewishly.org

Follow us on Instagram: @living.jewishly

Watch us on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCO2YEegjapKpQeXG6zh6tzw

or send us an email at hello@livingjewishly.org.