Ep 163 In this episode of Journey to Your Best Self, Brian and Tara O’Neil sit down with Drew Hanson, a licensed teacher in the Urasenke tradition and founder of Boka Kuan Japanese Tea House and Garden. Together, they explore the timeless practice of chado—the Japanese tea ceremony—and how it offers a path toward mindfulness, presence, and self-discovery. Drew shares how intention, ritual, and simplicity can deepen our daily lives, and why the tea house is more than just a space—it's a sanctuary.

Whether you're a seasoned meditator or new to the art of stillness, this episode invites you to slow down, tune in, and experience the profound tranquility that lives within each cup of tea.

Takeaways

• The Japanese tea ceremony is a meditative ritual rooted in intention and presence.

• Every aspect of the tea experience is designed to awaken the senses and quiet the mind.

• Creating tranquil, intentional spaces can promote inner harmony.

• The principles of chado—harmony, respect, purity, and tranquility—can transform how we live.

• Personal growth often begins in stillness and service to others.

  
  

Timestamps(00:00) – Introduction to the Art of Tea(04:00) – Understanding the Japanese Tea Ceremony(12:48) – The Experience of Presence and Mindfulness(19:16) – Intentionality in Everyday Life(24:49) – The Role of the Teacher in Tea Practice(34:42) – The Structure and Hierarchy of Tea Practice(46:34) – The Cultural Significance of Tea in Japan(49:59) – The Essence of Matcha and Its Benefits(56:16) – The Energy Exchange in Tea Ceremonies(01:01:56) – Finding Harmony and Tranquility Through Tea

Guest LinksVisit Drew Hanson’s tea house at njgreentea.com

Connect With UsYour One Self: linktr.ee/youroneselfTara O'Neil: taraoneil.com | @taraoneil.chtInstagram: @youroneself

Ep 162 In this peaceful and enlightening episode of Journey to Your Best Self, hosts Brian and Tara O’Neil welcome Tania Ho, intuitive soul guide and founder of Museflower Retreat & Spa in Chiang Rai, Thailand. Tania shares her powerful journey from Hong Kong to Thailand, guided by intuition and a desire to create a sanctuary for healing, reflection, and spiritual growth.

Together, they explore the true essence of meditation—beyond myths and expectations—and how connecting with nature can enhance presence and emotional balance. Tania breaks down the basics of energy healing and Reiki, how to start a meditation practice that actually sticks, and the transformative potential of immersive retreats. Whether you're just starting your wellness journey or deepening your spiritual path, this conversation offers timeless tools for aligning with your highest self.

Takeaways:

• Meditation is about awareness, not perfection.
• Nature co-regulates the nervous system and deepens mindfulness.
• Energy healing reconnects us to universal life force and clarity.
• Intuition can be cultivated through consistent practices.
• Retreats offer space for deep personal transformation.

Chapters:(00:00) Meditation, Energy & Spiritual Growth
(03:07) Tania’s Journey from Hong Kong to Thailand
(09:06) Debunking Meditation Myths
(15:02) Nature’s Role in Mindfulness
(22:36) What Is Reiki & How It Heals
(30:04) Building a Lasting Meditation Habit
(40:53) Favorite Book for Creativity & Intuition
(42:58) Meditation’s Impact on the Body
(49:40) Tania’s Daily Rituals for Well-Being
(51:38) Sacred Rest Retreat Preview (Dec 2025)

Further Info & Connections:

🌸 Learn more about Tania’s work: museflowerretreat.com
📲 Follow Tania on IG: @museflowerretreat
🌿 More from Tara: taraoneil.com
✨ Explore Your One Self: linktr.ee/youroneself
📷 Follow us on IG: @youroneself
📺 Watch on YouTube: @YourOneSelf

Ep 161 In this episode, Brian and Tara O'Neil welcome hypnotherapy and manifestation expert Victoria Gallagher to discuss the power of the subconscious mind, goal setting, and the law of attraction. Victoria shares her journey into podcasting and personal growth, emphasizing the importance of specificity in manifestation and overcoming limiting beliefs. The conversation explores how hypnosis can help reprogram the subconscious, the evolution of manifestation practices, and how daily habits like meditation, visualization, and color therapy can shape success. If you've ever wanted to harness the power of the mind to achieve your dreams, this episode is for you!

Takeaways

• Manifestation requires more than just positive thinking—it’s about aligning thoughts, emotions, and actions.
• Hypnosis can help reprogram the subconscious mind for lasting transformation.
• Specificity in goal-setting is key to achieving success.
• Daily habits like meditation and journaling create a foundation for personal growth.
• Mentorship accelerates progress by revealing blind spots and guiding self-improvement.

Chapters

(00:00) Introduction to Hypnotherapy and Manifestation
(06:08) The Evolution of Victoria's Podcasting Journey
(11:59) Understanding the Law of Attraction & Manifestation
(17:54) Aligning Thoughts, Emotions & Actions for Success
(23:59) The Power of Specificity in Goal-Setting
(33:00) How Hypnosis Rewires the Subconscious Mind
(44:47) Overcoming Limiting Beliefs and Mental Blocks
(52:56) The Role of Mentorship in Personal Growth
(59:59) The Power of Color Therapy in Healing

✨ Connect with Victoria Gallagher:
🔗 Website:Believe Hypnosis
📸 Instagram:@VictoriaMGallagher

🌎 More from Your One Self:
🔗 Website & Blog:YourOneSelf.com
📲 Instagram:@YourOneSelf
📺 YouTube:Your One Self
🔗 All Links:Your One Self Linktree

🌿 Work with Tara O’Neil:
🔗 Website:TaraO’Neil.com
📸 Instagram:@TaraONeil.CHT