Have you ever finished a long day feeling exhausted... but realized you never actually paused long enough to notice how you were feeling?
In this episode of The Whole Pack, Melissa and Sunny sit down with holistic cat therapist, behaviorist, author, and founder of Naturally Cats, Julie-Anne Heart, for a conversation that begins with productivity and unfolds into something much deeper.
Inspired by one of Julie-Anne’s reels about productivity as emotional avoidance, they explore why so many of us stay busy instead of feeling what’s underneath, how emotional avoidance affects our nervous system, and why our animals often notice our emotional state long before we do.
The conversation also explores grief, boundaries, self-worth, emotional regulation, and the surprising lessons cats can teach us about presence, connection, and rest.
If you’ve ever felt guilty for slowing down, struggled to sit with uncomfortable emotions, or found yourself constantly “doing” instead of simply “being,” this episode is for you.
In this episode, we discuss:
Why productivity can become a coping mechanism.
The difference between healthy momentum and emotional avoidance.
Why grief and difficult emotions are so uncomfortable, both for ourselves and for those around us.
How boundaries protect our emotional and physical well-being.
What cats understand about presence that many humans have forgotten.
Why rest isn’t something we have to earn.
Practical ways to begin reconnecting with your emotions.
Julie-Anne’s favorite tool for identifying and processing emotions: the Feelings Wheel.
Timestamps
00:00 Why productivity can become emotional avoidance
06:45 What our cats teach us about rest and presence
14:30 Boundaries, grief, and emotional regulation
24:15 The Feelings Wheel and reconnecting with emotions
34:00 Final reflections and practical takeaways
Resources mentioned
Feelings Wheel
Julie-Anne recommends downloading a Feelings Wheel (also called an Emotions Wheel) as a simple way to build emotional awareness. It can help identify what you’re truly feeling beyond broad labels like “stressed” or “tired,” making it easier to process emotions instead of pushing past them.
Connect with Julie-Anne Hart
Naturally Cats
Website: naturallycats.co.uk
Instagram: @naturallycatsuk
Felines & Frequencies: @felinesandfrequencies
Julie-Anne is a holistic cat therapist, author, energy practitioner, and educator who helps cats and the people who love them through behavior support, emotional healing, animal communication, and frequency work.
Disclaimer:
This podcast is intended for educational and informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional veterinary or medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your veterinarian or a qualified professional regarding your animal’s health.
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Connect with the hosts:
Melissa Sherman – Calming Creek
Website: calmingcreek.com
Instagram: @calmingcreekhealing
Sunny Gandara – Nacho Average Dog Health Coach
Website: nachoaveragedoghealthcoach.com
Instagram: @nachoaveragedoghealthcoach
