16. The Menopause Retreat: Neo Tantra with Shari Adler

Are fatigue, burnout, and shifting hormones making you feel like your inner light is dimming? In this heartwarming and deeply grounding episode, Dr. Rachel Pope sits down with her longtime friend Shari Adler—a certified perimenopause and menopause health coach, wellness facilitator, and former Pfizer corporate leader. Shari shares her personal journey from corporate burnout and caregiver fatigue to discovering somatic practices, trauma-informed coaching, and Neo-Tantra. Together, they break down the common misconceptions surrounding Tantra, distinguishing traditional classical practices from contemporary methods that cultivate presence, breathwork, and emotional connection. Shari explains how low estrogen, sandwich-generation stress, and systemic depletion cause women to feel disconnected from their bodies—and how simple embodiment practices can restore intimacy, desire, and life force energy during perimenopause and menopause. The episode wraps up with a short, soothing live embodiment exercise you can practice anywhere. Guest Bio Shari Adler is a certified perimenopause and menopause health coach, wellness facilitator, and somatic practitioner. With 15 years of corporate leadership experience at Pfizer in people development and program management, Shari combines her corporate background with extensive training from the Integrative Women's Health Institute, The Embody Lab, and the Institute for Integrative Nutrition. She specializes in guiding women through midlife transitions using trauma-informed somatic practices, mindfulness, energy work, and Neo-Tantra. Key Takeaways The "Dimmed Light" of Midlife: Hormonal depletion paired with "sandwich generation" stress (balancing kids, aging parents, and peak career demands) frequently leads to pre-burnout, apathy, and physical exhaustion. Classical Tantra vs. Neo-Tantra: Classical Tantra (originating in the 5th century) is a rigorous, text-based spiritual study focused on mantras and deities, whereas Neo-Tantra integrates psychology, breathwork, conscious relating, and somatic movement to release stagnant energy. Tantra is Not Just for Couples: Neo-Tantric principles are fundamentally about self-connection, presence, and building internal energy—making them deeply transformative for single women and partnered individuals alike. Integrative Approach to Sexual Wellness: Somatic and energy practices work best alongside medical interventions like Menopause Hormone Therapy (MHT), offering a holistic pathway back to vitality. Redefining Pleasure: Pleasure does not require penetrative sex or orgasms; it can be as simple as feeling soft fabric against your skin, savoring chocolate, or enjoying the warmth of the sun. Upcoming Live Event Details Event Title: Awaken Your Aliveness: A Women's Workshop in Feminine Embodiment Date: October 16th Location: Cleveland, Ohio area What to Expect: Join Shari Adler, Anna Myers and Dr. Rachel Pope for a transformative, in-person gathering designed to help you slow down, build internal energy, and reconnect with your body. You'll learn simple, practical somatic and breathwork exercises that fit seamlessly into busy daily routines—giving you actionable tools to reclaim your vibrancy through perimenopause, menopause, and beyond.   Reserve Your Spot: Get Tickets on Eventbrite: bit.ly/4diQ0NO