In this episode, we explore how uncomfortable life changes, detours, and losses are not setbacks but opportunities for soul growth. By embracing change and seeing it as a sacred push, we can evolve spiritually. We discuss the PAUSE method for navigating change: Pause, Ask, Trust, and Honor, offering practical tips for staying grounded. The episode also includes a guided meditation to help listeners embrace change with peace and clarity. Learn how to see change as an invitation to grow and align with your higher self.

00:00 Introduction: Embracing Life's Changes

01:24 The Sacred Push: Understanding Change

01:57 Personal Reflections on Change

02:41 Navigating Loss and Endings

05:54 The Path to Soulful Change

17:04 Grounding Practices for Change

24:18 Meditation: Embracing Change with Soul Trust

In this episode, we explore the concept of 'mind anxiety' and its impact on our souls. We discuss the two types of fear—instinctive and irrational—and how irrational fear can create unnecessary anxiety. We learn simple tools to calm the anxious mind, such as box breathing and the 3-3-3 rule, and emphasize the importance of tuning into our soul's guidance. Through a story of someone making a life-changing decision and a guided meditation, we gain insights on how to discern between fear and the soul's wisdom, ultimately encouraging soul growth over mere comfort.

00:00 Introduction to Mind Anxiety

01:36 Understanding Fear: Natural vs. Irrational

03:24 Defense Mechanisms: Catastrophizing and Overgeneralizing

06:36 Tools to Calm the Anxious Mind

10:37 Soul Guidance vs. Fear

25:10 Meditation for Inner Peace

In this episode of 'Key to Soul Progress', the host delves deep into the concept of inner listening, discussing its importance for personal and spiritual growth. They explain that many search for answers externally, but true wisdom lies within. The episode covers practical strategies for tuning into this inner voice, overcoming common obstacles such as fears, external distractions, and self-doubt, and emphasizes the benefits like increased inner peace, intuition, and emotional healing. Learn how to cultivate this vital practice to align with your soul’s purpose and navigate life with greater clarity and confidence.

00:00 Introduction to Inner Listening

02:21 The Concept of Inner Listening

07:34 Barriers to Inner Listening

18:45 Benefits of Inner Listening

23:28 Cultivating Inner Listening

26:46 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

In this episode, Dr. Judith and guest Stephen Schettini explore the transition from being defensive to becoming more vulnerable. Stephen, a former Buddhist monk with over 40 years of teaching mindfulness, shares insights into how learned behaviors shape defensiveness and how true vulnerability is a natural state. They discuss the importance of self-observation, breaking down the barriers created by ego, and the role of courage and stillness in achieving authenticity. The conversation also touches on the influence of emotions over thoughts, the necessity of support systems, and finding a balance between ego and genuine self-expression. Join them as they delve into these profound topics aimed at fostering personal growth and spiritual evolution.

About Our Guest

Stephen Schettini (pronounced skettini) is a former Buddhist monk and present-day mindfulness teacher focusing on the tension between cognitive and emotional intelligence. He is author of a memoir, The Novice: How I Became a Buddhist Monk, Why I Quit and What I Learned, and the guide to mindful reflection entitled, It Begins with Silence. Stephen lives outside Montreal with his wife, stepdaughter and two cats.

TEDx Talk: http://tinyurl.com/5yv94ddh

Article (A Sense of Belonging): https://t.ly/enbnE

00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome

01:50 Understanding Defensiveness and Vulnerability

03:10 The Role of Ego and Learned Behaviors

06:41 Embracing Vulnerability and Authenticity

09:45 The Spiritual Perspective on Vulnerability

13:12 The Journey of Self-Discovery and Growth

19:40 The Importance of Community and Support

31:44 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

In this episode of the Deep Dive series, Dr. Judith welcomes Steven Schettini, a former Buddhist monk trained in the Tibetan tradition, to discuss how to move past self-doubt. They explore the roots of self-doubt, its amplification through social media, and methods for overcoming it. Steven emphasizes the importance of self-compassion, understanding learned behaviors, and the practice of active mindfulness. They conclude with advice on continuous self-reflection, cultivating inner harmony, and the significance of regular meditation practice.

About Our Guest

Stephen Schettini (pronounced skettini) is a former Buddhist monk and present-day mindfulness teacher focusing on the tension between cognitive and emotional intelligence. He is author of a memoir, The Novice: How I Became a Buddhist Monk, Why I Quit and What I Learned, and the guide to mindful reflection entitled, It Begins with Silence. Stephen lives outside Montreal with his wife, stepdaughter and two cats.

TEDx Talk: http://tinyurl.com/5yv94ddh

Article (A Sense of Belonging): https://t.ly/enbnE

00:00 Introduction to the Deep Dive Series

00:42 Meet Steven Sini: From Buddhist Monk to Mindfulness Expert

01:40 Understanding Self-Doubt in the Modern World

04:05 The Roots of Self-Doubt: Childhood and Socialization

06:21 Transforming Self-Doubt Through Self-Compassion

10:59 The Power of Meditation and Self-Observation

17:55 The Importance of Being Present

27:09 Embracing Change and Impermanence

28:53 The Essence of Playful Meditation

30:31 The Role of Self-Doubt in Our Lives

31:54 The Power of the Human Mind

33:33 The Duality of Human Nature

35:47 The Importance of Mindfulness

43:48 Active vs. Formal Meditation

49:34 The Practice of Continuity in Meditation

In this episode, we delve into the critical concept of overcoming self-deception, a subtle yet powerful barrier to soul progress. We explore self-deception using the acronym SELF - Stories, Ego, Lies, and Fear - and how each element impedes spiritual growth. Through historical examples like Galileo and Malcolm X, we learn the importance of challenging prevailing narratives, humbling the ego, and facing inner lies and fears. Practical strategies, including meditation, journaling, and seeking spiritual accountability, are provided to help listeners break free from self-deception, fostering deeper alignment with their souls and higher purposes.

00:00 Introduction to Overcoming SELF-Deception

00:59 Understanding the SELF Framework

02:21 The Power of Stories

05:04 Ego and Its Impact

10:26 The Danger of Lies

16:36 Confronting Fear

23:31 Strategies for Overcoming Self-Deception

28:06 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

In this episode, we explore an often misunderstood but powerful concept: the will of God. Discover how aligning with divine will is central to soul progress and uncover the true meaning behind the will of God as a guiding flow towards our highest purpose. Using Sir Thomas Moore's life as an example, we dive into the acronym LIFE—Love, Integrity, Flow, Evolution—to understand how to connect deeply with divine will.

Learn about the importance of living with integrity, embracing love, trusting the natural flow of life, and constantly evolving spiritually. This episode offers profound insights into overcoming ego resistance and making divine-inspired decisions for a harmonious and purposeful life.

00:00 Introduction to the Will of God

00:44 Understanding the Divine Flow

03:15 The Story of Sir Thomas More

07:10 Breaking Down the Acronym LIFE

09:13 Living with Integrity

10:18 Embracing the Flow and Evolution

17:15 Challenges and Resistance

20:15 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

This is another episode in the form of a question, in our deep dive series in Mastering Life's Adventures. My special guest is Karen DeLoach. Together, we explore the vast landscape of creativity, arts, and spirituality. Karen, an artist and art teacher, shares her insights on how creativity can serve as self-therapy and lead to overall wellness.

We discuss the common belief of 'not being an artist' and dispel those doubts by showing myriad ways to engage in creative activities—ranging from writing and music to photography and gardening. The conversation delves into how creativity can heal, enhance our souls and lives, and how fears and self-doubt often hinder this process. Join us to explore surprising avenues to unlock your creative soul to live a more fulfilled life.

00:00 Introduction to Creativity, Arts,and Spirituality

00:55 Karen's Journey and the Power of Art

01:53 Overcoming Doubts and Embracing Creativity

04:55 Exploring Various Creative Outlets

08:19 The Joy and Benefits of Creativity

10:22 Engaging in Creative Activities

20:04 The Role of Fear and Overcoming It

29:06 Final Thoughts and Encouragement