3 A’s Framework for Aliveness

Kay discussed the final portion of a series on aliveness, focusing on the “3 A’s” framework which includes awareness, acceptance, and agency. She explained how agency represents growth that continues beyond these stages, creating a spiral of ongoing development and self-understanding. Kay mentioned that the podcast, which has over 470 episodes, is approaching its 11th birthday in May and is available on the Substack platform.

Agency and Feeling Alive

Kay discussed the concept of agency and its relationship to feeling alive, explaining how the words “disconnected,” “exhausted,” and “fearful” represent states before having awareness, acceptance, and agency respectively. She outlined the three components of agency as courage, choice, and creativity, using examples like a woodpecker’s creative problem-solving and the idea that people always make their best choice at any moment. Kay encouraged listeners to reflect on times when they demonstrated courage, made choices, or acted creatively, emphasizing that these actions are fundamental to experiencing agency and feeling alive.

Agency and Control Diagram Discussion

Kay discussed the opposite side of a diagram representing missing agency, focusing on feelings of overwhelm, paralysis, and suffering that arise when individuals don’t feel in control. She encouraged participants to reflect on when they feel most agency and invited them to use the chart as a tool for self-reflection when facing challenges. Kay shared a personal example of how the diagram helped her during a morning walk, demonstrating how it can provide clarity and guidance in navigating difficult situations.

Dynamic Aliveness and Money Perspectives

Kay discussed the dynamic nature of aliveness and shared insights from the book “Love Money, Money Loves You,” which describes money as beings that observe and facilitate human requests. Kay noted how people often panic when positive changes begin to happen, thinking they cannot handle the new experiences, but emphasized that they actually can manage these changes. The discussion concluded with an invitation for the audience to use the series for personal growth and experiencing life.

Workshop and Community Announcements

Kay announced plans to offer a workshop on the “3 A’s to feel alive” later in spring or summer 2026. She invited listeners to join her Dreamers and Doers community and mentioned that while her one-to-one coaching practice is currently full, interested parties can join a waiting list by responding to a series of questions. Kay also announced an upcoming series featuring interviews with the leadership of Rebels for Peace, a youth-led initiative in Chicago.

Invitations from Me

Come to the retreat that I’m hosting in September

Or, hear more about it

Come be in company with some like-minded souls

Connect with me to talk about coaching or facilitation

Enjoy some love from the pines

Love, Kay

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