Despite creating our reality in the present, who we are is heavily influenced not only by our direct line, but the generations the proceeded those in collective memory. What would we have done if born in another time? How do we act still somewhat in accordance with the patterns of our ancients?

It seems easy to build relationships with people who are agreeable. Showing the same kindness and respect to those who dish out criticism and harsh words, is a whole different ballgame. Is it worth it? Virginia and Paul delve into why tapping into our higher selves builds a better world for ourselves and for others.

Building good relationships is one of the most exhausting challenges we will ever face. But when we succeed in this goal, our lives get richer and better.

To believe or not to believe in a higher power. Paul and Virginia examine the driving forces of traditional morality, karma, atheism and how these elements support or don’t support the organization of our universe.

Different cultures and tribes around the world have produced diverse religious concepts of what ultimate reality looks like. Scientists and philosophers have contributed their understanding of how the universe came into being and how it is governed. There is no simple consensus on these issues. However, if we believe in natural laws of science or morality, it begs the question of how these laws function. Can laws evolve by random chance, or does it require a universal intelligence to maintain order and structure?

Our world has changed dramatically in the past 100 years. This is especially evident in our attitudes towards sex and romance.  Now we understand that these sizzling emotions impact young people at dating ages, as well as children and older people.

Paul and Virginia talk about the flamboyant dynamics and implications that sex has on us, both in our personal space and in our professional lives. Since Freud, and after the sexual revolution (hook-up culture) – sexual intimacy has been evolving quickly. What role does our sexuality play in our everyday interactions? Where have we disassociated from our feelings, because of social pressures and/or fear of being perceived as perverse.

How should we behave ethically in this new age? How do these influences affect our close friendships?

Our ancestors lived with scarcity ever since ancient times. Many people in the world still experience this today. However, those who have an abundance of food and money still retain deep fears that bad times will return suddenly. Is this attitude an advantage, or does a scarcity mindset prevent us from dreaming of a better future that is reachable only if we aspire for the best that we can become?

Paul and Virginia talk about how we are meant to carry each other through good times and hard times. What is the measure of happiness and what do our souls really long for in the pursuit of abundance? And finally, should we still practice frugality in times of abundance?

Productivity, recreation, success – driving aspects of our days. The modern era of the 21st century has us booked by the hour, our attention stretched in different directions simultaneously and as a result, often out of sync with our body’s natural rhythms and the seasons of life.

How should we pace ourselves?  Can we afford to go all out in our endeavours?  Or should we schedule regular breaks?  Virginia and Paul distinguish the difference between under functioning and over functioning.

It seems easy to build relationships with people who are agreeable. Showing the same kindness and respect to those who dish out criticism and harsh words, is a whole different ballgame. Is it worth it? Virginia and Paul delve into why tapping into our higher selves builds a better world for ourselves and for others.

Building good relationships is one of the most exhausting challenges we will ever face. But when we succeed in this goal, our lives get richer and better.

How does caring for ourselves look? Paul and Virginia share a bit about themselves and how caring for themselves was influenced and developed. Is caring for yourself compatible with caring for other people? Should you put other people ahead of yourself?

On the first episode of Blackberry Abbey Conversations, Virginia and Paul get right to the heart of what this podcast hopes to inspire – how to walk confidently in life.

Our fast-paced world makes it hard to have deep conversations that reveal, teach and honour our individual journeys in life. Virginia and Paul illustrate the importance of taking time to have conversations that we are fully engaged in, and thus effectively communicating.

Societal concepts, undercurrents, cultural and gender stereotypes are a few of the factors that Virginia and Paul explore in this episode. Conversations are at the heart of developing wonderful, lasting relationships.