Contemplative Living

This week on the Contemplative Living podcast, we take a look at how to foster a strong mindset. Rather than clinging to less-than-positive ideas, just observe them without taking part in them. Meditation can make attaining this easier by allowing us to rest between our thoughts. Taking time to focus on the moment rather than getting caught up in anxious thoughts and emotions is vital. Accept your ideas as indicators that lead you back to what's happening. Let go of any worries and be conscious and relaxed in the present. A Confident Mind involves cultivating self-respect, accepting our natural cognizance, and intentionally turning towards it rather than letting our customary reactions take over.

This week’s Contemplative Living Podcast examines the Joy Within. Joy within us is inexhaustible and ever-present, even when we can't sense it. It is best understood through direct experience. Connecting to our inner life with kindness provides an opportunity for renewal and emotional healing. Our essential joy resides not only in us but also in all sentient beings; it is unconditional and allows for freedom and interconnectedness.

In this week’s Contemplative Living Podcast we look deeply into the bonds of companionship. Admirable friends complete our spiritual life, bringing the power of companionship when we share our sadness, joys, and fears with each other. Interpersonal connection is just as important for our health as food and exercise; it involves listening closely and showing genuine care through eye contact, touching, and expressions of encouragement. Realizing all our relationships fall within a spectrum of interconnectedness helps us to identify who needs uplifting, who needs direction, and who needs a good chuckle.

The ability to control our attention is key to achieving personal power. Our thoughts and emotions are constantly vying for our attention, but it's up to us to decide where we focus our mental energy. By intentionally directing our attention toward what truly matters, we can exert greater influence over our own lives.

This week's Contemplative Living Podcast explores ways to Cultivate Awe. A meaningful facet to our spiritual journey, awe is a powerful emotion that triggers prosocial behavior and can be accessed through appreciation of beauty. There is a magnificence to the world such that it can be conceptualized in any number of ways; try and let yourself recognize this complexity and allow it to fill you with wonder. By recognizing the wonders present all around us, we become humble and engaged in understanding reality. Don't overlook the practicality of cultivating awe - be thankful for even the spontaneous, as their presence will eventually bring about deeper growth within your practice. 

This week on the Contemplative Living podcast, we share our insight into living life fearlessly. We don't have to face the vast sea alone. Keeping our minds steady, clear and present-focused can help us in this endeavor. Choosing to focus on the good that comes with being alive helps balance out any difficulties we might face. When we live fearlessly, we develop a taste of limitless love, wisdom, compassion, and joy. Believing in our relationships with everyone gives us the confidence to take on challenges. To truly live without fear requires letting go of the ego's presence and trusting in a greater wisdom than our own.

On this week’s edition of the Contemplative Living podcast, we take a look at loving the world. Happiness and contentment come from cherishing your own joys and self-care, as well as looking out for the well-being of this world we live upon. We can give back to the world we all inhabit with our talents and energy; together, let us be agents of personal growth and global change. When we nurture a deep bond with Earth and share empathy among ourselves, a sense of strength and alertness will follow. Consider what you want for this world you reside in - it is yours to love!

This week’s Contemplative Living Podcast examines Happiness for Another’s Good Experience. Sometimes, we may not agree with someone else’s lifestyle; however, we can still grant them kindness by celebrating their successes and generous acts. Letting go of our need to dictate what is right opens up a space for us to appreciate instead of envy others. If we take the time to truly observe another person, perhaps something within them will begin to grow and flourish. Let us step out of the way and allow happiness when that happens.

This week, Contemplative Living will take a deep dive into the topic of liking yourself. Embark on a journey to discover your true self and embrace all of you. Acknowledge the difficult feelings and open up pathways to obtain deeper insight. Disregard any negative conceptions; they may be realistic but are not necessarily factual. Allocate some time daily to relax, reflect and nurture yourself. Refrain from trusting in your own thinking – it’s nothing more than mere thoughts! Self-acceptance is a crucial factor to becoming content with who you are – but what would you be if you had faith in yourself and liked who you are?

On this week’s edition of Contemplative Living podcast, we take a profound look into the enigmatic aspects of ritual. Rituals are pervasive in the spiritual and religious practices of many cultures worldwide since ancient times. Not only do they provide us with a way to connect with the sacred or broaden our perspective, but they also help in weaving a sense of presence, unity, and purpose into our everyday lives. With rituals, it becomes easier for us to put aside negative habits and embrace growth and change. They promote focus and dedication towards our goals, enabling us to experience a feeling of being part and parcel of something greater.