In this week’s episode, while Michelle is away, Alan offers some thoughts about another barrier to our authentic living: shame and unworthiness.

Resources mentioned in this episode:
Concordia Center for Spiritual Living
New Thought, New Life - Blog by Alan
Centers for Spiritual Living
Science of Mind magazine

Weekly Reading: Living the Science of Mind, "What We Believe (continued)" - Pages 98-106 (ISBN  0-87516-627-X)

Weekly Show Notes:

“Authenticity is the daily practice of letting go of who we think we’re supposed to be and embracing who we are.” (The Gifts of Imperfection, Brene Brown, Pg. 50)

The Story of the Swan: The swan grew up amongst a flock of ducks, feeling different and unworthy, until it saw its reflection in a lake and realized its inherent worthiness. (adapted from "The Ugly Duckling" by Hans Christian Andersen) - We are all SWANS!

Brene Brown's definition of shame: "Shame is the intensely painful feeling or experience of believing that we are flawed and therefore unworthy of love and belonging." (The Gifts of Imperfection, Pg. 39)

Shame or unworthiness can prevent us from living authentically:

• Fear of expressing true emotions
• Struggling with self-care
• Seeking validation from others
• Perfectionism!

Some actions to take to release shame and unworthiness and embrace our authentic selves:

1. Create an inventory of your triggers: Awareness is the first step in transforming these feelings and reclaiming your power. Recognizing and understanding what triggers feelings of shame and unworthiness within you can help you face them head-on.
2. Share your story with a trusted person: "Shame needs three things to grow out of control in our lives: secrecy, silence, and judgment… We need to share our experience; shame loses power when it is spoken." (The Gifts of Imperfection, Pg. 40)
3. Affirm your worthiness: Regularly remind yourself of your inherent worth through affirmations, such as "I am worthy. I am loved. I am enough."

Ernest Holmes: ”You belong to the universe in which you live, you are one with the Creative Genius back of this vast array of ceaseless motion, this original flow of life" (This Thing Called You, Pg. 3).

Our worthiness is our birthright, and it is not dependent on external factors or the approval of others.

Next weeks special guest - Rev. Ryan Alexander - as we dive in April into THE POWER OF VULNERABILITY!!!

J

Join Alan Vukas and Michelle Wadleigh every Wednesdays at 12PM Eastern for conversations about practical spirituality on our Facebook Livestream

Your Co-Hosts:

Michelle Wadleigh:
Planned Happiness Institute
Center for Spiritual Living North Jersey

Alan Vukas:
New Thought, New Life - Alan's Writing and Reflections
Concordia Center for Spiritual Living

Other Resources:
Centers for Spiritual Living
Science of Mind magazine

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