In this episode, Alan flys solo while Michelle is traveling on vacation. Be a part of this week's conversation about how, "Boundaries Build Bridges."

Setting healthy boundaries is essential for building and maintaining authentic and fulfilling relationships. When we set boundaries, we are communicating our needs and values to others, which allows for a deeper level of understanding and respect.

Resources mentioned in this episode:

Book:  Setting Boundaries Will Set You Free: The Ultimate Guide to Telling the Truth, Creating Connection, and Finding Freedom by Nancy Levin

Concordia Center for Spiritual Living

Centers for Spiritual Living

Science of Mind magazine

Weekly Reading: Living the Science of Mind, "What We Believe (continued)" - Pages 91-98 (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)

Clarifying our boundaries can lead to more authentic and fulfilling relationships:

• Builds Trust
• Honors Authenticity
• Reduces Resentment
• Encourages Mutual Respect

Boundaries are not about building walls or shutting people out, but rather about creating a safe space where both parties can feel respected and heard.

Its not possible to have compassion without boundaries and accountability!

There are several different types of boundaries, including emotional, physical, and time boundaries.

Each of us already have boundaries! It is up to us to discover and uncover them. Ask yourself:

• What am I feeling? (Emotionally and physically)
• What do I need/want in this situation, at this time?
• What is important? What do I value in this situation for myself/all? 

You can easily begin where you feel irritated, frustrated - a boundary has been crossed.

Clarifying/setting boundaries can sometimes be difficult, but it is necessary for our own well-being and for the health of our relationships.

Vulnerability is the birthplace of love, belonging, joy, courage, empathy, and creativity. It is the source of hope, empathy, accountability, and authenticity. If we want greater clarity in our purpose or deeper and more meaningful spiritual lives, vulnerability is the path.” - Brené Brown, Daring Greatly

Considerations when setting and communicating boundaries:

1. Be clear and concise
2. Use "I" statements.
3. Be willing to negotiate.

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

 In this episode, Alan and Michelle talk about "masks." While we may wear masks in celebration, for fun, and to be safe. Masks that we wear for our hearts may keep us safe until they don’t. Vulnerability empowers us to drop the mask and let our light shine.

“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)

Triggers to Mask Up:
1.Fear of rejection
2.External pressures
3.Lack of self-awareness
4.Self-doubt
5.Internalized messages

Dropping the Masks and Bushels
-Spiritual living is one of subtraction
-Masks are worn for different reasons, physical and otherwise
-Hiding our true selves can become the norm and prevent us from expressing ourselves fully. They can become our identity which is NOT our authentic self.
-Hiding our light keeps us stuck in the past and from experiencing connection and intimacy

Examples of Masks We May Wear:

1. Hiding our true feelings and emotions – presenting a false front to the world and stuffing our anger or sadness so others don’t see it. I’m OK when I’m not OK.
2. Pretending to be someone you're not.
3. Avoiding conflict - Avoiding any disagreements or uncomfortable situations. Staying quiet when someone is mistreating you of not speaking up when you disagree
4. People-pleasing - prioritize the needs and desires of others over their own. Saying Yes when you don’t want to or sacrificing yourself to be accommodating
5. Keeping secrets - People often keep secrets from others, whether it's because they're ashamed of something or because they fear being judged.  When we are not fully honest and transparent with others, it can lead to feelings of guilt and disconnection.

Means to Dropping the Masks
-Vulnerability is the path!

Vulnerability is the birthplace of love, belonging, joy, courage, empathy, and creativity. It is the source of hope, empathy, accountability, and authenticity. If we want greater clarity in our purpose or deeper and more meaningful spiritual lives, vulnerability is the path.” - Brené Brown, Daring Greatly

- Courageously allowing hidden parts of ourselves to be seen
-Feeling our feelings and clarifying our boundaries
-Practicing being vulnerable and becoming less sensitive to the opinions of others

Affirmation: "I have the courage to be vulnerable and let my light shine"

Join us each week for conversations about practical spirituality where Alan Vukas and Michelle Wadleigh welcome a cast of spiritual teachers and authors to discuss spiritual, mental and emotional tools to live your au

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

In this week's episode, Alan and Michelle continue their discussion around this month's practice for living out loud...Cultivating Authenticity. Listen as they discuss  things that can hold us back from expressing ourselves authentically, and mindsets to adopt to support us to let our light shine.

“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)

Possible Barriers to living authentically:

1. Fear of rejection: Fear of being rejected by others can prevent individuals from expressing their true selves, especially if their beliefs and values differ from those around them.
2. External pressures: External pressures from family, friends, or society can also inhibit us. This can be especially true for individuals from marginalized communities who may face discrimination or stigma for expressing their authentic identities.
3. Lack of self-awareness: Without self-awareness, individuals may engage in behaviors or make choices that are not in line with their true selves.
4. Self-doubt: Self-doubt can lead individuals to settle for less than what they want or to avoid opportunities that could lead to personal growth and fulfillment.
5. Internalized messages: Internalized messages, such as negative self-talk or messages from past experiences, can also prevent individuals from living authentically.

Movie Mentioned: Creed III

Audiobook Mentioned: A Course in Miracles Made Easy by Alan Cohen

Steps to Embracing Yourself:

1.   Cultivate Awareness of Who We Are

Your soul belongs to the universe. Your mind is an outlet through which the Creative Intelligence of the universe seeks fulfillment.” Ernest Holmes, This Thing Called You, Pg. 4.2

• Domestication and meeting expectations
• Self-inquiry and spiritual practices
• Daily Authenticity Checklist

2.   Cultivate Compassion for Self

• Develop Self-Compassion...
• Practicing gratitude and acceptance to embrace all parts

Book Mentioned: A Fearless Heart: How the Courage to Be Compassionate Can Transform Our Lives, by Thupten Jinpa

3.   Cultivate Courage - Deciding to Be Vulnerable

Join us each week for conversations about practical spirituality where Alan Vukas and

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

In this show, Alan and Michelle begin discussing this month's practice for living out loud...Cultivating Authenticity. They discuss ideas from Alan's article in the March issue of the Science of Mind magazine. (Cultivating Authenticity From Beneath the Clay, March 2023, Pg. 104-107)
   
“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)

• What is authenticity? Its a broad topic with room to discuss.
• What does it cost to be inauthentic?
• The story of the Golden Buddha as a metaphor for authenticity
• Know Thyself...Tools for self-inquiry, such as meditation and therapy
• Self-inquiry practice of asking oneself:
  • What am I feeling?
  • What do I need or truly desire?
  • What is important?"

Daily Authenticity Checklist - Subscribe at www.livingoutloud.show
   
Join us each week for conversations about practical spirituality where Alan Vukas and Michelle Wadleigh welcome a cast of spiritual teachers and authors to discuss spiritual, mental and emotional tools to live your authentic life out loud.

Facebook Livestream:
https://www.facebook.com/livingoutloudshow
Streams LIVE each Wednesday at 12PM Eastern

Links mentioned:
Centers for Spiritual Living
Science of Mind magazine
Weekly Reading: Living the Science of Mind, "The New Thought Movement" - Pages 64-68 (ISBN  0-87516-627-X)

Visit our website at www.livingoutloud.show to subscribe and be notified when the newest podcast is available.

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

In this show, Alan and Michelle discuss how curiosity can help us uncover the "pearls" that life's irritations are offering to us. They discuss various practices  and questions we can ask ourselves that can help us when the instinct may be to run.

Weekly Reading: Living the Science of Mind, "A Brief History of New Thought" - Pages 58-63 (ISBN  0-87516-627-X)

Links mentioned:
Centers for Spiritual Living

Science of Mind magazine 

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Join us each week for conversations about practical spirituality where Alan Vukas and Michelle Wadleigh welcome a cast of spiritual teachers and authors to discuss spiritual, mental and emotional tools to live your authentic life out loud.

Facebook Livestream: 

https://www.facebook.com/livingoutloudshow 

Streams LIVE each Wednesday at 12PM Eastern

Visit our website at www.livingoutloud.show to subscribe and be notified when the newest podcast is available.

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

In our first weekly episode, we welcome Rev. Soni Cantrell-Smith as our first guest.

Reverend Soni Cantrell-Smith is the founding Minister of Ahava Center for Spiritual Living, Lexington, Kentucky. She is steeped in the principles of Science of Mind and is a lifelong student of the philosophy.

Rev. Soni is often heard saying, "anytime we think we have all the answers, we are not asking the right questions." Curiosity has been the driver in Rev. Soni’s life. Sometimes to a greater understanding of herself and the world and sometimes to her detriment.

She currently resides in Lexington with her wife Louise, two onery cats and a border collie that doesn’t like sheep. She can be reached by email: [email protected]

Links:

Visit our website at www.livingoutloud.show to subscribe and be notified when the newest podcast is available.

Centers for Spiritual Living

Science of Mind magazine 

Join us each week for conversations about practical spirituality where Alan Vukas and Michelle Wadleigh welcome a cast of spiritual teachers and authors to discuss spiritual, mental and emotional tools to live your authentic life out loud.

Facebook Livestream: 

https://www.facebook.com/livingoutloudshow 

Streams LIVE each Wednesday at 12PM Eastern

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

In this first episode -  "Episode:0," we make our introductions: who are we, what this show is about, and what you can expect in future episode.

Centers for Spiritual Living Global Theme: Living Out Loud!

Science of Mind magazine 

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Join us for our weekly conversations about practical spirituality where Alan Vukas and Michelle Wadleigh welcome a cast of spiritual teachers and authors to discuss spiritual, mental and emotional tools to live their authentic life out loud.

Facebook Livestream: https://www.facebook.com/livingoutloudshow 

Streams LIVE each Wednesday at 12PM Eastern.

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