Sexy Spirituality

Sexy Spirituality Episode #22

The Shame and Blame Game

Hosts

Lezli Goodwin

Sonia Byrne

Opening Chat

Sonia and Lezli chat about what they are binge watching to get through the long January.

The Shame and Blame Game

• We live in a culture that encourages blame and shame, and it can be hypnotizing.
• For most of us, we can still vividly remember early experiences of shame.
• Shame (the feeling that I am bad, as opposed to I did something bad) is often turned out at someone else as blame. It can also be turned inward, leading to withdrawl and a drop in energy.
• Spiritual practice and study can help us replace the knee-jerk shame reaction with a healthier approach, but it takes dedication. The more we practice, the easier it is to choose differently.

Something Good

Sonia

I am offering one-on-one coaching packages for spiritual entrepreneurs. Find out more at www.soniabyrne.com

Lezli

I am teaching another round of Releasing the Rocks, my two-session workshop that helps you release old emotions and live a life that is more free. This version is in person in Phoenix. Find out more and register at www.newvisioncsl.org

We'll see you February 11 for our next episode of Sexy Spirituality. Share your thoughts with us at [email protected].

Sexy Spirituality Episode #21

Fierce Vulnerability

Hosts

Lezli Goodwin

Kimjera Whittington

Guest Host: Brian Akers

Opening Chat

We chat about Thrive CSL, Kimjera's brand new community and how the first couple of Sunday Celebrations have gone.

Fierce Vulnerability

• Being a spiritual leader requires fierce vulnerability, especially when facing physical or mental health challenges.
• The New Thought teaching can encourage rugged individualism, which can be very lonely. Instead, it is incumbent upon spiritual leaders to model authenticity and integrity, asking for support when we need it. This makes it okay for congregants and community members to do the same.
• Being able to acknowledge our strengths and weaknesses without fear of judgment is essential!
• There is still cultural residue in Science of Mind that we should be able to pray it away, especially ministers, but there is power in going through the human condition and sharing from the position of spiritual principle.
• You learn about your ministry in providing access to people to see who you are when you are in challenge, and inviting the spiritual work in your community.
• We don't rule out praying the condition away, but being free from discord doesn't mean being free from the environment. Healing isn't always physical cure -- Spirit is bigger than that.
• Being fierce about all of this means not caring about peoples' opinions about all of this. I don't care if you think being honest about my needs and experiences means I'm weak. I'm going to share it anyway, and model healthy, loving community support.
• Our teaching is less about eliminating every irregularity and more about being able to face whatever comes with a great deal of ease and grace. So much of that requires reaching out for support and love when we need it.

Something Good

Kimjera

CSL Thrive is offering a three-week class on Mondays, 6:30-8:00 PM PST, February 4, 11 & 18 via Zoom technology (available worldwide). Explore basic spiritual practices together as a commnity. $49.00 Find out more and register at www.thrivecsl.org

Brian I'm ready to relaunch the "It's Really Real" project, exploring what happens when a middle aged white guy really lives these principles and tries to build organic community. Join the It's Really Real Facebook group. Soon, itsreallyreal.org will be relaunching.

Lezli

This March, I'm releasing a new BOOK! If you want to be a part of the Launch Team making this happen, you can join in the fun. Find out more and register at www.lezligoodwin/launchteam

We'll see you February 4 for our next episode of Sexy Spirituality. Share your thoughts and ideas with us at [email protected].

Sexy Spirituality Episode #20

My Funny Valentine:

Learning to Love Our Unlovable Spots

Hosts

Lezli Goodwin

Sonia Byrne

Opening Chat

Sonia and Lezli chat about their New Year's intentions to exercise more. Sonia has been at the indoor track, and Lezli has been doing Body Groove. It's all about feeling good with whatever you're doing.

My Funny Valentine

• As Valentine's Day approaches, it's very apparent how much pressure we put on ourselves to match up to societal expectations and to "fix" anything that we perceive is wrong with us.
• The messages speak to appearance, body shape, money, gifts, sexual expression, ability level, age and so much more.
• Thankfully, we are seeing an improvement in representation of a wider cross-section of society in media.
• Each co-host shares things about themselves that were a self-love challenge: Sonia with her height, Lezli with her curves and bisexuality.
• Deciding that our parts are lovable is the biggest step to being lovable. Once we accept ourselves, the rest of the world falls in line.

Something Good

Sonia

I am launching a book study on January 28th, studying You Can Heal Your Life by Lousie Hay. $89.00, happening on line. Find out more at www.soniabyrne.com

Lezli

I have an exciting (and secret) new project launching soon, and you can be a part of it! Find out more and register at www.lezligoodwin.com/launchteam

We'll see you January 28 for our next episode of Sexy Spirituality. Share your thoughts with us at [email protected].

Sexy Spirituality Episode #19

Our Sacred Worth

Hosts

Lezli Goodwin

Sonia Byrne

Guest Host: Kevin Ross

Opening Chat

Sonia and Kevin discuss the best parts of the Parliament of the World's Religions, including sharing spiritual practices, exploring social justice and catching up with friends from all over the planet. https://parliamentofreligions.org/

Our Sacred Worth

• Rev. Kevin Ross, our guest host, shares about his work at Unity of Sacramento, helping people to see and accept their own sacred worth.
• There is a message that we are unworthy or worthless, picked up from media and culture, and we need to unlearn that.
• Each of us is made in the likeness and image of a Creator that brought them forth and is thus inherently valuable, imbued with sacred worth -- not because they have done anything or earned anything, but just because they are.
• "I am a unique, unrepeatable miracle of God." Rev. Johnnie Coleman. We are born worthy.
• We express this element of sacred worth with people by treating them as if they are inherently worthy. Rev. Kevin shared about the grocery project his Center does each year, raising money and then surprising people by paying for their Christmas groceries and gifts. It's essential that this form of giving comes from a place of valuing one another on a fundamental level.
• Some liturgy in our culture can leave us feeling spiritually violated, with unworthy, "worm of the dust" teachings. For Rev. Kevin, that is sacrilegious. Jesus the Christ has had some pretty bad spokespeople, but those original teachings of Christ Consiouness are still valuable and valid in today;s world.
• We are committed to building a consciousness where everybody recognizes their own worth.
• In spiritual community, we have varying levels of spiritual evolvement. But we seek to awaken and inspire people to recognize their divine nature.

Something Good

Sonia

I am launching a book study on January 28th, studying You Can Heal Your Life by Lousie Hay. $89.00, happening on line. Find out more at www.soniabyrne.com

Kevin

Kevin is featured in the February edition of Science of Mind Magazine, covering the Unity of Sacramento's work on healing the relationship between the community and law enforcement. January 30, I'll be at First Unity Church in St. Petersburg, Florida with the entire Leadership Council of the Association of Global New Thought. Come join us!

Lezli

I am running two new sections of Releasing the Rocks, my two-day workshop facilitating emotional release and deeper forgiveness. one section is on Zoom, available world wide, and one is in person in Phoenix. Find out more and register at www.lezligoodwin/onlineclasses

We'll see you January 21 for our next episode of Sexy Spirituality, "My Funny Valentine: Learning to Love Your Unlovable Spots." Share your thoughts with us at [email protected].

Sexy Spirituality Episode #18

The Spirituality of the Law

Hosts

Lezli Goodwin

Kimjera Whittington

Sonia Byrne

Guest Host: Sara Awad

Opening Chat

We share the fun of holiday baking, including putting our teenagers to work making cookies and fudge.

The Spirituality of the Law

• When we think of spiritual centers, we generally think of what happens on the platform on Sundays. But in the modern world of non-profits, our ministers are also expected to be CEOs. With little or no legal training, ministers are expected to learn on the job -- but there is a better way.
• Centers for Spiritual Living offers a legal team to help, as well as a series of classes to help ministers and their Boards run smoothly BEFORE a problem happens.
• In the US, Centers for Spiritual Living are 501c3 organizations.
• Can Centers fund raise or make money without generating a really large tax bill. There are some wonderful exceptions for non[profits.
• Volunteer Exceptions: When all of the work is performed by volunteers, it's tax-free, even when it's a competitive business. Volunteers can't be paid or accept tips at all.
• Convenience Exception: When activity is conducted for the convenience of our members, it's tax free. We can't advertise or compete with outside businesses, but if we operate just for our own people, it's free from business tax. (Sales tax may still apply.)
• Passive Income Exception: Anything passive, we don't pay any tax on it. Rentals are a huge example of that. Any income derived from rental of real property is tax-free, which is a good tax=free source of income. This counts for parking lots, as well. Services are taxed on a normal rate, so be aware of that. Remember, it has to be completely passive.
• Operations can be a real challenge, especially for new Centers. CSL is creating a Head Start program for new Centers, making sure their governing documents are in working order from the very beginning.
• Crises are caused by issues with Policy & Procedure Manuals, with Centers only realizing they need a policy when something unexpected happens. We see issues with situations like challenges with emotional support animals, contract employees who post on social media ideas that are inappropriate, questionable states of dress on Sundays and more.
• Home Office is developing a template for a global Policies & Procedures Manual, which they hope will be available by the end of the year.
• Legal 101 for Ministers is a class that is offered, along with Legal Academy for Boards and Ministers.
• Liability with volunteers is a huge issue, and you need to screen volunteers the same way you screen regular employees.
• Lezli's Center puts every volunteer that works with youth through a full security check, using Trak-1, https://portal.trak-1.com/
• Political Involvement can be an interesting issue. Centers can't participate in partisan political activities, supporting or opposing a candidate or party for political office. We CAN work on issues, with lobbying (petitions, calls to action, education, etc.) CSL encourages Centers to get involved with social engagement.

Something Good

Sonia

We are scheduling 2019 sessions of Business & Branding, a Spiritual Entrepreneurship Program for Practitioner Success. $379, which includes 2 coaching sessions. If you are interested in our next class, you can find out more at www.soniabyrne.com

Kimjera

Center for Spiritual Living Murietta Valley's first Sunday Celebration will be on January 13 at Redhawk Elementary in South Temecula. The youth ministry will be available, so bring the kiddos! Come join us! Find out more at www.thrivecsl.org or check us out on Facebook.

Sara

The CSL Member Council is currently offering a comprehensive legal training academy as part of it's Conscious Centers Success Series (I teach it). In this course, you will learn how to manage the everyday legal concerns that matter the most to your center's daily operations. We especially love to work with new centers and centers that are in transition! The course is provided on a love offering basis and no center is ever turned away due to inability to pay. Getting enrolled is easy - simply reach out to the CSL Member Council at 720-279-8979 or [email protected].

Lezli

If you have a message you'd like to share, join us for Podcast 101, a four-session Zoom class that will walk you through everything you need to launch your own podcast quickly, easily and inexpensively. Just $199, this class includes a 45-minute one-on-one coaching session. This round begins on January 30, 7PM EST! Find out more and register at www.lezligoodwin/onlineclasses

We'll see you January 14 for our next episode of Sexy Spirituality. Share your thoughts with us at [email protected].

Sexy Spirituality Episode #17

The Revolution Resolution

Hosts

Lezli Goodwin

Kimjera Whittington

Sonia Byrne

Opening Chat

As we enter into New Year's Eve, Lezli, Kimjera and Sonia chat about their plans. Lezli and Kimjera are planning quiet nights at home snuggling poolside with family. Sonia is looking forward to bundling up and heading to her terrace to watch the gorgeous St. John's fireworks.

The Resolution Revolution

• We've been practicing resolution setting for about 4,000 years, beginning with the Babylonians. That took place in spring, with the planting of the crops.
• In more recent history, John Wesley (founder of Methodism) encouraged annual covenant renewal services to bring in the New Year in an interactive way.
• Centers often have New Year's events. Kimjera's Center, CSL Murietta Valley, is hosting an intention setting gathering.
• We can sometimes set ridiculous resolutions that don't stick because they are unrealistic and negative.
• Switching from resolutions to setting intentions helps us stay positive. Think about what you're inviting in rather than fixing something that's broken. It's easy and you are more likely to make a real change, in a natural and organic way.
• The Resolution Revolution is in using positive language. Deprivation sets our amygdala into high-jack mode. It creates stress and distress. Being positive and realistic helps us actually make real change.
• Making too many resolutions, or unrealistic resolutions, sets us up to feel like failures.
• Instead, think about what you want to have!
• Kimjera's word for the year is THRIVING!
• Sonia's word for the year is COLLABORATE!
• Lezli's Word(s) for the year are OWNING IT!
• Vision boarding can help you make your resolution real!

Something Good

Sonia

If you love Louise Hay like I love Louise Hay, join me for a Zoom book study on her classic book, "You Can Heal Your Life." January 28, six-sessions for 90 minutes each. Find out more at www.soniabyrne.com

Kimjera

Center for Spiritual Living Murietta Valley is offering a New Year's Day meditation and intention-setting session to start the year off right. Our first Sunday Celebration will be on January 13 at Redhawk Elementary in South Temecula. The youth ministry will be available, so bring the kiddos! Come join us! Find out more at www.thrivecsl.org or check us out on Facebook.

Lezli

If you have a message you'd like to share, join us for Podcast 101, a four-session Zoom class that will walk you through everything you need to launch your own podcast quickly, easily and inexpensively. Just $199, this class includes a 45-minute one-on-one coaching session. Find out more and register at www.lezligoodwin/onlineclasses

We'll see you January 6 for our next episode of Sexy Spirituality, "The Law of Spirituality" Share your thoughts with us at [email protected].

Sexy Spirituality Episode #16

Manifesting Less Stress

Hosts

Lezli Goodwin

Kimjera Whittington

Sonia Byrne

Opening Chat

Lezli celebrated Yule on Friday, the Pagan winter solstice. She had a quiet gathering with family around a fire, calling back the sun and warmth with food, fun and intentions for the new year. Sonia shared about Tig's Eve, a Newfoundland tradition that is different from anywhere else in Canada, where friends gather to kick off the holiday season.

Manifesting Less Stress

• We can get stuck in the mode of stress, even though we know that Spirit has us and we're sourced and supported.
• During the holidays, there is a lot of energy around family, wrapping gifts, etc.
• Sometimes experiencing less stress is about realizing when you need to stop and take a breath.
• We're big on meditation, but at this time of year it can be helpful to plan additional calming, centering activities
• Proactive, Planned and Prepared! yoga, group meditation, going for walks, structured calming activities can really help. Even if you only make it to some of those activities, it really helps to build those gentle activities in.
• Mindless, creative activities can help, too! Coloring books, baking, crocheting, beading, even Netflix. Lezli has been painting a lot more than usual. Give yourself the space to do things that just feel good.
• Classic Zen saying, "You should meditate an hour a day, unless you're busy. Then you should meditate two hours a day!"
• Mind-Body-Spirit: taking care of ALL of ourselves.
• Take advantage of the healing services and meditations your local spiritual community offers during the season, especially if you are grieving or struggling. Just knowing you have positive activities to look forward to can carry you through difficult moments.
• Moving into gratitude can help us feel more centered as well. Make a list of 5 things you are thankful for. Our brain won't allow us to be in both gratitude and something else -- it helps us release anger, fear or any other emotion.
• If we have a sense that something is going to be stressful, it can be helpful to anticipate it and plan a response that won't make it worse. Practice the response, so you can feel good about it. It can protect you, especially when you are tired or not feeling well.
• Remember, other people's opinions or judgments don't actually have anything to do with you! You can honor their right to their own opinion without accepting it as our own truth.
• We don't have to attend every fight we are invited to!

Something Good

Sonia

We're kicking off another round of "Business & Branding: A Spiritual Entrepreneurship Program for Practitioner Success" on January 10. Designed for Healing arts practitioners, coaches and spiritual practitioners, this interactive Zoom class will give you the tools to shine your light more brightly in the world, including pricing, talking about your offerings, creating marketing materials and more. $379 (includes two 45 minute coaching sessions: a $300 value). Find out more at www.soniabyrne.com

Kimjera

Center for Spiritual Living Murietta Valley is offering a New Year meditation and intention-setting session to start the year off right. Our first Sunday Celebration will be on January 13. Come join us! Find out more at www.thrivecsl.org or check us out on Facebook.

Lezli

I'm offering more rounds of Releasing the Rocks, a two-session workshop that helps you learn to release the stored emotion that's holding you back. We have an in-person class in Phoenix and some online options via Zoom as well. Just $45, includes a recorded meditation and journaling pages. Find out more at www.lezligoodwin/onlineclasses

We'll see you December 30 for our next episode of Sexy Spirituality, "The Resolution Revolution." Share your thoughts with us at [email protected].

Sexy Spirituality Episode #16

Fostering Forgiveness

Hosts

Lezli Goodwin

Kimjera Whittington

Sonia Byrne

Opening Chat

Christmas decorating is in full swing, except at Sonia's house. Buddy the cat tried to eat her tree, so it went back in the box after 36 seconds. Lezli's cat is uninterested in her tree. Kimjera's tree is protected from the dogs by a security gate. (Which, by the way, also protects her tree from Lezli who can't open the gate.)

Fostering Forgiveness

• During the holiday season, we tend to see a proliferation of movies that focus on the heartwarming aspects of coming together and forgiveness.
• Lezli offers the embarrassing fact that Love Actually is her favorite Christmas movie. You can watch it and mock her HERE.
• How do we know if our upset is actually a sign of needing to forgive ourselves?
• If we are noticing the same problem or irritation coming up in multiple situations, maybe it's something we need to forgive in ourselves.
• Perhaps we need to consider the idea from Colin Tipping's Radical Forgiveness that there is a gift in whatever happened. Even though it was painful, it brought us to where we are today, and that's valuable. Check out the book and bonus materials HERE.
• The more we feel we are owed an apology, the more likely that there is something we need to forgive ourselves. That idea itself might be upsetting, but it rings true.

Something Good

Sonia

We're kicking off another round of "Business & Branding: A SPiritual Entrepreneurship Program for Practitioner Success" on January 10. Designed for Healing arts practitioners, coaches and spiritual practitioners, this interactive Zoom class will give you the tools to shine your light more brightly in the world, including pricing, talking about your offerings, creating marketing materials and more. $379 (includes two 45 minute coaching sessions: a $300 value). Find out more at www.soniabyrne.com

Kimjera

Center for Spiritual Living Murietta Valley is offering a New Year meditation and intention-setting session to start the year off right. Find out more at www.trivecsl.org or check us out on Facebook.

Lezli

I'm offering Podcasting 101, four-session interactive Zoom class to help you learn everything you need to start your own podcast: format, equipment, recording, editing, distribution and more. Class starts January 30, 7:00 PM EST. $199, includes one 45 minute coaching session. Find out more at www.lezligoodwin/onlineclasses

We'll see you December 24 for our next episode of Sexy Spirituality, "Manifesting Less Stress." Share your thoughts with us at [email protected].

Sexy Spirituality podcast Episode 15:

Spirituality and Diversity

Co-Hosts

Lezli Goodwin

Sonia Byrne

Kimjera Whittington

Special guest host: Tracy Brown

Check in:

Kimjera has announced the creation of a brand new spiritual community, Center for Spiritual Living Murietta Valley!

Spirituality and Diversity:

• Diversity is just God being God, showing up as the natural profusion of life. All of nature is diverse. It's a part of the Divine Design.
• Somehow, when we start talking about people, this gets all confused.
• Inclusion is just us making a commitment to walk our spiritual talk to love thy neighbor as myself. God is expressed in, through and as me. The only way I can express that is through me. I need to be an expression of inner peace, where other people can express that, too.
• Indicators of a community is engaged in the inclusion process: valuing how different people show up, which may or may not have to do with race or ethnicity. People don't always agree, but they work through it. Realizing what you've learned from people from other places or cultures.
• God makes no mistakes. We're here in the likeness and image of our creator.
• How can a community leader move the dial on diversity and inclusion? Every community has diversity, but we don't always see it. However, leaders can have blinders on about who is available and interested in being engaged. Draw a 5 mile diameter circle around your community and look at the census -- who are you missing?
• Tracy wants leaders to be asking the question of what are they doing to make sure people feel welcome and included.
• Is our purpose to have a Sunday morning service? Or is our purpose to offer education that helps people have a life of quality?
• Building a Healthy Multi-Ethnic Church: Commitments and Practices of a Diverse Congregation, Mark Deymaz Buy Here
• The books of Jim Wallis, Buy Here
• A Bigger Table: Building a Messy, Authentic, and Hopeful Spiritual Community, John Pavlovitz Buy Here

Tell Us Something Good!

Lezli Goodwin:

Sonia and I are running another round of our Business & Branding: A Spiritual Entrepreneurship Program for Practitioner Success. Get past those bumps that can stop you from really going for it out in the world. Meets via Zoom, starting January 10, 7:00 EST. Check it out at www.soniabyrne.com

Sonia Byrne:

I'm facilitating a book study on You Can Heal Your Life by Louise Hay via Zoom technology. Class starts in January, and ar eoffered in times that will be good for the Pacific folks. Find out more and register at soniabyrne.com

Kimjera Whittington:

Our brand new community is launching! Services should start in January. Find out more on Facebook @cslmuriettavalley at www.thrivecsl.com

Tracy Brown:

Stained Glass Spirit, my new book about spirituality and inclusivity, is due to come out this month. Two more books will drop between now and April. The best place to find book info, webinar info and more is www.stainedglassspirit.net

Show Info

Thank you for tuning in to Sexy Spirituality!

Share your thoughts at [email protected]

Be sure to subscribe at www.SexySpiritualityPodcast.com

We'll see you on December 17 for our next episode, Fostering Forgiveness.

Sexy Spirituality podcast Episode 14:

Don't Miss a Thing

Co-Hosts

Lezli Goodwin

Sonia Byrne

Kimjera Whittington

Featuring

Amy Steinberg

Nicole VonAtzingen

Masando Hiraoka

Don't Miss a Thing:

• We have a great time recording Sexy Spirituality, and a lot of amazing content gets edited out for time. But we don't want you to miss a thing! So this episode is a peek behind the curtain to hear some of the things that didn't make it into the show -- from bloopers to extended versions of meaningful conversations. Enjoy!

Tell Us Something Good!

Lezli Goodwin, spiritual mentor, blogger and author at lezligoodwin.com

Sonia Byrne, conscious business consultant at soniabyrne.com

Kimjera Whittington, keynote speaker, career development expert and leadership advisor & at kimjerawhittington.com

Amy Steinberg, performance artist and teacher at amysteinberg.net

Nicole VonAtzingen, Co-Spiritual Director at Seal Beach Center for Spiritual Living at www.sbcsl.org

Masando Hiraoka, social uplift minister, learning to do good, seek justice and walk well in the world, @masandomike on Facebook and Instagram

Show Info

Thank you for tuning in to Sexy Spirituality!

Share your thoughts at [email protected]

Be sure to subscribe at www.SexySpiritualityPodcast.com

We'll see you on December 10 for our next episode.