We each experience trauma in unique ways, but one thing is certain: it forever changes us. Processing trauma comes with grief, disappointment, and a fundamental shift in how we exist in the world. However, we ultimately get to choose how it changes us. In this mini episode of Spiritually Hungry, Monica and Michael discuss how to weather life quakes and become softer and more open because of them.

“We can either be hardened by things that happen to us, or we can know that we are changed and choose growth and transformation.” – Monica Berg

The Body Keeps the Score: Brain, Mind, and Body in the Healing of Trauma

by Bessel van der Kolk M.D.

How do you know you are loved? Whether you are in a relationship or not, it’s helpful to know when you most feel loved, as well as the ways you enjoy showing the people in your life that they are important to you. In this mini-episode of Spiritually Hungry, Monica & Michael discuss Gary Chapman’s pivotal book, The 5 Love Languages: The Secret to Love that Lasts, as a tool to better understand the important people in your life.

“The Five Love Languages is a way to be empathetic and put yourself in your partner’s shoes, so you know how to give love to them in the way they want to receive.” – Monica Berg

The 5 Love Languages: The Secret to Love that Lasts, by Gary Chapman

One of the most important aspects of a relationship is the work each person puts into it. When both partners are making the effort to focus on and elevate the other, a true, lasting relationship blossoms. Tune in as Monica and Michael take questions from listeners on common relationship issues and share practical advice for growing your emotional intelligence and becoming ever closer to your partner.

“The reason you are in a relationship is because there’s something for you to learn from your partner in order to change and grow.” – Michael Berg

When couples decide to create a life together, they often approach the relationship with unrealistic expectations. Strong relationships are built on connection and communication. Listen as Monica and Michael answer questions from listeners that address some of the most common issues couples face as they navigate responsibilities, roles, and respect in a partnership.

“When you come together and decide to create a life together, build a home together, and perhaps have children, couples can have these expectations that are never discussed and aren’t really fair, and it doesn’t create connection. It’s not about right or wrong. It has to work for the couple.” – Monica Berg

We fail and make mistakes because we are all works in progress. Life is messy. But we are not supposed to be perfect. Our flaws are the aspects of ourselves we are meant to focus on and correct. Listen in as Monica and Michael explain the deeper purpose of imperfections and why they are so important to our soul’s work in this lifetime.

“What one might call the ugly parts of themselves are actually the work that their soul has taken upon themselves for the betterment of the world at large. Our imperfections are the part of the world we need to correct.” – Michael Berg

This week, Monica and Michael continue their conversation about sadness and unpack more fascinating ways we can use our emotions to learn and grow. Recent studies show that being sad can unlock clarity, generosity, and motivation. Join us for part 2 of Monica and Michael’s illuminating conversation about feeling our feelings.

“Inviting sadness to be your teacher is a sure way to start transforming it.” – Monica Berg

As humans, we are built to experience big emotions. For some, this is uncomfortable, and we try to avoid feeling them fully. However, Kabbalah teaches that when we are in touch with our emotions, they can guide us and tell us how we’re doing. In this insightful episode, Monica and Michael discuss the importance of making space for sadness in our lives while simultaneously working to transcend it in healthy ways.

“Sadness is a call from our soul telling us that things aren’t as they should be and we aren’t paying attention.” – Michael Berg

Things won’t always go our way. We know this. Yet, equanimity may not come naturally as we experience adversity. Resilience isn’t necessarily something we are all born with, though it is certainly something we can learn. Kabbalah teaches that the goal is not to be unbothered by difficulties but to work towards a peaceful acceptance of hardship, even as we strive to create significant change in our lives. Join us as Monica and Michael discuss how we can foster resilience in ourselves so we may push through to the other side of each challenge we encounter and emerge stronger than we started.

“We are aiming to find that perfect balance of equanimity—being able to take the strong winds of life and bend with them, while at the same time, not being too rigid. The goal is to flow with life.” – Michael Berg

Each of us experience times when we feel disinclined to take action or do a good deed. We put it off until tomorrow or the next day. But what happens when a few days or weeks go by? Kabbalah teaches that this kind of laziness can lead to complacency, which separates us from the Light. In this motivating episode, Monica and Michael discuss how to cultivate alacrity, do more good in the world, and invite more blessings into our lives.

“If you have an idea of something positive you can do, do it as quickly as possible. If you are doing something positive, do it faster, and finish it as quickly as you can.” – Michael Berg

Vulnerability is the essential glue of any relationship. While we often hide aspects of ourselves for fear of being judged, there is great strength in the act of sharing our most vulnerable aspects of ourselves with those we love. In this intimate conversation, Monica and Michael reveal ideas and tools to help us prioritize vulnerability and build more openness in our closest relationships.

“The greatest gift you give parent to child, friend to friend, or to a partner in a romantic relationship is the sense that they are loved unconditionally.” – Michael Berg