The Connect Podcast

Are we blessed? From the outside looking in, someone’s life can appear easy, flawless, and their reality not earned. What’s often unmentioned or overlooked is the work, foundation, and effort that went into creating what you are witnessing. We are all here to do our part and are given free will to create with our time and resources. For some, the path opens early in the journey; however, humility, trust, and action remain key components of how reality unfolds. I am inspired by Will Suckow and honored to call him a friend. We could learn from everyone, and every layer of life. My friends, listen to your intuition, take a chance on yourself, and at least you will have learned a valuable life lesson about yourself and the journey. The Hero’s Journey is going out into the wild, a new city, and a new country and having to navigate it without the safety net. We are forced to stretch and use everything we have learned not only to survive but ultimately to hit our stride and glide. If you don’t act, stretch, try, and take a chance, you might be left with the uncomfortable roommate of regret and what-ifs. Fortune favors the bold; go out and be bold, and go to the gym, as it will truly make all the difference!

We often feel irredeemable, as actions and troubles from our past trigger layers of internal shame that we keep hidden from the world. This is a tell internally that we have things to sit with and process. We know instinctively what needs to happen, as our intuition often speaks to us; do we have the courage to act and possibly shift our own timeline? Everyone’s rock bottom is different; my friends don’t get caught looking at the crash, drugs, booze, etc. Instead, focus on the moment we or they choose to look themselves in the mirror and say NO MORE! This is the moment that Self-awareness meets full ownership of our past actions, words, and thoughts. In this glimpse of clarity, everything can truly change; we realize the untapped potential is near at hand. We realize that the short-lived pleasure is not worth the repeated patterns of pain. We see clearly how our own internal chaos “ego” is always self-sabotaging. Part of fully clearing out the past is repenting and making amends; this is and can be very uncomfortable if you haven’t fully owned it all. You will continue to feel defensive and the need to explain until you do; that is a promise the universe will keep. Take it all in, make the decision to fully own it, sit with it, and process it in humility and courage. Slay the dragons one at a time.

How often have we said one thing, and when the moment came, we did another? After the moment passes, we are left with frustration, anger, and regret. If we take the time to reflect deeply, we see that we are the primary cause of our self-inflicted misery. How often do we lie to ourselves? Are we at a point where the pattern of self-betrayal is obvious? Our own ego’s using every insecurity and misstep against us in a repeating loop. Relentlessly trying to keep us under its control, in the illusion that we are it. Do you notice that you use misdirection when you know accountability is nearing? Accountability is the ego’s kryptonite; it’s a tell, letting us know we are operating from ego. We feel the need to defend and explain. Lies and misdirection are part of being human; it’s on us to recognize this within ourselves first and choose courage and authenticity. Having the ability to recognize unhealed moments and issues within ourselves grants us the vision to see these in others; energy, body language, tone, etc., are key markers.

Do you ever feel like you are living someone else’s life and not your own? Have you ever had an out-of-body experience due to trauma or a dangerous situation? Reflecting on these questions can bring us to deeper levels of Self-awareness. Past events left unprocessed can show up in many ways in our lives. Why am I not being true to myself? Why am I people pleasing and neglecting my own desires and intuition? In some cases, it can be the difference between living and not. Using our awareness to map where we are internally is key. This skill requires rigorous honesty and time alone in silence.

To be fully present, we must unpack and deal with anything and everything that has been repressed and suppressed. Sitting in silence, distraction-free, is the gateway to uncovering what is preoccupying us internally. Commit to digging deeper and slay your dragons one by one. Shift into your spirit and be fully present.

We have all faced challenges, trials, and tribulations. My question to you is, how has this benefited you? We reach a point in our lives, after repeatedly witnessing the same patterns with the same outcome, when we break. This time can be overwhelming and scary, as it is a crossroads in our path. We can continue to blame others or take a new path into full unapologetic ownership, self-accountability, and authenticity. In choosing us and self-accountability, we step into a new reality and hope, full of energy. A brighter mindset grounded in a new normal and the excitement we once felt as children. Our egos want to control us with the illusion of controlling everything outside of ourselves, all the while hiding the only thing we can control, which takes full accountability, ourselves. We begin seeing ourselves, lies, and misdirection tactics clearly. The once-hidden ego is now exposed to the sunlight, creating chaos and panic. This too shall pass, my friends. Stay present, take deep breaths, and enjoy all of the layers, no matter how painful or uncomfortable. I hope you are spending the time necessary for meditation, nature, and exercise to maintain yourself. Continue to invest in yourself, as it will truly make all the difference.

We have been on the journey of evolution, growth, and change since the moment of our conception. These layers were beyond our control, simply the flow of life as our spirits encompass these bodies. Our programming began with interaction, and our own information gathering through our awareness and perspective. As infants and children, we are at the mercy of our parents or those raising us. They say the first 6 years of life lay the foundation for our lives. This may be true, but can we change these ingrained patterns and belief systems? In this episode, we dive into understanding and recognizing our own programming. Looking in the mirror and within ourselves offers a gateway to recognizing our patterns. We cannot act if we are unaware. Now is the time to face reality in full acceptance. Our parents did the best they could with the level of awareness and consciousness they had at the time. The time for blame is over; it is time to fully own our reality and move past the uncomfortable truths about our programming.

We have been on the journey of evolution, growth, and change since the moment of our conception. These layers were beyond our control, simply the flow of life as our spirits encompass these bodies. Our programming began with interaction, and our own information gathering through our awareness and perspective. As babies and kids, we are at the mercy of our parents or those raising us. They say the first 6 years of life lay the foundation for our lives. This may be true, but can we change these ingrained patterns and belief systems? In this episode, we dive into understanding and recognizing our own programming. Looking in the mirror and within ourselves offers a gateway to self-pattern recognition. We cannot act if we are unaware. Now is the time to face reality in full acceptance. Our parents did the best they could with the level of awareness and consciousness they had at the time. The time for blame is over; it is time to fully own our own reality and push past the uncomfortable truths about our own programming.

Check out the video here: https://youtu.be/owpi3eCnqBw

We have been on the journey of evolution, growth, and change since the moment of our conception. These layers were out of our control, and simply the flow of life as our spirits encompass these bodies. As kids, we began learning how to adapt as a means of survival: mentally, socially, and physically. We are designed to be in a family and community. Understanding and accepting that change is a constant part of our lives opens us up to endless adaptability and its fruit. Are we aware of the power and usefulness of adaptability? From a professional athlete to a policeman walking a beat, to a corporate attorney, adaptability is key for decision-making and even staying alive. We see it all around us in nature: animals use camouflage, sounds, poison, and various other tactics to hunt and defend themselves. Our own egos have used adaptability throughout our lives. Some examples of the ego’s patterns include people-pleasing, lying, and bullying. The main tell is that the ego will avoid all self-accountability by any means necessary. Sitting in meditation provides us with the self-reflection to process the use of adaptability in our lives.

Check out the video here: https://youtu.be/-JxzSzI0UVU

We have all heard the term “when the dust settles”. It is challenging to navigate moments of chaos, as tension and emotions are heightened. Let’s shift our perspective on how we feel and view chaos. For many, it can be triggering and have a negative connotation. What if chaos is the bridge to growth? Maybe our societal conditioning has blinded us to the deeper value of these “chaotic” moments? Are we aware that there are levels to “chaos”? Are we aware that unprocessed moments can exacerbate what we perceive as chaotic or stressful? We may find ourselves in a moment of accountability that blindsides us and chalk it up to chaos. We may find ourselves broken down in a nearby town. Is this chaotic? If we look internally at our own definitions, understandings, and reactions to these moments, we are gifted with a bridge to growth and freedom. Understanding ourselves, why we react, and how to move past these triggers falls solely on our own shoulders.

This, my friends, is the internal work, and the choice is always ours: to run, hide, and blame, or relax, be accountable, and face whatever is bubbling up from our internal melting pot. Chaos and discomfort reveal what is lurking within us, like a caged animal or an avalanche ready to be unleashed. We must dig deep and use our courage. The dragon presents itself often, in the ego's whispers to ignore. FEAR, face everything and RISE, the time is now!

Check out the video here: https://youtu.be/OohW8DNwaRM

Sitting in meditation gives us the opportunity to become observers of our own minds. This practice is key because it breaks us out of the idea that we are the mind's chatter. As we sit observing, how can we be the chatterer and the observer at the same time? My friends, we are the observers; we are the consciousness being housed in these bodies. This process is shown in the Movie “Revolver”, the main character realizes the tricks and deception of his own ego, the mind's endless chatter. As we come to this realization, the illusion begins to crumble. Coming to this understanding can create a profound shift in our realities, perspectives, and perceptions. It can create turmoil, chaos, and discomfort. The ego will fight us internally to maintain control and the illusion that we are it. Once we see this, we cannot unsee it. We are here to live authentically, in truth, abundance, and vibrancy. The battle between our egos and our spirits becomes obvious to us. There is no going back, and we must show courage and align with our authentic selves, our spirits. As our own mask begins to slip and fall away, we are given new levels of awareness and can begin to see the illusion of others and the world we live in today.

Check out the video here: https://youtu.be/XMCHudHYGTU