The Labyrinth

Miranda reflects on both the light and dark nature of the ability to adapt, or “shape shift,” into any environment. While the desire to make others happy is not inherently negative, how does it affect one’s relationship with themselves? The “people pleaser” may hold feelings of inadequacy which obstruct a grounded sense of self and sense of where one belongs. In this podcast, Miranda explores her own experience with being a “people pleaser.”

Miranda discusses the concept of appreciative joy. Comparison can erode our joy like nothing else. When we learn to celebrate the bounty of others and rejoice in the plenty that we can share, our ability to connect and feel joy is strengthened. While we feel gratitude for the things we have, we can also find deep peace in appreciating and celebrating the joys that others experience, expanding our own joy rather than cultivating jealousy.

Miranda discusses the concept of widening our thought patterns. Oftentimes,

like a diet we were raised on, we become accustomed to certain ways of

thinking whether they are healthy or not. Our practice can help us broaden

our thinking and teach us more about which thoughts we allow to flourish in

our minds.

Miranda discusses the discernment behind taking responsibility for our

world with the mentality of “it takes a village” rather than convincing

ourselves certain things are not our business. In our practice there is

often much consideration about the things we can and cannot control. While

our practice often encourages acceptance of what is, there is also a call

to ask “is there anything I am meant do about this?” when faced with a

difficult situation.

Miranda reflects on a story from a personal retreat of hers which has impacted the way she communicates. Sometimes, we are struck with a primal neediness to speak up and assert righteousness in a way that is not helpful to anyone. But when we become more aware of ourselves and our emotions, we can learn to sit with this sense of neediness and center ourselves in moments of tension.

Miranda discusses self-compassion practice amidst moments of suffering. Oftentimes, we feel the urge to fight against suffering even when we know we cannot change the current situation. But when we welcome compassion into our suffering and simply hold and allow it, we may notice the love that shows up even within this dark space.

Miranda discusses how life and practice are not linear. we sometimes wish there was a more straightforward logic to our lives, but we may find the true testament to our practice is learning to simply allow and accept the events that do not go as desired. When we learn to sit with the ebbing and flowing of life and step into our own humanness, we might make peace with the non-linear nature of life.

Miranda reflects on her sense of belonging. Oftentimes, we find ourselves belonging more to relationships, groups, or the approval of others than we belong to ourselves. When we truly find belonging in ourselves, we are more free to listen to our own inner wisdom rather than living for the opinions of others. We open our hearts more widely to learning from everyone around us rather than strictly those we view as superior teachers.

Miranda shares a poignant piece of wisdom which arrived to her recently during a time of deep struggle. Sometimes we tend to cope by telling ourselves a story about our current situation and looking on as if a bystander. Other times, we are graced with the ability to go directly inside our turmoil and simply float in it, rather than fight it. In this podcast, Miranda discusses her experience navigating these emotional reactions.

Miranda discusses the origins of beginnings. Just as our practice adapts with advancements in our world, it can also adapt with each person, finding a new way in for each individual. Each person’s entrance into practice looks different. There is not one correct way into mindfulness practice or into relationship with ourselves and the present moment.