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 In this episode, we explore the profound impact of calm and peace in a world teetering on the edge of fear and chaos. Discover how our self-awareness and intentional choices can ripple out to create a more compassionate and connected world. Learn how emotional contagion works, the difference between fear and love, and the small but significant ways we can embody calm to inspire change.

 Key Points:    

  1. Humanity’s Great Leaps Forward    

From air travel to modern communication, history shows us how radical ideas often become everyday staples. Today, we are invited to make a different kind of leap, one that shifts us from fear-based systems to a consciousness rooted in love and compassion.  

 2. Emotional Contagion: The Power of Influence    

Our emotions are contagious, shaping the environments we enter. Fear spreads quickly and visibly, but love and calm, though quieter, have the power to influence and change our reality. When we embody calm, we ripple that effect outward, creating a positive impact on those around us.  

  3. The Two Camps: Fear vs. Love    

Fear manifests as greed, control, and division, while love camps with hope, kindness, and connection. Choosing love requires courage and self-awareness, but it allows us to dismantle fear-based patterns and build a foundation for peace and belonging.  

  4. Practices to Anchor Calm in Chaos    

-   Self-Awareness:   Recognize fear in your body and stay present instead of reacting.  

-   Consumption Audit:   Evaluate what you consume and ensure it nourishes your peace.  

-   Gratitude for the Unseen:  Honor those who quietly serve humanity with love and kindness.  

-   Metta Meditation:  Practice loving-kindness meditation to spread compassion within and beyond yourself.  

   Quotes for Reflection:    

- “Fear barks for attention, but love quietly transforms the world.”  

- “The leap we’re being invited to take isn’t outward, it’s into our own inner selves.”  

- “World peace begins with inner peace.” 

If this episode resonated with you, take a moment to reflect on what seeds you’re planting in your daily life. Share this episode with someone who might need a reminder of the quiet power of calm. Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review The Radiant Presence Podcast to help spread the message of peace and connection. 

Check out the Softening into Stillness program here

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Welcome to a guided meditation to experience Beginner’s Mind, as introduced in episode #7, Begin 2025 With Beginner’s Mind. Through this meditation, you’ll learn the practice of approaching all aspects of life with fresh eyes from your breath to your tasks. This meditation is an invitation to experience an embodied understanding of Beginner’s Mind - and how we can walk through this world with a sense of curiosity, child-like wonder and openness

Meditation Waiver:

This meditation is intended for informational and relaxation purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical or psychological advice. If you have any health concerns, please consult a qualified professional. Remember to practice in a safe and comfortable environment where you won’t be disturbed. Do not drive or operate potentially dangerous equipment while listening.

We do not accept any liability for any loss or damage incurred by you acting or not acting as a result of listening to any of these recordings. You acknowledge that you use the information provided at your own risk. 

Now, let's meditate!

Music by Piotr Witowski

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Happy New Year and Happy Now Here! Let’s step into 2025 with the mind and heart of a child. Today we’ll explore the concept of Beginner’s Mind - a mindset that invites curiosity, openness, and the willingness to let go of preconceived notions. Let’s look at how releasing the "I know" attitude creates space for growth, creativity, and deeper connection. Practical examples and reflective prompts will guide you in embracing Beginner’s Mind in your relationships, work, and daily life.

 Key Points  

1. What is Beginner’s Mind?   Beginner’s Mind is a Zen practice of approaching life with curiosity, openness, and wonder.  
2. The Expert Trap: Expertise can close us off to new ideas and perspectives, limiting our capacity for creativity and growth.  Letting go of the "I know" mindset allows us to truly listen, learn, and connect with others.  
3. Practical Applications: Beginner’s Mind has a special formula. It requires courage to ask questions, non-judgment to approach situations openly, and compassion for ourselves and others.  

Quotes for Reflection to Cultivate Beginner’s Mind  

- What can I discover about [myself, this person, or this situation] if I let go of judgment?  

- What becomes possible when I remind myself that I don’t need all the answers?  

- What wants to happen here, instead of focusing solely on what I want?  

 The Invitation  

• Listen to the meditation available as a separate episode. 
• Reflect on the prompts shared in this episode to bring Beginner’s Mind into your day-to-day life.  
• Subscribe to The Radiant Presence Podcast and leave a review to help others discover these insights. Share with a friend who might enjoy this one

Here’s to your radiant presence—may your days be filled with curiosity, compassion, and endless possibilities.

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Welcome to a guided meditation to experience the practice of Equalizing Self and Others, as introduced in episode #5, How to Never Feel Lonely Again. Through this meditation, you’ll cultivate a sense of connection by reflecting on shared human experiences, transforming feelings of loneliness or other emotions into empathy and compassion. This meditation is an invitation to experience an embodied understanding of Equalizing Self and Others - and how our emotional experiences connect us with others in profound and meaningful ways.  

Meditation Waiver:

This meditation is intended for informational and relaxation purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical or psychological advice. If you have any health concerns, please consult a qualified professional. Remember to practice in a safe and comfortable environment where you won’t be disturbed. Do not drive or operate potentially dangerous equipment while listening.

We do not accept any liability for any loss or damage incurred by you acting or not acting as a result of listening to any of these recordings. You acknowledge that you use the information provided at your own risk. 

Now, let's meditate!

Music by Piotr Witowski

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In this episode we explore how to navigate intense emotional states like loneliness, grief, and even joy through a profound Buddhist practice called Equalizing Self and Others. By shifting perspective and recognizing that our emotional experiences are shared across humanity, this practice alchemizes isolation into connection and compassion. Drawing inspiration from the story of Kisa Gotami, the episode offers insights and techniques to help us expand our empathy, deepen our compassion, and help us feel more connected to the shared human experience.

 Key Points  

1. Understanding Equalizing Self and Others :

   This Buddhist practice invites us to recognize that our emotional experiences—whether loneliness, grief, or joy—are shared across humanity.  

2. The Story of Kisa Gotami :  Kisa's journey reveals a universal truth: suffering is a thread that connects all lives, and she found solace in understanding she wasn’t alone in her grief.
3. Alchemizing Loneliness Through Connection : Begin by fully acknowledging your feelings of loneliness without judgment. And then expanding this practice by Equalizing Self and Others
4. The Power of Compassion and ReflectionWe reflect: Every being, just like me, desires joy and freedom from pain.  By equalizing self and others, we cultivate a mindset of shared humanity, allowing us to navigate emotional highs and lows with grace and purpose.  

Quotes for Reflection  

 "When we equalize self and others, loneliness transmutes into connectedness. It no longer isolates us but becomes a bridge of interbeingness."  

 "Every being, just like me, desires joy and freedom from pain."  

 "Our emotional experiences, no matter how consuming, are threads that weave us into the fabric of humanity."

 Journal Prompts  

1. Reflect on a recent moment when you felt profoundly lonely. How might considering others experiencing similar emotions shift your perspective?  

2. Think of a joyful experience you’ve had recently. How does reflecting on others sharing similar joy deepen your sense of connection?  

3. In what ways can you practice extending compassion to both yourself and others when experiencing painful emotions?  

 Call to Action  

1.  Listen to the meditation: A guided meditation on Equalizing Self and Others will be available in a separate podcast episode. Be sure to check it out for an embodied experience of this practice.  
2. Share the episode: If you know someone who could benefit from this perspective, share this episode with them.  
3.  Subscribe and review: Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review The Radiant Presence Podcast on your favorite platform to help spread the message of connection and compassion.  

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This episode covers the prickly topic of judgment. Puja delves into its pervasive nature, exploring how it affects our relationships and personal well-being. She shares personal anecdotes, psychological insights, and mindset shifts to help listeners reduce judgment and cultivate healthier, deeper, more soulful connections. Through mindfulness and self-awareness, Puja guides us towards a more empathetic and understanding approach to interacting with others.

Key Points

1. The Impact of Judgment on Well-being: Judgment creates a sense of constriction and tension in both the heart and body. Holding judgment harms us and distances us from love and other positive relational qualities.

2. Understanding Heuristics: Heuristics are mental shortcuts that simplify our decision-making process but can lead to biases and stereotypes. While heuristics are helpful in many daily situations, they can be detrimental when applied to human interactions

3. Developing Present Moment Awareness: Practicing mindfulness and meditation helps slow down the brain's automatic judgment processes. Increased self-awareness allows us to challenge and expand our limited perspectives.
4. Binocular Vision in RelationshipsSeeing the full picture, rather than just our limited perspective, reduces conflict and enhances understanding. Binocular vision fosters stability and a deeper connection in relationships.
5. Replacing Judgment with CuriosityApproaching others with genuine curiosity rather than judgment opens the door to empathy and deeper understanding. Assuming good intentions helps us respond with grace and compassion, improving our mental well-being and interactions.

Quotes 

 "When judgment enters the room, love leaves. It is impossible for love and judgment to co-exist in the same space."

"Content is linear and context is non-linear. What we perceive and base our judgment on is just a very small piece of the big picture."

 "We feel better when we extend grace and kindness towards somebody. When we choose peace, grace, and compassion, we are not choosing stress, agitation, and frustration."

Reflection Prompts:

1. Reflect on a recent time when you felt judgment towards someone. How did it affect your feelings and actions?

2. Consider a person you often judge. How might you approach them with curiosity instead? What questions could you ask to understand their perspective better?

3. Write about a time when you were judged unfairly. How did it make you feel, and what would you have preferred instead?

Call to Action

1. Share the Episode: Think of one person who could benefit from today's insights on judgment and love. Share this episode with them.
2. Rate and Review If you’ve been enjoying the Radiant Presence Podcast, please take a moment to rate and review it on your listening platform. Your feedback helps us reach more listeners.

Recommended Episodes for Reference:

Introduction: What is My Presence Worth?

The Myth of Work-Life Balance (And a Sustainable Solution to Burnout)

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In this episode Puja shares her journey from a career in tech startups to becoming a certified coach, and how she learned to be a better listener. Tune in if you’re interested in improving your listening skills, fostering deeper connections, and understanding the profound impact of presence,curiosity and empathy in communication. We will explore the transformative power of true listening and how it can impact both our relationships and personal evolution.

Key Points:

1. Puja talks about her background in tech startups and her initial struggles with listening, both professionally and personally.

2. Listening as a Spectrum: Puja explains that listening happens on a spectrum, from distracted hearing to deep, empathetic listening and breaks different types of listening as follows:

•  Multitasking Listening: Hearing words while distracted or multitasking.

•  Listening to Respond: Listening with the intent to respond rather than understand.

•   Listening with ”Pseudo Empathy: Offering empathy by relating everything to one's own experiences.

•   Tactical Listening:Processing words through a logical, strategic lens without emotional connection.

• Deep  Listening: At its core, deep listening requires being fully present, having an open mind without preconceived notions, and maintaining an open heart.

1. Impact of True Listening: When we listen with full presence, an open mind, and an open heart, it can be a healing and transformational experience for both the listener and the speaker.

Quotes for Reflection and Journaling Prompts :

1. Have you ever been truly listened to in a way that made you feel seen and understood? What was the impact of that experience?

2. Where is there room in your life to become a more present and empathetic listener?

Call to Action: 

1. Subscribe to the Radiant Presence Podcast for notifications of new episodes. 
2. Share the podcast episode with friends who resonate with its message.

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Let’s challenge the notion of "work-life balance". Join Puja as she dives deep into the ancient wisdom of Ayurveda and Traditional Chinese Medicine to address the pervasive issue of individual and collective burnout. We can plan our time and energy with greater ease and alignment by embracing the natural rhythms and energies of nature. Tune in to learn more...

Key Points:

1. The Myth of Work-Life Balance: Let’s explore why the concept of work-life balance is misleading and what can be balanced instead.  Puja shares the Chinese philosophy of yin and yang, and balancing internal (yin) and external (yang) energies can solve our burnout problem.
2. A time to Sow. A Time to Reap How Ayurveda views health through the lens of the four seasons, what it means for our time and energy management. Puja explains how we experience the seasons in various cycles: lifetime, yearly, menstrual, and daily.
3. Addressing Personal and Planetary Imbalances Puja explains the impact of constant 'summer' energy leading to burnout and global issues. And the importance of honoring the natural intelligence of the body and the planet.
4. Reflection on Personal Alignment This episode is an invitation for listeners to reflect on how they interact with the seasons in their life and identify areas where they can slow down and create space to breathe. 

Call to Action:

1. Share this episode with someone who is struggling with burnout to help them find relief and inspiration.

2. Subscribe to the podcast to stay updated on new episodes.

Calling the curious, conscious, nonconformists! In this inaugural episode of the Radiant Presence Podcast, Puja shares her personal journey of redefining self-worth beyond societal accomplishments and external validation. Raised in India and influenced by both cultural and Western mindsets, Puja discusses the challenges and realizations that led her to question the conventional metrics of worth. She invites listeners to explore new ways of thinking, being, creating, producing and leading through their radiant presence.

Key Points:

1. Introduction and Background: Puja introduces the podcast and her motivations for starting it. She shares her experience growing up in India with cultural norms that undervalued females and later being influenced by Western metrics of success. These experiences shaped her belief that her worth was tied to her achievements.

2. Questioning Self-Worth: Puja talks about her journey from valuing achievements to questioning their importance. She reflects on the value of stillness, patience, gentleness, kindness, and truly listening - qualities that aren’t typically rewarded, recognized or deemed valuable.

3. Facing Fears: Confronting fears of losing control, uncertainty, lack of support, invisibility, and inherent unworthiness, Puja discusses the process of making peace with these fears. She shares how understanding her inherent worth helped her navigate these fears and find inner strength.

5. Invitation and Vision for the Podcast: Puja invites the curious, conscious, non-conformists who have always felt something was off about this world, to join her on this journey. She envisions the podcast as a platform for providing fresh perspectives, insights, and resources to become securely grounded in their self-worth to ‘be the change’ from the inside out.

Quotes for Reflection and Journaling Prompts :

"What is my worth without the metrics this world deems important?"

"Can a person feel valuable and worthy when they are doing nothing? Practicing stillness? Being?"

Call to Action: 

1. Subscribe to the Radiant Presence Podcast for notifications of new episodes.
2. Share the podcast with friends who might resonate with its message.