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The quest for a soulmate sits at the heart of many spiritual journeys, but what are we really seeking when we say we want someone who "gets us" completely? davidji and Elizabeth Winkler dive deep into the soulmate concept, challenging our preconceptions and expanding our understanding of what true soul connections actually look like.

We unpack the different types of soul connections that might enter our lives: the electrifying Awakener who stirs transformation, the Mirror who reflects our thoughts and feelings, and the Anchor who provides that sense of homecoming. Yet beneath these archetypes lies a profound truth—soulmates don't complete us; they awaken us to aspects of ourselves we haven't fully recognized or expressed.

Perhaps most revolutionary is the idea that our rigid criteria and checklists might be blocking us from recognizing beautiful connections that don't fit our preconceived notions. When we fixate on finding that one perfect spiritual partner who meets every requirement, we develop tunnel vision that blinds us to magnificent people sitting right next to us.

The conversation takes a powerful turn when we explore vulnerability as the foundation for genuine connection. Through the touching story of two grocery store workers—where one had the courage to say, "That hurt my feelings. Can you say it in another way?"—we witness how true soul connections form in moments of authentic communication and repair. These connections can happen anywhere, not just in romantic relationships.

At its heart, the journey toward finding your soulmate is actually a journey toward yourself. We attract what we believe we're worthy of, and the deeper you fall in love with yourself, the more you attract aligned people into your life. By releasing the fantasy and trusting divine timing, you create space for connections that truly serve your highest good—even when they come in unexpected packages.

Ready to transform your perspective on soulmates and open yourself to deeper connections? Listen now, and discover that the most special person in your life might have been with you all along.

We explore the concept of soulmates and why our search for the perfect spiritual partner might actually be limiting our ability to recognize profound connections right in front of us.

• Different types of soulmates: the Awakener who electrifies our soul, the Mirror who reflects ourselves back to us, and the Anchor who feels like home
• The importance of vulnerability in building deep connections rather than focusing on a checklist of qualities
• Why seeking someone to "complete you" limits your potential for genuine connection
• How temporary relationships can still be sacred and meaningful if we extract their purpose
• The power of making repairs in relationships, regardless of how much time has passed
• Journaling exercises to uncover what qualities you truly seek in a partner and where you've experienced those qualities within yourself
• We attract what we believe we're worthy of—when we feel whole, we attract people who resonate with that energy
• Soul connections can happen anywhere, not just in romantic relationships

To attract aligned love, embody the love you desire to receive, heal spaces where you feel unworthy, release the fantasy of the perfect soulmate, and trust divine timi

We transform the world by transforming ourselves.
Share this podcast with your friends, loved ones, and workmates.
Visit davidji.com & elizabethwinkler.com for additional healing resources.

Big shoutout to the amazing Jamar Rogers for creating such powerful music and lyrics for the official song of The Shadow & The Light Podcast!

Send us a text to let us know how this episode impacted you.

The spiritual journey is fraught with an unexpected obstacle—the spiritual ego. That sneaky voice convincing us we're "enlightened" while separating us from our humanity. davidji and Elizabeth dive into this profound paradox, revealing how spiritual language and concepts can become a sophisticated mask rather than a path to authentic awakening.

What happens when we exchange our old ego patterns for spiritual jargon that isn't truly embodied? We explore the dangerous territory of spiritual bypassing—using teachings to avoid pain rather than transform it. Through vivid metaphors, we distinguish between intellectual understanding and the messy, beautiful work of integration through the heart.

The most powerful revelation? Universal connection happens through our brokenness, not our perfection. "People don't fall in love with perfection," Elizabeth notes, "they fall in love with imperfection because they can relate to it." This insight turns spiritual achievement on its head, suggesting that our humanity isn't something to transcend but the very doorway to our awakening.

Drawing from Buddhist wisdom, the Bhagavad Gita, and modern teachers like Eckhart Tolle, we examine the bodhisattva path and the practice of non-duality—holding both shadow and light simultaneously. Our invitation is simple yet profound: meet each moment with acceptance, embracing the paradox of being both divine and flawed. The spiritual journey isn't about reaching a destination but continually unfolding in the precious present moment.

Subscribe to Shadow and Light for more conversations that honor both your humanity and your divinity. How might you recognize spiritual ego in your own practice? We'd love to hear your thoughts.

davidji and Elizabeth explore the concept of spiritual ego and how it can blindside even the most dedicated practitioners by replacing old egoic tendencies with spiritual language that isn't truly embodied.

• Spiritual ego arises when we recycle spiritual concepts intellectually without integrating them through lived experience
• True spirituality requires balancing awareness with the full rainbow of human experience, including emotions and fears
• Embodiment is crucial for authentic spiritual growth rather than bypassing difficult feelings
• Connection to universal truth happens through our brokenness and vulnerability, not through claims of perfection
• Non-duality exists beyond the mind's tendency to categorize everything as good/bad, worthy/unworthy
• The present moment is where transformation happens, not in concepts about the past or future
• Meeting each moment with acceptance helps unravel the knots of ego that create limiting identities

Visit our previous seasons for more insights that might resonate differently now that you're at a new point in your journey.

We transform the world by transforming ourselves.
Share this podcast with your friends, loved ones, and workmates.
Visit davidji.com & elizabethwinkler.com for additional healing resources.

Big shoutout to the amazing Jamar Rogers for creating such powerful music and lyrics for the official song of The Shadow & The Light Podcast!

Send us a text to let us know how this episode impacted you.

What secrets are you keeping that are holding back your evolution? In this illuminating conversation, Elizabeth introduces a powerful new framework for understanding shame through her acronym SHAME: Secrets Hold All My Evolution. With remarkable vulnerability, she shares her personal journey of avoiding medical care due to fears connected to her mother's death at a similar age—and how the simple act of admitting this "embarrassing" truth to her partner created immediate liberation.

davidji responds with his own story of survivor's guilt after having worked in the World Trade Center before 9/11, illustrating how finding deeper meaning helped transform his shame into purpose. Together, they explore how shame grows exponentially in silence, creating an echo chamber where our secrets become increasingly loud and constricting. The moment we give voice to these hidden parts—whether to a trusted friend, therapist, journal, or even a pet—we begin to dissolve shame's power over us.

The conversation delves into various manifestations of shame—body, sexual, cultural, identity, familial, and achievement-related—all stemming from the core belief "I am not enough." Elizabeth offers the profound insight that what disgusts us in others often points directly to our own shadow material, while David shares his practice of transforming his inner critic into an "inner guardian," giving that critical voice a new, supportive role.

What makes this discussion so powerful is its practical approach to healing. From journaling with the prompt "I'm embarrassed to admit..." to transforming your relationship with your inner critic, these tools honor the delicate nature of shame work. The hosts remind us that we always have a choice—to remain imprisoned in shame or to step into freedom through conscious awareness and self-compassion.

Ready to reclaim the energy your secrets have been holding hostage? Listen now, and discover how speaking your truth can become the doorway to your most profound healing and evolution.

Shame keeps us trapped in silence, but when we find the courage to voice our embarrassing truths, we discover freedom, connection, and evolution. Elizabeth introduces her powerful acronym SHAME (Secrets Hold All My Evolution) while sharing a personal story about avoiding medical care due to fears connected with her mother's death.

• Elizabeth shares how admitting her "embarrassing" avoidance of doctors transformed her relationship with fear
• davidji discusses his experience with survivor's guilt after having worked in the World Trade Center before 9/11
• Shame grows louder in silence, creating an echo chamber of self-judgment that constricts our energy
• Different types of shame include body, sexual, cultural, identity, and achievement-related shame
• What disgusts us in others often points directly to our own shadow material
• Journaling with "I'm embarrassed to admit..." can be a first step toward healing
• Transforming your inner critic into an "inner guardian" changes your relationship with shame
• Speaking our truth, even if only to ourselves initially, releases trapped energy
• We always have a choice to move from judgment to compassion

With each breath, I am reborn. Today I begin again. I am not my shame, I am my healing.

We transform the world by transforming ourselves.
Share this podcast with your friends, loved ones, and workmates.
Visit davidji.com & elizabethwinkler.com for additional healing resources.

Big shoutout to the amazing Jamar Rogers for creating such powerful music and lyrics for the official song of The Shadow & The Light Podcast!

Send us a text to let us know how this episode impacted you.

Soul contracts shape our journey in mysterious yet purposeful ways. Whether you believe in reincarnation or not, you've likely encountered people who entered your life for clear reasons—to teach, challenge, heal, or transform you. These connections aren't random coincidences but carefully orchestrated encounters designed to catalyze growth.

davidji and Elizabeth share a profound exploration of these sacred agreements we make before birth. "There are no random connections," davidji explains. "We're all energetically moving together and moving apart and then bumping into each other." From heart-shattering losses to beautiful synchronicities, our soul's curriculum unfolds through relationships.

Elizabeth vulnerably shares how losing her mother at age 19 initially felt like punishment, until years later during meditation when she recognized it as a profound soul agreement. "Had she not died, I would not be living the life I'm living now," she reflects. This shift in perspective transformed her grief into purpose, enabling her to work with dying patients and bring healing to others facing similar pain.

We explore how people enter our lives for a reason, a season, or a lifetime. Some arrive to meet a specific need or teach a particular lesson. Others accompany us through a growth period. And those rare souls who walk alongside us for our entire journey. Understanding which category your relationships fall into helps you honor their purpose without clinging to connections that have fulfilled their contract.

The transformative question becomes: "What did my soul learn from this?" Rather than viewing difficult circumstances as punishment, recognize them as critical components of your evolution. Every person who triggers you holds up a mirror reflecting aspects of yourself that need healing or integration.

Take a moment now to consider one person who has changed you, positively or painfully. What did your soul learn from them? What sacred agreement might be at play? Remember that you always have a choice in how you respond to life's circumstances. There's a teacher in every tension and a gem inside every conflict—waiting for you to discover its wisdom.

• Soul contracts are spiritual blueprints encoded with intentions and growth opportunities
• People come into our lives for a reason, a season, or a lifetime
• Pain isn't punishment but preparation for soul growth and awakening
• When a relationship ends, it may indicate a completed soul contract
• Free will coexists with soul agreements—they're opportunities, not obligations
• Abandonment and loss can become powerful teachers when we shift perspective
• The WEAK mantra (Welcome Energy, Allow Kindness) helps transform resistance
• Every person who triggers us holds up a mirror reflecting what needs healing
• Working with "low-hanging fruit" irritations builds capacity for handling bigger challenges
• There's a teacher in every tension and a gem inside every conflict

Remember that you always have a choice in how you respond to life's circumstances. Recognize the sacred role people play in your awakening and look for the teacher in every tension.

We transform the world by transforming ourselves.
Share this podcast with your friends, loved ones, and workmates.
Visit davidji.com & elizabethwinkler.com for additional healing resources.

Big shoutout to the amazing Jamar Rogers for creating such powerful music and lyrics for the official song of The Shadow & The Light Podcast!

Send us a text to let us know how this episode impacted you.

Discovering the cosmic blueprint that shapes our lives can be transformative once we understand how to read the signals. In this riveting exploration of astrology, Elizabeth Winkler shares her deep knowledge of celestial influences and how they manifest in our daily experiences.

We begin by examining Saturn Returns—those powerful transitional periods occurring roughly every 27-30 years that strip away our pretenses and force us to confront our authentic selves. Elizabeth vividly describes her own first Saturn Return as feeling "like a chicken being plucked feather by feather," a profound dismantling of identity that ultimately leads to rebirth.

The episode breaks down the core elements of astrological understanding—from the four elements (fire, earth, air, water) to the three modalities (cardinal, fixed, mutable) that create the twelve zodiac signs. You'll learn why knowing your sun, moon, and rising signs offers a more complete picture of your astrological makeup than just your birth sign alone.

Particularly significant is our discussion of Pluto's recent shift into Aquarius after 20 years in Capricorn—a transition with far-reaching implications for technology, human connection, and revolutionary thinking. This powerful planetary movement coincides with the rise of AI, potential advances in space exploration, and a growing awareness of our interconnectedness despite surface divisions.

davidji shares a remarkable personal story about his encounter with a Nadi palm leaf reader in India—an ancient tradition that claims to hold written records of individuals' past, present, and future lives created thousands of years ago. This extraordinary experience raises profound questions about fate, free will, and how we navigate our destined paths.

Whether you're an astrology enthusiast or skeptic, this episode offers practical ways to work with cosmic energies through lunar cycles and planetary awareness. Remember: we are literally made of stardust, spinning through space on this blue planet. Understanding these celestial patterns reminds us of our connection to something far greater than ourselves.

Ready to discover how the stars might be influencing your life's journey? Create your personal birth chart at astro.com and download our houses of astrology handout at elizabethwinkler.com to begin your cosmic exploration.

We transform the world by transforming ourselves.
Share this podcast with your friends, loved ones, and workmates.
Visit davidji.com & elizabethwinkler.com for additional healing resources.

Big shoutout to the amazing Jamar Rogers for creating such powerful music and lyrics for the official song of The Shadow & The Light Podcast!

Send us a text to let us know how this episode impacted you.

Welcome to our Season 3 Finale, where davidji and Elizabeth Winkler explore the magical fusion of passion, purpose & trust. What happens when a burned-out radio presenter discovers meditation and decides to blend it with comedy? In this captivating season finale, we're joined by the incomparable Dermot Whelan, who takes us on his remarkable journey from sleeping in his car between commitments to becoming Ireland's leading voice in mindful living.

With refreshing vulnerability and his trademark humor, Dermot reveals the moment his body literally closed his throat while reading the news—an early warning sign his conscious mind couldn't yet recognize. "I was always very driven...but at the same time there was that feeling like I had one foot on the accelerator driving with passion towards my goals, and another foot on the brake." This powerful metaphor captures the struggle many of us experience when pursuing our dreams while battling self-limiting beliefs.

The conversation delves into misconceptions about meditation, particularly among men who fear it might make them "soft" or less effective. Dermot flips this notion on its head, sharing how mindfulness actually clears away mental clutter, enhancing performance rather than diminishing it. We explore the unique power of humor as "a beautiful lubricant for easing people into places where maybe they wouldn't have naturally gravitated to"—a gift Dermot brings to his sold-out "Busy and Wrecked" tour across Ireland.

Perhaps most profound is our discussion of identity and transition. After leaving a successful radio career at its peak, Dermot faced the disorienting question: "What do you do?" His advice for navigating such changes isn't about dramatic reinvention but rather "loosening your grip" on who you think you are. "That's enough. That's a place to be for a while where you haven't totally reinvented yourself...You're just letting go enough."

The episode concludes with Dermot sharing his discovery of "Akasha"—space—and how creating moments of presence amidst our distracted world unlocks insights impossible to find while constantly busy. "The more we step into that space and make ourselves OK with uncertainty...the more we can just settle into our little cube of calm."

Want to transform your relationship with busyness and find more meaning? Listen now, and discover how humor and mindfulness can work together to open your heart to what matters most.

We transform the world by transforming ourselves.
Share this podcast with your friends, loved ones, and workmates.
Visit davidji.com & elizabethwinkler.com for additional healing resources.

Big shoutout to the amazing Jamar Rogers for creating such powerful music and lyrics for the official song of The Shadow & The Light Podcast!

Send us a text to let us know how this episode impacted you.

Dive into a powerful and enlightening conversation that explores the intricate dance between our shadows and light! Join meditation teacher davidji, and heart healer Elizabeth Winkler as they delve into the essential teachings of personal transformation, revealing how our greatest challenges often serve as our most profound teachers. 

In this episode, you’ll learn about the concept of the inner guru, how acknowledging our shadow side can lead to personal healing, and why even our most irritating encounters are gateways to growth. davidji shares stories of his journey through India, highlighting the epiphanies he experienced while discovering that the guru resides within us all. Then he goes deep into the concept of the “petty tyrant,” those people who test our patience and prompt us to look inward for strength and resilience. Elizabeth shares a powerful story of the Samurai & the Monk - to take us even deeper into the understanding of the GURU.

Tune in to uncover practical insights on embracing mindfulness, cultivating compassion in challenging situations, and transforming frustration into opportunity. This engaging discussion between our co-hosts invites you to reflect on your journey of self-discovery and empowers you to see every challenge as a stepping stone to enlightenment.

Join us for a transformative experience that blends ancient wisdom with modern psychology, and learn how the shadows in your life can help you shine brighter. Don’t forget to subscribe, share, and leave a review if you love what you hear!

We transform the world by transforming ourselves.
Share this podcast with your friends, loved ones, and workmates.
Visit davidji.com & elizabethwinkler.com for additional healing resources.

Big shoutout to the amazing Jamar Rogers for creating such powerful music and lyrics for the official song of The Shadow & The Light Podcast!

Send us a text to let us know how this episode impacted you.

What if the small, seemingly insignificant moments of your daily life were the keys to unlocking your life's purpose? davidji & Elizabeth Winkler invite you to explore how everyday interactions and unexpected opportunities can align you with a deeper sense of meaning. We delve into the potent combination of ancient wisdom and modern psychology to encourage you to quiet your mind and pay attention to the whispers of your heart or higher power. Elizabeth shares an inspiring anecdote about Martin Luther King Jr., urging us to follow the breadcrumbs of inspiration that guide us to our true calling.

Join us as we navigate the  journey of life's phases through davidji's Theory of the Dhri Arc. From the fervor of new beginnings to contemplating the next chapter, we discuss how these transitions are not losses but rather gateways to new adventures. Life is about showing up and trusting the process, and this episode provides guidance on how to embrace change and foster personal growth.

Through stories of personal transformation, we illuminate the power of trusting in life's natural arcs. Change, as challenging as it can be, is an invitation to growth and renewal. Listen in and discover why trusting the unknown and allowing life to unfold can lead to unexpected and exciting opportunities for growth, healing and self-discovery.

We transform the world by transforming ourselves.
Share this podcast with your friends, loved ones, and workmates.
Visit davidji.com & elizabethwinkler.com for additional healing resources.

Big shoutout to the amazing Jamar Rogers for creating such powerful music and lyrics for the official song of The Shadow & The Light Podcast!

Send us a text to let us know how this episode impacted you.

What if the grudges we carry and the regrets we harbor could be transformed into sources of healing and liberation? davidji & Elizabeth Winkler unravel the complex web of emotions tied to regrets and grievances, those heavy burdens that often shape our subconscious and influence our everyday actions. With the help of poignant metaphors, such as canoes across a river, and personal stories, like davidji's touching experience with her dog Peaches, we examine how these lingering emotions can manifest in our lives. We emphasize the significance of timing, readiness, and the therapeutic journey toward forgiveness, encouraging listeners to confront these emotions with courage and introspection.

Imagine navigating life with a greater sense of flexibility and acceptance. Our discussion moves into the realms of adaptability, exploring how expectations and personal preferences mold our reactions to life's challenges. By reflecting on experiences like a restaurant accommodating a unique dietary request, we highlight the power of creativity and understanding in human interactions. Through practical suggestions, such as conducting an emotional inventory and adopting mantras like "let go and flow," we offer tools to help release attachments and embrace life's unpredictability with humor and grace.

We journey into the interplay of light and shadow, exploring how both elements can illuminate our path to personal growth. Drawing on insights from meditation, Buddhism, and personal anecdotes, we reveal how accepting both our inner shadows and light can lead to transformation and newfound beginnings. Love emerges as a guiding force, encouraging us to view challenges not as obstacles but as opportunities for growth. Together, we navigate through adversity, finding hope and freedom in embracing life's full spectrum, ultimately shining brighter than ever. Join us in this compelling exploration of the emotional landscapes that define our lives and discover the profound liberation that awaits when we learn to embrace both the shadow and the light.

We transform the world by transforming ourselves.
Share this podcast with your friends, loved ones, and workmates.
Visit davidji.com & elizabethwinkler.com for additional healing resources.

Big shoutout to the amazing Jamar Rogers for creating such powerful music and lyrics for the official song of The Shadow & The Light Podcast!

Send us a text to let us know how this episode impacted you.

What if you could always be on the receiving end of money??? Join davidji & Elizabeth Winkler on a journey where we unravel the emotional and cultural threads woven into our financial lives. Inspired by Ken Honda's "Happy Money," we explore how our upbringing and cultural narratives shape our financial mindsets, often binding us to a scarcity mentality. We share personal stories and insights that reveal how viewing money as energy can transform these narratives, creating a flow of abundance that positively impacts our lives.

Experience the surprising magic of affirmations as we recount stories of unexpected financial gifts, from mysterious checks to diamond rings. We navigate the curious interplay between money and energy, where beliefs significantly influence our financial experiences. From humorous takes on the IRS to the buzz and skepticism around cryptocurrency, we untangle how our attitudes shape reality, emphasizing the importance of shifting perspectives to harness positivity and abundance.

Finally, we ponder the deeper meanings of financial empathy and generosity. With insights drawn from Elizabeth's commitment to charitable giving and innovative experiments in social finance, we delve into the power of aligning with one's "North Star" and treating money with kindness. Embrace the philosophy of balance and flow, as illustrated by the concept of "happy money," and discover how these principles can lead to financial freedom. 

This episode delves into our relationship with money, exploring the emotional complexities and how our upbringing impacts our financial mindset. The conversation encourages listeners to recognize money as energy and embrace practices that foster abundance, healing, and gratitude in financial transactions.

• Discussing childhood experiences shaping our attitudes toward money  
• Money as energy and the importance of healthy transactions  
• Exploring the concepts of happy vs. unhappy money  
• Personal anecdotes about affirmations related to money  
• Examining the power of generosity and receiving abundantly  
• The transformative effects of trust and flow in financial matters  
• Insights from a community experiment focused on the free circulation of money  
• Encouraging mindful spending and gratitude in financial interactions

We transform the world by transforming ourselves.
Share this podcast with your friends, loved ones, and workmates.
Visit davidji.com & elizabethwinkler.com for additional healing resources.

Big shoutout to the amazing Jamar Rogers for creating such powerful music and lyrics for the official song of The Shadow & The Light Podcast!