Kerry Brennan

Here's why I've been MIA. Signing on to sign off my friends! Thank you so much to my listeners, especially those who reached out to let me know that it resonated

What's the f*@king point?!?! When you see someone's strength of character... someone's unwavering ability to NOT be their reactions... That's when you remember your why.

This is a somber episode. I feel that the only power I have is to help raise awareness. To share our ugly history. War Against All Puerto Ricans (you can find the book and a ton of information re: the Revolution and it's leaders there ) “War Against All Puerto Ricans” Nelson Dennis Lecture King of the Towels: The Torture and Murder of Pedro Albizu Campos Holocaust remembrance in Germany

Disgust is one of our basic emotions. In this episode, we look at how and why it contributes to prejudice, ethnocentrism, and xenophobia. Articles referenced in this episode- The 6 Types of Basic Emotions and Their Effect on Human Behavior as identified by Dr. Paul Eckman The Behavioral Immune System- How unconscious fears of infection shape many aspects of our psychology by Dr. Mark Schaller The Disease Theory of Xenophobia

Since I have yet to find them, I don’t own ‘em. When we’re not clear on what it is that we want, we find ourselves saying yes to things just because they’re there. But things don’t quite feel right…. So how to do we live with a bit more intention? And why? Because I truly believe that answering these questions makes our experience here more fulfilling and allows us to better serve others because we ourselves feel fulfilled. Get in touch with me- kerryebrennan@gmail.com Instagram- @kerrybflow

How the language we grew up speaking affects the way we interpret sounds in nature, sounds of objects (clock), and human sounds (achoo!). "How maleable your life becomes when you realize that everything is just a reflection of you." Articles and websites referenced in this episode Translating sounds: the translation of onomatopoeia between English and Spanish If you want to nerd out on Spanish onomatopeyas - ¡Tatatachán: 95 onomatopeyas! Spanish "Dict" . com

I'm proud of myself for doing this. I'm proud of myself for being real and being vulnerable. I'm proud of myself for being strong even when I didn't want to be. I'm proud of myself for my desire to teach, which enables me to forever be a student... of the mind ;)

Emotional intelligence in dealing with loss involves allowing yourself to FEEL. The mind will try to deal intellectually with emotions and will always fall short... because emotions don't occur in the mind. And emotions will not be released in the mind. Here's a great infographic on the stages of grief. A more in depth, psychological analysis of the stages of grief that I referenced can be found here.

Acknowledge negative thoughts and emotions that are present, but also acknowledge that you’re willing to let them go. Two truths can exist without negating each other. Ani Trime’s Little Book of Affirmations has a been a great guide for me in starting to practice mantra meditation, I recommend it!

Ugh, how very vulnerable I feel sharing my shit sometimes. It'd be easier if I just shared lists with y'all like, "5 ways to practice meditation!" or "3 different pranayama (breath) practices to help ease anxiety!" But there's lots of that out there. What I hope to offer is raw and real. It's the bull shit mind battles that we all go through whether we acknowledge 'em, are aware of 'em, or speak about 'em- most of the time, we call all relate. As long as we 're wiling to carve away the layers that conceal our humanness. The book Living Your Yoga by Judith Hanson Lasater is absolute GOLD and I recommend it with my whole heart. It's a more elegant, more wise version of this podcast... it's understanding how to practice in the very messiness of your REAL ASS LIFE.

This simple but powerful phrase will help you find peace.

We want our partner to appreciate the thing we did for them. We want our night out to be fun. We want the thing we’ve created to resonate with others. We feel justified in our expectations... why can't they show appreciation for what we've done?! But you have always have an option to be at peace. We can enjoy the moment more if we stop wishing it was some way that it JUST ISN’T.

I'm going to choose to let the episode speak for itself today. Because I'm choosing to go take that hike I talked about.

"Every person who has been moved by genuine love knows that it leaves enduring traces on the human heart." -Napoleon Hill, Think and Grow Rich Happy Valentine's Day friends. Appropriately, I'm a bit hoarse in this episode (upper respiratory infunktion). So, extra sexy Kerry time. Enjoy!

The 10,000 hour rule comes from the book Outliers by Malcolm Gladwell. It sounded believable to me! The many times I heard it repeated fueled that belief. Until I starting doing some research of my own and found out.... THAT IT'S NATIONAL CHEDDAR DAY! And that changed everything. Articles referenced in this episode- That delightful blend of science and sarcasm comes from this article by Shaunacy Ferro The "10,000-hour rule" was debunked again. That's a relief.

Me atreví hacerlo. Comparto el complicado "porqué" detrás de querer ser bilingüe. Y también agradezco a los podcasteros que me han inspirado a compartir mi voz. Un episodio que, algún día, me va a dar vergüenza.

Acceptance is recognizing you can't change things outside of yourself. But you can change YOU, so that you don't get fooled again! This episode is the nitty-gritty-not-so-pretty things we gotta deal with. There's no point at which your life will be perfect, but there's absolutely a point at which your life becomes more peaceful. And that's all on you homie.

How the 3 B's of mindful eating can help pull you out of a snack attack... and a movie that your mind is replaying. For more information on how habits work, listen to Episode 19- Men are like Sugar and Episode 20- Rewiring your Habits Requires a Magic Ingredient

Everyone is living in their own dream. Blind Men and an Elephant story found here. Regarding Roberto Escobar's perspective.

Reflecting on how to share my voice in a meaningful way. In a way that serves, that educates, that brings something to others. That beautiful acoustic version of "Brillo" by Silvia Siu Plus a look at how spiritual practices affect the brain. How Prayer and Meditation Changes your Brain Prayer May Reshape Your Brain... and Your Reality

The Golden Rule of Habit Change This episode is a continuation from Episode 19- Men are like Sugar. HIGHLY RECOMMEND "The Power of Habit" by Charles Duhigg.

There are some parallels with my sugar habit... and my relationship habits. Let's take a look at that.

It's amazing- you realize that everything's okay when you just drop the story line. Learn how to practice "mindfully rushing!" and being tired without being moody. Here's a link to my featured Shavasana meditation on Insight Timer! Yay! :D Find me on Instagram @kerrybflow

Use your rest to reprogram your subconscious mind. This episode talks about how to support the changes you wish to make in your life by planting seeds into the mind when it's most receptive to new ideas. Articles referenced in this podcast- What are Brainwaves? https://brainworksneurotherapy.com/what-are-brainwaves What is the function of the various brainwaves? https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/what-is-the-function-of-t-1997-12-22/ The marvelous properties of gamma brainwaves- https://blog.mindvalley.com/gamma-brain-waves/ Effects of the Sankalpa in Satyananda Yoga Nidra- Manifesting the Positive https://theyogalunchbox.co.nz/effects-of-the-sankalpa-in-satyananda-yoga-nidra-manifesting-the-positive/ My favorite Yoga Nidra Meditations- All things Jennifer Piercy, her voice alone is medicine https://insighttimer.com/jenniferpiercy/guided-meditations/yoga-nidra-for-sleep https://insighttimer.com/jenniferpiercy/guided-meditations/healing-darkness-for-sleep https://insighttimer.com/jenniferpiercy/guided-meditations/yoga-nidra-melatonin-magic Also a big fan of Hannah Leatherbury https://insighttimer.com/hannahleatherbury/guided-meditations/yoga-nidra-to-plant-a-seed Find me on InsightTimer! I haven't uploaded a Yoga Nidra at this point, but my Guided Body Scan or Shavasana will help you rest and relax as well :) https://insighttimer.com/kerry_brennan

20 episodes in 20 days starts today! A few things I mentioned in today's episode- Ani Trime's Little Book of Affirmations Insight Timer App (free meditation app with thousands of guided meditations, courses, and meditation timer settings).

Will it work out with this person I'm seeing? If I leave this job, will I be able to find something else that's good for me? If I make this investment, will it be successful? Someone once told me, "you're looking for a guarantee, Kerry. And there are no guarantees in life." But she was wrong.... there is one guarantee. How does it affect you?

Heads up, this is an uncomfortable episode. This content is not intended as mental health advice as I am not a mental health professional. These are simply my own personal observations and personal examples of the effects failure can have on us if not acknowledged. How you might unknowingly be feeding feelings of failure, shame, and guilt. The path to releasing them might be the one you're avoiding taking.

How do we practice loving and accepting our bodies when we've spent our whole lives criticizing it? I'm in the learning process and I'd like some pointers. How do you practice body positivity?

Someone you love and respect and value and trust hurts you. Watch as the mind changes the story of this person. Be aware of how this new perception affects your peace. Can you let it go and come back to what's real in this moment? If not, you might find that "someday all them bags gon get in your way."

Gossip... why we do that fo'?! I've been observing myself in a new work environment. I started to reflect on our culture of gossip- what's so enticing about it? What's happening internally when we're gossiping. I share my thoughts with you in a very gossipy-opinion-type-o-way in Episode 11. Honorable book mention this episode goes out to The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz.

In meditation, the teacher asked, "what is mind?" I asked myself and sat and waited. The answer was, "mind is nothing." ...And then it all changed.

"Everybody can tell you how to do it, they never did it!" Last episode I talked about following through on inspiration. But hey... what gives ME the right?! This episode I share how I exercise discipline in my own life, how I understand the "willpower muscle," and how I make sure that the things I want to achieve GET DONE. I also mentioned italki.com (for those interested in language learning). And I HIGHLY recommend the book The Power of Habit by Charles Duhigg.

Inspiration is a seed that’s planted. Or sometimes, it feels more like a spark that lights a BIG burning fire. It gets us “fired up” about a change we want to make in our lives. But how do we nurture inspiration? What happens when we don’t feel so fired up anymore? What are the steps between inspiration and assimilating a new way of being? Give me a listen, I’ve shared some thoughts on the matter. The book "7" by Jen Hatmaker is an excellent read so far. If you’re interested… find it here.

Peace is a choice you make in a present moment. It requires you to detach from your thinking mind. It requires a certain discipline and understanding that the mind is not ultimately who you are. Because how can you define yourself by something that's constantly changing? (ahem... YOUR MIND).

I'm supposed to believe that telling myself "I'm healthy and strong" is gonna make me healthy and strong??? Well, yes. And here's why! (And how). The article I referenced in this episode is SO worth checking out. Find it here.

"....they're laughing. That's not good." Why the uncomfortable process of becoming bilingual (as an adult) is the perfect companion on the path of consciousness. "A New Earth: Awakening to Your Life's Purpose" by Eckhart Tolle What I refer to as “Ego 101” or “Understanding your Ego for Dummies,” …but for real though, this book had a huge impact on me and my understanding of how and why ego functions the way it does.

My students

How do you pursue happiness? In this episode, I'm looking at two different approaches to inviting more happiness and contentment into our life. I want your thoughts on these two perspectives. Inspired by and reflecting on the video "Joe Rogan Rants about Happiness"

Fear just jumped up and bit me! In this episode, I'm sharing my insecurities. I'm allowing myself to feel naked and afraid because I know beautiful things wait on the other side of vulnerability. Also sharing a funny FAIL of trying to explain mindfulness to kids in my first workshop endeavor.

Hello fellow human, welcome to the nook. In this first episode we take a look at expectations. Always willing to call myself out, I share the expectations (some that serve me, some that don't) that I have in creating this podcast. Some of my expectations include- Sharing a message that I hope can add value to people’s lives. Helping others find a little more contentment day-to-day. Building a community Wanting to continue to grow through a commitment to serving others. Seeking to continue learning by teaching. Thanks for listening!