Living Light Radio

Why You Don't Need To Convince Others To Share Your Beliefs In these times of division, it can feel tempting to try to convince others to see the world through your lens. But is it really worthwhile and what does it say about your self-image? Tune in to this episode to learn more about how you can disagree with the perspective of others and still have a relationship with them. You can learn more tips on teaching your kids to be critical thinkers in this video: https://youtube.com/watch?v=oBHbxilUQ68&feature=share —————————————————————— Extra resources for parents and kids:

The Importance of Understanding the Mind-Body Connection With Dr. Bal Pawa Tune in to this powerful interview with Dr. Bal Pawa, a Physician, Pharmacist, TEDx Speaker and Author of the Mind-Body Cure Book. Her insights highlight the importance of the mind-body connection and taking control of our health with practical advice. Join us as we uncover her own journey to healing that started with a tragic head-on collision that placed her in the hospital she worked in hours earlier but this time as a patient. Being at the mercy of doctors and feeling vulnerable not only from the emotional grief of losing her baby but also from physical pain, she started her 7-year journey of healing. Dealing with broken bones, collapsed lungs and relying on surgeons, neurologists, specialists, she was being attended to by the best yet she was not healing. What became apparent as missing in the medical system is a lack of "patient involvement", the conversations about how much our mindset influences our healing. Expanding on this, she left for Harvard Medical School to learn how to do counselling for mind-body. The doctor there took a personal interest in her case as his research was based on the autonomic nervous system. Through this process and discovering her premise for her book, she learned to heal herself and returned to Vancouver to change the system of patient care. Finding like-minded physicians, she opened an integrative clinic transforming the lives of thousands of people using the principles of mind-body medicine. Her experience completely reframed the way she looks at the world, becoming more grateful and empowering not only herself but her patient in advocating for their health. Our discussion sheds light on science-backed suggestions on how how to improve digestion, sleep, chronic stress and anxiety by following her REFRAME tool kit. Learn more about Dr. Bal Pawa here: Website: https://drbalpawa.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drbalpawa Twitter: https://mobile.twitter.com/balpawa Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrBalPawa/ Instagram: @Dr.Bal Pawa TEDx: https://youtu.be/qq0DBeFdDlM —————————————————————— Extra resources for parents and kids:

Why It's Important To Understand & Express Your Anger Earlier this week I shared a Rumi quote about anger. "Anger is like a strong wind. It calms down after a while, but lots of branches are already broken." As I shared in that post, I picked that particular quote because I was feeling angry that day, and that is normal and natural. The key, I find, is to be angry at the right time and at the right thing/person. Some branches are meant to be broken, that's part of living a healthy life. There are many ups and downs and it's up to us to learn how to self-regulate. But so many of us are programmed to believe that anger is a "bad" emotion and that we should try to avoid it at all costs. Perhaps the people sharing the program mean well but I believe they are confusing anger with violence, and they are two different things. That's why in this week's episode I'm sharing some of the benefits of expressing your anger in healthy ways and how that can help you develop a better sense of self. Tune in to join the conversation. Extra resources for parents and kids:

Tips On How To Have Fair Fights In this episode, I'm sharing a number of easy to understand tips that you can apply right away to help you learn how to fight fair. Contrary to the marketing messages being pumped out by the self-help world, your relationships aren't supposed to be all butterflies and rainbows. That's not realistic and it can be harmful to you to set that as your target. Relationships can, however, be harmonious and you can each learn how to disagree without shattering the foundation of your connection and you can each learn how to self-regulate. Tension and disagreements CAN help you build your emotional and spiritual 'muscle' if you know HOW to use them in a productive manner. Tune in to listen to the five tips I have on how you can learn to have fair fights.

Ground Yourself & Help Build Your Confidence With This One Small Shift Most people are conditioned to plan ahead. Sometimes it's a week at a time, sometimes maybe a month or even a year. But due to the current circumstances, it's difficult to plan ahead. The major challenge in losing those long-term plans is that you may feel like you don't have as much to look forward to. You may feel like you're spinning your wheels. That's why I have been recommending this particular tip so frequently lately. It's a small, but mighty shift that can help you not only develop self-trust and reliability but also boosts your confidence. Tune in to this episode so you can learn more.

The Innate Gift Of Resilience That You Didn't Know You Had Human resilience is innate. It's a gift we all have, to varying degrees, but how do you manage those extremely difficult experiences? When life gets really hard you have to make a decision. Not just to get through it, but to thrive and grow because of it. And what is the role/responsibility of therapists and coaches in this space? Could there be a better way to help people process trauma and develop resilience? Tune into this fascinating and thought-provoking conversation I have with my good friend, Tara Miller. Extra resources:

How To Tune In To The Stories You Tell Yourself If you're feeling like you're in a rut, this week's episode is for you. I'm sharing a technique to help you get unstuck. If you follow my work, you know I try to do my best to share tips and tools in bite-sized pieces so you can try them out. Low risk, high reward. Not a bad formula, right? It's usually our stories and programs that often make us feel like we are losing (or maybe even standing still and spinning our wheels). The challenge is, however, that we don't know what that story is (necessarily) until we take the time to audit our thoughts. I'm sharing an exercise that can help you figure that story out. So listen to the end!

Why It's Important To Be Congruent With Your Feelings Being congruent with your feelings means to be the same on the inside as the outside. There's a flow. An honesty. Right now the energy around us feels very thick, and the best way to manage it is to learn to float above it. Usually, we use our home environment as a dumping ground for our stressors, or bad moods, and we tend not to share as much of our "light" at home. We believe we have to save that for where it counts - at work, or at school etc. But it's the relationships you have at home that truly impact how you relate to the outside world, so it's an excellent place to practice being congruent. Watch until the end because I'm sharing a practical and useful tip to get you going on sharing your successes and your wins in your household.

How To Give Every Day With Jacqueline Way From #365give In this week's episode, I'm chatting with Jacqueline Way, Founder of 365give. There are many meaningful ways to be generous that don't require money. Also, because of the current restrictions, the world of volunteering has changed and we discuss new ways to get create impact, connect with your community and gain the 'high' that comes from giving. You'll also learn more about how and why giving can help you feel happy! Tune in to our conversation about giving now and please don't forget to share this with your friends and family. About Jacqueline: Jacqueline Way is a dedicated world changer. Her purpose is to inspire and educate the hearts and minds of people to create a happy life - in a happier world. She expresses her purpose through her charitable organization 365give created and inspired by her son with a simple mission to change the world 1 give, 1 day at a time. WEBSITE: www.365give.ca —————————————————————— Extra resources for parents and kids:

How to Avoid The Trap of Victim Culture & Build Resilience There's a beautiful balance that can be found between being honest and true about how you feel (being vulnerable) and building resilience. But that's not necessarily what's being emphasized at the moment. In fact, the focus, more and more, is on elevating victimhood. Though we are in a transformative time, there's a danger of going too far into victimhood and we need to be mindful as we progress forward. Because identifying with your victim story ultimately leads you to live from the outside in. It's essentially a surrendering of power. Giving your energy away to others to manage as they see fit. Only they're not the ones that can create change for you. Living this way sucks the life out of you. When you get caught in the victim trap you are 100% reliant on other people and their perspectives. It's hard to feel grounded or safe. It feels like you are under attack. You lose touch with yourself and with your inner guidance system. In this episode, I also discuss the victim-aggressor relationship and how you can be both as they are two sides of the same coin. It's a deep, thought-provoking conversation. How would your life change if you could transform your victim story into a victor story? Listen now to join the dialogue. PLEASE share this with anyone that you believe needs to listen to it.

"99% of people are convinced they are incapable of achieving great things, so they aim for mediocre." Tim Ferriss Are you capable of greatness? Let's pretend for a moment that this quote from Tim Ferriss is an absolute truth (which I am well aware, isn't 100% accurate). Which category do you fall into? Are you in the 1% group? The people that tend to have “I want it all or I'll die trying attitude”. Or are you with the majority, the 99% that make a conscious choice not to push past their current mental boundaries because they would rather avoid risk and settle for what's safe and available? It doesn't matter which category you fall into at this very moment. What matters most is which one you want to be in. Mediocrity is complex and layered and people end up there in a variety of ways. Tune in to this week's episode "What Everybody Ought to Know About Mediocrity" to learn 5 myths about mediocrity that are draining you right now. Read the full show notes here: https://freewithin.me/mediocrity/

Why is it that simplicity is one of the key tenets of most spiritual practices? What does it really mean to simplify your mind, body and spirit? Read the show note here: https://freewithin.me/crackingthecodeonsimplicity/

When it comes to giving/generousity there's a word that draws me in. That word is Seva (pronounced say-va) It's a Punjabi word which means "selfless service." Being of service without any expectation or reward for performing it. The idea of Seva was deeply ingrained in how I was raised. But, that doesn't necessarily mean that it was, or is, always appropriately practiced. Why is it that some people can give selflessly, while others struggle with the idea? When they give, they feel that they must, or should, get something of equal (0r higher) value in return. Where generousity becomes more of a bargaining chip. Tune in to this podcast for a meaningful discussion on selfless service. You can read the full show notes here: https://freewithin.me/seva/

Do you feel stuck? Do you wish you felt motivated to create change? Learn seven ways you can start working on creating a growth-mindset and start saying YES to your life and saying yes to your fondest dreams. You can read the show notes here: https://freewithin.me/7waystoyes/

Do you believe in miracles? Or do you think they are unrealistic and foolish? Tune in to this week's episode for a conversation about miracles and learn 5 ways that you too can develop a miracle mindset. Read the show notes here: https://freewithin.me/miraclemindset

All of us are struggling in unique ways during this pandemic. In order to support families during this time, I have created a support group on Facebook. I will be inviting various guests into the group to share their expertise for parents and kids. Please feel free to join the group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/buildingstrongkids/ In this episode, Dr. Vanessa Lapointe joins me to talk about how parents can support, comfort, and connect with their children in the wake of the Coronavirus pandemic. You can watch the video of this interview here: https://youtu.be/DJCSilhMvJQ - we had some technical difficulties, but we made the most of it! Don't forget to check out our mini (but powerful) on-demand course that can help your child develop resilience (worksheets & parent tips included): www.innerchampion.me/p/resilience Did you know that my Sun Visualization for Kids was the Staff Pick twice in a week on Insight Timer? Insight Timer has 12 million users and has been around for 10 years. Use this powerful guided visualization with your child by clicking here: http://insig.ht/gm_106525

Implement these 5 simple steps to help you develop patience during these difficult times. Patience can help both your physical & emotional well-being. Read the show notes here: https://freewithin.me/patience/

Listen to this podcast to learn 5 ways you can shift your mindset during these difficult and uncertain times. You can read the show notes here: https://freewithin.me/5waysmindset/

In ancient traditions, taking time to be alone was considered one of the most important acts of self-love. But, being alone has been used as a form of punishment in the modern world.  Tune in to this episode to learn more about why you may feel uncomfortable being alone (it's not the same as being lonely). Read the show notes here:  https://freewithin.me/alone/  

Worried about Coronavirus? Learn how you can feel in control when panic is all around you. Read the full show notes here: https://freewithin.me/coronavirus/

7 Ways To Live Slowly & Mindfully - What does living slowly mean? This episode will discuss why you should start to live slowly and you'll also get 7 tips on how you can work towards living slowly, and mindfully. Read the show notes here: https://freewithin.me/slowlymindfully/

Most of us have been taught by our parents, teachers, coaches (and marketers) told you that being special should be your life's mission?    What if they were wrong?  In this post, I'm sharing the biggest lesson and realization I have had in my life...that I am ordinary.  This understanding set me free and has moved me towards a feeling of enlightenment and inner peace.    Read the show notes here: https://freewithin.me/ordinary/

Many people tend to slack during good times but work hard to during tough times? Listen to this episode to learn how to stay motivated even when the going's good! You can read the show notes here: https://freewithin.me/goodtimes/

“You complete me” may just be one of the most famous lines from the movie, Jerry Maguire. But in order to fully receive the love from another, you need to work on something in particular. Listen to this episode to learn what that is. Read the show notes here: https://freewithin.me/icompleteme/

How these common words are taking you away from your dream life. Read the show notes here: https://freewithin.me/common/

Basketball was my therapy growing up.  I was able to release my mental stress on the court. It was a healthy outlet for my anxiety, and often for my anger. You can read the full show notes here: https://freewithin.me/basketball/

Why you should pay more attention to your life

I'm self-made is one of the biggest lies I told myself (and others) in my life. The truth is what I was really saying was "I am alone"...and that couldn't have been further from the truth. I'm sharing my story to hopefully inspire you to look for the support you have in your life. You can read the full show notes here: https://freewithin.me/selfmade/

"Don't settle for less than you deserve." You hear it so often that it kind of makes your skin crawl just a little, doesn't it? The phrase sounds good, in the beginning, but after a while and after seeing thousands of posts and images reminding you 'not to settle,' you start just to ignore the idea, and you still settle. You become numb and don't notice where and when or how you settle for less than you want or deserve. In this episode, I'll share 5 signs that will help you identify if you settle and I'll also give you a worksheet to help you create change, one habit at a time. Tune in now! https://freewithin.me/5signssettling/

We all experience struggles in our lives, only many of us feel ashamed to share what we're going through. In this week's episode, I'm sharing my decade in review and how 2019 knocked the wind out me...and how I learned how to get back up and finish what I started. Finally! Or you can read the show notes here: https://freewithin.me/90percent/

Many of us try to hide from negative emotions because we're programmed to believe they are “bad,” and we should try to avoid them at all cost. Rumi's powerful poem, “The Guest House,” urges us to welcome all emotions with open arms because each experience brings with it a Divine Lesson, which is meant for our growth. Though welcoming these harsher “guests” may seem counter-intuitive, it is the fastest way to get through it - by being in reality and being present. Rumi suggests that welcoming these guests is the best way to soak up the lessons and the blessings of your life. Read the full post here: https://freewithin.me/rumi/

Have you built a fortress to protect your heart? What makes up your wall of fear? Each stake represents an unresolved, hurtful life experience you've had in life. Listen to this post & learn how to tear down the wall, one stake at a time. You can find the show notes here: https://freewithin.me/fearwall/

Can something as simple as play enhance the emotional well-being of you and your child? This week's post we explore the importance of play, for both kids and adults. You can read the show notes here: https://freewithin.me/play2/

Sometimes poetry is a wonderful way to share our inner journey and our soul's growth. "When I Woke Up" is a poem of personal transformation and awakening. You can find the show notes here: https://freewithin.me/wheniwokeup/

In the age of social media, we hear terms such as hate like.  What does hate like mean, exactly?   Well, I think it means pretending to like something someone else has done/achieved but deep inside you feel jealousy/envy or even anger towards them.  So you hit the like button or send the congratulatory text, but you aren't truly happy for them. But the hate like robs you of joy, fulfillment, connection and relationships. Not sure if you are a hate liker?  The best way to know for sure is to monitor how you feel when others succeed.  Does it awaken your inner critic, or do you genuinely celebrate for them?  Does their success inspire you to dream of new possibilities, or does it drive you into a bit of a tornado of negative emotions? Read the show notes here: https://freewithin.me/hatelike/ 

Don't put a question mark where the Universe has placed a period. Have you tried to cling to a partner, a friend, a job or even an investment - even after it didn't work out? You can see it now, (since hindsight is always 20/20) but at the moment, you kept forcing the question mark. You kept trying to make it work, to make it right. The Universe speaks in whispers, and it's hard to learn how to be quiet enough to hear its messages. It's hard to learn how to trust your intuition. But it's this intuition that leads you to know, understand, and accept when the Universe has placed a period in your path. Stop pushing and start listening to that still small voice inside you. It knows the way for you. Read the show notes here: https://freewithin.me/period/

Active listening really means ACTIVE LEARNING! Avoid these three words that block you from active listening and therefore can stunt your growth and keep you playing small.. Read the show notes here: https://freewithin.me/iknow/

We've all been there. Frustrated. Tired. Losing faith and sleep and we think maybe we should stop chasing the big dream and just settle for something more "attainable". In this week's post and podcast, I'm sharing four specific steps you can take when you feel like giving up on your big dreams and settling for whatever you can get. Read the show notes here: https://freewithin.me/givingup/

When we're younger, we dream big. We tend to believe miracles are realistic. We have faith. We believe in endless possibilities. We dream, and we believe in those dreams. But then we age. The miracles (as we had envisioned them) didn't happen. We edge out our faith. Carving it out, slowly but surely and we begin to fill the void with fear. With anxiety. With helplessness. With settling for whatever we can get. You start to lose faith in your dreams, and start cultivating what you think is "reality". You start to fence in your dreams. Listen to this podcast to learn more about how to move the fence so you can enjoy the beauty of your life. Read the show notes here: https://freewithin.me/fence/

The words you speak determine the direction your life will take. Like the rudder, the words tend to move in the direction with the lowest pressure where they can move easily, knowingly. Listen to the podcast to learn 5 steps you can apply to change the story you tell yourself so you can arrive at the destination of your dreams. Or read the show notes here: https://freewithin.me/destination/

A mentality of fear is misaligned with my soul and your soul. That's why it FEELS so bad when you stay in fear. Because fear is not your true nature. Love is. You know that old saying when you are squeezed your real beliefs come forward. What comes out when you feel pressured? Does your mind race with thoughts of fear, or does your heart lead the way with feelings of faith? Read the full post here: https://freewithin.me/struggling/

We are all on the journey of reconnection. Some of us enjoy the process, while others find it exhausting (because it requires effort and discipline). This week I'm sharing 7 simple and effective steps to help you reconnect with your self. Read the full show notes here: https://freewithin.me/reconnect/

It can be challenging to manage the surge of energy that comes with an awakening. It can bring you to your knees before you are able to rise above it and soar. Tune in to learn 4 ways to know if you are on the verge of a spiritual awakening. Click here for the full show notes: https://freewithin.me/spiritualawakening/

Ever wish you could Ctrl+Alt+Del your brain? Well, there's a way and it's really easy, and simple, but it requires some effort. Listen to this week's podcast to learn how. Read the full show notes here: https://freewithin.me/ctrlaltdel/

When I'm teaching people how to meditate, I like to use analogies to help students visualize the impact and importance of this skill. For example, a question I like to ask is “if you brushed your teeth this morning, would you skip brushing your teeth tomorrow morning or the morning after that?” It's highly unlikely. Taking care of your teeth is essential. It's also a twice-daily task that needs to be done to maintain your oral health (and your physical health). You wouldn't usually brush your teeth once and assume you're done for good. Why wouldn't you engage in a daily, or twice daily, cleaning of your mind? Your brain is your body's control centre. It deserves your attention, perhaps more than anything else. Read the full show notes here: https://freewithin.me/yourself/ and don't forget to sign up for our May 30-Day Meditation Course!

All mediation is relaxation, but not all relaxation is mediation.  If you are using an app, or listening to someone's voice, you are relaxing not meditating.  Listen to this episode to learn the difference. This episode discusses the impact of meditation on your DNA, and why mediation is the anti-aging secret you've been waiting for.  Full show notes are here:  https://freewithin.me/meditation/

There are many ways that people deal with the comments of others: Say something critical right back, OR Use it as an opportunity to grow. I'm sharing a story about a girl and her hairy arms to dive deep into a topic on how to reduce your sensitivity to the words of others. Read the show notes here: https://freewithin.me/insult/

Quantum physicists tell us that everything in the universe is vibrating, that includes inanimate things. Nothing is solid; everything in our environment is made up of energy. If inanimate objects like grandfather clocks can fall into entrainment, what do you think happens with living creatures - like humans? Read the full show notes here: https://freewithin.me/relationships/

In honour of International Women's Day, I have invited a special guest on the podcast today. She's 11-years-old and her name is Jenna. Jenna is sharing a speech she wrote about why equal pay should be mandatory. She's also sharing a little bit about the women that inspire her. Girls like Jenna are the voice of our future. We need to make time to listen to their point of view, because the arguments she makes for equal pay are pretty solid! You can read the show notes here: https://freewithin.me/equalpay/

7 ways farming practices can help you get "unstuck". You can read the show notes here: https://freewithin.me/croprotation/ and please don't forget to go to the site and share your thoughts. If you're really feeling ready for a change, sign up for our free 10 day course to help AWAKEN YOUR INNER CHAMPION!