Pray, Love, Grow.

On this penultimate episode of Pray, Love, Grow, we examime the importance of complete self awareness. ***THEME SONG***"Beautiful", D MauriceFrom the album, Mosaic©2016 Anteres Entertainment***FEATURED MUSIC***"Gills and Tails", Amel LarrieuxFrom the album, "Morning"℗ 2006 Kappika Tunes (BMI), Topanga Twins Music (ASCAP) © 2006 Blisslife

Vulnerability is the foundation of empathy and trust. On this episode, we'll explore what it means to be empathetic to others and components of trust.Theme Song: "Beautiful", D Maurice©2016 Anteres EntertainmentMusic Featured: "He Ain't Heavy, He's My Brother", Donny Hathaway©2004 Atlantic Recording Corporation

Vulnerability is at the foundation of courage, gratitude and joy. It takes strength to be vulnerable. On this episode, we continue our look at courage - through vulnerability.Theme Song: "Beautiful", D Maurice©2016 Anteres Entertainment

Vulnerability and courage are two sides of the same coin. They work together to help us put away shame and to help us be strong. After a long break, Pray, Love, Grow is back! Let's take this journey together and become our best, most beautiful selves!Music Featured:Theme Song: "Beautiful", D Maurice ©2016 Anteres Entertainment"Take the A Train", Ella Fitzgerald and the Duke Ellington OrchestraUMG (on behalf of Verve); LatinAutorPerf, Reservoir Media (Publishing), ASCAP, LatinAutor-PeerMusic, and 8 Music Rights Societies"Sir Duke", Stevie Wonder©1976 Jobete Music Co.: Black Bull Music

Eventually, it happens to us all in one form or another. Menopause. Whether you're a young woman, a seasoned woman, or a man who has a mother, sister or aunt, you will deal with menopause. It's called "The Change" and it actually changes everything about you, starting with the brain. Let's normalize talking about it!

After a break and a contemplation of quitting podcasting, I'm back! On this episode, we'll talk mantras and intentions - what they are and how they're helpful. Also perception and projection and how they can hinder our growth. ****MUSIC FEATURED****"Lovely Day", Bill WithersWritten by: Bill Withers and Skip ScarboroughCopyright Golden Withers Music, Warner Tamerlane Pub Co o/b/o Sweet Cookie Music, Golden Withers Music, Warner Tamerlane Pub Co o/b/o Plaid Flowers Music and Warner-Tamerlane Pub Corp.Theme Song: "Beautiful", D Maurice© 2016 Anteres Entertainment

We live in a culture of perception and placing blame on others. But imagine there's no blaming? Ok, that was an attempt to echo John Lennon. Taking a mindful approach to taking responsibility and accountability for our own actions can help us get to a happier, more peaceful place. *****MUSIC FEATURED*****"Giving You the Best That I Got", Anita Baker ©1988 All Baker's Music/Alexcar Music, BMI/Eyedot Music, ASCAP"The Forever Now (From "This Is Us Season 6" [Featuring Mandy Moore]), This Is Us Cast ©2022 Hollywood Records, IncTheme Song: "Beautiful", D Maurice ©2016 Anteres Entertainment

If you're like me, you may be feeling a little anxious about post pandemic life. In this episode, I'll share tips to help both manage and feel what we're feeling. Let's walk into post pandemic like with confidence, mindfully. ****MUSIC FEATURED****"Lovely Day", Bill WithersTheme Song: "Beautiful", D Maurice****I DO NOT OWN THE RIGHTS TO THE MUSIC****

Accepting criticism or what we may view as negative feedback can be done with grace. You may be asking, "how"? I have some ideas. *****FEATURED MUSIC*****"The Prayer", Andrea Bocelli and Celine Dion"All For Me", Eric RobersonTheme song: "Beautiful", D Maurice*****I DO NOT OWN RIGHTS TO THE MUSIC*****

Our own hurt and emotional baggage can affect how we respond to the situations others may go through. Using the example of the Will Smith debate, let's unpack our own emotional responses.*****MUSIC FEATURED*****"THAT'S THE WAY OF THE WORLD", EARTH, WIND AND FIRE THEME SONG: "BEAUTIFUL", D MAURICE*****I DO NOT OWN THE RIGHTS TO THE MUSIC*****

There's a difference between hope and optimism. Hope should win every time. Why? How? Take a listen. *****MUSIC FEATURES****"Don't You Forget It", Glenn Lewis****I DO NOT OWN RIGHTS TO THIS MUSIC****

Why practice Gratitude? It's good for you! Physically, mentally and emotionally. Even in times of friction, Gratitude can help us get to a better mindset, physical fitness and rest. This episode offers ideas. Plus a few teachings of Thich Nhat Hanh.****MUSIC FEATURED****"The Prayer", Andrea Bocelli and Celine DionTheme song: "Beautiful", D Maurice***I DO NOT OWN THE RIGHTS TO THIS MUSIC***

There's always talk about a "purpose driven life". But is finding purpose really necessary to have a fulfilling life? I have some ideas.***MUSIC FEATURED***"Someday We'll All Be Free", Donny HathawayTheme Song: "Beautiful", D Maurice***I DO NOT OWN RIGHTS TO THE SONGS***

One way to act on self care and self love is actively listening. When we consciously and mindfully listen to the sounds and people around us, understanding and compassion begin to grow. ***MUSIC FEATURED***"That's the Way of the World", Earth, Wind and FireTheme Song: "Beautiful", D Maurice***I DO NOT OWN THE RIGHTS TO THE MUSIC***

What if I told you rest is a spiritual thing? That taking breaks, having realistic expectations for yourself and setting aside screen-free time are all important components to self care? Instead of a resolution for the new year, let's set goals for the year using one very important self care component as a valuable piece of the foundation. Happy New Year! Buckle up for the 2022 ride to evolution and growth! ***Music Featured***"Shining Star", Earth, Wind and FireTheme Song: "Beautiful", D Maurice

Managing your expections of others, of situations, or even of yourself may seem unnecessary. But what if those expectations cause stress or frustration? What if those expections are unreasonable or unnecessary? Listen to find out how to recognize if your expectations are unreasonable and how to correct that in your life.****MUSIC FEATURED****"Gratitude", Earth, Wind and Fire****I DO NOT OWN THE RIGHTS TO THIS MUSIC****

Are you feeling off? Unbalanced? Unaligned? I have some ideas about how to get back on track.***FEATURED MUSIC***"Have a Talk with God", Stevie Wonder**I DO NOT OWN THE RIGHTS TO THIS SONG**

This week, we're revisiting friendships. It's ok to love your friends like nobody's business. How can we be better friends? I have some ideas.***Music Featured***"You Are My Friend (Live)", Sylvester**I DO NOT OWN THE RIGHTS TO THIS SONG**

Pray, Love, Grow is back! On today's episode Ericka share's her journey and her grateful heart. Take a listen.***Featured Song***"Thankful", Mary Mary*I DO NOT OWN RIGHTS TO THIS SONG*

Change can be scary, overwhelming, exciting, fun and nerve-wracking. But there's always positive ways to cope with it. Let's chat about it!**Featured Song***"Sing a Song", Earth, Wind and Fire

Keep it simple. When our lives get crazy or chaotic, sometimes returning to the basics, the simplistic intent of a thing, helps us get back on track. What does that look like? I have some ideas.****Music Featured****"Little Things", india.arie"Here Comes the Sun", The Beatles***I do not own the rights to this music***

Love isn't just an emotion or feeling. It requires action. Love is a verb. An action word. And the action begins within.Featured Music: "All You Need is Love", The Beatles "I'll Write a Song for You", Earth, Wind and Fire***I do not own the rights to the featured music***

What does it take to cultivate a peaceful relationship? I have some ideas.Songs Featured: "Don't Stop Til You Get Enough", "Happy (Love Theme from Lady Sings the Blues)" and "Man in the Mirror", by Michael Jackson

Peace is an inside job. It comes from within. Sometimes we have to step away from situations, people or things in our lives to remember to grasp peace. I have a few ideas of how to do it. Featured Song: Gratitude - Earth, Wind and Fire. *I do not own the rights to this song.*

We can take a vacation anytime we take a moment...or ten...out of a busy, chaotic day and mindfully give our minds a break. Listen to find out more!

What is humility, exactly? And how can we use it for personal and spiritual growth in our lives? I have some ideas!Featured Music:"I'm Not Trying to Keep Score No More", Eric Roberson"Southside", Common Ft Kanye West

Grieving is a complicated thing. It's not one-size-fits-all...but it can be temporary. Featured Songs:"Not the Time, Not the Place", Marvin Sapp"Jesus Be a Fence", Fred Hammon & Radical For Christ

It's easier said than done to say "thoughts become things" and when negative thoughts come up, we should flip them to positive thoughts. How does that even work? I have some ideas. Featured outro song: Resolution, Pt 2 (Breakdown), John Coltrane

Tabitha Brown has inspired many of us to respond to negativity by extending grace. It's a lifestyle, but how can we learn to extend grace? I have some ideas.

Exploring more ways to let go and let be.

Letting go, or letting things be, is a practice that doesn't have to be a negative or bad thing. It takes stregnth and courage sometimes. But you can do it.

Self-confidence, awareness, love and courage all contribute to a sense of belonging. How so? I have some ideas. Take a listen. ***Outro music: Lovely Day, Bill Withers. I do not own the rights to this song.***

Confidence, healthy self esteem and your gifts will take you far. What if your confidence is lacking? Well, I have some ideas. Take a listen. (Music credits: “Beautiful”, D Maurice; “A Moment in the Sun Intro, Common)

AKA...”Conversate For a Few”. (Shouts to Biggie!) For some conversing comes easy, for others it's a challenge. Either way, when we converse with others, we should be able to do so from our authentic selves. We should also be able to speak from our authentic selves. This episode includes tips and ideas for having good conversations with others.

Over-thinking is too much! It causes too much, it creates too much, it's the worse. What can we do instead? I have a few ideas.

What exactly is having a “prayer life”? Is it the same as wishing for something really hard? I have some ideas.

What if I told you, love is a verb. it's an ability and not a commodity? Or that you can't love another person, unless you make the choice to love yourself? What does that look like? I have some ideas. Take a listen.

Thoughts on how to maintain our cool, peace/serenity and even love during chaotic times. Or maybe it's just a ramble! Plus a special announcement!

How can we be angry but not in anger? Being mindful in anger - I have some ideas.

It's not about you...and it is about you. How do we stop taking things so personally? I have some ideas.

The more we recognize the underlying sources of disappointment and rejection, the less offense we will take in those situations. On this episode...three identifiers to help us deal with disappointment.

We hear the term “narcissist” thrown around a lot? But what does it really mean? Are you one? Am I? Let's find out together!

It's ok to have expectations. It's not ok to expect others to live up to those expectations. Learning to manage the ideals and expectations of ourselves and others can make every relationship in our lives and with ourselves a more beautiful place. On this anniversary episode of Pray, Love, Grow, let's learn to curb our expectations of other people, accept who we are and what's in front of us and grow from there!

Having a daily practice of gratitude can change your life. It can even help you avoid silly confrontations. Wanna know how? Take a listen.

After a short break, Pray, Love, Grow is back! There are a few changes, but mostly we'll still discuss self-love, self-care, mindfulness and being good to ourselves and those around us. Welcome to Pray, Love, Grow 2.0!

Trailer for podcast

What are you saying to yourself that's keeping you from reaching your goals? It may be what you're saying to yourself. Take a listen. 

It's Valentine's weekend! Love covers a multitude of things. What does love look like to you? I'll tell you what it looks like to me. Take a listen. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

Seeking validation from others can often bring more harm than good. How can we break cycles of receiving external validation and learn to be our own cheerleader? I have some ideas. Take a listen!--- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

So you need a little confidence boost. What are some things you can do to feel better? Take a listen. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

Are you triggered by a person, place or thing? Perhaps it's time to set boundaries. You'll love you for it!--- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app