Shining In The Gray with Vanessa Rivera

The Enneagram: What? Why? How?We have seen a massive resurgence of the  Enneagram but what is it really? What is this symbol? Why is the enneagram so useful? Is it even really useful when everyone seems to be an overnight expert on the subject? The enneagram can't be that profound if there's so many Instagram accounts about it, right? And, let's say it really is a tool for transformation- how do we apply it in our own lives so that it has a lasting impact? Let's discuss it all. www.thevanessarivera.com 

Lindo Bacon, Ph.D. is a scientist, author and so much more. They are gifted at taking science and psychology and bringing it forward through storytelling in a way that even I can understand. They have written Body Respect (co-written with Dr. Lucy Aphramor), Health At Every Size, & Radical Belonging. In a world where everyone is either in or out, accepted or not, Dr. Bacon shows us a new way to move and engage the world with Radical Belonging.

In the world of the Enneagram there's a huge focus on type and sometimes we can get stuck just idealizing our type vs growing and becoming aware of the patterns that challenge our ability to grow. In this episode Pegah Kadkhodian, Certified Enneagram Practitioner, Life Coach & Yoga Teacher shares what Inner Dynamics are and why they're a vital part of our spiritual growth.

Today's episode is a listener requested topic!JealousyInstagram, TikTok, and Facebook are constantly inundating us with picture-perfect images. The one with the "perfect partner", the "sexiest body", the most" successful influencers", the ones whose "kid probably won't end up in jail one day"... they're always a click away- usually making us feel like "If only I had... " "If only I looked...".So what do we do? Get rid of social media? Nope. The truth is, even a life without social media still includes occasional brushes with jealousy/envy. Today I just talk you through how I've learned to handle dealing with feelings of jealousy and envy.Music By:Eric Barnhartwww.ericbarnhart.com

Parenting is not for the faint of heart but it's also not just for parents of children!In this episode, Community Psychologist Rose Martin discusses how parenting ourselves is the first step in growing as a person and helping raise caring and compassionate kids. You'll learn about separating emotion from behavior and not rushing to judgment of your reactions. Along with some of the philosophical aspects of conscious parenting, Rose provides us with tips and practical advice that will help the child we are raising and the child in us as well! Follow me:IG: @thevanessariveraSubscribe to my newsletter:www.thevanessarivera.comMusic by:Eric Barnhartwww.ericbarnhart.comResources Rose recommends:The Conscious Parent: Transforming Ourselves, Empowering Our ChildrenBy: Dr. Shefali TsabaryThe Whole Brain ChildBy: Dr. Dan Siegel

Romantic relationships and marriage are hard sometimes. Mix that with added social and economic stress and it's possible conditions for really trying times for both people. Rose Martin (a Community Psychologist and counselor) helps us identify what's truly important in making relationships grow and blossom in any season. We discuss making time for ourselves, our relationships, and shhhh sex! This episode, as all SITG episodes, is not child friendly. So pop in your headphones or wait until your kids are in bed and join us!Follow me on IG:@thevanessariveraMusic by: Eric Barnharthttps://www.ericbarnhart.comResources we discuss:The Gottman Institutehttps://www.gottman.com/couples/Esther Perelhttps://www.estherperel.com/

Chris Heuertz: Enneagram teacher, writer, badass, and all-around good guy. He is co-founder of Gravity, a center for contemplative activism, alongside his amazing wife, Phileena Heuertz. I get to talk with him about quarantine, religion, his new book The Enneagram of Belonging (releases May 19th), NetFlix, and what it's like to be labeled famous, or as he says "infamous".Follow me on IG:@thevanessariveraFollow Chris on IG:@chrisheuertzResources:The Sacred Enneagram By Chris HeuertzThe Enneagram of BelongingBy Chris HeuertzMusic by: Eric Barnharthttps://www.ericbarnhart.com

The mastermind behind rudeassenneagram on IG. Liz Orr is a student of the enneagram, spiritual direction, and life. As an enneagram 8, the challenger, she pushes the limits with memes and sass to help us see our own shit through laughter.A basic knowledge of the enneagram is helpful for knowing what's going on in parts of this conversation.Follow me on IG:@thevanessarivera Laugh at yourself along with Liz:@rudeassenneagramMusic by:Eric Barnhart Www.ericbarnhart.com

Life, homelessness, community, war, veterans affairs, life on the front lines, who Jesus is, who we are meant to be... seriously, we talk about everything on this little episode. Diana is a writer, a key relationships officer at Preemptive Love Coalition *my favorite organization you guys!*, a bad ass, and my new BFF. I hope you're as challenged and encouraged as I was talking to this real life Super Hero.Follow me on IG:@thevanessariveraMusic by:Eric Barnhart www.ericbarnhart.com

If we were painfully honest with ourselves how much more beautiful would this life be?I believe that no matter hard it is to see our own mess that it's worth the struggle. It's worth the pain of growing to see what amazing things can happen and blossom as a result. We can all be assholes but we can be holy too... and we are.Follow me on IG:@thevanessariveraMusic by:Eric Barnhart www.ericbarnhart.com

Lent 2019- I was looking for a Contemplative/Destabilizing practice for this year and decided to make one myself. Join me as we meditate together on some big questions and learn compassion for ourselves and others. Also, I cuss here and there. So maybe use headphones if kids are around.

So, I have this thing: I can't wait to be an old lady! Mainly because there are trips to the casino, gaudy clothes, and... wait for it!!!! I CAN BE ON THE SMUCKERS LABEL if I make it to 100! Life can not be better than that! The thing is to get there I have to work on some stuff first 1) be awesome 2) love others. One of those is easier than the other. Come along with me as I consider what it'll take to the old woman I want to become.Follow Me!IG: @thevanessariveraMusic By:Eric Barnhartwww.ericbarnhart.com

I will never be accused of being a health nut but I do know one! Angie is definitely not the health nut stereotype I had in mind. She's hilarious, confident, smart, and not in the least bit judgmental or pushy about her lifestyle choices. She lives by example and I'm all about it! Angie shares with me her journey away from what she calls the standard American diet with great candor and a fantastic array of cuss words. She's obviously my kind of gal!