Your Best Self- TURNING THE TIDE, (The Journey of Releasing)

It's very easy to get pulled in and believe whatever we see or hear. One moment good news comes and we're elated. Another moment, something upsetting and we're tied up in knots. Yet, the very nature of life is that one moment come after another, some pleasant, some otherwise. To jump on the bandwagon, and get tossed around by all the changes takes not only our peace of mind, but compassion and clarity from us. Here is a wonderful step in the journey of releasing. It shows us how to stay centered and not jump on the bandwagon.

We can't wait to take trips of all kinds. They feel adventurous, exciting, as if we are living fully. But so many trips we jump into take us in the wrong direction, or leave us feeling upset and scattered when they're over. Our thoughts, emotions, also take us on trips of all kinds, causing so many crashes. In this wonderful step, we simply don't take the trip. We stop, stay where we are and watch the invitation we are being given and where it truly leads.

Most of our time is spent looking either backwards or forwards, and in this way we become stuck. We try to understand, complete or repeat the past. Or, control every aspect of the future, be careful not to make the same mistake. This wonderful step in releasing, offers a way to stop the uproar within, and return to this very moment where all answers, healing and happiness are waiting for you.

Most of the time we are filled with cravings, unfulfilled hopes, and disappointment. We do not stop and take a moment to fully realize what we have been given, and are being given moment by moment. Or to give thanks for it. We also do not take a moment to notice what we are giving, or the difficulty we may be causing others. As we practice this new step on the Journey of Releasing, we put an end to the blindness that keeps us feeling empty and incomplete.

In order to feel safe and in charge, we get involved with all situations and relationships. We poke our hands in, try to fix, adjust and change things. Or we use our hands to bring something towards us, or perhaps push it away. This only pulls us in further, entangling us in painful ways. When we do the opposite, take our hands off and observe, magic starts happening, and so much distress dissolves.

Most of the time our first reaction to whatever comes, is to say no. We refuse. Unless what happens suits our images, needs and fantasies our energy goes to fighting it, refusing to experience what life has brought. Not only does this tie us up in knots and drain our energy, it prevents the natural flow of happiness and freedom that is our basic birthright. As we stop refusing, it becomes natural and easy to ride whatever inner or outer wave life brings. Not only is it easy, what might have seemed threatening becomes a source for growth and also enjoyment.

We feel so many things in our lives didn't turn out as we hoped it would, relationships, jobs, vacations, encounters. Much of our time and energy is spent thinking of ways to correct whatever happened. We feel deeply disappointed and blame ourselves and others for it. Feel like failures. This wonderful new step in the Journey of Releasing offers a new way.

There are so many conditions we place upon a person or situation before we are willing to embrace it fully. To welcome it and even go a step further and give it love. In this pivotal step in the Journey of Releasing we explore how to embrace a situation or person, even when it seems unwanted. Including ourselves. Then, as we do this, our usual notions about others and our life changes naturally, and we become part of the healing, uplifting, and endlessly supportive flow of love.

Our lives consists of moments, one after the next. Usually they race by without our even noticing. Instead, we are busy holding onto one moment or not allowing the next to comment. Or we listen to our racing mind, judging our moments, rejecting them or trying to fix them up. But this is the way we miss our true life. This wonderful step in releasing stops all that. We step out of the whirlwind of our mind and really take a moment. We let it be just as it is, taste it thoroughly. Then, we allow the next moment to come and be just what it is as well. No longer opposing the flow of time, not only does our energy return, but great ease and happiness with the very process of change itself.

So many unwanted moments come to us during our lives, illness, trouble in relationships and sudden news that disrupts our plans. These moments can stay for a long while, causing us to whirl around and around in their grip. The pain is prolonged, we stay stuck, and the memory of the moment returns again and again. But there is a way to end this.During this episode we discover a new step for freeing ourselves from the moment, and freeing the moment from us. We learn how to let go of wanting things to be any different at all. As we do so we see that our pain doesnt come from the moment, but from our reaction to it. And, oddly enough, as we do this, we also free the moment to go on its way, and transform.

We all feel that we know what is going on in this incredible confusing world of illusion. And, the moment we perceive something dangerous or negative a huge wave of feeling arises within. Most of the time these feelings take over, causing actions and speech which only make everything worse. In this pivotal episode, we take a moment to look at the very nature of these feelings that seek to drown us again and again.

The Tide in life turns as it does. A great step in the Journey of Releasing is to see that, allow it, enjoy it even. Rather than take it personally, reject it, feel we are being attacked, or punished, we can learn to see it differently. See each changing tide as an opportunity to grow stronger, wiser, have a fuller more meaningful life. As soon as we ask ourselves what we are learning from this, the pain and fear disappear. Our focus changes. The pain and fear do not come from the tide, but from the way we view it.

It's easy and natural to become entangled in difficult situations. We so often feel accosted by life as it comes to us. But a wonderful step in the journey of releasing is to stop in your tracks before your react and take a step back. This step back is a wonderful way to gain balance, perspective, and sanity. It stops chaos from intensifying and plants us in an entirely different place. Step back physically, or emotionally and become an observer of what's going on. Look at it from a larger vista and you will discover new ways of responding as well.

There are so many ways we look at others and at life. We can look through the eyes of need, upset, disappointment. Unconsciously we are dwelling upon painful memories. We can look through the eyes of hopelessness, feeling that person or situation will never give us what we need. Or we can change our filter entirely and look at everyone the way we look at someone we dearly love. Come listen in and find out how

Our first response to almost everything and everyone is to oppose it. We automatically say no, refuse, push against it. Seems we know better, or perhaps are afraid of the natural flow of life. Can’t trust it. This beautiful step in our journey of releasing frees our energy, heart and stress. It opens our relationships to all we’ve ever wanted.

Usually we feel it's up to us to make everything right. We have something to say about everything, decide what is and isn't right. But as we interfere, we often take actions that get in the way and mess things up. In this beautiful, simple step, we learn how to take our hands off, step back, not interfere. We stay present, do not withdraw, but allow the natural intelligence of life and events to hold sway.

A new step in our Journey of Releasing. The art of allowing is a simple, but powerful tool for releasing anxiety, becoming energized and harmonious. This step allows us to see clearly and know the best steps to take. When we stop fighting life, fixing and simply allow people and eventst to be what they are, not only do we see the beauty of it, but the best next steps to take.

We feel that resisting life keeps us safe and secure, in charge of the change that comes upon us. But oddly, the opposite is true. Resistance keeps us stuck and tied up, draining our precious energy. In this episode we discover how to identify the feeling of resistance and easily allow it to go. We also see how much strength and clarity is restored then, including a sense of ease and peace.

Most of the pain, tension, frustration, illness and ruined relationships is due to our compulsion to control everything in our world. When we are in the grip of this painful feeling, we are unable to see what is before us, respond with kindness or ever feel at ease. The craving to control all aspects of our lives actually puts us out of control. This wonderful step in the journey of releasing, shows us how to identify this feeling as it comes over us and how to let it go.

Much of our lives is driven by the craving for approval. This desire is so powerful in our lives and shapes so much of our behavior. It could even be called an addiction. We confuse approval with love, which it isn't. No matter how much approval we receive, it never truly satisfies. We always want more. We intensify the feeling by telling ourselves stories about how awful it is not to be approved of. We base our identity upon it. We allow it to generate feelings of revenge. Basically, we cling to the wanting of approval for dear life. What we do not realize is that as soon as we learn to identify the painful feeling and let go it go, real satisfaction and love are only a few steps away. .

Most of our time is spent struggling with whatever comes to us. We want to fix it, change it, make it suit us. And as we enter into battle with life, not only is our energy used up, but we feel more and more helpless, unable to win. In this podcast, we see that Wanting To Change It, is simply a painful feeling. And we can let it go. As we begin to do this, with whatever arises in life, not only do things change by themselves, but our strength, power and feelings of ease return naturally.

The ways in which we handle our feelings, do not work. Usually, we suppress, repress, express or deny them. Whether we try to hide away or not, our feelings simmer within and find their own way to be expressed. Illness, upset and endless drama are the result. But there is a new and wonderful way to be with our feelings, a way that brings ease of mind, courage, and health. Like surfers who can ride even huge waves, we do not get knocked down, or ploughed under. This episode begins our exploration of the world of feelings and how we live it.

We are not upset by what happens, but by our own reactions to it. So many are in the grip of fear and panic regarding the virus going around. We do not yet see, though, that the panic itself is a more dangerous virus, that must be dissolved immediately. The tide can be turned. We can learn to break free from feelings that have taken us over. The nature of feelings are to come and go. It is us that are holding on tight. This series of podcasts will teach the precious process of dissolving painful feelings, letting go, and returning to our natural balance and ability to handle everything.

It is often hard to know what to do when we are called to help those suffering. Whether it is a physical illness or emotional distress, we want to help them feel better. This podcast offers a radically different way to feel better. We learn how to become fully present for another, to be real, and offer a space for others to drop their masks and become real as well. Then healing happens naturally.

It's so easy to get caught in endless mixed messages, hopes and dreams and not know what to believe, or where to go. But Soen Roshi told us that it is easy to step out of confusion, and showed us how. First step is not to be confused by your confusion, see it what it is. Then he showed how to return to this very moment and our original guidance and experience.

There is so much pressure during the holiday season to give gifts that will make others happy, and make us feel good about ourselves. But until we understand the true nature of giving, and what it is that makes others truly happy, our efforts are often in vain. In fact, they can backfire on us. Let's understand the truth about relationships, and become able to enjoy truly giving to ourselves and others, without any strain.

It is so easy to take others for granted. We think we know who someone is, what they are feeling and how they will always respond. But a Zen saying tells us, "If I haven't seen you for three days, I cannot say I know you." Unless we embark upon mindful relationships we cannot see the beauty and freshness in others. We carry along our old expectations and grudges and put both ourselves and others in a prison without bars.

We don't think twice about showering each day, brushing our teeth, exercising, and preparing for the day. Our physical well being is crucial to us. And yet, so few take the time to refresh and renew their inner world daily. They may not see the enormous benefit to their everyday life, a daily practice of spiritual renewal can offer. Here we look at some simple, yet powerful ways of doing this, and how important it is.

Although we may not be aware of it, estranged relationships take a large toll in our lives. They drain our energy and cause a ongoing sense of sorrow and loss. However, there are simple, yet powerful ways of healing these relationships, seeing what's missing, what needs to be said, given and received. We can restore not only energy and enthusiasm, but the ability to open up again in life and love.

We are strive for perfection, to be the best we can. This struggle itself can bring great tension and unhappiness. We end up constantly comparing and judging ourselves. As as we change constantly, never hit the spot. When we learn, however, to welcome all aspects of ourselves, great energy, joy and possibility become possible in our lives.

As summer comes to an end, many feel disappointed. The love they may have hoped for didn't come, or didn't last. But love is coming all the time. It is just the way we respond is often pushing it away. How Zen we are in love? How willing are we to adjust the way we see life, look within and change some of our simple ways?

Depression and gratitude cannot live in the same mind at the same time. DEVELOPING A GRATEFUL MIND shows how to leave the dissatisfied, complaining mind behind and live with gratitude and happiness all day long. This not only changes your life, but heals relationships.

The search for love is endless. It is natural to create lists of what we want and strategies for how to find it. When someone meets our needs and demands, the relationship can work in certain ways. However, when things change or wear out, we no longer feel loved. It's often onto the next. But when we let love find us, we proceed in a totally different way. On this path we discover that love is always available, waiting right where we are. Yet we attract what we are. On this path we become love, and learn to becoming loving, and bathe our lives in love.

A true conversation is healing, it connects us to others and to our deepest selves. A sense of disconnection and loneliness vanishes, and life becomes filled with meaning naturally. But most live in the world of monologue, going around and around in their own minds. Let's find out what is needed to have a true conversation, to become available, fully listen, and become a trusted partner in life.

We all want to find the perfect partner, think that when we do, our lives will be full and complete. Things will run beautifully and the happiness that has eluded you will be right here. But why isn't the partner here yet? What would be needed to have and keep such a person? And why is there something wrong with everyone you meet? Let's explore the real nature of love, so we can easily see where the perfect partner is waiting right now. .

Fear can run your life, both consciously and unconsciously. But you can turn fear around, dialogue with it, and let it go for good. Undoing Fear shows you how to loosen the grip fear has over your life. You will learn to stop giving it your energy and believing in it. You learn how to reclaim your insight and your own inner strength.

Many of us live our lives trying to prevent change. We do all we can to keep things the same in order to have a sense of security. But as we hold on too tightly and resist all that comes along, we become stuck. LIVING WITH CHANGE AND LOVING IT, offers a better way to be with change. You will find out how to see change as a gift, one which helps you grow and can bring adventure into your life.

Many of us live hiding and rejecting many aspects of ourselves. These disowned parts cause great sadness and restriction, causing us to battle others for the love and acceptance we crave. Yet, when we realize that we are the ones rejecting ourselves, we can turn everything around. Here we learn how to welcome all aspects of ourselves, and have the courage to truly be who we are.

We all want to forgive, but often it is difficult to do so. Few realize that forgiveness is a practice, with specific steps along the way that can help. As we take these fundamental steps our heart and mind opens, and the toxic grudges and resentment we have been holding onto, naturally fade away. This episode explores a few fundamental and simple steps to take.

We all want to give to others, but beneath our generosity an underlying demand persists. We want to receive back and to possess what we receive. We hold onto people, possessions and achievements for dear life. . Needless to say, this brings much tension, anguish and loss. But when we enter true generosity, we can give and receive freely, not clinging to what comes or goes. Our value is no longer based upon our possessions. Then we enter a flow that constantly brings many gifts,along with joy and well being.

There are many temporary ways to relieve stress, but they only last for a short time. Ultimate Stress Control goes to the very root of the matter and offers a new way of handling your feelings and pulling stress up by the root. Rather than repress, escape or cling to feelings, you learn a new way to allow them to come and then easily go. You are always senior to your feelings, they do not have to run the show.

What we pay attention to affects our lives deeply. Yet our attention is so often caught and trapped by the endless demands and stimuli in the world. Paying attention to one thing after another we end up scattered, exhausted and often confused.However, there is a way to take our attention and lives back, to harness our scattered attention and energy, and build a heartwarming life that is beneficial to all.

We all search for friendship, closeness and connection. And, yet, loneliness and the sense of being forgotten and unwanted haunts many of us. Even when we are with those we care for, many feel unheard and alone. However, once we go to the root of our loneliness, see what is truly causing it, we can feel close and connected, no matter where we are..

Most of us live in the grip of worry, unable to be all that we are and enjoy success and happiness. But worry undermines our lives, causing us to constantly stop and sabotage ourselves. This podcast will show how to become free of worry, to give yourself permission to live fully and Be Your Best Self.