Podcasts about kriya

TRANSCRIPT Gissele: [00:00:00] was Luther King jr. right? Does love have the power to turn an enemy into a friend. We’re creating an inspiring documentary called Courage to Love The Power of Compassion, which explores extraordinary stories of those who have chosen to do the unthinkable, love and forgive even those who are deeply hurtful. Gissele: Through their journeys, we will uncover the profound impact of forgiveness and love, not only on those offering it, but also receiving it. In addition, we’ll hear from experts who will explore where the love and compassion are part of our human nature, and how we can bridge divides with those we disagree with. Gissele: If you’d like to support our film, please go to www M-A-I-T-R-E-C-E-N-T-R e.com/documentary. It’s mitre center.com/documentary Hello and welcome to The Love and Compassion Podcast with Gissele. We believe that love and compassion have the power to heal our lives and our world. [00:01:00] Don’t forget to like and subscribe for more amazing content. Today we’re talking about self-compassion in teenagers. And my guest is Dr. Gissele: Karen Bluth, who’s an associate professor emerita at the University of North Carolina, where she studies how mindful self-compassion improves the mental health of teens and young adults. She’s the author of five books for teens and caregivers, including The Self-Compassion Workbook for Teens and Mindful Self-Compassion for Teens in Schools. Gissele: In addition, she’s a 2022 recipient of the Inaugural Mind and Life Foundation Award for Public Communication of Contemplative Research. Yay. As a mindfulness practitioner for over 45 years, a mindfulness teacher and an educator with over 18 years of classroom teaching experience, Dr. Bluth frequently gives, talks conducts workshops, and teaches classes in self-compassion in educational and community settings and trains [00:02:00] teachers in mindful self-compassion for teens internationally. Gissele: Please join me in welcoming Dr. Karen Bluth. Hi, Karen. Karen: Hi. It’s well. It’s my pleasure to be here. Thank you so much for inviting me. Gissele: Oh, thank you so much for coming. I think this is a topic that it’s definitely needs to be discussed, and as a mother of two teens, I know the need for self-compassion. I was wondering if you could tell the audience a little bit about how you got started in this work. Karen: Sure. Well it really takes me back to my teen years. I was in high school, it, I was a senior in high school. It was 1975 and I needed. A topic for an independent study project that I had to do for my English class. and it was due the next day. I was driving down the road. I didn’t have my topic of course. Karen: I was driving down the road and outta the corner of my eye, I saw a sign that said something about meditation. Tm at that ti at that time it was transcendental meditation. It still [00:03:00] is actually, but I remembered hearing something about meditation in a different class in my social studies class. And there was something about it when we talked about it in that social studies class that resonated with me. Karen: And I remember thinking, Hmm, that makes sense. So when I saw that sign out of the corner of my eye, I thought, oh, well, let me check this out. So I pulled in. It was this old house I remember, and I went in and I picked up some brochures about transcendental meditation. And talked to the people there and they said, well if you want to be initiated, and I think that was the word they used, come back Saturday at 10 o’clock, I think they said, bring flowers and a piece of fruit. Karen: So it sounded very mysterious to me, but I did, I went back and, and was given a mantra at that time, and that was the beginning of my meditation practice. And you know, I practiced for my senior year in high school. I think when I went to college, it kind of fell away [00:04:00] for a couple of years. And then I got back into it after college and have been practicing meditation, mindfulness since you know, probably the mid eighties. Karen: Regularly. It’s been a cornerstone, an anchor throughout my entire adult life. As I’m sure as I’m sure you know, it has been for, for many people. I, I was very lucky to start early on. And then sometime in the nineties I had little kids and so I spent a fair amount of time in my car with them, in their car seats, trying to get them to nap because they wouldn’t nap at home. Karen: Yeah, I imagine there’s a lot of people that, that resonate with this. And so I had a cassette tape at that time. That’s what we used in our cars of poetry of self-compassion read by the British poet, David White. And this cassette tape had been passed around my meditation group [00:05:00] and so I had this copy and I listened to these poems and. Karen: I think I internalized the message a lot because it was in my car stereo for quite some time. And so this message of self-compassion became really integrated into into, you know, how I spoke to myself. And then about a decade later, I decided to go back to school and get my PhD and I wanted to bring together the different threads of my life. Karen: So that was my personal life, my mindfulness practice Gissele: mm-hmm. Karen: And this whole time I was, I was teaching in schools. I was a teacher and middle school and upper elementary school, fifth grade, mostly also younger grades, but mostly fifth grade and middle school. And so youth and, and, and being with youth and. Karen: Wanting to improve the lives of youth was [00:06:00] really very central to me and my mission actually. And so I, when, when I went back to school in 2008, I wanted to bring together these different threats of my life, my personal mindfulness practice, and my interest in helping youth. And at that time, it was just a few years after Kristen Neff was publishing her work. Karen: So her first articles, research articles on self-compassion came out in 2003. And so this was five years later. There wasn’t that much published at that time and nothing with teens. And so that’s when I just started diving into the work at that point. So that’s a long, a long story really, but that’s really how, how I came to where I am now. Gissele: It’s wonderful. I love that as the teen, you, it’s like, okay, well I’m gonna be initiated here. I’ll show up with my stuff. Karen: It was like, why not? You know? It was 1975. I was like, you know, whatever. It sounds a little weird. Fruit and flowers and [00:07:00] a mantra, but whatever, you know? Gissele: Mm. Yeah. That’s lovely. I do Kriya yoga and so there, there is like an initiation part of the, the component too, and there’s like the offering. Gissele: So yeah, that I resonated with that. I’m interested to to know what the receptivity is of young people towards self-compassion. And the reason why I ask that is as, as a mother of two teenagers, I know that when I, you know, I emphasized to them the importance of meditation, the importance of loving yourself. Gissele: They understand it, but they don’t always wanna practice what I’m doing. And so they wanna find their own path to loving themselves and being compassionate to themselves. What has been the reception of young people? When you show up to schools Karen: Yeah, of course, of course. So yeah, it’s interesting. Karen: So I hear from parents a lot that there’s, and this is actually, you know, this is the job of teens, is to resist what comes from parents. Gissele: Yeah. Karen: And find their own way, as you said. So this is not [00:08:00] not only is it not a bad thing, it’s actually a good thing that they’re a little bit resistant, a little bit of, Hmm. Karen: I don’t wanna just like take on what you’re handing me. Gissele: Yeah. Karen: So what is the reception? It depends who it’s coming from. So again, if it’s coming from a parent, of course it varies. It depends on the relationship between the parent and the kid. But usually, and I’m making a generalization here, there is Karen: A little bit of resistance, a little bit too, you know, maybe a little bit more than a little bit of resistance. Generally after the first class teens if we don’t push them and we don’t, you know, we, it’s always an invitation to participate in these classes. we’re not heavy handed about it. Karen: We don’t require them. Not that you could anyway, you can’t require somebody to do these practices, right? Gissele: Yeah. Karen: We just invite them in, but we don’t you know, we’re not heavy handed. We invite them in and if [00:09:00] we approach it that way the resistance decreases a lot. And you know, the teens might be quiet, but they’re taking it in. Karen: And I have to tell you that. I cannot tell you how many times I’ve heard from teens at the end of a class teens will pull me aside and say something like, you know, this was really my mom’s idea to take this class, or, this was my therapist’s idea. I didn’t really wanna do it, but I’m so glad I did. Karen: I frequently hear that. You know, this is the nature of the beast, you know, this is what, this is what teens are supposed to be doing. They’re supposed to be questioning, they’re supposed to be particularly questioning what comes on, you know, what the adults around them are saying to them. Gissele: I agree with you. I think it’s a developmental stage, right? Because we’re constantly trying to improve, what our parents did be better, be different, if we only just accepted the status quo , I don’t think there’d be progress . I’m curious [00:10:00] as to what some of the outcomes you have seen What are some of the things that you have found have helped, maybe some of the things that maybe weren’t as successful? Karen: Yeah. So well first of all, we know from research that teens who are more self-compassionate experience less depression, anxiety, and stress. For example, we know that as teens progress through adolescence, they tend to become more depressed. Karen: And that’s mostly driven by females. And that, that when teens are more self-compassionate, they’re less likely to get depressed as they move through the teen years. So we see that. We also know that stress is linked to depression, but we know that teens who are more self-compassionate, when they’re stressed, they’re less likely to be depressed. Karen: We also know that depression is linked to self-injury non-suicidal self-injury, things like cutting. But teens who are more self-compassionate are less likely to [00:11:00] self-injure when they’re depressed. so we see across many studies in many different places all over the world, we see that self-compassion actually acts as a protective factor or a buffer against. Karen: Some of these difficult challenges in the teen years. And we also know when we actually teach teens self-compassion through these different through our mindful self-compassion for teens course and workshops and things like that, we see that teens at the end experience less depression than they did at the beginning. Karen: Less anxiety, less stress. And in our most recent study with teens who had some suicidal ideation going in, that they had significantly less suicidal ideation at the end of the study. Gissele: That’s really, really powerful. I just wanted to clarify. You said driven by females? Gissele: Does that mean that it’s mostly young girls who are experiencing the [00:12:00] depression? Karen: I. Well, what we see is that as girls move from age 11 or 12 to 18 generally they become of course it’s generalization, but overall teen girls become more depressed and by the time they’re 18 or so, 18 or 19, they are twice as likely to be depressed as males of the same age. Karen: And that statistics stays the same stable through adulthood. So, you know, adult women are generally twice as likely to be depressed as adult men. That doesn’t mean that that boys or men aren’t struggling also they are. It’s just that their way of expressing their discontent, dissatisfaction, unhappiness is not through depression. Karen: It’s through other means. Usually external. Usually things like anger comes [00:13:00] out with anger. Gissele: Yeah. Yeah. Thank you for that. In this world of COVID, we have young people being more isolated and lonely and with all the school shootings that have happened in America in particular not as much in Canada I’m curious as to the impact of self-compassion on improving relationships for young people. Gissele: Does self-compassion work help them in terms of relationships with one another? Karen: Yeah. Well, we do see we do have a study with young adults that shows and these, these were 18 through 30 that shows decrease in loneliness when these young adults were more self-compassionate. I think what we’re seeing it overall is that obviously through COVID, there’s a lot of isolation, loneliness a lot more turning to social media, turning to technology now, AI and, what [00:14:00] social media does unfortunately is exacerbate this sense of comparing oneself with others, right? Mm-hmm. Gissele: Yeah. Karen: And of course, even though we all know, including teens, that what’s posted in social media is not the full picture of somebody’s life. It’s the curated picture of somebody’s life still. Karen: It exacerbates a sense of, I’m not good enough, I’m not worthy. Look at that person there, you know, they have all this great stuff going on in their lives, and I don’t, you know, so self-compassion can be helpful there. And in fact, in our program, we have a social media exercise and what we teach. Karen: Teens is how to be aware of how they’re feeling when they’re engaging with social media. So we don’t tell them social media’s bad, don’t engage in it because first of all, that’s not gonna work. Second of all, as adults, [00:15:00] we engage with social media. You know, it would be hypocritical of us, us to say not to. Karen: So what we do, which I think is a lot more helpful and also empowering to teens, is to teach them to notice what are you feeling when you’re engaging with social media? What’s coming up for you? Are you feeling this sense of, oh, I’m not good enough, or are you feeling lonely or sad? Or maybe you’re feeling excited, maybe you’re feeling connected. Karen: You know, it’s not all bad. So notice what you’re feeling and then make a choice that’s good for you, that’s healthy for you, you know, take care of yourself. So, so, so self-compassion is all about being good to yourself, supporting yourself, standing up for yourself, you know, doing what’s healthy for yourself.[00:16:00] Karen: It’s all of that. So if you’re noticing that, that something is, makes you feel bad, you have the power to limit it or shut it down completely. And whether that’s social media or you know, a toxic relationship with a friend, you know, you can do that also. But so it’s bringing awareness to what you’re feeling when you’re engaging with them. Gissele: I really appreciate that you said this because I think, I don’t wanna underestimate how powerful what you just said is. Because so many of us are so distractible, we have no idea how we’re feeling in our body. And until we’re present in our body, we can’t really understand how we’re treating ourselves. Gissele: And so to allow young people to just notice how they’re feeling about certain things helps them understand, Hey, wait a minute, is this a positive thing for me or a negative thing for me? And makes them more aware about the choices they’re making and therefore they can choose differently, . They might not choose [00:17:00] differently, but it gives them that awareness of like, how am I being impacted by everything? Gissele: And this is really authentically me, Then they can make that choice. They could take their power back. So I think that’s fantastic. Can you share a little bit about some of the other things that you do in your self-compassion program with teens? Like how do you get them to engage? Gissele: ‘Cause I don’t know if I would see a teen just sitting for hours and hours doing meditation. Karen: Sure. Yeah. Well, we don’t ask them to sit for hours and hours, you know, to practice. Karen: First of all, it’s adapted from Kristen Neff and Chris Gerner’s, mindful self-compassion class for adults. The teen class is different in that it does involve it’s much more activity based. it’s developmentally appropriate. So at the beginning of every class and there are eight classes there’s a little bit of art and it could be mindful drawing. Karen: It could be there’s one class which is. My favorite art activity, which involves playing with UBIC, which if you’re not familiar with Ubic, [00:18:00] it’s like the best slime ever. it comes from the Dr. Seuss book, Barnaby and the Ubik. But it’s, it’s just a wonderful substance and it, and it foreshadow something that we do later in the class. Karen: Each art activity foreshadows something that happens in that class. So we have a little bit of art, like 10 minutes of art at the beginning of every class. we emphasize it’s not about creating some beautiful thing that you’re gonna hang on your wall. It’s about just noticing feeling of a pin in your hand or whatever. Karen: You know, so it’s mindful activity. We have a couple of music meditations with the teens, which the teens absolutely love. We play some games. We introduce informal practices. Mostly we introduce some formal practices, but it’s mostly informal practices, which means things that you can do in the moment. Karen: So you’re starting to feel a little stressed. Notice the feeling of your feet on the floor, you know, that point of contact. and that’s because when we [00:19:00] start to feel stressed, we’re generally in our heads, we’re worrying, we’re anxious. Mm-hmm. It’s all going on in our heads. And when we bring attention to something physical, like the sensation of our feet on the floor, it can be very grounding. Karen: So mostly informal practices. So our regular class is an afterschool class, which is eight sessions, 90 minutes. We also have a school version, which is 16 different sessions, which are 45 minutes long each. Karen: And then we also have have what I’m calling drop in sessions. And this is because school counselors have told us that, you know, sometimes they don’t have a big chunk of time with kids. They have only 10 minutes or 15 minutes. So we have these drop in sessions where they could just go ahead into the class, teach this for 10 minutes, and and so they get a little bit of taste of, of what this is about, or, you know, a number of different drop-in sessions. Gissele: Hmm. [00:20:00] Thank you for sharing that. Gissele: I wanted to mention how important art and music and play are in terms of really reconnecting us with ourselves. Gissele: there’s been so much intergenerational trauma in my family and our history that I’ve had to kind of go back to basics and realize how difficult it was for me to play , how difficult it was for me to sit there and be present with myself. Gissele: Even coloring. I tried coloring and I just kind of rushed through it. Like I had an appointment and I’m like, why am I not allowing myself to be in this moment? But those opportunities, art and music, things that in the school system we haven’t always prioritized , I think is really powerful. Karen: yeah. And I think as adults we don’t play enough by any, by any means, you know? And, in fact, when we train teachers in the program we frequently hear from these adult adults that, you know, they wanna do these activities, you know, because they’re fun. [00:21:00] we need to play more, we need to have more fun, just lighthearted, play. Gissele: Yeah. I’m allowing myself to dance more and twirl more, and play more, even though I do it awkwardly. ’cause there’s always this voice in my head that is like, I have to color it perfectly. Gissele: Right? Like, which is weird because I like to think that I’m pretty compassionate with myself. But as I really am stepping up into Being more connected with my inner child, I can see those little tiny things where I’m like, oh, maybe I should have colored this nicer. Maybe this should have been inside the line. Karen: And teens have those voices also, you know, and which is why we emphasize as they’re, as they’re actually doing the art activity, we say at least several times in that 10 minute period, remember, we don’t care what this looks like. This is not about the product. Karen: It’s not about producing some beautiful thing. It’s about simply noticing, noticing what’s [00:22:00] going on. Noticing noticing the sound of the pencil on the paper. You know, is that making a sound? Notice the feeling when your hand is gripping. You know, the, the pencil is, is there a tightness in your hand? You know, so it’s all about that. Karen: It’s all about noticing, feeling, noticing the process, noticing the sensations that are going on as you’re doing the art. So we’re always emphasizing that as as they’re doing the art and even thoughts noticing, you know, you notice any thoughts coming up in your head like, oh, I don’t like this particular part of the drawing, and can you remember? Karen: That’s just a thought. And notice your thought. And as they’re learning more about the mindfulness piece in the class, will, you know, bring in that notice of thought. It’s just a thought. It doesn’t mean it’s a fact. You can let that thought drift away. Gissele: And that is so powerful. Because personally, having done [00:23:00] self-compassion practices is that you’re teaching. Gissele: reconnection . Right. With yourself, with your body, with your being, as a society, we’re so disconnected from ourselves, from other people. And to just even feel like your fingertips in your body and see how tense we are in the thoughts. Gissele: In my own practice, I’m learning to love my fear and focusing on learning to love everything, Even the challenging moments Can I truly love everything in my life or just even if I can’t, can I just accept it? Can I learn to just allow it? Gissele: And it can feel dynamic, right? So I can imagine for teenagers with their hormones that it must be quite the experience. Mm-hmm. Curious as to your perspectives around how teenagers are doing nowadays. Karen: Yeah. What I am seeing is a lot of struggle. It’s a really hard time and that’s what, you know, the statistics that we’re seeing that there’s high levels of [00:24:00] depression, anxiety, and loneliness. Karen: It’s an overwhelming world that we’re living in. I’m working on a book right now with my wonderful colleague, Marissa Knox. And this is a book for young adults and. We haven’t settled on a title yet, but we are bringing in this idea, and this is, you know, throughout the book and it’s about self-compassion for young adults. Karen: But this idea that we are living in an incredibly challenging world right now. Unbelievably challenging in so many ways, on so many levels. And we have to acknowledge that, you know, and we have to acknowledge that, that things are much harder now than they have been in decades past. And, you know, when I was a young adult, it wasn’t easy either. Karen: You know, there was a huge recession. I mean, I graduated from a good university and couldn’t get a job after, and I was waiting tables, you know, it [00:25:00] wasn’t easy then either, but but it’s a lot more difficult now, you know? The economy is, is even harder and rougher now than it was in the eighties when. Karen: Was waiting tables after graduating. And and you know, I have two young adult children and you know, I hear a lot about their lives and their friends’ lives and how hard it’s, I mean, so we have to acknowledge that. I and you know, when I’m teaching young adults and teens I always bring that in, that, you know, this isn’t your fault. Karen: That you feel all all this huge range of difficult emotions. You know, you’re living at a time when, you know things are really hard, politically, economically on the global stage, everything, you know so. To acknowledge that, to put that out there, to have that be the context in which we [00:26:00] then bring in self-compassion and we talk about how, okay, so now knowing that the world is this way, and guess what, for the moment we can’t do anything about it. Karen: We can in the long run, yes. And we’re working towards that, but right now, in the moment, we’re stuck with it. So how can we take care of ourselves? How can we support ourselves knowing that it’s rough right now and it may not be our fault that we can’t get a job or feel safe in our schools or, Gissele: yeah. Karen: All of that. Gissele: Mm-hmm. Yeah. I think acknowledging is sort of the first step towards saying, okay, where is my power in this moment?Because I think it’s one of the conversations I had with my students is like, you know, in the time when you might feel so powerless, where do you have power? Even if it’s just in terms of how you determine how you feel about the situation. Gissele: Are you gonna let the situation sink you [00:27:00] down and lead you to further depression, Or are you going to choose to say. I’m gonna choose to be kind to myself. I’m gonna choose to do the best I can. I’m gonna choose to allow and do in the moment what I can. And then, you know, if I make a mistake or a trip over over the same rock, I’m gonna pick myself up and keep going. Gissele: Like, or if I can’t, I can’t. Right? So how do we practice that ’cause there’s an element of me that believes that part of the reason why we are in the situation we are in terms of the world, is because of a disconnection, because of a lack of self-compassion and self-love. Gissele: There’s a lack of love in the world in general. And we keep thinking that the way that we’re gonna approach it is have more money and be more successful and do all of these things, but it just breeds separation. Which leads to my next question of how can self-compassion help us create community? Karen: Ah, yeah, so that’s a great [00:28:00] question. Karen: Because of course, as we know, community is absolutely vital. Having community is vital. So I think you know, the first thing that comes to mind is that when we’re more self-compassionate we have less fear of failure because we know we’re not gonna beat ourselves up when we fail. If we fail at something, we’re just gonna say, you know, well, you know, it doesn’t mean I’m a bad person. Karen: It just means like, that didn’t work for me in, in that particular moment. How this applies to community is that we’re more likely to reach out to others, right? So if we’re not so afraid that of getting rejected by others, we’re more likely to make an attempt move out of our comfort zone and reach out and engage in a conversation with. Karen: Somebody we don’t know, for example, we’re more likely to join a community group or, you know, in the case [00:29:00] of teens, you know, sign up for some new sport or music class or whatever to engage with others more and develop that community when we’re feeling so unqualified, unworthy not enough, we’re much more likely to isolate. Karen: And so in that way you know, obviously that’s how community develops is, where we’re able to reach out and en engage with others in, you know, all different ways. Gissele: Mm. Yeah. And the other thing I found in, especially in my self-compassion practice has been that it’s led me to be more authentically myself. Gissele: Mm-hmm. And you can’t really, you can’t really allow yourself to be seen and to be loved and to find your people if you are not allowing yourself to be authentically yourself or to be vulnerable . And so I think that’s a really key aspect of self-compassion, ’cause that’s really what primarily young people want. Gissele: They just wanna be authentically themselves. But we hear all these [00:30:00] messages. I know, I heard them growing up. You know, all about how we have to look a certain way. We have to be a certain way. There’s a right answer to everything. Gissele: and so I think that’s the beauty of self-compassion, is the allowing of multiple perspectives is the allowing of differences in the discomfort. Karen: when you were talking about that, what I was thinking about was in our our teen class, we have a session where teens have the opportunity to really reflect on their core values, and we take them through a particular activity to do this so that they’re thinking about what’s really important to me, what do I really value? Karen: You know how do I wanna live my life and what are the things I wanna let go of, you know? Mm-hmm. So it’s not a conclusive activity where they get to the end and they say, okay, this is what I want. You know? But it’s an opportunity for them to really take a few moments to think about and to reflect on, you know, what do I wanna keep [00:31:00] in my life? Karen: What do I want to hold onto? What do I value and what do I, maybe wanna think about letting go of? It’s just the beginning of that conversation with themselves. Gissele: Hmm. And I love that ’cause I’ve had to do this later in my life, realizing that the things I wanted to have were based on somebody else’s perspective of what they thought I should have. Gissele: And I, I went through a really stripping of like, who am I really? And again, I, this is older, right? Like, who am I really, what do I really love? What do I really wanna do? What do I really want my life to look like? And it’s not anything that I would’ve thought would’ve fit the picture, like it’s not. Gissele: Mm-hmm. But it’s so much better . It’s so much greater, it’s so much more me. Karen: Mm-hmm. Gissele: I was curious as to whether in the program there are elements of how to deal with conflict with one another Karen: Yeah. Well we do have a session activity where we talk about conflict with parents. Mm. And, Gissele: mm-hmm. Karen: Why, first of all, [00:32:00] why that occurs. So, you know, why is that happening? And we talk about the developmental stage and the brain changes and we show this video clip actually from the movie Crudes. Karen: Yeah. Yeah. And you know, there’s a teen in there and she’s having a conflict with her dad. And the dad just wants to keep her safe and isolated and in the cave, and she wants to go out and explore. And we talk about how the dad is doing what he’s supposed to be doing, and the teen is doing what she’s supposed to be doing. Karen: Neither one of them is wrong. And yet conflict ensues because they have different objectives and what can you do when conflict ensues when this happens? And so first of all, just having that awareness that, this dad’s not trying to be mean and horrible. Karen: He’s just trying to keep his kids safe. And sort of having that awareness and then how self-compassion can support you because when you’re [00:33:00] supporting yourself in that way, you can add through mindfulness also. You can regulate your emotions and which is the first step, you know? Karen: Well awareness is the first step. That would be the second step. And then get to a place where you can actually. Talk about what’s going on and acknowledge what the other person wants and needs also. Gissele: Hmm. Yeah. I I love that you brought the movie up, the crudes. ’cause what I, remember you know, they both the daughter and the father push each other, right? Gissele: they push each other to grow and learn. And I wanted to emphasize as well for my listeners about something that you just said, which is really important, which is dealing with Gissele: conflict. the first part is always awareness. It’s like awareness of how am I feeling? What am I, what am I thinking? You know, what’s happening in my body. And the second one is being able to hold space for those difficult feelings , right? Validating our feelings, holding space for those difficult feelings, having compassion for ourselves so that then we can have [00:34:00] compassion for other people’s, even if their perspective’s completely different, like differ from our own. Gissele: And so I think that’s the, the beauty of self-compassion is that it helps us have compassion for ourselves and other people. Sometimes the, as they called the disliked person, mm-hmm. But it really does start with the awareness because I feel like we don’t really know how to have conversations with people anymore. Gissele: There’s like this global canceling that happens because I think we are just so overwhelmed by our own emotions and we haven’t really been. At least some generations haven’t really been taught the social emotional part of, regulating our emotions so that we can then do the work of listening. Gissele: And you know, when I think about listening, I think about the work of Valerie Kaur who talks about revolutionary love. And she says, you know, listening, if you’re truly listening, you have to be willing to change Mm-hmm. Karen: Mm-hmm. Gissele: And that that’s can feel difficult. [00:35:00] It can, Karen: yeah. Karen: I think that’s, I I think you hit on a really important and very big issue which is that there isn’t a lot of listening going on. You know, there really isn’t. You know, there might be people sitting there waiting for the other person to finish talking so that they can say their piece. Right? Gissele: Yeah. Karen: But, of course, when you’re really listening, that’s not what’s going on. When you’re really listening, you’re open and willing to change your mind. So yes, that’s certainly part of this whole, you know, the program at the very beginning, in our first class, we have a piece called Community Agreements where we all agree on how the class is going to proceed. Karen: And one of the things is deep listening. Really listening, without that judging voice, you know, put that judging voice aside as much as possible. [00:36:00] Gissele: And that takes practice. Karen: Yes, Gissele: it does. Karen: It absolutely does. Gissele: often we go straight to judgment instead of professing observations. The other thing I wanted to mention was listening to the voices of young people is so important, which is why I think also your work is so phenomenal . Historically, we have not viewed young people’s voices as important as adult voices, or especially the voices of, of young children. Gissele: What are your thoughts about our ability to be able to listen to young people and collaborate with them in a way that makes them feel involved? ’cause I know I, that’s, I didn’t feel that way when I was young. Gissele: Young people were not invited to sit at the table with the adults to talk about adult things and talk about the world, How can we, emphasize more listening to young people? Karen: Yeah. It’s interesting. I too remember being a teen and clearly thinking, you know what, I know what I’m talking about here. Karen: I have ideas. Gissele: Yeah. Karen: You know, [00:37:00] and I actually did have the opportunity as a teen to be on an adult board of, mm-hmm. Of a nonprofit organization. It was a theater organization that we were involved with. and it was a great opportunity, we need to hear teen’s, voices, you know, we need to hear what they have to say. Karen: That doesn’t mean thatwe’re going to make decisions based on everything that they say or, because obviously we’ve been on the planet for longer and we have a certain amount of wisdom coming from our experience, but truly they know what they need and giving them the opportunity to talk about it and to express it and to listen. Karen: You know, I think what teens want more than anything is really to be listened to. Is to be heard. And maybe that’s what we all want more than every [00:38:00] anything is to be heard. Right. Particularly in the teen years, it’s really the first time when they are aware that they have some opinions and values and things to contribute to the conversation. Karen: And as adults I think it’s our responsibility to listen and to hear their input Gissele: Yeah. Karen: As much as we can again, that doesn’t mean we’re gonna make decisions based on, what they suggest. I remember my daughter as a 15-year-old, went through a stage where she just felt like she didn’t need to wear her seatbelt in the car. Karen: And I was like that’s not happening. Like, now I Gissele: got Karen: this. Nope. Gissele: Yeah. Karen: No. Gissele: Mm-hmm. Karen: So it doesn’t, you know, it doesn’t mean we go with everything that they, that they wanna do by any stretch, but, but to listen, I think is important. Gissele: Yeah. And they, that’s a great example. I’m curious as to her perspective as to why she felt in [00:39:00] that moment she didn’t need seat belts anymore. Karen: You know, I can ask her. I don’t remember. I think she was just exercising herperceived right. as an individual, you know? Mm-hmm. Mm-hmm. Obviously when it comes to safety, you know, we have to, Gissele: there’s a history there as to how we got seat belts. Gissele: Yeah. And so engaging in that conversation as you were talking, I was thinking about the generations and how sometimes it’s difficult for parents to hear the perspectives of their young people. if it, ignites shame and guilt, right. I’ve had conversations with my parents about the impact of my childhood and there’s been lots of like deflecting because it was difficult for them to hold some of these things that I was claiming. Gissele: And I’ve been on the other end as well in terms of like my children when they say stuff and you’re like, I hurt you. And so being able to apologize for me has been really important as a parent to emphasize to my kids that I’m not perfect. You know, we’re, Karen: we’re winging it out here [00:40:00] Gissele: and, and how much forgiveness and how much apologizing needs to happen and how much communication needs to happen when mistakes are made on both sides, right? Gissele: Mm-hmm. And how sometimes those mistakes and those conversations bring us closer together . But I can relate to my parents’ experience ’cause we all wanna be. At least from my perspective, I wanna be a good mom. I wanna be a loving parent. I wanna be the best parent that I can be. Gissele: And sometimes despite your best intense, you make mistakes. you hurt them. you do things like maybe that are based on your own fear. And so I find the practice of self-compassion really helps me be kind to myself and so that I can listen to that feedback and say, you know what? Gissele: I’m gonna sit with this. But it can feel difficult. Gissele: self-compassion really helped me sit with those difficult feelings because I wasn’t judging myself. A bad parent. Karen: yeah. You know, I think being a parent has been so good for my self and compassion practice just because of [00:41:00] everything that you said. Karen: My daughters are now 31 and 33, and you know, of course I made lots and lots of mistakes, I was one of those moms that I prioritized being a good mom. It was so important to me, you know, to be a good mom. And yet I made mistakes. And recently even I, maybe, I don’t know, six, eight months ago I was talking to my older daughter and there was something that I did when she was a teen that I felt, you know, I wish I could have. Karen: Not done what I did. And I felt really bad about what I did. And I, you know, I was talking to her about it and I said, I’m so sorry that I, put my foot down. I know what you really needed was a big hug. I wish I had, you know, done it differently. And she said, you know, mom, don’t worry about it. Karen: You can let that go. You know, I’m fine, But it helped me, first of all to be able to say that. And I think I was able to say that part at least in part, if not, [00:42:00] if not solely because of my self-compassion practice. And I think part of what self-compassion does for us is, is to remind us that we don’t have to be perfect and we’re not going to be any way. Karen: We’re not going to be perfect. We’re gonna make mistakes. So can we forgive ourselves? Gissele: Yeah. Karen: When we make mistakes, you know? And then if we can, and if it’s appropriate or if we want to or whatever, go to that person, you know, like go to our kid and say, look, I am really sorry that I did that and at the time I thought that was best. Karen: And now I see that’s not what you needed. Yeah. And I’m really sorry. Gissele: Yeah, yeah. Yeah. It’s, it’s so interesting, and I think it’s important for us to have this conversation for two reasons. Number one is we think we have to be perfect at being compassionate or none at all. Gissele: none of us are perfect. And I think that’s the problem . We expect ourselves to be truly compassionate, the pinnacle of love [00:43:00] and really just, can you just be a little bit better than yesterday? That’s all that requires. Can you be a little bit more loving? Can you be a little bit more kind? Gissele: That’s all that is really required. And the second thing, which I think you emphasize, which is so important, It’s that we think that being compassionate, it’s gonna be like, well, I’m just gonna, allow my crappy behavior. It is so difficult to be loving and compassionate towards yourself when you don’t feel you deserve it. And what I found in my own practice is it actually enabled me to sit. More. Gissele: With all those aspects that I didn’t like about myself, the more that I was compassionate with myself, I didn’t let myself off the hook, I was able to see how my behavior could have been hurtful , was able to see how there was times when I wasn’t living my values, but if I hadn’t been compassionate, I would’ve deflected. Gissele: I would’ve like invalidated. I would’ve been like, no, no. It’s their problem. It’s not me. And so this is why the practice of compassion is so important, especially starting younger. [00:44:00] So a few more questions. I say youngest that you have done work on it. And are there groups that are helping our, really young people practice compassion? Karen: Yeah, absolutely. So I work with teens and as young as 11 or so. Gissele: Mm. Karen: There are people who work with younger, with younger kids. My colleague Jamie Lynn Tartera works with kids age about seven to 10 or so. And then my colleague Catherine Lovewell in the UK works with kids who are younger and she has a wonderful book out and stuffed animals and and all this really wonderful wonderful stuff for younger kids. Karen: And it’s just adorable. I have some of her things right here. I know you’re not gonna be able to see it over audio, but some of her, so these are her [00:45:00] stuffies that go with her, with her. I like Gissele: the rainbow one. Karen: Yeah. Well, this is actually, so her book is about the inner critic and Yeah, this is Crusher, which is your inner critic, and this is Booster. Karen: Who is your self-compassionate. So the Rainbow Guide is, oh, that’s beautiful, but she just has an unbelievably wonderful program. So yes, there are people working with younger kids and yeah, it’s so important to start early. Gissele: Thanks. Oh yeah, for sure. Yeah. But I absolutely appreciate that you’re working with teens ’cause that can be a difficult population, but definitely, definitely needed. Gissele: I think sometimes we make it more acceptable to do those kinds of things, like self-compassion, self-kindness practices with young kids, and then for some reason it just kind of drops off the face of the earth and we’re not continuing that practice. So I think it’s wonderful that you are doing that work. Gissele: Two more questions. I’m asking all of my, guests what their definition of self-love is. Karen: Definition of [00:46:00] self-love accepting yourself for who you are. Gissele: Mm-hmm. Karen: With all your so-called challenges and securities. Because really that’s, that’s what makes us who we are, is the whole package. Karen: You know, the things we like about ourselves and the things we’re not as comfortable with about ourselves and when we can. And you used this word earlier, which I think is, is really great. Allow the word allow when we can allow those parts of ourselves to be there, to be present and to accept them. Karen: Say, you know what, you know, I’m not the most patient person in the world. I know that about myself. And you know what? It’s okay. It’s okay. I’m not gonna be perfect and I’m not gonna be good at everything. I. And that’s okay. It’s okay not to be good at everything. So I, you know, my definition of self-love would be [00:47:00] just to, you know, be able to allow all those parts of your, of yourself, you know, to be present and to be there and maybe eventually move towards embracing them. Gissele: Hmm. I love that. So last question. Where can people work with you? Where can they find you? Where can they find your books? Please share. Karen: there’s two websites. There’s my website, which is my name http://www.karenbluth.com. And so you’ll find out about me about my work. On that website, we have a new website, which I really would like to promote. Karen: it’s a website, for teens teens, and that’s http://www.self-compassionforteens.org. And self-compassion is hyphenated. And so that is a recent website that we’ve just launched in the last couple of months which has all kinds of resources for teens, videos, short videos about explaining what self-compassion [00:48:00] is, you know, what the inner critic is, how can we deal with the inner critic. Karen: There’s there’s a quiz on there. See how self-compassionate you are. There’s video, there’s some videos that. Teams who have learned taken our courses, have talked about their experience with self-compassion. And then there’s section about taking a deeper dive. Anyway, I really would like teens everywhere to, to know about this website and have access to it. Karen: And it’s a great place to start to learn about how to be nicer to yourself. Gissele: Beautiful. There’ll be a link on our site. So thank you very much, Karen, for coming on the show and sharing your wisdom with us and for the work that you’re doing, which is so, so important and so needed at this time. And thank you for everyone that tuned into another episode of Love and Compassion Podcast with Gissele. Gissele: See you soon.

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NEW! 2026 MARCH SPEAKER SERIES! RENOWNED LUMINARIES, ONLY THE BEST OF THE BEST! SIGN UP BEFORE FEB 28TH TO CHOOSE YOUR TUITION RATE!Learn More & Sign up now at synchronicityuniversity.comPrepare to be captivated by the extraordinary minds of these Renowned Luminaries! Brace yourself for a transformative journey into the realms of astrology, led by the incomparable STEVEN FORREST, a true legend in the field, and the best-selling author Melissa Cynova.Class 1: Jill Loftis: Understanding the Void of Course MoonClass 2: Alex Ruiz - The Lot of Victory and Nemesis: Hope & BurdenClass 3: Steven Forrest - The Story Started Before You Were BornClass 4: Hanna Tanajura - Jupiter in Leo: Awakening Your Sovereign SelfClass 5: Melissa Cynova: Grounding And Centering in Tough TimesThe Moon is our closest celestial body and she has a deep and mystical impact upon us here on Earth. The Void of Course Moon in modern astrology is defined as when the Moon is transiting through one sign and completes all of its aspects with the other planets before changing into the next sign. It is considered a liminal state - a loophole of sorts - that is to be avoided in some circumstances and embraced in others. Join astrologer Jill Loftis to learn more about the use of the Void of Course Moon in astrology and how to proceed with your astrological planning in the future with an awareness of this state of the Cosmos. Jill Loftis of Nuit Astrology is a mamma, mystic, astrologer and tarot reader. She discovered her spiritual path through the teachings of Goswami Kriyananda and the Kriya lineage. She offers astrology and tarot readings, online courses and an astrology/tarot monthly membership program. She mentors individuals who are seeking wisdom and accountability on their personal spiritual journey. Her goal with astrology, tarot and esoteric wisdom is to empower others with a deeper knowledge of themselves and why they are here. She is a Taurus Sun who splits her time between Portugal and the US with her husband and enjoys learning, traveling, cooking and gardening​Jill's website​https://www.NuitAstrology.com

In this episode of the Kriya Yoga Podcast, Ryan Kurczak responds to a thoughtful question many sincere practitioners ask. What happens when we enter the Kriya path through clarity, discrimination, and philosophical coherence—yet feel hesitant around devotion? When Sāṃkhya's precision builds trust in the process, the Bhagavad Gita offers a first glimpse of theistic meaning, and Krishna appears as a guide rather than a belief—how do we understand devotion without forcing symbolism or sentiment? Ryan explores how devotion unfolds organically on the Kriya Yoga path, especially for those whose orientation begins with insight rather than bhakti. He speaks to the natural maturation of devotion as practice deepens, the subtle shift from conceptual understanding to experienced inner relationship, and the role of patience, honesty, and inner readiness. This conversation gently addresses whether devotion should be cultivated intentionally through study and openness, or allowed to arise on its own through sustained practice—and how both approaches can harmonize within a yogic worldview. A grounded, clarifying episode of The Kriya Yoga Podcast. -

TRANSCRIPT Gissele: Hello, and welcome to the Love and Compassion Podcast with Gissele. We believe that love and compassion have the power to heal our lives and our world. Don’t forget to like and subscribe for more amazing content. Today we’re talking with Rashi Nayar, and she’s on a mission to shift humanity from lower states of consciousness to higher states of consciousness. Gissele: I’m so, so excited to talk to her today. We’re gonna have a great conversation and she’s gonna do a practice with me. Maybe you can tag along as well. So welcome Rashi. Hi Gissele: Rashi. Rashi: Hi Gissele. Rashi: I’m so honored to be here with you. Gissele: Oh, thank you so much for being on the show. I’m really looking forward to it. Gissele: What led you to be on this mission to increase the consciousness of humanity? Rashi: My own path to increasing my own consciousness, you know, to operate from higher states of consciousness, which is peace, joy, and love. You know, these are actually who we are and we explore that more as we go along. Rashi: But I was very depressed for 18 years of my life, you know, since [00:01:00] 2007 when I lost my dog and in a car accident. And that was the first time I had experienced unconditional love that way, you know, someone loved me for who I am, not for, I had to prove myself or I had to perform. I had to be someone. Rashi: I could just be whatever. And he loved me that way, right? And it’s very beautiful to get that type of love from someone in that way. And when I lost him, he was only two years old and he met with a car accident and he died in my arms. But that was like it was like an opening. And it was like my heart broke for the very first time. Rashi: I had never experienced something like that before and I was grieving, but that was the first time I started asking questions like, who am I? Why am I here? What’s our true purpose? What is God? What is enlightenment? You know, all of that. Because what my soul was longing for was to connect back to that unconditional love that I had experienced from him. Rashi: But I didn’t know, [00:02:00] I was always looking outside, you know, outside myself. And I entered toxic relationships because I thought that other people were gonna give that to me. I was very disappointed and I was very depressed. I wasn’t chronically depressed. I was depressed, but I was also living in a low, low grade anxiety for a very, like, very long time until 2025. Rashi: This year when I lost another family member, I lost my aunt to ms. So that episode really shook me to the core and it forced me to sit in stillness with just with myself. Like no more reading books, no more going outwards, right? Because that’s what I always did. I would go to a spiritual retreat. Rashi: I would, you know, go outwards, read books, do therapies, you know, do coaching. I did a lot of work, technically a lot of healing work, and maybe that was required, but. Nothing really significantly changed. You know, I was still the same. I was [00:03:00] still living with low grade anxiety and I was still the same. And but this time I went inwards and I connected with the part of myself that is infinite, that is peaceful, that is love. Rashi: And I realized that everything that I thought about myself or the identity that was caring was actually not who I truly was or not, or not who I am. The identities or the masks that I was wearing, you know, the mom, the entrepreneur, and the aunt and the friend, all of those were really masks and identities that I was carrying. Rashi: But who I truly am, my most authentic self is actually free already. She’s already free. And it’s not even a, she, I wouldn’t even, we cannot really label, right? It’s, it’s. The vast infinite being that we are is inherently peaceful. Is [00:04:00] inherently open. Infinitely joyful. Infinitely blissful and loving. Rashi: Compassionate. That peaceful, that’s who we are inherently. And I, stayed in that high, right? Let’s just say I was in those higher states of consciousness for three days straight and I was floating. Gissele: Mm-hmm. Rashi: Yeah. I was so high. But then came the day I went down, the anxiety was back again, and I was like, wait, I thought I was enlightened. Gissele: I did it. What happened? Rashi: But that is what what’s supposed to happen, because now. I could see the contrast, right? I had experienced something so profound, and now there’s the contrast or the lower states of consciousness, which is fear, anxiety, lack. I was back, I was back in the fully humanness, you know, the human part of me, but [00:05:00] now my aunts, so she passed away and three days later she, she was in my head, she kept telling me, Rashi, love yourself. Rashi: Rashi, love yourself rash. It’s like, it was constant. And I realized that I didn’t love the parts of me that were so-called dark or negative. I was trying to get rid of anxiety. I was trying to get rid of the darkness, right? I was trying to resist whatever I was experiencing in the moment, and that was profound because now my only job is to love myself unconditionally. Rashi: In all parts of myself, the shadows they call it in the psychology. But I realized that the parts that I’m trying to get rid of, the anxiety, the so-called depression, the low level depression that I was constantly feeling the numbness or the sometimes of sometimes just sadness, [00:06:00] like it would just come up. Rashi: What if I fell in love with those parts of myself? Then what would happen? And that became the journey that became the practice. And when I did that, I no longer resisted those. So it was just the experience and me in love with whatever what is right, whatever the experience is. And now I’m whole, now I’m not broken, you know, there’s some, nothing’s wrong with me. Rashi: You know, and that was the narrative that I lived with for 18 years. If something is wrong with me, I need to be fixed. I need the healing, I need the therapy. But really there is nothing inherently is wrong with me. We all experienced this human side of things and what if I fell in love with the humanness, Rashi: And that’s why the being that I experienced, so in those three days when I experienced the so-called enlightenment or the awakening, it was when I touched my being. And our being is inherently free. We who we are, our [00:07:00] authenticity, we are inherently free. We are peaceful. And yet the human side of things or you know, how we grow up, our conditioning, our identity, our beliefs that we carry, all of that is there. Rashi: And that is the conditioning. So the constructed itself or the human is still there, but we cannot try to get rid of it. It’s like, you know, the snake leaves its skin. By its own. We cannot force the skin. We cannot rip the skin out of the snake, you know? So it’s going to happen only when we fully and completely fall in love with who we are in the humanness. Rashi: And that brings me back to that connection, to that love, to that peace that resides within all of us. So that’s in a nutshell, that that’s the story. That’s why I do what I do. Gissele: beautifully said. First I wanna go back to the, the loss of your dog as a person who had a dog. Gissele: Never wanted a dog to be honest, but we got one for a family and felt completely in love with the dog. And after [00:08:00] 13 years to have lost him. And I realize now that he had to go the way that he did. But he did teach me about unconditional love and patience and forgiveness and joy. And so the grief that you experience after having that can feel very overwhelming. And so where I was going with this question is, the human experience can feel so real, I have sat with some really difficult emotions it’s almost as if your mind tells you that something’s gonna happen something bad or you’re gonna die. Gissele: What do you say to people that say, you know, This is all we are because this is what we can concretely see and touch and experience. How do you go from that to understanding and embodying the fact that we are more than this reality? Rashi: Yes. Oh, that’s such an important question. Something that I live with almost every day. Rashi: You know, there’s this low grade anxiety that I still experience on a daily basis. [00:09:00] The only thing that’s different is I’m no longer resisting it. Gissele: Hmm. Rashi: So, you know, and we human beings, we are either, we’re only living in two A states at all time. We’re either to attach to the state that we want, which has happiness, joy, love, bliss, or we are resisting the lower states of consciousness, which is anxiety. Rashi: We’re really in, in these two states or all times. So it’s like when we get that love from the dog or the baby, you know, I have two babies, two little girls. And I’m like, I want it all the time. Right. So now there’s attachment, because if she says something like, I have a 4-year-old, which is a, she’s a very mischievous toddler. Rashi: Right. When you say something that can feel like hurtful. I mean, I don’t take her things seriously because I know better, but Gissele: yeah, Rashi: for someone else it could feel like, what, what would just happen? Like we were in love and now, or the, the spouse says something, right? Like, I have my husband who really triggers me, so he’s, he’s like my [00:10:00] best enemy, right? Rashi: Like he’s my favorite person, so mm-hmm. He says some things that can feel hurtful, and in the beginning it really used to bother me because I would resist those things. I would resist the experience of whatever’s happening in the moment, right? But now I lean into it, and that’s the difference when we are getting this anxiety or when we are getting something and the experience doesn’t feel pleasant. Rashi: The mind itself because the mind is like that. Mind wants to go navigate towards pleasure and it wants to avoid pain. That’s how the mind is, right? Gissele: Mm-hmm. Rashi: But we are not the mind though. So in the moment, if we can witness the mind’s neuros, whatever it does is like trying to resist. What we do is we say, first I love you mind. Rashi: Because the thing is the mind in itself is what it’s doing. It’s movement what it’s supposed to be doing. [00:11:00] And the second thing is, I love you, anxiety and that love it. It’s the experience that feels heavy, that feels not good, right? And that experience now is infused with love. So there’s no longer a problem with what is, with the experience itself. Rashi: And there’s a beautiful book written by Byron Kitty and her, the name of the book is Loving What Is, and apparently, you know, she’s enlightened, you know, every like, so she’s the enlightened being, right? We can talk in that way. I’m not enlightened for sure, but that’s what she meant. I didn’t understand it back then. Rashi: But this is what she means is whatever our experience is, if we are not attaching ourself to it, which means we are not craving more of that, or we are not resisting that, [00:12:00] then we have no problem with the experience. So the experience in itself is not a problem, Gissele. It’s our relationship with the experience that’s the problem. Rashi: So the anxiety in itself is not a problem. It’s how I relate to anxiety, how I see it. That in itself is the issue here. So if we’re like, okay, anxiety is here, can I love it? Can I lean into it? And when I do, and it can feel scary because some people might think that if I lean into that, that means it’s gonna expand, it’s gonna grow more. Rashi: Right? That’s sometimes where the belief is, and I definitely have that, but it’s actually what happens is the other way that anxiety or that bubble becomes love. And you know, there’s a great saint in India, I really, really respect him. He’s no longer in body and that’s, I always keep this picture over here. Rashi: Mm-hmm. [00:13:00] His name is named Carol Baba, and he was apparently he’s the same behind Apple. You know, Steve Jobs went to his temple. Rashi: I love him. I’ve never met him, but somehow I love him. Rashi: And, you know, love has no logic. Gissele: And it has no boundary either. It doesn’t, it doesn’t mean that you can’t love somebody who’s passing. And I think that’s the difficulty perception about, we think that when somebody crosses over that the love ends. I still love my dog bear and I still think about him. Gissele: I think about caressing him. I think about, I talk to him. But anyways, go on. Rashi: Yes, you’re right. Exactly. So, because love is unconditional and love is who we are. Mm-hmm. Which I’m going to take you back to so you can experience it yourself. But he used to say that suffering brings us closer to God. Rashi: Mm. And God is love. And so suffering, meaning anxiety, pain, whatever, chronic pain. I mean, people who are his devotees and people who have written books about him, they [00:14:00] said that, I’m so glad that there’s this pain in my life because it helps me take back to him love or God. And that’s exactly what we’re doing here, is we are saying, whatever comes to our experience, I love you. Rashi: Anxiety, I love you. Guilt, depression, grief, It can feel really hard in that moment, but that is the portal, the bridge between the lower states of consciousness, which is anxiety, fear, all of that to higher states of consciousness, which is love, peace, joy, abundance, that love and saying it mentally in the beginning it could feel like a mental repetition. Rashi: Everything is like, and then you’re like, I love you. I honor you. Even if you’re here, I love myself and I love, I mean, that’s loving kindness. The practice of loving kindness meta in Buddhism is loving ourselves and then loving people in our lives and loving [00:15:00] what is, you know, so that’s a tool that if people can use then, you know, I would love to hear how their life transforms. Gissele: Hmm. Yeah. it’s definitely something that I use myself and what I realized was that the more love I had in my heart for myself, the more it overflowed to other people. Like I didn’t need them to be different. I didn’t need them to change ’cause I didn’t need them to give me anything. Gissele: I really resonated with what you’re talking about, resistance. I noticed that one thing about myself is when I encountered the most resistance to what was happening, my inability to accept and surrender, had to do with my belief that if I surrendered, I was giving up. Gissele: That was accepting. What is that? it’s like saying that there was no hope or no chance Rashi: Mm-hmm. Gissele: I didn’t realize that the deeper thinking behind my resistance had to do with that. This has power over me, so if I give into it, it’ll take me, it’ll do what it wants to do. Correct. And so when I let go of that story [00:16:00] and allowed myself to surrender, there was a level of peace, but it was hard to get there. Gissele: I just wanna acknowledge what you’re talking about is so brilliant, but it can feel really challenging. And it doesn’t have to, but it can. Because I remember when I would ask for guidance from my higher self God source universe, the guidance that I always got was Love it. Choose it. Gissele: And I’m like, well, I don’t wanna choose this. I don’t wanna accept this. And so, but I would lie to myself thinking that I was not in resistance, but I was in resistance. ’cause my body was so tight. Rashi: Yeah. Gissele: And so, it can feel difficult to let go of that resistance. And we are. Gissele: Not really taught to surrender. we’re doers. Rashi: I just gotta keep grinding it out and eventually this is gonna come through. Gissele: how is that counterintuitive to allow love? Rashi: I love that question because I was exactly what you’re describing. For 11 years of my life, I was a [00:17:00] serial entrepreneur. I’ve scaled my own businesses to seven figures plus. And I learned it from my dad. Rashi: You know, it’s a learned behavior. You keep pushing through, you just keep doing, you know, and that’s discipline. Yeah. And consistency. Like those words feel really good. Discipline, consistency and but it didn’t feel good to my body. Gissele: Oh, Rashi: right. It does. It feels like, oh, it, it felt like I’m choking, but I still kept pushing through and I burned out very much. Rashi: So that’s why, you know, I no longer do what I used to do for 11 years and it just didn’t feel aligned anymore. I wanted to open my heart. I wanted to lead from the heart. So, to answer your question, Gissele, when you say that you are the doer, I wanna take you into this is again, a constructed and identity. Gissele: Yeah. Rashi: Right. This is, again, something that we have [00:18:00] adopted from our environment and from our parents, maybe from our teachers, someone we really admired because they had this habit of keep going and it felt really inspiring, right? Because they accomplished so much and the narrative that we. Play in our head is if we keep doing that means, you know, we’re bring, we’re service. Rashi: This is service to humanity and we’re serving, we’re adding value. All of that feels really good, right? Gissele: Mm-hmm. Rashi: And it feels like we’re in service. But the highest service, and I haven’t come to that point myself, but I get glimpses of that, is surrender. And I’ll tell you why. The highest service is surrender is because when we are surrendered, we are now the channel for God will to flow through us what God wants us. Rashi: And that is the path of least resistance. The [00:19:00] path of least resistance is when we are, it’s not my will, it’s God’s will. The problem. The problem, we don’t have a problem. The brain has a problem. And this is, now, let’s go back to scientifically, understanding the scientifically how this works is the brain wants to solve problems because our brain is from the ancestors we lived. Rashi: Our brain is coming from survival. You know, it, it doesn’t know how to thrive. It knows how to survive, right? And survival means keep pushing through. It means keep solving problems because there could be a line behind us and if we don’t solve problems, we are gonna die. So the brain is used to solving problems. Rashi: So it’s not necessarily you that wants to do, it’s your brain that wants to fix the problem. Gissele: Mm-hmm. Rashi: So Rashi: once you understand who you are, then you don’t relate to your brain as yourself. That, and that’s what we do, is we relate to our brain’s [00:20:00] mechanism or our mind’s workings as ourselves. We identify that that’s who I am, but that’s not who we are. Rashi: when we realize who we are, then we are free. Then we can see the workings of the mind as the workings of the mind. And we’re like, ah, that’s what the mind wants us to do right now. But what do I wanna do? Which means I, the, which I’m gonna take you to let you experience that for yourself. So we can do that whenever you’re ready. Gissele: Yeah, of course. I just wanted to mention a couple more things. in my life surrender has been so fundamental. Mm-hmm. It’s led to some magical things happening. But what I noticed was that on the things that mattered the most to me, or had the most limiting beliefs about surrendering is really difficult. Gissele: Mm-hmm. I could surrender, like small things or things that I believed could happen, but the things that were bigger, that bigger than I thought I could hold in my container, I [00:21:00] had a hard time really releasing or surrendering. Rashi: Mm-hmm. Gissele: And so for me, the, the whole concept of surrendering has been a minute by minute step by step by step. Gissele: I’m surrendering a little bit more. ’cause people think, well, I just surrender and then it’s. But if you have limiting beliefs around it, surrender can feel really dangerous. It can feel, it can feel unsafe. And that was one of the things that, the word that came up for me every time I tried to surrender about the different things I was surrendering about is like, this feels unsafe. Gissele: This feels unsafe. So like you said, being able to soothe your mind in, in your emotions and saying, you’re safe. You know, we got this. Mm-hmm. we’re just taking a baby step. That, for me, has gone a long way, Gissele: I continue to surrender more and more every single day and it feels so good to not feel like you have to carry the whole world with you. That you have God, Source, Universe helping you. And usually things turn out way better than I even anticipated. but here’s how stubborn I am [00:22:00] or this ego person is. Gissele: That should have been enough. Like how many times does the universe have to show me, like these magical things. And I’m like, well, but not in this case. Gissele: I wanted to ask you a couple more questions. The first one is talking about who we are. I’ve heard many people that say that we are God because everything is God source energy. We are God, we are made from that. from the same source and that God’s will is our will and our will is God’s will. And I had to kind of grapple with that. Gissele: And the reason being is because it’s not that I think it’s like blasphemous or anything like that, is that I kind of fell into a pitfall where I thought I could force my will. Rashi: Yeah. Gissele: Rather than being like, what’s my genuine will? what’s my genuine identity? and if I truly believed it, I wouldn’t be resistant to anything. Gissele: If I truly believed I was a creator of my life, of my thoughts and emotions and [00:23:00] God was working through me and I’m made up of the same juice as everything else, and I wouldn’t resist anything in my life. I would just choose something else. Gissele: Just curious as to your thoughts about that. Rashi: Wow. Again, this is amazing because yes, we are God, but yes, we are also humans, you know? Gissele: Mm-hmm. Rashi: God gave us this body, very limited body, right? I mean, where I come from, the Hindu culture, in our religion, we have flying gods. Rashi: You know, there’s a monkey, God called Hanman. I don’t know if you’ve heard of him. He used to fly, right? And so he has completely crossed the gravity, right? He is broken all the laws. So neem, KLI, Baba, he was apparently the avatar of Numan because he could be in three different places at the same time. So people in Delhi were like Baba’s with us, but in people in Aaba, they, but Baba’s with us has that possible. Rashi: And then there’s people in Bombay, they’re like, but Baba’s with us. How is that possible? So he completely nullified [00:24:00] the, the laws of the universe, which is laws of gravity. And he was a, people used to say that he was God, and so he had commanded or he had done a lot of, or sadana, which is a lot of the yogic practices to come to that. Rashi: But we don’t do that. You know, we’re mothers and we live in a household, so obviously we don’t have that luxury to, you know, meditate first since morning until night. We can’t do that. Yeah. So, right. So we have to address, we have to understand that we are limited in the body sense, but we are also unlimited with our mindsets that what we can think we can create. Rashi: So in that sense, yes, we are God, but yes, we are also a human being. So the ego in itself is not a problem. That’s what I wanted to say is ego in itself is not a problem as long as we can witness. Stay as the witness and we can witness the ego play [00:25:00] out. Gissele: Yeah. Rashi: Ego, meaning the constructed self. And also if we talk about the brain, the brain has a certain neurological pathway, a neural pathway that has been established and the non-dualistic teachings, the avea, they call it the spider web. Rashi: or the veil. the Christians call it the veil, and it’s the neural pathway in the brain that has been established as our identity, our beliefs, our thoughts, our perceptions. Mm-hmm. All of who we think we are, the constructed self or the ego. We are getting away from that, you know, and I, at least I have 39 years of that to get away from that. Rashi: To collapse that completely and to come to higher states of consciousness, which is completely a new neural pathway. Establishing that is a muscle, it’s almost like lifting weights in the gym. It takes practice. So this is a practice, and like you said, the [00:26:00] surrender is not a one, one thing. I mean, Gissele: yeah. Rashi: I think Ekhart Tolle he’s written about this, that the surrender just happened and he just disappeared. Right. And he became enlightened just like that, which I thought I had experienced before. But there are some beings that have experienced that, and they stayed in that bliss and that joy, I don’t know what that is to feel like for me it’s a practice and I don’t have a problem with that. Rashi: I’ll tell you why. Because I’m able to see the constructed self and the neurosis that come with the constructed self itself for sad. You know? Gissele: Mm-hmm. Rashi: I wanna see it like that. I want this to unfold as it is unfolding, because then the suffering, the ego is a portal. It becomes an invitation to come back to myself every single day. Rashi: Every single day. Now, I’m a conscious creator. I’m consciously choosing to [00:27:00] return to my original state, which is peace, which is love, which is joy, which is compassion. there’s a part of me, the ego, and I can still hear the voice be like, are you kidding? You? You not wanna be enlightened? Rashi: Like, forget about all of this. I’m no longer chasing it. For 11 years, I did chase the enlightenment. It becomes the shiny object, right? As we are chasing the seven figures, we wanna be a millionaire. It’s the same thing with spiritual money, which is enlightenment. Rashi: Everyone wants that. But what’s the problem with us right now? What if there is no problem with us as we are? That’s, you know what if the way you’re surrendering is the way you’re surrendering is the way you’re being, is the way you’re healing is the way you’re healing is exactly how it’s supposed to be. Rashi: It makes you whole and complete. It’s how the creator wants to experience herself through you with all the mess. It feels very [00:28:00] messy. Yeah, but what if that’s how it is supposed to be? And that is what is like if you’re not resist surrendering, that’s perfect. No, no problem with that. So. We can have a spiritual identity as well. Rashi: You know, spiritual people are high, right? That’s all of the identity They’re not supposed to resist, they’re supposed to surrender. That could be a contracted self as well. So what the invitation here is to just live as yourself completely and to love yourself and meet yourself for where you are. Rashi: And I think you’re doing a great Rashi: job at that Gissele.. Gissele: Thank you. you mentioned, spiritual people. I feel like what I chose to come here to learn was really to learn about love. Mm-hmm. Like true unconditional love and compassion. And Gissele: I understand it. I can say to you, we must love all including those who we deem as our enemies . In fact, some of our enemies are our [00:29:00] best friends because they are helping us remember who we are. Rashi: Okay. Gissele: And yet there is a small part of me that still believes that some people that behave in negative ways, that are very hurtful, that they should be fought or that we should fight injustice and fight oppression. Gissele: Even though to me that’s just another level of resistance. Right? But there’s like this little me, this little kid because of her family dynamics that still see somebody as like somebody needing that saving and other people needing to be less, selfish, And so, and that’s what I’m grappling with. Gissele: To create a true, loving, equitable, compassionate world for all. I have to emphasize the all, it has to include those who are most hurtful. It has to include people Yeah. Who are hurting other people And so I think that’s the thing I grapple with. On the one hand, [00:30:00] I can understand that we’re not really this reality, that this is just sort of like a play. Gissele: Right? And yet at the same time, it’s hard for me to witness the suffering of people who are, don’t believe that or are not experiencing that. And to see people suffer on a daily basis Rashi: Yeah, exactly. Rashi: Exactly. Very, very powerful what you just said. And I wanna ask you a question here. You said there’s a part of me. That still doesn’t really like that, you know? Gissele: Hmm. Rashi: There’s a part of me that doesn’t really, that’s resisting my invitation is what would happen if you really fell in love with this part of yourself that’s not loving? Gissele: Mm-hmm. Rashi: because then there’s freedom to really be, we include all dualities within us. We do, we are the saint and we are the [00:31:00] sinner. Because the seed of whatever the other sinner is doing is within us as well. Rashi: It’s just, we’re not choosing to act on it. That’s all we’re doing, but the seed is there. I mean, we still get negative thoughts. I remember I used to get thoughts like hate hating other people. I would get jealous of other women or like all of that. Rashi: Right? So apparently less than wholly less than saintly. Right. That’s who I am. What’s the problem with that? that’s the thing. If I can accept and love the parts of me that don’t feel so holy, that don’t feel so loving, then what would happen? Then I’m free. Gissele: Hmm. Rashi: Right. So that’s the invitation, because the thing is who you are, Gissele everything is it? Rashi: It apparently looks like the world is happening outside of us. It looks like that. Like we have a body and the world like me. I’m happening outside of you in the Zoom room, but [00:32:00] actually I’m Happening within you. Because you are awareness who we are. We are pure awareness. let me take you back to when we are babies. Rashi: Right? So when the baby’s born fresh out of the mother’s womb, it never says I am Rashi. No. Right? It never says I’m a girl or a boy. It doesn’t say I’m zero years old. Nothing. Right? But what it, what? It’s in a state. It’s in pure being state. Pure being, which means aware or I am. Gissele: Hmm. Rashi: Just this.. I’m not this or that. Rashi: I am. And when we say this to ourself, and I would, I want to invite you, Gissele, to say this to yourself when you can even close your eyes because I really want you to experience this firsthand and even the listeners. Yeah, of course. Rashi: Okay, so, alright, so just close your [00:33:00] eyes. Okay, so now go back to when you were a baby, and I don’t want you to go back and track your memory because you might not have a memory of being a baby, but I want you to have this as an experience, like a direct experience and directly experience yourself as just being born Rashi: fresh. Rashi: No thoughts, no emotions, particularly no judgements, no perceptions. It’s just this pure state of I am Rashi: or I am aware. Rashi: Pure awareness, pure presence, pure being.[00:34:00] Rashi: See yourself, have a direct experience of yourself without any name, without form, without any identity. Just pure nothingness. And Rashi: let me know when you’re there. Gissele: Okay? Gissele: I’m there. Rashi: Okay. So stay as you are. This is your original nature, original state of being. Stay as you are. If any thought arrives or comes to your awareness, you can just ask it to wait outside. We’ll ask it to wait outside the zoom room for a bit and we can [00:35:00] take our thoughts later on. We can pick up our identity later on. Rashi: You can pick up your name, beliefs, everything later on. But for now, just stay as you are. I am. Rashi: And now I’m gonna ask you some questions about your true nature. So as you are just the state of I amness, just pure awareness, are you inherently peaceful or your inherently disturbed? Rashi: Mm-hmm. Yes. Okay. So as you are. I am. The other question is, are you open or you’re closed.[00:36:00] Gissele: Open. Rashi: Mm-hmm. Open right now. Stay as you are. Just empty, empty, empty. Stay as the awareness that you are Rashi: now as you are. The next question is, do you have an age? Gissele: No. Rashi: No? Okay. Hmm. Okay. Stay as you are. So if you don’t have an age, were you ever born? Rashi: Yes. Rashi: I want you to even bring your memories out. Take your memories outside the zoom room, keep them out, and just stay as you are. Come back to just pure awareness. [00:37:00] And the invitation here is to have a direct experience of who you are. So as you are, who doesn’t have an age, were you ever born? No. Mm. So if you were never born, will you ever die? Rashi: No. Yes, exactly. And stay as you are. We’re going to go deeper. Rashi: When you stay as you are direct experience, Rashi: are you finite? Which means can you be put into a box like a body, or you are infinite and the body is also within you. Just see this, see this very clearly, and I want you to have a direct experience. Your mind might tell you something else, but that’s [00:38:00] just a thought. So I want you to have a direct experience of this. Rashi: Stay as you are. Are you finite or you’re infinite? Rashi: Are there any boundaries Rashi: between you and the experience Rashi: as you are? Rashi: No. No. Right. Rashi: Hmm. Rashi: Are you naturally accepting as you are or you are naturally in resistance, Gissele: naturally accepting? Rashi: Hmm, yes. Rashi: As you are? [00:39:00] Is there a problem? Gissele: No. There are no problems. Rashi: There are no problems. So as you are, are you whole and complete Rashi: or do you need anything to complete you? Gissele: No. Rashi: Hmm. Okay. So whatever you just said, and I have coached so many people around this, I have taken so many people into this experience. Everyone had the same answer as you. So who we are is this infinite being that is inherently peaceful, that is inherently [00:40:00] infinite eternal, which means doesn’t die, was never born, and has no problems, is naturally accepting, doesn’t need anyone to complete her. Rashi: This whole is peaceful, accepting, loving. That’s a natural state of being, Rashi: and that makes us one, Rashi: that’s who the other person is as well. Rashi: And if you stay as you are, there’s a last question I wanna ask you come back to. I am. Do you even need God to fulfill you here as you are? [00:41:00] Gissele: No Rashi: Mm. So you need no one to complete you because in itself you are inherently complete. Rashi: So just now we’re gonna come out of the experience and you can just take your time just. Maybe rub your hands and slowly, when you’re ready, you can open your eyes. Gissele: Hmm. It’s interesting ’cause when I was in this class, I had an experience where I went into meditation and went into that same void and it was like nothing I’d ever experienced. I don’t think I’ve ever shared this in this podcast. It was like, I wasn’t my body. I wasn’t anybody. and I had pretty bad anxiety in those times. Gissele: And I didn’t have anything. I didn’t have anxiety, I didn’t have anything. But I didn’t wanna return. And so I guess whoever was leading the class had to kind of bring me back and [00:42:00] then and that was really skeptical in those moments. And so I thought, well, maybe this is my imagination until I got home. Gissele: And, and the babysitter kept saying that my daughter was hysterical. ’cause she kept saying, mommy isn’t coming back. She isn’t coming back. Rashi: Oh. Gissele: And Gissele: so, yeah. So that, that was interesting. And so I thought to myself, well, I don’t ever wanna go that deeply into anything so that I don’t like the choice not to come back. Gissele: But and so I’ve been trying to go to that void. But it was surprisingly easy I think what helped me was really, like you said, keep your thoughts at the door, And that was helpful. It was surprising how much I could just not think of something. Mm-hmm. And then when I observed myself thinking something, I could just say, no, go back to the door. Gissele: But I was also at one point wanting to not even like, listen to your questions either. I was just gonna be like, okay, I wonder if I should keep everything at the door. Rashi: Yeah. Gissele: But then when I let your questions in sometimes, then I would move to something else. Then I would go to a thought, which [00:43:00] means I had to go back and go, Nope, you gotta go back to the door. Gissele: Yeah. But I was great and, and it’s so surprisingly simple to remember. I just find that sometimes like to go back and hold onto those identities of like, oh, this is hard, or I’m getting stuck in anxiety. Yeah, Rashi: sure. Rashi: Yeah, Gissele: so, I have to be really conscious of Gissele: A story I’m telling myself about myself, right? Like, how much of a story am I telling about what identity I hold or what I think should be? And so the more I create a distance between the stories of who I think I am and who other people are, the more than I find I open myself to seeing their divinity in myself and and other people. Gissele: But it took me a long time to figure out that the loving all wasn’t just myself and people. It was everything. Rashi: Mm-hmm. Gissele: It Gissele: was, it was those things that we struggle with, all of it. Yeah. and there’s certain parts of the journey that I’m learning to love [00:44:00] more. Gissele: like what I was talking about, seeing children suffer it’s hard to bear as a human, quote unquote. Rashi: Yeah. Gissele: And yet I have to remind myself that that doesn’t mean I don’t do the things that I came here to do. This is why my mission is not just to learn the love for myself, but also to share that with others, whether it be helpful for them or not, not from a place of I need you to change, but from a place of like, this could be helpful to you. Gissele: Yeah. But it’s an interesting journey, isn’t it? Rashi: It is. And you know, it’s hard to bear witness to the suffering of other people. That’s because we love so much. Yeah. Gissele: Mm-hmm. Rashi: Right? And it is hard. But the thing is that. Sometimes we get into the trap that, you know, we are supposed to be loving people, so we should be loving everyone, right? Gissele: Mm-hmm. Rashi: And when someone is doing less than loving things, we are like, oh, but I’m supposed to be loving person. I mean, I have this [00:45:00] podcast called Love and Compassion. I’m like, right, yeah. But those parts of us require the most loving, you know, there are times where, and it, this has been the hardest for me because my husband, like I said, is my biggest frenemy, right? Rashi: And he really triggers me. He shows me where I’m not free yet. So he says something and I’m not loving him in that moment, for sure. Rashi: Yeah. Rashi: Because he is pushing too many buttons, and I’m like, outta it. And the thing is, I have learned to love myself. Even when I’m not loving him now. There’s no resistance. Rashi: You know? Now I can see the neurosis of him and me, and there’s no problem. So he says something and then, you know, it’s so interesting what happens recently it started happening is when I’m like, you know, alright, I love you. Even if you’re not loving towards him in that moment, there’s a shift, there’s a very subtle shift. Rashi: It’s very [00:46:00] subtle. And now it, I’m not taking him so seriously, you know, all of this, the thing. And then he sees that I’m not taking it serious. And it’s very much in the heat of the moment, right? And he sees that, he sees presence, that I’m just quiet and I’m pouring love on myself right now. And somehow because I, the lens at which I, I’m seeing myself is changing the lens at what, how I’m seeing him as changing at the same time. Rashi: And now his lens at how he sees me and himself changes in that moment. And then he would laugh out of nowhere and, you know, and the whole serious thing becomes a funny thing now. And that’s the interesting part, is what the highest service we can do to humanity is to love all parts of ourselves, the non holy Rashi: parts, Rashi: the non loving parts. Rashi: If we can love those parts in which we like, I shouldn’t be like that. Oh, [00:47:00] actually, you know what, what? What if you love the part of you that’s being like that? Because who you are is inherently peaceful. It’s inherently loving, it’s inherently accepting. So in that moment, whatever is not accepting is the ego. Rashi: So the invitation here is to love the ego, the constructed self. Only then we can be free. Only then we can be free to be who we are, because the ego dissolves in that. When it’s seen with the light of awareness, shines on it seen and the constructed self is. Gone in that moment and then the construct itself comes again. Rashi: So this is a practice. Yeah. And at some point we’re like, you know, the Buddha used to say, we are like Bodhi, you know, we’re walking people home. That’s why we are here in this world is we’re not the Buddha yet. We’re not in like, because then we’re away from the Maya or the illusion, but we are part of the illusion so [00:48:00] that we can take people home together. Rashi: We’re walking each other home. That’s what Ram does used Rashi: to say. And yeah. I love Gissele: that. I love that. Mm-hmm. I’m doing something called Kriya yoga. Have you heard of it? Rashi: Kriya yoga? Gissele: Yeah. Rashi: With Yogananda Gissele: with yoga, yes. Yogananda. Yeah, that’s right. Rashi: Right. Gissele: I just started, yeah, Rashi: I’ve heard of it, but I’ve never done it. Rashi: So how is that going? Gissele: Fabulous. I just started But it’s interesting. Sometimes even very short practices have a big impact. Mm-hmm. it’s really interesting ’cause you don’t think like you’re doing anything. And to be honest, I came into it a little bit skeptical in terms of like, I’m used to meditating for two, three hours and I think you’re supposed to be doing like an ongoing, because I’m just learning it, I’m just starting with little practices. Gissele: But the little practices have been really powerful. Rashi: It’s the little ones that are more powerful, you know, the loving, the act of loving oneself and seeing parts [00:49:00] of us, it requires a very high level of self-awareness. You know, it’s just like we’re catching ourselves just before the ego has started to take control. Rashi: And that practice, I feel, if we can do it in action, because we live in such a busy life, right? Gissele: Yeah. Rashi: It’s a luxury to even sit in meditation for so long. You know? It’s so, I mean, it’s a privilege almost like these days, I wish, sometimes I wish I could go to these 10 day, the pasta meditation retreats and just like, yeah, Gissele: me too. Gissele: I wanna go to India. Rashi: Oh my God. Like, yeah. Rashi: If we can do meditation in action, I feel that that’s more effective then, you know, going uphill or sitting in a cave and you know, because then we come in the world anyway. Rashi: And I remember Ram Dass again used to say, if you think you’re enlightened, go and live with your family for the weekend and then come back and tell me how enlightened you are. Gissele: I don’t wanna say it’s was easier, but you can go to a cave somewhere and I think that’s what needed to happen with certain [00:50:00] yogis in terms of helping us lift the consciousness. Gissele: Sure. So that was what happened then. Exactly. But it is a lot harder, and I think I was reading this in Yogananda’s book, the, the path of the householder is much more difficult. ’cause you, you talked about the war within ourselves, there’s so many families that are in, like, they’re not talking to one another. Gissele: There’s so much conflict within Of course we have wars, the world, we’re in conflict with ourselves. And even with the people closest to us, we can’t even get to that point. How do we expect there to be no wars in the Gissele: world? right, exactly. it’s so hard to look at ourselves. At least it can feel that way, but. Being willing for me is like the beginning point. Okay. I just have to be willing. And for me, I’ve had to prioritize my time, even just to do a quick meditation, Gissele: it’s just as important as that email I gotta send orthat lecture I gotta put together. Rashi: and non I negotiative Rashi: practice. Yes, exactly. Yeah. And that’s the stage, that’s the season you’re [00:51:00] in. And I mean, I really wish I could get that time to just sit in meditation, be like, you know. Rashi: Yeah. And sometimes we just don’t get it. So. Gissele: Yeah. And that’s okay. I Rashi: mean, Gissele: it’s like you said, Gissele: the practice, the, the power of practicing in the moment I think is. Rashi: Very powerful. Gissele: Equally. Yeah, very powerful. Yeah. Rashi: Yeah. Gissele: Wow. So we’re reaching the end. I just wanted you to share where can people work with you? Gissele: Where can people find you? Anything you wanna share with the audience? Rashi: sure. So I, my website is called www.rashinayarwellness.com. And there’s an app that I have for people over there. It’s a free app. They can get download, it helps them return to who they are. And there’s a series of questions that can take them to just pause and reflect on. Rashi: And then the answer comes before there’s guidance and then there’s a specific meditation. So if people can find time to access that. And then there’s different options, you know, ways people can work with me. But I really wanna get this [00:52:00] app in as many hands as possible. I’m also writing my first book, which is called Living From Your Highest Frequency, which is, you know, love, right? Rashi: And it really talks about these lower states of. Everything that we talked about today. Yeah. And there’s tools that people can use, you know, in daily life when they don’t have time to meditate. When they don’t get that peaceful moment to themselves is to retreat within themselves on a moment to moment basis. Gissele: Mm. I love that. Rashi: Yeah. So go back to that piece because we are peace as we explored right now. So it’s the moment to moment returning back to who we are is what really can free us, can liberate us, and can really help us take bigger actions in this world. You know, without otherwise, some people can freeze and stay in anxiety for years and nothing’s happening. Rashi: So if we can live with those lower states of consciousness, but have no [00:53:00] resistance to them Gissele: mm-hmm. Then Rashi: automatically we’re in higher states of consciousness. That acceptance in itself takes us to higher places. From there, we are doing service. We are making an impact in the world without really judging ourselves because we are our biggest inner critic. Rashi: You know? So yeah. Gissele: What a perfect Gissele: way to end, because I think what you said is so, so critical, which is the minute we stop resisting something and go to acceptance, we’ve automatically shifted to something higher. Thank you so much, Rashi. You had such a great time. Gissele: Thank you for helping me remember who I really am and helping our audience as well. Please work with Rashi. Go check out her app and check out her book when it’s available. And thank you for joining us for another episode of The Love and Compassion Podcast with Gissele

Join Erin Doppelt as she welcomes her best friend, Michal Lieberman, to the Wise Woman podcast. In this episode, Michal shares her journey of unlocking her inner artist and the power of intuition. From her artistic beginnings in Jerusalem to her current life in Copenhagen, Michal discusses the importance of following one's intuition and the liberating effect it has on oneself and others. Discover how art serves as a form of medicine and learn how to connect with your own creative spirit. Tune in for an inspiring conversation about creativity, intuition, personal growth and liberation. Takeaways from the episode: Follow your intuition to unlock creativity. Art serves as a form of personal medicine. Trust the creative process without overthinking. Intuition can lead to personal liberation. Creative growth often involves stepping into the unknown. Artistic expression is a journey, not a destination. Connecting with your inner artist can be transformative. Embrace the love of learning and exploration. Intuition is about listening to your inner voice. Creative collaboration can enhance personal growth. Michal Lieberman (b. 1988, Tel Aviv, Israel) lives and creates in Copenhagen, Denmark. She holds a BFA from the Bezalel Academy of Art and Design, Jerusalem, and is also a graduate of the Hatachana School of Figurative Drawing and Painting, Tel Aviv. Lieberman has presented a solo exhibition and has participated in numerous group exhibitions in museums and galleries across Israel. Her works are held in public collections as well as in many private collections worldwide. Michallieberman.com https://www.instagram.com/michallieberman Message Erin on Social Media to join Soul Pods: a 12-week group experience for women who are ready to collapse timelines and step into their highest expression now, not someday. Soul Pods is for the woman who: Knows she's meant for more Is done staying small or dimming her magic Feels ready to jump timelines and embody her 2026 self today Wants to rewire her subconscious, elevate her energy, and take aligned action Craves sisterhood with women on the same path Over our 10 calls, we'll explore: • Kriya + energetic purification • Reprogramming the subconscious mind • Active meditation for everyday integration • Kabbalah + spiritual technology • Positive psychology • Deep manifestation work • Physical aligned action • Identity shifting + future-self embodiment This is where you get to rise. Where you become the woman you keep seeing in your vision. Where you step fully into your leadership, intuition, wholeness, and power.

Set the context for a joyful, exuberant day with a short, powerful message from Sadhguru. Explore a range of subjects with Sadhguru, discover how every aspect of life can be a stepping stone, and learn to make the most of the potential that a human being embodies.  Conscious Planet: ⁠https://www.consciousplanet.org⁠ Sadhguru App (Download): ⁠https://onelink.to/sadhguru__app⁠ Official Sadhguru Website: ⁠https://isha.sadhguru.org⁠ Sadhguru Exclusive: ⁠https://isha.sadhguru.org/in/en/sadhguru-exclusive⁠ Inner Engineering Link: isha.co/ieo-podcast Yogi, mystic and visionary, Sadhguru is a spiritual master with a difference. An arresting blend of profundity and pragmatism, his life and work serves as a reminder that yoga is a contemporary science, vitally relevant to our times. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Set the context for a joyful, exuberant day with a short, powerful message from Sadhguru. Explore a range of subjects with Sadhguru, discover how every aspect of life can be a stepping stone, and learn to make the most of the potential that a human being embodies.  Conscious Planet: ⁠https://www.consciousplanet.org⁠ Sadhguru App (Download): ⁠https://onelink.to/sadhguru__app⁠ Official Sadhguru Website: ⁠https://isha.sadhguru.org⁠ Sadhguru Exclusive: ⁠https://isha.sadhguru.org/in/en/sadhguru-exclusive⁠ Inner Engineering Link: isha.co/ieo-podcast Yogi, mystic and visionary, Sadhguru is a spiritual master with a difference. An arresting blend of profundity and pragmatism, his life and work serves as a reminder that yoga is a contemporary science, vitally relevant to our times. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

MetroTV, Pameran Kriya Nusantara Dalam Rangka Hari Ibu 2025 Menampilkan Lebih dari 70 Produk UMKM Perempuan, Termasuk Batik dan Beragam Kain Lokal Acara Ini Meriah Karena Mendatangkan Ratusan Pengunjung

"శాంభవి మహాముద్ర అనేది సృష్టి మూలాన్ని స్పృశించడానికి ఒక సాధనం. మీ అంతరంగంలోని మూలాన్ని తాకినప్పుడు, పరివర్తన కలుగుతుంది." - సద్గురు. ప్రపంచవ్యాప్తంగా లక్షలాది మంది ఇన్నర్ ఇంజినీరింగ్ ఆన్‌లైన్ కోర్సును పూర్తి చేసి, తమ అనుభవాన్ని మరింత లోతుకు తీసుకువెళ్లి, అంతర్గత పరివర్తనకు శక్తివంతమైన సాధనమైన శాంభవి మహాముద్ర క్రియను పొందే ఈ అవకాశం కోసం ఎంతో ఆసక్తిగా ఎదురుచూస్తున్నారు. ఇప్పుడు ఆన్‌లైన్‌లో, ఇన్నర్ ఇంజినీరింగ్ కంప్లీషన్ ఆన్‌లైన్ ప్రోగ్రామ్ ద్వారా, మీరు మీ ఇంట్లో సౌకర్యంగా ఉంటూనే శాంభవి క్రియను అందుకోవచ్చు. మరింత తెలుసుకోండి ఇంకా రిజిస్టర్ చేసుకోవడానికి: http://sadhguru.org/IE-TE సద్గురు అధికారిక యూట్యూబ్ ఛానెల్ https://youtube.com/@SadhguruTelugu  అధికారిక ఇన్స్టాగ్రాం పేజ్ https://www.instagram.com/sadhgurutelugu/ మరిన్ని తెలుగు వ్యాసాలు ఇంకా వీడియోలని చూడండి http://telugu.sadhguru.org సద్గురు అధికారిక ఫేస్బుక్ పేజ్ https://www.facebook.com/SadhguruTelugu అధికారిక తెలుగు ట్విట్టర్ ప్రొఫైల్ https://twitter.com/sadhguru_telugu సద్గురు యాప్ డౌన్లోడ్ చేసుకోండి http://onelink.to/sadhguru__app యోగి, దార్శనీకుడు ఇంకా మానవతావాది అయిన సద్గురు ఒక విభిన్నత కలిగిన ఆధునిక ఆధ్యాత్మిక గురువు. కార్యశీలతతో కూడిన విశిష్టమైన ఆయన జీవితం మరియు ఆయన చేస్తున్న కృషి, యోగా అన్నది ఒక సమకాలీన విజ్ఞాన శాస్త్రమనీ, మన కాలానికి ఎంతో ముఖ్యమైనది అని గుర్తుచేసే మేలుకొలుపు. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this luminous conversation ~ The Perfect Opening for the Third Season of VICTORIOUS YOU, I am joined by my dear friend Andrea María ~ a bilingual, multicultural, and multifaceted artist whose life is a living bridge between the worlds of fashion, spirituality, and sound

Healing doesn't always require effort — sometimes it begins in stillness. A simple gesture, a soft breath, the willingness to bring awareness to the places we've abandoned. In this episode of Toxic Silence, we're exploring the body's most ancient language — the quiet gestures, shapes, and postures through which emotion speaks when words fall away. This is the essence of Kriya, of Mudra, of movement as medicine.So many of us carry the residue of unspoken experience — the tension in a jaw that never got to shout, the collapsed chest of someone who learned to stay small, the throat that still fears being heard. Our bodies remember what our minds try to forget.When we shape our hands into a Mudra, when we sit and breathe into a posture, we're not forcing anything open. We're creating space — a quiet invitation for energy to circulate again, for emotion to move, for life to return to the places that have gone numb.My guest today is Rachel Zinman, an internationally renowned yoga teacher, author, and musician based in Byron Bay. With over 35 years of teaching experience, Rachel's love of mudras — sacred gestures that restore balance and calm — infuses her work with depth, stillness, and grace. Through her classes, writing, and music, she guides others to experience yoga as a living path toward harmony and awareness.instagram.com/rachelyogiYoutube: https://www.youtube.com/@RachelZinmanYogaWebsite: https://rachelzinmanyoga.com/Toxic Silence Playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/1UsNwZQP74SbTAsin5aXr9?si=8N7qlTIgTGSKhHBDrIoGtg

This episode covers the next part of chapter 26 from: ‘“Introspection, or “sitting in the silence,” is an unscientific way of trying' to  “...and Death once dead, there's no more dying then.” Summary: This section of the chapter exploring the extremes of having perfect Kriya and no Kriya. We explore the nuanced spiritual concepts including meditation techniques, consciousness states, and the relationship between religious practices and yoga. We examine the challenges of spiritual growth and the importance of finding balance between blind faith and intuitive understanding, while also discussing the role of meditation in managing modern life's distractions. The discussion concluded with an analysis of demonic traits in religious texts and the importance of using free will in alignment with the soul.  0:36 Prior Episode; 2:00 Kriyaban Airlines; 26:20 The life of a Kriyaban; 40:39 The Anti-Kriyaban; 56:33 King Kriyaban; 1:02:30 Looking ahead. Homework for next episode— Read, absorb and make notes on the last part of chapter 26 from: ‘“Introspection, or “sitting in the silence,” is an unscientific way of trying' to the end of the chapter. #autobiographyofayogi  #autobiographylinebyline  #paramahansayogananda Autobiography of a Yogi awake.minute Self-Realization Fellowship Yogoda Satsanga Society of India #SRF #YSS 

This episode covers the next part of chapter 26 from: “The ancient yogic technique converts the breath into mind-stuff...”  to “...And Death once dead, there's no more dying then.” Summary: Paramahansa Yogananda's gentle promotion of the benefits of Kriya Yoga and its scientific principles is varied and persistent. We explore Guruji's teachings on the relationship between breath, consciousness, and emotional states, including practical breathing exercises and the connection between breathing patterns and longevity. The discussion concluded with an examination of sleep and meditation practices, the benefits of Kriya yoga, and its role in spiritual transformation, including Yogananda's teachings on the purpose of life and the ascent of consciousness. 2:12 Previous episode; 4:22 Respiratory Rate; 15:07 Effects of Sleep; 27:55 Outward and Inward Flow; 31:18 Victory Over The "Last Enemy"; 46:54 Shakespeare; 50:29 Looking ahead; Links discussed in this episode:  https://yogananda.org/blog/paramahansa-yogananda-on-connecting-with-the-hidden-source-of-vitality https://yogananda.org/blog/the-scientific-highway-that-leads-to-god-by-paramahansa-yogananda https://yssofindia.org/spiritual/kriya-yoga-changes-your-brain-cells https://yoganandasite.wordpress.com/2017/02/28/the-miracle-at-forest-lawn-yoganandas-incorrupt-body/ https://yogananda.com.au/gurus/yoganandaquotes06.html https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poems/45109/sonnet-146-poor-soul-the-centre-of-my-sinful-earth  Homework for next episode— Read, absorb and make notes on the next part of chapter 26 from: ‘“Introspection, or “sitting in the silence,” is an unscientific way of trying' to  “...and Death once dead, there's no more dying then.” 

Join The Deep Dive(Life-changing teachings for spiritual mastery, guided sound journeys, and access to live community gatherings to share your most authentic self) https://iamemilioortiz.com/the-deep-d...In this potent interview, Pamela Aaralyn joins Emilio Ortiz to channel the Council of Nine and share visions of the shifts at the end of 2025 that will reshape humanity. Together, they explore themes of cosmic awareness, universal law, and spiritual awakening, highlighting the role of galactic ancestors — including the Pleiadians — in guiding humanity's evolution. This episode dives into the intersection of spirituality, technology, and consciousness, addressing the challenges and opportunities of artificial intelligence, the distortions of time, and the resilience of future generations. Pamela also shares insights on channeling, breathwork, and mystical practices that open the path to higher states of awareness, while revealing messages from the galactic community about humanity's destiny. Pamela Aaralyn is a world-renowned Trance Channel, Mystic, Spiritual Teacher, Oracle, Remote Viewer, Galactic Historian. She is also a Sound Healer, Musician & Writer. Pamela is currently a Ph.D. student writing her work in the field of applied consciousness and practical mysticism. With over four decades of dedicated training alongside these spirit guides, Pamela's unique focus lies in her encounters with what she refers to as "Humans from the Future."___________________PODCAST CHAPTERS00:00 - Pamela Aaralyn Intro3:52 – Misunderstandings of Universal & Mystical Law10:29 – The Biggest Paradox in Today's Awakening16:29 – Prophetic Visions & the Collapse of Old Structures19:05 – Timeless Wisdom of the Ancients 20:02 – Meeting the Council of Nine22:34 – The Seven Parallel Realms of Earth 28:50 – Preparing to Channel the Council of Nine30:42 – Channeling Begins: Orlik Enters31:12 – Humanity's Greatest Barriers to Evolution32:52 – Who Are the Essassani? 36:41 – The True Purpose of the Pyramids 39:26 – How Ancient Portals Enabled Time Travel 40:59 – Humanity's Choice Around Disclosure44:07 – The New Earth Timeline48:17 – Preparing for the Arrival of Galactic Pods52:01 – Meeting Kaia, Pleiadian Ambassador 55:59 – The Fall of Atlantis & Seeds of Duality58:02 – The Malevolent Species & the Origins of Separation1:01:27 – Using Ancient Technologies1:03:46 – Artificial Intelligence: Fear vs Loving Use1:06:04 – How to Trust & Strengthen Discernment1:07:54 – The New Children1:14:25 – Breathwork, Kriya & Accessing Gamma States1:22:55 – Training in Bilocation & Time Distortion1:27:49 – Traveling to Future Timelines: Insights from the Year 22001:35:11 – Lessons Future Generations Learned from Us1:42:50 – Planting Seeds for Future Generations1:49:30 – What Can We Do to Make the Future Better?1:56:06 – The Power of Sacred Action & Service___________________Guest: Pamela Aaralyn | Channeling Humans From the Future✦ Website | https://www.pamelaaaralyn.com/✦ Work with Pamela | https://www.pamelaaaralyn.com/booking✦ Past Classes & Channelings | https://www.pamelaaaralyn.com/past-cl...✦ Pamela's Online Patreon Community |   / pamelaaaralyn  ✦ Instagram |   / pamelaaaralynofficial  ✦ YouTube | ​⁠​​‪@PamelaAaralyn‬ Host: Emilio Ortiz✦ IG |   / iamemilioortiz  ✦ Subscribe to Channel |    / emilioortiz  ___________________© 2025 Emilio Ortiz. All rights reserved. Content from Just Tap In Podcast is protected under copyright law.Legal Disclaimer: The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed by guests on Just Tap In are solely those of the guest and do not necessarily reflect the views or opinions of Emilio Ortiz or the Just Tap In Podcast. All content is for informational purposes only and should not be considered professional advice.

Returning to the Conscious Diva Podcast is Vedic astrologer Annemarie Brown. In this episode, we learn about Jyotish, the Science of Life. Annemarie explains how to use the light of the Self and the knowledge of our soul as a tool for expansion. On the pod, we chat about:How Vedic astrology is different from Western astrology.Annemarie explains how this ancient practice of reading one's chart can be used to take actionable steps to improve your life.What is the Dharma Trikona, and how do the three house placements in your chart determine how your actions align with your life's purpose? Why gemstones are prescribed as remedies to support your chart. How to use the powerful 3-metal Kriya bangle, a specially created sacred bangle that combats negative astrological influence. Annemarie has been living in Rishikesh, India, the birthplace of yoga, teaching at the Sattva Retreat since 2015 where she teaches the practices of tantra, ritual, kundalini, kriya, asana, meditation, bhakti and laya yoga to students from all over the world. Annemarie is also a certified Vedic Astrologer (Jyotish), and the Director of Sattva Summit, a boutique conscious gathering for yogis held annually at the Sattva Retreat in the Himalayas.When she is not in India, she can be found leading workshops globally on the Yog-Vedantic tradition. https://sattvajyotishgems.comhttps://annemariebrown.yogahttps://www.instagram.com/sattvajyotishgems/Thank you so much for listening, and thanks to my sponsors.This Episode is brought to you by: • The Sattva Collection - 10% off with code TheConsciousDiva• Birds & Beans Organic Coffee - 10% off with DIVA2025The Conscious Diva Podcast wouldn't be possible without your support! A massive THANK YOU for listening. If you'd like to further support my podcast, you can:• SUBSCRIBE in your favorite podcast player or YouTube.• FOLLOW me @The_Conscious_Diva on Instagram. • BOOK a session with Tatyanna.• SIGN-UP to receive emails at www.tatyannawright.com

This episode covers on the next part of chapter 26 from: “The ancient yogic technique converts the breath into mind-stuff...”  to “...And Death once dead, there's no more dying then.” Summary: Paramahansa Yogananda's gentle promotion of the benefits of Kriya Yoga and its scientific principles is varied and persistent. We explore Guruji's teachings on the relationship between breath, consciousness, and emotional states, including practical breathing exercises and the connection between breathing patterns and longevity. The discussion concluded with an examination of sleep and meditation practices, the benefits of Kriya yoga, and its role in spiritual transformation, including Yogananda's teachings on the purpose of life and the ascent of consciousness. 2:12 Previous episode; 4:22 Respiratory Rate; 15:07 Effects of Sleep; 27:55 Outward and Inward Flow; 31:18 Victory Over The "Last Enemy"; 46:54 Shakespeare; 50:29 Looking ahead; Links discussed in this episode:  Yoga Sutras: https://www.arlingtoncenter.org/Sanskrit-English.pdf https://www.yogajournal.com/lifestyle/astrology/chakras-and-astrology/ Homework for next episode— Read, absorb and make notes on the next part of chapter 26 from: ‘“Introspection, or “sitting in the silence,” is an unscientific way of trying' to  “...and Death once dead, there's no more dying then.” #autobiographyofayogi  #autobiographylinebyline  #paramahansayogananda Autobiography of a Yogi awake.minute Self-Realization Fellowship Yogoda Satsanga Society of India #SRF #YSS

My experience.

This episode covers on the start of chapter 26 to:  “...because of priestly secrecy and man's indifference, the sacred lore gradually became inaccessible”. Summary: We explore the science and metaphysics of Kriya Yoga as taught in this beautiful chapter and other of Paramahansa Yogananda's writings, discussing its origins, techniques, and historical connections to various spiritual traditions. We examined scientific explanations of Kriya Yoga's effects on the body and mind, including its role in oxygenation and the transformation of breath into life force.  We also review Guruji's references and exploration of ancient spiritual techniques, their historical lineage, and the connection between different civilizations and spiritual practices throughout the yugas. 0:00 Expectations from this chapter; 5:00 Meaning of Kriya; 16:35 Krishna to Arjuna; 30:15 Kriya Yoga in the Bhagavad Gita; 37:20 Kriya through the Ages; 49:40 Atlantis and Lemuria; 58:20 Looking ahead. Links disussed in this episode:  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Manusmriti The Great Year: https://youtu.be/I3ZDcj0kF_0?si=AfoAuHGztmzFDCbN Homework for next episode— Read, absorb and make notes on the next part of chapter 26 from: “Kriya Yoga is mentioned twice by the ancient sage Patanjali...”  to “...which constitutes the first materially active expression of Spirit.” #autobiographyofayogi  #autobiographylinebyline  #paramahansayogananda Autobiography of a Yogi awake.minute Self-Realization Fellowship Yogoda Satsanga Society of India #SRF #YSS

My experience of Inner Engineering online after 4 years.

Air Date - 03 September 2025Kriya yoga is an ancient meditation technique that focuses on breathing and the spine to unlock deep states of awareness, self-realization, and spiritual growth. Kriya can provide a fast path to awakening, yet its practice has been shrouded in secrecy, passed only from master to initiate for millennia. How may we learn more about this sacred practice and know if it is right for us? My guest this week on Destination Unlimited Keith Lowenstein, M.D., M.Div., is a physician, holistic coach, and yogic meditation instructor. In 1980, he began his training in Kriya yoga with Ganesh Baba. He is board-certified in integrative medicine, psychiatry, and obesity medicine. He also integrates medical acupuncture into his work. Keith has a Masters of Divinity with an interfaith focus, is an ordained, interfaith minister and is a Yogacharya in a Kriya (Raja) Yoga lineage.His website is humanholistics.com, and he joins me this week to share his path and book, Kriya Yoga For Self-Discovery: Practices for Deep States of Meditation.#KeithLowenstein #VictorFuhrman #DestinationUnlimited #Interviews #SpiritualityConnect with Victor Fuhrman at https://victorthevoice.com/Visit the Destination Unlimited Show Page https://omtimes.com/iom/shows/destination-unlimited/Subscribe to our Newsletter https://omtimes.com/subscribe-omtimes-magazine/Connect with OMTimes on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/Omtimes.Magazine/ and OMTimes Radio https://www.facebook.com/ConsciousRadiowebtv.OMTimes/Twitter: https://twitter.com/OmTimes/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/omtimes/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/2798417/Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/omtimes/

Good morning from Pharma and Biotech Daily: the podcast that gives you only what's important to hear in Pharma and Biotech world.## Viking Therapeutics' oral obesity pill, VK2735, achieved over 12% weight loss in a clinical trial, causing their stock to plummet due to safety concerns. The pending approval of oral Wegovy has also brought attention to high-dose peptides.## Meanwhile, leaked information reveals a proposed overhaul of vaccine strategies and access to novel therapies. The FDA rejected PTC Therapeutics' drug for Friedreich's ataxia, and Novo Nordisk reassured investors of their capacity to supply oral semaglutide. Fedegari now offers customized solutions for the pharmaceutical industry, and Vantai is in talks with Halda for a potential proteomics partnership. ## Other news includes conflicts of interest in vaccine committees declining, RegenxBio facing a delay in their gene therapy approval, and Genentech ending a partnership with Adaptive Biotechnologies. Kriya raises $313 million for gene therapy, Merck KGaA invests in RNA-targeting technology, and Novo Nordisk receives approval for Wegovy.

Good morning from Pharma and Biotech daily: the podcast that gives you only what's important to hear in Pharma and Biotech world. Novo Nordisk's drug Wegovy has received approval for label expansion, potentially boosting its market performance. Tonix has also secured approval for a new fibromyalgia medication. Additionally, Novo has teamed up with GoodRx to provide lower prices for its drugs. Merck KGaA has made a significant investment of $2 billion in RNA-targeting technology through a collaboration with Skyhawk Therapeutics. On the sterilization front, Fedegari now offers tailored solutions for the pharmaceutical sector. In other updates, Pfizer's sickle cell therapy did not succeed in Phase III trials, while gene therapy company Kriya has raised an impressive $313 million. Kennedy has shown support for mRNA vaccines in cancer treatment. Bausch Health has closed a facility, Precigen has received FDA approval for an immunotherapy drug, and Eli Lilly has partnered with Superluminal in the obesity pipeline. Stay tuned for more industry news and developments.

This episode covers on the start of chapter 24 to:  "...such as: “This atma is Brahma” or “Thou art That” or “I am He.”. Summary: This section is all about Mukunda's journey to becoming Swami Yogananda. We reflect on our own Kriya initiation experiences and the need to balance spiritual life with family responsibilities. Paramahansa Yogananda quotes of John Ruskin, we take a closer look at the life of the great man, who was an English polymath known for his contributions to art, literature, and social reform. The we also discuss the blessings of having spiritually inclined peers, the significance of rituals (or Sri Yukteswar's lack thereof, traditional cloth dyeing methods, and the proper pronunciation of spiritual names. 0:33 Expectations for the chapter; 4:50 Initiation to the Swami Order; 16:33 One Sensitive Desire; 35:28 The Most Memorable Day; 53:40 Initiation Begins; 1:07:57 Looking Ahead. Links discussed in the episode:  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Ruskin http://www.dbooth.org/guat2000/small/teresa.htm https://yogananda.org/monasticorder https://yssofindia.org/about/the-four-stages-of-monastic-life Homework for next episode— Read, absorb and make notes on the next part of chapter 24 from:  "As I knelt before Sri Yukteswar, and for the first time heard...” to “... a manifest need exists for yoga: the science of mind control.” #autobiographyofayogi  #autobiographylinebyline  #paramahansayogananda Autobiography of a Yogi awake.minute Self-Realization Fellowship Yogoda Satsanga Society of India #SRF #YSS 

Adventure Within is a YouTube Channel and Online School of Intuitive Arts. We offer psychic readings, energy healing, workshops, meditation classes and a variety of psychic trainings.Website: https://www.adventurewithin.coSupport the Channel: https://www.patreon.com/c/AdventureWithinTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@adventurewithinInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/adventure_within_/Paola Cruz is an 850HR E-RYT Hatha-Vinyasa Yoga and Cross-Traditions Meditation Guide with nearly 17 years of experience in the field. Paola is also certified in Mindfulness Therapy, Yoga Therapy, Pre & Post Natal Yoga, Mudra Yoga, Yoga Nidra, Tibetan Sound Healing and Om Chanting. All of her trainings have been completed in the world's heart of Yoga, Rishikesh & Mysore, India and in traditional Ashrams. Her primary focus is helping her students to create for themselves a sustainably joyful life, through right habits, understanding the workings of the mind and our energy body. Paola follows the paths of Bhakti, Kriya & Hatha Yoga in her own life and spends her free time visiting and studying at ashrams & spiritual centers, and under her Spiritual Teacher, Paramahamsa Vishwananda.Instragram: @bhagawati.dasi

Anger and grief are good human emotions. They have the potential to open up so much for us – individually and collectively – which can lead to healing, breaking down barriers, and breaking through to better realities. The problem is that most humans weren't taught how to express anger or grief in healthy ways, so it comes out sideways in distorted ways, or it gets stuffed down until we blow up or get sick. Sometimes we are the receiver of that big emotional eruption and other times we are the "unleasher" or "erupter" on someone else. This episode was originally released in July 2024 as part of our nine-part summer series, Stay Light, hosted by Christine Arylo & Jennifer Alexandar. We pulled it out of our Feminine Power Time Wisdom Library as part of our 4-part July 2025 series this year. Wisdom still so relevant for these times.     We explore perspectives and practices around dealing with the kind of rage and grief that comes from our wounds or the wounds of others, and how to do it differently in ways that lead to wholeness, including how we can: Discharge anger and grief so that it doesn't build up inside us and leak out, or erupt in distorted ways Have big emotions like rage and grief about the world, about our reality, about other people's actions or choices, without them consuming us Use our big emotions to heal ourselves and ignite creative action that inspires Deal with other people's misdirected rage and grief Respond to the things that enrage us, in powerful ways that make the world better vs. adding to the chaos Between now and the next episode, we invite you to contemplate the two-part inquiry: What anger or grief am I holding on to? Where do I feel it in my body? Bonus invitation: amplify your awareness and capacity to shift by SHARING this podcast with a friend and conversating on the inquiry together. Let's Stay Light in community with fellow Wise Beings – join us!   Resources & Links: Osho Dynamic Meditation  Kundalini yoga: Kriya for Releasing Anger "Wheels of Life" by Anodea Judith (book on chakras) “Returning” by Jennifer Berezan    What's next? Tune in next week for our July Series ... Catalyze: Release the Comfortable. Embrace the Call to Shift.  Remember to SHARE this podcast episode with at least one friend or colleague. Then conversate on the emotions moving through you and how you are moving through them + then using them to fuel, focus and flow your creative energy. Ways to Connect: Subscribe to Christine's Monthly Wisdom Letters  Connect with Christine and Jennifer on LinkedIn Join us in the Feminine Wisdom Cafe, our Mighty Networks community  Watch on YouTube

Send us a textIn this electrifying tenth episode of Third Eye Roll, Dr. Justine Lemos and Scarlett Trillia get mythic and meta with the ultimate cosmic couple: Shiva and Shakti.They unpack the raw symbolism of union and separation, the primal role of Kriya (action) in yoga, and the time-bending presence of Kali, goddess of endings, beginnings, and wild awakening. With wit, wisdom, and a few laughs, they explore how these mythological blueprints illuminate the very real terrain of our spiritual lives.Expect conversations on Vedic astrology, yogic practice, divine polarity, the loneliness of incarnation, and why the veil between worlds is thinner than ever. Oh—and what happens when Shakti screams the universe into being.Whether you're deep into your sādhanā or just wondering why everyone keeps talking about divine union, this episode will leave you lit from within.

Silvina Pirola es una maestra de Kriya yoga desde hace más de 30 años, donde se la conoce por su nombre espiritual Shanti Devi Ma.  Ella no tiene ninguna duda de que el yoga es una magnífica herramienta para acallar nuestra mente, lo que nos preocupa, frustra o enoja, ayudándote a gestionar mejor los conflictos y las emociones.  La respiración y la meditación serán tu guía para hallar tu luz en la noche oscura del alma. Además durante la entrevista realizó una meditación guiada de unos dos minutos como regalo para todos los oyentes. 

Silvina Pirola es una maestra de Kriya yoga desde hace más de 30 años, donde se la conoce por su nombre espiritual Shanti Devi Ma.  Ella no tiene ninguna duda de que el yoga es una magnífica herramienta para acallar nuestra mente, lo que nos preocupa, frustra o enoja, ayudándote a gestionar mejor los conflictos y las emociones.  La respiración y la meditación serán tu guía para hallar tu luz en la noche oscura del alma. Además durante la entrevista realizó una meditación guiada de unos dos minutos como regalo para todos los oyentes. 

El Mundo de Cabeza - Daniela Suquilanda, Nauli Kriya técnica ancestral by FM Mundo 98.1

Ho completato il mandala!Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

I finished my Mandala!Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Today's show is with Yogeshwara Pradeep - a globally revered spiritual scientist, healer, martial artist, athlete, musicologist, author, and mentor. His transmissions, guidance, and presence have empowered aspirants to celebrate blissful living. He relays the potent gamma waves to heal remotely. His guidance on the elevated yogic paths of Kriya, Lesha Vidya, Nada, Laya, Surya, and Shambhavapaya has inspired over 10,000 aspirants across the world. His centre,' Heaven on Earth  ' in India, welcomes you to explore, experience, and elevate through absorbing the purest gifts of pristine nature and ‘Galactic Cosmic Rays'. We explore topics like:What makes Himalayan Kriya Yoga so transformativeHow gamma wave frequencies and cosmic rays can support healingThe importance of calibrating the body to align with higher consciousnessHis teachings on “Calibrate, Celebrate, Realize, and Liberate”And how to access a child-like state of causeless joyYogishwara Pradeep shares his journey, his philosophies, and the practices that anchor him—and offers insights for anyone seeking clarity, vitality, and spiritual elevation in today's world. You can learn more about him here. If you've been curious about Himalayan Kriya Yoga, energy healing, or unlocking new states of awareness, this episode is for you.If this conversation resonates with you, tag us @Gateways_To_Awakening on Instagram & Facebook and share your takeaways! And as always, we appreciate your reviews on Apple Podcasts.If you'd like to follow me on Substack, you can join my newsletter: https://substack.com/@therealyasmeent, IG @TheRealYasmeenT or sign up for my newsletter at InnerKnowingSchool.com

Substance use in schools isn't just a “some kids” issue. It's happening across all kinds of student groups and the trends are changing fast. In this episode, I'm joined by Kriya Lendzion, a therapist, addiction specialist, and powerhouse speaker who is helping us understand what teens are using and what we can actually do about it as school counselors.We talk about evolving substances like THC and nicotine, the mental health impacts of use, and realistic ways to support students - without needing to be the expert. Kriya shares ideas for prevention programs, conversation starters, and how to make your messaging more effective. You'll also get tips for working with parents and the wider school community, so you're not navigating this alone. Grab the resources linked below...you'll want them!Resources Mentioned: Substance Use ResourcesFree Educator ResourcesPodcast: Episode 112, Solution-Focused School Counseling with Dr. Russell A. SabellaLeave your review for High School Counseling Conversations on Apple PodcastsConnect with Lauren:Sign up for the free, 3-day prep for High School Counseling Job Interviews https://counselorclique.com/interviewsVisit my TpT store https://counselorclique.com/shopSend me a DM on Instagram @counselorclique https://instagram.com/counselorcliqueFollow me on Facebook https://facebook.com/counselorcliqueSend me an email mailto:lauren@counselorclique.comJoin the Clique Collaborative http://cliquecollab.comFull show notes on website: https://counselorclique.com/episode163Mentioned in this episode:Learn 3 powerful tips for interviewing for high school counseling jobs with confidence through this video series: https://counselorclique.com/interviews/

Send us a textWalking away from a lifelong religious belief system is rarely a simple process. Josh Gaines knows this firsthand, having spent 26 years deeply immersed in evangelical Christianity before embarking on a spiritual journey that would transform his understanding of reality.In this profound conversation, Josh shares how he navigated the complex terrain of religious deprogramming. When the foundations of his Christian faith began to crumble, he found himself asking the fundamental question: "If this isn't true, then what is?" This curiosity launched him into exploring practices he once dismissed as "for crazy people"—Western ceremonial magic, Vedanta teachings, Kriya yoga, and Kabbalah among them. In this episode, we discuss angelic communication, third eye awakening, and the physical sensations of spiritual development. What makes Josh's perspective particularly valuable is his ability to recognize common threads across seemingly disparate spiritual traditions. Rather than rejecting Christianity entirely, his explorations gave him a newfound appreciation for Christian mysticism and the teachings of Christ viewed through a non-dogmatic lens. Through his Deprogramming Christianity workshops and one-on-one coaching, Josh now helps others navigate this challenging transition, creating safe spaces for questions that many religious environments don't allow.To learn more about Josh or to book a coaching session with him:Visit: www.doctor-gaines.comFollow him on TikTokClairvoyaging is now a fiscally sponsored project of Fractured Atlas, a 501(c)(3) charity, so any donations are now tax deductible. If you'd like to support our projects that aim to foster understanding for diverse spiritual belief systems, visit www.clairvoyaging.com/support. She Leads with CAREShe Leads with CARE is a limited podcast series hosted by actor and producer Bellamy...Listen on: Apple Podcasts SpotifySupport the show-- DONATE to the Clairvoyaging Documentary (it's tax-deductible!)-- SUBSCRIBE in your preferred podcast app! -- Follow @clairvoyagingpodcast on Instagram.-- Send us an email: clairvoyagingpodcast@gmail.com-- Become a Clairvoyager on Patreon and get access to exclusive extras!

This meditation helps us expand our awareness beyond the physical universe, into the infinite potential providing for all existence. Enjoy the ride.  Learn more at Self Awareness Institute

Welcome back to another episode of School Counseling Simplified! This month, I'm excited to bring you guest sessions with experts, and today's episode is a special one. I have with me Kriya Lendzion, a school counselor turned prevention specialist who focuses on addiction prevention. Originally inspired by her personal journey through teen addiction, Kriya Lendzion is fiercely dedicated to helping educators prevent and intervene early in students' addictive and self-destructive behaviors. She combines her 23 years as a School Counselor with additional expertise as a Licensed Clinical Addiction Specialist, Certified Prevention Specialist, and Adolescent Therapist, providing schools across the globe with drug and alcohol education, professional development, curriculum, and consultation. Kriya splits her time between beautiful Asheville, North Carolina and Glastonbury, Connecticut. We're diving into how you can “addiction-proof” your students, covering everything from vaping to screens. Kriya's work is rooted in both experience and expertise—she's a former school counselor who has worked with diverse age groups, an addiction clinician, and now, a prevention specialist dedicated to helping schools implement effective drug education and early intervention strategies. Why Prevention Matters Students are constantly receiving messages that counteract what we teach about addiction. From social media to peer influence, they're often told that addiction is harmless. Our job as educators and counselors is to speak louder, more often, and in ways that truly reach them. Kriya outlines five key categories that help schools establish effective addiction prevention programs: 1. Research-Based Information (Science-Based Education) Information needs to be accurate, research-backed, and tailored to students' values and realities. Present information in a non-judgmental way—empowering students with knowledge and choice builds respect. Use passive reinforcement strategies like bulletin boards, signs, and classroom posters to keep prevention messaging visible. 2. Collaboration to Delay Substance Use Work across departments to help students delay substance use as long as possible. Curricular infusion: Integrate drug education into multiple subjects, making it a part of every student's learning. Foster school connectedness so that every student feels seen, valued, and supported. Provide parent and family resources so that parents have the right knowledge to engage in open, informed conversations with their children. Involve administration and peer-led programs to create a whole-school prevention culture. 3. Teaching Resistance Skills Equip students with practical tools to say no to addiction before they face pressure. Weave prevention programming into classes and school activities. Use media and storytelling to make lessons relatable. Start early with age-appropriate discussions—even in kindergarten. Instill strong values and goals that help students make healthier choices. Encourage collaboration among teachers, counselors, and parents to reinforce these lessons. 4. Value Exploration Activities Help students identify their own values and how addiction could impact them. Use reflective activities to help students connect their goals and aspirations with their choices. 5. Addressing Adolescent Needs Understand that addiction often stems from unmet needs. Provide healthy alternatives and coping strategies to help students navigate stress, emotions, and peer pressure. Final Thoughts Kriya's insights highlight the importance of proactive prevention strategies in schools. By implementing these five categories, we can empower students with knowledge, skills, and support to make healthy choices. If you'd like to learn more about Kriya's work, be sure to check out the links in the show notes. Thank you for tuning in, and I'll see you next week for another episode of School Counseling Simplified!   Resources mentioned: Join my school counselor membership IMPACT here! If you are enjoying School Counseling Simplified please follow and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts! Connect with Rachel: TpT Store Blog Instagram Facebook Page Facebook Group Pinterest  Youtube Connect with Kriya: Instagram Counseling with Pizzazz Facebook Youtube TikTok LinkedIn Drug Education Resources (including counseling tools in my "Members Only" section, and resources to share with parents Vaping Resources For Educators More About School Counseling Simplified: School Counseling Simplified is a podcast offering easy to implement strategies for busy school counselors. The host, Rachel Davis from Bright Futures Counseling, shares tips and tricks she has learned from her years of experience as a school counselor both in the US and at an international school in Costa Rica. You can listen to School Counseling Simplified on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, and more!

In this episode of the Spirit Led podcast, Furio Sclano shares his journey with Kriya Yoga and lessons learned with his guru Roy Eugene Davis. Furio reveals how Mr. Davis taught him to remain focused on the spiritual path and to trust the benevolent power nurturing the universe. Through stories of his own life, his advice from Roy Eugene Davis, and his study of the Kriya gurus' writings, Furio provides valuable insights into how to be successful on the spiritual path and in life.   Key Themes & Memorable Moments: Many moments of grace: From finding Roy Eugene Davis through a randomly chosen video to blessings encountered after his home burned down to a good samaritan returning his lost cash, Furio has learned not to be afraid of the unknown. Practical lessons from Roy Eugene Davis: Among others…motivation comes from within, keep the teachings pure, and maintain your integrity. Favorite quotes! “When you have to face a challenging situation, and you don't know what to do, just be faithful about the fact that the superior intelligence, which is inside and outside of you at the same time, will take care of the situation, and stop thinking about the problem. This works all the time. Maybe not in the way you expect, but usually in a better way.” "Practicing meditation every single day, little by little, faith is replaced by knowledge."   About Furio Sclano: Furio Sclano, a dedicated Kriya Yoga minister based in Savona, Italy, studied under Roy Eugene Davis from 1996 until Mr. Davis's passing in 2019 and was ordained by him in 2005. He has translated many of Mr. Davis's books and articles into Italian, making these teachings more accessible to a wider audience. Calls to Action: If you enjoyed this episode, please like, subscribe, and share it to help others discover the power of Kriya Yoga.   Connect with Us:

4 special parshiyos of Adar/Nissan, machlokes about kriya of Shekalim and applications in various situations

Got a show or guest idea? Send us a text!Disclaimer: All interviews presented on the Remedy Revolution Podcast are designed to provide information and inspiration only. Guests of the podcast may present opinions and anecdotes which are solely their own. And as always, before beginning any treatment protocol, please consult with your preferred medical provider.Dr. Moshe has deepened and evolved his breakthrough mind-body medicine technique (The Vis Dialogue) over 25 years of practice, helping thousands of patients achieve life-changing results. He began training doctors in 2012 and has since created his full certification program in Holistic Counseling to help practitioners be able to reproduce the amazing results he gets with the Vis Dialogue (VDP). Dr. Moshe has also specialized in helping people with myasthenia gravis in his practice – a rare, progressive, incurable, and potentially fatal auto-immune disease that he personally faced and overcame using the same medicine he now uses and teaches.Dr. Moshe has a mystical side that he also brings with his healing and teaching that includes his knowledge and practice of alchemy, Kriya yoga, and alternative energies like the joe cell and the moe-joe cell, which is one of his inventions.For more information about Dr. Moshe and the Vis Dialogue visit: https://dr-moshe.com/To connect with Erin, visit: https://heartwinghealing.comSupport the show

Rahelio will discuss Earth and Astrological Energies from a Native American Shamanic perspective with host Bonnie 'YogiBon' Burkert.Rahelio hails from Sedona, where he has been a guide and healer for over 30 years. He is an American-born Toltec who guides experiences with the Sacred Earth vortex energy  of red rock country, and wisdom teachings from eastern Yogic traditions, Taoist wisdom, Christian mysticism and Native American shamanism, with a special dedication to the Toltec wisdom from Mexico, and the practice of Kriya yoga through Babaji's lineage. He merges his deep knowledge of western astrology  with teachings of the Medicine Wheel as taught by Sun Bear. Rahelio is an ordained minister in the Order of Melchizedek, a legal member and medicine person of the Oklevueha Native American Church, and heads his own Native American church ‘Toltec Sun Ministries'. He conducts Native American style weddings, Sweat Lodges and blessing ceremonies, as well as sharing shamanic teachings and energetic practices including Medicine Wheel empowerments with sacred drum, flute, songs and chants. www.rahelio.com Host Bonnie Burkert melds the worlds of media and higher consciousness, sharing tools for transformation to find our highest truth and live our brightest life.https://www.instagram.com/yogi_bon/#rahelio #springequinox #astrology #shamanicwisdom #medicinewheel #higherconsciousness #spiritualpodcast #astrologypodcast #bonnieburkert #yogibon #truthbetoldtransformation #clubparanormal #metaphysicalpodcastBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/truth-be-told-paranormal--3589860/support.

In this episode of The Kriya Yoga Podcast, we explore the power of Kriya Yoga. The Power of Kriya Yoga: An Exploration of Self-Realization and Transcendence Kriya Yoga is a profound spiritual discipline that seeks to bridge the gap between the human experience and transcendence. This podcast delves into the reflections shared in a comprehensive lecture on the power of Kriya Yoga, touching on its transformative potential, philosophical underpinnings, and practical applications. Through the lens of a teacher's journey and insights, we explore the essence of this ancient practice. A Journey of Discovery Ryan recounts his initial encounter with Kriya Yoga, stemming from a deep yearning for spiritual clarity and understanding. Raised in a Christian tradition that did not fully satisfy his spiritual curiosity, he discovered the teachings of Paramahansa Yogananda through the seminal work Autobiography of a Yogi. This exposure ignited a quest for enlightenment, leading to years of dedicated practice and mentorship under Roy Eugene Davis, a direct disciple of Yogananda. The transformative journey into Kriya Yoga begins with the premise that life is more than a physical or intellectual endeavor—it is a spiritual progression. Kriya Yoga offers a structured, "scientific" approach to transcendence, emphasizing direct experience over abstract philosophy. Philosophy and Practice Kriya Yoga is rooted in ancient Indian spiritual traditions, particularly the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali and the Bhagavad Gita. Its philosophy underscores the alignment of mental, emotional, and psychological harmony as prerequisites for spiritual maturity. This discipline demands adherence to ethical principles (Yamas and Niyamas) and consistent meditative practice to unveil higher states of consciousness. Central to the practice is the idea of directing energy within the body along the spinal pathway, engaging chakras (energy centers) to achieve self-realization. By transcending the limitations of the root chakra—associated with basic survival instincts—practitioners progress through higher centers, unlocking creativity, love, wisdom, and eventually mystical insight. Mr. Kurczak emphasizes the role of action (Kriya) in this process. Transformation occurs through effort and discipline, aligning one's life with spiritual principles and fostering emotional and psychological balance. The Mystical Unknowing One of the most profound aspects of Kriya Yoga is its ability to guide practitioners into a state of "mystical unknowing." Rather than offering definitive answers, it cultivates faith and acceptance of the unknown. This "faith" is not a blind adherence but a trust born from direct experiences of spiritual support and coherence. Life's challenges are reframed as opportunities for growth, providing clarity and resilience through adversity. Ryan recounts moments of doubt and despair, only to find that persistent practice reveals the intelligence underlying life's difficulties. Meditation and philosophical study serve as tools to decode these challenges, aligning the practitioner's actions and choices with a higher purpose. The Human Journey Kriya Yoga positions human life as a bridge between primal instincts and divine transcendence. Drawing on the metaphor of the chakras, it describes the evolutionary journey from survival (root chakra) to spiritual illumination (crown chakra). This progression mirrors the transformation of unconscious living to a state of enlightened awareness. The speaker highlights the importance of personal growth as a foundation for spiritual advancement. Emotional and psychological maturity, cultivated through introspection and therapeutic practices, lays the groundwork for deeper meditation. This interplay between inner harmony and spiritual practice reflects the integrative nature of Kriya Yoga. Practical Implications Kriya Yoga's teachings extend beyond the meditation cushion. The discipline advocates for a life of integrity, authenticity, and alignment with universal truths. Practitioners are encouraged to live in harmony with the world, adopting sustainable practices, cultivating meaningful relationships, and embodying principles of truth and nonviolence. Moreover, the speaker underscores the importance of personal effort and commitment. Spiritual progress is not a passive journey but one that requires active engagement with life's challenges and a willingness to let go of outdated beliefs and habits. Conclusion Kriya Yoga offers a path to transcendence through a blend of philosophy, meditation, and ethical living. Its transformative power lies in its ability to harmonize the mind, body, and spirit, guiding practitioners toward direct experiences of the divine. As the speaker concludes, life itself becomes a form of divine communion, where every experience—joyful or painful—serves as a teacher. The ultimate goal is to realize the innate coherence of existence and to embody a state of enlightened awareness. This podcast encapsulates the essence of Kriya Yoga as not merely a practice but a profound way of being, offering a roadmap to spiritual self-discovery and the realization of life's deeper purpose. - If you would like to participate in future live sessions consider becoming a member of The Kriya Yoga Online Patreon Community or applying to the Kriya Yoga Apprenticeship Program. For continued inspiration and instruction, please read my new book, An Essential Guide to Kriya Yoga Practice. Now available in hardcover and softback on Amazon.  Your host, Ryan Kurczak, is a Kriya Yoga meditation teacher and author. He was authorized to teach Kriya Yoga in 2005, by Roy Eugene Davis, a direct student of Paramahansa Yogananda. For more information about this work please visit: A community of Kriya Yoga practitioners engaged in supporting this work. https://www.patreon.com/KriyaYoga Blog posts, books and information on the Kriya Yoga Apprenticeship Course. https://kriyayogaonline.com/ A Year Long Kriya Yoga Introduction Course Kriya Yoga Online Ashram (teachable.com) Hundreds of hours of videos related to Kriya Yoga and spiritual growth. https://www.youtube.com/user/KriyaYogaOnline

In this episode I am once again joined by Delson Armstrong, spiritual teacher, meditation virtuoso, and author of ‘A Mind Without Craving'. In this interview, Delson responds to criticism and answers questions about his recent renunciation of attainments and revision of the Buddhist 4 path enlightenment model. Delson reflects on the pros and cons of questioning established religious doctrines and on the role of direct experience in challenging fixed views. Delson comments on a recently leaked interview, shares his current position on Bhante Vimalaramsi and his TWIM meditation method, and compares Buddhism to traditional yoga. Delson also recalls his own training in Kriya yoga, details the features of the particular lineage which he has begun to teach, and reveals methods of working with karma, chakras, and forgiveness. … Video version: https://www.guruviking.com/podcast/ep290-answering-critics-kriya-yoga-delson-armstrong Also available on Youtube, iTunes, & Spotify – search ‘Guru Viking Podcast'. … Topics include: 00:00 - Intro 01:00 - Responses to Delson renouncing his spiritual attainments 02:56 - Criticism of Delson 04:08 - Has Delson abandoned the 10 fetter model and the 4 attainments? 05:18 - Delson's leaked interview 07:58 - Breach of trust and betrayal of friendship 09:32 - Why redefine the Buddhist doctrines rather than reassess oneself? 12:46 - Delson's experience vs cultural consensus 13:50 - Is Buddhist doctrine beyond cultural? 16:25 - Going beyond maps and Integral Theory 17:35 - Challenging fundamentalism and fixed views 18:43 - The jīvanmukta and other mystical traditions 20:22 - Transcending doctrinal chains of imprisonment 21:37 - Daniel Ingram's revisions 23:07 - Delsonism vs Buddhism 24:44 - Should Delson leave the traditions alone? 26:09 - The role of tradition and Delson's contribution 27:31 - Comments on TWIM 28:32 - Drawing on different traditions 30:03 - Current view 32:05 - Delson's current opinion on TWIM and Bhante Vimalaramsi 36:26 - Delson's training in Kriya yoga 40:16 - Which Kriya yoga lineage does Delson teach? 42:17 - Anyone can do Kriya yoga 44:09 - Short learning curve to samadhi 45:03 - Relaxing into awakening 46:39 - What is the point of the jhanas? 48:13 - Chakras and siddhi powers 51:37 - Deities and chakras 53:26 - The Yoga Sutras on siddhi power 55:07 - Karmic acceleration and misconceptions about chakra work 58:00 - How to release karma 01:00:03 - Kriya yoga approach to work with chakras 01:00:34 - The power of forgiveness 01:01:51 - TWIM vs Kriya, Yoga vs Buddhism 01:07:37 - Delson's recent experience teaching Kriya yoga 01:11:35 - Initiation in Kriya yoga and tantra 01:15:51 - Secrecy as a marketing tool 01:17:17 - Delson reflects on his teaching career 01:19:23 - Scientific tests on Delson, can he still meditate? `
… Watch previous episodes with Delson Armstrong: - https://www.guruviking.com/search?q=delson Find out more about Delson Armstrong: - Personal Site: https://www.delsonarmstrong.com/ - YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@delson999 - Delson's Foundation: https://www.freedom-of-mind.org/ … For more interviews, videos, and more visit: - https://www.guruviking.com Music ‘Deva Dasi' by Steve James

EVEN MORE about this episode!Author and spiritual explorer Joseph Selbie joins us to uncover the connections between spirituality and modern science, exploring how saints, sages, and quantum physicists may all describe the same reality in different ways. Joseph discusses M-theory, proposing our universe as a holographic projection from an energy-based realm, echoing spiritual teachings. Together, we delve into the intersection of mysticism and scientific skepticism, drawing insights from figures like St. Teresa of Avila, and questioning if modern education has dulled our spiritual perceptions. Through personal stories and research, we explore how near-death experiences and visions of loved ones might reveal true spiritual realities, not just hallucinations. This transformative journey touches on meditation, reincarnation, and belief, with Joseph sharing meditation techniques like the hung saw method and exploring reincarnation as a journey toward resolving unfinished experiences.Guest Biography:Joseph Selbie, author of The Physics of Miraculous Healing, The Physics of God, and Break Through the Limits of the Brain, bridges science and mysticism, providing neuroscientific support for spiritual experiences. He has presented at major conferences and appeared on programs such as The Chopra Well with Deepak Chopra and Coast to Coast with George Noory. A Kriya yoga practitioner for over 50 years, he teaches yoga, meditation, and experiential spirituality, and is a member of Ananda, a movement inspired by Paramhansa Yogananda.Episode Chapters:(0:00:01) - Blending Spirituality and Science(0:19:35) - Exploring Mysticism and Spirituality(0:35:46) - Journey that Revealed More Realities(0:51:30) - The Power of Belief and Energy(1:07:13) - Exploring Meditation and ReincarnationPlease join Julie next week with your question.Thursdays at 8pm ET, 7pm CT, 5pm PT.https://askjulieryanshow.comAnd, please leave a five-star review and subscribe so you can hear all the new episodes.Sponsors & RecommendationsDisclaimer: This show is for informational purposes only. It is not intended to be medical, psychological, financial or legal advice. Please contact a licensed professional. The Ask Julie Ryan show, Julie Ryan, and all parties involved in producing, recording and distributing it assume no responsibility for listener's actions based on any information heard on this or any Ask Julie Ryan shows or podcasts.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

EVEN MORE about this episode!Peter Panagore, a Christian pastor and spiritual seeker, shares his near-death experiences (NDEs) to offer profound insights into the nature of existence. His first encounter with death came at 20 during an ice-climbing accident in Alberta, Canada, and he faced another near-death event years later during a heart attack. Through these experiences, Peter reveals how meditation and spiritual practices helped him navigate the thin line between life and the divine.Peter's vivid narratives of transcending physical form and entering realms of light and darkness uncover deep themes of connection, love, forgiveness, and the interconnectedness of all beings. His encounters with angelic beings, life reviews, and divine presence offer a mystical perspective, drawing from spiritual traditions across cultures. He emphasizes cosmic unity and the transformative power of love and light, urging listeners to contemplate life's spiritual dimensions.The conversation encourages reflection on the soul's journey and the importance of service to others, envisioning a more harmonious humanity through spiritual awareness and universal connection.Guest Biography:Peter Panagore, MDiv, is a best-selling author and spiritual counselor known for his book Heaven Is Beautiful, which chronicles his transformative Near-Death Experiences (NDEs). After a life-altering NDE in his youth, Peter shifted his focus from architecture to studying mysticism at Yale Divinity School. He served as a pastor for over two decades while privately studying mystical traditions.Peter's 15-year career in television, with his inspirational spot reaching 30 million annual viewers, helped him become a sought-after speaker and spiritual mentor. He teaches meditation and Kriya yoga, hosts "Not Church" on YouTube, and provides spiritual counseling. His teachings inspire many to explore their spirituality and personal transformation.Episode Chapters:(0:00:01) - Near-Death Experiences(0:12:59) - Journey Through Light and Darkness(0:20:33) - Infinite Love and Light Communio​n(0:25:48) - Angel Encounter and Life Choices(0:31:01) - Divine Encounters and Inner Light(0:43:02) - Shared Themes in Mystical Experiences(0:58:26) - Messages From the Other Side(1:02:01) - Life's Mystical Lessons and InsightsPlease join Julie next week with your question.Thursdays at 8pm ET, 7pm CT, 5pm PT.https://askjulieryanshow.comAnd, please leave a five-star review and subscribe so you can hear all the new episodes.Sponsors & RecommendationsDisclaimer: This show is for informational purposes only. It is not intended to be medical, psychological, financial or legal advice. Please contact a licensed professional. The Ask Julie Ryan show, Julie Ryan, and all parties involved in producing, recording and distributing it assume no responsibility for listener's actions based on any information heard on this or any Ask Julie Ryan shows or podcasts.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

For this episode I had the honour of interviewing Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, a world-renowned spiritual teacher and the founder of one of the largest spiritual organisations in the world today, Art of Living.This interview occurred in person, after the unforgettable Navaratri celebrations at the Art of Living Ashram in Bangalore. This sacred festival drew over 40,000 people together, creating a profound atmosphere of worship, meditation and spiritual harmony. Join us as we delve into the teachings of Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, including the life-changing Sudarshan Kriya, a powerful breathing and meditative technique taking the world by storm as it reaching millions, including acclaimed universities studying the effects for sudarshan Kriya. We also discuss the growing global embrace of meditation and spirituality, highlighting the crucial role of silence in elevating consciousness and resolving inner conflicts.Immerse yourself in the vibrant teachings of the founder of the Art of Living, from its cutting-edge environmental initiatives to its focus on education and natural farming. Through personal stories and reflections from this spiritual hub, discover how Gurudev's dedication to service is inspiring a worldwide movement for peace, positivity, and collective transformation.Don't miss this chance to hear Gurudev's insights firsthand and learn how you can be part of his upcoming global events. Tune in for an inspiring journey into the heart of Vedic wisdom and spiritual practice.IN THIS EPISODE WE DISCUSS:

In this episode of The Skeptic Metaphysicians, hosts Will and Karen speak with Peter Panagore, an acclaimed author and spiritual counselor known for his book 'Heaven is Beautiful'. Peter shares profound insights from his two near-death experiences, discussing the transition from life to the afterlife, the concept of eternal now, and the indescribable beauty of the experiences he endured.They explore topics like mystical experiences, meditation practices, Kriya yoga, and the effects of near-death experiences on one's life and relationships. Peter also shares how single-minded meditation and internal journeys can help attain stability and enlightenment. The episode delves deep into spiritual wisdom, making it a conversation not to miss.Join Our Inner Circle And Enjoy Great Discounts From Some Of Our Past Guests:https://app.dropstation.io/skepticmetaphysician(Times are approximate)00:00 Excitement and Confusion01:09 Introducing the Guest: Peter Panagore02:46 Exploring Near-Death Experiences03:54 The Nature of the Afterlife04:56 Union with the Light07:41 The Challenge of Explaining the Ineffable10:46 Personal Experiences and Visions19:01 The Practice of Meditation and Yoga21:12 Peter's First Near-Death Experience23:09 Exploring Near-Death Experiences23:59 The Universality of Love and Light26:19 Personal Transformation After NDE28:26 The Struggle of Reintegrating into Life35:21 The Power of Single-Minded Meditation41:15 The Role of Kriya Yoga in Spiritual Practice42:56 Choosing to Return: The Second NDE46:19 Sharing Mystical Knowledge and SupportGuest Info:Website:https://www.peterpanagore.loveNot Church - YouTubehttps://www.youtube.com/@PeterPanagoreFollow Peter on Instagram: @peterpanagore or Facebook: @peterpanagore.authorFollow The Skeptic Metaphysicians on Instagram here for more motivation and inspiration. Then tag them on Instagram with your favorite part from today's show and they will repost their fav's every week!Other Ways To Connect With Us:Website: skepticmetaphysician.comFacebook: @TheSkepticMetaphysicianSupport the Show:Rate/review Us Here: https://lovethepodcast.com/SkepticMetaphysiciansPurchase Merchandise: https://www.skepticmetaphysician.com/storeBuy Me A Coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/SkepticMetaphys 

Has my pursuit of comfort and pleasure clouded my perception of truth? / Why should a yogi stand on one foot? / Patanjali's Kriya-yoga = austerity + study of the self + surrender to God / “With asceticism, wisdom bears fruit.” - Ali ibn Abi Talib / yogic regulations key in on the animalistic basics of sleeping, eating and sex / Manu's contemplation - there is a conscious intelligence behind everything, and everything is His property / spiritual communism can't be legislated, it has to be inspired SB 8.1.9-10 *************************************************************************** LOVE THE PODCAST? WE ARE COMMUNITY SUPPORTED AND WOULD LOVE FOR YOU TO JOIN! Go to https://www.wisdomofthesages.com WATCH ON YOUTUBE: https://youtube.com/@WisdomoftheSages LISTEN ON ITUNES: https://podcasts/apple.com/us/podcast/wisdom-of-the-sages/id1493055485 CONNECT ON FACEBOOK: https://facebook.com/wisdomofthesages108 CONNECT ON INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/wisdom_of_the_sages

Kriya Lendzion has been called "The Teen Whisperer." Once you listen to this episode, you will understand why! In this episode she shares statistics about addiction, primarily related to vaping, but she includes alcohol and even screen addiction! She also shares strategies and how school counselors can advocate for policies to help support students overcoming their addictions. This is one of those episodes that ALL educators and parents need to hear! Click here for Kriya's resource page! Sign up for more of Kriya's resources.

Keys to Understanding Our Hidden Past, Emerging Energy Age, and Enlightened FutureAuthors, Joseph Selbie and David Steinmetz — Foreword by Swami KriyanandaRead sample — Buy: Paperback, Kindle, or Audio Book“An amazing, mind-expanding investigation of the hidden cycles underlying the rise and fall of civilizations. Despite the dark signs of the times we live in there is hope here for all of us.“—Graham Hancock, author of Fingerprints of the GodsToday's view of history cannot account for ancient anomalies, such as the Pyramids and advanced knowledge contained in India's Vedas, but in 1894 an Indian sage gave us an explanation not only for our hidden past, but for the trends of today, and for our future enlightenment — the 24,000 year yuga cycle.Millions are wonder if we are due for a world-changing global shift, and what the future holds for mankind. Paramhansa Yogananda (author of the classic Autobiography of a Yogi) and his teacher, Sri Yukteswar, offered key insights into this subject nearly a century ago. They presented a fascinating explanation of the rising and falling eras that our planet cycles through every 24,000 years.According to their teachings, we have recently passed through the low ebb in that cycle and are moving forward to a higher age — an Energy Age that will continue to revolutionize the world. They declared that we would live in a time of great social and spiritual change, and that much of what we believe to be fixed and true — our entire way of looking at the world — would ultimately be transformed and uplifted. In The Yugas, Joseph Selbie and David Steinmetz present substantial and intriguing evidence from the findings of historians and scientists that demonstrate the truth of Yukteswar's and Yogananda's revelations.Testimonials“An amazing, mind-expanding investigation of the hidden cycles underlying the rise and fall of civilizations. I found The Yugas not only intellectually convincing but also spiritually and emotionally uplifting and deeply healing as well. Despite the dark signs of the times we live in there is hope here for all of us.”    —Graham Hancock, author of Fingerprints of the Gods Joseph Selbie enjoys making the complex and obscure simple and clear. He is the author of Break Through the Limits of the Brain, how neuroscience supports spiritual experience, The Physics of God, a unification of science and religion, and The Yugas, a factual look at India's tradition of cyclical history. He is known for creating bridges of understanding between the modern evidenced-based discoveries of science and the timeless experience-based discoveries of the mystics. A dedicated Kriya yoga meditator for over fifty years, he has taught yoga, meditation, and universal experiential spirituality throughout the US and Europe. In 2022, Joseph was nominated for Trailblazer of the Decade, by the OmTimes Magazine.   Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/earth-ancients--2790919/support.