The Light Inside

Join me in exploring the transformative journey of unearthing our subconscious scripts and embracing emotional intelligence. Let's challenge the narratives that hold us back and create more authentic connections in our personal and professional lives. 🌟 Episode #176 The Light Inside #TheLightInsidePodcast #PersonalGrowth #EmotionalIntelligence #AuthenticConnections #TransformativeJourney

Overwhelm. Throughout our daily lives, we often find ourselves surrounded by it. And sometimes, nothing is more overwhelming, than the stories we regularly tell ourselves. Yet still…our stories matter - But how and why? Overwhelm is all around us in modern culture Perpetuated in the media, throughout our social interactions, and even within the tactile and sensory stimuli prevalent throughout our environments. Our autonoetic, self-aware consciousness has empowered us with the ability for abstract, future thinking, and past-aware reflection– serving both as a benefit and a liability. As a developmental and evolutionary trait of the human species - for many of us… This is traumatic! Yet it is this autonoetic cognitive ability that has allowed us to rule the world. As perhaps our greatest strength, abstract thinking has a serious weakness – we frequently get caught in cognitive story-telling loops - Both about ourselves; and others - that come to feel like truth. Today, we look at the role cognitive fusion plays in shaping the stories we weave and how this impacts our relationship both for the better and worse. Tune in to find out how: The Light Inside Episode #173 pod follow/thelightinside

Our stories. They haunt us in the deeper, darker recesses of our minds, much like ghosts. Deeper still, their energy ingratiates our inner worlds. At times shaping who and what we believe we are. Or all that we feel we might ever be. Believing they define us, we blindly follow their lead.� Nevertheless, who or what spins these tireless tales? Who I am. What I am. Does an I even exist?The familiar, and not so familiar, intertwined. Are we conscious creators, or might there be deeper factors at play? We may think that we are acting rationally and freely, but in reality, we often follow the programs and scripts of the subconscious mind. Today, we look at how our subconscious scripts influence every thought, emotional, feeling, action and interaction — throughout our lives And how understand the complex interplay of these narratives allows us to become the conscious creators of these scenarios. Explore the power of cognitive reappraisal and reframing your subconscious scripts. Join us on The Light Inside podcast for an insightful conversation on transforming your mindset. #mindfulness #selfreflection #podcastconversation Episode #172 The Light Inside “Subconscious Scripts: Exploring the Haunting Power of Our Stories” with Dee Miceli https://pod.fo/e/1fc694

Humor’s Bad Reputation: The Role Comedy Plays Both in Social Bonding and Emotional Coping

Humor. At times, it’s a balm for the soul. Serving as a life raft in difficult situations or lightening the load during troubled times. Or, it could just be a way to procrastinate from doing actual work! Humor is like seasoning for the soul. It's so powerful that even a bad joke can make you smile—just like a pinch of salt and a lobotomy can turn your mom’s cooking into a gourmet meal! Life without humor is like a turd sandwich without the funny bone – it's just a little dull and lacks that extra zing! A spark that creates mutual bonds and breaks down barriers. Yet at times, there are also darker shades of humor. Those that create derision and contempt—as a subtle jab becomes an unkind jib, filled with misintent. Today we look at humor—how it binds us together and, at times, pulls us miles apart. Here are three key takeaways from this enlightening conversation: 1️⃣ Embrace Your Unique Perspective: Our guest emphasized the importance of staying true to yourself in comedy. Whether you're just starting out or a seasoned act, it's crucial to share your own take on the world. By identifying surprising and irritating aspects of our culture, you'll find that you're not alone. This connection with your audience not only makes your jokes work, but it also builds a subconscious bond that can be incredibly helpful. 2️⃣ Open Mic Comedy: A Terrifying, Yet Rewarding Experience: Our guest, who runs numerous open mic shows, encouraged everyone to give it a try. Open-mic comedy provides a platform for anyone to step onto the stage and share their humor. It may seem terrifying at first, but it's a fantastic opportunity to push yourself and write some comedy. And hey, if you're feeling unsure, our guest even mentioned online courses that can help you along the way! 3️⃣ Humor as a Guiding Light: Life is a beautiful chaos filled with comedy, tragedy, and magic. Our guest reminded us that humor is our guiding light, capable of filling our hearts

“Tune in to discover how holding on to what we love often requires letting go. “ Healthy social attachment serves as an essential element of our mental, physical, social and spiritual journey. We all desire, want, and need to feel a greater sense of connection throughout our lives. However, the stories we tell often hinder our ability to forge these deeper bonds, and we may become focused on our differences rather than our similarities, leading to a breakdown in our relationships. Healthy social attachment is not just a warm and fuzzy concept; it is a fundamental element of our mental, physical, social, and spiritual journey. It forms the cornerstone for building secure relationships, fosters empathy, and enhances our overall well-being. In this blog post, we will delve into the role of healthy attachment styles in creating effective social bonds and forming healthy intimate relationships. Our attachment styles significantly influence our social interactions by shaping our ability to express vulnerability, empathy, and open communication. When we have a secure attachment style, we are more likely to express our feelings openly and honestly, creating a safe space for our partners and friends to do the same. This open and empathetic communication facilitates deeper connections with others and helps us navigate conflicts more constructively. Episode #166 The Light Inside https://lnkd.in/gDtJ2C2g “The Power of Healthy Attachment: Building Stronger Bonds and Healthier Relationships” with Mādhurī Pūra Dāsa & Gary Simonds

The 6ᵗʰ Mass Extinction Theory suggests that the Earth is currently experiencing a significant loss of biodiversity, comparable to previous mass extinction events in geological history. Jeff Hardy adeptly delved into the insidious grip of the Declinism Bias and its consequential impact on our capacity to enact meaningful changes in our future behaviors. Through a thought-provoking analysis, Hardy illuminated how this cognitive bias skews our perceptions, leading us to disproportionately focus on negative aspects of society's evolution while disregarding progress. With a keen understanding, he highlighted the far-reaching implications of this bias on our collective ability to address pressing social issues, emphasizing that only by acknowledging our innate inclination and actively challenging it can we truly forge a path toward effective change and meaningful societal transformation. Episode #164 https://podfollow.com/thelightinside

In moments of our deepest despair, its often hard to feel like there is a light at the end of the tunnel. And for those who experience anhedonia, it's often difficult to feel any emotions at all. Today we learn that anhedonia is not a permanent state; it's a chapter in the complex story of being human. Join us as we embark on this emotional journey, with author, Tanith Carey, as we explore anhedonia from all angles, sharing Tanith’s story of resilience. Carey describes the experience of waking up to a world devoid of colors and melodies, where happiness and the ability to feel anything have been replaced by an overwhelming sense of emptiness. Jeffrey and Tanith delve into the ache and constant dull pain that accompanies anhedonia, as well as the numbing of the senses. Despite this desolate landscape, there remains a flicker of hope and a longing for the return of emotions. -Emptiness We’ve all felt it. There are times throughout life when we all feel a little hollow. Imagine waking up each morning to a world that once sang with colors and melodies but is now shrouded in an unrelenting haze. As a psychological phenomenon, Anhedonia, the silent thief of joy, wraps its cold fingers around every inch of your being. Not only is it the lack of happiness, but it’s also losing the ability to feel anything, leaving behind an overwhelming sense of emptiness. We shed light on the path to rediscovering the beauty of emotions and guide you through the labyrinth of feelings that shape our lives. Episode #161 Empty: How Anhedonia Steals Our Light with Tanith Carey https://pod.fo/e/1dace3 #anhedonia #empty #emotional #emotionalhealth #emotionalintelligence

Empty

All my life I pined for light It seemed the start of dawn And the end of night. But now, I am not alone. Now - I have my own shadow. “Empty” 8.11.23 Season 5 Ep. #161 pod.link/thelightinside

Energy is Everything. Our thoughts, emotions, and actions are all influenced by the energy within and around us. It's crucial to become aware of our energetic minimums and maximums - the bare minimums we need to feel aligned and attuned to the things we truly desire. Taking a holistic approach to understand our energy can lead us to make conscious choices and live a life by design. We often find ourselves hitting ceilings in life that prevent us from reaching our fullest potential. These upper limits can hold us back from enhancing our experiences and achieving our goals. By recognizing and addressing our conditioning, limiting beliefs, and patterns of thought, we can transcend these upper limits and propel ourselves towards new levels of actualization. Living a life aligned with our highest consciousness is a journey of discovery and exploration. It's essential to question our filters and frameworks, allowing us to see a more expanded view. Embracing our unconventionality, being objectively loyal to our own truth, and listening to the wisdom of our bodies through somatic awareness allows us to live authentically and find fulfillment. If you're curious to learn more about energy, personal growth, and aligning with your true self, make sure to give this episode a listen! 🎧✨ Energizing Your Life: Harnessing the Power of Conscious Energy with Danielle Laura Episode #160 The Light Inside https://pod.fo/e/1abc9b

In Sanskrit, the word Samhita literally means “put together; to join; union.” Yet, as humans, we often struggle to put things together. Nowhere is this more true than within our concepts surrounding truth. All of us have heard the old saying that every story has three sides, yours, mine, and the truth. Despite this, the truth is fluid, ever-changing, and constantly evolving. In our daily lives, we often encounter situations where opposing perspectives or contradictory information are valid in different contexts or from different points of view. We humans, therefore, may not always see things eye-to-eye. Both things can be true, as we often find. And in this struggle, we sometimes neglect to find common ground, and to get our collective sh*t together. However, in this basic Vedic mantra, we find a hymn that becomes our only hope or prayer for truth. It is in the union of our opposites that we discover the ultimate truth. In this podcast, we look at how a concept of logic known as the Unity of Opposites can empower us to see the truth within us all. Host Jeffrey Besecker explores this topic today with author, and wise sage TROY HADEED to reflect on this one key objective - putting our differences aside and simply love one another. To find the unity of opposites. Episode #159 - The Unity of Opposites with Troy Hadeed https://lnkd.in/g2a5i9k6 #bias #implicitbias #oppositesattarct #ego #egodevelopment #activelistening #consciousnessshift

Confidence. At times, it’s something we each strive for. You know that feeling - ten feet tall, and bulletproof. Healthy self-confidence can prepare us for tasks, improve our mental and physical health, and empower us to form beneficial perspectives that better prepare us for success. Although, at times, we overly-inflate this perspective, and become our own worst enemies... Why is our confidence often disproportionate to the difficulty of a task? Studies show that we often overestimate our ability to overcome adversity and difficulty. Yet surprisingly, we are often underconfident when estimating relatively simple tasks. This phenomenon is known as the hard-easy effect. It suggests that we incorrectly predict our ability to complete tasks based on their level of difficulty. But why do we do it? And what behaviors in our personal repertoire might lead us to be more susceptible to misjudging our self-assessments? Today we look at how unhealthy confidence often leads us to ineffectively self-assess, with Constantin Morun and why adjusting our selective filters allows us to form more empowering and beneficial self-assessments that ensure greater levels of success. Both healthy and unhealthy levels of acceptance are significantly important to all of us. Considering these variables and being open to constructive feedback allows us to form healthier self-concepts. I wanted to take a moment to remind you of the incredible importance of embracing and accepting yourself fully - the good, the bad, the ugly, and everywhere in between. Healthy self-acceptance is a journey that involves recognizing your worth, strengths, and unique qualities. You are a remarkable individual with so much to offer the world. Welcome to the ride… Episode #155 The Light Inside pod.link/thelightinside #confidence #selfleadership #ego #emotions

Jeffrey Besecker and @rachellavinwellness share the power of stories, the stigma of ego, and the complex relationship between image and weight. They also discussed how Rachel's family interactions may have played a role in her feelings of inadequacy and how her energy is projected out into the world. Episode #154 pod.link/thelightinside Unconscious filters play a crucial role in shaping our perspectives and limiting our abilities of perspective-making. These filters, which include emotional and ego filters, influence the way we perceive and interpret information, events, and other people. By understanding how these filters operate, we can gain insight into the biases and limitations that impact our perspective-taking abilities. Emotional filters are deeply rooted in our emotions and can color our perceptions and judgments. They arise from our past experiences, conditioning, and emotional states. Our emotions act as filters through which we interpret the world around us, and they can significantly impact our ability to understand different perspectives. For example, if we are feeling angry or fearful, our emotional filter may lead us to interpret situations in a negative or threatening light. This filter can narrow our perspective, making it difficult to consider alternative viewpoints or empathize with others who have different emotions or experiences. Similarly, if we have experienced a particular event that evokes strong emotions, our emotional filter may influence how we perceive similar situations in the future. Ego filters, on the other hand, stem from our sense of self-identity and self-perception. The ego acts as a filter through which we interpret information, often reinforcing our pre-existing beliefs and protecting our self-image.

New Episode! "All in A Name: How To Recognize And Label Emotions" Emotions. They play an essential role in creating our perceptions throughout life. They signal awareness of our current circumstances and guide our day-to-day interactions. They determine, to varying degrees, our thoughts, fe...

Our ego — just what is it? And what are the key roles this mystical entity serves as we navigate a healthy sense of self and our overall well-being as humans? Our guest, performance and well-being coach, Georgina Halabi and I discussed the concept of ego and how it can be used to protect oneself from harm, but also how it can be used to transcend the self and connect to a higher consciousness. ✔ We discussed how wolves can be used as a metaphor for the ego and how it is important to study the behaviors of wolves to understand them better. ✔ We also discussed how the ego can be programmed to be whatever one wants it to be and how the higher self can be used to discern how to use the ego. According to modern researchers such as Loevinger, and Cook-Geuter; there are seven primary levels of ego development. Therefore, it's essential that we ask these questions when considering the evolution of our ego. 🤔 How do these levels of ego development affect our relationships? 🤔 Can the ego improve our self-understanding? So, just what is the role of the ego in creating a healthy psychological state? 🤔 These are all questions we'll answer as we explore the landscape of ego development and its effect on our health and overall well-being. Georgina Halabi and Jeffrey Besecker discuss the concept of ego and how it affects our perception of self. They suggest that ego can be used as a tool to help us access higher consciousness and that negativity can be seen as a gift or a curse depending on how it is perceived. "The Irrefutable “Me”: A Healthy Diet of Self-Awareness Is Essential For Feeding and Nurturing The Ego" Episode #152 pod.link/thelightinside #ego #egodevelopment #personality #identity

Hey everyone! I am so excited to share with you the latest episode of my podcast, where I had the pleasure of speaking with @dstaiger about fear of blame and its impact on creativity in the workplace. After our conversation, I took away three key points that I believe are valuable for anyone looking to improve their leadership skills and foster a more creative environment in their organization. -Firstly, fear of blame is a major obstacle to creativity. Many individuals and leaders are afraid to take risks or try new things because they fear the consequences of failure. However, as Dustin pointed out, failure is often necessary for growth and innovation, and it's important to create a culture that supports and encourages taking risks. -Secondly, naming and identifying core emotions is a crucial skill for personal and professional growth. By acknowledging and understanding our emotions, we can better navigate difficult situations and make more informed decisions. -Lastly, it's important to take responsibility for our actions and avoid placing blame on others. This can be a difficult task, but by doing so, we can create a more positive and productive work environment. I hope you all find these takeaways as valuable as I did. Check out the full episode for more insights and perspectives from Dustin. Thank you for listening! Episode #151 "Deflecting - How to Breaking Free from Blame and Taking Responsibility for Our Actions" pod.link/thelightinside #blame #emotionalintelligence #leadership #leadershipdevelopment #selfawareness #selfgrowth #personaldevelopment

The inner child - it’s the voice of your personal core. It represents your deepest feelings, desires, and aspirations. This IS the voice of your personal authority. The child is the seed of the adult, therefore, it needs care and attention. That child is also our inner child, a mirror image of what we were as children, and this inner child also needs care and attention. When we return, we hear more from Manuj and discover how he was able to begin listing to that inner calling, transforming the journey of his inner child in the process. Growing up under challenging circumstances in India , Manuj Aggarwal experienced emotional turmoil and isolation . Through his journey of healing and self-discovery , he has emerged as a successful entrepreneur and an empathetic individual . On The Light Inside, Manuj shares his experiences with childhood traumas and the importance of healing one's inner child for improved mental health and wellbeing . His unique insights and genuine compassion make Manuj Aggarwal a captivating guest and a guiding light for others facing similar challenges . It is essential for adults to find a balance between the need for playfulness and the responsibility that comes with adulthood . Unraveling past experiences and allowing oneself to experience the joy and curiosity once felt as a child can provide a sense of wholeness and genuine fulfillment . For him , finding that balance helped create a more harmonious lifestyle and enabled him to form a deeper connection with his true self. How are you approaching Healing inner child wounds for a grounded , confident future ? The Light Inside Episode #148 pod.link/thelightinside Tune in for he episode - then Comment below and let me know in the comments:

Do you feel like you have a love-hate relationship with food? Are you a Diet Culture enthusiast looking to achieve holistic well-being, yet struggling to find a way to do so? Do you constantly hear the same advice - "eat less, move more" - but find it doesn't quite get you the results you want? If you're feeling frustrated by not being able to achieve your desired outcome, this episode is for you! In this episode, we’re exploring the complex relationship between food, emotions, and society with Dr. Marcella Raimondo. Marcella is a psychologist who specializes in eating disorders while creating body and food liberation through social justice. 
 Armed with her B.A. from UC Berkeley, and Master’s Degree in Public Health from the University of Michigan. Marcella’s desire to address eating disorders drove her to pursue her doctorate in clinical psychology. Until 2005 she worked with About-Face, a nonprofit organization that addresses media impact on body image serving as the Director of Media Literacy. Today she is on the Board of Founders and a consultant - serving on the Advisory Board for the Association of Size Health and Diversity (ASDAH). Marcella noticed that society's diet culture was not invested in people's well-being, but instead in keeping them chasing after a goal. On a trip to Italy, she saw people of all shapes and sizes enjoying ice cream and being together, without judgment. She realized the importance of a holistic relationship with food and the need to remove self-imposed judgment. Until 2005 she worked with About-Face, a nonprofit organization that addresses media impact on body image serving as the Director of Media Literacy. Today she is on the Board of Founders and a consultant - serving on the Advisory Board for the Association of Size Health and Diversity (ASDAH).
 Today, we examine the impact of diet culture on food insecurity and our mental health, and the inherent power social influence has over our overall well-being. EPI

Narcissistic Verbal Abuse: Navigating Blunt & Non-Blunt Emotional Cruelty w/ Angela Myer

Making healthier choices when addressing narcissistic relationships is essential, yet that pathway forward is frequently a difficult one to spot. Often, in the dark fog of narcissistic abuse, it's difficult to know just how to navigate through the wildly swinging ups and downs that are prevalent. Yet, seldom are things ever this black-and-white, when it comes to our interactions with those who possess narcissistic traits- and we get lost in a hazy gray space of confusion. We discover how to more effectively free ourselves from the ego traps often set by covert narcissists. Our guest, Angela Myer, tells us “Abuse in general is absolutely a red flag in any relationship. Today she explains how we might subtly tip-toe up to this abuse in our own behaviors, and not even be aware we are doing it. She also discloses how this might be one of the more overt of six patterns, or causes - that lead to the development of narcissistic personalities. Episode #140 The Light Inside Narcissistic Verbal Abuse: Navigating Blunt & Non-Blunt Emotional Cruelty w/ Angela Myer https://www.thelightinside.us/narcissistic-verbal-abuse-navigating-blunt-non-blunt-emotional-cruelty-w-angela-myer/

A survivor of narcissistic relationships, Shannon Petrovich LCSW, LISAC, BCD, guides listeners on a journey of rediscovering their self-worth, learning to recognize and set boundaries, and ultimately separating from the toxic bonds of love-bombing. "Love is a verb in our gooey-gooey culture. We tend to think if we felt something, then we are being loved. But in reality, a person with narcissism or narcissistic traits is not loving you. They're controlling you, manipulating you." Shannon Petrovich LCSW, LISAC, BCD is a relationship expert and author, specializing in helping survivors of narcissistic abuse. She is passionate about helping people untangle unhealthy attachments and find their bearings after experiencing trauma. Shannon Petrovich learned the hard way that Narcissistic relationships are not based on love. She experienced the cycle of love bombing, devaluing, and gaslighting that left her emotionally and spiritually bankrupt. Her insight into the three P's - people pleasing, placating, and peacekeeping - trapped her in the trauma bond of a toxic relationship. Finally, she overcame the cycle by understanding her own character qualities and values, setting boundaries, and asserting her own needs. This allowed her to break the trauma bond and reclaim herself as a survivor. In this episode, you will learn the following: 1. What is the difference between love and love bombing? 2. How can survivors break the trauma bond of a toxic relationship? 3. What are the three P's of people pleasing, placating, and peacekeeping, and how can they be used to identify a toxic relationship? Tune in to find out more! Episode #139 The Light Inside https://www.thelightinside.us/lovingly-or-manipulating-navigating-narcissistic-abuse-with-shannon-petrovich/ #narcissisticabusesurvivor #narcissism #trauma #culture #love

The Autonomic Ladder

Pain. Our emotional reactivity frequently causes it to surface as the emotional turmoil we feel. You’ve perhaps heard this clique, and often worn phrase - “We can’t grow without pain; or maybe - it’s discomfort”? But, what if we can and DO…frequently grow; in states that exist free of this existentially created and self-inflicted state of pain and suffering? "If you're feeling helpless, frustrated, and overwhelmed as you try to navigate the complexities of your autonomic nervous system." - Despite trying various therapies, medications, and lifestyle changes, then this episode is for you! It's not uncommon for us to feel that life, the world, other people, and even ourselves - are getting on our nerves. A very specific nerve located in our autonomic central nervous system - to be exact. We may, or may, not be able to eliminate all existential pain and suffering from our lives - yet some of it can certainly serve a valid and healthy purpose. In spite of this, when we navigate through our fleeting emotions and conditioned beliefs, we frequently find ourselves emotionally triggered and activated - with a drive to only react. - And it all starts to feel like we are playing a childish game of emotional chutes and ladders…. When John Eli Garay, a second-generation American, discovers neuroception, our naturally- inherent ability to scan for cues of safety and danger, he must confront the cognitive dissonance between his past trauma and present reality in order to self-regulate and feel secure. John is a mental health professional and self-awareness coach, specializing in neuroception and autonomic nervous system regulation. He is passionate about helping others understand how to self-regulate, while feeling safe and secure. "Discover your natural power to self-regulate and feel safe with neuroception: the foundation of all feeling." Episode #138 The Light Inside The Autonomic Ladder: Unlock Your Natural Inner Power w/ John Eli Garay pod.link/th