Contemplative Living

High-Spirited Awareness

This week's Contemplative Living Podcast investigates attaining High-Spirited Awareness. Becoming this sort of person requires one to be energetic, upbeat and engaged in stimulating and enjoyable activities. Through enthusiasm, we are able to see the world around us with renewed appreciation. We can break away from the self-imposed stories that limit our horizons and recognize the greater reality of which we are part. This leads to a greater connection with life itself, more strength and creativity, and a continuous flow of invigorating energy that propels us forward. Understandably, when we realize how fleeting time is, our passion for life increases all the more!

Truthfulness

This week's Contemplative Living Podcast delves into the importance of Truthfulness. We learn to live in peace by befriending ourselves and others through honesty. This way, we can find potent understanding while using our weaknesses and failures for growth. The truth is not always what we expect but a true reflection of our lived experience. We can approach life from our hearts when we are devoted to truthful speech, standing firm against fantasies or delusions.

A Mind Seeking Freedom

This week's Contemplative Living Podcast addresses the topic of a mind seeking freedom. To truly embody clarity of mind, we must have a depth of understanding which is often hindered by negative mental qualities such as passion, hatred, and delusion. Through contemplative practice, we can gain insight into our habits, impulses, and reactions; regular meditation helps to increase concentration and sensory clarity - almost as if you are putting on glasses to bring inner vision into sharp focus. Upon attaining clear sight, joy and comprehension will be released. Loosen the grip of fear, anger, and jealousy so that the calmness cultivated from meditation can take precedence. 
 

A Vibrant Life Practice

This week, Contemplative Living invites us to explore the components of a vibrant life practice. We are called to embody Love, Compassion, and Peace in all we do. As we fill our hearts with lovingkindness, our wish for all beings is simple: May they be happy. Open your heart and experience the true joy that blesses you and those around you. Discovering how to appreciate the journey truly will bring contentment into your life. Ask yourself - am I holding on when I should be releasing what no longer serves me? Acknowledge and show kindness towards your inner self; discard anything hidden in your depths that does not serve the most authentic version of who you are. 

A Wondrous Life

This week's Contemplative Living Podcast explores how to open ourselves up to more wonder. Our stories have the power to heal and empower - to captivate those who hear them. As you go about your day, take time to bring a little bit of wonder into it. Allow yourself and those around you to feel refreshed in your presence. Even if we're struggling with pain, contemplative practice can grant us peace. Wonder is a beautiful expression of our humanity; it reminds us that we are part of something bigger than ourselves. I was once lost, but now I experience joy and light - thanks to this wondrous life I'm living. Our Divine Spark resides in each one of us, an ongoing connection with the Universe that surrounds us - awe-inspiring wonder abounds!

A Confident Mind

This week on the Contemplative Living podcast, we take a look at how to foster a strong mindset. Rather than clinging to less-than-positive ideas, just observe them without taking part in them. Meditation can make attaining this easier by allowing us to rest between our thoughts. Taking time to focus on the moment rather than getting caught up in anxious thoughts and emotions is vital. Accept your ideas as indicators that lead you back to what's happening. Let go of any worries and be conscious and relaxed in the present. A Confident Mind involves cultivating self-respect, accepting our natural cognizance, and intentionally turning towards it rather than letting our customary reactions take over.

The Joy Within

This week’s Contemplative Living Podcast examines the Joy Within. Joy within us is inexhaustible and ever-present, even when we can't sense it. It is best understood through direct experience. Connecting to our inner life with kindness provides an opportunity for renewal and emotional healing. Our essential joy resides not only in us but also in all sentient beings; it is unconditional and allows for freedom and interconnectedness.

Bond Of Companionship

In this week’s Contemplative Living Podcast we look deeply into the bonds of companionship. Admirable friends complete our spiritual life, bringing the power of companionship when we share our sadness, joys, and fears with each other. Interpersonal connection is just as important for our health as food and exercise; it involves listening closely and showing genuine care through eye contact, touching, and expressions of encouragement. Realizing all our relationships fall within a spectrum of interconnectedness helps us to identify who needs uplifting, who needs direction, and who needs a good chuckle.

Personal Power

The ability to control our attention is key to achieving personal power. Our thoughts and emotions are constantly vying for our attention, but it's up to us to decide where we focus our mental energy. By intentionally directing our attention toward what truly matters, we can exert greater influence over our own lives.

Cultivate Awe

This week's Contemplative Living Podcast explores ways to Cultivate Awe. A meaningful facet to our spiritual journey, awe is a powerful emotion that triggers prosocial behavior and can be accessed through appreciation of beauty. There is a magnificence to the world such that it can be conceptualized in any number of ways; try and let yourself recognize this complexity and allow it to fill you with wonder. By recognizing the wonders present all around us, we become humble and engaged in understanding reality. Don't overlook the practicality of cultivating awe - be thankful for even the spontaneous, as their presence will eventually bring about deeper growth within your practice.