In this episode, Dr. Judith delves into the profound concept of 'divine concentration,' contrasting it with regular concentration that often leaves us feeling drained. She explains how divine concentration, rooted in connecting with a higher intelligence, leaves us spiritually energized and clear-minded. Through practical advice and the acronym 'DIVINE'—Direction, Inner Stillness, Vibration Elevation, Intentional Presence, Non-Attachment, and Energy Alignment—she explores how this soul-centered focus can enhance daily living and promote spiritual growth. Dr. Judith also offers actionable steps to practice divine concentration, emphasizing the importance of aligning with one’s higher self and integrating spiritual tenets into everyday life.

00:00 Introduction to Divine Concentration

01:14 Defining Divine Concentration

02:35 Regular vs. Divine Concentration

06:39 The Acronym of DIVINE

13:43 Practical Steps for Divine Concentration

20:07 Summary and Reflection

23:27 Contemplation for the Week

In this episode, we delve into the complex topic of how societal expectations have shaped men's emotional growth and identity. Hosts discuss the historical transformation of male stereotypes, the struggle for emotional balance, and the significant impact of gender roles on personal development. Key insights include integrating both 'Alpha' and 'Omega' energies and the importance of living authentically. The conversation also touches on biblical examples and provides practical steps for men to expand their emotional range. This discussion aims to support men in becoming their fullest selves, benefiting not only their own growth but also their relationships.

00:00 Introduction and Purpose

00:33 The Emotional Struggles of Men

00:59 Societal Expectations and Changes

02:17 Brene Brown's Insight on Men

03:18 The Role of Emotions in Men

04:06 Balancing Masculine and Feminine Energies

05:30 Living Authentically

11:22 The Example of King David

14:16 Practical Steps for Emotional Growth

22:10 The Example of Jesus

26:12 Final Thoughts and Encouragement

27:49 Conclusion and Contact Information

About Our Guest

Dr. Mark A. Hicks is an author, speaker, ghostwriter, and relationships coach with expertise in mental health and family dynamics. Holding a Doctor of Ministry Degree, a Masters in Mental Health Counseling, a Masters of Divinity, and a Bachelors in Psychology, his educational background reflects his unwavering commitment to understanding the human psyche and guiding individuals toward healthy relationships and meaningful lives.

Mark’s goal is to spread a message of love that is practical, tangible, and a realistic life for everyone regardless of your relationship experience so far. In his book, Learning Love, he teaches the five components of love anyone can learn and practice to build healthy, happy, thriving relationships.

In this episode, we dive deep into the influence of family dynamics on your soul's journey. Our returning guest, Mark, discusses how family behaviors, attitudes, and power dynamics impact our worldview, emotional responses, and even our soul. We explore self-awareness, the importance of making conscious choices, and how to break free from toxic family patterns. Join us for an insightful conversation aimed at understanding the interplay between familial influences and personal growth.

00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome

00:31 Exploring Family Power Dynamics

02:10 Impact of Family Dynamics on Behavior

03:31 Personal Stories and Examples

12:03 Overcoming Toxic Family Dynamics

16:37 Choosing New Behaviors and Mindsets

34:41 Final Thoughts and Contact Information

About Our Guest

Dr. Mark A. Hicks is an author, speaker, ghostwriter, and relationships coach with expertise in mental health and family dynamics. Holding a Doctor of Ministry Degree, a Masters in Mental Health Counseling, a Masters of Divinity, and a Bachelors in Psychology, his educational background reflects his unwavering commitment to understanding the human psyche and guiding individuals toward healthy relationships and meaningful lives.

Mark’s goal is to spread a message of love that is practical, tangible, and a realistic life for everyone regardless of your relationship experience so far. In his book, Learning Love, he teaches the five components of love anyone can learn and practice to build healthy, happy, thriving relationships.

In this episode, we explore how uncomfortable life changes, detours, and losses are not setbacks but opportunities for soul growth. By embracing change and seeing it as a sacred push, we can evolve spiritually. We discuss the PAUSE method for navigating change: Pause, Ask, Trust, and Honor, offering practical tips for staying grounded. The episode also includes a guided meditation to help listeners embrace change with peace and clarity. Learn how to see change as an invitation to grow and align with your higher self.

00:00 Introduction: Embracing Life's Changes

01:24 The Sacred Push: Understanding Change

01:57 Personal Reflections on Change

02:41 Navigating Loss and Endings

05:54 The Path to Soulful Change

17:04 Grounding Practices for Change

24:18 Meditation: Embracing Change with Soul Trust

In this episode, we explore the concept of 'mind anxiety' and its impact on our souls. We discuss the two types of fear—instinctive and irrational—and how irrational fear can create unnecessary anxiety. We learn simple tools to calm the anxious mind, such as box breathing and the 3-3-3 rule, and emphasize the importance of tuning into our soul's guidance. Through a story of someone making a life-changing decision and a guided meditation, we gain insights on how to discern between fear and the soul's wisdom, ultimately encouraging soul growth over mere comfort.

00:00 Introduction to Mind Anxiety

01:36 Understanding Fear: Natural vs. Irrational

03:24 Defense Mechanisms: Catastrophizing and Overgeneralizing

06:36 Tools to Calm the Anxious Mind

10:37 Soul Guidance vs. Fear

25:10 Meditation for Inner Peace

In this episode of 'Key to Soul Progress', the host delves deep into the concept of inner listening, discussing its importance for personal and spiritual growth. They explain that many search for answers externally, but true wisdom lies within. The episode covers practical strategies for tuning into this inner voice, overcoming common obstacles such as fears, external distractions, and self-doubt, and emphasizes the benefits like increased inner peace, intuition, and emotional healing. Learn how to cultivate this vital practice to align with your soul’s purpose and navigate life with greater clarity and confidence.

00:00 Introduction to Inner Listening

02:21 The Concept of Inner Listening

07:34 Barriers to Inner Listening

18:45 Benefits of Inner Listening

23:28 Cultivating Inner Listening

26:46 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

In this episode, Dr. Judith and guest Stephen Schettini explore the transition from being defensive to becoming more vulnerable. Stephen, a former Buddhist monk with over 40 years of teaching mindfulness, shares insights into how learned behaviors shape defensiveness and how true vulnerability is a natural state. They discuss the importance of self-observation, breaking down the barriers created by ego, and the role of courage and stillness in achieving authenticity. The conversation also touches on the influence of emotions over thoughts, the necessity of support systems, and finding a balance between ego and genuine self-expression. Join them as they delve into these profound topics aimed at fostering personal growth and spiritual evolution.

About Our Guest

Stephen Schettini (pronounced skettini) is a former Buddhist monk and present-day mindfulness teacher focusing on the tension between cognitive and emotional intelligence. He is author of a memoir, The Novice: How I Became a Buddhist Monk, Why I Quit and What I Learned, and the guide to mindful reflection entitled, It Begins with Silence. Stephen lives outside Montreal with his wife, stepdaughter and two cats.

TEDx Talk: http://tinyurl.com/5yv94ddh

Article (A Sense of Belonging): https://t.ly/enbnE

00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome

01:50 Understanding Defensiveness and Vulnerability

03:10 The Role of Ego and Learned Behaviors

06:41 Embracing Vulnerability and Authenticity

09:45 The Spiritual Perspective on Vulnerability

13:12 The Journey of Self-Discovery and Growth

19:40 The Importance of Community and Support

31:44 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

In this episode of the Deep Dive series, Dr. Judith welcomes Steven Schettini, a former Buddhist monk trained in the Tibetan tradition, to discuss how to move past self-doubt. They explore the roots of self-doubt, its amplification through social media, and methods for overcoming it. Steven emphasizes the importance of self-compassion, understanding learned behaviors, and the practice of active mindfulness. They conclude with advice on continuous self-reflection, cultivating inner harmony, and the significance of regular meditation practice.

About Our Guest

Stephen Schettini (pronounced skettini) is a former Buddhist monk and present-day mindfulness teacher focusing on the tension between cognitive and emotional intelligence. He is author of a memoir, The Novice: How I Became a Buddhist Monk, Why I Quit and What I Learned, and the guide to mindful reflection entitled, It Begins with Silence. Stephen lives outside Montreal with his wife, stepdaughter and two cats.

TEDx Talk: http://tinyurl.com/5yv94ddh

Article (A Sense of Belonging): https://t.ly/enbnE

00:00 Introduction to the Deep Dive Series

00:42 Meet Steven Sini: From Buddhist Monk to Mindfulness Expert

01:40 Understanding Self-Doubt in the Modern World

04:05 The Roots of Self-Doubt: Childhood and Socialization

06:21 Transforming Self-Doubt Through Self-Compassion

10:59 The Power of Meditation and Self-Observation

17:55 The Importance of Being Present

27:09 Embracing Change and Impermanence

28:53 The Essence of Playful Meditation

30:31 The Role of Self-Doubt in Our Lives

31:54 The Power of the Human Mind

33:33 The Duality of Human Nature

35:47 The Importance of Mindfulness

43:48 Active vs. Formal Meditation

49:34 The Practice of Continuity in Meditation