In this episode of the Awakened Heart Podcast, I sit down with author and mindfulness coach April Dávila to explore the profound connection between creativity and conscious living.

April shares how her writing journey transformed when she began meditating regularly in 2016 - leading to the publication of her award-winning novel, the growth of her blog, and a newfound sense of purpose.

We discuss how mindfulness can ease the emotional rollercoaster of the writing process, why fiction still matters in a noisy world, and how writers can face rejection and inner criticism with greater self-compassion.

April also opens up about her two-year training with Jack Kornfield and Tara Brach, the upcoming release of her nonfiction book Scribbling Buddha, and how meditation can help anyone—not just writers—live more intuitively and authentically.

April’s journey is an inspiring reminder that turning inward and getting honest with ourselves can unlock creative flow and a more fulfilling life.

Whether you're a writer or someone navigating your own personal transformation, this conversation offers practical insight and soulful encouragement to support your path.

Takeaways

• Meditation can significantly enhance a writer's perspective and practice.
• Rejection in writing is not personal; persistence is key.
• Mindfulness helps in managing the inner critic and perfectionism.
• Creating a supportive writing community can alleviate self-doubt.
• Fiction plays a crucial role in building empathy and understanding.
• Establishing a writing ritual can enhance focus and creativity.
• The publishing landscape is evolving, and writers should explore various options.
• Self-publishing can be challenging for fiction, but traditional publishing offers valuable support.
• Mindfulness practices can help writers navigate burnout and creative blocks.
• Living with an awakened heart means prioritizing meaningful connections.

Sound Bites

"It's about where your focus is."

"Isolation just breeds self-doubt."

"Rejection is not personal."

Connect with April:Website

Instagram

Linkedin

Insight Timer

Scribbing Buddha (coming soon)

Let’s Connect!

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Keywords

mindfulness, writing, meditation, creativity, community, publishing, inner critic, fiction, personal growth, self-discovery

Episode #123 -In this episode of the Awakened Heart Podcast, I sit down with Dr. Maurice Turmel—a retired therapist, former rock musician, author, and spiritual teacher—to explore his profound journey of healing religious trauma and reclaiming his authentic self.

We talk about the impact of rigid religious conditioning on self-worth, the emotional toll of suppressing feelings, and how the journey toward spiritual awakening often requires facing grief and nurturing our inner child.

Dr. Turmel has authored numerous books including Breaking the Spell of Religion & Healing the Trauma, The Voice: A Spiritual Sci-Fi Adventure, Conscious Evolution: Mythology in Action, and When Angels Call: Coping with Grief and Loss. His most recent work offers readers a front-row seat on his own Hero’s Journey—a deeply personal exploration of trauma recovery, spiritual liberation, and emotional resilience.

Maurice offers practical tools like journaling for trauma recovery and shares how the hero’s journey mirrors our own paths of transformation. This conversation is raw, real, and deeply inspiring—a reminder that living with an awakened heart means embracing your full humanity, including the messy, tender parts.

Takeaways

• Childhood trauma often stems from rigid religious teachings.
• Self-discovery is a journey that requires unpacking layers of trauma.
• Spirituality plays a crucial role in healing and personal growth.
• Journaling is a powerful tool for self-reflection and healing.
• The hero's journey is an inward exploration of self and healing.
• Living from the heart is essential for emotional well-being.
• Self-acceptance and self-love are key to overcoming trauma.
• Embracing feelings can lead to a healthier, longer life.
• There is always room for more love in our lives.
• Connecting with our inner child is vital for healing.

Connect with Maurice:

BOOK LINKS at AMAZON: "Breaking the Spell of Religion & Healing the Trauma"

When Angels Call - Coping wth Grief & Loss

Maurice Turmel PhD ( Music )

Let’s Connect!

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Linktree

Keywords

trauma, religion, self-discovery, spirituality, healing, childhood experiences, journaling, hero's journey, emotional growth, self-acceptance religious trauma, narcissistic wounds, emotional healing

Episode #122 - Why Men Pull Away: Unpacking Fear, Intimacy & Masculine Conditioning

In this episode, I have the pleasure of speaking with Dr. Avrum Weiss, psychotherapist and award-winning author of Hidden in Plain Sight: How Men’s Fears of Women Shape Their Intimate Relationships. This conversation dives into the emotional landscape that many men carry but rarely talk about—fears that can profoundly affect the way they connect with women and show up in intimate relationships. We explore fears of being controlled, overwhelmed by emotion, not being enough, or being left. While these fears are often hidden, they quietly influence so many relational dynamics.

Avrum and I discuss how traditional socialization teaches boys to shut down emotionally, how that creates barriers to true intimacy, and what’s needed for men to feel emotionally safe and seen. We also touch on how these patterns shift across generations, and why creating space for emotional literacy and community support is essential—not just for men, but for all of us.

Whether you're in a relationship, raising boys, or simply seeking to understand the masculine emotional experience more deeply, this episode offers a compassionate and eye-opening perspective on what’s really going on beneath the surface—and how we can all relate with more awareness and heart.

Sound Bites

"Men fear being controlled by women."

"Men are often emotionally unavailable."

"We all suffer under the same system."

Takeaways

• Many men fear being controlled by women in relationships.
• Men are often socialized to suppress their emotions.
• Understanding men's fears can improve relationship dynamics.
• Women often misinterpret men's withdrawal as disinterest.
• Men's emotional needs are often overlooked in society.
• The importance of emotional literacy for both genders.
• Community support is crucial for emotional well-being.
• Generational changes are leading to more emotionally aware men.
• Men benefit significantly from close relationships and marriage.

• Awareness of emotional dynamics can lead to healthier relationships.

Connect with Avrum:

Website

⁠Books ⁠

Let’s Connect!

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