Awakening Process 101

In this Episode, Pernilla and Louise continue their discussion of the Awakening process, specifically focusing on the theme of being present in the "now."  They humorously acknowledge forgetting the exact name of their podcast, reflecting a light-hearted approach to their theme. The conversation explores the concept of being present and the importance of humor, even during challenging times. Pernilla leads a short meditation to help viewers arrive in the present moment, emphasizing the significance of noticing where one's mind is as a practice of presence. They discuss the power of being aware of one’s thoughts and the mind's tendency to wander, suggesting that recognizing when you're not present actually brings you back to the present moment.

They reference Eckhart Tolle's book "The Power of Now," sharing insights and personal reflections on its teachings about mindfulness and the essence of being in the present. This episode aims to inspire viewers to practice mindfulness and appreciate the power of the present moment through meditation, humor, and self-reflection.

(0:00) Introduction to the podcast and the importance of humor. The hosts  joke about forgetting the name of their podcast, setting the tone for their lighthearted approach to the awakening process. 

(2:00) Introduction to the day's theme: the concept of "now" and being present. This segment lays the foundation for the discussion on mindfulness and the importance of living in the present.

(5:15) Pernilla leads a short meditation, guiding listeners to focus on their breath and arrive in the present moment offering viewers a chance to experience the present moment. 

(08:30) The conversation shifts to discussing mindfulness in more depth, specifically the significance of noticing where one's mind is as a fundamental practice of being present. 

(12:45) Referencing Eckhart Tolle's "The Power of Now," the hosts share how the book influenced them and their journeys toward understanding and practicing presence. 

(18:00) The conversation shifts to the challenges of staying present, especially during daily activities like driving. They explore the common experience of being physically present but mentally elsewhere and strategies to combat this.

(23:10) The focus moves to the role of bodily sensations in anchoring one in the present moment. Pernilla and Louise discuss how mindfulness practices can enhance one’s connection to the present through physical awareness.

(27:50)  Pernilla and Louis share more personal stories and revelations about their paths to understanding presence. They discuss early misunderstandings and epiphanies, highlighting the journey's evolving nature.

(33:20) The conversation shifts to deeper philosophical topics of resistance to what is, the power of surrendering, and accepting life as it unfolds. They discuss how these concepts are integral to the process of becoming truly present.

(38:45) The hosts examine societal expectations around productivity and the challenge of allowing oneself to just "be" without engaging in constant activity. This segment touches on the cultural difficulty with stillness and non-doing.

(44:00) The dialogue covers practical aspects of incorporating mindfulness into daily life, addressing the modern challenge of constantly being on the move and the counterintuitive benefits of slowing down.

(49:30) The episode concludes with thoughts on patience, acceptance, and the transformative power of embracing the present moment. They summarize the discussion by reinforcing the value of the process in the journey toward awakening.

In this podcast, Pernilla and Louise discuss the concepts of awareness and presence. They start by reflecting on the experience of swimming in cold water and how it forces us to be present. They explore the difference between awareness and presence, with Pernilla describing presence as a feeling of being aligned with the flow of the universe and awareness as a knowing that comes from a larger perspective. They share a meditation exercise to help cultivate awareness and discuss the importance of asking questions to increase awareness in daily life. The conversation concludes with a discussion on remembering the past-present moment. In this conversation, Louise and Pernilla discuss the challenges of remembering details and staying present in conversations. The conversation then examines the question of whether fully enlightened beings remember and how being distracted by daily life affects memory. The conversation concludes with final thoughts on the topic and the importance of awareness.

(00:00) The Presence of Cold Water

(03:48) Understanding Awareness and Presence

(07:18) The Journey of Awareness

(08:13) Differentiating Awareness and Presence

(11:26) Meditation Exercise: The Movie Theater

(15:31) Cultivating Awareness in Daily Life

(20:33) The Value of Mindfulness Training

(23:14) Tools for Increasing Awareness

(25:34) Different Approaches to Meditation

(30:09) Asking Questions to Cultivate Awareness

(37:53) Remembering the Past-Present Moment

(41:28) The Challenge of Remembering Details

(43:07) Writing Things Down

(44:21) The Importance of Active Listening

(45:41) Do Fully Enlightened Beings Remember?

(47:04) The Limitations of Busy Moms

(48:08) Final Thoughts and Takeaways

Awakening Process 101: Navigating Spiritual Growth and Self-Discovery.

The episode “What is the Awakening Process? Awakening Process 101 explores the complex and nuanced journey of spiritual awakening.  Hosted by Perilla Burke and Louise Juel, the episode investigates what awakening means in the context of modern life, emphasizing its personal significance and variability among individuals. Through their conversation, the hosts share insights into how meditation, yoga, and life's challenges can catalyze the awakening process, highlighting personal anecdotes and the transformative impact these practices have had on their lives.

The discussion also touches on the importance of self-awareness, the willingness to engage in self-exploration, and the role of specific practices as tools for personal development. The hosts reflect on how awakening influences relationships, communication, and the ability to cultivate compassion and understanding. They conclude by discussing the continuous nature of the awakening journey, sharing quotes from spiritual teachers that resonate with their experiences and offering final thoughts on the diversity of awakening experiences.

This episode provides listeners with a deep dive into the concept of awakening, offering perspectives on how to integrate these insights into daily life, navigate life's challenges, and embrace the ongoing journey of spiritual growth and self-discovery.

(00:00) Introduction and overview of the Awakening 101 podcast, including the hosts' backgrounds and the purpose of the podcast.

(03:25) Definition of the awakening process and its personal significance to the hosts.

(06:40) The role of meditation and yoga in the awakening process, and personal anecdotes illustrating their impact.

(12:55) Discussion on life challenges as catalysts for deeper awakening and spiritual growth.

(19:30) The concept of awakening as a continuous, lifelong process influenced by various experiences and practices.

(27:10) The importance of self-awareness, curiosity, and the willingness to engage in self-exploration and transformation.

(34:15) How specific practices like yoga and meditation serve as tools for awakening and personal development.

(41:00) The impact of awakening on personal relationships, communication, and the cultivation of compassion and understanding.

(47:50) Reflections on the journey of awakening, including the necessity of patience, practice, and the acceptance of life's challenges.

(54:20) Closing thoughts on the diversity of the awakening experience, quotes from various spiritual teachers, and the hosts' final messages.

In Episode 18 we have a guest; Abdi Assadi, an acupuncturist and spiritual counselor from New York. Abdi shares insights from his diverse training in acupuncture, shamanic practices, psychotherapy, and Jungian analysis. Abdi focuses on helping individuals reconnect with their inner selves. 

Our conversation explores the crucial role of the body in healing, emphasizing physical awareness as a grounding tool most importantly the tools like connecting with the bottom of your feet and connecting with the breath as it enters and exits the nostrils. Asadi and Pernilla  explore the interplay between psychological healing and spiritual growth, underlining the risk of the spiritual bypass in other words using spirituality to avoid emotional issues. Abdi recounts his personal Kundalini awakenings, highlighting their transformative impact and the insights gained. The discussion then addresses anxiety, cultural pressures, and the need for presence and mindfulness. We discuss issues like  spiritual awakening as a continuous journey of understanding  and growth.

Towards the end, Abdi and Louise discuss the aspects of divorce and emphasizes processing emotions like heartbreak and rage through spiritual work. Abdi also examines the theme of choosing love over fear in spiritual awakening and the impact of differing spiritual frequencies in relationships. We discuss the negative effects of staying in unhappy marriages, particularly on children, and the importance of authenticity. 

(00:00) introduction and Guest Background: Introduction to the podcast. Abdi Assadi's background as an acupuncturist and spiritual counselor.

(04:30) Transition from Acupuncture to Spiritual Counseling: Abdi discusses his shift from physical acupuncture practice to phone-based spiritual counseling.

(08:15) Importance of the Body in Spiritual Practice: Conversation about the role of the body in grounding spiritual practices. Discussion on the interplay of physical presence and energy work.

(13:00) Integrating Psychology with Spirituality: The necessity of addressing psychological aspects alongside spiritual growth. Insights into the integration of psychotherapy with spiritual counseling.

(17:45) Personal Spiritual Experiences and Awakening: Abdi shares his personal experiences related to spiritual awakening. Discussion on the nature of awakening as a process.

(23:30) Challenges and Misconceptions on the Spiritual Path: Discussing the challenges and common misconceptions encountered on the spiritual journey. Insights into the pitfalls of ego and enlightenment.

(29:00) Living in the Moment and Emotional Processing: Emphasizing the importance of being present in the moment. Strategies for dealing with emotions and psychological patterns.

(34:15) Relationships, Divorce, and Spiritual Growth: Exploring how spiritual growth impacts relationships, with a focus on divorce. Personal reflections on emotional challenges and growth during significant life changes.

(40:00) Closing Thoughts and Future Plans: Summarizing key points from the discussion. Plans for future episodes and topics to explore.

How can we uncover the unseen guiding force of Grace in our lives? 

Join us as we delve into the mysteries of grace, sharing personal stories and insights that illuminate how these powerful moments shape our lives. #Awakening101 #Grace #SpiritualInsights"

In this episode, we delve deeper into the concept of grace, exploring its presence in both significant life events and everyday moments. We share personal experiences, like Pernilla's journey to sobriety and meeting her spiritual teacher Sally Kempton, highlighting how these moments marked significant turning points. We discuss grace as an uncontrollable, guiding force, emphasizing the importance of being present and aware to recognize it in both monumental and mundane aspects of life. Louise reflects on finding grace in nature and swimming, illustrating how being fully present transforms ordinary experiences. We also discuss finding grace in challenging times, suggesting that the right attitude and presence can reveal grace in adversity. Overall, our conversation underlines that recognizing grace is a key aspect of personal growth and spiritual practice, urging openness and awareness in daily life. Our stories and insights aim to provide a deeper understanding of grace's subtle yet powerful influence.

“Grace is the energy that connects us to the ultimate truth to the source of our being to what a friend of mine likes to call the “Godfield.” The masters of Kashmir Shaivism, an Indian Tradition that sees all of life as an expression of divine energy point out that Grace is an ever present force in the universe, more pervasive than GRAVITY.”

“Meditation for the Love of It” by Sally Kempton

00:00) Introduction and Background: Introduction of Louise and Pernilla and their backgrounds.

(02:31) Introduction to the Topic of Grace: Initial discussion and personal interpretations of Grace.

(06:46)Personal Experiences with Grace: Sharing personal stories and defining moments related to Grace.

(15:21) Defining Grace and Its Uncontrollability: Attempting to define Grace and exploring its uncontrollable nature.

(22:36) Grace in Daily Life and Spirituality: Discussion on how Grace manifests in daily life and spiritual practices.

(30:51) Meditation and Its Connection to Grace: The role of meditation in understanding and connecting with Grace.

(38:11) Practical Tips for Meditation and Recognizing Grace: Practical advice for incorporating meditation and recognizing Grace in daily life.

(45:01) Concluding Thoughts on Grace and Gratitude: Summarizing the discussion on Grace and its connection to gratitude.

#16 The Road to Finding Yourself

The central theme of this episode is “Finding Yourself,” inspired by a blog written by Pernilla. We explore this topic with depth and clarity, sharing a mutual understanding that during our upbringing, we both experienced a profound sense of disconnection from our true selves.

We agree that the inner turmoil and discomfort we felt led us to seek ways to escape from our own realities. For both of us, the path to discovering who we truly are was long and marked by a lack of self-understanding. We highlight that the journey of self-discovery is ongoing and not a singular event. Our discussion emphasizes the non-linear nature of spiritual growth, exploring various tools that enhance awareness and presence.

A significant focus is placed on meditation, particularly its role in fostering a connection with our true selves. We also explore the concept of the inner child, stressing the importance of recognizing and engaging with this aspect of ourselves for personal healing and growth. We acknowledge that addressing and healing childhood wounds is crucial for achieving genuine self-awareness and inner peace.

Additionally, we touch upon Holosync, a brain entrainment tool, and discuss its effectiveness in facilitating deeper meditation experiences and emotional healing.

Awakening Process Mandala

Swami Durgananda The Heart of Meditation

Finding Yourself Blog

Holosync and Brain Entrainment

(00:00) Introduction and Background Welcoming and introductions. Brief description of Awakening 101 and its purpose as a spiritual library.

(05:20) Topic Introduction: Finding Yourself: Introduction to the day's topic, exploring the concept of finding oneself. Discussion on whether finding oneself is a one-time event or an ongoing process.

(07:45) The Process of Self-Discovery: The analogy of peeling an onion to describe the journey of self-discovery. Personal anecdotes and experiences related to self-reflection and growth.

(14:30) Meditation and Its Role in Self-Discovery: The importance of meditation in the process of finding oneself. Sharing personal experiences and the impact of meditation on their lives.

(21:10) Inner Child and Self-Awareness: Discussion on the concept of the inner child and its importance in understanding oneself. Personal stories about connecting with and understanding their inner child.

(27:50) Practical Steps for Self-Discovery: Sharing practical steps and tools for self-discovery, including meditation, yoga, and brain entrainment. The role of these practices in healing and personal growth.

(34:20) Conclusion and Reflections: Summarizing the discussion and key takeaways. Final thoughts on the journey of finding oneself and the importance of self-compassion.

(46:00) Closing Remarks: Final words and goodbyes.

Exploring the path to Self-Connection: Understanding our relationships and emotions. 

In Episode #15, we discuss the connection to oneself and personal growth. We explore the concept of the heart, differentiating between the physical heart and the soul, and how self-worth and self-love contribute to self-connection. We discuss tools like yoga and meditation for enhancing self-connection, considering the influence of upbringing and environment. We reflect on the importance of being present with the senses for self-connection and the emotional impact of physical touch, especially hugging, and its role in connection, including with animals, is highlighted. Towards the end, we discuss the effects of loneliness, living alone, and the significance of community and nature in feeling connected. Our conversation touches on how dealing with negative emotions influences the ability to connect with oneself and others, discussing people-pleasing behaviors and the path to authentic self-connection.

(00:00) Discussion on the Heart and Self-Connection: Pernilla and Louise discuss the concept of the heart, distinguishing between the physical heart and the 'great heart' or soul. We explore how self-worth, self-esteem, and self-love contribute to a person's connection with themselves.

(04:30) Personal Experiences and Drug Use: We share a personal experience with drug use, describing it as a moment of self-connection. We discuss how their perspectives on self-respect and self-worth have evolved over time.

(08:15) The Role of Spiritual Practices in Self-Connection: The conversation shifts to the role of spiritual practices like yoga and meditation in fostering self-connection. They touch upon how upbringing and environmental factors can influence one's ability to connect with themselves.

(12:00) Connecting Through the Senses: We explore the importance of being present with the senses as a means of connecting with oneself. They debate whether it's possible to be fully present with all five senses simultaneously.

(16:00) The Power of Touch and Physical Connection: The discussion moves to the power of touch and physical connection, including hugging and its emotional impact. We also talk about the connection with animals and the importance of physical contact.

(20:00) Loneliness, Living Alone, and Community: The topic shifts to loneliness, the experience of living alone, and the importance of community and connection to nature. We explore how different living situations can impact a person's sense of connection.

(24:00) Dealing with Negative Emotions and Self-Connection: We discuss how dealing with negative emotions and personal challenges can affect one's ability to connect with others and themselves. We reflect on our people-pleasing behaviors and the journey towards authentic self-connection.

(28:00) Conclusion and Summary of Key Points: We conclude with a summary of the key points discussed, emphasizing the importance of self-reflection, therapy, and taking proactive steps towards self-connection.

In this episode we discuss the concept of awakening and connection, underlining the idea that awakening is not a state of constant positivity, but rather a state of presence and acceptance of life's ups and downs. We specifically explore the innate human desire for connection, drawing parallels with the connection to animals and emphasizing the importance of feeling heard and belonging. We discuss how connections evolve from childhood and how true connection can often be found within oneself, as Pernilla has discovered through the practice of meditation. The conversation also touches on the first human connection with one's mother at birth, the unconditional bond with pets, and the lessons humans can learn from animals about living in the present. Pernilla shares her sensory memories of connection with horses, which brought her a profound sense of presence. Wherever You Go There You Are by Jon Kabat-Inn Eckhart Tolle  Connection - A Personal Journey Towards Authentic Belonging by Pernilla Burke  (00:00) Introduction and Acknowledging Imperfection: Pernilla and Louise begin by acknowledging that being 'awake' does not mean life is without its challenges. (02:45) Introduction and Purpose: Introduction and intention for the podcast Awakening Process 101, which amongst other things is to inspire self-discovery and presence. (03:40) Sharing Personal Experiences: Personal stories are shared, including experiences with addiction and depression, and the insights gained from these challenges. (05:10) Coping with Life's Ups and Downs: The conversation covers how our journey and the podcast help us cope with life's varying conditions through surrendering to the present moment. (08:30) Connection in Nature and in Humans: Observations on how animals, like geese, demonstrate the need for connection by staying in groups. (11:00) Personal Reflections on Connection: Pernilla reflects on her personal search for connection through substance use and how she found true connection through meditation. (13:20) Connection as Energy: The concept of connection as an energy that lights up the present moment is explored. (15:00) Connection with Children and the Nature of Presence: Pernilla and Louise share personal stories about the importance of being present with children and the ripple effect of connections. The nature of presence and awareness, particularly in children and animals, is discussed. (18:00) Animals and Presence: An exploration on how animals exhibit presence and what humans can learn from them.  (21:00) Personal Anecdotes on Animal Connection: Pernilla shares her experiences with a horse named Annabelle and the connection she felt. Reflections on how engaging with animals can lead to a state of presence where time and basic needs are forgotten. (25:30) Connection to Animals and Nature: The hosts discuss the importance of connecting with animals and nature, especially in modern life where people are often removed from natural environments. (26:45) Connecting to Self and Others: The conversation shifts to the concept of connecting with oneself and how it is intertwined with the ability to connect with others. (28:00) The Role of Self-Esteem and Self-Acceptance: 28:00 - The hosts delve into the impact of self-esteem and self-acceptance on connection, discussing how negative thoughts can interfere with self-connection.  (30:30)The Nature of Connection: The hosts reflect on the nature of connection, considering it as a positive feeling and how negative emotions can disrupt the sense of connection. (32:00) Connecting to Oneself: The discussion turns to practical ways to deepen the connection to oneself, emphasizing the importance of self-acceptance and being present. (33:15) Self-Acceptance as an Action: The hosts talk about self-acceptance as an active process, suggesting that slowing down in life can create space for self-acceptance and a deeper connection with oneself

This episode is rich with personal anecdotes, spiritual insights, and practical advice for those interested in the topics of emotional well-being, recovery, and personal growth. Specifically, we continue to discuss the concept of surrender and explore inner child work and the emotional journey of recovery. We reflect on personal experiences and emphasize the importance of acknowledging and allowing emotions to surface without trying to fix or act upon them. Our conversation also touches on the role of spirituality, karma, and the idea of "Blind Faith" in our lives. We explore the idea that surrender is not just about giving up control but about understanding and allowing emotions to exist without judgment.

Pernilla mentions teacher Patrick Connor, who helped her understand the concept of karma and how it was affecting her emotional state. We discuss the challenges we faced in our recovery journeys, including dealing with codependency, self-hatred, and other emotional issues. We emphasize the importance of a nurturing environment and bring up an example of Battle Boots, Pernilla’s horse, who healed his trauma through a loving and routine environment. Towards the end, we talk about the concept of "allowing" as a form of surrender, both for ourselves and for those around us.

Resources:

Patrick Connor 

David R. Hawkins

(0:00) - Introduction and setting the stage for the discussion.

Karma and Spiritual Teachers

(2:00) - Discussion about Karma, meeting spiritual teachers, and the impact of high school experiences.

Inner Child and Emotional Struggles

(6:00) - Exploration of the inner child concept, emotional struggles, and the journey of surrender.

Books and Self-Understanding

(11:00) - Mention of the book "Homecoming" by John Bradshaw and how it helps in understanding oneself.

Depression and Therapy

(16:00) - Discussing the challenges of depression and the role of therapy.

Blind Faith and Recovery

(22:00) - The concept of blind faith in the recovery process.

Relationships and Codependency

(28:00) - Talking about relationships, codependency, and the difficulties in recovery.

Surrender and Allowing Feelings

(34:00) - The importance of surrendering and allowing feelings to exist.

Healing Through Environment

(40:00) - Discussion about healing through nurturing environments, including animals.

Closing Remarks

(45:00) - Closing thoughts and gratitude.

In this episode of "Awakening Process 101," Pernilla and Louise discuss the profound practice of surrender. Pernilla recounts her first significant experience with surrender, which marked the beginning of her sobriety. They explore the struggles with patience and control and share techniques for incorporating surrender into daily life, such as the 24-hour rule from Alcoholics Anonymous. The conversation also delves into the tension between helplessness and control, with examples from Pernilla's recent experiences and strategies for managing stress. They emphasize that while mastering surrender takes time, it ultimately brings peace. Additionally, the episode highlights the importance of pausing before reacting to life events, which can transform how we engage with the world.

Abdi Assadi ⁠https://abdiassadi.com/⁠

(00:00)  Introduction: Pernilla and Louise greet the audience, sharing their excitement and current weather conditions in their respective locations (Denmark and the US).

(01:20) Podcast Background: Explanation of "Awakening Process 101" podcast's purpose, focusing on spirituality, awakening, and the deep spiritual paths of the hosts.

(03:40) Episode Theme Introduction: Discussion on the concept of surrender, its significance in the spiritual journey, and how it has personally affected the hosts.

(06:00) Personal Stories of Surrender: A detailed recount of the first significant experience with surrender related to sobriety and the realization of being powerless over alcohol.

(10:45 ) The Process of Learning to Surrender: Reflections on early recovery, the struggle with control, and the gradual understanding of letting go.

(15:30) Implementing Surrender in Daily Life: Introduction of practical tools like the 24-hour rule from Alcoholics Anonymous and its impact on managing reactions and emotions.

(20:00) Evolution of Surrender Practice: How surrender has shifted from a conscious effort to a more automatic response in daily situations.

(25:00) Surrender During Challenging Times: Examples from travel during COVID, highlighting the stress of planning and the practice of surrender to cope with uncertainty.

(30:00) Control vs. Responsibility: A discussion on the difference between trying to control outcomes and taking responsible actions, especially in preparation and planning.

(35:00) The Role of Responsibility and Respect: Expanding on how responsibility towards oneself and others plays a crucial role in personal growth and the practice of surrender.

(40:00) Wrap-Up and Key Takeaways: Summarizing the discussion on surrender, emphasizing practical tips like the 24-hour rule, and the importance of giving oneself space to process emotions before reacting.

Surrender - A Doorway to Peace through Personal Growth and Lifelong Transformation.

In this episode of "Awakening Process 101," Pernilla and Louise delve deeper into the concept of surrender and its transformative power in personal growth and emotional well-being. They explore the true essence of surrender, emphasizing that it is not about giving up but letting go of control and accepting the present moment. The discussion includes the importance of processing emotions like anger, recognizing generational influences on belief systems, and the role of the collective unconscious. Practical strategies for surrender, such as the use of anger letters and mindfulness, are shared alongside personal anecdotes. The hosts highlight that surrender is a lifelong journey, leading to profound peace and continuous personal transformation.

Letting Go The Pathway To Surrender by David R. Hawkins Sapiens by Yuval Noah Harari  Robert Jameson (00:00) Introduction and Overview: The hosts introduce the episode's theme, focusing on the concept of surrender and its significance in personal growth, emotional well-being, and recovery. (02:30) Understanding Surrender: Exploration of surrender not as giving up, but as letting go of the need for control, and accepting the present moment as it is. (07:45) Emotions and Surrender: Discussion on the crucial role of recognizing, processing, and letting go of emotions to facilitate surrender, including the importance of not repressing or resisting emotions. (12:20) Collective Unconscious and Generational Influence: The conversation shifts to how collective unconscious and generational experiences shape our belief systems and impact our ability to surrender. (18:00) Surrender as a Pathway to Peace: Delving into how surrender leads to a state of peace, emphasizing that it is a continual process that requires practice and mindfulness. (23:35) Practical Tips on Surrender: Sharing personal stories and practical strategies for surrender, including the use of anger letters and the significance of being present in the moment. (29:10) Daily Life Applications: Examples from daily life illustrating how to apply principles of surrender, dealing with emotions like anger and fear, and the role of patience. (34:50) Deeper Look at Emotions: A focused discussion on how to process and surrender emotions such as anger and fear, including the importance of acknowledging these emotions without judgment. (40:25) Lifelong Process of Surrender: Reflecting on surrender as a lifelong journey, emphasizing its ongoing nature and its profound impact on personal growth and transformation. (46:00) Concluding Thoughts: Recap of the key points discussed throughout the episode, reinforcing the message that surrender is a powerful tool for personal development and achieving a state of peace. (51:35) Final Remarks and Takeaways: The hosts conclude the episode with final thoughts on the importance of surrender in personal growth, encouraging listeners to practice surrender in their daily lives.

In this soul-nourishing podcast, themed around the concept of “Devotion,” Louise discusses how our conversations are having a calming effect on her nervous system. Pernilla shares her transformative experience at a Ram Dass retreat, where she met Hanuman - an embodiment of devotion and a figure whose principles are deeply relatable. Furthermore, we emphasize that Devotion is a clean energy, one that gives without asking for anything in return. We underline that Devotion is another gateway to the present moment, just as Louise experienced during a recent visit to her mother, which she describes as filled with a newfound sense of peace. In this episode we invite listeners to  consider what Devotion means to them, whether it is revealed in the unconditional love a mother has for her child, the loyalty of a pet dog, or even the sacred act of folding laundry. Highlighting practices like Bhakti Yoga, we explore how daily acts can become sacraments of devotion, eventually leading to an unspoken reward—an authentic connection to the present moment.  Ram Dass https://www.ramdass.org/ Hanuman https://awakening-101.com/hanuman/ Devotion https://awakening-101.com/awakening-process/

(00:00) Introduction to the Awakening 101 podcast. The hosts provide a warm welcome, outline the episode's focus on exploring the concept of devotion, and its transformative power in cultivating unconditional love and deepening daily connections.

(01:30) Devotion's Role in Spiritual Awakening The discussion begins with devotion's impact on personal and spiritual awakening. The hosts share insights on how devotion has been a gateway to deeper spiritual experiences.

process.

(04:00) Personal Stories of Awakening: Sharing of personal journeys towards spiritual awakening. The hosts delve into their own experiences and how these have shaped their paths towards understanding and practicing devotion.

(06:30) Influence of Hanuman and Ram Dass: Reflections on how figures like Hanuman and Ram Dass embody the essence of devotion. Personal stories detail encounters with these spiritual entities, discussing the profound impact of their teachings and principles on the hosts' lives.

(11:00) Manifesting Devotion in Daily Life: Transitioning to the application of devotion in daily life, this segment covers practical examples from parenting to personal relationships. 

(16:00) Deepening Connection Through Devotion: The conversation touches on the power of devoted actions to foster unconditional love, using examples from family life and friendships.

(19:00) Devotion as a Daily Practice: Exploration of daily practices that embody devotion, including Bhakti Yoga and mindfulness. The hosts share how these practices help maintain a devoted mindset throughout daily activities, enhancing spiritual connection and presence.

(23:00)Challenges and Rewards of Devotion: Reflecting on the nuanced challenges and rewards of living a devoted life. The hosts share personal anecdotes that highlight the complexities and joys of devotion especially in close relationships.

(26:00) Cultivating Devotion: Offering practical advice on cultivating devotion in one's life. This segment provides listeners with tangible steps for integrating devotion into their daily routines, emphasizing service to others and the development of self-awareness.

(30:00) Devotion and the Present Moment: Discussion on how devotion facilitates access to the present moment, leading to a state of unconditional love. The hosts explore the idea that devoted actions and mindset can transcend the need for reciprocation, fostering a pure connection to the here and now.

(34:00) Closing Thoughts on Devotion: Concluding the episode, the hosts reflect on the discussions about devotion. They encourage listeners to explore their own relationship with devotion, highlighting its potential to transform lives through a deeper connection to love and the present moment.

The episode emphasizes the significance of mindfulness, self-reflection, and meditation in various aspects of daily life. It promotes approaching everyday tasks, such as getting kids to school or dealing with traffic, with a sense of awareness rather than with stress. The importance of being present in the moment and letting go of attachments is stressed, along with the idea that self-reflection and meditation are closely connected. Personal insights, including Pernilla's experience with sobriety and relationships, reinforce these themes. The episode ultimately underscores the importance of understanding one's "primal wound" as a life goal, achieved through awareness and introspection. Jon Kabat-Zinn Adyashanti Abdi Assadi ⁠https://abdiassadi.com/⁠ Paul Goodberg ⁠https://www.helpinghealtheearth.org/ (00:00)Introduction and Mindfulness in Daily Activities: The video opens with a conversation about the significance of approaching daily tasks with mindfulness.  (02:15) Stress Management through Awareness: The hosts explore how maintaining awareness and connecting with one's breath can help navigate stressful situations more calmly, emphasizing the difference between rushing and moving with intention. (05:45) Meditation as a Tool for Presence: Pernilla and Louise introduce meditation as a key practice for cultivating presence and grounding oneself. They lead a brief meditation session, guiding listeners to focus on their breath and connect with the present moment. (08:30) Self-reflection and Meditation Interconnection: The conversation explores the relationship between self-reflection and meditation, discussing how these practices mutually enhance one's ability to live with greater awareness.  (13:00) Mindfulness and Letting Go of Control: The hosts explore the concept of mindfulness in the context of letting go of the need to control outcomes. They discuss how embracing the present moment and accepting things as they are can reduce resistance and lead to a more peaceful state of mind. (18:20) Daily Obligations and Distractions: The discussion acknowledges the challenges of maintaining mindfulness amid the distractions and obligations of modern life. The hosts share strategies for integrating moments of presence and stillness throughout the day, regardless of external demands. (23:50) Personal Responsibility in Stress and Conflict: This section focuses on the importance of recognizing one's role in creating stress and conflict. Through personal stories, the hosts illustrate how self-awareness and accountability can transform relationships and personal well-being. (29:35) Self-Perception, Self-Improvement, and Meditation: The hosts reflect on the journey of self-improvement and the role of meditation in fostering a healthier self-perception.  (34:40) The "Primal Wound" and Personal Growth: The concept of the "primal wound" is introduced as a deep-seated source of pain and behavior patterns. The hosts discuss how awareness and self-reflection can uncover these underlying issues, setting the stage for healing and transformation. (39:15) Self-Compassion through Self-Reflection: The video concludes with a discussion on how self-reflection and mindfulness can lead to self-compassion.  (44:00) Concluding Thoughts: The hosts wrap up the conversation by reiterating the interconnectedness of self-reflection, meditation, and living a life of awareness. 

In episode #8, we discuss the journey of awakening through personal experiences that can offer us all meaningful lessons. Emphasizing key transformative moments in our lives, we explore the awakening process. Pernilla recounts how a single minute of morning meditation served as her profound journey's entry point. Her encounter with spiritual teacher Sally Kempton was a defining moment in her spiritual development. Pernilla introduces us to the Awakening Mandala - along with the tools and elements - and offers insights on utilizing it effectively. We underline that we already possess all the resources we need for this journey within us. We describe how meditation can help open our hearts to the fundamental message that love is our purpose, guiding us to discover our authentic selves. We end our conversation with a discussion about Sally Kempton's first book written when she was still Swami Durgananda, 'The Heart of Meditation: Pathways to a Deeper Experience', which significantly influenced Pernilla's journey. https://awakening-101.com/awakening-process/ https://abdiassadi.com/shadows-on-the-path https://www.sallykempton.com/ (00:00) Introduction and Awakening Process Discussion: The hosts, Pernilla and Louise, welcome listeners to the podcast, emphasizing the theme that all necessary tools for spiritual growth are inherently within us.  (02:30)  The conversation shifts to personal stories of awakening. Pernilla recounts a pivotal moment in her life when she realized the power of meditation in her spiritual journey. She describes how a simple morning meditation practice opened her heart to deeper self-awareness and connection with the universe. (10:45) Pernilla shares more about her personal journey, highlighting how meditation became a key transformative tool for her. She discusses the initial challenges and how persisting with meditation led to significant shifts in her consciousness and life perspective. (15:20) The impact of meeting her spiritual teacher, Sally Kempton, is discussed. Pernilla talks about how Sally's teachings and guidance deepened her meditation practice and understanding of love and connection. This segment emphasizes the transformative power of spiritual mentorship and community. (22:00) Introduction to the Awakening Mandala, a conceptual tool created by Pernilla to aid in the spiritual journey. They discuss its design, purpose, and how it serves as a visual guide for integrating spiritual practices into daily life. (27:35) The hosts delve into the specific tools and elements of the Awakening Mandala, sharing personal anecdotes to illustrate how each component has played a role in their spiritual development. They discuss practices such as yoga, nature immersion, and conscious living, explaining how these activities support presence, love, and forgiveness. (35:00) The conversation goes deeper into the benefits and experiences of meditation. The hosts share insights on how meditation fosters a deep sense of presence and connection, not just with oneself but with the greater energy of the universe. (40:50) The importance of being present in everyday life is highlighted. They discuss how awakening influences personal relationships, self-awareness, and the ability to find joy and peace in the mundane aspects of life. (45:00) Reflections on the journey of awakening, emphasizing that it is a deeply personal and unique experience for everyone. The hosts encourage listeners to embrace their own paths and to find the practices that resonate with them.

In this episode, we discuss how to respond to difficulties from our higher selves rather than reacting impulsively. How can we approach problems with a calmer mindset and less impulsiveness? We explore the moments in our journey when we enter a state of heightened awareness and become consciously aware of our moments of clarity. The Awakening 101 mandala and its tools are examined, providing practical suggestions for their use. Reflecting on our significant progress, it is remarkable that we are able to engage in this discussion. Pernilla shares her personal meditation journey and her transition from a nightclub doorman in NYC to starting her recovery journey in LA. She opens up about the initial struggles of recovery, the time it took to grasp the 12 steps, and the immense value they brought to her life. Lastly, we emphasize the equal importance and validity of all paths, recognizing that each individual's journey is unique. Resources: Awakening Process Mandala: https://awakening-101.com/awakening-process/ Britt Olsen Jill St. Clair Yogaville  Sally Kempton https://www.sallykempton.com Bill Wilson Step 11 of 12 steps of Alcoholics Anonymous Page 89 in Big Book of Alcoholics Anonymous (00:00) Introduction and Personal Stories: Pernilla Burke and Louise Juel introduce themselves and the purpose of the Awakening 101 podcast and discuss their personal journeys, focusing on overcoming addiction and the role of meditation in transformation. The hosts also explore “Awakening moments” in daily life, emphasizing that such moments are not exclusive to those deeply immersed in spirituality or religion. (05:30) Connection with Nature and Childhood Memories: The conversation shifts to early life experiences, particularly connections with nature during childhood. Pernilla and Louise reflect on how these early experiences with nature played a role in their spiritual paths and personal development. (10:15) Religion, Spirituality, and Awakening: Pernilla and Louise discuss the relationship between religion, spirituality, and the awakening process. The hosts explore how different religious and spiritual practices can lead to moments of clarity and heightened awareness. (12:30) Exploring Spirituality and Religion: The discussion continues, with Pernilla and Louise exploring various aspects of spirituality and religion. The hosts consider how different beliefs and practices contribute to personal growth and understanding. (18:15) The Role of Meditation in Self-Discovery: The focus turns to meditation and its significance in self-discovery and understanding one's thoughts. Pernilla and Louise share personal experiences with meditation, highlighting its impact on mental and emotional well-being. (24:00) Journey Through Recovery and Sobriety: Personal stories of recovery and the journey towards sobriety are shared. Pernilla and Louise discuss the challenges and transformative experiences encountered during their recovery. (31:45) Deep Dive into the 12 Steps and Personal Awakening: A detailed discussion on the 12 Steps of recovery, emphasizing their role in personal awakening. The hosts reflect on how working through the 12 Steps led to significant personal insights and moments of realization. [38:30] Concluding Thoughts and Recap: The conversation concludes with a summary of the main points discussed. Pernilla and Louise emphasize the uniqueness of each individual's path and the importance of recognizing and valuing different journeys. 

We start by discussing our relationship with our parents and the expression of love and emotions in their generation. We explore the concept of love and how it can be demonstrated through simple acts like planning a family dinner. Pernilla shares a personal anecdote about realizing that love is life's purpose during a retreat with Sally Kempton. We talk about methods for cultivating unconditional love through practices such as simple pranayama and visualization. We emphasize that love transcends verbal communication and the limitations of the mind, residing in a realm of energy and connection beyond words. We end with a discussion of the value of mantra. 

Sally Kempton

(00:00) Introduction to Unconditional Love: Episode #6 opens with an introduction to the concept of unconditional love and a discussion about the nature of unconditional love, especially towards children and pets.

(02:30) Challenges in Family Relationships: Exploring the complexities and challenges of maintaining unconditional love in family relationships.

(07:15) Practical Love in Daily Life: Suggestions for expressing love through everyday actions, like meal planning and understanding family members' needs.

(12:45) Personal Journey to Understanding Love: Sharing personal experiences that led to a deeper understanding of love.

(17:30) Meditation as a Tool for Love: Discussing how meditation can facilitate a deeper connection with love.

(22:30) Breathing Techniques for Love Meditation: Instructions on specific breathing techniques to enhance the meditation experience focused on love.

(27:00) Role of Mantras in Meditation: The importance and power of mantras in meditation practices.

(32:40) Concluding Thoughts on Love and Life: Final reflections on the role of love in personal growth and life.

In this episode, we delve into our daily challenges and approach them with a mindful attitude, particularly emphasizing the importance of letting go and surrendering.  On the third consecutive day of life challenges, Louise experiences a moment of profound realization and surrender while stumbling upon an abandoned bicycle. We explore the use of yoga and the wonders of nature as means to connect with our inner beings. How can we cultivate a sense of surrender within our physical selves? Lastly, we conclude with a discussion on the advantages of brain entrainment and the transformative power of Holosync. Episode Resorces: The Creative Act by Rick Rubin  MBSR: Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction Brain Entrainment: Holosync (00:00) Introduction and Background of Hosts: Introduction of the hosts, their backgrounds, and the purpose of the podcast. (04:31) The Concept of Awakening and Awareness: Discussion on the meaning of awakening and awareness in daily life. (10:46) Challenges and Surrender: How to face daily challenges with a mindset of surrender and awareness. (17:31) Personal Experiences and Realizations: Sharing personal stories and moments of realization related to challenges and surrender. (24:16) The Role of Yoga and Nature in Awakening: Exploring the use of yoga and connecting with nature as tools for awakening. (31:01) Brain Entrainment and Holosync: Discussion on brain entrainment, specifically focusing on Holosync. (37:46) The Importance of Physical Awareness in the Awakening Process: Emphasizing the significance of being physically aware as part of the awakening journey. (44:31) The Impact of Nature on Our Well-being: Exploring the deep connection between nature and our mental and emotional health. (51:16) Holosync and Meditation Practices: Further discussion on Holosync and its comparison with traditional meditation practices. (57:51) Conclusion and Final Thoughts

In this episode we discuss the concept of creating value when life is difficult. We reflect on how moments of awakening and gratitude keeps us going and how they can be seen from different perspectives. We reflect on the word God and what it means to us in relation to our AA journey. We end with a short discussion on surrender and the legendary David R. Hawkins M.D Ph.D.  

“If you are a truly surrendered person, if everything is in the present, gratitude lives with you as a part of your being.” 

Resources: 

Letting Go the Pathway the Pathway of Surrender by David R. Hawkins M.D Ph.D. 

AA Alcoholics Anonymous: https://www.aa.org/

Awakening Process Mandala:https://awakening-101.com/awakening-process/

(00:00) Introduction and Backgrounds: Introduction of hosts Pernilla and Louise. Discussion about their backgrounds and the concept of Awakening 101.

(06:30) Concept of Awakening 101 and Spirituality for Modern Individuals: The idea of finding moments of awakening in everyday life. The role of spirituality for modern individuals, especially in challenging times.

(12:45) Gratitude in Difficult Situations: Exploring the concept of gratitude in challenging situations. The importance of creating value from difficult experiences.

(18:20) Surrender and Forgiveness: Discussion on the importance of surrender and forgiveness in personal growth. Personal anecdotes and reflections on these concepts.

(24:00) Practical Spirituality and Parenting: How to incorporate spiritual practices into daily routines and parenting. The impact of emotional awareness and gratitude on personal and family life.

(30:15) Interpreting the Concept of God and Higher Power: Personal interpretations of the concept of God and higher power. The role of spirituality and religion in their lives and in recovery programs.

(36:30) The Journey of Awakening and Personal Growth: Emphasizing the ongoing nature of the awakening process. Concluding thoughts on personal growth, spiritual development, and the continuous journey of awakening.

(40:00) Surrender vs. Letting Go: Discussion on the difference between surrender and letting go, and their implications in personal growth.

(43:15) Practical Application of Surrender in Daily Life: Examples of how to practice surrender in everyday situations, particularly in overcoming small obstacles.

(46:30) The Continuous Nature of Personal Growth and Awakening: Emphasis on the ongoing process of awakening and personal development, without a definitive end goal.

(49:45) Integration of Awakening Concepts in Life: Concluding thoughts on integrating concepts like gratitude, surrender, and forgiveness into daily life, and reflections on the Awakening 101 project.

In this episode we investigate our own Awakening moments and what we’ve learned throughout our journey. We discuss the tools of Awakening 101 and how we use them to find moments of increased awareness and presence in our everyday life. We conclude by underlining the profound and life changing practice of Surrender.

Resources:

Awakening-101.com Siddhartha by Herman Hesse Man’s Search for Meaning by Victor Frankl Jennie Liljefors Altromondo Yoga  Wim Hof Letting Go the Pathway of Surrender by David R. Hawkins M.D Ph.D Breath by James Nestor Anders Carlsson by Conscious Breathing

(00:00) Introduction to Surrender and Personal Growth: Introduction to the concept of surrender and discussion on how surrender relates to personal growth and self-awareness.

(04:31) The Challenge of Embodying Surrender: Exploring the difficulties in truly embodying the practice of surrender. Personal anecdotes about struggles and realizations related to surrender.

(12:16) Physicality and Surrender: Discussion on the connection between physical experiences and surrender. Insights into how physical practices like yoga can aid in the process of surrender.

(18:51) Practical Tools for Surrender: Nature and Yoga: Exploring practical tools for surrender, including connecting with nature and practicing yoga. The impact of these practices on personal transformation and surrender.

(27:31) Mental Challenges and Surrender: Addressing the mental challenges in practicing surrender. Strategies for overcoming mental barriers and embracing surrender in daily life.

(35:46) Surrender, Forgiveness, and Relationships: The role of forgiveness in the process of surrender. How surrender affects relationships and interpersonal dynamics.

(43:21) Breathwork as a Tool for Surrender: Discussing the importance of breathwork in facilitating surrender. Personal experiences and benefits of using breathwork as a surrender practice.

(50:56) Concluding Thoughts on Surrender: Final reflections on the importance of surrender in personal development. Encouragement to continue exploring and practicing surrender in various aspects of life.

In this episode we discuss our journey and how the process of Awakening has changed and improved our lives. We discuss how Awakening can seem far-fetched but that through seemingly simple tools like Nature and Conscious Living we can access moments of deeper awareness and consciousness right here in our own lives. 

Episode Resources: Robert Jameson, More Than Just a Pretty Space by Reiko Gomez

“We depend on nature, not only for our physical survival. We also need nature to show us the way home, the way out of the prison of our own minds. We got lost in doing, thinking, remembering, anticipating - lost in a maze of complexity and a world of problems. We have forgotten what rocks, plants and animals still know. We have forgotten how to be - to be still, to be ourselves, to be where life is: Here and Now.”

Stillness Speaks by Eckhart Tolle (pg.77)

(00:00) Introduction to Awakening and Conscious Living: Introduction to the podcast, focusing on the themes of awakening and conscious living.

(02:46) Impact of Nature and Animals on Awakening

Discussion on how nature and animals influence the awakening process.

(06:16) Exploring Conscious Living: Deep dive into the concept of conscious living and its significance in the journey of awakening.

(12:31) The Role of Self-Inquiry and Self-Reflection: Emphasis on self-inquiry and reflection as tools for personal growth and conscious living.

(18:21) Challenges and Growth in the Awakening Process: Personal anecdotes and insights on facing challenges and growing through the awakening journey.

(24:51) Addressing Perfectionism and Accepting Imperfection: Discussion on the importance of letting go of perfectionism and embracing imperfection.

(31:11) Finding Balance: Self-Care vs. Self-Centeredness: Conversation about striking a balance between self-care and avoiding excessive self-centeredness.

(37:41) Awareness and Personal Growth: Insights on how increasing awareness contributes to personal growth and conscious living.

(43:31) Concluding Thoughts and Future Discussions: Final reflections on the discussed topics and hints at future conversations.