Awakening Process 101

• Moving Beyond Ego

  In this episode, Louise Juel and I reflect on the subtle yet powerful shift that happens when we begin to recognise the ego—not as something to get rid of, but as something we can see through. We talk about how triggers show up in everyday life, especially in relationships, and what it takes to pause and feel what’s actually happening underneath the stories we tell ourselves. From the sensations in the body to the thoughts racing through the mind, we explore how awareness and presence allow us to soften our grip, take a breath, and begin again. This isn’t about bypassing anything—it’s about staying close to what’s real, even when it’s uncomfortable.(00:00) Beginning with the question: what does it mean to go beyond the ego?(03:32) How the ego responds when we’re triggered—and how to catch it in real time(07:45) Louise shares a personal moment of reactivity and how awareness shifted the dynamic(12:20) We explore the difference between bypassing and allowing what’s underneath the emotion(16:58) The body as a gateway to presence and the breath as a tool for softening(21:35) Why witnessing our reactivity is the first step toward true connection(25:50) The power of naming what’s happening without judgment(30:14) Meditation, somatic awareness, and the spaciousness behind thought(34:42) Reclaiming the pause: how presence helps us choose differently(39:06) Closing thoughts on compassion, discomfort, and remembering who we are

  --------  

  33:45
• Posture #3: Awareness in the Body - Awareness in Life

  "Awareness in the Body - Awareness in Life" is the third episode in the Posture series of Tools of Awakening, Abdi Assadi and I, Pernilla Burke, explore the simple yet powerful practice of body awareness and posture as a way to cultivate presence. We look at what happens when we shift our awareness from the mind into the body—specifically, grounding into the feet—and how this shift can change the way we respond to life. Abdi shares insights from Chinese medicine and martial arts on how posture directly affects energy flow, while we reflect on how this practice has reshaped our own daily experiences. We also touch on the fascinating way our own presence influences those around us, from the energy in a room to the way our loved ones respond to us. The episode wraps with a guided practice to help integrate these principles into everyday life—one breath, one step at a time.(01:30) The importance of bringing awareness into the body—how shifting attention from the mind to the body changes our experience of life.(03:20) How posture affects presence and energy flow—exploring the connection between physical alignment and spiritual awareness, with insights from Chinese medicine and martial arts.(05:50) The impact of body awareness on those around us—how being grounded can influence the energy of a room and the people in it.(07:30) Real-life examples of staying grounded in daily situations—Pernilla shares how maintaining presence affects interactions with family, including her children.(09:45) The connection between posture, relaxation, and emotional balance—how proper alignment naturally reduces stress and allows for better decision-making.(10:30) Guided posture awareness practice—step-by-step instructions on aligning the spine, relaxing the shoulders, and feeling connected to the ground.(11:45) Breath awareness exercise for deeper presence—focusing on the breath at the tip of the nose and expanding awareness through the body.(15:10) How awareness naturally leads to relaxation—why presence itself is the key to feeling at ease, rather than forcing relaxation.(17:40) Why “trying to relax” doesn’t work—Abdi explains how shifting attention to specific areas of the body brings effortless calm.(18:30) Closing thoughts and upcoming episodes—what’s next in the Tools of Awakening series, plus a reminder that the guided practice will be available separately for easy access.

  --------  

  16:54
• The Mind Beyond Thoughts – Exploring Yoga Sutra 1.2

  In this episode, we explore Chitta Vritti Nirodhaha, the second sutra of Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras, and what it means to quiet the fluctuations of the mind. We explore how thoughts aren’t who we are but rather the byproduct of unresolved emotions—and how awareness is the doorway to freedom. Through personal stories, reflection, and a guided meditation, we look at the ways we can step outside the constant mental chatter and into something deeper: presence.This isn’t about controlling the mind or forcing stillness but about recognizing the space that already exists between thoughts. Whether you’re new to yoga philosophy or simply looking for ways to bring more awareness into daily life, this episode offers practical tools to cultivate more clarity, peace, and connection.(00:00) Introduction and topic overview – Welcoming listeners, introducing the focus on Chitta Vritti Nirodhaha, and why this sutra is central to understanding the mind.(00:48) What Chitta Vritti Nirodhaha really means – Breaking down the direct translation, exploring why it’s more about observing thoughts rather than controlling them.(03:04) The role of awareness in quieting the mind – How awareness allows us to notice mental fluctuations, the connection between self-talk and presence.(06:33) Why we struggle with being present – How daily distractions and automatic habits keep us from noticing our thoughts, and the importance of mindfulness in modern life.(10:03) A personal story about discovering the Yoga Sutras – Pernilla shares the moment she first read Chitta Vritti Nirodhaha and how it shifted her understanding of the mind.(12:26) The connection between thoughts and unresolved emotions – How unprocessed emotions fuel mental chatter, and why recognizing this can be a game changer.(15:02) A simple awareness exercise – A quick practice for shifting attention from the mind to the body, starting with the feet.(16:37) Guided body scan meditation – Moving through the body from head to toe, bringing awareness into different areas to cultivate presence.(25:37) How thoughts trigger our nervous system – Discussing how a single thought can change our emotional state and what we can do to shift that pattern.(32:03) The balance between ego and awareness – Exploring why we need the ego to function in daily life while also cultivating spaciousness beyond thought.(35:05) Bringing spirituality into daily life – How to integrate awareness practices while navigating relationships, responsibilities, and everyday stressors.(38:48) How to create distance from mental chatter – Learning to see thoughts as passing clouds rather than identifying with them, inspired by teachings from Letting Go by David Hawkins.(41:08) Practical tools for cultivating awareness – Meditation, mindful walking, self-reflection, and breathwork as ways to become more present.(42:14) Becoming the observer of your thoughts – The importance of witnessing thoughts without judgment and recognizing the space between them.(43:34) Closing thoughts and listener questions – Reflecting on the discussion, encouraging listeners to share their experiences, and inviting them to reach out with topic requests.

  --------  

  37:53
• Resistance vs. Allowing

  In this episode of Awakening Process 101, Louise and I explore the universal tug-of-war between resistance and allowing. Drawing from David Hawkins’ Letting Go, personal anecdotes, and simple self-awareness practices, we discuss why letting go feels so hard yet brings so much freedom. Whether learning to surrender in a storm or embracing our children’s individuality, we reflect on how small shifts in awareness can create profound changes. This conversation is a candid, heartfelt look at how the human tendency to resist often limits us, and how allowing can unlock ease, lightness, and connection in our lives. (00:00) Introduction and theme: Resistance vs Allowing – Pernilla and Louise introduce the episode, focusing on resistance challenges and the ease that allowing can bring.(01:45) Why we resist change and the concept of allowing – A discussion on why humans naturally resist change, despite knowing it’s inevitable.(03:34) Exploring resistance to letting go of even good things – Reflection on why letting go of things we enjoy can also feel difficult.(04:02) A quote from David Hawkins’ Letting Go – Pernilla reads an insightful passage about surrendering and the lightness it brings.(06:30) Awareness as the first step in addressing resistance – The importance of recognizing resistance as the initial step toward change.(10:12) Personal story: Surrendering during a stressful travel experience – Pernilla shares a story of letting go of control during a challenging journey.(15:17) Recognizing resistance in the body and asking "Why?" – Insights into how resistance manifests physically and emotionally, and how to question it.(18:02) Practical questions to explore resistance and allowing – Key questions to help identify and address what we’re resisting and why.(20:51) The importance of consistent practice in letting go – Emphasizing the value of daily practices for fostering surrender and ease.(23:03) Small steps to experience lightness and freedom – How small, intentional steps can lead to a sense of emotional and mental relief.(25:04) Journaling as a tool for awareness and growth – The benefits of journaling as a way to track and understand resistance over time.(26:33) Parenting and projection: Letting children find their own path – Pernilla shares lessons on allowing children to explore their individuality without projection.(30:29) Overcoming fear of judgment and embracing individuality – A reflection on how fear of judgment influences resistance and limits self-expression.(38:09) Key questions: "What am I resisting and why?" – Revisiting the importance of asking these questions to uncover deeper insights.(39:10) Closing story: The monkey and the banana metaphor – A powerful metaphor illustrating how holding on can keep us trapped.(39:58) Final thoughts: Awareness and allowing as daily practices – Closing thoughts on making awareness and allowing a consistent part of life.

  --------  

  38:20
• Posture #2: Posture for Awareness

  This episode of Tools of Awakening explores the subtle but powerful connection between posture and presence. Pernilla and Abdi discuss how something as simple as aligning the back of the head and chin can profoundly shift our state of being—bringing calm, clarity, and a sense of ease to both the body and mind. Posture, often overlooked, becomes a gateway to grounding and greater awareness. The conversation is practical and real, offering small adjustments that can ripple into big transformations in daily life. We round off with a guided meditation that helps you connect with your body and breath, making space for stillness and relaxation. (00:35) Welcome and introduction to posture as a tool for presence – An overview of the importance of posture for connecting with ourselves and the present moment.(01:59) The impact of posture on mind and body connection – How body alignment affects mental clarity and emotional balance.(03:53) Adjusting the chin and back of the head for alignment – Exploring the subtle adjustments that bring ease and stability to the body.(05:37) Demonstration: Finding the natural spot for head alignment – A step-by-step guide to discovering proper head and neck alignment.(08:21) Emotional and physical benefits of proper posture – Discussing the calming ripple effects of posture on the nervous system and mind.(09:08) Challenges of maintaining posture during meditation – The difficulties meditators often face and strategies to stay aligned.(11:14) Simple benefits of relaxed alignment in daily life – Practical advantages, from reducing stress to feeling more centered and present.(13:30) Integrating awareness into everyday activities – How posture awareness can seamlessly fit into walking, driving, and other daily routines.(15:20) Difference between focus and relaxed awareness – Shifting from rigid concentration to an open, gentle mindfulness.(16:01) Guided practice: Body alignment and meditation setup – A practice to align the body and prepare for meditative stillness.(17:24) Guided meditation: Breath awareness through the body – A calming meditation that flows through the body with gentle breath awareness.(22:51) Closing thoughts and integrating practices into daily life – Encouragement to incorporate these tools into daily habits for ongoing transformation.

  --------  

  21:49

Fler podcasts i Religion och spiritualitet

Trendiga poddar i Religion och spiritualitet

Om Awakening Process 101