Behind the Book - Wired for Unhappiness

In today's world of endless scrolling and momentary interactions, a rare gem of wisdom can sometimes grace our screens. It was during one of these limited scrolls that I stumbled upon a heartwarming post—a gentleman highlighting his father's personality. It took me back to cherished memories of my grandmother and the wisdom passed down through my dad’s anecdotes. It made me pause and reflect on the narratives I choose to elevate in my own life.   ### The Power of Words   Growing up with four sisters and a brother, I realized from an early age how the same event could appear so different through each of our unique lenses. Despite sharing experiences, we were each an entire world unto ourselves. As I navigated through years of education and various life paths, it became evident that understanding the layers of miracles within and around us was an ongoing endeavor. Fascinatingly, figuring it all out remains elusive, but that doesn’t deter my pursuit of meaning.   ### A Hand to Hold   Life, as you know, is far from devoid of challenges. Everyone carries traumas, small or significant. However, reaching out for help or offering a steadying hand can make all the difference. That’s my reason for being here—to extend a metaphorical hand through this effort. Though limited by time and space, my voice aims to provide comfort and support.   ### Navigating Life Like a Captain   In directing our lives, we hold the power to shift course, much like a ship's captain avoiding unseen icebergs or steering toward breathtaking sunsets. We narrate our own experiences and possess the agency to choose what we ingest, both literally and figuratively. Recently, certain habits—like green juices and endless cups of tea—have nourished my body, mind, and heart.   ### The Courage to Connect   With guidance from moments of inspiration, I find the courage to step towards this endeavor, embracing the inherent vulnerability it involves. Aligning with one's true purpose creates an effortless flow, where engagement nourishes rather than depletes. Right now, I sit in a comfortable chair, surrounded by the beauty of nature and the legacy of those who’ve come before me.   ### An Invitation and a Reminder   Let us take a moment—reach out with your palm up, as if to connect with an ancestor or ally. Envisioning this connection is deeply nourishing. It’s a simple act to remind ourselves of our inner strength and the support available to us at any time. For me, acknowledging this interconnectedness is especially crucial when life's challenges feel most daunting.   ### Embrace What Is   As we part for now, remember—a guiding phrase that encapsulates much of my existence is to "give it all you've got." That’s just the way it is. Until next time, I am thankful for having found my way to your heart through your ears, and as you go forward, may you know there are numerous ways to connect with me.   I welcome your prayers and assure you that you remain in mine. Be well, give what you can, and cherish this life.   ---   May this message find you when you need it most, and serve as a gentle hand to hold in your moments of reflection and need. 00:00 Reflecting on Wisdom and Social Media 01:28 Curiosity About People and Experiences 02:54 Navigating Life's Challenges and Seeking Help 04:56 The Power of Agency and Healthy Habits 06:45 Embracing Courage and Alignment 08:28 Connecting with Ancestors and Allies 11:08 Final Thoughts and Gratitude  

In this Within (U) episode, modern mystic and spiritual teacher Dr. Vivi celebrates the winter solstice and reflects on a transformative decade. She shares insights from a novena dedicated to The Virgin of Guadalupe, emphasizing the importance of gratitude, presence, and accessing one's neuroplasticity through visual focus. Vivi guides listeners through a two-minute candle-lighting practice to enhance mental focus, embody presence, and integrate mind, body, and spirit. The episode closes with a heartfelt poem by Antonio Machado and an invitation to work one-on-one with Vivi to deepen your intuition and navigate life’s uncertainties.   00:00 Introduction to Within University 00:32 Reflecting on the Winter Solstice 03:12 The Power of Lighting a Candle Meditation 04:04 Enhancing Focus and Neuroplasticity 08:46 Steps to Embrace Change 11:09 The Importance of Asking for Help 12:51 Closing Reflections and Poem 15:29 Invitation to Connect   https://viviancarrasco.com/embracing-winter-a-journey-of-intuition-presence/   https://drvivicarrasco.kit.com/novena

It's the eve of the Feast of Our Lady and the beginning of our Novena - our 9-day walk together in contemplation as we access our insight and cultivate our Wise Heart, the organ of spiritual perception, and learn to see more clearly   seeing things that are physically invisible to the senses alone or the rational and intuitive mind seeing a fuller picture, aligning with the depth dimension of life   exploring our “faith.”   “Faith” is the mysterious way of seeing in the dark because the heart, like a little homing beacon, can align with what is not only a golden, invisible thread running through this whole mess but your personal golden, invisible thread. forging your way forward on the path that you are being drawn along, learning to listen to your heart like a set of GPS instructions always rerouting you to your true north,   merry merry beloveds     Key themes include redefining faith beyond traditional religious practices, understanding prayer as a space for inner listening, and embracing the transformation from darkness to light. I encourage you to hold compassionate space for yourself, set personal intentions, and appreciate the beauty in transitioning from darkness to light.   00:00 Introduction to the Inward Journey 00:21 Embracing Sacred Presence 01:09 The Role of Humor and Lightness 02:13 Creating a Sacred Space 04:46 Exploring Faith and Prayer 08:27 The Power of Light in Darkness 14:00 Setting Intentions and Inviting Ancestors 15:36 The Creative Power of Intentions 17:09 Conclusion and Gratitude       *In this audio, I mention my interview on the Simple Daily Practice Podcast, where I discuss my practice around darkness. Listen here or visit the Press page of my website.    If you haven't subscribed to the daily emails to join us in the Novena, you can do that here   https://drvivicarrasco.kit.com/novena  

You may think it’s your light that gives you power. When actually it’s your ability to see in the dark I’m offering a Novena this season to help us Embrace the Light in the Darkness The Novena* begins on the Feast of Our Lady and ends the day before Winter Solstice Enter your email in the form linked below to subscribe to the daily emails. https://drvivicarrasco.kit.com/novena COVID-19 and Creative Struggles The past few years have been transformative. COVID-19 hit hard, leaving us all with memories and experiences that are now etched into our lives. Some of these moments are blessings, while others are tinged with pain and loss. Yet, they all contribute to the polishing of our spirits. For over a decade, I’ve nurtured my creative spirit, struggling and learning as I go. Creative pursuits have varied from wrapping rocks to weaving and even working with clay. These activities ground me, offering spiritual fulfillment and teaching me to honor the whispers of intuition that call me to create and express. The Push for Healing and Space Life’s relentless push can often lead to burnout, but I’ve realized the importance of creating space for myself. This journey of healing and nourishing led me to a deeper understanding of life’s cycles—the daily, weekly, and seasonal rhythms that shape us. By embracing healing, I’ve found inspiration that comes only when I’m willing to sit and do the work. Guidance from Within This stage of life, with its own set of health challenges, has brought another opportunity for growth. There are whispers that guide me, echoes of a divine message received long ago: to learn to love being human. This journey has taught me acceptance and the courage to speak my truth in a world that values conformity. Intimate Connections and Invitations Over the years, I’ve touched many hearts, yet I’ve drawn inward, seeking intimacy in smaller circles. These experiences have nourished my soul, allowing me to connect with those around me in meaningful ways. Now, a new whisper calls me to guide an experience—Advent by Candlelight. This invitation is open to all who feel drawn to explore the mysteries of life through this intimate journey. Creating Advent by Candlelight The process of creating Advent by Candlelight is mysterious, yet it’s rooted in the simple act of learning to see in the dark. This experience encourages us to adjust our eyes to the light, guided by the purity of candlelight over time. As details of this event unfold, I invite you to join me in this exploration. If you feel connected to this idea or know someone who might resonate with it, extend the invitation. Together, we can embark on this journey of inner reflection, allowing inspiration and truth to bubble up from within. The Magic of Uncertainty Life’s most magical moments often stem from its mysteries. In embracing uncertainty, we open ourselves to grace and light. I’ve recently found inspiration in Barbara Brown Taylor’s book, “Learning to Walk in the Dark,” which beautifully encapsulates these themes. As we journey through this advent season together, let us learn to see the brightness that transcends sight. Let us travel by candlelight, embracing the wisdom and grace that accompany us in the dark. ​ Love all ways, ​ Vivi ​PS Because of the magic of technology, it’s never too late to accept the invitation – the emails are in an evergreen sequence, waiting for you and when you’re ready – lovely that it’s never too late and you’re always right on time, isn’t it? 🙂 *Novena is based on the nine days of prayer Jesus asked the apostles to do before Pentecost *this Novena is one Our Lady has been asking me to do – I pray the experience nourishes both our spirits

Have you ever considered how our ancestors shaped the very essence of who we are today? Their influences are evident in the experiences, values, and traditions that have been passed down through the ages, shaping our identities and guiding our journeys. As we navigate the complexities of our existence, it becomes increasingly clear that our ancestral heritage holds the key to understanding our present selves.  This episode revolves around the intricate relationship of our past and present, as we seek to unravel the threads that bind us to our ancestral heritage. Through introspective reflection, we uncover the stories woven into the fabric of our past and the legacies left by our ancestors. So, what are you waiting for? Let’s find solace and empowerment in the richness of our ancestry! Show Highlights Family lineage and cultural identity. Cultural identity and heritage through family stories. Ancestral healing, identity, and personal growth. Ancestral healing, identity, and personal growth. Ancestry, spirituality, and creativity. Identity, ancestry, and storytelling.   Links and Resources Mentoring Services: https://viviancarrasco.com/services/ Contact via call/text: 760-576-5683 Email: [email protected]

As we journey through life, we encounter a variety of experiences that shape who we are. It's important for us to accept these experiences and changes that life brings us. When we bravely accept how life changes us,  we step out of our comfort zones, deepen our understanding of ourselves, and ultimately manage our own healing and growth. Join me in this special episode to celebrate the milestone of my 10-year anniversary. Let’s take a moment to pause and reflect on the journey we've traveled together, exploring the profound insights and invaluable lessons that have unfolded along the way. Together, we’ll illuminate the path toward nurturing self-love, fostering inner trust, and cultivating intuitive wisdom.  Show Highlights Spiritual growth and inner healing over 10 years. Personal growth and self-awareness. Personal growth, mysticism, and intuition. Self-love, intuition, and inner healing.   Links and Resources Love Being Human: The Key to Harmony Within You Contact via call/text: 760-576-5683 Email: [email protected]

Have you ever taken a moment to focus on yourself and truly listen to your own thoughts? As we all know, it’s all too easy to lose ourselves amidst the relentless external distractions surrounding us. By intentionally setting aside time for moments of stillness and silence, we can create a safe space to reconnect with ourselves and tap into the wisdom that resides within us. This episode delves deeply into the sacred and transformative practice of holy listening – a journey of introspection that extends beyond mere self-expression. By embracing the practice of holy listening, we invite growth, healing, and transformation into our lives, fostering a deeper connection with our inner selves and the universe around us. Show Highlights Spiritual growth through self-reflection and inner wisdom. Relationships, self-awareness, and inner wisdom. A writing practice for self-awareness and spiritual growth. Mindfulness through writing. Holy Listening Practices and Community Building.   Links and Resources Contact via call/text: 760-576-5683 Email: [email protected]

The journey of self-discovery is continuous and often filled with twists, turns, and moments of uncertainty. But it's important to remember that not knowing everything about ourselves is part of what makes us human. It's an opportunity for growth, exploration, and self-reflection. Each moment of uncertainty presents a chance to learn more about ourselves, to challenge our assumptions, and to expand our understanding of who we are and what we're capable of. This episode delves deeply into the profound journey of understanding oneself better, recognizing that the path to self-discovery is both complex and rewarding. Through introspection and reflection, we confront our fears, uncertainties, and limiting beliefs, paving the way for personal growth and transformation. And hopefully, this will serve as your guide to embrace your growth with curiosity, compassion, and a sense of adventure. Show Highlights Self-awareness and personal growth. Self-discovery and breaking free from societal expectations. Self-discovery and personal growth. Personal transformation and spiritual growth. Self-discovery and personal growth.   Links and Resources Mentoring Services: https://viviancarrasco.com/services/ Contact via call/text: 760-576-5683 Email: [email protected]

In the journey of life, we often find ourselves yearning for change, for growth, for a sense of fulfillment that seems just beyond our grasp. We seek transformation, envisioning a future where we are more aligned with our values, more confident in our abilities, and more deeply connected to our true selves. And yet, the path to personal growth just seems so elusive. In this episode, we’ll explore how individuals embrace changes to align with their values and goals and make positive changes. From reevaluating priorities to cultivating new habits, each step taken reflects a deliberate effort to propel themselves closer to their goals and aspirations.  Show Highlights Self-perception and negativity bias. Personal growth and cultural influences. Family dynamics and personal growth. Personal growth and self-awareness. Aligning values and making positive changes.   Links and Resources Mentoring Services: https://viviancarrasco.com/services/ Contact via call/text: 760-576-5683 Email: [email protected]

As we age, we often find ourselves experiencing many changes, whether physical, emotional, and spiritual. But have you thought about how aging can lead to a deeper self-discovery and spiritual and personal growth? In this episode, we talk more about exploring more and fostering a deepening sense of self-awareness and acceptance, where we come to terms with our past, celebrate our present, and envision our future with clarity and purpose. And so, let us delve into the transformative experience of embracing the crone phase of life – a stage often overlooked yet rich with wisdom and possibilities.  Show Highlights Aging, menopause, and spiritual growth. Aging, self-care, and personal growth. Personal growth and self-discovery. Personal transformation and legacy. Rites of passage and ceremonies for personal growth.   Links and Resources Contact via call/text: 760-576-5683 Email: [email protected]