Exploring Love and Self-Compassion

A meditation master once said if you wear the same clothes every day, eventually, you'll begin to recognize yourself. If you practice Proprioceptive Writing every day, eventually, you'll begin to hear yourself. Trust yourself; you're on the right path. And remember the magic rules for self-trust: Write what you hear, listen to what you write, and be ready to ask the Proprioceptive Question. Writing the Mind Alive ​ ​ Looking back over the last decade, I can see more clearly how the divine discontent I felt wasn't a sign that something was wrong with me or my life, but instead was simply a signal of my growth and potential pulling me forward. ​ I’ve also realized that finding ourselves, recognizing ourselves, and trusting ourselves is something we learn to do. But we have to stop thinking and begin doing. ​ Practice over time helps us learn and unlearn—continuous and repeated practice, allowing the methods you choose to vary over time. In 2017 I became curious about the Proprioceptive Writing method, but I didn’t establish a practice. Over the last few months, it's become clear that this practice is the framework for our next learning journey in Within (U)niveristy. ​ If you’re seeking ritual, wanting to cultivate a Wisdom Rhythm, develop a contemplative practice and connect and learn with others, this experience may be for you. Our first gathering will be on February 22nd at 7:30 CST, followed by weekly community writes every Tuesday until Holy Week. It’s my bridge from Winter to Spring and a practice I’m looking forward to accompanying me through Lent. Please join me in Within (U)niversity or reach out to apply for a scholarship if this resonates with you. Suppose you’d rather dip into the method on your own? In that case, I recommend the book Writing the Mind Alive: The Proprioceptive Method for Finding Your Authentic Voice by Linda Trichter Metcalf and Tobin Simon. May you be well in all ways, Vivi​ Interested in diving deeper into my work? Explore these self-paced & free introductory experiences to the tools and strategies I use to help my clients move from their head to their heart and closer to their true nature here: https://viviancarrasco.com/start-here/ If you’re more interested in playing with me and others, consider my online learning platform: www.withinuniversity.com If you’d prefer private personalized 1-1 support, please visit: https://www.viviancarrasco.com/services/ Questions? Email me at [email protected] or schedule a conversation with me here: https://viviancarrasco.as.me/

As always, we are here exploring the unknown, journeying together into what’s next and the unbalanced transitions of life. I hope every episode of this podcast helps deepen your understanding of yourself and what you want. Join me for this solo episode!   Show Highlights:   How your journey toward creative self-expression can take different forms, and podcasting can be one of those Why I had to move through fear to get to this point in answering questions about podcasting from Libsyn, the hosting platform that I highly recommend (https://www.Libsyn.com - Use code Team for a free month!) How a “dark night of the soul,” big life transitions, and a near-death experience combined to help me shed my fear and see incredible opportunities What it means to love being human How I found support and community in the podcasting world Why I had to start podcasting to move through understanding and develop more self-awareness How I turned toward myself, listening and asking questions Why Turning Inward became Within (U), an online community that focuses on changing from the inside, learning new things together, and creating with our hearts and hands The difference in power and force as it applies to the journey of my last 30 years Why I recommend Team Podcast for podcast production as opposed to my initial efforts to do it all on my own Technical details about my podcasting set-up, which includes a microphone, recorder, headphones, and the Backpack and Squadcast apps Why I don’t promote my podcast but rely on organic growth Why I’m challenged and motivated to keep going to leave this legacy of “audio journals” What I wish I knew way back when: I need community, it’s OK to ask for help, I can’t do it alone, I have to move through my fear and be compassionate with myself.   Resources:   www.viviancarrasco.com   Blog Team Podcast

Today’s show explores the concepts of fantasy AND reality, certainty AND paradox, now AND what’s next, alone AND together, etc. You get the picture. We can be in neither AND both at the same time. Let’s dive into these ideas together!   Shaina Barnholt is an Energy Mentor, Self Exploration Coach, and Shadow Advocate who describes herself as a “weirdo.” She loves holding safe spaces for others to explore their darker sides and live out their dreams. To sum it up, she is an advocate for self-love who helps people find and free their blocks and blindspots.    Show Highlights:   Why the concept of moving into something while moving out of something else is difficult to understand How the pandemic craziness has led us to question our truth in the middle of the “system” we know Why it’s not our fault that we are human and built in certain ways Why we are taught to think more about what others think than what we think of ourselves How Shaina practices self-love to breathe and find out what she needs Why there are layers to what we need in pausing to ask questions with courage Why “different” is scary and comfort is addicting How growth can happen in tiny steps Why inside change is harder than big outside transitions How your experience can create change and tell you differently than your beliefs Why Shaina’s “perfect” life on paper didn’t feel right, but now it’s the opposite--a terrifying life on paper that feels full and grounded How achievement and happiness may not align for everyone How to create new circles of “your people” by being YOU and loving who you are How leveling up in your own consciousness can move you to a new level with different people Why some relationships, like a broken bone, need to grow apart for a time in order to grow back together better and stronger Key takeaways: Have the courage to ask questions. Give self-love and compassion to yourself. Be patient in today’s microwave culture. How your love, compassion, and forgiveness for yourself allow these qualities to grow in your relationships with others Shaina’s tip: ”Find community and lean on them.”    Resources:   Connect with Shaina at www.pointypeople.com.  

As humans, we move through different seasons of life. Each season brings new growth, inner-transformation, and discovery. In today's conversation, Vivian explores what it means to move through new experiences as you shift from the inside out. She also discusses what it means to move through your awareness and how you can get to know yourself better through the process. Join Vivian in this introspective and deep conversation.  Show Highlights:  The natural posture of growth  Moving into new experiences from changing inside out  Exploring personal expression and fulfillment  Shifting through your awareness  Getting to know yourself through inner-movement  The creative expression within humanity  Deepening connections with ourselves and others  The genesis of getting to know yourself  Moving towards joy vs. away from fear  Finding your internal wisdom  “The Mommy Jar”  Links:  Website https://viviancarrasco.com/my-grandmothers-wisdom/ https://store.cac.org/collections/cynthia-bourgeault/products/eye-of-the-heart-a-spiritual-journey-into-the-imaginal-realm

Many of us struggle to find our purpose, identify our gifts, or even find what makes our heart sing. Today’s guest, India Delgado, had an epiphany one day when she was able to identify her purpose and pursue it wholeheartedly. Vivian and India discuss how to become aware in the search of your gift, the discomfort of discipline, and finding the undercurrent of joy in unenjoyable moments. Join Vivian and India in this heart-felt and inspiring episode to learn more about how you can develop deeper insight on your purpose.  Show Highlights:  India shares how she developed insight on her gifts  How India became aware of her purpose  Giving your gift no matter what you do  How the pandemic has forced India to make pivots in her job  Learning how to be disciplined  The importance of surrounding yourself with the right people  How to find people that will strength and lift you up  Digging to find a mentor  The importance of sharing success  India shares what her “morning hour” looks like  Figuring out what makes you happy  Finding the undercurrent of joy  How loving and respecting yourself more sets a standard for your relationships Links:  https://self-compassion.org/category/exercises/ https://viviancarrasco.com/start-here/ [email protected]

Love is the greatest force we can tap into in our lives. Love is stronger than fear, and can propel further than self-criticism. Today, Vivian discusses the importance of having self-compassion and how it can change your life. Vivian shares how she increased her capacity to receive love and became her own friend. She also shares tools and embodied practices to help you develop your own self-compassion. Join Vivian in this gentle and embracing episode to help you improve your own self-compassion.  Show Highlights:  The importance of brining attention to your breath How self-compassion can change everything  The power of love to combat fear  Giving yourself compassion to receive compassion from others  Ways self-compassion can change your life  Ways to develop self-compassion Auditing your self-talk and learning to be your own friend  Finding a friend to help you co-create  What is love being human  Links:  www.withinuniversity.com https://viviancarrasco.com/start-here/ Self-Compassion Meditations  Text “Home” to 741741 for FREE crisis counseling

This year has sparked change in a variety of ways, in both our internal and external lives. For many of us, this meant the loss of a loved one, the loss of normality, or the loss of a job. Moving forward through the world after these changes is going to look different for all of us, but we’ve been provided with an opportunity to shift our normal and focus on our divine calling.  In this episode, Vivian discusses what it means to find your job, career, or even a new hobby as a means of sparking your passion. She discusses how you can find practices that serve you and bring you closer to your goals as you move forward through these transitions. Join Vivian in this episode as she explores what it looks like to choose what you want to create.  Show Highlights:  This year has provided us with an opportunity to create a new normal Setting intentions on the becoming and the unbecoming  Shifting roles and identities in uncertainty  Finding times of rest when discovering your passion Distinguishing the difference between a hobby, job, or vocation Establishing a consistent and deliberate practice towards your goals  Finding a community to support you through transitions  Vivian shares how her job journey has led her to her career now  Looking for paths and people that’ll lead you towards your goals  Setting your intentions and values  Building your imagination muscle  Choosing what you want to become  Links:  https://viviancarrasco.com

Every process has a beginning. Whether or not you recognize the art of the practice, every choice you make is in pursuit of some journey. In today’s episode, Vivian shares what it means to make MINE goals, and how you can set intentions to achieve your goals. She explores how to look at your nature, find what brings you joy, and how to be innovative in your pursuit of your dreams. She also highlights the importance of practice, cultivating community, and how you can achieve your goals. Join Vivian in this lighthearted and spiritually guided episode to learn how you can cultivate your dreams into reality.  Show Highlights:  Vivian shares a passage to introduce the concept of beginning  Moving through the cycles of the moon rather than the cycles of the sun  Setting goals as a family  Why you need to be a good judge of your own psychological needs  The importance of cultivating a supportive community  What are MINE goals and why they take courage  The differences between MINE and SMART goals  Using the movement of joy to guide you instead of fear Why Innovation has to be for you  The importance of recognizing your true nature  Time blocking according to energy  Seasons of deliberate practice  Why you have to learn to praise the process  Links:  Living Room Lecture Design Your Life, Digital Workshop (Live Replay) Imagine Your Ideal - 21 Day Email Experience

Cultivating curiosity will eventually lead you to compassion. Although today’s guest, Craig Constantine, describes himself as just a regular guy, he is an absolute jewel, and he has a myriad of different projects on the go. Vivian was fascinated by his project on cultivating curiosity, and then that leading to compassion, so she spoke to him about it. Today, we offer their conversation to you, the listener, as a gift from us.  Life is constantly changing. Along the way, Craig came to realize that compassion was like a doorway that he had always passed by without ever bothering to look at it. In this episode, he talks to us about his journey, and he explains how he discovered compassion and began to change. Join Vivian today to hear her sincere and heartfelt conversation with Craig about compassion and find out how being curious can help you to find compassion within yourself.  Show highlights: Craig shares his background.  How Craig discovered compassion. What prompted Craig to change his default stance on his perspective of life. The importance of having good role models. Craig discusses his tipping point for change. The kind of support that Craig received when he began changing. Craig talks about the things that boys are missing out on today. Craig explains what parkour is all about. How Craig dealt with the uncertainty and chaos around who he was. The importance of being curious about everything. Why Craig encourages everyone to keep a journal. Cultivating your curiosity. Serving with compassion and empathy. Using humor with compassion. Craig discusses what it takes to be a great listener and what constitutes a good conversation. Craig talks about perspective. Using the notion of novelty to help you move through shifts. The power of the human voice and listening without looking. Links and resources: Craig Constantine's website PARKOUR & THE ART DU DÉPLACEMENT: Movement of Three We need laughter in our lives. Laughter is carbonated holiness. It’s like the cavalry arriving to help us get our sense of humor back. Anne Lamont https://breakingthejump.julieangel.com/ https://www.podchaser.com/

When navigating change, there comes a process of learning to let go and trust the process. In today’s episode, Vivian Carrasco shares the lessons she’s learned in her journey of mountain biking.  She talks about what it means to find your unshakeable core, and the importance of finding community in that journey. Vivian also explores various aspects of transformation and how you can find practices to help you find your center. Join Vivian in this enlightening and powerful conversation.    Show Highlights:  Vivian shares what mindset work does  How to dig deeper with Vivian  Practices that mountain biking has taught Vivian  How to find that unshakeable core How to find your center and practice being there  Why having community is important for finding your center  Learning to let the bike do its thing  The three categories of transformation  Vivian shares the insight she gained from coaching  Feeling your way there vs thinking your way there  Finding practices that stop the noise  Looking in the direction you want to go  Links:  [email protected]  https://viviancarrasco.com