Tapping into our brain's happiness chemistry

Fast thinking, a term coined by Nobel winner Daniel Kahneman, is what allows humans to survive and thrive. Conversely, it also leads us to make assumptions about other people. Assumptions and stereotypes are the root of division and separation, be it on lines of race, gender, size, or other.In this episode, Greg leads a practice of shining a metaphorical light on our assumptions and implicit biases for the purpose of changing those biases, which is an admittedly difficult task. For full effect, bring this on a walk down a busy sidewalk. Alternatively, sitting at home and using your imagination will have a profound effect.

Each of us needs forgiveness, and more of it. Forgiveness if the gateway to flourishing relationships.But it's not always clear how to ask for forgiveness, or even that for which we need forgiveness.Join Greg, either on a walk or as you are, to consider two prerequisites for forgiveness and two circumstances from you own life where forgiveness is needed.

During both the temptations in the desert and at the crucifixion (including in the Garden of Gethsemene), Jesus engages in the self-emptying practice of kenosis. He liberates himself from his own will and desire to make room for God's will and God's desire.We also can practice letting go; we can empty ourselves to allow God's will to be our will. Then our behaviours and desires align with the promise of new life.Join host Greg Powell for a sit beside a creek to practice kenosis.

A healthy brain both offers and thrives upon the happiness hormones dopamine, oxytocin, seratonin, and endorphines. By making a few simple changes to our routines, environments, and lifestyle, we can use chemistry and biology to multiply happiness.(Keeping in mind, of course, that there's a lot more to life than happiness.)Join Greg on this walking-optional meditation. And bring a pen to jot down your ideas that come to mind.

On this walking meditation, Greg guides a practice to visualize three people who have had a profound influence on your life and to attune, specifically, to how that influence took shape.This is a riff off of the "3 Things and Why" gratitude meditation.

Venturing into the wilderness can be an exciting adventure, if of one's own accord. But wilderness experiences outside of one's choosing are quite another matter.In this episode, Greg reads a reflection from Teri Meyer on God's unwavering love even during times in the wilderness.

Julianne Kasmer opens her reflection on the theme of Peace in the Wilderness with a quote from the Book of Jeremiah. For several reasons, lament seems an appropriate place to begin.Join Greg on a walk and listen to these words of Julianne's.

Come for a contemplative walk, and listen to this reflection on peace by Lori Megley-Best. Amidst the waiting and preparing, why not move and practice?

Join Greg for a walk as he reads Hope in the Wilderness, a poem plus reflection both written by Marc Coulombe. This is actually the first of the Advent offerings, focusing on hope.

Join Greg on a walk as he reads an Advent reflection by Ingrid Brown on Peace.