Episode 18: Processing Exercise: Trusting the Light - Following Your Creative Bliss

In today’s episode of the Initiations in Love podcast, Britta speaks with Rob Schware, PhD, who shares his transformative journey from a senior manager at the World Bank, to co-founding the Give Back Yoga Foundation. Together, they discuss the importance of service, the concept of Whole Brain Living, and how understanding the four characters of our brain can enhance relationships and personal growth.  🎧 Tune in to hear Rob share two inspiring stories of adhering to a calling, the transformative power of learning and mindset shifts, and how yoga continues to shape his journey of purpose and service.  Rob Schware, PhD, was part of the first batch of coaches trained in Whole Brain Living. He is the Co-Founder and Co-Executive Director of the Give Back Yoga Foundation, his second career. His first career was working as a senior manager at the World Bank in Washington, DC. He has worked with leaders in both nonprofit and corporate sectors. - - - - - - - - - If you liked this episode of Initiations in Love, tell your friends! Find us on iTunes, Spotify, and anywhere you listen to podcasts to rate/review/subscribe to the show.  Looking to buy Britta’s book Initiations in Love? Click here. Want more? Visit our WEBSITE, connect with Britta on FACEBOOK, and follow her on Instagram: @brittaeskey or @cortrainings. Thanks for listening and joining the conversation!   Resources and References  Britta’s Book- Initiations in Love www.learn-wholebrainliving.com https://givebackyoga.org/ Whole Brain Living - book by Jill Bolt Taylor, PhD Show Notes   1:15 – Britta introduces special guest Rob Schware, PhD 2:20 - Rob recounts his career pivot after 23 years at the World Bank to creating the Give Back Yoga Foundation 7:22 - Rob looks back on the challenges he faced stepping into a deeper level of calling with his second career 8:32 - Rob describes the four characters of your brain - as defined in the book, “Whole Brain Living” - and how they contributed to a second calling he experienced just a couple of years ago 19:44 - Rob explains how taking himself through the brain huddle process made him realize he was safe in his climb of Mount Kilimanjaro  21:20 - Britta inquires about how Rob’s initiation into the world of Whole Brain Living has impacted his marriage 27:52 - Rob revisits a previous point Britta made about being in service 33:28 - Britta pulls Rob’s stories from his journey together in terms of Initiations in Love 36:54 - Rob discusses the work he does with the Give Back Yoga Foundation, and why it’s so important 42:50 - Rob shares his advice for people who work in this field, or a field of service, who are feeling a higher/deeper calling into service

Today’s episode of the Initiations in Love podcast is a follow-up to our previous episode: “Trusting Your Inner Knowing - How an Ultra Runner Found Healing and Self-Love with Katie Arnold.” In this episode, Britta explores the themes of healing, resilience, and self-advocacy through the lens of Katie Arnold's journey. After a traumatic accident Katie suffered while river rafting, she learned to trust her inner knowing and harness the power of her mind to heal her body. Britta discusses the importance of trusting one's inner knowing, the interplay of mind and body in healing, and the transformative power of movement and creativity.  Britta reads a story from her spiritual memoir, Initiations in Love, from the third Initiation stage, The Transformation Cauldron, recounting a profound spiritual experience she had while running in the rain in the midst of a deep heartbreak. Britta then leads listeners through a journaling exercise for self-discovery, emphasizing that challenges can become gifts on the path to love and growth. This episode is an inspiring exploration of how trusting your inner knowing and embracing your journey of healing can transform you in ways you never imagined.   - - - - - - - - - If you liked this episode of Initiations in Love, tell your friends! Find us on iTunes, Spotify, and anywhere you listen to podcasts to rate/review/subscribe to the show.  Looking to buy Britta’s book Initiations in Love? Click here. Want more? Visit our WEBSITE, connect with Britta on FACEBOOK, and follow her on Instagram: @brittaeskey or @cortrainings. Thanks for listening and joining the conversation!   Resources and References  Britta’s Book- Initiations in Love   Show Notes   1:11 - Britta welcomes you to the podcast and reflects on the discussion, themes, and learnings from our previously released episode 4:55 - Britta introduces today’s reading from the third stage, The Transformation Cauldron, called “Broken Open” 5:37 - Britta gives a reading of today’s chosen excerpt from her book, Initiations in Love 12:59 - Britta asks processing questions to sense how you’ve been affected by the passage she read 13:41 - Britta invites you to grab paper and a writing utensil for journaling prompts Can you recall a time when you just knew what was right for you, even if others doubted it? In what areas of your life do you struggle to advocate for yourself? Where in your life are you being asked to both surrender to what is and fight for what you truly want? Think of a time when you faced a major setback or challenge. What strengths, resources, or practices helped you move through it? In what ways do you currently use movement, creativity, or mindfulness to support your emotional and physical healing? 16:55 - Britta brings the episode to a close - offering blessings on your journey, encouraging curiosity, and suggesting sharing your exploration with someone with whom you feel safe

In this compelling episode of the Initiations in Love podcast, Britta speaks with Katie Arnold—author, ultra runner, and student of Zen—about her transformative journey following a traumatic wilderness accident. The conversation explores themes of love, healing, and the connection between physical movement and creativity. Katie shares how running serves as both meditation and creative fuel, offering her a path to deeper awareness and self-expression. She reflects on awakening through trauma, the importance of trusting one's inner voice, and the duality of vulnerability and strength in the healing process. Together, they discuss self-love, advocacy, and navigating life's challenges, particularly in the context of competitive sports, personal growth, and Zen.  🎧 Tune in to hear Katie’s inspiring story of hope and despair (and the significance of both), and what a profound role the mind-body connection plays in the journey of healing.    Katie Arnold is a longtime journalist and bestselling author of Brief Flashings in the Phenomenal World: Zen and the Art of Running Free (2024), which tells the story of a traumatic wilderness accident and her path to healing. Her critically acclaimed memoir, Running Home, was published in 2019. An elite ultra runner and student of Zen, Katie teaches Flow Camp writing and running retreats, exploring the link between movement, nature, and creativity. Her writing has been featured in The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, Outside, ESPN The Magazine, Runner’s World, and Elle, among others, as well as on NPR Weekend Edition Sunday and The Upaya Zen Center Podcast. She has been awarded fellowships from MacDowell and Ucross. Katie lives in Santa Fe, New Mexico, with her husband, Steve Barrett, their two teenage daughters, and two dogs. - - - - - - - - - If you liked this episode of Initiations in Love, tell your friends! Find us on iTunes, Spotify, and anywhere you listen to podcasts to rate/review/subscribe to the show.  Looking to buy Britta’s book Initiations in Love? Click here. Want more? Visit our WEBSITE, connect with Britta on FACEBOOK, and follow her on Instagram: @brittaeskey or @cortrainings. Thanks for listening and joining the conversation!   Resources and References  Britta’s Book- Initiations in Love Katie Arnold’s Website - and book!   Show Notes   1:15 – Britta introduces special guest Katie Arnold and sets the focus for the episode 3:09 - Katie shares the event that catalyzed the initiation she chronicles in her book and what she was like before the event occurred  11:19 - Katie explains how running is a form of meditation AND creativity for her 14:43 - Britta and Katie discuss bringing mindfulness into competitive sports and the strong foundation it can bring to an athlete 18:52 - Katie chronicles what happened directly after her rafting accident 22:54 - Katie details The Call in this story, and what it precipitated for her (including advocating for herself during a difficult time) 30:21 - Britta and Katie discuss the idea of holding oneself as precious and worthy 33:04 - Katie recounts her healing process  40:04 - Britta encourages Katie to reflect a little more on the difficult “Transformation Cauldron” time in her story 49:35 - Katie and Britta discuss what emerged from Katie’s healing during this difficult time 57:56 - Britta reflects on the ongoing initiation cycle(s) in life 1:01:14 - Katie shares the gifts she is taking from this particular initiation experience 1:04:12 - Katie shares advice for our listeners who feel stuck creatively or energetically, and reflects on the initiation process’ necessity in her life 1:09:40 - Britta brings the episode to a close

Today’s episode of the Initiations in Love podcast is a follow-up to our previous episode: “Rebuilding Marriage with Courage and Love with Kristy Arnett Moreno.” In this episode, Britta explores the courage it takes to honestly expose our shadow side in relationships, and the profound healing that happens when we are met with love and acceptance. She reflects on the power of authenticity, self-responsibility, and taking a stand for what we truly desire in a relationship. Britta reads a story from her spiritual memoir, Initiations in Love, from the fourth Initiation stage, The Emerging Stage, depicting her own version of taking a stand for herself (by setting an ultimatum!) and her vision of the kind of relationship she wanted—with or without her then-boyfriend, Lee (her now-husband). Britta then leads the listener in a journaling exercise designed to take an honest look at what their needs and values in an important relationship are, and how to be in right relationship with them. This episode is an inspiring exploration of how honesty and vulnerability can transform relationships and lead to deeper connection and authenticity. - - - - - - - - - If you liked this episode of Initiations in Love, tell your friends! Find us on iTunes, Spotify, and anywhere you listen to podcasts to rate/review/subscribe to the show.  Looking to buy Britta’s book Initiations in Love? Click here. Want more? Visit our WEBSITE, connect with Britta on FACEBOOK, and follow her on Instagram: @brittaeskey or @cortrainings. Thanks for listening and joining the conversation!   Resources and References  Britta’s Book- Initiations in Love   Show Notes   1:11 - Britta welcomes you to the podcast and reflects on the discussion, themes, and learnings from our previously released episode 7:14 - Britta introduces today’s reading from the fourth initiation stage, The Emerging Stage, called “The Ultimatum” 8:04 - Britta gives a reading of today’s chosen excerpt from her book, Initiations in Love 14:27 - Britta asks processing questions to sense how you’ve been affected by the passage she read 14:59 - Britta invites you to grab paper and a writing utensil for journaling prompts What is one thing you wish your partner or a close loved one truly understood about you? What fears or vulnerabilities do you often hide? What would it feel like to share them with someone you trust? Are there areas in your relationships where you feel you’ve settled? What would taking a stand for your desires look like? What would radical honesty look like for you in your closest relationships? What vision do you have for your ideal relationship, and what small steps could you take toward creating it, starting with yourself? 25:48 - Britta brings the episode to a close - offering blessings on your journey, encouraging curiosity and suggesting sharing your exploration with someone with whom you feel safe

In this powerful episode of the Initiations in Love podcast, Britta speaks with Kristy Arnett Moreno—professional poker player, writer, and speaker—about the raw and courageous path she took to heal and rebuild her marriage after her husband's affair. Kristy’s journey, marked by deep personal awakening, became a catalyst for transformation—not only in her relationship but within herself. Through vulnerability, self-responsibility, and a profound commitment to love, Kristy chose to face what needed to be faced, rebuilding trust from the ground up. Their conversation explores the importance of truth, the healing power of love, and the resilience and beauty found in recommitting to one’s marriage. This episode is a testament to the strength of the human heart and the profound growth that emerges when we say Yes to life’s greatest Initiations in Love. 🎧 Tune in to hear Kristy’s inspiring story of courage, love, and the transformative journey of rebuilding marriage. Kristy Arnett Moreno is a professional poker player, writer, and speaker who has built a life around taking risks and following her passions. With over a decade of experience in the poker world, Kristy has competed at the highest levels and served as a reporter and host for major poker networks. She’s known for her engaging storytelling, sharp wit, and ability to connect with audiences through her journey of personal growth, resilience, and the pursuit of dreams. Whether she’s at the table, on stage, or behind the mic, Kristy inspires others to bet on themselves and embrace the uncertainty of life’s biggest challenges. - - - - - - - - - If you liked this episode of Initiations in Love, tell your friends! Find us on iTunes, Spotify, and anywhere you listen to podcasts to rate/review/subscribe to the show.  Looking to buy Britta’s book Initiations in Love? Click here. Want more? Visit our WEBSITE, connect with Britta on FACEBOOK, and follow her on Instagram: @brittaeskey or @cortrainings. Thanks for listening and joining the conversation!   Resources and References  Britta’s Book- Initiations in Love Kristy’s YouTube  Show Notes   1:15 – Britta introduces special guest Kristy Arnett Moreno and sets the focus for the episode 3:17 – Kristy reflects on the awakening to the lonely life she had built during a challenging period in her marriage 9:47 – Kristy acknowledges that there were likely many opportunities for awakening before this pivotal moment 12:34 – Britta introduces the concept of the Call as the second initiation stage. She highlights the calls she detects in Kristy’s story and asks why Kristy chose to say “yes” to the call of taking responsibility for the challenges in her relationship 15:29 – Kristy shares the life she began to envision—and live—as she navigated the Transformation Cauldron stage 22:58 – Kristy recalls a transformative exercise from a COR Workshop with her husband and the realizations it sparked about herself and their relationship 27:31 – Kristy reflects on how her childhood relationship with her mother shaped her and how healing also unfolded in that relationship during the time she faced her marriage challenges 32:45 – Britta highlights the familial trauma Kristy inherited and asks how long she remained in the “messy middle” of the Transformation Cauldron 34:50 – Kristy shares her experience of Emerging from the Transformation Cauldron 42:12 – Britta invites Kristy to discuss what surfaced from her fertility journey, which followed the rebuilding of her marriage 47:07 – Britta and Kristy explore the Gifts that arose from Kristy’s marriage initiation and personal transformation 53:13 – Kristy offers words of wisdom for those who may find themselves on a similar path 58:08 – Britta closes the episode

Today’s episode of the Initiations in Love podcast is a follow-up to our previous episode: “From Near-Death to Musical Awakening with Jens Kruger,” where we explored themes of trust, letting it happen, and creative passion. Jens experienced as a child how much he was cradled by unconditional Love (with a capital L), that he was not alone, and how there is no reason to be afraid of life - or death.  Britta reads a story from her new spiritual memoir, Initiations in Love, from the first initiation stage, The Awakening, depicting her own initial awakening as a child to unconditional Love (also with a capital L).  Britta then leads the listener in a journaling exercise designed to deepen their understanding of feeling supported, of purpose and inspiration, and to awaken their creative expression. - - - - - - - - - If you liked this episode of Initiations in Love, tell your friends! Find us on iTunes, Spotify, and anywhere you listen to podcasts to rate/review/subscribe to the show.  Looking to buy Britta’s book Initiations in Love? Click here. Want more? Visit our WEBSITE, connect with Britta on FACEBOOK, and follow her on Instagram: @brittaeskey or @cortrainings. Thanks for listening and joining the conversation!   Resources and References  Britta’s Book- Initiations in Love   Show Notes   1:11 - Britta welcomes you to the podcast, and reflects on the discussion, themes, and learnings from our previously released episode 6:15 - Britta introduces today’s reading from the first initiation stage, The Awakening, depicting her initial awakening to Love (with a capital L) 7:20 - Britta gives a reading of today’s chosen excerpt from her book, Initiations in Love 9:51 - Britta asks processing questions to sense how you’ve been affected by the passage she read 10:34 - Britta invites you to grab paper and a writing utensil for journaling prompts Can you recall a moment in your life where you felt deeply supported? What impact did that have on you? Think of a time when you felt creatively inspired - how can you nurture that spark in your current life? What does “following your calling/bliss” look like in your life? Reflect on your relationship with fear - how does it influence your decisions, and what tools could you use to navigate it? Reflect on a moment when you felt deeply connected to a sense of purpose or passion - what were you doing, what did it feel like, and what does it teach you about your “why”? How do you express love or service through your creative or personal gifts? 17:50 - Britta brings the episode to a close - offering blessings on your journey, encouraging curiosity and suggesting sharing your exploration with someone you feel safe with.

In this episode of the Initiations in Love podcast, host Britta Eskey speaks with Jens Kruger - a world renowned banjo player, and part of a trio called The Kruger Brothers - exploring his unique journey through music, family, and personal transformation. Jens shares his early experience of a life-altering near-death experience, his lifelong journey as a musician, and how music became a vital connection to the world around him. He expounds on the profound mystical experiences that shaped his life and the way he approaches his creative expression.    We explore themes of trust, letting it happen, and passion that are woven throughout Jens’ life story. The conversation delves into the liberating power of artistic expression, culminating in reflections on happiness as life beyond material possessions or perfection in one’s craft, to saying Yes to life as a constant initiation in Love.   EPISODE TRIGGER WARNING: Suicide   Born and raised in Europe, Jens Kruger started singing and playing instruments at a very young age. Together with his Brother Uwe, the brothers were performing regularly by the time they were eleven and twelve years old, and they began their professional career in 1979. Several years later, the brothers teamed up with bass player Joel Landsberg, thus forming a trio that has been playing professionally together since 1995. They established the incomparable sound that The Kruger Brothers are known for today.    Jens was inducted into the Blue Ridge Music Hall Of Fame in 2011 and the American Banjo Hall Of Fame in 2021. He was named Producer Of the Year by the American Folk Society. He has toured with Jim Eanes, Bluegrass Family, Jeff Turner, and many others, and has worked with labels in the US and abroad, including BMG, K-tel, DDD, Canaris Records.   - - - - - - - - - If you liked this episode of Initiations in Love, tell your friends! Find us on iTunes, Spotify, and anywhere you listen to podcasts to rate/review/subscribe to the show.  Looking to buy Britta’s book Initiations in Love? Click here. Want more? Visit our WEBSITE, connect with Britta on FACEBOOK, and follow her on Instagram: @brittaeskey or @cortrainings. Thanks for listening and joining the conversation!   Resources and References  Britta’s Book- Initiations in Love The Kruger Brothers’ Website   Show Notes   1:15 - Britta introduces special guest, Jens Kruger 3:26 - Britta inquires when Jens’ love of music began, and what that journey has looked like 7:15 - Jens details his near-death experience at 6 years old 11:00 - Jens recalls what life was like after waking up from his 2.5 week coma, free from fear of death - and why music became central to his life at that point 14:45 - Jens explains why he never told his parents about what happened during (and transpired because of) his coma 16:03 - Jens recounts his time at an asylum for children - and his shock back to regular school and life 18:17 - (TW: suicide) Jens chronicles the next chapter of his journey: from when he was informed that his mother would die, and how it eventually led to his finding happiness as a street performer 28:01 - Britta presses Jens a little more about the level of presence and support from his father, and if that had a hand in Jens’ leaving home to becoming a musician 29:49 - Britta pauses to deliver a message about listening to your children (a lesson applicable to all) 30:28 - Jens shares how he learned that happiness is not bound to material things 35:05 - Jens recalls what led him from signing a major record deal, to a surprise invitation to play onstage with Bill Monroe (from festival to Grand Ole Opry)! 41:50 - Britta pauses Jens’ storytelling to contextualize his experiences with the Initiations in Love concept 50:25 - Jens explains how music isn’t affecting him like it used to - and what his heart is burning for, and feeling responsible to, now 57:19 - Britta identifies and discusses the themes she heard in Jens’ story: trust, letting it happen, and passion 58:42 - Britta and Jens talk about the idea that: In the end, all shall be well. 1:00:06 - Britta identifies the Gift Stage with Jens, and he shares some final lessons 1:02:53 - Britta brings the episode to a close

Today’s episode of the Initiations in Love podcast is a follow-up to our previous episode: “The Mystery of Life, Death, and Suffering with Drew Boa”. Britta reads a story from her new spiritual memoir, Initiations in Love, entitled, “Letting Janosch Go”. In this reading, she shares the difficult process of letting her then 16-year-old son, Janosch, leave America to move to Germany and live with his father - the agony she felt around all the uncertainty opening her to the Great Unknown.    Britta then guides the listener through a journaling exercise to explore their current relationship with the theme of “The Unknown,” what it might be in their life that is uncertain, unclear, not known yet and how they relate to it. Listeners are invited to approach a particular challenge in their life with “The Unknown” with compassion and curiosity. They are guided to listen to—and give voice to—their feelings around it, and to discern what possible invitation or gift might be present within it.     - - - - - - - - - If you liked this episode of Initiations in Love, tell your friends! Find us on iTunes, Spotify, and anywhere you listen to podcasts to rate/review/subscribe to the show.    Want more? Visit our WEBSITE, connect with Britta on FACEBOOK, and follow her on Instagram: @brittaeskey or @cortrainings. Thanks for listening and joining the conversation!   Resources and References  Britta’s Book- Initiations in Love Britta’s Heart CORe Group Coaching Program   Show Notes   1:15 - Heart CORe Group Coaching Program with Britta Eskey 3:04 - Britta reflects on the discussion, themes, and learning outcomes from our previously released episode 6:39 - Britta introduces today’s reading from the second initiation stage, The Call: “Letting Janosch Go” 7:32 - Britta gives a reading of today’s chosen excerpt from her book, Initiations in Love 16:47 - Britta asks processing questions to sense how you’ve been affected by the passage she read 17:38 - Britta invites you to grab paper and a writing utensil for journaling prompts How has a loss or painful experience shaped your perspective on life? What does ‘surrender to the Unknown’ mean to you? Think of a time when you were at your emotional or psychological limits - what did that experience teach you about compassion for yourself? In moments of great pain, what helps you stay present? Reflect on a relationship or event that, although brief, had a profound impact on you - how does this memory continue to influence you today? 21:52 - Britta brings the episode to a close - offering blessings on your journey, encouraging curiosity, compassion, and sharing your exploration with someone who can hold space for you 22:54 - Heart CORe Group Coaching Program reminder

In this episode of the Initiations in Love podcast, host Britta Eskey engages in a profound conversation with Drew Boa, founder of Husband Material. They explore the themes of love, grief, and the transformative power of loss through Drew's personal experience of losing his son, Josiah. The discussion delves into the awakening that comes from facing deep suffering, the importance of seeking help, and the lessons learned about presence and compassion. Drew shares how his journey has reshaped his understanding of love, connection and God, emphasizing the mystery of life and death, and the significance of being present for others in their suffering. EPISODE TRIGGER WARNING: Anencephaly and infant loss.   Drew Boa is the founder of Husband Material, where he helps men outgrow pornography as a Pastoral Sex Addiction Professional (PSAP). Drew has worked with hundreds of men healing all kinds of sexual issues. Drew is the author of Redeemed Sexuality and host of the Husband Material Podcast, a top 1% show. Drew lives in Colorado Springs, CO with his wife and three kids. His favorite activity is trail running. - - - - - - - - - If you liked this episode of Initiations in Love, tell your friends! Find us on iTunes, Spotify, and anywhere you listen to podcasts to rate/review/subscribe to the show.  Looking to buy Britta’s book Initiations in Love? Click here. Looking for more information about Britta’s upcoming coaching program, Heart CORe? Click here. Want more? Visit our WEBSITE, connect with Britta on FACEBOOK, and follow her on Instagram: @brittaeskey or @cortrainings. Thanks for listening and joining the conversation!   Resources and References  Britta’s Book- Initiations in Love Britta’s Heart CORe Group Coaching Program The Husband Material Website Husband Material on Instagram   Show Notes   1:15 - Heart CORe Group Coaching Program with Britta Eskey 3:00 - Britta introduces special guest, Drew Boa! 4:21 - Britta defines the term “Initiations” as we understand and hold it at COR 4:42 - Drew introduces the Initiation in Love that he will be talking about today, and how he felt in the moment it began 7:12 - Drew explains his deep connection with his son, Josiah, that has continued to grow after Josiah’s death - and how Drew’s understanding of love has shifted because of that connection 9:46 - Drew details his opening to the unknown, and acceptance of the mystery of life and death in the wake of the loss of his son 13:33 - Drew describes the clarity around his family’s decision that his wife carry his son to term, and some of the gifts they received, because of that decision 16:06 - Drew reflects on what The Call stage was for him in this initiation 19:32 - Britta and Drew discuss anger as a messenger 22:40 - (TW: infant loss) Drew recounts his Transformation Cauldron, beginning with Josiah’s birth story 26:20 - Drew details the big moment that lead to his healing after Josiah’s passing, and all the ways Josiah has continued to be a gift to him 29:04 - Britta asks Drew to go into more detail around the moment when Drew chose to leave the room after the birth of Josiah 30:52 - Britta further discusses how detrimental e self-judgment is, and how important self-compassion is, especially in extremely difficult situations that bring us to the edge of our capacity.  32:19 - Drew shares how his capacity for love expanded as he emerged from this deep grief 34:19 - Drew and Britta  validate the trauma responses as important messengers, in terms of to what we may need in any given moment 37:45 - Britta requests that Drew read some of the notes of family members and friends regarding the gifts they received from Josiah, as an example of what can happen if we take an initiation all the way through 40:20 - Drew offers his advice for those in deep suffering 43:43 - Drew expands on his thoughts of the idea of presence 44:09 - Britta brings the episode to a close 44:34 - Heart CORe Group Coaching Program reminder

Today’s episode of the Initiations in Love podcast is a follow-up to our previous episode: “Finding Yourself in the Dark Night of the Soul with LiYana Silver”. Britta reads a story from her new spiritual memoir, Initiations in Love, entitled, “Maria’s Advice”, where she shares about how her longtime girlfriend Maria gave her 3 powerful ways to skillfully navigate a heart break. She then guides the listener through a journaling exercise to explore their current relationship with the theme of “The Dark Night of the Soul”. Listeners are invited to approach a particular challenge and/or feelings in their life with compassion and curiosity, to listen to—and give voice to—to their feelings around it, and to discern what possible invitation or gift might be present within it.  - - - - - - - - - If you liked this episode of Initiations in Love, tell your friends! Find us on iTunes, Spotify, and anywhere you listen to podcasts to rate/review/subscribe to the show.  Looking to buy Britta’s book Initiations in Love? Click here. Looking for more information about Britta’s upcoming coaching program, Heart CORe? Click here. Want more? Visit our WEBSITE, connect with Britta on FACEBOOK, and follow her on Instagram: @brittaeskey or @cortrainings. Thanks for listening and joining the conversation!   Resources and References  Britta’s Book- Initiations in Love Britta’s Heart CORe Group Coaching Program   Show Notes   1:15 - Heart CORe Group Coaching Program with Britta Eskey 3:05 - Britta reflects on the discussion, themes, and learning outcomes from our previously released episode 5:36 - Britta introduces today’s reading from the third stage, The Transformation Cauldron: “The Maria Advice Story” 7:01 - Britta gives a reading of today’s chosen excerpt from her book, Initiations in Love 11:28 - Britta asks processing questions to sense how you’ve been affected by the passage she read 12:10 - Britta invites you to grab paper and a writing utensil for journaling prompts What comes up for you when you hear the phrase: Dark Night of the Soul? Do you relate to the theme of relating to yourself as a Warrior, instead of, like, a lover? Are there any so-called “darker” emotions coming up for you at this time? When you reflect on the passage she reads about Maria’s advice, what of that resonates with your soul? 19:21 - Britta brings the episode to a close - encouraging curiosity, compassion, and sharing your exploration with someone who can hold space for you 20:37 - Heart CORe Group Coaching Program reminder