Episode 42: Processing Exercise - What is the Divine Invitation in This Situation?

Today's episode of the Initiations in Love podcast is a follow-up to our previous episode: "Coming from Love: The Urgent Call of Our Times with Miranda Macpherson." In that conversation, Miranda shared some of her own initiations, and how each one became a gateway into greater trust, deeper compassion, and what she calls Boundless Love. In this follow-up episode, Britta reads a section from her spiritual memoir, Initiations in Love, called "The Examen Prayer," echoing Miranda's own evening review practice by sharing her own. Britta then guides listeners through a journaling exercise to help you process what you've heard and reflect on your own invitations to a greater Love.  This passage speaks directly to Miranda's evening review practice — that sacred moment at the end of the day when we turn toward all that has unfolded with loving awareness and humility 🎧If you've ever wondered how to identify opportunity and say "yes" to what calls you, this episode is for you.    - - - - - - - - - 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   1:10 - Britta welcomes you to the podcast and reflects on the discussion, themes, and learnings from our previously released episode 4:05 - Britta introduces today's reading from the third stage: The Transformation Cauldron - a chapter entitled "The Examen Prayer." This passage speaks directly to Miranda's evening review practice — that sacred moment at the end of the day when we turn toward all that has unfolded with loving awareness and humility 5:20 - Britta gives a reading of today's chosen excerpt "The Examen Prayer" from her book, Initiations in Love 13:18 - Britta asks processing questions to sense how you've been affected by the passage she read 14:14 - Britta invites you to grab paper and a writing utensil for journaling prompts What situation in your life might be carrying a Divine invitation, even if it feels uncomfortable or unclear? Where do you notice resistance to saying "yes"? When you reflect on your day, what moment stands out as an opportunity to come from Love rather than fear? How might you practice "ego relaxation" the next time you feel tight, reactive, or defensive? What helps you remember that Grace is already here - even in the middle of your challenges? 21:13 - Britta brings the episode to a close, encouraging us to walk with tenderness and courage, knowing that grace meets us when we dare to say "yes"  

In today's episode of the Initiations in Love podcast, Britta sits down with Miranda Macpherson, author and contemporary spiritual teacher (as well as Britta's longtime teacher). Miranda begins the episode with a wonderful calling in for listeners, then recounts her strong experience with boundless love as a young person, and how it propelled her into spiritual life. Together, Britta and Miranda explore the ideas of boundless love, Divine Love, and non-dual love, saying YES to the invitations of life, and moving beyond self-awakening to community-awakening. 🎧 If you are feeling a call to courage in order to show up fully, show up in love, and say YES to the invitations of life, this episode is for you!   Miranda Macpherson is a contemporary spiritual teacher who has been guiding others into direct experience of the Sacred for over thirty years internationally. In her twenties she founded the OneSpirit Interfaith Foundation in London, where she trained and ordained over 600 ministers and counsellors. Today, Miranda leads the Living Grace Global Sangha, leads retreats internationally, broadcasts extensively and serves as core faculty at The Shift Network, and advisor to the Association for Spiritual Integrity.    Miranda's books include The Way of Grace: the Transforming Power of Ego Relaxation, Boundless Love, Meditations on Boundless Love, and the Cultivating Grace Card Deck. Miranda is also a kirtan musician and singer with 2 mantra albums – Streams of Grace and The Heart of Being. - - - - - - - - - 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.mirandamacpherson.com Show Notes   1:14 - Britta introduces special guest Miranda Macpherson and shares the focus of this episode 3:28 - Miranda calls us in as an audience to begin the episode 6:22 - Miranda recounts her strong experience with boundless love as a young person, and how it propelled her into spiritual life 17:43 - Miranda divulges what contributed to her saying YES to this Initiation - which you can use, too, when asked to rise to an occasion  28:26 - Miranda recalls the coming apart of her first marriage, and how she handled it from Love, learning to be present with her emotions without getting stuck 38:32 - Miranda shares that never has there been a fierce passage, in her experience, where something really amazing hasn't been forged in the fire of that passage 44:40 - Miranda argues that there is no waking up or liberation that doesn't include the awakening and well-being of others and shares check-in questions she asks herself 51:23 - Britta and Miranda discuss the fact that Love isn't always sweet as honey, and we need to look at ourselves honestly, but without cutting ourselves down in the process 58:44 - Miranda and Britta address dropping the knife of judgment, especially in this time, to approach things without hatred 1:01:40 - Miranda shares some words of wisdom for when people feel powerless and hatred towards "the other side"1:05:47 - Britta brings the episode to a close

Have you ever wondered how to stay true to yourself and open to another? To behold a kind of Love that honors difference, deepens connection, and reminds us: we're not doing this alone. In this episode of the Initiations in Love podcast, Britta guides us to see that, in fact, there are always three of us: you, the other, and the presence of Grace that holds it all. Reading "The Two Become One," a section from her spiritual memoir, Initiations in Love, Britta details her wedding ceremony and the coinciding realization that true union isn't the loss of individuality, but the discovery of a deeper belonging within it. She leads a journaling exercise to help process what you've heard and reflect on your own invitations to a greater Love.  This is a follow-up to our previous episode: "Me, You, and God - Walking the Spiritual Path as a Couple with David Frenette and Donna Zerner." In that conversation, we explored what it means to walk a spiritual path as a couple, where two souls who came to relationship later in life, each deeply rooted in their own journey with God, and yet willing to learn how to love all over again, together.   - - - - - - - - - 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   1:10 - Britta welcomes you to the podcast and reflects on the discussion, themes, and learnings from our previously released episode 6:58 - Britta introduces today's reading from the fourth stage: The Emerging - a chapter entitled "The Two Become One." This passage describes her wedding ceremony, and how she realized that marriage is a sacrament and not a loss of individuality, but the discovery of a deeper belonging within it 8:56 - Britta gives a reading of today's chosen excerpt "The Two Become One" from her book, Initiations in Love 17:36 - Britta asks processing questions to sense how you've been affected by the passage she read 18:30 - Britta invites you to grab paper and a writing utensil for journaling prompts How does your own relationship invite you to grow closer to the Divine? In what ways might you be looking to another person to give you what only your relationship with God can fulfill? How might your connection deepen if you began to see every interaction as an opportunity to open more fully to Love? If you're in partnership: what would it look like for the "third presence," the Divine, to have a seat at the table in your relationship? If you're single: how are you cultivating that sacred inner marriage within yourself? 23:23 - Britta brings the episode to a close, encouraging us to remember there are always three of us - me, the other, and the Love that holds us both   

In this soul-nourishing episode of the Initiations in Love podcast, Britta sits down with her longtime spiritual director, David Frenette, author of "The Path of Centering Prayer," and his wife Donna Zerner, a writer and storyteller whose wit and wonder add earthy joy to the sacred. Together, David and Donna share the grace and grit of walking the spiritual path as a couple — two seekers who found love later in life, each already deeply rooted in their relationship with God, and willing to learn how to love all over again, this time with and through one another. This is not your typical love story. It's a quiet revolution of surrender, sacred partnership, and the deep union that forms when two individuated souls join in devotion to something greater than themselves. From chronic illness to natural disaster, from Centering Prayer to shared silence, David and Donna offer a glimpse into what's possible when the space between two people becomes an altar for Grace. If you're curious what it means to let God be the third presence in your relationship — or longing for more steadiness, reverence, and spiritual depth in your partnerships — this conversation will stir something in your heart.   David Frenette is author of The Path of Centering Prayer: Deepening Your Experience of God, and a spiritual director and transpersonal counselor (now retired). He now teaches primarily online, and co-leads an annual retreat with Cynthia Bourgeault.  Donna Zerner is a former book editor, publishing consultant and writer, who performs storytelling and spiritual standup comedy. She is active in the Jewish Renewal movement, enjoys exploring the confluence of Judaism and psychedelics, and creates stealth flower mandalas in the local woods, where she is known as the forest fairy.  David and Donna have been together since they met at a spiritual conference 20 years ago in Boulder, Colorado, and have been married for 14 years. They live in Portland, Oregon.   - - - - - - - - - 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 David and Donna's YouTube Channel Show Notes   1:14 - Britta introduces special guests David Frenette and Donna Zerner and shares the focus of this episode 4:44 - David and Donna recall where they were at in their respective lives when their love story began, and the surreality of their togetherness 7:47 - David explains what he means when he says "to meet Donna was an Awakening," and, with Donna, discusses how their interfaith relationship works 15:24 - Britta inquires about challenges their relationship has faced 20:18 - The discussion winds into their lack of conflict and surrender to God within their partnership 28:17 - David details how he experiences God in Donna and they talk gratitude 33:03 - Britta reframes their love story into the Initiation framework, and Donna and David expand on their intentional vow to put God ahead of their spouse 40:34 - Britta presses Donna and David to explain more in-depth how God is each of their first priority 50:47 - Britta requests Donna share her "flower story," depicting a gift that emerged for her 57:01 - Britta reflects together with David and Donna on the theme, "the little things" 59:44 - David and Donna divulge how each of them has incorporated their relationship to chronic illness into their individual spiritual paths 1:04:50 - David and Donna share their final thoughts (including the number one factor in the success and peace in their relationship) 1:08:16 - Britta pauses to emphasize the importance of separating yourself from technology and devices 1:09:50 - 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 Always & Already Here of the Spiritual Journey with Neelama Eyres." In that heartfelt conversation, Neelama shared with such depth and authenticity about the evolution of her relationship with God, and how spiritual growth often moves through unseen stages of development, mystery, and grace.  In this follow-up episode, Britta reads from her spiritual memoir, Initiations in Love, a chapter titled "Communion of Saints." This passage speaks to the invisible work of Grace that continues within the soul, especially in times when we feel disconnected, disoriented, or alone. There always is a lineage of mystics behind us, cheering us on, guiding us, and whispering, "Keep going. Grace is working, even here." Britta then offers a guided journaling practice to help you reflect on your own spiritual path and listen more deeply to the quiet invitations of Love. 🎧 If you're walking through doubt, a dry spell, or a dark night of the soul, this episode is a compassionate companion on your journey. - - - - - - - - - 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   1:10 - Britta welcomes you to the podcast and reflects on the discussion, themes, and learnings from our previously released episode 5:10 - Britta introduces today's reading from the third stage: The Transformation Cauldron - a chapter entitled "Communion of Saints." This passage speaks to the invisible work of Grace that is always unfolding within the soul, whether we feel it or not 6:58 - Britta gives a reading of today's chosen excerpt "Communion of Saints" from her book, Initiations in Love 19:15 - Britta asks processing questions to sense how you've been affected by the passage she read 19:51 - Britta invites you to grab paper and a writing utensil for journaling prompts When in your life have you felt like nothing was happening spiritually - only to realize later that something deeper was quietly transforming within you? What does "Grace" mean to you - not as a concept, but as an experience? Who are the "saints" or spiritual ancestors - living or long gone - who remind you of what's possible in Love? How does it feel to imagine that you are part of a great lineage of awakening souls, being guided and supported even when you can't see it? What helps you trust the process when you can't yet see the outcome? 24:04 - Britta brings the episode to a close - encouraging us to take a slow, conscious breath and feel the presence of all those who have walked this path before us

In today's episode of the Initiations in Love podcast, Britta sits down with Neelama Eyres — Director of Program Development at Stanford's CCARE, facilitator, author, and one of her closest friends — for a heartfelt conversation about the stages of her spiritual growth over the decades and her lifelong love story with the Divine. Neelama shares how her relationship with God began in childhood, the barriers she encountered along the way, and how her spiritual journey has deepened her understanding of Love itself.  Together, Britta and Neelama explore how our conditioning shapes the way we see "God," the projections we cast upon the Divine, and the mystery of why suffering exists if God is Love itself. They also reflect on the immediacy and vastness of compassion, and how this limitless force becomes medicine for both the individual heart and the world. 🎧 If you're on a spiritual path and seeking guidance or a sense of direction — feeling called toward deeper compassion for yourself, for others, or to receive it more fully — or if you're standing at the edge of a major life change, perhaps even a divine calling, this conversation will speak to your soul. Neelama Eyres is the Director of Program Development at the Center for Compassion and Altruism Research and Education, (CCARE) at Stanford University. Through her work with CCARE Stanford, Neelama has mentored hundreds of people in expanding their access to compassion and bringing compassion to life in personal, professional, and community settings worldwide. For the past three decades Neelama has developed and facilitated transformational growth workshops, trainings, and mentored people personally and professionally. She is the co-founder of The Inner Journey Institute, an organization that delivers transformational seminars throughout the US and Canada. Neelama has been deeply immersed in the study and practice of the contemplative Christian mystical traditions as well as the non-dual traditions of the East. Since 2010, she's led retreats and workshops to help people access the forgotten teachings and practices of the contemplative Christian tradition. Find out more about her here: https://www.thevirtualsanctuary.live/   - - - - - - - - - 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 Find out more about Neelama's work at Stanford https://www.thevirtualsanctuary.live/ Show Notes  1:16 - Britta introduces special guest Neelama Eyres and shares the focus of this episode 4:27 - Neelama recounts her spiritual awakening, and how it felt like "an undeniable feeling of unconditional Love" 12:17 - Britta requests that YOU the listener, pause and reflect on your own childhood spiritual experiences 14:41 - Neelama divulges what caused her to begin her love affair with God in her 20s and what barriers to that love she ran into 19:08 - Britta and Neelama discuss questions we wrestle with over and over, and how Neelama has brought more ease to those hard inquiries through an expanding understanding of God 25:49 - Neelama details her nuanced relationship with God through the years to now 28:04 - Britta slows Neelama down as she enters a part of her story that Britta describes as "one of the deepest Transformation Cauldrons" for Neelama  31:56 - Neelama and Britta discuss how sometimes a divine calling comes through as a command 34:27 - Britta presses Neelama to detail what happened that broadened Neelama's understanding of God and of Love  40:36 - Neelama and Britta discuss compassion at the core of religious and spiritual experience 44:04 - Neelama describes how she has encountered divine compassion and released the idea she needs to earn her worth - compassionate Love is available to us no matter what 49:56 - Neelama explains how Love can be both infinite and immediate 51:19 - Neelama shares advice for folks who can't access compassionate Love right now 57:09 - 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 Threshold: How to Stay Open When Nothing Feels Clear with Christine Hassler." In that conversation, Christine shared her profoundly personal Initiation into motherhood. From freezing her eggs at thirty-three, to ultimately becoming a mother on her own terms, her story beautifully illustrated what it means to trust life's timing - and to surrender into a path that looks nothing like the plan we once imagined. In this follow-up episode, Britta reads a section from her spiritual memoir, Initiations in Love, called "Becoming a Mother," one of the most powerful times in her life when she surrendered to a greater Love. Britta then guides listeners through a journaling exercise to help you process what you've heard and reflect on your own invitations to a greater Love.  🎧 If you've ever felt called to birth something new - whether that's a creative project, a new version of yourself, or a more expansive way of loving - this episode is for you! - - - - - - - - - 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   1:10 - Britta welcomes you to the podcast and reflects on the discussion, themes, and learnings from our previously released episode 5:30 - Britta introduces today's reading from the first stage: The Awakening - a chapter entitled "Becoming a Mother." This passage speaks to that moment of standing at the edge of the unknown, when the old self begins to dissolve and something deeper starts to take shape 7:49 - Britta gives a reading of today's chosen excerpt "Becoming a Mother" from her book, Initiations in Love 14:30 - Britta asks processing questions to sense how you've been affected by the passage she read 15:24 - Britta invites you to grab paper and a writing utensil for journaling prompts Where in your life are you currently standing at a threshold - something ending, something not yet beginning? What fears or doubts come up for you when clarity hasn't arrived? What would it mean to surrender - not in resignation, but in faith - to the timing and intelligence of Life itself? Recall a time when you didn't know how things would unfold, yet looking back, you can see grace was guiding you. What did you learn from that experience? If this threshold is an Initiation into deeper Love, what might be seeking to be born through you right now? 19:45 - Britta brings the episode to a close - encouraging us to take a breath and honor the mystery we are living     EPISODE CREDITS: Executive Produced & Hosted by Britta Eskey Produced and Edited by Erin Zimmerman

In today's episode of the Initiations in Love podcast, Britta talks with Master coach and dear friend, Christine Hassler, who offers honest reflections on navigating uncertainty with grace and fierce devotion. She shares her powerful initiation into motherhood. From freezing her eggs at 33, to trusting her own timing and intuition, to the realization that this Initiation set off a dozen others, Christine dives into doing pregnancy and motherhood on her own terms. Together, they explore what it means to stand at the edge of major change – when the next step isn't obvious, and life refuses to follow a script. How do we stay open when clarity hasn't arrived? How do we keep listening for Love in the space between? 🎧If you're feeling you are on a kind of threshold where nothing feels clear, or you are living in self-doubt around decisions about your future - then this episode that covers trust, devotion, surrender, and more, is for you!   Christine Hassler is a Master coach, spiritual psychologist, facilitator and speaker with 20 years of experience. She is the best-selling author of three books, most recently Expectation Hangover: Free Yourself From Your Past, Change your Present and Get What you Really Want and is the host of top-rated podcast "Life Coaching with Christine Hassler" where she coaches people live on the show. She also works with companies and organizations to increase productivity and decrease the stress of their employees. Christine has a Masters degree in Spiritual Psychology and implements elements of NLP, psychology, spirituality, science and her own diverse life experience into her work.  She's appeared on: The Today Show, CNN, ABC, CBS, FOX, E!, Style, and The New York Times. - - - - - - - - - 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.christinehassler.com Show Notes   1:16 - Britta introduces special guest Christine Hassler 3:06 - Britta shares the focus of this episode, and Christine and Britta recount the "God moments" that brought them together 6:52 - Christine divulges a bit of her journey into motherhood, as well as what she means when she says she is a different person since her Initiation into motherhood 9:19 - Christine shares how anxiety almost stopped her from pursuing motherhood, and why she chose not to use her previously frozen eggs 11:30 - Christine recollects how her postpartum anxiety led her to get help in order to open to love instead of just managing her fear 15:49 - Britta reflects on Christine's experience and decision-making process within the Initiations in Love framework 18:48 - Christine details her increased capacity for adaptability and resilience  21:11 - Britta slows down to go deeper on Christine's thought that she didn't realize how self-absorbed she used to be 28:24 - Are we ever really prepared for an initiation? Christine and Britta discuss what a shock to the system radical life changes can be 32:29 - Britta and Christine discuss Initiations as ongoing, as well as having gnarly, messy, in-between stages 42:15 - Christine reflects on how her gift to the world has changed from teaching to reclamation, and why 47:55 - Christine shares her final thoughts 49:44 - Britta brings the episode to a close     EPISODE CREDITS: Executive Produced & Hosted by Britta Eskey Produced and Edited by Erin Zimmerman

Today's episode of the Initiations in Love podcast is a follow-up to our previous episode: "From Overdoing to Spacious Self-Love with Mary O'Connor." In that conversation, Mary shared the arc of her life: from eldest of nine children and lifelong caregiver, to someone who now lives with an emphasis on being rather than doing, and on allowing rather than striving.  As a young girl, she stepped into the role of "the Big One," tending to siblings and excelling in school, all while putting her own needs aside. Over the years, through a series of profound awakenings, Mary gently shifted into a life marked by ease, joy, and self-love. And isn't that what we all long for? In this follow-up episode, Britta reads a section from her spiritual memoir, Initiations in Love, called "Introduction to the Transformation Cauldron". She then guides listeners through a journaling exercise to help you process what you've heard and reflect on your own Transformation Cauldrons. 🎧 If you've ever needed to be the "responsible one" before you felt ready, put your own needs aside for too long, or found yourself overgiving and overdoing, this episode is for you!   - - - - - - - - - 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   1:09 - Britta welcomes you to the podcast and reflects on the discussion, themes, and learnings from our previously released episode 4:46 - Britta introduces today's reading from the third stage: The Transformation Cauldron - a chapter entitled "Introduction to the Transformation Cauldron." This reading speaks to what happens when we get thrown into the Transformation Cauldron, why it's so challenging, and how to navigate it with trust 6:07 - Britta gives a reading of today's chosen excerpt "Introduction to the Transformation Cauldron" from her book, Initiations in Love 11:55 - Britta asks processing questions to sense how you've been affected by the passage she read 12:30 - Britta invites you to grab paper and a writing utensil for journaling prompts When did you first take on the role of being the "responsible one"? Where in your current life are you noticing patterns of overdoing or overgiving? Think of a time when you realized your way of operating wasn't working anymore. What helped you see that - and what did you do next? What needs or longings have you pushed aside to stay in control, stay helpful, or avoid being a burden? If you were to allow yourself to do a little less today - and be a little more - what might open up for you? 17:23 - Britta brings the episode to a close - encouraging us to honor the ways we've already said "yes" in our lives     EPISODE CREDITS: Executive Produced & Hosted by Britta Eskey Produced and Edited by Erin Zimmerman

In today's episode of the Initiations in Love podcast, Britta talks with entrepreneurial strategist, Mary O'Connor, who shares the powerful journey that led her from over-doing and over-giving to coming into a balanced relationship of receiving and giving, and ultimately to the gift of her own self-love. After years of raising her siblings in a household of alcoholism and neglect, Mary experienced a strong awakening experience where she felt the tangible presence of God, which propelled her into her own journey to self-love, service from fullness, and grace. 🎧Loving ourselves is often the most courageous journey we'll ever take. If you're feeling in need of an inspirational touch point, and some thoughtful advice on connecting with and coming back to YOU - then this heartfelt episode is for you!   Mary O'Connor is an irreverent truth-teller, and entrepreneurial strategist who's helped over 5,000 entrepreneurs grow thriving businesses. With 40+ years of sales savvy and 27 years of coaching under her belt, Mary blends sharp wit, deep empathy, and proven marketing psychology to help business owners get seen, get paid, and get real about their brilliance. She's the creator of the Attract Clients Now Accelerator, the diagnoser of Self-Promotion Anxiety Disorder (SPAD), and a recovering New Yorker who now rocks the hippie-chic life in Asheville with her 12-pound chi-beagle, Gracie.  When she's not helping women overcome subconscious blocks, she's doing standup comedy, sipping espresso, or planning her escape to Mexico. - - - - - - - - - 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.coachmaryoconnor.com Show Notes   1:15 - Britta introduces special guest Mary O'Connor 3:08 - Britta shares the focus of this episode, and asks Mary shares how her family life growing up propelled her into her current world of self-care 15:43 - Mary recalls how her new-found freedom in college made way for a rude awakening - and an Initiation into Love 22:07 - Britta and Mary discuss Mary's Calling from this Initiation into being a "helper" (and how it benefitted her sibling relationships) 27:10 - Mary speaks to the influence of alcohol and addiction in the family on self-hatred and violence, and what woke her up to this information 38:10 - Mary describes a strong Awakening experience where she felt the tangible presence of God and grace 45:26 - Mary reflects on the desperation and dismantling it took her - and it takes many - to say YES to an Initiation into Love 48:58 - Mary details her softer approach to her own needs and caring for herself, today, in her 70s 57:06 - Mary discusses how she helps people make space in their lives for rejuvenation 1:01:34 - Mary divulges advice for listeners who might be struggling to give themselves space, and can't find a way out1:05:38 - Britta brings the episode to a close       EPISODE CREDITS: Executive Produced & Hosted by Britta Eskey Produced and Edited by Erin Zimmerman