In this episode, Dr. Judith and guest Stephen Schettini explore the transition from being defensive to becoming more vulnerable. Stephen, a former Buddhist monk with over 40 years of teaching mindfulness, shares insights into how learned behaviors shape defensiveness and how true vulnerability is a natural state. They discuss the importance of self-observation, breaking down the barriers created by ego, and the role of courage and stillness in achieving authenticity. The conversation also touches on the influence of emotions over thoughts, the necessity of support systems, and finding a balance between ego and genuine self-expression. Join them as they delve into these profound topics aimed at fostering personal growth and spiritual evolution.

About Our Guest

Stephen Schettini (pronounced skettini) is a former Buddhist monk and present-day mindfulness teacher focusing on the tension between cognitive and emotional intelligence. He is author of a memoir, The Novice: How I Became a Buddhist Monk, Why I Quit and What I Learned, and the guide to mindful reflection entitled, It Begins with Silence. Stephen lives outside Montreal with his wife, stepdaughter and two cats.

TEDx Talk: http://tinyurl.com/5yv94ddh

Article (A Sense of Belonging): https://t.ly/enbnE

00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome

01:50 Understanding Defensiveness and Vulnerability

03:10 The Role of Ego and Learned Behaviors

06:41 Embracing Vulnerability and Authenticity

09:45 The Spiritual Perspective on Vulnerability

13:12 The Journey of Self-Discovery and Growth

19:40 The Importance of Community and Support

31:44 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

In this episode of the Deep Dive series, Dr. Judith welcomes Steven Schettini, a former Buddhist monk trained in the Tibetan tradition, to discuss how to move past self-doubt. They explore the roots of self-doubt, its amplification through social media, and methods for overcoming it. Steven emphasizes the importance of self-compassion, understanding learned behaviors, and the practice of active mindfulness. They conclude with advice on continuous self-reflection, cultivating inner harmony, and the significance of regular meditation practice.

About Our Guest

Stephen Schettini (pronounced skettini) is a former Buddhist monk and present-day mindfulness teacher focusing on the tension between cognitive and emotional intelligence. He is author of a memoir, The Novice: How I Became a Buddhist Monk, Why I Quit and What I Learned, and the guide to mindful reflection entitled, It Begins with Silence. Stephen lives outside Montreal with his wife, stepdaughter and two cats.

TEDx Talk: http://tinyurl.com/5yv94ddh

Article (A Sense of Belonging): https://t.ly/enbnE

00:00 Introduction to the Deep Dive Series

00:42 Meet Steven Sini: From Buddhist Monk to Mindfulness Expert

01:40 Understanding Self-Doubt in the Modern World

04:05 The Roots of Self-Doubt: Childhood and Socialization

06:21 Transforming Self-Doubt Through Self-Compassion

10:59 The Power of Meditation and Self-Observation

17:55 The Importance of Being Present

27:09 Embracing Change and Impermanence

28:53 The Essence of Playful Meditation

30:31 The Role of Self-Doubt in Our Lives

31:54 The Power of the Human Mind

33:33 The Duality of Human Nature

35:47 The Importance of Mindfulness

43:48 Active vs. Formal Meditation

49:34 The Practice of Continuity in Meditation

In this episode, we delve into the critical concept of overcoming self-deception, a subtle yet powerful barrier to soul progress. We explore self-deception using the acronym SELF - Stories, Ego, Lies, and Fear - and how each element impedes spiritual growth. Through historical examples like Galileo and Malcolm X, we learn the importance of challenging prevailing narratives, humbling the ego, and facing inner lies and fears. Practical strategies, including meditation, journaling, and seeking spiritual accountability, are provided to help listeners break free from self-deception, fostering deeper alignment with their souls and higher purposes.

00:00 Introduction to Overcoming SELF-Deception

00:59 Understanding the SELF Framework

02:21 The Power of Stories

05:04 Ego and Its Impact

10:26 The Danger of Lies

16:36 Confronting Fear

23:31 Strategies for Overcoming Self-Deception

28:06 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

In this episode, we explore an often misunderstood but powerful concept: the will of God. Discover how aligning with divine will is central to soul progress and uncover the true meaning behind the will of God as a guiding flow towards our highest purpose. Using Sir Thomas Moore's life as an example, we dive into the acronym LIFE—Love, Integrity, Flow, Evolution—to understand how to connect deeply with divine will.

Learn about the importance of living with integrity, embracing love, trusting the natural flow of life, and constantly evolving spiritually. This episode offers profound insights into overcoming ego resistance and making divine-inspired decisions for a harmonious and purposeful life.

00:00 Introduction to the Will of God

00:44 Understanding the Divine Flow

03:15 The Story of Sir Thomas More

07:10 Breaking Down the Acronym LIFE

09:13 Living with Integrity

10:18 Embracing the Flow and Evolution

17:15 Challenges and Resistance

20:15 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

This is another episode in the form of a question, in our deep dive series in Mastering Life's Adventures. My special guest is Karen DeLoach. Together, we explore the vast landscape of creativity, arts, and spirituality. Karen, an artist and art teacher, shares her insights on how creativity can serve as self-therapy and lead to overall wellness.

We discuss the common belief of 'not being an artist' and dispel those doubts by showing myriad ways to engage in creative activities—ranging from writing and music to photography and gardening. The conversation delves into how creativity can heal, enhance our souls and lives, and how fears and self-doubt often hinder this process. Join us to explore surprising avenues to unlock your creative soul to live a more fulfilled life.

00:00 Introduction to Creativity, Arts,and Spirituality

00:55 Karen's Journey and the Power of Art

01:53 Overcoming Doubts and Embracing Creativity

04:55 Exploring Various Creative Outlets

08:19 The Joy and Benefits of Creativity

10:22 Engaging in Creative Activities

20:04 The Role of Fear and Overcoming It

29:06 Final Thoughts and Encouragement

In this episode, Dr. Judith with her special guest Karen DeLoach dive deep into the relationship between creativity, brain science, and soul growth. Karen, an artist and art teacher, shares her personal journey of overcoming criticism and developing her creative side. The conversation covers the importance of engaging both the left and right brains, the detrimental effects of early criticism, and the healing power of creative activities.

Listeners are encouraged to revisit their childhood passions and find simple ways to integrate creativity into their daily lives. The episode also highlights practical steps for enhancing neuroplasticity and achieving a holistic connection between the mind, soul, and spirit. Additionally, Karen offers details about her online art class, designed to foster a safe, supportive environment for creative exploration.

00:00 Introduction and Overview

00:50 Karen's Journey into Creativity

01:57 The Impact of Judgment on Creativity

04:28 The Brain Science Behind Creativity

09:43 Connecting Creativity with the Soul

13:13 Practical Tips for Engaging Creativity

23:50 Inspiring Stories of Creative Healing

29:59 Final Thoughts and Encouragement

In this episode, we dive into a guided meditation with Dr. Judith centered around the theme of devotion, which comes out of her 143-episode discussing the cruciality of devotion. This episode session begins with relaxation techniques to help release tension and distractions from your day.

Through deep breathing and visualization, she focuses on your heart the center of devotion and the rising of the soul into one’s true purpose. This meditation encourages reflection on what devotion means to you personally and explores how to nurture a sense of devotion in everyday life.The session concludes with gentle affirmations and practical steps to integrate devotion into your daily routine, fostering a deeper connection with you and your soul's path and direction.

00:00 Introduction to Devotion Meditation

00:29 Preparing for Meditation

01:42 Connecting with Your Heart

03:06 Visualizing the Light of Devotion

05:31 Reflecting on Devotion

10:52 Addressing Distractions

15:50 Affirmations for Devotion

21:53 Closing the Meditation

In this episode of Mastering Life’s Adventures, we explore the powerful spiritual key of Devotion—the inner soil where true soul growth begins.

Without devotion, we’re left vulnerable to distractions and desires that quietly pull us away from our higher calling. Devotion isn’t just commitment; it’s an attunement to something greater, like tuning an instrument to align with a deeper frequency of life. Where we place our attention reveals what we’re truly devoted to —and what may be taking up sacred space within us.

Are we anchored in soul-aligned purpose, or have we substituted devotion with habits or identities that stunt our spiritual evolution? This episode with Dr. Judith invites you to reflect, realign, and recommit to what truly matters. Your soul is ready — are you listening?