Practical Spirituality Gareth Michael & Kim Jewell

In their latest episode, Gareth and Kim delve into the concept of surrender, exploring why it's often difficult yet liberating to relinquish control and expectations, and open up to accepting our life path, wherever that may lead. They ask how much control we actually have over the key moments in our lives, and why we try to maintain control, and are reluctant to surrender.

They discuss the self-exploration that comes along with surrendering, including the challenging conversations it may prompt and the life skills it reveals. They also look at the difference between surrendering and giving up, and how the idea of surrendering might not be as scary as we sometimes think.

Our hosts talk in depth about the role of surrender within relationships, and how letting go can lead to healthier dynamics. They also look at how surrender can foster emotional resilience. 

Gareth and Kim conclude the episode with tips on navigating the journey towards surrender, emphasizing self-love, self-compassion, and acceptance.

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In this week's episode, Gareth and Kim tackle a topic we all have to deal with from time to time: dealing with difficult people in our lives. They ask whether we may actually benefit from the growth that comes from these challenging interactions, and reflect on their own experiences and the learnings that came from them. They suggest that, rather than seeing these challenging individuals as obstacles, we can view them as mirrors reflecting our own unresolved issues and triggers. 

Gareth and Kim delve into the body's fight-or-flight response, emphasizing that recognizing these instinctive reactions can be transformative. They discuss the complexities of human interactions and the importance of understanding what sets us off, and how difficult it can be to get that perspective when we're triggered. They also touch on the importance of setting boundaries and the art of saying 'no' without feeling guilty or overwhelmed, and discuss the option of creating distance from those who disrespect our boundaries as a form of self-preservation.

As always, our hosts take a candid look at how these difficult interactions can actually be opportunities for personal growth within the framework of practical spirituality. The discussion has the potential to help listeners rethink their relationships with challenging people and use these experiences as tools for self-improvement.

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In their latest episode, Gareth and Kim tackle the issue of societal obsession with busyness, looking at how our need to be busy can distance us from our authentic selves and others. They reflect on how acceptable it is to be very busy, and how it often wins external approval. Yet they outline how, in reality, being constantly busy often serves as a defense mechanism against feelings of inadequacy or imposter syndrome. They bring to light how a busy life allows us to deflect from ever dealing with these types of uncomfortable emotions.

Gareth and Kim also look at busyness from a practical point of view, acknowledging that our lives will always have a certain level of busyness, but reflecting on the role of social media in amplifying this cycle of busyness and the comparison trap. They highlight the need to recognize these detrimental habits and discuss practical ways to achieve a healthier balance on a day-to-day basis.

They examine the impact of relentless activity on our relationships, our self-awareness, and our general level of contentment. Emphasizing that societal expectations can prevent us from fully engaging with our lives, they explore the emotional upsides of slowing down to enjoy the present moment, and the simpler things in life. As always, their eye-opening discussion generates an awareness of where this highly prevalent issue has originated, and they provide listeners with valuable advice for achieving a more balanced and fulfilling life in mind, body, emotions, and soul.

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In this week's episode, Gareth and Kim dissect the deep-rooted and universally prevalent habit of people-pleasing. It's something nearly everyone can relate to, and many really struggle with. For many, setting boundaries can be daunting, and the act of saying 'no' can be intertwined with a wide web of emotions. 
Kim and Gareth look at the emotional battles that hide behind the process of seeking approval, talking through its subsequent effects and the knock-on consequences it can have. They study the links between people-pleasing, trauma and feelings of inadequacy, and take a closer look at why the urge tends to be to please other people and why we often have an intense desire for acknowledgment and validation.

Reviewing examples from their own lifes, and speaking candidly as always, they highlight the emotional strain of people-pleasing, and how it can manifest itself in our bodies or lead to overwhelming fatigue. Together, they guide listeners on a path of introspection and recovery, completing the journey with a sense of reassuring calm about our ability to accept these issues within ourselves and move forward with confidence.

Join us for an in-depth look at this often-underestimated subject.

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In this week’s episode, the focus is on Kim's journey with addiction, and how it has helped shape her life and who she is today.

Gareth and Kim bring listeners back to her childhood and the earliest traumas that would begin to play a role in her life over time. 

They explore some of the darkest moments of Kim’s addiction, and how her perspective of those experiences, and understanding of why they happened, has evolved over time. 

They look more closely at how addiction is so often misinterpreted, misunderstood, and stigmatized, and how this has impacted Kim. And they explore Kim’s recovery, and how the pain of her brother's premature passing, expanded her understanding of sacred contracts, integral to her spiritual recovery.

Discussing the transformative role of spiritual ties in overcoming addiction, they look at how the purpose of her addiction was key to liberation. This journey has shaped Kim into a more adept therapist, endowing her with distinct insights to steer others towards recovery. Join Gareth as he facilitates Kim in unraveling the depths of her experience, presenting a candid, genuine, and illuminating view on triumphing over addiction.

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Have you ever paused to consider how your relationships are shaping your spiritual journey? This episode invites you on a reflective exploration of this complex maze. We begin by discussing a pattern we've noticed in our own lives and those around us: the tendency to 'demonize' our partners when we're feeling overwhelmed. This, we realize, is often a misguided attempt to find meaning in the midst of confusion, a reflex that distracts us from the real work of looking inward.

As we dig further, we discover how our upbringing and past experiences can silently dictate our expectations in relationships. Here, we share insights and personal anecdotes that illuminate the beauty of maintaining a healthy interdependent relationship, even when our paths diverge from those of our partners. We also candidly explore the challenge of navigating complex relationships, assuring you that these seemingly fraught interactions can actually serve as profound learning experiences for the soul.

Lastly, we turn to the transformative power of self-love. We discuss its pivotal role in making difficult decisions within relationships, emphasizing that it is never too late to appreciate the wisdom harvested from past relationships. The discussions further extend to friendships and professional relationships, spaces often underappreciated for their growth potential. Tune in and join us on this journey of unraveling the intricate dynamics of human connections.

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