Becoming consciously aware

In this episode, we discuss how to respond to difficulties from our higher selves rather than reacting impulsively.

Becoming consciously aware

Becoming Consciously Aware

Podcast Summary

Welcome to another enlightening episode of “Consciously Aware.” I’m Pernilla Burke, and today we are diving deep into the profound themes of personal journeys, awakening, mindfulness, and the transformative power of meditation and spiritual practices. This episode is a reflection of the essence of my life’s work and the wisdom I’ve gathered along my journey. As we explore these themes, my hope is to inspire you to embrace your own path with courage and grace.

Personal Journeys and Overcoming Challenges

Life’s journey is filled with both beautiful and challenging moments. In our discussion, we explored how these challenges, rather than being mere obstacles, serve as catalysts for growth and self-discovery. Reflecting on my own experiences, I’ve often found that the most difficult times have been the most transformative.

Facing hardships allows us to develop resilience and a deeper understanding of ourselves. It’s through these trials that we learn to navigate the complexities of life with greater wisdom and strength. A key aspect of overcoming challenges is the shift in perspective – viewing difficulties not as setbacks but as opportunities for growth. This mindset empowers us to embrace life’s full spectrum, fostering a growth-oriented approach.

Support systems play a vital role in this journey. Sharing our experiences and seeking help from loved ones or professionals can provide the necessary support to navigate through tough times. The sense of community and understanding can significantly enhance our ability to cope and thrive. Ultimately, our personal journeys, with all their highs and lows, shape us into who we are, enriching our lives with valuable lessons and insights​​.

The Concept of Awakening and Mindfulness

Awakening is a central theme in my teachings and writings. It is a continuous process of becoming more aware of our true selves and the world around us. This journey involves peeling away layers of conditioned beliefs to reveal our authentic essence. Through mindfulness, we cultivate the ability to stay present, observing our thoughts and emotions without judgment.

Mindfulness is not just a practice but a way of living. It helps us break free from automatic reactions and make conscious choices that align with our values. In our fast-paced world, maintaining mindfulness can be challenging, but regular practice, whether through meditation, mindful breathing, or moments of stillness, can help us stay grounded and centered.

The journey of awakening is about gaining clarity and peace, navigating life’s complexities with grace, and finding a deeper connection to ourselves and the world. It’s a path of continuous growth and self-discovery, where we learn to live with greater awareness and intention​​.

Meditation and Spiritual Practices

Meditation and spiritual practices are pillars of my personal journey and the foundation of my teachings. These practices offer a gateway to deeper self-awareness and spiritual growth. By sitting in silence and observing our minds, we begin to understand the patterns that drive our thoughts and behaviors, leading to profound personal transformation.

Various forms of meditation and spiritual practices cater to different preferences. Whether it’s traditional seated meditation, yoga, or breathwork, finding a practice that resonates with you is crucial. Consistency in these practices brings numerous benefits, including inner peace, emotional regulation, and a stronger connection to our higher selves.

Regular meditation and spiritual practices enhance our ability to navigate life’s challenges, cultivating qualities like patience, compassion, and resilience. They provide grounding and stability, reminding us to take time for self-reflection and rejuvenation. These practices support our journey of awakening, helping us live more consciously and in alignment with our deepest truths​​.

Conclusion

In this episode of “Becoming Consciously Aware,” we have traversed the landscapes of personal journeys, awakening, mindfulness, and the transformative power of meditation and spiritual practices. Each of these themes is a thread in the tapestry of our lives, contributing to our growth and evolution. By embracing our challenges, cultivating mindfulness, and committing to spiritual practices, we embark on a journey of profound self-discovery and transformation.

As you continue on your path, I encourage you to embrace each moment with courage and grace. Remember, your journey is unique and beautiful, filled with opportunities for growth and awakening. Stay present, be mindful, and nurture your spirit with the practices that resonate with you. Thank you for joining me on this exploration, and I look forward to our continued journey together.

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Abdi Assadi is unlike any other healer or spiritual teacher ever encountered. He is an expert in martial arts, and a dynamic healer practicing a diverse array of Chinese and Eastern Medicine, indigenous shamanic rituals, and meditation techniques. With a clinical practice in New York City for almost 4 decades, Abdi has accumulated a vast knowledge of real life experience working with several thousands of individuals, guiding them through the most difficult times, and teaching them how to understand themselves. One of the greatest things about him is he merges the human psyche with the spiritual psyche.

Steeped in deep wisdom and insight that is rare to find on this planet in these modern times, Abdi has an extraordinary ability in perceiving and comprehending human souls and their individual psyche. Guided by the divine, Abdi guides you to open up and see beyond your limited Self, into your own soul. His impeccable discernment enables him to unleash personal remarks that pierce through your veil, statements that you will never forget and in an instant alter your perception of yourself and your reality.

– Quotes from Shadows on the Path by Abdi Assadi:


All spiritual masters teach us that love is an activity before it is a condition – and that love is all-encompassing.
Page 18


It felt like I was coming off a race track and driving in a school zone. He knew, years before I did, that my speed was my way of suppressing my early childhood anxiety, and that only slowing down could heal it.

Why do you need to use all these words like God and spirituality? It is right here Abdi, all around you, all the time
Page 40


one does not become enlightened by imagining figures of light, but by making the darkness conscious.
Page 51


Ultimately it keeps grace out of our lives because we are using our will power to manipulate every event and person around us.
Page 74


His lesson, which I had begun to learn for myself, is that outside circumstances do not define our internal experience if we can surrender into them. Painful or undesirable situations will always arise; true suffering comes from our ego’s desire to resist life as it is.
Page 77


Note from Pernilla:
I met Abdi in the fall of 2014 and when I arrived in his office the first thing he said was, “It’s time that you stop carrying other people’s anxiety.” In the year that followed, my entrenched codependency patterns reared their ugly heads and I was confronted with a part of myself that I had never even known was there.

A few years later, Abdi said, “When are you going to start writing your book?”I looked at him in surprise. I was not a writer. My expertise was centered around creating crazy good Excel spreadsheets. However, I started writing and collecting notes about life issues and life experiences … and here we are a few years later.

Sally Kempton is a preeminent meditation teacher of our time.

She is an expert scholar in Hinduism and all Hindu texts especially in Kashmir Shaivisim. Formerly Swami Durgananda, she left monastic life in the 1980’s to teach publicly. She has written several books and is one of the most known and loved spiritual teachers in our time.

Note from Pernilla:

I met Sally at one of her workshops at City Yoga in LA in 2003. She had the most gentle and loving disposition, and I just wanted to always be around her. I was fortunate to have been part of her two year-long “Transformative journey” courses in 2006 and 2007 and many retreats ever since. She is the true representation of unconditional love and transmits intense shakti from her Guru Swami Muktananda.

Sally is the primary building block and foundation in my spiritual journey. Without her, I would have never found and stuck with meditation – the most transformative experience of my life. Without her, I would have been lost without a clue where to go next. Her wealth of knowledge of yogic philosophy and incredible understanding of the human condition is what makes her a force to be reckoned with.  She understands your depth and makes you feel seen, heard, validated, and deeply loved.