Recognizing moments that matter

In this episode we investigate our own Awakening moments and what we’ve learned throughout our journey.

Recognizing moments that matter

Recognizing Moments that Matter

Podcast Summary

In this episode, we explore the intricate journey of discerning awakening through obstacles. Today, we focus on a profound topic that resonates deeply with many: the art of surrender. Surrendering is not merely an act of giving up; it is a powerful state of being that invites us to let go of our need for control and embrace the flow of life. In this episode, I discuss the challenges of embodying surrender, share practical tools that can aid in this journey, and highlight the transformative power of breathwork. Join me as we uncover the wisdom and liberation that come with truly letting go.

The Challenge of Embodying Surrender

Embodying surrender is a profound yet challenging journey, one that requires a deep commitment to let go of control and embrace a state of acceptance. This challenge begins with recognizing the inherent resistance within us, a resistance often fueled by fear, past traumas, and the need to protect ourselves from perceived harm. My journey towards surrender involved acknowledging these barriers and allowing myself to feel the emotions I had long suppressed. Through meditation, I learned to observe my emotions without judgment, letting them flow and dissipate naturally. In the podcast, I explain how surrender is not about giving up or being passive; it’s about actively choosing to release the need for control and trusting in the process of life. This transition from control to trust is often met with discomfort and uncertainty. It requires a willingness to sit with uncomfortable feelings and to have faith that, in the grand scheme of things, everything will unfold as it should. I emphasize the importance of patience and self-compassion in this process, as surrendering is not a one-time event but a continuous practice. The conversation covers practical experiences and insights on how embodying surrender has transformed my life, leading to greater inner peace and a deeper connection with my true self. By sharing my struggles and triumphs, I aim to inspire others to embark on their own journey of surrender, embracing the beauty of letting go and the freedom that comes with it.

Practical Tools for Surrender

In the podcast, we discuss a variety of practical tools that can facilitate the process of surrender. These tools are designed to help individuals cultivate a mindset of acceptance and release. One of the foundational tools mentioned is mindfulness meditation, which trains the mind to stay present and observe thoughts and emotions without attachment. By consistently practicing mindfulness, we can develop the ability to detach from our need to control outcomes and instead embrace the flow of life. Another essential tool is journaling, which allows for the expression and processing of thoughts and emotions. Writing down our fears, anxieties, and hopes can provide clarity and help us understand the underlying causes of our resistance. This practice also serves as a tangible way to release these feelings, making space for acceptance and peace. Breathwork is highlighted as a powerful technique for surrender. Controlled breathing exercises can calm the nervous system, reduce stress, and anchor us in the present moment. This physiological shift can make it easier to let go of mental and emotional tension. Additionally, the practice of gratitude is emphasized as a way to shift focus from what we lack to what we have, fostering a sense of contentment and acceptance. The podcast also highlights the importance of community and support systems in the journey of surrender. Engaging with others who are on a similar path can provide encouragement, accountability, and shared wisdom. By leveraging these tools and support structures, individuals can navigate the challenges of surrender with greater ease and resilience.

Breathwork as a Tool for Surrender

Breathwork is an ancient practice that has gained renewed attention for its profound impact on mental, emotional, and physical well-being. In the podcast, I explore the transformative power of breathwork as a tool for surrender. Breathwork involves various breathing techniques designed to regulate the nervous system, release tension, and cultivate a state of inner calm. One of the key points mentioned is how breathwork helps to anchor us in the present moment. By focusing on our breath, we can divert attention away from anxious thoughts about the future or ruminations on the past. This presence is crucial for surrender, as it allows us to accept and engage with our current reality without resistance.

The discussion also touches on the physiological benefits of breathwork, such as improved oxygenation, lowered blood pressure, and enhanced mental clarity. By integrating breathwork into daily routines, individuals can create a reliable anchor to return to whenever they feel overwhelmed or disconnected. This practice serves as a reminder of our innate ability to find peace and stability within ourselves, reinforcing the process of surrender.

Conclusion

As we navigate the complexities of life, the art of surrender becomes an invaluable skill. It is through surrender that we find true freedom and connection, both with ourselves and the world around us. By embracing the challenges of embodying surrender, utilizing practical tools, and integrating breathwork into our daily routines, we can cultivate a life of peace and presence. I invite you to join me on this journey of letting go, trusting in the process, and discovering the profound wisdom that lies within surrender.

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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.