The Guiding Force of Grace

Join us as we delve into the mysteries of grace, sharing personal stories and insights that illuminate how these powerful moments shape our lives.

The Guiding Force of Grace

The Guiding Force of Grace 

Podcast Summary

Introduction

In the latest podcast episode, “The Guiding Force of Grace,” the hosts explore the profound and transformative power of grace. Reflecting on personal journeys and spiritual practices, they realize how grace has shaped their lives in ways they could never have anticipated. This episode explores three main aspects of grace: personal experiences, its role in daily life and spiritual practices, and its uncontrollability and ubiquity. Grace, as understood by the hosts, is a guiding force that brings purpose, love, and connection into our lives. It is both a gentle whisper and a powerful force, always present, guiding us towards our true selves. In this summary, the hosts share the insights and revelations from their discussion, offering a deeper understanding of how grace operates in our lives.

Personal Experiences

Grace has been a constant companion on the journey of self-discovery and healing. It first revealed itself during struggles with addiction and depression, guiding towards sobriety and spiritual awakening. The initial experience of grace was subtle, almost imperceptible, but it grew stronger as surrendering to its guidance began. Through meditation, clarity and understanding were found, allowing insight beyond the surface of thoughts and emotions. This practice taught the observation and witnessing of inner life without judgment, fostering a deep connection with the true self. Grace, in this context, was an active force, leading to moments of profound insight and transformation. It was through this guidance that the power of presence and the importance of living in the moment were discovered. Each step of the journey was marked by the subtle yet powerful presence of grace, guiding towards a deeper understanding of oneself and the world around.

Daily Life and Spiritual Practice

Incorporating grace into daily life has been a transformative experience for the hosts. Their spiritual practices, especially meditation and yoga, have become sacred rituals that connect them to this divine force. During the pandemic, they turned to outdoor practices like Japa and pranayama, deepening their connection to the breath, which they view as a direct conduit to grace. Each breath became a reminder of the divine presence, guiding them to live with mindfulness and intentionality. Grace manifests in the simple moments of daily life, transforming mundane tasks into opportunities for spiritual growth. Whether it’s through the stillness of meditation, the rhythm of yoga, or the mindful actions of everyday tasks, grace is ever-present, guiding towards a life of purpose and connection. This presence of grace in daily life reminds them to live with love and compassion, embracing each moment as a gift.

The Uncontrollability and Ubiquity of Grace

One of the most profound aspects of grace is its uncontrollability and ubiquity. It is a force that transcends human understanding and control, appearing in moments of surrender and acceptance. The hosts’ journey with grace has taught them that it cannot be forced or anticipated; it must be allowed to unfold naturally. This realization came through years of spiritual practice and personal growth. Grace revealed itself in their darkest hours, guiding them towards light and understanding when they needed it most. It operates beyond the confines of logic and reason, often manifesting in the most ordinary aspects of life. The ubiquity of grace means it is present in every moment, offering guidance and wisdom. Embracing this uncontrollable and ubiquitous nature of grace has allowed the hosts to live with greater openness and trust in the unfolding of their paths. It reminds them that they are part of something greater, an infinite source of love and wisdom that is always guiding them.

Conclusion

In conclusion, grace is a profound and transformative force that guides us on our journey of self-discovery and spiritual awakening. It is present in personal experiences, daily life, and spiritual practices, offering guidance and wisdom beyond our understanding. By embracing the uncontrollability and ubiquity of grace, we open ourselves to a life of greater purpose, love, and connection. Grace teaches us to surrender, to live in the moment, and to trust in the unfolding of our paths. As we navigate our journeys, let us remember that grace is always with us, guiding us towards our true selves and the infinite source of love and wisdom that connects us all.

Podcast Themes

Personal Experiences

Throughout my life, grace has been a guiding force, often leading me through transformative experiences. It began with a profound sense of purpose discovered amidst struggles with addiction and depression. The turning point came when I surrendered to the journey of sobriety, guided by an inner force that I now recognize as grace. This force, combined with meditation and spiritual practices, helped me reconnect with my inner self. Meditation became a cornerstone of my healing, teaching me to understand myself and declutter my mind. This practice revealed the underlying patterns that shaped my life, allowing me to see through the weeds of confusion and emotional turmoil. As I continued to meditate, I developed an observing and witnessing mind, no longer ruled by thoughts and emotions. This newfound clarity brought about a profound connection to myself and others, fostering love and purpose. Grace, as I experienced it, was not a passive gift but an active, guiding force that led me to a deeper understanding of my true self and the world around me.

Daily Life and Spiritual Practices

Grace manifests in daily life through simple yet profound moments of connection and presence. It is in these moments that I find the essence of spirituality. My daily meditation and yoga practices are not just routines but sacred rituals that bring me closer to grace. These practices help me cultivate a state of mindfulness, allowing me to appreciate the present moment fully. During the COVID-19 pandemic, my connection with grace deepened through outdoor practices like Japa and pranayama. The breath, a gateway to life and spirituality, became a conduit for experiencing grace. Each breath, each moment of silence, and each mindful action became a testament to the presence of grace in my life. This practice of being present and loving unconditionally, even in mundane tasks, transforms everyday experiences into spiritual awakenings. Grace, in this context, is an ever-present force, guiding me to live a life of purpose, love, and deep connection with the world around me.

The Uncontrollability and Ubiquity of Grace

Grace is an uncontrollable and ubiquitous force that transcends human understanding and control. It appears in moments of surrender, often when least expected, and profoundly impacts our lives. My journey with grace taught me that it cannot be forced or anticipated; it must be allowed to unfold naturally. This realization came through years of spiritual practice and personal growth. Grace showed up in my darkest hours, during moments of despair and hopelessness, guiding me towards light and understanding. It is a force that operates beyond the confines of logic and reason, often revealing its presence in the most ordinary aspects of life. The ubiquity of grace means it can be found anywhere and in anything, from the serene moments of meditation to the chaotic challenges of daily life. It is a reminder that we are part of something greater, an infinite source of love and wisdom that guides us on our journey. Embracing the uncontrollability and ubiquity of grace allows us to live with greater openness, trust, and faith in the unfolding of our paths.

Share Post

Awakening 101 Logo

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.