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The Connect Podcast

The Connect Podcast

by Dale Tinsley

Self-Improvement Mental Health

Season 2

Episode 71: Relentless Refinement featuring Jennifer J. Boutwell

We have all faced challenges, trials, and tribulations. My question to you is, how has this benefited you? We reach a point in our lives, after repeatedly witnessing the same patterns with the same outcome, when we break. This time can be overwhelming and scary, as it is a crossroads in our path. We can continue to blame others or take a new path into full unapologetic ownership, self-accountability, and authenticity. In choosing us and self-accountability, we step into a new reality and hope, full of energy. A brighter mindset grounded in a new normal and the excitement we once felt as children. Our egos want to control us with the illusion of controlling everything outside of ourselves, all the while hiding the only thing we can control, which takes full accountability, ourselves. We begin seeing ourselves, lies, and misdirection tactics clearly. The once-hidden ego is now exposed to the sunlight, creating chaos and panic. This too shall pass, my friends. Stay present, take deep breaths, and enjoy all of the layers, no matter how painful or uncomfortable. I hope you are spending the time necessary for meditation, nature, and exercise to maintain yourself. Continue to invest in yourself, as it will truly make all the difference.

Episode 69: Deprogramming to Reprogramming

We have been on the journey of evolution, growth, and change since the moment of our conception. These layers were beyond our control, simply the flow of life as our spirits encompass these bodies. Our programming began with interaction, and our own information gathering through our awareness and perspective. As babies and kids, we are at the mercy of our parents or those raising us. They say the first 6 years of life lay the foundation for our lives. This may be true, but can we change these ingrained patterns and belief systems? In this episode, we dive into understanding and recognizing our own programming. Looking in the mirror and within ourselves offers a gateway to self-pattern recognition. We cannot act if we are unaware. Now is the time to face reality in full acceptance. Our parents did the best they could with the level of awareness and consciousness they had at the time. The time for blame is over; it is time to fully own our own reality and push past the uncomfortable truths about our own programming. Check out the video here: https://youtu.be/owpi3eCnqBw

Episode 68: Adaptability

We have been on the journey of evolution, growth, and change since the moment of our conception. These layers were out of our control, and simply the flow of life as our spirits encompass these bodies. As kids, we began learning how to adapt as a means of survival: mentally, socially, and physically. We are designed to be in a family and community. Understanding and accepting that change is a constant part of our lives opens us up to endless adaptability and its fruit. Are we aware of the power and usefulness of adaptability? From a professional athlete to a policeman walking a beat, to a corporate attorney, adaptability is key for decision-making and even staying alive. We see it all around us in nature: animals use camouflage, sounds, poison, and various other tactics to hunt and defend themselves. Our own egos have used adaptability throughout our lives. Some examples of the ego’s patterns include people-pleasing, lying, and bullying. The main tell is that the ego will avoid all self-accountability by any means necessary. Sitting in meditation provides us with the self-reflection to process the use of adaptability in our lives. Check out the video here: https://youtu.be/-JxzSzI0UVU

Episode 67: From Chaos To Clarity

We have all heard the term “when the dust settles”. It is challenging to navigate moments of chaos, as tension and emotions are heightened. Let’s shift our perspective on how we feel and view chaos. For many, it can be triggering and have a negative connotation. What if chaos is the bridge to growth? Maybe our societal conditioning has blinded us to the deeper value of these “chaotic” moments? Are we aware that there are levels to “chaos”? Are we aware that unprocessed moments can exacerbate what we perceive as chaotic or stressful? We may find ourselves in a moment of accountability that blindsides us and chalk it up to chaos. We may find ourselves broken down in a nearby town. Is this chaotic? If we look internally at our own definitions, understandings, and reactions to these moments, we are gifted with a bridge to growth and freedom. Understanding ourselves, why we react, and how to move past these triggers falls solely on our own shoulders. This, my friends, is the internal work, and the choice is always ours: to run, hide, and blame, or relax, be accountable, and face whatever is bubbling up from our internal melting pot. Chaos and discomfort reveal what is lurking within us, like a caged animal or an avalanche ready to be unleashed. We must dig deep and use our courage. The dragon presents itself often, in the ego's whispers to ignore. FEAR, face everything and RISE, the time is now! Check out the video here: https://youtu.be/OohW8DNwaRM

Episode 66: The Illusion Is Crumbling

Sitting in meditation gives us the opportunity to become observers of our own minds. This practice is key because it breaks us out of the idea that we are the mind's chatter. As we sit observing, how can we be the chatterer and the observer at the same time? My friends, we are the observers; we are the consciousness being housed in these bodies. This process is shown in the Movie “Revolver”, the main character realizes the tricks and deception of his own ego, the mind's endless chatter. As we come to this realization, the illusion begins to crumble. Coming to this understanding can create a profound shift in our realities, perspectives, and perceptions. It can create turmoil, chaos, and discomfort. The ego will fight us internally to maintain control and the illusion that we are it. Once we see this, we cannot unsee it. We are here to live authentically, in truth, abundance, and vibrancy. The battle between our egos and our spirits becomes obvious to us. There is no going back, and we must show courage and align with our authentic selves, our spirits. As our own mask begins to slip and fall away, we are given new levels of awareness and can begin to see the illusion of others and the world we live in today. Check out the video here: https://youtu.be/XMCHudHYGTU

Episode 65: Validation

From the beginning of our journey on this planet, we feel a yearning and need for connection and love. As humans, we are social beings and the early years of nurturing and teachings code us accordingly. Taking into consideration how critical our younger years are, we can look within ourselves and begin to put the puzzle pieces together. Sitting in silence allows us to reflect deeply on our “why”. We can begin to see patterns of thoughts and behaviors that may be seeking love, attention, validation, or questioning self-worth. As we become aware of these patterns, we are presented with an opportunity to dig deeper and begin to choose a different reaction, choice and behavior. It will be a process of recognizing our own patterns and modifying the behavior until it genuinely becomes part of our being, and authentic. The process of sitting in silence and deeply reflecting becomes smoother as we practice it, and life begins to slow down and become more meaningful. Choosing to turn inwards instead of seeking outside of ourselves is a key sign on our hero’s journey that we are indeed on the path. All the answers we seek are already inside of us, waiting to be uncovered. Show courage and sit with yourself. Check out the video here: https://youtu.be/r9_19hMF-js

Episode 64: I Identify As...

In today’s world, we can be bombarded with information, influence, and propaganda. Groupthink and social conformity can push us further from Self-awareness and critical thinking. It is key that we use discernment in what we expose ourselves and our children to. Music, movies, television “programming”, social media, news, and groupthink all play a part in our society's condition. So, ask yourself, “Who am I? “ By focusing on our internal awareness, we stay grounded. Choosing to self-identify as … You fill in the blank; we relinquish our power and authenticity and find ourselves seeking outside validation. When we look inwards and validate ourselves through self-awareness and self-knowledge, we tap into an unshakeable presence and internal knowing. This term and idea of identifying as are relatively new to the mainstream; we must be aware of how they are being wielded in our society. We build ourselves up through experience, connection, self-awareness, and facing challenges that shake us, helping us evolve into better versions of ourselves. The term live and let live was once mainstream and very popular; it’s a classic that still has a profound impact. We have unprogrammed and reprogrammed ourselves along this journey. Be very mindful of identifying as something outside of yourselves, friends. Check out the video here: https://youtu.be/r9_19hMF-js

Episode 63: Frustration & Anger

Frustration and anger can manifest in many ways in our lives: mentally, emotionally, physically, and spiritually. We have all had moments of chaos, feeling it building and building until it boiled over. The energy and state of mind created can be highly toxic for those catching our rath, and our own physical health as well. So, where does our frustration originate from, and how do we deal with it to minimize it? We can continue the cycle by blaming outside sources, people or situations, or we can turn inwards and get to the root source by taking full accountability for our actions and thoughts. Do we see our own patterns and how it affects others and us? Becoming aware and choosing to address our frustrations starts the process of understanding and diffusing them. Honesty, willingness, and courage are our tools in this time of ownership and action. By digging deep into us, we unlock who we are and our whys. We are operating from the ego and fear, or authenticity and love. The choice is yours, my friends. Owning all the internal layers of who we are can be scary and some intense work, but I can only promise you liberation on the other side! Check out the video here: https://youtu.be/DRvqq6s7nc0

Episode 62: Man Evolved

“It takes a village to raise a child.” This saying accurately depicts my childhood. Looking back on it, God provided what I needed in an unconventional way. He used neighbors, grandparents, and sometimes complete strangers. When we are children, this is hard to comprehend, as we are unaware of the big picture. As kids, we are all dealt the most random of obstacles and blessings. Take a moment to reflect on your challenges and blessings. What really stands out as a positive and as a negative? Sit with these thoughts as they reflect in meditation. As adults, we must find a path of healing past the childhood moments that haunt us. It is our responsibility to heal so we can show up as healthier versions of ourselves for our children, thereby breaking the pattern of repeating. Focusing on healing our past puts us back in a position of power, authenticity, and alignment. We begin to see moments as opportunities to learn from, “why is this happening to me?” now becomes, “why is this happening to me?” We realize we are the ultimate choice makers on our hero’s journey! Check out the video here: https://youtu.be/lQeBLFwldAU

Episode 61: Expansion

Have you ever thought of your life in terms of Expansion vs. contraction? Are we living a connected life full of new growth, learning, excitement, and fulfillment? Maybe it’s the flipside: disconnection, stagnation, loneliness, and seclusion. For deeper self- understanding, let’s use our awareness and look at our mental operating system. Is it a growth mindset, or a fixed mindset? We can truly design the life we want at any stage in our journey. Choosing an expansion mindset is one of the keys. Reading the above, is it obvious to us that a growth mindset is the only way to proceed? How bad do we want the life we dream of? Are we able, capable, and ready to make the choices and sacrifices necessary? Are we honoring our intuition? Do we hear the whispers of God? Do we need to be more loving, assertive, accountable, and forgiving? Making the time to sit with ourselves free of distractions allows us to process the unresolved. Expansion waits for us on the other side, my friends! Check out the video here: https://youtu.be/XHtR1dBRbZE

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