Awakening Process 101 – Détails, épisodes et analyse

In this episode of Awakening Process 101, we discuss the concept of change. Change is inevitable—sometimes it sweeps in like a storm, other times it unfolds quietly over time. In this episode, Louise Juel and I reflect on how change has shaped our lives, sharing personal stories and insights from our spiritual journeys. We talk about surrender—not as defeat, but as a gateway to clarity and transformation. Life’s challenges, even the painful ones, hold the potential for profound growth when we meet them with awareness. This conversation is a reminder that no matter where you are, change is always possible—sometimes when you least expect it.

(00:00) Introduction – Embracing Change: An inspiring opening reflecting on how change is woven into every aspect of life, why it can be so challenging, and how embracing it leads to deeper self-awareness and growth.

(03:15) Why We Resist Change: A dive into the psychological and emotional barriers that make us resist change, including fear of the unknown, attachment to comfort, and the stories we tell ourselves about stability.

(08:45) Personal Stories of Transformation: Pernilla and Louise share deeply personal stories of life-altering events that initially felt overwhelming but ultimately led to new perspectives, greater strength, and a renewed sense of purpose.

(14:30) The Power of Surrender: A heartfelt discussion on how surrendering isn’t about giving up, but rather releasing resistance to allow life’s natural flow to guide us toward opportunities we couldn’t see before.

(19:00) How Pain Can Lead to Growth: Exploring how emotional pain, grief, and hardship can become transformative teachers, helping us build resilience, self-compassion, and an expanded understanding of our true nature.

(24:10) Finding Strength in Uncertainty: Practical reflections on staying grounded and centered when life feels unpredictable, including how to cultivate inner stability and trust in the unfolding process.

(29:45) Tools for Navigating Life's Challenges: Offering practical tools like mindfulness, breathwork, meditation, and reflective journaling that help ease life transitions while fostering emotional balance and clarity.

(35:20) Trusting the Process of Change: Insights on how to build trust in life’s process, even when we can’t see the full picture, and how surrendering can lead to unexpected blessings and personal breakthroughs.

(40:00) Closing Thoughts – Change Is Always Possible: An encouraging reminder that no matter where we are on our journey, change is always possible when we remain open, curious, and willing to grow through life’s experiences.

In this episode of Awakening Process 101, we explore the nuanced relationship between self-esteem and self-confidence, reflecting on how self-esteem, rooted in our internal sense of self-worth, contrasts with self-confidence, which often grows from external achievements. Through sharing our personal stories—from childhood experiences to the transformative tools of recovery, yoga, and meditation—we discuss how spiritual practices can help rebuild a healthier, more authentic sense of self. Together, we highlight the interplay between spiritual awakening and the emotional growth needed to nurture both self-esteem and self-confidence, offering relatable insights and practical reflections.

(00:00 ) Introduction to Awakening Process 101 and the focus on emotional and spiritual growth.

(00:18) Overview of the episode’s theme: understanding self-esteem and self-confidence through a spiritual lens.

(01:01) How awakening helps us differentiate and strengthen self-esteem and self-confidence.

(02:06) Personal reflections on self-worth and the impact of life experiences on internal growth.

(05:01) Examining how early environments, from families to societal expectations, shape self-esteem.

(07:51) The influence of parenting and family dynamics on cultivating healthy self-worth.

(10:31) The role of 12-step programs in recognizing and rebuilding a healthy sense of self.

(13:01) Yoga, meditation, and their unique contributions to nurturing self-esteem from within.

(16:06) Exploring the energy behind self-esteem and its connection to spiritual practices.

(19:31) How childhood and external validation affect both confidence and inner value.

(23:01) Building self-confidence through external achievements and their limitations.

(25:01 ) Reflections on the healing journey and how spiritual awakening fosters emotional growth.

(28:01 ) Wrapping up with key takeaways, listener engagement, and an invitation to explore further.

"How much is shallow breathing costing your overall well-being?" is the third class in a five-part series on the Breath hosted by Abdi Assadi and Pernilla Burke.   In this class, Pernilla Burke and Abdi Assadi, both experienced spiritual practitioners, present the third session of their "Tools of Awakening" series, focusing on the power of breath as a transformative tool for mind, body, and spirit. This session is part of a broader effort to teach simple, accessible practices that help individuals become more aware, reduce stress, and navigate life with greater consciousness.   This class highlights the importance of conscious breathing, especially in a world where most people breathe shallowly and unconsciously. This lack of awareness in breathing is connected to various issues, such as heightened anxiety, emotional repression, and physical tension. The goal of the class is to teach viewers how to integrate mindful breathing into their daily lives as a way to increase awareness, reduce reactivity, and move through life in a more peaceful and grounded manner. (00:00 - 01:10) IntroductionPernilla Burke introduces the class and her collaborator, Abdi Assadi.Overview of the tools of awakening and focus on breathing techniques. (01:11 - 03:00) The Importance of BreathingDiscussion on how breathing is often shallow and unconscious in most people.Introduction to the concept of grounding consciousness through breathing. (03:01 - 05:00) Emotional Connection to BreathingExplanation of how breathing impacts emotional processing.Discussion on how people subconsciously modulate emotions through shallow breathing. (05:01 - 07:00) Awareness of Emotional State and BreathingHow breathing exercises help in recognizing and managing emotional states.The role of breathing in reducing incessant thinking and stress. (07:01 - 09:00) Physical Effects of Breathing and RelaxationDiscussion on the connection between breathing and muscle tension, particularly in the shoulders.Importance of using the diaphragm for proper breathing. (09:01 - 11:40) Guided Breathing Exercise: Nostril AwarenessPractical demonstration of nostril awareness breathing.Emphasis on feeling the temperature difference between inhaled and exhaled air. (11:41 - 14:30) Guided Breathing Exercise: Abdominal AwarenessIntroduction to abdominal breathing in conjunction with nostril awareness.Guided practice focusing on diaphragm movement and abdominal relaxation. (14:31 - 16:50) Meditation and the Body-Mind ConnectionDiscussion on how meditation and breathing provide a break from constant thinking.The concept of reconnecting with the body through mindful breathing. (16:51 - 18:50) Quick Breathing Resets for Daily LifeEmphasizing the simplicity and effectiveness of short breathing exercises.Encouragement to incorporate breathing techniques into daily routines. (18:51 - End) Conclusion and EncouragementClosing remarks.Reminder about the availability of standalone breathing practice recordings and the importance of giving oneself the gift of mindful breathing.

Meditation: Nostril & Abdominal Awareness 4 mins This meditation is an excerpt from the “Understanding the Power of Breath” Breath Class 1 of 5. It is a short guided meditation focusing on breath awareness. The meditation directs the viewer to close their eyes and focus on the sensation of air entering and exiting through the nostrils. It gradually guides attention deeper into the body, moving from the nose to the back of the throat, the chest, and finally down to the abdomen. The session encourages mindfulness of the breath's journey and ends with a brief period of awareness in the belly before concluding. Please see below a link to watch full episode and learn more. https://youtu.be/weK7wC2G6Dc

“An Appointment with Yourself” is the second class in a five part series on the Breath hosted by Pernilla Burke and Abdi Assadi.

In this class we discuss  the importance of proper breathing techniques for mindfulness and emotional regulation.  We provide practical tools to increase awareness and create moments of pause in daily life. The class emphasizes that many people breathe shallowly from the upper lungs due to chronic anxiety. Abdi explains that shallow thoracic breathing suppresses emotions and disconnects us from our bodies. They advocate for "belly breathing," where the lower lobes of the lungs are filled, increasing oxygen intake and helping release repressed emotions. The class aims to help listeners re-train their breathing patterns, highlighting the physiological and emotional benefits of mindful breathing. Pernilla and Abdi's insights encourage incorporating these techniques into daily routines for improved well-being and conscious living.

(00:00) Introduction: Introduction by Pernilla Burke and Abdi Assadi. Overview of the purpose of the Awakening 101 classes.

(01:01) Importance of Breath: Discussion on the significance of breath for mindfulness. Brief mention of the personal journey with breathwork.

(03:01) Shallow Breathing and Anxiety: Explanation of shallow thoracic breathing. Connection between anxiety and shallow breathing.

(05:31) Belly Breathing Technique: Introduction to belly breathing. Explanation of how it fills the lower lungs.

(07:31) Emotional and Physical Benefits: Benefits of proper breathwork on emotional regulation. Discussion on how breathing can help release repressed emotions.

(10:01) Early Development of Breathing Patterns. How shallow breathing patterns develop from a young age. Impact of trauma on breathing.

(12:01) Practical Tips for Daily Life: Practical tips for incorporating proper breathing into daily routines. Encouragement to practice mindful breathing for improved well-being.

(14:01) Personal Experiences and Conclusion. Abdi and Pernilla share personal experiences with breathwork. Final thoughts and encouragement to viewers.

This meditation is an excerpt from the “Understanding the Power of Breath” Breath Class 1 of 5. It is a brief guided meditation focusing on nostril awareness. The session begins with closing the eyes and relaxing the shoulders. The viewer is then guided to focus on the breath entering and exiting the nostrils, noticing the sensation of the colder air coming in and warmer air going out. The meditation encourages the viewer to observe their mind becoming calmer and their shoulders more relaxed with each breath. The session concludes with slowly opening the eyes. Please see below a link to watch full episode and learn more. https://youtu.be/weK7wC2G6Dc

"Understanding the Power of Breath" is the first class in a five part series on the Breath. Please join us in exploring the breath and its power. This 20 minute Breath Class: "Understanding the Power of Breath" features Pernilla Burke, the founder of Awakening 101, and Abdi Assadi, an acupuncturist, healer, and spiritual counselor. This class is part of the "Tools of Awakening" series and focuses on simple, everyday practices to increase awareness and reduce reactive behavior. They discuss the importance of using simple breathing exercises to bring calm and presence to everyday situations. The session includes a guided breathing exercise designed to help viewers become more aware and relaxed by focusing on their breath and checking in with their mental and physical state.

In this episode of the "Awakening Process 101" podcast, Pernilla Burke, alongside co-host Louise Juel, continues the insightful conversation with Abdi Asadi, a healer, acupuncturist, and spiritual counselor. Titled "Running From Pain Part 2," the discussion digs deep into the human tendency to avoid pain and the profound impact it has on our emotional and physical well-being. Abdi shares his extensive experience, emphasizing the importance of acknowledging and sitting with pain rather than running from it. The conversation touches on various aspects of pain management, including cultural influences, learned behaviors, and practical techniques for increasing awareness and presence in daily life. Key themes include the necessity of tolerating discomfort to achieve true healing, the interplay between physical and emotional pain, and the value of cultivating moments of stillness and mindfulness amidst the busyness of modern life. This episode offers valuable insights and practical advice for anyone seeking to understand and manage their pain more effectively.

(00:00) Introduction and Overview of the Podcast . Pernilla Burke introduces the podcast and today's guests, Louise Juvel and Abdi Asadi.

(02:30) Concept of Running from Pain. Discussion on what it means to run from pain and initial thoughts from Abdi Asadi.

(05:30) Cultural and Learned Behaviors around Pain. Abdi talks about societal influences and learned behaviors related to pain avoidance.

(09:00) Impact of Avoiding Pain. The consequences of avoiding pain, including the amplification of pain.

(12:00) Historical Perspective on Pain Management (12:00 - 15:00)

Comparing modern and historical approaches to dealing with pain.

(15:00) Physical vs. Emotional Pain. Exploring the relationship between physical pain and emotional pain.

(19:00) Techniques for Pain Management. Practical methods for managing pain, including mindfulness and body awareness.

(22:00) Personal Experiences and Anecdotes. Louise and Abdi share personal stories related to pain and healing.

(27:00) Modern Life and Its Impact on Pain. The effects of modern, busy lifestyles on our ability to manage pain.

(32:00) Mindfulness and Presence in Daily Activities. Strategies for incorporating mindfulness into everyday tasks.

(36:00) The Benefits of Acknowledging Pain. Discussing the positive outcomes of facing and acknowledging pain.

(40:00) Closing Thoughts and Future Topics. Recap of the discussion, Abdi's final insights, and hints at future podcast themes.

Thes

In this episode our discussion revolves around the theme Running from Pain - the process of confronting and addressing pain in the context of personal growth and spiritual awakening. Pernilla and Louise explore how individuals often avoid discomfort and emotional pain through various distractions or coping mechanisms. They discuss the importance of acknowledging and sitting with discomfort to foster genuine healing and personal evolution. Throughout the episode, they share personal anecdotes, explore the psychological and spiritual implications of facing pain, and offer insights into how embracing pain can lead to greater emotional resilience and awareness. The conversation is rich with reflections on spirituality, the human condition, and the journey towards self-awareness and healing. (00:00 ) Introduction to the podcast’s themes of spirituality, emotional health, and awakening. (02:00) Explanation of the podcast format and introduction to the episode's main topic: running from pain. (02:30) Exploring what "running from pain" means in personal contexts. (04:06) Discussion on societal norms and personal responses to discomfort and pain. (08:31) Transition to childhood experiences and early coping mechanisms. (12:09) Exploring unconscious choices and how awareness affects our response to pain. (14:15) Reflecting on daily life, mindfulness, and the impact of life events on personal pain. (17:01) The physiological responses to emotional pain and the concept of energetic blockages. (20:31) Tools for managing pain, including acceptance and awareness. (23:31) Broader discussion on how pain can motivate change and the importance of acceptance. (27:24)  Acknowledging the continuous presence of pain and its role in personal and spiritual growth. (32:35) Impact of societal attitudes towards emotions and how it influences personal growth and coping strategies. (37:53 ) Summary of the discussion and concluding thoughts on living with and learning from pain.

The episode the Power of Forgiveness features hosts Louise Juel and Pernilla Burke as they discuss the theme of forgiveness in the context of personal and spiritual growth. The conversation explores the emotional and psychological benefits of forgiving, the challenges of the forgiveness process, and how it varies from person to person. They share personal anecdotes to illustrate their points, emphasizing the deep introspection required to truly forgive and the liberating effect it can have. The dialogue highlights the significance of self-forgiveness and understanding one's emotions, advocating for a mindful approach to handling interpersonal conflicts and personal grievances.

(00:00) Introduction and General Discussion: Setting up the podcast and short introduction. 

(06:41) Discussion and introduction: Introducing the topic of forgiveness, beginning with a meditation exercise.

(09:06) Exploring Forgiveness: An in-depth discussion about the nature and importance of forgiveness.

(14:40) Personal Anecdotes on Forgiveness: Pernilla shares a personal story about forgiving her father. 

(20:15) Discussion on Emotional Reactions and Forgiveness: Pernilla discusses the connection between personal emotional reactions and the forgiveness process.

(25:59) Challenges of Forgiveness: Understanding the complexities of willingness and challenges involved in being willing to forgive. 

(35:59) Self-Forgiveness and Inner Reflection: Discussion shifts towards self-forgiveness and the importance of inner reflection and understanding one's own emotions.

(36:05) Role of Spiritual Practice in Forgiveness: The conversation expands to include how spiritual practices aid the forgiveness process.

(42:10) Summary and Conclusion: Summarizing the discussion and concluding thoughts on forgiveness and its impact on personal growth.