Cultivating Self-Appreciation

We’re back with a new listener AMA, and this one goes deep into the heart of what so many of you have been asking about lately: healing, forgiveness, energetic boundaries, and what it really means to stay aligned when life throws you lessons you never asked for. As always, it’s just me and my wife, Alyson Charles Storey, sitting down at home to explore your questions with honesty, humor, and a whole lot of spiritual perspective.

In this conversation, we unpack what forgiveness actually looks like—especially when the other person never takes accountability. We talk about how to work with resentment, rumination, and intrusive thoughts without spiritually bypassing or numbing ourselves. You’ll hear us dive into the difference between emotional processing and feeding old mental loops, the role of humility in resolving conflict, and why “letting go” is often more about moment-to-moment surrender than a single breakthrough.

We also get into questions around shamanic perspective, karmic lessons, and how to discern when an experience has alchemized into wisdom versus when it’s still asking for attention. Along the way, we touch on rituals, inner work, and the spiritual tools we each turn to—plus plenty of personal stories, laughter, and real-life marriage moments.

Thank you to every listener who submitted a question. Your curiosity and vulnerability shape these episodes, and we’re grateful to walk this path with you. Keep the questions coming for the next AMA.

Get Alyson’s Animal Power book and deck, plus free guided drumming shamanic journey to meet your power animal, at alysoncharles.com/animalpower.

DISCLAIMER: This podcast is for educational purposes only and not intended for diagnosing or treating illnesses. The hosts disclaim responsibility for any adverse effects from using the information presented. Consult your healthcare provider before using referenced products. This podcast may include paid endorsements.

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MORE ABOUT THIS EPISODE:

(00:00:00) The Reality of Writing a Book: Discipline, Devotion, & Disconnection

(00:20:54) “Are You a Student of Life… or at the Mercy of It?”

(00:39:31) Abuse, Alchemy, & Forgiveness Without Accountability

(01:06:40) Latest Discoveries & the Art of Not Caring What People Think

(01:23:16) Anti-Inflammatories, Herbal Mocktails, & Winter Wellness Tools

(01:34:21) “In God We Trust”: A National Motto, a Spiritual Inquiry, & a Cultural Disconnect

(01:45:43) Closing the Year of the Snake & Preparing for the Fire Horse

Resources:

• Website: alysoncharles.com

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• Facebook: facebook.com/rockstarshaman

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• YouTube: youtube.com/@alysonstorey

• Shop all our merch designs at lukestoreymerch.com

• Check out Gilded By Luke Storey: gildedbylukestorey.com

• Join me on Telegram: t.me/lukestorey