Explore the concept of living with oneself and doing terrible things. Discover the significance of humility, self-consumption, and authenticity. Learn about the health of the soul and the power of approval. Discuss John the Baptist's message and identity. Understand the importance of living with open hands and releasing control. Find out how generosity and selfless giving lead to contentment, joy, and fulfillment.
Embrace three key habits to safeguard your inner life: submitting to higher principles, monitoring your heart, and letting go of control and possession.
Seeking constant validation leads to a shrinking capacity for happiness; open your hands to a perspective focused on a greater purpose.
Deep dives
Living with Ourselves
The podcast explores the concept of living with oneself and the importance of maintaining integrity between one's internal and external selves. It highlights the tendency of people to live deceptive and dual lives, posing a potential danger to their soul. By prioritizing the health of one's soul and embracing three key habits, individuals can safeguard their inner lives. The first habit involves submitting one's will to align with higher principles and values. The second habit focuses on monitoring the heart and being self-aware of motivations and attitudes. The third habit emphasizes the need to open one's hands and let go of the need for control and possession. By recognizing that what is received comes from heaven, individuals embrace humility, refuse to cling to what they cannot keep, and find contentment in living for a higher purpose.
The Impact of External Validation
The podcast discusses the human desire for approval, affirmation, and attention from others, and the inherent tendency to become dependent on these external sources. It emphasizes that seeking constant validation can lead to a shrinking capacity for happiness and an erosion of one's soul. The speaker highlights the natural leaking nature of affirmation and the impossibility of ever being fully and finally satisfied. When individuals experience a decrease in external validation, their instinct is to cling and strive to regain it. However, this behavior only diminishes their sense of self and makes them smaller. The podcast encourages individuals to recognize that what they receive is beyond their control and to open their hands, embracing a perspective that is less self-centered and more focused on the greater purpose.
The Liberating Power of Surrender
The podcast delves into the story of John the Baptist and his encounter with Jesus, highlighting John's selfless response when his own disciples begin to leave him to follow Jesus. John's powerful statement, 'He must become greater and I must become less,' serves as a reflection of surrender and a perspective that is liberating for the soul. The speaker emphasizes that individuals can only receive and hold what is given to them from heaven, and clinging to what is beyond their control ultimately diminishes their value. The podcast challenges listeners to fear the consequences of closing their hands more than losing what they hold, encouraging them to live with open hands as a reminder of the source of their blessings. It concludes by emphasizing that a fulfilling life is measured by how much is given away rather than how much is preserved.
I bet you’ve seen somebody do something and thought “If I did that, I couldn’t live with myself.” But the truth is, you could do the unthinkable and live with yourself… people do it all the time. But there are a few things you can do to ensure this doesn’t happen to you.