Spiritually Hungry

As humans, we have a tendency to keep rereading the same chapter of our lives, dwelling on the past, and making up stories that are not based on fact. The assumptions we make about situations and people in our lives prevent us from seeing solutions or opportunities. In this episode of Spiritually Hungry, Monica and Michael discuss how to embrace curiosity so we can be more engaged in the moment, put assumptions to rest, and discover what brings us joy.“The stories that we have assumed are often a great barrier to relationships, certainly a great barrier to happiness. Curiosity is what pierces through those assumptions.” – Michael Berg

This moment of the Hebrew calendar is a time for reflection. As we look ahead toward what the New Year has in store for us, we often set intentions, focus our desires, and create plans for change. In this live episode of Spiritually Hungry, Monica and Michael answer pressing questions from the audience about healing, readying ourselves for abundance, and achieving our highest purpose.“The most exciting thing is when there is a real thirst, a real desire, not just for more blessings and more Light, but to achieve the purpose of one’s soul in this world… It’s a binary decision. There is no way that any of us can accomplish the purpose of our soul without a tremendous investment of work… Personally, I want to be of the few who actually accomplish completely what my soul came to this world to do.” – Michael Berg

You know what they say about assumptions? In short, they are bad. The danger in making assumptions is that they set us up for disappointment. They can easily evolve into expectations and lead us to make decisions based on information we assume is still valid. The truth is change is inevitable, which makes assumptions counterproductive. In this episode of Spiritually Hungry, Monica and Michael discuss the best spiritual tool we have on hand to end the trap of making assumptions.“So much of our pain is based on assumptions. If we were able to really live a life that questions more and is more curious, rather than assuming, the benefit of that would be, not just that we’d be wiser and know more, but more importantly we’d have less pain and more joy.” – Michael Berg

Hustle culture leads many of us to wear ourselves thin while taking care of all our responsibilities, plus the needs of everyone else. This is simply not sustainable. In order to be spiritually nourished, we must listen to the needs of our souls. If you don’t know what you want, no amount of self-care will make you happy or fulfilled. In this episode of Spiritually Hungry, Monica and Michael discuss the foundation of wellbeing and five tools for cultivating a true self-care practice.“You can search for ways to take care of yourself. But I think the big question is, does any of that really lead you to greater happiness? It will not be possible—except maybe in the short term—unless you are really taking the time to know yourself.” – Michael Berg

Unexpected troubles have a tendency to overwhelm and overpower us, even when everything else in our lives looks pretty good. The truth is, the problems we face are often not as dire as they feel. In this mini episode of Spiritually Hungry, Monica and Michael discuss four key ways you can turn your feelings of helplessness into empowerment.“How you respond to the stressors, the challenges, and the unknown in life is really what your life becomes.” – Monica Berg

Often we’re so caught up in the day-to-day that we don’t have the headspace to see what’s working for us and what isn’t. We have just entered the month of Virgo, which brings with it an energy that supports transformation. The month of Virgo is an auspicious time to re-think, re-frame, and re-energize absolutely everything in our lives. In this mini episode of Spiritually Hungry, Monica and Michael discuss a step-by-step process to uncover how happy we really are so we can become clear on what is important to us and what isn’t.“The reality is that compared to the greatness of our soul and the power that we actually have, we’re like a boat lost in the ocean. Only if you start there can you create the changes that you need to make and create a new life for yourself.” – Michael Berg

Our desires, every single one of them, are gifts from the Creator. They are invitations to follow our unique purpose, clues that lead down the path of our unfolding potential. To deny our desires is to deny ourselves. But why is it so hard to ask for what we truly want? In this mini episode of Spiritually Hungry, Monica and Michael discuss how to communicate our desires so we can cultivate more balance between giving and receiving. “To claim what we desire, we first have to believe that we are deserving of it.” – Monica Berg

Everyone experiences mental health challenges. Yet, wading through these difficult times can feel isolating or as if there is something wrong with you. The truth is, you’re not alone; many people struggle in the exact same way. In this mini episode of Spiritually Hungry, Monica and Michael lift the shame of mental health issues and discuss how to reframe your assumptions in order to overcome shame and hopelessness.“I think we need to embrace a messy life. And a messy life means there’s no room for perfection. That word is not even in your lexicon. That means each day you can have a plan—if it happens, great. If it doesn’t, then just embrace it. It’s probably going to be better than the one you had anticipated. There’s true freedom and joy in being the creator of your life.” – Monica Berg 

Every single one of us experiences challenging moments or times when the spotlight is on us. These times can amplify the drama of our experience. Yet the truth is, almost nothing in life is a catastrophe. And most of the time, everyone else is busy with their own lives and their own drama. In this mini episode of Spiritually Hungry, Monica and Michael discuss how to practice objectivity in light of life’s speed bumps.“When something happens, even when you are right to be disappointed by it, in the true perspective of life, of history, or reality, it’s a tiny speed bump. It is not the end of the world.” – Michael Berg

When was the last time you felt awestruck? Was it last week? Last month? It’s not our nature to hold a space for daily appreciation and gratitude. However, consistent recognition of life’s little miracles leads to deeper fulfillment in life. In this mini episode of Spiritually Hungry, Monica and Michael discuss how to find beauty in the ordinary and shift our thoughts so we can increase the level of appreciation we have for our tiny blessings.“It’s not human nature, but it is something we should fight extremely hard for every single day. Have at least one moment each day in which you are overwhelmingly appreciative, not of something great that just happened, but of the normal workings of life.” – Michael Berg Further Readings:The Comfort Book by Matt Haig