Spiritually Hungry

Vulnerability is the essential glue of any relationship. While we often hide aspects of ourselves for fear of being judged, there is great strength in the act of sharing our most vulnerable aspects of ourselves with those we love. In this intimate conversation, Monica and Michael reveal ideas and tools to help us prioritize vulnerability and build more openness in our closest relationships.“The greatest gift you give parent to child, friend to friend, or to a partner in a romantic relationship is the sense that they are loved unconditionally.” – Michael Berg

None of us are perfect, yet most of us try to project a perfect image of ourselves to the world. Though we’ve been taught that being vulnerable is akin to showing weakness, the truth is that it displays our inner strength and is a key aspect of living an authentic, fulfilling life. For when we express vulnerability, we show we’re honest with ourselves and accept who we truly are – flaws and all. We diminish our ego and push past its attempts to block our Light. And we strengthen our relationships with the people closest to us. Tune in as Monica and Michael explore the myriad blessings that come with embracing and showing our vulnerability.“Being vulnerable allows us to get the most out of life and out of each life experience.” – Monica BergDaring Greatly, by Brené BrownAtlas of the Heart, by Brené Brown

Kabbalah teaches that the essence of our soul is desire. For, if we wanted for nothing, we would never fulfill our life’s purpose. Yet, society teaches us that there is shame in wanting and that we should apologize for our desires. Human desire is how we know we’re alive! Listen as Monica and Michael unpack the lesson that our desires are a gift that motivates us and allows us to connect to the Light of the Creator.“The amount of pleasure we derive from anything is exactly equal to the amount of desire that we have for it.” – Michael BergThe Happiness Hypothesis, by Jonathan Haidt

In a culture that values self-improvement, we can easily get caught up in the idea that we should strive to eliminate all of our negative traits. However, Kabbalah teaches that the duality of our good and bad characteristics is necessary. For without these two forces, we wouldn’t have the power to choose between the two. Our consciousness awakens one or the other, and the more positive actions we do, the more goodness we create in the world. Tune in as Monica and Michael discuss the balance of darkness and Light in our lives.“The purpose of our lives is to go into the dark places and find the sparks of Light and elevate them. That is what fuels our blessings, growth, and happiness.” – Michael BergFurther Readings:Out of Character: Surprising Truths About the Liar, Cheat, Sinner (and Saint) Lurking in All of Us by David DeSteno & Piercarlo Valdesolo

Self-control allows us to manage our behavior and achieve long-term goals. What we undoubtedly know from experience is that the lack of willpower can get us into trouble! Kabbalists call this “restriction'' and teach that it is imperative to achieving spiritual growth. Listen as Monica and Michael discuss the tools for strengthening your willpower and maintaining the focus we need to achieve our desires.“If you treat yourself with understanding and love, the relationship between body and mind begins to be one of harmony.” – Monica BergFurther Readings:The Happiness Hypothesis, by Jonathan HaidtThe Marshmallow Test, by Walter Mischel

Research shows that despite spiritual practice, most of us have a consistent set-point for happiness. While we can experience deep joy or sorrow, we often return to the same level of happiness. However, it is possible to reset our happiness set-point and break negative thought patterns. Tune in for this live-recorded episode as Monica and Michael Berg discuss both the science and the kabbalistic tools behind living more joyfully every day.“It can’t just be about how we can feel zen or good. It’s more about how we can activate, create, and influence change and happiness in the world, and thereby receive more of it for ourselves.” – Monica BergFurther Readings:Happiness: Unlocking the Mysteries of Psychological Wealth, by Ed Diener

Kabbalah teaches that we can place total trust in the Creator in all situations. This is more difficult to do than say. When the world is in turmoil, how do we transform our fears into unwavering certainty that every obstacle we encounter is meant for us to learn and grow from? Listen to this live-recorded episode with Monica and Michael Berg as they discuss how to find clarity in chaos.“Practice, practice, practice. Know without knowing that this situation that has entered into your life is actually perfect for you and is what will, in some way, make your life better.”– Michael Berg

Rav Ashlag said, “The difference between someone who is tremendously fulfilled and someone who is unfulfilled is their ability to see.” We all have moments when illusion blurs our vision of the opportunities for joy before us. So, how can we learn to sustain happiness every single day of our lives? Listen to this live-recorded episode with Monica and Michael Berg as they discuss pursuing happiness authentically and finding joy internally.“One of the greatest ways to achieve happiness is not by attaining the next thing, but by having greater appreciation for what we currently have.” — Michael BergThe Top Five Regrets of the Dying, by Bronnie WareHappier: Learn the Secrets to Daily Joy and Lasting Fulfillment, by Tal Ben-Shahar

We cannot achieve true fulfillment without living boldly. However, the ego works against us as we aim to invest in the aspects of our lives that bring us joy. How can we begin to reframe our lives so we can be our most alive and authentic selves and ultimately fulfill our highest potential? Join Monica and Michael as they discuss what it means to pursue the things you desire and live boldly within the limits you define.“Living boldly starts with a knowing of the self, an acceptance of the self, a love of the self, and being able to express that without apologizing. I think when you live life from those terms, then you are bold and then your impact is also bold.” – Monica Berg

Receiving criticism is often uncomfortable, and most people, understandably, don’t like it. However, we can never see ourselves completely, so it’s important to stay open to receiving feedback. And the truth is, no matter how much internal work we have done, there is always more to do; our spiritual growth is meant to be continuous. Tune in as Monica and Michael discuss how to use criticism as a tool for radical transformation. “Before you offer criticism, ask yourself these three things: do you really care for the person, is this coming from a place of humility, and is this coming from a place of lack? Think about these things deeply.” – Michael Berg