Spiritually Hungry

In this episode of Spiritually Hungry, Monica and Michael conclude their series on self-sabotage, this week exploring how striving to be perfect actually disrupts our lives and leads us to judging ourselves and others. Listen as they discuss the real benefits of leading a ‘messy’ life, one in which we abandon the illusion of perfection and embrace our failures as opportunities for growth.We aren’t meant to be perfect; we are meant to live in the mud and, from that mud, take out a spark of Light. – Michael BergFurther readings:Mental Immunity by Andy NormanBird By Bird by Ann LamottThe Pursuit of Perfect by Tal Ben-Shahar

In this episode of Spiritually Hungry, Monica and Michael continue the discussion on self-sabotaging thoughts and behavior, this week focusing on helplessness and how it prevents us from fulfilling our potential. Tune in as they explore how taking actions – big or small – that go directly against our helpless beliefs empowers us to create positive change in our lives.We can diminish our belief that we are helpless by choosing to change our mindset and truly opening ourselves to solutions – even when the solution isn’t what we thought it would be. – Monica BergFurther readings:Learned Helplessness by Dr. Martin Seligman 

In this episode of Spiritually Hungry, Monica and Michael delve into pessimism as a form of self-sabotage and how it actually doesn’t come from us but, rather, from what the kabbalists call the ‘negative inclination,’ or ego. Listen as they discuss ways in which to become more aware of our true essence so that we can constantly diminish our self-destructive thoughts and actions and, thereby, set ourselves up for lasting fulfillment. Living in a state where you believe that you are deserving and capable will most often lead to you manifesting good things in your life. – Michael Berg Further readings:Thinking Fast and Slow by Daniel Kahneman

In this episode of Spiritually Hungry, Monica and Michael explore sleep and dreams from a kabbalistic perspective, which explains that true rest not only rejuvenates the mind and body but also elevates and cleanses the soul. Listen as they expound upon the spiritual journey our souls experience when we sleep and share tools for entering into sleep with consciousness, showing us profound insights in our dreams and recharging us with blessings for the following day.  When we sleep, our soul leaves this world and goes back to its source, to truth. – Michael Berg Further readings:Lights Out by T.S. Wiley and Brent FormbyWhy We Sleep by Matthew Walker

In this episode of Spiritually Hungry, Monica and Michael broach the concept of focus as it relates to our ability to grow and connect to our true purpose in life. Tune in as they share spiritual tools and tips for avoiding distractions, identifying the things that actually serve our purpose, and training our minds to be 100% present in the truly valuable moments of our lives.Don’t allow distractions to steal the ‘now’ from you. – Monica BergFurther readings:The Power of Now by Eckhart Tolle Emotional Intelligence by Daniel Goleman

In this episode of Spiritually Hungry, Monica and Michael delve into the spiritual definitions of good and bad – good being anything that benefits us or others; bad being anything that hurts us or others. Listen as they explore ways to constantly connect with our true, ‘good’ essence and how doing so creates myriad blessings in our lives.  The negative inclination is not our essence, it’s an intruder. It’s also a tool, an opportunity to choose good every day. – Michael BergFurther readings:Thinking Fast and Slow by Daniel Kahneman 

In this episode of Spiritually Hungry, Monica and Michael discuss the spiritual concept of angels and how we can connect to their energy to support us in every facet of life. Listen as they explore how we can transform all of our negative thoughts, acts, and traits into positive entities that we can use to improve our life, as well as the experiences of the people around us. You are living the energy you have created. – Michael BergGet Out of Your Mind and into Your Life by Steven C. Hayes, PH.D. and Spencer SmithThe Complete Works of Ralph Waldo Emerson by Ralph Waldo Emerson

In this episode of Spiritually Hungry, Monica and Michael explore the meaning of true, unconditional love – romantic or otherwise – and its power to expand our souls. Tune in as they share tips and tools for receiving love from others and truly sharing our love with the people in our lives. Every single exchange in every day is an opportunity to show love – even to ourselves. – Monica BergFurther readings:Rethink Love by Monica BergThe Road Less Traveled by M. Scott Peck, M.D.

In this episode of Spiritually Hungry, Monica and Michael delve into death and why changing the way we view it has a big impact on the way we live. Listen as they discuss how becoming intimate with death — especially that of a loved one — is an incredible gift that teaches us how to profoundly reexamine our own life, make the necessary changes, and experience a life of fulfillment. Life is too important not to grab every minute of potential joy. – Michael Berg

In this episode of Spiritually Hungry, Monica and Michael explore the pain of loss and how we can infuse spirituality into the grieving process to help us better handle our sorrow. Listen as they share their personal experiences with loss and provide tools for avoiding becoming defined by our grief and, instead, growing from it. We can choose to see the grief we feel as the evidence of our incredible capacity to love. – Monica Berg