"To truly embrace the present moment, especially when we have no power to alter the result, it is essential that we approach life with compassion." - Michael John CusickWelcome to another episode of Restoring the Soul with Michael John Cusick. In today's episode, titled "Embracing the Unchangeable in the Messiness of Life," we dive into the antidote to negative messages, starting with the power of self-compassion and self-awareness. Julianne and Michael John Cusick explore the importance of becoming aware of what's happening within ourselves and around us and the value of offering self-compassion in the face of old negative tapes that often replay in our minds. They discuss the role of humility and confiding in others, creating a sense of community and healthy attachment. We'll also explore the act of offering a blessing to those struggling with negative messages, lack of self-compassion, and self-awareness. Join us as we journey through this episode filled with wisdom, vulnerability, and the transformative power of self-compassion and connection.ENGAGE THE RESTORING THE SOUL PODCAST:- Follow us on YouTube - Tweet us at @michaeljcusick and @PodcastRTS- Like us on Facebook- Follow us on Instagram & Twitter- Follow Michael on Twitter- Email us at info@restoringthesoul.com Thanks for listening!

 "I think sometimes that feels like this journey that we're on is that sometimes God asks us to let go of something, not for the sake of because that thing is bad, but he's like, there's something more that is even deeper, what you long for and desire in that." - Brian BoeckerIn this episode of Restoring the Soul, we dive into a fascinating conversation between Michael and Brian Boecker. Brian specializes in intensive counseling, particularly with missionaries, expatriates, and individuals who have lived abroad.Today's episode takes us on a deep exploration of the concept of finding one's life by losing it. Drawing inspiration from a passage in the Gospel of Luke, Michael and Brian debunk common misunderstandings about dying to self and losing oneself. Particularly in the context of addiction, many individuals mistakenly believe that dying to self means suppressing their own needs and desires, leading to feelings of worthlessness and a loss of self-value.Michael and Brian uncover the truth behind this misconception, revealing that unwanted behavior often stems from a deep desire that needs attention. They discuss how people often attach their desires to things they think will fulfill them, only to find that these attachments fall short. Through letting go of these attachments, one's true desire can be fully awakened.So get ready to be challenged and inspired as we delve into this thought-provoking conversation about finding life and discovering our true selves.ENGAGE THE RESTORING THE SOUL PODCAST:- Follow us on YouTube - Tweet us at @michaeljcusick and @PodcastRTS- Like us on Facebook- Follow us on Instagram & Twitter- Follow Michael on Twitter- Email us at info@restoringthesoul.com Thanks for listening!

"If you've met one person on the autism spectrum, you've met one person." — Michael John CusickIn today's episode, Michael is joined by his wife of 32 years, Julianne Cusick. Together, they delve into the fascinating topic of neurodiverse marriages.Neurodiversity encompasses a range of neuro differences, from autism to nonverbal learning disorder and everything in between. However, the diagnosis and understanding of neurodiversity can be challenging due to the lack of specific criteria. Commonly diagnosed conditions related to neurodiversity include mood disorders, anxiety, ADD/ADHD, and sensory integration disorder, among others.On the podcast, you'll hear how Michael and Julianne shed light on the experiences of neurodiverse individuals and their partners, exploring their unique challenges and dynamics in their relationships. Through their personal stories and professional expertise, Michael and Julianne provide valuable insights into the importance of communication, understanding each other's needs, and creating a shared language to bridge the gap between neurotypical and neurodiverse perspectives. They also delve into the impact of neurodiverse marriages on the neurotypical partner, offering guidance and support for those feeling emotionally neglected or frustrated.HELPFUL RESOURCES:www.AANE.orgwww.neurodiverselove.comhttps://www.christianneurodiversemarriage.com/The Journal of Best Practices: A Memoir of Marriage, Asperger Syndrome, and One Man's Quest to Be a Better HusbandENGAGE THE RESTORING THE SOUL PODCAST:- Follow us on YouTube - Tweet us at @michaeljcusick and @PodcastRTS- Like us on Facebook- Follow us on Instagram & Twitter- Follow Michael on Twitter- Email us at info@restoringthesoul.com Thanks for listening!

"After all that work, you started to wonder that there's got to be something else going on that we're missing." - Julianne CusickOn this episode of Restoring the Soul, Michael and Julianne Cusick have a candid conversation about neurodiversity and how it has impacted their marriage. They discuss terms like autism spectrum difference (ASD), neurodiverse, neurotypical, and neurodivergent, highlighting the importance of understanding and embracing these differences. Michael shares his personal experience of being diagnosed with Asperger's and how it has changed their perspective on their neurodiversity. They also discuss their communication challenges and how the concept of neurodiversity has provided insight and progress in their relationship. This episode offers a unique perspective on neurodiversity and its impact on marriage, providing valuable insights and understanding.HELPFUL RESOURCES:The Journal of Best Practices: A Memoir of Marriage, Asperger Syndrome, and One Man's Quest to Be a Better HusbandENGAGE THE RESTORING THE SOUL PODCAST:- Follow us on YouTube - Tweet us at @michaeljcusick and @PodcastRTS- Like us on Facebook- Follow us on Instagram & Twitter- Follow Michael on Twitter- Email us at info@restoringthesoul.com Thanks for listening!

"I think for myself, it's realizing that there is a journey has given me more patience sometimes with myself that it's okay, I haven't arrived. I can still be somebody who's learning and making mistakes." - Kyle WisdomOn this episode of Restoring the Soul, we have a special guest, Kyle Wisdom, who shares his transformative experience on a pilgrimage to St. Cuthbert's Way. Kyle takes us on a journey of anticipation, disappointment, and profound reflections. Throughout the episode, we explore the significance of pilgrimage in the Christian faith and how it can impact our daily spiritual lives. Kyle's pilgrimage becomes a metaphor for navigating the twists and turns of everyday life, emphasizing the importance of living with anticipation. ENGAGE THE RESTORING THE SOUL PODCAST:- Follow us on YouTube - Tweet us at @michaeljcusick and @PodcastRTS- Like us on Facebook- Follow us on Instagram & Twitter- Follow Michael on Twitter- Email us at info@restoringthesoul.com Thanks for listening!

"What is the way that you can connect with your heart and become aware of the presence of God in your life?" - Michael John CusickOn this episode of Restoring the Soul, Michael dives into practicing devotions and the significance of having them in our spiritual journey. He explores different ways to connect with our hearts and become aware of the presence of God in our lives. Whether walking, praying, or remembering scripture, there are countless ways to cultivate a deeper relationship with Jesus.Michael emphasizes the need for deeper connection and understanding. Sharing insights from his experience as a therapist and conversations with people across the country, he addresses the struggles many face in sustaining a spiritual practice and offers alternative language that aligns with our hearts.Together, we'll navigate struggles, guilt, and the purpose of having regular devotions. Remember, your devotional life and spiritual practices are not meant to earn anything but to posture our hearts to make space for God, who already dwells within us. HELPFUL RESOURCES:- Episode 268 - Michael John Cusick, "The Art of Listening: Cultivating Intimacy with God through Lectio Divina"- Episode 267 - Michael John Cusick, "Slow Down and Open Your Heart with Lectio Divina: 5 Reasons to Learn"- Opening to God: Lectio Divina and Life as Prayer- Too Deep for Words: Rediscovering Lectio Divina ENGAGE THE RESTORING THE SOUL PODCAST:- Follow us on YouTube - Tweet us at @michaeljcusick and @PodcastRTS- Like us on Facebook- Follow us on Instagram & Twitter- Follow Michael on Twitter- Email us at info@restoringthesoul.com Thanks for listening!

"It's about letting the words and the images wash over you. It's about allowing them to surround you. It's about allowing God's spirit to draw you close." - Michael John CusickOn this episode of Restoring the Soul, Michael discusses the practice of Lectio Divina, a spiritual reading practice that deepens one's relationship with God. He reflects on the importance of the four movements: reading, reflecting, responding, and resting. Michael also shares personal experiences and insights, emphasizing the need to listen for words and images when engaging with scripture. Join him as he invites listeners to practice Lectio Divina using a passage from Matthew 11:28-30, known for teaching about learning the unforced rhythms of grace. Throughout the episode, Michael encourages listeners to embrace silence, respond authentically, and find rest in God's words. HELPFUL RESOURCES:- Episode 267 - Michael John Cusick, "Slow Down and Open Your Heart with Lectio Divina: 5 Reasons to Learn"- Opening to God: Lectio Divina and Life as Prayer- Too Deep for Words: Rediscovering Lectio DivinaENGAGE THE RESTORING THE SOUL PODCAST:- Follow us on YouTube - Tweet us at @michaeljcusick and @PodcastRTS- Like us on Facebook- Follow us on Instagram & Twitter- Follow Michael on Twitter- Email us at info@restoringthesoul.com Thanks for listening!

"I didn't need more information about God. I needed more experience with God." - Michael John CusickIf you're like us, you always seek to grow your relationship with God. In this week's episode of Restoring the Soul, Michael explores the practice of Lectio Divina and the many benefits it offers for scripture readers. He shares five key aspects of the practice, including how it helps to slow down and create a spiritual conversation while posturing our hearts to receive. This episode dives deep into the importance of taking a posture of receiving, personalizing scripture through a holistic prayer, and using imagination to experience God beyond left-brain knowledge. Lectio Divina may be the answer you've been searching for if you struggle with motivation or finding meaning in traditional spiritual disciplines. So why not slow down and explore this transformative practice? Through this exploration, we hope you will gain a newfound understanding of how Lectio Divina can help you connect more deeply with God.HELPFUL RESOURCES:Opening to God: Lectio Divina and Life as PrayerToo Deep for Words: Rediscovering Lectio DivinaENGAGE THE RESTORING THE SOUL PODCAST:- Follow us on YouTube - Tweet us at @michaeljcusick and @PodcastRTS- Like us on Facebook- Follow us on Instagram & Twitter- Follow Michael on Twitter- Email us at info@restoringthesoul.com Thanks for listening!

"I think there's ways in which I've defined life on the banks. To get into the river would be, in a sense, losing my life. But there's actually something that awakens in me, and I begin to see I was actually made to be in the river." - Brian BoeckerEver feel stuck in life and not sure how to move forward? Our colleague at Restoring the Soul, Brian Boecker, joined us to help you unravel this feeling and guide you towards the River of Integration, a powerful concept by Dan Siegel that embodies the flow of energy and defines mental health and well-being. Discover how understanding your family system and navigating the banks of rigidity and chaos can lead to harmony and expansive well-being.Together with Brian, we let go of control and find solace in the parable of the Prodigal Son, viewing the river's banks as coping strategies and embracing vulnerability. We also emphasize the importance of community and leaning on others in times of struggle, breaking free from cultural biases of individualism. Don't miss out on this insightful episode that will inspire you to examine your life and move towards greater well-being. Join us on this journey toward healing and integration!HELPFUL RESOURCES:Episode 215 - Brian Boecker, "The Awakening: A Move Toward Wholeness"Episode 223 - Brian Boecker, "False Self vs. True Self"ENGAGE THE RESTORING THE SOUL PODCAST:- Follow us on YouTube - Tweet us at @michaeljcusick and @PodcastRTS- Like us on Facebook- Follow us on Instagram & Twitter- Follow Michael on Twitter- Email us at info@restoringthesoul.com Thanks for listening!

“You will be at your best if you are doing it from a rested soul.” - Alan FadlingFeeling overwhelmed and exhausted, Alan Fadling's life spiraled out of control until he discovered a game-changing practice that completely transformed his life. His mentors introduced him to the art of taking a day each month for solitude and reflection, which helped him reconnect with his true purpose. This monthly retreat catalyzed Alan to create a daily journaling practice that allowed him to explore his thoughts and emotions and capture meaningful moments with God. The unexpected twist? It only took five minutes each day to start seeing a significant difference in his mental health. Unleash the power of five minutes and discover a new level of peace and balance in your life.In this episode, you will be able to:Discover the benefits of incorporating mindful moments in your daily life for spiritual growth.Learn how dedicating time each day to mental well-being can transform your outlook.Uncover techniques for fostering a deeper connection with oneself and the divine through an unhurried pace.Explore the power of journaling as a tool for self-discovery and fostering a dialogue with your higher power.Realize the importance of communal connection and the nurturing space it can create while slowing down.Alan is the president and founder of Unhurried Living, inspiring people to rest deeper, live fuller, and lead better.HELPFUL RESOURCES:Episode 237 - Gem Fadling, “Hold That Thought"Episode 238 - Alan Fadling, “An Unhurried Life"ENGAGE THE RESTORING THE SOUL PODCAST:- Follow us on YouTube - Tweet us at @michaeljcusick and @PodcastRTS- Like us on Facebook- Follow us on Instagram & Twitter- Follow Michael on Twitter- Email us at info@restoringthesoul.com Thanks for listening!