Becoming Me

Episode 131In this episode, I share my personal journey from having a disembodied faith, which was largely intellectual and disconnected from my emotional and physical experiences, to developing an embodied faith that integrates my beliefs with all aspects of my life. I delve into what disembodied faith means, why many of us experience faith this way, and the transformative process towards embodying our faith. Through my own story of interior healing and integration, I highlight three key signs that indicate a shift towards a more incarnate, lived faith, emphasising the importance of embracing the messiness and challenges of this journey. The goal is to offer hope and understanding for those on the path to a more holistic and authentic experience of faith.Watch this recording on YouTube.Follow me on my Instagram account @animann for more material on the integration journey and subscribe to my monthly reflections on Begin Again.CHAPTER MARKERS00:00:25) - Introduction(00:03:52) - What is "Disembodied Faith"?(00:10:47) - Why is our Faith Disembodied?(00:15:27) - Three Signs of Disembodied Faith(00:15:36) - Preoccupation with Understanding the Content of our Faith(00:17:13) - Discrepancies Start to Bother Us(00:19:39) - We are more Drawn to People in Touch with their Humanity(00:21:06) - You can't Force on Yourself the "Right Thing"(00:24:09) - Befriending our Emotions(00:27:31) - Not being Afraid of Criticism(00:30:42) - Secure in Love(00:40:00) - ConclusionTRANSCRIPTAvailable here.REFLECTION PROMPTDo you struggle to make an authentic self-gift of yourself without abandoning yourself? Where might you have learned that abandoning yourself is a good thing? Are you open to changing your mind and believing that it is authentic self-gift that Christ is inviting you to make?Support the showSUBSCRIBE | FOLLOW | SUPPORTSocial Media:Follow Ann Yeong on Instagram or Facebook.Newsletter:Subscribe to Begin Again for Ann's updates and reflections.Support the Show:Monthly Support (starting at USD$3)One-time DonationLeave a Review:If this podcast has blessed you, please leave a review by clicking here.

Episode 130In this episode, I share my deep personal reflections on what it means to lay down my life in alignment with Christ, but without feeling lesser for it. Growing up in an enmeshed family system with rigid expectations of selflessness, ingrained through my Catholic upbringing, I faced challenges in understanding genuine self-sacrifice. I discuss the subtle yet critical difference between self-abandonment—a state that breeds resentment and diminishes self-worth—and genuine self-gift which is free and joyful, enriching both myself and others. My aim is to guide listeners on a path towards emotional health and authentic self-giving, highlighting the impact on family, faith, and self-perception of our ability to love authentically.Watch this recording on YouTube.Follow me on my Instagram account @animann for more material on the integration journey and subscribe to my monthly reflections on Begin Again.CHAPTER MARKERS00:00 Introduction: Reflecting on Self-Sacrifice and Authentic Living00:37 Exploring the Roots: Family, Faith, and Self-Perception01:35 The Struggle with Self-Abandonment and Seeking Approval04:45 Discovering the Difference: Self-Abandonment vs. Self-Gift07:38 The Journey Towards Emotional Health and Authentic Self-Gift11:15 Understanding Self-Abandonment: Signs and Consequences19:36 Embracing Self-Gift: The Path to Freedom and Joy28:44 Conclusion: The Power of Authentic Self-Gift and HealingTRANSCRIPTAvailable here.REFLECTION PROMPTDo you struggle to make an authentic self-gift of yourself without abandoning yourself? Where might you have learned that abandoning yourself is a good thing? Are you open to changing your mind and believing that it is authentic self-gift that Christ is inviting you to make?Support the showSUBSCRIBE | FOLLOW | SUPPORTSocial Media:Follow Ann Yeong on Instagram or Facebook.Newsletter:Subscribe to Begin Again for Ann's updates and reflections.Support the Show:Monthly Support (starting at USD$3)One-time DonationLeave a Review:If this podcast has blessed you, please leave a review by clicking here.

Episode 129In this episode, I engage in a deep and meaningful conversation with Catholic author and trauma therapist Brya Hanan. We delve into the complexities of trauma, particularly how it intersects with our faith journey. We explore how experiencing a resistance to going to church and attending mass can be a trauma response, and the importance of compassion and understanding in addressing these issues. This conversation aims to open up a space for greater empathy and curiosity about the unseen struggles of others, offering hope and guidance for those grappling with trauma in their spiritual lives.GUEST PROFILE: BRYA HANAN LMFTWatch this recording on YouTube.RESOURCES ON SPIRITUAL TRAUMATrauma in the Pews: The Impact on Faith and Spiritual Practices by Janyne McConnaughey, PhD.The Lord Is My Shepherd: Stepping Through the Shadows of Fear Toward the Voice of Love by KJ RamseyThe Holy/Hurt Podcast by Dr. Hillary L McBrideFollow me on my Instagram account @animann for more material on the integration journey and subscribe to my monthly reflections on Begin Again.CHAPTER MARKERS(00:00:22) - Introduction(00:00:51) - Special Guest: Brya Hanan, Catholic Trauma Therapist(00:01:46) - Personal Journey of Faith and Trauma(00:03:24) - Understanding Trauma Responses(00:05:31) - Reconnecting with Faith(00:06:18) - The Impact of Trauma in a Church Setting(00:08:26) - What Inner Child Healing Can Do(00:11:43) - Integrating Therapy and Faith(00:15:39) - Being Trauma-Informed(00:24:20) - Trauma and Religious Practices(00:33:45) - Understanding Our Bodies(00:34:09) - Can I Will Myself? Is it all in my Mind?(00:36:00) - The Impact of Trauma Responses(00:43:49) - What goes on Behind the Scenes with Trauma(00:47:22) - Integrating Faith and Holistic Healing(00:51:47) - Useful Resources(00:54:38) - Final ThoughtsTRANSCRIPTAvailable here.REFLECTION PROMPTHave you been struggling with going to mass or with something similar? Do you notice how your body feels and reacts? This could be an impact of trauma. Has there anything else in this episode that speaks to you?Support the showSUBSCRIBE | FOLLOW | SUPPORTSocial Media:Follow Ann Yeong on Instagram or Facebook.Newsletter:Subscribe to Begin Again for Ann's updates and reflections.Support the Show:Monthly Support (starting at USD$3)One-time DonationLeave a Review:If this podcast has blessed you, please leave a review by clicking here.

Episode 128    In this final episode of the season, I share how my understanding of faithfulness has evolved as I healed. Initially, my understanding of faithfulness was deeply rooted in a binary, performance-based perspective, influenced by my cultural and religious upbringing. I viewed it as a straightforward measure of adherence to a set of religious practices and moral standards, essentially a checklist that delineated a clear boundary between being faithful and unfaithful. This perspective was challenged and eventually transformed through a journey of interior healing and unlearning, prompted by encounters with others who shared their struggles and a pivotal personal retreat that revealed the inadequacy of my foundational beliefs about faithfulness. I came to realise that faithfulness is not about meeting a predefined set of criteria perfectly but about authentic engagement with God's love and grace amidst our imperfections. This new understanding of faithfulness as dynamic, multi-layered, and diverse in expression, deeply influenced by personal context and inner disposition, has significantly altered how I perceive myself and others, fostering a more compassionate and nuanced view of our collective striving towards faithfulness. Watch this recording on YouTube.Follow me on my Instagram account @animann for more material on the integration journey and subscribe to my monthly reflections on Begin Again.CHAPTER MARKERS(00:00:17) - Introduction(00:02:01) - The Importance of Conviction and Integration(00:07:20) - The Role of Trauma in Personal Growth(00:10:21) - Virtue and Emotion Regulation(00:11:51) - The Struggle of Living Out Convictions(00:13:58) - God's Love in Personal Transformation(00:25:58) - The Challenge of Living Out Conovictions in Relationships(00:26:59) - The Journey of Healing and Integration(00:29:52) - The Role of Discernment in the Interior Journey(00:43:20) - ConclusionTRANSCRIPTAvailable here.REFLECTION PROMPTHave you experienced being full of passion and conviction about the kind of life you want to live while realising that you don't have the power to make that conviction a reality in your life? Can you identify how a lack of integration may be the reason for that?Support the showSUBSCRIBE | FOLLOW | SUPPORTSocial Media:Follow Ann Yeong on Instagram or Facebook.Newsletter:Subscribe to Begin Again for Ann's updates and reflections.Support the Show:Monthly Support (starting at USD$3)One-time DonationLeave a Review:If this podcast has blessed you, please leave a review by clicking here.

Episode 127    In this podcast episode, I open up about a deeply personal and often stigmatised issue - my struggle with compulsions and addictions. I discuss how these issues are not only challenging to confront but are also shrouded in shame and secrecy, particularly when they deal with substance abuse or sex. Drawing from my experiences, I reflect on the societal pressure to maintain an image of responsibility and control, and how even socially acceptable compulsions, like binge-watching TV or overworking, can trigger feelings of shame. I share the profound impact that self-criticism and a lack of compassion have had on my journey, emphasising the pivotal role of interior integration in my healing process. Through exploring concepts like Internal Family Systems (IFS) and the importance of understanding the underlying trauma behind compulsive behaviors, I advocate for a compassionate approach to oneself. The episode highlights my transformation towards self-love, emphasising that divine love and self-compassion are crucial for overcoming compulsions and addictions and finding wholeness.Watch this recording on YouTube.Follow me on my Instagram account @animann for more material on the integration journey and subscribe to my monthly reflections on Begin Again.CHAPTER MARKERS(00:00:21) - Introduction(00:01:36) - The Shame of Compulsions and Addictions(00:02:49) - Personal Struggles and Shame(00:06:05) - The Cycle of Addiction and Repentance(00:11:34) - Experiencing God's Unconditional Love(00:15:41) - The Role of Self-Compassion(00:28:16) - Internal Family Systems (IFS)(00:29:07) - 1. Managers(00:29:50) - 2. Exiles(00:30:48) - 3. Firefighters(00:37:15) - ConclusionTRANSCRIPTAvailable here.REFLECTION PROMPTHave you ever found yourself in similar patterns of compulsion? Are you able to recognise the root of these addictions and compulsions? Think about some of the ways you have been using certain compulsions and habits to escape unpleasantness in your life. Is there a better way?Support the showSUBSCRIBE | FOLLOW | SUPPORTSocial Media:Follow Ann Yeong on Instagram or Facebook.Newsletter:Subscribe to Begin Again for Ann's updates and reflections.Support the Show:Monthly Support (starting at USD$3)One-time DonationLeave a Review:If this podcast has blessed you, please leave a review by clicking here.

Episode 126    In this episode, I delve into a poignant question raised during a webinar Q&A session about whether connecting with oneself inevitably enhances our connections with others, especially when expressing our true selves might not be warmly accepted by everyone. I unravel the complexities surrounding authentic connections, emphasising the significance of embracing our true selves for genuine interactions and personal growth. I reflect on personal experiences and the challenges of maintaining authenticity in relationships. I explore the indicators of growth on this journey, highlighting the fruits of the Holy Spirit as markers of deep, authentic self-connection and its profound impact on our relationships. This episode aims to broaden our understanding of how true self-connection can foster more meaningful and authentic relationships, despite the challenges that may arise.Watch this recording on YouTube.Follow me on my Instagram account @animann for more material on the integration journey and subscribe to my monthly reflections on Begin Again.CHAPTER MARKERS(00:00:00) - Embracing Your True Self & Making Authentic Connections(00:00:21) - Introduction(00:00:58) - Unveiling the True Self(00:02:33) - Addressing a Vital Question: Authenticity and Connection(00:05:25) - Exploring the Nuances of Authentic Connections(00:09:17) - The Challenge of Being True to Oneself(00:16:17) - Authenticity in Relationships(00:23:37) - Indicators of Growth in the Interior Journey(00:23:59) - Fruits of the Holy Spirit(00:33:25) - ConclusionTRANSCRIPTAvailable here.REFLECTION PROMPTHow has this episode resonated with you? Do you struggle with authenticity and living out your true self? What are some factors that make it challenging? Think about the relationships and connections in your life. Do you think they are authentic?Support the showSUBSCRIBE | FOLLOW | SUPPORTSocial Media:Follow Ann Yeong on Instagram or Facebook.Newsletter:Subscribe to Begin Again for Ann's updates and reflections.Support the Show:Monthly Support (starting at USD$3)One-time DonationLeave a Review:If this podcast has blessed you, please leave a review by clicking here.

Episode 125    In this episode of our current series, I delve into the topic of whether choosing a therapist or spiritual director of the same faith, specifically Christian or Catholic, is crucial for one's journey towards interior integration. How important is a therapist’s faith in their effectiveness for our interior journey and how much difference would having a Christian/Catholic therapist make vs one who doesn’t share our faith?In this video I unpack the subconscious assumptions we have about Christian/Catholic therapists and systematically explain why a therapist’s professional competence and ability to offer a safe, judgment-free space for healing is much more important than their professed faith in helping us in our interior integration journey. Watch this recording on YouTube.Follow me on my Instagram account @animann for more material on the integration journey and subscribe to my monthly reflections on Begin Again.CHAPTER MARKERS(00:00:00) - Introduction(00:00:48) - The Importance of Choosing the Right Therapist(00:02:03) - Choosing a Catholic / Christian Therapist(00:03:38) - The Significance of a Therapist's Faith(00:13:33) - Why Professional Competence Outweighs Faith in Therapy(00:19:23) - Understanding What 'Catholic Therapist' Really Means(00:26:36) - The Impact of Professional Competence and Integrity(00:29:43) - Navigating Therapy with Faith and Emotional Healing(00:31:44) - The Importance of Choosing the Right Therapist(00:32:26) - Personal Responsibility in Therapy and Integration(00:43:56) - The Role of a Therapist's Faith(00:57:06) - ConclusionTRANSCRIPTAvailable here.REFLECTION PROMPTAfter listening to my sharing, how do you feel? Do you still think that a counsellor or therapist of the same faith is important? Why do you feel this way? If you have been for counselling or therapy, what was your experience like? Was it a safe space for you? If you're looking to start your counselling journey, what do you look for in a counsellor or therapist?Support the showSUBSCRIBE | FOLLOW | SUPPORTSocial Media:Follow Ann Yeong on Instagram or Facebook.Newsletter:Subscribe to Begin Again for Ann's updates and reflections.Support the Show:Monthly Support (starting at USD$3)One-time DonationLeave a Review:If this podcast has blessed you, please leave a review by clicking here.

Episode 124    In this episode, I delve into the continuation of my exploration on seeking guidance, pivoting from the quest for a spiritual director to the intricate process of choosing a therapist. I reveal key considerations that have shaped my approach, highlighting the vital step of discerning which 'layer of life' demands healing - be it surface-level challenges or the deeper, foundational issues of one's core self. Drawing from my own experiences with counseling and psychotherapy, I elucidate the differences between the two, emphasising how they cater to distinct needs, from coping with immediate external stressors to addressing profound and complex traumas. Additionally, I address pragmatic aspects like budgeting for therapy sessions and the importance of a therapist's qualifications, their understanding of trauma, and their commitment to professional growth. This is a highly practical episode for listeners new to discerning whether a therapist is a good match for them.Watch this recording on YouTube.Follow me on my Instagram account @animann for more material on the integration journey and subscribe to my monthly reflections on Begin Again.CHAPTER MARKERS(00:00:18) - Introduction(00:00:55) - Continuing My Sharing: From Spiritual Directors to Therapists(00:03:48) - Understanding the Layers of Life for Healing(00:08:42) - Choosing Between Counseling and Psychotherapy(00:16:59) - Starting Your Therapeutic Journey: Tips and Considerations(00:26:52) - Navigating Budget and Professional Expertise in Therapy(00:37:34) - ConclusionTRANSCRIPTAvailable here.REFLECTION PROMPTHas anything from my sharing resonated with you? Do you feel like you have plateaued in this season of your journey? Could you be in a space of needing something different, something more? Consider this for a moment, and be open to where God may lead you. What might your next step be?  Support the showSUBSCRIBE | FOLLOW | SUPPORTSocial Media:Follow Ann Yeong on Instagram or Facebook.Newsletter:Subscribe to Begin Again for Ann's updates and reflections.Support the Show:Monthly Support (starting at USD$3)One-time DonationLeave a Review:If this podcast has blessed you, please leave a review by clicking here.

Episode 123    In this in-depth episode, I share my personal experiences and insights on the importance and process of selecting a spiritual director to guide one's spiritual journey.  I outline five key considerations that have proved pivotal in my journey: assessing the spiritual director's emotional and spiritual maturity, understanding my current spiritual needs and season, recognising the stage of my interior journey, considering my budget and the different types of spiritual directors available, and finally, the critical role of discernment in action, emphasizing the reliance on synchronicity and God's guidance. Alongside these considerations, I share my reflections, personal anecdotes and recommend several books that have greatly aided me in navigating my own spiritual path.Books mentioned:The Friend of the Bridegroom by Thomas H. Green SJExperiencing God: The Three Stages of Prayer by Thomas H. Green SJOpening to God: A Guide to Prayer by Thomas H. Green SJArmchair Mystic: How Contemplative Prayer Can Lead You Closer to God by Mark Thibodeaux SJWatch this recording on YouTube.Follow me on my Instagram account @animann for more material on the integration journey and subscribe to my monthly reflections on Begin Again.CHAPTER MARKERS(00:00:14) - Introduction(00:00:51) - The Importance of Choosing the Right Spiritual Director(00:04:53) - Five Key Considerations for Selecting a Spiritual Director(00:14:56) - Understanding Your Needs and Where You are on Your Journey(00:26:20) - Practical Aspects: Budget and Types of Spiritual Directors(00:35:32) - Taking Action in Your Discernment Process(00:37:49) - The Grace of Synchronicity in Spiritual Guidance(00:42:19) - Transitioning Between Spiritual Directors: Embracing Change(00:49:25) - Navigating Seasons Without a Spiritual Director(00:51:23) - Leveraging Books for Spiritual Direction and Growth(01:01:34) - ConclusionTRANSCRIPTAvailable here.REFLECTION PROMPTHas any of the five key considerations resonated with you in my sharing? Perhaps you have experienced and noticed one or more of these considerations in your life. Are there any the signs that you should discern changing your current spiritual director? What might your experience of these signs be? If you do not yet have a spiritual director, which of these considerationSupport the showSUBSCRIBE | FOLLOW | SUPPORTSocial Media:Follow Ann Yeong on Instagram or Facebook.Newsletter:Subscribe to Begin Again for Ann's updates and reflections.Support the Show:Monthly Support (starting at USD$3)One-time DonationLeave a Review:If this podcast has blessed you, please leave a review by clicking here.

Episode 122    This episode covers practical advice for individuals deeply invested in their integrated spiritual and emotional healing journeys. I particularly emphasise the importance of recognising when it might be time to change one's spiritual director or therapist and provide listeners with THREE signs that may indicate that it is time for a change.There is often a natural evolution in such guidance relationships because progress in one's spiritual journey may necessitate change due to the different stages of personal development and the inherent limitations of any single guide. Three main signs indicating the need for a new spiritual direction or therapeutic relationship are elaborated upon: the feeling of plateauing in one's growth, a change in the dynamics of the relationship that may challenge its professional boundaries, and a reduction in the feeling of safety with the current spiritual director or therapist. The discussion also stresses the importance of being trauma-informed and recognising when deeper therapeutic work is needed beyond spiritual direction. This episode will help listeners discern their needs more effectively and make changes that support their ongoing spiritual and emotional growth.Watch this recording on YouTube.Follow me on my Instagram account @animann for more material on the integration journey and subscribe to my monthly reflections on Begin Again.CHAPTER MARKERS(00:00:26) - Introduction(00:01:04) - The Importance of Choosing the Right Spiritual Director or Counselor(00:04:39) - Understanding the Need for Change in Spiritual Guidance(00:10:11) - Sign #1: You're No Longer Growing(00:16:26) - Sign #2: The Relationship Has Changed(00:21:29) - Sign #3: You No Longer Feel Safe(00:30:43) - Navigating the Transition: Moving On(00:36:11) - ConclusionTRANSCRIPTAvailable here.REFLECTION PROMPTDid anything resonate with you in my Live sharing? Have you experienced any of the three signs that I've shared? Perhaps you have experienced more that one of the signs. What is stopping you from moving on to other resources?Support the showSUBSCRIBE | FOLLOW | SUPPORTSocial Media:Follow Ann Yeong on Instagram or Facebook.Newsletter:Subscribe to Begin Again for Ann's updates and reflections.Support the Show:Monthly Support (starting at USD$3)One-time DonationLeave a Review:If this podcast has blessed you, please leave a review by clicking here.