Becoming Me

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.

Episode 121    In this episode of Becoming Me, I delve into the contemplative heart of interior integration. I talk about the integration of spirituality, psychology, neuroscience, and other fields as essential in the journey of self-discovery. Using metaphors and reflecting on my own experiences, I emphasise the role of contemplation in managing life's paradoxes and challenges. I explain how contemplation, or being with God, serves as a foundational point, helping us embrace our complexities and live out our faith deeply. I offer assurance that, despite the complexities of the interior integration journey, finding stability in contemplation can bring peace and grace into our lives. I also suggest ways to cultivate awareness to recognise contemplative moments daily, guiding listeners towards profound self-understanding and a closer relationship with the divine.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 Heart of Interior Integration(00:09:42) - Exploring the Contemplative Heart(00:12:40) - The Power of Contemplation in Healing(00:15:41) - Embracing Paradoxes and Tensions(00:21:10) - Contemplation: Beyond "Saying Prayers"(00:23:01) - Real-Life Examples of Contemplation(00:37:58) - Cultivating Awareness and Stillness(00:40:11) - ConclusionTRANSCRIPTAvailable here.REFLECTION PROMPTWhat is contemplation? Do you find yourself being constantly busy? Have you experienced the stillness of God's love? Perhaps there has been an instance of this experience of stillness, even during a crisis. How can you live a life of contemplation?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 120    In this episode I highlight three common spiritual blocks: the inability to develop a close and intimate relationship with God, the struggle with being still and silent, and the challenges of discernment and decision-making.We often think of these as spiritual blocks, but in my experience, they have a lot to do with attachment trauma. Spirituality rests on the bedrock of our humanity, it is part of our humanity not apart from it. Our nervous system, body, our emotions, our rational mind - they all form an organic WHOLE that is much more than the sum of each part.This sharing will be particularly beneficial for spiritual directors and formators who may have more learning on spiritual development but less knowledge on how attachment wounds affect people’s ability to mature spiritually.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) - The Journey of Integration: A Personal Story(00:01:23) - Exploring the Intersection of Spirituality and Personal Growth(00:04:17) - The Role of Emotional Healing in Spiritual Direction(00:07:27) - Unveiling Three Spiritual Blocks Linked to Attachment Trauma(00:08:04) - The Impact of Religion and Spirituality on Mental Health(00:10:05) - Navigating Spiritual Blocks: Personal Reflections and Insights(00:25:40) - Understanding Attachment Styles and Their Influence on Spirituality(00:40:33) - Different Perspectives of Perfection and Wholeness(00:50:00) - ConclusionTRANSCRIPTAvailable here.REFLECTION PROMPTHave you experienced any of the three common spiritual blocks I've spoken about? Do you perhaps recognise these blocks in people close to you, in your communities? Think about an instance where you had to discern. How did it make you feel? Did you feel safe? Did you feel unconditionally loved by God?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 119    In this episode, I discuss the concept of spiritualising forgiveness and its implications in faith and daily life. I talk about how the struggles many people often face in integrating love and forgiveness in their lives are due to an insecure attachment with God and a fear of not doing the right thing. I talk about the pitfalls of spiritualising forgiveness and how true forgiveness should lead to human flourishing rather than spiritual subjugation. I discuss the necessity of healing ourselves instead of just focusing on forgiving others, arguing that forgiveness is both a journey and God's work, not ours alone. I conclude this episode by offering practical advice on working towards forgiveness within a secure relationship with God.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(00:00:13) - Introduction(00:00:50) - Exploring the Struggless with Forgiveness(00:03:34) - Three Signs Indicating you may be Spiritualising Forgiveness(00:09:32) - Understanding the True Essesnce of Forgiveness(00:23:09) - Real-Life Complexities of Forgiveness in our Relationships(00:29:48) - Exploring the Process of Forgiveness(00:30:40) - Why do we Spiritualise Forgiveness(00:38:41) - Embracing the Vastness of God's Love(00:47:24) - How to Navigate our Emotions and Forgiveness(00:55:04) - ConclusionTRANSCRIPTAvailable here.REFLECTION PROMPTDo you recognise any of the three signs of spiritualization in your life? Is your attachement with God secure? Perhaps, there is a more concrete step which you can take towards recognising spiritualising forgiveness in your life and relationships. What might that 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 118    In this episode, I dive deep into the topic of self-care, self-love, and how they relate to spirituality from a Christian perspective. I challenge the common misconception within some Christian circles that self-care may be seen as a sign of weakness or indulgence. I emphasise the importance of recognising our individual, personal needs for care and suggest that neglect of self-care might stem from past trauma. I encourage listeners to understand self-care as an expression of accepting God's love and affirm our worthiness for care, taking time to meet our physical needs without feeling guilty or indulgent. 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 MARKERS00:21 - Introduction00:50 - Exploring the Complexities of Self-Care in our Faith01:50 - The Misconceptions of Self-Care06:04 - Self-Care: Indulgence vs. Discipline13:33 - The Importance of Understanding Personal Needs17:42 - Personalism vs. Individualism: A Deeper Dive26:45 - Embracing Self-Care Without Shame32:05 - ConclusionTRANSCRIPTAvailable here.REFLECTION PROMPTWhat is your relationship with self-care and self-love? Does it bring up negative feelings or experiences for you? Perhaps you have judged yourself harshing for indulging in self-care, or recognise this in others. How can we be free to care for ourselves?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 117    In this in-depth discussion, I provide a Christian perspective on the journey of healing from complex trauma within a dysfunctional family setting. Six gentle reminders are shared for those trying to manage relationships within such dynamics: acknowledging the enmity; having a trustworthy third party; remembering self-abandonment is not love; not measuring up to an imagined ideal; grounding oneself in God's infinite love; and understanding that God sees the hidden suffering. I emphasise the need for truth, self-protection, understanding the nature of abuse, the necessity of setting boundaries, and the importance of grounding oneself in God's unconditional love.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(00:00:23) - Introduction(00:01:16) - The Challenges of Integration and Discipleship(00:03:08) - Navigating Love and Enmity within Our Families(00:04:10) - The Complexities of Healing and Relationships(00:07:36) - Recognising and Addressing Toxic Family Dynamics(00:11:05) - Six Gentle Reminders for Navigating Toxic Relathionships(00:32:48) - Dealing with the Impacts of Setting Boundaries(00:45:02) - ConclusionTRANSCRIPTAvailable here.REFLECTION PROMPTDid anything in my sharing resonate with you strongly? Think about the six reminders that I've shared about in this episode. Which of these are the hardest to live out? Which of these reminders give you the most comfort on this journey?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 116  In this episode I examine the connection between past emotional trauma and present conflicts in relationships. Aided by three personal stories, I illustrate how past familial conflicts have influenced my own internal emotional regulation triggering conflicts in my current relationships, especially within my marriage.I also share how greater self-awareness can lessen the severity of conflicts, promote reconciliation, and foster greater empathy in relationships. I encourage listeners to explore their emotional patterns noticing how certain behaviours might be influenced by past experiences and unresolved issues. 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(00:00:16) - Introduction(00:00:53) - Understanding the Importance of Interior Integration and Interior Healing(00:03:04) - My Journey of Conflict and Self-Discovery(00:05:57) - The Role of Past Experiences in Current Conflicts(00:13:07) - Example: The Impact of Financial Sress on my Relationships(00:19:55) - Recognising and Addressing Emotional Triggers(00:28:42) - The Journey of Self-Awareness and Healing(00:35:23) - The Importance of Repairing Relationships(00:38:40) - ConclusionTRANSCRIPTAvailable here.REFLECTION PROMPTHave you found yourself uncontrollably upset at someone or at a situation? Are the triggers in your life forming a pattern? Sometimes, we don't realised the effect our wounds have on our body. Certain incidents may trigger something in us, without us cognitively knowing first. Have you experienced something similar? What are your triggers? What are your patterns?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 115  In this episode I explore the concept of 'enmeshment', a term used in psychology to describe dysfunctional family systems marked by poor boundaries between family members and thus over-dependence (and co-dependence). I reflect on how growing up in an enmeshed family has affected my own mental health, relationships, and understanding of faith, leading me to develop a 'Messiah Complex' - or feeling compelled to constantly help others to my own detriment.I highlight the important role of understanding personal emotional health and trauma while practicing faith, and encourage listeners to be more compassionate with themselves, to become more whole, and grow in capacity to love well and healthily.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(00:00:58) - Understanding Enmeshment and Attachment Styles(00:06:44) - The Messiah Complex and its Consequences(00:09:06) - My Personal Experiences with the Messiah Complex(00:37:04) - The Impact of Enmeshment on Faith and Relationships(00:43:33) - The Journey Towards Healing and Wholeness(00:45:51) - The Importance of Alignment and Self-Understanding(00:54:59) - ConclusionTRANSCRIPTAvailable here.REFLECTION PROMPTHave you experienced having the Messiah Complex in your life? Perhaps you identify and have felt moments of enmeshment in some of your relationships. How have these experiences hindered your relationship with God? Has it hindered others' relationship with you or with God?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.