Grit and Zen Podcast
by A journey to the Self.
Kurt Armstrong, a former substance abuser and violent offender, transformed his life through Yoga and meditation. Now a certified Yoga instructor (200hr RYT), he shares his journey of self-discovery and healing, aiming to inspire others to embrace change and find their Self. Kurt completed Yoga Teacher Training through the Prison Yoga Project, with a focus on trauma-informed Yoga.He has studied eastern philosophy for most of his life and has been doing Asana practice for over 14 years. He now follows the path of Raja Yoga; encompassing the entire 8 limbs of Yoga.Kurt shares insights, Yogic philosophy, & more. www.gritandzen.com
Episodes
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There is no next move.
In this episode of the Grit and Zen Podcast, “There is no next move” I reflect on my journey toward radical acceptance and a philosophy of “no next move.” Working as a bartender, I discuss my choice to quit alcohol, my reassessment of heavy cannabis use, and my belief in living without judgment.…
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A form of digital rebellion
I deleted WhatsApp and all social media, citing Meta ownership and lack of utility. I canceled music subscriptions to avoid curation, seeking immersion in reality rather than technology. Discarding smartphones enables presence, reducing anxiety and fostering true connections. Turning devices off...
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To be in a constant state of observation.
Kurt Armstrong hosts the Grit and Zen Podcast to share a journey involving Raja Yoga and non-attachment. He distinguishes non-attachment from detachment, rejecting ownership of objects or music and viewing attachment to people as leading to codependency. Non-attachment means loving without...
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Back from the East Coast / Ramble - BONUS Episode
Kurt Armstrong shares a podcast update on his journey from abusive behavior through therapy and jail time. After a fall, his father was hospitalized in Connecticut; Kurt traveled there to surrender control and offer positive energy. Care for the father ensured full-time support. A meeting with…
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Put the phone away.
This episode shares a regenerative journey toward sustainability and unconditional love. He criticizes constant phone use as digital addiction and advocates intentional disconnection, embodying kindness and renouncing the digital world as protest. Solutions include putting phones away, disabling...
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I am.
Kurt Armstrong hosts the Grit and Zen Podcast, discussing permaculture-inspired self-regeneration and acceptance of past substance abuse. He follows an ital diet, seeks detachment from identity, and navigates dualistic work as a bartender while embracing presence. Self-realization centers on the...
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Free of desires yet filled with love.
* Blessings and Well Wishes: The speaker offers blessings and wishes for a good day or evening to listeners in any situation. * Shared Positive Qualities: Love, joy, and happiness are described as always present and not requiring effort to obtain. * Disinterest in Small Talk: The speaker finds...
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Tamed the ego.
Kurt Armstrong, host of the Grit and Zen podcast, shares his journey from a life of fear and stress to one of love and connection with God. He discusses the ego, explaining how it separates us from the world and drives us to create masks and identities. Kurt believes that shedding the ego allows…
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Non-duality | No differences, no comparisons.
The podcast episode explores the idea of living in the present moment and avoiding comparison and judgment. The host argues that comparing experiences, possessions, or oneself to others detracts from the inherent joy and appreciation of each experience. The host also critiques the influence of...
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The social media exit.
The host, Kurt Armstrong, explains his decision to step away from mainstream social media, citing concerns about misinformation, algorithmic control, and the negative impact on human interaction and the natural world. He emphasizes the importance of living in the present moment, engaging in...
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LOVE over fear.
Kurt Armstrong, host of the Grit and Zen podcast, introduces the third season, which will focus on deeper philosophical discussions. He explains his decision to withdraw from social media, viewing it as a tool for control and distraction, and emphasizes the importance of meditation and stillness...
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Ishvara Pranidhana (Surrender) | Niyamas | Yogic Philosophy
The final Niyama, Ishvara Pranidhana, is about surrender and devotion, not just giving up but letting go. It involves dedicating one’s life to the benefit of humanity, seeing God in everything, and practicing non-attachment. By surrendering to a higher power and offering efforts and results to...
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Svadhyaya (Spiritual Study) | Niyamas | Yogic Philosophy
The fourth Niyama, Svadhyaya, emphasizes self-study and self-reflection. This involves observing one’s thoughts, habits, and actions without judgment, leading to a deeper understanding of oneself and the ability to make positive changes. The goal is to align oneself with their true self, free…
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Tapas (Austerity) | Niyamas | Yogic Philosophy
The third Niyama, Tapas, translates to austerity and is about embracing self-discipline and accepting suffering to purify the mind and body. The host shares a personal story about quitting a hockey team due to ego, highlighting the importance of perseverance and accepting challenges as...
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Santosha (Contentment) | Niyamas | Yogic Philosophy
The podcast continues its discussion of yogic philosophy, focusing on the second niyama, Santosha, or contentment. Contentment is defined as accepting the present moment without attachment to outcomes, leading to supreme joy. The host emphasizes the importance of self-care and selfless service,...
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Saucha (Purity / Cleanliness) | Niyamas | Yogic Philosophy
The next five episodes of the Grit and Zen podcast will explore the Nyamas, observances in the 8-limbed path of yoga. The first Niyama, Sacha, emphasizes purity and detachment from the physical body. This detachment allows for a deeper connection with the divine and a focus on spiritual growth.…
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Aparigraha (Non-Possessiveness) | Yamas | Yogic Philosophy
The podcast episode explores the yogic principle of Aparigraha, or non-possessiveness, as outlined in the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali. The host, Kurt Armstrong, discusses how practicing Aparigraha can lead to a deeper understanding of one’s life and reduce suffering by letting go of attachments to...
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Brahmacharya (Continence) | Yamas | Yogic Philosophy
The Grit and Zen podcast, hosted by Kurt Armstrong, explores the path of Raja yoga, emphasizing its depth beyond physical practice. This episode delves into the fourth Yama, Brahmacharya, often associated with celibacy but more accurately understood as moderation and energy conservation. The...
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Asteya (Non-stealing) | Yamas | Yogic Philosophy
The podcast episode explores the yogic principle of Asteya, or non-stealing, as outlined in the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali. The host delves into the concept of non-stealing, emphasizing that it extends beyond material possessions to include ideas, opportunities, and even the natural world. The...
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Satya (Truthfulness) | Yamas | Yogic Philosophy
The Grit and Zen podcast, hosted by Kurt Armstrong, explores his journey of self-improvement and accountability. This episode focuses on the yogic philosophy of Raja yoga, specifically the second yama, Satya, or truthfulness. Kurt emphasizes the importance of aligning with one’s true self and the...
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Ahimsa (Non-violence) | Yamas | Yogic Philosophy
The host, Kurt Armstrong, shares his journey towards a Zen-like state of mind, emphasizing personal accountability and the importance of love over fear. He introduces the Yamas and Nyamas, ethical restraints and personal observances in yoga philosophy, as guidelines for living a fulfilling life....
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The love you give is reflected back to you.
The host, Kurt Armstrong, shares his journey of personal growth and self-love, emphasizing the importance of shedding societal labels and embracing one’s true self. He discusses his past mistakes, including substance abuse and a violent background, and his commitment to personal development,...
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To view the world as a work of art
Kurt Armstrong, host of the Grit and Zen podcast, discusses viewing the world as a work of art. He emphasizes the importance of gratitude and appreciation for all creations, whether natural or man-made. Armstrong shares his personal journey of self-discovery and spiritual growth, highlighting the...
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Back on the air! / Update episode
Kurt Armstrong, host of the Grit and Zen podcast, discusses his personal journey, including his struggles with sobriety and a recent relapse on cannabis. He reflects on the importance of being present in the moment and his commitment to his spiritual journey, which includes a nine-month…
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All the answers lie inside of you
The podcast host believes all answers to life’s questions, from diet to spirituality, are within us and the collective consciousness. He argues external sources, often profit-driven, mislead us into believing we need their guidance. Instead, he emphasizes the importance of self-inquiry and...
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A most blessed spiritual trip with psychedelics.
The speaker recounts a profoundly positive psychedelic experience, contrasting it with a previous negative one. After a year of sobriety, the speaker, seeking answers, took a higher dose of LSD than intended, leading to an intense and unexpected trip. The experience involved a thousand-headed…
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Divine intervention or a drug-induced psychosis?
The host, Kurt Armstrong, recounts his journey from a troubled past to a regenerative life. He shares his experiences with psychedelics, including a negative one that led to a profound transformation. Armstrong emphasizes the importance of responsible psychedelic use and the potential for…
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Morning blessings
Kurt discusses the importance of staying present in the moment and avoiding dwelling on the past or worrying about the future. He emphasizes the benefits of focusing on one task at a time, rather than multitasking, and highlights the connection between this practice and various spiritual and...
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Breaking the cycle
Kurt Armstrong, the host of a podcast about personal growth and spiritual development, discusses his journey towards a more selfless and service-oriented life. He reflects on his past mistakes and the various paths he has explored, including Eastern philosophy and spiritual practices. Kurt is...
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Unconditional Love
Kurt Armstrong, the host of the Criton Zen podcast, discusses his spiritual journey and beliefs. He emphasizes the importance of unconditional love and compassion, drawing parallels between his practices of Raja yoga and teachings of Jesus Christ. Armstrong highlights the need for understanding…
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You are on your own; we all are
The podcast host, Kurt, discusses the challenges of navigating life after a spiritual awakening, including losing friends who don’t align with his new path and grappling with past actions, such as violence and substance abuse. He acknowledges the need for accountability and personal growth, while...
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Be mindful of all that we consume
The host, Kurt Armstrong, recounts his experience with smoking marijuana, highlighting its negative impact on his mental clarity and ability to control his mind. He emphasizes the importance of mindfulness in consuming various substances, including food, music, and media, and how they can…
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Surrender / Lessons to be Learned
Surrendering control and having non-attachment to outcomes is a powerful concept. By accepting challenges as opportunities for growth and embracing a spiritual awakening, one can find peace and clarity in decision-making. Ultimately, letting go of ego-driven desires and trusting in a higher power...
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International Day of Yoga
The podcast host, Kurt Armstrong, discusses his journey with yoga, which he discovered while in jail. He emphasizes the importance of the eight limbs of yoga beyond just physical postures, highlighting its philosophy of self-reflection and personal growth. Armstrong plans to start trauma-based…
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Sufficient to the day is the worry of it.
The speaker reflects on a recent incident where they became upset about losing a computer, realizing they were caught up in future worries rather than staying present. They discuss the importance of surrendering to a higher power and practicing faith, sharing a personal experience of praying and...
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Struck by God’s Lightning Bolt
The narrator recounts a transformative experience during meditation last summer. Focusing on the seven chakras and repeating “glory be to God,” the narrator felt a surge of energy, likening it to a lightning bolt from God. This experience, which occurred during a period of isolation, led the...
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My own spiritual journey
The author shares their personal journey towards spiritual enlightenment, emphasizing the importance of finding one’s own path to the divine. They believe in a universal love and connection, rejecting the notion of a single, exclusive path to God. The author highlights the value of studying…
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Longing for a sense of community
The author, isolated in Southern Oregon, longs for a sense of community. Financial struggles, including child support payments and limited resources, hinder their ability to move closer to their children and build connections. Despite facing food insecurity and a broken toe, the author remains...
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The life story of Kurt Armstrong
The narrator recounts their childhood, raised by a single mother and later adopted by their stepfather. They describe their mother’s young age and perceived lack of attention, leading to resentment. After their parents’ divorce, the narrator chose to live with their stepfather but was denied. The...
About this show
Kurt Armstrong, a former substance abuser and violent offender, transformed his life through Yoga and meditation. Now a certified Yoga instructor (200hr RYT), he shares his journey of self-discovery and healing, aiming to inspire others to embrace change and find their Self. Kurt completed Yoga Teacher Training through the Prison Yoga Project, with a focus on trauma-informed Yoga.He has studied eastern philosophy for most of his life and has been doing Asana practice for over 14 years. He now follows the path of Raja Yoga; encompassing the entire 8 limbs of Yoga.Kurt shares insights, Yogic philosophy, & more.
www.gritandzen.com
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A journey to the Self.
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