In Sanity: A piece of mind

Join me this week and let's go beyond the simple idea of "not stealing" and explore the deeper yogic principle of Asteya. This guided meditation invites you to examine your desires through the lens of adikara —the right to have. We'll explore how trying to possess what is beyond our current capacity can be a form of theft from our own future, and how building true competency is the key to ethically and sustainably receiving what we truly want. Find a comfortable seat and join me for a 20-minute journey into mindful stewardship of your life.

If you have ever felt a deep desire for something—a relationship, a career goal, a financial dream—but also a nagging fear that you might not be able to handle it if you got it? Join me this week because this episode moves beyond the philosophy of non-stealing into a practical guide for building true competence. We explore how to become the kind of person who can responsibly receive and steward your deepest desires.You’ll get concrete steps to build the internal capacities, external skills, and supportive systems needed to hold what you want. We’ll walk through a simple action plan to translate desire into practice, tackle common pitfalls like perfectionism and comparison, and end with a powerful guided exercise to assess your readiness. Learn how to cultivate your own "right to have" through the mindful work of preparation and stewardship.

Join me this week and explore Asteya—the yama of non-stealing—reimagined as the practice of building the competence to receive and steward what you truly want. Drawing on Deborah Adele’s adikara ("the right to know" or "the right to have") and practical insights from psychology and skill-building, this episode offers metaphors, short practices, and concrete steps to help you notice desire, assess readiness, and grow the capacities needed to hold relationships, money, influence, and more—without shortcutting or harm.

Asteya: non-stealing. This week, we are going to talk about not stealing from ourselves. Beyond avoiding theft from others, discover how we unknowingly steal from ourselves through self-neglect, procrastination, distractions, and cultural hustle. Backed by psychology insights and yoga wisdom, explore practical ways to shift focus inward—honoring your needs, values, and courage to build authentic dignity and satisfaction. Finally, there will be actionable steps, such as mindful journaling, boundary-setting, and daily rituals to help you reclaim your energy, creativity, and presence. Perfect for anyone feeling drained in a busy world.

Join me this week for a short, guided meditation on the first three Yamas.

In this episode, let's talk about Asteya, the third Yama from yoga's ethical guidelines, revealing how non-stealing extends far beyond physical theft to the relational ways we rob others of joy, time, and dignity through comparison and one-upmanship. Using Deborah Adele's The Yamas & Niyamas , ancient wisdom from the scriptures, and modern tools like CBT, DBT, Internal Family Systems, and Nonviolent Communication, you'll learn to recognize these subtle thefts and cultivate abundance instead.Discover practical challenges to practice presence, reframe envy with gratitude, and check your motives for true connection. If you're ready to stop taking and start giving, this episode is your guide to living with integrity.

This is the third part in the series, “Doing It Right the First Time.” This week, we explore why telling the truth isn’t just morally good; it reduces mental and emotional labor, builds trust, prevents crises, and aligns your inner truth with outer action. You’ll hear practical, bite-sized strategies you can start using today to practice Satya with confidence.What you’ll learn:How pausing before you respond can keep conversations honest and constructiveHow naming your precise feelings improves communication and reduces misinterpretationHow to use “I” statements to own your truth without attacking othersHow starting small builds lasting authenticityHow writing first can clarify your truth and reduce fear around speaking itHow to work with resistance using curiosity, CBT, IFS, and DBT tools

Join me this week for a deep dive into the art and science of Satya—speaking and acting from your authentic truth. In this episode, we blend practical psychology with spiritual wisdom to show how truth-telling can transform mental health, relationships, and everyday choices. You’ll hear how Cognitive Behavioral Therapy helps uncover automatic thoughts that fuel inauthentic behaviors, and how DBT’s DEARMAN skills can help you request what you need while preserving connection. We’ll explore Interpersonal Neurobiology to understand how naming our feelings can regulate the nervous system, and how Internal Family Systems encourages curiosity about the parts inside us that resist honesty—so Self can lead with clarity and compassion. Plus, we’ll ground the conversation in spiritual wisdom about truth-telling from traditions around the world. You will find actionable steps, real-life scenarios, and guided reflections to practice Satya right away—whether you’re setting boundaries at work, navigating conflict at home, or simply learning to show up as your truest self. Tune in for practical tools and a thoughtful path toward greater peace and resilience.

Join me this week as we discuss the important idea of doing it right the first time. This has a much broader meaning than what I thought it would. There is something deeper when we consider it in the context of truthfulness and not lying to ourselves and others. If we do something right the first time, we avoid all the messiness of going back and fixing our messes and mistakes.

In this week’s episode, we talk about what growth and belonging can look like in families and faith communities. Differentiation is the key to deeper and more meaningful belonging as long as your community can handle it.

In this episode, we dive deep into the concept of Satya, or truthfulness, again. Join me for a few minutes to explore the delicate balance between the need to belong and the need to grow, which is another of Deborah Adele's insights from The Yamas and Niyamas.In this episode, I talk about the difficulty of living authentically, the psychological research on belonging, and how we often sabotage our own truth to fit in. Drawing on wisdom from various traditions—including yoga, Buddhism, and modern therapy—let's discuss practical strategies to connect with our true selves without sacrificing our relationships.

I ordered some new equipment, and have not had time to set it up or give it a practice run. This week is a breather for us all while I take the time this week to figure out my new toys. Catch up if you are behind or just listen to some old favorites. I highly suggest any podcasts with my kids - they are always good ones.I will see you here back next week and we will discuss the need to belong vs. the need to grow in the context of the Yogic principle, Satya.

In this episode, Deborah Adele describes the razor's edge between Self-Expression and Self-Indulgence, using the yoga principle of Satya (Truthfulness). She makes the distinctions for us. Then using modern science, drawing from Interpersonal Neurobiology (IPNB), Internal Family Systems (IFS), and behavioral techniques from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), I show how to use many of the interventions and ideas to actually put self-expression into practice. Additionally, discover why "dumping" your emotions is not the same as telling the truth, and learn practical skills like the DBT's DEAR MAN framework and the Gottmans' Soft Start-Up formula to communicate effectively without causing harm. Learn how to pause, regulate your nervous system, and speak from your core "Self" energy rather than a reactive "Part."If this episode resonates with your journey toward authentic, kind communication, please like and share to help others find what might also benefit them.

Welcome. In this In Sanity a Piece of Mind episode, we continue the deep dive into the yogic principle of satya—truthfulness—and its profound impact on our relationships. Discover what authentic connection truly looks like as we explore the pros and cons of being real versus being "nice."I've given some practical applications and real-world illustrations and discuss why prioritizing authenticity is essential for meaningful interactions. Learn how the principle of yoga—meaning to yoke or unite—can guide us toward deeper unity with ourselves and others.Join me for a thought-provoking conversation that challenges you to embrace your truth and cultivate richer, more fulfilling relationships!Please share this podcast with friends and family.

In this insightful episode, we explore the transformative yogic principle of satya—truthfulness—through the lens of authenticity. Join me as we dissect the crucial difference between being "nice" and being "real," and how prioritizing your genuine self can deepen relationships and enhance mental well-being.We delve into the societal pressures that lead us to prioritize others' comfort over our truth, sharing compelling stories and practical examples. What are the hidden costs of niceness? Let's discuss emotional suppression, the relational toll it takes, and why embracing authenticity is essential not just for you, but for everyone around you.Tune in for a conversation that challenges conventional views of kindness and offers insights into how living authentically can lead to a more fulfilling life. Don't miss this opportunity to learn how being real can empower you to create deeper, more meaningful connections!

This week, Annie and Christian joined me to discuss Erick Godsey's Mentally Fit course. They both took the course and shared their impressions about a couple of concepts from early in the course: hell and heaven journaling, and initiations and tracking. Join us as they discuss their opinions, thoughts, and passion about Mentally Fit.

Annie was unable to join us, but Christian and I had a nice conversation about his experience and interpretation of Erick Godsey's "The Shimmer" and his Mentally Fit program. Christian has been inspired to build a community around the ideas he learned and shared a little bit about that with us this week. Listen to this week's podcast and then be on the lookout for part 2, which will include Annie. At that point, we get to hear both of their experiences and how this new knowledge and understanding are changing and improving their lives.

Join me this week as we delve into the second Yama from Deborah Adele's Yamas & Niyamas: Satya, or Truthfulness. Building on our exploration of non-violence, we unravel the deeper significance of truth beyond mere honesty. Drawing on Polyvagal Theory and the work of Dr. Dan Siegel, we examine how alignment with Satya impacts our mental health and interpersonal connections. Discover the multi-dimensional nature of truth and learn to practice Satya mindfully with compassion through the lens of ancient wisdom and modern psychology. Whether on a yoga mat or in daily life, uncover the journey from illusion to authenticity, and embrace your true essence. Tune in for reflections, practical tools, and resources to live a life rooted in truth.The second Yama of Yoga - Satya - Being Truthful: 5 Powerful Ways of Practicing Truthfulness And How It Impacts Your Everyday Life

What if your anxiety, insecurity, and distractedness aren't permanent disorders, but symptoms of an untrained, reactive mind? That’s the Fourth Face of Mara, Dukka. This episode reveals an ancient, neuroscience-backed method to train your concentration, using the powerful analogy of taming a wild elephant. Discover the three practical tools—including the crucial meta-cognitive "prod"—that can help you navigate modern life with purpose and peace.The Mind Illuminated A Complete Meditation Guide Integrating Buddhist Wisdom and Brain Science for GreaterThe Elephant Path: Attention Development and Training in Children and Adolescents

I am taking another pause to talk about Deborah Adele's The Yamas and Niyamas. My purpose is two-fold: 1. It is a book with concepts I am really trying to incorporate into my life, and this is a helpful way for me to accomplish that; 2. I need another week to do some more research on the Fourth Face of Mara.I highly recommend this book. It is simple, short, and easy to read. However, it is packed with deeply important topics that should resonate with everyone.

You can't do two things at once.That simple, scientific fact is the target of our third discussion about the forces of modern distraction. In this episode, we expose the Third Face of Mara: Multi-Tasking.We dismantle the costly myth that we can split our focus. The truth? We're not multi-tasking; we're frantically task-switching—and it's making us slower, more error-prone, and shockingly unaware of our own impairment. We'll explore the devastating "switch cost" and how it resets our brain's ability to achieve deep focus.Then, we examine how "The Shimmer"—the glow of our screens—has weaponized this weakness, rewiring our brains for shallow skimming, harming our memory, and fracturing our attention.But there is an antidote. Drawing on the work of Cal Newport—Deep Work, Digital Minimalism, Slow Productivity—and the Buddhist concept of "contraction training," there are practical things that can be done to reclaim your focus. Learn how to move from frantic fragmentation to purposeful depth and how slaying this particular face of Mara also quiets the forces of mindlessness and mind-wandering.

Did you know you are missing 47% of your life? Research shows that nearly half our waking hours are spent "mind-wandering"—a state directly linked to unhappiness. In this episode, we dive into the "Second Face of Mara" to understand the difference between creative daydreaming and toxic rumination. We explore the neuroscience of the Default Mode Network, the power of the Pennebaker writing protocol, and insights from Erick Godsey’s Make Your Myth course. Plus, a revealing story about the Dalai Lama that proves negative self-talk isn't biological—it’s a bad habit we can break.

I am taking a break from the Four Faces of Mara. Enjoy this short podcast about nonviolence and courage. The foundational principle of Ahimsa (do no harm) from The Yamas and Niyamas is a wonderful foundation for building a resilient, satisfying life.

 In this episode, we look at the First Face of Mara: mindlessness. We will explore how mindlessness, often triggered by boredom, can lead to carelessness in our actions and decisions. Join me this week as we discuss the implications of this first trap, exploring how it diminishes the quality of our experiences, strains our relationships, and hinders personal growth.Drawing on insights from Godsey's Mental Fitness framework, there are practical strategies to cultivate mindfulness and reclaim our attention, transforming our everyday existence into a more intentional and fulfilling journey.

This week, I am back to the Shimmer discussing our untrained minds and attentional systems. Untrained minds are one of our most significant sources of suffering. Understanding that and how our attentional systems work is critical to living and thriving in the digital age.

I am taking a break from the deep dive into the internet, the Shimmer, and deep work to briefly talk about an idea from a book I am reading - for the second time in the last couple of months. Ahimsa, or nonviolence, has within its precepts the idea of feeling powerless in our lives. Often, this feeling of powerlessness translates to violence against oneself and violence against others. Listen to this week's podcast to find out more. The Yamas and Niyamas: Exploring Yogas Ethical Practice

This week is another episode about Erick Godsey's The Shimmer. It's a review of his ideas to build a foundation for exploring different concepts from his Shimmer metaphor.

Erick Godsey uses the term "The Shimmer" as a metaphor to describe the modern internet and its effects on our minds. In this podcast, I'll talk about where this reference comes from and how Godsey relates it to the internet and our digital lives. There are four key qualities of The Shimmer, which are present in both the movie "Annihilation" and in the internet world. Using Erick Godsey's framework, I'll explain what these qualities mean for us and what we can do to navigate the internet landscape. To listen to the series, start here.https://open.spotify.com/episode/21UXKoHLhOSx3w3iZMYyPp?si=f70020a2b7df4f58

This week's episode continues a discussion about Cal Newport's book about deep work. The purpose of these podcasts is to bring understanding to the necessity of deep work in a world that values the shallow. Stick with me and share your thoughts about this idea.

Cal Newport wrote the book titled "Deep Work: Rules for Focused Success in a Distracted World." I have been talking about this idea of shallow thinking and how damaging it is to humanity. In 2016, Cal Newport discussed the idea of shallow work. The concepts go hand-in-hand. Join me this week for a deeper dive into what deep work is and why it is more important than ever. Deep Work: Rules for Focused Success in a Distracted WorldFlow: The Psychology of Optimal Experience

As a continuation of the discussion about the internet and its effects on all of us, this podcast addresses the issues related to our kids and their mental health. Jonathan Haidt, in his book "The Anxious Generation," provides us with information critical to confront the stark realities of how technology and social media are shaping the minds of our children. The Anxious Generation: How the Great Rewiring of Childhood Is Causing an Epidemic of Mental Illness

Join me this week for another episode on the importance of mindfulness. Because of the way most of us use the internet, digital devices, social media, and artificial intelligence, we are experiencing severe attention deficits. Mindfulness is a way to heal those deficits. Full Catastrophe Living How to Cope with Stress, Pain and Illness Using Mindfulness MeditationThe effect of mindfulness-based interventions on reducing stress in future health professionals: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

This is the third episode in a series of several. This week I talk about some basic comparisons between the digital world and the analog world. Is comprehension better when you read vs. listen? What is "cognitive mapping?" Do I still think I can multitask? Join me this week for the answers to these questions and more. Also, I give more ways to be intentional with your digital use to support change - of that's what you are looking for.

In the last episode, we discussed Nicholas Carr's 2010 book, "The Shallows: What the Internet Is Doing to Our Brains." Carr argued compellingly that the internet's very structure – its hyperlinks, its constant stream of notifications, its demand for quick, shallow engagement – was fundamentally rewiring our brains, diminishing our capacity for deep thought, sustained attention, and contemplative reflection. He painted a picture of us becoming "jet-ski minds," skimming the surface rather than diving into the depths of knowledge.Today, in Part 2 of the series, let's pick up where Carr left off, but with a crucial update. It's 2025, and the digital landscape has not only evolved, it's been fundamentally reshaped by the rise of Artificial Intelligence. So, how do Carr's prescient warnings hold up in this new era? Are the "shallows" getting even shallower, or have we found new ways to navigate the digital ocean? Let's dive in.

I have an idea for a podcast series that builds on last week's discussion about fiction reading, specifically exploring the difference between reading a book and listening to an audiobook. This idea (a question from my husband) reminded me of the book "The Shallows" and the impact the internet has had on learning, cognition, attention, deep thinking, etc. So, here's part 1 of the series, which will dive deeper into these ideas.

Join me this week for an interesting and profound look at the impact of reading fiction on the adult brain and our daily lives. There are incredible benefits of storytelling for adults, from boosting empathy and cognitive function to reducing stress and fostering a deeper understanding of the human experience. Discover how fiction shapes our minds and enriches our world, no matter your age.

This is the final episode in the series. It has been my personal pleasure to learn about Fowler's Stages of Faith alongside all of you. Understanding these stages is not about labeling or judging, but it is about recognizing the dynamic nature of our spiritual lives. I encourage you to reflect on your own journey using Fowler's model. Where do you see yourself in these stages? How might you better understand them? Thanks for joining me, and I'd love to hear your thoughts on this series.

In this podcast, we return to Fowler's Stage Five, conjunctive faith. There are scriptures that help us see the accepted and appreciated paradox in this stage. There are certainly pros and cons to this stage, and some potential pitfalls, if we stay in this stage too long. Join me this week to discuss these ideas and explore what a community of people in stage five might look like.

This podcast, about Fowler's Stage 5, will be a two-part podcast. This week, we will talk about key characteristics of stage 5 and how they impact our relationships and our lives. We will also examine Erik Erikson's developmental stage 7, Stagnation vs. Generativity, to see how they complement each other. There is much to learn about ourselves, faith, spiritual maturity, and development, and it can be found by looking into these development theories.

**There seems to be some feedback that I cannot hear on the recording until I have uploaded the podcast. My apologies for the poor quality. I will find the problem and have it resolved by next week.______________________________Join me this week for another episode about faith journeys. James Fowler's stage four is the Individuative-Reflective Faith. This stage can be difficult because it creates, dissonance, requires work and can strain relationships. The journey of faith is dynamic. It’s a process of continuous growth, learning, and deepening connection to what gives your life meaning. Embrace the questions, seek wisdom, and trust that the very act of engaging with your beliefs, even when it feels like uncharted territory, is leading you toward a more authentic, resilient, and fulfilling life.So, let's enjoy the ride.

Welcome to this week's podcast. Have you ever sat in a pew, a Bible study, or a family debate and thought: ‘Do I actually believe this—or am I just repeating what I’ve been told?’ If so, you’re not alone. Today, we’re unpacking James Fowler’s Third Stage of Faith—where many of us get stuck… but there is a way forward.Imagine faith like a ladder. Stage 1 is the toddler clinging to fairy-tale images of God. Stage 2 is the kid who thinks Noah’s ark had two giraffes. But Stage 3? That’s where most of us camp out—sometimes for life.This week, I will discuss the key characteristics, give examples of what it looks like in the "real world," quote scripture, and tell you about the research on spirituality. It's a good one. Leave me some comments and let me know what you think.

Welcome to this week's episode, where we explore ideas about the Mythical-Literal stage of James Fowler’s Second Stage of Faith. In this phase, individuals often view their beliefs through a concrete, narrative lens, embracing the stories and symbols of their faith as absolute truths. It's a stage characterized by a strong reliance on tradition and the communal aspects of belief, where the world is understood through myths, rituals, and the teachings of faith leaders.Understanding this stage is essential because it lays the groundwork for how individuals interpret their experiences and navigate their spiritual journeys. It highlights the importance of storytelling in shaping one's identity and belief system, serving as a bridge to deeper levels of faith development. Join us as we delve into this pivotal stage, exploring its significance in personal growth, community dynamics, and the broader context of faith development.

Welcome to this week's podcast. We will be exploring human spirituality and personal growth. Today, we're discussing the work of theologian and psychologist James Fowler and his influential Stages of Faith development.Fowler's theory isn't just about religious belief; it offers a profound look at how we construct meaning in our lives, from childhood through adulthood. Understanding these stages is crucial for fostering spiritual maturity, as they outline how our understanding of faith transforms, influenced by cognitive growth, emotional maturity, and life experiences. This journey of faith development is also deeply intertwined with our mental well-being. A healthy progression through these stages can contribute to a more integrated sense of self and a resilient outlook, while challenges within these stages can impact mental health. In this episode, we'll lay the foundation by focusing on Stage One: Intuitive-Projective Faith. This stage typically occurs in early childhood, roughly between the ages of three and seven. It's a fascinating period where imagination reigns supreme, and a child's understanding of faith is heavily influenced by the moods, actions, and stories of the significant adults in their lives. I hope you enjoy.

In today's podcast, we will dive into the topic of spiritual maturity. In the fast-paced world we live in, it's easy to get caught up in the busyness of life and neglect our spiritual growth - or maybe even more to the point, neglect growing a mature spirituality. Today, we'll explore what spiritual maturity truly means, why it's essential for our overall well-being, and how it can positively impact our relationships with others and with God. We'll be drawing insights from leading experts in the field, such as Peter Scazarro, Jenna Riemersma, Curt Thompson, and Lisa Miller, who have been exploring the intersection between good mental health and spirituality.

Join me this week to discuss spirituality and explore the characteristics of spiritual immaturity. There is a significant overlap between emotional and spiritual immaturity, and so this is a short podcast.

In today's podcast, I'll explore what emotional maturity truly means, what it looks like in action, why it’s so incredibly important, and how we can all cultivate more of it in our lives. I'll be drawing from authors like Dan Siegel, Jenna Riemersma, Brad Reedy, Curt Thompson, and Peter Scazzaro, who have dedicated their lives to understanding emotional health and its deep connection to our spiritual well-being. Emotionally Healthy Spirituality: It's Impossible to Be Spiritually Mature, While Remaining Emotionally ImmatureAltogether You: Experiencing personal and spiritual transformation with Internal Family Systems therapy Anatomy of the Soul: Surprising Connections between Neuroscience and Spiritual Practices That Can Transform Your Life and RelationshipsThe Audacity to Be You: Learning to Love Your Horrible, Rotten SelfThe Journey of the Heroic Parent: Your Child's Struggle & The Road Home

Emotional immaturity is not a moral failing. It is more often a protective adaptation. This is true of most of us. Join me this week for the first podcast in a series discussing the interplay between emotional and spiritual maturity. The two go hand in hand, and it is critical to know how to pay attention to what we pay attention to. This increases the possibility of a healthier connection to ourselves, each other, and our spirituality.

Join me this Father's Day weekend for a podcast honoring our dads. Research supports the importance of fatherhood and having dads support children at all ages. Additionally, I'll discuss some ways dads and kids can stay connected as children grow into adulthood.

Join me this week, and I'll share some of my favorite episodes and why I think you should listen to them or listen to them again. Let me know what some of your favorites are.

I am traveling for the next 2 weeks. I'll be back next week. So, for now, go back and listen to your favorite episodes and share them with a friend.