"I see nothing as it is now." – A Course in Miracles Workbook, Lesson 9

What if our perceptions are clouded not just by the past but by assumptions and biases that prevent us from truly seeing the present?

In this episode of Love & Learn, we explore Lesson 9 from A Course in Miracles Workbook, which reminds us that our minds rarely see things as they truly are. Instead, we project our past experiences and assumptions onto the present, distorting our ability to engage with reality. By practicing this lesson, we begin to release these filters and open ourselves to a clearer and more authentic perspective.

Key Insights:

1. The Challenge of Unlearning: This lesson emphasizes that confusion and resistance are natural as we begin to undo our false perceptions. Understanding isn’t required at this stage—consistent practice is. Each small step helps clear away the mental clutter that obscures our ability to truly see.

2. Perception Is Distorted by Assumptions: Our perceptions are shaped by judgments, memories, and biases, preventing us from seeing the present moment clearly. By acknowledging that we “see nothing as it is now,” we create space to recognize and release the filters that distort our view of reality.

3. The Power of Honest Practice: The exercise for this lesson invites us to look at familiar objects and practice the mantra: “I see nothing as it is now.” This practice isn’t about doubting what’s in front of us but becoming aware of how our thoughts and assumptions influence what we see. Honest, non-judgmental application of this idea helps us loosen these mental projections.

Overcoming the Sunk Cost Fallacy

This lesson ties beautifully to the concept of the "sunk cost fallacy," which is the tendency to hold onto past investments of time, energy, or resources, even when moving forward would be more beneficial. Just as this lesson encourages us to see the present without the weight of past filters, overcoming the sunk cost fallacy invites us to release attachment to past efforts and focus on the opportunities that lie ahead.

Reflection for the Week

Where in your life are you letting past investments—of time, energy, or beliefs—hold you back from moving forward? How can you release these attachments to see your present reality more clearly and make choices that align with your true self?

Remember: Our perceptions are often distorted by the past, but through honest and consistent practice, we can begin to see the world—and ourselves—with greater clarity and love.

Tune in and join us as we uncover how this practice can help us create a more peaceful, present-centered life!

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"My mind is preoccupied with past thoughts." – A Course in Miracles Workbook, Lesson 8

What if the thoughts filling our minds are actually remnants of the past, blocking our view of the present?

In this episode of Love & Learn, we dive into Lesson 8 from A Course in Miracles Workbook, which reveals how much of our mental activity is a preoccupation with past thoughts. This lesson guides us to recognize how memories and past experiences cloud our perception, preventing us from fully engaging with the present moment. By becoming aware of these thought patterns, we open the door to experiencing life with greater clarity and presence.

Key Insights on Lesson 8

1. The Illusion of Time in Our Thoughts:
This lesson invites us to see that when we think about the past or anticipate the future, our minds are actually blank, disconnected from the present reality. The only time that truly exists is the now, and focusing on it allows us to break free from the illusion of time and connect with what is real.

2. Preoccupation with the Past Blocks the Present:
When our minds are filled with past thoughts, they become cluttered with “thoughtless ideas” that lack true substance. This mental clutter blocks us from seeing the world clearly and experiencing the truth of each moment. By letting go of these past-based thoughts, we open ourselves up to living more fully in the present.

3. Naming Thoughts to Break the Cycle:
The practice of naming each thought—“I seem to be thinking about ______”—helps us become aware of how frequently we drift into past memories or worries about the future. This awareness is the first step to breaking the habit of dwelling on old thoughts and returning to a state of peaceful presence.

Remember: When we recognize that much of our mind is occupied by past thoughts, we create the opportunity to experience life as it truly is, free from the filters of memory and assumption.

Tune in to join us as we uncover how releasing past thoughts allows for a clearer, more peaceful experience of the present moment!

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"Whatever people do, feel, think, or say, don’t take it personally." – Don Miguel Ruiz, The Four Agreements

What if you could free yourself from the emotional rollercoaster of others’ opinions and actions?

In this episode of Love & Learn, we explore the second agreement from Don Miguel Ruiz’s transformative book, The Four Agreements: Don’t Take Anything Personally. 

This agreement teaches us how to release the need for approval and detach from others’ judgments, allowing us to experience greater inner peace and freedom. By recognizing that people’s actions and words are reflections of their own beliefs and experiences, we learn to protect our self-worth from external influences.

In this episode, we’ll uncover:

• Why people’s opinions and actions are projections of their own reality, not a reflection of you
• How to let go of emotional pain by releasing the need for validation from others
• The powerful effects of creating boundaries and taking ownership of your own feelings

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

1. Others’ Reactions Reflect Their Own Inner Worlds
   People’s actions and words are rooted in their unique beliefs, past experiences, and insecurities—not in who you are. Understanding this allows you to let go of defensiveness and hurt, creating space for compassion and self-acceptance.

2. Your Self-Worth Doesn’t Depend on External Validation
   Taking things personally often means tying your worth to others' approval. By releasing the need for validation, you create a stronger foundation of self-worth based on your own truth, empowering you to live authentically and confidently.

3. Not Taking Things Personally Strengthens Boundaries and Builds Inner Peace
   This agreement doesn’t mean dismissing feedback but encourages discernment and emotional responsibility. By not absorbing others' judgments, you establish healthier boundaries and experience a deeper sense of inner peace and resilience.

Remember: When you stop taking things personally, you free yourself from the control of others’ perceptions. This agreement is a powerful path toward self-love and emotional freedom.

Tune in to discover how letting go of personal importance can transform your relationships and bring you greater peace!

ALL CONCEPTS FROM THE FOUR AGREEMENTS

• Be Impeccable With Your Word
• Don’t Take Anything Personally

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"Words are a force; they hold the power to create or destroy." – Don Miguel Ruiz, The Four Agreements

What if every word you spoke shaped your reality, affecting not only your self-image but the world around you?

In this episode of Love & Learn, we dive into the first of Don Miguel Ruiz’s Four Agreements: Be Impeccable with Your Word. This agreement reminds us of the transformative power of our words, not just in our interactions with others but in how we speak to ourselves. By being mindful of our language, we can create a more positive, authentic, and loving experience of life.

In this episode, we’ll uncover:

• Why words are more than symbols—they’re tools that shape our beliefs and experiences
• The meaning of "impeccability" and how it relates to self-respect and self-love
• How to become aware of negative self-talk and shift to words that affirm your worth

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

1. Words Are Seeds That Shape Your Reality: Each word you speak or think is like a seed planted in the fertile ground of your mind, shaping how you see yourself and others. By using words that nurture love, compassion, and truth, you’re planting seeds that will grow into a more fulfilling and peaceful life. Remember, words aren’t just sounds; they’re tools that have the power to create or destroy. Choose them wisely.

2. Being Impeccable with Your Word Is an Act of Self-Love: Being impeccable with your word means aligning what you say and think with your higher self—words that honor, uplift, and respect who you are. This is an act of love, not only for yourself but for those around you. When we avoid self-criticism, gossip, and judgment, we reduce the “emotional poison” in our lives, allowing us to see ourselves and others more clearly and compassionately.

3. Commit to Breaking Negative Agreements: Pay attention to your self-talk and notice any patterns of negativity or self-criticism. By shifting these thoughts—even in small ways—you begin to challenge limiting beliefs and replace them with words that uplift and support your journey. Many of our limiting beliefs come from agreements we didn’t consciously choose. By being impeccable with our word, we actively challenge and rewrite these agreements. Each time you choose words that empower rather than diminish, you weaken old patterns and strengthen new agreements that affirm your worth, creativity, and joy. As Ruiz says, this agreement will “change the kind of seeds your mind is fertile for,” allowing you to nurture a life built on love instead of fear.

Remember: Your words have the power to create a more loving, compassionate world within you and around you. 

Tune in to discover how being impeccable with your word can shift your perspective and enrich your daily life!

ALL CONCEPTS FROM THE FOUR AGREEMENTS

• Be Impeccable With Your Word
• Don’t Take Anything Personally

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"I see only the past." – A Course in Miracles Workbook, Lesson 7

What if the way we see the world is shaped entirely by our past experiences?

In this episode of Love & Learn, we dive into Lesson 7 from A Course in Miracles Workbook. This lesson challenges us to recognize that much of what we perceive in the present is filtered through our memories and assumptions, not through a clear view of reality. When we see “only the past,” we’re limiting our ability to experience the present moment as it truly is, and we may be missing out on new perspectives and possibilities.

Key Insights on Lesson 7

1. The Past Shapes Our Perceptions:
This lesson encourages us to see how our past experiences color everything we perceive. For instance, when looking at something as simple as a cup, our perception is influenced by every memory and association we’ve formed about cups. Recognizing this filter helps us understand that we often react to old stories and assumptions rather than the present moment.

2. Letting Go of Old Filters:
When we acknowledge that our vision is clouded by past judgments, we begin to create space for a more genuine and unfiltered experience of the world. By letting go of these mental filters, we open ourselves to a more present, unbiased view of the people and situations in our lives.

3. Practicing Presence:
Throughout the day, apply the mantra, “I see only the past in this _____.” This practice reminds us to pause, observe, and notice how we are projecting past experiences onto the present. As we continue with this exercise, we train our minds to embrace the moment with fresh eyes, releasing past judgments and embracing peace.

Remember: Our perception is often limited by the past, but by practicing this lesson, we can open ourselves to a clearer, more peaceful experience of the present.

Tune in and join us on this journey through A Course in Miracles as we uncover new ways to see the world with clarity and love.

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“I am upset because I see something that is not there.” – A Course in Miracles Workbook, Lesson 6

What if your emotional reactions were not caused by external events, but by the stories your mind creates?

In this episode of Love & Learn, we explore Lesson 6 from A Course in Miracles Workbook. This lesson invites us to recognize that our upsets are often based on distorted perceptions, not reality. When we’re upset, we’re reacting to something our mind has created, rather than what’s truly happening. By acknowledging this, we open the door to peace and a deeper understanding of our emotions.

Key Insights on Lesson 6

1. Distorted Perceptions: This lesson teaches us that when we are upset, we are reacting to a distorted perception rather than the reality of the situation. Whether it’s anger, fear, or anxiety, we are often upset because we see something that isn’t really there—something our mind has created based on past conditioning or fear.

   For example:

   “I am angry at __________ because I see something that is not there.”
   
   By acknowledging this, we create space to question the stories we’ve been telling ourselves and let go of old perceptions that no longer serve us.

2. All Upsets Are Equal: The course emphasizes that all forms of upset—whether big or small—are rooted in the same kind of misperception. Whether we feel frustrated by traffic or deeply hurt by a personal conflict, the cause is the same: we are perceiving something that isn’t truly there. This idea allows us to see beyond the differences in surface-level emotions and recognize the underlying pattern.

3. Practice Makes Peace: The real power of this lesson comes from applying it throughout the day. Whenever you feel any kind of upset, pause and repeat:

   “I am upset because I see something that is not there.”
   
   It might feel odd at first, but this simple practice helps interrupt the cycle of automatic reactions and opens up the possibility for more clarity and calm. This is how we begin to make real shifts in our thought system—moving from fear to love, one moment of awareness at a time. Keep practicing, and notice how it opens space for a new perspective to emerge.

Remember: Your emotional reactions are often based on stories your mind creates, not reality. By practicing this lesson, you can begin to see beyond the surface and access a deeper sense of peace and understanding.

Tune in and join us as we continue our journey through A Course in Miracles.

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"Letting go of exhaustion as a status symbol and productivity as self-worth begins with understanding that play and rest are not luxuries—they are essential." – Dr. Brené Brown, The Gifts of Imperfection

What if we stopped wearing exhaustion as a badge of honor and started valuing rest, play, creativity, and self-expression as essential components of a fulfilling life?

In this episode of Love & Learn, we explore the importance of cultivating play and rest, creativity, meaningful work, and embracing joy through laughter, song, and dance. By letting go of the pressure to be constantly productive, we reconnect with what truly nourishes our well-being.

In this episode, we’ll uncover:

• Why rest and play are antidotes to burnout and essential for joy
• How releasing societal pressures around productivity allows for greater creativity
• The power of meaningful work that aligns with personal values, not external expectations
• How laughter, song, and dance foster connection and freedom from the need to be "cool" or in control

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

1. Creativity is Essential for Meaning and Fulfillment: Creativity allows us to express our true selves and connect with the world in a unique way. By letting go of comparison, we can embrace creativity as a core part of who we are, which brings deeper meaning and fulfillment into our lives.

2. Play and Rest Are Non-Negotiable for Well-Being: In a world that glorifies busyness, it’s easy to view rest and play as unproductive, but they are vital for renewal. Play provides joy and energy, while rest helps us recharge and avoid burnout. Both are essential for living a more balanced, fulfilling life.

3. Meaningful Work Aligns with Personal Values: Meaningful work isn’t about conforming to societal “supposed to’s.” Instead, it’s about aligning your work with your passions and values, which fosters a greater sense of purpose and satisfaction.

4. Laughter, Song, and Dance Foster Joy and Connection: Letting go of the need to appear cool or "in control" allows us to reconnect with our playful selves. Through laughter, song, and dance, we build deeper emotional connections and experience joy in its purest form.

Remember: By cultivating creativity, rest, meaningful work, and moments of joy, we can live more wholehearted lives. These practices remind us to embrace our imperfections and lead with authenticity, love, and connection.

Tune in to hear how these guideposts can help you live a more joyful, creative, and connected life!

ALL CONCEPTS FROM THE GIFTS OF IMPERFECTION

• Letting Go of Living from a Place of UNWORTHINESS
• Letting Go of PERFECTIONISM, PEOPLE-PLEASING, and Numbing
• Letting Go of the NEED FOR CERTAINTY, Anxiety as a Lifestyle, and Scarcity
• Letting Go of EXHAUSTION as a Status Symbol and Productivity as Self-Worth

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“Joy comes to us in ordinary moments. We risk missing out on joy when we get too busy chasing down the extraordinary.” – Dr. Brené Brown, The Gifts of Imperfection

What if joy, intuition, and calm were available to you right now, regardless of life's challenges or uncertainties?

In this episode of Love & Learn, we explore three more guideposts from Brené Brown’s The Gifts of Imperfection. These guideposts remind us that by practicing gratitude, trusting our intuition, and cultivating stillness, we can release scarcity, control, and anxiety, making room for more joy, faith, and peace in our lives.

In this episode, we’ll uncover:

• How gratitude opens the door to joy, even in imperfect moments
• Why trusting intuition and faith requires letting go of control
• The importance of calm and stillness as antidotes to anxiety in a fast-paced world

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

1. Gratitude is the Key to Joy: We often think joy comes after achieving something or when life is perfect, but Dr. Brené Brown reminds us that joy and gratitude can be accessed in any moment—no matter how imperfect. Practicing gratitude, even during difficult times, opens the door to joy by shifting our focus from scarcity to abundance. It’s about embracing the present, and the vulnerability that comes with truly appreciating what we have in this very moment.

2. Trusting Faith and Our Intuition Means Letting Go of Control: Intuition and faith help us navigate uncertainty, yet we often crave control and guarantees before trusting our inner wisdom. Dr. Brené Brown defines intuition as a blend of knowledge, insight, instinct, experience, faith, and reason. By letting go of the need for certainty, we allow ourselves to trust the process and embrace the mystery of life. Faith isn’t about having all the answers—it’s about trusting that we’ll find our way through the unknown.

3. Calm and Stillness Are Antidotes to Anxiety: In a world that glorifies busyness and treadmill to-do lists to nowhere, cultivating calm and stillness is essential for emotional well-being. Dr. Brené Brown encourages us to let go of anxiety as a lifestyle by grounding ourselves in the present and responding to life’s challenges with patience and mindfulness. Calm is contagious, and by practicing stillness—whether through meditation, nature walks, or quiet reflection—we create the space needed for clarity and inner peace.

Remember: By cultivating gratitude, trusting our intuition, and embracing calm, we can transform the way we experience life’s uncertainties and challenges. These practices are the keys to living a more joyful, peaceful, and fulfilling life.

Tune in and join us as we explore how these practices can change your life.

ALL CONCEPTS FROM THE GIFTS OF IMPERFECTION

• Letting Go of Living from a Place of UNWORTHINESS
• Letting Go of PERFECTIONISM, PEOPLE-PLEASING, and Numbing
• Letting Go of the NEED FOR CERTAINTY, Anxiety as a Lifestyle, and Scarcity
• Letting Go of EXHAUSTION as a Status Symbol and Productivity as Self-Worth

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"I am never upset for the reason I think." – A Course in Miracles Workbook, Lesson 5

What if the source of your frustration, anger, or fear isn’t what you think it is?

In this episode of Love & Learn, we continue our journey through A Course in Miracles Workbook with Lesson 5. This lesson invites us to question the surface reasons we believe are causing our emotional reactions and go deeper. It challenges the assumption that external situations are the source of our upset and encourages us to look within for the true cause.

By recognizing that the source of our upset is never what it appears to be, we begin to peel back the layers of fear and conditioning that keep us stuck in old patterns.

Key Insights on Lesson 5

1. Peeling Back the Layers of Emotion: This lesson encourages us to dig deeper beneath the surface of our emotions. While we might think our upset is caused by a person, situation, or event, A Course in Miracles teaches us that the real cause often lies within—rooted in fear or past conditioning. This shift in perspective opens the door to deeper healing.

2. The Illusion of Different Emotions: Anger, fear, jealousy, sadness—while these emotions may feel different, they all stem from the same underlying sense of separation from love. Recognizing this can help us see through the illusion of separation and move toward unity, peace, and love.

3. Claiming Responsibility for Your Experience: By practicing this lesson, we take responsibility for our emotional responses. This doesn’t mean ignoring or denying emotions, but rather seeing them as opportunities to explore what’s really happening beneath the surface. This practice empowers us to choose love over fear and liberates us from automatic reactions.

As you practice Lesson 5 this week, remember to apply it to any moment of upset, no matter how big or small. The lesson to repeat is:

“I am never upset for the reason I think.”

“I am not angry at ________ for the reason I think.”

“I am not afraid of ________ for the reason I think.”

Take this opportunity to look beyond the surface and explore what’s really driving your emotional reactions. This practice can help you reclaim your peace, release old patterns, and move through life with greater clarity and openness to love.

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“Authenticity is about the choice to show up and be real. The choice to be honest. The choice to let our true selves be seen.” – Dr. Brené Brown, The Gifts of Imperfection

What if the secret to building resilience, authenticity, and connection was allowing yourself to be vulnerable?

In this episode of Love & Learn, we dive deeper into Brené Brown’s The Gifts of Imperfection by focusing on three essential guideposts for wholehearted living: cultivating authenticity, practicing self-compassion, and building resilience. 

These practices allow us to let go of the exhausting need to fit in, be perfect, and avoid vulnerability.

In this episode, we’ll uncover:

• How authenticity is a daily practice of letting go of what people think
• Why self-compassion is the antidote to perfectionism
• The power of resilience and how embracing vulnerability leads to deeper connection and joy

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

1. Authenticity is a Daily Practice: Cultivating authenticity requires us to show up as our true selves and let go of the need for approval. Dr. Brené Brown reminds us that being authentic isn’t about being perfect—it’s about being real. The courage to be vulnerable and set boundaries helps us nurture genuine connections and foster a sense of belonging.

2. Perfectionism Hinders Success and Growth: Research shows that perfectionism often leads to anxiety, depression, and missed opportunities. It paralyzes us from taking risks or following our dreams. Perfectionism keeps us trapped, driven by the fear of judgment, blame, and shame. Instead of striving for perfection, practicing self-compassion little by little, adds up and helps us opens up space for real progress and joy in life. 

3. Resilience Flourishes Through Vulnerability and Connection: True resilience comes from embracing the full range of human emotions, rather than numbing pain or discomfort. By allowing ourselves to be vulnerable and staying connected to a greater sense of purpose, we open the door to joy, love, and deeper meaning in life. Spirituality reminds us of our interconnectedness and helps combat feelings of fear, hopelessness, and disconnection, shining light from within during dark times.

Remember: Perfectionism isn’t a shield; it’s a weight that holds you back. By cultivating authenticity, self-compassion, and resilience, you unlock the freedom to live a more fulfilling and joyful life.

Tune in and join us as we explore how these practices can transform your life.

ALL CONCEPTS FROM THE GIFTS OF IMPERFECTION

• Letting Go of Living from a Place of UNWORTHINESS
• Letting Go of PERFECTIONISM, PEOPLE-PLEASING, and Numbing
• Letting Go of the NEED FOR CERTAINTY, Anxiety as a Lifestyle, and Scarcity
• Letting Go of EXHAUSTION as a Status Symbol and Productivity as Self-Worth

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“You’re worthy of love and belonging now. Right this minute. As is.”
– Dr. Brené Brown, The Gifts of Imperfection

What if worthiness wasn’t something you had to earn or hustle for, but something you could claim, right now?

In this episode of Love & Learn, we begin our exploration of Brené Brown’s The Gifts of Imperfection by focusing on letting go of living from a place of unworthiness. We dive into how courage, connection, and compassion are essential tools in reclaiming your worthiness. 

By practicing these daily, we can start to let go of perfectionism, shame, and the exhausting pressure to “fit in” and be "perfect". Instead, we learn to embrace authenticity and true belonging.

In this episode, we’ll uncover:

• The importance of courage in showing up as your imperfect self
• Why connection is about belonging, not fitting in
• How self-compassion and sharing your story can heal shame and help you reclaim your worthiness

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

1. Practice Courage by Owning Your Vulnerabilities: Reflect on where you feel most vulnerable in your life right now. How can you show up with courage in that space? Consider sharing your story or admitting you don’t have it all together as an act of bravery that invites deeper connection with others.

2. Seek True Belonging, Not Fitting In: Think about spaces or relationships where you feel the pressure to change or hide parts of yourself to fit in. Now, consider where you feel accepted just as you are. Take a step toward nurturing those spaces where you can experience true belonging.

3. Heal Shame with Self-Compassion and Storytelling: Identify a part of your story that feels hidden in shame. How can you offer yourself compassion in this area? Consider sharing your story with someone who can hold space for your vulnerability, and notice how this diminishes shame’s hold on you.

Remember: Worthiness has no prerequisites. You are enough, just as you are, right now.

Tune in to discover how courage, connection, and compassion can transform your sense of self-worth and help you live more wholeheartedly.

ALL CONCEPTS FROM THE GIFTS OF IMPERFECTION

• Letting Go of Living from a Place of UNWORTHINESS
• Letting Go of PERFECTIONISM, PEOPLE-PLEASING, and Numbing
• Letting Go of the NEED FOR CERTAINTY, Anxiety as a Lifestyle, and Scarcity
• Letting Go of EXHAUSTION as a Status Symbol and Productivity as Self-Worth

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