Grit and Zen Podcast

A journey to the Self.
  • 0.0 (0)
  • Society & Culture

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

  1. 2 days ago

    I killed my ego for God.

    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 us to experience a deeper connection with existence and achieve self-realization. The speaker believes that everyone has a unique purpose or contribution to make in life, driven by love rather than material gain. They share their personal journey of ego death, achieved through daily yoga, pranayama, and meditation practices, leading to a profound connection with the universe and a constant state of heightened consciousness. This experience has transformed their perception of reality, allowing them to see the world as a dynamic interplay of chemical reactions. The ego, while useful for motivation, can become problematic when it controls every aspect of life. To achieve a state of contentment and happiness, the speaker eliminated possessions, deleted social media, and embraced a minimalist lifestyle. This process, described as “ego death,” led to a deeper connection with God and a focus on love, creativity, and kindness. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.gritandzen.com

    I killed my ego for God.

  2. 4 Sept

    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 social media and the internet, suggesting that they often perpetuate unrealistic comparisons and misinformation. The text emphasizes the importance of living in the present moment, free from comparison and ego. It advocates for a non-dualistic approach to life, encouraging individuals to embrace their true selves and connect with the divine. The author highlights the dangers of societal pressures and materialism, urging people to prioritize human connection and authentic experiences over digital distractions. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.gritandzen.com

    Non-duality | No differences, no comparisons.

  3. 3 Sept

    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 meaningful conversations, and being mindful of the influence of technology on our lives. Armstrong encourages listeners to prioritize real-world experiences and connections over virtual ones. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.gritandzen.com

    The social media exit.

  4. 10 Aug

    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 for finding answers and inspiration. Armstrong believes that true connection with the divine and understanding of reality come from within, not from external influences. The speaker expresses a desire to live a life free from social media, focusing instead on sharing insights and philosophies about love, consciousness, and God. They emphasize the importance of making choices based on love rather than fear, and encourage listeners to embrace the human experience and connect with the divine spark within themselves and others. The speaker invites listeners to reach out with comments, questions, or insights. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.gritandzen.com

    LOVE over fear.

  5. 05/11/2025

    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 something greater, one can achieve tranquility of mind and peace. The text discusses the concept of non-attachment, emphasizing the importance of accepting situations as they are without being driven by emotions or expectations. It highlights the role of surrender, intuition, and inner wisdom in this process, encouraging individuals to trust in a higher power and let go of specific outcomes. The text also touches on the practice of yoga, suggesting that true yoga occurs when one surrenders into a pose, achieving alignment and a connection with the divine. The speaker discusses the concept of surrendering to a higher power, drawing parallels between this idea and the practice of yoga, particularly the pose Savasana. They share a personal experience of a profound out-of-body experience during Savasana, which sparked their lifelong journey into yoga and spiritual enlightenment. The speaker announces a break from the podcast to caretake for their father, promising to return with a new season focused on the Yamas and Niyamas. Kurt wishes peace and encourages everyone to be their true selves, filled with love and positivity. He signs off, looking forward to season three. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.gritandzen.com

    Ishvara Pranidhana (Surrender) | Niyamas | Yogic Philosophy

  6. 04/11/2025

    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 from societal expectations and limitations. The speaker emphasizes the importance of self-reflection and self-study for personal growth and spiritual enlightenment. They share their journey of shedding their past persona and ego to connect with their higher self, using various religious texts and practices as tools for self-discovery. The speaker encourages others to embark on this path of self-inquiry, emphasizing that true fulfillment comes from aligning with one’s higher self and recognizing the divine within oneself and others. The nature of the self is explored through the lens of yoga philosophy, comparing individual awareness to waves in the ocean. The aim of Svadhyaya, or self-study, is to bring awareness to the infinite consciousness underlying individual awareness. This process involves aligning one’s thoughts, habits, and actions with the Yamas and Niyamas, the first two limbs of yoga, before even beginning the physical practice of Asana. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.gritandzen.com

  7. 01/11/2025

    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 opportunities for growth. The host also connects Tapas to the physical practice of yoga, emphasizing how uncomfortable poses and sequences build strength and endurance. Yoga is a personal practice that goes beyond physical postures (Asanas) and includes self-transformation through the eight limbs of yoga. Developing a personal practice allows individuals to push their boundaries without competition or judgment. This practice involves discipline, meditation, breath awareness, and observing thoughts and emotions without judgment, ultimately leading to self-discovery and growth. The speaker discusses the benefits of practicing tapas, a form of self-discipline in yoga. They emphasize the importance of self-awareness and respecting one’s body while practicing. The speaker also highlights the transformative power of tapas, likening it to burning away old habits and welcoming new growth. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.gritandzen.com

  8. 31/10/2025

    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, drawing from personal experiences and the concept of karma yoga. Cultivating contentment involves self-acceptance, gratitude, and mindfulness. By finding happiness within oneself and appreciating the present moment, one can achieve a state of contentment regardless of external circumstances. This mindset, rooted in yoga and spirituality, emphasizes the importance of inner peace and growth over external validation or material possessions. The podcast episode discusses cultivating inner peace and contentment through gratitude, non-judgment, and supportive relationships. The host shares personal experiences of overcoming attachment and finding joy in the present moment, emphasizing the importance of self-discipline and acceptance. The episode concludes with an invitation for listeners to connect and share their own journeys. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.gritandzen.com

See All (32)

About

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

Information

  • Creator
    A journey to the Self.
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    32
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Kurt Armstrong
  • Show Website
    Grit and Zen Podcast