Why Struggle? Podcast w Barbara J. Faison Barbara J. Faison

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2024 - Week 24 - Feeling Joy!



CHECK OUT THE NATIONAL MEDITATION PLAYLIST ON YOUTUBE

2024 - Week 24 - Be Joyful

This is a podcast about FEELING JOY!

 Joy - a few definitions include: a source or cause of delight and a feeling of great pleasure and happiness. When was the last time you experienced joy?



I recently thought about what brings me joy now at this age and stage in my life. Sometimes it is as simple as sitting in a park near a lake. Or going to my monthly crochet group learning a new stitch. Enjoying a belly laugh with a dear friend while having a regular conversation on the phone. Sometimes joy is going out dancing with my salsa dancing crew, I always have a great time with them! 

On Saturday evening I went to a surprise birthday party for Anana Harris Parris. I met Anana over 25 years ago while out salsa dancing. An author and the founder of the Self Care Agency and Sister Care Alliance organizations, her focus is self-care as a form of social justice and social justice as a form of self-care. She conducts workshops and programs and she is constantly helping others. I call her Amazing, Awesome Anana! 

When I got the invite for the surprise party I was curious how they could pull off a surprise for this dynamo who had already had  a 5k walk planned and was teaching a dance class earlier in the day. Here's what they did. Two of her friends were in town and they told her they had dinner reservations but wanted to see her new office space before they went. It was a perfect way to get her to the party!

When Anana walked off the elevator into the office lobby, she saw a host of family and friends greeting her for the surprise. Mission accomplished! The joy on Anana’s face was priceless!



We went up to the office and Anana was greeted with African drumming and we continues the celebration with a combination of salsa music, house music and more. Anana has joyful laugh and energy and when she starts to dance, that energy radiates to anyone around. I not only felt joy for myself, I felt joy watching everyone else enjoy themselves. We had great food, fun and fellowship. I am grateful I really took the time to cherish the experience.

Joy can be experienced whenever and wherever. I don't know about you, but as I continue to get older the little times of joy are even more important. We are always creating memories, I want to create more joy filled memories.  The present moment creates our future history, it's essential to be FULLY present and to savor these moments.

Listening to my salsa playlist brings me joy. Hanging out with my crochet group brings me joy. Laughing and enjoying time with my friends brings me joy. Taking a day trip or watching a movie with my husband brings me joy.



What's bringing you joy right now? Leave a comment where you are listening to this podcast.

You can also email me at barbarafaisonllc@gmail.com. And if social media is better for you, LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram, are best.There are two opportunities to join me for my Breathe with Barbara Live sessions this month. Tonight and next Wednesday from 8 - 9 pm ET. If you would like to join you can register on my website at barbarafaison.com/store/livemeditations.



If you want to join the Breathe with Barbara LIVE session for tonight we start at 8 pm eastern. You can register on my website at barbarafaison.com/store/ live meditation, you can also use MONEY for 10% off your order as a promo code.
all the links: LINKTR.EE/BARBARAFAISON






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This is a podcast about knowing yourself and having sustainable practices.

Developing and sustaining a daily meditation practice for over 25 years helped me gain a deeper level of self-awareness. I have learned that the more I practice the more I gain a level of self-mastery with what I am practicing. Being self-aware and having personal insight allows me to recognize when I need to focus on a specific tool or technique, MORE.

I remember when I was at dinner with a few former colleagues in 2017 and an active shooter entered the restaurant. We were ending dinner when we heard the words, “Everybody down.” I was with three much younger ladies reminding them to breathe and affirming that we would be okay.

Was I concerned as we were underneath the table waiting for more news? Of course. I also had a strong sense that we would all be fine.

As the scene dispersed and the police arrived we found out that the person who instructed us to get down was a retired police officer. Time passed and the shooter was apprehended and we all left to return safely to our homes. 

One of the definitions of trauma is a “deeply disturbing or distressing experience.” Yep, I would say it was a traumatic experience. When I arrived home I checked in with TD and I immediately went to my living room and lay flat on my back on the floor. I found a sound vibration recording on YouTube that focused on healing, safety and feeling grounded. I listened to the recording and felt my body begin to release some of that energy and relax.

The next day as I told my brother about what happened he reminded me to rest. After our conversation I felt my body physically releasing some of the stress and I had a very long nap. I also felt achy later that day. I knew I needed help processing what happened so I called the Employee Assistance Program and I was able to schedule counseling.  I also called the ladies to suggest they reach out for support via their Employee Assistance Program as well.

This quote from Bessel A. van der Kolk, author of The Body Keeps the Score: Brain, Mind, and Body in the Healing of Trauma, reminds me to be truthful with myself.

“The greatest sources of our suffering are the lies we tell ourselves.”

My nervous system was impacted by that experience. I learned a lot in


the therapy sessions about processing trauma and how the book title states, “the body keeps score.” We feel trauma in our bodies and it helps to have ways to release what the body is holding on to. 



I have different practices I use to keep grounded, stay centered and to release energy that is stuck in my body. Practice is the opportunity to fine tune our skills so when we are called to use them, we can use them effectively. Here are a few practices I do regularly to reduce stress on my nervous system.


Emotional freedom technique (EFT) also known as tapping- specifically for trauma or an experience. I found Regulate Your Nervous System After Trauma by Julie Schiffman. Here is a link.


Schedule a counseling session,


Sound vibration meditations to shift the energy in my body - Jhene Aiko’s Trigger Protection Mantra is a staple for me to have playing in the background. It’s very soothing and she has several available for different lengths.



Life has unexpected detours ALL the time. In addition to breathing practices, meditation, laughter, and approaching experiences with  curiosity helps me practice less judgment of myself and others.

What are some of the ways you navigate life’s unpredictable journey? Leave a comment wherever you are listening to this podcast.

You can also email me at barbarafaisonllc@gmail.com. And if social media is better for you, LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram, are best.


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2024 - Week 22 - Pat Yourself on the Back

You can listen to this on my podcast - 8:36 mins or click the link above for the YouTube Channel version (audio only)

This is a podcast about trusting yourself and patting yourself on the back.

How are you doing? I’m feeling really proud of myself right now. Over the long weekend my husband and I did a lot of work around the house.  We both worked diligently on our projects around the house. Mine included cleaning out the refrigerator, cleaning out and organizing the pots and pans, organizing our sunroom, which had become very cluttered. And also our guest room. Well, let’s just say no one could sleep in there. Lol.

It was a very active weekend filled with lots of bags being thrown out and things being donated. Monday evening around 7:30 pm I went to sit out in the retreat space in the back of my yard, and before I could sit for five minutes, mosquitoes reminded me that it was too late to be out there. I went back to the house and was really ready to begin my evening wind down for the night. We made a lot of progress. I thought about my mom and how she would say, “Baby, remember to pat yourself on the back.”

The next thing I know, TD suggested that we move a few more things from one room to the next. Now? I thought to myself. We had been going nonstop all weekend. I’m thinking to myself, and I have been cooking. So in addition to all the cleaning and organizing, I’m cooking food. I went along with it.

At 9:00 PM, TD decides he wants to shampoo the carpet. I looked at him and said you know it’s 9:00 PM, right? And you know we both have to work tomorrow and we have been going nonstop for three days. He said yes, he knew all of those things and he proceeded to spray spot carpet cleaner in certain areas. Usually I would be more helpful and pick up items that could be picked up so he could shampoo the carpet more thoroughly. I picked up a few things that I could off the floor. My body was tired. My legs hurt, my feet hurt and I was emotionally spent.

My body was done. I took a shower. I got in the bed. I wrote a few items in my journal since I was on day 42 of journaling and I wanted to keep that commitment to myself and then I went to bed.

This reminded me of one of my book excerpts, “You Can’t Make Anyone _____. ”

“You Can’t Make Anyone ”

Wouldn’t it be nice to have people do what we want them to do all day long? Good luck with that. We live in a society of free will. Every day we make choices. Each person takes a path that will be filled with learning experiences for that individual.

You can’t make anyone do anything they don’t want to do. The only behavior you can control is your own. A reminder of this is watching a two-year-old or any child have a tantrum. The child will stop when ready, no matter what anyone tries to say or do to him/her. We can’t control anyone as much as we may think we can. Learn to accept people for who they are, not who you want them to be. Learn to manage your ability to respond to others and check in with yourself. Learn to step back and check your expectations.

Practice: Before you ask anyone to change his/her behavior, think about your expectations. Is the change for your benefit because it would make you more comfortable? How would you feel if someone wanted you to change your behavior?

Affirmation: I accept people for who they are in my life.

End of excerpt.

Did TD shampoo the carpet? Of course he did. Lol. TD leaves for work about 5:15 am, so I’m not usually fully awake.  Did I rest well? I sure did. After I woke up I sent this text:

Hey baby, the carpet looks great. I was just exhausted. My legs and my entire body was aching. Sorry I couldn’t be of more assistance.

 Keep listening.


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2024 - Week 21 - Stay Grounded

You can listen to this on my podcast - 9:39 mins or click the link above for the YouTube Channel version (audio only)

CHECK OUT THE NATIONAL MEDITATION PLAYLIST ON YOUTUBE

This podcast is about staying grounded.

This past weekend my husband, TD, and I went out to San Antonio, Texas to visit with his sister and her husband. Whenever I travel, I like extra time to recuperate from the travel. What that means for me is giving myself permission to rest a little bit more in the morning instead of jumping up out of bed and starting my day. After sitting on the flight for over an hour due to mechanical difficulties, Delta has us change planes.  The flight to San Antonio had so much turbulence due to the storms in Houston that the flight crew was unable to leave their seats.  Nothing like a flight with constant turbulence to remind you of what's important in life. I took a lot of deep breaths while watching The Beekeeper on the plane.  A great way to practice! I am grateful we made it safely to our destination.Enjoy Day 22 from the National Meditation Playlist on my YouTube channel,  it is a grounding meditation and it feels like a just right meditation based upon my experience with the flight. By the way, the return flight was perfect, no turbulence at all. Give thanks for all things.

https://youtu.be/-gFS-4fwNbU










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2024 - Week 20 - Start with A Breath

CHECK OUT THE NATIONAL MEDITATION PLAYLIST ON YOUTUBE

This is a podcast about starting with one breath as the foundation for being present.

Here’s a quick story about this week’s podcast. I received a download in bed yesterday morning and created a note in my OneNote file on my phone. Last night as I was about to email it to myself to review, I accidentally deleted it. Soooo… I went back to see what I was talking about for National Meditation Month last year and I think this is what needed to be shared. No, I know this is what needed to be shared.

Enjoy this encore podcast of week 20 from 2023. And you also get an opportunity for a brief breathwork practice. I hope you enjoy it! I did pull a card so be sure to listen for the card in the moment.

I would say we are back into the business of the” busyness” of life after the pandemic. Time is a premium for most of us and we all have the ability to make choices about where and how we spend our time. When I say that I use my voice to heal, educate and inspire as a voice talent, meditation guide and trainer, I usually get a few responses like:“I could never meditate, I can’t stop my mind.”

“Meditation is so hard.”

“I don’t have time to meditate.”

“People tell me I have a great voice.”

“I’ve always wanted to be a voice actor.”

“I want to learn to meditate, I just don’t know where to start.”

Meditation is a practice. Think about a snow globe. When you shake it up, eventually the snow settles to the bottom, that’s what meditation feels like. The thoughts in your mind begin to settle more and more with practice. There are still days my mind has thoughts swirling around and around, and other days I feel very settled. It’s still practice.

I really tried to do the 30 minute meditation practice. It didn't work for me. I started doing 10 - 15 minute meditations where I would sit on my own and that worked much better.

Sometimes we just need a place to start. Let’s start where you are. Breathing is the foundation for a meditation practice. Enjoy this five minute breathing practice that can be done anytime and help with calming your nervous system and focusing on the present moment.

Here's the link on my YouTube channel in case you want to listen another time. - https://youtu.be/s4yg_Msvqoc

Please let me know how you did with the five minute breathing practice. Leave a comment where you are listening to this podcast. You can also email me at barbarafaisonllc@gmail.com. And if social media is better for you, LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram, are best.

I hope you will check out my National Meditation Month playlist to try some of the meditations and short practices out there. I have over 40 on the list. Just pick a day and go for it. Leave a comment or post and emoji if you joined me.

If you want to join the Breathe with Barbara LIVE session for tonight we start at 8 pm eastern. You can register on my website at barbarafaison.com/store/ live meditation, you can also use MONEY for 10% off your order as a promo code.






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This is a podcast about trusting your Personal Guidance System.

Guess what y'all? It’s National Meditation Month… I get a little geeky about this because meditation has been such an important part of my life since the 90’s.

I started meditating because I was struggling and tired of the struggle. Back then there was no YouTube or podcasts or any of the really cool technology that we have now. I bought Shakti Gawain’s CASSETTE TAPE called Creative Visualization which was a 30 minute program. I thought I was going to EXPLODE. Trying to sit and visualize for me was very stressful. You see, when someone walks me through a beautiful visualization practice, I don’t see a thing, just the black behind my eyelids. Lol

Meditation is such a personal practice. Some people see images, others are really impacted by sounds and other people, like me, are more connected to feelings and sensations when they practice.

My meditation practice is one of the key steps I take daily as I walk that journey. My practice now is totally different than when I first started. One of my favorite quotes from Dr. Michael Beckwith, is meditation is paying undistracted attention to reality, to the eternal, and to that which is real. It is learning to have dominion over your attention, so that you can place your attention where you want it to be.

Science has now proven that what we focus on, our attention, and how we focus on it, our intention is what we manifest in our lives. If we focus on what we don’t have, what we want, will not show up.

I believe we all have what I call a PGS, Personal Guidance System. It is our own personal GPS, that navigates us around this earth. It is ALWAYS there even when we don’t believe it is. It is there even if we don’t listen to it.

Early on in my meditation journey after I finished meditating, I believe it was in 1995/96, my PGS was very clear that I didn’t need to go to work that day. There was nothing wrong with me, I was not sick. I had finished my 10 minutes a day practice and as I was walking around my apartment, I felt something in me that said… Don’t go to work today. I remember it being very clear. Stay home.

Guess what I did, I went to work. Just like the GPS will tell us something, and sometimes we ignore what the GPS says, the PGS will tell you something and it’s up to you to listen and act. Just because we know how to get somewhere doesn’t mean it is the best way to go at that moment.

The mind chatter I had about not going to work that day went something like this.

“ I can’t just call into work sick, I’m not sick.”

“ How can I call into work, or call out to work sick?”“ I don’t have a personal emergency.”

“ I need to go to work.”

I went back-and-forth in my head with my mind about calling in because I was not sick. There were no wellness days back then. I think I had so much chatter because I had a wonderful boss who would have been fine with me taking the day. And again, I didn’t trust my PGS.

I was stalling and I was late leaving for work. I worked in downtown Atlanta and drove to the train station to go into the city. I turned left out of my apartment complex to drive to the station that was about five minutes closer than the usual station I went to. All that mind chatter had me flustered. I wanted to get on the train earlier, so I turned left. It was a split second decision to make that left turn. When I turned left a car came from around the curve and T-boned me.

A little backstory. I was driving my 1990 silver Volkswagen Jetta, which I didn’t care for. My whole life I had owned Japanese cars, they were very quiet. I wanted to try something different so I tried a German car. The truth is I DID NOT like that car, it was very loud. Look at that attention thing rearing its head. This was before I even knew about the power of our thoughts.



Keep listening.

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