Awakening Process 101

Pernilla Burke
  • 5.0 (5)
  • SPIRITUALITY
  • UPDATED BIWEEKLY
Awakening Process 101

In this podcast, we discuss spirituality, emotional health, healing, and the true meaning of awakening in the context of our modern lives. Our goal is to spark insight and plant seeds on your path by sharing our own experiences—what worked and what didn’t—and encourage you to think outside the box, shift your perspective, and view life and its lessons as moments of learning and awakening. Pernilla Burke | Founder Awakening-101.com pernilla@awakening-101.com @_awakening_101_

  1. Awakening Through the Present Moment

    JUN 1

    Awakening Through the Present Moment

    Awakening Through the Present Moment: Reflections on Eckhart Tolle, Jon Kabat-Zinn, and Sally Kempton In this episode we reflect on three foundational spiritual books—The Power of Now by Eckhart Tolle, Meditation for the Love of It by Sally Kempton, and Full Catastrophe Living by Jon Kabat-Zinn. These works have played a significant role in shaping contemporary approaches to mindfulness, meditation, and spiritual awakening. We explore how each book met us at different points on the path and how their teachings continue to inform a life of presence and inner clarity. With a focus on daily practice, self-inquiry, and emotional resilience, this conversation offers insight into how spiritual texts can become living guides over time. Intended as a resource for those seeking practical tools for personal growth and spiritual evolution, this episode invites listeners to return to the present moment—not as an idea, but as an ongoing experience.

    28 min
  2. Moving Beyond Ego

    APR 15

    Moving Beyond Ego

    In this episode, Louise Juel and I reflect on the subtle yet powerful shift that happens when we begin to recognise the ego—not as something to get rid of, but as something we can see through. We talk about how triggers show up in everyday life, especially in relationships, and what it takes to pause and feel what’s actually happening underneath the stories we tell ourselves. From the sensations in the body to the thoughts racing through the mind, we explore how awareness and presence allow us to soften our grip, take a breath, and begin again. This isn’t about bypassing anything—it’s about staying close to what’s real, even when it’s uncomfortable. (00:00) Beginning with the question: what does it mean to go beyond the ego?(03:32) How the ego responds when we’re triggered—and how to catch it in real time(07:45) Louise shares a personal moment of reactivity and how awareness shifted the dynamic(12:20) We explore the difference between bypassing and allowing what’s underneath the emotion(16:58) The body as a gateway to presence and the breath as a tool for softening(21:35) Why witnessing our reactivity is the first step toward true connection(25:50) The power of naming what’s happening without judgment(30:14) Meditation, somatic awareness, and the spaciousness behind thought(34:42) Reclaiming the pause: how presence helps us choose differently(39:06) Closing thoughts on compassion, discomfort, and remembering who we are

    34 min
  3. Posture #3: Awareness in the Body - Awareness in Life

    FEB 27

    Posture #3: Awareness in the Body - Awareness in Life

    "Awareness in the Body - Awareness in Life" is the third episode in the Posture series of Tools of Awakening, Abdi Assadi and I, Pernilla Burke, explore the simple yet powerful practice of body awareness and posture as a way to cultivate presence. We look at what happens when we shift our awareness from the mind into the body—specifically, grounding into the feet—and how this shift can change the way we respond to life. Abdi shares insights from Chinese medicine and martial arts on how posture directly affects energy flow, while we reflect on how this practice has reshaped our own daily experiences. We also touch on the fascinating way our own presence influences those around us, from the energy in a room to the way our loved ones respond to us. The episode wraps with a guided practice to help integrate these principles into everyday life—one breath, one step at a time. (01:30) The importance of bringing awareness into the body—how shifting attention from the mind to the body changes our experience of life. (03:20) How posture affects presence and energy flow—exploring the connection between physical alignment and spiritual awareness, with insights from Chinese medicine and martial arts. (05:50) The impact of body awareness on those around us—how being grounded can influence the energy of a room and the people in it. (07:30) Real-life examples of staying grounded in daily situations—Pernilla shares how maintaining presence affects interactions with family, including her children. (09:45) The connection between posture, relaxation, and emotional balance—how proper alignment naturally reduces stress and allows for better decision-making. (10:30) Guided posture awareness practice—step-by-step instructions on aligning the spine, relaxing the shoulders, and feeling connected to the ground. (11:45) Breath awareness exercise for deeper presence—focusing on the breath at the tip of the nose and expanding awareness through the body. (15:10) How awareness naturally leads to relaxation—why presence itself is the key to feeling at ease, rather than forcing relaxation. (17:40) Why “trying to relax” doesn’t work—Abdi explains how shifting attention to specific areas of the body brings effortless calm. (18:30) Closing thoughts and upcoming episodes—what’s next in the Tools of Awakening series, plus a reminder that the guided practice will be available separately for easy access.

    17 min
  4. The Mind Beyond Thoughts – Exploring Yoga Sutra 1.2

    FEB 9

    The Mind Beyond Thoughts – Exploring Yoga Sutra 1.2

    In this episode, we explore Chitta Vritti Nirodhaha, the second sutra of Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras, and what it means to quiet the fluctuations of the mind. We explore how thoughts aren’t who we are but rather the byproduct of unresolved emotions—and how awareness is the doorway to freedom. Through personal stories, reflection, and a guided meditation, we look at the ways we can step outside the constant mental chatter and into something deeper: presence. This isn’t about controlling the mind or forcing stillness but about recognizing the space that already exists between thoughts. Whether you’re new to yoga philosophy or simply looking for ways to bring more awareness into daily life, this episode offers practical tools to cultivate more clarity, peace, and connection. (00:00) Introduction and topic overview – Welcoming listeners, introducing the focus on Chitta Vritti Nirodhaha, and why this sutra is central to understanding the mind. (00:48) What Chitta Vritti Nirodhaha really means – Breaking down the direct translation, exploring why it’s more about observing thoughts rather than controlling them. (03:04) The role of awareness in quieting the mind – How awareness allows us to notice mental fluctuations, the connection between self-talk and presence. (06:33) Why we struggle with being present – How daily distractions and automatic habits keep us from noticing our thoughts, and the importance of mindfulness in modern life. (10:03) A personal story about discovering the Yoga Sutras – Pernilla shares the moment she first read Chitta Vritti Nirodhaha and how it shifted her understanding of the mind. (12:26) The connection between thoughts and unresolved emotions – How unprocessed emotions fuel mental chatter, and why recognizing this can be a game changer. (15:02) A simple awareness exercise – A quick practice for shifting attention from the mind to the body, starting with the feet. (16:37) Guided body scan meditation – Moving through the body from head to toe, bringing awareness into different areas to cultivate presence. (25:37) How thoughts trigger our nervous system – Discussing how a single thought can change our emotional state and what we can do to shift that pattern. (32:03) The balance between ego and awareness – Exploring why we need the ego to function in daily life while also cultivating spaciousness beyond thought. (35:05) Bringing spirituality into daily life – How to integrate awareness practices while navigating relationships, responsibilities, and everyday stressors. (38:48) How to create distance from mental chatter – Learning to see thoughts as passing clouds rather than identifying with them, inspired by teachings from Letting Go by David Hawkins. (41:08) Practical tools for cultivating awareness – Meditation, mindful walking, self-reflection, and breathwork as ways to become more present. (42:14) Becoming the observer of your thoughts – The importance of witnessing thoughts without judgment and recognizing the space between them. (43:34) Closing thoughts and listener questions – Reflecting on the discussion, encouraging listeners to share their experiences, and inviting them to reach out with topic requests.

    38 min
  5. Resistance vs. Allowing

    JAN 22

    Resistance vs. Allowing

    In this episode of Awakening Process 101, Louise and I explore the universal tug-of-war between resistance and allowing. Drawing from David Hawkins’ Letting Go, personal anecdotes, and simple self-awareness practices, we discuss why letting go feels so hard yet brings so much freedom. Whether learning to surrender in a storm or embracing our children’s individuality, we reflect on how small shifts in awareness can create profound changes. This conversation is a candid, heartfelt look at how the human tendency to resist often limits us, and how allowing can unlock ease, lightness, and connection in our lives. (00:00) Introduction and theme: Resistance vs Allowing – Pernilla and Louise introduce the episode, focusing on resistance challenges and the ease that allowing can bring. (01:45) Why we resist change and the concept of allowing – A discussion on why humans naturally resist change, despite knowing it’s inevitable. (03:34) Exploring resistance to letting go of even good things – Reflection on why letting go of things we enjoy can also feel difficult. (04:02) A quote from David Hawkins’ Letting Go – Pernilla reads an insightful passage about surrendering and the lightness it brings. (06:30) Awareness as the first step in addressing resistance – The importance of recognizing resistance as the initial step toward change. (10:12) Personal story: Surrendering during a stressful travel experience – Pernilla shares a story of letting go of control during a challenging journey. (15:17) Recognizing resistance in the body and asking "Why?" – Insights into how resistance manifests physically and emotionally, and how to question it. (18:02) Practical questions to explore resistance and allowing – Key questions to help identify and address what we’re resisting and why. (20:51) The importance of consistent practice in letting go – Emphasizing the value of daily practices for fostering surrender and ease. (23:03) Small steps to experience lightness and freedom – How small, intentional steps can lead to a sense of emotional and mental relief. (25:04) Journaling as a tool for awareness and growth – The benefits of journaling as a way to track and understand resistance over time. (26:33) Parenting and projection: Letting children find their own path – Pernilla shares lessons on allowing children to explore their individuality without projection. (30:29) Overcoming fear of judgment and embracing individuality – A reflection on how fear of judgment influences resistance and limits self-expression. (38:09) Key questions: "What am I resisting and why?" – Revisiting the importance of asking these questions to uncover deeper insights. (39:10) Closing story: The monkey and the banana metaphor – A powerful metaphor illustrating how holding on can keep us trapped. (39:58) Final thoughts: Awareness and allowing as daily practices – Closing thoughts on making awareness and allowing a consistent part of life.

    38 min
  6. Posture #2: Posture for Awareness

    JAN 14

    Posture #2: Posture for Awareness

    This episode of Tools of Awakening explores the subtle but powerful connection between posture and presence. Pernilla and Abdi discuss how something as simple as aligning the back of the head and chin can profoundly shift our state of being—bringing calm, clarity, and a sense of ease to both the body and mind. Posture, often overlooked, becomes a gateway to grounding and greater awareness. The conversation is practical and real, offering small adjustments that can ripple into big transformations in daily life. We round off with a guided meditation that helps you connect with your body and breath, making space for stillness and relaxation. (00:35) Welcome and introduction to posture as a tool for presence – An overview of the importance of posture for connecting with ourselves and the present moment. (01:59) The impact of posture on mind and body connection – How body alignment affects mental clarity and emotional balance. (03:53) Adjusting the chin and back of the head for alignment – Exploring the subtle adjustments that bring ease and stability to the body. (05:37) Demonstration: Finding the natural spot for head alignment – A step-by-step guide to discovering proper head and neck alignment. (08:21) Emotional and physical benefits of proper posture – Discussing the calming ripple effects of posture on the nervous system and mind. (09:08) Challenges of maintaining posture during meditation – The difficulties meditators often face and strategies to stay aligned. (11:14) Simple benefits of relaxed alignment in daily life – Practical advantages, from reducing stress to feeling more centered and present. (13:30) Integrating awareness into everyday activities – How posture awareness can seamlessly fit into walking, driving, and other daily routines. (15:20) Difference between focus and relaxed awareness – Shifting from rigid concentration to an open, gentle mindfulness. (16:01) Guided practice: Body alignment and meditation setup – A practice to align the body and prepare for meditative stillness. (17:24) Guided meditation: Breath awareness through the body – A calming meditation that flows through the body with gentle breath awareness. (22:51) Closing thoughts and integrating practices into daily life – Encouragement to incorporate these tools into daily habits for ongoing transformation.

    22 min
  7. My friend Meditation

    JAN 6

    My friend Meditation

    In this episode of Awakening Process 101, Louise and I share an intimate conversation about meditation—a practice that has deeply transformed both our lives. For me, meditation is more than a habit; it’s a friend, a constant source of comfort, presence, and connection to the infinite. Drawing from my own experience, I talk about how this practice shifted my perspective, helping me realize that the unconditional love, presence, and awareness I sought all along were already within me. We also explore the practicalities of starting a meditation practice, from the simplicity of one-minute sessions to the profound impact of consistency. Together, we reflect on how meditation provides a moment of stillness in a chaotic world, creating space to breathe, observe, and ultimately respond to life with greater clarity and compassion. Louise brings her perspective as a Buddhist practitioner, discussing how chanting has provided her with a pathway to connection and infinite love. Along the way, we share laughter, honest insights, and even a short guided meditation to help you take your first or next step on this journey. This episode is about recognizing meditation as a tool for discovering the best parts of yourself and living with a deeper connection to the people and world around you. Join us and take a moment to connect with the energy behind your thoughts. Let us know your thoughts pernilla@awakening-101.com Here’s a more detailed version of the timestamps: Timestamps (00:00) Welcome and Introduction: Pernilla and Louise kick off the episode by introducing the topic of meditation and its importance in modern life. (02:05) Why Meditation Matters: Pernilla reflects on her personal journey with meditation and how it became a cornerstone of her emotional and spiritual health. (04:30) Meditation as a Friend: Pernilla describes meditation as a nurturing, unconditional presence that provides a sense of love and connection. (09:00) Starting a Meditation Practice: Practical advice on beginning with short, consistent practices, like one-minute sessions, and the importance of timing. (12:20) Meditation and Sobriety: Pernilla shares how meditation became a supportive practice during early sobriety and helped her navigate emotional challenges. (16:00) Breaking Free from Emotional Attachments: How meditation fosters awareness of thoughts and emotions, allowing for healthier relationships and responses. (18:10) The Role of Breath: Discussion on how breathing deeply activates the parasympathetic nervous system, creating relaxation and focus. (21:00) Guided Meditation: A short, calming meditation led by Pernilla to help listeners step into stillness and presence. (24:50) Chanting and Mantras: Louise shares her experience with chanting as an active form of meditation and a path to connecting with infinite love. (28:30) Demystifying Meditation: Addressing misconceptions, including the idea that meditation is about stopping thoughts entirely, and encouraging simplicity. (33:00) The Long-Term Impact of Meditation: How consistent practice transforms thoughts into “fluffy clouds” and creates a lasting sense of stillness. (36:40) Meditation in Daily Life: Practical examples of how meditation helps respond to life’s challenges with compassion and clarity. (40:00) Closing Thoughts: Pernilla and Louise emphasize that meditation is a gift to yourself and those around you, offering a path to deeper connection and peace.

    37 min
  8. Change is Possible

    12/16/2024

    Change is Possible

    In this episode of Awakening Process 101, we discuss the concept of change. Change is inevitable—sometimes it sweeps in like a storm, other times it unfolds quietly over time. In this episode, Louise Juel and I reflect on how change has shaped our lives, sharing personal stories and insights from our spiritual journeys. We talk about surrender—not as defeat, but as a gateway to clarity and transformation. Life’s challenges, even the painful ones, hold the potential for profound growth when we meet them with awareness. This conversation is a reminder that no matter where you are, change is always possible—sometimes when you least expect it. (00:00) Introduction – Embracing Change: An inspiring opening reflecting on how change is woven into every aspect of life, why it can be so challenging, and how embracing it leads to deeper self-awareness and growth. (03:15) Why We Resist Change: A dive into the psychological and emotional barriers that make us resist change, including fear of the unknown, attachment to comfort, and the stories we tell ourselves about stability. (08:45) Personal Stories of Transformation: Pernilla and Louise share deeply personal stories of life-altering events that initially felt overwhelming but ultimately led to new perspectives, greater strength, and a renewed sense of purpose. (14:30) The Power of Surrender: A heartfelt discussion on how surrendering isn’t about giving up, but rather releasing resistance to allow life’s natural flow to guide us toward opportunities we couldn’t see before. (19:00) How Pain Can Lead to Growth: Exploring how emotional pain, grief, and hardship can become transformative teachers, helping us build resilience, self-compassion, and an expanded understanding of our true nature. (24:10) Finding Strength in Uncertainty: Practical reflections on staying grounded and centered when life feels unpredictable, including how to cultivate inner stability and trust in the unfolding process. (29:45) Tools for Navigating Life's Challenges: Offering practical tools like mindfulness, breathwork, meditation, and reflective journaling that help ease life transitions while fostering emotional balance and clarity. (35:20) Trusting the Process of Change: Insights on how to build trust in life’s process, even when we can’t see the full picture, and how surrendering can lead to unexpected blessings and personal breakthroughs. (40:00) Closing Thoughts – Change Is Always Possible: An encouraging reminder that no matter where we are on our journey, change is always possible when we remain open, curious, and willing to grow through life’s experiences.

    38 min
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About

In this podcast, we discuss spirituality, emotional health, healing, and the true meaning of awakening in the context of our modern lives. Our goal is to spark insight and plant seeds on your path by sharing our own experiences—what worked and what didn’t—and encourage you to think outside the box, shift your perspective, and view life and its lessons as moments of learning and awakening. Pernilla Burke | Founder Awakening-101.com pernilla@awakening-101.com @_awakening_101_

Information

  • Creator
    Pernilla Burke
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2025
  • Episodes
    47
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Pernilla Burke
  • Show Website
    Awakening Process 101

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