Why Struggle? Podcast w Barbara J. Faison

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

Why Struggle? podcast with Barbara J. Faison shares ideas, insights and simple practices to live an intentional life and thrive. Enjoy meditations, affirmations, and practices along with musings from daily living. https://linktr.ee/barbarafaison - all the links Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/barbara-faison/support

  1. 3 DAYS AGO

    2024 - Week 45 - Still Grateful

    All Links: LINKTR.EE/BARBARAFAISON This is an episode about guess what… gratitude! Greetings and welcome to 2024 - Week 45 - Still Grateful! If you're new to the podcast, welcome, and if you listen regularly, thank you. Yes, I am still grateful. Several times this year, and just as recent as a few weeks ago, I was sharing scientific proof of how gratitude impacts our lives. And I'm still talking about that. Lol. Last week I mentioned that my initial regular colonoscopy was scheduled for September 26 and it got canceled due to the hurricane's passing through the area. I completed the rescheduled procedure on Friday and everything looks good. So I am still grateful. Allowing myself to find gratitude in all things, even what may feel unpleasant really helps me maintain an even, steady state of mind. So you know what that means if you've been listening to me for any length of time, will do something to practice being in that state of mind. I'm calling this a thank you practice. If you'd like to join me, please allow yourself to be uninterrupted for the duration of this practice. If you're driving, you may listen, just keep your eyes open. Lol. OK let's begin. In this thank you practice we are going to allow ourselves to repeat the words thank you over and over, like a mantra. You can keep your eyes open or closed, it’s up to you. We will begin by taking three deep breaths, breathing in through the nose and out through the mouth. Are you ready? I invite you to place your hands on your body somewhere, to remind you of your connection to your body. Remember, our body gets us around and is our mode of transportation while we are here on planet earth. Place your hands wherever you like on your body. I invite you to take a deep breath in through the nose, with a long, exhale out your mouth. Once again, a deep breath in through the nose, and a long, exhale out your mouth. One final deep breath. Now begin breathing at your own pace, rate and rhythm. Relax your shoulders by taking them up to your ears on the breath in and let them drop down on the breath out. Now, and as you breathe at your own pace, begin saying thank you out loud, and after a few times, saying thank you out loud begin, repeating the words silently in your mind I'll start you off, and then I will drift into silence and return shortly to bring you back into the present moment. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you Thank you It's time to bring your attention back to the present moment. You may release saying thank you silently. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/barbara-faison/support

    9 min
  2. OCT 30

    2024 - Week 44 -Things are Always Working Out!

    All the links : LINKTR.EE/BARBARAFAISON AUDIO - I'd rather listen - 11:48 mins 2024 - Week 44 -Things are Always Working Out! You can listen to this on my podcast - 11:48 mins or click the link here for the YouTube Channel version (audio only) This is an episode about things always working out for my highest good. One of my beliefs is that everything happens in divine order. I can think of so many times that I had a plan and my plan didn’t execute like I hoped it would. And when I would take the time to reflect and review, what happened was just what needed to happen. Everything is purposeful, even if I don’t get why at the time. I was scheduled for a routine colonoscopy on Friday, September 27th at 1 pm. I called Kaiser Thursday morning to confirm that everything was still set because we were expecting a hurricane to hit the area. I was told my procedure was still scheduled and to check the APP and online portal in case anything changed. Here’s the thing, the preparation for the colonoscopy requires you to fast and drink a solution to clean you out before the procedure. I was to start a liquid fast by noon on Thursday so I checked online before I started the process of a liquid diet. I was scheduled to be there by 10:30 am for my procedure on Friday. Nothing had changed, Something told me to cancel my procedure because they were saying the weather was going to be terrible. I didn’t. I didn’t trust my guidance. :( By Friday morning, the hurricane had passed through. We had some flooding and the after look of a storm where things look very calm and almost dusky even in the middle of the day. My husband, TD and I drove up to the Kaiser facility and both of us noted how quiet it seemed. When we reached the area to park, there were no cars. Not a good sign. There was a sign posted that all procedures had been canceled. I looked at TD and said, “something told me to cancel and reschedule.” He looked at me and said, " I know you are hungry, let’s get something to eat." I love this man. After driving around a bit looking for a place that was open with electricity we ended up at IHOP. I’m really proud of myself for not having pancakes. Lol. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/barbara-faison/support

    12 min
  3. OCT 30

    2024 - Week 43 - Give Thanks!

    All the links: LINKTR.EE/BARBARAFAISON 2024 - Week 43 - Give Thanks   Yep, we are in the gratitude space again! Most days when I journal I write down something I’m grateful for and it can range from health, being mobile with limited pain, my hubby, TD, family and more. I spoke about some of the science behind having a gratitude practice in Episode 38, Gratitude Practice. Even without the science, I can feel the difference when I choose to be grateful. As I was preparing to post this episode, I had issues with opening up the software program I use to post my podcast… and I still give thanks. And I realized a few days ago that I mislabeled a few of my podcasts earlier this year. I give thanks that I wasn’t as bothered as I would have been in the past when the technology didn’t behave as I liked and when I made errors with labeling the podcast episodes. My mantra, “It’s not that serious or important.” I am also grateful that I have a newsletter and that I can post the podcast in other places other than just the audio version. It will all work out. And for that simple statement I truly give thanks. A few things I feel grateful for today are a chiropractic adjustment, walking in the sun by the Chattahoochee River, and French Vanilla cappuccino. I hope you enjoy this Gratitude Practice that reminds me that gratitude is an attitude and a practice. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/barbara-faison/support

    7 min
  4. OCT 8

    2024 - Week 41 - A Simple Practice

    All the links - LINKTR.EE/BARBARAFAISON 2024 -  Week 41 - A Simple Practice This is an episode where I share a simple practice you can use to stay grounded. If you are new to my podcast, welcome! If you’ve been listening, I say thank you. I say thank you to anyone that takes the time to listen. I appreciate you! There is a grounding technique that helps with anxiety and connecting you to the present moment. It's called the 5 4 3 2 1 Technique. It’s one I know and use, so I thought I would share it with you so it may be something you can put in your practice toolkit. Here's an example how it goes.  Notice 5 things you see. • I see rosebushes, river, birch trees, a red cardinal, a lounge chair, and a white truck 4 things you touch: • My chair • My hand to my heart • My cell phone • My yoga mat 3 things you hear • Cars passing by • Someone cutting their • A plane flying overhead 2 things you smell. • The heat • My hand lotion 1 thing you taste. • A ginger mint This 5 4 3 2 1 practice can help you and I encourage you to practice. So let’s do a simple practice now where we do the 5 4 3 2 1 technique. A great time to use this technique is when you know or begin to feel agitation in your body that may feel like anxiety or if you don’t feel grounded or solid in your body. You can also do a few short breaths in through the nose or mouth and a long exhale through your mouth. Having quick techniques you can use is one way to manage your emotions and your responses to life, well, lifing. lol. What’s something you do to manage your emotions and feelings? I’d love for you to leave a comment, observation or reflection where you are listening to this podcast.  If you’d like to share your thoughts with me - barbarafaisonllc@gmail.com is the best way to reach me. And if social media is better for you, LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram, are best. The card I pulled for us in this moment is the number 6 QUESTION  Card..  The VISION  for my life is CLEAR and I move with EASE and GRACE I love this reminder.  Thanks, cards!  --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/barbara-faison/support

    6 min
  5. OCT 2

    2024 - Week 40 - Shake it Out and Breathe

    All the links: LINKTR.EE/BarbaraFaison Week 40 - Shake it Out and Breathe You can listen to this on my podcast - 7:01 mins or click the link here for the YouTube Channel version (audio only) This is an episode about breathing. Well, there is a lot going on in the world isn't there? And we know we can't control anybody else but ourselves, right? What I've learned is sometimes the best response is no response. Trust me I have learned this the hard way… talking way to much. Lol. It feels like we're able to see so much of other people's lives, because we are. Technology allows us to see what other people are doing, or at least what we think they are doing on many levels. It can be frightening. Whether it's watching someone do a live stream, a short on YouTube, or something on TikTok; we think we know what's happening in other people's lives. Do we, really? I'm reminding myself more and more to step away from so much of the busyness and noise of daily life. Even if it's stepping outside for five minutes to look at a tree or a flower to take a few breaths. Being in nature is very calming and soothing for the body and our nervous system. Even if you can’t step outside, look out the window or find an image only of something in nature that you find beautiful or breathtaking. Taking a few breaths and being in nature is something you can aspire to do daily. Recently I have had comments or messages sharing how much you enjoy the breathing practices I share. I really enjoy hearing from you all, and thank you so much for listening and taking time to share your thoughts and feelings with me. One thing I love about breathwork is that you can do it anytime, anywhere and no one has to know. And it is also free, simple and easy. You know that means we have to practice, right? Let’s practice now. Sometimes all we need is just a good shake to shake off whatever is going on in our bodies. I call this my shake it out and breathe practice. I want you to shake your entire body and take loud breaths in through your nose and out through your mouth as you shake. Yes, shake it up and out… and feel free to laugh while you do it. lol Are you ready? Let's go! Start from your upper body, shaking your head, your shoulders, your arms, your hands, keep shaking, your upper torso, now your hips, kick your legs out, and if you're able to take a few stomps with your feet on the ground do it. Take a moment to notice how that feels. You might feel tingling or movement in your body. Excellent! How did that feel to you? Lol Now I invite you to you place your hands stacked on top of each other right in the center of your chest, this is your energetic heart center. We'll take seven breaths in through the nose and out through the mouth with loud, verbal exhales, like this. I'll do the counting and you do the breathing. Are you ready? Breathe in Ahh Breathe in Ahh Breathe in Ahh Breathe in Ahh Breathe in Ahh Breathe in Ahh Last one deep breath, breathe in Ahh. You are in the present moment. Take a moment to notice how you feel right now. This simple breathing technique is very powerful. Whenever we breathe out longer than in, we're sending a signal to our brain to calm our body down. Let me know what you think about the shake it out and breathe practice. Try it a few times over the next week and notice how you feel. You can leave a comment, observation or reflection wherever you're listening to this podcast. If you’d like to share your thoughts with me - barbarafaisonllc@gmail.com is the best way to reach me. And if social media is better for you, LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram, are best. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/barbara-faison/support

    7 min
  6. SEP 25

    2024 - Week 39 - Slow Down and Breathe

    All the links: LINKTR.EE/BARBARAFAISON 2024 - Week 39 - Slow Down and Breathe You can listen to this on my podcast - 8:32 mins or or click the link here for the YouTube Channel version (audio only)      I love this quote - “Autumn is about to show us how beautiful it is to let things go.” - Anonymous In the northern hemisphere, Autumn or fall is the time to start slowing down. In some places the temperatures are dropping, we aren’t quite there yet in metro Atlanta. It’s coming though. Do you feel the change in yourself, moving from the energy and excitement of summer to wanting to slow down? Autumn is the time to start slowing down, releasing and letting go of whatever you need to release.  Nature shows us now to do it. The trees are letting go of the leaves to prepare for the winter. What about you? What are you preparing for by releasing and letting go? I’ve learned that around this time I want to DO LESS… so guess what? I’m doing less. I am giving myself permission and in case you need someone to give you permission, PERMISSION GRANTED. I hope you enjoy this excerpt from my book/audio/ebook, Why Struggle? Life is too short to wear tight shoes SLOW DOWN When was the last time you did anything without rushing? We can reach out and touch people in numerous ways including the phone, email, and social media. Technology offers our society such wonderful enhancements to daily living that we sometimes forget to slow down. We get up with our smartphones, cuddle with them and go to bed with them and sometimes we allow them to dictate all of our daily activities. Technology is not human and has no discretion or judgment. Remember to disconnect from technology to fully engage in life and with people. Set personal boundaries around the time you spend on the phone, computer or tablet. Be sure to schedule or factor in time for relaxation and down time. Commit to turning off the phone and enjoying the beauty around you. If you are with someone, enjoy time with a human; the technology will be there after you are done. Practice: Choose a time to spend alone in nature. Take a walk and slow down, breathe the air and feel the sun against your skin. Slow down and give every moment your undivided attention. Affirmation: I allow my mind, body, and spirit to slow down and be at peace. End of excerpt. Learning to slow down or STOP and know when I have done enough is something I have to practice. Guess what? I get to reset, give myself grace and choose peace. Just taking a few deep breaths can calm your body down. Let’s do that now. Enjoy this audio called 10 Conscious Breaths.  --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/barbara-faison/support

    9 min
  7. SEP 18

    2024 - Week 38 - Gratitude Practice

    ALL LINKS: LINKTR.EE/BARBARAFAISON 2024 - Week 38 - Gratitude Practice I feel so grateful to be alive at this particular time. In my lifetime I have been able to experience not having cell phones or faxes, as well as not having GPS systems. I'm extremely grateful that these are now a part of our daily lives. However, I do feel that living in a time before all of those modern conveniences were available allows me to step away easier than people who may not have had the experience of living without these tools. I'm also grateful that science continues to confirm things like the importance of gratitude in our daily lives. Here are a few benefits of having a regular gratitude practice: Gratitude unshackles us from toxic emotions and we tend to use less negative language. Gratitude helps even if you don’t share it, try writing a letter to someone and you don’t even need to share it, you will benefit just from writing your thoughts down. Gratitude takes time so write down what are grateful for regularly, it’ll help. Gratitude has lasting effects on the brain and decision making, so that’s reason enough to try practicing gratitude. Walking in the mornings before it gets hot has been a practice of mine for decades.   I hope you enjoy this track called Four Minute Gratitude Walk. Note: I'm out walking so you'll hear the sounds of cars and all of life around. What are you grateful for these days? Leave a comment, observation or reflection where you're listening to this podcast. If you’d like to share your thoughts with me - barbarafaisonllc@gmail.com is the best way to reach me. And if social media is better for you, LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram, are best. In honor of September being Self-Care Month, I'm offering 15% off the products on my website until the end of the month. Use SELFCARE15 for 15% and free US shipping on all products including live sessions. Our Breathe with Barbara LIVE session is Wednesday, September 18 from 8 - 9 pm eastern. You can find out more by going to barbarafaison.com/store and look for live sessions. You can also use SELFCARE15 for 15% off the live sessions.  The card I pulled for us today from my Relax, Listen and Trust Your Inner Guidance Card Deck#5 TRUST - I speak KIND and LOVING words to MYSELF  How we speak to ourselves is essential to a well lived life. I am enough and worthy of all the good I can stand is one of my affirmations and a reminder to be good, kind and sweet to myself. If you’d like to order a card deck, you can go to barbarafaison.com/store and look for the cards.   --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/barbara-faison/support

    8 min
5
out of 5
12 Ratings

About

Why Struggle? podcast with Barbara J. Faison shares ideas, insights and simple practices to live an intentional life and thrive. Enjoy meditations, affirmations, and practices along with musings from daily living. https://linktr.ee/barbarafaison - all the links Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/barbara-faison/support

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