Within with Dr. Vivian Carrasco

Dr. Vivian Carrasco: Wisdom Teacher, Guide & Spiritual Companion
Within with Dr. Vivian Carrasco

This podcast explores what it means to turn inward and find the answers within us. It helps us listen to our silent voice within and let that be our guide. I’m a teacher and mentor who works with women to help them discover their unique path and learn to Love Being Human. I’m your guide to learning how to embrace your life, relationships and meaning with beautiful, inspired action. We can work together in 1:1 mentoring or within my learning community, Within (U)niversity.

  1. 4D AGO

    Finding Your Inner Truth: A Journey of Self-Discovery

    In this heartfelt and introspective episode, I share some of my personal journey of discovering what it takes to "know" the right thing to do. I reflect on my 34-year marriage and how I learned to rely on my inner guidance rather than external advice. In this platica I emphasizes the importance of self-trust, patience, and recognizing one's own truth, drawing upon life's experiences and the concept of living with intention. The episode invites listeners to explore their inner knowing through various creative mediums and acknowledges the fluid nature of life's truths. It ends with a message of gratitude and an invitation to engage in deeper conversations about self-discovery and inner guidance. 00:00 Introduction and Gratitude 00:55 The Journey of Self-Discovery 05:10 The Right Thing to Do 06:01 Personal Story: Marriage and Family 10:52 Understanding Your Inner Guidance 17:21 The Dance of Knowing 22:32 Exploring Your Own Creation 24:19 Conclusion and Final Thoughts     What Does It Take to Know the Right Thing to Do? Have you ever found yourself wrestling with the question, “What’s the right thing to do?” If so, you’re not alone. This question has followed me throughout my life, from my childhood in a large Catholic family in West Texas, through my early marriage, and into the work I do today. For a long time, I believed the “right thing” was something outside of myself—something I could find in a book, a statistic, or someone else’s advice. I remember, early in my marriage, sitting across from my husband with a stack of books and statistics, convinced that the numbers said we should get a divorce. But instead of a fight, he gently closed the books, took my hand, and said, “Let’s make dinner.” Thirty-four years later, we’re still together, and I’m grateful every day that we trusted our own path over someone else’s predictions. The Truth Is Within What I’ve learned is that the “right thing” isn’t a fixed answer or a universal rule. Life is always changing, and so are we. The right thing for you today might not be the right thing tomorrow. It’s not about reaching a destination, but about following your own guiding star—your sense of purpose, your intuition, your heart. We each have our own truth, shaped by our experiences, values, and unique perspectives. Honoring that truth means listening deeply to yourself, even when it’s uncomfortable or uncertain. It means recognizing that your journey is yours alone, and that’s what makes it beautiful. How Do You Know? So, what does it take to know what the right thing to do is? It takes trust in yourself. It takes grace, compassion, and patience. It takes the willingness to explore your own world, to experiment, to make mistakes, and to learn from them. Sometimes, it’s as simple as pausing, tuning in, and asking, “What feels true for me right now?” There’s no single formula, no one-size-fits-all answer. For some, the journey might feel like climbing a mountain; for others, it’s floating down a river. The important thing is to keep moving, keep listening, and keep learning. An Invitation If you’re struggling with a big decision or just feeling lost, I invite you to practice listening to your own knowing. Journal your thoughts, take a walk, create something, or simply sit in silence. Notice what resonates, what makes your heart dance, and what feels like “home” inside you. Remember: the right thing to do is already within you. Trust yourself, and let your journey unfold. If this reflection resonates with you, I’d love to hear your thoughts or continue the conversation.  Until then, keep exploring, keep creating, and keep trusting in your own unique path. We forge it, because if you can see it clearly it's likely not yours, it's just a trail left behind others who've walked in the same direction.   Dios Te Bendiga Vivi

    26 min
  2. JUN 19

    Asi Es La Vida

    In today's world of endless scrolling and momentary interactions, a rare gem of wisdom can sometimes grace our screens. It was during one of these limited scrolls that I stumbled upon a heartwarming post—a gentleman highlighting his father's personality. It took me back to cherished memories of my grandmother and the wisdom passed down through my dad’s anecdotes. It made me pause and reflect on the narratives I choose to elevate in my own life. The Power of Words Growing up with four sisters and a brother, I realized from an early age how the same event could appear so different through each of our unique lenses. Despite sharing experiences, we were each an entire world unto ourselves. As I navigated through years of education and various life paths, it became evident that understanding the layers of miracles within and around us was an ongoing endeavor. Fascinatingly, figuring it all out remains elusive, but that doesn’t deter my pursuit of meaning. A Hand to Hold Life, as you know, is far from devoid of challenges. Everyone carries traumas, small or significant. However, reaching out for help or offering a steadying hand can make all the difference. That’s my reason for being here—to extend a metaphorical hand through this effort. Though limited by time and space, my voice aims to provide comfort and support. Navigating Life Like a Captain In directing our lives, we hold the power to shift course, much like a ship's captain avoiding unseen icebergs or steering toward breathtaking sunsets. We narrate our own experiences and possess the agency to choose what we ingest, both literally and figuratively. Recently, certain habits—like green juices and endless cups of tea—have nourished my body, mind, and heart. The Courage to Connect With guidance from moments of inspiration, I find the courage to step towards this endeavor, embracing the inherent vulnerability it involves. Aligning with one's true purpose creates an effortless flow, where engagement nourishes rather than depletes. Right now, I sit in a comfortable chair, surrounded by the beauty of nature and the legacy of those who’ve come before me. An Invitation and a Reminder Let us take a moment—reach out with your palm up, as if to connect with an ancestor or ally. Envisioning this connection is deeply nourishing. It’s a simple act to remind ourselves of our inner strength and the support available to us at any time. For me, acknowledging this interconnectedness is especially crucial when life's challenges feel most daunting. Embrace What Is As we part for now, remember—a guiding phrase that encapsulates much of my existence is to "give it all you've got." That’s just the way it is. Until next time, I am thankful for having found my way to your heart through your ears, and as you go forward, may you know there are numerous ways to connect with me. I welcome your prayers and assure you that you remain in mine. Be well, give what you can, and cherish this life. May this message find you when you need it most, and serve as a gentle hand to hold in your moments of reflection and need. 00:00 Reflecting on Wisdom and Social Media 01:28 Curiosity About People and Experiences 02:54 Navigating Life's Challenges and Seeking Help 04:56 The Power of Agency and Healthy Habits 06:45 Embracing Courage and Alignment 08:28 Connecting with Ancestors and Allies 11:08 Final Thoughts and Gratitude

    13 min
  3. Navigating the Darkness: Embracing the Inward Journey of Faith and Prayer

    12/12/2024

    Navigating the Darkness: Embracing the Inward Journey of Faith and Prayer

    It's the eve of the Feast of Our Lady and the beginning of our Novena - our 9-day walk together in contemplation as we access our insight and cultivate our Wise Heart, the organ of spiritual perception, and learn to see more clearly   seeing things that are physically invisible to the senses alone or the rational and intuitive mind seeing a fuller picture, aligning with the depth dimension of life   exploring our “faith.”   “Faith” is the mysterious way of seeing in the dark because the heart, like a little homing beacon, can align with what is not only a golden, invisible thread running through this whole mess but your personal golden, invisible thread. forging your way forward on the path that you are being drawn along, learning to listen to your heart like a set of GPS instructions always rerouting you to your true north,   merry merry beloveds     Key themes include redefining faith beyond traditional religious practices, understanding prayer as a space for inner listening, and embracing the transformation from darkness to light. I encourage you to hold compassionate space for yourself, set personal intentions, and appreciate the beauty in transitioning from darkness to light.   00:00 Introduction to the Inward Journey 00:21 Embracing Sacred Presence 01:09 The Role of Humor and Lightness 02:13 Creating a Sacred Space 04:46 Exploring Faith and Prayer 08:27 The Power of Light in Darkness 14:00 Setting Intentions and Inviting Ancestors 15:36 The Creative Power of Intentions 17:09 Conclusion and Gratitude       *In this audio, I mention my interview on the Simple Daily Practice Podcast, where I discuss my practice around darkness. Listen here or visit the Press page of my website.    If you haven't subscribed to the daily emails to join us in the Novena, you can do that here   https://drvivicarrasco.kit.com/novena

    18 min
  4. Learning to See in the Dark

    12/09/2024

    Learning to See in the Dark

    You may think it’s your light that gives you power. When actually it’s your ability to see in the dark I’m offering a Novena this season to help us Embrace the Light in the Darkness The Novena* begins on the Feast of Our Lady and ends the day before Winter Solstice Enter your email in the form linked below to subscribe to the daily emails. https://drvivicarrasco.kit.com/novena COVID-19 and Creative Struggles The past few years have been transformative. COVID-19 hit hard, leaving us all with memories and experiences that are now etched into our lives. Some of these moments are blessings, while others are tinged with pain and loss. Yet, they all contribute to the polishing of our spirits. For over a decade, I’ve nurtured my creative spirit, struggling and learning as I go. Creative pursuits have varied from wrapping rocks to weaving and even working with clay. These activities ground me, offering spiritual fulfillment and teaching me to honor the whispers of intuition that call me to create and express. The Push for Healing and Space Life’s relentless push can often lead to burnout, but I’ve realized the importance of creating space for myself. This journey of healing and nourishing led me to a deeper understanding of life’s cycles—the daily, weekly, and seasonal rhythms that shape us. By embracing healing, I’ve found inspiration that comes only when I’m willing to sit and do the work. Guidance from Within This stage of life, with its own set of health challenges, has brought another opportunity for growth. There are whispers that guide me, echoes of a divine message received long ago: to learn to love being human. This journey has taught me acceptance and the courage to speak my truth in a world that values conformity. Intimate Connections and Invitations Over the years, I’ve touched many hearts, yet I’ve drawn inward, seeking intimacy in smaller circles. These experiences have nourished my soul, allowing me to connect with those around me in meaningful ways. Now, a new whisper calls me to guide an experience—Advent by Candlelight. This invitation is open to all who feel drawn to explore the mysteries of life through this intimate journey. Creating Advent by Candlelight The process of creating Advent by Candlelight is mysterious, yet it’s rooted in the simple act of learning to see in the dark. This experience encourages us to adjust our eyes to the light, guided by the purity of candlelight over time. As details of this event unfold, I invite you to join me in this exploration. If you feel connected to this idea or know someone who might resonate with it, extend the invitation. Together, we can embark on this journey of inner reflection, allowing inspiration and truth to bubble up from within. The Magic of Uncertainty Life’s most magical moments often stem from its mysteries. In embracing uncertainty, we open ourselves to grace and light. I’ve recently found inspiration in Barbara Brown Taylor’s book, “Learning to Walk in the Dark,” which beautifully encapsulates these themes. As we journey through this advent season together, let us learn to see the brightness that transcends sight. Let us travel by candlelight, embracing the wisdom and grace that accompany us in the dark. ​ Love all ways, ​ Vivi ​PS Because of the magic of technology, it’s never too late to accept the invitation – the emails are in an evergreen sequence, waiting for you and when you’re ready – lovely that it’s never too late and you’re always right on time, isn’t it? 🙂 *Novena is based on the nine days of prayer Jesus asked the apostles to do before Pentecost *this Novena is one Our Lady has been asking me to do – I pray the experience nourishes both our spirits

    20 min
4.5
out of 5
10 Ratings

About

This podcast explores what it means to turn inward and find the answers within us. It helps us listen to our silent voice within and let that be our guide. I’m a teacher and mentor who works with women to help them discover their unique path and learn to Love Being Human. I’m your guide to learning how to embrace your life, relationships and meaning with beautiful, inspired action. We can work together in 1:1 mentoring or within my learning community, Within (U)niversity.

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