The Change Agents Podcast With Dr. James Rouse

Some of the things we need to have on our list right now - pause, peace, presence. Can you focus on that? I'm sure we all could use a little more peace. Step out of the human DOing and give yourself permission to step into the human BEing. Love yourself right where you are. 

Think about the way you've persevered, how you haven't abandoned your heart. We've seen and experienced hard things. Yet we continue to spread love and be hopeful. We continue to keep our lights on.

Structural discipline and reactive discipline are two different approaches to managing behavior, often applied in various contexts. In a spiritual approach to discipline, the goal is often not just about controlling behavior but also about fostering inner growth, mindfulness, and a sense of interconnectedness with others and the world. It encourages individuals to align their actions with their spiritual values, such as love, compassion, forgiveness, and gratitude, and to view discipline as a means for personal and collective transformation.

See yourself as a hero. Is there something in your heart that is yearning to leave the status quo and enter the woods of the unknown? Strive to be a guiding light for those seeking answers and inspiration. Embrace the challenges of the unknown, be fearless in your pursuit of wisdom, and use your example to make the world a better place. Thank you for answering the call. Thank you for your  unwavering dedication to helping humanity progress towards a brighter future. The world needs more heroes right now.

Confidence as a practice that I believe all of us can benefit. Confidence is a deep and unwavering faith in oneself. When we connect this idea to a practice it becomes some of the best work of our lives. We can do this in several ways and I'm talking about three today.

This is the number one month of list-making. Are you a list-maker? This is also a time when, for many of us, our self-care falls to the bottom of the list. When we write something down, we increase our chance of that happening by about 85%. Are you on your list - the top of your list? It's easy to displace ourselves this time of year in relation to things that seem to be more important. But I am urging you today, put yourself at the top of your list.

When you are finally ready to overcome all the limiting and false ideas of who used to think you are and truly becoming all you came here to be.

If you have the physical capability to walk, then I am inviting you to take yourself for a walk every day. What are you willing to do to get outside and focus on your love of self. This is all about a tangible way to predictably uplevel our lives. 

What is Hell? Getting to the end of your life and meeting the version of you that you could have been.

Jack Kornfield, a renowned mindfulness teacher and author, offers a profound description of practicing self-compassion. He emphasizes the importance of treating oneself with the same kindness, understanding, and empathy that we readily extend to others. Kornfield encourages individuals to embrace their own suffering and challenges with an open heart, recognizing that self-compassion is an essential component of personal growth and healing. Through his teachings, Kornfield guides us towards the realization that self-compassion is not a sign of weakness but a powerful tool for cultivating inner peace, resilience, and a deeper sense of self-awareness.

When you ask yourself what you would like to be bringing to the world right now and what gets in the way of fully realizing your potential, what comes up for you? Fear is real to the extent we give it power. Push against your own boundaries and give yourself permission to love yourself into an evolution. Ask yourself: "What am I here to do?" Move towards this purpose. You will likely never reach the "pinnacle" but you have an opportunity to take incremental steps towards it every single day. 

What do mothers, musicians, and marshmallows have in common? Stay tuned and you'll find out!

It is at the edge of our comfort zones that our greatest achievements await. When we strive to break our own limitations, we not only redefine what is possible for ourselves but also inspire others to believe in their own capabilities. Stop sitting on the sidelines. Step into the arena and manifest the intention that is waiting for you right now. The impossible, made possible.

There are a lot of ways to look at and define resilience. I like to look at it as not allowing negative energy to come in and overtake me. Today I want to talk about three components that contribute to resilience.

Great change, growth, and transformation often require us to take action even when the timing may not be perfect. It's during these moments of uncertainty that we discover our true resilience and adaptability. Embracing the journey of personal and professional development, regardless of external circumstances, can lead to remarkable breakthroughs and a life filled with purpose and fulfillment. Step into that 51%.

Building a predictable path of peace via willpower is a profound challenge, one that Kelly McGonigal, a renowned psychologist and author, has illuminated through her research and insights. McGonigal's work emphasizes the transformative potential of willpower, drawing from the realms of spirituality and even the influence of blood sugar levels on decision-making. She highlights the role of self-control and inner strength, often associated with practices like meditation and prayer, in redirecting our impulses towards peaceful endeavors, even in the face of adversity. By tapping into our spiritual resources and maintaining stable blood sugar levels through mindful practices, we can enhance our capacity to make peace-driven choices and prioritize diplomacy over conflict. McGonigal's teachings encourage us to cultivate a deeper connection with our inner selves, fostering empathy, resilience, and determination. In doing so, we collectively strengthen our willpower, providing a more predictable route towards global

We are coming into this time of year where a lot can come up. The holidays tend to do that. Well today I want to talk about activating certain genes that are going to help support us, support our self-care, during the winter holidays, which can be challenging.

Is there a version of you, inside of you, that is more vibrant, loving, kind, generous? What would it be like if you brought him/her/them out for others to see and meet? This is about self-mastery and an expanded version of your potential being realized.

If you would love not to forget who you truly want to be, I've got a practice for you. The practice is simple. We do best under the influence of love and the world needs to see more of it, starting with us.

Life can throw some pretty tough challenges our way, but remember this: We are stronger than we think, and we can handle whatever comes our way. Discomfort makes us stronger. Whether it's tackling a difficult project, facing personal struggles, or simply navigating the ups and downs of everyday life, we have the power to overcome and thrive. Let's embrace the challenges that come our way as opportunities for growth and resilience. Let's support each other in our journeys, because together, we can do hard things and emerge even stronger!