The Change Agents Podcast With Dr. James Rouse

We know what makes us come alive when we slow down enough to allow the feeling to sink in. The more we allow ourselves to be in the currency of noticing and allowing, we start to come home again.

In the bustling landscape of modern life, where stress, distractions, and negativity can often take center stage, the power of positive thinking and self-affirmation has never been more crucial. Enter the age-old practice of using mantras – simple, yet powerful phrases that act as a guiding light, transforming the way we perceive ourselves and the world around us. Just like a wand in the hand of a magician, your words, when harnessed as mantras, can conjure a world of positive change and transformation. We are looking for ways to be a lot more connected. The work begins inside and it expresses on the outside. 

The power of exercise when it comes to mental health cannot be overstated. Today I want to share the specifics around exercise and what to do to help improve mental health. 

The healing antidote to shame is living the lessons of self-love and self-acceptance. When I feel like I'm not enough, it's time to work on self-efficacy. Let me walk you through the simple things that allow us to build self-efficacy and self-love.

If you could pick four things that you knew predictably gave you peace and purpose, would you make these things a non-negotiable part of every single day? Because you have that within you. Recommit to knowing that you are embracing your purpose and what gives you life, right here right now.

Today I am sharing five things that will help bring light into the darkness and help give us courage to love ourselves. Be compassionate with yourself. Be a witness for not abandoning yourself in spite of any pain. Feel it. Get outside in nature. 

Everyday we have an opportunity to choose how we want to show up. Having an attitude that is characterized by hope and optimism helps us live longer. Mindfulness, meditation, gratitude, and writing down what makes us feel good will help us build hope. 

Deep and Personal Significance happens when we have positive change and growth in our lives. We want to become ever better versions of ourselves. The vast majority of humanity wants to make a positive difference in the world. 

Why do we have such a hard time loving ourselves? We may be suffering from social comparison, spending too much time on social media. We can look at self-love based on science, appreciating ourselves by taking dedicated actions.

Today I'm sharing 8 things that we can all do today to live longer and stronger. These are all things that are easy to implement and will add not just years to your life, but vitality and joy!

We all have different times in our lives when we are called to step up, to move forward, to hold the high water - to be a hero. There is no greater loss than not answering the call to step into our hero's journey. We are all heroes.

Be the truth of who you are. Stop telling stories to yourself that are no longer true. End relationships with those places that don't serve you. I know we all have versions of ourselves that no longer serve us. What can we let go of and what are we willing to fully embrace.

Self-reliance has the power to transform our lives by giving us the ability to control our circumstances. By relying on ourselves, we are not at the mercy of others, and we can make choices that align with our goals and values. Self-reliance gives us the freedom to be ourselves without worrying about what others think. We can take risks, push ourselves out of our comfort zones, and grow into the person we were meant to be. The power of self-reliance lies in the confidence and resilience that it gives us.

It's a spiritual practice to love ourselves very well. Is there room inside yourself to love yourself more? Are you open to it? Are you sensing there is room for growth there?

Forgiveness is a powerful vehicle for transformation, wholeness and love. It's time to lean into forgiveness, especially self-forgiveness, and let go of self-resentment.

“In the beginner’s mind there are many possibilities, but in the expert’s there are few” ― Shunryu Suzuki The more curious we are and the more open we are to experiencing new things, the longer we may live. Having a sense of curiosity is actually linked to lower incidences of inflammation and greater longevity. 

You are a healer. You are powerful beyond your wildest imagining. You are worthy of experiencing all the love that you desire. Do not be afraid of being seen. 

Exercise the power of intention. It's how we identify our core characteristics that will help us overcome our adversity. This is also about having a cause that is greater than ourselves that puts us into motion.

According to Lisa Miller, a clinical psychologist at Columbia University, there exists a strong link between depression and spirituality which can be scientifically proven. She compares the two to two sides of a door. Miller has dedicated her career to studying the relationship between spirituality and the brain. Through her research, she has identified several traits that are commonly found in those with a spiritual brain. 

Are you living in the valley of average? Choosing mediocrity? Take a look at your life right now and see how/where you may be settling. Don't settle for mediocrity. Climb that mountain and reach for the stars!