The Change Agents Podcast With Dr. James Rouse

When I do these three things, I anchor how I want to show up in the world. Raise the condition of possibility. Empower yourself through the healthy self-care choices that you are making.

Success is no longer based on a person's IQ. It has much more to do with Emotional Intelligence (EQ). In fact having a high EQ is equivalent to greater success overall.

When we are pursuing our purpose and our virtues, we increase longevity on average 7 to 10 years. Friends pursuing the same happiness goals, similar purposes, increase our happiness and longevity.

What do you do to put your life in the world? And how do you keep the light on? Start with loving yourself. Put clean and healthy food into your body, spend time in nature, and move and stretch your body. Use your self-care as your primary activism. 

When our mitochondria are working and being augmented through our healthy lifestyle, all kinds of benefits come into play. I use four supplements religiously to help build my resilience and my mitochondria: Acetyl-l-carnitine, Mag threonate, CoQ10, PQQ - and I'm going to talk about them today. 

Neuroscientists conducted a study, which was published in Cerebral Cortex on May 29. The study involved inducing "personally relevant" spiritual experiences in a varied group of test subjects. During the experiences, the researchers scanned the subjects' brains. However, accessing the full article requires payment. The study suggests that there is a specific part of the brain that is activated when we experience a sense of connection with something beyond ourselves, such as God, nature, or humanity. This part of the brain is thought to be linked to spirituality. A practice of self-care gives you permission to feel good about the work at hand. It’s a way of connecting with yourself in a positive and meaningful way. Studies have linked spiritual practices such as prayer, meditation, yoga, and mindfulness to improved mental health, from reducing stress and anxiety to improving concentration. If you’re looking for ways to connect more deeply with your own sense of inner peace and strength, self-care is an excelle

The path of virtue is not always easy, but it is always rewarding. It takes hard work and dedication to stay on the path of virtue, but in the end, it will lead to greater happiness and satisfaction with life. Virtue is an invaluable asset that can bring out the best in a person and enable them to make a positive difference in the lives of others. Along the path of virtue lies many opportunities to learn new things, gain knowledge, and strengthen relationships. With each step taken along the path of virtue, a person can become increasingly capable and wise. Virtue is not only beneficial for an individual but also for society as a whole. When people strive for virtue, they are more likely to contribute positively towards their community.

There's something hopeful about community coming together. Today I want to share a story that happened recently and really connected to my heart. It's about oneness and connection and I hope it hits you in a way that you want to outlove the hate, outshine the darkness.

Cognitive flexibility is an important skill to have, both in the workplace and in daily life. It involves being able to quickly switch between different tasks or actions when faced with a changing environment. Dark chocolate is a great way to boost your cognitive flexibility. It contains flavanols, which are powerful antioxidants that can help improve attention and concentration, as well as emotional ease and grace.

When we decide we will love powerfully, not worry about being right or being accepted, we choose an emphatic yes because we are here to love. When all is said and done the only thing that matters is how well did we love while we were here? How well did we forgive? Our love is the most powerful energy that we will have the opportunity to know and express.

Loneliness is more deadly than air pollution, alcoholism, and more. It is linked to higher levels of physical and emotional stress. When I see people who I sense are lonely, I want to do a better job of reaching out. If you are picking up on this too, don't pick up and leave. Pick up and move in. 

According to the findings, people who are optimistic have lower risks of death due to cancer, cardiovascular disease, stroke, respiratory disease, and infection. Being positive can be a game changer for decreasing inflammation and improving your overall health and quality of life.

Consider your relationship with discipline. Discipline is freedom. Discipline keeps us holding the high watch, allowing us to become the greatest version of ourselves.

If you want to increase your emotional resilience, feelings of worthiness, spread good vibes, and increase your focus and self-discipline, here is a simple practice. Recognize the good that you do, the good that you are. It's that simple.

No false speech. Tell no lies. Keep from a place of deep truth. No slander. Don't use words that create disharmony or separation. Abstain from rude or abusive language. In other words, don't use words that diminish yourself or others. No gossip. Very much like the four agreements. Call it up.

The happiness phenomenon in Finland is real. And there are three things we can do no matter where we live to help increase our happiness. Practice non-comparison and put energy towards shared humanity and community. Spend time in nature. Build and circulate trust. 

Self-recognition is pure gold. Reward circuitry helps to reset and build a steady flow of confidence and energy (via our mitochondria). Today's message includes homework and dedication to self-love and self-awareness.

The antidote to being a hardaholic is more joy, more lightness. Incorporating more joy, play, and pleasure in our lives helps lower stress, and increase happiness. When we have pleasure in our life, it helps us overcome negative bias, helps with imagination, mindfulness, and motivation.

I want to lead with love every chance that I get. I've realized that every opportunity is an opportunity to lead with love. Love is not something we get or we give. It is something we nurture within one another. We can love others only as much as we love ourselves.

Under the influence of meditation we get an opportunity to react differently. It helps us to be more mindful so that when we are ready to speak, to act, we do so with a greater consciousness. Meditation helps us stop ruminating and start living more exceptionally.