Now That You Ask

What does it mean to say your life is your spiritual practice? In this episode, I wrestle with that question and what it asks of me in the ordinary moments - in traffic jams, sharp words, small kindnesses, and the quiet effort to be a little more patient than I was yesterday. I reflect on the gap between the person I am and the person I hope to become, discovering that spirituality may have less to do with perfection than with paying attention.Along the way, I consider gratitude, moments of unexpected awe, and the surprising wisdom that comes from knowing myself more honestly than before. If my everyday life is the path, then perhaps progress is found in slowing down, softening my judgments, and staying open to small joys (even the occasional ice cream cone) while doing the best I can to live with intention.Now That You Ask is a podcast that looks at topics that range from death to desire, and from wondrous to downright whacky. Join host, Akasha Halsey as she takes listeners on a journey through her writing and experience with life’s most persistent questions.Thank you for listening!Listen to more episodes like this and subscribe to updates at https://nowthatyouaskpodcast.com

When I stumbled across a list of funny sayings my sister sent me 23 years ago, I didn’t expect to find a small treasury of perspective tucked inside an old file folder. In this episode, I revisit those wry one-liners about weight, wrinkles, wisdom, and time and discover how much more they mean to me now. What once felt clever now feels earned.As I reflect on midlife changes, the strange speed of passing days, and the quiet invisibility that can come with age, I find myself choosing joy anyway, sometimes in a scoop of ice cream, sometimes in a nap, sometimes in biting my tongue. These tidbits of humor open the door to something deeper. I have found a renewed commitment to living with a glad heart, staying curious, and letting life surprise me, even now.Now That You Ask is a podcast that looks at topics that range from death to desire, and from wondrous to downright whacky. Join host, Akasha Halsey as she takes listeners on a journey through her writing and experience with life’s most persistent questions.Thank you for listening!Listen to more episodes like this and subscribe to updates at https://nowthatyouaskpodcast.com

Lately, I’ve noticed something unsettling: I can no longer do two things at once. Where multitasking once felt effortless, now even a simple conversation while writing a check can bring everything to a halt. In this episode, I reflect on the small, strange lapses, miswritten appointments, mysterious Post-it notes, numbers that rearrange themselves, and what they reveal about growing older. Is this decline, adaptation, or an invitation to slow down? As my bright Post-its multiply, so does my determination not to go gently into forgetfulness, but to meet it with curiosity, patience, and a stubborn joy in being alive.Now That You Ask is a podcast that looks at topics that range from death to desire, and from wondrous to downright whacky. Join host, Akasha Halsey as she takes listeners on a journey through her writing and experience with life’s most persistent questions.Thank you for listening!Listen to more episodes like this and subscribe to updates at https://nowthatyouaskpodcast.com

What happens when your deepest need for clarity collides with a life full of unanswered questions? In this episode, I explore my personal relationship with ambiguity and how my intolerance for uncertainty shapes my desire for control, complicates decision-making, and heightens my reactions to surprise. Listen in I reflect on how words become my lifeline in the gray areas, helping me name discomfort, regain balance, and transform mental chaos into clarity. Ultimately, it is about learning to face ambiguity with courage and trust, and discovering that calm doesn’t come from eliminating uncertainty, but from meeting it with intention and self-belief.Now That You Ask is a podcast that looks at topics that range from death to desire, and from wondrous to downright whacky. Join host, Akasha Halsey as she takes listeners on a journey through her writing and experience with life’s most persistent questions.Thank you for listening!Listen to more episodes like this and subscribe to updates at https://nowthatyouaskpodcast.com

In the midst of uncertainty, we often find ourselves standing at a crossroads, unsure of which way to turn. Life's unpredictability requires us to let go of past learnings and embrace new paths with humility and openness. Reflecting on this, I realize that the journey is not merely about moving forward but also about taking the time to pause and assess my true feelings and desires. While the way forward might be challenging, it is in our stillness that clarity emerges, helping us to inch in the right direction or retreat when necessary. Ultimately, self-reflection and authenticity become our compass, leading us toward a fulfilling and purpose-driven journey.Now That You Ask is a podcast that looks at topics that range from death to desire, and from wondrous to downright whacky. Join host, Akasha Halsey as she takes listeners on a journey through her writing and experience with life’s most persistent questions.Thank you for listening!Listen to more episodes like this and subscribe to updates at https://nowthatyouaskpodcast.com

As I reflect on 2025, I am reminded of the moments that have irreversibly changed my heart. I've had to say goodbye to my beloved cat Sid and his sister, Nancy, both of whom have accompanied me so loyally through life's ups and downs. Looking back, it feels as though 2025 was a year of significant shedding, akin to the symbolic Year of the Snake, where things holding me back were stripped away to reveal new beginnings. Now, as I navigate through the waves of sorrow, I find solace in the tender memories shared and the immense love Sid imparted. Reflecting on all those who have touched my life this year, I feel a deep sense of gratitude for their presence and the unique imprints they left upon my soul.Now That You Ask is a podcast that looks at topics that range from death to desire, and from wondrous to downright whacky. Join host, Akasha Halsey as she takes listeners on a journey through her writing and experience with life’s most persistent questions.Thank you for listening!Listen to more episodes like this and subscribe to updates at https://nowthatyouaskpodcast.com

Navigating life's uncertainties often demands a virtue that seems elusive: patience. As I sit here writing, my thoughts are consumed by concern for my 18-and-a-half-year-old cat, Sid. This past week has been a whirlwind as Sid hasn't been eating or drinking much, and last night was especially tough with him getting sick multiple times. At the emergency vet today, waiting for test results, I find myself desperately trying to embody the patience, a daunting task for someone like me who's historically struggled with this virtue. While I fidget through this in-between time, the uncertainty of what the vet may find looms over me. Still, I understand that no matter the outcome, letting Sid know he's cherished is paramount. Conveying that sentiment without overwhelming him is what I aspire to achieve, hoping to embody patience and presence, for his sake and mine, as we await the future together.Now That You Ask is a podcast that looks at topics that range from death to desire, and from wondrous to downright whacky. Join host, Akasha Halsey as she takes listeners on a journey through her writing and experience with life’s most persistent questions.Thank you for listening!Listen to more episodes like this and subscribe to updates at https://nowthatyouaskpodcast.com

Starting over can be daunting yet wonderfully liberating, offering an opportunity to reimagine our lives and chart a new course. Reflecting on my journey from a commune in Oregon to San Francisco with just $200 and a thrift-store wardrobe, I realized that each step was a testament to resilience and adaptability. The belief in something greater kept me moving forward. Each decision, whether wise or not, shaped my evolving identity and embracing fear as a motivation rather than a deterrent, I discovered that starting anew can lead to the most rewarding experiences and self-discovery. As life presents fresh paths, listening to intuitive calls ensures my days are filled with the excitement of exploration, which is truly one of life's greatest gifts.Now That You Ask is a podcast that looks at topics that range from death to desire, and from wondrous to downright whacky. Join host, Akasha Halsey as she takes listeners on a journey through her writing and experience with life’s most persistent questions.Thank you for listening!Listen to more episodes like this and subscribe to updates at https://nowthatyouaskpodcast.com

As we stand on the brink of 2026, the Year of the Horse beckons, symbolizing a shift into strength, momentum, and forward movement. It's a time for action with purpose and freedom with direction. 2025 proved to be a period of letting go, shedding relationships and attachments that no longer served a purpose, and embracing the relief and renewed sense of self that followed. It was a journey of acceptance, patience, and embracing truths that reshaped beliefs and encouraged me to step up without blame or martyrdom. As 2026 dawns, I have a resolve to ride the wave of the Horse's energy, embracing unexpected gifts, creating new possibilities, and welcoming the unknown with open arms and trust. Now That You Ask is a podcast that looks at topics that range from death to desire, and from wondrous to downright whacky. Join host, Akasha Halsey as she takes listeners on a journey through her writing and experience with life’s most persistent questions.Thank you for listening!Listen to more episodes like this and subscribe to updates at https://nowthatyouaskpodcast.com

Have you ever thought about what your obituary might say and the life you need to live to deserve it? I recently found myself reflecting deeply on this concept. Life is filled with planning, from our legacy to our memorials, but how often do we pause to consider if we're truly living up to the lives we want to leave behind? This introspection led me to appreciate my quirks and realize that ultimately, it's about spreading joy and living authentically, being proud of the journey, and ready to pen an obituary that genuinely reflects who we are.Now That You Ask is a podcast that looks at topics that range from death to desire, and from wondrous to downright whacky. Join host, Akasha Halsey as she takes listeners on a journey through her writing and experience with life’s most persistent questions.Thank you for listening!Listen to more episodes like this and subscribe to updates at https://nowthatyouaskpodcast.com

Football season offers more than just exciting games; it brings unexpected reflections on life. As a dedicated fan, my connection to the sport reminds me of the human aspect of players and the parallel experiences we share. Even iconic quarterbacks have off days, echoing struggles we face in our lives. Allowing space for mistakes deepens my enjoyment, ensuring that I remain a supportive team player from my couch, fostering a win-win attitude throughout the greatest game and life.Now That You Ask is a podcast that looks at topics that range from death to desire, and from wondrous to downright whacky. Join host, Akasha Halsey as she takes listeners on a journey through her writing and experience with life’s most persistent questions.Thank you for listening!Listen to more episodes like this and subscribe to updates at https://nowthatyouaskpodcast.com

Taking a moment to appreciate the small blessings in life can lead to immense satisfaction and a deeper sense of happiness. Acknowledging moments of stillness and contentment can really transform our outlook on life. It's about finding the balance between responsibility for our emotions and the belief that there are benevolent forces aiding our journey. By leaning into gratitude, we open ourselves up to a world where happiness isn't a rare occurrence but a constant companion. So, I say let's reach out our hands, embrace the blessings around us, and let our lives be filled with newfound joy and satisfaction.Now That You Ask is a podcast that looks at topics that range from death to desire, and from wondrous to downright whacky. Join host, Akasha Halsey as she takes listeners on a journey through her writing and experience with life’s most persistent questions.Thank you for listening!Listen to more episodes like this and subscribe to updates at https://nowthatyouaskpodcast.com

Amidst the hustle and bustle, we often overlook the beauty and tranquility that nature offers right at our fingertips. As John Muir once said, "Everybody needs beauty as well as bread." To me, this really highlights the intrinsic value of natural beauty in our spiritual and physical sustenance and serves as an important reminder of how reconnecting with nature can provide clarity and strength to both body and soul. No matter where we are, even a small step outside can revitalize and fill us with gratitude for the life we live.Now That You Ask is a podcast that looks at topics that range from death to desire, and from wondrous to downright whacky. Join host, Akasha Halsey as she takes listeners on a journey through her writing and experience with life’s most persistent questions.Thank you for listening!Listen to more episodes like this and subscribe to updates at https://nowthatyouaskpodcast.com

Sometimes people grapple with whether the proverbial glass is half-full or half-empty, often missing the crucial point: the glass is refillable. An empty or half-full glass signifies untapped potential, an opportunity to reconfigure our outlook and be grateful for what we have and what we can achieve. The glass remains open, accepting, and ready for us to decide its contents at any moment. What will you fill your glass with? Now That You Ask is a podcast that looks at topics that range from death to desire, and from wondrous to downright whacky. Join host, Akasha Halsey as she takes listeners on a journey through her writing and experience with life’s most persistent questions.Thank you for listening!Listen to more episodes like this and subscribe to updates at https://nowthatyouaskpodcast.com

In this episode of Now That You Ask, I share a moment of unexpected intimacy during a visit to the emergency vet with my elderly cat, Sid. While there, I encounter a man who is devastated over his sick dog. My interaction with him was poignant reminder of human connection and the importance of being present for one another, even in the most random of moments.Now That You Ask is a podcast that looks at topics that range from death to desire, and from wondrous to downright whacky. Join host, Akasha Halsey as she takes listeners on a journey through her writing and experience with life’s most persistent questions.Thank you for listening!Listen to more episodes like this and subscribe to updates at https://nowthatyouaskpodcast.com

Life often hands us experiences that, while fleeting, leave a lasting impact on our hearts and minds. In pondering the delicate interplay between grief and gratitude, I find a profound truth in how both emotions closely coexist. They are two sides of the same coin, transient yet powerful forces that color our existence. Recognizing and allowing these feelings at both ends of the spectrum is essential, embracing the highs of gratitude even as we endure the lows of grief. As life progresses, my aim is to indulge in gratitude as much as possible, savoring the positive, which ultimately prepares me to handle the inevitable sadness and loss with a sense of grace.Now That You Ask is a podcast that looks at topics that range from death to desire, and from wondrous to downright whacky. Join host, Akasha Halsey as she takes listeners on a journey through her writing and experience with life’s most persistent questions.Thank you for listening!Listen to more episodes like this and subscribe to updates at https://nowthatyouaskpodcast.com

In life, embracing our authentic selves can illuminate the world around us in extraordinary ways. The path to self-discovery is often laden with doubts and fears about how our stories might portray us. Nevertheless, allowing our "spiritual electricity" to shine means celebrating our true selves, flaws and all, even when societal norms and expectations urge us to conform. By grounding ourselves in authenticity, we foster meaningful connections, respect individual journeys, and contribute vibrantly to the collective tapestry of existence. Let your spiritual electricity light up the world and kiss goodbye to shrinking in the shadows just to fit in.Now That You Ask is a podcast that looks at topics that range from death to desire, and from wondrous to downright whacky. Join host, Akasha Halsey as she takes listeners on a journey through her writing and experience with life’s most persistent questions.Thank you for listening!Listen to more episodes like this and subscribe to updates at https://nowthatyouaskpodcast.com

Amid the noise and motion of life, I’ve come to see that within us lies a vast landscape where everything belongs. Grief and joy, confusion and calm, peace and surrender flow together like rivers through mountains. The words “There is room for everything” once felt impossible, yet they’ve become a quiet truth. When I meet each moment as it comes, I glimpse stillness beneath the surface, a rhythm that carries me. Peace is not a place I reach but a presence that walks beside me, reminding me that even in the shifting terrain of being alive, there is always room for everything.Now That You Ask is a podcast that looks at topics that range from death to desire, and from wondrous to downright whacky. Join host, Akasha Halsey as she takes listeners on a journey through her writing and experience with life’s most persistent questions.Thank you for listening!Listen to more episodes like this and subscribe to updates at https://nowthatyouaskpodcast.com

Inspired by Jane Goodall's work with gorillas, we're reminded of the difference one can make through dedication and understanding. Jane's journey encourages us to consider our daily impact, pushing us to act with more awareness. By making small, conscious decisions like offering kindness we can enhance our positive influence. It's not about being perfect. It's about setting the intention to bring positivity to each interaction, just as Jane did with her groundbreaking work.Now That You Ask is a podcast that looks at topics that range from death to desire, and from wondrous to downright whacky. Join host, Akasha Halsey as she takes listeners on a journey through her writing and experience with life’s most persistent questions.Thank you for listening!Listen to more episodes like this and subscribe to updates at https://nowthatyouaskpodcast.com

In our fast-paced world, the idea of having nothing to say is often perceived as uncomfortable or unproductive. However, this week, I found myself embracing the silence and discovering the unexpected peace it brings. As I pondered the feeling of having nothing substantial to discuss, I realized it was akin to the quietness of a fall morning, where nature effortlessly transitions into a new season. The trees let go of their leaves without resistance, and similarly, I allowed myself to release the pressure of always having a task to complete or a thought to express. This space provided a sense of freedom from the usual constraints of my routine. It was a reminder that sometimes, doing nothing can be as fulfilling as checking off a to-do list. Now That You Ask is a podcast that looks at topics that range from death to desire, and from wondrous to downright whacky. Join host, Akasha Halsey as she takes listeners on a journey through her writing and experience with life’s most persistent questions.Thank you for listening!Listen to more episodes like this and subscribe to updates at https://nowthatyouaskpodcast.com