The Labyrinth

Miranda reflects on both the light and dark nature of the ability to adapt, or “shape shift,” into any environment. While the desire to make others happy is not inherently negative, how does it affect one’s relationship with themselves? The “people pleaser” may hold feelings of inadequacy which obstruct a grounded sense of self and sense of where one belongs. In this podcast, Miranda explores her own experience with being a “people pleaser.”

Miranda discusses the concept of appreciative joy. Comparison can erode our joy like nothing else. When we learn to celebrate the bounty of others and rejoice in the plenty that we can share, our ability to connect and feel joy is strengthened. While we feel gratitude for the things we have, we can also find deep peace in appreciating and celebrating the joys that others experience, expanding our own joy rather than cultivating jealousy.

Miranda discusses the concept of widening our thought patterns. Oftentimes, like a diet we were raised on, we become accustomed to certain ways of thinking whether they are healthy or not. Our practice can help us broaden our thinking and teach us more about which thoughts we allow to flourish in our minds.

Miranda discusses the discernment behind taking responsibility for our world with the mentality of “it takes a village” rather than convincing ourselves certain things are not our business. In our practice there is often much consideration about the things we can and cannot control. While our practice often encourages acceptance of what is, there is also a call to ask “is there anything I am meant do about this?” when faced with a difficult situation.

Miranda reflects on a story from a personal retreat of hers which has impacted the way she communicates. Sometimes, we are struck with a primal neediness to speak up and assert righteousness in a way that is not helpful to anyone. But when we become more aware of ourselves and our emotions, we can learn to sit with this sense of neediness and center ourselves in moments of tension.