The Light Inside

In this episode of The Light Inside, we delve into the intricate world of emotional triggers and self-regulation. We all experience moments when a seemingly innocuous comment or situation sends us spiraling into an emotional storm. Whether it's a partner's remark or a social media comment, our emotions can distort reality, leading to unnecessary conflict and misunderstanding. We explore the concept of the autonomic ladder, a metaphorical escalator that represents our emotional states. Our guest, John Eli Gouray, provides insights into how our autonomic nervous system, through a process called neuroception, constantly scans our environment for cues of safety and danger. This system can trigger either a calm, parasympathetic response or an aroused, sympathetic response, often without our conscious awareness. John explains the three primary states of the autonomic ladder: 1. Dorsal Vagal State: Associated with feelings of shutdown, immobilization, and despair.2. Sympathetic State: Characterized by activation, anxiety, and a desire for movement or conflict.3. Ventral Vagal State: The state of safety, social connection, and calm. Exploring the concept of emotional triggers, this episode delves into how seemingly harmless interactions can escalate into overwhelming emotional storms. From conversations with partners to comments on social media, our reactions can be driven by our emotions, altering our perceptions and leading to unnecessary conflict. The episode questions why it's challenging to control these reactions and sheds light on the autonomic ladder, illustrating how we can quickly spiral into misunderstandings when triggered emotionally. 00:00:00 - Introduction to Emotional Triggers00:00:10 - Real-Life Examples of Emotional Triggers00:01:03 - Impact of Emotional Reactions00:01:24 - The Autonomic Ladder Explained00:02:06 - Sponsor Message: Mint Mobile00:03:42 - Understanding Nervous System Responses00:05:09 - The Role of Neuroception00:07:11 - Early Development of Emotional Patterns00:08:48 - Emotions vs. Feelings00:10:00 - Story Follows State00:11:32 - Inference and Transference in Emotional Responses00:14:10 - Autonomic Nervous System and Childhood Experiences00:17:17 - The Autonomic Ladder: Detailed Breakdown00:20:00 - Dorsal Vagal Response00:23:21 - Sympathetic State and Overachieving00:27:13 - Personal Story: Work and Self-Worth00:30:16 - Sympathetic Phase of Response00:33:31 - Motivations Behind Emotional Responses00:34:35 - Identifying Emotional States00:38:08 - Hypervigilance and Emotional Reactivity00:40:35 - Example: Walking Through a Dark Pathway00:41:13 - Ventral Vagal Response00:43:03 - Pets and Emotional Regulation00:44:31 - Intuitive Awareness of Emotional Triggers00:45:52 - Identifying Triggers and Glimmers00:48:04 - Physical Movement and Emotional Relief00:49:07 - Emotional Cleaning as an Outlet00:50:19 - Labeling and Stigmatizing Behaviors00:52:44 - Personal Experiences with Sun Exposure00:53:38 - Assumptions and Projections in Interactions00:54:33 - The Practice of Asking and Clarifying JOIN US ON INSTAGRAM: @thelightinsidepodcast SUBSCRIBE: pod.link/thelightinside https:www.thelightinside.site Credits: Featured Guest: John Eli Guray Music Score: Epidemic Sound Executive Producer: Jeffrey Besecker Mixing, Engineering, Production and Mastering: Aloft Media Executive Program Director: Anna Getz

Welcome to another enlightening episode of The Light Inside. I'm your host, Jeffrey Besecker. Today, we delve into the intriguing concept of authority bias—our tendency to place undue trust in authority figures and experts, often at the expense of critical thinking and personal judgment. The Light Inside is a journalistic podcast exploring the journey of everyday people toward beneficial change in their primary subconscious behavioral patterns. These shifts in behavior empower them to live richer, happier, and more fulfilling lives. We revisit the recurring segment we like to call “Mind Warp” exploring the common cognitive shortcuts and thinking traps that often hinder our best decision-making.  The Appeal to Authority fallacy subtly shapes our choices by leading us to trust expert opinions without critically evaluating their validity, often overriding our own judgment. This cognitive bias can result in poor decision-making, as we defer to authority figures even when their expertise may be irrelevant or flawed. This episode of The Light Inside explores the balance between healthy skepticism and authoritative feedback in fostering intellectual humility.  We delve into how our tendency to place authority figures on pedestals can lead to confirmation bias and uninformed decision-making. The discussion emphasizes the importance of critically evaluating information while remaining open to learning from credible sources for personal growth and informed decision-making. Timestamps: [00:00:00] Introduction to Authority Bias [00:00:10] The Role of Thought Leaders [00:00:32] Balancing Skepticism and Authority [00:00:54] Social Status and Trust in Authority [00:01:25] Cognitive Shortcuts and Confirmation Bias [00:02:07] Exploring Authority Bias [00:02:18] Authority Bias - Trusting experts. [00:06:24] The Authority Illusion. [00:08:24] Authority bias in decision-making. [00:14:47] Questioning authority and expertise. [00:17:04] Authority figure's impact on conformity. [00:22:27] Authority figures and misinformation. [00:24:26] Authority bias influencing public actions JOIN US ON INSTAGRAM: @thelightinsidepodcast SUBSCRIBE: pod.link/thelightinside https:www.thelightinside.site Credits: Music Score: Epidemic Sound Executive Producer: Jeffrey Besecker Mixing, Engineering, Production and Mastering: Aloft Media Executive Program Director: Anna Getz

Explore the complexities of receiving feedback in this episode of The Light Inside. Discover how embracing criticism can lead to personal growth and wisdom, navigating through ego filters and emotional vulnerability. Dive into the importance of intellectual humility as a key to success, nurturing the seeds of correction for a flourishing garden of wisdom.  In this episode of The Light Inside, we delve into the often challenging yet crucial aspect of personal growth: accepting critical feedback and constructive criticism. We explore how feedback, though sometimes perceived as a bitter pill, is essential for our human experience and personal development. Our guest, social psychologist and author Bo Bennett, joins us to discuss the complexities of receiving feedback through the lens of cognitive biases, emotional maturity, and intellectual humility. Bo explains how logical fallacies and cognitive biases can distort our reasoning and hinder our ability to accept constructive feedback. He shares insights from his own experiences and research, highlighting the importance of recognizing and overcoming these biases to foster better communication and personal growth. Tune in to uncover how to leverage feedback for growth and discovery on The Light Inside. Time stamps: 00:00:00 - Introduction to The Light Inside Podcast 00:00:20 - The Importance of Feedback 00:01:12 - Cognitive Biases and Feedback 00:01:45 - Intellectual Humility and Growth 00:03:00 - Mint Mobile Advertisement 00:05:10 - Introduction to Bo Bennett 00:05:30 - Understanding Logical Fallacies 00:07:15 - Bo Bennett's Journey into Critical Thinking 00:09:45 - Cognitive Biases vs. Logical Fallacie 00:11:00 - Recognizing and Overcoming Biases 00:13:54 - Common Logical Fallacies 00:16:27 - The Purpose of Feedback 00:19:07 - Emotional Intelligence in Feedback 00:20:05 - Cognitive Biases in Feedback 00:22:07 - Monitoring Biases in Reasoning 00:23:27 - Straw Man, Steel Man, and Red Herring Fallacies 00:26:05 - Cognitive and Emotional Filters 00:28:53 - Binary Reasoning and Logical Fallacies 00:34:03 - Defensiveness and Feedback 00:36:52 - Simplifying Complex Truths 00:40:08 - Research on Cognitive Biases 00:41:00 - Appeal to Authority Fallacy 00:43:06 - Intellectual Humility and Feedback 00:47:03 - Changing Beliefs and Intellectual Humility 00:49:18 - Practical Tips for Identifying Fallacies Resources: Logically Fallacious- The ultimate collection of over 300 logical fallacies JOIN US ON INSTAGRAM: @thelightinsidepodcast SUBSCRIBE: pod.link/thelightinside https:www.thelightinside.site Credits Featured Guest: Bo Bennett, PhD.  Music Score: Epidemic Sound Executive Producer: Jeffrey Besecker Mixing, Engineering, Production and Mastering: Aloft Media Executive Program Director: Anna Getz

In this episode of The Light Inside, we introduced a new feature called the Mind Warp, where we take a playful yet insightful look at the subconscious traps that hijack our health and happiness. Our brains are hardwired to protect us from uncomfortable truths, often employing creative cognitive biases and distortions to do so. Explore the intricate world of emotional defenses and cognitive biases in this episode of The Light Inside. Uncover how our minds shape our reality with sneaky patterns and mental shortcuts.  Delve into how our minds shape our reality with cognitive biases and distortions, creating a sometimes inaccurate but familiar world.  Join host Jeffrey Besecker as he peels back the layers of cognitive biases and distortions that influence our perceptions, offering a fresh perspective on the ways our brains protect us from uncomfortable truths. Timestamps: 00:00:01 - Introduction to The Light Inside 00:00:11 - Introducing Mind Warp 00:00:21 - Subconscious Traps and Daily Habits 00:00:42 - Embracing All Emotions 00:01:02 - Cognitive Biases and Distortions 00:01:23 - Bending Reality and Subconscious Scripts 00:02:05 - Key Players in Mental Gymnastics 00:02:27 - Parataxic Distortion Explained 00:03:22 - The Brain's Love for Patterns 00:04:06 - Overthinking and Generalization 00:04:28 - Compartmentalization 00:05:11 - Reducing Cognitive Dissonance 00:05:43: - Example of Compartmentalization 00:06:15 - Impact on Relationships 00:06:36 - Special Pleading 00:07:09 - Skewed Values and Communication 00:07:51 - Breaking Free from Biases 00:08:12 - Practical Tips for Parataxic Distortion 00:08:23 - Practical Tips for Compartmentalization 00:08:34 - Practical Tips for Special Pleading 00:08:56 - Closing Thoughts and Summary 00:09:18 - Summary of Key Points 00:09:40 - Final Remarks and Gratitude   JOIN US ON INSTAGRAM: @thelightinsidepodcast SUBSCRIBE: pod.link/thelightinside https:www.thelightinside.site Credits: Music Score: Epidemic Sound Executive Producer: Jeffrey Besecker Mixing, Engineering, Production and Mastering: Aloft Media Executive Program Director: Anna Getz

Today on The Light Inside, we delve into the intricate world of social stigmas and their impact on mental health.  Join us as we uncover how these stigmas can shape societal norms and influence our collective behaviors. We discuss the dual nature of social stigmas, both supporting high standards and promoting values while also perpetuating discrimination.  Guest Alexandra Miles from Project Blackbird sheds light on untangling the complex effects of stigmas on mental health.  Discover how understanding unitive ego theories, emotional competency, and social conflation can help break down these barriers.  Tune in to gain insights on overcoming stigmas and fostering a more inclusive perspective on mental health. National Suicide Hotline If you are in crisis, The National Suicide Hotline is open 24 hours per day, 7 days per week, and is staffed by trained professionals. Call them at 1-800-273-8255. Time stamps: [00:03:24] Eating disorders and social stigmas. [00:06:37] Understanding mental health spectrum. [00:08:05] Stigma around mental health. [00:12:11] The impact of social stigmas. [00:14:51] Mental health disparities in healthcare. [00:18:19] Recognizing Mental Health Symptoms. [00:22:34] Compassion for mental health struggles. [00:27:58] Maintaining connection with your body. [00:29:46] Mental health struggles and stigma. [00:33:44] Thinking models and emotions. [00:38:36] Acknowledging emotions for societal impact. [00:42:14] Ego development and personalization. [00:44:26] Comparison in human nature. [00:47:04] Radical acceptance. [00:52:39] Protecting Mental Health Boundaries. [00:56:35] Social emotional learning and parenting. [00:58:20] Vulnerability and identity development. [01:03:43] Reframing labeling of emotions. [01:07:51] Impact of social stigmas on mental health. Credits:   JOIN US ON INSTAGRAM: @thelightinsidepodcast SUBSCRIBE: pod.link/thelightinside Featured Guest: Alexandra Miles Music Score: Epidemic Sound Executive Producer: Jeffrey Besecker Mixing, Engineering, Production and Mastering: Aloft Media Executive Program Director: Anna Getz

This episode of The Light Inside delves into the fascinating world of beliefs and how they impact our perceptions, decisions, interactions, and emotional well-being. Exploring the concept of psychological safety and ego development, the episode discusses how creating a safe space can help challenge limiting beliefs and foster personal growth. Join the host as they uncover the importance of embracing imperfections and learning from mistakes to not only survive but thrive in life. JOIN US ON INSTAGRAM: @thelightinsidepodcast SUBSCRIBE: pod.link/thelightinside Credits: Music Score: Epidemic Sound Executive Producer: Jeffrey Besecker Mixing, Engineering, Production and Mastering: Aloft Media Executive Program Director: Anna Getz

Today's episode explores the intricate world of our psyche and ego processes, shedding light on how they can sometimes lead to confusion. Drawing parallels to a bustling city, the psyche is likened to the city's infrastructure, with the ego as the mayor trying to maintain order. However, when the ego becomes overly ambitious, chaos ensues. The episode delves into how social and cultural conditioning further complicates our understanding of these aspects, creating inner conflicts akin to city planners with different backgrounds. Tune in to unravel the mysteries of the human psyche and ego with a wink and a smile. 00:00:00 - Introduction by Anna00:00:10 - Exploring Psyche and Ego00:00:31 - Social and Cultural Conditioning00:00:42 - Psyche as a City, Ego as the Mayor00:01:04 - Ambitious Ego and Resulting Confusion00:01:16 - Cultural Influences on Inner World00:01:37 - Conflict Between Psyche and Ego00:01:48 - Societal Expectations vs. Core Values00:02:08 - Achieving Balance Between Psyche and Ego00:02:29 - Questioning Motivations00:02:50 - Journaling and Mindfulness Practices00:03:11 - Embracing the Journey00:03:22 - Conclusion and Farewell Credits: Featured Guest:  Anna Getz   JOIN US ON INSTAGRAM: @thelightinsidepodcast SUBSCRIBE: pod.link/thelightinside Music Score: Epidemic Sound Executive Producer: Jeffrey Besecker Mixing, Engineering, Production and Mastering: Aloft Media Executive Program Director: Anna Getz

In this episode of The Light Inside, we delve into the pervasive issue of distractions in our modern world, particularly focusing on how our tech habits can dominate our lives. I, Jeffrey Besecker, explore the concept of mindfulness as a powerful tool to disrupt impulsive tech use and foster intentional awareness and emotional regulation. We are joined by Emmanuel Rose, an author, outdoorsman, and marketing expert, who shares insights from his book, The Seven Principles of the Magic Rock. Emmanuel discusses how practices like clarification, solitude, meditation, and spending time in nature can help us mindfully disconnect from our devices and re-engage with life more thoughtfully. Discover how mindfulness can help you develop healthier tech habits and disconnect from digital overload in today's world. Join author Emmanuel Rose as he shares insights from his book, "The Seven Principles of the Magic Rock," guiding us on how to anchor mental health, improve leadership skills, and unleash creativity through solitude and time in nature.  Learn how to mindfully reconnect with life and those around you in the era of constant distractions. Tune in to The Light Inside for more on fostering intentional awareness and conscious tech use. Timestamps: [00:00:31] Mindfulness and tech usage. [00:05:27] Compulsive tech use and mindfulness. [00:10:29] Impact of tech on generation. [00:14:31] Technology integrated into daily life. [00:15:47] Impulse control and habit formation. [00:20:18] Accepting the unknown. [00:25:02] Feedback and emotional intelligence. [00:29:40] Ego Development. [00:32:27] Impact of tech on loneliness. [00:37:57] Creating stress responses. [00:39:48] Healthy procrastination and productivity. [00:44:38] Healthy habit of reconnecting. [00:47:28] Living a purposeful life. Credits: Featured Guest:  Emanuel Rose   JOIN US ON INSTAGRAM: @thelightinsidepodcast SUBSCRIBE: pod.link/thelightinside Credits: Music Score: Epidemic Sound Executive Producer: Jeffrey Besecker Mixing, Engineering, Production and Mastering: Aloft Media Executive Program Director: Anna Getz

In this episode of The Light Inside, host Jeffrey Besecker explores how our mental constructs shape our perception of life, delving into the benefits and adverse effects they bring.  He discusses the importance of reframing beliefs and perspectives to foster growth, drawing insights from guest Khalid Weidauer’s story of overcoming family abandonment and abuse. Khalid illustrates how he transformed these adversities into empowering life lessons, developing resilience and adaptability. We explore the concept of cognitive appraisal, which allows us to reassess past experiences and turn them into fuel for exponential growth. Khalid's story is a testament to the power of reframing challenging experiences and using them as a catalyst for personal development. Join them as they uncover how to turn challenging experiences into valuable life lessons on The Light Inside. Timestamps: [00:00:32] Reframing beliefs and perspectives. [00:05:32] Life in North Africa. [00:09:50] Control and influence in life. [00:13:55] Implicit Memory and Conscious Access. [00:18:22] Family dynamics and alcoholism. [00:21:41] Coping mechanisms and defense mechanisms. [00:26:22] Science and adaptability. [00:29:29] Neural responses and reasoning. [00:31:33] Doing what you hate to do. [00:37:31] Hedonistic path and dopamine receptors. [00:40:17] Belief and self-perception. [00:45:27] Pretending to pretend. [00:49:32] Defense and survival instincts. [00:52:32] Who cares more? [00:57:36] Understanding emotions and perspectives. [00:58:14] Insecurities in the body [01:03:46] Exchanging ideas as a superpower. [01:07:40] Changing perspectives and beliefs. [01:09:30] Cognitive appraisal for resilience. Featured Guest:  Khaled Weidauer   JOIN US ON INSTAGRAM: @thelightinsidepodcast SUBSCRIBE: pod.link/thelightinside Credits: Music Score: Epidemic Sound Executive Producer: Jeffrey Besecker Mixing, Engineering, Production and Mastering: Aloft Media Executive Program Director: Anna Getz

In this episode of The Light Inside, we delve into the intricate world of belief perseverance and its impact on our adaptability, emotional regulation, and overall well-being. Belief perseverance can be likened to painting ourselves into a box, creating a glass barrier that confines our potential and stifles our growth. We revisit our ongoing series with Limitless Coach Mark Fournier, exploring how deeply ingrained beliefs shape our perception of reality. Mark shares insights on how to break free from these self-imposed confines and step into a world of endless possibilities. Key topics discussed include: The concept of belief perseverance and its effects on our lives. The metaphor of living inside a glass box filled with sticky notes representing our beliefs and perceptions. The importance of questioning our beliefs to gain a more profound understanding of our personal perceptions and the world around us. The four pillars of self-awareness: know thyself, accept thyself, be true to thyself, and speak thy truth. The practice of metacognition, or reflecting on our own thought processes, to choose beliefs that best serve us. The seven Ds of willful blindness: denial, distortion, dissociation, dissonance, dilution, delusion, and disillusion. Mark emphasizes the importance of questioning everything, including our own opinions, to dismantle limiting beliefs and foster a growth mindset. He shares personal anecdotes and practical advice on how to repurpose beliefs and experiences that no longer serve us. This episode encourages listeners to step out of their glass boxes, embrace new perspectives, and continuously question their beliefs to lead a more fulfilling and enlightened life. Timestamps: [00:01:11] Belief perseverance limits adaptability. [00:06:18] The power of self-discovery. [00:08:12] Authenticity and self-expression. [00:13:01] Dissolving limiting beliefs. [00:15:28] Repurposing beliefs and emotions. [00:19:02] Embracing change and opportunity. [00:23:45] Stepping out of the box. [00:27:02] Questioning beliefs for self-growth. [00:30:37] Questioning beliefs and empowerment. [00:36:53] Questioning beliefs and opinions. [00:39:35] The Socratic method and metacognition. [00:42:26] Emotional rumination and questioning. [00:45:14] Optimists and chronic lateness. [00:49:51] Soliciting feedback through questions. [00:52:49] Growth through vulnerability and feedback. [00:55:59] Accepting limitless life possibilities. [01:00:22] Embracing the road less traveled. [01:04:10] Questioning everything for growth. Featured Guest:  Mark Fournier   JOIN US ON INSTAGRAM: @thelightinsidepodcast SUBSCRIBE: pod.link/thelightinside Credits: Music Score: Epidemic Sound Executive Producer: Jeffrey Besecker Mixing, Engineering, Production and Mastering: Aloft Media Executive Program Director: Anna Getz

In this episode of The Light Inside, we dive into the profound influence of belief systems on our self-concept, relationships, and perception of the world. Our beliefs shape our thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, creating a framework through which we interpret our experiences and interactions. We explore how subconscious and unconscious patterns impact our belief systems and logical reasoning, introducing the concept of semantic analysis as a dialectic thinking model. This model encourages critical thinking and the integration of diverse viewpoints, fostering a dynamic and evolving understanding of the subject matter. Beliefs are fundamental in shaping our self-concept, influencing our thoughts, feelings, and behavior. In a podcast episode, Mark Fornier explores how our belief systems act as filters, shaping our perceptions and experiences in various ways. He shares a personal story about his upbringing and how his mother, despite facing challenges, instilled in him the power of the mind through books like Psycho-Cybernetics and Think and Grow Rich. This early exposure to the idea of shaping one's reality from within had a profound impact on Mark's perspective. By challenging our shared perspectives, Mark and I also parse out the concept of semantic analysis, which involves examining and interpreting the meaning of thoughts, associations, words, and phrases within their context. By considering multiple perspectives and relationships between concepts, semantic analysis encourages critical thinking and the integration of diverse viewpoints. This process enables us to challenge and reshape our adaptive belief systems, leading to a more dynamic and evolving understanding of consciousness and the world around us. Timestamps: [00:01:45] Semantic analysis as a therapeutic tool. [00:07:09] Polymath lifestyle. [00:08:31] The systemic approach to life. [00:13:18] Embracing neurotic psychological entropy. [00:16:21] Cognitive Dissonance and trauma-based influences after a tornado. [00:19:20] Transforming consciousness through personal experiences. [00:25:03] Silver Spoon and Perception. [00:27:13] Distorted sense of self. [00:32:55] Adaptability and growth in habits. [00:36:48] Limitless potential and adaptation. [00:39:33] Toxicity and adaptability. [00:43:35] Willful blindness and conflict-driven arguments. [00:45:22] Consciousness before birth. [00:51:33] Cognitive bias and belief perseverance. [00:52:49] Overcoming limiting beliefs. Featured Guest:  Mark Fournier   JOIN US ON INSTAGRAM: @thelightinsidepodcast SUBSCRIBE: pod.link/thelightinside Credits: Music Score: Epidemic Sound Executive Producer: Jeffrey Besecker Mixing, Engineering, Production and Mastering: Aloft Media Executive Program Director: Anna Getz

In this illuminating episode of The Light Inside, we delve into the intricacies of effective communication and the unseen barriers that often hinder our ability to connect meaningfully with others. Our focus is on understanding and overcoming parataxic distortion—a cognitive bias where we replace the intended meaning of someone's words with our own preconceived notions. We are joined by psychologist and relationship specialist Fred Talisman, who shares his expertise on the subconscious patterns and cognitive biases that can alienate our conscious connections. Fred provides practical strategies to become more aware of our filtering distortions and emphasizes the importance of active listening, empathy, and emotional intelligence in fostering deeper connections. Key takeaways from this episode include: Active Listening and Responsive Communication: These are essential for fostering mutual understanding and empathy in relationships. Being truly heard and understood helps us feel emotionally, physiologically, and psychologically safe, allowing us to open up in meaningful ways. Emotional Regulation: Addressing each other from an emotionally regulated state, rather than reacting from past wounds or traumas, allows for healthier interactions. Developing conscious awareness around emotional triggers and practicing gratitude can help create a regulated space for discussions. Establishing Core Values and Vision: Having open discussions about non-negotiable needs and the qualities we wish to embody in our relationships is crucial, especially early on. This alignment helps in co-creating a shared vision for the future. Fred also shares practical tips such as the power of respectful appreciation and gratitude, inner child healing practices like journaling and visualizations, and the importance of creating mutually satisfying agreements in relationships. Timestamps: [00:00:41] Effective communication in relationships. [00:05:41] Emotional dysregulation in relationships. [00:10:22] Emotionally reconnecting communication. [00:13:29] Safety in telling the truth. [00:15:25] Integrity within relationships. [00:20:22] Relationship dynamics and trauma responses. [00:24:50] Practicing kindness in relationships. [00:26:41] Reparenting your inner child. [00:31:46] Empowering children with flashlights. [00:35:08] Embracing emotional triggers. [00:38:07] Reframing trauma for empowerment. [00:43:00] Keys to creating connected relationships. [00:43:34] Cultivating secure functioning relationships. Featured Guest:  Fred Talisman   JOIN US ON INSTAGRAM: @thelightinsidepodcast SUBSCRIBE: pod.link/thelightinside Credits: Music Score: Epidemic Sound Executive Producer: Jeffrey Besecker Mixing, Engineering, Production and Mastering: Aloft Media Executive Program Director: Anna Getz

Explore the often misunderstood world of narcissism with guest therapist Shannon Petrovich on The Light Inside. Discover the signs of narcissistic abuse, the impact of toxic relationship patterns, and strategies for healing.  Gain insights on navigating the fine line between love and manipulation in narcissistic relationships.  Key Topics of Discussion: Toxic Behaviors in Narcissistic Relationships Love bombing, gaslighting, and devaluing are toxic behaviors commonly seen in narcissistic relationships.  Love bombing involves overwhelming a partner with excessive affection and praise to manipulate and control them.  It is crucial to recognize that love bombing is a manipulative tactic, not genuine love.  Gaslighting manipulates a partner's perception of reality by denying their experiences, leading to confusion and self-doubt.  Devaluing undermines a partner's self-worth through criticism and belittlement, aiming to exert power and control. We explore why healing from narcissistic relationships involves healthy ego development, rebuilding a sense of self, setting boundaries, and prioritizingconscious-care. Understanding the difference between healthy esteem and narcissism is crucial. Tune in to uncover the truth behind these complex dynamics and find a path to healing. Timestamps: [00:00:23] What does narcissism really mean? [00:06:20] Narcissistic partner dynamics. [00:09:39] Toxicity in relationships. [00:15:18] Trauma bonding in relationships. [00:19:20] Love Bombing and Healthy Boundaries [00:22:22] Trauma bonds and relationships. [00:25:40] Gut instinct vs. intuition. [00:29:27] Narcissistic manipulation tactics. [00:33:43] Narcissistic behavior warning signs. [00:39:11] Self-sabotaging behaviors in relationships. [00:42:06] Rebuilding sense of self. [00:46:47] Embracing stillness and nature. [00:50:35] Narcissism and self-esteem discussion. [00:56:14] Embracing richness of emotions. [00:58:25] Emotional Intelligence and Narcissism. [01:03:00] Setting boundaries for safety. [01:08:05] The fog of abuse. [01:10:30] Rebuilding sense of self. [01:15:01] Gaslighting and its origins. [01:19:15] Narcissistic traits in our culture. [01:23:06] The thin gray arc of complexity. Featured Guest:  Shannon Petrovich   JOIN US ON INSTAGRAM: @thelightinsidepodcast SUBSCRIBE: pod.link/thelightinside Credits: Music Score: Epidemic Sound Executive Producer: Jeffrey Besecker Mixing, Engineering, Production and Mastering: Aloft Media Executive Program Director: Anna Getz

Heroes. Are they born - or made? They touch our hearts, fill us with admiration, and make us reconsider our world view. As we look at the plethora of superhero movies these days and you can see how much our society values and loves its heroes. -Just what makes certain people take heroic actions in the face of great danger? According to the Heroic Imagination Project (HIP), a non-profit organization that focuses on teaching people to become heroes in their everyday lives, heroism involves a behavior or action on behalf of another person or for a moral cause. While many of us cower to the challenge of fear, heroes, those in the truest sense - rise to serve others. Beyond our conceptualization of superpowers, exceptional talent and true ability -lies something other. Genuine courage in the compassionate discernment of a loving heart. A love that sacrifices all - so that others may themselves rise again, to see another day. We set aside the coming weekend to honor and thank our veterans, let us be mindful that we should do this every day of the year and not just this one. As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter the words; but to live by them . In honor of those whose sacrifices have been many, we take this week to pause … and hold reverence. As you enjoy the love and leisure of family friends and acquaintances this weekend. May we fondly remember those who gave it all, so that we may continue to see the coming light of a new day. To our active duty friends, service people and veterans. To all who served, sacrificed and especially to those who gave their lives — their all. A most sincere ‘thank you’ from all of us at The Light Inside Community. Because of you we may each enjoy this time to ourselves- a time of reflection and relaxation. May we always hold you in our hearts, and never forget. Credits: Musical Score by Epidemic Sounds JOIN US ON INSTAGRAM: @thelightinsidepodcast SUBSCRIBE: pod.link/thelightinside Executive Producer: Jeffrey Besecker Mixing, Engineering, Production and Mastering: Aloft Media Studio

This episode of The Light Inside reflects on the power of gratitude in the face of challenges, such as surviving a devastating tornado. The host, Jeffrey Besecker, expresses deep appreciation for the safety of their community and the support received during the aftermath. The Light Inside revisits a conversation with author Steven Crane about how gratitude helps us move beyond cynicism. Despite challenges like severe weather and prolonged power outages, the podcast will return with a new episode next week, thanking listeners for their ongoing support and encouraging them to embrace gratitude in their lives. Steven shares his personal journey of confronting his own cynicism through the lens of gratitude, inspired by a poignant question from his teenage son. His book, "I Can Appreciate That," explores the transformative power of reevaluating life's challenges to uncover hidden blessings and lessons. We discuss the nuanced definitions of appreciation and how it can evolve from mere acknowledgment to a deep, value-enhancing gratitude that enriches our lives and those around us. Steven's insights into relationships and their pivotal role in personal growth and understanding are particularly enlightening. This episode is a reminder of the strength found in gratitude and the profound impact it can have on our perspective and interactions.  Time stamps: [00:00:02] Gratitude and resilience. [00:04:50] Overcoming negative thought patterns. [00:08:38] The power of appreciation. [00:13:06] Embracing friction and fuel. [00:17:31] Overcoming challenges with spina bifida. [00:19:40] Embracing uniqueness and challenges. [00:24:10] The idea of discernment. [00:28:33] The power of relationships. [00:33:26] The power of relationships. [00:37:03] The impact of relationships. [00:39:14] Gratitude is a gateway to grace. Featured Guest:  Steven Crane   JOIN US ON INSTAGRAM: @thelightinsidepodcast SUBSCRIBE: pod.link/thelightinside Credits: Music Score: Epidemic Sound Executive Producer: Jeffrey Besecker Mixing, Engineering, Production and Mastering: Aloft Media Executive Program Director: Anna Getz