Spiritually Hungry

Vulnerability is the essential glue of any relationship. While we often hide aspects of ourselves for fear of being judged, there is great strength in the act of sharing our most vulnerable aspects of ourselves with those we love. In this intimate conversation, Monica and Michael reveal ideas and tools to help us prioritize vulnerability and build more openness in our closest relationships.“The greatest gift you give parent to child, friend to friend, or to a partner in a romantic relationship is the sense that they are loved unconditionally.” – Michael Berg

None of us are perfect, yet most of us try to project a perfect image of ourselves to the world. Though we’ve been taught that being vulnerable is akin to showing weakness, the truth is that it displays our inner strength and is a key aspect of living an authentic, fulfilling life. For when we express vulnerability, we show we’re honest with ourselves and accept who we truly are – flaws and all. We diminish our ego and push past its attempts to block our Light. And we strengthen our relationships with the people closest to us. Tune in as Monica and Michael explore the myriad blessings that come with embracing and showing our vulnerability.“Being vulnerable allows us to get the most out of life and out of each life experience.” – Monica BergDaring Greatly, by Brené BrownAtlas of the Heart, by Brené Brown

Kabbalah teaches that the essence of our soul is desire. For, if we wanted for nothing, we would never fulfill our life’s purpose. Yet, society teaches us that there is shame in wanting and that we should apologize for our desires. Human desire is how we know we’re alive! Listen as Monica and Michael unpack the lesson that our desires are a gift that motivates us and allows us to connect to the Light of the Creator.“The amount of pleasure we derive from anything is exactly equal to the amount of desire that we have for it.” – Michael BergThe Happiness Hypothesis, by Jonathan Haidt

In a culture that values self-improvement, we can easily get caught up in the idea that we should strive to eliminate all of our negative traits. However, Kabbalah teaches that the duality of our good and bad characteristics is necessary. For without these two forces, we wouldn’t have the power to choose between the two. Our consciousness awakens one or the other, and the more positive actions we do, the more goodness we create in the world. Tune in as Monica and Michael discuss the balance of darkness and Light in our lives.“The purpose of our lives is to go into the dark places and find the sparks of Light and elevate them. That is what fuels our blessings, growth, and happiness.” – Michael BergFurther Readings:Out of Character: Surprising Truths About the Liar, Cheat, Sinner (and Saint) Lurking in All of Us by David DeSteno & Piercarlo Valdesolo

Self-control allows us to manage our behavior and achieve long-term goals. What we undoubtedly know from experience is that the lack of willpower can get us into trouble! Kabbalists call this “restriction'' and teach that it is imperative to achieving spiritual growth. Listen as Monica and Michael discuss the tools for strengthening your willpower and maintaining the focus we need to achieve our desires.“If you treat yourself with understanding and love, the relationship between body and mind begins to be one of harmony.” – Monica BergFurther Readings:The Happiness Hypothesis, by Jonathan HaidtThe Marshmallow Test, by Walter Mischel

Research shows that despite spiritual practice, most of us have a consistent set-point for happiness. While we can experience deep joy or sorrow, we often return to the same level of happiness. However, it is possible to reset our happiness set-point and break negative thought patterns. Tune in for this live-recorded episode as Monica and Michael Berg discuss both the science and the kabbalistic tools behind living more joyfully every day.“It can’t just be about how we can feel zen or good. It’s more about how we can activate, create, and influence change and happiness in the world, and thereby receive more of it for ourselves.” – Monica BergFurther Readings:Happiness: Unlocking the Mysteries of Psychological Wealth, by Ed Diener

Kabbalah teaches that we can place total trust in the Creator in all situations. This is more difficult to do than say. When the world is in turmoil, how do we transform our fears into unwavering certainty that every obstacle we encounter is meant for us to learn and grow from? Listen to this live-recorded episode with Monica and Michael Berg as they discuss how to find clarity in chaos.“Practice, practice, practice. Know without knowing that this situation that has entered into your life is actually perfect for you and is what will, in some way, make your life better.”– Michael Berg

Rav Ashlag said, “The difference between someone who is tremendously fulfilled and someone who is unfulfilled is their ability to see.” We all have moments when illusion blurs our vision of the opportunities for joy before us. So, how can we learn to sustain happiness every single day of our lives? Listen to this live-recorded episode with Monica and Michael Berg as they discuss pursuing happiness authentically and finding joy internally.“One of the greatest ways to achieve happiness is not by attaining the next thing, but by having greater appreciation for what we currently have.” — Michael BergThe Top Five Regrets of the Dying, by Bronnie WareHappier: Learn the Secrets to Daily Joy and Lasting Fulfillment, by Tal Ben-Shahar

We cannot achieve true fulfillment without living boldly. However, the ego works against us as we aim to invest in the aspects of our lives that bring us joy. How can we begin to reframe our lives so we can be our most alive and authentic selves and ultimately fulfill our highest potential? Join Monica and Michael as they discuss what it means to pursue the things you desire and live boldly within the limits you define.“Living boldly starts with a knowing of the self, an acceptance of the self, a love of the self, and being able to express that without apologizing. I think when you live life from those terms, then you are bold and then your impact is also bold.” – Monica Berg

Receiving criticism is often uncomfortable, and most people, understandably, don’t like it. However, we can never see ourselves completely, so it’s important to stay open to receiving feedback. And the truth is, no matter how much internal work we have done, there is always more to do; our spiritual growth is meant to be continuous. Tune in as Monica and Michael discuss how to use criticism as a tool for radical transformation. “Before you offer criticism, ask yourself these three things: do you really care for the person, is this coming from a place of humility, and is this coming from a place of lack? Think about these things deeply.” – Michael Berg

Questions are powerful; assumptions are insidious. The start of a new relationship is packed with discovery. Couples revel in getting to know each other. Yet, over time, those questions wane as we settle into familiarity. Getting comfortable in a relationship is not a bad thing. However, the act of falling in love is a continuous process that takes consciousness. Tune in for a special Valentine’s Day episode as Monica and Michael discuss how to get to know your partner better through meaningful questions that are both fun and compelling. “When you don’t ask questions, it allows for a lot of misunderstandings to occur. We can create stories in our head or create stories about our partner. There is always more to learn.” – Monica Berg

Can we ever really live a life without regrets? Would we even want to? The truth is, our mistakes provide us with information that can lead to important growth. The choices of the past have brought us to the place we are now, which is perfect. Listen as Monica and Michael discuss the difference between rumination and reflection, and how to use regret as a tool for transformation. “We can completely transform how we view both failure and regret from negative, unfortunate events to beautiful parts of growth and elevation.” – Michael Berg Further Readings:The Power of Regret by Daniel H. Pink

Navigating young adulthood can feel like a journey through the wilderness. Our youth have big dreams and goals, yet they often avoid choices that lead to discomfort. In truth, it is discomfort that sparks growth and moves us closer to our highest purpose. Join us as Monica and Michael discuss how we can support our young people so they can fall and rise with purpose.“You cannot truly rise without falling first. But there is a way to stumble with intention, to fall and rise with purpose.” – Monica Berg

Those of us who bulldoze through life often think we know what is best for ourselves. We speed ahead as we attempt to achieve goals that may not be in alignment with our life’s highest purpose. In truth, no amount of bulldozing will help you achieve your desired outcome. The question is, how do we know when to persevere through obstacles and when to slow down? How do we know when it’s time to take the foot off the accelerator and change course? In this episode of Spiritually Hungry, listen as Monica and Michael unpack the tools we need to stop bulldozing our way through life. “My number one priority in life is not my to-do list or accomplishments. Rather, it is to make sure that I reveal my soul’s Light and my soul’s purpose in this world.” – Michael Berg

Is there meaning in coincidence? Are they really messages we are meant to receive? Or are we seeing more than is actually there as we try to make sense of our lives? Kabbalah teaches us that there is a cause for all occurrences in our lives, whether we see it or not. And while there is no black and white way to approach coincidences, we hold the power to ascribe meaning to them, or lack thereof. Tune in as Monica and Michael discuss the strength, perspective, and support that divine messages can bring to our lives.“Everything is meant for your greatest good. What is powerful about transforming our view of coincidences is that it makes life richer and more meaningful.” – Michael BergFurther Readings:-      Synchronicity: An Acausal Connecting Principle by Carl G. Jung-      Thirty Years that Shook Physics: The Story of Quantum Theory by Dr. George Gamow

Being a good and effective leader means being of service. However, serving others isn't as dazzling as being a boss, CEO, or director. Good leadership can be messy because it's about doing the work alongside others, sharing, taking responsibility for the growth and impact of your team. Do you see yourself as a leader? If so, how are your actions inspiring others to transform? Join Monica and Michael as they sort through these powerful questions about what it means to fulfill your potential and step into leadership."People think that being a leader is being at the pinnacle, at the top, and they are leading others toward the top. That's not the case. A leader is someone who is in the process, as well, but their desires or clarity may be stronger than everybody else." - Michael Berg

Studies show that approximately 80% of New Year’s resolutions fail. So, how do we gain the clarity we need to spark continuous growth and change in the new year? How do we successfully become the person we want to be? When we reflect back on the past year, what is worth taking with us into the new year and what are we ready to leave behind? Gratitude may be one of the most powerful paths to achieving our goals. But there is so much more. Join Monica and Michael as they discuss ten tools for finding fulfillment in 2022. “Begin with a canvas of gratitude. Starting with gratitude is not just a nice or spiritual thing to do. It gives you the clarity and strength to create real change.” – Michael Berg

In the age of dating apps and social media, many of us can fall into the illusion that the ‘grass is greener’ and lose appreciation for the relationship we already have. Or, conversely, we may so fear losing our relationship that we hide our true thoughts and selves from our partner. Join Monica and Michael as they answer listener questions and reveal how to break free from unproductive behavior and grow appreciation for your relationship by investing more time and effort into its every facet."The relationships that work are the ones we work on." – Monica Berg

How do we know whether we are making healthy compromises or devastating sacrifices in our romantic lives? Whether coupled up or single and dating, COVID has had an impact on all relationships. The truth is most couples struggle to communicate effectively about their needs, often setting them aside in order to keep the peace. Join Monica and Michael as they explore how we can move past the “almost” and create the fulfilling relationships we desire.“Ask yourself how you might be stuck in the ‘almost’ in some area of your life, whether it’s a relationship or work or family. Look for the places where things are not great, but not terrible either, areas that are ‘close enough.’ What can you do to make yourself uncomfortable, not for its own sake, but in order to create the relationship you desire?” - Monica Berg

Holidays often represent what we wish our everyday life could be like. Many of us strive to create picture-perfect memories that will leave us feeling joyful long after the celebrations have passed. What do we do when fantasy doesn’t match reality? The truth is, many aspects of holiday gatherings are out of our control. Tune in as Monica and Michael discuss how to cultivate holiday joy on a daily basis instead of trying to fit it into a single day or week. “Every single day, no matter what day it happens to be on the calendar, is an opportunity to appreciate and spend our time exactly as we wish to. Every day becomes an opportunity to redefine how we live and what we choose to focus on.” – Monica Berg

Disappointments in life arise when the outcome of a situation doesn’t match our expectations. We often forget that this is all part of the process. Detours, obstacles, and setbacks are important opportunities to learn. We can’t experience fulfillment without them! How do we reconcile the discrepancy between what could have been and what is, and what others expect of us and what we expect of ourselves. Tune in as Monica and Michael discuss how to get comfortable with disappointment so we can find fulfillment in the process. “My true consciousness about my life is that the whole of it is all blessed. The clarity of consciousness is that my life is a whole, and that whole includes the blessings and it includes the disappointments.” – Michael BergFurther Readings:Harvard Business Review, “Dealing with Disappointment” by Manfred F. R. Kets de Vrieshttps://hbr.org/2018/08/dealing-with-disappointment

In a world where likes, hearts, and a little blue thumbs-up are considered the epitome of success, it’s so hard to remember that being a good person is its own reward. All too often, our acts of sharing come with strings attached. We expect praise or recognition for doing the right thing, but to be a spiritual person is to share for the sake of sharing. Listen as Monica and Michael discuss letting go of the need for praise and developing an unmovable understanding that you are a spark of the Divine. “Spiritually speaking, the highest form of recognition is between us, our soul, and the Creator. This form of recognition is completely concealed, and only we know whether or not it is happening, and that’s the beauty of it.” – Monica BergFurther Readings:Punished by Rewards, by Alfie Kohn

How do we stay positive when our bodies need to heal? Physical recovery can be a powerful time of transformation. But it can also be very stressful when the outcome is uncertain, leaving us feeling like we are missing out on life and opportunities. In this episode of Spiritually Hungry, Monica and Michael discuss how to shift your internal dialog from “Why is this happening?” to “What do I need to learn from this?” Tune in as they examine the ways circumstances can push us towards greater growth and fulfillment in the midst of physical rest.  “You are not missing out on life, you are just experiencing a phase of life that doesn’t feel great in the moment. But there’s a gift in the experience. Resting and healing is its own form of productivity.” – Monica BergFurther Readings:Happiness by Design, by Paul Dolan PhD

How do we maintain equilibrium and stay true to ourselves in the midst of an emotionally fraught situation? How do we navigate empathy without getting dragged into someone else’s emotional turmoil? Emotions are contagious and the people around us can be some of the most influential factors in determining our state of wellbeing. By reframing our challenging relationships and realizing that every person and every situation in our lives has a purpose, we can see negative interactions as an opportunity to grow. Tune in as Monica and Michael share tips and tools for staying centered and avoiding the influence of negativity around us, so we continue working towards the person we ultimately want to be.“We are the arbiters of what is right or wrong for ourselves. Part of our spiritual development is to everyday care less and less about what strangers, as well as people in our lives, think of us. ” – Michael Berg

Did you know that you have a superpower? Our sense of intuition, that gut feeling we sometimes get in various aspects of life, is rooted in the energy of the universe and gives us the power to see beyond the logic and facts in front of us. Intuition helps us identify red flags to keep us safe and illuminates hidden messages from the universe to steer us in the direction we want to go. When we put in the spiritual work to live a life of purpose, our intuition strengthens, helping us make the right choices and receive the answers we seek. Tune in as Monica and Michael share tips and tools for developing our intuition, which, in turn, leads us away from our ego’s wishes and towards the true desires of our soul. Often, our intuition is right even when our logic says the complete opposite. – Michael BergFurther readings: The Black Swan by Nassim Taleb

As Monica prepares to go into surgery, a thoughtful messenger profoundly shifts her perspective, alleviating her anxieties in a single moment. Sometimes the words we need to hear can come from the most unexpected places. Messages from the universe are all around us, if only we are open to hearing them. Further, we can never truly know the impact our words can have upon others. As such, every moment counts. Everything we do matters. Listen as Monica and Michael discuss how we can hear the messages the universe means to give us, while also becoming a better messenger for those around us, and how the most seemingly-random of interactions can lead one or both parties to a life-changing moment. There are no coincidences; every moment you can give and receive impactful, lasting Light, wisdom, and inspiration, even in the small things. – Michael Berg

What is ‘truth’? Most of the truths we believe are usually derived from our personal experiences and perceptions – so are they really true? Does ‘absolute truth’ even exist? Listen as Monica and Michael share how we can always ‘live our truth’ by letting go of the ego-based illusions the world hurls at us and, instead, reveal our potential by behaving in accordance with our soul in deep authenticity.  In our world, truth is concealed by veils – our work is to pierce through these veils. – Michael Berg Further readings: Thinking, Fast and Slow by Daniel Kahneman

Kindness or Deception: What Kinds of Lies Do You Tell? We all tell lies. Sometimes to others. Sometimes even to ourselves. Sometimes to protect someone else’s feelings, or to make ourselves feel better. When is lying considered a kindness, and when is it considered a deception? Tune in as Monica and Michael discuss the profound impact of the lies we tell, why kindness trumps truth, and how not all lies are created equal.  We have to ask ourselves if the lies we tell, whether to others or ourselves, actually make our reality better. – Michael Berg Further readings: The Lies that We Tell Ourselves by Jon Frederickson

Your Perfect Imperfection: How to Embrace & Celebrate Your Flaws Though we tend to think of our imperfections in a negative light – often as a result of external influences – they are actually part of what makes each of us unique and whole. Join Monica and Michael as they discuss where our thoughts of imperfection come from, why we are not meant to be perfect but instead constantly driven to be better, and how viewing our supposed ‘flaws’ in a positive way honors our soul and lights the path to true fulfillment.  Our differences are really our superpowers. – Monica Berg Further readings: The Gifts of Imperfection by Brene BrownPlaying and Reality by Donald Winnicott

Change and growth are the keys to reaching our potential in life, and we can achieve this transformation through a process of constant self-assessment. Tune in as Monica and Michael explore how we can use consistent, deep, and honest introspection as a powerful tool for ditching negative thoughts and behaviors and revealing the immense greatness of our soul.  The person that I am today, despite all of the good things I’ve done, is not the person I am meant to be. – Michael Berg Further readings: Path of the Righteous by Moshe Chaim Luzzato

Whether conscious or subconscious, judging others is harmful and – as it usually comes from a place of lack or insecurity within ourselves – says infinitely more about us than whomever we judge. Listen as Monica and Michael discuss how we can fight our instinct to judge through an embrace of mercy and compassion, and how doing so not only creates a chain reaction that truly makes the world a better place, it also leads us to transforming into who we want to be. We never see something negative in another person so we can change them, we see it so we can change ourselves. – Michael BergFurther readings: This Is Water by David Foster Wallace Radical Compassion by Tara Brach Fundamentals by Frank Wilczek

Change is an exciting part of life; it leads us to better self-awareness, helps us think and act from our soul, and creates our unique path to the real fulfillment we are meant to live. Tune in as Monica and Michael share practical tips and tools for identifying if we are, in fact, changing for the better and not settling for anything less than our best life. Taking action leads to true transformation; don’t wait for life to happen to you, create your reality. – Monica Berg 

Our thoughts are more powerful than most of us think; they create our reality, influence nearly every aspect of our lives, and, according to recent studies, even affect our aging process. Listen as Monica and Michael discuss how proactively engaging in positive thinking helps us become in tune with the universe, grow our power, enhance our abilities, and reach our limitless potential.We tend to be our own harshest critics, but we have the free will to not give these thoughts energy. – Monica Berg

Stepping out of our comfort zone not only allows us to live a richer, fuller life, it grows everything about us that makes us unique, special, and capable of making a true difference in this world. Tune in to Michael and Monica’s continued discussion of the comfort zone as they reveal how going against our comfort is the most powerful way to create miracles and share practical tips for being productively uncomfortable. Spirituality is all about growth, and constantly maintaining that forward movement, that momentum, is the key. – Michael BergFurther readings: Drive: The Surprising Truth About What Motivates Us by Daniel H. PinkThe Comfort Crisis by Michael Easter

The comfort zone – where things are easy and involve zero risk – is really an illusion of happiness, for real joy comes from pushing ourselves to explore our true, full potential. Join Michael and Monica as they share tips and tools for pushing through the limitations of our comfort zone and examine the myriad benefits that come with doing so. We are meant to grow, be curious, have adventures, find fulfillment – and we certainly don’t do it by clinging to comfort. – Monica BergFurther readings: Danger in the Comfort Zone by Judith BardwickThe Comfort Crisis by Michael Easter

There are always challenges in life, and there are also always thought processes that can help us find comfort in those dark times and even become stronger for it. Listen as Michael and Monica discuss viewing life in its totality – rather than defining our lives by singular events – and how in doing so, we can look beyond the false narratives our ego builds and truly become the creators of our story.A problem is but one paragraph of a chapter in the story of our lives; it’s nonsensical to fall into the lie that this paragraph is everything. – Michael BergFurther readings: The Comfort Book by Matt Haig

True confidence, the kind that isn’t arrogance in disguise, emanates from our soul – or the place within ourselves that is limitless and harbors only pure desires to grow and do good in the world. Tune in as Michael and Monica share practical tips on how to reveal our innate greatness and, thereby, build our confidence and live a happier, more purposeful life. Accepting ourselves for who we are, while devaluing external validation, is the beginning of our transformation. – Monica Berg

The kabbalistic perspective on money is that it, like all things, has a spiritual energy, an energy that is meant to bring us joy and fulfillment. Listen as Michael and Monica explain that when we have the right consciousness around money, in which we understand that it is never really ours, we can attract more of it – and more blessings and appreciation from it – into our lives. The amount of money we have is not as important as the consciousness we have surrounding our money. – Michael Berg Further readings:Happiness: Unlocking the Mysteries of Psychological Wealth by Ed Diener

In this episode of Spiritually Hungry, Monica and Michael continue their discussion on true love with a focus on the kabbalistic definition of a ‘soul mate’ relationship, or one in which each partner is supporting each other to grow and change. Listen as they explore what it means to really be loved, how we can stay true to ourselves while in a relationship, how to positively challenge – and be challenged by – your partner, and more.When soul mates come together, they enable each other to complete their different, separate purposes, as well as their common purpose as a whole. – Michael BergFurther readings:Rethink Love by Monica Berg

In this episode of Spiritually Hungry, Monica and Michael explore the definition of ‘true’ love – the unconditional love we have for others that isn’t based in our ego’s selfish desires but, rather, our desire for them to have goodness and blessings in their lives. Tune in as they share practical tools for creating a solid foundation and actively growing our relationships. For a relationship to really grow, there has to be a shift to where we ask ourselves, “What am I giving to it?” – Michael Berg Further readings:Thinking, Fast and Slow by Daniel Kahneman

In this episode of Spiritually Hungry, Monica and Michael conclude their series on self-sabotage, this week exploring how striving to be perfect actually disrupts our lives and leads us to judging ourselves and others. Listen as they discuss the real benefits of leading a ‘messy’ life, one in which we abandon the illusion of perfection and embrace our failures as opportunities for growth. We aren’t meant to be perfect; we are meant to live in the mud and, from that mud, take out a spark of Light. – Michael Berg Further readings:Mental Immunity by Andy NormanBird By Bird by Ann LamottThe Pursuit of Perfect by Tal Ben-Shahar

In this episode of Spiritually Hungry, Monica and Michael continue the discussion on self-sabotaging thoughts and behavior, this week focusing on helplessness and how it prevents us from fulfilling our potential. Tune in as they explore how taking actions – big or small – that go directly against our helpless beliefs empowers us to create positive change in our lives. We can diminish our belief that we are helpless by choosing to change our mindset and truly opening ourselves to solutions – even when the solution isn’t what we thought it would be. – Monica Berg Further readings:Learned Helplessness by Dr. Martin Seligman 

In this episode of Spiritually Hungry, Monica and Michael delve into pessimism as a form of self-sabotage and how it actually doesn’t come from us but, rather, from what the kabbalists call the ‘negative inclination,’ or ego. Listen as they discuss ways in which to become more aware of our true essence so that we can constantly diminish our self-destructive thoughts and actions and, thereby, set ourselves up for lasting fulfillment. Living in a state where you believe that you are deserving and capable will most often lead to you manifesting good things in your life. – Michael Berg Further readings:Thinking Fast and Slow by Daniel Kahneman

In this episode of Spiritually Hungry, Monica and Michael explore sleep and dreams from a kabbalistic perspective, which explains that true rest not only rejuvenates the mind and body but also elevates and cleanses the soul. Listen as they expound upon the spiritual journey our souls experience when we sleep and share tools for entering into sleep with consciousness, showing us profound insights in our dreams and recharging us with blessings for the following day.  When we sleep, our soul leaves this world and goes back to its source, to truth. – Michael Berg Further readings:Lights Out by T.S. Wiley and Brent FormbyWhy We Sleep by Matthew Walker

In this episode of Spiritually Hungry, Monica and Michael broach the concept of focus as it relates to our ability to grow and connect to our true purpose in life. Tune in as they share spiritual tools and tips for avoiding distractions, identifying the things that actually serve our purpose, and training our minds to be 100% present in the truly valuable moments of our lives. Don’t allow distractions to steal the ‘now’ from you. – Monica Berg Further readings:The Power of Now by Eckhart Tolle Emotional Intelligence by Daniel Goleman

In this episode of Spiritually Hungry, Monica and Michael delve into the spiritual definitions of good and bad – good being anything that benefits us or others; bad being anything that hurts us or others. Listen as they explore ways to constantly connect with our true, ‘good’ essence and how doing so creates myriad blessings in our lives.  The negative inclination is not our essence, it’s an intruder. It’s also a tool, an opportunity to choose good every day. – Michael BergFurther readings:Thinking Fast and Slow by Daniel Kahneman 

In this episode of Spiritually Hungry, Monica and Michael discuss the spiritual concept of angels and how we can connect to their energy to support us in every facet of life. Listen as they explore how we can transform all of our negative thoughts, acts, and traits into positive entities that we can use to improve our life, as well as the experiences of the people around us. You are living the energy you have created. – Michael BergGet Out of Your Mind and into Your Life by Steven C. Hayes, PH.D. and Spencer SmithThe Complete Works of Ralph Waldo Emerson by Ralph Waldo Emerson

In this episode of Spiritually Hungry, Monica and Michael explore the meaning of true, unconditional love – romantic or otherwise – and its power to expand our souls. Tune in as they share tips and tools for receiving love from others and truly sharing our love with the people in our lives. Every single exchange in every day is an opportunity to show love – even to ourselves. – Monica BergFurther readings:Rethink Love by Monica BergThe Road Less Traveled by M. Scott Peck, M.D.

In this episode of Spiritually Hungry, Monica and Michael delve into death and why changing the way we view it has a big impact on the way we live. Listen as they discuss how becoming intimate with death — especially that of a loved one — is an incredible gift that teaches us how to profoundly reexamine our own life, make the necessary changes, and experience a life of fulfillment. Life is too important not to grab every minute of potential joy. – Michael Berg

In this episode of Spiritually Hungry, Monica and Michael explore the pain of loss and how we can infuse spirituality into the grieving process to help us better handle our sorrow. Listen as they share their personal experiences with loss and provide tools for avoiding becoming defined by our grief and, instead, growing from it. We can choose to see the grief we feel as the evidence of our incredible capacity to love. – Monica Berg