Spiritually Hungry

Our desires, every single one of them, are gifts from the Creator. They are invitations to follow our unique purpose, clues that lead down the path of our unfolding potential. To deny our desires is to deny ourselves. But why is it so hard to ask for what we truly want? In this mini episode of Spiritually Hungry, Monica and Michael discuss how to communicate our desires so we can cultivate more balance between giving and receiving. “To claim what we desire, we first have to believe that we are deserving of it.” – Monica Berg

Everyone experiences mental health challenges. Yet, wading through these difficult times can feel isolating or as if there is something wrong with you. The truth is, you’re not alone; many people struggle in the exact same way. In this mini episode of Spiritually Hungry, Monica and Michael lift the shame of mental health issues and discuss how to reframe your assumptions in order to overcome shame and hopelessness.“I think we need to embrace a messy life. And a messy life means there’s no room for perfection. That word is not even in your lexicon. That means each day you can have a plan—if it happens, great. If it doesn’t, then just embrace it. It’s probably going to be better than the one you had anticipated. There’s true freedom and joy in being the creator of your life.” – Monica Berg 

Every single one of us experiences challenging moments or times when the spotlight is on us. These times can amplify the drama of our experience. Yet the truth is, almost nothing in life is a catastrophe. And most of the time, everyone else is busy with their own lives and their own drama. In this mini episode of Spiritually Hungry, Monica and Michael discuss how to practice objectivity in light of life’s speed bumps.“When something happens, even when you are right to be disappointed by it, in the true perspective of life, of history, or reality, it’s a tiny speed bump. It is not the end of the world.” – Michael Berg

When was the last time you felt awestruck? Was it last week? Last month? It’s not our nature to hold a space for daily appreciation and gratitude. However, consistent recognition of life’s little miracles leads to deeper fulfillment in life. In this mini episode of Spiritually Hungry, Monica and Michael discuss how to find beauty in the ordinary and shift our thoughts so we can increase the level of appreciation we have for our tiny blessings.“It’s not human nature, but it is something we should fight extremely hard for every single day. Have at least one moment each day in which you are overwhelmingly appreciative, not of something great that just happened, but of the normal workings of life.” – Michael Berg Further Readings:The Comfort Book by Matt Haig

It’s not uncommon to say yes to things without really considering whether it is aligned with your priorities. Saying no can leave us feeling guilty, like we’ve let others down. But if we don’t learn how to say no to others, we won’t have the time, energy, or space to say yes to ourselves. In this mini episode of Spiritually Hungry, Monica and Michael discuss how to get clear on your boundaries, so you can spend more time on the people and things that really matter.“We only have so much time on this earth; it’s impossible to do all the things that interest you. Pick the ones that interest you the most in order to spend time with the people you love the most, including yourself. That’s the hard part: that balance.” – Monica Berg

We each experience trauma in unique ways, but one thing is certain: it forever changes us. Processing trauma comes with grief, disappointment, and a fundamental shift in how we exist in the world. However, we ultimately get to choose how it changes us. In this mini episode of Spiritually Hungry, Monica and Michael discuss how to weather life quakes and become softer and more open because of them.“We can either be hardened by things that happen to us, or we can know that we are changed and choose growth and transformation.” – Monica BergThe Body Keeps the Score: Brain, Mind, and Body in the Healing of Traumaby Bessel van der Kolk M.D.

How do you know you are loved? Whether you are in a relationship or not, it’s helpful to know when you most feel loved, as well as the ways you enjoy showing the people in your life that they are important to you. In this mini-episode of Spiritually Hungry, Monica & Michael discuss Gary Chapman’s pivotal book, The 5 Love Languages: The Secret to Love that Lasts, as a tool to better understand the important people in your life.“The Five Love Languages is a way to be empathetic and put yourself in your partner’s shoes, so you know how to give love to them in the way they want to receive.” – Monica BergThe 5 Love Languages: The Secret to Love that Lasts, by Gary Chapman

One of the most important aspects of a relationship is the work each person puts into it. When both partners are making the effort to focus on and elevate the other, a true, lasting relationship blossoms. Tune in as Monica and Michael take questions from listeners on common relationship issues and share practical advice for growing your emotional intelligence and becoming ever closer to your partner.“The reason you are in a relationship is because there’s something for you to learn from your partner in order to change and grow.” – Michael Berg

When couples decide to create a life together, they often approach the relationship with unrealistic expectations. Strong relationships are built on connection and communication. Listen as Monica and Michael answer questions from listeners that address some of the most common issues couples face as they navigate responsibilities, roles, and respect in a partnership.“When you come together and decide to create a life together, build a home together, and perhaps have children, couples can have these expectations that are never discussed and aren’t really fair, and it doesn’t create connection. It’s not about right or wrong. It has to work for the couple.” – Monica Berg

We fail and make mistakes because we are all works in progress. Life is messy. But we are not supposed to be perfect. Our flaws are the aspects of ourselves we are meant to focus on and correct. Listen in as Monica and Michael explain the deeper purpose of imperfections and why they are so important to our soul’s work in this lifetime.“What one might call the ugly parts of themselves are actually the work that their soul has taken upon themselves for the betterment of the world at large. Our imperfections are the part of the world we need to correct.” – Michael Berg

This week, Monica and Michael continue their conversation about sadness and unpack more fascinating ways we can use our emotions to learn and grow. Recent studies show that being sad can unlock clarity, generosity, and motivation. Join us for part 2 of Monica and Michael’s illuminating conversation about feeling our feelings.“Inviting sadness to be your teacher is a sure way to start transforming it.” – Monica Berg

As humans, we are built to experience big emotions. For some, this is uncomfortable, and we try to avoid feeling them fully. However, Kabbalah teaches that when we are in touch with our emotions, they can guide us and tell us how we’re doing. In this insightful episode, Monica and Michael discuss the importance of making space for sadness in our lives while simultaneously working to transcend it in healthy ways.“Sadness is a call from our soul telling us that things aren’t as they should be and we aren’t paying attention.” – Michael Berg

Things won’t always go our way. We know this. Yet, equanimity may not come naturally as we experience adversity. Resilience isn’t necessarily something we are all born with, though it is certainly something we can learn. Kabbalah teaches that the goal is not to be unbothered by difficulties but to work towards a peaceful acceptance of hardship, even as we strive to create significant change in our lives. Join us as Monica and Michael discuss how we can foster resilience in ourselves so we may push through to the other side of each challenge we encounter and emerge stronger than we started.“We are aiming to find that perfect balance of equanimity—being able to take the strong winds of life and bend with them, while at the same time, not being too rigid. The goal is to flow with life.” – Michael Berg

Each of us experience times when we feel disinclined to take action or do a good deed. We put it off until tomorrow or the next day. But what happens when a few days or weeks go by? Kabbalah teaches that this kind of laziness can lead to complacency, which separates us from the Light. In this motivating episode, Monica and Michael discuss how to cultivate alacrity, do more good in the world, and invite more blessings into our lives.“If you have an idea of something positive you can do, do it as quickly as possible. If you are doing something positive, do it faster, and finish it as quickly as you can.” – Michael Berg

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