Grit and Zen Podcast

The host, Kurt Armstrong, recounts his journey from a troubled past to a regenerative life. He shares his experiences with psychedelics, including a negative one that led to a profound transformation. Armstrong emphasizes the importance of responsible psychedelic use and the potential for personal growth and spiritual awakening. The narrator recounts a pivotal experience from the past ten years, d...

Kurt discusses the importance of staying present in the moment and avoiding dwelling on the past or worrying about the future. He emphasizes the benefits of focusing on one task at a time, rather than multitasking, and highlights the connection between this practice and various spiritual and philosophical teachings. Kurt encourages listeners to embrace the present, let go of negative thoughts, and...

Kurt Armstrong, the host of a podcast about personal growth and spiritual development, discusses his journey towards a more selfless and service-oriented life. He reflects on his past mistakes and the various paths he has explored, including Eastern philosophy and spiritual practices. Kurt is currently in the process of selling and giving away his possessions to detach from materialism and focus o...

Kurt Armstrong, the host of the Criton Zen podcast, discusses his spiritual journey and beliefs. He emphasizes the importance of unconditional love and compassion, drawing parallels between his practices of Raja yoga and teachings of Jesus Christ. Armstrong highlights the need for understanding and acceptance across different religions, emphasizing that they all aim to promote love and understandi...

The podcast host, Kurt, discusses the challenges of navigating life after a spiritual awakening, including losing friends who don’t align with his new path and grappling with past actions, such as violence and substance abuse. He acknowledges the need for accountability and personal growth, while also dealing with feelings of loneliness and disappointment when friends cancel plans to visit. Kurt e...

The host, Kurt Armstrong, recounts his experience with smoking marijuana, highlighting its negative impact on his mental clarity and ability to control his mind. He emphasizes the importance of mindfulness in consuming various substances, including food, music, and media, and how they can influence our well-being and life direction. Armstrong shares his journey of self-discovery and the techniques...

Surrendering control and having non-attachment to outcomes is a powerful concept. By accepting challenges as opportunities for growth and embracing a spiritual awakening, one can find peace and clarity in decision-making. Ultimately, letting go of ego-driven desires and trusting in a higher power leads to a more fulfilling life. The speaker discusses their approach to life’s challenges, emphasizin...

The podcast host, Kurt Armstrong, discusses his journey with yoga, which he discovered while in jail. He emphasizes the importance of the eight limbs of yoga beyond just physical postures, highlighting its philosophy of self-reflection and personal growth. Armstrong plans to start trauma-based yoga teacher training, reflecting his own experiences and the transformative power of yoga. The speaker r...

The speaker reflects on a recent incident where they became upset about losing a computer, realizing they were caught up in future worries rather than staying present. They discuss the importance of surrendering to a higher power and practicing faith, sharing a personal experience of praying and finding peace. The speaker also touches on financial struggles and commitments to their children, empha...

The narrator recounts a transformative experience during meditation last summer. Focusing on the seven chakras and repeating “glory be to God,” the narrator felt a surge of energy, likening it to a lightning bolt from God. This experience, which occurred during a period of isolation, led the narrator to share their journey and beliefs about spirituality and the divine. The narrator recounts a prof...

The author shares their personal journey towards spiritual enlightenment, emphasizing the importance of finding one’s own path to the divine. They believe in a universal love and connection, rejecting the notion of a single, exclusive path to God. The author highlights the value of studying various religious and philosophical texts, including the Vedas, Upanishads, the Bhagavad Gita, the Bible and...

The author, isolated in Southern Oregon, longs for a sense of community. Financial struggles, including child support payments and limited resources, hinder their ability to move closer to their children and build connections. Despite facing food insecurity and a broken toe, the author remains hopeful and resilient, relying on faith and trust in God to overcome challenges. The speaker is facing fi...

The narrator recounts their childhood, raised by a single mother and later adopted by their stepfather. They describe their mother’s young age and perceived lack of attention, leading to resentment. After their parents’ divorce, the narrator chose to live with their stepfather but was denied. The narrator recounts a rebellious teenage phase marked by substance use and a strained relationship with...