Close to the Bone

Note: {I originally published this podcast episode on November 29, 2020 as Episode 16, I am publishing it again with the hope that it might be helpful during this holiday season}. Why do we fall back on our old ways so easily, especially when we're with family or old friends? In this episode, we look at self-control, self-restraint, and spiritual growth, and try to answer this question and more.

In this episode, we view science, religion, spirituality, and God, in relation to the human condition.

In this episode, we look at our greatest fears. Can we change our view of these fears? Can we overcome them? We explore these questions and more.

In this episode we look at some of the causes of anger. Many of us have difficulty appropriately curbing or suppressing our anger. Insights and tools are offered to help understand and overcome our unseemly and destructive behaviors.

In this episode, we look more closely at the New Age phrase, "You are loved." What does it mean exactly? And how helpful is it?

In this episode, we define satire, sarcasm, comedy, wit, and teasing. From ancient Greece to TV and Twitter, we look at their uses and misuses.

In this episode, we look at how secrets can burden us with shame and guilt, and prevent us from experiencing good relations, inner peace, joy, and happiness.

In this episode, we dissect the popular 60's song. Is its message still relevant? And if so, what can we learn from it?

In this episode, we view depression from two different standpoints. We also look at alcoholism, drug addiction, trauma, mental illness, and suicide.

In this episode, we look at priorities, parenting, playing God, and love.

In this episode, we meditate.

Are you nostalgic and sentimental? And does it matter? In this episode, we take a closer look at our proclivity to plunge into the past and reminisce about our bygone days.

In this episode, we look at authority and power. Are our views and feelings about authority serving us well? And can we change them?

In this episode, we look at the seemingly empowering attitude of not giving a f*ck. Is this suggestion of "not caring" liberating or misguiding? Is it serving us well?

In this episode, we look at the world of big business, big money, big egos, dishonesty and deceit. We explore honesty and it's relationship to sobriety, sanity, and serenity. 

In this episode, we look at the concept of truth. What is it? What's so important about it? And why do we seek it? We explore this idea and how it relates to religion, God, and our personal lives.

Hate breeds hate, whether our hate for someone or something is justified or not, hate is hate is hate. And where there is hate, there is fear and anger. In this episode, we look at hate from an objective, honest, spiritual perspective.

In this episode, we look at our tribal instincts and how they relate to fundamentalism and fanaticism in religion and politics. Is the excess baggage of our evolution responsible for much of the conflict we are witnessing in today's chaotic world?

What does Yoga, the Divine, and the fictional character, Ebenezer Scrooge have in common? The answer to this question and more is explored in this episode.

How important is our relationship with the breath? What affect does it have on our state of being? In this episode, we explore these questions and more.

Why do we fall back on our old ways so easily, especially when we're with family or old friends? In this episode, we look at self-control, self-restraint, and spiritual growth, and try to answer this question and more.

In this episode, we look at the unpredictability of life. How important is our perspective of random events? And do we have a choice in how we respond to them?

In this episode, we go to the Buddha for guidance. Why does the mind wander so often? How can we live more in the moment? And why is it important that we do so? These are questions and more that are explored.

In this episode, we talk about alcoholism and the alcoholic mind. What are the symptoms? What are the underlying causes? What are the consequences? These are some of the questions we explore.

In this episode, we look at psychotherapy and self-analysis. Can talk-therapy turn counter-productive? Can self-analysis prevent us from enjoying life? We explore this and more.