Spiritually Hungry

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 dec...

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...

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...

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 i...

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...

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 i...

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 g...

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. W...

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 Li...

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...

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 d...

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 t...

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...

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...

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...

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 t...

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...

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 completel...

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...

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...

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. T...

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 Micha...

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 achiev...

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 a...

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”...