The Spiritual Forum

Revisiting the Christmas Story - EP 291

Uncover the deeper meaning of Christmas with this captivating exploration of its spiritual essence. This solocast episode reimagines the story of Jesus's birth as a metaphor for the divine light within each of us. Journey through metaphysical interpretations of biblical characters and places—Mary, Joseph, the shepherds, and the Magi—each symbolizing aspects of love, strength, wisdom, and intuition that reside in our consciousness.  
Learn how the Christ consciousness, embodied by Jesus, inspires us to embrace unconditional love, unity, and the power to transform our lives. Reconnect with hope, peace, love, and joy—the true gifts of the season—and shine your light in a world that needs it most. 
#ChristmasSpirit #InnerLight #ChristConsciousness #SpiritualJourney #HolidayInspiration #FaithAndLove #SeasonOfJoy #meaningoftheseason #innerchrist

Soil, Soul & Society - A New Trinity with Satish Kumar - EP 290

Satish Kumar’s message of peace is to “love everyone, without any judgment, without any condition.” From becoming a Jain monk at the age of nine, to living in a Gandhian ashram, to meeting Betrand Russell and Martin Luther King Jr. as part of a 8,000-mile peace pilgrimage, his remarkable journey will surely inspire you. To Satish, spirituality is a lived experience, integrating love, service, and compassion into every act — from gardening to relationships to self-governance. His profound insights on living a harmonious life in a sustainable world, centers on the connection between the soil, our inner world (soul) and the society we create. Satish emphasizes the need to foster unity, connection, and simplicity in creating meaningful change, reminding us that peace begins with trust, not fear, and that love is the ultimate universal principle. With incredible stories, practical wisdom, and a call to "be the change you want to see in the world," this conversation will encourage you to embrace love, reconnect with the earth, and transform society —one cup of tea at a time.
Bio - Peace and environment activist and former Jain monk Satish Kumar has been quietly setting the global agenda of change for more than 50 years. He settled in the United Kingdom after an 8,000-mile peace pilgrimage. He was editor of Resurgence magazine from 1973 until 2016. Over the decades, he has been the guiding spirit behind internationally respected ecological and educational ventures including Devon's Schumacher College; authoring several books, including Elegant Simplicity; and presenting the BBC documentary Earth Pilgrim. Through his teaching, and as an embodiment of ecological and spiritual principles of living simply, he has inspired many people to transform themselves in order to transform the world. He continues to teach, appears regularly in the media, and is a sought-after international speaker.  
 
Satish Kumar's book, Soil, Soul & Society: https://www.amazon.com/Soil-Soul-Society-Trinity-Time/dp/1952692911?crid=3JACVKO7QQVM9&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.Fx60chQ3zJa9VSTuY9sznvPnnXqFJ9VR2c7W0erVQWvu9SZHvNVcCoZvdkjYabIkQ6XETBCnOgCUeqL70MeHJfi9Ihnr59Ptq5xp3gIINJwspUJIjYBW7p2NgbCqXVUU6PdiF75EiuVF27RXbpw6TW4coc-gxCA-IO5sZn1N93ihKwGHybNmMvlqfIWp6r5Z.aEPXj1iaBAzB-OMWG6XFaFzkE1KNMej4W0tKBhDs3tU&dib_tag=se&keywords=soil%2C+soul+society&qid=1734475281&s=books&sprefix=soil%2C+soul+societ%2Cstripbooks%2C134&sr=1-1
 
#spirituality #sustainability #SoilSoulSociety #mindfulness #LoveAndCompassion #ecoliving #innerpeace #environmentalactivism #spiritualawakening #TrustOverFear #globalharmony #plantbasedliving #consciousliving #lifelessons #selftransformation #BeTheChange #unityindiversity #SacredSoil #loveisuniversal #peacepilgrim #interconnectionedness #embracelove #selfgovernance #evolvedsoul

Find Your Wings and Fly with Cheri Neal - EP 289

Guest Cheri Neal, a trailblazing public servant and author, shares her transformative journey of resilience, faith, forgiveness, and community impact. Feeling overwhelmed after her divorce, Cheri was inspired to learn how to raise Monarch butterflies. This experience opened her up to the remarkable process of transformation -- a process which is inherent in each of us. Starting as caterpillars, the butterflies taught her about shedding limiting layers, embracing discomfort, taking risks, trusting the Divine process and learning to fly.  In this episode, Cheri shares personal stories about running for public office (losing and winning), finding ways to work with those who stood against her, writing her book Message of the Monarch, walking the Camino de Santiago, and igniting joy in her community -- all  which mirror the path of the Monarch. Cheri also reveals how forgiveness, collaboration, and courage lead to personal and collective growth, and her life demonstrates that the greatest contribution you can make to the world is to transform yourself.
Bio - Cheri Neal has served as Zion, Illinois Township Supervisor, a full-time elected office, since 2001. She holds a double B.S. in Psychology and Human Behavior in Society from the University of Wisconsin Parkside and a Master’s in Management with a Certificate in Leadership, and has been recognized numerous times for her visioning and collaboration. A champion of community engagement, dynamic speaker, and certified life coach, she passionately assists people soar personally and professionally, and helps turn adversity into opportunity. Cheri has always been a trailblazer, having been the first woman to drive a snow plow for the State of Illinois, the first woman to join the Zion-Benton Kiwanis Club, and the first woman elected as Zion Township Supervisor. She is also the past president of the Wisconsin Chapter of the National Speakers Association and a published author of two books. She’s passionate about life, family, health, Monarchs, Zinnias and helping others live their BEST life.
About Cheri's book : Messages of the Monarch, How to Find Your Wings and Fly AND Seeds of Joy, Growing Zinnias and Your Zest for Life! and the Lake County Joy Summit - 1/25/25 available on - https://www.cherineal.com/products
#Transformation #TrustTheProcess #FromCaterpillarToButterfly #PersonalGrowth #SpiritualAwakening #ForgivenessHeals #OvercomingChallenges #JoyfulLiving #BreakingBarriers #LeadershipLessons #InspirationForChange #ButterflyEffect #FindingYourWings #HealingThroughForgiveness #InnerTransformation #DivineGuidance #LifeLessonsFromNature #Empowerment #ResilienceAndFaith 

The Enneagram & Spirituality with Katherine Chernick Fauvre - EP 288

Join us for a deep exploration of the Enneagram, a powerful 9-point personality system designed to uncover your primal motivations, core fears, and unique pathways to personal and spiritual growth. Discover how this ancient tool can help you break through layers of ego, embrace your true nature, and transform your relationships.
We’re thrilled to feature Katherine Chernick Fauvre, an internationally renowned Enneagram expert and the creator of the Enneagram Tritype and Instinctual Stackings. Katherine shares her groundbreaking insights into how the Enneagram can illuminate your inner world, whether you’re navigating workplace dynamics, enhancing relationships, or seeking deeper spiritual understanding. 
Explore the breakdown of the 9 personality types and their core fears, desires, and unique virtues. From the perfectionism of Type 1 to the visionary optimism of Type 7, learning how understanding these patterns can foster forgiveness, connection, and compassion in your daily life. Discover how the spiritual path of each type moves through type-specific holy ideas and virtues, such as serenity, equanimity, and hope. This conversation is packed with wisdom, research-backed insights, and practical tips to help you understand yourself and others on a whole new level.
Bio - Katherine Chernick Fauvre, the creator of Tritype® and Instinctual Stackings, is an internationally recognized personality expert. She is an IEA Accredited Teacher with Distinction, inducted into the Marquis Who’s Who in America Biological Registry and the International Association of Top Professionals, and named Enneagram Coach of The Year for 2023 and Empowered Woman of the Year for 2024. She is Triple Certified with Palmer-Daniels, Riso-Hudson, and Hurley-Dobson and is distinguished as the only person to have attended intensives with Claudio Naranjo and Oscar Ichazo.
About Katherine's book : New book on: Enneagram Instinctual Subtypes 2.0: Instincts, Stereotypes, Countertypes, and Stackings Everything you want to know about the Instinctual Types!
As Promised! Super Savings!
• Advanced Bundle: Enneagram of Process, Countertypes, Lost in Transmission $900 now $300 - more • Introduction to the Enneagram with Introduction to Tritypes® 10-week Course - $450 now $150 - more • Introduction to the Enneagram videos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, and overview -was $50 now $25 - more • All 27 Individual Advanced Tritype® Archetype videos - $65 now $45 each - more
• Guiding the 9 Types to Change - Full Set - Digital Download - $95 now $40 - more • Guiding the 9 Types to Change by Type: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9. Core Fears only - now $10 ea. 
#enneagram #selfawareness #spiritualgrowth #personaldevelopment #transformation #personalityinsights #selfdiscovery #KnowYourType #emotionalintelligence #innerpeace #transformyourlife #psychology #spirituality #findyourtrueself #PersonalityTypesDecoded #mindsettransformation #selfgrowth #corefear 

The Lost Religion of Jesus with Keith Akers - EP 287

Join us for an enlightening conversation with Keith Akers, former computer consultant turned author, activist, and pioneering researcher of early Christianity. Keith shares his journey from tech to theology, where his research challenges long-held assumptions about Jesus, Nazerenes and early Christians.
In this episode, we dive into:
✨ Jesus’ opposition to animal sacrifice, vegetarianism in early Jewish Christianity, and the powerful nonviolent ethos at its heart.✨ The fascinating historical conflict between Paul and the Jewish Christians, including the Ebionites and Nazarenes, who lived as "the poor" and rejected meat and wealth.✨ How modern Christianity diverged from these early teachings and what that means for faith today.✨ Insights into Keith's philosophical journey, his discovery of Peter Singer’s Animal Liberation, and the life-changing decision to embrace veganism.
We also unpack the tension between pro-meat and pro-vegetatian writers in the bible and explore the controversial narratives in the New Testament about fish, sacrifices, and the deeper spiritual messages they may conceal.
If you’re curious about the hidden history of Christianity, the ethical teachings of Jesus, or how faith connects with compassion for animals and the environment, this conversation will inspire and challenge you.
Don’t miss Keith’s thought-provoking appearance in the documentary Christpiracy! 
Bio - Keith Akers is a writer, speaker, and activist. He’s written four books, including two books on vegetarianism in early Christianity, “The Lost Religion of Jesus” (2000) and “Disciples” (2013). Most recently, he was interviewed for the documentary “Christspiracy”.  He has been active in vegetarian and vegan groups for over 40 years and is the co-organizer of Denver Vegans. In his former life as a computer consultant, he worked on projects with the US Departments of State and Education, American Management Systems, Bell Atlantic Nynex Mobile (now Verizon), and others. You can reach him through his website at CompassionateSpirit.com .
Keith’s website: https://compassionatespirit.com/wpblog/
Keith’s books:
The Lost Religion of Jesus: https://www.amazon.com/Lost-Religion-Jesus-Nonviolence-Christianity/dp/1930051263
Disciples - How Jewish Christianity Shaped Jesus and Shattered Christianity: https://www.amazon.com/Disciples-Jewish-Christianity-Shaped-Shattered/dp/1937002500
Embracing Limits: https://www.amazon.com/Embracing-Limits-Necessary-Approach-Environmental/dp/0945528027
#earlychristianity #jesusteachings #animalrights #compassionatefaith #Christpiracy #TheLostReligionOfJesus #nonviolence #disciples #Ebionites #nazarenes #pacifism #vegetarianism #bibleinterpretation #christianorigins #hiddentruth #christianity #bible #religion #spirituality #jesus #god #belief #truth #knowledge #history #documentary #consciousness #awakening #enlightenment 

Live the Life Your Soul Intended with Rhonda Britten - EP 286

Emmy Award-winning reality TV star, life coach and bestselling author Rhonda Britten shares her incredible journey from a devastating family tragedy to becoming a beacon of hope and healing for millions. Like so many of us, Rhonda spent years struggling with feelings of guilt, powerlessness, and unworthiness. After surviving three suicide attempts, a pivotal moment sparked her transformation, ultimately leading her to rebuild her relationship with God and recreate herself as a successful author and life coach. In this lively episode, Rhonda shares stories she’s never shared before about her remarkable spiritual evolution. You will learn about:
· The hidden core fears that drive our lives
· The value of living in paradox and grey spaces
· The blessing of ‘evil’ people
· Wrestling with God to uncover your mission
· Overcoming fears to step into life’s opportunities
· And much more!
Bio: Rhonda Britten – Emmy Award-winner, repeat Oprah guest and Master Coach – has changed lives in over 600 episodes of reality television including starring in the hit daytime reality show, "Starting Over." She is the author of four bestsellers including her seminal work, “Fearless Living,” and is the Founder of the Fearless Living Institute, home of the Ivy League of Life Coaching Training. Named “America’s Favorite Life Coach,” she brings the neuroscience of fear down to earth giving you a path out of “not being good enough” using the “Wheels” technology she developed that saved her own life. Find out more at www.FearlessLiving.org .
 
#fearlessliving #lifecoach #inspiration #motivation #overcomingadversity #mentalhealth #personalgrowth #selfhelp #truestory #overcomingtrauma #suicidepreventionawareness #mentalhealthawareness #spiritualawakening #empowerment #selflove #transformation #resilience #hope #corefear #discernment #livingwithparadox #wrestlewithgod

Healing Through Modern Shamanism with Ray Crist - EP 285

In this powerful conversation with Ray Crist, founder of the Jaguar Path School of Modern Shamanism, you will hear his incredible journey of healing and transformation. After an unexpected cancer diagnosis in 2003 and a prognosis of only 90 days, Ray was forced to re-evaluate everything he knew about life, death, and purpose. Leaving behind a successful career as a high-profile photographer, he embarked on a soul-searching pilgrimage across Mexico, Peru, and ultimately to the United States—seeking wisdom from indigenous healers and Quero elders. Ray shares how shamanic practices and modern medicine guided him through profound healing, how close brushes with death changed his life perspective, and how every moment since has been a gift. He discusses the physiology of the healing process and opens up about the power of listening within, letting go of material pursuits, and embracing a purposeful new path. Ray’s story is a transformative lesson for anyone questioning their purpose or feeling trapped by the weight of daily life.
Ray Crist is a world-renowned visionary and master teacher devoted to sharing the transformative healing wisdom of shamanic traditions through The Jaguar Path School of Modern Shamanism and the Science of Healing. For over 30 years, he has dedicated himself to sharing the powerful practices he discovered, guiding others on paths of healing, balance, and spiritual growth. Through The Jaguar Path, Ray and his wife, Nina, lead a comprehensive 9-month Shamanic Certification Training, empowering participants to harness the science and soul of healing to enrich their own lives and help others with insights to yoga, tai chi, Ayurveda and Chinese medicine. In addition to the annual training, they offer virtual classes in yoga, tai chi, healing sessions, and more. Before relocating to Greece in 2022, Ray taught thousands at world-renowned wellness centers, including Kripalu, NY Open Center, and Yoga Journal Conferences. Ray’s teaching is a testament to his commitment to helping others access ancient practices that transformed his own journey, inspiring a life of profound purpose and service.
About Ray's Shamanic Certification : Our upcoming Shamanic Certification Training in Modern Shamanism & the Science of Healing is an annual, exclusive training offered only once a year! This immersive 9-month program begins on November 16, 2024 - https://www.jaguarpath.com/shamans-9-month-certification-training
#shamanism #spiritualhealing #mindbodyspirit #healing #spiritualawakening #alternativehealing #holistichealth #inspiration #ScienceOfHealing #positivevibes #cancersurvivor #spiritualjourney #personaltransformation #overcomingadversity #lifechangingstory #ancientwisdom #modernshamanism #cancerhealing 

Creating a World That Works for All - EP 284

Explore the concept of Whole Planet Spirituality, where unity transcends human differences and embraces all living beings. We have been conditioned to see ourselves as superior, separate and dominant. Currently entrenched in a war-based paradigm, we see nearly everything through that lens. To create a new world based on love, respect and interconnectivity, we need to raise our consciousness! Learn about the creative process through a metaphysical lens, inspired by the 7 days of creation in Genesis, and how faith, imagination, understanding, will and discernment can shape a world that works for everyone—including the animals, trees, and entire planet. This is a condensed version of Rev. Carol's presentation at the recent annual Whole Planet Spirituality Forum & Retreat that she led at Unity Village, Missouri. Learn more at thespiritualforum.org/retreat
Link to the book which inspired my talk :  https://www.amazon.com/Creative-Life-Keys-Inner-Genius/dp/1585422703?origin=serp_auto 
#WholePlanetSpirituality #spiritualawakening #consciousnessshift #DivinePurpose #spiritualgrowth #mindfulness #meditation #yoga #selflove #positivevibes #bibleinterpretation #metaphysical #spiritualhealing #animalrights #environmentalawareness #vegan #plantbased #compassion #empathy #veganspirituality #creativeprocess #createanewworld