We dive into the power of illusion, especially the self-created kind that keeps us stuck in patterns of suffering when reality doesn't match our expectations. Our BS (belief systems) create self-reinforcing cycles where confirmation bias selectively gathers evidence to support what we already believe, shutting down our natural curiosity and critical thinking.

• Most of our limiting beliefs aren't original – they were modeled, inherited, or absorbed before we could evaluate them
• Illusions persist because they protect us from uncertainty, form part of our identity, and represent loyalty to family patterns
• Confirmation bias filters reality to match existing beliefs, making us interpret everything through our established worldview
• We often unconsciously sabotage ourselves to prove our negative beliefs true
• Breaking free requires replacing illusion with vision – not escaping reality but transforming it
• The word "yet" is powerful in keeping possibility alive: "I haven't found fulfilling work – yet"
• Questions that help unravel illusions include: What might I be getting wrong? What belief shapes my reality? What assumptions have I never questioned?

Email me at rootsoftherise@gmail.com with your thoughts or use the message button on Spotify. If you found value in today's conversation, please share it with a friend or leave a review.

Related Episode: Episode 6 - Curiosity Required

Book: Loving What Is: Four Questions That Can Change Your Life; The Revolutionary Process Called "The Work" by Byron Katie

Questions or Comments? Message me!

We explore the sixth chakra, or third eye, in this episode focused on perception, intuition, and our ability to see the truth of our lives clearly. This energy center governs our inner vision and houses our right to see —its demon is illusion, which keeps us from perceiving reality accurately.

• The sixth chakra (Ajna) is located in the center of the forehead, though more accurately in the third ventricle of the brain
• Associated with the color indigo, it represents perception and the ability to command our attention
• Perception is not passive but an act of creation—what we focus on shapes our reality
• This chakra begins developing in adolescence when we start asking "who am I?" and "who do I want to become?"
• Trauma impacts the sixth chakra through repression (putting on blinders) or dissociation (disconnecting emotions from images)
• Being told our perceptions aren't real as children causes us to doubt our intuition later in life
• Signs of sixth chakra imbalance include difficulty visualizing, denial, rigid thinking, and inability to hold multiple perspectives
• Healing practices include meditation, third eye bodywork with oils (like shirodhara), developing intuition, and creating visual art
• Try drawing your chakras as a visual journaling exercise to connect with your intuition

Join us Wednesday and Friday for follow-up episodes focused specifically on illusion and intuition.

Resources mentioned in this episode:

Episode 55 - Breaking the Silence: How Shame Holds Us Back and How to Heal

Book: The Great Work of Your Life: A Guide for the Journey to Your True Calling by Stephen Cope

Further Resources for Chakra Exploration

Episode 60 - The Fifth Chakra: Unlocking Authentic Communication and Self-Expression

Episode 57 - Fourth Chakra Introduction

Episode 52 - Third Chakra Introduction

Episode 47 - Second Chakra Introduction

Episode 44 - First Chakra Introduction

Episode 43 - Introduction to the Chakras

The Chakras by C. W. Leadbeater

Eastern Body Western Mind by Anodea Judith

Wheels of Life b

Questions or Comments? Message me!

Speaking honestly and openly is essential, but it's equally important to learn how to speak your truth well—saying what you mean without being mean.

• The way we express our truth matters as much as the content itself
• Words spoken in anger leave lasting marks, like nails hammered into a fence
• We often confuse our assumptions for truth and react without complete information
• Female friendships require symmetry, support, and secrecy/trust to thrive
• Speaking your truth doesn't excuse hurtful behavior or absolve you from growth
• Truth should serve as a bridge for connection, not a weapon for defense

If this episode resonated, please share it with a friend or take a moment to leave a review. You can also reach out with questions or comments by clicking the message button on Spotify or emailing rootsoftherise@gmail.com.

Great Podcast on Friendship: Mel Robbins podcast with Danielle Bayard Jackson

Related Episodes:

Episode 5 - Journaling

Episode 22 - Non Violent Communication Basics

Questions or Comments? Message me!