The Pillars of Practice - Community (mini episode)

The Practice of…Ethical Non-Monogamy (with Jonah)

Jonah shares his nine-year journey with ethical non-monogamy, revealing how it's deepened his understanding of himself and transformed his approach to relationships. He explores his "Three Pillars" framework—communication, trust, and respect—that forms the foundation for healthy connections both in his primary partnership and beyond. In this episode we discuss how: • Ethical non-monogamy began as a three-month experiment with a long-term partner after realizing he hadn't fully explored his sexuality • The "Three Pillars" framework (communication, trust, respect) provides the foundation for navigating complex emotional territory • Challenging inherited beliefs about relationships creates space for personal growth and self-discovery • Setting clear boundaries ensures connections with others remain nourishing rather than threatening to primary partnerships • The importance of vulnerability and self-reflection when navigating jealousy and other normal human emotions • How ethical non-monogamy has changed from stigmatized to increasingly normalized, especially in queer communities.

Pillars of Practice: Discipline Meets Compassion (mini episode)

In this episode I explore the tension between discipline and compassion in practices that create meaning and purpose in our lives. Finding balance between these seemingly opposing forces creates the conditions for sustainable growth while maintaining self-kindness. • Discipline isn't about rigidity but rather making a decision and sticking to it—like a disciple following a teaching with devotion • True discipline includes intentional rest as part of the practice • Compassion isn't laziness or an excuse to quit when things get uncomfortable • The middle way in Buddhism offers a framework for balance—like a perfectly tuned instrument string • Growth happens in the nuanced space between pushing forward and knowing when to pause

The Practice of…Embracing Neurodivergence (with Daniela De Armas)

Daniela de Armas shares her journey as a Lucumi priestess, musician, and neurodivergent person diagnosed with ADHD at age 59. Her experiences reveal how finding authentic community and honouring our own natural rhythms creates purpose and stability in a challenging world. In this episode we discuss how: • The Lukumi tradition provides a lens through which Daniela views life, focusing on living well in the present • Music has been integral to her identity since childhood, leading to the creation of multiple bands and a 20-year choir • Late diagnosis of ADHD explained lifelong patterns of burnout, fatigue, and difficulty with conventional employment • Success means enjoying the journey rather than focusing on external validation or financial rewards • Building communities around her passions has been essential to finding connection and belonging • Nature connection, particularly bird watching, provides healing and grounding for her sensitive nervous system • Rest is viewed as revolutionary in a productivity-obsessed culture • Compassionate approaches to practice allow for inconsistency while still moving forward If you're interested in learning more about the Lukumi tradition, check out Daniela's book "The Lucumi Practitioner's Handbook," which also addresses neurodiversity and maintaining boundaries in spiritual communities. You can find her work at https://linktr.ee/orishasongandmore [https://linktr.ee/orishasongandmore] Other resources mentioned in this episode: https://www.sheilahenson.com [https://www.sheilahenson.com/]  https://www.adhdbabes.com/about-us [https://www.adhdbabes.com/about-us] https://www.additudemag.com/ [https://www.additudemag.com/]

The Pillars of Practice - Community (mini episode)

Community forms an essential pillar in developing meaningful practices and personal growth. When we practice within groups rather than in isolation, we experience a tangible difference that enhances commitment and progress. In this episode I discuss how: • Group meditation creates a qualitatively different experience compared to solo practice • Buddhism emphasizes community through the concept of Sangha—one of the Three Jewels • Four benefits of community practice: friendship, solidarity, inspiration, and accountability • Communities create productive friction that smooths our rough edges, like rocks on the shore • Being called out on our "nonsense" in constructive ways helps us grow authentically Reach out on Instagram @praxis_podcast with questions, feedback, or to volunteer for an interview about your own practice.

The Pillars of Practice - Motivation (mini-episode)

Motivation forms one of the essential pillars of practice, supporting our commitment through challenges while revealing the crucial balance between internal and external drivers. In this mini-episode, I discuss how: • Intrinsic motivation comes from within (joy in the process, self-improvement, personal satisfaction) • Extrinsic motivation comes from external sources (recognition, money, validation from others) • My running journey evolved from park runs to marathons, challenging my belief I wasn't "sporty" • Finding your authentic "why" provides resilience when challenges arise • External validation can kickstart a practice but internal motivation sustains it Listen, subscribe, and share your thoughts about your own motivational balance in your practices.