From Fake to Real with Ben – How the World Reflects Back to Us What We Really Are

E19 | Learning How to Slow Down, Focus Our Energy, and Keep it Simple

Life can get complicated really fast if we let it!  It has been some time since I went for one of these walks, so if you happened on this episode I am glad you are here :) Lean back (or get outdoors!) and listen in to learn how to clear the noise and slow things down. Also, be inspired. Here are some of the things shared: * focused energy * divine guidance * what the mirrors show us * paying attention (14min) * passing the level, beating the boss (17:25) * the forest metaphor (23:30) * the destination as the path (26:10) * boundaries focus the path (29:02) * a day of nothing (31:05) * high vibration (38:31) * letting go of controlling the process (44:04) * what we can learn from the dark (46:11) * some paradox fun - light and dark (49:09) If this episode inspired you, I would be grateful to have you share it with someone who needs to hear this today. Questions? Interested in connecting? Please email info@rayinspired.com [info@rayinspired.com] or reach out on Instagram. Thank you for listening, and for being here!

The Kind of Things You Think About When You Have Finally Been Released from ICE Detention

If you have ever wondered what it's like to be in ICE detention for, oh, say 2.5 months, and then finally be let out, then perhaps this is a good episode for you! The first half of this is me reflecting on the original recording, some 1.5 years after the event. I'll put some timestamps in here if you wish to jump around a bit. Enjoy! Recent reflection (two weeks ago): * reflection * creating affirmations (4.58) * coincidence? * identity and our thoughts and emotions (10:55) * what it's like to be back in Manitoba (14:26) * understanding who I am and who I am not * seeing the cycles (19:53) * no longer a victim From Nov, 2023 (23:03): * what it sounds like to feel free * dying to the false self and the ego * the micro and the macro in terms of how we act (28:05) * how to say no * "Free in here, free out there" (37:46) * our reality begins within * more on affirmations If this episode inspired you, I would be grateful to have you share it with someone who needs to hear this today. Questions? Interested in connecting? Please email info@rayinspired.com [info@rayinspired.com] or reach out on Instagram. Thank you for listening, and for being you!

E17 | Be Intentional (With Who and What You Surround Yourself With)

In this episode I ponder the nuances of identity, expectations, perfectionism, triggers, and being intentional about who and what we allow into our lives. Of all the wisdom I have gained along the way, this is perhaps one of the most important things to fully realize and understand. While I recorded this six months ago, I find it is still very relevant to my life and to what I see happening in the world today, and I do pray that it inspires you in some way. Listen in as I draw from my experiences and reflect on: * acceptance, self-love and self-respect * expectations...perhaps we expect more from ourselves than we realize * The earlier episode with Marshall [https://www.podbean.com/eas/pb-98pdk-173e517] that I refer to can be found here [https://www.podbean.com/eas/pb-98pdk-173e517]. * Bending to fit into the mold of others * Projecting our discomfort on others * Who is the “I”, really? * The inner child * Where are we getting our identity from? * Who am I and who am I not? * Pondering union and partnership with God * Are we becoming or remembering? * Looking out the windows of the ego room we’ve been trapped in, getting out of the comfort zone and going outside * Being mindful of what we listen to, what we allow to enter * Garden of the heart (will upload episode later). Intention toward the seeds that are thrown our way. * How our experiences serve a purpose  * Triggers show us where we need to heal * When is it okay to allow ourselves to be exposed again to trauma triggers? * Be intentional when it comes to your healing journey from trauma – certain people or situations may enter your life to hinder or stall your journey If this episode inspired you, I would be grateful to have you share it with someone who needs to hear this today. Questions? Interested in meeting over coffee? Please email info@rayinspired.com [info@rayinspired.com] or reach out on Instagram. Thank you for listening!

From Fake to Real with Ben – How the World Reflects Back to Us What We Really Are

Are you tired of fakeness? Do we have an influence in the amount of real-ness or fake-ness we experience around ourselves? Is it possible to live authentically and suddenly begin to experience authenticity all around us? Listen in as I explore (listed here for search-ability): * the struggle with application, self-righteousness, saying vs doing * a bit about grace, to conviction not condemnation * attraction to Christianity vs authenticity * fakeness in the world * judging others * who are we seeing when we look in the mirror, saying I love you * being real vs fake, it starts with us * as we change things around us change, change is reflected back, we've been waiting for me * things happening to vs for, taking accountability * don't like the word "blame", radical ownership * listening to things that aren't Christian * how are you practicing being more real, we need to be real with ourselves, loving yourself (why be someone else). * loving yourself (why be someone else), what I did to get to this place (people-pleasing). * unhealthy teaching, being people pleasing is good, letting go of false self and people pleasing. * get real with ourselves, then with others, being okay with our own company. * judging others indicates something about ourselves. * maintaining the stereotype of being good Christians. * the necessity of hitting rock bottom, do we all need to hit it? * do we all need to hit rock bottom? Questioning reality. * being okay with where we're at (why want to be married so soon?). * forcing a reality check (doing something out of ordinary). * do I feel God brought me back (to MB)? Is God in this? * how can you tell you're being guided by the spirit? Need to quiet minds (the noise). * how can we help ourself be led by spirit? Disciplining flesh. * intimacy with romantic partner vs God. * when non-Christians meet God. * full circle - being real. * fake living = fake reflection, change and same people change. * the world reflects back to us how we're doing. * detaching, renewing the mind * living heaven on earth now, abundant life, what can I do today? If this episode inspired you, I would be grateful to have you share it with someone who needs to hear this today. Questions? Interested in meeting over coffee? Please email info@rayinspired.com [info@rayinspired.com] or reach out on Instagram. Thank you for listening!

The Path of the Mystic

As I continue on this path, I can't help but become more aware of what many have come to understand as mystics. They seem to keep being pulled into my life, largely into the books I find. The real question is this: am I discovering them, or are they finding me? (Or both!) As I reflect on such things, I can't help but consider how I am being invited to add my voice to those of the many mystics that have gone before. And it is with great gratitude and humility that I do so. In this episode I am taking a walk on a trail near Nutimik, MB (Canada). Walks like this are sure to inspire me, and you get to listen to what came of it! Listen in as I explore these topics below:  * the diamond willow (yes, I will find it...or it will find me!) * the spiritual journey I’ve been on * "as you keep walking the next corner will be rounded" * another video game reference * pause for bridge photo – incoming allegory * (a little windy for a minute!) * current book: Simplicity, the Freedom of Letting Go by Richard Rohr. Wow, have I marked it up! It has become a treasure along my journey. * the path of the mystic – what does that mean? * creative tension between polarities, the bridge * a challenge to be a bridge for others If this episode inspired you, I would be grateful to have you share it with someone who needs to hear this today. Questions? Interested in meeting over coffee? Please email info@rayinspired.com [info@rayinspired.com] or reach out on Instagram. Thank you for listening!