Life is difficult sometimes. People leave, things don’t go our way, we encounter setbacks and difficulties constantly. This episode discusses strategies for helping us grow through sadness in a spiritually grounded way that promotes resilience and a healthy balance of emotions.

These are simply things that have worked for me, and everything I talk about are things that I have gone through and grown from personally. I work to cultivate my own personal life in a way that allows others to flourish around me, and I seek to spread the peace and love within to as many people as I can.

My journey of spiritual growth has been one filled with beauty and joy, and the fact that I get to share these lessons that I have learned with all of you is something that brings me an immense amount of fulfillment. I seek to bring value to peoples lives, and I hope in some small way I brought value to yours.

If you liked the podcast, I invite you to support the show and follow or subscribe. I appreciate the encouragement that you have shown to this incredible journey we have embarked upon together, and I wish you peace, joy and love in all that you do.

Below are some resources that you might find helpful as you carry on your path.

If you enjoyed this episode or any others, I humbly invite you to leave a comment letting me know what you think, and I would love to hear any suggestions or requests for future episodes.

Thank you all, you are amazing.

Things that I have read that have changed my life:

Meditations - Marcus Aurelius

— A collection of the journal entries of the Roman Emperor Marcus Aurelius, as he grapples with the burdens of leadership, and the meaning of living well when faced with hardships and suffering. Surprisingly relatable considering that it was written over 1500 years ago.

The Four Agreements - don Miguel Ruiz

Spiritual guide Don Miguel Ruiz offers a clear, concise and helpful toolkit for beginning a journey of self discovery and transformation. The Four Agreements are as follows:

1) Be impeccable with your word

2) Don’t take anything personally

3) Don’t make assumptions

4) Always do your best

This is a great introduction to the ideas of how to life a more peaceful and joyful life by using our word, our power of creation, in the direction of truth and love. I cannot recommend it enough.

The Alchemist - Paolo Coelho

A powerful, short and charming fable about following your dreams. Not written as a “how to” book but simply as a story with a message contained within, The Alchemist is incredibly moving and inspirational.

The Prophet - Kahlil Gibran

A collection of poetry by the renowned poet Kahlil Gibran, The Prophet touches on subjects as wide ranging as Love and Marriage to Time and Food. Not considering himself a philosopher, Gibran nonetheless offers moving words on the essence of what he covers.

The Pocket Thich Nhat Han

A small (pocket sized) collection of essays from the renowned Zen Buddhist monk Thich Nhat Han. Each one has the power to change how you view even the most simple and mundane.

Art and Fear - Byles and Orland

A treatise intended for artists. If you extend the definition of art to include everyday living, and artist to include those who live, then it offers a very insightful look at how we can be more ourselves.

The Power of Now - Eckhart Tolle

One of the most moving books I have read on the power of bringing yourself into the present moment. Filled with useful wisdom and an easy to read Q and A format

The Miracle of Mindfulness- Thich Nhat Han

A longer look at the practice of meditation. Incredibly useful for meditation beginners and experts alike.

Proverbs - the Bible

Classic, powerful, great traditional wisdom.

To a God Unknown - John Steinbeck

The Life of the Spirit - HW Mabie (free online)

Ishmael - Daniel Quinn

The Book: On the taboo against knowing who you are - Alan Watts

Very interesting book by Alan Watts on the interconnected nature of this life we lead.