Struggling with high functioning depression? You might look successful on the outside but feel empty inside. I've been there. In this episode, I share the exact spiritual and clinical toolkit that helped me heal and reconnect with life.

In this episode, I open up about my personal journey through high functioning depression and the four-part approach that transformed my emotional and spiritual well-being.

What you'll learn:

• What high functioning depression really looks like (and why it's so easy to miss)
• DBT therapy techniques: Opposite Action, Radical Acceptance, and the TIPP method
• How Jesus taught about "the kingdom within" as a model of conscious awareness
• Abraham Hicks' vibration-shifting approach through appreciation
• Matt Kahn's groundbreaking self-love practices

Key practices covered:

Timestamps:

• 0:00 - My High Functioning Depression Story
• 2:00 - What It Really Looks Like
• 4:00 - DBT Foundations: 3 Life-Changing Practices
• 8:00 - Jesus as Conscious Teacher: The Kingdom Within
• 11:00 - Abraham Hicks: Becoming a Powerful Creator
• 14:00 - Matt Kahn: The Love Revolution
• 16:00 - Your Practical Toolkit to Start Today

Resources mentioned:

• DBT Therapy for Dummies (Marsha Linehan)
• Abraham Hicks teachings
• Matt Kahn's work

You're not broken. You're not behind. You're exactly where you need to be for your next evolution.

Most gratitude practices are keeping you stuck, grateful for scraps, and blocking real abundance. Here's the neuroscience-backed method that actually rewires your brain for opportunity recognition.

In this episode, I expose the "gratitude industrial complex" and reveal why generic gratitude (like "I'm grateful for my health") shows zero lasting brain changes according to Berkeley neuroscientists. But specific appreciation for your current capabilities? That literally rewires your brain's pattern-matching system.

TIMESTAMPS:

• 00:00 - The Gratitude Lie Exposed
• 01:00 - Why Most Gratitude Keeps You Small
• 03:00 - The Berkeley Study Nobody Talks About
• 04:00 - The Coffee Test: Real Abundance Practice
• 06:00 - How I Created More Income in 3 Months
• 08:00 - The Formula: Capabilities Over Circumstances
• 10:00 - Your New Daily Practice
• 13:00 - 7-Day Abundance Challenge

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

• Berkeley research shows generic gratitude creates no brain changes
• Specific appreciation for capabilities rewires opportunity recognition
• The difference between "grateful for what you have" vs. "appreciating what's working"
• Morning, daily, and evening practices that actually work
• How to flip scarcity-based gratitude into creator consciousness

RESOURCES MENTIONED:

• Berkeley neuroscience study on gratitude practices
• Marcus Aurelius and Stoic philosophy
• Pattern-matching and brain neuroplasticity research

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ABOUT HIGHER DENSITY LIVING:
Your discerning guide to modern spirituality, no guru required. We blend open-hearted curiosity with critical thinking to explore psychology, manifestation, consciousness, and practical spiritual tools for navigating modern life.

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DISCLAIMER: This content is for educational and entertainment purposes. While I reference scientific research, I'm sharing my personal experience and interpretation. Always consult qualified professionals for specific psychological or financial advice.

What if every challenge in your life is actually testing you on a specific skill you need to level up? This one question will transform how you handle every problem.

In this episode of Higher Density Living, we explore a mind-blowing realization that changes the way you see challenges. Instead of reacting with panic when problems arise, discover a powerful question borrowed from test-taking strategy that applies to everything: "What is the test maker testing me on right now?"

🎯 What You'll Learn:

• The one question that turns crisis into breakthrough
• How to identify what skill life is actually testing you on
• Why you keep attracting the same problems (and how to stop)
• Practical examples: difficult bosses, money stress, toxic relationships
• The power shift from victim mindset to conscious creator
• How to stop suffering and start extracting lessons for growth

⏱ Timestamps

• 0:00 Introduction: Mind-Blowing Realization
• 1:00 The Power of a Single Question
• 2:00 Applying Test Maker's Perspective to Life
• 3:00 Life's Challenges as Spiritual Tests
• 4:00 Practical Examples: Boss, Money, Relationships
• 5:00 The Power Shift: Victim to Creator
• 6:00 Spiritual & Practical Insights on Growth
• 8:00 Personal Story: Learning Boundaries
• 9:00 Marine Corps Training & Life Lessons
• 10:00 Your Weekly Challenge: Take Action

Related Topics:

This episode blends spiritual growth and practical life mastery. Whether you're facing anxiety, relationship struggles, career obstacles, or money stress, this mindfulness exercise helps you build emotional intelligence and self-awareness. Perfect for those interested in personal development, consciousness, shadow work, and discovering their life purpose.

Calls to Action:

🔔 Subscribe for weekly spiritual wisdom and practical life tools

👍 Like if this question resonates with you

💬 Comment below: What is YOUR life testing you on right now?

📧 DM me your breakthrough stories on Instagram

Credits & Resources:

Original insight inspired by Ben Meer (BenMeer.com) — check out his work on productivity and learning strategies.

📱 Connect with HDL Podcast:

Instagram | Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Website

Higher Density Living Podcast | Modern Spirituality | Mindfulness & Personal Growth Helping conscious seekers turn life's challenges into breakthrough moments.