In this conversation, Courtney, Bert, and Jessica explore what it truly means to live intentionally and how setting intentions differs from traditional goal-setting. The hosts discuss intention as a way of directing life force energy through conscious awareness of thoughts, words, and actions—asking not just "what" we want to accomplish, but "for the sake of what" we're taking action.

The episode dives into practical ways to cultivate intentionality, from Bert's 30-second morning candle ritual to Jessica's annual intention word practice and Courtney's experience-based approach. The hosts examine how intention shows up in everyday moments—from the love poured into a handcrafted latte to the energy we bring into holiday gatherings—and how setting intentions in community amplifies their power. They also address the shadow side, discussing how negative intentions (whether conscious or unconscious) can impact relationships and communities, and why examining our true motivations matters more than justifying actions with "good intentions."

Ultimately, this conversation offers a roadmap for living more meaningfully: start small, stay flexible, embody your intentions through physical practices like altar-setting, and regularly reflect on how you want to show up in the world. The message is simple but transformative—30 seconds of intentional focus each day can genuinely change your life.

Bert Nelson is a spiritual counselor, Buddhist minister, and energy medicine practitioner. He works with individuals navigating change, grief, identity, and questions of meaning, supporting clients in reconnecting with themselves and living with greater clarity and intention.
On Substack @BrightRavenArts
https://www.brightravencounseling.com/

Jessica Luke is a Depth Counselor and Integrative Healing Practitioner, and founder of The Well Grounded Soul and the https://1440health.com/, an integrative healing center in Bethesda, Maryland. She works with individuals navigating transition and emotional complexity, supporting them in reconnecting with their bodies, intuition, and deeper sense of truth.
On IG @thewellgroundedsoul
https://thewellgroundedsoul.com/

Courtney Kaplan is a coach based in Oakland, CA. After years in the corporate world, she founded Iconic Leadership Coaching to help people navigate work complexities, leverage their strengths, and grow their authentic leadership style. She uses emotional, physical and spiritual tools to help clients find peace and power.
On Substack @courtneykaplan
https://www.iconicleadershipcoaching.com/

In this conversation, Bert Nelson, Courtney Kaplan and Jessica Luke explore the essential role of play in our lives, emphasizing its necessity for functionality and its deep connection to spirituality. They unpack how engaging in play can lead to a flow state, where individuals feel completely present and connected to a higher spirit or the universe. They talk about what play can look like for different people and how you can become more playful and creative in your life.

Chapters

00:00 The Importance of Play in Adult Life
00:45 The Impact of Play on Mental Health

Bert Nelson is a spiritual counselor, Buddhist minister, and energy medicine practitioner. He works with individuals navigating change, grief, identity, and questions of meaning, supporting clients in reconnecting with themselves and living with greater clarity and intention.
On Substack @BrightRavenArts
https://www.brightravencounseling.com/

Jessica Luke is a Depth Counselor and Integrative Healing Practitioner, and founder of The Well Grounded Soul and the https://1440health.com/, an integrative healing center in Bethesda, Maryland. She works with individuals navigating transition and emotional complexity, supporting them in reconnecting with their bodies, intuition, and deeper sense of truth.
On IG @thewellgroundedsoul
https://thewellgroundedsoul.com/

Courtney Kaplan is a coach based in Oakland, CA. After years in the corporate world, she founded Iconic Leadership Coaching to help people navigate work complexities, leverage their strengths, and grow their authentic leadership style. She uses emotional, physical and spiritual tools to help clients find peace and power.
On Substack @courtneykaplan
https://www.iconicleadershipcoaching.com/

In the first podcast episode, Courtney Kaplan, Bert Nelson, and Jessica Luke start from the beginning by talking about pain. They unpack how acknowledging pain can lead to healing and connection. They discuss insights on suffering and ways to alleviate it for themselves and others.

In a world filled with challenges and uncertainties, it's essential to confront the uncomfortable topics of pain and suffering. In this episode, we will explore the significance of acknowledging our struggles, how they connect us, and actionable steps we can take to alleviate suffering in our lives and the lives of others.

Why does this matter? Because when we acknowledge our pain, we open the door to healing. We can learn from our experiences and find ways to alleviate suffering in our lives and those around us.

Let’s share these conversations and learn how to support each other difficult times.

Join us as we explore how to relate to discomfort and transform it into understanding.

LINKS:

Sacred Stream: https://www.sacredstream.org/
Circle of Shamanic Practioners: https://www.appliedshamanism.org/
Book: The Myth of Normal by Gabor Mate

Bert Nelson is a spiritual counselor, Buddhist minister, and energy medicine practitioner. He works with individuals navigating change, grief, identity, and questions of meaning, supporting clients in reconnecting with themselves and living with greater clarity and intention.
On Substack @BrightRavenArts
https://www.brightravencounseling.com/

Jessica Luke is a Depth Counselor and Integrative Healing Practitioner, and founder of The Well Grounded Soul and the https://1440health.com/, an integrative healing center in Bethesda, Maryland. She works with individuals navigating transition and emotional complexity, supporting them in reconnecting with their bodies, intuition, and deeper sense of truth.
On IG @thewellgroundedsoul
https://thewellgroundedsoul.com/

Courtney Kaplan is a coach based in Oakland, CA. After years in the corporate world, she founded Iconic Leadership Coaching to help people navigate work complexities, leverage their strengths, and grow their authentic leadership style. She uses emotional, physical and spiritual tools to help clients find peace and power.
On Substack @courtneykaplan
https://www.iconicleadershipcoaching.com/