Change yourself. Influence others.
The Beginning Within Podcast is all about repeatedly asking ourselves the one question that always matters, “What can I do about this situation?” Beginning within is about changing the one person we can change. Beginning within is about learning that by transforming ourselves we transform the world.
We can accomplish great things, we can draw great applause and acclaim, all while remaining defeated within. This is because nothing can replace true strength of character. This is the battle waged within our own selves and it is only this battle that determines whether one achieves triumph or defeat.
It's the hardest mile. Your mind is telling you it's not possible. Your body is shouting no. This is why it's the most important mile. The Talmud teaches that this mile demonstrates whether you're in the relationship or not.
Our knee-jerk reaction to the hurts of life is growing a thick skin and becoming less sensitive. Numbing ourselves comes at a serious cost. It compromises one of our greatest virtues, sensitivity. Don't give up what makes you most beautiful!
When we don't remind ourselves why we're doing what we do, what we do becomes frustrating. Simply tapping back into our why will reinvigorate what we're committed to. Just ask yourself, "Why am I doing this again?"
As long as we're still excusing ourselves, we won't achieve what we're seeking. The difference between the more and less successful people isn't in how capable they are, it's in how committed they are!
The word selfless is accurately put. We will never entirely obliterate the self. We can continuously make our lives less and less about self. While it may seem counterintuitive, this is also the path to greater happiness.
Experiences are what make our lives so enriching. However, when we're distracted by other things, we lose the experience. This is why being in the moment is the key to having an experience.
“Wow, he’s so deep,” we might say about someone we meet. What makes a person deep, and why is it important? In this talk, we explore the difference between the realms of matter and non-material reality, gaining tools to help us become deeper and more authentic people.
In life, we all experience a contradiction; times of confusion, and times of clarity and beauty. Although complete perfection is not possible, we can learn tools to help us experience more happiness and strength. Choosing what to focus on can change our lives.
We all experience pain and suffering and wish desperately not to. Is there possibly a difference between the two? What is it? Can we minimize how much suffering we will experience? Explore important tools to help you grow your ability to do just that!
We all struggle with our egos, our need for attention. To “make it” we try to stand out and be significant. Paradoxically, we experience tremendous joy and holiness when we can unite with our brothers and sisters. There are special times and ways of celebration that help us tap into that beautiful oneness we all share at our core.
“Who stole the cookies from the cookie jar? Was it me, no you! Couldn’t be. Then who?” This childhood ditty encapsulates one of life’s major issues. Do we admit our wrongdoings? Try to blame the other? How do we react to our failings? Learn why evading our own misdeeds can be so damaging. and how we can move towards taking greater responsibility, react with greater integrity, and provide a safe haven of growth for others who err.
Our lives are full of problems and challenges. How do we respond? We can point out the problem, better yet, offer a solution; or be one of those rare people who takes responsibility and works the solution. Gain insight and motivation into becoming a solver, learning why we already have the ability inside us.
It can be intimidating and discouraging to hear others say that we have such great potential, when we know how far we fall short. When we think about our personal natural abilities-- they may indeed be limited. By learning to tap into the potential G-d implanted in us, we can stretch and reach farther than we could ever imagine. Gain insights and tools to tap into the infinite.
Have you ever been in a situation where you’ve micromanaged someone? When we can’t trust, it frustrates those we work with, and limits ourselves. We can train ourselves to trust others, step by step, and how with appropriate trusting we can accomplish things that seem impossible.
Learn how developing greater trust can expand your life.
While we may admire pristine order and perfection, is there greater virtue in another focus? Perfection and holiness can be two different paths. Learn how the busy, rumpled person may be actually greater in holiness, since he has a different priority. Gain perspectives on where to put your energy for maximum happiness and satisfaction.
We learn so much from a seed. One tiny seed can yield a tree overflowing with fruit. True abundance comes from a special kind of planting, with a certain kind of attitude. Learn how to invest in a way that will yield abundance and blessing.
It’s so hard to know when we’re being taken advantage of, exploited, or even worse, abused. Finding the strength to set clear boundaries and knowing when to walk away is challenging. Learn insights and tools to recognize such situations and move forward with greater clarity.
We all like to be right and to win. It can be hard to have the objectivity and humility to admit that we err. Especially if we can win with a “cheap shot” that makes us come out on top, but diminishes our true integrity. Gain insight into how a temporary setback can sometimes be an ultimate win, building deeper character.
Why is peace so elusive? Life seems full of conflict on every level- internal, personal, national, and global.
There are quick fixes and deeper long-term solutions. Learn insights for integrating the parts of your life that seem intractable.
So much of our life is based on stats. The stock market, the bottom line, the winning team’s scores, our FitBit print out, to name a few. Is quality over quantity a worn cliche or a true approach to life? Learn an approach that goes beyond a spreadsheet.
We all want to be seen as the nice guy who everyone loves. Praise, treats, second chances keep us the favorite. But is it ever better to say no, to let people experience tough love?
Learn about the growth that the right severity can create.
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Sometimes we see it coming. We warn our spouse or child, and they proceed to mess up. Isn’t this the time for tough love reprimand, to point out their errors? Learn how to most effectively support and rebuild the person who did wrong.