Holding It Lightly

23. WTF is Gratitude?

This week, Lauren and Brad dive into the question, "WTF is gratitude?" We see it on T-shirts, journals, and in every "live your best life" mantra, but what does it really mean? Is gratitude just another wellness trend, or is there something deeper behind the hype? In this episode, we unpack our mixed feelings about how gratitude is marketed today, explore the genuine purpose behind it, and ask: How can we actually live a life full of gratitude—and why does it matter? Tune in for an honest look at what gratitude can mean in real life.

22. The Sacred Dance vs. The Survival Dance

This week’s episode of Holding It Lightly dives into the concept of the sacred dance. Bear with us, as Lauren shares her experiences at Burning Man—hopefully adding value rather than inducing any eye rolls. The sacred dance is all about letting go and reconnecting with your life force, while the survival dance represents our daily routines and how we navigate life. Both are essential, but it’s in those moments of the sacred dance where we truly find and savor the love in life. Join us as we explore how to embrace both dances and discover deeper meaning in our everyday experiences.

21. Midlife Doesn't Have to Be a Crisis

This week we dive deep into why the midlife crises is so often referenced but so poorly understood. We instead invite you to rethink this period as a profound opportunity to transform—a symbolic death of the old self to make way for the vibrant new life waiting to bloom. 
This episode is particularly special to us, as many of our friends and listeners are navigating this challenging yet transformative phase of life. We share perspectives to help you see through the fog and discover the beauty that arises from surrendering to the process. Let’s uncover the potential for growth that lies within the midlife unraveling

20. Growing Younger as You Grow Older

I once saw a meme that said "One day, you went out to play with your friends for the last time ever, and you had no idea."  Yeah, we aren't sure it needs to be that way either. In this episode, we look into Getting Younger As We Get Older, how a beginner's mindset can help put you in the right mindspace and heartspace for connection, calm, and wonder. We can move past that pesky literalism that holds us back from greater understanding and all the to-do lists that run our lives, and instead find joy in playfulness and letting go of all the things holding us back! C'mon, let's play like kids again!

19. Finding God & the 12 Steps with Patrick McCartney

In this week's episode, Lauren and Brad are joined by the incredibly talented Patrick McCartney—an actor, improviser, and seasoned Second City performer. Patrick opens up about his journey as a recovering alcoholic, sharing profound insights on spirituality, God, and the transformative power of the 12-step program. We wanted to talk to Patrick about how we can reclaim God and spirit from the Christian fascists, exploring how spirituality can be a source of personal empowerment rather than a tool of oppression. We delve into how these elements have shaped his recovery and personal growth, offering listeners a heartfelt exploration of faith, resilience, and the path to healing.

18. How to Tap Into Your Flow & Use Righteous Energy

It's opposites week on Holding It Lightly! Last week, Lauren and Brad dove into the art of rest, relaxation, and embracing laziness. This week, they're flipping the script and exploring how to tap into focused energy and find your flow. Join them as they discuss how to channel your energy to plant the seeds for the life you want to grow while also holding it all lightly.
Lauren and Brad will talk about the balance between being active and restful, the importance of both pushing forward and taking a step back, and how to invest your energy in what truly matters without burning out. They remind us that just like the moon isn't full every day, we shouldn't expect ourselves to be at full force all the time. Tune in if you also want to find both rest and action in your life and the balance between the two. 

17. The Power of Relaxation, Sitting, and Embracing Laziness

This week on Holding It Lightly, Lauren and Brad explore the vital case for embracing laziness, relaxation, and the simple act of sitting. Life demands a balance between planning, setting goals, and taking ownership of our experiences. Yet, the most profound moments often arise when we sit peacefully, free from the need to grasp for more.
In our culture of constant ascension, where the pursuit of more power, money, and value dominates, we lose sight of the essential art of relaxation. Join Lauren and Brad as they discuss why our society struggles with teaching us to relax and how shifting our focus from relentless productivity to moments of stillness can lead to a more fulfilling life. Discover why learning to sit and unwind is not just a luxury but the essential work of living well.

16. How to Experience Life, Not Deliver Outcomes

Join Lauren and Brad as they make the case for laziness - sort of....this week explores the art of embracing life's flow and essence while moving beyond a fixation on outcomes. They delve into the concept of creating art for the sheer joy of being and self-expression, emphasizing the value of this pure approach over a results-driven mindset. In this episode, we also discuss the merits of embracing laziness and question the pervasive nature of hustle culture, highlighting its disregard for the essence of humanity. We delve into thought-provoking questions surrounding purpose: What does purpose entail? How can one uncover their purpose? And most importantly, how does one separate purpose from the notion of financial gain and time monetization.
 
References:
4,000 Weeks by Oliver Burkeman
The Naked Now by Richard Rohr
 

15. The Beauty is in the Journey: Deconstruction to Reconstruction

Join Brad and Lauren on this week's episode of "Holding It Lightly" as they explore the profound themes of deconstruction and reconstruction in personal belief systems. They delve into the challenging process of stepping away from the familiar structures of religion, community, and faith, unraveling and examining each facet along the way. Both hosts candidly share their journeys of deconstructing traditional notions of faith and spirituality, reflecting on the complexities and revelations that arise from questioning deeply held beliefs. Listen in as they discuss the transformative process of reconstruction and what it entails to rebuild a spiritual path that is rooted in love, openness, kindness, and a vibrant connection to life and spirit.

14. All About LOVE

Love is on the brain this week! Tune in to this week's episode of where Lauren and Brad explore the profound topic of love. Together they delve into questions like "What is love?" and "How do we obtain it?" guided by the wisdom found in Bell Hooks' book "All About Love." Listen to them examine why society has often presented us with a skewed definition of love and how we can cultivate a more mature perspective to construct a life abundant with love.