The Universal Lens

Episode 69 -Letting Go of Ego: The Key to Truly Living

Sitting in for Henry Beltra this week again is my good friend and future addition to the show Anthony Lisi. We discuss the concept of living life to the fullest and not waiting until a life-altering event to appreciate life. They also explore the role of ego and how it can hold people back from truly living.  They highlight the fleeting nature of life and the need to have awareness so you can live life presently and not for the next moment only. People often say later in life how it went by in a blink. That is a direct cause of following the mind and not watching it. The conversation explores the concept of mindfulness and the importance of observing one's thoughts rather than attaching to them. It emphasizes the practice of acceptance and moving on from negative experiences. The hosts discuss the potential benefits of teaching mindfulness to children from a young age and how it can lead to a mentally aware and emotionally resilient population. They also touch on the idea of not allowing emotions to overpower rational thinking and the importance of lowering the temperature in conflicts.

Episode 68 - The Inner Voice: A Filter for Decision-Making

Today we explore the concept of the inner voice or conscious voice and how it guides decision-making. The inner voice is described as a feeling or knowing rather than an actual voice. It is the filter that helps filter out the noise and make choices that align with one's genuine desires and values. The importance of awareness and mindfulness in connecting with the inner voice is emphasized. Following the inner voice may not always lead to the easiest path, but it is the path that aligns with one's true self.  We discuss the importance of listening to your intuition and explain that the internal conscious voice is the one that gives you answers and guidance, while the mind is filled with various voices and opinions. We emphasize that it's crucial to filter out the noise and tune into your intuition, which always has your best interests at heart.We also highlight the power of choice and the ability to change your path in life based on what genuinely feels right to you

Episode 67- DO you GOT TO or DO you GET TO ?

In this conversation, John and Henry discuss their experience of witnessing a solar eclipse and reflect on the importance of taking time to appreciate the wonders of the universe. They emphasize the need to be present and mindful in order to fully experience life and reframe negative situations. they discuss the theory of GOT TO or GET TO, the privilege of being alive and the opportunity to make the most of each day. They also discuss as always the importance of mindfulness and awareness in navigating life's challenges. They emphasize the power of choice and the ability to decide how to perceive and respond to situations. They also explore the concept of the intuitive voice and the importance of listening to it which is the basis of Johns Coaching . The conversation touches on the benefits of therapy and the role of acceptance in finding peace and living a fulfilling life. John also encourages listeners to read his book, which offers practical guidance on mindfulness and changing perspectives.

Episode 66- How prayer and meditation play into your everyday life

In this conversation, The Universal Lens discusses their recent experiences and reflections on the concepts of God and the universe. They share personal stories about praying to God and manifesting through the universe, highlighting the similarities and differences between the two. They emphasize the importance of connecting with something greater than oneself and the role of mindfulness, awareness, and presence in this process. The hosts also discuss the significance of religion and the universal nature of the message to alleviate suffering and help others. They conclude by encouraging listeners to find their own path and connect with their hearts and minds. In this conversation, The Universal Lens discusses the similarities between meditation and prayer, emphasizing that both practices require personal effort and a pure heart. They highlight that the labels and rules associated with religion can sometimes hinder the true connection to a higher power. They encourage listeners to strip away labels and focus on being a good person, as all religions ultimately share the same message of caring for others. They also discuss the importance of connecting with the divine power in a way that works for each individual, whether through meditation, prayer, or other practices.

Episode 65 -Your tribe, willingness and distractions and how being mindful is the key to success.

In this episode, John F Emilio invites his life long friend Anthony Lisi(Retired  NYPD ESU Sergeant)  to join him on the show. They discuss the power of friendship and loyalty and what a tribe is and how mindfulness and acceptance play into those relationships. They also explore the concept of how willingness to achieve something is amplified with being mindful and applying acceptance.  The importance of language and self-discipline is emphasized, along with the practice of mindfulness and redirecting focus when distractions arise when working towards what is truly important. The conversation also emphasizes the significance of living in the present moment and shifting perspective to reduce suffering as John emphasizes with his tinnitus experiences. . They highlight the benefits of helping others and how it can lead to personal fulfillment. They end the conversation encourages listeners to embrace the journey of life and find meaning in reducing the suffering of those around them.

Episode 64 - Go Calm Yourself with special guest John Skomski

We welcome John Skomski as he shares his journey of overcoming panic and anxiety and how it led him to start his podcast, Think, Live, Repeat. He also discusses the concept behind his brand, Go Calm Yourself, and the importance of investing in personal development. John shares his strategies for networking and getting guests on his show, as well as his approach to monetization and playing the long game. He opens up about a recent failure at a college showcase and the lessons he learned from it.  
We start the episode talking about some more language reframing which plays right into what our guest John Skomski had to say. 

Episode 63 - Forming new thought patterns with an anxious mind

In this episode we discuss the power of acceptance and rewiring thoughts and the traps that we can fall into.  The practice of acceptance and attention and the empowerment it brings is a catalyst and main ingredient in wanting to manifest a new future for yourself.  The concept of acceptance and rewiring the brain is not something new but we emphasize the importance of envisioning a better future while accepting the present. If that acceptance is not there we can easily get caught on a hamster wheel battling our thoughts. We highlight the significance of making choices aligned with personal values and becoming aware negative self-talk. 

Episode 62 - How do we change the narrative

In this conversation, we discuss the power of rewiring the subconscious mind and the impact it has on our thoughts, beliefs, and actions.  The connection between the mind and body and how mindfulness and gratitude can help in rewiring the subconscious mind. We emphasize the need to maximize the human operating system and the potential for long-term transformation through mind-body alignment.
 
Takeaways
The subconscious mind plays a significant role in shaping our thoughts, beliefs, and actions.
Repetition and visualization are powerful tools for rewiring the subconscious mind.
Willingness and choice are essential in creating positive change and breaking free from self-limiting beliefs.
Mindfulness and gratitude can help in rewiring the subconscious mind and creating a more positive and fulfilling life.
Maximizing the human operating system requires conscious effort and a commitment to aligning the mind and body. By taking true control of our minds thru awareness, we can rewrite our automatic thoughts and focus on what we want to project.
Awareness is the key to personal growth, allowing us to be mindful and present in our lives.
Challenges and interruptions are normal during meditation, but we can choose to stay focused and not be swayed by distractions.
The mind is not our enemy, but it operates based on what it knows. Rewriting our thoughts and beliefs can lead to positive change.

Episode 61 - Who are you and whats your story ?

Today we discuss the power of downplaying and how it shapes our perception of ourselves. We explore the influence of childhood conditioning and the stories we tell ourselves. We emphasize the importance of choosing who we want to be and reframing our stories. We also discuss the challenges of accepting praise and gratitude, and the need to embrace success and gratitude fully. The conversation highlights the journey of self-awareness and the power of believing in our desired story. John discusses the importance of accepting accomplishments and gratitude. He emphasizes that by fully accepting and acknowledging our achievements, we open ourselves up to receiving more from the universe. John also explores the role of positive thinking in success and highlights the need to balance success with humility. He encourages listeners to accept compliments and acknowledgments graciously, without downplaying their accomplishments. We emphasize the power of feeling gratitude for our achievements and the importance of taking small steps towards our goals. We also discusses how our skills and experiences can multiply our impact and presence in the world. The conversation concludes with a grounding meditation.
 
Takeaways
Our perception of ourselves is often shaped by downplaying our accomplishments and abilities.
Childhood conditioning and the stories we tell ourselves can limit our self-perception.
We have the power to choose who we want to be and reframe our stories.
Accepting praise and gratitude fully is important for personal growth and success.
Believing in our desired story and embracing gratitude can lead to a more fulfilling life.

Episode 60 - How thoughts limit us from being our true self

Today we discuss the power of choice and the importance of not attaching to thoughts. They explore the concept of limiting beliefs and how to overcome mental blocks that keep you from living your valued meaningful life . They emphasize the significance of taking the first step and not getting overwhelmed by daunting thoughts. They also also delve into the practice of grounding oneself and bringing attention to the present moment. They discuss the benefits of interrupting not repressing or pushing away unwanted thoughts and choosing to reengage with meaningful activities. We discuss how a thought or feeling  can keep you from living a valued life if we fuse and attach to them. The thought is not the enemy , it is just a thought. The conversation explores the connection between physical and mental well-being, emphasizing the importance of thoughts in influencing physical sensations. We delve into the concept of forgetting the humanity in mindfulness and the need for reminders to stay present.  The conversation highlights the timelessness of mindfulness and awareness and the shift towards mindfulness in modern society. It also touches on the validation of mindfulness in science and its spread in industrialized countries. 
 
Takeaways
Choose to do what you value and find meaningful, regardless of anxious thoughts or limiting beliefs.
Interrupt unwanted thoughts by bringing attention to the present moment and focusing on the task at hand.
Detach from thoughts and observe them without judgment or attachment.
Practice mindfulness to ground yourself and bring awareness to the present moment.
There is no good or bad meditation, only observation of the mind's activity.