The Universal Lens
Join John F Emilio and Henry Beltra as we talk about life and your relationship with your mind. Listen in as we discuss how we experience anxiety, unwanted thoughts, all emotions and feelings and how we react and don’t respond to them. If your tired of being a prisoner to your mind then come along with us and take a look behind the veil of thought. John is a student of both therapeutic and spiritual modalities , learning Acceptance Commitment Therapy in a formal therapeutic setting and Spirituality from following teachers such as Eckhart Tolle, Ram Dass, Sadhguru and Thich Nhat Hanh . This path gave birth to his book The Universal Lens - A Journey to Transcend OCD, Anxiety and Mental Suffering. Henry brings a world of real life experience, knowledge and has himself been on the path for years . Henry has a passion for Mindfulness and is eager to help spread this awareness.
Hey everyone. I am John the one on the left and Henry is the one on the right. We have both suffered with Anxiety, Depression and I with OCD. We are 2 everyday guys who have a fresh take on life , that if your willing can take you beyond the thinking mind and give you a glimpse of that peace we all have access to. What started out as afternoon conversations over coffee gave birth to this crazy idea of making a podcast in hopes we can reach out and be that relatable voice for others. I have gone thru traditional therapy and have been on more spiritual journey for some time now. I have been advocating and practicing for over 7 years bringing my experience to the table. Along with Henry we will start shining a light on that presence behind thought that we all have but most don't see.
Episodes
Sunday Dec 17, 2023
Episode 55 - The Deeper meaning when we live by our Values
Sunday Dec 17, 2023
Sunday Dec 17, 2023
On todays Episode we discuss the deeper meaning of the holiday season and the importance of values and awareness in enjoying the season. They reflect on their own experiences with Christmas and how their perspectives have evolved over time. They emphasize the need to look past the superficial and connect with others on a deeper level and the importance of mindfulness in navigating the challenges of modern life. They emphasize the importance of living in the present moment and not getting stuck in the past encouraging listeners to observe life without attachment and to allow experiences to run their course. John shares a personal story about honoring a loved one during the holidays and suggests valuing and enjoying the holiday season based on personal values.
Points of interest in todays episode:
• The holiday season can be enjoyed on a deeper level by appreciating traditions, family, and the values it represents.
• Attachment to superficial aspects of relationships, such as physical appearance, can lead to dissatisfaction and divorce.
• Awareness and mindfulness are key in maintaining meaningful connections and appreciating the present moment.
• Values serve as a compass in navigating relationships and life, allowing for a deeper connection and understanding. Live in the present moment and appreciate the now.
• Avoid getting stuck in the past and hoping it will be the way it was.
• Choose how you want to experience life based on your values.
Monday Dec 11, 2023
Monday Dec 11, 2023
On this week’s episode, we let the conversation just evolve. We ended up flowing into many topics in which led us down many roads… we branched off and touched on many things, somehow… we always come back to it… mindfulness
Wednesday Dec 06, 2023
Episode 53 - Navigating intrusive anxious thoughts
Wednesday Dec 06, 2023
Wednesday Dec 06, 2023
Today we explore the topic of intrusive thoughts and their impact on all individuals, and particularly those with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). We discuss the role of awareness in diffusing intrusive thoughts and how and why some feel different than others. We all experience these anxious thoughts and if left unchecked they can dictate the way you live your life which most times will be seeking safety as opposed to living your life.
Tuesday Nov 28, 2023
Episode 52 - Wisdom and Knowledge, whats the difference?
Tuesday Nov 28, 2023
Tuesday Nov 28, 2023
Albert Einstein said " Any fool can know. The point is to understand" Knowledge is realizing the street iis one way, wisdom is looking in both directions anyway"
Listen in today as Henry and I discuss the difference between knowledge which can be consumed and Wisdom which is obtained. Just because we know how does not mean we know better ......
Sunday Nov 19, 2023
Episode 51 - Forgiveness
Sunday Nov 19, 2023
Sunday Nov 19, 2023
Forgive and forget. Thats the old adage. Well its not that simple but yet kind of is. Forgiveness, as we discuss today is extremely important for you to heal properly and find that peace you are looking for. What is forgiveness? What does it look like and feel like? How can it help you find true peace? Why should I forgive? and what if the other party never apologizes , how do I forgive them then? All these questions are answered in todays episode as Henry and I pave a path for you to find peace in forgiveness. You don't want to miss this one.
Monday Nov 13, 2023
Episode 50 - How to manifest your life properly
Monday Nov 13, 2023
Monday Nov 13, 2023
I can see why people are skeptics on manifestation. I told the universe I needed this and reinforce I need it every day but nothing yet. Why is the universe not listening? or is the question what am i doing wrong and maybe I am not listening properly? Listen in today as we discuss the approach many take when it comes to manifesting what they want in life and what that really even means.
Wednesday Nov 01, 2023
Episode 49 - Applying acceptance and awareness in daily life
Wednesday Nov 01, 2023
Wednesday Nov 01, 2023
We often hear how can I apply acceptance or awareness in every day life. Today we discuss just that. Listen in as Henry and I discuss and give examples of how acceptance and awareness can impact you daily interactions.
Thursday Oct 26, 2023
Episode 48 - Secondary Benefits of Mindfulness
Thursday Oct 26, 2023
Thursday Oct 26, 2023
This week we touched on a few topics. Being an example for those around us and how we can be a mirror for them and Henry explaining what our hangups are and the secondary benefits of mindfulness . He hit the nail on the head this week especially for me. Listen in as we bounce on a few topics but somehow find way to wrap it all together.
Thursday Oct 19, 2023
Episode 47 - Manifesting your reality
Thursday Oct 19, 2023
Thursday Oct 19, 2023
Manifesting has been a term widely used by many people and sometimes it gets a bad wrap. People tend to believe that when someone says manifest it into reality , they perceive this to mean think it, want it and it will happen. Umm , no thats not how it works . Manifesting is changing our reality from the inside out. Once we align the body and mind things start to change. Its pointless to say one thing(like wanting to lose weight and get healthy) and believe the negative thought the mind reacts with(its to hard it easier to just eat the cake). Actually its the body reacting in conditioned ways thats influencing our thoughts. The body likes that state its in because thats what it knows and will send signals it wants to stay as is which become those negative thoughts. Being AWARE the body will want to stay cozy and comfortable- is the key from saying we want it to seeing it happen. That awareness allows us to not follow the bodies creature comforts and keep that goal as our pointer and direction. Listen in as we get into manifesting and how awareness is a key ingredient.
Tuesday Oct 10, 2023
Episode 46 - What does acceptance truly mean?
Tuesday Oct 10, 2023
Tuesday Oct 10, 2023
Acceptance . What does it really mean? The perception is that acceptance means giving in, not taking action, saying it is what it is? While it does mean surrendering to the moment , that does not mean giving up or not working towards a better situation. Surrendering to the moment means truly accepting the moment as it is as if you had chosen it and then moving consciously towards a better situation. You can't trick yourself by saying you accept something, while your fingers are crossed and you are wishing it has not happened or need it to be absolutely different then it is. When we are in true acceptance there is a lightness, a space and air around what is happening. It does not mean you like it but you are not resisting it. Enjoy .