A Way of Thinking
Welcome to A Way of Thinking. This podcast is dedicated to lighting the way toward greater creativity, purpose, and inner peace. Join us on the journey of self-discovery and self-mastery as each episode guides you a step closer to unlocking the life you’ve always envisioned. Throughout each episode, we’ll explore a myriad of profound insights, inspirational stories, and practical strategies to help you tap into your higher self. May these heartfelt conversations and insights ignite inspiration, deepen your connection with yourself, and expand your consciousness. Hosted by Jessica Hwang. Jessica went from a draining corporate finance career to following her purpose as a purpose coach, podcast host, and Dharma yoga instructor. Follow Jessica on Instagram: @jessicahwangcoaching Music co-written by Steven Murillo (@someoneinatreeband) & Jessica Hwang (@jessicahwangcoaching)
Episodes
Wednesday Dec 27, 2023
37 - Reflecting on 2023: A Year of Growth, Learning, and Moving Forward
Wednesday Dec 27, 2023
Wednesday Dec 27, 2023
In today's episode, we unravel the intricate threads of our lives, using self-reflection as a powerful tool to untangle recurring patterns and pave the way for positive change.
I will guide you through various exercises designed to deepen our understanding of the past year. We'll visualize the highs and lows, triumphs and challenges, and take note of the invaluable lessons learned along the way. Through this process, we'll discover the remarkable capacity for growth that lies within us.
Throughout the episode, I emphasize the need for self-compassion. Let's liberate ourselves from the harsh judgments that often accompany introspection and instead embrace a gentler, more understanding perspective. By detaching from the weight of our experiences, we create space for personal evolution and resilience.
Topics discussed in this episode include:
[04:00] - The power of self-reflection
[07:34] - Guided meditation for reflection
[14:52] - End of the meditation
[15:07] - The role of curiosity and compassion in reflection
[21:38] - Reflect on lessons
[27:36] - Reflect on accomplishments
[33:21] - The power of gratitude
Quotes from Episode:
"Self-reflection is the antidote for breaking out of negative patterns."
"To anyone struggling right now, know that you will emerge on the other side as a bigger, better, and stronger person. You will look back and be amazed by yourself and your ability to grow and learn."
Announcements:
Sign Up for a Free Discovery Session
Donate to A Way of Thinking Podcast
Join me for Psychic Development at 9:30 a.m. and Yoga Nidra at 10:30 a.m. in-person and online. DM me for details
Jessica Hwang Coaching
Credits:
Music co-written by Steven Murillo (@someoneinatreeband) & Jessica Hwang (@jessicahwangcoaching)
Production and audio engineering by Ease of Mind Productions
Wednesday Dec 13, 2023
36 - Embracing Tenderness in Relationships with Prem Sadasivananda
Wednesday Dec 13, 2023
Wednesday Dec 13, 2023
In today's episode, I am thrilled to welcome a dear friend and our first-ever returning guest, Prem Sadasivananda. Prem is a direct and long-term disciple of Swami Vishnudevananda, the disciple of Swami Sivananda, and through his teachings of Yoga and Vedanta, he continues his service by helping others in their spiritual pursuits.
Together, we delve into the profound themes of tenderness, love, compatibility, and authenticity in relationships. Prem speaks on the significance of mutual respect and acceptance of each other's weaknesses as fundamental pillars for achieving success in relationships. We also navigate through the intricate dynamics of human connection, exploring the impact of fear of self-rejection on how others perceive us, often leading to feelings of loneliness and desperation.
Throughout the episode, we emphasize the importance of tenderness and highlight how embracing one's true self is the transformative key to overcoming loneliness and isolation. This journey toward self-acceptance paves the way to inner peace, profoundly impacting not just our lives but also enhancing the quality of our relationships.
Topics discussed in this episode include:
[10:42] - Tenderness in relationships
[31:18] - The role of tenderness in daily activities
[46:01] - The importance of compatibility in relationships
[47:32] - Maintaining a spark in relationships
[53:28] - The importance of respect in relationships
[59:56] - The importance of active listening in conflict resolution
[01:09:16] - The challenge of loneliness in modern society
[01:19:20] - The role of community in overcoming loneliness
[01:22:51] - The importance of self-acceptance in overcoming loneliness
Quotes from Episode:
“I think tenderness is an aspect of a personality that is very rarely practiced by anybody. Tenderness connects us to something deeper within ourselves, it’s like a form of giving love in a way that is unconditional. It's a pure way of connecting with somebody.”
“You don't want to be 100 percent compatible with somebody because then there's no contrast and there's nothing that you can really learn from other person.”
Links from the Episode:
Prem's Website
Prem’s book - Open Your Heart to Love
Prem’s book - Empower Your Life
Listen to Prem's first appearance on the A Way of Thinking podcast
Padre Pio - 100 Letters For You
Sherry Turkle - Alone Together
Announcements:
Sign Up for a Free Discovery Session
Donate to A Way of Thinking Podcast
Join me for Psychic Development at 9:30 a.m. and Yoga Nidra at 10:30 a.m. in-person and online. DM me for details
Jessica Hwang Coaching
Credits:
Music co-written by Steven Murillo (@someoneinatreeband) & Jessica Hwang (@jessicahwangcoaching)
Production and audio engineering by Ease of Mind Productions
Wednesday Nov 29, 2023
Wednesday Nov 29, 2023
As a yoga teacher and practitioner, I know how good yoga can make us feel, but my guest today understands precisely why the practice has such a positive impact on our brains. Dr.Jonathan Rosenthal is a clinical fellow in neurophysiology and one of my fellow yoga teachers at the Dharma Yoga Center in New York. Jonathan is particularly interested in the intersection of yoga and neuroscience, and in this episode, he explains how yoga changes our brains and improves our mood, memory, and sleep.
Topics discussed in this episode include:
[00:05:45 ] - Jonathan’s yoga journey
[00:17:35 ] - Defining Neuroscience and Neuroplasticity
[00:25:05 ] - How yoga affects the brain
[00:37:47 ] - How yoga affects the stress response
[00:42:15 ] - How yoga affects depression and anxiety
[00:46:05 ] - Developing compassion and empathy through yoga
[00:52:07 ] - Embracing both yoga and modern medicine
[00:55:41] - Final Questions
Quotes from Episode:
“Most people who practice yoga come back to it because it changes so many aspects of their lives. For me, I feel like I'm a much nicer person—I don't get angry. I'm just so much calmer about everything. I sleep better and am able to focus immediately when I need to.”
“People say that exercise is good for depression and anxiety, and that's true. However, when they compare yoga to aerobic exercise, yoga appears to be more effective for depression and anxiety. This is likely due to the self-regulation pathways and the ability to regulate stress.”
Get in touch with Jonathan:
Instagram: @neuroyoganyc
Neuroscience and Yoga Online Conference: Registration 2023
Announcements:
Sign Up for a Free Discovery Session
Donate to A Way of Thinking Podcast
Join me for Psychic Development at 9:30 a.m. and Yoga Nidra at 10:30 a.m. in-person and online. DM me for details
Jessica Hwang Coaching
Credits:
Music co-written by Steven Murillo (@someoneinatreeband) & Jessica Hwang (@jessicahwangcoaching)
Production and audio engineering by Ease of Mind Productions
Wednesday Nov 15, 2023
34 - Redefining the American Dream: Crafting a Life of Purpose, Passion, and Creativity
Wednesday Nov 15, 2023
Wednesday Nov 15, 2023
In this episode, I explore what the American dream means to me and consider how the concept has evolved over the generations. For my immigrant parents, the American dream meant job security and financial success, but for me, it’s about living a life fueled by passion, purpose, and creativity. We all have our own version of the American dream, and as a purpose coach, I’m here to help you find yours. Listen in to discover how to move away from the traditional 9-5 and start doing what you love.
Topics discussed in this episode:
[00:13:02] - Breaking free of societal constraints and parental expectations
[00:22:42] - Defining what you value and how you want to pursue your American dream
[00:23:18] - Learning from the example of successful role models
[00:29.09] - Building a supportive community of like-minded people
Quotes from Episode:
“I love the idea of being able to redefine the American dream. There can be a million different versions of the American dream because there are millions of different people and we all get to define it in a way that makes sense for us.”
“I could look at the 10 years I spent in my finance job as a waste of time, or I can see the ways that it served me. It gave me the financial stability and the career success to enable me to now pursue my version of the American dream.”
Announcements:
Sign Up for a Free Dream Job Discovery Session
Donate to A Way of Thinking Podcast
Join me for Psychic Development at 9:30 a.m. and Yoga Nidra at 10:30 a.m. in-person and online. DM me for details
Jessica Hwang Coaching
Credits:
Music co-written by Steven Murillo (@someoneinatreeband) & Jessica Hwang (@jessicahwangcoaching)
Production and audio engineering by Ease of Mind Productions
Wednesday Nov 01, 2023
33 - Embracing ’Negative’ Emotions for Growth and Fulfilment with Gill Hasson
Wednesday Nov 01, 2023
Wednesday Nov 01, 2023
I'm so excited to introduce our guest today, Gill Hasson. She's not just an author and coach but a true expert in the art of helping individuals experience greater happiness, calmness, and confidence. Throughout the episode Gill imparts practical insights on how to avoid dwelling on the past or succumbing to future anxieties. Plus, we explore the art of embracing healthier thought patterns by delving into the practices of mindfulness, the cultivation of resilience, and the intentional steps that propel us forward with a profound sense of purpose and optimism.
Topics discussed in this episode:
[00:07:52] - Recognizing the positive aspects of ‘negative’ emotions, such as jealousy, anger, guilt, or regret.
[00:13:39] - Setting big goals and breaking them down into manageable steps.
[00:19:03] - Adopting an abundance rather than a scarcity mindset
[01:02:36] - The psychological benefits of social connection and contributing to your community
Quotes from Episode:
"I wrote a book about happiness, and all the research I examined revealed that little has changed since the time of Aristotle, who recognized over 2,000 years ago that to be happy, one must enjoy small pleasures and also have a purpose."
"Why do some people move forward while others can't? Research indicates that those with resilience and a positive mindset tend to view themselves as survivors rather than victims in tough situations. These people share characteristics such as seeking support, contributing to others, or feeling that they have a connection with something bigger and more eternal than themselves."
Announcements:
Sign Up for a Free Dream Job Discovery Session
Donate to A Way of Thinking Podcast
Jessica Hwang Coaching
Get in Touch with Gill:
Gill’s Website
Gill’s Twitter
Gill’s Books
Gill’s Book Recommendation: Positive Thinking: Find Happiness and Achieve Your Goals Through the Power of Positive Thought
Credits:
Music co-written by Steven Murillo (@someoneinatreeband) & Jessica Hwang (@jessicahwangcoaching)
Production and audio engineering by Ease of Mind Productions
Wednesday Oct 18, 2023
32 - Awaken Your Life’s Purpose: Open Up to New Possibilities
Wednesday Oct 18, 2023
Wednesday Oct 18, 2023
In this episode, we'll dive deep into the journey of uncovering your life's purpose and embarking on the path towards a more fulfilling career. Drawing from my own personal experiences and the insights I've gained as a purpose coach, my aim is to inspire you to follow your curiosity, embrace the unknown, and liberate yourself from the self-imposed constraints that might be holding you back in a job that is no longer serving you.
Topics discussed in this episode:
00:03:43 - Discovering your interests
00:06:37 - Exploring fresh possibilities
00:13:33 - Summoning the courage to step beyond your comfort zone
00:21:32 - Conquering the fear of failure
Quotes from Episode:
“We all have natural gifts and talents that we're meant to explore and utilize in work that brings us joy and happiness and just feels right.”
“I’ve learned to settle into discomfort and allow it to excite me rather than terrify me. When you do this, you start to believe that wherever you’re going will be so much better than where you’ve been.”
Announcements:
Sign Up for a Free Dream Job Discovery Session
Starting this Sunday, join me for Psychic Development at 9:30 a.m. and Yoga Nidra at 10:30 a.m. in-person and online. DM me for details
Donate to A Way of Thinking Podcast
Links from the Episode:
Rumi
The Alchemist - Paulo Coelho
Credits:
Music co-written by Steven Murillo (@someoneinatreeband) & Jessica Hwang (@jessicahwangcoaching)
Production and audio engineering by Ease of Mind Productions
Wednesday Oct 04, 2023
31 - Unraveling the Path: From Crime Journalism to Dharma Yoga with Jerome Burdi
Wednesday Oct 04, 2023
Wednesday Oct 04, 2023
Join us for this thought-provoking conversation with Jerome Burdi. Jerome is a Dharma yoga teacher and Bhakti musician. His path first led him to writing as a newspaper crime journalist. Jerome then found the spiritual path through ayahuasca ceremonies, which led him to vipassana meditation and yoga. He is currently based in Barcelona, Spain where he leads yoga teacher trainings, workshops, and classes.
In the episode, Jerome and I talk about following your bliss to lead you to your purpose. Jerome shares how his journey took him from crime journalism to teaching yoga. We talk about the importance of enthusiasm and self-practice. We also discuss releasing our attachment to the fruits of our labor. Finally, we talk about the twist of fate that landed Jerome in his current city of Barcelona, Spain.
Highlights from the episode:
Following Your Heart: Jerome highlights that purpose is about listening to what your heart truly desires rather than conforming to external pressures. Many people follow paths that don't align with their inner calling, leading to a sense of discontent.
Letting go: Jerome shares how ayahausca ceremonies led him to spiritual path and how he could no longer be numb to the pain and suffering from his job as a crime journalist.
Enthusiasm and Tapas: Jerome defines enthusiasm as being filled with spirit or divinity, leading to a playful and joyful approach to life.
Consistency, Attachment, and Aversion: Jerome talks about how consistency is what leads to mastery. He also shares the importance of releasing attachment to the fruits of ones actions and how there's always something you can practice.
Follow your Bliss: Jerome shares how following his bliss led him from NYC to Milan to Barcelona.
Don't miss this episode if you're looking to explore dharma, enthusiasm, attachment, and so much more!
Announcements:
Make a donation to A Way of Thinking podcast: Donate Here
Join Jessica for Dharma Yoga on Sundays at noon: www.dharmayogacenter.com
Book a Free Dream Job Discovery Session with Jessica: Book Here
Episode Links:
Joseph Campbell - The Hero with a Thousand Faces
Jack Kerouac - On the Road
Vipassana Meditation
Sri Dharma Mittra
Get in Touch with Jerome:
https://omjerome.com
Follow @om_jerome on Instagram
Get in Touch with Jessica:
Visit www.jessicahwangcoaching.com
Follow @jessicahwangcoaching on Instagram
Music co-written by Steven Murillo (@someoneinatreeband) & Jessica Hwang (@jessicahwangcoaching)
Wednesday Sep 20, 2023
30 - Finding Purpose in Transformation: From Yoga to Psychedelics with Henry Winslow
Wednesday Sep 20, 2023
Wednesday Sep 20, 2023
Join us for this thought-provoking conversation with Henry Winslow. Henry is a yoga instructor. He is the 2018 winner of the World Yoga Asana Championships in Beijing. He is the host of the Dharma Talk podcast. His latest project is Tricycle Day, a free twice-weekly newsletter covering psychedelic science, business, and policy. He is currently based in Austin, Texas.
In the episode, we talk all about purpose through the concepts of purpose, dharma, and ikigai. We talk about Henry's path into entrepreneurship and creating Dharma Talk. We also discuss his yoga journey and becoming the winner of the World Yoga Asana Champion. Lastly, Henry shares his latest project, Tricycle Day, a twice weekly newsletter on psychedelics.
Highlights from the episode:
Purpose, Dharma, and Ikigai: Henry discusses the importance of being aware of our micro-level activities and macro-level life goals, constantly recalibrating our actions to align with our evolving priorities.
Entrepreneurship: Henry shares his early entrepreneurial ventures from selling stray golf balls back to golfers to kombucha accessories and how being of service is a critical part of the entrepreneurial journey.
Dharma Talk: We talk about why Henry started Dharma Talk and the gifts of doing the podcast.
Yoga Championships: Henry shares how he became the winner of the World Yoga Asana Champion and how his win ultimately came from surrendering.
Deepening the Practice: Henry highlights how love and constant practice transformed his yoga practice
Tricycle Day and Psychedelics: Henry shares his personal journey exploring psychedelics and connecting to simply existing. We discuss the importance of integrating the peak experience into your life. Henry also talks about how this led him to create his newsletter to share current events and stories in this evolving landscape.
Don't miss this episode if you're looking to explore dharma, entrepreneurship, psychedelics, and so much more!
What we discuss:
0:00:00 Intro
0:08:18 Purpose, Dharma, and Ikigai
00:16:37 Entrepreneurship
00:25:16 Dharma Talk
00:34:51 Yoga Championships
00:43:21 Deepening the Practice
00:48:12 Tricycle Day and Psychedelics
01:00:03 Final Questions
Announcements:
Make a donation to A Way of Thinking podcast: Donate Here
Join Jessica for Dharma Yoga on Sundays at noon: www.dharmayogacenter.com
Book a Free Dream Job Discovery Session with Jessica: Book Here
Episode Links:
Jack Kornfield
Mary Jarvis
Get in Touch with Henry:
Subscribe to Tricycle Day
Follow @henrywins on Instagram
Get in Touch with Jessica:
Visit www.jessicahwangcoaching.com
Follow @jessicahwangcoaching on Instagram
Music co-written by Steven Murillo (@someoneinatreeband) & Jessica Hwang (@jessicahwangcoaching)
A Way of Thinking
This podcast is a place of exploration - to learn and grow from each other on the journey to becoming our best selves.
I believe that everyone deserves greater happiness and that starts with the way that we think. So many of us fill our minds with negative thinking and have a toxic relationship with ourselves. I created this podcast as a place to share our different ways of thinking. Perhaps hearing other's experiences will allow you to feel a little less alone and to find new tools and tricks to help you think and do better. We are all on a journey and I hope that this podcast can maybe give you a little nudge in the direction of your best self. I believe in you and I am so excited for the day that you believe in you too.