If We Only Knew Then

By: Nora McMahon and Paul Overton
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  • Summary

  • Join us on a path towards self actualization with "If We Only Knew Then," a podcast that dives deep into the realms of mental health, personal development, spirituality, living with intention, and the hard earned wisdom that midlife offers. Hosted by Nora McMahon and Paul Overton, each episode is an exploration of the human experience, offering insights, tools, and stories that empower and inspire. Through conversations that address the complexities of modern living while honoring timeless wisdom and spiritual truths, Nora and Paul offer practical strategies for enhancing your mental well being, navigating life’s challenges with resilience and unlocking your true potential. Whether you're seeking guidance on mindfulness practices, strategies for emotional wellness, or simply a dose of inspiration to live a more fulfilling life, "If We Only Knew Then" is your go-to source. Tune in to gain valuable perspectives, cultivate inner peace, and embark on a voyage of growth and self-discovery. Don't miss out on the opportunity to expand your mind and join a community dedicated to self growth. Subscribe now to "If We Only Knew Then" and walk with us towards a more conscious, empowered, and fulfilling life experience.
    2024
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Hygiene & Healthy Living Personal Success Psychology
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Episodes
  • We Are One- Adopting a Non-Dual View to Better Connect

    We Are One- Adopting a Non-Dual View to Better Connect
    Jan 9 2025

    Summary

    In this conversation, Nora and Paul discuss the concept of oneness or non-duality and how adopting a non-dual worldview can help us feel more connected to ourselves, each other, and the experiences of our lives. They explore the limitations of language and perception, the importance of observing our thoughts, and the role of meditation in cultivating a sense of oneness. They also touch on the impact of our self-centered worldview, the division and separation in the world, and the need for collaboration and empathy. In this conversation, Paul and Nora discuss the concept of non-duality and its implications for personal growth and interconnectedness. They explore the idea that we are all connected and that our sense of separation is an illusion. They discuss the importance of being present in the moment and observing our thoughts without attachment. They also touch on the role of trauma in creating a sense of lack and the importance of self-love and healing. The conversation concludes with a discussion on the difference between desire and expression, and the concept of Wu Wei, or effortless action.

    Keywords

    oneness, non-duality, connectedness, worldview, perception, language, meditation, self-centered, division, collaboration, empathy, non-duality, interconnectedness, presence, observation, trauma, self-love, healing, desire, expression, Wu Wei, effortless action

    Takeaways

    • Adopting a non-dual worldview can help us feel more connected to ourselves, each other, and the experiences of our lives.

    • Language and perception are limited, and we often mistake our thoughts and perceptions for reality.

    • Observing our thoughts and practicing meditation can help us cultivate a sense of oneness and observe the world without judgment.

    • Our self-centered worldview leads to division, separation, and a lack of empathy and collaboration.

    • Recognizing the interconnectedness of all things and embracing a sense of oneness can help us overcome the challenges of our divided world. We are all interconnected and our sense of separation is an illusion.

    • Being present in the moment and observing our thoughts without attachment is key to experiencing non-duality.

    • Trauma can create a sense of lack and attachment, but healing and self-love can help us overcome this.

    • Desire arises from a sense of lack, while expression comes from a sense of fullness and alignment with our true nature.

    • Wu Wei, or effortless action, involves aligning ourselves with the natural flow of life and allowing things to unfold naturally.

    titles

    • The Impact of a Self-Centered Worldview

    • The Limitations of Language and Perception Wu Wei: The Art of Effortless Action

    • Healing Trauma and Cultivating Self-Love

    Sound Bites

    • "We're talking about oneness or non-duality as it's called in some spiritual traditions and how adopting a non-dual worldview can help us feel more connected to ourselves, to each other and to the experiences of our lives."

    • "The problem with thinking that we're separate is it creates political divides, divides over race, over religions, gender, separation from nature, which is why we feel free to pollute and rape the planet, and relationship troubles."

    • "We live in this dual world where we don't understand anything that doesn't have an opposite to it. The idea of non-duality is there is no opposite. There's only one thing."

    • "If you're attached to a thought, you're not in the present moment because you're either in the past or the future."

    • "Be here now. You got it. That's the eternal now because it's because nothing else is true."

    • "Your true nature is the screen and your experiences and thoughts are images that play out on the screen."

    Chapters

    00:00

    Introduction and Personal Experiences

    04:29

    Exploring the Concept of Oneness and Non-Duality

    06:41

    The Impact of a Self-Centered Worldview

    13:48

    The Limitations of Language and Perception

    19:18

    Appreciating the Wonder of the World

    24:26

    Observing Thoughts and Cultivating Oneness

    28:11

    Practical Steps to Embrace Oneness

    28:54

    The Illusion of Separation

    36:20

    Healing Trauma and Cultivating Self-Love

    38:59

    Desire vs. Expression

    45:34

    Wu Wei: The Art of Effortless Action

    Beat Provided By https://freebeats.io

    Produced By White Hot
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    53 mins
  • Living Authentically: Breaking Free from Others' Expectations

    Living Authentically: Breaking Free from Others' Expectations
    Dec 31 2024
    "Living Authentically: Breaking Free from Others' Expectations" Episode Overview

    In this deep-dive episode, Paul and Nora explore what it means to live authentically in a world of filters, curated social media feeds, and constant pressure to conform. They tackle the challenging question: "Am I being true to myself, or am I just playing a role others want to see?"

    Key Topics Explored

    • Understanding authentic living in the modern world

    • Breaking free from others' expectations

    • Setting healthy boundaries

    • The science behind why we care about others' opinions

    • Practical strategies for living more authentically

    Notable Quotes

    "The privilege of a lifetime is to become who you truly are." - Carl Jung "Be yourself; everyone else is already taken." - Oscar Wilde "Care about what other people think and you will always be their prisoner." - Lao Tzu

    Research Highlights

    • Self-Determination Theory (SDT) by Deci and Ryan: Links authenticity to three basic psychological needs - autonomy, competence, and relatedness

    • The "spotlight effect": Research showing we overestimate how much others think about us

    • Brené Brown's work on vulnerability and authentic living

    • Connection between authenticity and overall well-being

    Practical Takeaways

    1. Building Self-Trust

      • Developing confidence in personal judgment

      • Making decisions aligned with personal values

      • Practicing mindfulness and self-reflection

    2. Breaking Free from External Expectations

      • Identifying and questioning inherited expectations

      • Creating personal definitions of success

      • Setting healthy boundaries

    3. Cultivating Authenticity

      • Embracing vulnerability

      • Practicing self-compassion

      • Creating supportive environments

    The Biology of Authenticity

    • How our brains are wired to scan for threats

    • Modern "saber-tooth tigers": Other people's opinions

    • Training the mind to override default survival programming

    Closing Thoughts

    The episode concludes with a powerful reminder that discomfort leads to growth, and pain leads to transformation. Living authentically isn't about being perfect—it's about being real and present in each moment.

    Resources Mentioned

    • Works by Carl Rogers on authentic living

    • Brené Brown's research on vulnerability

    • The Authenticity Scale (Wood et al., 2008)

    Beat Provided By https://freebeats.io

    Produced By White Hot
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    1 hr and 8 mins
  • Finding and Creating Opportunities in Difficult Times

    Finding and Creating Opportunities in Difficult Times
    Dec 16 2024
    In this conversation, Paul and Nora discuss the challenges of navigating uncertainty in life, particularly in the context of personal struggles and creative solutions. They explore the importance of creating intentional spaces that reflect one's internal state and how these environments can impact mental wellbeing. The discussion also touches on the significance of mindset and community in finding opportunities during adverse times, emphasizing the need for connection and support. In this conversation, Nora and Paul explore the importance of creating a nurturing space, taking small actions during uncertain times, and the power of presence and mindfulness. They discuss the significance of community and connection, the distinction between self-care and self-soothing, and the impact of language on mental health. The dialogue emphasizes the need for incremental change and the importance of celebrating small victories in personal growth. In this conversation, Nora and Paul explore the importance of self-care, community engagement, and finding joy amidst uncertainty. They discuss the significance of serving others while recognizing personal limits, the necessity of rest, and the impact of small actions. The dialogue emphasizes the need for kindness, setting boundaries, and the transformative power of beauty and joy in daily life. Ultimately, they encourage listeners to embrace life fully and cultivate inner joy, regardless of external circumstances. takeaways Everything feels chaotic, but creativity can be a refuge. Working on personal projects can help maintain mental health. Intentional living spaces can reflect and improve our internal state. It's important to ask how we want to feel in our spaces. Decluttering can lead to a clearer mind and better focus. Community support is crucial during uncertain times. Finding opportunities in adversity requires a shift in mindset. Grieving is a necessary part of processing challenges. Creating a protective space can help manage external chaos. Connection with friends and family can provide strength. Space is essential for mental well-being. Taking small actions can help overcome paralysis. Mindfulness practices can ground us in the present. Anxiety and anger can distort our identity. Building community is crucial during uncertain times. Self-care involves nurturing actions, not just indulgence. Self-soothing helps regulate our nervous system. Words and self-talk shape our reality. Celebrate small victories to boost morale. Incremental change is key to personal growth. Self-care is essential for showing up for others. Serving others can shift focus away from personal struggles. Burnout is real; recognizing it is the first step to recovery. Rest is not a luxury; it's a necessity for well-being. Engaging with beauty and nature can provide solace in tough times. Small actions can create significant impacts in the community. Setting boundaries is crucial for maintaining mental health. Kindness towards oneself and others fosters a supportive environment. Life is fleeting; prioritize joy and meaningful connections. Inner joy should not be dictated by external circumstances. titles Navigating Uncertainty: Finding Joy in Chaos Creating Spaces of Solace in Turbulent Times The Art of Intentional Living: Design and Mindset Thriving Amidst Adversity: A Conversation on Community Finding Opportunity in Uncertain Times: A Guide The Power of Environment: How Spaces Affect Us Sound Bites "I charge you $40. Consultation." "Space is number one." "Just take any small action." "Get rid of some of the clutter." "Don't identify with your anxiety." "Words matter, yeah." "Don't be a dick to future Nora." "How can I be of service?" "We all need rest." "Engage with nature and art." "Be kind to yourself and others." "Life's not guaranteed tomorrow." "Come to it as a full thing." Chapters 00:00 Navigating Uncertainty: Personal Struggles and Creative Solutions 08:59 Creating Intentional Spaces: The Power of Environment 18:01 Finding Opportunity in Adversity: Mindset and Community 19:00 Creating a Nurturing Space 20:57 Taking Action in Uncertain Times 23:53 The Power of Presence and Mindfulness 26:01 Navigating Anxiety and Identity 30:58 Building Community and Connection 34:57 Self-Care vs. Self-Soothing 40:54 Self-Care and Future Self 42:46 Serving Others and Community Engagement 44:57 Recognizing Burnout and the Need for Rest 49:35 Finding Beauty and Joy in Uncertain Times 54:55 The Impact of Small Actions 01:01:36 Setting Boundaries and Kindness 01:05:47 Embracing Life and Inner Joy Beat Provided By https://freebeats.io Produced By White Hot
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    57 mins

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