Ancient Spirituality in India birthed the path of yoga, which contains a principle called “dharma”. We can understand a person’s individual dharma as their purpose and role and duty in this human life. This role is different for every single person, and just like we see in nature’s perfect cycles and ebbs and flows, every person plays their role for the evolvement of consciousness and for the mysterious dance that is life. Everyone will play their role regardless of whether or not they know they are playing a role, but if we bring some consciousness to our duty to our personal dharma, we can live a life that has less suffocation and suffering, and more understanding, patience, and compassion. We find greater breath, greater peace, regardless of whether one’s current circumstances are objectively peaceful or chaotic. 

As we begin to identify less with our ego, our aversion to pain, and addiction to pleasure, which is constantly changing, and more with our soul, that core sense of “being” and “aliveness” and “connection” that does not change, we come into balance. The balance of identifying evenly with both ego and soul fuels a life that is impactful, creative, and meaningful in the physical world, while still knowing that everything ends. But just because everything ends, that doesn’t mean we become nihilistic or apathetic, which will just add to our suffering. It means we do our life work regardless, because we have a reverence and duty to the mystery and intelligent unfolding of life. 

Tommy is back! In our previous conversation, episode 19, we spoke on mechanisms to lift ourselves from the dark chapters of our lives. Once you begin to gain momentum, through devotion, discipline, and faith, a space opens up where you finally feels like you can breathe again, like life has color again. From this space, you can think, see, and move with greater clarity in this world. Today’s conversation explores how to within this space, move with confidence, passion, grace, and humility, in order to live a life that is balanced, fulfilling, and aligned with your personal unique purpose and calling. 

Follow Tommy on instagram! @tomello3 ;-)

Follow This Human Thing!
for updates and behind the scenes!

✧ instagram: @thishumanthing
✧ facebook:  @thishumanthing
✧ visit the website & subscribe to our newsletter! ✧

Tune into This Human Thing on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, and watch the video recording of the episode on youtube! 

Support the Show!
If you'd like to support the show, check out the patreon page!Or contribute one time on paypal. 

Also, leaving a rating and review on the podcast (apple, spotify, or google) really helps us get your feedback and expands the show out to more ears :-)

Want a sticker? Subscribe, rate, and leave a review. Then send me a DM.

Share the podcast with your friends and family if you liked it! 

Alright, that's it for the show notes!
We would LOVE to answer your questions on the show! Send them into thishumanthingpodcast@gmail.com or through the social media links above. 

And don't hesitate to get in touch about anything else, I'd love to connect!

peace in... peace out!
thanks for kickin it with us. 
& keep doin your thing ;-)

Episode 20 of This Human Thing was recorded on May 1, 2021 in San Diego, CA and Walla Walla, WA. 

I get into these ruts in which I am constantly disappointed in myself and life and everything feels forced and pitted against me. Whenever I'm in a chapter of my life that is particularly dark, I have learned to really listen. To drop all the resistance (when possible) and use it as an opportunity to connect deeper... even if I can't recognize it in that moment because everything is clouded. I don't want to romanticize anything, it's not all epiphanies, there's lots of anger and devastation and despair in there, but each time I come around, I come around more compassionate, and more connected to myself, and with a deeper passion to want to love and serve others. So even though it sucks and it's horrible, I am grateful for it. At least, that's how I choose to view it. And discipline has proven to be such an important tool for me getting myself out of those low places (when the time is right... which can be a very mysterious thing).

Tommy quotes in this episode  "What is life teaching me right now?" And when we can learn to pause, even in the darkest times, to take a breath and a step back... viewing our character in this human life as even something outside of ourselves, it can give us a moment of much needed relief to recalibrate.

Tommy always has such positive and charismatic energy and I am so pumped to have had this conversation today. We cover lots of topics in this episode like how practices like yoga directly affect our nervous system, the lenses we view life through, reactivity, fear, trauma, and wrap it up with a breakdown on how we can use the chakra system as a helpful and cool allegory and system pointing to how to create a life of freedom from the ground up.

Follow Tommy on instagram! @tomello3 ;-)

Follow This Human Thing:

for updates and behind the scenes!

✧ instagram: @thishumanthing
✧ facebook:  @thishumanthing

✧ visit the website & subscribe to our newsletter! ✧

You can tune into This Human Thing on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, and watch the video recording of the episode for extras on youtube!

Support the Show!

If you'd like to support the show, check out the patreon page!
Or contribute one time on paypal.

Also, leaving a rating and review on the podcast (apple, spotify, or google) really helps us get your feedback and expands the show out to more ears :-)

Want a sticker? Subscribe, rate, and leave a review. Then send me a DM.
Share the podcast with your friends and family if you liked it!

Alright, that's it for the show notes!

We would love to answer any questions you may have on the show! Send them into thishumanthingpodcast@gmail.com or through the social media links above.

And don't hesitate to get in touch about anything else, I'd love to connect!

peace in... peace out!
thanks for kickin it with us. 
& keep doing your thing ;-)

Episode 19 of This Human Thing was recorded on February 27, 2021 in San Diego, CA and Seattle, WA. 

You may have heard this a million times, but we often get so excited for and so obsessed with the result that we miss the journey. And if we’re not paying attention to the journey we’re going to get lost.

Happy 2021! (or as I shout out in the audio... "happy 2020" lmao)
And WELCOME to Episode 18 of This Human Thing!! :)

In this conversation, Kärin and I share our own intentions for the new year as well as discuss practices and techniques to making those goals a reality instead of just an ideal to crawl towards. In my opinion, motivation and inspiration are bullshit. They're bullshit to the extent that on their own, they're not enough to bring about real change and transformation. But loving and patient discipline, to bring about freedom rather than restriction, are what will truly get you to a place of joy and fulfillment. That kind of approach is called devotion. And devotion sheds feelings of victimhood, entitlement, fairness, and insecurity. Devotion sheds you of wanting to simply grow to inflate your own sense of self or "get something" and "fix all your problems" and shifts you to a place of operating out of love. A love that only wants to bring about harmony and connection in your own life and in that of those around you.

There is nothing inherently wrong with you. There are merely ways in which you are "missing the mark"... in which you are behaving ineffectively or inefficiently. Accept and love yourself sincerely from exactly where you are and then move forward with devotion and discipline with a deep desire to enhance your clarity and your integrity of interaction with this life. Find freedom FROM the beliefs and behaviors that are keeping you contracted to realize your freedom TO expand, connect, create, love, and serve in this life.  because why not? yolo.


Follow This Human Thing:

for updates and behind the scenes!

✧ instagram: @thishumanthing
✧ facebook:  @thishumanthing

✧ visit the website & subscribe to our newsletter! ✧

You can tune into This Human Thing on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, and watch the video recording of the episode for extras on youtube!

Support the Show!

If you'd like to support the show, check out the patreon page!
Or contribute one time on paypal.

Also, leaving a rating and review on the podcast (apple, spotify, or google) really helps us get your feedback and expands the show out to more ears :-)

Want a sticker? Subscribe, rate, and leave a review. Then send me a DM.
Share the podcast with your friends and family if you liked it!

Alright, that's it for the show notes!

We would love to answer any questions you may have on the show! Send them into thishumanthingpodcast@gmail.com or through the social media links above.

And don't hesitate to get in touch about anything else, I'd love to connect!

peace in... peace out!
thanks for kickin it with us. 
& keep doing your thing ;-)

Episode 18 of This Human Thing was recorded on January 13, 2021 in San Diego, CA.

I speak openly about my own struggles as well as providing some methods that help me when I'm feeling really really trapped. I also refer to the system of the koshas to help understand the layers of the human experience.

Hello Humans! :-) Welcome to Episode 17 of This Human Thing!

I often try to think away my problems. But when the thoughts themselves are the problem, I try to fix a thought with another thought. And then it all just gets louder. When this approach doesn't work, what can I do? I feel helpless. Out of control. Let's find the space to let the thoughts rest. Healing ourselves at levels where thought does not exists - healing more subtly. Let's ground down, tapping into the intelligence of our bodies, so we can heal from the root and build a strong foundation from which we can move with clarity and assurance.

Follow This Human Thing:

for updates and behind the scenes!

✧ instagram: @thishumanthing
✧ facebook:  @thishumanthing

✧ visit the website & subscribe to our newsletter! ✧

You can tune into This Human Thing on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, and watch the video recording of the episode for extras on youtube!

Support the Show!

If you'd like to support the show, check out the patreon page!
Or contribute one time on paypal.

Also, leaving a rating and review on the podcast (apple, spotify, or google) really helps us get your feedback and expands the show out to more ears :-)

Want a sticker? Subscribe, rate, and leave a review. Then send me a DM.
Share the podcast with your friends and family if you liked it!

Alright, that's it for the show notes!

We would love to answer any questions you may have on the show! Send them into thishumanthingpodcast@gmail.com or through the social media links above.

And don't hesitate to get in touch about anything else, I'd love to connect!

peace in... peace out!
thanks for kickin it with us. 
& keep doing your thing ;-)

Episode 17 of This Human Thing was recorded on December 20, 2020 in San Diego, CA.

Christian succeeded in his investigation of the far corners of consciousness on a journey to discover fulfillment in his life. He spent years studying with shamans, exploring various religions and teachings on this journey.  He was victorious in his search, by realizing that what he sought was not something he could discover on his own, but by becoming empty, in order to be filled by love. Freedom through true devotion, through faith. 

Christian shares this message to remind us all, that love has already won. That there is nothing for us to find or fix - at an existential level. That we can finally rest. And that every problem we face is really just a lack of faith. 

Hello Humans! :-) Welcome to Episode 16 of This Human Thing! 

I am so excited to have Christian on the show! He is so vibrant, filled with life and passion, and it is so inspiring to witness how he moves through life. It is truly a testament to how one who is overflowing with the spirit can experience life unfiltered, and with a deep connection to themselves, their purpose, to others, and to this life itself. 

As I speak on in the introduction to our conversation, so many truths lie within the message Christian shares. However,  without a doubt there's so much aversion to the words "God" and "Jesus" and "The Bible", so as you listen, try to feel the essence beneath (which is what we're going for here anyways) if those words are triggering for you - I know they can be for me. 

As I repeat so often, as humans who are experiencing this life, and looking for fulfillment and happiness, we have to remember that have no idea what's really going on! So, it is in our best interest to stay open and receptive to other perspectives, and to keep open ears and eyes to teachings directly for life itself. Not to blindly accept, but to experience for ourselves what is true. What brings you into a place of connection? What fulfills you? What makes you feel alive?  What brings you home? 

Check out Christian on Instagram @_lovealreadywon_  :-)

Follow This Human Thing:

for updates and behind the scenes!

✧ instagram: @thishumanthing
✧ facebook:  @thishumanthing

✧ visit the website & subscribe to our newsletter! ✧

You can tune into This Human Thing on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, and watch the video recording of the episode for extras on youtube!

Support the Show!

If you'd like to support the show, check out the patreon page!
Or contribute one time on paypal.

Also, leaving a rating and review on the podcast (apple, spotify, or google) really helps us get your feedback and expands the show out to more ears :-)

Want a sticker? Subscribe, rate, and leave a review. Then send me a DM.
Share the podcast with your friends and family if you liked it!

Alright, that's it for the show notes!

We would love to answer any questions you may have on the show! Send them into thishumanthingpodcast@gmail.com or through the social media links above.

And don't hesitate to get in touch about anything else, I'd love to connect!

peace in... peace out!
thanks for kickin it with us. 
& keep doing your thing ;-)

Episode 16 of This Human Thing was recorded on October 22, 2020 in San Diego, CA and Maui, HI. 

Today I'm sharing some of my journal entries from the past few months. Writing is such a special practice for me. It's raw and honest and never premeditated. I just open to a clean page and let the pen move. Sharing this feels vulnerable, but at the same time... it doesn't because these are things that we are all going through. When I'm writing, I'm really just trying to reflect upon and make a little bit of sense of this human experience. The past few months have been filled with both incredible beauty and deep darkness; clarity and confusion; love and fear. And that just seems to be how life goes. If you stand in the light, you will always cast a shadow. Hopefully this episode can serve to shed some light on your own personal journey - maybe you can hear parts yourself in these words.

As always, the intention behind these episodes are to bring us all closer together. To bring us all closer to whatever is honest and true and kind and loving. To living life without lenses and filters - through bright eyes and clear minds, and  through open, passionate, and vibrant hearts.

Through being fully alive. 

Thank you for listening. 

...

Follow This Human Thing:

for updates and behind the scenes!

✧ instagram: @thishumanthing
✧ facebook:  @thishumanthing

✧ visit the website & subscribe to our newsletter! ✧

You can tune into This Human Thing on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, and watch the video recording of the episode for extras on youtube!

Support the Show!

If you'd like to support the show, check out the patreon page!
Or contribute one time on paypal.

Also, leaving a rating and review on the podcast (apple, spotify, or google) really helps us get your feedback and expands the show out to more ears :-)

Want a sticker? Subscribe, rate, and leave a review. Then send me a DM.
Share the podcast with your friends and family if you liked it!

Alright, that's it for the show notes!

We would love to answer any questions you may have on the show! Send them into thishumanthingpodcast@gmail.com or through the social media links above.

And don't hesitate to get in touch about anything else, I'd love to connect!

peace in... peace out!
thanks for kickin it with us. 
& keep doing your thing ;-)

Episode 15 of This Human Thing was recorded on October 19, 2020 in San Diego, CA.

From the powdery peaks of Colorado's Rockies to the Swiss Alps, Joe Reed has been tearing up the mountains from the age of seven. He has devoted his life to the art of snowboarding, working with brands (currently riding for Burton), touring and competing across the country, giving up a "normal" childhood in exchange to be able to dedicate himself fully to doing what he loves. That's some insane passion. And that passion carried him through cracking his neck on a 60 foot jump in the midst of competition season. Through faith, resilience, and determination, learn how Joe patiently recovered from a 3% chance of ever walking again.

Hello Humans! :-) Welcome to Episode 14 of This Human Thing!

I am SO honored to have Joe on the show! Apart from being a sponsored snowboarder, he's got a huge heart with his eyes set on greatness. I'm stoked to have met such an inspiring yet humble force and a lifelong amigo. Today we talk about all the boards: surfboards. snowboards. skateboards. and boredom (#neckbracelife). Mostly, in this episode, Joe guides us through his incredibly wild and uplifting journey -  but we also talk a lil bit about our dreams, traveling (Joe's currently nomading), the best airline, and how our beliefs have the power to carry us through ABSOLUTELY anything that life throws our way.

Maybe your "flight for life" isn't on a private hospital jet between emergency rooms with a bolt in your skull, but in any hardship, big or small, that we face, we can persevere with kindness and confidence - it's a chance to deepen and solidify our faith in that all is according to a divine plan.

Life is one big flight. One big trip. From here to there or maybe we're just going in circles for the thrill of it - no final destination. No matter what we're doing, no matter where we're going, let's make it a good one, eh? Do what makes you feel alive.

Take some advice from Joe's empowering story. Now get out there and DREAM EXTREME!!! (and get your shred on) luv u guys.

Stalk Joe on Instagram @joereed07 ;-)

Follow This Human Thing:

for updates and behind the scenes!

✧ instagram: @thishumanthing
✧ facebook:  @thishumanthing

✧ visit the website & subscribe to our newsletter! ✧

You can tune into This Human Thing on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, and watch the video recording of the episode for extras on youtube!

Support the Show!

If you'd like to support the show, check out the patreon page!
Or contribute one time on paypal.

Also, leaving a rating and review on the podcast (apple, spotify, or google) really helps us get your feedback and expands the show out to more ears :-)

Want a sticker? Subscribe, rate, and leave a review. Then send me a DM.
Share the podcast with your friends and family if you liked it!

Alright, that's it for the show notes!

We would love to answer any questions you may have on the show! Send them into thishumanthingpodcast@gmail.com or through the social media links above.

And don't hesitate to get in touch about anything else, I'd love to connect!

peace in... peace out!
thanks for kickin it with us. 
& keep doing your thing ;-)

Episode 14 of This Human Thing was recorded on October 8, 2020 in San Diego, CA.

When creating a better life for ourselves and those around us, we must start at the root of the problem - literally. This guided mediation is part one of a seven part series, which uses the chakra system as a guide to restore balance in our inner world, so we can see more clearly and act with more dignity in our outer world. To create this "better" life, we build a strong foundation and strong nourished roots, from which we rise. This meditation serves to hold space for you to sit with your self and your experience, so you may feel safe, and secure, and protected within your body, mind, and environment - feeling at home.

...

All audio created by Katherine Ellis. ©2020 The Shala. All Rights Reserved.

Follow This Human Thing:

for updates and behind the scenes!

✧ instagram: @thishumanthing
✧ facebook:  @thishumanthing

✧ visit the website & subscribe to our newsletter! ✧

You can tune into This Human Thing on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, and watch the video recording of the episode for extras on youtube!

Support the Show!

If you'd like to support the show, check out the patreon page!
Or contribute one time on paypal.

Also, leaving a rating and review on the podcast (apple, spotify, or google) really helps us get your feedback and expands the show out to more ears :-)

Want a sticker? Subscribe, rate, and leave a review. Then send me a DM.
Share the podcast with your friends and family if you liked it!

Alright, that's it for the show notes!

We would love to answer any questions you may have on the show! Send them into thishumanthingpodcast@gmail.com or through the social media links above.

And don't hesitate to get in touch about anything else, I'd love to connect!

peace in... peace out!
thanks for kickin it with us. 
& keep doing your thing ;-)

Episode 13 of This Human Thing was recorded on October 7, 2020 in San Diego, CA.