The Dream Catcher Podcast

[Interview] An Introduction to Sufism: How Its Teachings Can Enhance Our Spiritual Life (feat. Ayeda Husain)

Sufism may evoke the image of whirling dervishes or the sublime verses from Sufi poets such as Rumi and Hafiz. But most people have no idea about its teachings, practices and spiritual ethics.

Called "the path of the heart," Sufism provides a compendium of wisdom that's both practical and profound. In this interview, we'll look into the richness of this tradition with my guest Ayeda Husain.

Ayeda Husain is a senior teacher and guide in the Inayatiyya, a global organization dedicated to Universal Sufism. A long-time journalist specializing in Sufism, she now teaches Sufi meditation, chanting and philosophy with a special emphasis on Rumi's poetry as a means of healing and evolving. She has led spiritual retreats worldwide, taught Sufi meditation to Buddhist monks in Tokyo, and been invited to the UN as part of an international delegation of spiritual leaders.

Ayeda introduces us to the mystical world of Sufism. We discuss the main teachings and practices and how we can use them to navigate our day-to-day lives more effectively.

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Codependent Relationships: What They Are and Signs You’re in One

Being dependent on others is good. It makes us human. Voicing our needs from a place of compassion and self-worth brings us closer to others. 

However, too much dependence results in codependency. 

In codependent relationships, one partner carries the relationship emotionally, while the other avoids taking responsibility for their part in sustaining the connection. 

Learn about the other signs of this dysfunctional relationship type and the steps you can take to overcome codependent tendencies.

What is the Difference Between Fate and Destiny? (and how both impact you.)

Fate or destiny – whatever you call it, is the idea that life is determined by powers beyond our control and has existed for centuries. It’s seen in the mythologies, stories, and religious beliefs of every culture in the world. 

But there are a few significant distinctions between fate and destiny. Knowing the difference will empower us to take control of our destinies no matter what fate has in store for us. 

Learn the main differences between fate and destiny and six steps to shape your destiny.

[Interview] Chingona: Own Your Inner Badass & Live with Courage, Confidence and Freedom (feat. Alma Zaragoza-Petty)

Creating the world you want to live in takes guts, grace and everything you've got. And to heal the world and be a source for good, you've also got to heal yourself. 

In the words of my guest, Alma Zaragoza-Petty, you’ve got to unleash your chingona : your inner badass. She’ll show us how to claim and own our inner chingona.

Alma Zaragoza-Petty, PhD, is a social justice advocate and scholar who teaches equity to create change. Alma has served as an academic advisor, as a professor, and in research and evaluation for a nonprofit organization. She is co-founder of Prickly Pear Collective, a trauma-informed, faith-based community organization and co-host of The Red Couch Podcast.

In this interview, Alma describes the chingona spirit she began to claim within herself and leads us toward the courage required to speak up and speak out against oppressive systems. This involves owning our stories, healing past wounds, and believing we are worthy of success and praise.

If you liked what you heard, please don’t forget to like, rate, share and subscribe to this podcast. Thank you!

Minority Groups Around the World And Their Importance

Minorities are a group of people within a community or country who differ from the main population because of their ethnic, cultural, religious and linguistic affiliations. 

Their rights are highlighted because they are in a vulnerable position compared to others. The pain felt by minority groups is palpable, and the disadvantages they face are real. 

The good news is that everyone can help in improving their conditions. Learn about the different types of minorities around the world and what you can do to make them feel seen and heard.

Chronos vs Kairos: Two Models of Time to Live More Fully

Time is constant, but how we perceive it varies. That's why an hour spent watching our favorite Netflix show feels different from an hour stuck in traffic. 

To differentiate experiences of time, ancient Greeks had two words for it — Chronos and Kairos. 

By understanding Chronos and Kairos, you can alter your reality and make the most of your time on Earth. You'll have access to the gifts in the here and now and have more moments of magic. In this episode, we’ll take a closer look at these two types of time.

[Interview] Island Wisdom: Hawaiian Traditions & Practices for a Meaningful Life (feat. Kainoa Daines)

We’re at a pivotal time in society where we’ve become so far immersed in modern existence that we need to take a step back and  look at life through a more meaningful and spiritual lens. 

Hawai‘i—with its breadth of cultural richness, and deeply-rooted traditions—is one lens that we can use. My guest, Kainoa Daines, is here to give us insight into the wisdom and traditions of his beautiful island culture.

Kainoa Daines is the senior director of brand for the Hawai‘i Visitors & Convention Bureau and a member of the Royal Order of Kameh-ameha I. He is a resident of Honolulu with roots on all the major Hawaiian Islands.

During this interview, Kainoa shares time-honored wisdom, teachings and practices that can help us live more meaningful lives. He also talks about some common misconceptions about Hawaiian culture, language and local folklore.

If you liked what you heard, please don’t forget to like, rate, share and subscribe to this podcast. Thank you!

Sternberg’s Triangular Theory of Love & How It Impacts Our Relationships

Defining something as complex as romantic love can seem futile. Despite its ambiguity, psychologists have tried understanding the "how" and the "why" of love.

One of the most well-known ones is Sternberg's triangular theory of love. It gives us a broad overview of the many faces of love and how it impacts our connections. 

Learn about the three components and seven types of love based on Sternberg's triangular theory of love and how it can enhance your experience of loving consciously. 

9 Types of Power to Influence People And How To Use It For Good

What does it really mean to have power?

Power is the measure of the degree of control you have over events, circumstances, and people to influence them and their actions. 

However, real power doesn’t depend on where you stand in the social hierarchy. You can learn and use many different types of power to influence people. 

These nine types of power will change your perspective on power.

[Interview] Gain Presence and Become a Leader in Your Own Life (feat. Steven Kuhn)

Presence is known as many things: owning the room, commanding attention, gravitas - basically, when you speak, people pay attention to you and listen.

This quality can give you a distinct advantage and determine your success in work and life. Fortunately, the “it” factor is not elusive and can be learned.

If your goal is to develop a presence that inspires others, you’ll love what my guest, Steven Kuhn, will share with us in this episode.

Steven is a decorated United States Army combat veteran, Bronze Star Medal recipient, speaker, author, consultant, and owner of QOL Enterprises, where he helps leaders improve their lives and business. He’s trained, coached and participated in leadership roles in nearly every capacity and transformed the lives of hundreds of people around the world from different walks of life, all synthesized into what he calls Humble Alpha Leadership.

In this interview, Steven clarifies what it means to have presence and how to embody it. He also talks about how we can develop an identity, purpose, and image that’s authentic and true to our values.

If you liked what you heard, don’t forget to like, rate, share and subscribe to this podcast. Thank you!