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Illuminated Soul with Craig Westhoff

Illuminated Soul with Craig Westhoff

By Akouo Missions

Occasional bite sized teaching, encouragement, and practical tools that help you respond to the negative thoughts, emotions, and occasional darkness life circumstances can sometimes bring. Together we’re partnering with the Holy Spirit to live life with excellence of Soul; to become aware… to become whole!
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Ep. 114, Summer Re-Run Series!: Holding a Grudge and the Damage it Does (Originally released Oct. 28, 2020)

Illuminated Soul with Craig WesthoffJul 20, 2022

00:00
12:04
Ep. 152, Last Words and the Ultimate Practice

Ep. 152, Last Words and the Ultimate Practice

Some last words 😉.
Jan 31, 202408:41
Ep. 151 Last One of 2023!

Ep. 151 Last One of 2023!

A simple collection of 15 bits of wisdom gathered from all the 2023 episodes. Enjoy pondering these and allowing them to form you along your journey!
Dec 30, 202303:31
Ep 150 FLASHBACK EPISODE! (Ep 82)- Advent for the Weary Soul

Ep 150 FLASHBACK EPISODE! (Ep 82)- Advent for the Weary Soul

What, if any, impact does Advent have on your emotional, mental and spiritual health and well-being? Might be more than you think!
Dec 04, 202309:17
Ep. 149 This One Question Is Setting Me Free

Ep. 149 This One Question Is Setting Me Free

A question you can ask yourself when your mind is overwhelmed with negative thoughts!
Nov 04, 202305:16
Ep. 148, Rest For My Soul: A Meditation

Ep. 148, Rest For My Soul: A Meditation

Weary? Tired? Burdened? Enjoy this little meditation based on part of Psalm 62:1.
Sep 18, 202303:24
Ep. 147, 2 Simple Ways to Help Reduce Stress and Anxiety

Ep. 147, 2 Simple Ways to Help Reduce Stress and Anxiety

2 Simple Ways to Help Reduce Stress and Anxiety
Aug 30, 202306:13
Ep. 146, A Unique Way to Deal with Internal Accusations

Ep. 146, A Unique Way to Deal with Internal Accusations

If you often fall victim to internal name-calling and contempt filled accusations… try this!
Aug 18, 202308:07
Ep. 145, A Much Needed Reminder Every Morning

Ep. 145, A Much Needed Reminder Every Morning

Although this is a simple little reminder, it’s packed full of power and will eliminate much anxiety and angst we can experience in any given moment.
Aug 02, 202305:47
Ep. 144, Expressing vs. Releasing Emotional Hurt

Ep. 144, Expressing vs. Releasing Emotional Hurt

Have you ever expressed something like anger or shame, thought you released at all, and only days, weeks or months later headed resurface with the same or even greater emotional intensity? It could be that you expressed it, but never released it.
Jul 18, 202308:31
Ep. 143, Emotionally Overwhelmed? Keep Your Seat!

Ep. 143, Emotionally Overwhelmed? Keep Your Seat!

100mph windstorm, 7 days without power, surprise 3 day stay at the hospital. It’s been a unique week for sure! Just wanted to share another creative way to engage in a healthy response when emotionally overwhelmed.
Jun 24, 202309:20
Ep. 142, Weary? Could Be Because of This

Ep. 142, Weary? Could Be Because of This

If you’ve found yourself inexplicably weary lately it could be the by-product of an unassuming source. Let’s dive into what that source is and how to respond well to this possible source of weariness that can sneak up on us from time to time.

Jun 14, 202311:00
Ep. 141, Stressed? Anxious? This 10 Second Exercise May Calm Your Mind

Ep. 141, Stressed? Anxious? This 10 Second Exercise May Calm Your Mind

Research has shown that this simple act can lower levels of anxiety and increase greater psychological well-being. And it can work in as fast as 10 seconds!

May 17, 202308:29
Ep. 140, A Primary Cause of Unhappiness

Ep. 140, A Primary Cause of Unhappiness

In this episode we'll examine a primary source of unhappiness and the cognitive distortions

that fuel it.

Apr 19, 202310:36
Ep. 139, The Emotional State of Offense

Ep. 139, The Emotional State of Offense

It's easy to get or feel offended, but when we see it as a specific emotional state that we actually have more control over than we realize, we will find ourselves alleviating much unnecessary anguish we inflict upon ourselves.

Apr 05, 202307:26
Ep. 138, Alone In Your Pain? Try This

Ep. 138, Alone In Your Pain? Try This

Enjoy this simple statement that has helped me to a greater degree to remain calm and peacefully present in the midst of emotional and mental overwhelm.

Mar 22, 202306:49
Ep. 137, The Body Scan

Ep. 137, The Body Scan

Have you ever considered that God loves the idea of you having a physical body?  And do you realize that this body you've been gifted is for you... not against you!  In this episode I share a simple practice to help you find just a little more internal freedom and relief.

Mar 01, 202310:13
Ep. 136, The Teacher Named "What Is"

Ep. 136, The Teacher Named "What Is"

Here's another take on embracing and being present to the present moment, the only moment you have, whether pleasant or unpleasant.

Feb 15, 202311:22
Ep. 135, Habitually Self-Critical? Try This!

Ep. 135, Habitually Self-Critical? Try This!

A common reason for stress can actually be habitual self-criticism.  If you can relate, this breathing-exercise may serve you well.

Feb 01, 202308:50
Ep. 134, Becoming a Healthy Receiver

Ep. 134, Becoming a Healthy Receiver

Ponder this statement.  It could give you a different perspective on life!

Jan 25, 202308:24
Ep. 133 Acknowledging the Presence of Loss

Ep. 133 Acknowledging the Presence of Loss

Feeling low?  Dark cloud hovering?  A bit overwhelmed?  What is what you're experiencing is a felt sense of loss?  Let's bring this loss out of the shadow.

Jan 18, 202308:23
Ep. 132, A Creative Way to Greet Each Moment

Ep. 132, A Creative Way to Greet Each Moment

What if you greet each moment with these 4 words?  Could be just the thing for a rich life in 2023!

Jan 04, 202306:25
Ep. 131 A Simple Cure for Sadness (The LAST EPISODE OF 2022!!!)

Ep. 131 A Simple Cure for Sadness (The LAST EPISODE OF 2022!!!)

Enjoy this simple cure for sadness.

Nov 16, 202202:52
Ep. 130, A Simple Way to Effectively Reduce Depression

Ep. 130, A Simple Way to Effectively Reduce Depression

Research confirms that this simple practice effectively increases happiness and reduces depression!

Nov 09, 202206:60
Ep. 129, 3 Primary Components of Well-Being and Happiness!

Ep. 129, 3 Primary Components of Well-Being and Happiness!

3 Primary Components of Well-Being and Happiness!

Nov 02, 202208:49
Ep. 128, The Christ Cycle of Life

Ep. 128, The Christ Cycle of Life

What if the life that Jesus lived on this planet reveals a cyclical pattern of life for us to be aware of? And if forgotten, will only increase our pain and suffering all the more?  Sidenote: In this episode I suggest the wrong supplemental episode.  Instead of 125 it should be Episode 122 ;-)

Oct 26, 202210:39
Ep. 127, The Power of Boring

Ep. 127, The Power of Boring

You won't believe what a counselor friend of mine declared in the middle of a counseling session with one of his clients!  At first the client was offended, and then liberated.  Often times that is the case.  Get ready to experience a simple and powerful practice to benefit your emotional, mental and spiritual health and well-being!

Oct 19, 202208:32
Ep. 126 Let Your God Love You: A Meditation

Ep. 126 Let Your God Love You: A Meditation

What if much of our emotional and mental pain and torment that we can experience in life is simply due to us not letting God love us just as we are?  

Oct 12, 202206:52
Ep. 125, Acknowledging God's Hidden Presence

Ep. 125, Acknowledging God's Hidden Presence

God is always present, but if I'm honest, I can often feel like and even believe the lie that He's not.  Together, let's learn to acknowledge God's "hidden" presence.

 

Oct 05, 202211:47
Ep. 124, The Power of Praying THIS!

Ep. 124, The Power of Praying THIS!

Today I have for you a power packed one-word prayer to help us meet the moment as it is instead of resist it and incur emotional and mental anguish.

Sep 28, 202207:05
Ep. 123, The Ancient Art of Remembering

Ep. 123, The Ancient Art of Remembering

We are an easily forgetful people.  Depression, anxiety, being emotionally overwhelmed can cause us to become forgetful; forgetful of God's constant presence and action within us.  In this episode I share a simple practice I like to call The Ancient Art of Remembering!

Sep 21, 202212:04
Ep. 122, Reach the Attainable Measure of Peace of Mind

Ep. 122, Reach the Attainable Measure of Peace of Mind

There is a primary teaching Jesus has given us that is designed to keep us in the present moment, avoid wounding our souls, and keeping peace of mind.  On one hand it's simple.  On the other hand it's extremely challenging!  But with God... all things are possible!

Sep 14, 202211:52
Ep. 121, Centering Prayer

Ep. 121, Centering Prayer

Remember the previous episode about our emotional programs for happiness?  THIS episode features one practice to help free ourselves from the grip of these programs. It's simpler than you think, and will be more challenging than you realize ;-)

Sep 07, 202214:10
Ep. 120, Emotional Programs for Happiness

Ep. 120, Emotional Programs for Happiness

Where do you go to and what do you find yourself doing when you feel a lack of peace and happiness?  There is a deep drive in all of us to ensure we remain peaceful and happy.  And that deep drive is something we are often unaware of.  It's like a hidden program that kicks in to gear to direct us to what we want.  Today, let's become aware of these emotional programs for happiness.  

Aug 31, 202207:14
Ep. 119, "Held Together" - A Morning Meditation.

Ep. 119, "Held Together" - A Morning Meditation.

Mornings can be rough at times.  Honestly, I can find myself often waking up to a swirl of thoughts, fears, faulty narratives, and the pressure to pull myself together and get with it.  If you can relate, enjoy this short morning mediation that can help center ourselves before we go about our day.

Aug 24, 202204:24
Ep. 118, A Way to Keep Your Soul from Distress

Ep. 118, A Way to Keep Your Soul from Distress

There is a guarantee that distress, anxiety and sorrow will be unavoidable if we ignore a key aspect of self-awareness.  Want to keep your soul from distress?  Then keep an eye, and ear, on this. 

Aug 17, 202206:18
Ep. 117, Summer Re-Run Series!: The Arrival Fallacy (Originally released Aug. 3, 2021)

Ep. 117, Summer Re-Run Series!: The Arrival Fallacy (Originally released Aug. 3, 2021)

What if some of the emotional and mental angst we can experience in life is due to the feeling that we should be somewhere else by now?  Let's address this Arrival Fallacy and learn to lighten up and relax!

Aug 10, 202212:30
Ep. 116, Summer Re-Run Series!: Trust in the Slow Work of God (Originally released Feb. 3, 2021)

Ep. 116, Summer Re-Run Series!: Trust in the Slow Work of God (Originally released Feb. 3, 2021)

Enjoy this meditation to help us adopt a better pace: the pace of nature; the pace of God.

Aug 03, 202207:01
Ep. 115, Summer Re-Run Series!: A Different Take on Taking Thoughts Captive (Originally released Aug. 25, 2021)

Ep. 115, Summer Re-Run Series!: A Different Take on Taking Thoughts Captive (Originally released Aug. 25, 2021)

What if some of the frustration in taking every thought captive to obey Christ is in the method we use in taking that very thought captive?  The frustration comes from force.  There is a better way!

Jul 27, 202208:33
Ep. 114, Summer Re-Run Series!: Holding a Grudge and the Damage it Does (Originally released Oct. 28, 2020)

Ep. 114, Summer Re-Run Series!: Holding a Grudge and the Damage it Does (Originally released Oct. 28, 2020)

Let's admit it.  It's easy to hold a grudge.  It even feels good.  But the damage it does to our own souls can be devastating.  Let's discover what a grudge is in the first place and how we can better manage this habitual response.

Jul 20, 202212:04
Ep. 113, Summer Re-Run Series!: Overwhelmed? Ask this ONE question! (Originally released July 22, 2020)

Ep. 113, Summer Re-Run Series!: Overwhelmed? Ask this ONE question! (Originally released July 22, 2020)

Here's a simple and grounding question to ask ourselves when we are emotionally overwhelmed.  Calm is closer than you think!

Jul 13, 202214:35
Ep. 112, Summer Re-Run Series!: Meeting Unmet Expectations (Originally released July 1, 2020)

Ep. 112, Summer Re-Run Series!: Meeting Unmet Expectations (Originally released July 1, 2020)

Frustration, and many other negative emotional sensations, are built upon unmet expectations.  We are a people of expectation, but often times unaware of this reality. Let's learn how to properly respond to unmet expectations and hold on to hope!

Jul 06, 202215:50
Ep. 111: Wrestling with Want? Ask Yourself 3 Questions

Ep. 111: Wrestling with Want? Ask Yourself 3 Questions

How often I can find myself out of sorts just because I want something.  We don't have to wrestle with want and these 3 questions just may help you and me untangle ourselves from the choke hold that want can put on us.

Jun 29, 202209:50
Ep. 110: The Empty P's That Pass for Peace

Ep. 110: The Empty P's That Pass for Peace

The very means of peace that the world offers is through a system designed to actually work against your soul's health.  Becoming aware of the Empty P's that we habitually gravitate towards will help us become aware of the true peace we have in Christ.

Jun 22, 202208:53
Ep. 109: Litany of Trust

Ep. 109: Litany of Trust

The role of trust is foundational to our emotional, mental and spiritual health and well-bring.  May this simple call and response/meditation help us let go and trust Jesus more.  

Jun 08, 202209:48
Ep 108: Emotionally Overwhelmed? Ask These 2 Questions

Ep 108: Emotionally Overwhelmed? Ask These 2 Questions

Often times it's the questions that help us understand more than the answers do.  If you're emotionally overwhelmed and looking for the right answers, maybe it's best to look for the right questions. Today, we look at 2 unique questions that can serve us well!

Jun 01, 202209:22
Ep. 107: Rewrite That Negative Internal Narrative

Ep. 107: Rewrite That Negative Internal Narrative

It happens to the best of us: reacting out of a negative internal narrative that we create in our minds.  On today's episode, I share 5 questions that can help us engage and unravel that negative narrative, and invite a healthier view of reality.  

May 25, 202208:34
Ep. 106: Facing Change: A Meditation

Ep. 106: Facing Change: A Meditation

How are you with facing change?  In this episode, Craig leads us through a simple meditation and some questions for self-reflection to help us embrace the inevitablity of change, and respond well to the opportunity of growth that it provides.

May 18, 202206:42
Ep. 105: A Fun & Simple Way to Relieve Anxiety!

Ep. 105: A Fun & Simple Way to Relieve Anxiety!

Anxious?  Worrisome?  Stressed?  Just do this!  It's simple.  It's free.  And it works!  

May 11, 202207:21
Ep. 104 Becoming Aware, Becoming Whole

Ep. 104 Becoming Aware, Becoming Whole

In Jesus, what if an invitation we have extended to us as humans is to increase in awareness so that we may consciously respond well to life instead of unconsciously react?  In this episode Craig unpacks the meaning of this incredible invitation that we can easily forget to accept.

May 04, 202212:34
Ep 103 - The 4 S's of Letting Go

Ep 103 - The 4 S's of Letting Go

In this episode, Craig features another tool we can put into practice when letting go seems challenging.
Apr 27, 202211:47