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Growing Our Human Potential

Growing Our Human Potential

By GrowHumanPotential

Providing inspiration, insight, and guidance for Becoming your Full Potential defined as Waking Every Day with Meaning, Purpose, Love, and Joy. It encompasses a journey of personal growth, self-discovery, and enlightenment. Growing Our Human Potential (www.growhumanpotential.com) provides educational resources, podcasts, books, talks, workshops, blog, and more. Life if indeed filled with challenges, which is the stimulus for growth. The question is what do you do with these challenges? Are you a victim or victor? We are here to help those choosing to be a Victor!!
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Consciousness, Part 5: The Need To Look Broader

Growing Our Human PotentialJan 26, 2021

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14:26
Learning How To Love Ourselves

Learning How To Love Ourselves

The ONE aspect of our Personal The aspect of our Personal Growth that is MOST Important is learning how to love ourselves unconditionally. It is difficult since we have subscribed to society's and other's definitions of what we should be. We have been torn down through other's criticism and judgment, often feeling unworthy or a failure. This video is my chance to role model our acknowledgement of who we are and the work needed to love ourselves unconditionally. #loveourself #selfawareness #happiness #enlightenment #selfdiscovery #personalgrowth #healingjourney #healing #selflove #selfcare #authenthic

Nov 18, 202303:28
Using Affirmations to Change Limiting Beliefs into Empowering Beliefs

Using Affirmations to Change Limiting Beliefs into Empowering Beliefs

During the Personal Growth stage we identify Unhealthy or Limiting Beliefs that we often formed early in our life and are in effect creating many of the negative consequences and patterns we are experiencing. The great news is that we can change these unhealthy beliefs into Empowering Beliefs. A powerful tool is the use of Affirmations. Here is an example.

Nov 18, 202302:25
A Framework for Personal Growth. The "Personal Growth" Stage.

A Framework for Personal Growth. The "Personal Growth" Stage.

We all have personal issues, behaviors, and unhealthy beliefs that result in negative consequences in our life and an overall unhappiness. The focus in this stage is to; 1) learn how to go within to identify the root cause of our unhappiness, 2) heal our past, 3) develop our self-esteem and healthy core beliefs, 4) develop a new sense of courage and excitement about our life. These are the basis for learning how to take charge of our life and make more positive choices so that we go from victim to victor! Personal growth creates our sails so that can go from feeling stuck or in a rut to moving forward in our life.

Aug 31, 202321:21
The Road Less Travelled - Part 1

The Road Less Travelled - Part 1

This book, The Road Less Travelled, by M. Scott Peck was one of many books I read that prompted me for my own spiritual journey to step out of the mainstream and take a different path to ultimately discover the meaning of life, who I am, and how I fit in. I referred to this as My Modern Day Vision Quest. In Part 1, I share my past and what prompted me to take such a journey along with the amazing places and experiences that would re-shape my life, beliefs, values and define who I am.

Aug 28, 202354:22
The Five Ingreditents to Taking Charge of Your Life

The Five Ingreditents to Taking Charge of Your Life

For all the years I have spent with my own personal growth, self-discovery and spiritual awakening, and all of the techniques & methods I have used, books I have read, counselors I worked with, and more…, I can boil it down to five items that are the most important ingredients to taking charge of your life.

Aug 25, 202327:24
Join Me As I Recite My Daily Prayer

Join Me As I Recite My Daily Prayer

It was a moment of inspiration when my pen wrote faster than my mind could deliver. It was a moment where I gained clarity on my purpose and focus. It was my chance to share my request of Source (God). I realized that I had created my own prayer.

Aug 11, 202303:50
Are You Motivated to Self-Actualize? Self-Transcendence?

Are You Motivated to Self-Actualize? Self-Transcendence?

The motivation for those on the path of personal growth, self-discovery and enlightenment comes from within, intrinsic motivation. What does this motivation look like and what is its source? 

Apr 21, 202236:10
Living Life "On Purpose" Part 2

Living Life "On Purpose" Part 2

Part 1 on this topic shared the impact from developing your own life purpose along with  living your purpose daily through conscious living. I shared aspects of  my own life purpose along with the importance this has had in feeling  great about my life. In this post I will use more of my own story to  highlight how my life’s purpose evolved.

Apr 13, 202235:35
Living Life "On Purpose" - Part 1

Living Life "On Purpose" - Part 1

It has been my own experience to realize that most people are unhappy and feel that they have wasted a lot of their life. Having a sense of real purpose and living your life "on purpose" is the antidote for this.

Mar 27, 202226:13
Part 3. A Framework for Personal Growth. The Self-Discovery Stage

Part 3. A Framework for Personal Growth. The Self-Discovery Stage

Self-Discovery is a conscious effort to understand who we are in terms of our personality and then venturing deeper to define and refine our attitude, core beliefs and values which drive our behaviors to achieve the consequences we want. It is the recognition that our outcomes (consequences) are a result of our attitude, beliefs and values all being in synch with what we want out of life, and to achieve our full potential. Self-discovery develops at the root our self-awareness, so that we live more consciously, which becomes our rudder directing where we want to go with our life.

Dec 31, 202127:59
A New Plateau - Turning 65!

A New Plateau - Turning 65!

I have been absent a while as I have been learning to navigate what I would admit has been a major transition in my life, turning 65! Although it is just a number it was the psychological impact that “hit me like a Mack truck”. It represents entering the “home stretch” in life, asking a whole new set of questions, and confronting your mortality. I will highlight a few of these realizations.

Dec 22, 202118:14
SUCCESS - What holds us back from experiencing this?

SUCCESS - What holds us back from experiencing this?

A virtual roundtable discussion with honored guests, Krista Gorman (NDE'r and author, "I Died and Learned How To Live") and husband, Ainsley. In large part it is the vestiges from our past that loom in our subconscious as unhealthy beliefs and patterns that keep us from experiencing the success we want. Hear the success stories about how these were overcome.

Aug 02, 202101:25:06
About Healing and Simple Healing Techniques

About Healing and Simple Healing Techniques

Once you understand that healing is possible and can be influenced by applying healing techniques, one can be overwhelmed with the options available. Being students of the KISS philosophy, Keep It Simple & Spiritual, this video provides the techniques we each apply individually. What they all have in common is a sense of love for self and others. Enjoy!!

Jul 26, 202101:22:45
Our Lives Post "Enlightenment"

Our Lives Post "Enlightenment"

We discovered a meaning to life, each in our own way. It changed our lives, our attitudes, our values and core beliefs. Life has still been challenging in many ways, and we remain as spiritual beings having a fully immersed and human experience. But it was the change at this deeper level within that keeps us bouncing back and doing our best to live in the love that we all truly are. A conversation on our reflections, learnings, and perspectives of this journey.

Jul 14, 202101:10:45
Attitude - Part 3: An Attitude of Gratitude

Attitude - Part 3: An Attitude of Gratitude

Compliments the post on workweekworkout.com

Learn about the antidote for a bad day at work or challenging times in your life. Learning to express gratitude can help you feel better and continue to develop that positive attitude that others see and appreciate. You learn to express your gratitude to others, making their day, and yours!!!

Jul 08, 202106:03
Attitude - Part 2: The Power of Choice

Attitude - Part 2: The Power of Choice

This video compliments the post on workweekworkout.com 

Developing a positive attitude includes learning how to think and be more proactive vs. reactive, and understanding how you have a choice in every circumstance. This video provides an example of how to use the steps outlined in the infographic.

Jul 06, 202106:30
Attitude - Part 1: Getting Started

Attitude - Part 1: Getting Started

A compliment to the blog post and infographic on workweekworkout.com

What is an attitude anyway? Here are a couple of stories exemplifying the outcome of changing our attitude.

Jul 06, 202105:43
Live Into The Question in the Hopes of Living Into the Answers

Live Into The Question in the Hopes of Living Into the Answers

This line from a poem launched our own conversation, reflection and thoughts related to the questions we pondered and our realization that life was always the teacher, brining in the situations, people and events to help us find our answers. Grasping this concept of life as a teacher and maintaining an open mind to new experiences is a critical part for those on a spiritual path.

Jun 29, 202101:05:05
The powerful demonstration of the impact of authenticity and acceptance.

The powerful demonstration of the impact of authenticity and acceptance.

The best possible summary of the topics we have been talking about is seeing it in action. The story of a 30 yo woman given a 2% chance of surviving her cancer, who shows what a positive attitude is and the power of sharing her authentic self. Check out the video ("Golden Buzzer: Nightbirde's Original Song Makes Simon Cowell Emotional - America's Got Talent 2021") and then listen to our conversation on our observations of the impact this had and why.  

"You can't wait until life isn't hard enough anymore before you decide to be happy" Nightbirde 

"I encourage you to witness this glorious, gifted being, singing the song of her life with full abandon.  I promise it will fill you up and perhaps allow you to see your own walk through life in a whole new way." Candace

Jun 21, 202158:43
The Ego. The good, bad and the ugly of this aspect of self.

The Ego. The good, bad and the ugly of this aspect of self.

Everyone has an ego. Our ego drives our behavior. Yet when we operate fully out of ego alone, we can see behaviors that are characteristic of greed, power, control and centered on me, me, me. The question often considered on the spiritual path is how do we balance our ego and keep our ego in check. Once again it is a matter of awareness and choice.

Jun 20, 202155:09
Healing Our Bodies

Healing Our Bodies

We talked about the possibility and power of healing others. In this session we focus on how those who had or have cancer use healing techniques to conquer their cancer.

Jun 07, 202101:00:37
Guest Krista Norman - Her Near Death Experience and Its Influence Today

Guest Krista Norman - Her Near Death Experience and Its Influence Today

Krista Gorman had a near-death experience while giving birth to her daughter. The focus of this session was a brief understanding of her experience followed by conversation and interaction with The Band relating to what she learned and how she is applying it and still learning from it today.

May 26, 202101:01:06
A Modern Day Vision Quest

A Modern Day Vision Quest

I recently held a virtual premier of “A Modern Day Vision Quest“, an evening filled with stories and adventures to discover self and the meaning of life.

About Event: I had healed the wounds and psychological impact from a traumatic childhood which is featured in my book, “Discovering Michael: An Inspirational Guide to Personal Growth and Self-Discovery“. However, there was a nagging calling within to discover what life was all about and how I fit in. Inspired by the movie, “Dances With Wolves”, I left a full-time job to travel and volunteer around the world. I came face-to-face with situations that challenged my prior beliefs and ultimately resulted in learning about me and life itself. The talk is a collection of true stories and adventures to engage the participants in a conversational and thought-provoking manner.

I really enjoyed the session, a REALLY powerful story and very meaningful.
Superb event and you held my attention all the way through. Captivating and an amazing story of discovering the meaning of life.
These are the stories that have a huge value in sharing with others. This was an inspiration to me and I loved your stories and willingness to share from the heart
May 21, 202102:22:16
Letting Life Be Your Teacher - Learning From Embarrassment

Letting Life Be Your Teacher - Learning From Embarrassment

We all get embarrassed at times and have various reactions to this. In this episode we each share embarrassing moments, our reactions, and what we learned from this. Imagine being able to talk about these aspects of self, openly and candidly with others. How cathartic it can be. We come to learn that behind our emotional reactions are often unhealthy beliefs we have learned at some point in life. Self-awareness is making this connection and choosing a different response.

May 17, 202101:16:55
Celebrating Our Feminine Side on Mother's Day

Celebrating Our Feminine Side on Mother's Day

What can a group of guys learn from their mothers on Mother's Day? A discussion focusing on masculine vs. feminine and getting past the delineation of male vs. female stereotypes and the need to bring greater balance into each of us and the world today.

May 10, 202101:08:26
Spiritual Healing - What is it, along with our experiences with it as a healer and being healed.

Spiritual Healing - What is it, along with our experiences with it as a healer and being healed.

When I first came across the word healing in spiritual circles, it was confusing since there were others who professed to be healers while using a variety of techniques, and others who wanted to be healed of their ailments. What exactly does a healing do and how does it work? Is there a best way of being healed? Does everyone get healed? Once again my questions led me on a journey of discovery, only to learn the simplicity of what this is all about.

Apr 12, 202101:08:18
What Holds Us Back From Being Our Full Potential?

What Holds Us Back From Being Our Full Potential?

To achieve your potential, you need to develop a sense of what you are naturally like so that you can focus in areas that accord with your innate interests, nature, and strengths. This prevents you wasting time by trying to be a duckling when you are really a swan.

Mar 22, 202121:46
Spiritual Traditions - Music and Chants

Spiritual Traditions - Music and Chants

There are many traditions associated with spiritual growth. Are they fact or fiction? This session's conversation focuses on sound and the impact that music, chants and sounds can have on us and how it can help with our spiritual evolution.

Mar 22, 202101:04:12
Spirituality In The Workplace

Spirituality In The Workplace

This podcast is not about finding ways to discuss our religious or spiritual beliefs in the workplace, but instead how to live those beliefs that promote harmony, care, compassion, empathy, cooperation, self-esteem, and happiness. Not only are these promoting positive characteristics towards others creating a more enjoyable workplace, but they are also the basis for higher levels of performance. The following is a collection of observations and stories that demonstrate the power of living and demonstrating our core values and beliefs in our actions and words.

Mar 18, 202118:42
Spirituality Defined By Our Experiences

Spirituality Defined By Our Experiences

Spirituality is often defined as a set of beliefs, laws, behaviors, judgements, etc. This conversation explores spirituality as the sum of our experiences and the conclusions we have made from these experiences, which continues to evolve over time. Listen to The Band as we explore this and share some of our own experiences.

Mar 09, 202101:16:37
Consciousness, Part 6: An ACT of Consciousness

Consciousness, Part 6: An ACT of Consciousness

This is the power of being in the moment and realizing all the miracles that are happening every second to allow this precious thing called life to exist. Quiet your mind and listen with your heart. You will quickly find yourself in another dimension. We are in the most magical place in existence. It is heaven when we experience it like this, and hell when ignore this. And this is the choice we are allowed to make with our lives.

Mar 04, 202112:56
On Death, Part 8: A Live Conversation About Death & Dying

On Death, Part 8: A Live Conversation About Death & Dying

A group of 3 of us met, who have each encountered death in their lives, to talk about our thoughts, feelings, fears, beliefs and experiences with death. From a person whose wife was killed in a car accident to another who was really close with his parents during their dying process, and myself who provided the up close and personal related to my own experiences in hospice care, on ambulance, with children, and with my own Mom at a young age. These are the types of conversations that can help us begin talking about death so that we are better able to be there for our own loved ones when it is their time, and ultimately our own time. It is over an hour, but the conversation is very engaging on this topic. A lot to digest, learn and reflect upon.

Feb 24, 202101:12:57
On Death, Part 7: A Conversation About Death

On Death, Part 7: A Conversation About Death

Here is the perfect example of Conversations about Death and Dying. Here is a video by a 97 year old man who is in his last chapter. Life a day in his life and hear his perspectives. And then take time to review the 23,000 comments which he inspired by having this conversation. This post is my own highlights and learnings from this conversation.

Feb 18, 202115:28
On Death, Part 6: A Point of View About Death

On Death, Part 6: A Point of View About Death

In my last post in this series I discussed the value of coming to grips with whether there was meaning to life as a precursor to understanding the meaning of death. After all if there is meaning to life, it made sense that there was meaning to death. The experiences with death, shared in Part 2, served as data points that I stored in my Death folder while my focus was on understanding the meaning of life. Rather than recount these experiences, let me share the conclusions I made about death.

Feb 13, 202120:07
On Death, Part 5: A Point of View Beginning with Why We Are Here

On Death, Part 5: A Point of View Beginning with Why We Are Here

To understand death should begin with first addressing why are we here, specific to our life experience here on Earth. This is the subject of this podcast.

Feb 12, 202117:02
On Death, Part 4: The Upside of Accepting Death, The Cost of Not...

On Death, Part 4: The Upside of Accepting Death, The Cost of Not...

In my first post on this series, "We Are All Going to Die, So Let's Learn About It" I shared some of my early experiences with death, the fear I developed of death, along with the journey I started later in my life to learn more about death. In Part 2, I elaborated on these experiences and how they reshaped my understanding and view of death. Part 3 shared highlights of my time with Tom Sawyer, a near-death experiencer, which confirmed these new beliefs that there was indeed something to death. In this segment, we will consider the advantages of coming to grips with death as a part of life in contrast to the disadvantages of not. 

Feb 11, 202121:30
Consciousness, Part 5: The Need To Look Broader

Consciousness, Part 5: The Need To Look Broader

Where can one go to further understand the concept of consciousness? Science would be a primary source, particularly with all the advances in brain research (e.g. neuroscience). It would make sense that we begin a study here, since it would seem that consciousness would be a function of the brain. But is it? Let's examine what some on the fringe or discovering.

Jan 26, 202114:26
On Death, Part 3: Meeting Tom Sawyer

On Death, Part 3: Meeting Tom Sawyer

In this episode, I will devote the time to an encounter with a man who had died. And of course, his name had to be Tom Sawyer. So sit back and I hope you enjoy my own personal travels with Tom Sawyer as I would explore death and learn from someone who had a first hand account with this. It does not get any better than that!!

Jan 18, 202129:60
On Death, Part 2: How Life Taught Me

On Death, Part 2: How Life Taught Me

This post will focus on my own experiences and education related to death, integrating in several stories that provided me with more and more data points to help me form a new understanding of death not based on what someone told me, but the summation of my own research and experiences. No, it is not meant to be all about me, but instead using my own experiences as a guide and inspiration for others to take time to understand death and come to grips with their own mortality. 

Jan 14, 202127:21
Consciousness, Part 1: Why Care About Consciousness? A Series On What It Is and How To Cultivate This.

Consciousness, Part 1: Why Care About Consciousness? A Series On What It Is and How To Cultivate This.

What does consciousness really mean? This article focuses on one key aspect and benefit to learning how to be more conscious and aware of self. It uses a practical example and how the application of more conscious behavior can make a significant difference in our life.

Jan 14, 202115:27
On Death, Part 1: We Are All Going to Die, So Let's Learn About It

On Death, Part 1: We Are All Going to Die, So Let's Learn About It

Welcome to a series on death. Talk about an opening that would send most people out the door! I probably would have more interest in a discussion about murder or getting a root canal. So why talk about death? By studying death, we can form our own conclusion and beliefs. These can help us to grapple with our own mortality and more importantly, the importance of living our lives fully.

I was fortunate to have studied death and volunteer in roles that related to death. With an open mind, a willingness to let go of so much of the dogma I was taught to belief, and the courage to face my ultimate fear, I had educated myself about death. This combined with the numerous experiences I personally had would forever change my view and understanding of death. This is the value of coming to grips with the inevitable - our mortality.

Jan 06, 202115:05
Consciousness and Thought

Consciousness and Thought

For most of us our time is consumed by our thoughts that swirl around in our heads endlessly it seems. We are either in thought or sleeping. Consciousness is our ability to sideline our thoughts to connect with a higher source. What is the distinction between consciousness and thought? This podcast provides some definition and examples to help you recognize the contention between your physical self, thoughts and ability to connect with your consciousness

Dec 28, 202029:52
Consciousness, Part 4: The Theory of Everything

Consciousness, Part 4: The Theory of Everything

The culmination of my research and application of the nebulous concept known as Consciousness. It is indeed more powerful that I could have imagined. Humanity and science is on the verge of studying consciousness. It is indeed the new Theory of Everything. I hope you enjoy....

Dec 16, 202022:36
Consciousness, Part 3: Conscious Living

Consciousness, Part 3: Conscious Living

In Part 1 we provided an orientation towards consciousness and the key ingredients of stepping back, realizing you have choices, and then making the best choice through rational thought. In Part 2 we provided a basic example for how you can apply a more conscious approach to stressful situations. In this segment we will talk about making this a way of operating in your every day life, or conscious living.

Dec 09, 202016:41
Your Final Performance Appraisal

Your Final Performance Appraisal

But how do we measure our performance related to our life? For many, we have goals related to our career, finances, family, personal growth, and material acquisitions (e.g. home, car). Now zip ahead to the end of your life, and consider how you would evaluate your life. As a volunteer in hospice for many years, I realized that this period of time for those on their death bed, is largely about a reflection and evaluation of their life, along with saying their good-byes. Very often I would listen to their stories about their life, along with how they evaluated it. It was evident, those with a lot of regrets would struggle with dying, in contrast to those that felt good about how they lived their life.

Dec 08, 202009:41
Being Your Full Potential

Being Your Full Potential

This is what becoming our full potential is all about. A realization that with training, dedication, motivation, courage and practice, we can improve virtually every aspect of self. You want to be a great leader, great software engineer, great human being, great parent, spouse, YOU CAN!! We can indeed become our full potential. Let's hear a few examples of those who overcame obstacles to become who they wanted to be, to develop their full potential. 

Dec 08, 202015:07
Frameworks for Personal Growth and Self-Discovery, Part 1

Frameworks for Personal Growth and Self-Discovery, Part 1

I begin my personal growth talks and workshops with frameworks I developed based on years of research, understanding and applying personal growth and self-discovery techniques. The terms “personal growth” and “self-discovery” can mean many things to different people. These frameworks provided an easy-to-understand means of the stages involved, steps included, and goals for each. They have become a highlight of my talks, workshops and sessions. This podcast with use an analogy to describe the stages of personal growth, self-discovery, and enlightenment, and a brief understanding of the work associated with each stage. Part 2 will focus on a framework that describes the process of going within, and learning how to become more conscious of self and grow your self-awareness.

Dec 07, 202020:21
Personal Growth During Challenging Times_The Pandemic

Personal Growth During Challenging Times_The Pandemic

The reality for me and most others, if not all of humanity, during this time has been an emotional roller coaster ride. Feeling overwhelmed is characteristic of this, along with the range of emotions from fear, shock, denial, anger, sadness, depression and more. For the first time in recent history, every human being shares a common challenge, COVID-19. But it has not just been about a global pandemic, but about protests in many countries across the world, as a cry out for equality, along with unemployment for many, loss of loved ones, and significant changes and restrictions on our way of life. The ingredients of a major wake-up call for all of humanity!! A ripe opportunity for personal growth!

Dec 04, 202013:45
Consciousness_Part 2_Applying to Stressful Situations

Consciousness_Part 2_Applying to Stressful Situations

In our first podcase we spoke about consciousness as a tool to help one learn how to get into the now, to become fully conscious of self and aware of your surroundings and self (e.g. how you are feeling). In particular, this is helpful to stop and get a read on what is really going on with self, particularly in tense or stressful moments where we are prone to react. It is about learning to be proactive vs. reactive. For most of us, our actions are largely reactive. Someone pushes our button and we react. These are largely driven by past experiences and the beliefs we formed from these experiences, that are then programmed into our subconscious. We experience a similar situation and we repeatedly react in consistent ways forming behavioral patterns. Consciousness is learning how to become aware of your present self in order to become self-aware, and then to use this self-awareness to make a healthier and happier choice. In this podcast we learn how to apply simple techniques to help us deal more proactively with stressful situations.

Dec 04, 202021:31