"Walking through storms and sunshine, sharing what I learn along the way. <br/><br/><a href="https://weareaverb.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast">weareaverb.substack.com</a>
We Are a Verb Podcast
Claim This Podcastby Corey Feldman
2 episodes
Updated Weekly
Accepts GuestsHas Sponsors
Podcast Overview
"Walking through storms and sunshine, sharing what I learn along the way. <br/><br/><a href="https://weareaverb.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast">weareaverb.substack.com</a>
Language
🇺🇲
Publishing Since
11/13/2024
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Recent Episodes
November 20, 2024
Math: The Midnight Mind Hack
Author and anxiety expert, [Name], shares how simple math exercises can calm panic attacks by reengaging the logical prefrontal cortex and regulating the body's fight-or-flight response.
November 13, 2024
Be Like Water: The Strength in Flexibility
<p>It has been over a week since my<a target="_blank" href="https://weareaverb.substack.com/p/finding-my-way-forward"> last panic attack</a> helped changed my mindset. Since, I’ve been contemplating the true nature of strength and resilience. One image that consistently comes to mind is that of water—a gentle, flowing force that embodies profound strength through its flexibility. </p><p>Water moves around obstacles with ease, adapts to any shape, and persists with quiet determination. Scientifically, it’s fascinating how this seemingly soft substance can carve canyons, split rocks through the freeze-thaw cycle, and sustain life across the planet. A single drop might seem inconsequential, but over time, droplets can wear down even the hardest stone. This demonstrates that strength isn’t always about force; often, it’s about persistence, adaptability, and subtle influence.</p><p>This concept resonates across various spiritual traditions, highlighting the true strength found in flexibility and the nurturing aspects often associated with the feminine.</p><p>In <strong>Taoism</strong>, water is a central metaphor for the ideal way of being. Lao Tzu, in the <em>Tao Te Ching</em>, observes, “Nothing in the world is as soft and yielding as water, yet for dissolving the hard and inflexible, nothing can surpass it.” Water’s ability to flow around obstacles without losing its essence teaches us the value of humility and adaptability. By embracing softness and yielding to the natural course of things, we can overcome challenges that rigid force cannot. This philosophy emphasizes living in harmony with the Tao—the fundamental principle underlying the universe—which encourages us to be flexible, receptive, and in tune with the flow of life.</p><p>In <strong>Buddhism</strong>, water symbolizes the ever-changing nature of existence and the importance of going with the flow. The Buddha taught about impermanence (<em>Anicca</em>), emphasizing that all things are in constant flux. Just as a river continuously flows, never remaining the same, we are encouraged to embrace change and let go of attachments. Water’s capacity to take the shape of any container illustrates the Buddhist ideal of non-attachment and the ability to adapt to any situation with mindfulness and presence. By being flexible like water, we reduce our suffering and find peace amid life’s uncertainties.</p><p>In <strong>Christianity</strong>, water is a powerful symbol of purification, renewal, and spiritual sustenance. The act of <strong>baptism</strong> involves immersion in water, signifying the cleansing of sins and the beginning of a new life. Jesus refers to himself as the “living water” (John 4:10-14), offering spiritual nourishment that quenches the deepest thirsts of the soul. This living water flows freely, much like the adaptability we need to navigate life’s challenges. By embracing humility and openness, we allow this spiritual sustenance to renew and strengthen us, finding resilience through faith and flexibility.</p><p>In <strong>Judaism</strong>, a profound illustration of water’s persistent strength is found in the story of <strong>Rabbi Akiva</strong>. At forty years old, Rabbi Akiva was an uneducated shepherd who had not studied the Torah. One day, he stood by a well and noticed a stone with a hole carved through it. He asked, “Who hollowed out this stone?” People told him, “It is the water that constantly drips upon it every day.” Reflecting on this, Rabbi Akiva realized, “If soft water can penetrate hard rock, then surely the words of Torah, which are as strong as iron, can penetrate my heart of flesh and blood.” Inspired by the gentle yet persistent force of water, he resolved to study the Torah. Rabbi Akiva went on to become one of the greatest sages in Jewish history.</p><p>This story highlights the transformative power of perseverance and adaptability. The water, though soft, was able to carve through solid rock not by force, but through consistent, gentle action over time. Rabbi Akiva saw in this the potential for personal growth and change—that persistent effort, no matter how small, can overcome the hardest obstacles. This teaches us that embracing flexibility and steady dedication can lead to profound transformation.</p><p>These spiritual teachings collectively emphasize that true strength often lies in the ability to adapt and remain steadfast without rigidity. Water’s gentle persistence teaches us that flexibility can overcome obstacles that seem insurmountable. By being like water, we learn to navigate life’s challenges with grace, finding power in our ability to adjust and persevere.</p><p>Reflecting on my own experiences with anxiety, I’ve realized that resilience doesn’t always mean standing firm against the storm. Sometimes, it’s about allowing myself to move with the currents, to bend without breaking, and to find strength in adaptability. Just as water carves its path over time and Rabbi Akiva transformed himself through persistent effort, I can navigate my challenges by embracing flexibility and trusting in my capacity to grow.</p><p>In a world that often equates strength with rigidity, water offers a different lesson. Its power lies in its capacity to adapt, to flow around obstacles, and to persist gently yet relentlessly. By embodying the qualities of water, we can find the strength to overcome our struggles—not through force, but through resilience and a willingness to embrace change.</p><p>As I continue on this journey, I carry with me the understanding that embracing flexibility and nurturing my inner strength is key to true resilience. The wisdom found in nature and spiritual teachings affirms that softness is not weakness but a profound strength capable of overcoming great obstacles. Let us all strive to be like water, finding power in gentleness and courage in adaptability.</p><p></p> <br/><br/>Get full access to We Are a Verb at <a href="https://weareaverb.substack.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_4">weareaverb.substack.com/subscribe</a>
2 total episodes available
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