On this episode of The Karen Kenney Show, I talk about the difference between being an Illuminator and a Diminisher.

And why some people can make you feel seen, lit up, and welcome, while others can make you feel kinda' invisible.

I tell a story about some recent experiences of being in places with people I've known my whole life who never asked me a single question about myself. (WTF is up with that? 😆)

And how familiarity can breed contempt when folks decide who you are, stick you in a box, and never update their perspectives or systems.

I also talk about David Brooks' wonderful book How to Know a Person: The Art of Seeing Others Deeply and Being Deeply Seen.

We explore the qualities that he says keep Diminishers from truly seeing us (egotism, anxiety, naive realism, stereotyping, the static mindset)...

And the qualities that make Illuminators so magnetic - their tenderness, receptivity, active curiosity, affection, generosity, and a holistic attitude!

I also talk about the prayer of Saint Francis, my DSP (Daily Spiritual Practice), and why I think Mister Rogers and Ted Lasso are some go-to examples of being Illuminators who bring illumination! (David Brooks agrees 😉)

We’re also reminded of that line from A Course in Miracles that tells us: You are the light of the world! Double Amen Hands to that! 🙌

I believe that one of the greatest ways we show love is to pay attention - so my hope is that wherever you go - may your presence, your curiosity, and your illumination be a blessing! ❤️

KAREN KENNEY BIO:

Karen Kenney is a writer, speaker, podcaster, certified spiritual mentor, and coach.

She’s known for her dynamic storytelling, her sense of humor, her Boston accent, and her no-bullshit approach to spirituality, self-development, and transformational change work.

Karen helps people to navigate this whole “being human” experience with a variety of practical tools, personal stories, and universal principles.

KK has been a yoga teacher for 25+ years, and has been a Thai Yoga Massage practitioner since 2008.

She's also a Gateless Writing Instructor, the creator of WRITE CLUB, and the host of The Karen Kenney Show podcast.

She coaches clients individually in her 1:1 program THE QUEST and in her HEART-TO-HEART DAYS using Voxer.

CONNECT WITH KK:

📬 GET MY EMAILS: https://www.karenkenney.com/signup

📝 WRITE CLUB: https://www.karenkenney.com/writeclub

💆🏼 THAI YOGA BODYWORK: https://www.karenkenney.com/thaiyoga

🗡️ THE QUEST - 1:1 MENTORING: https://www.karenkenney.com/quest

❤️ HEART-TO-HEART COACHING DAY: https://www.karenkenney.com/hearttoheart

🫙 TIPJAR: https://www.karenkenney.com/tipjar

🆓 SPIRITUAL TEAM FREEBIE: https://www.karenkenney.com/freebie