BUMPER RAILS
On this episode of The Karen Kenney Show, I dive into the concept of "bumper rails.”
You know, those metaphorical “guardrails” that keep us from going off track in life, kinda’ like the ones that help little kids bowl without constantly throwing gutter balls. 😆
Drawing from my own childhood memories of time spent at the local bowling alley, I explore how adults need their own grown-up version of bumper rails to stay on course in their own lives.
I break down what I call the "4 Ps" that can help us maintain our path: People, Practices, Principles, and Protocols!
The first P is about surrounding yourself with supportive individuals who know your goals and can gently remind and help you course correct you when you're veering off track.
Practices involve a DSP (Daily Spiritual Practice) and other routines like meditation, yoga, or whatever helps you stay connected to Self, Source, Spirit and your inner wisdom.
Principles are your core values - the lines you won't cross and the codes that keep you true to yourself.
The fourth P is about having protocols in place for when you do slip up. Because let's face it, we're human, we’re clumsy, and we're gonna’ make mistakes.
The key is having a plan in place, to get ourselves back on track, or make amends, and not get stuck in guilt, shame, or blame.
I also share a powerful passage from Mahatma Gandhi about staying on the path, even when in our clumsiness, we might stumble 1000 times.
Ultimately, this episode is about loving and respecting yourself enough to create intentional guardrails in your life.
It's about asking yourself: What do I have in place to keep me on my path?
Whether it's a spiritual community like The Nest, a meditation practice, or a set of personal principles, these bumper rails can help us navigate life and its challenges with more grace and purpose!
KK’S KEY TAKEAWAYS:
• Adults need "bumper rails" just like kids do in bowling - systems to keep us from going off track in life.
• The 4 Ps of staying on your path are: People, Practices, Principles, and Protocols.
• People: Surround yourself with supportive individuals who know your goals and can gently redirect you when needed.
• Practices: Develop a DSP (Daily Spiritual Practice) - like meditation, prayer, A Course in Miracles, yoga, or journaling that keeps you connected to your inner wisdom.
• Principles: Establish core values and a personal code that you won't compromise, even when tempted.
• Protocols: Create a solid plan for getting back on track when you inevitably slip or make mistakes.
• The ego mind is a little sketchy - it speaks first, loudest, and is often wrong.
• An undisciplined mind can accomplish nothing, so training your mind through consistent practices is crucial!
• Forgiveness and self-compassion are essential when you fall off your path.
• Always ask yourself: "What do I have in place to keep me on my path?"
• Slipping is part of being human - the goal is to get back up and continue moving forward with intention.
• The Nest: Spiritual Mentoring Group + Community 🪺
• The Quest: 1:1 Spiritual Mentoring ❤️
• My Tip Jar 🫙
KAREN KENNEY BIO:
Spiritual mentor and writer Karen Kenney uses humor and dynamic storytelling to bring a down-to-earth, no-BS perspective to self-development.
Bringing together tools that coach the conscious and unconscious mind, Karen helps clients deepen their connections with Self, and discover their unique understandings of spirituality.
Her practice combines neuroscience, subconscious reprogramming, Integrative Hypnosis, somatics, spiritual mentoring, and other holistic modalities to help regulate the nervous system, examine internal narratives, remove blocks, and reimagine what’s possible.
A passionate yoga teacher, long-time student of A Course in Miracles, and Gateless Writing instructor, Karen is a frequent speaker and retreat leader. Via her programs The Quest and The Nest, she coaches individuals and groups.
With The Karen Kenney Podcast, she encourages listeners to shift from a thought system of fear to one of love, compassion, and personal responsibility.
KAREN KENNEY LINKS:
WEBSITE: https://www.karenkenney.com/
GET MY EMAILS: https://www.karenkenney.com/signup
THE NEST: https://www.karenkenney.com/nest
THE QUEST: https://www.karenkenney.com/quest
TIPJAR: https://www.karenkenney.com/tipjar
WORK WITH ME: https://www.karenkenney.com/work-with-me
KK FREEBIE: https://www.karenkenney.com/freebie
FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/karenkenney.writer/
INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/karenkenneylive/
YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/@KarenKenney