RIDING THE WAVES
On this episode of The Karen Kenney Show, I'm diving into how life is kinda’ like riding waves in the ocean – unpredictable, sometimes rough, but also a little more manageable if you know how to navigate them.
I tell a story about a fun day at the beach with my sister, where we got tossed around by waves, and I realized that this is exactly how life works.
Sometimes you gotta’ go over the wave, sometimes you gotta’ go under, and sometimes you just get completely knocked on your ass - but the key is how you respond to what’s coming at you.
I also break down a favorite mindfulness practice called BRFWA (Breathe, Relax, Feel, Watch, Allow) that's basically a spiritual survival guide for handling life's crazy moments.
The big takeaway?
You can't control the waves (aka life and its challenges), but you can absolutely choose how you want to ride them.
I share some ocean-inspired wisdom - like not turning your back on challenges, swimming parallel to shore when you're feeling overwhelmed, and remembering to call for help when you need it!
It's about staying curious and compassionate, and not getting stuck in trying to control mode.
Whether you're dealing with a tough spot in your relationship, some work stress, or just the general “people be people-ing” of being human, this episode is your guide to staying buoyant and resilient.
I'm all about sharing practical tools to help you not just survive when you’re struggling or suffering, but to actually enjoy the ride - waves, wipeouts, and all!
So, I encourage you to give this sucker a listen and try BRFWA for yourself, and let's ride these life waves together! 🏄♀️
KK’S KEY TAKEAWAYS:
Life Happenings:
• You can't control the waves of life, but you can control your response.
• Suffering often comes from resisting what’s happening.
• Challenges in life are inevitable, but our approach is a choice.
• Fear often drives our need to want to control people and things.
BRFWA - Mindfulness Technique:
• Breathe deeply to help calm your nervous system.
• Relax your muscles, soften your grip, and release physical tension.
• Feel sensations without any judgment or resistance.
• Watch your experiences with compassionate awareness.
• Allow things to unfold without forcing or controlling outcomes.
Practical Ocean/Life Metaphors:
• Don't turn your back on challenges.
• Orient yourself to supportive people and practices.
• Swim parallel to shore when feeling overwhelmed.
• Call for help when you need support.
• Float and rest when you're exhausted.
Mindset Shifts:
• Respond from love, instead of reacting from fear.
• Practice curiosity over judgment.
• Develop non-judgmental self-awareness.
• Remember you are Love, regardless of circumstances.
• Use simple prayers like "Please Help Me" when struggling.
Emotional Resilience Tools:
• Meet difficult feelings with compassion.
• Create space for your emotions.
• Don't abandon yourself during tough times.
• Seek perspective beyond your immediate experience.
• Recognize that your true Self remains unchanged.
• 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