The Awakening Woman

Episode

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  Coming Home to Desire 04.07.2026 21mnt

  You’re reading Towards Embodied Living — a Substack exploring what becomes possible when we stop abandoning ourselves in order to live, lead and create.So, I did a thing.Says almost every woman sheepishly as she announces something she’s done, is doing or has done with nervous trepidation.My thing was that I registered on a dating app.If anyone had told me even a few months ago that I would have done so, I would have vehemently shaken my head.I would have pulled out the holy oil that may or may not be lurking at the bottom of my bag as part of the toolkit (read: armoury) my mother brings with her when she comes to visit, and sprinkled it with gusto on the person who uttered such profanity, lol.But yeah, it was me, I did it.It was unexpected, and I’m learning a lot from the experience. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit florenceukpabiokwusogu.substack.com/subscribe
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  Who Am I Now? 20.06.2026 39mnt

  You’re reading Towards Embodied Living — a Substack exploring what becomes possible when we stop abandoning ourselves in order to live, lead and create.What happens when the things you’ve spent years nurturing no longer need you in the same way?In this episode, I speak with Ana Flores, founder, writer, community builder, and Substack host of Done With the Hustle and Her Wisdom Era.Ana shares her journey from building one of the largest communities for Latina women in the United States to making the difficult decision to let go of the company she spent fourteen years creating.Together, we explore identity, belonging, entrepreneurship, motherhood, and the hidden cost of building a life around being needed. We talk about cultural identity and assimilation, the reality behind the girlboss narrative, learning to trust life when everything feels uncertain, and the freedom that can emerge when we release what once defined us.This is a conversation about grief, reinvention, inner guidance, and returning to yourself.We hope you enjoy it.Florence U. xReflection Questions* What in your life are you currently holding onto because it needs you, rather than because it is still true for you?* Is there a role, responsibility, identity, or expectation that once fit but no longer reflects who you are becoming?* Who are you when you stop living for what needs you?I’d love to hear from you in the comments. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit florenceukpabiokwusogu.substack.com/subscribe
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  Returning to Yourself: Spirituality Without Escaping Life 23.05.2026 50mnt

  You’re reading Towards Embodied Living — a Substack exploring what becomes possible when we stop abandoning ourselves in order to live, lead and create.What does spirituality look like when your life is actually happening — when there are children, noise, cities, and real stakes?In this episode, I speak with Jennifer Cerero, creator of The Spiritual Lounge, about practical, embodied spirituality for women who refuse to choose between depth and full aliveness.Jen has lived across nine countries, practised Buddhism for over a decade, and spent years in the manifestation world before finding her way back to something more honest.Together, we explore the aesthetics of subversion, the God Jen actually believes in, why New Age spirituality can become another way of outsourcing responsibility, and what silence makes possible that nothing else can.A conversation about inner authority, self-contact, surrender, and what it means to be both spiritual and fully, unapologetically human.We hope you enjoy it.Florence U. xReflection Questions* What does your spirituality look like when your real life is happening?* Where in your life are you currently looking outside yourself for permission, direction or validation — and what might change if you trusted your own knowing instead?I’d love to hear from you in the comments.About Jennifer CereroJennifer Cerero is an actress, writer, filmmaker and creator of The Spiritual Lounge — a Substack publication and community for people who are serious about their spiritual path and equally serious about their real, full, complicated lives. Born in Colombia and shaped by nearly a decade of living across nine countries, Jen writes and creates from her own journey: peeling back layers, questioning inherited beliefs, and finding what it actually means to trust yourself. She is working on her first book.Hi, I’m Florence — mother, writer and creatrix exploring what it means to live, create and lead from increasing coherence rather than self-abandonment.Through my writing, podcast, 1:1 threshold work, Human-Centred Experience Design and the Embodied Living Circle, I create spaces that invite honesty, embodiment and deeper self-trust.My work supports women returning to themselves through lived experience — learning to trust what they notice, remain in relationship with themselves while becoming, and create from a place that feels inhabitable from the inside.Alongside threshold support for women navigating visibility, transition and identity shifts, I also support women in creating containers, learning spaces and experiences that feel like an extension of who they actually are.If something in this work resonates deeply, you’re welcome to explore my Work With Me page or reach out directly. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit florenceukpabiokwusogu.substack.com/subscribe
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  And You 06.05.2026 2mnt

  What comes through when the mind finds nothing to do but notice?A poem noticing connectivity with voice-over.For the original post, visit:https://florenceukpabiokwusogu.substack.com/p/and-you-poem-noticing-connectivityA bit about me...Hi, I’m Florence. Mother, writer, voice and visibility midwife, and Embodied Experience Designer for women returning to themselves and their creative expression. I work with women—particularly mothers—who sense there is more truth, more life, and more of their voice waiting to be lived and expressed.Through my writing, podcast, 1:1 Threshold support, and the Embodied Living Circle, I hold spaces that invite honesty, embodiment, and self-trust—so women can move at the speed of their own truth and create from a place that feels more deeply aligned.You can visit my Work With Me page or message me directly to explore alignment. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit florenceukpabiokwusogu.substack.com/subscribe
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  The Reluctant Capitalist: Women, Wealth & Responsibility 18.04.2026 31mnt

  Back in February, I had the pleasure of interviewing business coach and author Marisa Guthrie for the first episode of Season Two of The Awakening Woman Podcast.Marisa describes herself as a “reluctant capitalist” — someone who recognises the realities of the economic systems we live within while also questioning the extractive values they often promote. Her work explores the complex relationship between women, wealth and capitalism, and in this episode, we talk through the tension many purpose-led women feel between profit and purpose, and what it might look like to build wealth without replicating systems of harm.This conversation touches on themes of responsibility, sovereignty, burnout and the ways women are often conditioned to extract from themselves in order to succeed.We also explore how alternative approaches — rooted in community, ecosystems and collaboration — might offer a different path forward.This is a rich and reflective conversation about the deeper questions surrounding money, work and what it means to create sustainable change in the world.In This Episode We Speak About:* Why many women feel conflicted about wealth and profit* The concept of “self-extraction” and why it leads to burnout* How capitalism shapes the way we think about success and work* The myth of bootstrapping and the power of networks and relationships* Why building wealth comes with responsibility* The importance of caring for ourselves before trying to change the world* Rethinking individual success through an ecosystem lensJust below, you’ll find a handy crib sheet of the key people, terms and ideas mentioned in this episode (thanks, Claude).About Marisa GuthrieMarisa Guthrie is a business coach and author of The Reluctant Capitalist.With over 30 years at the sharp edge of ethical enterprise as a serial founder, CEO, Managing Director of a cross-party think tank, and advisor to an All-Party Parliamentary Group on micro business, she has seen what purpose-driven business looks like when it works, and when it quietly collapses under the weight of a misaligned model.She now supports solo and micro entrepreneurs in navigating the space between profit and purpose as they build businesses aligned with their values.She brings a systemic lens to business, helping them generate wealth ethically and sustainably without replicating the extractive patterns often embedded in modern entrepreneurship.You can find Marisa on Substack.The Reluctant Capitalist Book and October SummitMarisa will be hosting her Make Money, Make Change summit in October, which will go deeper into the ideas behind the book, in conversation with others who are also building differently. Marisa is offering a free summit ticket to those who purchase a copy of her book. You can find the full details for the book and the summit on Marisa’s Substack.About The Awakening Woman PodcastThe Awakening Woman Podcast is a monthly podcast focusing on what it means for women to live, create and build in deeper alignment with themselves and the world around them.Through conversations with writers, thinkers and practitioners, we will explore themes of:* embodiment, healing and spirituality* systems and society* creativity and sovereignty* wealth, work and liberationIf something in this conversation resonates with you, I’d love to hear from you.You can join the conversation by sharing your reflections in the comments.A bit about me...Hi, I’m Florence. Mother, writer, and voice and visibility midwife for women returning to themselves and their creative expression. I work with women—particularly mothers—who sense there is more truth, more life, and more of their voice waiting to be lived and expressed.Through my writing, podcast, 1:1 Threshold support, and the Embodied Living Circle, I hold spaces that invite honesty, embodiment, and self-trust—so women can move at the speed of their own truth and create from a place that feels deeply aligned.For women ready to birth their medicine into the world, I offer Creatrix-level support rooted in psychology-informed learning and content design—supporting embodied transformation and work that creates lasting, meaningful impact.Visit my Work With Me page or message me directly to explore alignment. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit florenceukpabiokwusogu.substack.com/subscribe
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  The Rising of the Creatrix (Finale) 17.08.2025 40mnt

  The Rising of the Creatrix — the final episode of The Awakening Woman: Ready to Thrive.After seven episodes of truth-telling and system-calling, we arrive here: the moment of rising. This isn’t about self-care tweaks or better boundaries for the same broken arena. It’s about walking out of the arena altogether and birthing something new — success on your terms, rooted in truth, frequency, and soul.We talk about voice, resonance, AI as an accomplice, and why waiting is over. The time to rise is now.🎧 Listen in + enter the giveaway to win a spot in one of my sacred containers: The Awakening Path or Creatrix Rising. Visit my Substack, Towards Embodied Living, for more details. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit florenceukpabiokwusogu.substack.com/subscribe
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  EP07: Success Isn't Neutral - The Truth About Awakening as a Black Woman 09.08.2025 44mnt

  What if success wasn’t something to chase — something you were never meant to inherit?In this raw, revelatory episode, I share the truth behind what it really means to awaken and succeed as a Black woman in systems never built for us. This is my most personal transmission yet — a reflection shaped by my recent fall, my daughter’s terrified eyes, and the deeper fire that has been rising in me ever since.We talk about:🔥 The pain, grief and bloodiness of real transformation (not just the buzzword kind)🪨 Why success is not neutral — and what we must leave behind to redefine it🧬 How religious colonisation shapes generational trauma and keeps Black women stuck🌀 Moving mountains as a lived daily reality — not a metaphor🌸 What it really means to mother a liberated lineage⚡ Reclaiming power as a post-Christian woman who is done waiting for salvationThis episode is a sacred call — to anyone holding the vision for a life beyond silence, obedience, and survival. If you’ve been feeling the stirrings of your own awakening and you’re ready to move your own mountains… this one is for you.🎧 Listen in + enter the giveaway to win a spot in one of my sacred containers: The Awakening Path or Creatrix Rising. Visit my Substack, Towards Embodied Living, for more details. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit florenceukpabiokwusogu.substack.com/subscribe
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  EP06: Joy Is a Revolutionary Frequency 02.08.2025 56mnt

  What if joy wasn’t a luxury — but a lifeline?In this soul-nourishing episode, I’m joined by intuitive coach, speaker, and joy weaver AJ Smit, whose vibrant presence and lived wisdom light up every corner of this conversation. Together, we explore what it really means to awaken — not just spiritually, but viscerally, relationally, and creatively.We talk about:✨ How joy becomes a sacred signal on the awakening path🌊 What it means to deconstruct your faith and still stay spiritually rooted🌿 The quiet “hum” that calls you toward more — even when life looks good on the outside🔥 Reclaiming beauty, visibility, and self-expression as a form of liberation🌀 Why awakening can feel lonely — and how to find women walking the same path🌈 The nervous system realities of expansion, embodiment, and soul-level permissionAJ brings honesty, laughter, and depth to this conversation — and reminds us that awakening isn’t always clean, but it is always sacred.🎧 Listen in + enter the giveaway to win a spot in one of my sacred containers: The Awakening Path or Creatrix Rising.Aj Smit is an intuitive energy worker, speaker, henna artist, and the author of the book Red Thread: Weaving an Embodied Life of Joy. She is a hot chocolate connoisseur, a glitter enthusiast, and a military spouse in Mississippi, with two pups and a plethora of houseplants. Aj has led various Red Tents, retreats, and workshops internationally over the last 15 years to help others discover how to weave creativity, joy, and wonder into their lives. You can find her on Facebook and Instagram at @TheJoyWeaver and on her website, The Joy Weaver.Visit my Substack, Towards Embodied Living for more details This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit florenceukpabiokwusogu.substack.com/subscribe
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  Ep5: For You, By You, Because of You 19.07.2025 47mnt

  What if midlife wasn’t a crisis — but a calling?In this heart-opening episode, I’m joined by educator, speaker, and midlife mentor Denise Drinkwalter, who brings over 30 years of lived and professional wisdom to the conversation. Together, we explore what it means to stop waiting for permission and finally choose yourself — not just in theory, but in practice.We talk about:Why women feel rage in midlife (and how to honour it)The invisible labour of motherhood and caregivingThe power of embodied decisions: “for you, by you, because of you”Redefining happiness beyond external approvalHow to model joy and sovereignty for the next generationDenise’s energy is warm, wise, and radically empowering — and this episode is an invitation to re-meet yourself with grace, softness, and truth.🎧 Listen in + enter the giveaway to win a spot in one of my sacred containers: The Awakening Path or Creatrix Rising.Visit my Substack, Towards Embodied Living for more details This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit florenceukpabiokwusogu.substack.com/subscribe
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  EP04: Women Are The Medicine 12.07.2025 57mnt

  What does it mean to awaken — not just spiritually, but politically, emotionally, and bodily?In this bold and unfiltered conversation, I sit down with Rachel and Nasreen, the co-creators of Women Are the Medicine, to explore what happens when women begin to listen to the wisdom of their bodies and refuse to keep playing by the rules of systems that were never made for us.Together, we talk about:Awakening from patriarchy, burnout, and people-pleasingLearning to trust the body — cycles, triggers, truth-tellingPlant medicine, nervous system healing, and soul-aligned riskRebellion, rupture, and returning to joyThe vision for a new way of living, loving, and leadingThis is the kind of conversation that moves like fire and lands like medicine.✨ For the woman who knows: she is no longer available for self-abandonment.🎧 Listen in + enter the giveaway to win a spot in one of my sacred containers: The Awakening Path or Creatrix Rising.(More details on episode page show notes) This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit florenceukpabiokwusogu.substack.com/subscribe
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  EP03: Choosing Yourself Is the Most Radical Act with Marcy Neumann 05.07.2025 50mnt

  What happens when a woman finally steps across the threshold of self-abandonment… and chooses herself?In this rich and resonant conversation, I’m joined by writer, healing coach, and creative force Marcy Neumann — who brings more than 50 years of hard-won wisdom to the table.Together, we explore what it truly means to cross the sacred threshold into self-love, especially after years (or decades) of people-pleasing, performing strength, and putting others first.Marcy shares with honesty and grace:The difference between self-care and true self-loveHow our bodies signal when we’ve been betraying our truthWhat it means to mother without martyrdomWhy courage doesn’t always feel brave, but always leads us homeWhether you’re navigating your own turning point, or simply longing for deeper alignment, this episode is an invitation to remember that you are allowed to choose you.Crossing that threshold is not selfish — it’s sacred.🎧 Listen + enter the giveaway to win a spot in one of my two sacred containers: The Awakening Path or Creatrix Rising(Link in show notes and comments)About Today's GuestMarcy Neumann is a spiritual guide, self-love coach, author, and founder of Self Love University. With 50+ years of experience as a nurse, hypnotherapist, and energy specialist, Marcy helps people unlock healing and fulfilment through her HeartShifting process. Learn more at selfloveuniversity.com. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit florenceukpabiokwusogu.substack.com/subscribe
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  EP02: What It Means to Be an Awakening Woman 28.06.2025 50mnt

  What does it mean to be an Awakening Woman?Beyond spiritual performance and self-optimisation — a return to truth, wholeness, and embodied power.In this episode, Florence unpacks the dominant definitions of “awakening” in both spiritual and personal development spaces — and offers a powerful alternative: awakening as embodiment, not escape. Through tender truth-telling and fierce clarity, she invites women to reclaim their voice, honour their nervous system, and create from soul.🎧 Listen now + enter the giveaway via the show notes. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit florenceukpabiokwusogu.substack.com/subscribe
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  EP01: The Awakening Woman Podcast is Here 21.06.2025 41mnt

  In this opening episode of The Awakening Woman: Ready to Thrive, Florence Ukpabi invites you into the sacred space between burnout and rebirth — the threshold. This isn’t just another self-help show; it’s a call to remember your truth, reclaim your rhythm, and begin again.We explore:Why burnout isn’t failure — it’s a sacred signalHow systems of performance and extraction disconnect us from our essenceThe deeper invitation of COVID, AI, and motherhoodWhat it means to trust your inner knowing and choose life on your termsWhether you’re a mother, a seeker, or a woman rising from exhaustion, you’re not alone. Giveaway details + full resources in Substack post This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit florenceukpabiokwusogu.substack.com/subscribe
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  EP15 Faith Revisited (Final Episode) 17.03.2024 46mnt

  Welcome, welcome to the final episode of Becoming YOU Beyond Deconstruction. Now that I’m into the third year of sharing my deconstruction and deconditioning journey here, I thought that going back and revisiting the idea of faith and how my understanding of faith has shifted and changed would be a nice way to bring things to a close.I actually started drafting my thoughts for this episode back in January, it’s taken me this long to put them together and feel in the place where I can share it.I am excited to do so today.This episode gets a little emotional and raw at times, but it’s not surprising as I not only share some of the shifts and changes that I have been experiencing and how they have informed my understanding of faith, trust, spirituality and life but also where this is taking me next.I hope you enjoy listening to this episode and I also want to say a huge thank you for being a part of this podcasting journey with me. I hope you will continue joining me as I share written posts via Substack.NB. After recording the episode I realised that the audio wasn’t the greatest but it still is fine to listen to, it was such an honest and raw episode that I knew I didn’t want to record it again even if it doesn’t sound 100% perfect.Lastly, I have a favour to ask, I would love for you to consider leaving a comment or if not liking or sharing this post. Much LoveFlorence O. xPosts and Episodes Mentioned* EP14 Exploring Embodiment* EP10 God Who are You* Second Awakening* Letting Go of Toxic FaithAwakening CoachingYou can also find out about working with me through Coaching and Guidance Support here. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit florenceukpabiokwusogu.substack.com/subscribe
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  EP14 Exploring Embodiment with Laura Lewis 10.12.2023 58mnt

  Welcome back to another episode of "Becoming YOU Beyond Deconstruction". In this episode, I had a conversation with Laura Lewis, a Substack writer, author, and creator of "The Whole Woman Oracle Deck and Guidebook" on embodiment. This is a topic that I feel very strongly about. Even though working somatically is becoming more popular, it doesn't necessarily equate to what embodiment is. Laura and I allowed our conversation to take its path. We explored the idea of embodiment, our experiences of it, the challenges and joys of it, and how it can help support our individual and collective healing. Laura candidly shared her realisation of how New Age spirituality stopped her from living as an embodied, responsive human being, how she stumbled upon Psilocybin (magic mushrooms) and how this, in turn, enabled her to develop a deeper relationship with her body.Please take a moment to listen, like and share this post. Comments are open as usual for podcast episodes, I would love to read (hear) your thoughts on this topic.Meet LauraLaura, a mother of three beautifully wild children, describes herself in her own words as being a woman filled with an undying devotion to her own becoming. Searching for the muse in every stolen moment, her writing has been an avenue for weaving her own meaning into the world, enabling her formerly starved soul to grow satiated once again.Her fondest wish is that her words might offer some sustenance to those women who are still hungry and howling for more.You can meet with and connect with Laura on either one of her Substack publications:* The Whole Woman* An Ode to DevotionYou can also order The Whole Woman Oracle Deck and Guidebook at special pricing for the Christmas season by clicking the image below. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit florenceukpabiokwusogu.substack.com/subscribe
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  EP13 Finding Sovereignty Within: A Journey of Courage with Ronna Detrick 05.11.2023 53mnt

  Welcome back to Becoming YOU Beyond Deconstruction and a deep, reflective, and empowering conversation with my episode guest Ronna Detrick. After leaving a faith she had grown up with and a 20-year marriage to a pastor she took with her the stories of women yearning to be seen, heard, and honoured apart from doctrine and dogma. Ronna's journey is a testament to the courage required to step away from the familiar and confront questions that challenge the very foundations of our identity, in particular as women.In this conversation, we delve into the intricate process of unravelling beliefs and external definitions of self-worth and embracing the profound sovereignty that lies within. We examine the subtle and not-so-subtle ways Patriarchy has shaped us touching on aspects of feminism, feminist theology, and the power of storytelling in reshaping the narrative of women's lives. Ronna graciously shares her wisdom, depth of understanding and her journey of courageously stepping away from the confines of patriarchal norms towards the sovereign woman who has always longed to exist. I hope you enjoy the episode.Meet RonnaRonna Detrick embarked on a transformative journey two decades ago when she left the confines of the church, taking with her the stories of women yearning to be seen, heard, and honoured apart from doctrine and dogma. Her inspiring career has spanned human resources, executive leadership, coaching, and spiritual direction, all while advocating for the empowerment of women.With a strong background in feminist theology, Ronna's insights illuminate the intersection of spirituality, psychology, and life lessons, resonating with those navigating deconstruction and personal growth. Her courageous step away from patriarchal norms exemplifies the power of authenticity and self-discovery.Ronna is also the author of "Rewriting Eve: Rescuing Women's Stories from the Bible and Reclaiming Them as Our Own." which can be purchased in all good online bookstores including Amazon UK and the US*.You can connect with Ronna on her website or her Substack Rewriting with Ronna Detrick.*Affiliate links This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit florenceukpabiokwusogu.substack.com/subscribe
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  EP12 Why I'm NOT Deconstructing as a Woman of Black African Origin 20.08.2023 20mnt

  Welcome back to another episode of Becoming YOU Beyond Deconstruction. A few months back, I was invited to share my experience of deconstructing Christianity as a Black British Woman. Though the post was never published, I have been wanting to share it as a podcast episode so here it is.Please note that I talk about some topics that may be difficult or triggering such as inherent racism, slavery and colonisation. I feel like these things need to be said at the very least because they have impacted my own “deconstruction” journey but also knowing that they continue to impact the lives of others like me.Comments are open here for you to share your thoughts and reflections, however, if you do choose to leave a comment, please be mindful of the above.Mentioned in this EpisodeNot Everyone Who Deconstructs is AmericanThank you!I truly appreciate you being a loyal subscriber to this publication. Your support matters, please consider becoming a paid subscriber or leaving a pledge. You can also show your support by buying me a Coffee, sharing with friends or leaving a review on iTunes, Spotify or wherever you listen to the podcast.Florence O. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit florenceukpabiokwusogu.substack.com/subscribe
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  EP11 Answering the Big Life Question, Why Are We Here? 02.07.2023 38mnt

  Answering some of life’s biggest questions for yourself is a big part of the work of Becoming YOU beyond Deconstruction. It’s about rediscovering what you truly believe and think, who you really are beyond the conditioning and norms that you previously accepted.Join me in today’s episode as I explore probably one of the biggest questions we can ask ourselves - why am I/you/we here on this planet?It’s highly likely that your why to date has been wrapped up in social, cultural and religious expectations, from a deconstructing perspective, how much of your why and sense of purpose revolved around the business of your and others’ salvation?But maybe all this has done is obscure your most authentic WHY.So today I am reflecting on my journey of answering this question, what has come out for me:* Why do I believe I am here?* What is humanity’s purpose/role on this planet?* What are things that stop us from embracing our Why?* How this exploration has challenged, triggered and is recreating me.It’s another deep reflection, where I talk about lots of things from human evolution to the ego and with some astrology thrown in lol.Comments are open here for you to share your thoughts and reflections.Mentioned in this EpisodeJas over at here is her post on exploring Chiron placements.You may also be interested in some previous posts that touch on similar themes:* The Life Purpose Question* The Pregnant Feminine* A Different Take on Worshipping in Spirit and in Truth* The Ego Isn’t Your EnemyEnjoy!Thank you!I truly appreciate you being a loyal subscriber to this publication. Please consider becoming a paid subscriber of Unfolding or leaving a pledge. You can also show your support by buying me a Coffee, sharing with friends or leaving a review on iTunes, Spotify or wherever you listen to the podcast.Comments are open on this post, so feel free to share your thoughts and reflections.Florence xoxo This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit florenceukpabiokwusogu.substack.com/subscribe
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  EP10 From God, Where are You to God, Who are You 07.05.2023 37mnt

  It’s been a while since my last podcast episode and one of the reasons why, which I also wrote about previously is the realisation that I need more space around this journey of Becoming. Life can be unpredictable and challenging, and on top of that when you are doing the healing work of returning to authenticity, old wounds and unanswered questions resurface along the way all requiring gentleness, time and space.This podcast episode explores the issue of how to live in a world where pain and sorrow exist, how God can fit into this picture now my beliefs have changed and how this influences and impacts WHO I am being and HOW I live and can thrive despite it all.If you've ever felt let down by God during dark times, feel like you can no longer trust God or even questioned the existence of the Divine due to the presence of suffering in the world…If you have ever struggled to find hope or light again in the midst of pain and wondered, God, where are you? It’s OK, you are not alone.In this episode, I share what has helped me navigate all of the above and more and how this has allowed me to heal some of my own God and faith wounds and make room to create an image of God that brings me hope, comfort and peace.Mentioned in this EpisodeGod as MotherGod as ThoughtGreater Works than TheseThe Dangers of Second Coming TheologyYou may also be interested in these recent posts:* Difference between Spiritual and Religious Practice* Faith as a FeelingThank you!I truly appreciate you being a loyal subscriber to this publication. It’s definitely not always easy to share such an intimate personal journey of reconstruction. If you do receive value from being here, please take a moment to review the podcast on iTunes or you can pledge support to the publication, become a paid subscriber or even Buy me a Coffee.Until next time, comments are open. I would love to hear from you. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit florenceukpabiokwusogu.substack.com/subscribe
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  EP09 Reclaiming your Identity and Living with Congruence with Joanna Oliver 05.03.2023 55mnt

  Today I am sharing a beautifully organic and rich conversation I recorded with my dear friend Joanna Oliver last year. I didn’t think it would make it because the recording quality was so bad (I’ve learnt my lesson) even the professional that I reached out to couldn’t help me but I think I’ve done a good job of cleaning it up over the last couple of days. The focus of this conversation is on Identity and reclaiming our identity, deciding for ourselves who we are and who we want to be in the face of others’ desires, projections, beliefs and expectations. Jo does a great job of exploring the intricacies and nuances of this using her lived experience as a black woman of mixed parenting as she unfolds, delayers, questions and comes back to who she is beyond conditioning, religion and race.The timestamps below are prior to me adding the intro so are off by about 30 seconds but it gives you a good indicator of how fantastic the conversation is/was:5:08 - The origin of conditioning as it relates to understanding and shaping our identity. Identity formation as projections, assimilation and core essence12:34 - Navigating when other people struggle to accept how you see yourself18:00 - The Ego’s role in regulating and strengthening our identity vs the popular notion that the ego is bad23:30 - Learning to be reflexive as a way to counteract reactivity 25:00 - Creating space to BE by reconnecting to the rhythms of Life 33:00 - “Are you still a Christian?” and when people try to protect/warn you from alternative spiritual pathways39:30 - Becoming Sick of yourself as a turning point towards congruence40:10 - Being Courageous when it comes to walking out your Deconstruction/Deconditioning JourneyThank you!A special thank you to everyone who has left a review on the podcast on iTunes, can see them in the backend but they will not be publically viewable until a certain number of reviews are received. If you enjoy the pod but haven’t yet left a review, please do so - simply head over to iTunes.Other ways you can show appreciation and support for the work is to Buy me a Coffee, leave a pledge to support this publication or become a paid subscriber and lastly don’t forget to share on your social media profiles.PS. You can also find me hanging out on Instagram trying to make this whole marketing thing work - so seriously, help me out and share the love. K!About JoannaA mum to three children, Joanna Oliver has a diverse professional background, including within universities, charities, social care and therapeutic communities. Having left school aged fifteen and qualifying as a Youth Worker, BA (Hons) in Advertising, Media and Marketing, Masters in Therapeutic Child Care, Masters in Education and Post Graduate qualification in Professional Supervision, Joanna’s work involves empowerment, enablement and promoting personal and social agency.Joanna’s academic career led to giving talks at university conferences, including in Milan, Padua, Thessaloniki, Seville and the UK, a doctoral study related to collaborative working between statutory and independent sectors and a current doctoral study, related to experiences of black young men who are autistic, within the criminal justice system. In her various roles, Joanna undertakes ghost-writing, proofreading and editing books/copy/social media, delivers training, professional supervision and mentoring, mainly related to personal/professional growth and development, including in equality, diversity and inclusion and writing funding bids. Joanna has recently set up a community interest company, ‘Chameleon Collaborative’, which consolidates her professional expertise, to provide services for the good of individuals and community organisations.Contact Joanna by Email - [email protected] Websites - www.consultachameleon.com • www.consultachameleon.co.ukSearch Joanna Oliver – for Facebook and LinkedIn (and check pages/groups)Search Consultachameleon – for Instagram and YouTube This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit florenceukpabiokwusogu.substack.com/subscribe