This week on Musings From The Mount, we dive into a topic that affects us all: the impact of criticism versus kindness in our daily interactions.

We explore how our thoughts become "children of our minds with lives of their own," and the surprising ways criticism can function as a psychological poison - not just for others, but for ourselves. Michael shares wisdom from Roberto Assagioli on why we're drawn to criticize others, and we reflect on the strength required to choose kindness when society often mistakes it for weakness.

The conversation moves through practical ways to balance honesty with kindness, the difference between critique and criticism, and how mindfulness creates space for compassionate communication. We also examine how group dynamics are transformed when we shift from bonding through criticism to connecting through genuine appreciation.

If you've been wondering how to maintain civility in challenging times or how to break free from patterns of self-criticism, this episode offers thoughtful perspectives from both esoteric teachings and our personal experiences.

Meditation Mount and HeartLight Productions are pleased to present Musings from the Mount – a weekly podcast with host Joseph Carenza and guests in conversation exploring a range of topics drawn from the Ageless Wisdom teachings. New episodes every Monday.

If you enjoy this podcast, please consider donating at MeditationMount.org

What happens when we examine the American Dream through the lens of spiritual wisdom? In our latest episode, we explore how our collective understanding of happiness, success, and fulfillment has become distorted by what esoteric philosophy calls "glamours" - the emotional mists that cloud our perception of reality.

As we navigate the early days of 2025, with its rapid changes and challenges, we take a fresh look at the beliefs that have shaped our society. From the "glamour of personal ambition" to the notion that the self is the center of the universe (what's described as a "pre-Copernican mindset"), the conversation covers how these distortions affect everything from personal relationships to economic systems. Just as Copernicus revolutionized our understanding of the solar system, we may need a similar shift in consciousness to move from ego-centered to eco-centered living.

The discussion takes us through nine specific glamours identified in the teachings of Alice Bailey, offering practical insights for recognizing these distortions in ourselves. The episode suggests that true transformation begins when we "remove the mist" from our perception - not by pointing fingers at external institutions, but by addressing the distortions within our own consciousness. As they note in the conversation, "You can't blame anyone else" when it comes to seeing clearly.

We conclude by exploring what a society built on caring and sharing might look like, and how we might create what Martin Luther King called "beloved community" - a constellation of lives working together in harmony. This begins not with external restructuring but with entering "through the portal of the heart," allowing us to build a world that reflects our deeper values rather than our surface desires.

Meditation Mount and HeartLight Productions are pleased to present Musings from the Mount – a weekly podcast with host Joseph Carenza and guests in conversation exploring a range of topics drawn from the Ageless Wisdom teachings. New episodes every Monday.

If you enjoy this podcast, please consider donating at MeditationMount.org

In our latest "Ponder On This" episode, we continue our exploration of relinquishing, diving deeper into what it means to truly "let go" on the spiritual path. This practice creates space for authentic self-emergence, much like a snake shedding its old skin to make way for the new one already formed beneath.

Relinquishing isn't about denial or deprivation but rather about releasing what no longer serves our growth. The episode examines the three rules for disciples that the Tibetan offers, with special attention to the pride of mind – that tendency to believe our way is right and others are wrong. This pride of mind represents the most challenging aspect to surrender in our spiritual growth, as mental attachments often prove harder to release than physical possessions or emotional patterns.

The conversation explores how relinquishing applies to group work and spiritual communities. When we stand "shoulder to shoulder in the one work," differences naturally fade in importance. This shift from personality-based interaction to soul-based connection allows us to move beyond criticism and the need to control others, creating more authentic collaboration. The discussion touches on finding balance between firm principles and flexible responses – how to maintain core values while adapting to life's fluid nature.

The episode concludes with reflections on the spiritual path not as rigid adherence to texts or teachings, but as living the wisdom they contain. There's a poignant observation that "you could go back, but you don't belong there anymore" – highlighting how spiritual evolution naturally leads us to release what once seemed essential. We invite you to join us in exploring how to "let go and let love" in your own spiritual practice.

Meditation Mount and HeartLight Productions are pleased to present Musings from the Mount – a weekly podcast with host Joseph Carenza and guests in conversation exploring a range of topics drawn from the Ageless Wisdom teachings. New episodes every Monday.

If you enjoy this podcast, please consider donating at MeditationMount.org