• What's Normal?
    Nov 22 2024

    Find me on most socials @curateandupgrade

    Get your Human Design Chart: https://www.curateandupgrade.ca/resources

    Do You Identify as Normal? The Concept of Normalcy

    Do you identify as normal? This is an intriguing question, especially in a world where the idea of normalcy is often discussed. With so many people on this planet, it can be challenging to pinpoint where the meter stick of normal truly lies. What is normal for one person can be distinctly different for another. Each of us has our own specific guidelines of what we believe constitutes normal.

    The Origins of Normal

    The idea of normal often stems from societal, cultural, and community guidelines. These frameworks can provide a sense of comfort and belonging. However, when the concept of normalcy becomes rigid, it can limit our experiences. Being labeled as "abnormal" can carry a negative connotation, leading many to shy away from anything that deviates from the norm. But what if being abnormal is something to embrace?

    The Limits of Normal

    Consider the limits that normalcy imposes. For instance, is it normal to sing a tune to yourself while walking down the street? What stops you from expressing that joy? Many of us experience melodies repeating in our heads, and it can feel torturous to suppress that urge to sing. This raises the question: what boundaries are we placing on ourselves?

    Exploring Your Boundaries

    Take a moment to reflect on your own limits. Look around your physical space. If you’re indoors, you might see four walls that can feel confining. This is why stepping outside, going for a walk, or simply touching grass can be refreshing. When you look up at the sky, consider the vastness beyond the clouds. The universe seems limitless, and yet we often confine ourselves to narrow definitions of normal.

    Internal vs. External Limits

    Now, think about your internal limits. Where do you end? This is a complex question, as it involves reflecting on your life experiences. Depending on your age, this could take years to explore. Even after delving into your past, you are still living and growing, which means your limits are continually evolving.

    The Illusion of Normal

    The concept of normal can become an illusion that binds us. Many of us fear stepping outside of it, believing it could lead to danger. While there may have been times when this was true, in many parts of the world today, we are generally safe. If you have the luxury to sit and listen to this, you are in a privileged position.

    Acknowledging Existence

    When we label things as abnormal, we often overlook their existence. Everything that happens is part of the natural world. If you are listening to this, you exist, and your existence is valid. Recognizing your uniqueness can be challenging, but it is essential.

    The Role of Science

    Science attempts to define normal through averages, but this can wash away individual uniqueness. While science provides valuable insights, it is also about observation and exploration. Your personal experiences are valid and should be acknowledged.

    Embracing Your Uniqueness

    You come into this world with a unique set of gifts and a distinct way of navigating life. Human design can serve as a blueprint, offering insights into your purpose and potential. Understanding your design does not mean your destiny is fixed; you have the free will to make choices that align with or diverge from it.

    Conclusion: Reconsidering Normal

    As you reflect on your understanding of normal, consider the possibility that human design can reveal deep insights about your individuality. You are here to exist in your own light, and embracing your uniqueness can lead to a more fulfilling life. Take a moment to reconsider your idea of normal and where it originated.

    Show More Show Less
    13 mins
  • Mind Memes: Navigating Your Inner Internet
    Jul 18 2024

    Audio recording of a workshop on the mind, delivered to The Gavel Club. Discover the 3 questions to ask yourself to focus on Appreciation and an overview of the words to listen for to change your life.

    Show More Show Less
    57 mins
  • The Conscious Mind: How to Use It Effectively for Improved Mental Health
    Feb 20 2023

    That internal dialogue in your head that is always narrating, debating, and deliberating your day to day life is the part of the mind that we are aware of. Because it is the most visible part of our mind, we often attribute our successes and failures to it. While this is not completely inaccurate, it is not the full picture either. In the second part of this series examining a practical model of the mind, let’s get acquainted with the conscious mind, how you might be using it wrong, and how you can use it better.

    Find the Companion Blog Post here: https://curateandupgrade.ca/the-conscious-mind-how-to-use-it-effectively-for-improved-mental-health

    Find Jon at https://curateandupgrade.ca

    Contact Jon at jon@curateandupgrade.ca

    Subscribe to the podcast and follow @curateandupgrade on Facebook, YouTube, Instagram!

    Show More Show Less
    12 mins
  • The Human Mind: An Introduction to a Practical Model
    Feb 13 2023

    Every day, we take actions that affect the world around us and these actions originate with thoughts and decisions that start in our minds. Fully understanding the mind can seem like a complicated undertaking, but to know how the mind works in a practical way that can enhance your day-to-day life can be rather simple. I will present to you a simple model that we will explore in depth in this series on the human mind.

    Find the Companion Blog Post here: https://www.curateandupgrade.ca/the-human-mind-an-introduction-to-a-practical-model/

    Find Jon at https://curateandupgrade.ca

    Contact Jon at jon@curateandupgrade.ca

    Subscribe to the podcast and follow @curateandupgrade on Facebook, YouTube, Instagram!

    Show More Show Less
    10 mins
  • Sitting - An Alternate Take on Mindfulness and Meditation
    Feb 6 2023

    Here's an easy way to start introducing a daily practice into your life. Easy. Low pressure. Anyone can do this. Learn this simple method to opening that doorway to inner peace.

    Find Jon at https://curateandupgrade.ca

    Contact Jon at jon@curateandupgrade.ca

    Subscribe to the podcast and follow @curateandupgrade on Facebook, YouTube, Instagram!

    Show More Show Less
    17 mins
  • Freedom Through Hypnosis with Craig Mackay
    Jan 30 2023

    How do you find freedom through hypnosis? Craig Mackay has the answer!

    In this episode, Craig will shares his passion for hypnosis and provides new perspectives for looking at old problems.

    Find Craig at: https://freedomhypnosisnyc.com

    There are fascinating people with passions for helping, healing, and wellness and I'm on a mission to talk to as many that I can. This first series is centred around hypnosis and hypnosis-adjacent topics, speaking with hypnotherapists, coaches, and people that work to help improve our mindsets.

    Find Jon at https://curateandupgrade.ca

    Contact Jon at jon@curateandupgrade.ca

    Subscribe to the podcast and follow @curateandupgrade on Facebook and Instagram!

    Show More Show Less
    1 hr and 4 mins
  • Strengths, Martial Arts, Acting, and Hypnosis with Barry Koen-Butt
    May 31 2021

    What do Cliffton Strengths, martial arts, acting, and hypnosis all have in common? Barry Koen-Butt!

    In this episode, Barry will share lessons learned from his experience in the martial arts, in the acting world, his passion for helping people find their strengths, and how he uses hypnosis as a tool in his work.

    Find Barry at: https://strengthsconsultingcanada.com

    There are fascinating people with passions for helping, healing, and wellness and I'm on a mission to talk to as many that I can. This first series is centred around hypnosis and hypnosis-adjacent topics, speaking with hypnotherapists, coaches, and people that work to help improve our mindsets.

    Find Jon at https://curateandupgrade.ca

    Contact Jon at jon@curateandupgrade.ca

    Subscribe to the podcast and follow @curateandupgrade on Facebook and Instagram!

    Show More Show Less
    1 hr and 8 mins
  • Coaching, Change, and NLP with Timothy September
    May 31 2021

    Have you ever had moments in your life where things just seem to line up? How Timothy and I crossed paths was very much one of those moments, and coincidentaly, that's how he got into hypnosis for change as well! Listen in on our conversation about NLP, hypnosis, and how these tools help his clients improve their relationships.

    Find Timothy September at: https://www.theworldneedsyounow.com

    There are fascinating people with passions for helping, healing, and wellness and I'm on a mission to talk to as many that I can. This first series is centred around hypnosis and hypnosis-adjacent topics, speaking with hypnotherapists, coaches, and people that work to help improve our mindsets.

    Find Jon at https://curateandupgrade.ca

    Contact Jon at jon@curateandupgrade.ca

    Subscribe to the podcast and follow @curateandupgrade on Facebook and Instagram!

    Show More Show Less
    1 hr and 4 mins