<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?><rss xmlns:dc="http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/" xmlns:content="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/content/" xmlns:atom="http://www.w3.org/2005/Atom" version="2.0" xmlns:itunes="http://www.itunes.com/dtds/podcast-1.0.dtd"><channel><title><![CDATA[Dr. Laura Grace Podcast]]></title><description><![CDATA[Unravel the illusion of separation and discover the boundless peace of your True Nature. I blog/vlog about all things on awakening, non-duality, and the timeless, changeless freedom already alive within you. <br/><br/><a href="https://drlauragrace.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast">drlauragrace.substack.com</a>]]></description><link>https://drlauragrace.substack.com/podcast</link><generator>Substack</generator><lastBuildDate>Wed, 27 May 2026 01:10:35 GMT</lastBuildDate><atom:link href="https://api.substack.com/feed/podcast/4154353.rss" rel="self" type="application/rss+xml"/><author><![CDATA[Dr. Laura Grace]]></author><copyright><![CDATA[Dr. Laura Grace]]></copyright><language><![CDATA[en]]></language><webMaster><![CDATA[drlauragrace@substack.com]]></webMaster><itunes:new-feed-url>https://api.substack.com/feed/podcast/4154353.rss</itunes:new-feed-url><itunes:author>Dr. Laura Grace</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>Exploring awakening as it’s lived in real time — through the body, through relationship, and through the complexity of our moment — in the simple presence of everyday life.
</itunes:subtitle><itunes:type>episodic</itunes:type><itunes:owner><itunes:name>Dr. Laura Grace</itunes:name><itunes:email>drlauragrace@substack.com</itunes:email></itunes:owner><itunes:explicit>No</itunes:explicit><itunes:category text="Religion &amp; Spirituality"><itunes:category text="Spirituality"/></itunes:category><itunes:category text="Religion &amp; Spirituality"><itunes:category text="Spirituality"/></itunes:category><itunes:image href="https://substackcdn.com/feed/podcast/4154353/f928778615871704988ed827dec56683.jpg"/><item><title><![CDATA[Let Your Longing Carry You Home]]></title><description><![CDATA[<p>For as long as I can remember, a relentless current of yearning has flowed within me—like a river that has accompanied my every step from childhood to adulthood. I once believed this inner call was urging me to pursue milestones: academic success, marriage, family, and a thriving career. And as much as I loved (and still love) the people who graced my life, most achievements only offered fleeting respite from that deep stirring. It wasn’t until I experienced waves of profound longing and stumbled upon a single sentence from Gurumayi Chidvilasananda that the profound truth within this persistent feeling revealed itself. Her words, though simple, carried a gentle yet transformative invitation (paraphrased): “Surrender to your longing; it is God’s way of leading you home.”</p><p>Deep within us lies an innate longing—a soulful, gentle call. Often, we misinterpret this yearning as a desire for relationships, wealth, adventure, or other external experiences. While these pursuits can bring temporary enjoyment, they aren’t the true destination. This longing isn’t leading us toward fleeting distractions; it is guiding us home to the sanctuary of our innermost self.</p><p>In our heartfelt exploration of spiritual awakening, we learn to embrace what is with open arms. By listening to the subtle whispers of our heart, we invite our True Nature to reveal itself. This inner call gently draws us inward, compelling us to experience the invisible, formless, eternal peace that has always been our birthright.</p><p>As we navigate our inner landscape, consider these guiding principles:</p><p><strong>Tune Into the Longing:</strong> Instead of countering this inner call with overwhelming busyness or restlessness, surrender to it. Allow the subtle whisper of your soul to lead you inward.</p><p><strong>Ask the Longing: What do you </strong><strong><em>really</em></strong><strong> want?</strong> Resist the temptation to be swept away by external phenomena or by the transient chatter of thoughts, feelings, and perceptions. Listen to the longing. Surrender to it without “doing” anything about it until you are clear what it is telling you.</p><p>Let the journey becomes one of turning from the external chase an toward the profound inner homecoming—a transformation where we find that the deep yearning within is not for something out there in the world, but for the sacred connection that already resides within us. Each surge of longing we meet with surrender, draws us ever deeper into its quiet and transformative embrace.</p><p>Wrapping up with a fun fact and playful metaphor: Did you know that sea otters hold hands while they sleep to keep from drifting apart? It’s an adorable little act of  togetherness in the vastness of the ocean. Just as sea otters gently clasp paws to stay together, our True Nature holds us close, ensuring we never truly drift away, no matter how far we wander. The longing we feel is its loving grip, quietly guiding us home. </p><p>With infinite graces of love,</p><p>Laura</p> <br/><br/>This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit <a href="https://drlauragrace.substack.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&#38;utm_campaign=CTA_2">drlauragrace.substack.com/subscribe</a>]]></description><link>https://drlauragrace.substack.com/p/let-your-longing-carry-you-home</link><guid isPermaLink="false">substack:post:161968910</guid><dc:creator><![CDATA[Dr. Laura Grace]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Wed, 23 Apr 2025 15:24:15 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://api.substack.com/feed/podcast/161968910/bda5abf460ede073ff3d25266ab6a1b2.mp3" length="5441873" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>Dr. Laura Grace</itunes:author><itunes:explicit>No</itunes:explicit><itunes:duration>453</itunes:duration><itunes:image href="https://substackcdn.com/feed/podcast/4154353/post/161968910/fcfcbd62b48a01cc3854f1058e7f6db6.jpg"/></item><item><title><![CDATA[From Night to Light: 5 Common Dream Themes During Spiritual Awakening]]></title><description><![CDATA[<p></p><p>Dreams during spiritual awakening can often carry deep symbolism and reflect inner transformation. The nocturnal landscape of our dreams becomes a canvas where the unconscious paints its sacred and profound messages. As the journey of spiritual awakening unfolds, this inner world of dreams becomes a portal to one’s spiritual evolution. Here’s a <strong><em>partial</em></strong> list of common themes or types of dreams people may experience:</p><p>1. Rebirth or Renewal Dreams</p><p>Imagery of birth, emerging from water, or stepping into the light often symbolizes personal growth and new beginnings. These dreams can be incredibly vivid, filled with intense emotions that signify a metamorphosis. They might depict being born anew, symbolically representing the start of a new chapter in life. For example, I’ve had numerous vivid dreams of oceans, where tsunami-like waves have over-powered me, yet I found myself emerging from the ocean, unharmed. As the waves calmed down, I could feel them washing over me, cleansing old fears, anxiety and doubts, signifying a fresh start in my spiritual journey. I created a video about “<a target="_blank" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lEjQsea8CPo&#38;t=1s">Why Dreams of Water Are So Significant” and you may click </a><a target="_blank" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lEjQsea8CPo&#38;t=1s"><strong>here</strong></a><a target="_blank" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lEjQsea8CPo&#38;t=1s"> to watch</a>. </p><p>2. Shadow Work Dreams</p><p>Confronting fears, unresolved emotions, or hidden aspects of yourself in dreams can signal deep inner work taking place. These dreams might be unsettling but are profoundly transformative. They often involve facing dark or frightening scenarios, symbolically representing the integration and healing of the shadow self. Shadow dreams help us unravel our conditioning which can lead to a direct experience of our true nature. I just created a video about two significant archetypes: Shadow and Persona called “The Final Faceoff.” A dreamer shared how he shot his own shadow but through inquiry, recognized the importance of not trying to eliminate the shadow, but integrating it into his life. <a target="_blank" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s_l94MXUU64">You may check it out by clicking on this link. </a></p><p>3. Symbolic Animals</p><p>Seeing animals like snakes (transformation), owls (wisdom), or butterflies and dragon flies (change/freedom) often points to significant spiritual messages. Animals in dreams serve as powerful symbols guiding one through their spiritual journey. After having had more than a dozen snake dreams in the year proceeding my Kundalini activation, I have written extensively about snake dreams and created a video about these kinds of dreams. A snake shedding its skin symbolizes transformation and renewal, mirroring the awakened Kundalini energy coiled at the base of the spine as it ascends through the energy/chakra centers and nervous system. Snake bites may also signify initiation into a new phase of awakening. For the video I created titled <a target="_blank" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UCZg8zmHGfM&#38;t=306s">“Snake Dreams & Transformation” please click </a><a target="_blank" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UCZg8zmHGfM&#38;t=306s"><strong>here</strong></a><a target="_blank" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UCZg8zmHGfM&#38;t=306s">. </a></p><p>4. Death and Transformation</p><p>Dreams of dying, though unsettling, often symbolize letting go of old ways and embracing change. These dreams can be deeply emotional, portraying the end of a significant phase in life, making way for new beginnings. During my graduate studies, I once dreamt of drowning in an ocean instilling fear until I stopped resisting and the “death” occurred. A immediate deep sense of peace replaced every strand of fear, signaling the end of an old self and the birth of a new one. I’ve worked with people who have died in car accidents, fallen from cliffs, died from gun wounds, and even dreamers who have attended their own funerals. <em>ALL DREAMS ARE A GIFT</em>. They are not to be feared, but embraced, as they signify a profound inner change.</p><p>5. Universal Symbols</p><p>Encountering archetypal imagery like the sun, moon, lotus flowers, or temples can highlight deep spiritual truths. These symbols transcend personal experiences, connecting the dreamer to universal spiritual themes. Dreaming of the sun might signify enlightenment and clarity, while the moon might represent intuition and the subconscious mind. In 1992, during a particularly transformative period, I dreamt of the sun and the full moon joining together in perfect union. It felt like a "big dream," as Carl Jung describes, and though its meaning was unclear at first, it marked the start of my life-changing spiritual breakthrough—through the dark night of the soul into a heart-awakening that transformed my life completely. This period entailed a very painful divorce, leaving a secure profession, meeting my husband (that I’ve now been married to for 30+ years), and shifting full-time onto the spiritual path to be of service.</p><p>Dreams during awakening often mirror your personal experiences and emotions. Keeping a dream journal to record and reflect on these visions can help you uncover their deeper meanings. By documenting and analyzing these dreams, one can gain insights into their spiritual progress and inner transformation. Dreams are a bridge between the conscious and subconscious mind, offering glimpses into the soul's journey towards enlightenment.</p><p>In a nutshell, dreams during spiritual awakening are not just random images but profound messages from the unconscious. They guide us through our inner transformation, helping us confront fears, embrace change, and connect with universal truths. By paying attention to these dreams and reflecting on their meanings, we can navigate our spiritual journey with greater awareness and understanding. Embrace your dreams, for they are the night’s whispers leading you to the light of your true nature.</p><p>May you find comfort in the transformative power of your dreams, knowing that even in the darkest of nights, you are never alone. The love that guides us is unwavering and eternal, whispering softly through the veil of sleep, urging us to trust, heal, and grow. Let us honor these sacred encounters, for they are not merely figments of our imagination, but profound connections to the infinite love that surrounds and sustains us. </p><p>With gratitude, love and warm wishes, </p><p>Laura</p> <br/><br/>This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit <a href="https://drlauragrace.substack.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&#38;utm_campaign=CTA_2">drlauragrace.substack.com/subscribe</a>]]></description><link>https://drlauragrace.substack.com/p/from-night-to-light-5-common-dream</link><guid isPermaLink="false">substack:post:159793784</guid><dc:creator><![CDATA[Dr. Laura Grace]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Thu, 10 Apr 2025 18:22:00 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://api.substack.com/feed/podcast/159793784/e62b253d68a10b94890de4a6d8d1c0aa.mp3" length="14655679" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>Dr. Laura Grace</itunes:author><itunes:explicit>No</itunes:explicit><itunes:duration>1221</itunes:duration><itunes:image href="https://substackcdn.com/feed/podcast/4154353/post/159793784/1dbc82026604c64137ac797a69982f5f.jpg"/></item><item><title><![CDATA[Beyond Duality: Embracing Every Emotion]]></title><description><![CDATA[<p>Are you experiencing a wide range of emotions about the division and opposition in the U.S. and across the globe lately? You’re not alone—it can feel like the world’s playing a never-ending game of “us vs. them,” and it’s exhausting. But here’s the thing: inner conflict about outer chaos can be an invitation to explore something deeper. If you’re ready, let’s dive in and unpack this together. Keep reading…</p><p>Going "beyond duality" is like realizing life isn’t stuck in a game of tug-of-war—good vs. bad, mind vs. body, spiritual vs. physical. The game of opposites? They’re just mental labels we slap on things to make sense of them, but they’re not the ultimate truth. Since everything is deeply connected, these so-called opposites are just two sides of the same cosmic coin. It’s not about picking sides; it’s about seeing how it all fits together in one harmonious, larger reality.</p><p>For example, uncomfortable thoughts and feelings often come from dualistic thinking, which makes us contract—mentally and physically. This tension feels “off” because it goes against our true essence. Ironically, some spiritual teachings meant to free us can make things worse. Teachings like "I am not the body" or "I am pure consciousness" might seem liberating but can create more separation. By labeling parts of our experience as “loving” or “unloving,” we end up rejecting parts of our humanness, digging even deeper into dualistic patterns.</p><p>It’s not about ignoring differences, but embracing the idea that life is more about wholeness and unity than black-and-white thinking. It’s kind of like realizing you don’t have to choose between your human side and your spiritual side—they’re both part of you, and that’s what makes it all so beautiful.</p><p>Let me give you a personal example.</p><p>In early 2022, I had an energetic, physiological awakening and got swept up in the bliss—an incredible sense of unity consciousness and contentment. But then, just as quickly as it came, the bliss started to fade after about five months. When old patterns and conditioning resurfaced, even more strongly than before, I tried meditating my way back to that blissful state, but it just didn’t work.</p><p>Eventually, it hit me—true nature wasn’t just the bliss, it was <em>everything.</em> It was the bliss, the conditioning, and all of the uncomfortable feelings that were part of my humanness. My true nature was showing up in all of it—nothing was left out. That realization changed everything.</p><p>True nature, or consciousness, is what lovingly infuses life into every experience we have. Imagine it as a radiant light that tenderly illuminates everything, leaving no aspect of us in the shadows. The entirety of our being, including all our strengths and weaknesses, is embraced as beautiful expressions of that true nature. Recognizing this can bring profound comfort and a sense of liberation, for it reveals that there is no need to battle against any part of ourselves. Instead, we can welcome all aspects of our character with open arms, cherishing each one as a vital piece of the divine tapestry that makes us whole.</p><p>True nature shows up as awake and asleep. True nature shows up as enlightened and unenlightened. True nature shows up as feeling optimistic about the world and pessimistic. True nature shows up as joyful and depressing. There is such a vast spectrum of possibilities and all of it is true nature. As our awakening continues to unfold, we tend to align with essences at the core of our true self, such as genuine happiness and peace, but until then, it is all the same consciousness.</p><p>Let’s try something together. Take a moment to notice a feeling you’d rather not deal with right now—maybe it’s anxiety creeping in, self-doubt hanging around, or even a splash of anger or hopelessness. Now, think about your usual go-to move with this feeling. Do you shove it aside, overthink it into submission, or maybe just pretend it doesn’t exist? That’s your conditioning showing its hand.</p><p>This time, instead of defaulting to your old patterns, try something radical: compassion. By welcoming these feelings with gentle compassion, we transform our inner landscape into a sanctuary of love and acceptance. Imagine holding each difficult emotion as you would a small, fragile bird—tenderly and patiently. This act of embracing our shadow with loving attention allows us to integrate and heal, rather than fragment and disconnect. Love becomes the ultimate alchemist, turning the lead of our struggles into the gold of understanding and growth.</p><p>So, the next time those uncomfortable feelings arise, see them for what they truly are—an invitation to embrace them without any judgment. Offer them the warmth of your heart, and watch as they soften and transform, revealing a deeper sense of peace and unity within you.</p><p>I send you many blessings of love, kindness, and serenity,</p><p>Laura</p> <br/><br/>This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit <a href="https://drlauragrace.substack.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&#38;utm_campaign=CTA_2">drlauragrace.substack.com/subscribe</a>]]></description><link>https://drlauragrace.substack.com/p/beyond-duality-embracing-your-humanity</link><guid isPermaLink="false">substack:post:159156266</guid><dc:creator><![CDATA[Dr. Laura Grace]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Tue, 18 Mar 2025 18:20:00 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://api.substack.com/feed/podcast/159156266/eb39ba5abe9085e8f1f68eb80ec38898.mp3" length="6367862" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>Dr. Laura Grace</itunes:author><itunes:explicit>No</itunes:explicit><itunes:duration>531</itunes:duration><itunes:image href="https://substackcdn.com/feed/podcast/4154353/post/159156266/1725b8508232d317d2b4698a3600a143.jpg"/></item><item><title><![CDATA[N.U.R.T.U.R.E: An Acronym for Abiding in Your True Nature]]></title><description><![CDATA[<p>My intent is to bring a spark of light, wisdom, and support into your life as we navigate challenges, and just daily life, during this time. And most importantly, to provide inspiration as you awaken—and remain awake—to your true nature</p><p>This acronym, N.U.R.T.U.R.E, serves as a gentle reminder to return to the heart of your being. In each moment, may you nurture your true nature and abide in the natural state of peace, love, and wisdom.</p><p><strong>N</strong>: <strong>Notice</strong> - Begin with noticing your present experience with a soft gaze. Allow yourself to become aware of the sensations, emotions, and thoughts that arise without judgment.</p><p><strong>U</strong>: <strong>Understand</strong> - Seek to understand the deeper truths of your experience. Recognize the patterns of conditioning and the stories that may obscure your true nature.</p><p><strong>R</strong>: <strong>Rest</strong> - Gently rest in the awareness of the present moment. Allow yourself to be held by the simplicity and stillness of being.</p><p><strong>T</strong>: <strong>Trust</strong> - Cultivate trust in the unfolding of life. Trust that you are exactly where you need to be, and that within you lies a boundless source of wisdom and love.</p><p><strong>U</strong>: <strong>Unveil</strong> - With compassion, unveil the layers of conditioning and false beliefs. Gently peel away what no longer serves you, revealing the radiant being within.</p><p><strong>R</strong>: <strong>Radiate</strong> - Allow your true nature to radiate outward. Share your innate love, kindness, and presence with the world, knowing that your light truly makes a difference.</p><p><strong>E</strong>: <strong>Embrace</strong> - Embrace yourself and others with an open heart. Recognize the interconnectedness of all beings and the shared journey towards awakening.</p><p>With all my love and support,</p><p>Laura</p><p></p> <br/><br/>This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit <a href="https://drlauragrace.substack.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&#38;utm_campaign=CTA_2">drlauragrace.substack.com/subscribe</a>]]></description><link>https://drlauragrace.substack.com/p/nurture-an-acronym-for-abiding-in</link><guid isPermaLink="false">substack:post:158741263</guid><dc:creator><![CDATA[Dr. Laura Grace]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Tue, 11 Mar 2025 18:22:00 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://api.substack.com/feed/podcast/158741263/4214d826c62cea77f2a4dd812334cb79.mp3" length="3167026" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>Dr. Laura Grace</itunes:author><itunes:explicit>No</itunes:explicit><itunes:duration>264</itunes:duration><itunes:image href="https://substackcdn.com/feed/podcast/4154353/post/158741263/1bfcff13a5334ce3a0198d075ecb9173.jpg"/></item></channel></rss>