Becoming Me

Ann Yeong

Becoming Me is your podcast companion and coach in your journey to a more integrated and authentic self. I explore the joys and challenges of the interior journey, and share practical wisdom about growing in wholeness and in living the authentic life. Visit www.becomingme.sg for podcast host bio, companion blog and subscribe to my mailing list for more engagement and resources!

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Top 10 Becoming Me Episodes

Goodpods has curated a list of the 10 best Becoming Me episodes, ranked by the number of listens and likes each episode have garnered from our listeners. If you are listening to Becoming Me for the first time, there's no better place to start than with one of these standout episodes. If you are a fan of the show, vote for your favorite Becoming Me episode by adding your comments to the episode page.

Embracing Complexity: Rediscovering Faithfulness In The Healing Journey

Becoming Me

06/03/24 • 49 min

Episode 128
In this final episode of the season, I share how my understanding of faithfulness has evolved as I healed. Initially, my understanding of faithfulness was deeply rooted in a binary, performance-based perspective, influenced by my cultural and religious upbringing. I viewed it as a straightforward measure of adherence to a set of religious practices and moral standards, essentially a checklist that delineated a clear boundary between being faithful and unfaithful.
This perspective was challenged and eventually transformed through a journey of interior healing and unlearning, prompted by encounters with others who shared their struggles and a pivotal personal retreat that revealed the inadequacy of my foundational beliefs about faithfulness. I came to realise that faithfulness is not about meeting a predefined set of criteria perfectly but about authentic engagement with God's love and grace amidst our imperfections.
This new understanding of faithfulness as dynamic, multi-layered, and diverse in expression, deeply influenced by personal context and inner disposition, has significantly altered how I perceive myself and others, fostering a more compassionate and nuanced view of our collective striving towards faithfulness.
Watch this recording on YouTube.
Follow me on my Instagram account @animann for more material on the integration journey and subscribe to my monthly reflections on Begin Again.CHAPTER MARKERS
(00:00:17) - Introduction
(00:02:01) - The Importance of Conviction and Integration
(00:07:20) - The Role of Trauma in Personal Growth
(00:10:21) - Virtue and Emotion Regulation
(00:11:51) - The Struggle of Living Out Convictions
(00:13:58) - God's Love in Personal Transformation
(00:25:58) - The Challenge of Living Out Conovictions in Relationships
(00:26:59) - The Journey of Healing and Integration
(00:29:52) - The Role of Discernment in the Interior Journey
(00:43:20) - Conclusion
TRANSCRIPT
Available here.
REFLECTION PROMPT
Have you experienced being full of passion and conviction about the kind of life you want to live while realising that you don't have the power to make that conviction a reality in your life? Can you identify how a lack of integration may be the reason for that?

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Finding Self-Love Amidst Compulsions & Addictions

Becoming Me

05/27/24 • 38 min

Episode 127
In this podcast episode, I open up about a deeply personal and often stigmatised issue - my struggle with compulsions and addictions. I discuss how these issues are not only challenging to confront but are also shrouded in shame and secrecy, particularly when they deal with substance abuse or sex.
Drawing from my experiences, I reflect on the societal pressure to maintain an image of responsibility and control, and how even socially acceptable compulsions, like binge-watching TV or overworking, can trigger feelings of shame. I share the profound impact that self-criticism and a lack of compassion have had on my journey, emphasising the pivotal role of interior integration in my healing process.
Through exploring concepts like Internal Family Systems (IFS) and the importance of understanding the underlying trauma behind compulsive behaviors, I advocate for a compassionate approach to oneself. The episode highlights my transformation towards self-love, emphasising that divine love and self-compassion are crucial for overcoming compulsions and addictions and finding wholeness.
Watch this recording on YouTube.
Follow me on my Instagram account @animann for more material on the integration journey and subscribe to my monthly reflections on Begin Again.CHAPTER MARKERS
(00:00:21) - Introduction
(00:01:36) - The Shame of Compulsions and Addictions
(00:02:49) - Personal Struggles and Shame
(00:06:05) - The Cycle of Addiction and Repentance
(00:11:34) - Experiencing God's Unconditional Love
(00:15:41) - The Role of Self-Compassion
(00:28:16) - Internal Family Systems (IFS)
(00:29:07) - 1. Managers
(00:29:50) - 2. Exiles
(00:30:48) - 3. Firefighters
(00:37:15) - Conclusion
TRANSCRIPT
Available here.
REFLECTION PROMPT
Have you ever found yourself in similar patterns of compulsion? Are you able to recognise the root of these addictions and compulsions? Think about some of the ways you have been using certain compulsions and habits to escape unpleasantness in your life. Is there a better way?

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Embracing Your True Self & Making Authentic Connections

Becoming Me

05/20/24 • 34 min

Episode 126
In this episode, I delve into a poignant question raised during a webinar Q&A session about whether connecting with oneself inevitably enhances our connections with others, especially when expressing our true selves might not be warmly accepted by everyone.
I unravel the complexities surrounding authentic connections, emphasising the significance of embracing our true selves for genuine interactions and personal growth. I reflect on personal experiences and the challenges of maintaining authenticity in relationships.
I explore the indicators of growth on this journey, highlighting the fruits of the Holy Spirit as markers of deep, authentic self-connection and its profound impact on our relationships. This episode aims to broaden our understanding of how true self-connection can foster more meaningful and authentic relationships, despite the challenges that may arise.
Watch this recording on YouTube.
Follow me on my Instagram account @animann for more material on the integration journey and subscribe to my monthly reflections on Begin Again.CHAPTER MARKERS
(00:00:00) - Embracing Your True Self & Making Authentic Connections(00:00:21) - Introduction
(00:00:58) - Unveiling the True Self
(00:02:33) - Addressing a Vital Question: Authenticity and Connection
(00:05:25) - Exploring the Nuances of Authentic Connections
(00:09:17) - The Challenge of Being True to Oneself
(00:16:17) - Authenticity in Relationships
(00:23:37) - Indicators of Growth in the Interior Journey
(00:23:59) - Fruits of the Holy Spirit
(00:33:25) - Conclusion
TRANSCRIPT
Available here.
REFLECTION PROMPT
How has this episode resonated with you? Do you struggle with authenticity and living out your true self? What are some factors that make it challenging? Think about the relationships and connections in your life. Do you think they are authentic?

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How Important Is It To Choose A Catholic/Christian Therapist?

Becoming Me

05/13/24 • 58 min

Episode 125
In this episode of our current series, I delve into the topic of whether choosing a therapist or spiritual director of the same faith, specifically Christian or Catholic, is crucial for one's journey towards interior integration. How important is a therapist’s faith in their effectiveness for our interior journey and how much difference would having a Christian/Catholic therapist make vs one who doesn’t share our faith?
In this video I unpack the subconscious assumptions we have about Christian/Catholic therapists and systematically explain why a therapist’s professional competence and ability to offer a safe, judgment-free space for healing is much more important than their professed faith in helping us in our interior integration journey.
Watch this recording on YouTube.
Follow me on my Instagram account @animann for more material on the integration journey and subscribe to my monthly reflections on Begin Again.CHAPTER MARKERS
(00:00:00) - Introduction
(00:00:48) - The Importance of Choosing the Right Therapist
(00:02:03) - Choosing a Catholic / Christian Therapist
(00:03:38) - The Significance of a Therapist's Faith
(00:13:33) - Why Professional Competence Outweighs Faith in Therapy
(00:19:23) - Understanding What 'Catholic Therapist' Really Means
(00:26:36) - The Impact of Professional Competence and Integrity
(00:29:43) - Navigating Therapy with Faith and Emotional Healing
(00:31:44) - The Importance of Choosing the Right Therapist
(00:32:26) - Personal Responsibility in Therapy and Integration
(00:43:56) - The Role of a Therapist's Faith
(00:57:06) - Conclusion
TRANSCRIPT
Available here.
REFLECTION PROMPT
After listening to my sharing, how do you feel? Do you still think that a counsellor or therapist of the same faith is important? Why do you feel this way? If you have been for counselling or therapy, what was your experience like? Was it a safe space for you? If you're looking to start your counselling journey, what do you look for in a counsellor or therapist?

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4 Considerations When Choosing A Therapist

Becoming Me

05/06/24 • 38 min

Episode 124
In this episode, I delve into the continuation of my exploration on seeking guidance, pivoting from the quest for a spiritual director to the intricate process of choosing a therapist. I reveal key considerations that have shaped my approach, highlighting the vital step of discerning which 'layer of life' demands healing - be it surface-level challenges or the deeper, foundational issues of one's core self.
Drawing from my own experiences with counseling and psychotherapy, I elucidate the differences between the two, emphasising how they cater to distinct needs, from coping with immediate external stressors to addressing profound and complex traumas. Additionally, I address pragmatic aspects like budgeting for therapy sessions and the importance of a therapist's qualifications, their understanding of trauma, and their commitment to professional growth.
This is a highly practical episode for listeners new to discerning whether a therapist is a good match for them.
Watch this recording on YouTube.
Follow me on my Instagram account @animann for more material on the integration journey and subscribe to my monthly reflections on Begin Again.CHAPTER MARKERS
(00:00:18) - Introduction
(00:00:55) - Continuing My Sharing: From Spiritual Directors to Therapists
(00:03:48) - Understanding the Layers of Life for Healing
(00:08:42) - Choosing Between Counseling and Psychotherapy
(00:16:59) - Starting Your Therapeutic Journey: Tips and Considerations
(00:26:52) - Navigating Budget and Professional Expertise in Therapy
(00:37:34) - Conclusion
TRANSCRIPT
Available here.
REFLECTION PROMPT
Has anything from my sharing resonated with you? Do you feel like you have plateaued in this season of your journey? Could you be in a space of needing something different, something more? Consider this for a moment, and be open to where God may lead you. What might your next step be?

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5 Considerations When Choosing A Spiritual Director

Becoming Me

04/29/24 • 62 min

Episode 123
In this in-depth episode, I share my personal experiences and insights on the importance and process of selecting a spiritual director to guide one's spiritual journey. I outline five key considerations that have proved pivotal in my journey: assessing the spiritual director's emotional and spiritual maturity, understanding my current spiritual needs and season, recognising the stage of my interior journey, considering my budget and the different types of spiritual directors available, and finally, the critical role of discernment in action, emphasizing the reliance on synchronicity and God's guidance.
Alongside these considerations, I share my reflections, personal anecdotes and recommend several books that have greatly aided me in navigating my own spiritual path.
Books mentioned:
The Friend of the Bridegroom by Thomas H. Green SJ
Experiencing God: The Three Stages of Prayer by Thomas H. Green SJ
Opening to God: A Guide to Prayer by Thomas H. Green SJ
Armchair Mystic: How Contemplative Prayer Can Lead You Closer to God by Mark Thibodeaux SJ
Watch this recording on YouTube.
Follow me on my Instagram account @animann for more material on the integration journey and subscribe to my monthly reflections on Begin Again.CHAPTER MARKERS
(00:00:14) - Introduction
(00:00:51) - The Importance of Choosing the Right Spiritual Director
(00:04:53) - Five Key Considerations for Selecting a Spiritual Director
(00:14:56) - Understanding Your Needs and Where You are on Your Journey
(00:26:20) - Practical Aspects: Budget and Types of Spiritual Directors
(00:35:32) - Taking Action in Your Discernment Process
(00:37:49) - The Grace of Synchronicity in Spiritual Guidance
(00:42:19) - Transitioning Between Spiritual Directors: Embracing Change
(00:49:25) - Navigating Seasons Without a Spiritual Director
(00:51:23) - Leveraging Books for Spiritual Direction and Growth
(01:01:34) - Conclusion
TRANSCRIPT
Available here.
REFLECTION PROMPT
Has any of the five key considerations resonated with you in my sharing? Perhaps you have experienced and noticed one or more of these considerations in your life. Are there any the signs that you should discern changing your current spiritual director? What might your experience of these signs be? If you do not yet have a spiritual director, which of these consideration

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Is It Time to Change Your Spiritual Director or Therapist?

Becoming Me

04/22/24 • 37 min

Episode 122
This episode covers practical advice for individuals deeply invested in their integrated spiritual and emotional healing journeys. I particularly emphasise the importance of recognising when it might be time to change one's spiritual director or therapist and provide listeners with THREE signs that may indicate that it is time for a change.
There is often a natural evolution in such guidance relationships because progress in one's spiritual journey may necessitate change due to the different stages of personal development and the inherent limitations of any single guide.
Three main signs indicating the need for a new spiritual direction or therapeutic relationship are elaborated upon: the feeling of plateauing in one's growth, a change in the dynamics of the relationship that may challenge its professional boundaries, and a reduction in the feeling of safety with the current spiritual director or therapist.
The discussion also stresses the importance of being trauma-informed and recognising when deeper therapeutic work is needed beyond spiritual direction. This episode will help listeners discern their needs more effectively and make changes that support their ongoing spiritual and emotional growth.
Watch this recording on YouTube.
Follow me on my Instagram account @animann for more material on the integration journey and subscribe to my monthly reflections on Begin Again.CHAPTER MARKERS
(00:00:26) - Introduction
(00:01:04) - The Importance of Choosing the Right Spiritual Director or Counselor
(00:04:39) - Understanding the Need for Change in Spiritual Guidance
(00:10:11) - Sign #1: You're No Longer Growing
(00:16:26) - Sign #2: The Relationship Has Changed
(00:21:29) - Sign #3: You No Longer Feel Safe
(00:30:43) - Navigating the Transition: Moving On
(00:36:11) - Conclusion
TRANSCRIPT
Available here.
REFLECTION PROMPT
Did anything resonate with you in my Live sharing? Have you experienced any of the three signs that I've shared? Perhaps you have experienced more that one of the signs. What is stopping you from moving on to other resources?

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How Ignatian Examen Helps Heal Abandonment Wounds

Becoming Me

02/05/24 • 46 min

Episode 112
In this episode's deep dive, I explain the vital connection between our senses of identity and security in faith, sharing insights drawn from Catholic tradition, modern psychology, and personal experience.
I share about my journey towards developing a secure attachment with God, and how the prayer of the Examen, which originated with St. Ignatius of Loyola, helped me in this journey. Through integrating perspectives from the study of trauma, I share how focusing on the concept of God's constant and loving presence rather than on self-evaluation helped me to deepen my felt sense of security in God's love for me.
Watch this recording on YouTube.
Follow me on my Instagram account @animann for more material on the integration journey and subscribe to my monthly reflections on Begin Again.CHAPTER MARKERS
(00:00:17) - Introduction
(00:02:01) - The Importance of Conviction and Integration
(00:07:20) - The Role of Trauma in Personal Growth
(00:10:21) - Virtue and Emotion Regulation
(00:11:51) - The Struggle of Living Out Convictions
(00:13:58) - God's Love in Personal Transformation
(00:25:58) - The Challenge of Living Out Conovictions in Relationships
(00:26:59) - The Journey of Healing and Integration
(00:29:52) - The Role of Discernment in the Interior Journey
(00:43:20) - Conclusion
REFLECTION PROMPT
Have you experienced being full of passion and conviction about the kind of life you want to live while realising that you don't have the power to make that conviction a reality in your life? Can you identify how a lack of integration may be the reason for that?

Support the show

Interior Life & Leadership

Becoming Me

08/16/22 • 30 min

EPISODE 55
We all know how important good leadership is, and many of us fear that we don't measure up when we have to lead. While there are many ways that we can grow to become more effective as a leader, we often fail to appreciate the harm that an inauthentic and insecure leader can cause - even when we possess other leadership abilities.
In this episode, I share about my past struggles with leadership when I was still unaware of my lack of interior integration, and how my dependence on external validation made the burdens of leadership heavier than they would have otherwise been.
Share this episode via this episode page.A LEADER'S SPIRITUAITY
For more information or to register, go to https://www.integroformation.com/als.CHAPTER MARKERS
(00:00:13) - Introduction
(00:01:10) - Leadership
(00:02:59) - Our Relationship with Leadership
(00:09:27) - My Own Experience with Leadership
(00:18:10) - Growing into Leaders we are Called to be
(00:21:27) - A Leader's Spirituality
(00:25:23) - PRAXIS: Listen. Ponder. Act
(00:29:46) - Conclusion
Available here.TRANSCRIPT
Available here.
REFLECTION PROMPT
Listen.
- As you listened to my sharing in this episode, was there anything that resonated with you?

Ponder.- The reality of being a leader often makes one feel lonely. Have you felt that loneliness of being a leader?
Act.
- Continue to explore resources.
For full details of this reflection prompt, please see transcript.
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- Free for all e-mail newsletter subscribers
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How can I experience the unconditional love of God?

Becoming Me

09/30/24 • 37 min

Episode 139
In this episode, I address a thought-provoking question from one of my subscribers who asked how can we experience the unconditional love of God. I delve into the concept of embodied spirituality, underscoring the indispensability of involving our entire being—body, senses, and soul—in our spiritual journey to connect with God's love more authentically.
I share practical methods to engage with God in daily life which serve as pathways to recognise and feel His presence more tangibly. Moreover, I distinguish between feeling loved by God and truly soaking in His unconditional love. I discuss the significant role of psychological healing in experiencing God's love, highlighting techniques like inner child reparenting and the Internal Family Systems theory for deeper self-acceptance and love.
I conclude by inviting viewers to embrace living the questions of their spiritual journey, focusing less on the unhealed parts of themselves and more on remaining attentive and responsive to God's ongoing presence and invitations to healing in our lives.
Watch this recording on YouTube .
Follow me on my Instagram account @animann for more material on the integration journey and subscribe to my monthly reflections on Begin Again.
REFLECTION PROMPT
Have you asked God to let you experience his unconditional love? Do you do so regularly? (It is perhaps the simplest and most important prayer for our healing and integration journey!)

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FAQ

How many episodes does Becoming Me have?

Becoming Me currently has 140 episodes available.

What topics does Becoming Me cover?

The podcast is about Education, Self-Improvement, Podcasts, Religion & Spirituality, Mindfulness and Spirituality.

What is the most popular episode on Becoming Me?

The episode title 'Finding Self-Love Amidst Compulsions & Addictions' is the most popular.

What is the average episode length on Becoming Me?

The average episode length on Becoming Me is 37 minutes.

How often are episodes of Becoming Me released?

Episodes of Becoming Me are typically released every 7 days.

When was the first episode of Becoming Me?

The first episode of Becoming Me was released on Sep 25, 2020.

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Becoming Me

Ann Yeong

Top 10 Becoming Me Episodes

FAQ

How many episodes does Becoming Me have?

What topics does Becoming Me cover?

What is the most popular episode on Becoming Me?

What is the average episode length on Becoming Me?

How often are episodes of Becoming Me released?

When was the first episode of Becoming Me?

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