The DPO Project

Pandemic Of Ignorance, By Master Zi and Vindesh

This week Zi and Vindesh welcome Katy Kvalvik, creator of the Harmony Method, to this episode about finding solutions during this current health crisis.  It's easy to get stressed and lost in all of the information we see on the news and internet.  They explore how we got to this point and what makes this pandemic different than other outbreaks.  Katy describes her own experience of recovering from two major accidents and how that prompted her to take more control of her health and wellbeing.  They share actionable tips on how to navigate your emotional, physical, and spiritual health during these uncertain times.  

Know Your Role, By Master Zi and Vindesh

If we can think about our lives as if we are a character in grandiose cosmic drama, what role would you want to play?  This week Zi and Vindesh discuss that understanding the part you play in your life can help you succeed in any direction you go.  It is difficult, or as Zi chooses to say, it is a challenge.  We are made stronger from our challenges.  When it comes to fulfilling your health goals, just start the journey.  Time is relative and the destination of life is death anyway so become the hero of your own story. 

Change Is Difficult, By Master Zi and Vindesh

There is a movement in tai chi that depicts one of life’s hardest lessons.  Change is difficult.  In order to have stories, we must be able to turn the page.  Zi and Vindesh explore what happens when we avoid change and how it corrupts our overall health and wellbeing.  The cost of not changing is too high to avoid it.  They continue to discuss how nature is our best teacher and what it can teach us about the current socio economic movements taking place.  

Sacred Cow, By Master Zi and Vindesh

An expression near and dear to Vindesh’s heart, sacred cows are a certain set of ideas or beliefs that we hold on to and believe to be true.  This episode Zi discusses how “sacred cows” protect our reality and reinforce belief systems that hinder the human condition.  Anything that unburdens you, decongests you.  Zi and Vindesh explore the different sacred cows in current cultural landscape and how it important it is to build a life philosophy that serves you and your wellbeing.

Outrage, By Master Zi and Vindesh

This week Zi and Vindesh get fired up in their discussion about managing outrage and what the consequences are to your health if it's not kept in check.  What are you outraged by?  Zi suggests an exercise that clarifies what triggers are and what you can do to mitigate them.  They explore the cultural shift taking place since George Floyd was killed during an arrest as well as the recent protests and looting.  

 

 

Sacred Fire, By Master Zi and Vindesh

Building on the conversation from last week about compassion and empathy, Zi and Vindesh discuss how the little acts of sacrifice are often missing in our lives.  These acts of choosing an intimate moment with a partner over a game on tv, going to work knowing that your children will have a better future, or exercising in favor of watching Netflix contain so much more than we think.  When we can knowingly give something up despite our desire not to, we become lighter. Zi breaks down his experience of how sacrifice enriches his life and fortifies character.  Our ancestors have struggled and fought to get us to where we are today.  Now more than ever, we need the sacred fire.  

The Difference Between Empathy and Compassion, By Master Zi and Vindesh

What is the difference between empathy and compassion?  This week Zi and Vindesh talk about the cases of Susan Smith and Amy Cooper, who each used empathy as a form of empowerment.  It's important to read and understand our environment and those that inhabit it.  However, the understanding is not as important as the action.  Compassion requires practice and knowing the difference can save lives, but most importantly, your own humanity.   

 

*This recording has been edited since airing.  

Hero, by Master Zi and Vindesh

What does it mean to be a hero? Mythology has left us bread crumbs and role models like Hercules to draw from, but how do we modernize this ancient archetype?  This week Zi and Vindesh invite some heroes on the podcast, Dave and Kevin.  They share their experience as an investigator and fire fighter, respectively. Their friendship with Zi has taught them about heroism.  By facing our challenges, we build character.  They say diamonds are made under pressure, and so to our character shines in the moments where we must choose between courage or cowardice.  

Death By A Thousand Cuts, By Master Zi and Vindesh

Sometimes, it is the accumulation of many small injuries that land the final blow.  However, this isn't just a strategy you find in combat.  We see this dynamic played out with our partners, bosses, and friends.  What started as something little, that was glossed over initially, becomes a huge argument.  How did it get to this point?  Zi and Vindesh explore how this topic impacts not only the relationships we have but how it affects our physical health. Like a small cut, an insult here and there festers over time.  As Zi likes to continually point out, life is short.  These challenges can diminish our ability to live fully. So, tend to things when they are small. 

Questions vs. Conspiracies, By Master Zi and Vindesh

The checks have gone out and been cashed.  Some parts of the country have started to lift restrictions.  We patiently stand by for the vaccine, which Bill Gates thinks should be mandatory. Why this virus and why this technology?  This week Zi and Vindesh lead us into the murky territory of the conspiracy of asking questions. Dissent has been confused as disloyalty before in human history.  It is said that every conflict has started from the heart of an individual.  Why did their conflict become our conflict?  Ask yourself this, "what won't you go along with?" Your answer may even surprise you.