Change Agents Community with Dr. James Rouse (James Rouse)

It’s time to look at a new way of life, called Kamkura. It’s the direct pathway to return to the realm of God. It’s time to undress the ego and expose the truth of who you are. When we feel compassion, courage, and love, we block out fear and separation and create grace and space.

In today's video I want to introduce you to four of my favorite books of all time. I have read each of them dozens of times, literally. I know there are many possibilities that lie ahead for you and you may be burdened by overwhelm. Go back to what you know. Find your peace and evolve from there.

Rediscover and reclaim yourself with daily practices of peace and purpose! Learn how to build resilience, set boundaries for self-preservation, and become a beacon of hope for others. Embrace the journey home to your true self.

Einstein said, "The measure of intelligence is the ability to change." No change means no growth. Make sure human interactions are the fulcrum of all that you do. Allow your genius and eccentricity to shine.

Maybe what’s happened in our lives hasn’t happened TO us, but happened FOR us. Perhaps everything has happened to raise our awareness and lift us up and encourages us to move us forward. We are a vehicle through which energy moves to help us become more of who we are meant to become.

I want to be a spiritual beacon during all of this darkness. Character counts. Demonstrate your purpose, your dharma, your love. Begin with emotional intelligence. Think before you speak. Emotional intelligence is our key to success.

Allow me to indulge just a bit into how I met my wife twenty-nine years ago this month, and how after all these years, I'm more crazy about her than ever. I'm going to share with you 4 intentions for lasting relationship success and thriving in intimacy, appreciation, vulnerability, and compassion.

Nostalgia, music, connection, and memory help us stay connected to what brings us joy, peace, and love. Transmit a sense of love, connection, building bridges, and positive energy simply by surrounding yourself with images of those you love and connecting to a shared song.

In these times where we feel helpless, let's give ourselves permission just to be. Give yourself permission to NOT always know what to do. Have the courage to stand for the things you believe in.

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About Dr. James Rouse
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Dr. James Rouse is a Professional Ruckus Maker in business and in life.

As an Author and Speaker, he has written 11 books and has shared the stage with notables such as Dr. Mehmet Oz, Sir Richard Branson, Shaquille O’Neil, Robin Sharma, Diana Nyad, Jean Houston, Barbara Marx Hubbard, and Michael Beckwith.

As a Human Performance Clinician, he has worked with the NFL, the NBA, MLB, Google, Whole Foods, Tegna Media and other High Performing organizations from around the globe.

As a seasoned entrepreneur and CEO, he successfully founded and built four companies in media, consumer packaged goods and nutraceuticals, all which have gone on to generate millions of dollars in Sales.

He lives in the foothills of the Colorado Rockies where he practices high performance living, giving and growing alongside his wife Debra and their two teenage daughters.

To learn more, visit http://changeagencpodcast.com

When there is so much movement going on around us, elections, holidays, and other opportunities, what could we be doing differently? The one practice that will absolutely change your life always comes back to presence.

Now is not the time to go dark - even though it feels like the world is very dark. Gratitude is an essential tool that will give us hope. Gratitude will help us build resilience. It will help our hearts to stay open, decrease inflammation and decrease physical and emotional pain.

It's time to burn down all limitations, limited beliefs, and close the space between us and others. Do not dim your light. Be courageous in your faith. Stand in your incarnation of inclusivity, love, and faith.

We are coming into this time of year where a lot can come up. The holidays tend to do that. Well today I want to talk about activating certain genes that are going to help support us, support our self-care, during the winter holidays, which can be challenging.

We have something beautiful to do. It's to be courageous and responding with love. Carry a prayer for peace. Carry a prayer for healing, for compassion and for US, waking up, and living up to what peace needs to see right now.

Let's envelope the world with a heroic understanding that we can heal. That the "we" and the "they" can become an us. Let us be conscious of how we look at one another together. Let's know that we are all feeling a heaviness right now. We need to carry an energy that is light and loving. And then just maybe, the healing comes through us, as us.

What would it look like if you were to be love in ALL conditions? Choose to love in spite of conditions going on around you. Stand for love. Believe in the possibility of peace, purpose, and choosing to be the change. Choose to be and see the beauty of this day.

"The greatest gift you can give your children is to heal yourself." ~ Gabor Mate

Choosing to engage in activities that challenge us, that stretch our limits, and push us beyond our comfort zones is a powerful way to transcend trauma and transform our lives. When we deliberately face discomfort and undertake tasks that are difficult, we begin to dismantle the barriers that trauma has erected within us. Each morning, by doing something hard—whether it be physical exercise, a challenging mental task, or an act of vulnerability—we initiate an upward spiral of growth and resilience. This practice not only builds our strength and confidence but also becomes a cornerstone in how we lead our lives, fostering a state of grace and empowerment. By embracing discomfort, we cultivate the inner fortitude to navigate life's challenges with greater ease, ultimately leading to a more fulfilling and authentic existence.

Today's message is all about your relationship to social comparison and whether or not you rely on some digital platform(s) for confirmation of who you are. Recognize your blessings right here, right now. Be present for the "micro-wins." Build relevance and resilience from the inside out!

What do you do under the influence of darkness, during these dark times. Some of us gravitate towards perfectionism, which ultimately leads to increases in anxiety, depression, and further isolation. We can respond with powerful positivity and move from a perfectionist to student of life.

Overcoming our history is a huge undertaking. I know this is not easy work. What makes you feel more inspired and awake? It's time to pursue that. What we can be we must be. Don't talk yourself out of greatness. Here are five practices to help you get there.

What is the number one thing you could start doing today that would have the most positive, profound impact on your life? And what is the number one thing you can stop doing today that would have the most positive, profound impact on your life? Today I'm sharing my story - I hope you'll share yours. 

What is the purpose you are playing here on earth? What helps you be a good person? Here are some thoughts gleaned from the wisdom of Marcus Aurelius:

• Practice Virtue: Embody honesty, kindness, courage, and justice in every action. Approach interactions with empathy and integrity.
• Self-Reflection: Take time each day to reflect on your actions and thoughts. Consider what you did well and what could be improved.
• Mindfulness and Presence: Be present in each moment. Avoid distractions and focus on the task at hand with full attention and care.
• Gratitude: Cultivate an attitude of gratitude. Acknowledge the good in your life and express thanks for the people and experiences that enrich it.
• Service to Others: Seek opportunities to help others. Acts of kindness, whether big or small, contribute to a better community and world.

I've been studying happiness for decades now, but a recent feature on one of my favorite weekend shows, CBS Sunday Morning, featured Robert Waldinger, a true expert on happiness. You can catch his Ted Talk here which has garnered over 23 million views: https://youtu.be/8KkKuTCFvzI

Happiness doesn't come from making a lot of money, having a perfect physique, the coolest car or largest home. True happiness comes from developing and maintaining meaningful human relationships. Write down the name of one or two people that you could call at 2am or anytime for any reason. Give thanks for that person or those persons every day. They are your key to happiness.

Who we decorate our lives with has a profound impact on many areas of our lives. Ask just about any "successful" person you know; chances are, they have a mentor. Look to people who hold wisdom, expertise, character, charisma, and integrity, and be like them.

During these uncertain times, we may dwell in fear, past failures, past judgments and spend too much time looking in the rearview mirror, so to speak. It's time to step back and breathe. Be present.

Conflict is inevitable, but it doesn't have to be destructive. In fact, the way we navigate tension can be a powerful catalyst for growth in our relationships. 💪💖

Instead of reacting in the heat of the moment, take a pause, reflect, and come back with love and understanding. Learn your partner's triggers, and discover the power of working together as a team. ✨ Healthy conflict resolution strengthens trust and deepens intimacy.

Don’t shy away from tough conversations—embrace them as opportunities to transform your relationship!

#LoveElevated #HealthyConflict #TransformTension #RelationshipGrowth #ConflictResolution  #EmotionalIntelligence #IntimacyBuilder #StrongTogether

One of the things we can do during times of certainty is to get our physiology in alignment with a healthy immune system, hope, and possibility. We have an opportunity right now to really see how the world is one.

Dismiss the inner critic and engage the inner coach. Step into vulnerability. Be courageous. You are here to shine. Take a deep breath and go forward.

One of the most healing things you will ever do – cry.
Would you love to better understand the power of tears? Allow the flow of tears to happen. It’s truly a superpower.

Inside all of us are some powerful energy transfers and transmuters. They are called mirror neurons. We can put them to good use by seeing others with soft eyes. Allow trust to beget trust and build bridges to really see one another. 

I'm fascinated with body language. Today's message is inspired by the social psychologist Amy Cuddy. Amy studies nonverbal behavior and her research dives into how we understand others through body language. She inspired the "power pose" Ted Talk - you're going to want to watch that.

We are always better TOGETHER. Now is a time when we need to be much more connected. Protecting your heart doesn't mean closing it down, it actually means opening up to connection and to the power of common humanity.

When you are finally ready to overcome all the limiting and false ideas of who used to think you are and truly becoming all you came here to be.

This is all about epigenetic engagement to express your awesomeness. I am suggesting three practices you can start today to help you express your genes for the better.

Around the New Year, we begin to doubt a few of the goals that we set, feeling less motivated and dedicated. Taking the time to acknowledge what you're grateful for could be the very thing that deepens your relationship with your goals and causes you to feel more motivated to achieve them.

Witnessing acts of kindness is powerful for both the giver and the witness of the act. Compassion and empathy are superpowers. They are part of our emotional intelligence and they give way to purpose and longevity.

You don't have to sit still to connect with Spirit. This is about the beauty and blessing of being alive. There is suddenness in life. We hear a lot about "sudden death." Today I want to talk about "sudden aliveness," those "aha" moments.

To learn more, visit http://changeagentspodcast.com

Yawning actually re-engages your cognition. It optimizes your metabolism. Yawning increases empathy towards others. It lowers the stress hormone, cortisol - and so much more.

According to research by Kristin Neff, self-compassion may be the key to heroic self-acceptance. Neff defines self-compassion as “extending warmth and understanding to ourselves when we suffer, fail or feel inadequate, rather than ignoring our pain or flogging ourselves with self-criticism.” In other words, it’s being gentle and supportive towards ourselves in times of difficulty instead of harsh and judgemental. And studies suggest that this approach leads to more happiness, reduced anxiety, and greater emotional resilience.

This is all about the power of oxytocin, as we've talked about before. I want to encourage you to set an intention to realize your potential. Engage in touch, encouragement, laughter, movement active listening, and movement and your self-love will grow as a result.

Have you ever been told you have unrealized potential? Do you see this as a blessing or a burden? Bring your worthiness forward and bring your life to an inspired reflection of who you truly are.

It's not always easy to show up and be the best version of yourself. We have edges that we push - on one side - the edge of fear - to the other side, the edge of ecstasy. Common humanity and being a beacon for others lie somewhere in between these edges.

Put love at the top of your list today. We pass through hundreds of doorways every single day, allowing us an opportunity to ask ourselves, what would love do now? Equinimity is the ability to find your way back to your heart. This practice will help you get there.

We’re diving into the power of accountability—what it really means, how to cultivate it in ourselves, and how to support each other in love and growth. Join us as we explore rituals, research, and real-life practices that make accountability the foundation for a thriving partnership. 🌱💪 #LoveAndLifeElevated #TogetherWeRise #Accountability

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More From Dr. James Rouse
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Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/DrJamesRouse?sub_confirmation=1

For more information and resources: http://drjamesrouse.com
Facebook: https://facebook.com/DrJamesRouse
Instagram: https://instagram.com/DrJamesRouse

--------------------------------------
About Dr. James Rouse
--------------------------------------

Dr. James Rouse is a Professional Ruckus Maker in business and in life.

As an Author and Speaker, he has written 11 books and has shared the stage with notables such as Dr. Mehmet Oz, Sir Richard Branson, Shaquille O’Neil, Robin Sharma, Diana Nyad, Jean Houston, Barbara Marx Hubbard, and Michael Beckwith.

As a Human Performance Clinician, he has worked with the NFL, the NBA, MLB, Google, Whole Foods, Tegna Media and other High Performing organizations from around the globe.

As a seasoned entrepreneur and CEO, he successfully founded and built four companies in media, consumer packaged goods and nutraceuticals, all which have gone on to generate millions of dollars in Sales.

To learn more, visit http://changeagentspodcast.com

Today we are taking a deeper dive into the idea of social connectivity. We are a community that thrives on the consciousness of service. Serve from a place of purpose, meaning, and courage. This is what drives humanity forward. Show up heart-first.

It's the perfect solution for social and physical distancing when you want to greet someone with love and respect. It's Namaste. It's a word and a gesture that passes positive energy from one to another and back again.

In this episode of Love & Life Elevated, we dive deep into the transformative power of belonging. Explore how feeling connected to ourselves, others, and our purpose can unlock fulfillment and resilience in your life. Discover practices to nurture community, foster authentic relationships, and step into a life where you feel seen, heard, and valued.

Spreading kindness is one of the most contagious things you can do. Convince by your presence. Allow your kindness to spread. Your kindness affects everyone around you, including yourself, in the most wonderful of ways.

I'm really excited about this research out of UCLA dedicated to spirituality and the positive effects that spiritual practices have in our lives.

Emotional rawness is really coming up for me these days. I am more easily brought to tears. And under the influence of tears, there is great good happening beneath the surface. Emotional detoxification, cleansing, and releasing of stress are just the beginning.

What lessons from 2020 do you want to carry on with you into the new year? It's time to take our selfish impulses and open to the idea of aligning with the frequency of the Universe. These are the impulses are joy, love, presence, inclusivity, peace, and good.

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More From Dr. James Rouse
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Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/DrJamesRouse?sub_confirmation=1

For more information and resources: http://drjamesrouse.com
Facebook: https://facebook.com/DrJamesRouse
Instagram: https://instagram.com/DrJamesRouse

--------------------------------------
About Dr. James Rouse
--------------------------------------

Dr. James Rouse is a Professional Ruckus Maker in business and in life.

As an Author and Speaker, he has written 11 books and has shared the stage with notables such as Dr. Mehmet Oz, Sir Richard Branson, Shaquille O’Neil, Robin Sharma, Diana Nyad, Jean Houston, Barbara Marx Hubbard, and Michael Beckwith.

As a Human Performance Clinician, he has worked with the NFL, the NBA, MLB, Google, Whole Foods, Tegna Media and other High Performing organizations from around the globe.

As a seasoned entrepreneur and CEO, he successfully founded and built four companies in media, consumer packaged goods and nutraceuticals, all which have gone on to generate millions of dollars in Sales.

He lives in the foothills of the Colorado Rockies where he practices high performance living, giving and growing alongside his wife Debra and their two teenage daughters.

To learn more, visit http://changeagencpodcast.com

The more we put energy on things outside of ourselves that we can't control, the more emotional unrest we experience. We can't control the weather, the media, politics, traffic, other people - but we can control our thoughts, our movement, what we put in our mouths, our authenticity.

We aspire to model ourselves after those who inspire us and instill hope within us. We yearn to observe the qualities and values in others that resonate deeply with us and then make a conscious effort to incorporate those virtues into our own lives. One of the most powerful virtues to begin with is kindness, as it serves as an excellent starting point for this journey. It's about granting ourselves the permission to actively practice and embody the virtues we hold dear, allowing them to guide our actions throughout each day.

What is the most powerful way to stay motivated? Motivation comes from within - from ourselves for ourselves. Studying the brain and what lights up during motivation revealed that by feeling good about ourselves, we step up and take better care of ourselves.

To learn more, visit http://changeagentspodcast.com

Decreases in stress, heart attacks, and depression happen under the influence of time off. Time off helps improve intimacy and connection with your partner or spouse. And sleep improves when we take time off. 

Begin and end with love.

There's something hopeful about community coming together. Today I want to share a story that happened recently and really connected to my heart. It's about oneness and connection and I hope it hits you in a way that you want to outlove the hate, outshine the darkness.

Purpose encourages longevity, emotional resilience, and positive mental health. It helps us to not experience burnout and overwhelm. Having a vision for purpose helps us to live our best versions of ourselves.

Do you believe in the power of prayer? Have you asked yourself, "What would love do now?" This is a prayer that we all can be answering each and every day of our lives.

The first half of 2020 has been an interesting struggle of sorts, for many of us. Today I want to establish five practices to increase courage and offer up a bit of vulnerability in the process.

Circulate your goodness and expose yourself to love and kindness. Show up with your heart out loud. When you do this, you encourage the production and release of endogenous opioids - the ones we produce in our bodies - helping to decrease inflammation and kill pain. Let's come together on this.

Have you sold yourself out? Commit yourself to your truth - your relationship to your highest self. Are you fully committed or are you cheating on your highest good? It is time to play with your soul at the highest level. Stand for your truth.

Willpower And Your Life

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More From Dr. James Rouse
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Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/DrJamesRouse?sub_confirmation=1

For more information and resources: http://drjamesrouse.com
Facebook: https://facebook.com/DrJamesRouse
Instagram: https://instagram.com/DrJamesRouse

--------------------------------------
About Dr. James Rouse
--------------------------------------

Dr. James Rouse is a Professional Ruckus Maker in business and in life.

As an Author and Speaker, he has written 11 books and has shared the stage with notables such as Dr. Mehmet Oz, Sir Richard Branson, Shaquille O’Neil, Robin Sharma, Diana Nyad, Jean Houston, Barbara Marx Hubbard, and Michael Beckwith.

As a Human Performance Clinician, he has worked with the NFL, the NBA, MLB, Google, Whole Foods, Tegna Media and other High Performing organizations from around the globe.

As a seasoned entrepreneur and CEO, he successfully founded and built four companies in media, consumer packaged goods and nutraceuticals, all which have gone on to generate millions of dollars in Sales.

He lives in the foothills of the Colorado Rockies where he practices high performance living, giving and growing alongside his wife Debra and their two teenage daughters.

----------------------------------------------
More From Dr. James Rouse
----------------------------------------------

Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/DrJamesRouse?sub_confirmation=1

For more information and resources: http://drjamesrouse.com
Facebook: https://facebook.com/DrJamesRouse
Instagram: https://instagram.com/DrJamesRouse

--------------------------------------
About Dr. James Rouse
--------------------------------------

Dr. James Rouse is a Professional Ruckus Maker in business and in life.

As an Author and Speaker, he has written 11 books and has shared the stage with notables such as Dr. Mehmet Oz, Sir Richard Branson, Shaquille O’Neil, Robin Sharma, Diana Nyad, Jean Houston, Barbara Marx Hubbard, and Michael Beckwith.

As a Human Performance Clinician, he has worked with the NFL, the NBA, MLB, Google, Whole Foods, Tegna Media and other High Performing organizations from around the globe.

As a seasoned entrepreneur and CEO, he successfully founded and built four companies in media, consumer packaged goods and nutraceuticals, all which have gone on to generate millions of dollars in Sales.

He lives in the foothills of the Colorado Rockies where he practices high performance living, giving and growing alongside his wife Debra and their two teenage daughters.

To learn more, visit http://changeagentspodcast.com

To learn more, visit http://changeagentspodcast.com

Just like you..... I feel so many emotions that call into question my commitment to myself and my belongingness. Allow this community to help you to heal. Reclaim and own your story. I am so grateful for the time we have together. 

People who speak mostly in first person pronouns have the highest likelihood to have a heart-related complication. Notice when you are only coming from my or me, and see when you can use we and us. Choose your words like your life depends on it because it does.

Today's message is all about distinguishing between our drama and our dreams. How we live our lives says a lot about how much we prioritize inner peace. no matter what your story, dedicate yourself to your dreams. Elevate yourself through self-love and discipline.

When we contemplate change, the amygdala—the brain's fear center—often activates, fueled by memories of past failures and negative experiences. This activation can paralyze us with fear, overshadowing our thoughts with doubts about potential outcomes. However, once we take the initial steps toward change, these fear centers begin to dim. By actively moving forward and facing our fears, we can clear the path for our brains to overcome these anxieties. This shift not only diminishes the power of fear but also empowers us to embrace new challenges with a clearer, more confident mindset.

If you were to write your own eulogy today, what would you like it to say? What do you want to be remembered for? Are you living the life that you came here to live? Are you expressing your life in a way that makes you proud of the way you are living it?

Today I want to share with you some science-based research on spirituality and the brain. This comes from the work of Columbia University professor, Dr. Lisa Miller whose book, The Awakened Mind, speaks to this very subject. In particular, Dr. Miller talks about personal devotion to spiritual practice and how it has a huge impact on mental health, especially on depression. I want to share some key points with you on the power of spiritual practice and what that can do for your brain.

Take a moment today to stop, breathe, and appreciate the beauty around you. Did you know that simply taking a walk and immersing yourself in awe-inspiring sights can actually reshape parts of your brain associated with stress and trauma? By doing this, you’re rewiring your brain toward positivity, hope, and resilience.

Walking in awe has a powerful effect on the vagus nerve, the key to calming your body and mind. When you stop to truly see the world around you—whether it’s the sunset, a forest, or even a city street—you trigger healing, hope, and a deeper connection to life.

Today, I invite you to take an awe walk.
Notice the little miracles around you. Let awe elevate your mindset, heal your nervous system, and bring you back to the present moment with peace and vitality. 

#FindYourAwe #HealingInNature #BrainAndBody #AweWalk #VitalLiving

Happy Valentine's Day beloved friends. Let's celebrate the power of love and the people we love. Let's learn how to love everyone that we meet, in any place and at any time. Let's go all in to love bigger and celebrate the little micro-moments of love. Today let's start to celebrate love!

In our journey through life, the cultivation of self-discipline and the pursuit of joy stand as twin pillars, each crucial to our overall well-being. The ability to balance these two seemingly contrasting aspects of life can be transformative, leading to enhanced personal and professional performance.

This is a case for integrity and character. It comes down to one simple practice. Just do what you said you would do. Whether that may be meditating, walking in nature, eating clean, healthy food, making eye contact, smiling at strangers. Follow through and you'll be happier and live longer.

There have been some dark, dark days in my past. My worthiness and sense of self were very diminished. We are in the midst of deep spiritual growth and truth finding. Do you, do we, have enough courage to stand in our truth? It is essential to find our truth and help us to rise through the darkness.