In this episode of The Mindful Living Podcast, host Sana sits down with Richard Smith to unpack what “navigating awareness” actually looks like in real life. They break down Richard’s Orbits of Consciousness framework. A practical map for how we move through fear, judgment, survival mode, compassion, connection, and those rare moments of awe. If you feel like your growth is messy, non-linear, and full of repeat patterns. This conversation puts language to it without turning it into a “fix yourself” checklist.
About the Guest:Richard Smith is a coach and author who developed the Orbits of Consciousness framework through lived experience and years of observing how people shift emotionally and mentally without “going anywhere” physically. He’s the author of A Phenomenal Life: Ignite Your Clarity, Connection, and Awe.
Key Takeaways:Awareness is like a horizon. It can shrink in grief, fear, shame, or depression, and expand when you feel spacious and present.
Your “orbit” changes how the world feels. Same life, different lens. Like tinted glasses.
The lowest orbit is the “dark places”. Heavy ego attachment and emotional density can make movement hard. Sometimes professional support is needed.
The “oppressed” orbit holds more hope than the darkest states, but still feels like the world is against you.
The “sustaining” orbit is where many people live. Functioning, coping, but still emotionally reactive.
Judgment acts like a ceiling. It keeps you stuck by creating separation from yourself and others.
Wholesome existence shows up in flow states. Nature, music, hobbies, sunsets, moments of calm presence.
The spiritual orbit is brief but real. Deep connection, low ego, feeling part of everything.
A simple orbit-check is noticing how connected you feel. To yourself, to others, and to life around you.
You can be aware and imperfect at the same time. Repeating a pattern does not mean failure. It means you are still moving.
Book: A Phenomenal Life (available on Amazon)
Website: https://aphenomenallife.co.uk/ (includes details and a visual map of the Orbits of Consciousness)
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