The Journey Back to You: Zen, Love, and Letting Go | Cheri Huber

In this deeply enlightening episode of Light Up the Mic, renowned Zen student, teacher, and popular author Cheri Huber speaks with Kembala. Cheri has over 45 years of experience with Zen. She is the author of 24 books, including There Is Nothing Wrong With You. 

They discuss the journey of self-acceptance, the layers that people build over time, and the transformative power of love and understanding in overcoming personal challenges. The conversation emphasizes the need for mindfulness, unconditional love, and being present in the moment, as well as the significance of recognizing one's true nature beneath societal conditioning.

From the impact of technology on real human relations to how love—not punishment—heals hurt, this episode invites listeners to rethink judgment, embrace self-compassion, and reconnect with the simple joys of nature, meditation, and childlike innocence. Cheri shares practical ways to find peace in a noisy world and offers resources for those struggling with anxiety and depression. 

Whether you're experienced with Zen or just curious about it, this episode is an invitation to pause, breathe, and explore it more.

Key Takeaways:

• Presence is the heart of Zen: being fully in the moment.
• Social conditioning creates layers that separate us from our true nature.
• Self-acceptance begins with understanding who we truly are.
• Love—not punishment—is what reaches and transforms people, especially children.
• True change starts with self-love; that’s not selfish, it’s essential.
• Nature, stillness, and volunteering are powerful antidotes to digital overload.
• Comparison is a thief of joy—your worth isn't measured by external validation.
• Meditation is challenging but worth it to reclaim your inner peace.

Resources:

• LivingCompassion.org – Free downloads of Cheri’s books and more.
• Some of Cheri’s Books:
  1. There’s Nothing Wrong With You: Going Beyond Self-Hate
  2. The Key: And The Name of The Key is Willingness
  3. Nothing Happens Next: Responses to Questions About Meditation
• The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen R. Covey
• The Millionaire Next Door: The Surprising Secrets of America's Wealthy by  Thomas J. Stanley and William D. Danko 

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