Letters to the Sky

Send us a textThis week, Adam and Stephan dive into the concepts of validation and self-worth, inspired by the book 'The Courage to be Disliked' by Ichiro Kishimi and Fumitake Koga. They explore the importance of not seeking external validation and the challenge of finding inherent self-worth. With personal anecdotes and deep philosophical insights, this episode aims to provide listeners with a sense of freedom and ease. Don't miss this thought-provoking discussion!00:00 Introduction 03:05 Book Discussion: The Courage to Be Disliked04:10 Validation and Self-Worth in the Medical Profession07:11 Personal Reflections on Validation and Achievement09:49 Inherent Self-Worth and External Validation19:30 The Power of Self-Validation26:42 Conclusion and GratitudeSupport the showCopyright 2024 by Letters to the Sky

Send us a textIf you're new here, we're Stephan and Adam. We bring the greatest wisdom of the past into everyday life.Adam and Stephan dive deep into how beliefs shape our reality. With personal anecdotes about facing fears around firearms they explore the transformation that occurs when engaging with fear rather than avoiding it. They also highlight the impact of social media algorithms on our belief systems and share practical steps for uncovering and shifting limiting beliefs. Tune in to discover how to turn fear into opportunities for growth and healing.00:00 Introduction and Catching Up01:00 Diving into Beliefs and Spirituality02:39 Facing Fears: A Personal Journey08:30 Social Media Shows Us Our Beliefs12:42 There is No Objective Reality15:09 Addressing Limiting Beliefs and Meditation21:02 Practical TakeawaysContact us directly at letterstotheskypodcast[at]gmail.com to chat, recommend a book, leave feedback, or to get signed up for our newsletters.Support the showCopyright 2024 by Letters to the Sky

Send us a textWe're now on YouTube! Check out our channel with videos of our episodes, and don't forget to like and subscribe!https://www.youtube.com/@letterstotheskypodcastIn this special holiday Postcard, Stephan and Adam share personal stories and insights on how to navigate the emotional challenges of the holiday season. They discuss the importance of being present, setting intentions, and creating space to process emotions. The episode emphasizes the power of non-judgment, awareness, and inner work as tools for healing and finding peace during what can often be a difficult time. They encourage listeners to share their own practices for dealing with holiday stress and highlight the significance of accepting the holiday experience as it is.PS: Stephan's microphone is breaking and not consistent. We'll fix it ASAP.Let us know your practices to get through the holidays in the comments! Thank you to our amazing viewers and listeners.00:00 Holiday Greetings01:37 Setting Intentions for the Holiday Episode03:35 Understanding the Holiday Blues04:30 Family Dynamics and Holiday Challenges09:14 Coping Strategies for Holiday Stress14:08 The Power of Presence and Non-Judgment18:57 Creating Space and Managing Expectations22:54 Final Thoughts and Holiday WishesSupport the showCopyright 2024 by Letters to the Sky

Send us a textIn this heartfelt episode, Adam and Stephan connect over their evolving lives, sharing personal breakthroughs and profound realizations. Adam dives deep into his recent experiences with meditation, achieving a moment of clarity and love that reshapes his perspective on self-worth and validation. Through a touching story involving visions of great spiritual teachers, Adam learns the importance of loving others and himself without the need for titles or positions. Join them in this reflective conversation about meditation, inner peace, and the journey towards self-acceptance.00:00 Welcome Back!00:53 Adam's Turn to Share01:21 A Meditation Experience06:07 The Power of Meditation08:19 Discussing the Enneagram11:41 The Importance of Mental Hygiene19:27 Final Thoughts and TakeawaysCopyright 2024 by Letters to the Sky

Send us a textIn this week's episode of the Letters to the Sky podcast, Stephan opens up about a profound realization regarding his relationship with his wife, which sparked a deep discussion with Adam. They explore how relationships serve as mirrors that reflect our subconscious triggers and the power of sitting with strong emotions for healing. Through personal anecdotes, Stephan shares the transformative impact of awareness and communication in overcoming emotional challenges, highlighting the significance of intention in navigating relational dynamics.00:00 Introduction to This Week's Podcast00:25 Stephan's Realization and Its Impact02:15 Understanding the Mirror Concept in Relationships05:51 Practical Example: Teasing Incident08:25 Healing Through Awareness and Communication19:48 The Power of Intention in Relationships24:06 Conclusion and Final ThoughtsCopyright 2024 by Letters to the Sky

Send us a textDiego Ugalde - Leadership From the Deep - Conversation About Psychedelics and SpiritualityIn this episode, Adam and Steven welcome former Navy SEAL and renowned coach Diego Ugalde as their special guest. Diego shares his transformative journey from being a Navy SEAL to becoming a leadership coach who specializes in spiritual and psychedelic healing. The discussion delves into Diego's experiences with Ibogaine, his book 'Leading from the Deep,' and the profound insights he has gained through elevated states of consciousness. They explore themes of fear, spiritual bypassing, the power of psychedelics in mental health and self-awareness, and the similarities between psychedelic and meditative awakening. Diego also talks about his work with The Trident Approach and Warriorside, initiatives dedicated to helping veterans and civilians connect and heal through storytelling and psychedelic experiences.The Trident Approach: https://thetridentapproach.com/00:00 Hi Adam. Hi Stephan.00:40 Introducing Diego Ugalde01:52 Diego's Background and Achievements04:39 Discussing Diego's Book and Psychedelic Healing05:28 Diving into Ibogaine Experience11:20 The Healing Power of Psychedelics18:57 Spiritual Bypassing and Psychedelics28:36 Facing Fear and Divine Guidance34:26 Striving for Acceptance35:25 The Cost of Fearlessness36:29 Awareness and Muscle Memory37:26 Balancing Fear and Combat38:45 Insights from a True Story43:22 Flow State vs. Dissociative State45:31 Meditation and Psychedelics59:36 The Core Truth of Love01:03:17 Upcoming Projects and Final ThoughtsCopyright 2024 by Letters to the Sky

Send us a textIn this episode of the 'Letters to the Sky' podcast, Adam and Steven introduce a new, shorter format called 'Postcards'. They discuss strategies for staying grounded amid the turmoil of the recent U.S. presidential election and how to find inner peace despite external chaos. Listen in as they share insights on the importance of looking within, meditation techniques, and personal reflections on life. Join them for a candid conversation about navigating today's challenges with mindfulness and compassion.00:00 Introduction and New Setup00:24 Introducing Postcards: Shorter Format01:47 Staying Grounded in Crazy Times04:07 Inner Peace and Mass Consciousness11:31 Breathing Techniques for Relaxation18:57 Final Thoughts and FarewellCopyright 2024 by Letters to the Sky

Send us a textJoin Adam and Stephan discussing one of the 20th century's pioneers in bringing Eastern thought to Western minds. In Polishing the Ram Dass reflects on a life of practice and awakening. Adam and Stephan discuss the nature of truth and devotion.Copyright 2024 by Letters to the Sky

Send us a Text Message.Stephan and Adam discuss the bestseller The Disappearance of the Universe: Straight Talk about Illusions, Past Lives, Religion, Sex, Politics, and the Miracles of Forgiveness by Gary Renard.This book tells the incredible story of ascended masters revealing great truths to an everyman - Gary Renard, and documents years of conversations about what's really going on behind the scenes of our reality. Link to buy the book:  https://tinyurl.com/mrxr3cvuSign up for our newsletter on our website for extras about our episodes and to learn how to join Stephan and Adam on live calls every month!https://letterstothesky.com/Watch us as talking heads on the YouTube version of the episode. Don't forget to subscribe and like.https://youtu.be/8yKEzEr3nBgCopyright 2023 by Letters to the Sky

Do you ever feel like everything's crumbling around you and you've lost all control? Have you ever gone through some traumatic event that's left your heart closed off from the world? Pema Chödrön has the antidote for you. This short, pithy book sparks a deep and honest conversation about the limitations of our humanity and the infinite power of our hearts to transform our lives.Copyright 2023 by Letters to the Sky

Stephan and Adam discuss the impossible true story of a neurosurgeon who had one of the most descriptive and profound near-death experiences put to words.  Is consciousness a product of the brain or is the brain an interface for something larger? Why do Christians see Christian beings when they die, and Buddhists the Buddha? What does it mean to be perfect and whole?Link to buy the book:  http://tinyurl.com/mv7jwnw9Sign up for our newsletter on our website for extras about our episodes and to learn how to join Stephan and Adam on live calls every month!https://letterstothesky.com/Copyright 2023 by Letters to the Sky

Adam and Stephan discuss the inner and outer magic found in the hermetic teachings of Alchemy.  Starting with Nicolas Flamel in the Middle Ages, Alchemy has fascinated the Western mind with the promise of turning lead into gold. Dive deep into the inner world of alchemists and the secrets to unlocking your own, inner gold, in this episode.Copyright 2023 by Letters to the Sky

Adam & Stephan discuss the topic absolutely no one is tired of hearing about:  Nonhuman intelligence. Aliens. Extraterrestrials. Whatever you call them...they're out there, and their existence is an opportunity to teach us about how we view ourselves and our lives. Diving into the book American Cosmic by American academic D.W. Pasulka, your beloved hosts regale listeners with incredible stories of technology and other beings living alongside us.Support us by subscribing to our divine newsletters, blogs, and meditations at https://www.letterstothesky.com or by emailing letterstotheskypodcast@gmail.com. Sign up for our mailing list at the link above to be notified of new episode drops, monthly live calls with Adam and Stephan to discuss the month's book, and more.The Book (Amazon):  https://a.co/d/9kV1gONDavid Grusch's Opening Statement: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lcrCMLVk614Paul Hellyer: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paul_HellyerCopyright 2023 by Letters to the Sky

Stephan and Adam bring a small update. Letters to the Sky is expanding past just a podcast! Sign up for our new newsletter at https://letterstothesky.com/ to get exclusive info on upcoming episodes, guided meditations, and other good stuff. We're also excited to share starting in November we'll be having live calls monthly in addition to the podcast! We'll share details of dates and topics via our newsletter  - don't forget to sign up.Upcoming episodes include:Aliens (coming later in October!)Alchemy and Magic Near Death ExperiencesPsychedelicsShamanismPS - Stephan will be in Frankfurt for the Buchmesse next week. If you're one of our beloved Frankfurters and want to meet up, reach out to Stephan on Instagram - @stephandownes (fair warning - it's mostly pictures of wild mushrooms he forages).

Adam and Stephan return to kick off a new series of recordings. Today they discuss the upcoming "emergency" of General AI and its impacts on religion and spirituality.Please see the video below which Adam and Stephan referenced:https://youtu.be/bk-nQ7HF6k4

John joins Adam and Stephan after a long hiatus to discuss Zen Master Seung Sahn's book Wanting Enlightenment Is a Big Mistake, a great exploration into Korean Zen and the life of this extremely influential Zen teacher.

Adam and Stephan bring back John for a deep conversation into the power of naming what God is NOT, discussing Maimonides' Guide for the Perplexed.

Adam and Stephan discuss the amazing  Patrul Rinpoche, an enlightened 19th-Century Tibetan master who roamed the plateaus dressed as a vagrant, teaching wherever he went.

Adam and Stephan explore the life of Jalaluddin Rumi, his teacher, and the role of love and humility in spiritual awakening.

Adam and Stephan discuss the third chapter of the Way of the Bodhisattva by Shantideva - Taking Hold of Bodhicitta - and reflect on the practical importance of generating compassion for the suffering of ourselves and others.

Adam and Stephan begin a long conversation about the limitations, merits, intersections, and differences between Science and Religion.

Adam and Stephan discuss a Christian mystic's masterpiece on prayer and meditation with many analogous ideas in Hinduism.

Adam and Stephan discuss one of the mainstay texts of modern Stoicism - Marcus Aurelius's Meditations. The private journal of one of the greatest emperors to live - Meditations is full of beautiful philosophy to live by every day.

Adam and Stephan discuss Zen and the spiritual autobiography of Zen Master Hakuin Ekaku, translated by Norman Waddell.

Richard Smoley, author and philosopher, in his book Forbidden Faith, writes about the secret history of Gnosticism. We learn why this set of beliefs was considered 'the great heresy' of Christianity and dive into its pervasiveness in the American mythos and psyche. We explore everything from Madame Blavatsky and the new age movements to Philip K Dick's Blade Runner and its gnostic influences.

Adam and Stephan dive into the inner workings of Buddhism to further explore spiritual materialism. This is a continuation of our first episode on Chogyam Trungpa.

Karen Armstrong delivers a wonderfully balanced and insightful portrayal of the life of one of the world's most well known iconoclasts, the Prophet Muhammad. We go over her message and its relevance in our ever-changing modern world.

Chogyam Trungpa was a controversial yet undeniably influential Tibetan Buddhist teacher who brought the essence of Tibetan Buddhism to the West. His book outlines the spiritual path and the pitfalls commonly found along the way.

Bart Ehrman, a New Testament scholar and Professor of Religious Studies, became convinced of contradictions and discrepancies in biblical manuscripts that could not be reconciled. We discuss his book "Misquoting Jesus" which dives into these and other controversial topics.

Alan Watts was an iconoclast through and through. He took a huge step in bringing Zen and other eastern philosophical ideas to the west before and during a time when the United States was undergoing a huge cultural shift in the 60s and 70s. We explore one of his pivotal books here, aptly named "The Book on the Taboo Against Knowing Who You Are."

Nietzsche had a huge impact in the world on Philosophy, Spirituality and Religion. In this first episode of the series we explore one of his classics, Thus Spoke Zarathustra, and explore Nietzsche's map of spiritual evolution.