Spirit Matters Talk

This is the Spirit Matters Grand Finale. Dennis and Phil reminisce about their seven years and reflect on the 300 or so interviews they've conducted about spirituality with teachers, leaders, scholars, scientists and experts of various kinds - all wise and all happy to share their insights and guidance. They share what they've learned from the experience and their gratitude to everyone who helped along the way. And they announced that Phil will be carrying the Spirit Matters banner solo on a new platform: mindbodyspirit.fm.

Paul J. Mills is Professor of Public Health and Family Medicine and the Director of the Center of Excellence for Research and Training in Integrative Health. A clinical researcher with a focus on integrative medicine and spiritual practice, his former positions include: President of the American Psychosomatic Medicine Society, Chief of Behavioral Medicine at the University of California San Diego, Director of Research at the Chopra Center for Wellbeing, and editor of several professional journals. He has more than 400 scientific publications in the fields of pharmacology, oncology, cardiology, psychoneuroimmunology, behavioral medicine, and integrative health. His work has been featured in Time magazine, The New York Times, National Public Radio, and many other sources. He has presented at hundreds of conferences and workshops around the world, including at the United Nations. And he is the author of the intriguing new book, Science, Being, & Becoming: The Spiritual Lives of Scientists. We spoke about that book, the historic tension between science and spirituality, and what he learned interviewing scientists about their spiritual experiences. Learn more about Paul Mills here: https://profiles.ucsd.edu/paul.mills

Henry Yampolsky is a lawyer, a mediator, an educator, a public speaker, and an author. He serves as the Assistant Director for Education, Outreach, and Conflict Resolution at Virginia Tech's Office for Equity and Accessibility and teaches conflict resolution, mediation, and peace building through the Center for Peace Studies and Violence Prevention. Henry has worked on many complex conflicts and has taught and lectured around the world. He's also a yogi and a master-level instructor of Sattva Yoga, having been trained in Rishikesh, India. He's also the author of a new book, Dis-Solving Conflict from Within: An Inner Path for Conflict Transformation. A native of Kyiv, Ukraine, Henry currently resides in the mountains of Southwest Virginia. We spoke about his new book, spiritual development as a vital aspect of handling conflict effectively, why he speaks of “conflict transformation” rather than “resolution,” and much more. Learn more about Henry Yampolsky here: https://www.livingpeaceinstitute.com/#about

Machiel Klerk is a social entrepreneur, a licensed mental health therapist, an international speaker, and a dream worker. Trained as a Jungian psychologist and an expert in the spiritual and therapeutic value of dreams, he has traveled the world studying the healing and dream technologies of many cultures, especially in Africa where he was born. He's the founder of the Jung Society of Utah and of Jung Platform, an online teaching organization. His new book is Dream Guidance: Connecting to the Soul Through Dream Incubation. We spoke about his background, his book, and the spiritual insights and guidance that can be gleaned from dreams. Learn more about Machiel Klerk here: https://machielklerk.com/about-me/.

Stephen G. Post is the founding director of the Institute for Research on Unlimited Love, and the founding director of the Center for Medical Humanities, Compassionate Care, and Bioethics at Stony Brook University School of Medicine in New York. A public speaker and an opinion leader in medicine, Alzheimer research, and religion, he has promoted the idea of “give and live better” across the globe. Dr. Post is the bestselling author of Why Good Things Happen to Good People: How to Live a Longer, Happier, Healthier Life by the Simple Act of Giving. Another book, God and Love on Route 80, is a meditation on the meaning of life and the importance of spirituality. His latest, Dignity for Deeply Forgetful People: How Caregivers Can Meet the Challenges of Alzheimer's Disease, is about caring for those afflicted with Alzheimer's Disease. We spoke about his own path, consciousness, and the surprising philosophical and metaphysical implications of research on Alzheimers. Learn more about Stephen Post here: https://stephengpost.com/stephen-g-post-bio.php.

Robert A. Jonas, is an author, musician, environmental activist, and retreat leader, and the founder and director of the Empty Bell, a contemplative sanctuary in Northampton, MA, with an emphasis on Buddhist-Christian dialogue and the arts. A Christian in the Carmelite tradition, he has also received spiritual formation with Buddhist teachers. He is a student of Suizen, the Japanese shakuhachi bamboo flute (his shakuhachi album “Blowing Bamboo” is available on iTunes), a member of the Society for Buddhist-Christian Studies and the Eckhart Society, and past board member of the Kestrel Land Trust and the Henri Nouwen Society. He is a Visiting Lecturer at the Northwind Seminary, and author of several books and articles including The Essential Henri Nouwen and Rebecca: A Father's Journey from Grief to Gratitude. His new book, My Dear Far-Nearness: The Holy Trinity as Spiritual Practice, is an exploration of the Holy Trinity as three dimensions of spiritual awareness rather than dogma or doctrine. In this, his second visit to Spirit Matters, we focused on his new book and his provocative interpretation and application of the Trinitarian concept. Learn more about Robert Jonas here: http://emptybell.org/.

Acharya Shunya is the first female head of a 2,000-year-old spiritual lineage from northern India. An award-winning and internationally renowned spiritual teacher, scholar of Advaita (nondual) Vedanta, and a classically-trained master of Yoga and Ayurveda, she is the founder of The Awakened Self Foundation and the nonprofit Vedika Global, Inc., platforms that empower, educate, and inspire a global community of students through online courses, workshops, and retreats. Acharya demystifies and contextualizes sacred concepts for modern life through her podcast, Shadow to Self, and her books—Ayurveda Lifestyle Wisdom: A Complete Prescription to Optimize Your Health, Prevent Disease, Live with Vitality and Joy; Sovereign Self: Claim your Inner Joy and Freedom with the Empowering Wisdom of the Vedas, Upanishads and Bhagavad Gita (the subject of her previous visit to Spirit Matters); and her latest, Roar Like a Goddess: Every Woman's Guide to Becoming Unapologetically Powerful, Prosperous, and Peaceful. We spoke about her new book, and how women and men can use the symbolism, practices, and energy associated with principle goddesses in their lives. Learn more about Acharya Shunya here: www.AcharyaShunya.com.

Mark Nepo is a poet and philosopher who has taught in the fields of poetry and spirituality for over 40 years. Mark has moved and inspired readers and seekers all over the world. A #1 New York Times bestselling author, his numerous award-winning books—including The Book of Awakening, More Together Than Alone, and Drinking from the River of Light—have been translated into over twenty languages. Mark has appeared several times on Oprah Winfrey's Super Soul Sunday program. In 2016 he was named one of the 100 Most Spiritually Influential Living People by Watkins: MindBodySpirit, and was chosen as one of OWN's SuperSoul 100. Mark devotes his writing and teaching to the journey of inner transformation and offers readings, lectures, and retreats internationally. In this, his third visit to Spirit Matters, we spoke about the subject of his timely new book, Surviving Storms: Finding the Strength to Meet Adversity. Learn more about Mark Nepo here: https://marknepo.com/about_bio.php.

Jim Blake is the CEO of Unity World Headquarters, the nonprofit organization that oversees the facilities of Unity, which helps people of all faiths and cultures apply positive spiritual principles in their daily lives. He previously served Unity as chief information officer and vice president of operations, and has held numerous executive positions in the corporate world, including as Director of Customer Operations for one company and as Vice President of Products and Technology for another. Jim has a bachelor's degree in computer science and a masters of Divinity degree. He was ordained as a Unity minister in 2021. He is also the author of The Zen Executive: Gems of Wisdom for Enlightened Leadership. We spoke about ways to ground effective management and leadership in spiritual principles. Learn more about Jim Blake here and Unity here.

Spirit Matters continues its brief hiatus. Meanwhile, here is another offering from the special series of interviews Phil did for Unity Online Radio in the spring of 2021, under the title of his book Spiritual Practice for Crazy Times. In this episode, "Living in the Heart with Sally Kempton," the longtime spiritual teacher and author of "Meditation for the Love of It" shares yogic wisdom for building resilience; finding meaning in upsets; developing the inner witness; and integrating the energy centers of the mind, heart, and belly.

Spirit Matters continues its brief hiatus. Meanwhile, here is another offering from the special series of interviews Phil did for Unity Online Radio in the spring of 2021, under the title of his book Spiritual Practice for Crazy Times. In this episode, “Being a Holy Rascal with Rabbi Rami Shapiro,” the interspiritual rabbi and prolific author shares perennial wisdom about grieving for the dead and the dying, addiction and recovery, the profound concept of being surrendered, and what it means to be a Holy Rascal.

Spirit Matters continues its brief hiatus. Meanwhile, here is another offering from the special series of interviews Phil did for Unity Online Radio in the spring of 2021, under the title of his book Spiritual Practice for Crazy Times. In this episode, Choosing Love with Barbara De Angelis, the best-selling author and popular workshop leader tells us why it's vital to treat difficult times as part of our “cosmic curriculum,” to be authentic, and to practice “courageous compassion.”

Spirit Matters continues its brief hiatus. Meanwhile, here is another offering from the special series of interviews Phil did for Unity Online Radio in the spring of 2021, under the title of his book Spiritual Practice for Crazy Times. In this episode, "Entering the Interior Castle with Mirabai Starr," the celebrated author and expert on mysticism shares the blessings of Sabbath, the deep meaning of Dark Night of the Soul, the wisdom of the Divine Feminine, and turning loss into transformation.

Spirit Matters continues its brief hiatus. Meanwhile, here is another offering from the special series of interviews Phil did for Unity Online Radio in the spring of 2021, under the title of his book Spiritual Practice for Crazy Times. In this episode, “Life Visioning and Soul Guidance with Rev. Michael Bernard Beckwith,” the globally recognized teacher and speaker, author – and Founder and Spiritual Director of Agape International Spiritual Center in Los Angeles – speaks about the virus of fear, climate reality, and practical methods for learning and growing despite difficult times.

Spirit Matters is on a brief hiatus. Until we record new shows, we are posting a special series of interviews Phil did for Unity Online Radio in the spring of 2021, under the title of his book Spiritual Practice for Crazy Times. In this opening episode, “Regeneration and Sacred Activism,” Andrew Harvey, the renowned author and expert on the world's mystical traditions, talks about how we can thrive spiritually and help birth a new humanity in this perilous time for our planet.

Anneke Lucas is an author, speaker, advocate for child sex trafficking victims, and creator of the Unconditional Model, a mindfulness modality. Her work is based on the personal experience of a 30-year healing journey after surviving being sold by her family as a child sex slave to a pedophile network. Her healing through psychotherapy, writing, yoga and meditation were synthesized during a decade of service with incarcerated populations and with survivors of sex trafficking inside and outside of prisons. Sharing her own healing shaped her message for personal and global evolution through the Unconditional Model. On this, her second visit to Spirit Matters, we spoke about Anneke's gripping new book, Quest for Love: Memoir of a Child Sex Slave, and the surprising way her harrowing journey led to profound spiritual gifts. As she puts it, “Heinous suffering can unlock hidden spiritual treasures of transcendence and unconditional love. Learn more about Anneke Lucas here: https://annekelucas.com/

Roger Walsh MD, Ph.D. DHL, is professor of psychiatry, philosophy, and anthropology at the University of California. His research focuses on topics such as meditation, psychological wellbeing, wisdom, and our global crises. An early pioneer in the field of Transpersonal Psychology, he is a student, researcher, and teacher of contemplative traditions, and an authorized lama in Tibetan Buddhism. His research and writings have received over twenty national and international awards, and his books include Essential Spirituality: The Seven Central Practices; The World of Shamanism; and The World's Great Wisdom. With John Dupuy, he cohosts the podcast Deep Transformation: Self-Society-Spirit, which is among the top 5% of English language podcasts and has listeners in over 100 countries. Among his more curious careers have been circus acrobat and “an extremely brief and unsuccessful career as a standup comedian.” In this, his second interview on Spirit Matters, we spoke about his podcast, the status of research on spirituality and consciousness, and the relevance of contemplative practice for today's collective challenges. Learn more about Roger Walsh here: www.drrogerwalsh.com. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Roger Walsh Discussion by Discussion by Dennis and Phil

Arthur Aghajanian is a Christian contemplative, essayist, and educator whose work explores visual culture through a spiritual lens. After many years of study and practice in Eastern traditions, he found his way back to Christianity with his discovery of the mystical tradition. His work, which combines a passion for art history and ongoing study of the great religious traditions, is committed to the idea that the study of images in both popular culture and art history through a contemplative lens provides support for those on the spiritual path. He holds multiple teaching credentials and has applied innovative pedagogy as an art educator for over twenty years, designing and implementing visual arts courses and teaching mindfulness to high school students. His essays have appeared in a variety of publications, including Ekstasis, Tiferet Journal, Saint Austin Review, The Curator, and many others. We spoke about the spiritually transformative qualities of visual art for both artists and viewer. Learn more about Arthur Aghajanian here: https://www.imageandfaith.com/

Arthur Aghajanian Discussion by Discussion by Dennis and Phil

Stephen Cope is a best-selling author and scholar who specializes in the relationship between the Eastern contemplative traditions and Western depth psychology. Among his seminal works in this area are: Yoga and the Quest for the True Self, The Wisdom of Yoga, The Great Work of Your Life. Deep Human Connection, and his most recent book, The Dharma in Difficult Times: Finding Your Calling in Times of Loss, Change, Struggle, and Doubt. For almost thirty years, Stephen has been Scholar-in-Residence at the renowned Kripalu Center—the largest center for the study and practice of yoga in the Western world in Stockbridge, Massachusetts. Formerly, he was director of the Kripalu Institute for Extraordinary Living, one of the world's most influential research institutes examining the effects and mechanisms of yoga and meditation, in collaboration with researchers from Harvard Medical School and other institutions. In its twenty-fifth anniversary edition, “Yoga Journal” named Stephen one of the most influential thinkers, writers, and teachers on the current American yoga scene. We spoke about his personal path, his engagement with Kripalu, and mainly his new book, The Dharma in Difficult Times. Learn more about Stephen Cope here: https://www.stephencope.com/

Stephen Cope Discussion by Discussion by Dennis and Phil

Paul Muller-Ortega, Ph.D. is an internationally recognized meditation teacher, and a highly respected academic scholar in the field of Indian Religion and Hindu Tantra. A long-time student of the Kashmir Shaiva tradition with a PhD from the University of California, Paul is the founder of Blue Throat Yoga. He is devoted to teaching students how to access their truest Self, and to offering the knowledge base to understand and support that experience. He has led hundreds of meditation retreats, offered a vast array of study courses, translated and provided commentary on many of the most inspired sacred texts of the Śaiva-Śākta tradition, and has personally trained over 40 ācāryas as Authorized Teachers of Neelakantha Meditation. After teaching for 25 years at Michigan State and the University of Rochester, Paul left academia in 2009 to teach about the Shaiva tradition to a wider audience. We spoke about the origins, precepts, practices, and under appreciated influence of Kashmir Shaivism. Learn more about Paul Muller-Ortega here. http://www.bluethroatyoga.com/about/about-paul/

Paul Muller 2 - Ortega Discussion by Discussion by Dennis and Phil

Paul John Roach is a longtime Unity minister and host of the weekly show World Spirituality on Unity Online Radio. A native of Wales and a graduate of Jesus College, Oxford University, he has bachelor's and master's degrees in English and a postgraduate degree in education from the University of Wales. Paul was ordained by Unity in 1988 and served as the senior minister at Unity of Fort Worth, Texas, from 1988 to 2018. He has served the Unity movement on several boards and teams, including the board of Unity World Headquarters, and has written for Unity Magazine and other publications. Paul has traveled extensively throughout the world, including a journey to India in 1976, about which he is currently writing a book. In this, his second visit to Spirit Matters, we focused on his new book, Unity and World Religions. We spoke about what Paul calls “the golden thread” that runs through all religious traditions—what scholars call the Perennial Philosophy. Learn more about Paul John Roach here: https://www.pauljohnroach.com/about/

Paul Roach 2 Discussion by Discussion by Dennis and Phil

Dean Sluyter is the award-winning author of several books, including Natural Meditation, Cinema Nirvana: Enlightenment Lessons from the Movies, Fear Less, and his latest, The Dharma Bum's Guide to Western Literature: Finding Nirvana in the Classics. A grateful student of Eastern and Western sages in several traditions, Dean has taught natural approaches to meditation and awakening since 1970. He gives talks, workshops, and retreats throughout the United States and beyond, from Ivy League colleges to maximum-security prisons. His media appearances have included National Public Radio, The New York Times, Coast to Coast AM, The Dr. Oz Show, and O, The Oprah Magazine. He is known for conveying authentic teachings in forms that are relaxed, accessible, and down-to-earth. In this, his fourth appearance on Spirit Matters, we spoke about his latest book, and his knack of finding deep spiritual lessons in unlikely places, like certain pages in the books we were assigned in high school and college. Learn more about Dean Sluyter here: https://deansluyter.com/about-dean/

Dean Sluyter Discussion by Discussion by Dennis and Phil

Sara Critchfield is Vice President, Movement Building for the Fetzer Institute, a foundation whose mission statement is “Helping build the spiritual foundation for a loving world.” At Fetzer, she serves as “a strategist and innovator for inspiring, revealing, and serving the emergence of a movement toward personal and societal transformation grounded in love.” Prior to that, she built a track record of forwarding social movements by positioning organizations and businesses as credible leaders in the market. Sara was a faith-based activist with the United Church of Christ; an overseas economic justice volunteer; an entrepreneur and consultant across the corporate, startup, and nonprofit sectors; and founding editorial director of Upworthy.com, which was named the fastest growing media site of all-time in 2013 with a mission of “changing what the world pays attention to.” She has also worked for MoveOn.org, CO-OP Financial Services, Nuevos Horizontes, The Moral Courage Project, Noro Intellectual Property, and consulted with countless media entities and startups. We spoke about the history and purpose of the Fetzer Institute and some of the research projects the organization has funded. Learn more about Sara Critchfield here https://fetzer.org/community/scritchfield, and about the Fetzer Institute here https://fetzer.org/.

Sara Critchfield Discussion by Discussion by Dennis and Phil

Matthew Fox is a spiritual theologian, an Episcopal priest, and an activist for gender justice and eco-justice. Originally a Catholic priest, he was silenced for a year and then expelled from the Dominican order by Cardinal Ratzinger for teaching liberation theology and creation spirituality. His 37 books have been translated into other languages over 70 times. Among them are Original Blessing, The Coming of the Cosmic Christ, A Spirituality Named Compassion, The Reinvention of Work, Naming the Unnameable: 89 Wonderful and Useful Names for God…Including the Unnameable God; and The Lotus & the Rose: A Conversation Between Tibetan Buddhism & Mystical Christianity. The founder of the University of Creation Spirituality in California, he conducts dozens of workshops each year and is a visiting scholar at the Academy for the Love of LearningIn this, his second visit to Spirit Matters, we spoke about a new book, Matthew Fox: Essential Writings on Creation Spirituality, a curated collection of his writings on a range of topics reflecting his vital perspective on spirituality. Learn more about Matthew Fox here: http://www.matthewfox.org/.

Matthew Fox 2 Discussion by Discussion by Dennis and Phil

Willa Blythe Baker, Ph.D. is the Founder of Natural Dharma Fellowship in Boston, and its retreat center, Wonderwell Mountain Refuge, in Springfield, New Hampshire. She was authorized as a dharma teacher and lineage holder of Tibetan Buddhism after twelve years of monastic training and two consecutive three-year retreats. Willa completed a doctorate at Harvard University, and was Visiting Lecturer in Buddhist Ministry from 2013 to 2017. Her articles and translations have appeared in Tricycle, Lion's Roar, Buddhadharma, Journal of the International Association of Buddhist Studies, Tibet Journal, and other periodicals and anthologies. Her books include The Arts of Contemplative Care: Pioneering Voices in Buddhist Chaplaincy and Pastoral Work; Everyday Dharma: Seven Weeks to Finding the Buddha in You; Essence of Ambrosia; and her latest, The Wakeful Body: Somatic Mindfulness as a Path to Freedom. At present, she writes, teaches, guides meditation retreats, and develops curricula for people interested in cultivating a deep meditation practice in daily life. We spoke about her remarkable path and insights drawn from her new book about the wisdom of the body. Learn more about Willa Blythe Baker here: https://naturaldharma.org/

Willa Blythe Baker Discussion by Discussion by Dennis and Phil

s Vidal is a teacher of Yoga and a practitioner of both Ayurveda and Vedic Astrology. He offers lectures, workshops, and unique certification training programs internationally. He also maintains a counseling practice that embraces Vedanta, Ayurveda, and Vedic Astrology. As the founder of Dancing Shiva, an American educational and consulting organization, he promotes health, wellness, and societal reform based on universal spirituality and a natural approach to lifestyle. His work is primarily influenced by the lineage-based traditions of India, particularly those of Paramahansa Yogananda and Swami Sivananda. He is the author of Sun, Moon and Earth: The Sacred Relationship of Yoga and Ayurveda and, most recently, The Evolution Revolution: Yoga, Ayurveda, and the Rise of Soft Power Culture. We spoke mainly about his new book, the higher and deeper meaning of evolution, and the practical implications of conscious evolution. Learn more about Mas Vidal here: https://dancingshiva.com/en-us

Mas Vidal Discussion by Discussion by Dennis and Phil

Amy Edelstein is the founder and Executive Director of Inner Strength Education, a non-profit organization that supports youth development. Its innovative teen mindfulness and systems-thinking program has empowered 17,000 high school students in under-resourced schools in Philadelphia. The curriculum blends evidence-based mindfulness tools, evolutionary neuroscience, the science of large-scale cultural shifts, and the art and science of relationship. In recognition of the program's impact on violence reduction, Amy was awarded a Philadelphia Social Innovators' Award. She is also the co-founder of Emergence Education Press, which is dedicated to creating a more compassionate and inspired world. Amy has more than forty years experience of contemplative practice, including a background in Western and Eastern spiritual traditions. The author of six books, including the educational bestseller The Conscious Classroom and a recent memoir, Adventure in Zanskar. We spoke about that book, which chronicles the extraordinary beginning of her spiritual journey, and about her work with young people. Learn more about Amy Edelstein here, https://amyedelstein.com/about/, and about her work on this sites: www.InnerStrengthEducation.org and www.TheConsciousClassroom.com.

Amy Edelstein Discussion by Discussion by Dennis and Phil

Thom Krystofiak holds a B.A. from Harvard (magna cum laude) and an M.A. from Cambridge University, where he was a Knox Fellow. A trained teacher of Transcendental Meditation, in 1983 he joined an intentional community in Fairfield, Iowa, where he and his wife continue to live. He calls himself “a rigorous and thoroughgoing skeptic surrounded by ready believers,” and says he has “developed unique perspectives on the eternal and ever-new contest of doubt vs. belief.” He is the author of Tempted to Believe: The Seductive Power of Claims About ‘The Truth'. We spoke about the perspective that informs that book, touching on topics central to life on the spiritual path, such as the need for objectivity and discernment, balancing trust and independent thinking, and the temptation to believe the hard-to-believe. Learn more about Thom Krystofiak here: https://krystofiak.com

Thom Krystofiac Discussion by Discussion by Dennis and Phil

Amanda Lucia is Professor of Religious Studies at the University of California-Riverside. Her research engages the global exportation, appropriation, and circulation of Hinduism, with designated attention to global guru movements. On her previous visit to Spirit Matters we discussed her book about Mata Amritanandamayi, Reflections of Amma: Devotees in a Global Embrace. On this program we focused on her new book, White Utopias: The Religious Exoticism of Transformational Festivals, which analyzes yoga practice and the intersections of whiteness and religious exoticism among the “spiritual, but not religious” (SBNR) at global transformational festivals such as such as Bhakti Fest, Wanderlust, Lightning in a Bottle, and Burning Man. The author of numerous scholarly articles, she is currently crafting a body of research on media representations of gurus, with particular attention to scandal. Learn more about Amanda Lucia here: https://www.amandajeanlucia.com/about

Amanda Lucia 2 Discussion by Discussion by Dennis and Phil

Dana Sawyer is professor emeritus of philosophy and world religions at the Maine College of Art. His primary expertise is in Hinduism and Buddhism, but for more than twenty years his work has focused on comparative mysticism, theories of the “perennial philosophy,” and the value of psychedelic experiences in the study of mysticism. He is the author of two critically acclaimed spiritual biographies, of Aldous Huxley (2002) and of Huston Smith (2014), and has written on a wide range of topics related to consciousness expansion, Tibetan Buddhism, Hindu mysticism, and alternative philosophies. His essays have been published by the University of California at Berkeley, the State University of New York, the University of Muenster, Germany, and have appeared in such popular journals as Parabola, Yoga Journal and Tricycle: the Buddhist Review. Most recently, he published an essay in the Journal of Humanistic Psychology on common errors in the ways scholars have characterized the perennial philosophy. In this conversation, Dana's second appearance on Spirit Matters, we spoke mainly about the so-called perennial philosophy and common misconceptions about the similarities and differences among spiritual traditions. Learn more about Dana Sawyer here: http://www.dana-sawyer.com/

Dana Sawyer Discussion by Discussion by Dennis and Phil

Dr. Jon Kolkin is an internationally recognized photographer as well as a physician, educator, humanitarian, and public speaker. His award-wining images have been widely published, exhibited in numerous solo and group exhibitions, and have drawn the attention of private and corporate clients worldwide. He has served on the faculty of the prestigious Maine Media Workshops and is a frequent guest lecturer at major universities and other venues worldwide. Kolkin's renowned Inner Harmony series—rare and intimate photographs taken in contemplative Buddhist settings in Asia—has been exhibited in museums and galleries in the U.S. and abroad, and has garnered 20 photography awards and feature coverage in LensWork magazine. It has now been published as a book: Inner Harmony: Living in Balance, with a Foreword by His Holiness the Dalai Lama and commentary about mindfulness and Buddhist practice. We spoke about the book, his method of obtaining photographs in sensitive settings, his connection to the Dalai Lama, and his humanitarian work as a physician. Learn more about Jon Kolin here: www.kolkinphotography.com.

Jon Kolkin Discussion by Discussion by Dennis and Phil

Paul Denniston is a well-known yoga teacher based in Los Angeles. Certified in Hatha Yoga, Vinyasa Flow, Kundalini Yoga, Laughter Yoga, Restorative Yoga, and Let Your Yoga Dance, he is the founder of Grief Yoga®, which combines various forms of yoga, movement, breath, and sound to release pain and suffering and connect to love. At one time he also taught movement at the Stella Adler Academy in Hollywood. He has taught frequently at teaches at the Kripalu Center for Yoga and Health, at Esalen, and at 1440 Multiversity, and he leads online courses dealing with grief and loss. Paul has trained thousands of therapists, counselors, and health care professionals in the United States, Europe, and Australia through Grief Movement Training; he certifies yoga teachers through Grief Yoga Teacher Training. Paul's new book is Healing Through Yoga: Transform Loss into Empowerment. We spoke about his path to Grief Yoga, the contents of his book, and key points about healing from all forms of loss. Learn more about Paul Denniston here: https://griefyoga.com/about-paul-denniston/

Paul Denniston Discussion by Discussion by Dennis and Phil

Clare Goldsberry is a professional writer whose has been engaged in the study of religion and spiritual traditions since childhood. Her path has taken her from Protestant Christianity (at one time her ambition was to become a minister), to Mormonism (she wrote the book A Stranger in Zion: A Christian's Journey through the Heart of Utah Mormonism), to the Ageless Wisdom traditions, Gnosticism, and finally Hinduism and Buddhism. She remains a practicing Buddhist. Clare has written about religion and spiritual traditions for various publications and has taught a number of unique classes such as the three-part Quantum Buddhism. She teaches introductory classes on various spiritual traditions for the Maricopa County Community College in Phoenix, AZ, and the New Vision Center for Spiritual Living. Her latest book is The Illusion of Life and Death: Mind, Consciousness, and Eternal Being. We spoke mainly about that book, and about her partner Brent's illness and death, what it means to have a good death means, which she defines as a death without fear of the unknown. Learn more about Clare Goldsberry here: https://claregoldsberry.com/

Clare Goldsberry is a professional writer whose has been engaged in the study of religion and spiritual traditions since childhood. Her path has taken her from Protestant Christianity (at one time her ambition was to become a minister), to Mormonism (she wrote the book A Stranger in Zion: A Christian's Journey through the Heart of Utah Mormonism), to the Ageless Wisdom traditions, Gnosticism, and finally Hinduism and Buddhism. She remains a practicing Buddhist. Clare has written about religion and spiritual traditions for various publications and has taught a number of unique classes such as the three-part Quantum Buddhism. She teaches introductory classes on various spiritual traditions for the Maricopa County Community College in Phoenix, AZ, and the New Vision Center for Spiritual Living. Her latest book is The Illusion of Life and Death: Mind, Consciousness, and Eternal Being. We spoke mainly about that book, and about her partner Brent's illness and death, what it means to have a good death means, which she defines as a death without fear of the unknown. Learn more about Clare Goldsberry here: https://claregoldsberry.com/

Akash Kapur is a respected journalist who has written for a variety of publications, including The Atlantic, The Economist, Granta, The Hindu, The New York Times, The New Yorker, and The Wall Street Journal. At one point he wrote a fortnightly “Letter from India” column for the international edition of The New York Times. A Senior Fellow at New York University's The GovLab, where he works on issues such as open data, Internet governance, and technology law and policy, he is the author of India Becoming: A Portrait of Life in Modern India and, recently, Better to Have Gone: Love, Death, and the Quest for Utopia in Auroville. He was born and raised in Auroville, the intentional community in South India based on the teachings of Sri Aurobindo and The Mother. We spoke mainly about that book and the remarkable story it tells, and we touched on themes such as the promise of utopia that Auroville represented. Learn more about Akash Kapur here: https://akashkapur.com/.