The Abdi Assadi Podcast

This podcast episode is a compilation of "Ask Abdi" questions submitted via www.AbdiAssadi.com

This podcast episode discusses the current state of world affairs and its relations to as well as effects on our spiritual path.www.AbdiAssadi.com

This podcast episode is a compilation of "Ask Abdi" questions submitted via www.AbdiAssadi.com

This podcast episode is a compilation of "Ask Abdi" questions submitted via www.AbdiAssadi.com

This podcast episode was recorded in response to the many requests I've received on how to deal with the terror and anxiety surrounding the pandemic. We can navigate difficult times by simultaneously acknowledging our feelings of dread while practicing to stabilize our consciousness.www.AbdiAssadi.com

The first part of this podcast episode discusses some of the questions that were recently submitted regarding the difficulties that can arise in the awakening process. The second part covers the emerging communication with our inner voice in the spiritual process. We also delve into the difference between the survival instinct of the personality and the desire to live freely from a soul perspective.www.AbdiAssadi.com

This podcast episode is an invitation to be present together in the here and now by grounding our awareness into our bodies. This meditation is a guided tour of a sitting practice done on a chair. Posture and breath suggestions are made as we slow down our nervous systems and heal into the moment.www.AbdiAssadi.com

This podcast episode discusses the issues that can arise when we are faced with serious illness of another person. The importance of truly holding space in the face of such suffering is examined. Some specific do's and don'ts are offered as well.www.AbdiAssadi.com

This podcast episode discusses the issue of "fixing” others. This is a deeper level of unhealthy caretaking that negatively affects both parties. The inability to tolerate uncomfortable feelings in ourselves can lead to projecting those feelings onto others. The consequences of attempting to "fix" another (instead of healing ourselves) are examined.To read the transcription of this episode, please click here.www.AbdiAssadi.com

This podcast episode discusses the peddling of spiritual practices to prop up our idealized self-image. These masks that we all wear are tonified by things such as the promise of personal success. The counterpoint to such false paths is the variety of losses that we suffer in life. The gift of suffering is that it tears down the idealized self-image and gives the true self an opportunity to shine through.www.AbdiAssadi.com

This podcast episode discusses some of the misunderstandings that one can have when dealing with the spiritual process as well as the teachers one encounters. As always, we must remember to keep our wits about us and listen internally as we enter into such relationships.www.AbdiAssadi.com

This podcast episode discusses the concept of target fixation - a behavior in which one becomes so focused on an object that they head towards it unconsciously. This phenomenon, which can have dire consequences, is examined through the lens of emotional wounding and negative pleasure, as well as conscious awareness as a salve.www.AbdiAssadi.com

In this podcast episode, we discuss issues around food and diet in a body-obsessed culture. The topic of food is examined from a cultural and psychological perspective as well as through the lens of Chinese Medicine. Not only are we what we eat but also how we eat is a window into how we are.For an in-depth guide to Chinese Medicine for the layperson, here are two book recommendations: Prince Wen Hui's Cook: Chinese Dietary Therapy by Bob Flaws and Honora Wolfe and Between Heaven And Earth by Harriet Beinfield and Efrem Korngold.www.AbdiAssadi.com

This podcast episode discusses the unconscious, automatic, and habitual programming that can exist in our psyche. These habits, which are due to our wounding, and the resultant masks we wear need to be made conscious. A simple awareness tool to become conscious of these habits and to retrain the conscious mind is presented.www.AbdiAssadi.com

This podcast episode continues the discussion of softening and surrendering the over-identification with “I” and the ego's story. The possible pitfalls in this process and the continuation of hypnosis under the guise of awakening are examined.This episode was recorded in Upstate New York.www.AbdiAssadi.com

In this podcast episode, we discuss the anxiety and fear that invariably will arise as we delve into our spiritual path. Their full eruption, though never comfortable, is a sign of our progress. Our becoming conscious of the unconscious material is part and parcel of the work. All that needs to be done is for us to make room for and learn to tolerate the discomfort of it all.This episode was recorded in Upstate New York.www.AbdiAssadi.com

In this podcast episode, we discuss the loneliness that can occur on the spiritual path as we progress and release outgrown relationships. The concurrent sense of loss or lack of purpose is also examined. Lastly, the often overlooked idea of inviting in and holding joy while deepening into spiritual serenity is discussed.This episode was recorded in Upstate New York.www.AbdiAssadi.com

In this podcast episode, we discuss the current state of affairs. We all have a part to play in the social healing that needs to take place. This can only occur if we mobilize from center and internally access our truth.www.AbdiAssadi.com

In this podcast episode, we discuss the topic of judgment. An unexamined and reflexive behavior, judgment of others has tangible negative consequences. We are all being asked to up our game and clean our backyard. Examining the act of judgment and healing its root causes is a powerful step towards that end. The act of judging as well as dealing with the painful emotions of being judged is discussed. Here is an invitation to lessen the load on ourselves and the burden carried by those around us by stepping back from this toxic behavior.www.AbdiAssadi.com

In this podcast episode, we discuss some pointers on the issue of helplessness. There are points in our spiritual evolution when we are overcome by deep feelings of helplessness. We can feel paralyzed and face tremendous anxiety, fear as well as confusion. The old ways do not work, and the new has not revealed itself. Here is a gentle reminder that this, in fact, is part and parcel of the path. Learning to surrender into the feelings of helplessness by holding space for ourselves is a solid way to navigate through this dark night of the soul.To read the transcription of this episode, please click here.www.AbdiAssadi.com

In this podcast episode, we discuss the seismic shift that is affecting all aspects of our lives. Look within to know what can stay, what has to be released, and what needs to enter your life. This energy requires nothing less than total surrender. Wake up and live.To read the transcription of this episode, please click here.www.AbdiAssadi.com

Meditation is the act of being present in the moment. By being present in the moment, we learn to become reacquainted with ourselves. This is crucial, since we need this relationship with Self to use as a compass to navigate our lives.On a daily basis, we are rarely in the moment. As soon as our eyes open in the morning, our minds start whirling. The distractions start. We think about the past or the future. We turn on the computer. Read a newspaper or magazine. Listen to music or turn on the TV. Drink a cup of the concentration drug known as coffee, which puts us further into our head. And we are off to the races.The consequence of this non-stop loop of activity is that we have become strangers from ourselves. We float through life without being conscious of a center that can be our guide. Meditation is the momentary stepping away from incessant external focus, and paying attention to self. Since we have become estranged from ourselves, for many of us there can be initial feelings of anxiety as we attempt to meditate. This is normal and can be tolerated. Understand that this is the single most common reason why we do not undertake a regular meditation practice: unexamined anxiety. You can push through it.There are many types of meditation, and they are all useful. There are types where one repeats a word or mantra as a way of staying in the moment or types where one uses breath or sensation to do the same. What I am sharing with you here is a body centered awareness technique. What I have found useful about this technique is that it can be used throughout the day to keep connecting internally. One can do this in the midst of all daily activity. The audio piece will guide you on how to do this. The sounds of the crickets in the background are there to give your ears something to use to stay in the present moment. Start with a 10 minute daily practice, and you can work your way up to the full 20 minutes.In these times of rapid change, our inner voice is crucial as a navigational guide. Here is a simple tool to help you do that. On this Mother's Day, and every day forward, mother your self. You are that you seek.www.AbdiAssadi.com

In this podcast episode, we discuss spiritual bypass and the use of spiritual practice as a substitute for doing psychological work. The history of the split between spirituality and psychology is discussed as well as the disconnection between intellect and emotions. This is followed by examples in our lives.The three books discussed are: Psychotherapy East And West by Allan Watts, Cutting Through Spiritual Materialism by Chögyam Trungpa, and Awakening The Heart by John Welwood.www.AbdiAssadi.com

In this podcast episode, Kayte Ringer and Abdi discuss the ways and places we hold emotional and physical stress, the ways we can release them, and inhabiting our body as a direct spiritual path.Kayte has been a bodyworker for over 35 years, trained in dance, Rolfing, and ideokinesis, she imparts her knowledge in a profound poetic language. Break out an anatomy book and learn about yourself.www.AbdiAssadi.com

This podcast episode offers an intimate view of one woman's healing journey over a decade and a half. It examines the work and process involved in identifying and moving from an unconscious and dissociated space into a conscious and embodied life.www.AbdiAssadi.com

In this podcast episode, we discuss the masks we wear and the psychic toll they exact from us. The confusion of these masks with our true self (and the stories they entail) steals much life force. The servicing of these stories lead to more pain than is visible at first glance.www.AbdiAssadi.com

In this podcast episode, we discuss the method of being present with ourselves as a way of processing uncomfortable emotional states.www.AbdiAssadi.com

This lecture was recorded on January 12, 2014, at The Shala Yoga House in NYC.www.AbdiAssadi.com

In this podcast episode, we discuss dealing with loss. “Invest in loss” was a term the late Cheng Man-ch'ing used to describe the benefits of surrender as a learning tool when practicing the art of T'ai Chi Ch'uan. Ego softening can come out of loss if it is approached from this perspective, which is outside of our normal reactive self.www.AbdiAssadi.com

This podcast episode was recorded in Upstate New York during a beautiful rainstorm. It starts out as a torrential downpour, but quiets to a soothing shower in the background.In keeping with the spirit of the last several episodes, use the sounds of nature to connect with your Self. Allow consciousness to expand beyond the hypnotic identification with the bodymind.www.AbdiAssadi.com

The theme of this podcast episode centers around the title: how to make friends with ourselves and step out of our egocentric prisons. Common issues around rapid awakening are also discussed.www.AbdiAssadi.com

In this podcast episode, we discuss observations on the nature of souls and personalities, the concept of awakening, leaving the body instead of being embodied, relationships, how to stay centered in the midst of chaos, and the importance of self-care in times of rapid growth.This episode was recorded in Upstate New York on June 23, 2013.www.AbdiAssadi.com

In this podcast episode, we discuss meditation, spiritual practice as well as the difference between psychology and spirituality. Specific exercises addressing anxiety and breath release are addressed. The importance of body centered awareness in daily life and practice is also covered.This episode was recorded on April 21, 2013, at The Shala Yoga House in NYC.Please note at the 45 minute mark, the recording quality diminishes markedly.www.AbdiAssadi.com

In this podcast episode, we discuss the importance of a daily practice as well as the deep resistance many of us have to sitting with ourselves on a regular basis. Several styles of meditation are covered and put into practice. This session is interspersed with dialogue with the attendees on a wide variety of subjects ranging from spiritual practice and communities to death and dying in our culture.This episode was recorded on March 17, 2013, at The Shala Yoga House in NYC.www.AbdiAssadi.com

In this podcast episode, the main topic of discussion is our idealized self-image and our profound suffering around its unconscious service.This lecture and Q&A session was recorded on February 18, 2013, at Norma Kamali's Wellness Cafe in NYC.www.AbdiAssadi.com

In this podcast episode, Tanja Andrejasic Wechsler and Abdi discuss the state of modern society and its effects on our consciousness. Specifically, the roles of advertising and media in informing our relationship to Self are examined. Our relationship to the divine feminine as well as the state of education and food is also discussed.This episode was recorded on February 11, 2013, in NYC.www.AbdiAssadi.com

In this podcast episode, Tanja Andrejasic Wechsler and Abdi discuss the state of modern society and its effects on our consciousness. Specifically, the roles of culture, commercialism, and media in informing our relationship to Self are examined.This episode was recorded on January 7, 2013, in NYC.www.AbdiAssadi.com

This guided meditation and healing circle was recorded on November 18, 2012, at Broome Street Ganesha Temple in NYC.www.AbdiAssadi.com

In this podcast episode, Barry Fleming and Abdi discuss ritual and ceremony, sacred space, shamanism, dealing with fear, dreams, and sacred medicines. The use of these tools and their ability to help connect us with Self or potentially deepen disconnection under the guise of connection is also discussed.This episode was recorded on November 19, 2012, in NYC.www.AbdiAssadi.com

In this podcast episode, Barry Fleming and Abdi discuss ritual and ceremony, setting intentions, shamanism, sacred space as well as the use of sacred medicines. The use of these tools and their ability to help connect us with Self or potentially deepen disconnection under the guise of connection is also discussed.This episode was recorded on September 26, 2012, in NYC.www.AbdiAssadi.com

In this podcast episode, Tommy Smith interviews Abdi. They cover topics ranging from violence, racism, art, sexuality, relationships, and the need to be in relationship with our Self.This episode was recorded on August 27, 2012, in NYC.www.AbdiAssadi.com

In this podcast episode, Graham Brennan interviews Abdi. They cover a wide array of topics including the present state of affairs and the fear it can bring up in relationships, caretaking, and vulnerability as spiritual practice.This episode was recorded on June 26, 2012, in NYC.www.AbdiAssadi.com

In this podcast episode, Poppy de Villenueve interviews Abdi.This episode was recorded on April 23, 2012, in NYC.www.AbdiAssadi.com

This lecture and Q&A session was recorded on February 6, 2012, at The Shala Yoga House in NYC.www.AbdiAssadi.com

For many seekers, the spiritual path is considered to be a movement toward “the light” and does not include the equally important process of delving into, identifying, and integrating repressed aspects of our psyche (the shadow). In this podcast series, we will explore this often overlooked aspect of spiritual work and examine how we often fool ourselves using spirituality to hide our shadow from ourselves and others, rather than honestly facing ourselves. Through lecture, experiential exercises, group discussion, Q&A sessions, and four guided meditations, we will examine some of the common masks we use to hide our shadow side and ways we can begin to productively integrate these aspects of our psyches.This workshop was recorded on October 30, 2011, at New York Open Center in NYC.The audio quality reflects the raw and unedited nature of the content, and has been minimally processed.www.AbdiAssadi.com

For many seekers, the spiritual path is considered to be a movement toward “the light” and does not include the equally important process of delving into, identifying, and integrating repressed aspects of our psyche (the shadow). In this podcast series, we will explore this often overlooked aspect of spiritual work and examine how we often fool ourselves using spirituality to hide our shadow from ourselves and others, rather than honestly facing ourselves. Through lecture, experiential exercises, group discussion, Q&A sessions, and four guided meditations, we will examine some of the common masks we use to hide our shadow side and ways we can begin to productively integrate these aspects of our psyches.This workshop was recorded on October 30, 2011, at New York Open Center in NYC.The audio quality reflects the raw and unedited nature of the content, and has been minimally processed.www.AbdiAssadi.com

For many seekers, the spiritual path is considered to be a movement toward “the light” and does not include the equally important process of delving into, identifying, and integrating repressed aspects of our psyche (the shadow). In this podcast series, we will explore this often overlooked aspect of spiritual work and examine how we often fool ourselves using spirituality to hide our shadow from ourselves and others, rather than honestly facing ourselves. Through lecture, experiential exercises, group discussion, Q&A sessions, and four guided meditations, we will examine some of the common masks we use to hide our shadow side and ways we can begin to productively integrate these aspects of our psyches.This workshop was recorded on October 30, 2011, at New York Open Center in NYC.The audio quality reflects the raw and unedited nature of the content, and has been minimally processed.www.AbdiAssadi.com

For many seekers, the spiritual path is considered to be a movement toward “the light” and does not include the equally important process of delving into, identifying, and integrating repressed aspects of our psyche (the shadow). In this podcast series, we will explore this often overlooked aspect of spiritual work and examine how we often fool ourselves using spirituality to hide our shadow from ourselves and others, rather than honestly facing ourselves. Through lecture, experiential exercises, group discussion, Q&A sessions, and four guided meditations, we will examine some of the common masks we use to hide our shadow side and ways we can begin to productively integrate these aspects of our psyches.This workshop was recorded on October 30, 2011, at New York Open Center in NYC.The audio quality reflects the raw and unedited nature of the content, and has been minimally processed.www.AbdiAssadi.com

For many seekers, the spiritual path is considered to be a movement toward “the light” and does not include the equally important process of delving into, identifying, and integrating repressed aspects of our psyche (the shadow). In this podcast series, we will explore this often overlooked aspect of spiritual work and examine how we often fool ourselves using spirituality to hide our shadow from ourselves and others, rather than honestly facing ourselves. Through lecture, experiential exercises, group discussion, Q&A sessions, and four guided meditations, we will examine some of the common masks we use to hide our shadow side and ways we can begin to productively integrate these aspects of our psyches.This workshop was recorded on October 30, 2011, at New York Open Center in NYC.The audio quality reflects the raw and unedited nature of the content, and has been minimally processed.www.AbdiAssadi.com

This lecture and group meditation was recorded on September 9, 2011, at Broome Street Ganesha Temple in NYC.www.AbdiAssadi.com

This workshop was recorded on August 8, 2010, at Omega in Rhinebeck, NY.This is the third day of a three-day workshop.www.AbdiAssadi.com