Podcast appearances and mentions of Ken Wilber

TRANSCRIPT Robertson: [00:00:00] Gissele: Hello and welcome to the Love and Compassion podcast with Gissele. We believe that love and compassion have the power to heal our lives and our world. Gissele: Don’t forget to like and subscribe for more amazing content. And if you’d like to support the podcast, please go to buy me a coffee.com/love and compassion. Today we’re talking about how to become a more compassionate civilization in light of the world’s most recent events. Robertson Work is a nonfiction author, social ecological activist, and former UNDP policy advisor on decentralized government, NYU Wagner, graduate School of Public Service, professor of Innovative Leadership and Institute of Cultural Affairs, country Director, conducting community organizational and leadership initiatives. Gissele: He has worked in over 50 countries for over 50 years and is founder of the Compassionate Civilization Collaborative. He has five published books and has [00:01:00] contributed to another 13. His most well-known book is a Compassionate Civilization. Every week he publishes an essay on Compassionate Conversations on Substack. Gissele: Please join me in welcoming Robertson work. Hi Robertson. Robertson: Hi Giselle. How are you? Gissele: I’m good. How about yourself? Robertson: I’m good, thank you. I here in the Southern United States. I’m glad you’re in wonderful Canada. Robertson: great admiration for your country. Gissele: Ah, thank you. Thank you. Gissele: I wanted to talk about your book. I got a copy of it and it was written in 2017, but as I was reading it, I really found myself listening to things that were almost prophetic that seemed to be happening right now. What compelled you to write Compassionate Civilizations at this moment in history. Robertson: Yes. Thank You you so much, and thank you for inviting me to talk with you today. Robertson: And I wanna say I’m so touched by the wonderful work of the Matri Center for Love [00:02:00] and Compassion. I have enjoyed looking at your website and listening to your podcast and hearing Pema Chodron speak about self-love. If it’s okay, I’d like to start with a few moments of mindful breathing Gissele: Yes, definitely. Robertson: okay. I invite everyone to become aware of your breathing, being aware of breathing in and breathing out. Breathing in the here and in the now. Breathing in love. Breathing in gratitude. I have arrived. I am home. I’m solid. I am free breathing in, breathing out here now. Robertson: Love [00:03:00] gratitude. Arrived home solid free. Okay. And to your question, after working in local communities and organizations around the world with the Institute of Cultural Affairs and doing program and policy work with UNDP and teaching grad school at NYU Wagner, I felt called to articulate a motivating vision for how to embody and catalyze a compassionate civilization. Robertson: So each of us can embody, even now, even here, we can embody and catalyze a compassionate civilization in this very present moment. We don’t have to wait, you know, 50 years, a hundred years, a thousand years. we can embody it in the here and the now. So I was increasingly aware of climate change, climate disasters, [00:04:00] the rise of oligarchic, fascism, and of course the UN’s sustainable development goals. Robertson: I also had been studying the engaged Buddhism of Thich Nhat Hahn for many years, and practicing mindfulness and compassionate action. As you know, compassion is action focused on relieving suffering in individual mindsets and behaviors, and collective cultures and systems. The word that com it means with, and compassion means suffering. Robertson: So compassion is to be with suffering and to relieve suffering in oneself and with others. So, I gave talks about a compassionate civilization in my NYU Wagner grad classes and in speeches in different countries. Then in 2013, I started a blog called The Compassionate Civilization. So in 2017, there was a [00:05:00] new US president who concerned me deeply and who’s now president again. Robertson: So a Compassionate Civilization was published in July of that year, as you mentioned, 2017. The book outlines our time of crisis and provides a vision, strategies and tactics of embodying and catalyzing a compassionate civilization, person by person, community by community. Moment by moment it it includes the movement of movements, mom that will do that. Robertson: Innovative leadership methods, global local citizen, and practices of care of self and others as mindful activists. So there’s a lot in it. Yeah. The Six strategies or arenas of transformation are environmental sustainability, gender equality, socioeconomic justice, participatory governance, cultural tolerance and peace, and non-violence, socio. Robertson: So since then [00:06:00] I’ve been promoting the Compassionate Civilization Collaborative, as you mentioned, to support a movement of movements. The mom, Gissele: thank you for that. I really appreciated that. And I really enjoyed the book as well. It’s so funny that, the majority of people see a world that doesn’t work and they want things to change, but they don’t do something necessarily to change it. When did compassion shift from a private virtue to a public mission for you? Robertson: Great question. Thank you. I think it began the private part began very early in my Christian upbringing. I was raised by loving parents to love others. You know, love of neighbor is the heart of Christianity. And understand that love is the ultimate reality. You know, that you know, as we say in Christianity, God is love. Robertson: So then when I went off to college at Oklahoma State University, I found myself being a campus activist. So I shifted to activism for civil rights. We were [00:07:00] demonstrating for women’s rights and for peace in Vietnam. As you know, the Vietnam War was raging. And after that, I attended Theological Seminary at Chicago Theological Seminary, but. Robertson: My calling happened when I was still in college, and it was in a weekend course, just a one weekend in Chicago. Some of us drove up and attended a course at, with the ecumenical Institute in the African-American ghetto in Chicago. And my whole life was changed in one weekend. I mean, I woke up that I could make a difference and I could help create a world that cared from everyone, you know? Robertson: And here I was. I was what? I was a junior in college. So then after that, I worked after college and grad school. I worked in that African American ghetto in Chicago with the Ecumenical Institute. And then in Malaysia, I was asked to go to Malaysia and my wife and I did [00:08:00] that, Robertson: And then. We were asked to work in South Korea, which we did. And then the work shifted from a religious to secular is we now call our work the Institute of Cultural Affairs. And from there we worked in Jamaica and then in Venezuela, and then back in the US in a little community in Oklahoma Robertson: And then I also worked in poor slums and villages. So then with the UNDP. I worked in around the world giving policy advice and starting projects and programs on decentralized governance to help countries decentralize from this capital to the provinces and the cities and towns and villages to decentralize decision making. Robertson: Then my engaged Buddhist studies particularly with Han and his teachers and practice awakened me to a calling to save all sentient beings. what [00:09:00] an outrageous calling, how can one person vow to save all sentient beings? But that’s what we do in that tradition of the being a BofA. Robertson: So through mindfulness and compassionate actions. So then I continue my journey by teaching at NYU Wagner with grad students from around the world. I love that so much. Then to the present as a consultant, speaker, author, and activist locally, nationally, and globally. So Gissele has been quite a journey, and here we are in this moment together, in this wild, crazy world. Gissele: Yeah, for sure, One of the things that I really loved about your book that you emphasize that we need to have a vision for the world that we wanna create. If we don’t have a vision, then we can’t create it, right? many of us are, focusing on anti, anti-oppressive, anti crime, anti this, anti that. Gissele: But we’re not really focusing on what sort of world do we wanna create? and I’ve had conversations with so many people, and when I ask the question, if people truly [00:10:00] believe. The human beings could be like loving and compassionate, and we could create a world that would be loving and compassionate for all many people say no. Gissele: And so I was wondering, like, did you always believe that civilization could be compassionate or did you grow into that conviction? Robertson: Great question. I definitely grew into it. Yeah. even as a child, I was awakened, you know, by the plight of African Americans in my country, in our little town in Oklahoma. Robertson: So I kind of began waking up. But I wasn’t sure, how much I or we could do about it. So I really grew into that conviction through my journey around the world working in over in 55 countries, it’s interesting the number of people your podcast goes to serving people and the planet. Robertson: So. Everywhere I worked Gissele, I was touched by the local people, that people care for each other, you know, in the slums and squatter settlements, in villages, in cities, the, the rich and the [00:11:00] poor. everywhere I went regardless of the culture, the language, the races, the issues the, the local people were caring. Robertson: So my understanding is that compassion is an action. It’s not just a feeling or a thought. It’s an action to relieve suffering in oneself and in others. but suffering is never entirely eliminated. You know, in Buddhism, the first noble truth is there is suffering, and it continues, but it can be relieved as best we can with through practices, through projects, through programs, and through policies. Robertson: So what has helped me is to see, again, a deep teaching in Buddhism that each person is influenced by negative emotions of greed, fear, hatred, and ignorance. And yet we can practice with these and to become aware of them and just, and to let them go, you know, and to practice evolving into loving kindness as [00:12:00] you, as you do in in your wonderful center. Robertson: Teaching more loving, kindness, trust and understanding. We can embrace inner being that we’re all part of everything. We’re all part of each other. You know, we’re part of the living earth. We’re part of humanity. I am part of you, you are part of me. And impermanence, you know, that there is no separate permanent self. Robertson: Everything comes and goes, and yet the mystery is there’s no birth and death. ’cause you and I. we’re part of, this journey for 13.8 billion years of the universe, and yet we can, in each moment, we can take an action that relieves our own suffering and in others. So, as you said, a vision is so, so important. Robertson: I’m so glad you touched on that, that a vision can give us a calling to see where we can go. It can motivate us, push us, drive us to do all that we can to realize it, you know, if I have a vision for my family. To care for my family. If [00:13:00] I have a vision for my country, if I have a vision for planet Earth, that can motivate me to do all I can do to make that really happen. Robertson: So right now there are so many challenges facing humanity, climate disasters. Oh my, I’m here in Swanno where we’ve had a terrible hurricane in 2024. We’re still recovering from it. Echo side, you know, where so many species are dying of plants and animals. It’s, it’s one of the great diebacks of in evolution on earth, oligarchic, fascism. Robertson: Right now, we’re in the midst of it in my country. I can’t believe it. You know, you’re, you’re on 81. I, I thought I was, gonna die and still live in a country that believed in democracy and freedom and justice. And so now here we, I have to face what can I do about oligarchic, fascism and social and racial and gender injustice. Robertson: Other challenges, warfare. And here we are in this crazy, monstrous war [00:14:00] in the Middle East. You know, what can we do? What can I unregulated? Artificial intelligence very deeply concerns me. we’ve gotta regulate artificial intelligence so it doesn’t hurt humans and the earth. Robertson: It doesn’t just take care of itself. So, you know, it’s easy Gissele to be despairing and to give up, you know, particularly at this moment. But actually at any time in our life, we’re always tempted to say, oh, well, things will be okay, or There’s nothing I can do, you know, but neither of those is true. Robertson: There are things we can do. We can stop and breathe and continue doing what we can where we are. with what we have and who we are. We do not have to be stopped by despair or by cynicism or by hopeism. We don’t. So thank you for that question about vision. I vision still wakes me up every day and calls me forward. Robertson: I’m sure it does. You as well. Gissele: Yeah. I [00:15:00] mean, without vision, it’s like you don’t have a map to where you’re going to, right.what’s our destination if we don’t have a vision? And so this is for me, why I loved your book so much. you are helping us give a vision Gissele: I mean, the alternative is what is the alternative? there’s my next question. What happens to a society that abandons compassion? Robertson: Exactly. Well, I sort of touched on it before. it falls into ignorance and into greed. Wanting more wealth, more power. for me for my tribe and, and falls into hatred, falls into fear, falls into violence, and that’s happening now, she said. Robertson: But I love what Thich Nhat Hahn reminds us of, of is that if there is no mud, there is no lotus. And that, that means is, you know, if there is no suffering, there can be no compassion . So without suffering and ignorance, there is no compassion or wisdom, because suffering calls us to relieve it. when I see [00:16:00] my wife or children in pain, I want to help them. Robertson: or when I see others, neighbors, you know, during the pandemic, our neighbors took food and water to each other. You know, after the hurricane, neighbors brought us water. suffering calls the best from us, it can, it can also call, call other things. But again, there’s no mud. Robertson: The lotus cannot grow. So we can continue the journey step by step and breath by breath. So that’s what I’d say for now. but that’s an important question. Gissele: you said some key things including that, people have a choice. They can choose to be compassionate, or they can choose to use that fear for something else, right. Gissele: But I often hear from people, well, you know, they want institutions to change. why are the institutions more, equitable, generous, compassionate and you know, like. I don’t know if we have a vision for what compassionate institutions look like, [00:17:00] what would compassion look like at that level? Robertson: Oh, that’s where those six areas you know, the compassion would look like practicing ecological regeneration or sometimes called environmental sustainability. You know, that we we’re part of the living Earth gazelle, We’re not separate from the earth . We breathe earth air, we drink earth water. Robertson: We you know, the earth. Hurricanes come. The earth. Floods come We are earthlings. I love that word, earthlings, and so, how do we help regenerate the earth as society? And that’s why, you know, legislation aware of climate change, you know, to reduce carbon emissions. Robertson: The Paris Accord, and that’s just one example, how do we have all laws for gender equality so that women receive the same salaries as men and have the same rights. as men, we gotta have the laws, the institutions you know, and the participatory democracy, that we have a constitution. Robertson: a constitution is a vision. of what we are all about. Why are, we’re [00:18:00] together as a country, so that we can each vote and express our views and our wishes, and that government is by foreign of the people. It is. So it’s, it’s critical, you know, that we vote and get out the vote again and again and again. Robertson: And to create those laws, those institutions they care for everyone. And the socioeconomic justice. we need the laws and institutions that give full rights to people of color to people of every culture and every religion, and every gender every transgender, every human being, every living being has rights. Robertson: That’s why the Universal Declaration of Human Rights is so important. I’m so grateful that it was created earlier in the last century in my country our country cannot go to war without congressional approval. Robertson: Aha. did that just not happen? Yes. But it’s in the Constitution. the law says that we must talk about it [00:19:00] first. We must send the diplomats. We must doeverything we can before we harm anyone. War is hell. there are other ways of dialogue and diplomacy. Robertson: we can do better. But again, it takes the laws and institutions. Gissele: thank you for that. I do think that we have some sort of sense in terms of what we find doesn’t work for us, right? these institutions don’t work, they’re based on separation, isolation, punishment, and we see that they don’t work. We see that, like inequality hurts everyone. Gissele: We see that all of these things that we’re doing have a negative impact, including war. And yet we don’t change. What do you think prevents societies from becoming more compassionate? Robertson: if we’re in a society that if harming people through terrible legislation and laws and policies that makes it hard for people then have to either rebel and then they can be you know, killed. Or they have to form movements peaceful movements like the [00:20:00] Civil Rights Movement in my country, you know, with Martin Luther King leading peace marches and our peaceful resistance, in Minneapolis, the peaceful resistance to ice, so what one big thing that’s, that makes people think they can’t be compassionate again, is the, larger society, you know, the institutional frameworks and legislations and laws and government practices. Robertson: But even then, as we’re seeing, you know, in Minneapolis and everywhere, and Canada is leading in so many ways, I think I, I’m so grateful for the leadership of your, your prime minister, calling the world thatwe must not let go of the international rules rules based international practices that we’ve had for the last 80 years, my whole life. Robertson: You know, we’ve had the, the UN and the international rules and now some powers want to throw those out, but no, no, we are gonna say no. we’re [00:21:00] surrounded by forces of wealth and power as we know. And however we can each do what we can to care for those near hand, far away, the least the last, and the last for ourselves, moment by moment. Robertson: Breath, breath by breath. And sometimes we, the people can change history and the powerful can choose compassion. And, we’ve changed history many times. We’ve created democracy. We, the people who have created civil right. Universal education and healthcare of the UN and much more. Robertson: you touched a moment ago on the pillars of a compassionate civilization. You know, there are 17 UN sustainable development goals, as you know, but I decided 17 was a big number, so I thought, why don’t we just have six? That’s why my book, it has six arenas of transformation for ease of memory and work. Robertson: and they are environmental sustainability, gender equality, socioeconomic justice, participatory governance, cultural tolerance, peace and nonviolence. So modern [00:22:00] societies can be prevented from being compassionate also by Negative emotions as we were talking about, of ignorance, greed, hatred, and violence. Robertson: Greed thinking, I need more wealth. I’m a billionaire, but I need another billion. You know, I’m the richest billionaire in the world, but I wanna buy the US government hatred, violence. So these all for me, all back into the Buddhist wisdom of the belief that I’m a separate self. Robertson: Therefore, all that’s important is my ego. Hell no, that’s wrong. You know, my ego is not separate. When I die, my ego’s gone. You know, all that’s gonna be left when I die, or my words and my actions, my actions will continue forever. my words will continue forever. May I, ego? No. So the, if I believe my ego is all there is, and I can be greedy and hateful and fearful and violent, but ego, unlimited pleasure and narcissism, fear of the other, ignorance of cause and effect, these don’t have to drive us. So [00:23:00] structures and policies based on negative emotions and the delusion of a separate self and harm for the earth. We don’t have to live that way. We don’t have to believe propaganda and misinformation and ignorance, and we can provide the education needed and the experience. Robertson: We don’t have to accept wealth hoarding. You know, why do we have billionaires? Why isn’t $999 million enough? Why doesn’t that go to care for everyone and to care for the earth? So again, we have to let go of wealth hoarding of power hoarding. Robertson: we don’t need all that wealth. We don’t need all that power. We can, we can care for each other. We can care for the earth. Gissele: There, there are so many amazing things that you said. I wanted to touch on two the first one is that I was having a conversation with an indigenous elder, and he said to me, you know, that greed is just a fear of lack, right? Gissele: And it really stopped me in my tracks because, when we see people hoarding stuff in their [00:24:00] house, we think, well, that’s abnormal. And yet we glorify the hoarding of wealth. But it isn’t any different than any sort of other mental health issue in terms of hoarding. And so that really got me to think about the role of fear. Gissele: And, if somebody’s trying to hoard money, it’s not getting to the root of the problem, issue. It’s never gonna be enough because they’re just throwing it into an empty hole. It’s a a billion Jillian, it’s never gonna be enough because it’s never truly addressing the problem. Gissele: But one of the things that you said as we were chatting is, that the wealthy, the elite, they can choose compassion, they can always choose it, which is an amazing insight. And yet I wonder, you know, in terms of people’s perspectives of compassion and power, do you think that the two go hand in hand or can they go hand in hand? Gissele: Because I think there might be some worries around, well, if I’m more compassionate, then I’m gonna be, taken advantage of, I’m gonna be, a mat. what is your [00:25:00] perspective? Robertson: Oh, I agree with everything you said and your question is so, so important. Thank you so much. Robertson: there are billionaires and then there are billionaires like Warren Buffet. Look, he’s given. Tens of billions of dollars away, hundreds of billions of dollars away, and other billionaires have done that. And then there are the billionaires, who think 350 billion isn’t enough. Robertson: You know, I need more. Well, that’s crazy. That is sick. That is sad that, that is a disease. And we have to help those people. I feel compassion for billionaires who think they need another 10 billion or another a hundred billion, or they need five more a hundred million dollars yachts, or they need another 15 $200 million houses around the world and that that is very sad. Robertson: And that they’re really suffering. They’re confused. Yeah. They forget what it means to be human. They’ve forgotten what it needs to be. An earthling that we’re just here for a moment. Gissele: Agree. Robertson: We’re just here for a moment, for a [00:26:00] breath, and we’re gone. Breathe in, we’re here, breathe out, we’re gone. And so we can stop. Robertson: We can become aware of that fear, as you said. We can take good care of that fear. I love the way Thich Nhat Hahn says. He says, hello, fear, welcome back. I’m gonna take good care of you. Fear. I’m gonna watch you take care of you. You’re gonna Evolve. ’cause everything is impermanent. Everything changes. So fear will change. Robertson: Fear can change. Fear always changes It evolves into Another emotion, another feeling, So let it go. Let it go. In the truth of impermanence. ’cause everything is impermanent. Fear is impermanent. So we also can remember the truth of inter being that I am part of what I fear, I am part of. Robertson: This current federal administration. You know, I’m part of the wealthy elite, and it is part of me. I fear of the US administration right now, but it is part of [00:27:00] me and I’m part of it. I fear climate change, but it is part of me. I’m part of it. I fear artificial intelligence , unregulated. I fear old age, but boys, I’m 81 and a half, it’s here. Robertson: So I’m gonna take care of it. I’m gonna say, Hey, old man, I’m gonna take care of you. And they’re all me. There’s no separation. I love Thich Nhat Hahn’s word. We enter are, we enter are now, how can I stop, become aware of fear, breathe in and out, and know the truth of inter being and impermanence and accept it. Robertson: Care for it. get out to vote, care for the self, write , speak, do what I can to care for what I can. My family, my neighbors, my city, my county, my country, my world. And everything changes. Everything passes away. Everything comes in and out of [00:28:00] being, what happened to the Roman Empire? Gissele: Mm, Robertson: what’s happening to the American Empire. Everything comes in and goes out like a breath, breathing in and breathing out. And then everything transforms into what is next? What is next? what is China going to bring? Ah, there is so much that we don’t know, Robertson: I love Thich Nhat Hahn’s teaching that. when we become aware of a negative emotion, we should Stop, breathe, smile. And then say, oh, welcome. Fear. Welcome back. Okay, I’m gonna take care of you. Okay, we’re in this together. Robertson: And then you just, you keep breathing in awareness and gratitude and things change. Your grandkid calls you, your baby calls you, your dog, your cat. You see the clouds, you see the earth, the sun. You see a star. You realize you’re an [00:29:00] animal. You know the word animal means breath. Robertson: We are animals. ’cause we breathe. We’re all breathing. So I love that. You know it. I love to say I am an animal. ’cause I, you know, we, human beings are often not, we’re not animals. We’re superior To animals, you know? Right. we are animals, that’s why we love our dogs and cats and we can love our, the purposes and the elephants and the tigers and the mountain lions and, and the cockroaches and the chickpeas and the cardinals we are all animals. Robertson: We’re all breathing. So I love that. Gissele: Yeah. Yeah. Oh, that was so beautiful. I felt that also, I really appreciated the practice too. In this time when we, like so many us are, are feeling so much fear and so much uncertainty and not knowing how things are gonna pan out, to just take a moment to breathe and reconnect to our true selves, I think is so, so fundamental. Gissele: And I hope that listeners are also doing it with us. you know, as I have [00:30:00] conversations with people around the world we talk a lot about, the way that the systems are set up, the institutions. Gissele: And it took a lot of hard work for me to realize that we are the institutions, just like you said, so the institutions are made up of people. And I was so glad to see that in your book, that you clearly say, you know, like it’s about people. It’s about us. It’s like we make up these institutions, you know? Gissele: And when I’ve looked at myself, I’ve asked myself, who do I wanna be? What do I really, truly wanna embody? And my greatest wish for this lifetime is to embody the highest level of love and to truly get to the point where I love people like brothers and sisters, that I care for them and that we care for one another. Gissele: And yet, there are times when I wanna act from that place, but the fear comes up, the not wanting or not trusting or believing when the fear comes up, how can compassion really help us change ourselves so that we can create a [00:31:00] different world? Robertson: What you said is so beautiful, and your question is so powerful. Thank you. Yes. And I’m gonna get personal here. we can do what we can, we can take care of ourselves, we can take care of others as we can, but we shouldn’t beat ourselves up when we can’t. You know? Robertson: So I, here I’m 80, I’m over 81, and I have issues with balance and walking, and I have some memory issues and some low energy issues. So I have to be kind to myself. I, so I’ve just decided that writing is my main way of caring for the world. That’s why I publish one or two essays a week on Substack, on Compassionate Conversations for 55 countries in 38 states. Robertson: And so I said, you know, I used to travel around the world all the time. Not anymore. I don’t even want like to travel around the county. Robertson: Anyway, I’m an elder , so I have to say , okay, elder, be kind to [00:32:00] yourself, but also do everything you can, write everything you can speak with Gazelle if you can. Robertson: I also have to decide who I’m gonna care for. I’ve decided I’m gonna care for my wife who just turned 70 and my two kids and my two grandkids, my daughter-in-law, my cousins and nieces and nephews, my neighbors here and North Carolina. Robertson: The vulnerable, you know, I give to nonprofits who help the hungry and the homeless to friends and to people around the world through my writings and teachings And so the other day I drove to get some some shrimp tacos for my wife and me for dinner. Robertson: And a lady came up and she had disheveled hair. And she just stood by my car and I put the window down a little and she said. can you drive me to Black Mountain? that’s not where we were. I was in another town. ‘ cause I’m out of my medicine. Robertson: She just, out of the blue said, stood there and said that. And I thought, [00:33:00] oh, oh, hmm. Oh, so, oh yes. So I, I wanted to say, but who are you? How are you? Do you live here? Do do you have any friends or family? Do you, you, can I give you some money? Do you have, but I was kind of, I was kind of struck dumb, you know? Robertson: I thought, oh, oh, what should I do? And so I said, oh, I’m so sorry I don’t live in Black Mountain. And she said, oh. And she just turned and walked away and she asked two other cars and they said no. And then she walked away. And then she walked away. I thought, oh, Rob, Rob, is she okay? Does she have a family? Robertson: Did she have a house? What if she doesn’t get her medicine? How can she walk to that town? Could you have driven her and delayed taking dinner home to your wife? And then I said, but I don’t know. And then I thought, oh, but she’s gone. And I then I said, okay, Rob. Okay, Rob, [00:34:00] you’ve lived 81 years. You’ve cared for people in the UN in 170 countries. Speaker 3: Yeah. Robertson: And you’ve been in 55 countries, you’re still writing every week, you’re taking care of your neighbors and family and friends. Don’t beat yourself up. Old guy. Don’t beat yourself up. But next time, you know what Rob, I’m gonna say, Hey, my dear one, are you okay? I don’t have any money, but I can I buy you? Robertson: We are here at the taco shop, Can I buy you dinner? I would, I’m gonna say that next time, Rob. I’m gonna say that. and then I also gazelle,I’m gonna support democratic socialist institutions. You know, some people are afraid of that word, democratic socialist. Robertson: But you know, the happiest countries in the world are democratic socialist countries. Finland is the world’s happiest country. Denmark, Sweden, Norway, the Netherlands, Iceland, those are in the top 10 [00:35:00] when they’ve, when there have been analysis of, if you, if you Google happiest countries in the world, Robertson: those Nordic countries come up every year. Why? They are democratic socialist countries. You pay high taxes and everybody gets free college. You know, free education, free college, free health everybody gets taken care of in a democratic socialist country in the Nordic countries and New York City. Robertson: I’m so proud that our new mayor in New York City Zoran Mai is a democratic socialist. He is there to help everybody, but particularly those who are hurting the poor, the hungry , the sick, or the people of color, women, the elderly, the children. I’m so proud of him and I write about him on my substack and I write him Robertson: I he’s one of my heroes just like Bernie Sanders is one of my heroes. And Alexandria Ocasio Cortes, a OC is one of my, my heroes, CA [00:36:00] Ooc. So, and you know, I used to never tell anybody I was a Democratic socialist ’cause I was afraid. I thought, oh, they’ll think I’m a socialist. Hell no. I am now proud to say I’m a democratic socialist. Robertson: I’m a Democrat. I vote the Democratic ticket, but I’m always looking for progressives, progressive Democrats, you know, democratic socialist Democrats. because, you know, our country can be more like Finland, Denmark, Sweden, Norway, the Netherlands, Iceland New York City. New York City is showing us the way America can be like a New York City. Robertson: I’m so proud of New York City and I used to live in New York City so as an old person. I can only do what I can do. and I’m not saying, oh, I poor me. I can’t do anything. No, no. I’m not saying that. I’m saying I can do a hell of a lot as this 81-year-old, it’s amazing what I can do, but that is why I write and speak and care for my family, neighbors, friends, the poor. Robertson: [00:37:00] Donate to nonprofits for the homeless and the hungry vote. Get out the vote. So yes, that’s my story. Gazelle. Gissele: I totally relate. I mean, I’ve been in circumstances like that as well, where you wanna help. But the fear is like, what if a person kills you? What if they don’t really have medication? Gissele: What if you get hurt or they try to rob you or they have mental health problems? Mine goes to protection and it is very human of us to go there first. And so, so then we get stuck in that ping pong in that moment and then the moment passes and you’re like, you know, was it true? Could I have driven that person? Gissele: And that would’ve been something I wanted to do for sure. But in that moment, you are stuck in that, yo-yo, when the survival comes in. And so helping ourselves shift out of that survival mode, understanding and learning to have faith and trust. And for me that’s been a work in progress. Gissele: It really has been a work in [00:38:00] progress. The other thing I wanted to mention, which I think is so important that we need to touch on. It’s the whole concept of socialism. So I was born in South America before I came to Canada and so I remember lots of my family members talk about this, there’s many South American countries that got sold communism, as socialism we’re talking about approaches that instead of it being like a democratic socialism that you’re talking about, which is the government, make sure that people are taking care of and that the people are probably taxed and provided for what would happen in those countries was that. Gissele: Everything got taken away. People were rationed certain things, and, it was horrible. it was not good, but it was not socialism. And there was many governments that took the majority of the money, then spent it on themselves, left the country, took it themselves, and so especially the Latin American community is very much afraid of socialism because they think back to that, the [00:39:00] rationing of electricity, the rationing of food, the rationing of all of that stuff, it wasn’t provided openly. Gissele: It was, everybody gets less. And so you have these people with this history that then have come to the US and think they don’t want socialism. They think democracy means that people aren’t gonna take stuff away from them, but that’s not what it means either. ’cause I don’t even know if like in North America we have a true democracy. Robertson: so thinking about reframing of how we think or experience democratic socialism, that it doesn’t mean less for everybody and in everything controlled by the government. It means being provided for abundantly and, also having the citizens be taxed more, which means we are willing to share our money so that we can all live well, Beautiful. Beautiful. Oh, thank you. Hooray. Wonderful. What country are you? May I ask where you coming? Gissele: Yeah, of Robertson: course. Gissele: Peru, I Gissele: [00:40:00] Yeah. Robertson: Wonderful. I’ve been to Peru a few times. A wonderful, beautiful country. And I, I lived in Venezuela for five years. ‘ cause I love, I have many friends in Venezuela. Robertson: But anyway I agree with everything you just said. That’s why I said what I said that I now can, I can confess that I am a democratic socialist. And that’s not socialism. It’s a social democracy is what it’s called. Yeah. That’s what they call it in Finland and Denmark and so on. Robertson: They call it social democracy. It’s democracy. But it, as you say, it’s cares for everyone and for the earth. We have to always add and the earth, ’cause you know, all the other species and, and the other life forms and the ecosystems, the water, the soil, the air, the minerals the plants, the animals. Robertson: and we have the money, as you said. I mean, if I had $350 billion, think of what taxes I could pay if the tax rate was, you know, 30%. [00:41:00] And rather than nothing, some of these, some of these folks pay, Gissele: well, I think we have glorified that we all wanted that, right? Like we got sold this good that oh, we should all want to be as wealthy as possible, right? And so we normalize the hoarding of money. Not the hoarding of other stuff, right? Gissele: And so we have allowed that, which gets me to my, next point, you talk about the environmental impact as part of a compassionate society, which absolutely is necessary. Gissele: And as human beings, we can be so lazy. We want convenience. We want to, have our package the next day. We don’t wanna wait. are we willing to pay higher wages? Are we willing to wait? Longer for our packages, like, are we willing to, invest in our wardrobe instead of buying fast fashion? Gissele: We don’t do these things and these have environmental impacts, and it also have human impacts, and at the end, they have impact on us. What can we do to ensure that, that we address that [00:42:00] complacency so that we are creating a fair, affordable , and compassionate world. Robertson: So important. Thank you. Robertson: It’s, it’s a life and death question. So yes, we should always ask about ecological and social impacts and take actions accordingly. That’s why I recycle every day. You know, some people say, oh, recycling is stupid. What do they really do with this, with it? You know, are they, are they really careful when you, they pick it up? Robertson: but I recycle religiously every day That’s why I support climate and democracy through third act. There’s a group that Bill McKibbon has started here in the US called Third Act. It’s a group of elder activists, activists over 60 who are working on climate and democracy issues. Robertson: So I’m doing that. That’s why I vote and get it out to vote. And as I said, I vote for Democrats and Democratic socialists. That’s why I write and speak and vote for ecological regeneration for social justice, for peace, for [00:43:00] democratic governance. It’s so critical that we keep questioning our actions like. Robertson: Okay, why am I recycling? Is it really worth the time? You know, deciding about every item, where it goes, and then putting out it out carefully and rinsing it first. And is that really going to help the world? ’cause you also know we need systemic changes, because you can always say, oh, but what the individual does doesn’t matter. Robertson: We need laws, we need institutions of ecological regeneration, and we need laws on caring for the climate and stopping climate change. So you can talk yourself out of individual responsibility when you realize that we need laws and institutions that protect the environment. Robertson: But it’s both. It’s both. what each person does, because there are millions of us individuals. So if there are millions of us act responsibly, that has, is a huge impact. And then if we [00:44:00] also have responsible laws and institutions that care for the environment as well as all people, then that’s a double win. Robertson: So I agree with you. We have to keep asking that question over and over and making those decisions and they’re hard decisions. We have to decide. Gissele: Yeah, I’ve had to look at myself like one of the commitments I’ve made to myself is not buying fast fashion. And so, investing in pieces, even though sometimes I feel lack oh my God, spending that much money on this, you know? Gissele: Yeah. It all comes back to me. if I am not willing to pay a fair wage, that means that the next person doesn’t get a fair wage, which means they don’t wanna pay a fair wage and so on and so forth. And then it comes back to me, you know, my husband has a business and then, you get people that don’t also wanna pay a fair wage. Gissele: It’s all interconnected. And so we have to be willing, but that also goes to us addressing our fear, our fear of lack, that we’re not gonna have enough. All of those things. And the biggest fundamental [00:45:00] fear, and you mentioned death to me, is the ultimate Gissele: fear That we must overcome I think once we do, like, I think once we understand that we are not, this human vessel. Gissele: that we’re not just this bag of bones and live in so much constrained fear that perhaps we could. really open up ourselves to be willing to be more compassionate . What do you think? Robertson: Absolutely. I’m with you all the way. Yes. We fear death because we’re caught in that illusion of a separate permanent self. Robertson: You know, it’s all about me. Oh, this universe is all about me. The universe was created 13.8 billion years for me. Robertson: Yeah. But it’s all about me and particularly my ego, honoring my ego. Building up my ego, praising my ego being, you know, that’s why I wanna be rich and famous. Robertson: Fortunately, I never wanted to be rich or famous, but that’s another story. We’ll talk about that some other time. But everything and [00:46:00] everyone is impermanent. When I realized that truth and it, it came to me through engaged Buddhism, but you could, you could get that truth in many, many ways. Robertson: That everything and everyone is impermanent. we’re part of the ocean. But the waves don’t last forever, do they? But the ocean lasts forever. Robertson: So My atoms, are part of the 13.8 billion year old universe. my cells are part of the living earth. Yes, they remain When I die, you know, go back into the earth. back into the soil and the water and the air but My ego doesn’t remain. What, what remains, as I said before, are my actions. Robertson: Everything I did is still cause and effect. Cause and effect. Rippling out. Rippling out. Okay. Rob, what did you do? What did you say? did you help that, did you touch that? Did you say that? so my actions and words continue rippling forever. So Ty calls that, or in the Plum Village tradition of engaged Buddhism, it’s called my continuation. Robertson: Your actions and your words [00:47:00] are your continuation that last forever as your actions and words will continue through cause and effect touching reality forever. So when my ego does not remain so I can smile and let it go. I often think about my continuation. You know, I say, well, that’s why, maybe why I’m writing so much and speaking so much. Robertson: And caring for so many people every day, you know, caring to care for my wife and my children and grandchildren and friends and neighbors, and the v vulnerable and the hungry, and the homeless, and the, and my country, and my city, and my county, and my, and why do I write substack twice a week? Robertson: And containing reflections on ecological, societal, and individual challenges and practices. And so every, week I’m writing about practices of mindfulness and compassion. So I’m trying to be the teacher. I’m trying to send out words of mindfulness and compassion so that they will continue reverberating when I’m dust, Robertson: So [00:48:00] I’m reaching out. In my substack to just those 55 people in 55 countries, in 38 states, touching hearts and minds and even more on social media. every month I have like 86,000 views of my social media. Why do I do it? It’s not just about ego, you know? Robertson: Oh, Rob, be famous. No, Rob is not famous. I’m a nobody. I gotta keep giving and giving and giving, you know, another word, another action, so I can, care for people around me through personal care, donations, voting, volunteering workshops, I’m helping start a workshop in our neighborhood on environmental resilience through recycling, through group facilitation. Robertson: I’m trained in, facilitation. I’ve been trained my whole life to ask questions of groups so they can create their own plans and strategies and actions. that’s some of my answer. Robertson: I hope that makes some sense. Gissele: Thank you very much. I appreciated your answer and it made me really think you are one of our compassionate leaders, right? [00:49:00] You’re, you’re kind of carving the way and helping us reflect, ’cause I’ve seen some of your substack, I’ve seen like your postings. Gissele: That’s actually how I kind of reached out to you. ’cause I was so moved by the material that you were sharing, the willingness to be honest about what it takes to be compassionate and how hard it can be sometimes to look at ourselves honestly, because we can’t change unless we’re willing to look at ourselves. Gissele: All aspects of ourselves, like you said, we are the billionaires, we are the oligarchy, we are all of these people. The racism that voted that in the, the racism that continues to show the fear, all of that is us. And so from your perspective, what do compassionate leaders do differently? Robertson: Yes. Well, it great question. Robertson: what do compassionate leaders do differently? Well, he or she or they. Robertson: are empathic. I think it starts with empathy. What are like, what are you feeling? What are you thinking? Robertson: What are you, what’s happening in your life? So an empathic [00:50:00] leader listens to other people. They see where other people are hurting. They care. They ask questions and facilitate group discussions, enable group projects. They let go of self-importance, you know, that it’s not all about me. Robertson: They let go of narcissism. They let go of, the ego project. They help others be their greatness. They care for their body mind so that they can care for others. and they donate and vote and recycle and more and more and more and more. did you know in Denmark. In elementary school every week, children are taught empathy. Robertson: You know, they have courses on empathy, Robertson: when I was growing up, I,didn’t have courses in school on empathy in church school, you know, in my Sunday school at, in my church. I was taught to love my neighbor and to love everyone, and that God was love. But in school, in my elementary [00:51:00] school and junior high and high school, we didn’t talk about things like empathy and compassion. Gissele: Yeah. Thank you for sharing that. I did know about Denmark ’cause my daughter and I are co-writing a book on that particular topic. The need to continue to teach love and compassion in, Gissele: being a global citizen. Right? And, and I’m doing it with her perspective because she just graduated high school, so she has like the fresher perspective, whereas mine’s from like many moons ago. Gissele: We need to continuously educate ourselves about regulating our own emotions, having difficult conversations, hearing about the other, other, as ourselves. Because that’s, from my perspective, the only way that we’re gonna survive. a friend of mine said it the best that we were having a conversation and she does compassion in the prison system and she says, I can’t be well unless you are well. Gissele: My wellness depends on your wellness. And that just hit me in my heart, like, ugh. Not that I live it every day, Robertson, Gissele: every day I have to choose and some [00:52:00] days I fail, and other days I do good in terms of like be more loving and compassionate and truly helping the world. But it’s a choice. It’s a continual choice. So this goes to my biggest challenge that maybe you can help me with, which is, so I was having this conversation with my students. We were talking about how. In order to create a world that is loving and passionate for all, it has to include the all, even those who are most hurtful, and that is really difficult . Gissele: I’m just curious as to your thoughts on what starting point might be or what can help us look at those who do hurtful things and just horrible things and be able to say, I see God within you. I see your humanity. Even though it might be hard. Robertson: Yes, It is hard. several years ago when I would hear [00:53:00] leaders of my country speaking on the media, I would get so repulsed that I would turn it off but I began practicing. Robertson: I practiced a lot since those days and I realized, you know. People who hurt, other people are hurting themselves. they’re actually hurting. they’re suffering. People who hurt others have their own suffering of, they’re confused. they’ve forgotten what it means to be human. Robertson: They’re, full of, greed, of their own fears, all about me. Maybe they’re filled with hatred they become violent. they’re suffering. I still find it very difficult to read or listen to certain people. Robertson: But what I do is I stop and I breathe and I smile and I say, okay. Robertson: I care. I’m concerned about you. I don’t know what I can do, but I am gonna do everything I can to care for the people, being hurt, you know, like my fellow activists in [00:54:00] Minneapolis are doing, or elsewhere, we could mention many places around the world where people are risking their own lives. Robertson: You know, in Minneapolis, two activists were killed, Ms. Good Renee Good, and Alex Pretty were killed because they went beyond their fear, you know? they got out there in the street because the migrants were being hurt and they got killed. Robertson: So, you know, At some point you have to come to terms with your own death, I don’t know if I have a, a minute to go or 20 years, I still have to let go. And so how do I care for my wife, my family, my friends, my neighbors my country, the vulnerable, the homeless, the hungry, and, as you said, for the wealthy and powerful who are hurting others, you know, starting wars attacking migrants, killing activists. Robertson: It’s hard. You know? So I have to say, I love the story of [00:55:00] when during the Vietnamese war Thich Nhat Hahn and his monks. They did not take sides. They did not say we’re on the side of the Vietnamese or the us. They did not take a side in the war. This is hard for me ’cause I, I usually take sides. Robertson: The practice was, okay, we’re not going to support we’re Vietnamese or the us. Were going to care for everyone. So they just went out caring for people who were getting hurt and during the war, people who were hungry, people who needed food, people who were bleeding, Robertson: So they decided their role was to care for those who were hurt not to attack. To say, I’m for the blue and I’m against the red. They said, I’m just gonna, care . Like, the activists in Minnesota, They’re, they’re not attacking ice, they’re singing to ice. Robertson: And so yes, we have to acknowledge our own anger. [00:56:00] I’m angry with these politicians. sometimes I want, to hate them, but I have to say, I do not hate you, my friend. You are confused. You’re so confused. You’re hurting others. So you’re so hurtful. Robertson: You don’t realize how you’re hurting others. But, I’ve got to try to stop you from hurting others. I’ve got to try to help those who are hurt and maybe I’m gonna get hurt, you know, because in the civil rights movement, if you’re out there doing on a peace march, you might get beaten up. Robertson: as I said, I’ve lived in villages, poor villages, and. Urban slums in several countries. And some people could say, well, that’s stupid. You could get hurt. You know, you could, you could as a white person living in a African American slum or in a Korean village or in a Venezuelan village, Robertson: So, you know, I say, was I stupid? Was I risking and I was with my wife and children? Was I risking the lives of my wife and children by living in slums and, and villages? Yes. Was I stupid? I mean, [00:57:00] no, I wasn’t stupid, but I was risking our lives. But I somehow, I was, called I wanted to do it. I said, okay. Robertson: but my point is it’s risky, you know? And you have to keep working with yourself. That’s why I love the word practice. Robertson: You know, in Buddhism we keep practicing, and I love your, the teaching of that you have on your website of Pema Chodron, you know, on self-love. You know, you have to keep practicing. How do I love myself? Say, okay, I’m afraid and I’m just this little white person, but or I’m this little old white person, but I’m gonna do everything I can and be everything I can. Robertson: I really appreciated the story of Han not choosing sides. I mean, you’re right. If we are going to see each other’s brothers and sisters and is is one global family, we can’t pick a side over the other, even though we so want to. Gissele: And, and I’m with you. when I think that there’s a [00:58:00] unfairness, when there’s people that are vulnerable or suffering, I’m more likely to pick to the side that is like, oh, that person is suffering. They’re the victim. But what you said is spot on. People that truly lovewho have love in their heart, like when you were raised with love. Gissele: You had love to give others because your cup was full. So it overflowed to want to help others, to want to love others. People that are hurting, that don’t have love in their hearts are those that hurt other people. Robertson: Mm-hmm. Gissele: They must because they must be so separated from their own humanity. Robertson: Yes, yes, yes. Gissele: And yet things are changing. You mentioned Minnesota, and I wanted to mention that I love that they’re doing the singing chants, and they’re not making them wrong. they’re singing chants like you can change your mind. You don’t have to be wrong. You don’t have to experience shame and guilt for the choice you’ve made. You can always change your mind. And in your book, you talk a lot about movements. Do you wanna [00:59:00] share a little bit about the power of movements and helping us create a compassionate civilization? Robertson: Oh, yes. Thank you. I’m, I’m a big movement fan. it started in college with the Civil Rights Movement. I realized, wow, you know, if a lot of people get together and do something together, it can make a difference. Like the Civil Rights movement. Gissele: Yeah. Robertson: And the women’s movement and peace movement. Robertson: And like in Vietnam, the peace movement, we could really make a difference if we get out in March. I think that being an individual or part of an organization that is part of a movement can be a powerful force. And so I focus in my life and that, that book on the six movements that I’ve mentioned, and those movements can work together. Robertson: And when they work together, they become a movement of movements. They become mom. Hmm. I like that because I I’m a feminist and I think that we need so [01:00:00] desperately we need more feminine energy inhumanity and in civilization. Robertson: So I’m a unapologetic feminist. And so that’s why I like that the movement of movements, the acronym is Mom, you know, and so it’s the Moms of the World will lead us like you. And so they’re the movements of ecological regeneration, socioeconomic justice, I’m repeating gender equality, participatory governance, cultural tolerance, peace and non-violence. Robertson: And you know, we also have the Gay Rights Movement, the democracy movement. there’s so many movements that it made a huge difference. So. I began saying that I, after writing the book, I said, okay,now my work is the work of the Compassionate Civilization Collaborative. Robertson: And I decided I wouldn’t make an organization, I it, wouldn’t have a website, I wouldn’t register it. I wouldn’t raise money for it. It would just be anybody and everybody [01:01:00] who was part of the movement of movements who was working to create a compassionate civilization. Robertson: So that’s what I did. And that’s where I am. I’m this old guy in my home. I don’t get out a lot. I don’t drive a lot. I just drive to nearby town. I have a car, but I don’t use it a lot. I don’t like to walk up and down hills. Robertson: IAnd sometimes I can’t remember things and I say, Hey, but look, you have so many friends all over the world and you can keep encouraging through your writing. So that’s why I keep writing, you know, it is for the movement of movements. Robertson: I guess that’s why I write. here’s something I want to share, something I thought or felt or something that I wrote about. And maybe it will touch you. Maybe it’ll encourage you. Maybe we’ll help you in your life. Robertson: I live in a homeowners association neighborhood. It’s a neighborhood that has a homeowners association. We’re 34 families and we have straight families, gay families. we have white families and non-white families. [01:02:00] We have Democrats, Republicans and Socialists. Robertson: We have Christians and Buddhists and Hindus. And so what I do, I say, Hey, we’re all neighbors. We all helped each other during the pandemic. We all helped each other after the hurricane. It doesn’t matter what our politics are or our religion or our sexuality, we’re all human beings. Robertson: We’re all gonna die. we all want love. We all want happiness. And We can be good neighbors. We don’t have to have ideology, you know, we don’t have to quote the Bible, we don’t have to quote Buddha. We can just be good neighbors. So we’re gonna have a workshop this spring And so we’re all going to get together down the street in this big room, in the fire station, and we’re gonna have a two hour workshop. And will it help? I don’t know. Will it make us better neighbors? I don’t know. Why am I doing it? I’m driven to do it. I’ve done workshops all over the world and I wanna do a workshop in my neighborhood. Robertson: I’ve done workshops with the un, I’ve done [01:03:00] workshops with governments, with cities So I love to facilitate. I love getting people together to solve problems together to listen to each other, respect each other, to honor each other. Gissele: so I’m just gonna ask you a couple more questions. But I’m just gonna make a comment right now about what you said because I think it’s so important. Gissele: Number one is I love that your neighborhood is a microcosm of what our world could be like . The fact that people got together to help and make sure that people were taken care of. If we could amplify that, that could be our world. I think that’s such a beautiful thing. Gissele: And the other thing that I think is really fundamental is that even through your life, you are showing us that some people are going to go pickett. And that’s okay. Some people are gonna write blogs to help us, and that’s okay. Some people are gonna do podcasts, and that’s okay. There are things that people can do that don’t have to look exactly the same. Gissele: Some people are going to have more courage, and they’re going to put their bodies in front and potentially get hurt. Other people, maybe they can’t do [01:04:00] that. So there are many different ways to help. The other thing that you said that was really, really key is the importance of moms . And that was one of the things that really touched me about your book, the acronym. Gissele: I was like, oh my God, I so resonate with this. Because I do feel that we need more feminine energy. We really kind of really squash the feminine energy. But the truth of the matter is we need more because fundamentally, nurturance is a mother energy is a feminine energy. Gissele: Compassion’s a feminine energy. Yes, yes, yes, Robertson: yes, yes, Gissele: so if I can share my story. Last night I was at hockey game. My son was playing hockey. Robertson: Mm-hmm. Gissele: And our team they don’t like to fight. Gissele: We play our game and we have fun and we’re good. And so the previous teams that were there, it was under Youth 15, most of the game was the kids fighting. And taking penalties. And so the game ends, the people come off the ice and two men that are starting to get like into a fight [01:05:00] now, woman got in front of them. Gissele: Wow. and said, we all signed a form that said, this is just a game. Remember who this is for? even though she was elevated, she totally stopped that fight between two men that we were not small. And So it was, it was really interesting. Robertson: Wonderful. Gissele: it was a woman who actually stopped a fight Gissele: It’s the feminine power. And that doesn’t mean, and I wanna make this clear, that doesn’t mean that men have to be discarded or have to be treated the same way that women are treated. ’cause I think that’s a big fear. That’s a big fear that some white males have. It’s no, you don’t have to be less than, Robertson: right. Robertson: We need Gissele: to uplift the feminine energy. So there’s a balance. ’cause right now we’re not balanced. Robertson: Exactly. Exactly. Oh, boy. Am I with you there? there’s a whole section in my book, as you noticed on gender equality I’m gonna read a tribute to Mothers I. Robertson: Tribute to Mothers Giving Birth to New Life, nurturing, [01:06:00] sustaining, guiding, releasing, launching, affirming Love. Be getting Love a flow onwards. Mother Earth, mother Tree, mother Tiger, mother Eve. My grandmother’s Sally and Arie, my mother, Mary Elizabeth, my children’s mother, Mary, my grandchildren’s mother, Jennifer, my grandchildren’s grandmothe

Ep. 223 | Four solid years since Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, integral thinkers Kateryna Yasko and Vytautas Bučiūnas relate what life in Ukraine is like—emotionally, physically, spiritually. Far from what you might expect of a conversation about the state of Ukraine after four years of war—far from being battered and downtrodden—this is a story of resilience, resourcefulness, courage, and accelerated human development. Kateryna likens Ukraine to a living laboratory of transformation—with everyone united in the fight to preserve democracy and their identity as a nation, “the social fabric is strong, the resilience is astonishing…heroes receive a lot of gratitude from the people they serve.” On a personal level, Kateryna and Vytas share how they have grown in ways they wouldn't have expected: capacities have widened, appreciation of life has deepened, and experiences of profound joy arise in giving their all, together with their compatriots, for the future of the next generation.Leadership in Ukraine is in an evolutionary elevator, Vytautas, an integral leadership development consultant, tells us. Leaders no longer have the option to be reactive or habitual, and this has generated extraordinary creativity and courage in leadership in the military, business, politics, and social groups. Kateryna, a pedagogical psychologist, points out that human rights, democracy, and freedom are foundational for spiritual growth. People need to understand how to manifest their political self, she says, because if they don't, they will tend to escape into spirituality in a form of spiritual bypassing. “What can we do to help? co-host John Dupuy asks. “Come to Ukraine!” Kateryna and Vytas respond. Come experience and co-create the vertical development happening in this living laboratory of modern crisis. Recorded February 8, 2026.“The best way to practice spirituality is human rights assurance and activism; all the rest is secondary.”Topics & Time StampsIntroducing from Kyiv, Kateryna Yasko, pedagogical psychologist & Vytautas Bučiūnas, integral coach & leadership development consultant (01:01)What is the psychological and physical weather in Ukraine after 4 years of war? (03:36)Russia is using this very cold winter as a weapon, deliberately targeting infrastructure that supplies electricity & heat (04:08)The social fabric is strong, the resilience is astonishing (06:34)There's no choice—surrendering is not an option; the war would not end (12:10)Transformation has to include politics: assuring free speech and democracy comes before spiritual work (14:12)What forces are keeping Ukrainians together? (18:14)Humor is a big help (22:15)Leadership in Ukraine is in an evolutionary elevator (24:38) Courage, creative thinking, and gaming logic in the military (27:17)In Kyiv, with guns everywhere, the level of crime is very low (33:14)Putin is hostage to this war now; there are up to 50,000 Russian casualties per month (35:09)John shares his Ukraine! song and the accompanying YouTube video, created by Kateryna's daughter (36:44)Come to Ukraine! Experience the vertical development happening in this living laboratory of modern crisis (42:10)Measuring teenagers' developmental levels: Ukrainians are maturing faster, evolving faster (43:59)Donations are welcome (see recommended options under Resources below) (46:04)Passing the 1,418 days of war mark: this war has now run longer than Russia's “Great Patriotic War,” so glorified after WWII (47:28)Resources & ReferencesJames Hillman & Michael Ventura, We've Had a Hundred Years of Psychotherapy and the World's Getting WorseKeeping the Soul of Ukraine Alive: Maintaining Personal & National Ideals while Under Fire in Ukraine (Deep Transformation podcast)Валерій Пекар, Бесіди майстра Хай Тао про стратегію (Master Hai Tao's Conversations About Strategy by Ukrainian Integralist Valeriy Pekar – as of this writing, this book is not yet available in English, but here is a YouTube interview with the author: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=btADES9iwfYUkraine! Song by John Dupuy (YouTube video)Daniel Kirkpatrick, At The Edge of Democracy: A Pacifist's Visit to UkraineRobert Kegan's Stage Theory of Adult DevelopmentSusanne Cook-Greuter, Stages of Human Development (Elevating Consciousness podcast YouTube video)Recommended Donation Sites – Support Ukraine!United24, the official fundraising platform of Ukraine initiated by President Zelenskyy, founded to protect, save, and rebuild UkraineCome Back Alive, the Foundation for Competent Assistance to the ArmyYou are also welcome to donate to a cause of your choice (i.e., evacuating soldiers from the front lines, buying rifles, saving Ukrainian culture, and more, through Kateryna's PayPal email below, full transparency guaranteed.Support via PayPal---Kateryna Yasko (Ukraine) is a psychologist and business trainer specializing in the development of emotional intelligence, trust, cooperation, effective communication, and peaceful conflict resolution. She is the co-founder of the civic and cultural initiatives Embassy of Ukrainian Sense-making and Prōstory. Her academic background includes degrees in international relations and law (MSc), business administration (MBA), and psychology (MSc). Kateryna's programs are grounded in Integral Theory developed by Ken Wilber, Nonviolent Communication created by Marshall Rosenberg, Speech Act Theory, and the commitment-based organizational culture approach of Fernando Flores. She holds certifications from the Center for Nonviolent Communication, Spiral Dynamics Integral, Harthill Consulting (Leadership...

Why do so many relationships, despite the best intentions, end up stuck in cycles of hurt, disappointment, or disconnection? We search for "the one," hope for a soulmate to fulfill us, and cling to romantic ideals—even as we find ourselves repeating old patterns and feeling powerless when things get tough. The real challenge, it seems, isn't just finding love, but learning how to nurture it consciously and responsibly. What if the secret isn't about changing others, but transforming how we relate, both to ourselves and to our loved ones? In this episode, discover how to break free from the unconscious habits that sabotage intimacy, shift out of victim mindsets, and reclaim your personal power within relationships. Learn why conscious love is an ongoing practice—not just a feeling—and explore actionable principles for moving past reactivity into mature, collaborative connection. Through insights on emotional intelligence, responsibility, healing past wounds, and embracing vulnerability, you'll gain tools to create deeper, more authentic bonds and turn your relationship into a dynamic space for growth. Christian de la Huerta is a spiritual teacher, personal transformation coach, and award-winning author with over 30 years of experience. He has spoken at TEDx and led transformational retreats around the world. His books include Coming Out Spiritually and Awakening the Soul of Power. His latest book, Conscious Love: Transforming Our Relationship to Relationships, offers practical tools for healing and deeper connection.    Episode Highlights 06:16 Identifying and overcoming subconscious obstacles to love. 09:41 Approaching relationships as paths for personal growth. 11:18 Choosing conscious relationship through self-awareness and intention. 13:54 Differentiating emotional intensity from real intimacy and love. 19:04 Balancing self-agency and interdependence in relationships. 20:24 Letting go of the victim mindset and embracing responsibility and power. 23:33 Understanding personal power versus ego power in relationship dynamics. 29:00 Tools for cultivating deep connection. 32:26 Assessing relationship health through growth and transformation. 34:36 Integrating somatic practices and breathwork for healing. 38:06 Expanding relationship consciousness and integrating transformative experiences.   Your Check List of Actions to Take Take Responsibility: Own your choices and responses in relationships rather than blaming others or past experiences. Practice Self-Awareness: Regularly pause to check in with your feelings and triggers, asking yourself what's really going on beneath the surface. Move Beyond the Honeymoon Phase: Recognize that love is not just a feeling—commit to the act of loving even when the initial intensity fades. Stop Searching for "The One": Shift your mindset from finding someone to fulfill you to consciously practicing love principles in your relationships. Heal Old Wounds: Reflect on parental or past relationships to notice patterns you might be unconsciously repeating and seek ways to address them. Use Conflict as Growth: When triggered, resist the urge to react immediately; instead, get curious about the underlying source and use the moment for personal evolution. Communicate Your Needs: Express your preferences and boundaries clearly while also listening and compromising for mutual benefit. Integrate Mindfulness Practices: Develop habits like meditation or breath work to build present-moment awareness and emotional regulation in your daily life and relationships.   Mentioned Conscious Love: Transforming Our Relationship to Relationships (*Amazon Affiliate link) (book) Committed: A Love Story (*Amazon Affiliate link) (book) The power of breath: Christian de la Huerta at TEDxCoMo (YouTube link) (video) Ken Wilber (website) A Course in Miracles (*Amazon link) (book) 12 Relationship Principles to Strengthen Your Love (free guide)   Connect with Christian de la Huerta Websites: soulfulpower.com Facebook: facebook.com/christian.delahuerta.1 Instagram: instagram.com/christiandlh LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/christiandelahuerta YouTube: youtube.com/channel/UC4hOzeGdhkTcRxOHkV9tfbQ  

In this conversation, I sit down with Trey Jones. Trey Jones is a former convict who spent 10 years in a Tennessee prison, and while in prison, he had a near-death experience that awakened him to a very new and different perspective.While tattooing, Trey was offered a bump, of which turned out to be fentanyl, that put him out for 18 minutes.After six cans of Narcan and three defibrillator shocks, Trey awakened to a new lens on reality. He joins us to share his current teachings on victim mindset, his insights on what he calls ‘inverted narcissism', and his wisdom as a coach - Trey moves now as a Personal Authority Coach under the moniker ‘PrisonToPurpose444' (He's the founder of ‘From Prison To Purpose') - He does 1:1 interventions to dismantle victim identity and rebuild authority. He lives a more grounded life these days, as a proud father with his partner and son in the Great Northwest. I actually met him at the edge of a forest - where a gathering of dancing energy healers, eccentric thinkers, connecting artists, and modern shamans met to evolve together, transmute, and dance through their dharma as one. Please welcome to the podcast: Trey Jones.For more details on what subjects we approached, check the time stamps below>Timestamps:0:00 – Morning rising ritual, meditation, and gratitude practice4:00 – Mobility work, cold showers, and light breakfast for energy7:00 – Why victim mentality is inverted narcissism and manipulation12:00 – Fasting as a mental game and building willpower like a muscle18:00 – The witness state in meditation and observing your thoughts23:00 – Prison life, the fentanyl overdose, and the near-death turning point28:00 – Instant perspective after dying and working through deep regret33:00 – Cutting ties with old energies while allowing redemption38:00 – God as energy, frequency, and universal consciousness43:00 – The double slit experiment and how belief creates reality48:00 – Identity shifts from manual labor to purposeful social media work55:00 – Christ consciousness and the current global awakening1:02:00 – Energetic healing, breathwork, and the power of mindset1:08:00 – Levels of consciousness, empathy, and reading people1:14:00 – Prison lessons on self-care first and real empathy with standards1:22:00 – Synchronicities, interconnections, and past-life loops1:30:00 – Pre-planned journeys, amnesia, and chasing your higher calling1:36:00 – Final reflections and message to listenersNotable quotes from Trey on the show:“Victim mentality is just inverted narcissism.”“Healing isn't being understood. Healing is becoming someone that your past can no longer control.”“Your willpower is a muscle. The more you exercise it, the stronger it is.”“I don't believe everyone has to die to find their true self.”“Empathy without standards creates weak adults.”“Staying hard is the quickest way to never change.”“The true you is the witness behind it all.”“We're all just trying to pick different versions of ourselves up because we're all a little piece of the puzzle.”“If you have a dream or a higher calling, just fucking chase it. Nobody's going to pursue your passions like you are.”“Everything in my life needs to change, because everything in my life up to this point led me to this moment.”“My purpose now is to offer the same perspectives I went through so people don't have to reach the same levels of rock bottom.”“Identity is your subconscious beliefs on who you are. You have to surround yourself with people who believe in the identity you believe in.”“We come down here and everyone gets amnesia. The beauty of life is discovering life itself.”Trey Jones turned: - a decade in Tennessee prisons - a fentanyl overdose that put him out for 18 minutes - and living in victim mindsetinto a complete life reset.Follow him hereInsta - @prisontopurpose444subscribe to stay up to date

He studied law, found success as an entrepreneur, and has since spent almost two decades in the social sector trying to make the world a better place. Gautam John joins Amit Varma in episode 437 of The Seen and the Unseen to share his reflections on society, technology, gender, friendships, fatherhood, the crisis of masculinity and his journey towards figuring out the world and himself. (FOR FULL LINKED SHOW NOTES, GO TO SEENUNSEEN.IN.) Also check out: 1. Gautam John on LinkedIn, Twitter, IDR, Rohini Nilekani Philanthropies and Substack. 2. From Strength to Strength — Arthur Brooks. 3. An Ode to Meanderness -- Episode 434 of The Seen and the Unseen (w Shruti Rajagopalan and Pranay Kotasthane). 4. The Final Episode -- Episode 128 of Everything is Everything. 5. Episodes of The Seen and the Unseen with Mohit Satyanand: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7. 6. The Surface Area of Serendipity -- Episode 39 of Everything is Everything. 7. Hikikomori. 8. Laayak. 9. The Loneliness of the Indian Man — Episode 303 of The Seen and the Unseen (w Nikhil Taneja). 10. The Loneliness of the Indian Woman — Episode 259 of The Seen and the Unseen (w Shrayana Bhattacharya). 11. India Moving — Chinmay Tumbe. 12. India = Migration — Episode 128 of The Seen and the Unseen (w Chinmay Tumbe). 13. Dreamers: How Young Indians Are Changing Their World — Snigdha Poonam. 14. Young India — Episode 83 of The Seen and the Unseen (w Snigdha Poonam). 15. Of Boys and Men -- Richard Reeves. 16. Inside the Hearts of Men and Women -- Episode 118 of Everything is Everything. 17. Understanding Human Sexuality -- Episode 126 of Everything is Everything. 18. Everything that turned out well in my life followed the same design process — Henrik Karlsson. 19. Unboxing Bengaluru — Malini Goyal and Prashanth Prakash. 20. Malini Goyal is the Curious One — Episode 377 of The Seen and the Unseen. 21. Testaments Betrayed — Milan Kundera. 22. Ken Wilber's Integral Theory. 23. Pucar. 24. Everybody's Free To Wear Sunscreen -- Baz Luhrmann. 25. Pratham Books. 26. The Center for Internet and Society. 27. Bistecca Tuscan Steakhouse. 28. The Life and Times of Shanta Gokhale — Episode 311 of The Seen and the Unseen. 29. The Incredible Curiosities of Mukulika Banerjee — Episode 276 of The Seen and the Unseen. 30. The Life and Times of Gurcharan Das -- Episode 425 of The Seen and the Unseen. 31. Seeing Like a State — James C Scott. 32. Rohini Nilekani Pays It Forward — Episode 317 of The Seen and the Unseen. 33. Bridging toward Belonging -- Brian Stout's Substack. 34. Relational State Capacity -- Dan Honig. 35. Team of Teams -- Stanley McChrystal. 36. Emergent Strategy -- adrienne maree brown. 37. Mother Mary Comes to Me -- Arundhati Roy. 38. Stain -- Sarah Joseph. 39. Heart Lamp -- Banu Mushtaq. 40. Babel -- RF Kuang. 41. Quarterlife -- Devika Rege. 42. Brotherless Night -- VV Ganeshananthan. 43. Exhalation -- Ted Chiang. 44. The Glass Hotel -- Emily St John Mandel. 45. Nilgiris - A Shared Wilderness -- Sandesh Kadur. Amit Varma and Mohit Satyanand run a course called Life Lessons, which aims to be a launchpad towards learning essential life skills all of you need. For more details, and to sign up, click here. And have you read Amit's newsletter? Subscribe right away to The India Uncut Newsletter! It's free! Also check out Amit's online course, The Art of Clear Writing. Episode art: 'Figuring' by Simahina.

İntegral Teori- ifade insanı/ödün veren insan 00:08 – İntegral Teori ve Psikososyal Gelişim 01:30 – Olgun Yetişkinlik Nedir? 05:00 – İki Temel İnsan Tipi 07:15 – Değer Sistemlerinin Evrimi 12:10 – Ken Wilber ve Büyük Atlamalar 15:55 – Yeşilden Sarıya Geçiş 17:50 – Sarı: Bütüncül Değer Sistemi 24:40 – Zihin–Beden Ötesi Aşama 29:55 – Meditasyon: Nefes Farkındalığı Bölüm, integral teori üzerinden insanın psikososyal gelişimini ve “olgun yetişkinlik” kavramının zamanla nasıl değiştiğini ele alıyor. Claire Graves'in çalışmalarıyla değer sistemlerinin sabit olmadığını, belirli bir düzen içinde evrildiğini; Ken Wilber'ın katkılarıyla da bu evrimin daha bütüncül aşamalara doğru ilerlediğini anlatıyor. Yeşil değer sisteminin eşitlik ve kapsayıcılık arayışına rağmen sınırlı kaldığı, sarı aşamada ise önceki tüm değerlerin reddedilmeden yerli yerine oturtulduğu vurgulanıyor. Son bölümde, meditasyon ve farkındalık pratiklerinin bu daha bütüncül algıya geçişi desteklediği ve zihin–beden ötesi bir bakışın kapısını araladığı ifade ediliyor. Zeynep Aksoy, saygın bir yoga eğitmeni ve Reset platformunun kurucusudur. Web sitesi üzerinden canlı ve kayıttan izlenebilen dersler, üyelik programları ve profesyonel eğitimler sunmaktadır. Online Stüdyo üyeliği ile günlük çevrim içi derslere, geniş bir arşive ve topluluk desteğine erişim imkânı sağlar. Ayrıca Zeynep, katılımcıların hareket, anatomi ve farkındalık konularında bilgilerini derinleştirmelerine yardımcı olmak için yenilikçi Fasyal Yoga Uzmanlık Programı'nı yürütmektedir. Daha fazla bilgi almak ve sertifikalı eğitimlere katılmak için: www.zeynepaksoyreset.com

▶️ Connect with Richard on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/richardatherton-firsthuman/   What actually happens when the sense of “self” disappears — and does it make you wiser?   In this episode of Being Human, I'm joined by Ken Wilber, one of the most influential philosophers of human development and the founder of Integral Theory, something which played a big role in my own intellectual development. Ken shares his early awakening experience, in which he experienced a complete dissolution of the separate self, and explains why spiritual awakening alone does not equal psychological maturity or ethical wisdom.   We explore the crucial distinction between waking up and growing up. And why this explains how many spiritual gurus and their communities can become so toxic. Drawing on decades of scholarship, meditation, and systems thinking, Ken offers a comprehensive framework for understanding consciousness and development. This helps us to appreciate the multiple vectors and methods of human expansion.    We explore: What happens when the self dissolves Waking up vs growing up Stages of human development Why maturity still matters Links: Ken's Website

Sebastian Siegel is a British-American filmmaker, author, and speaker. He directed the film Grace and Grit, based on Ken Wilber's book, which premiered at The Chinese Theatre IMAX and now streams on Apple and Amazon in the US, and on Netflix in most international territories. Siegel writes on consciousness and depth psychology, with work that often blends philosophy and dynamic story telling.Connect with Sebastian Siegel!instagram.com/sebastiansiegel1x.com/sebastiansiegelVisit his Website to learn more!http://www.DeeplyConscious.com Watch his Youtube Series: The Eight Questionshttps://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLrsuqkj6LGLWyYzTyceEsjJoVeeJMl_qJ&si=Syp2iceWyg2FWdP3CHAPTERS:0:00 – Introduction1:58 – Meet Sebastian Siegel4:02 – Is Sebastian part of the CIA?8:02 – How Sebastian's life intersects with power, influence, and information9:25 – What being “stardust” actually means10:50 – Sebastian discusses information brokerage and why some knowledge is withheld13:13 – What is the President's actual job, and who does the President really work for?17:25 – Sebastian shares who he thinks the next U.S. President will be21:26 – What really happened on Epstein Island?25:02 – Sebastian explains his UAP photos and transhuman intelligence34:31 – Sebastian talks about Egypt, the pyramids, and ancient technology41:09 – Are we spending too much time watching influencers instead of taking action ourselves?45:41 – Will AI replace creativity and intellectual labor?50:44 – Sebastian shares how he maintains a healthy lifestyle without drugs, TRT, or stem cells56:19 – Sebastian explains why he stopped eating meat1:02:34 – Is there proof of God?1:08:09 – Why does pain exist in the world?1:12:18 – How modern physics helps us understand consciousness1:17:52 – Sebastian's new chess movie, Labyrinth1:20:52 – Connect with Sebastian1:21:48 – Outro

In this episode I am joined by British occultists, authors, and creative collaborators Alan Chapman and Duncan Barford. Alan and Duncan reflect on their decades of shared magickal practice and creative collaboration. They recall their first meeting at the secret society the “Illuminates of Thanateros” and muse on the gatekeeping and status games of the Chaos magick scene. They explain why they feel their emphasis on awakening and association with Buddhist writer and self-proclaimed arhat Daniel Ingram has contributed to their being shunned by leading figures in British occultism. Alan and Duncan take a deep dive into their controversial new understanding of Aleister Crowley, address criticism levelled at them, and reveal the idealogical mistake that drove Alan to withdraw one of his biggest public projects. Alan and Duncan also share their current practices, detail how to develop visionary capability, give their best understanding about how magick really works, and offer their advice for those who wish to enter the path of Western occultism. … Video: https://www.guruviking.com/podcast/ep345-magick-awakening-crowley-alan-chapman-duncan-barford Also available on Youtube, iTunes, & Spotify – search ‘Guru Viking Podcast'. … Topics include: 00:00 - Intro 01:13 - Meeting at an occult secret society 06:29 - Formative experiences of group magick 07:36 - Should you join the IoT? 07:53 - The importance of group magick 08:19 - Timidity in magickal practice 10:20 - What does magick have to do with enlightenment? 12:03 - Jealousy in spiritual circles 14:38 - Peter Carroll vs Neoplatonism 17:11 - Alan and Duncan's contribution to Chaos Magick 19:07 - Feuds between religionists 20:33 - What kind of person is drawn to Chaos Magick? 22:25 - Gatekeeping and status games 23:10 - The best thing about Chaos Magicians 25:45 - Bad uses of Chaos Magick 28:38 - Being ignored by the magickal community 29:24 - Why were Alan and Duncan ignored? 30:!4 - Controversial association with Daniel Ingram 31:54 - Why did Peter Carroll dislike Alan and Duncan? 33:01 - How to understand magickal results and synchronicities 36:46 - How Duncan's practice has changed over time 40:13- Awakening and the structure of things 43:16 - Alan's current practice 43:57 - The everyday as a basis 45:07 - How to get started in magick 52:35 - Permission and confidence 53:41 - Developing visionary capability 54:55 - Alan's understanding of the path 01:00:32 - Pinnacle of practical magick 01:01:46 - Duncan's Goddess vision 01:03:14 - The basis of the path 01:07:50 - How magick works 01:09:00 - Criticism of Alan abandoning projects 01:16:14 - Sigmund Freud 01:16:57 - Why do people criticise Alan? 01:18:56 - One thing that really annoys Alan 01:20:53 - Resentment and psychological shadow 01:22:43 - Malevolence and denying enlightenment 01:29:26 - A dark occult conference experience 01:31:20 - Envy and counter-initiation 01:33:51 - Creative journey 01:35:49 - The toxic belief in cultural progress 01:39:38 - Ken Wilber's Integral Theory 01:41:10 - Daniel Ingram's pivot to science 01:42:19 - The spirit of the times 01:44:08 - Realising cultural chauvinism 01:49:53 - Desire to do something else 01:51:30 - Source of many problems 01:53:23 - The Crowley project 02:01:15 - Alan's academic approach 02:03:53 - Legal challenges 02:06:34 - Crowley on Chinese wisdom 02:09:05 - Dao De Jing 02:17:24 - Misunderstandings about the Dao De Jing 02:19:03 - Jung's (mis?)undersanding of Asian classics 02:21:06 - Western alchemy and spirit writing 02:23:19 - Two kinds of researchers 02:290:02 - Life of Aleister Crowley 02:31:28 - The Inner Church 02:33:28 - The Bornless Rite 02:35:18 - The Book of the Law 02:45:24 - Crossing the abyss 02:47:39 - Mad or enlightened? 02:52:20 - Liber 31 02:53:53 - Crowley's failures 02:55:57 - Jung and Philip K Dick 02:56:41 - Controversial take on Crowley 03:00:48 - Why follow Crowley's path? Music ‘Deva Dasi' by Steve James

They say laughter is the best medicine. And they're right, whether they're talking about everyday situations or even the everything-is nondual mind living in the sorrow of an everything-is-not-okay dualistic world. But who are they to begin with? Actually the show is not about them. Just the laughter part.  Oh, and, uh... Ken Wilber. We'll be dissecting some of what he says in this video:  Hurts More, Bothers You Less by, Integral Life https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5TUr949kmZk __________________ Copyright Disclaimer Under Section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976, allowance is made for "fair use" for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise be infringing. Non-profit, educational, or personal use tips the balance in favor of fair use.

Welcome to Hot Topics! In this episode, our guest, Jason Lange, comes on the show to answer the following question: What does it mean to be a man? Jason, a men's embodiment coach and group facilitator, shares insights on how traditional definitions of masculinity—such as being tough and invulnerable—are outdated and no longer serve men well.Throughout the discussion, Jason highlights the mental health crisis facing men today, emphasizing high levels of loneliness, mental health disorders, and suicide. He argues that being a man in today's world involves embracing vulnerability and emotional presence, moving away from outdated notions of toughness.The conversation delves into the crisis of connection, where many men struggle to form deep relationships and often see other men as competition, leading to increased isolation. Jason also discusses the changing gender roles influenced by feminism and economic shifts, where women are gaining independence and men are navigating new roles in relationships.He advocates for men's groups as vital spaces for men to connect, share experiences, and learn to express their emotions and vulnerabilities. Jason emphasizes the importance of emotional regulation, noting that many men are taught to suppress their feelings, which can lead to unhealthy coping mechanisms. Additionally, he addresses the significance of men's physical health, encouraging regular check-ups and open discussions about health issues—such as prostate and testicular cancer—that can impact men's well-being.As the discussion unfolds, Jason touches on the inevitability of aging and health issues, urging men to prepare emotionally and socially for times when they may need support. Ultimately, this episode serves as a call to action, encouraging men to embrace their emotional and physical health, seek help when needed, and cultivate connections with other men for personal growth and well-being.Who is Jason Lange?Jason is a men's embodiment coach, group facilitator, and evolutionary guide who helps men drop in and wake up to deeper clarity in their life's purpose and relationships. He believes every man should be in a men's group for the growth and support opportunities they provide. A certified No More Mr. Nice Guy coach, Jason has trained and studied with leaders such as John Wineland, Dr. Robert Glover, Jun Po Roshi, Tripp Lanier, and Ken Wilber. Many men are struggling right now as the old paradigms of what a "man" is supposed to be are no longer relevant or even appropriate. Men's work is where Jason and his team discover healthier ways to be in the world and shed the old "lone wolf" mentality. Jason began his men's work journey in his 20s after suffering from years of loneliness, discomfort in his body, and a deep struggle to create romantic relationships. Of all the work he's done over the last 20 years, men's groups have been the most impactful in changing the quality of his life day to day. It's now part of his mission for every man to be in a men's group, so they can feel healthier in their expression in the world, create more vital intimate partnerships, and be of service to their families and communities.You can find Jason:On the web: https://evolutionary.men/On Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/evolutionarymensworkOn Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/evolutionarymen/On Threads: https://www.threads.com/@evolutionarymenOn X: https://twitter.com/menevolutionaryOn LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/evolutionarymen/On YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@evolutionarymenOn TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@evolutionarymenBook a free exploratory call with Jason to talk about what's going on in your life and how men's work and coaching might support you: https://evolutionary.men/talkJason has a podcast called "Evolutionary Men." Listen and subscribe here: https://open.spotify.com/show/4jQr495pFaJk3E9YnkUK9l?si=19aaef8c01d34a38Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtube.com/live/UjFTjPVjRUgOriginal date of episode: September 19, 2025Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/hot-topics--5600971/support.

Organizações teal? Ou organizações amarelas? Tem diferença? Que novos modelos de gestão e liderança são estes? E como surgem e se mesclam com outros tipos de organizações e modelos que ouvimos falar em contextos contemporâneos?Nesse conteúdo, a sócia na Nortus, Cassiana Buosi, especialista em Futuros Regenerativos e Integrais, nos explica um pouco as raízes de uma organização teal segundo Frederic Laloux, celebrando, também, os trabalhos anteriores de Don Beck e Christopher Cowan com a Dinâmica em Espiral, assim como o trabalho de Ken Wilber com a sua Teoria Integral. Confira!

Susanns video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iUD7v1qJ6B4&t=10sKontakt: jonasandlighet@gmail.comAndlighet på olika plattformarYoutube: https://www.youtube.com/@andlighetApple podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/se/podcast/andlighet/id1603002647?l=enSpotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5CIB4x6sOyceoxShQvnKpZ?si=Hyo1wvOqTqCIKj5-BIXowQAndlighet, spiritualitet, sanning, ärlighet, kärlek, zen, advaita vedanta, ickedualitet, nonduality, enhet, Ramana Maharshi, Nisargadatta Maharaj, Eckart Tolle, Rumi, psykologi, Ken Wilber, flow, flöde, varande, sådanhet, upplysning, uppvaknande, moksha, teosis, nirvana, fanaa, kensho, satori, kristen mystik, Jesus, sufism, kabbalah, daoism, vetenskap, medvetandet, bhakti, devotion, shakti, prana, chi, kundalini, psykedelika, politik, filosofi

Send us a textDr. Joel Rothaizer is a psychologist, executive coach, organizational consultant and leadership development specialist. He's Board Certified in Organizational & Business Consulting Psychology, and a Master Certified Coach through the International Coaching Federation. His book on leadership, called Clear Impact, has been strongly endorsed by Ken Wilber. The head of Integral Zen calls it the most integral book on leadership he's ever read.A  Few Quotes From This Episode“Helping leaders see the logical next step is the easy part. Helping them see why they do not take it is the art.”“Whatever you are biased toward, you lose the value of it when you over-privilege it.”“Everything goes better as a polarity. There is not a single value you can come up with that is not better understood as a polarity.”“People will integrate a tool at the level of complexity they live at.”“A polarity map is inherently developmentally energizing. It temporarily helps people think at a higher level than they would on their own.”Resources Mentioned in This EpisodeBook: Clear Impact by Dr. Joel RothaizerArticle: Guaranteed to Optimize Your Leadership Effectiveness in Minutes a Day by Dr. Joel RothaizerArticle: The Wake I Leave by Dr. Joel Rothaizer Article: Co-Responsibility: The Essential Foundation for Effective Performance Collaboration by Dr. Joel RothaizerArticle: Organizational Leader: Do You Really “Think Systems”?Book: Cloudless Mind: Conversations on Buddhahood by Dan BrownAbout The International Leadership Association (ILA)The ILA was created in 1999 to bring together professionals interested in studying, practicing, and teaching leadership. About  Scott J. AllenWebsiteWeekly Newsletter: Practical Wisdom for LeadersMy Approach to HostingThe views of my guests do not constitute "truth." Nor do they reflect my personal views in some instances. However, they are views to consider, and I hope they help you clarify your perspec ♻️ Please share with others and follow/subscribe to the podcast!⭐️ Please leave a review on Apple, Spotify, or your platform of choice.➡️ Follow me on LinkedIn for more on leadership, communication, and tech.

Videon: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MYoA1R38cuchttps://www.youtube.com/@UCuGhnB_NjrpWbz-VPXSuNOg Kontakt: jonasandlighet@gmail.comAndlighet på olika plattformarYoutube: https://www.youtube.com/@andlighetApple podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/se/podcast/andlighet/id1603002647?l=enSpotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5CIB4x6sOyceoxShQvnKpZ?si=Hyo1wvOqTqCIKj5-BIXowQAndlighet, spiritualitet, sanning, ärlighet, kärlek, zen, advaita vedanta, ickedualitet, nonduality, enhet, Ramana Maharshi, Nisargadatta Maharaj, Eckart Tolle, Rumi, psykologi, Ken Wilber, flow, flöde, varande, sådanhet, upplysning, uppvaknande, moksha, teosis, nirvana, fanaa, kensho, satori, kristen mystik, Jesus, sufism, kabbalah, daoism, vetenskap, medvetandet, bhakti, devotion, shakti, prana, chi, kundalini, psykedelika, politik, filosofi

Magdalena Jimmie bråkar: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZpESGC1hsXAKontakt: jonasandlighet@gmail.comAndlighet på olika plattformarYoutube: https://www.youtube.com/@andlighetApple podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/se/podcast/andlighet/id1603002647?l=enSpotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5CIB4x6sOyceoxShQvnKpZ?si=Hyo1wvOqTqCIKj5-BIXowQAndlighet, spiritualitet, sanning, ärlighet, kärlek, zen, advaita vedanta, ickedualitet, nonduality, enhet, Ramana Maharshi, Nisargadatta Maharaj, Eckart Tolle, Rumi, psykologi, Ken Wilber, flow, flöde, varande, sådanhet, upplysning, uppvaknande, moksha, teosis, nirvana, fanaa, kensho, satori, kristen mystik, Jesus, sufism, kabbalah, daoism, vetenskap, medvetandet, bhakti, devotion, shakti, prana, chi, kundalini, psykedelika, politik, filosofi

Send us a textDr. Joel Rothaizer is a psychologist, executive coach, organizational consultant and leadership development specialist. He's Board Certified in Organizational & Business Consulting Psychology, and a Master Certified Coach through the International Coaching Federation. His book on leadership, called Clear Impact, has been strongly endorsed by Ken Wilber. The head of Integral Zen calls it the most integral book on leadership he's ever read.A  Few Quotes From This Episode“You leave a wake in every interaction. The real question is not just what kind of wake you left, but whether you even noticed.”“Thirty seconds before every conversation, set a task goal and a people goal. That one habit can catapult your leadership capacity.”“Performance isn't about you or me — it's about how we're doing together. Start a performance conversation with that and everything shifts.”Resources Mentioned in This EpisodeBook: Clear Impact by Dr. Joel RothaizerArticle: Guaranteed to Optimize Your Leadership Effectiveness in Minutes a Day by Dr. Joel RothaizerArticle: The Wake I Leave by Dr. Joel Rothaizer Article: Co-Responsibility: The Essential Foundation for Effective Performance Collaboration by Dr. Joel RothaizerArticle: Organizational Leader: Do You Really “Think Systems”?Book: Cloudless Mind: Conversations on Buddhahood by Dan BrownTed Talk: Everyday Leadership by Drew DudleyAbout The International Leadership Association (ILA)The ILA was created in 1999 to bring together professionals interested in studying, practicing, and teaching leadership. About  Scott J. AllenWebsiteWeekly Newsletter: Practical Wisdom for LeadersMy Approach to HostingThe views of my guests do not constitute "truth." Nor do they reflect my personal views in some instances. However, they are views to consider, and I hope they help you clarify your perspective. Nothing can replace your reflection, research, and explorati ♻️ Please share with others and follow/subscribe to the podcast!⭐️ Please leave a review on Apple, Spotify, or your platform of choice.➡️ Follow me on LinkedIn for more on leadership, communication, and tech.

What if the key to more impactful leadership isn't learning more but seeing differently? Dr Alison Maitland and Liz Walker explore how vertical development reshapes perspective, unlocks authenticity and helps leaders move beyond long-held labels. They share how expanding awareness leads to greater fulfilment, deeper connection and meaningful change at work and in life. Through honest reflections and practical insight, Alison and Liz show why embracing who you truly are is the foundation for leading with clarity and confidence. This is an invitation to step into your fullest potential to lead unapologetically.   KEY TAKEAWAY 'It's our mission: to lead unapologetically. To live and lead unapologetically, to be oneself, unapologetic and true in a more expansive way.'   BOOK RECOMMENDATIONS* Specific book titles weren't mentioned but the key thinkers whose work underpin Alison and Liz's discussion on vertical development include Robert Kegan, Ken Wilber, David Rooke and William Torbert. Immunity to Change by Robert Kegan - https://amzn.eu/d/0V9B0AF  A Theory of Everything by Ken Wilber - https://amzn.eu/d/bhB3Lji     ABOUT THE GUESTS – DR ALISON MAITLAND AND LIZ WALKER Dr Alison Maitland and Liz Walker run a business called Becoming, and they are on a mission to equip people to lead, unapologetically.  Dr Alison Maitland is a psychologist and coach. Her eclectic history includes working as an HR Director in blue-chip multinational companies, researching women's experiences in performance sport and creating impactful leadership development solutions for corporates and individual and team sport psychology solutions for sports clients.  Her recent book, Drop the Struggle, explains her approach to applying ACT in sport. Liz Walker is a learning professional, facilitator and coach. Her career trajectory covers 20+ years in learning & development teams in professional service organisations.  During this time she designed, developed, delivered and evaluated training programmes around the globe, with a focus on leadership development.    CONNECT WITH ALISON AND LIZ https://www.linkedin.com/company/becoming-international/ https://becoming.international/   ABOUT THE HOST - AMY ROWLINSON Amy is a purpose and fulfilment coach, author, podcast strategist and mastermind host who empowers purpose-driven leaders to boost productivity, engagement and meaning in life and work. Through transformational conversations, Amy helps individuals overcome overwhelm and live with clarity, building living legacies along the way.   WORK WITH AMY If you're interested in how purpose can help you and your business, please book a free 30 min call via https://calendly.com/amyrowlinson/call    KEEP IN TOUCH WITH AMY Sign up for the weekly Friday Focus - https://www.amyrowlinson.com/subscribe-to-weekly-newsletter    CONNECT WITH AMY https://linktr.ee/AmyRowlinson    BUY AMY'S BOOK (Shortlisted in the 2025 Business Book Awards) * Focus on Why by Amy Rowlinson with George F. Kerr – https://amzn.eu/d/6W02HWu    HOSTED BY AMY ROWLINSON   DISCLAIMER The views, thoughts and opinions expressed in this podcast belong solely to the host and guest speakers. Please conduct your own due diligence.  *As an Amazon Associate, Amy earns from qualifying purchases.  

En este episodio los invito a empezar conmigo este programa de meditación titulado: "20 Enfoques de Atención hacia la Esencia" en donde en cada episodio les compartiré una introducción sobre el tema a tratar, una meditación corta y una reflexión final. Este primer episodio trata sobre la Conciencia Testigo. "Tu no eres tus pensamientos, ni tus sentimientos, ni tu cuerpo ni los objetos que puedes ver, porque te das cuenta de todos ellos. Que es lo que hay en ti que siempre está completamente presente? No reconoces acaso esa infinita conciencia testigo? Que es ese Testigo? Tú eres ese Testigo, la conciencia pura, el espíritu puro que contempla con ecuanimidad todo lo que aparece instante a instante." -Ken Wilber. Este curso es compartido por la Escuela Española de Desarrollo Transpersonal en donde curse el Segundo grado de Experto en Terapia Transpersonal. 

Keith Kurlander is a psychotherapist, co-founder of the Integrative Psychiatry Institute, and host of The Higher Practice podcast. The discussion covers psychedelics, trauma, nervous system regulation, and mental health. Topics include the therapeutic and disruptive effects of psychedelics, trauma as a physiological state, the importance of listening to one's inner purpose or "North Star,"  rising mental health challenges, and the impact of technology and AI on psychological well-being. Connect & Learn More

Jennifer speaks with Zen teacher Diane Musho Hamilton and facilitator Gabriel Kaigen Wilson about walking a spiritual path: not just waking up to our inherent belonging, but growing up into emotional maturity, flexibility, and courage.At the heart of the conversation is the tension many of us live inside—between enlightenment and the ego, urgency and presence, identity and oneness. Diane and Gabe offer practical, compassionate tools for navigating modern complexity without abandoning ourselves or each other.In this conversation, we explore:Why oneness isn't enough to navigate conflict:  why we need both the spiritual path (waking up) and the developmental path (growing up).How identity can be both a safe home and a tight boundary: why flexibility is essential for compassion, clarity, and connection.How reflective listening calms the nervous system; and becomes a practical, transformative way to stay connected through difference and polarization.Come join us for a light hearted conversation on how to trust the grit and wisdom of our entangled, modern life.  Links & ResourcesGet their new book Waking Up and Growing Up: Spiritual Cross Training for An Evolving World Real Life Programs: training with Diane Musho Hamilton in emotional maturity, conflict resolution and leadershipLearn more about Two Arrows Zen, a practice community co-founded by Diane Musho Hamilton and Michael Mugaku ZimmermanLearn with Gabe (Wisdom Gym and Executive Team Development)Follow Jennifer's Substack and connect with her work Gratitude for this show's theme song Inside the House, composed by the talented Yukon musician, multi-instrumentalist and sound artist Jordy Walker. Artwork by the imaginative writer, filmmaker and artist Jon Marro.

Send us a Positive Review!Are you curious about what has happened in the minds and hearts of the Hamakers eight months post-resignation from the LDS church due to the waves that this podcast has made throughout the world for the past couple of years?  Well, one thing that happened changed Val's life and is now changing hundreds of Latter Day Struggles Podcast listener's lives too.  It all started the day Val opened up a  book that became a portal to an entire universe of deeper-stage LDS faith crisis healing.   This new orientation is psychologically sound, as spiritually robust as they come, and is somewhat involved; but its healing philosophy can be summed up in three words: transcend & include.  Join Val and Nathan in this Q&A episode, where they walk through some questions that you might have if you have noticed a pivot in their Friday Fellowship content and want to know what you might be missing. Timestamps:00:00 Introduction and Welcome00:41 Exploring Transcend and Include01:51 Addressing Listener Questions04:23 The Origins of the Podcast06:59 Navigating Faith and Theology12:06 The Middle Path and Personal Growth18:43 Introduction to Ken Wilber's Work28:22 Understanding Our Place in the Universe29:31 The Concept of Transcend and Include31:58 Faith and Consciousness Evolution34:15 Challenges in Embracing Past Selves42:51 The Importance of Compassion and Healing50:52 Podcast Structure and Community SupportSupport the showSupport the show Listen, Share, Rate & Review EPISODES Friday Episodes Annual Access $89 Friday Episodes Monthly Access $10 Valerie's Support & Processing Groups Gift a Scholarship Download Free Resources Visit our Website

What do a Brazilian retail strategist and an Indian industrial designer have in common? A passion for transforming complex systems through service design—and a shared mission to push the profession forward. In this episode, Lou welcomes Gustavo Vieira and Shreya Dhawan, two of the curators behind the upcoming Advancing Service Design conference, for a behind-the-scenes look at how service design is evolving—and how they're helping shape that evolution. Gustavo shares how his early work in franchising sparked a fascination with aligning brand strategy, operations, and customer experience, eventually leading him to service design as a more holistic lens. Shreya's journey began with product design in hospitals, where she realized the real challenge wasn't just designing a better object—it was improving the entire system around it. Together, they reflect on the emerging trends in the field, including the move toward systems-level thinking, new contexts like journalism and B2B, and the rich global collaboration shaping this year's conference. The conversation is full of thoughtful insight, heartfelt reflection, and a few unexpected gifts—from Ken Wilber to Picasso.

Send us a Positive Review!Join Val and Nathan in this 2.0 episode exploring how our human shadow parts can "leak" all over our respective "ladders of development" and what happens when (not 'if') they do.  This episode processes not only why we much integrate our personal shadows, but also how this work looks!  Nathan surprised Val by going off-script  vulnerably shared his personal struggle with incorporating feminine divine into his prayers, revealing a significant 'shadow' from his past that still affects him.Did you love learning about climbing up your own ladder of consciousness as others climb up their own?  If so, you're not alone.  Val has started integrating this metaphor into her group work and this concept is proving to be game-changing to many!  Groups are full at the present but jump over to latterdaystruggles.com and join their email list so that you know when the next one is enrolling! Timestamps:00:00 Introduction and Podcast Overview00:51 Concept of the Ladder, the Climber, and the View01:08 Stages of Conscious Development03:13 Potential Pathologies in Development04:53 Intersection of Psychology and Spirituality07:09 Ken Wilber's Integral Theory13:15 Understanding Shadows and Blobs23:09 Real-Life Example of Shadow Work41:58 Concluding Thoughts and ReflectionsSupport the show Listen, Share, Rate & Review EPISODES Friday Episodes Annual Access $89 Friday Episodes Monthly Access $10 Valerie's Support & Processing Groups Gift a Scholarship Download Free Resources Visit our Website

How can we have more meaningful, connected sex? Many couples today are stuck in a low-sex or no-sex dynamic, while others struggle to break a routine that feels unbearably dull. In this classic reissued episode, Jan Day, a relationship expert and psycho-spirital teacher,  discusses “Living Tantra”. Andrew and Jan cover how to “resensitise” in a world where there is not enough touch. Coming off autopilot and being open to depth and mystery can lead to a richer connection with the world and with our partners. Jan Day has been teaching and leading workshops in Europe and Hawaii since 1999. Her life and work have been influenced by both Eastern and Western spiritual teachers. She was a sanyassin of Osho for 15 years. Over a period of 20 years Jan trained and then taught with Alan Lowen, founder of _The Art of Being®. The Living Tantra series of workshops that she offers is based on the Body, Heart & Soul®_ series created by Alan. She has also been influenced by and/or worked with Jack Kornfield, David Deida, Ron Kurtz, Ken Wilber, Genpo Roshi, Thomas Hübl and Ammachi. If You're Looking for More…. You can subscribe to The Meaningful Life (via Apple Podcasts, Spotify or Google Podcasts) and hear a bonus mini-episode every week. Or you can join our Supporters Club on Patreon to also access exclusive behind-the-scenes content, fan requests  and the chance to ask Andrew your own questions. Membership starts at just £4.50 This week supporters will hear: Andrew's favourite exercises from Jan's book to try yourself Three things Jan Day knows to be true.  AND subscribers also access all of our previous bonus content - a rich trove of insight on love, life and meaning created by Andrew and his interviewees. Follow Up Get Andrew's free guide to difficult conversations with your partner: How to Tell Your Partner Difficult Things  Read Jan Day's book Living Tantra: A Journey into Sex, Spirit and Relationship  Visit Jan Day's website to learn more about the courses and workshops she offers.  Read Andrew's book Have the Sex You Want: A Couple's Guide to Getting the Spark Back  Take a look at Andrew's new online relationship course: My Best Relationship Tools  Join our Supporters Club to access exclusive behind-the-scenes content, fan requests and the chance to ask Andrew your own questions. Membership starts at just £4.50 https://www.patreon.com/andrewgmarshall  Andrew offers regular advice on love, marriage and finding meaning in your life via his social channels. Follow him on Twitter, Facebook and YouTube @andrewgmarshall 

Send us a Positive Review!Series Title: Rungs and Revelations: Ascending the Spiritual Ladder [Part II of II]Why is spiritual growth so incredibly hard and confusing? Why do some people stay put in the same world view forever? Why do some people seem to grow quickly and seem to be magnets inviting others to grow? Why do some people feel torn between emerging beliefs and paralyzing fear that the old beliefs might actually be right? And why do some people seem to trade in their old perspectives for new ones but seem to hold onto the same rigidity and judgment? If you want a map that can explain all of the messiness of the human growth journey…this episode is a good one for you! Ken Wilber's book "A Brief History of Everything"Timestamps:00:00 Introduction and Episode Overview00:13 The Ladder Metaphor for Growth01:02 Understanding Levels of Consciousness01:57 The Climber and the View02:50 Hierarchy in Growth and Transformation06:01 Pathology of Fixation at Lower Rungs16:09 Transcendence Failure and Its Challenges20:37 The Garden Narrative and Overcoming Fear21:38 Deep Neural Wiring and Higher Consciousness22:42 Struggles with Relationships and Transcendence24:46 Internal Personal Transformation29:51 The Concept of True Self33:10 Transcendence and Inclusion Challenges37:31 The Importance of Inclusion in Spiritual Growth47:47 Conclusion and Next StepsSupport the show Listen, Share, Rate & Review EPISODES Friday Episodes Annual Access $89 Friday Episodes Monthly Access $10 Valerie's Support & Processing Groups Gift a Scholarship Download Free Resources Visit our Website

Send us a Positive Review!How does one break down the intricacies of the spiritual transformation journey? Although different for each person, there is in fact a common thread that connects every person's onward and upward climb towards their greatest potential consciousness. In today's episode Val and Nathan introduce a way to think about this process using three key metaphors: the ladder of consciousness, the climber navigating between rungs, and the expanding view at higher levels. The episode sets the stage for a deeper exploration into the challenges of transitioning between spiritual stages and paths. Ken Wilber's book "A Brief History of Everything"Timestamps:00:00 Introduction and Greetings01:12 Purpose and Focus of the Episode03:02 Transcending and Including: An Overview07:30 The Ladder of Consciousness13:36 The Climber and Critical Periods28:19 The View from Higher Rungs36:50 Challenges and Pathologies in Growth38:25 Conclusion and Next StepsSupport the show Listen, Share, Rate & Review EPISODES Friday Episodes Annual Access $89 Friday Episodes Monthly Access $10 Valerie's Support & Processing Groups Gift a Scholarship Download Free Resources Visit our Website

Alexandre Marques costuma dizer que não basta medir a vida apenas por metas e resultados. Para ele, o verdadeiro sentido está em criar caminhos nos quais as pessoas possam florescer em sua integralidade — não como peças de uma engrenagem, mas como seres humanos completos, capazes de integrar propósito, consciência e cuidado em tudo o que fazem. Alexandre atuou por mais de duas décadas no mercado financeiro, um ambiente competitivo e fortemente orientado a metas. Foi justamente nesse contexto que nasceu sua inquietação: seria possível conciliar resultados e produtividade com humanidade, propósito e desenvolvimento integral das pessoas? Desde 2011, ele mergulhou em uma jornada de transformação pessoal, estudando PNL, constelações e, sobretudo, a teoria integral de Ken Wilber, que se tornou um de seus principais referenciais. Hoje, à frente da "Integraum", consultoria que cofundou, ele ajuda empresas e líderes a reconfigurar sua cultura de dentro para fora, promovendo um olhar mais humano, mais consciente e mais integral para a vida e para o trabalho. Neste papo com o podcast "45 do Primeiro Tempo", Alexandre contou sua história de vida, trouxe seu olhar sobre o momento atual e foi categórico: “Fragmentamos demais a nossa vida.” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today, Rev. Wendy Craig-Purcell's message is on Ken Wilber's Integral Theory, which teaches that true spirituality means not just awakening and growing internally, but also showing up—embodying insights through authentic action, service, and compassionate engagement with the world.Website: http://www.theunitycenter.net Download Our New App: https://theunitycenter.churchcenter.com/setupAsk Yourself This: https://www.amazon.com/Ask-Yourself-This-Questions-Expand/dp/087159336XSubscribe to our YouTube channel: http://bit.ly/2hBqp7F Purchase Lesson Series Packages: https://theunitycenter.net/sunday-series-packagesListen to our Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/6YJWcAhQUnkEHFqBXQmz1G

You've done the therapy sessions, meditation retreats, and healing workshops. You've read the books and tried every modality you could find. Yet somehow, you still feel stuck - like you're operating from old patterns that just won't shift, no matter how much inner work you do.Dr. John Churchill brings a unique perspective to this puzzle. With his Doctorate in Clinical Psychology, 15 years of training in Tibetan meditation practices, and founding membership in Ken Wilber's Integral Institute, he's spent 25 years developing integrated approaches to healing that go beyond traditional therapy.In This Groundbreaking Conversation, You'll Learn:• Why trauma isn't just personal - it's multi-generational, cultural, and woven into the fabric of civilization itself • How your nervous system carries imprints from ancestors you've never met, and why this matters for your healing journey• The hidden reason why individual therapy, meditation, and plant medicines can only take you so far before hitting an invisible ceiling • Why your traumas need other nervous systems to release - it's not a personal failing, it's biology • How the culture's dysfunction becomes your personal dysfunction, and what this means for lasting transformation • The difference between transcending your wounds and actually healing them at the root level • Why community healing isn't just "nice to have" - it's essential for rewiring patterns that formed in relationship • How cleaning up childhood traumas unlocks access to profound spiritual states naturallyThis isn't about adding another healing technique to your toolkit. Dr. Churchill reveals how our individual healing journeys are actually part of a larger planetary transformation - and why understanding this connection changes everything about how we approach our own growth.If you've ever felt like you're doing "all the right things" but still hitting the same walls, this episode offers a radically different framework for understanding what true healing actually requires. Listen now to discover why healing happens in relationships, not isolation.Connect with Dr. John:Website: https://www.planetarydharma.com/Instagram:@PlanetaryDharmaEmail: hello@planetarydharma.comConnect with Raj:Website: http://www.rajjana.com/Instagram: @raj_janaSpotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/22Hrw6VWfnUSI45lw8LJBPYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@raj_janaLegal Disclaimer: The information and opinions discussed in this podcast are for educational and entertainment purposes only. The host and guests are not medical or mental health professionals, and their advice should not be a substitute for seeking professional help. Any action taken based on the information presented is strictly at your own risk. The podcast host and their guests shall have neither liability nor responsibility to any person or entity with respect to any loss, damage, or injury caused or alleged to be caused directly or indirectly by information shared in this podcast. Consult your physician before making any changes to your mental health treatment or lifestyle. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ken Wilber's integral theory, Game B's technocratic roots, Theosophical syncretism, Esalen's diplomacy, and resisting collectivist control with Carl Teichrib During our podcast break, enjoy this replay of Courtenay's appearance on The Will Spencer Podcast with co-guest Carl Teichrib from June 2025. Key topics: Ken Wilber's influence: Integral theory blending eastern mysticism, psychology, and progressive Christianity (e.g., Emerging Church, Brian McLaren, Rob Bell) into a syncretic, globalist worldview. Game B connection: New operating system for civilization, rooted in Wilber's ideas, tied to 2011 Stanton meetings (Jim Rutt, Jordan Hall, Brett Weinstein) and transpolitical movements. Theosophical roots: Wilber's ties to Theosophy (Blavatsky, Bailey), spiritual evolution, and co-creation, influencing UN's one-world religion and technocratic agendas. Cultural impact: Esalen's role in hot tub diplomacy, psychedelic spirituality, trauma-based evolution, and the re-enchantment of paganism with technology. Dark Enlightenment overlap: Peter Thiel's network states, authoritarian technocracy, and Wilber's seductive integration of Christianity (e.g., Jordan Hall's liturgy misuse). Pushback: Recognizing language shifts (e.g., Christ consciousness), engaging locally, and fostering individual responsibility against collectivist control.

Today, Rev. Wendy-Craig Purcell's message is about Ken Wilber's Integral Theory, which offers a holistic framework that unites psychology, spirituality, science, and philosophy to map human growth and consciousness. A core principle, “Growing Up,” emphasizes moving through stages of development—from egocentric to ethnocentric to world-centric—expanding empathy, compassion, and wisdom along the way. Spiritual awakening must be paired with emotional and moral maturity to fully embody higher consciousness and live in service to others.Website: http://www.theunitycenter.net Download Our New App: https://theunitycenter.churchcenter.com/setupAsk Yourself This: https://www.amazon.com/Ask-Yourself-This-Questions-Expand/dp/087159336XSubscribe to our YouTube channel: http://bit.ly/2hBqp7F Purchase Lesson Series Packages: https://theunitycenter.net/sunday-series-packagesListen to our Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/6YJWcAhQUnkEHFqBXQmz1G

Alderman highlights the rapid expansion of information exposure over the past 50 years, leading to an "algorithmic undertow" that channels individuals into echo chambers. Here we explore how to become digitally mature and mindfully intentional in our engagement with the increasingly fragmented social landscape. Bruce Alderman, MA, is an affiliate faculty professor at John F. Kennedy University in the Consciousness and Transformative Studies and Holistic Counseling Psychology departments. He is the Associate Director of the Blue Sky Leaders Certificate Program at the California Institute of Integral Studies His essays and white papers have been published in many prestigious publications and anthologies on consciousness studies, and he is co-creator, producer, and occasional host of the YouTube series The Integral Stage.Interview Date: 6/13/2025 Tags: Bruce Alderman, Penn Gillette, algorithmic undertow, echo chambers, information bubbles, Roy Bhaskar, demi realities, critical realism, digital realities, Bohemian dialog, David Bohm, Jainism, Anekāntavāda, non one-sidedness, non one-pointedness. critical realism, integral theory, Ken Wilber, integral theory, Personal Transformation, Philosophy, Psychology, technology

Rufus dives into the life story of the one and only Layman Pascal: exploring his unique childhood, what he found in Wilber's Integral, his relationship to intentional communities and what it means to live beyond a post-modern world. About the episode:In this interview with Layman Pascal and Rufus Pollock, Layman recounts his upbringing and the unique childhood in the Canadian Pacific Northwest that disposed him to become one of the metamodern scenes most interesting thinkers. Layman delves into the experience of the post-modern milieu of the late 1990s and efforts to find ways beyond it. They explore the value and limits of Ken Wilber's integral and the formation of his approach to dialogue and community in 'The Integral Stage' project. He closes envisioning precisely what's needed to move beyond culture war dynamics. Chapters:04:43 Layman's childhood in the Canadian Pacific Northwest15:00 From college to living in Belize16:48 Early Spiritual Teachers27:00 Layman's experience of the Post-Modern and Post-Post Modern35:00 Story of Ken Wilber, Integral and The Integral Stage45:24 going beyond post-modernism52:53 Rufus's View on Integral57:50 Integralist vs Integralites1:02:00 What Layman looks for in communities1:08 Culture War & What we need to build coherenceSpeakersLayman Pascal was incarnated on a remote island in the Pacific Northwest. He used to be a meditation teacher, yoga instructor & public speaker—but he's feeling much better now. He is a writer on themes of cultural philosophy, shamanism and organic spiritual development. www.laymanpascal.substack.com/ Rufus Pollock is an entrepreneur, activist and author as well as a long-term zen practitioner. He is passionate about finding wiser, weller ways to live together. He has founded several for-profit and nonprofit initiatives including Life Itself, Open Knowledge Foundation, and Datopian. His book Open Revolution is about making a radically freer and fairer information age. Previously he has been the Mead Fellow in Economics at the University of Cambridge as well as a Shuttleworth and Ashoka Fellow. A recognized global expert on the information society, he has worked with G7 governments, IGOs like the UN, Fortune 500s as well as many civil society organizations. He holds a PhD in Economics and a double first in Mathematics from the University of Cambridge. Get full access to Life Itself at news.lifeitself.org/subscribe

Today, Rev. Wendy Craig-Purcell talks about "Integral Theory," developed by philosopher Ken Wilber, is a comprehensive framework that integrates insights from psychology, science, and spirituality to help people achieve a more holistic understanding of consciousness and human development. The theory's core principles—Waking Up, Growing Up, Cleaning Up, and Showing Up—provide a map for personal and collective transformation, with Waking Up referring to the process of spiritual awakening and experiencing higher states of consciousness.Website: http://www.theunitycenter.net Download Our New App: https://theunitycenter.churchcenter.com/setupAsk Yourself This: https://www.amazon.com/Ask-Yourself-This-Questions-Expand/dp/087159336XSubscribe to our YouTube channel: http://bit.ly/2hBqp7F Purchase Lesson Series Packages: https://theunitycenter.net/sunday-series-packagesListen to our Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/6YJWcAhQUnkEHFqBXQmz1G

Send us a Positive Review!Series Title: Dialogue Foundation Gospel Study: A Novel Approach to D&C 76 [III of IV] Are you on an LDS faith journey and want to try your hand at seeing scripture from LDS cannon from your emerging 'mystical filter'? If so, this episode is for you as Val & Nathan take D&C 76 & run it through their own 'mystical filters' & report of their findings!Nath & Val provide a roadmap for reading scripture through a higher lens, moving from literal interpretation to embracing metaphor, symbolism, & truths from the perennial tradition, all aimed at fostering a love-based, inclusive understanding of your own emerging spirituality.Timestamps:00:00 Introduction and Series Overview01:40 Exploring Integral Theory and Doctrine03:00 Understanding States and Stages of Growth04:19 Transcend and Include: Practical Applications09:08 The Role of Experience in Spiritual Growth15:03 Mystical Filter and Scriptural Interpretation23:40 Ethnocentric Lens of Early Disciples24:23 Stages of Development in Scripture Interpretation25:39 Impact of Translators' Worldviews28:15 Teachers' Influence on Scriptural Understanding32:16 Personal Interpretation and Mystical Filter35:35 Literal vs. Metaphorical Understanding36:42 Ken Wilber's Integral Theory46:21 Reinterpreting Fear-Based Concepts50:43 Conclusion and Future DiscussionsReferenced in this Episode: All Things New - Fiona & Terryl GivensTattoos on the Heart: The Power of Boundless Compassion - Gregory BoyleSupport the show Listen, Share, Rate & Review EPISODES Friday Episodes Annual Access $89 Friday Episodes Monthly Access $10 Valerie's Support & Processing Groups Gift a Scholarship Download Free Resources Visit our Website

Send us a textJason is a men's embodiment coach, group facilitator, and evolutionary guide. He helps men drop in and wake up to deeper clarity in their life's purpose and relationships. He believes every man should be in a men's group for the growth and support opportunities they provide.Jason is a certified No More Mr. Nice Guy coach, and has trained and studied with leaders such as John Wineland, Dr. Robert Glover, Jun Po Roshi, Tripp Lanier, and Ken Wilber.https://evolutionary.men/https://evolutionary.men/talkWe are forming a NEW GROUP!  Join the current group to stay up to date on the move and to get your personal invitation to join!Contact US:  Rumble/ YouTube/ IG: @powerofmanpodcastEmail: powerofmanpodcast@gmail.com.Twitter: @rorypaquetteLooking for Like-Minded Fathers and Husbands? Join our Brotherhood!"Power of Man Within" , in Facebook Groups:https://www.facebook.com/groups/490821906341560/?ref=share_group_linkFree Coaching Consultation call whenever you are ready... Message me!Believe it!

Links to Steven Webb's podcast and how you can support his work.Donate paypal.me/stevenwebb or Coffee stevenwebb.ukSteven's courses, podcasts and links: stevenwebb.ukCompassion is at the heart of our discussion today, so let's dive right into it. We explore how compassion serves as a cosmic wink that connects us all, as Alan Watts puts it. This episode unpacks the differences between compassion, empathy, and judgment, and how understanding these can help us navigate our lives better. We're all just players in this game called life, and recognizing each other's struggles is key to becoming whole. Join me, Steven Webb, as we unravel what it really means to practice compassion in our daily interactions and why it matters more than ever.Compassion is a fascinating topic, and in this episode, I dive deep into what it really means. I start by reflecting on Alan Watts' idea that compassion is like a cosmic wink, a warm acknowledgment that we see each other as fellow players in this game of life. I also explore the thoughts of Ken Wilber, who suggests that true judgment comes from a place of compassion. This leads me to ponder the differences between judgment, empathy, and compassion. Judgment often comes with a personal lens, where we see the world through our own experiences, and this can lead to negative assessments of others. Empathy, on the other hand, lets us feel what others feel, but it can sometimes become self-centered, drawing us away from the person in need. Compassion, however, is about genuinely being present for someone without the need to turn the spotlight back onto ourselves. It's about opening our hearts and really seeing others for who they are, not just for their struggles but as whole beings. Throughout this episode, I share personal stories and insights that highlight the importance of compassion in our lives, especially during tough times. I encourage listeners to practice small acts of kindness and to approach each interaction with an open heart, allowing us to become whole together.Takeaways: Compassion is recognized as the cosmic wink acknowledging our shared human experience. It connects us all. Empathy and judgment differ significantly, where empathy often centers around our own feelings and experiences. True compassion requires us to open our hearts to others rather than projecting our own experiences onto them. To foster compassion, we need to embrace both our weaknesses and strengths, allowing us to become whole. Compassion is action-oriented, encouraging us to care for others without turning the focus back to ourselves. Practicing small acts of kindness daily can help cultivate a more compassionate mindset in our lives.

Send us a Positive Review!In 2016 I went Trump and so did over half of the caucasian women who voted in the United States. Why? In this episode I use myself as a specimen for the study of the white, middle-class, educated, Christian, conservative, heterosexual, married woman who felt more comfortable voting for an old, white man with a questionable resume and even more questionable track record around his respect for my exact demographic. And guess what? The exact same percentage of the exact same demographic did the same thing in 2024 (minus myself, I am proud to report). Tune in to learn more about the psychology of this voting block and (surprise surprise) how this phenomenon has everything to do with what Christian conservatism often embeds in women accustomed to male leadership as ordained of God, an older white male deity, lower self advocacy, & the need to be safe in a man's care & a life committed to deferring to others' wisdom & well-being. 00:00 Introduction and Episode Overview00:16 Reflecting on Personal Vulnerability00:32 Political Series Recap and Ken Wilber's Theory03:21 Exploring the 2016 Trump Election Phenomenon05:38 White Women's Voting Patterns12:22 Psychological and Cultural Influences20:17 Personal Experiences and Reflections32:17 Understanding Women's Support for Trump52:58 Concluding Thoughts and Personal GrowthReferenced in this Episode: Down Girl: The Logic of Misogyny - Kate ManneSupport the show Listen, Share, Rate & Review EPISODES Friday Episodes Annual Access $89 Friday Episodes Monthly Access $10 Valerie's Support & Processing Groups Gift a Scholarship Download Free Resources Visit our Website

In this episode I am joined by Victor Shiryaev a teacher of Buddhist and modern meditation and somatic practices. Victor recounts his childhood in the Soviet Union, early underground exposure to the New Age, and subsequent study of Avaita Vedānta and Ken Wilber's Integral Theory. Victor details his discipleship under American mindfulness teacher Shinzen Young, reflects on the tension between tradition and innovation, and shares stories of his own awakening experiences. Victor also lays out his disagreements with Shinzen Young's approach, critiques the Pragmatic Dharma's use of maps and stages, and presents his own understanding of the spiritual experiences to be expected on the road to awakening and beyond. … Video version: https://www.guruviking.com/podcast/ep318-modern-mindfulness-victor-shiryaev Also available on Youtube, iTunes, & Spotify – search ‘Guru Viking Podcast'.
 … Topics include: 00:00 - Intro 00:56 - Childhood in the Soviet Union 02:24 - Exposure to the New Age and psychotherapy 07:15 - Studying Chinese History at university 08:07 - Advaita Vedānta and Ken Wilber 09:18 - Unity experience 10:21 - Altered states and psychic phenomena 13:14 - Personal crisis 14:52 - Awakening in Myanmar 17:19 - “I know what I have is working” 19:17 - Meeting Shinzen Young and adopting his model 24:50 - Observational statistics 27:29 - Studying with Shinzen 29:27 - Divorce and launching meditation teaching career 31:00 - Finding a path thru crisis 37:10 - Writing a letter to nature 42:48 - Finding purpose in spirituality 44:15 - Victor's teaching approach and activities 48:58 - Why go deeper in practice? 51:17 - Creating a culture of openness 58:33 - Shinzen & Ken Wilber vs Victor 01:05:16 - Being a clear conduit 01:19:32 - I am not a Buddhist teacher 01:12:40 - Experience vs faith 01:15:58 - Disagreements with Shinzen 01:17:43 - Disagreements with Theravāda 01:19:32 - Shinzen's modernism and scientism 01:25:19 - Steve's understanding of Shinzen 01:28:15 - Victor's update on Shinzen's scientism 01:30:50 - Heretics and reformers 01:33:39 - Fundamentalism and the world-centred view 01:30:39 - A world-centred view is also fundamentalist 01:42:50 - Victor on the Pragmatic Dharma movement 01:46:55 - Hypocrisy of Pragmatic Dharma 01:49:29 - Traditional vs modern practitioners 01:58:13 - Critique of maps and stages 02:06:18 - First stage: thoughts to presence 02:09:41 - Second stage: all experience is consciousness 02:12:09 - One taste 02:13:38 - Intimacy with all things 02:15:26 - The consciousness trap 02:18:18 - We shape our experience 02:19:10 - The pregnant void 02:22:32 - Victor's view of the path To find out more about Victor Shiryaev, visit: - https://victorshiryaev.co/ … For more interviews, videos, and more visit: - www.guruviking.com Music ‘Deva Dasi' by Steve James

Send us a Positive Review!Series Title: Polarization, Trump Victories, & the Story of Human Progression (& Regression) [Part IV of IV] In today's final episode of this thought provoking series, Val & Nathan discuss on-the-ground ways that we each can invite the 'better angels of our natures' into our own worldviews and personal dialogue with those in other stages of development.  They emphasizes the importance of validating diverse perspectives, embodying compassion, and finding common values for a more unified future.  This episode lands where all of Val's & Nathan's work endeavors to arrive:  that the ultimate healing & growth come from embodying more and more love.  If we cannot love those in earlier stages of development, why would they be motivated to grow and evolve?  Stay tuned for a couple of episodes where Val & Nathan look at specific examples of 'transcending & including' challenging ideas & people in both the political world of today & in today's polarized LDS spectrum.  This series will be most effectively understood & integrated by those who are full access listeners and therefore will drop every Friday for the next four weeks. Thank you for your ongoing support!**The ideas from this are drawn from the scholarship of Ken Wilber and his insightful book 'A Post-Truth World: Politics, Polarization, and a Vision for Transcending the Chaos'00:00 Introduction and Series Overview00:13 Ken Wilber's Theories on Development02:33 Understanding the Trump Victory05:20 The Failure of the Woke Movement07:07 Proposals for Moving Forward08:57 The Importance of Hierarchies16:16 Embracing Multiculturalism and Inclusion23:40 Modeling Compassion and Peacemaking27:55 Addressing Root Causes of Behavior35:56 Finding Common Values37:09 Navigating the Social Culture Wars37:27 Respecting Traditions and Integrating Narratives40:10 Effective Communication and Shared Experiences41:12 What Not to Do: Avoiding Common Pitfalls44:20 Connecting with Modern Rationalists50:38 Principles for Approaching Different Levels of Development57:34 Embodying True Cosmo-Centric Values01:03:22 Final Thoughts and Future DirectionsSupport the show Listen, Share, Rate & Review EPISODES Friday Episodes Annual Access $89 Friday Episodes Monthly Access $10 Valerie's Support & Processing Groups Gift a Scholarship Download Free Resources Visit our Website

Send us a Positive Review!Series Title: Polarization, Trump Victories, & the Story of Human Progression (& Regression) [Part III of IV] In this episode Val & Nathan discuss how societies evolve upward in love, inclusion, & consciousness, unless something goes terribly wrong from those on the leading edge of consciousness. In short, if the leading edge does not both 'transcend' in consciousness but ALSO 'include' the value of the earlier stages, then evolution is prone to halt or even move into a regression of consciousness.  Looking at our current climate of political polarization, Val & Nathan analyze how the woke movement's shortcomings and Trump's rise in power reflect deeper issues in how societies advance, or don't advance, when course correction is needed. The conversation centers on how the failure to love and include earlier developmental stages can regress societal progress.  This phenomenon is not so much about politics as it is about human (and society's) growth & development.   They will be going much deeper into this topic as it relates to religion and the LDS faith in later episodes.  This series will be most effectively understood & integrated by those who are full access listeners and therefore will drop every Friday for the next four weeks. Thank you for your ongoing support!**The ideas from this are drawn from the scholarship of Ken Wilber and his insightful book 'A Post-Truth World: Politics, Polarization, and a Vision for Transcending the Chaos,'Support the show Listen, Share, Rate & Review EPISODES Friday Episodes Annual Access $89 Friday Episodes Monthly Access $10 Valerie's Support & Processing Groups Gift a Scholarship Download Free Resources Visit our Website

Send us a Positive Review!Series Title: Polarization, Trump Victories, & the Story of Human Progression (& Regression) [Part II of IV] In this episode Val & Nathan hone in on the postmodern era: its highlights & valuable contributions along with its flaws, floundering, and eventual failure due to its eventual complete rejection of truth.  Rejection of truth led to the loss of shared cultural identity, meaning, influence, and most significantly nurtured the polarization that culminated in the rise of Donald Trump, who happened to be at the 'right place at the right time' to become the 'strongman' for millions who may have been voting more against a failed postmodern 'woke' world than for the candidate himself.  This series will be most effectively understood & integrated by those who are full access listeners and therefore will drop every Friday for the next four weeks. Thank you for your ongoing support!  **The ideas from this are drawn from the scholarship of Ken Wilber and his insightful book 'A Post-Truth World: Politics, Polarization, and a Vision for Transcending the Chaos,'Support the show Listen, Share, Rate & Review EPISODES Friday Episodes Annual Access $89 Friday Episodes Monthly Access $10 Valerie's Support & Processing Groups Gift a Scholarship Download Free Resources Visit our Website

Send us a Positive Review!Series Title: Polarization, Trump Victories, & the Story of Human Progression (& Regression) [Episode I of IV]Join Valerie and Nathan in this time-sensitive four-part series looking at our current hyperpolarized political climate through the lens of stages of human & societal consciousness evolution.This episode sets the stage in building a case that following a strong start in the 1960's, our society's cohort at leading edge of consciousness failed & their lack of direction & failed leadership paved a path to two Trump presidencies. Wait, what? You ask? Your liberal worldview is partially responsible for the chaos that we are experiencing? If you want some food for thought on how religious systems, political systems, and societies at large advanced to their healthiest potential, this special series is for YOU. This series will be most effectively understood & integrated by those who are full access listeners and therefore will drop every Friday for the next four weeks. Thank you for your ongoing support!  **The ideas from this are drawn from the scholarship of Ken Wilber and his insightful book 'A Post-Truth World: Politics, Polarization, and a Vision for Transcending the Chaos,'Support the show Listen, Share, Rate & Review EPISODES Friday Episodes Annual Access $89 Friday Episodes Monthly Access $10 Valerie's Support & Processing Groups Gift a Scholarship Download Free Resources Visit our Website

About This EpisodeWhat if the collapse of old systems — the patriarchy, relentless productivity, and hollow doing — is really the birth pangs of something necessary and beautiful? In this conversation, I sit down with Leo Marrs, a writer, creative strategist, experience designer, and the author of the upcoming The New Creator: Rise of the Mindful Artist in the New Meaning Economy.Leo's story begins in the wilds of Alaska and weaves through entrepreneurship, breathwork, altered states of consciousness, and a deep remembering that we are it — the universe expressing itself creatively through us.In this episode, we explore:How the collapse of old systems can feel like existential fight-or-flight — and yet a creative rebirth.Leo's spontaneous awakening that revealed the creative intelligence suffusing everything.The essential role of art, vision, and imagination in shaping futures worth living.How to engage with technology — including AI — without losing our humanity.Why presence might be our greatest creative “technology” yet.How to drop the striving and become the mindful artist you already are.If you feel called to make things that truly matter, this conversation is for you.Listen NowApple Podcasts: [listen here]Spotify: [Lissten here] Links & ResourcesConnect with Leo Marrs: https://www.leomarrs.comLeo's upcoming book: The New Creator: Rise of the Mindful Artist in the New Meaning Economy (sign up on Leo's site for updates)Referenced in this episode:Integral Theory by Ken Wilber — https://integrallife.com/The Image of the Future by Fred Polak — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fred_PolakMoga Dot (AI & ethics) The Telepathy Tapes podcast — https://thetelepathytapes.com/ Aphantasia resources — https://aphantasia.comTimestamps00:00 — Welcoming Leo and the collective moment we're in04:00 — Leo's spontaneous awakening in the shower12:00 — The power of image, vision, and art to shape the future20:00 — Engaging with AI and collective intelligence mindfully30:00 — Aphantasia, inner knowing, and hidden gifts of not seeing42:00 — Why we must learn to trust uncertainty50:00 — The billboard message: You're it — becoming the mindful artist you already areGo DeeperRead my blog reflections on this episode inside PatreonGet bonus episodes, reflections, and community connection: [Patreon]Subscribe to the Creative Genius Newsletter hereIf You Loved This EpisodeShare it with a friend — it helps so much.Leave a review on Apple Podcasts — your words help Creative Genius reach more people who need it.Join our warm, growing community on Patreon for more bonus episodes, guided reflections, and ways to connect with others on this path.Stay ConnectedFollow me on Instagram: @kateshepherdcreative & @thecreativegeniuspodcastFollow Leo: @theleomarrsReach out to me directly hereThank you for listening — keep making things that matter.

¿Sabías que lo que más te molesta de tu pareja podría estar hablándote de ti mismo/a? 🪞 Este episodio es una invitación a mirar más allá del conflicto, de la queja y de la culpa. Basado en la mirada integral de Ken Wilber, exploramos cómo la pareja funciona como un espejo emocional que revela tus partes no integradas, tus heridas y también tu potencial de crecimiento. 💥 🔍 Descubre: • Qué es la sombra y cómo se activa en la relación • Por qué ciertas actitudes del otro te duelen tanto • Cómo transformar esas reacciones en oportunidades de evolución • Y qué puede cambiar en el otro… cuando cambias tú ✨ Si sientes que este audio te remueve o te refleja, no lo ignores. A veces, el primer paso no es cambiar al otro, sino atreverte a mirar dentro de ti. 💬 Podemos hacerlo juntos. Reserva ahora tu consulta telefónica gratuita en 👉 emocioteca.com/contacto y empecemos a desactivar ese espejo que tanto incomoda… y tanto puede enseñarte. mi WhatsApp: https://linktr.ee/emocioteca Soy Mercedes Cobo, Psicóloga colegiada M-23793 😘 #pareja #espejoemocional #kenwilber #shadowwork #relacionesconscientes #psicologiaemocional #autoconocimiento #inteligenciaemocional #vinculos #consultagratuita #emocioteca 💫🪞💛 Escucha el episodio completo en la app de iVoox, o descubre todo el catálogo de iVoox Originals

A MONK, A SHAMAN, AND A SCIENTIST WALK INTO A BAR AT THE EDGE OF THE APOCALYPSE...Layman sits down with meditation and planetary dharma teacher, John Churchill, to enjoy a Double Venti Alchemist's Elixir and a rich, wide-ranging conversation exploring the shape of emergent integrative spiritualities at the edge of the Apocalypse.Born in London, Dr. Churchill's interest in psycho-spiritual development, Integral theory, Contemplative studies, Western Esotericism, and Mahayana Buddhism began in his adolescence, eventually leading him to spend several years as a Buddhist monk at Samye Ling Monastery in Scotland. During this time, John received the esoteric Planetary Dharma transmissions that would in time unfold as his contribution to a planetary fourth turning teaching. Dr. Churchill spent 15 years training and teaching “Great Seal” meditation in an Indo-Tibetan Mahayana lineage under the mentorship of the late senior Western teacher, translator, respected author, and clinical psychologist Dr. Daniel P. Brown. He is also a founding member of the Integral Institute led by esteemed Transpersonal/Integral philosopher, Ken Wilber.Planetary Dharma websitehttps://www.planetarydharma.com/

Today on Sense of Soul we have Karuna! For over 40 years, she has studied Yoga, working from the "inside out." Her certification is with the Kundalini Research Institute (KRI) including Level One, Two, and Three Teacher Training Programs and Prenatal Yoga. She practices Ayurvedic healing and is an ordained Interfaith Minister.   As co-founder of Light on Light Publications and Media, Karuna is the host editor for its magazine's annual Yoga editions in partnership with the International Day of Yoga Committee at the United Nations. In this interview she shares her wisdom and her new book, Light on Kundalini: Your Lifestyle Guide to Yoga and Awakening. In this fascinating read, Karuna recounts her life experiences with notables such as fashion icons Guy Bourdin, Eileen Ford, Laura Ashley, Vogue and Mademoiselle, well-known film directors and actors, alongside spiritual leaders Father Thomas Keating, Ken Wilber, and many others. Her stories of being poked, provoked, and confronted, which eventually led to surrender, change, and elevated awakening, will resonate with your audience and provide guidance and support as they find a way in and through their challenges. Find out more at https://lightonkundalini.com

Sebastian Siegel is a British-American filmmaker, actor, author, and speaker. He directed the 2021 film Grace and Grit, based on Ken Wilber's book, exploring themes of love and spirituality. Siegel has acted in various TV shows and movies and writes on consciousness and personal growth. His work often blends philosophy and psychology, focusing on the human condition.Connect with Sebastian Siegel!instagram.com/sebastiansiegel1x.com/sebastiansiegelVisit his Website to learn more!deeplyconscious.comWatch his Youtube Series: The Eight Questionshttps://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLrsuqkj6LGLWyYzTyceEsjJoVeeJMl_qJ&si=Syp2iceWyg2FWdP3CHAPTERS:0:00 - Introduction1:58 - Meet Sebastian Siegel2:34 - Sebastian discusses his work in psychology, filmmaking, and lucid dreaming6:05 - Sebastian talks about his perspective on lucid dreaming and the benefits of escapism in people's lives13:28 - Sebastian shares his method for guiding lucid experiences using archetypal keys to access deeper energies16:28 - Sebastian shares how he manages tough bouts and his awareness during challenges20:53 - Sebastian talks about the value of challenges and the growth they foster22:13 - Is social media keeping us from being present, or is it an inevitable part of our human experience?26:36 - Sebastian shares his experience working with couples for over 15 years32:01 - Sebastian explains how working with couples has shaped what he looks for in relationships34:51 - Sebastian talks about the importance of tone and emotion in communication within relationships36:26 - Sebastian discusses authenticity and intent when inviting friends into one's life39:00 - Sebastian shares his experience meeting Ken Wilber for the first time40:38 - Sebastian reflects on how the life cycle of a flower, mirrors human evolution42:15 - Sebastian discusses the relationship between earning money and creativity44:32 - Sebastian talks about balancing certainty and uncertainty in life46:29 - Sebastian shares his perspective on Andy's financial challenges47:57 - Sebastian emphasizes the importance of being playful, present, and trusting the process of growth51:53 - Sebastian reflects on a movie clip featuring Jerry Seinfeld, highlighting the idea that anything can happen in life53:34 - Sebastian talks about the importance of being comfortable alone and the paradox of love and independence1:00:10 - Sebastian shares how he handles going to social events1:04:04 - Is it hypocritical to enjoy material things while knowing you don't need them to be happy?1:08:44 - Sebastian explains why he views money as a puzzle1:09:42 - Sebastian discusses why he believes self-made people tend to be more fearless1:10:49 - Sebastian talks about energy management, presence, and the importance of meaningful engagement1:15:31 - Sebastian shares how he responds to messages, invitations, and stays connected with people1:17:24 - Sebastian's recent life discoveries1:20:39 - Sebastian's goal for the next six months1:23:00 - Connect with Sebastian1:23:30 - Sebastian's YouTube series: The Eight Questions1:25:26 - Outro

Unlock your potential with transformative insights into the power of virtues in this life-changing episode of the Coachable Podcast! Join host Tori  Gordon as she sits down with JD Garrett, an expert in personal growth, self-mastery, and leadership development, to explore how virtues like integrity, compassion, and resilience can help you embrace your authentic self and unlock true freedom. Together, they unpack the VIBE framework—Virtue, Intellect, Behavior, and Emotion—and share practical advice on overcoming limiting beliefs, healing past traumas, and creating a life aligned with your deepest values. Discover the profound relationship between ego and essence, and learn how to break free from patterns holding you back. Whether you're navigating challenges in relationships, leadership, or self-discovery, this episode offers actionable strategies to support your journey of personal liberation and empowerment. JD Garrett shares wisdom from years of experience, offering powerful tools to help you expand your perspective, shift your mindset, and build a life of joy, abundance, and growth. This is a conversation you need to hear! Don't miss this chance to dive into the heart of self-love, personal growth, and transformational leadership. Ready to embrace your potential? Tune in now and take the first step toward the life you've always envisioned! #holistichealth #anxiety #communitymentalhealth #selfimprovement #spiritualgrowth CHAPTERS: 00:00 - Intro 02:13 - JD's Virtue Model 07:19 - JD's Influences: Carl Jung, Milton Erickson, Ken Wilber 12:38 - Understanding VIBE Concept 17:38 - Ego vs Essence in Personal Growth 22:00 - Raising Awareness of Personal Limitations 27:23 - Order of Operations in Personal Development 34:50 - The Pain of Losing Your Identity 37:30 - Dissolving the Old Self for New Growth 40:15 - Defining Virtues in Life 47:53 - Significant Virtues in Your Life 48:58 - Virtues: Positive or Negative Perspectives 49:55 - Identifying Your Core Virtues 51:23 - Measuring Alignment with Your Virtues 54:01 - Designing Your Virtues for Growth 59:21 - Embracing Minimalism in Life 01:01:54 - Exploring Play in Your Life 01:06:32 - The Support System: Who Holds You 01:09:30 - Importance of Receiving Support 01:11:42 - Needs vs Wants in Personal Development 01:15:25 - Excellence vs Perfectionism in Growth 01:21:47 - Final Thoughts on Virtue Development 01:25:25 - Where to Find JD Online Resources Mentioned:Anywhere Clinic: A mental health resource that has been a game-changer for me. Visit Anywhere Clinic to learn more about virtual psychiatric care, ketamine therapy, and emotional mastery.Call to Action:If you're tired of being stuck in indecision and want to start making aligned, confident choices, reach out to me! DM me the word “decide” on Instagram and let's talk about how we can work together in my high-performance leadership coaching program.Connect with Tori:Instagram: @thetorigordonPodcast: The Coachable PodcastPersonal Website: Tori GordonShare the Love:If this episode resonated with you, I'd love for you to share it with a friend or take a screenshot and tag me on Instagram. Let me know what you took away from this episode! I'd love to hear your biggest takeaway and how you plan to step into your personal power and start making decisions from a place of alignment. ✨