A. H. Almaas Wisdom Series (Dialogue 7, Part 2) - The Alchemy of Transformation: Exploring the Essence of Presence

Deep Transformation

Player FM - Internet Radio Done Right

הוסף לפני three שנים

תוכן מסופק על ידי Deep Transformation Podcast. כל תוכן הפודקאסטים כולל פרקים, גרפיקה ותיאורי פודקאסטים מועלים ומסופקים ישירות על ידי Deep Transformation Podcast או שותף פלטפורמת הפודקאסט שלהם. אם אתה מאמין שמישהו משתמש ביצירה שלך המוגנת בזכויות יוצרים ללא רשותך, אתה יכול לעקוב אחר התהליך המתואר כאן https://he.player.fm/legal.

Lipstick on the Rim

1
Amy Schumer & Brianne Howey on the Importance of Female Friendships, Navigating Hollywood's Double Standards, Sharing Their Birth Stories, and MORE 50:05

לפני 18 ימים50:05

הפעל מאוחר יותר

רשימות

לייק

אהבתי

50:05

This week, in what might be the funniest episode yet, Molly and Emese are joined by co-stars Amy Schumer and Brianne Howey. They get candid about motherhood, career evolution, and their new film, Kinda Pregnant —which unexpectedly led to Amy’s latest health discovery. Amy opens up about how public criticism led her to uncover her Cushing syndrome diagnosis, what it’s like to navigate comedy and Hollywood as a mom, and the importance of sharing birth stories without shame. Brianne shares how becoming a mother has shifted her perspective on work, how Ginny & Georgia ’s Georgia Miller compares to real-life parenting, and the power of female friendships in the industry. We also go behind the scenes of their new Netflix film, Kinda Pregnant —how Molly first got the script, why Amy and Brianne were drawn to the project, and what it means for women today. Plus, they reflect on their early career struggles, the moment they knew they “made it,” and how motherhood has reshaped their ambitions. From career highs to personal challenges, this episode is raw, funny, and packed with insights. Mentioned in the Episode: Kinda Pregnant Ginny & Georgia Meerkat 30 Rock Last Comic Standing Charlie Sheen Roast Inside Amy Schumer Amy Schumer on the Howard Stern Show Trainwreck Life & Beth Expecting Amy 45RPM Clothing Brand A Sony Music Entertainment production. Find more great podcasts from Sony Music Entertainment at sonymusic.com/podcasts and follow us at @sonypodcasts To bring your brand to life in this podcast, email podcastadsales@sonymusic.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices…

לפני 30 ימים 39:07

MP3•בית הפרקים

Ep. 167 (Part 2 of 2) | In the 7th dialogue of the A. H. Almaas Wisdom Series, Hameed Ali enlightens us as to the nature of presence. Our path begins with the recognition that spirit is presence, he explains, an insight which all spiritual traditions share; this is where most of their focus lies. But this is not the end of the story, Hameed tells us—discovering spirit is only half the work. The other half is actualizing presence by clarifying and purifying our souls. Presence works as an agent of transformation in this process; appearing in our souls as curiosity and a love of truth, it leads us home. The discussion turns to virtues, the fruition of realization, and how it is that realized teachers can behave in entirely unethical ways: “realization is no guarantee of ethical behavior.”

This conversation is packed with insights regarding many related topics: how ethics most importantly concern our relations with others, that kindness becomes spontaneous for the true master, the distinction between universal grace and specific grace, how inner spaciousness or emptiness is the other side of the coin from presence or fullness, and the question arises, “Why is it that some people are interested in going deeper and others not?” Hameed also speaks of his own experience of unilocal realization, where all time and space are found in the center of the heart and accessing information from the future is possible. It is not so much I am this or that, he says, it’s simply I am. This warm, illuminating discussion has a fascinating flow and sparks many instances of quiet laughter on all sides. Recorded December 12, 2024.

“True nature is a real magician; to know yourself as that magician is true realization.”

Topics & Time Stamps – Part 2

Living ethically is conducive to realization (00:50)
True mastery means your kindness is spontaneous (02:15)
Ethics apply more at an ego level; spirit has its own principles (04:28)
Feeling the pain of being constricted is one way the spiritual impulse arises (05:59)
Why do some people want to go deeper than others? (06:40)
The love of truth leads us home: the dynamic of realization (09:14)
Unilocal realization: experiencing all time and space in the heart (11:10)
Hameed can learn from his future self and from people who have died (12:26)
Trusting ourselves, and the distinction between universal grace and specific grace (16:28)
Practice helps make us grace-prone; most people need a teacher or guide (19:24)
Presence is the fullness and inner spaciousness the emptiness side of things (21:50)
True nature is a real magician; to know yourself as that magician is true realization (26:52)
Space/time emanates from our true nature (29:02)
Ethics are relative to our time and culture; but essential ethics are timeless (31:24)
Selflessness and concern for the well-being of all has grown over time (33:35)

Resources & References – Part 2

A. H. Almaas (Hameed Ali), founder of The Ridhwan School, home of The Diamond Approach
A. H. Almaas, The Inner Journey Home: Soul’s Realization of the Unity of Reality*
Abraham Maslow’s term metamotivation, the motivation of people who are self-actualized
Rangjung Rigpe Dorje, 16th Karmapa
Sri Atmananda Krishna Menon
Dzogchen Rinpoche
Dōgen Zenji, founder of the Sōtō school of Zen
A. H. Almaas, The Void: Inner Spaciousness and Ego Structure*
Dzogchen, a tradition of teachings in Indo-Tibetan Buddhism and Bön aimed at discovering and continuing in the ultimate ground of existence

The A. H. Almaas Wisdom Series will generally follow the sequence of Hameed’s magnum opus, The Inner Journey Home* (which John describes as psychoactive and spiritually, psychologically, and intellectually transformative), so listeners may want to get a copy of this book, to study and follow along on this exhilarating path of awakening.

* As an Amazon Associate, Deep Transformation earns from qualifying purchases.

---

Hameed Ali (A. H. Almaas) was born in Kuwait in 1944. At the age of eighteen, he moved to the U.S. to study at the University of California in Berkeley. Hameed was working on his Ph.D. in physics when he reached a turning point in his life and destiny that led him to inquire into the psychological and spiritual aspects of human nature rather than the physical nature of the universe. He left the academic world to pursue an in-depth journey of inner discovery, applying his scientific precision and discipline to personal, experiential research. This included study with different teachers in different modalities, extensive reading, and continuous study of his own consciousness in an effort to understand the essential nature of human experience and reality in general.

Hameed’s process of exploration led to the creation of the Ridhwan School and, with his colleague Karen Johnson, resulted in the founding and unfoldment of the Diamond Approach. He is the author of 20 books, including Nondual Love: Awakening to the Loving Nature of Reality, Love Unveiled: Discovering the Essence of the Awakened Heart, Keys to the Enneagram: How to Unlock the Highest Potential of Every Personality Type, The Unfolding Now: Realizing Your True Nature through the Practice of Presence, and more.

---

Podcast produced by Vanessa Santos and Show Notes by Heidi Mitchell

171 פרקים

#Society #Religion #Self-Improvement #Philosophy #Podcasting Education #Deep Transformation #Politics And Culture

A. H. Almaas Wisdom Series (Dialogue 7, Part 2) - The Alchemy of Transformation: Exploring the Essence of Presence

Deep Transformation

published לפני 30 ימים

שתפו

MP3•בית הפרקים

“True nature is a real magician; to know yourself as that magician is true realization.”

Topics & Time Stamps – Part 2

Living ethically is conducive to realization (00:50)
True mastery means your kindness is spontaneous (02:15)
Ethics apply more at an ego level; spirit has its own principles (04:28)
Feeling the pain of being constricted is one way the spiritual impulse arises (05:59)
Why do some people want to go deeper than others? (06:40)
The love of truth leads us home: the dynamic of realization (09:14)
Unilocal realization: experiencing all time and space in the heart (11:10)
Hameed can learn from his future self and from people who have died (12:26)
Trusting ourselves, and the distinction between universal grace and specific grace (16:28)
Practice helps make us grace-prone; most people need a teacher or guide (19:24)
Presence is the fullness and inner spaciousness the emptiness side of things (21:50)
True nature is a real magician; to know yourself as that magician is true realization (26:52)
Space/time emanates from our true nature (29:02)
Ethics are relative to our time and culture; but essential ethics are timeless (31:24)
Selflessness and concern for the well-being of all has grown over time (33:35)

Resources & References – Part 2

A. H. Almaas (Hameed Ali), founder of The Ridhwan School, home of The Diamond Approach
A. H. Almaas, The Inner Journey Home: Soul’s Realization of the Unity of Reality*
Abraham Maslow’s term metamotivation, the motivation of people who are self-actualized
Rangjung Rigpe Dorje, 16th Karmapa
Sri Atmananda Krishna Menon
Dzogchen Rinpoche
Dōgen Zenji, founder of the Sōtō school of Zen
A. H. Almaas, The Void: Inner Spaciousness and Ego Structure*
Dzogchen, a tradition of teachings in Indo-Tibetan Buddhism and Bön aimed at discovering and continuing in the ultimate ground of existence

* As an Amazon Associate, Deep Transformation earns from qualifying purchases.

---

Podcast produced by Vanessa Santos and Show Notes by Heidi Mitchell

171 פרקים

#Society #Religion #Self-Improvement #Philosophy #Podcasting Education #Deep Transformation #Politics And Culture

כל הפרקים

Deep Transformation

1
Mark Walsh & Kristina Obluchynska (Part 2) - Trauma Treatment in Ukraine: Facing and Healing the Horrendous Wounds of War 36:26

לפני יומיים36:26

36:26

Ep. 171 (Part 2 of 2) | An emotionally powerful and deeply inspiring conversation with renowned embodiment and trauma educator Mark Walsh from the U.K. and Ukrainian psychologist and trauma trainer Kristina Obluchynska , where we learn about effective ways of treating trauma in the middle of an ongoing war, what trauma therapists are left holding, and how beautiful is the human spirit when it embraces right action. When Russia commenced its full-scale invasion of Ukraine three years ago, Mark went to Ukraine, located willing psychology students, educated them in body-oriented trauma therapy and training, and with Kristina and several other trainees co-founded Sane Ukraine, with the urgent mission of preventing an epidemic of trauma disorders in Ukraine. Beginning with applying trauma first aid and teaching resilience skills in places like the local railroad station where people were coming in from the front lines, and in bomb shelters, Kristina and several other psychologists have now educated thousands of people about trauma—active duty soldiers, veterans, survivors, wives of combatants, and first-line responders such as doctors, teachers, and social workers—and trained hundreds of them to become trauma trainers themselves. It is an honor to bear witness to Mark’s courageous actions and the humble heroism of Kristina and her team in the face of the devastation being leveled on Ukraine and Ukrainians. “We don’t grieve,” Kristina tells us, “because grief comes after safety. We don’t even use the word safe anymore,” she continues, “only relatively safe.” Mark points out that modern warfare is not just running around with guns—drones hunt civilians and if you move, they kill you. “Do we all have PTSD?” the soldiers ask. With Sane Ukraine, there is someone to answer their questions and teach them what they can do to help themselves and each other. Resilience comes from relationship—from connection to self, others, nature, and spirit. Does the concept of post traumatic growth even apply considering the intensity of this war? co-host Roger wonders. At the end of this extraordinary, heartfelt conversation, when asked what we could do to help, Kristina advises, “Help the army. We are talking here about healing, but what we really need is to survive.” Recorded January 9, 2025. “It’s not reasonable for young women to be talking about mass rape and torture in dark bomb shelters . . . There’s a darkness that will be there perhaps forever.” Topics & Time Stamps – Part 2 Surviving Bucha (00:57) The pros and cons of group work (03:23) Does the concept of post traumatic growth apply in the intensity of this war? (05:40) Singing traditional songs helps foster the belief that we will survive this (09:50) How does Mark help trainers to find strength? Love people unconditionally and continually (12:31) There are actually less mental health problems in Ukraine than in the UK or the US (16:35) What has been most inspiring for Mark? The girls—and the purity of the work (17:24) The hardest thing? The huge grief (18:53) What are Kristina’s practices to keep sane? (20:05) What is the hardest for Kristina? The guilt is the worst (23:38) What is most inspiring for Kristina? The ability to do something for people who have been in the war (25:02) What is the difference between pre-Ukraine Mark and post-Ukraine Mark? (26:33) The pre-war Kristina and the post-war Kristina: everything is possible (28:12) How can listeners help? Sane Ukraine could use funding & educational support; professionals could offer tension & trauma releasing (TRE) trainings (31:39) Help the army: we are talking about healing, but what we really need is to survive (34:00) Resources & References – Part 2 The Masha Fund , helping Ukrainian women overcome the psychological consequences of war Stuart Heller, The Dance of Becoming: Living Life as a Martial Art * Veteran Hub : providing peer-to peer veteran support, also serving those who are waiting for or who have lost loved ones in service The Association of Families of Defenders of Azovstal , the defenders of Mariupol united to accelerate the processes related to the return of soldiers home Mark Walsh, Kristina Obluchynska, co-founders, Sane Ukraine Mark Walsh, founder and CEO of Embodiment Unlimited Kristina Obluchynska can be contacted through Deep Transformation Podcast’s support email Mark Walsh, The Body in Coaching and Training: An Introduction to Embodied Facilitation ,* Embodied Meditation: Mindfulness, the Body, and Daily Life * Mark’s Embodiment Coaching Podcast…

Deep Transformation

1
Mark Walsh & Kristina Obluchynska (Part 1) - Trauma Treatment in Ukraine: Facing and Healing the Horrendous Wounds of War 41:54

לפני 9 ימים41:54

41:54

Ep. 170 (Part 1 of 2) | An emotionally powerful and deeply inspiring conversation with renowned embodiment and trauma educator Mark Walsh from the U.K. and Ukrainian psychologist and trauma trainer Kristina Obluchynska , where we learn about effective ways of treating trauma in the middle of an ongoing war, what trauma therapists are left holding, and how beautiful is the human spirit when it embraces right action. When Russia commenced its full-scale invasion of Ukraine three years ago, Mark went to Ukraine, located willing psychology students, educated them in body-oriented trauma therapy and training, and with Kristina and several other trainees co-founded Sane Ukraine, with the urgent mission of preventing an epidemic of trauma disorders in Ukraine. Beginning with applying trauma first aid and teaching resilience skills in places like the local railroad station where people were coming in from the front lines, and in bomb shelters, Kristina and several other psychologists have now educated thousands of people about trauma—active duty soldiers, veterans, survivors, wives of combatants, and first-line responders such as doctors, teachers, and social workers—and trained hundreds of them to become trauma trainers themselves. It is an honor to bear witness to Mark’s courageous actions and the humble heroism of Kristina and her team in the face of the devastation being leveled on Ukraine and Ukrainians. “We don’t grieve,” Kristina tells us, “because grief comes after safety. We don’t even use the word safe anymore,” she continues, “only relatively safe.” Mark points out that modern warfare is not just running around with guns—drones hunt civilians and if you move, they kill you. “Do we all have PTSD?” the soldiers ask. With Sane Ukraine, there is someone to answer their questions and teach them what they can do to help themselves and each other. Resilience comes from relationship—from connection to self, others, nature, and spirit. Does the concept of post traumatic growth even apply considering the intensity of this war? co-host Roger wonders. At the end of this extraordinary, heartfelt conversation, when asked what we could do to help, Kristina advises, “Help the army. We are talking here about healing, but what we really need is to survive.” Recorded January 9, 2025. “There is nothing that can prepare human psychology for modern warfare.” Topics & Time Stamps – Part 1 Introducing Mark Walsh, trauma trainer, author, founder & CEO of Embodiment Unlimited, and Kristina Obluchynska, clinical psychologist & trauma therapist, who together co-founded Sane Ukraine to provide training in trauma therapy and resilience skills to professionals, soldiers, combatants’ families and more (01:03) What compelled Mark to get involved in Ukraine and found Sane Ukraine? (02:33) How did Kristina get involved with Mark’s trauma training? (06:29) It requires 3 hours a day of body/mind practice to keep trainees in a state where they can learn something in between running to the bomb shelters (08:30) Trauma training started happening in person all over the place: Lviv is now the world’s most trauma-informed city (11:11) When Kristina and her team were invited to do combat resilience training, they were told, “We have 2,000 soldiers, please do something for them!” (13:11) Training psychologists, social workers, veterans, and wives of combatants (14:01) Elements of the 3-day training: tactic, tactic medicine, psychological resilience (15:42) Combatants ask, “Do we all have PTSD?” (17:44) What are the symptoms of trauma? (18:28) Nothing can prepare human psychology for modern warfare (20:06) Now it’s all about exhaustion, because the only way out is to be injured, or dead (22:55) Meaning is a resilience factor: Man’s Search for Meaning is the most sold book in Ukraine, ever (25:10) The importance of relationship: connection to self, to others, to the land, to spirit (28:08) Healing mountain trips for veterans have a dramatically positive effect (29:27) What are trauma therapists like Kristina and her team holding? (31:49) We don’t use the word safe anymore—only “relatively safe” (34:24) Using humor and selling trauma therapy (36:41) Using Stephen Porges’ traffic light model (39:09) Resources & References – Part 1 Mark Walsh, Kristina Obluchynska, co-founders, Sane Ukraine Mark Walsh, founder and CEO of Embodiment Unlimited Kristina Obluchynska can be contacted through Deep Transformation Podcast’s support email Mark Walsh, The Body in Coaching and Training: An Introduction to Embodied Facilitation ,* Embodied Meditation: Mindfulness, the Body, and Daily Life * Mark’s Embodiment Coaching Podcast Polyvagal theory Stephen Porges , The Pocket Guide to the Polyvagal Theory: The Transformative Power of Feeling Safe * EMDR Ukraine Viktor Frankl, Man’s Search for Meaning * Colorado’s Huts for Vets , wilderness therapy for veterans and active-duty service members The traffic light model, Dr. Stephen Porges: What is the Polyvagal Theory? (YouTube video) * As an Amazon Associate, Deep Transformation earns from qualifying purchases. --- “ Mr Embodiment ” ( Mark Walsh ) is the author of The Body in Coaching and Training: An Introduction to Embodied Facilitation and Embodied Meditation . Mark hosts The Embodiment Coaching Podcast (3 million+ downloads), and led the world’s largest Zoom event, The Embodiment Conference . He founded the Embodied Facilitator Course, and has trained over 2,000 embodiment coaches in over 40 countries. Mark went to Ukraine twice during the recent conflict and set up saneukraine.org , a charity now run solely by Ukrainian professionals to provide trauma and embodiment training to trainers, therapists, and coaches. Mark has worked in war zones, and entertained over 50,000 children. He has headlined International Coach Federation events, taught at Moscow State University, and lived with the circus in Ethiopia. Mark is an aikido black belt, and has 25 years of experience in other martial arts, yoga, bodywork, improv comedy, conscious dance, and meditation. Embodiment is his obsession, life’s work, and frankly, at this point, he couldn’t get a job doing anything else. --- Kristina Obluchynska is a clinical psychologist, in the process of training to be a psychotherapist with a medical background. In her practice, Kristina integrates gestalt and body-oriented psychotherapy with trauma therapy methods, and uses nature-based therapy as well. Kristina’s main work is done with combatants and veterans and their families, as well as with first-line responders in Ukraine, such as doctors and social workers. Together with her colleagues and with Mark Walsh’s help, she co-founded Sane Ukraine, a charity foundation with more than 60 trainers that provides knowledge about trauma and psychological first aid to combatants and civilians. The full-scale invasion of Ukraine caught Kristina and her colleagues when they were Master’s Degree students at Ukrainian Catholic University, and Kristina is now an assistant at the Department of Clinical Psychology, sharing knowledge about psychological trauma and how to work with it using various approaches. Kristina loves and believes in Ukraine—she participated in the Revolution of Dignity and actively supports the Ukrainian army via psychological trainings and volunteer work. --- Podcast produced by Vanessa Santos and Show Notes by Heidi Mitchell…

Deep Transformation

1
Keith Witt (Part 2) – Relationship’s Farther Reaches: Exploring the Potentials of Loving, Learning, and Growing Together 47:33

לפני 16 ימים47:33

47:33

Ep. 169 (Part 2 of 2) | Integral psychologist Keith Witt can’t get enough of the magic and beauty that happens in relationships as people begin to develop what he calls “a post-issue consciousness.” He explains that when our executive self, our wise self or witness, kicks in and forges a caring connection with the places where we hold our hurt and our traumas, then integration and healing start to happen, eventually with almost no conscious energy expenditure. “My job is to help people develop the witness,” Keith says, so they can observe their defensive or destructive states and reach for compassionate understanding, for themselves, for their partner, and for others. Keith tells us the three foundations of the modern marriage are friendship, a love affair, and an ability to resolve issues that come up, and says the shift to a post-issue relationship happens when all three facets become intentional. “Post-issue couples don’t let things get in the way of their love,” he says. Throughout the conversation, Keith shares a goldmine of therapeutic wisdom on the subject of relationships, including the client/therapist relationship, and in true Integral fashion, he includes perspectives from all sorts of interesting angles, such as our evolutionary development, neural development, and moral and spiritual development. This discussion is warm, friendly, cheerful, lively, and chock full of useful information and insights. Keith’s excitement about the evolutionary directionality of human relationships is contagious and inspiring. Recorded August 16, 2024. “We have a responsibility to be our best self, our wise self, all the time… this is a good place to grow towards as an individual—and a necessary way to grow as a psychotherapist.” Topics & Time Stamps – Part 2 Having an agreed-on, go-to technique for when problems arise (01:27) The defensive state wants to attack or flee, and the stories you tell yourself to justify attacking or fleeing (03:18) Distinguishing between constructive guidance and destructive shadow (04:32) Flexibility in couples therapy: going on instinct (07:52) Discourse and dialectic is a 21st century metapsychology (10:19) The developmental process of becoming more sensitive to when you’re “off” and also to when your relationship is “off” (12:36) A flourishing relationship is a liberation (15:05) Being a transpersonal therapist means you don’t take things personally (16:47) Therapist/client relationship is a major determinant of outcome (18:56) Growing toward being our best self all of the time is a good directionality (21:46) The importance of telling the truth skillfully and compassionate understanding (23:29) The 6 foundational moral states we are born with get corrupted by defensive states (26:39) Radical acceptance: there is nothing I cannot share with my partner (29:44) Is forceful intervention ever necessary? Recovery from addiction comes before working on a relationship (32:52) Post-issue moments are our human birthright (42:31) Looking for deeper truths about the human experience in conversations like this is enacting a 21st century metapsychology (43:04) Resources & References – Part 2 Dr. Keith Witt’s website: https://drkeithwitt.com/ Keith Witt, From Trauma and Transcendence (free eBook) Keith Witt, The Gift of Shame: Why We Need Shame and How To Use it To Love and Grow * Keith Witt, Waking Up: Psychotherapy as Art, Spirituality, and Science (free eBook) Helen Schucman, A Course of Miracles * (Foundation for Inner Peace) Keith Witt, Shadow Light: Illuminations at the Edge of Darkness * Keith Witt, Loving Completely: A Five Star Practice for Creating Great Relationships * Miyamoto Musashi, Book of Five Rings * Roger Walsh, The Perennial Wisdom of A Course in Miracles: The Course and the Four Yogas Esther Perel: Your Guide to Relationship Intelligence Carl Rogers , Client-Centered Therapy: Its Current Practice, Implications, and Theory * Roberk Carkhuff , Seven Skills Summary (Primary Goals website) Jonathan Haidt, The Righteous Mind: Why Good People Are Divided by Politics and Religion * * As an Amazon Associate, Deep Transformation earns from qualifying purchases. --- Dr. Keith Witt is a Licensed Psychologist, teacher, and author who has lived and worked in Santa Barbara since 1973. He has conducted over 75,000 therapy sessions and published ten books, including Loving Completely, Shadow Light, and Integral Mindfulness. His books Waking Up and Sessions were two of the first books on Integrally informed psychotherapy. In presentations and classes around the U.S. and internationally, Keith has explored love, therapy, interpersonal relationships, and development from multiple perspectives, weaving neuroscience, Integral theory, wisdom traditions, and numerous forms of psychotherapy into a coherent cosmology of love and healing. --- Podcast produced by Vanessa Santos and Show Notes by Heidi Mitchell…

Deep Transformation

1
Keith Witt (Part 1) – Relationship’s Farther Reaches: Exploring the Potentials of Loving, Learning, and Growing Together 49:28

לפני 23 ימים49:28

49:28

Ep. 168 (Part 1 of 2) | Integral psychologist Keith Witt can’t get enough of the magic and beauty that happens in relationships as people begin to develop what he calls “a post-issue consciousness.” He explains that when our executive self, our wise self or witness, kicks in and forges a caring connection with the places where we hold our hurt and our traumas, then integration and healing start to happen, eventually with almost no conscious energy expenditure. “My job is to help people develop the witness,” Keith says, so they can observe their defensive or destructive states and reach for compassionate understanding, for themselves, for their partner, and for others. Keith tells us the three foundations of the modern marriage are friendship, a love affair, and an ability to resolve issues that come up, and says the shift to a post-issue relationship happens when all three facets become intentional. “Post-issue couples don’t let things get in the way of their love,” he says. Throughout the conversation, Keith shares a goldmine of therapeutic wisdom on the subject of relationships, including the client/therapist relationship, and in true Integral fashion, he includes perspectives from all sorts of interesting angles, such as our evolutionary development, neural development, and moral and spiritual development. This discussion is warm, friendly, cheerful, lively, and chock full of useful information and insights. Keith’s excitement about the evolutionary directionality of human relationships is contagious and inspiring. Recorded August 16, 2024. “Evolution in humans is characterized by deeper consciousness and more compassion . . . evolution has a directionality—and it’s toward unity.” Topics & Time Stamps – Part 1 Introducing Integral psychologist and prolific author Dr. Keith Witt (01:00) What is a post-issue relationship? (03:11) What happens when couples develop emotional intelligence and are able to love each other more? (05:48) Example of an argument in a post-issue relationship (07:35) How complexity and therapeutic parts work figures into it (08:47) How do people grow internally? How do we integrate? (10:01) A healing cosmology came to Keith after he learned about Integral Theory and all the systems came together (11:59) It helps if couples have a sense of evolutionary development (14:24) Egalitarian relationships that came online in the last 50-70 years brought along new potentials for love and problem solving (18:33) What happens when we go into defensive states? (19:21) Evolution has a directionality toward deeper consciousness, compassion, unity (22:56) Liberating ourselves by not cooperating with the argument (24:20) How does the long time it takes to raise a human child affect our social learning? (25:38) Humans are ultra social: 90% chimpanzee/10% bee (28:01) Resilience and trauma programming are actually memory systems (30:57) How do people move towards a post-issue relationship? (32:44) The key is making it an intentional relationship (35:38) Self awareness: we’re often crippled based on a history of trauma (38:42) Leading couples therapist John Gottman teaches what works for happy couples to unhappy couples (39:58) Physiological arousal—once people are escalated to a certain point, they can’t think (41:58) What couples should not do: make negative comparisons (43:38) Can Keith tell if a couple will stay together? There’s a certain magic to some couples (44:49) Resources & References – Part 1 Dr. Keith Witt’s website: https://drkeithwitt.com/ The Dunbar number Keith Witt, From Trauma and Transcendence (free eBook) Keith Witt, The Gift of Shame: Why We Need Shame and How To Use it To Love and Grow * Internal Family Systems (IFS) Institute Von Economo neurons Joseph Chilton Pearce , Model Imperative (Kindred Newsletter) Bert Parlee, Ph.D . Keith Witt, Waking Up: Psychotherapy as Art, Spirituality, and Science (free eBook) Susan Johnson, The Practice of Emotionally Focused Couple Therapy: Creating Connection * John Gottman , The Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse * As an Amazon Associate, Deep Transformation earns from qualifying purchases. --- Dr. Keith Witt is a Licensed Psychologist, teacher, and author who has lived and worked in Santa Barbara since 1973. He has conducted over 75,000 therapy sessions and published ten books, including Loving Completely, Shadow Light, and Integral Mindfulness. His books Waking Up and Sessions were two of the first books on Integrally informed psychotherapy. In presentations and classes around the U.S. and internationally, Keith has explored love, therapy, interpersonal relationships, and development from multiple perspectives, weaving neuroscience, Integral theory, wisdom traditions, and numerous forms of psychotherapy into a coherent cosmology of love and healing. --- Podcast produced by Vanessa Santos and Show Notes by Heidi Mitchell…

Deep Transformation

1
A. H. Almaas Wisdom Series (Dialogue 7, Part 2) - The Alchemy of Transformation: Exploring the Essence of Presence 39:07

לפני 30 ימים39:07

39:07

Ep. 167 (Part 2 of 2) | In the 7th dialogue of the A. H. Almaas Wisdom Series , Hameed Ali enlightens us as to the nature of presence. Our path begins with the recognition that spirit is presence, he explains, an insight which all spiritual traditions share; this is where most of their focus lies. But this is not the end of the story, Hameed tells us—discovering spirit is only half the work. The other half is actualizing presence by clarifying and purifying our souls. Presence works as an agent of transformation in this process; appearing in our souls as curiosity and a love of truth, it leads us home. The discussion turns to virtues, the fruition of realization, and how it is that realized teachers can behave in entirely unethical ways: “realization is no guarantee of ethical behavior.” This conversation is packed with insights regarding many related topics: how ethics most importantly concern our relations with others, that kindness becomes spontaneous for the true master, the distinction between universal grace and specific grace, how inner spaciousness or emptiness is the other side of the coin from presence or fullness, and the question arises, “Why is it that some people are interested in going deeper and others not?” Hameed also speaks of his own experience of unilocal realization, where all time and space are found in the center of the heart and accessing information from the future is possible. It is not so much I am this or that, he says, it’s simply I am. This warm, illuminating discussion has a fascinating flow and sparks many instances of quiet laughter on all sides. Recorded December 12, 2024. “True nature is a real magician; to know yourself as that magician is true realization.” Topics & Time Stamps – Part 2 Living ethically is conducive to realization (00:50) True mastery means your kindness is spontaneous (02:15) Ethics apply more at an ego level; spirit has its own principles (04:28) Feeling the pain of being constricted is one way the spiritual impulse arises (05:59) Why do some people want to go deeper than others? (06:40) The love of truth leads us home: the dynamic of realization (09:14) Unilocal realization: experiencing all time and space in the heart (11:10) Hameed can learn from his future self and from people who have died (12:26) Trusting ourselves, and the distinction between universal grace and specific grace (16:28) Practice helps make us grace-prone; most people need a teacher or guide (19:24) Presence is the fullness and inner spaciousness the emptiness side of things (21:50) True nature is a real magician; to know yourself as that magician is true realization (26:52) Space/time emanates from our true nature (29:02) Ethics are relative to our time and culture; but essential ethics are timeless (31:24) Selflessness and concern for the well-being of all has grown over time (33:35) Resources & References – Part 2 A. H. Almaas (Hameed Ali), founder of The Ridhwan School , home of The Diamond Approach A. H. Almaas, The Inner Journey Home: Soul’s Realization of the Unity of Reality * Abraham Maslow’s term metamotivation , the motivation of people who are self-actualized Rangjung Rigpe Dorje, 16th Karmapa Sri Atmananda Krishna Menon Dzogchen Rinpoche Dōgen Zenji , founder of the Sōtō school of Zen A. H. Almaas, The Void: Inner Spaciousness and Ego Structure * Dzogchen , a tradition of teachings in Indo-Tibetan Buddhism and Bön aimed at discovering and continuing in the ultimate ground of existence The A. H. Almaas Wisdom Series will generally follow the sequence of Hameed’s magnum opus, The Inner Journey Home * (which John describes as psychoactive and spiritually, psychologically, and intellectually transformative), so listeners may want to get a copy of this book, to study and follow along on this exhilarating path of awakening. * As an Amazon Associate, Deep Transformation earns from qualifying purchases. --- Hameed Ali (A. H. Almaas) was born in Kuwait in 1944. At the age of eighteen, he moved to the U.S. to study at the University of California in Berkeley. Hameed was working on his Ph.D. in physics when he reached a turning point in his life and destiny that led him to inquire into the psychological and spiritual aspects of human nature rather than the physical nature of the universe. He left the academic world to pursue an in-depth journey of inner discovery, applying his scientific precision and discipline to personal, experiential research. This included study with different teachers in different modalities, extensive reading, and continuous study of his own consciousness in an effort to understand the essential nature of human experience and reality in general. Hameed’s process of exploration led to the creation of the Ridhwan School and, with his colleague Karen Johnson, resulted in the founding and unfoldment of the Diamond Approach. He is the author of 20 books, including Nondual Love: Awakening to the Loving Nature of Reality, Love Unveiled: Discovering the Essence of the Awakened Heart, Keys to the Enneagram: How to Unlock the Highest Potential of Every Personality Type, The Unfolding Now: Realizing Your True Nature through the Practice of Presence, and more. --- Podcast produced by Vanessa Santos and Show Notes by Heidi Mitchell…

Deep Transformation

1
A. H. Almaas Wisdom Series (Dialogue 7, Part 1) – The Alchemy of Transformation: Exploring the Essence of Presence 39:26

לפני 5 weeks39:26

39:26

Ep. 166 (Part 1 of 2) | In the 7th dialogue of the A. H. Almaas Wisdom Series , Hameed Ali enlightens us as to the nature of presence. Our path begins with the recognition that spirit is presence, he explains, an insight which all spiritual traditions share; this is where most of their focus lies. But this is not the end of the story, Hameed tells us—discovering spirit is only half the work. The other half is actualizing presence by clarifying and purifying our souls. Presence works as an agent of transformation in this process; appearing in our souls as curiosity and a love of truth, it leads us home. The discussion turns to virtues, the fruition of realization, and how it is that realized teachers can behave in entirely unethical ways: “realization is no guarantee of ethical behavior.” This conversation is packed with insights regarding many related topics: how ethics most importantly concern our relations with others, that kindness becomes spontaneous for the true master, the distinction between universal grace and specific grace, how inner spaciousness or emptiness is the other side of the coin from presence or fullness, and the question arises, “Why is it that some people are interested in going deeper and others not?” Hameed also speaks of his own experience of unilocal realization, where all time and space are found in the center of the heart and accessing information from the future is possible. It is not so much I am this or that, he says, it’s simply I am. This warm, illuminating discussion has a fascinating flow and sparks many instances of quiet laughter on all sides. Recorded December 12, 2024. “Presence is both the inner nature and the elixir of transformation.” Topics & Time Stamps – Part 1 Introducing the 7th dialogue in the A. H. Almaas Wisdom Series (01:01) The basic spiritual insight common to all schools is the recognition of what spirit is: a palpable presence, a substrate of all reality (01:37) The path begins with recognizing presence and then goes on (03:49) Presence is being, the way we experience our true nature (05:55) Exploring the essential qualities of the soul is an important tool to expose and dissolve components of the ego (07:55) Recognizing true nature doesn’t mean we express it in our life (09:09) Discovering spirit is only half the work, the other half is purifying the soul (10:50) Great traditions don’t get into actualization; psychology is what allowed us to develop practices like inquiry that help to release ego structures (13:02) How realized teachers can be angry, or sadistic (17:18) Animal soul, human soul, angelic soul: most of us operate from the animal soul (19:40) Working on character (21:43) Realization and teaching skill are quite different (23:36) There’s no guarantee a realized person will behave ethically (27:01) Virtues are the impact of spiritual presence on the soul (28:17) An important part of ethical behavior is in relationship (28:59) “Objective conscience” supports us in living a life of truth (29:22) Liberation is different from realization; with liberation there are no imprints of time left in you (32:38) The inner child is an imprint of the past, the structure doesn’t last (33:45) Getting beyond victimhood (34:44) Guilt versus true sorrow (36:12) Resources & References – Part 1 A. H. Almaas (Hameed Ali), founder of The Ridhwan School , home of The Diamond Approach A. H. Almaas, The Inner Journey Home: Soul’s Realization of the Unity of Reality * Fritz Perls , founder of Gestalt Therapy , “Awareness in itself is healing.” Frederick Perls, Ralph Hefferline, Paul Goodman, Gestalt Therapy * A. H. Almaas Wisdom Series, Dialogue 4, “ Discovering the Souls Treasures ,” is where Hameed talks about the specific qualities of the soul (YouTube video) Dilgo Khyentse & Orgyen Tobgya l , The Life and Times of Jamyang Khyentse Chökyi Lodrö The A. H. Almaas Wisdom Series will generally follow the sequence of Hameed’s magnum opus, The Inner Journey Home * (which John describes as psychoactive and spiritually, psychologically, and intellectually transformative), so listeners may want to get a copy of this book, to study and follow along on this exhilarating path of awakening. * As an Amazon Associate, Deep Transformation earns from qualifying purchases. --- Hameed Ali (A. H. Almaas) was born in Kuwait in 1944. At the age of eighteen, he moved to the U.S. to study at the University of California in Berkeley. Hameed was working on his Ph.D. in physics when he reached a turning point in his life and destiny that led him to inquire into the psychological and spiritual aspects of human nature rather than the physical nature of the universe. He left the academic world to pursue an in-depth journey of inner discovery, applying his scientific precision and discipline to personal, experiential research. This included study with different teachers in different modalities, extensive reading, and continuous study of his own consciousness in an effort to understand the essential nature of human experience and reality in general. Hameed’s process of exploration led to the creation of the Ridhwan School and, with his colleague Karen Johnson, resulted in the founding and unfoldment of the Diamond Approach. He is the author of 20 books, including Nondual Love: Awakening to the Loving Nature of Reality, Love Unveiled: Discovering the Essence of the Awakened Heart, Keys to the Enneagram: How to Unlock the Highest Potential of Every Personality Type, The Unfolding Now: Realizing Your True Nature through the Practice of Presence, and more. --- Podcast produced by Vanessa Santos and Show Notes by Heidi Mitchell…

Deep Transformation

1
Tami Simon (Part 2) – Waking Up the World: Being True to Life with the Founder of Sounds True 40:30

לפני 6 weeks40:30

40:30

Ep. 165 (Part 2 of 2) | Tami Simon , founder of the highly regarded multimedia publishing company Sounds True, covers a lot of inspiring ground in this heartening, lively, candid conversation. She tells the extraordinary story of how she came to devote herself to disseminating spiritual wisdom; about finding the edges and growing into them on her own path of awakening; the spiritual teachers she has encountered whose teachings have affected her the most; the wholeness of spiritual vision and psychological health; and discovering that, like all of us, spiritual leaders can be both luminous and in need of healing at the same time. Tami is an ardent torchbearer for the conscious business movement, explaining that business can be the way we give our gifts—that the endeavors of an inspired entrepreneur can be expressions of love and provide an incredible way of connecting with other people. What is so striking throughout is the depth of Tami’s clarity about what matters in life and her unwavering commitment to acting with integrity. Tami has a remarkable ability to translate her spiritual insights and principles into action—as co-host Roger Walsh points out, she is a beautiful example of a karma yogic life, where being of service is the fuel, the inspiration, and the content of her life, as she continuously works towards furthering both her own spiritual awakening and the awakening of all. Tami offers a lovely, poetic rendering of the effects of living a true and meaningful life: “The litmus test is always somebody’s wake, the ripples of their life, how they’ve impacted others . . . the beauty, love, and justice that live in the wake of a person.” A genuinely engaging, illuminating, memorable conversation. Recorded October 17, 2024. “What I feel I owe people is the truth.” (For Apple Podcast users, click here to view the complete show notes on the episode page. ) Topics & Time Stamps – Part 2 What are some of the people and ideas that really stand out to Tami? (01:14) Every podcast guest has given a gift (02:01) Learning somatic practices from Reggie Ray (03:30) Meeting Adyashanti, the ‘goodest’ human Tami ever met (04:31) A. H. Almaas’ Diamond Approach: the possibilities for expanding knowledge in the spiritual universe (06:10) Coming into the notion of original voice with Clarissa Pinkola Estes; Caroline Myss’ illumination of shadow work (06:45) Discovering that spiritual teachers can be luminous and also have parts that are harmful and need healing (09:52) How spiritual vision & psychological health seamlessly come together in the Diamond Approach (13:38) Psychotherapist Bruce Tift’s idea that we alternate between spiritual vision and the developmental work of psychology (16:00) The litmus test is what lives in the wake of a person (17:13) Tami’s practice: asking what is needed now, moment by moment (19:26) Paying attention to what is being said to us by others and our environment (23:58) The Integral movement: we benefit from having it in our consciousness (25:43) The Internal Family Systems (IFS) movement: the notion of being self-led in any given moment: compassionate, courageous, curious, calm (27:14) Conscious business: the movement for business to be a crucible for personal growth (29:05) What were the darkest times for Sounds True? (33:40) What does it mean to be true? That’s what matters (37:22) Resources & References – Part 2 Tami Simon , founder of multimedia publishing company Sounds True Tami’s podcast, Insights at the Edge Tami Simon, Being True: What Matters Most in Work, Life & Love (audio program) Reggie Ray , The Awakening Body: Somatic Meditation for Discovering Our Deepest Life *, The Practice of Pure Awareness: Somatic Meditation for Awakening the Sacred * Adyashanti , spiritual teacher, Open Gate Sangha A. H. Almaas , founder of The Diamond Approach , see also Deep Transformation podcast’s A. H. Almaas Wisdom Series Clarissa Pinkola Estés, About Original and Wild Voice in Speaking and Writing Caroline Myss, The Shadow Course, Part 2 , with Andrew Harvey and Tami Simon A. H. Almaas, The Inner Journey Home * Bruce Tift , Buddhist psychotherapist, Already Free * Sally Kempton, Meditation for the Love of It: Enjoying Your Own Deepest Experience * What is the Integral Movement? (Integral Life YouTube video) Richard Schwartz, The Founder of Internal Family Systems * As an Amazon Associate, Deep Transformation earns from qualifying purchases. --- In 1985, at 22 years of age, Tami Simon founded Sounds True, a multi-media company dedicated to disseminating spiritual wisdom. She is also the founder of the Sounds True Foundation which creates equitable access to Sounds True’s programs and the Inner MBA, an immersion learning program that teaches the inner skills of conscious business. Tami hosts a popular weekly podcast called “Insights at the Edge,” where she interviews Sounds True authors, delving deeply into their discoveries and personal experiences. With Sounds True, she has released the audio program “Being True: What Matters Most in Work, Life, and Love.” Tami lives with her wife of twenty-three years, Julie M. Kramer, and their two spoodles, Raspberry and Bula, in British Columbia. --- Podcast produced by Vanessa Santos and Show Notes by Heidi Mitchell…

Deep Transformation

1
Tami Simon (Part 1) – Waking Up the World: Being True to Life with the Founder of Sounds True 46:34

לפני 7 weeks46:34

46:34

Ep. 164 (Part 1 of 2) | Tami Simon , founder of the highly regarded multimedia publishing company Sounds True, covers a lot of inspiring ground in this heartening, lively, candid conversation. She tells the extraordinary story of how she came to devote herself to disseminating spiritual wisdom; about finding the edges and growing into them on her own path of awakening; the spiritual teachers she has encountered whose teachings have affected her the most; the wholeness of spiritual vision and psychological health; and discovering that, like all of us, spiritual leaders can be both luminous and in need of healing at the same time. Tami is an ardent torchbearer for the conscious business movement, explaining that business can be the way we give our gifts—that the endeavors of an inspired entrepreneur can be expressions of love and provide an incredible way of connecting with other people. What is so striking throughout is the depth of Tami’s clarity about what matters in life and her unwavering commitment to acting with integrity. Tami has a remarkable ability to translate her spiritual insights and principles into action—as co-host Roger Walsh points out, she is a beautiful example of a karma yogic life, where being of service is the fuel, the inspiration, and the content of her life, as she continuously works towards furthering both her own spiritual awakening and the awakening of all. Tami offers a lovely, poetic rendering of the effects of living a true and meaningful life: “The litmus test is always somebody’s wake, the ripples of their life, how they’ve impacted others . . . the beauty, love, and justice that live in the wake of a person.” A genuinely engaging, illuminating, memorable conversation. Recorded October 17, 2024. “If our spiritual vision doesn’t translate into treating ourselves and other people, and the environment and the world well, and building a just society, I’m not interested in it.” (For Apple Podcast users, click here to view the complete show notes on the episode page. ) Topics & Time Stamps – Part 1 Introducing founder of the multimedia publishing company Sounds True, author, entrepreneur & popular podcast host, Tami Simon (00:53) What is the spirit or ideal animating Tami’s venture? Broadcast awakening! (02:20) Tami was given 3 words right at the start: disseminate spiritual wisdom (03:47) The origin of Sounds True: synchronicities, altered state experience, and the concept of transformational economy (05:30) How Vipassana retreats changed Tami (10:10) Tami wanted to understand Ken Wilber’s Integral Theory in her body, in her bones (12:24) Meditation felt like a homecoming, a sense of belonging as never before: this is how it feels to feel okay (15:03) Sounds True has been Tami’s “ground of growth,” an incredible crucible—because it’s so stressful (18:12) Heart opening experiences keep on going (20:20) Entrepreneurial endeavors as an expression of love (23:05) Service is inherent in the energy of the human heart (26:30) Integrity is critical: a grace field rooted in the central part of the body (30:29) Responding to the many problems of contemporary media and our media-ted lives (36:43) What is the most strategic and economic way I can serve? (41:20) Technological change and Tami’s willingness to adapt (42:33) Resources & References – Part 1 Tami Simon , founder of multimedia publishing company Sounds True Tami’s podcast, Insights at the Edge Tami Simon, Being True: What Matters Most in Work, Life & Love (audio program) Eugene Gendlin, Focusing * Karen Johnson, The Jeweled Path: A Biography of the Diamond Approach to Inner Realization * S.N. Goenka , Vipassana Meditation Tami’s interviews with Ken Wilber: Kosmic Consciousness Dr. Gunapala Dharmasiri , one of Sri Lanka’s foremost Buddhist scholars, Fundamentals of Buddhist Ethics * Melissa Bernstein , Entrepreneur in Residence of Sounds True’s The Inner MBA certification program Roger Walsh, Essential Spirituality: The 7 Central Practices to Awaken Heart and Mind * Wallace Black Elk, Native American shamanic teacher, Black Elk: The Sacred Ways of a Lakota * The Social Dilemma (docudrama) The A.I. Dilemma (Aspen Institute YouTube video) * As an Amazon Associate, Deep Transformation earns from qualifying purchases. --- In 1985, at 22 years of age, Tami Simon founded Sounds True, a multi-media company dedicated to disseminating spiritual wisdom. She is also the founder of the Sounds True Foundation which creates equitable access to Sounds True’s programs and the Inner MBA, an immersion learning program that teaches the inner skills of conscious business. Tami hosts a popular weekly podcast called “Insights at the Edge,” where she interviews Sounds True authors, delving deeply into their discoveries and personal experiences. With Sounds True, she has released the audio program “Being True: What Matters Most in Work, Life, and Love.” Tami lives with her wife of twenty-three years, Julie M. Kramer, and their two spoodles, Raspberry and Bula, in British Columbia. --- Podcast produced by Vanessa Santos and Show Notes by Heidi Mitchell…

Deep Transformation

1
A. H. Almaas Wisdom Series (Dialogue 6, Part 2) – Awakening to Our True Nature: Releasing Limiting Ego Structures and Freeing the Soul 40:01

לפני 8 weeks40:01

40:01

Ep. 163 (Part 2 of 2) | In the sixth dialogue of the A. H. Almaas Wisdom Series , Hameed Ali tells us that whereas pure consciousness is already perfect and does not change or grow, individual consciousness is an impressionable organism—alive, changing, moving, developing. Hameed explains that because the soul is impressionable, the impacts of experience are imprinted upon it, shaping our very consciousness. Ego structures form from repeated impressions, and although they are necessary for survival and to function in a relational world, these structures make it difficult to experience the living presence of our true nature. We experience the ego self instead, mistaking our self-image for what we truly are. When we loosen our conditioning, with help from practices like inquiry and bodywork, our soul becomes free of its imprint and our true potential arises naturally, along with greater compassion and other qualities of the soul. Simply and clearly, Hameed brings us to a deeper understanding of our soul, elucidating what holds us to our limited self-identity and describing what we have to look forward to as the myriad imprints hammered into us by experience become diaphanous, and new impressions no longer make indelible imprints. Hameed also delves into the different ways various traditions talk about the soul, the difference between ordinary knowledge and “knowing,” or gnosis, and tells us that sudden enlightenment and gradual enlightenment are an artificial dichotomy, sharing a story of a sudden enlightenment experience of his own. Once again, Hameed transmits an extraordinary amount of wisdom in a relatively short time, and we emerge brighter, hopeful, and inspired as to our boundless spiritual potential. Recorded November 14, 2024. “When the soul becomes free of its original imprint, it becomes open to its inner potential – and inner potential is mostly spiritual potential.” (For Apple Podcast users, click here to view the complete show notes on the episode page. ) Topics & Time Stamps – Part 2 Relaxing the tension in the soul and body is important: working with body armor (00:49) Mature impressionability: when the soul is more free, impacts don’t leave lasting imprints (03:16) When the soul becomes free of its original imprint, it opens to its inner potential (08:34) The enlightenment drive and our spiritual potential (11:41) Psychology and spirituality are not separate in our consciousness (13:51) The different ways different traditions and psychology talk about the soul (15:43) Unique particularity becomes very important in Zen: a flower is a flower (20:43) Gnosis: I know myself without reflection, without memory; I know what I am (23:13) Nonconceptual and transconceptual knowing (25:24) Sudden enlightenment and gradual cultivation are an artificial dichotomy (28:21) What does gradual enlightenment mean? (30:51) Hameed relates an experience of “sudden enlightenment” (31:21) How the evolution of the universe relates to awakened consciousness (33:40) Roger’s acknowledgment of this conversation as uniquely impactful (36:48) Resources & References A. H. Almaas (Hameed Ali), founder of The Ridhwan School , home of The Diamond Approach A. H. Almaas, The Inner Journey Home: Soul’s Realization of the Unity of Reality * Wilhelm Reich , Reichian therapy , Reich’s Segmental Armouring Theory (Energetics Institute) Alexander Lowen , developer of Bioenergetic Analysis Stan Grof & Christina Grof, Holotropic Breathwork: A New Approach to Self-Exploration and Therapy * Abraham Maslow, Toward a Psychology of Being * Carl Rogers’ fully functioning person, On Becoming A Person: A Therapist’s View of Psychotherapy * Bruno Bettelheim, Freud and Man’s Soul: An Important Re-Interpretation of Freudian Theory * The Chittamatra or “Mind Only” School of Mahayana Buddhism The 16th Karmapa, Rangjung Rigpe Dorje Dogen , founder of the Sōtō School of Zen, “A blade of grass is a blade of grass.” Gnosis Philip Kapleau, The Three Pillars of Zen: Teaching, Practice, and Enlightenment * The A. H. Almaas Wisdom Series will generally follow the sequence of Hameed’s magnum opus, The Inner Journey Home * (which John describes as psychoactive and spiritually, psychologically, and intellectually transformative), so listeners may want to get a copy of this book, to study and follow along on this exhilarating path of awakening. * As an Amazon Associate, Deep Transformation earns from qualifying purchases. --- Hameed Ali (A. H. Almaas) was born in Kuwait in 1944. At the age of eighteen, he moved to the U.S. to study at the University of California in Berkeley. Hameed was working on his Ph.D. in physics when he reached a turning point in his life and destiny that led him to inquire into the psychological and spiritual aspects of human nature rather than the physical nature of the universe. He left the academic world to pursue an in-depth journey of inner discovery, applying his scientific precision and discipline to personal, experiential research. This included study with different teachers in different modalities, extensive reading, and continuous study of his own consciousness in an effort to understand the essential nature of human experience and reality in general. Hameed’s process of exploration led to the creation of the Ridhwan School and, with his colleague Karen Johnson, resulted in the founding and unfoldment of the Diamond Approach. He is the author of 20 books, including Nondual Love: Awakening to the Loving Nature of Reality, Love Unveiled: Discovering the Essence of the Awakened Heart, Keys to the Enneagram: How to Unlock the Highest Potential of Every Personality Type, The Unfolding Now: Realizing Your True Nature through the Practice of Presence, and more. --- Podcast produced by Vanessa Santos and Show Notes by Heidi Mitchell…

Deep Transformation

1
A. H. Almaas Wisdom Series (Dialogue 6, Part 1) - Awakening to Our True Nature: Releasing Limiting Ego Structures and Freeing the Soul 43:15

לפני 9 weeks43:15

43:15

Ep. 162 (Part 1 of 2) | In the sixth dialogue of the A. H. Almaas Wisdom Series , Hameed Ali tells us that whereas pure consciousness is already perfect and does not change or grow, individual consciousness is an impressionable organism—alive, changing, moving, developing. Hameed explains that because the soul is impressionable, the impacts of experience are imprinted upon it, shaping our very consciousness. Ego structures form from repeated impressions, and although they are necessary for survival and to function in a relational world, these structures make it difficult to experience the living presence of our true nature. We experience the ego self instead, mistaking our self-image for what we truly are. When we loosen our conditioning, with help from practices like inquiry and bodywork, our soul becomes free of its imprint and our true potential arises naturally, along with greater compassion and other qualities of the soul. Simply and clearly, Hameed brings us to a deeper understanding of our soul, elucidating what holds us to our limited self-identity and describing what we have to look forward to as the myriad imprints hammered into us by experience become diaphanous, and new impressions no longer make indelible imprints. Hameed also delves into the different ways various traditions talk about the soul, the difference between ordinary knowledge and “knowing,” or gnosis, and tells us that sudden enlightenment and gradual enlightenment are an artificial dichotomy, sharing a story of a sudden enlightenment experience of his own. Once again, Hameed transmits an extraordinary amount of wisdom in a relatively short time, and we emerge brighter, hopeful, and inspired as to our boundless spiritual potential. Recorded November 14, 2024. “Self-image is not just in the mind, it actually shapes our consciousness.” (For Apple Podcast users, click here to view the complete show notes on the episode page. ) Topics & Time Stamps – Part 1 Introducing the 6th dialogue in the A. H. Almaas Wisdom Series, beginning with chapter 7 of The Inner Journey Home: the impressionability of the soul (00:51) One of individual consciousness’ properties is impressionability; without it, there would be no learning (02:39) It’s not easy to experience the soul as a living presence because of its impressionability (05:43) The mind is just one of the faculties of the soul (08:10) Like a child, the soul retains affect, feelings, impacts; these traces make it possible for individual consciousness to be structured (10:19) Self-image, self-identity, come from more long lasting types of impressions (12:49) Without impressionability, there wouldn’t be trauma (13:23) Painful, pleasurable, or neutral, some impressions become patterns of behavior (13:47) When we study the soul, we can find the ego structures: rigid, unchanging, the impressions have made an indelible imprint (14:29) Self-image affects consciousness by limiting it: the medium of presence is hidden by the accumulation of impressions (17:35) Self-image actually shapes our consciousness: the soul mistakes itself for the self (23:32) The malleability of the soul is responsible for both conditioning and learning (25:31) How open we are depends on our early experience; also, different souls come in with different capacities (nature/nurture) (26:05) It is natural and necessary for the soul to develop into an ego (30:38) We resist changing our self-image without knowing we are resisting (33:59) The soul believes it is fighting for its life, when actually it is fighting for the life of the ego self (35:15) Not everyone needs psychotherapy (37:50) The shift from struggling to maintain our ego structures to a state of basic trust (40:21) Resources & References – Part 1 A. H. Almaas (Hameed Ali), founder of The Ridhwan School , home of The Diamond Approach A. H. Almaas, The Inner Journey Home: Soul’s Realization of the Unity of Reality * Dzogchen , a tradition of teachings in Indo-Tibetan Buddhism and Bön aimed at discovering and continuing in the ultimate ground of existence Wilhelm Reich , Reichian therapy , Reich’s Segmental Armouring Theory (Energetics Institute) Alexander Lowen , developer of Bioenergetic Analysis Stan Grof & Christina Grof, Holotropic Breathwork: A New Approach to Self-Exploration and Therapy * Abraham Maslow, Toward a Psychology of Being * Carl Rogers’ fully functioning person, On Becoming A Person: A Therapist’s View of Psychotherapy * Bruno Bettelheim, Freud and Man’s Soul: An Important Re-Interpretation of Freudian Theory * The Chittamatra or “Mind Only” School of Mahayana Buddhism The 16th Karmapa, Rangjung Rigpe Dorje Dogen , founder of the Sōtō School of Zen, “A blade of grass is a blade of grass.” Gnosis Philip Kapleau, The Three Pillars of Zen: Teaching, Practice, and Enlightenment * The A. H. Almaas Wisdom Series will generally follow the sequence of Hameed’s magnum opus, The Inner Journey Home * (which John describes as psychoactive and spiritually, psychologically, and intellectually transformative), so listeners may want to get a copy of this book, to study and follow along on this exhilarating path of awakening. * As an Amazon Associate, Deep Transformation earns from qualifying purchases. --- Hameed Ali (A. H. Almaas) was born in Kuwait in 1944. At the age of eighteen, he moved to the U.S. to study at the University of California in Berkeley. Hameed was working on his Ph.D. in physics when he reached a turning point in his life and destiny that led him to inquire into the psychological and spiritual aspects of human nature rather than the physical nature of the universe. He left the academic world to pursue an in-depth journey of inner discovery, applying his scientific precision and discipline to personal, experiential research. This included study with different teachers in different modalities, extensive reading, and continuous study of his own consciousness in an effort to understand the essential nature of human experience and reality in general. Hameed’s process of exploration led to the creation of the Ridhwan School and, with his colleague Karen Johnson, resulted in the founding and unfoldment of the Diamond Approach. He is the author of 20 books, including Nondual Love: Awakening to the Loving Nature of Reality, Love Unveiled: Discovering the Essence of the Awakened Heart, Keys to the Enneagram: How to Unlock the Highest Potential of Every Personality Type, The Unfolding Now: Realizing Your True Nature through the Practice of Presence, and more. --- Podcast produced by Vanessa Santos and Show Notes by Heidi Mitchell…

Deep Transformation

1
Kim Moore & Fateen Jackson (Part 2) – Guiding Rage into Power: From Prisoners to Lifelong Peacemakers 41:10

לפני 10 weeks41:10

41:10

Ep. 161 (Part 2 of 2) | In this profoundly moving and inspiring conversation, GRIP Training Institute CEO, Kim Moore , and facilitator/trainer Fateen Jackson, Sr ., also a GRIP graduate, educate us as to the power and magic of the GRIP prison movement, based on Jacques Verduin’s model: Leaving Prison Before You Get Out. This yearlong trauma healing and accountability program is unique in the degree of radical transformation it aims for—and delivers. It is about freeing minds, and as Kim points out, goes beyond the duality of teacher/student, inmate/not inmate, victim/offender to where everyone joins in a mutual journey of healing, transformation, and liberation.The program is so transformative that ripple effects from GRIP students can be felt throughout the prison, and GRIP graduates often struggle with how little emotional intelligence and trauma healing work the rest of us have done when they get out. Kim and Fateen shine a bright light on the inestimable value of a caring, compassionate community, pointing out that deep personal transformation and taking responsibility doesn’t happen in isolation. They share illuminating stories of their own experiences, and the dedication and gladness they exude in this talk is itself impactful and inspiring. There is something in this conversation, maybe because it touches our deepest brokenness and then lifts it up and redeems it, that reaches right into one’s heart and infuses it with inspiration, hope, compassion, and love. Recorded November 21, 2024. “Who have you left out of your heart? How can you expand your sphere of human concern?” (For Apple Podcast users, click here to view the complete show notes on the episode page. ) Topics & Time Stamps – Part 2 Roger acknowledges the power of GRIP’s processes (01:20) What are the most impactful processes that participants go through? (02:18) Transforming shame into remorse: you are not your crime (05:17) The importance of self-care for facilitators: what practices do Kim & Fateen do? (06:39) Reminding participants who they truly are: you can give love and you can receive love (10:36) Moving beyond the duality of giver/receiver, victim/offender, teacher/student (12:31) Transforming belief systems: You are not in prison because of what you did, but because you believed the thoughts that justified the actions you took (14:06) A longing to hear a genuine apology (16:40) Opening your heart to every offender, no matter what they’ve done (18:25) The transformational power of this work: engendering hope, compassion, redemption, wisdom (21:22) GRIP graduates struggle with how little emotional intelligence and trauma healing work the rest of us have done when they get out (24:25) Can people accept that you are a changed, transformed individual? (25:03) The diversity of this program: everyone is welcome, everyone learns from everyone else (26:29) Meditation: stopping the violence with awareness (29:40) The wisdom that is born in these groups goes way beyond prison (32:56) If you would like to be part of the GRIP family (34:12) What is the vision for GRIP’s future? GRIP’s scaling strategy; connecting with incoming lifers from day one (35:15) Resources & References – Part 2 Guiding Rage into Power program, the GRIP Training Institute (where you can watch a moving and impactful short video of a group in process) Jacques Verduin , founder of GRIP, Leaving Prison Before You Get Out: A Transformational Healing Journey for Incarcerated People to Learn How to Guide Their Rage Into Power (GRIP) john a. powell , director of The Othering and Belonging Institute at UC Berkeley, advancing groundbreaking approaches to transforming structural marginalization and inequality MC Hammer, Pray (Just to Make it Today), YouTube music video --- Kim Moore has spent more than two decades working to make the San Francisco Bay Area a more just and equitable community through her work as a community organizer on issues of affordable housing, healthcare, immigration, violence prevention, and criminal justice reform. She has dedicated the last eight years to The GRIP Training Institute, a restorative justice organization serving hundreds of incarcerated individuals across seven California prisons, where she serves as Executive Director, and the entirety of her career to advancing justice and building a Beloved Community. A strong believer in the principle, “The first revolution is internal,” Kim considers meditation and the Dharma the foundation of her work for justice in the community. Kim is also a Buddhist chaplain in the Theravada tradition, and holds degrees in anthropology from Stanford University and Oxford University, where she was a Rhodes Scholar. --- Fateen Jackson, Sr , is from Long Beach, California, and currently resides in Northern California. Fateen completed the GRIP program as a student while still in San Quentin, in 2013. After graduation, he went on to facilitate several groups while still inside. He performed a spoken word piece called the Apologetic Salute, at a TEDx event, which was held at San Quentin in 2016. The spoken word piece was dedicated to the people who have suffered violence at the hands of another person. Fateen regained his freedom in 2019 after former governor Jerry Brown commuted his sentence. He joined the GRIP staff the same year, and is now a Senior Facilitator as well as the Senior Facilitator Trainer/Coordinator for the GRIP organization. He goes inside several institutions to deliver the GRIP program and to train people in the work. --- Podcast produced by Vanessa Santos and Show Notes by Heidi Mitchell…

Deep Transformation

1
Kim Moore & Fateen Jackson (Part 1) – Guiding Rage into Power: From Prisoners to Lifelong Peacemakers 50:47

לפני 11 weeks50:47

50:47

Ep. 160 (Part 1 of 2) | In this profoundly moving and inspiring conversation, GRIP Training Institute CEO, Kim Moore , and facilitator/trainer Fateen Jackson, Sr ., also a GRIP graduate, educate us as to the power and magic of the GRIP prison movement, based on Jacques Verduin’s model: Leaving Prison Before You Get Out. This yearlong trauma healing and accountability program is unique in the degree of radical transformation it aims for—and delivers. It is about freeing minds, and as Kim points out, goes beyond the duality of teacher/student, inmate/not inmate, victim/offender to where everyone joins in a mutual journey of healing, transformation, and liberation.The program is so transformative that ripple effects from GRIP students can be felt throughout the prison, and GRIP graduates often struggle with how little emotional intelligence and trauma healing work the rest of us have done when they get out. Kim and Fateen shine a bright light on the inestimable value of a caring, compassionate community, pointing out that deep personal transformation and taking responsibility doesn’t happen in isolation. They share illuminating stories of their own experiences, and the dedication and gladness they exude in this talk is itself impactful and inspiring. There is something in this conversation, maybe because it touches our deepest brokenness and then lifts it up and redeems it, that reaches right into one’s heart and infuses it with inspiration, hope, compassion, and love. Recorded November 21, 2024. “The wisdom that is born in these groups goes way beyond prison.” (For Apple Podcast users, click here to view the complete show notes on the episode page. ) Topics & Time Stamps – Part 1 Introducing GRIP CEO Kim Moore, facilitator/trainer Fateen Jackson, and the remarkable program Guiding Rage into Power (01:15) How did Kim come to have a life purpose of facilitating transformation? (04:06) Moving out of privilege into direct relationship with the realities of criminal justice (06:25) Fateen’s story and how GRIP allowed him to source the trauma that led to prison and transform it (09:19) The morning Fateen was released and the ripple effects of GRIP (16:03) 4 foundations of GRIP: cultivating mindfulness, developing emotional intelligence, doing no harm, understanding victim & survivor impact (19:39) The importance of building a safe container and building trust (20:52) GRIP assignments: the unfinished business letter, apology to the victims letter, and more (22:18) The emotional/energetic arc the group goes through, ending with a deep sense of empathy for the survivors or victims (25:33) What is the power and the magic of GRIP? 1) instruction, 2) practice/tools, 3) processing (28:36) The incredible power of a healing community (30:07) Leaving prison mentally, emotionally, spiritually can happen even while still in prison, without hope of release (30:55) The healing itself is the reward—that’s where the freedom comes from (32:12) How GRIP students affect the rest of the prison: flipping the culture of the yard (33:20) Becoming peacemakers: taking responsibility for your own healing doesn’t happen in isolation—it happens in community (34:39) What happens when you get out of prison? (36:22) Recidivism and Fateen’s story of looking for a job (37:46) GRIP’s reentry support for prisoners who are released (42:50) The extraordinarily low 1.7% recidivism rate of GRIP students (46:28) Resources & References – Part 1 Guiding Rage into Power program, the GRIP Training Institute (where you can watch a moving and impactful short video of a group in process) Jacques Verduin , founder of GRIP, Leaving Prison Before You Get Out: A Transformational Healing Journey for Incarcerated People to Learn How to Guide Their Rage Into Power (GRIP) john a. powell , director of The Othering and Belonging Institute at UC Berkeley, advancing groundbreaking approaches to transforming structural marginalization and inequality MC Hammer, Pray (Just to Make it Today), YouTube music video --- Kim Moore has spent more than two decades working to make the San Francisco Bay Area a more just and equitable community through her work as a community organizer on issues of affordable housing, healthcare, immigration, violence prevention, and criminal justice reform. She has dedicated the last eight years to The GRIP Training Institute, a restorative justice organization serving hundreds of incarcerated individuals across seven California prisons, where she serves as Executive Director, and the entirety of her career to advancing justice and building a Beloved Community. A strong believer in the principle, “The first revolution is internal,” Kim considers meditation and the Dharma the foundation of her work for justice in the community. Kim is also a Buddhist chaplain in the Theravada tradition, and holds degrees in anthropology from Stanford University and Oxford University, where she was a Rhodes Scholar. --- Fateen Jackson, Sr , is from Long Beach, California, and currently resides in Northern California. Fateen completed the GRIP program as a student while still in San Quentin, in 2013. After graduation, he went on to facilitate several groups while still inside. He performed a spoken word piece called the Apologetic Salute, at a TEDx event, which was held at San Quentin in 2016. The spoken word piece was dedicated to the people who have suffered violence at the hands of another person. Fateen regained his freedom in 2019 after former governor Jerry Brown commuted his sentence. He joined the GRIP staff the same year, and is now a Senior Facilitator as well as the Senior Facilitator Trainer/Coordinator for the GRIP organization. He goes inside several institutions to deliver the GRIP program and to train people in the work. --- Podcast produced by Vanessa Santos and Show Notes by Heidi Mitchell…

Deep Transformation

1
A. H. Almaas Wisdom Series (Dialogue 5, Part 2) – Boundless Potentials: Opening to the Endless Creativity of Our Being and the Universe 45:11

לפני 12 weeks45:11

45:11

Ep. 159 (Part 2 of 2) | In the 5th dialogue of the A. H. Almaas Wisdom Series , spiritual teacher and author Hameed Ali discusses the dynamic, ever changing, infinitely creative nature of the universe, and explains that our individual souls are in some sense a microcosm of this energy, with endless potentials and possibilities. We can experience creative dynamism, Hameed says, as “a sense of infinite energy, pulsing and throbbing, where we see the whole universe in continual emergence, every moment new.” Although the soul has boundless potential, we tend to take the limited approach that what we already know is the extent of things; the key to loosening the limits we place upon ourselves is to practice inquiry and remain open to all directions of possibilities. Each individual experiences the dynamism in a different way and expresses the potentiality of reality in a different way, says Hameed. When we are in touch with our true nature, we share in the creativity of the divine. In this conversation, Hameed also talks about death: how we can be curious about it, how it is the ultimate in finality, one more possibility of reality, and that he doesn’t presume to know it, only that true nature is the source of time and does not die. Life can be experienced like a fountain rather than a flowing river, Hameed relates. And the more our ego structures are released, the more we can open to its beautiful array of endless possibilities. Another profoundly intriguing, subtly humorous, and absolutely enlightening conversation with Hameed Ali. Recorded October 10, 2024. “We are thoughts in the mind of God, but God’s thoughts are not like human thoughts, they are creations.” (For Apple Podcast users, click here to view the complete show notes on the episode page. ) Topics & Time Stamps – Part 2 Ordinary knowledge is a subset of basic knowledge, which is implicit in the beingness of what is manifesting; spirituality has to do with basic knowledge (00:59) What Hameed would like to add to the theory of evolution (04:47) It is possible for the soul to know itself; nothing else we achieve in life will bring total fulfillment (07:44) The logos is manifesting the potential of reality; part of this potential is for true nature to know itself through the organs of perception of the individual soul (10:06) The human being is designed to fill its purpose, but when you get into true nature, purpose doesn’t apply (12:08) Beyond Maslow’s motivation of self-transcendence: selfless service, transpersonal spontaneity, and the motivation to go beyond what we know (15:14) What about death? Nothing else has the finality of death (21:39) True nature doesn’t die; it is the source of time, pure timelessness (24:35) Dogen drops causality: ash is ash, wood is wood; life is life, death is death (26:48) Death is another possibility of reality (29:06) Experiencing life as a fountain rather than a flowing river (31:51) The more ego structures are released, the more we open to a beautiful array of possibilities & potentials (36:29) The ego is not false, it’s just limited (40:12) What the human being is free to actualize is to be open to all directions of possibilities (41:16) Resources & References – Part 2 Charles Darwin’s theory of evolution Abraham Maslow called the two major kinds of motives deficiency-based and sufficiency-based Roger Walsh & Lindsay Briner, The Farther Reaches of Motivation: Three Novel Motives from The World’s Contemplative Traditions The Supreme Source: The Fundamental Tantra of Dzogchen Semde: Kunjed Gyalpo ,* one of the original Dzogchen books , translated by Chogyal Namkai Norbu & Adriano Clemente, Dogen , founder of the Sōtō School of Zen, “Ash is ash, wood is wood.” The Tibetan Book of the Dead ,* edited by Graham Coleman & Thupten Jinpa, translated by Gyurme Dorje, with introductory commentary by the Dalai Lama A. H. Almaas (Hameed Ali), founder of The Ridhwan School , home of The Diamond Approach A. H. Almaas, The Inner Journey Home: Soul’s Realization of the Unity of Reality * The A. H. Almaas Wisdom Series will generally follow the sequence of Hameed’s magnum opus, The Inner Journey Home * (which John describes as psychoactive and spiritually, psychologically, and intellectually transformative), so listeners may want to get a copy of this book, to study and follow along on this exhilarating path of awakening. * As an Amazon Associate, Deep Transformation earns from qualifying purchases. --- Hameed Ali (A. H. Almaas) was born in Kuwait in 1944. At the age of eighteen, he moved to the U.S. to study at the University of California in Berkeley. Hameed was working on his Ph.D. in physics when he reached a turning point in his life and destiny that led him to inquire into the psychological and spiritual aspects of human nature rather than the physical nature of the universe. He left the academic world to pursue an in-depth journey of inner discovery, applying his scientific precision and discipline to personal, experiential research. This included study with different teachers in different modalities, extensive reading, and continuous study of his own consciousness in an effort to understand the essential nature of human experience and reality in general. Hameed’s process of exploration led to the creation of the Ridhwan School and, with his colleague Karen Johnson, resulted in the founding and unfoldment of the Diamond Approach. He is the author of 20 books, including Nondual Love: Awakening to the Loving Nature of Reality, Love Unveiled: Discovering the Essence of the Awakened Heart, Keys to the Enneagram: How to Unlock the Highest Potential of Every Personality Type, The Unfolding Now: Realizing Your True Nature through the Practice of Presence, and more. --- Podcast produced by Vanessa Santos and Show Notes by Heidi Mitchell…

Deep Transformation

1
A. H. Almaas Wisdom Series (Dialogue 5, Part 1) – Boundless Potentials: Opening to the Endless Creativity of Our Being and the Universe 42:36

לפני 13 weeks42:36

42:36

Ep. 158 (Part 1 of 2) | In the 5th dialogue of the A. H. Almaas Wisdom Series , spiritual teacher and author Hameed Ali discusses the dynamic, ever changing, infinitely creative nature of the universe, and explains that our individual souls are in some sense a microcosm of this energy, with endless potentials and possibilities. We can experience creative dynamism, Hameed says, as “a sense of infinite energy, pulsing and throbbing, where we see the whole universe in continual emergence, every moment new.” Although the soul has boundless potential, we tend to take the limited approach that what we already know is the extent of things; the key to loosening the limits we place upon ourselves is to practice inquiry and remain open to all directions of possibilities. Each individual experiences the dynamism in a different way and expresses the potentiality of reality in a different way, says Hameed. When we are in touch with our true nature, we share in the creativity of the divine. In this conversation, Hameed also talks about death: how we can be curious about it, how it is the ultimate in finality, one more possibility of reality, and that he doesn’t presume to know it, only that true nature is the source of time and does not die. Life can be experienced like a fountain rather than a flowing river, Hameed relates. And the more our ego structures are released, the more we can open to its beautiful array of endless possibilities. Another profoundly intriguing, subtly humorous, and absolutely enlightening conversation with Hameed Ali. Recorded October 10, 2024. “The soul is a living expression of the fundamental nature of reality. There’s no end to the potentiality.” (For Apple Podcast users, click here to view the complete show notes on the episode page. ) Topics & Time Stamps – Part 1 Introducing the fifth A. H. Almaas Wisdom Series with Hameed Ali, focusing on the soul’s infinite potential and the creative dynamism of reality (01:07) The soul has boundless potential, but we tend to take the limited approach that what we know already is the extent of things (04:07) We don’t have to look for the boundless possibilities—we just need to be open (08:16) The main tool for fostering this openness is inquiry: what is presenting itself? (10:01) We all share the potential; we are all fundamentally connected (12:16) Reality, true nature, is in constant creative dynamism (13:34) The logos of the integration of spirituality and rational knowing can be applied to every field of knowledge (14:33) Imagine a community of scientists who are all realized spiritually, their inquiry powerfully infused by spiritual understanding (15:50) We are just at the beginning of understanding the physical world (18:22) Just because something is true doesn’t mean it’s complete (21:55) Einstein’s theory of relativity and the Riemannian manifold (26:03) The nondual is never separate from the dual (28:25) Distinguishing between the fundamental nature of pure awareness and the nature of the soul (30:27) The close connection between individual potential and creativity and universal dynamism and creativity (32:24) We can experience creative dynamism: a sense of infinite energy, where we see the universe in continual emergence, every moment new (34:14) Each one of us is a miniature logos (35:40) Each individual experiences the dynamism in a different way and expresses the potentiality of reality in a different way (36:51) God’s thoughts are not like human thoughts—they are creations (39:17) Resources & References – Part 1 A. H. Almaas (Hameed Ali), founder of The Ridhwan School , home of The Diamond Approach A. H. Almaas, The Inner Journey Home: Soul’s Realization of the Unity of Reality * Dzogchen , a tradition of teachings in Indo-Tibetan Buddhism and Bön aimed at discovering and continuing in the ultimate ground of existence Alfred North Whitehead , “Every moment is a creative advance into novelty.” Gödel’s incompleteness theorems Einstein’s theory of relativity Riemannian manifold Kashmir Shaivism Heraclitis , pre-Socratic Greek philosopher who had great influence on both ancient and modern Western philosophy The A. H. Almaas Wisdom Series will generally follow the sequence of Hameed’s magnum opus, The Inner Journey Home * (which John describes as psychoactive and spiritually, psychologically, and intellectually transformative), so listeners may want to get a copy of this book, to study and follow along on this exhilarating path of awakening. * As an Amazon Associate, Deep Transformation earns from qualifying purchases. --- Hameed Ali (A. H. Almaas) was born in Kuwait in 1944. At the age of eighteen, he moved to the U.S. to study at the University of California in Berkeley. Hameed was working on his Ph.D. in physics when he reached a turning point in his life and destiny that led him to inquire into the psychological and spiritual aspects of human nature rather than the physical nature of the universe. He left the academic world to pursue an in-depth journey of inner discovery, applying his scientific precision and discipline to personal, experiential research. This included study with different teachers in different modalities, extensive reading, and continuous study of his own consciousness in an effort to understand the essential nature of human experience and reality in general. Hameed’s process of exploration led to the creation of the Ridhwan School and, with his colleague Karen Johnson, resulted in the founding and unfoldment of the Diamond Approach. He is the author of 20 books, including Nondual Love: Awakening to the Loving Nature of Reality, Love Unveiled: Discovering the Essence of the Awakened Heart, Keys to the Enneagram: How to Unlock the Highest Potential of Every Personality Type, The Unfolding Now: Realizing Your True Nature through the Practice of Presence, and more. --- Podcast produced by Vanessa Santos and Show Notes by Heidi Mitchell…

Deep Transformation

1
Sean Esbjörn-Hargens (Part 3) – The Boundless Riches of Nonduality: Understanding Nondual Experiences Across Traditions and Over Time 34:18

לפני 14 weeks34:18

34:18

Ep. 157 (Part 3 of 3) | Integral polymath Sean Esbjörn-Hargens is the first comparative scholar to undertake differentiating the myriad varieties of nonduality. A longtime spiritual practitioner within several nondual traditions, Sean wanted to find out how we can understand the relationship between reality, consciousness, and practice. He decided to delve into a comprehensive study of nonduality and was surprised and excited by what he found: 40 distinct nondual traditions, ancient and new, from East and West, fascinating in their differences, their similarities, their uniqueness, and their depth. Sean’s hope is that his comparative analysis of nondual traditions will open the door to a global, cross-tradition dialogue that will supersede centuries of misunderstanding and conflict among people arguing that their realization is the best and/or only correct interpretation of reality and allow nondual traditions to enrich and empower one another. Enthusiasm and excitement flow throughout the conversation as Sean reveals provocative patterns he has uncovered in nonduality's history and the distinctions he has mapped so far. It becomes clear that nondual realizations evolve in a way similar to developmental models in terms of subject/object relationship, psychology of self, and taking new perspectives, and that they will continue to evolve. As Sean puts it, “the ontological floor keeps dropping out as the endpoint of spiritual realization.” “What will our nondual traditions look like in a thousand years? In two thousand years!” Sean wonders. Hang on to your hats for a thoroughly enjoyable and eye opening ride through a goldmine of information about the many faces and potentials of our nondual traditions. Recorded September 12, 2024. “I want to come back to how we can operationalize this in our own lives…and how it can inform ourselves as practitioners in our journey of realization.” (For Apple Podcast users, click here to view the complete show notes on the episode page. ) Topics & Time Stamps – Part 3 Is there a process for stabilization of these realizations? (01:25) 4 primary polarities across traditions: the goal, path, context, and practices (04:16) 2 types of practice: apophatic and cataphatic (07:06) Service is another profound approach to “not two” nonduality (09:49) Enlightened action: no self, being in the flow; reality serves itself through awakened beings (11:46) What is going on psychologically as people move into nondual experiences? (17:18) Like in developmental models, the subject/object relationship, psychology of self, and taking new perspectives all evolve in nondual awareness (20:42) Invitation to explore the richness of different nondual traditions and the potential for a deeper cross-tradition dialogue (25:47) Sean’s 10-week online course Varieties of Nonduality beginning in January 2025 (26:51) Resources & References – Part 3 Advaita Vedanta Kashmir Shaivism Roger Walsh, Essential Spirituality: The 7 Central Practices to Awaken Heart and Mind * David Loy, Nonduality: A Study in Comparative Philosophy *, Nonduality in Buddhism and Beyond *, see also Deep Transformation podcast Growing from Bodhisattva to Ecosattva with David Loy Alan Watts, The Supreme Identity * Understanding the Subject-Object Relationship with Ken Wilber (short YouTube video) The 10 Ox Herding Pictures Sean Esbjörn-Hargens , Dean of Integral Education & Integral Noetic Sciences Program Director, California Institute of Human Sciences (CIHS) , founder of MetaIntegral , a global transdisciplinary social impact organization Sean’s course coming up in January 2025: Varieties of Nonduality: A 10-Week Course in a Metaintegral Analysis of 10 Contemplative Traditions * As an Amazon Associate, Deep Transformation earns from qualifying purchases. --- Varieties of Nonduality * by Sean Esbjörn-Hargens A 10-Week Course in a Metaintegral Analysis of 10 Contemplative Traditions Beginning January 2025 * Sean Hargens has kindly offered a $100 discount to Deep Transformation podcast listeners who sign up for his course! To take advantage of Sean’s offer, simply email him at sean@metaintegral.net , with the following coupon code in the subject line: NONDUALITY2024DT, and request one hundred dollars off the January to March Varieties of Nonduality course. Sean will then send you a PayPal invoice with the reduced rate of $395. --- Sean Esbjörn-Hargens, Ph.D. has spent his life developing “metaintegral” approaches to the fields of ecology, mixed-methods research, psychology and consciousness studies, philosophy of science, holistic education, and post-capital models of measuring social impact. He has been a long time serious meditator and practitioner within several nondual traditions: Tibetan Buddhism, The Russian Orthodox Church (Christianity), A. H. Almaas’ The Diamond Approach, The Ceile De Celtic tradition, and the Hermetic tradition. He is the Founder and Program Director of the MA/PhD program Integral Noetic Sciences at the California Institute for Human Sciences in Encinitas, CA. --- Podcast produced by Vanessa Santos and Show Notes by Heidi Mitchell…

ברוכים הבאים אל Player FM!

Player FM סורק את האינטרנט עבור פודקאסטים באיכות גבוהה בשבילכם כדי שתהנו מהם כרגע. זה יישום הפודקאסט הטוב ביותר והוא עובד על אנדרואיד, iPhone ואינטרנט. הירשמו לסנכרון מנויים במכשירים שונים.