Raphael Cushnir is a leading voice in the world of emotional connection and present moment awareness. He has shared his unique approach to personal and professional development with millions of readers in O, The Oprah Magazine, Beliefnet, Spirituality and Health, Psychology Today, and The Huffington Post. He is the author of six books, lectures worldwide, and is a faculty member of the Esalen Institute and the Kripalu Center for Yoga and Health. In addition, he coaches individuals and couples, as well as organizations and their teams. Raphael’s own heart was opened by an experience of profound grief.

Website: cushnir.com

Books:

The One Thing Holding You Back: Unleashing the Power of Emotional Connection

Surfing Your Inner Sea: Essential Lessons for Lasting Serenity

Setting Your Heart on Fire: Seven Invitations to Liberate Your Life

How Now: 100 Ways to Celebrate the Present Moment

Unconditional Bliss: Finding Happiness in the Face of Hardship

Interview recorded September 3, 2017

Discussion of this interview in the Batgap Community Facebook Group.

Transcript of this interview

YouTube Video Chapters:

00:00:00 - Introduction to Buddha at the Gas Pump

00:04:58 - The Emotional Realm and Awakening

00:09:43 - The Skepticism of Spiritual Teachers and Authenticity

00:14:42 - Genuine Humility and Blind Spots in Spiritual Teachers

00:19:36 - The Intersection of Psychology and Spirituality

00:24:25 - Honoring the depth of a container

00:29:37 - "Choosing Connection and Presence"

00:34:56 - The Need for Spiritual Crisis Support

00:39:41 - The Transition to Surrendering Control

00:44:27 - The Unpredictability of Kundalini Awakening

00:48:59 - Living with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

00:53:40 - Integration of Different Aspects of Being

00:57:40 - The Power of Integration

01:01:55 - The Heart Opening and Expansion of Consciousness

01:06:03 - Trusting Intuition and Being Open

01:09:59 - The Authentic Expression of Teachers

01:16:06 - The Container of the Self

01:18:03 - Strengthening the Ego and the Dance of Shiva and Shakti

01:22:11 - Techniques for Processing Trauma

01:26:12 - Emotions as Inner Touch

01:30:12 - Surfing Your Emotions

01:34:06 - Healing Through Practice

01:37:49 - Ramana Maharshi and the Radically Different Consciousness

01:41:48 - Embracing Resistance and Finding Freedom

01:45:49 - Neediness and Self-Identification

01:49:51 - The Value of Ongoing Support

01:53:40 - Growing in Ease and Acceptance

01:57:22 - The Sacred Journey of Seeking

02:01:10 - Following Your Curiosity and Trusting Your Heart

02:05:29 - Wrapping Up with Raphael Cushnir

02:09:10 - Sign up for the newsletter

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