Almost Awakened

You know those times there is conflict between you and your lover. One of you behaved in a way that annoyed or hurt the other and one of you lashes out in telling the other to knock off their behavior. Before you know it one of you is is being ultra defensive and the other is on the attack trying to fix their partner. and 1 hour later one of you is on the couch and one or both of you are deeply hurt and even crying. Well today is the day we try to start a new pattern.

Today we sit down with Family therapist Tim Birt and discuss healthy communication. We discuss the tool needed to have a healthy conversation. We discuss how to slow the conversation down and to focus on “I” statements and to share feelings without attacking behavior. We discuss consent and reasonable requests. When it is all done we only have scratched the surface. This practice, this work, requires you to take the ball from here and begin to take seriously your relationships and begin to do the hard work.

Timothy Birt, has a MS in Counseling and Psychology from Troy University, is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC- AL & GA), a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT – AL & GA), a Nationally Certified Counselor (NCC), a Certified Clinical Mental Health Counselor (CCMHC), and an AAMFT Clinical Fellow. Tim provides individual counseling, couples and family therapy, and group counseling. He works with children, adolescents, adults, couples, and families in Columbus, GA or Auburn, AL. He also provides home-based counseling in Lee, Russell, and Chambers counties in AL and Troop and Muscogee counties in GA.

RESOURCES:
Tim’s Recommended Resources
Expression / Understanding Skills
Skillfull / UnSkillfull Communication Skills
Here’s How Experts Define Healthy Communication In A Relationship
How Can We Communicate Better?
Effective Communication
The Key to Healthy Communication
Communication Skills for Healthy Relationships
How to Improve Your Relationships With Effective Communication Skills

Today we tackle our first interview with Author and runner Cory Reese. We talk about running and how it ties into life and being present.
Please email us your questions and comments at AlmostAwakened AT Gmail DOT Com and visit us at AlmostAwakened.org

Find us on Itunes, Stitcher, Google Podcasts, and other great third party Podcast apps. Also please check out our partner Red Roca Coffee, and if you place an order use the code AWAKE to get a 10% discount and and on orders of $30 or more you get free shipping!!!

Mekael and Bill are the hosts of the Almost Awakened Podcast. They have spent a ton of time diving into human development, human behavior, having deconstructed unhealthy systems and communities and what they have learned from that. As they have built with others, a vibrant healthy community where authenticity and vulnerability matter, they want to share with you what they have learned, point you to good books, provide you with the tools and resources to help you awaken, and share with you their experiences in doing shadow work and recognizing ego and working to reduce unhealthiness in our lives.

Our new logo was designed by Kelsey Jones!!! And We Love It!

RESOURCES:

The Untethered Soul

The Power of Now

Nowhere Near First: Ultramarathon Adventures from the Back of the Pack

Into the Furnace: How a 135 Mile Run Across Death Valley Set My Soul on Fire

Cory Reese

Fast Cory Blog

Today we talk about FEAR. Is Fear healthy? How do we cope with fear? What are some interesting things about fear such as does fear have a smell? Please email us your questions and comments at AlmostAwakened AT Gmail DOT Com and visit us at AlmostAwakened.org

Find us on Itunes, Stitcher, Google Podcasts, and other great third party Podcast apps. Also please check out our partner Red Roca Coffee, and if you place an order use the code AWAKE to get a 10% discount and and on orders of $30 or more you get free shipping!!!

Mekael and Bill are the hosts of the Almost Awakened Podcast. They have spent a ton of time diving into human development, human behavior, having deconstructed unhealthy systems and communities and what they have learned from that. As they have built with others, a vibrant healthy community where authenticity and vulnerability matter, they want to share with you what they have learned, point you to good books, provide you with the tools and resources to help you awaken, and share with you their experiences in doing shadow work and recognizing ego and working to reduce unhealthiness in our lives.

Our new logo was designed by Kelsey Jones!!! And We Love It!

RESOURCES:

Eight Facts You Didn’t Know About Fear

10 Things You Never Knew About Being Terrified

Top 10 Fascinating Facts About Fear

3 Interesting Facts About Fear

What Happens In The Brain When We Feel Fear

13 Of The Most Unusual Phobias

The Psychology Behind Fear

7 Things You Need to Know About Fear

Today we talk about Swearing and Cursing. Is Swearing a sign of an ignorant mind? Does it make someone sound ignorant? Is cursing good for you? Why are some words untouchable and become deeply taboo and way more than other swear words? What is your favorite Swear Word? Are humans the only species that swears?   Please email us your questions and comments at AlmostAwakened AT Gmail DOT Com and visit us at AlmostAwakened.org

Find us on Itunes, Stitcher, Google Podcasts, and other great third party Podcast apps. Also please check out our partner Red Roca Coffee, and if you place an order use the code AWAKE to get a 10% discount and and on orders of $30 or more you get free shipping!!!

Mekael and Bill are the hosts of the Almost Awakened Podcast. They have spent a ton of time diving into human development, human behavior, having deconstructed unhealthy systems and communities and what they have learned from that. As they have built with others, a vibrant healthy community where authenticity and vulnerability matter, they want to share with you what they have learned, point you to good books, provide you with the tools and resources to help you awaken, and share with you their experiences in doing shadow work and recognizing ego and working to reduce unhealthiness in our lives.

Our new logo was designed by Kelsey Jones!!! And We Love It!

RESOURCES:

Benefits of Swearing

Benefits of Cursing

Swearing is Good For You

People Who Swear May be Happier

Health Benefits of Swearing

7 Best Reasons For wearing

Science Behind Swearing

Surprising Benefits of Swearing

psychological benefits of swearing

Today we talk about The Purpose of Life. Is there one Universal Purpose? Does being good matter? Is there First half of life purpose and second half of life purpose.   Please email us your questions and comments at AlmostAwakened AT Gmail DOT Com and visit us at AlmostAwakened.org

Find us on Itunes, Stitcher, Google Podcasts, and other great third party Podcast apps. Also please check out our partner Red Roca Coffee, and if you place an order use the code AWAKE to get a 10% discount and and on orders of $30 or more you get free shipping!!!

Mekael and Bill are the hosts of the Almost Awakened Podcast. They have spent a ton of time diving into human development, human behavior, having deconstructed unhealthy systems and communities and what they have learned from that. As they have built with others, a vibrant healthy community where authenticity and vulnerability matter, they want to share with you what they have learned, point you to good books, provide you with the tools and resources to help you awaken, and share with you their experiences in doing shadow work and recognizing ego and working to reduce unhealthiness in our lives.

Our new logo was designed by Kelsey Jones!!! And We Love It!

RESOURCES:

Book Hope For The Flowers

Wikipedia description of Hope For The Flowers

First Half vs Second Half of Life

Second Half of Life

How Atheists Find Meaning and Purpose

Where do Atheists Get Meaning

The Absurdity of Meaning Making

How to create meaning in life

Today we talk about Dying and Death. What do we believe about Death and Dying. Thoughts on coping with such.  What happens at death? How to support someone who has lost a loved one?  How to arrive at peace over your own future death?  Please email us your questions and comments at AlmostAwakened AT Gmail DOT Com and visit us at AlmostAwakened.org

Find us on Itunes, Stitcher, Google Podcasts, and other great third party Podcast apps. Also please check out our partner Red Roca Coffee, and if you place an order use the code AWAKE to get a 10% discount and and on orders of $30 or more you get free shipping!!!

Mekael and Bill are the hosts of the Almost Awakened Podcast. They have spent a ton of time diving into human development, human behavior, having deconstructed unhealthy systems and communities and what they have learned from that. As they have built with others, a vibrant healthy community where authenticity and vulnerability matter, they want to share with you what they have learned, point you to good books, provide you with the tools and resources to help you awaken, and share with you their experiences in doing shadow work and recognizing ego and working to reduce unhealthiness in our lives.

Our new logo was designed by Kelsey Jones!!! And We Love It!

RESOURCES:

How to Deal With Death

Coping With Death

12 suggestions for Coping with Death

Coping with Loss

Dealing with Death as you Age

Stages of Grief Kubler Ross

Stages of Grief Kubler Ross Model 2

Elisabeth Kubler-Ross facing her own death has a change of mind on God and end of life care

Today we talk about Human Connection. What does human connection look like? What levels of intimacy is appropriate with various types of relationships? How do vulnerability and authenticity come into play? And what can we do to extend ourselves in healthy ways into deeper connection with both starbngers and people we love? Please email us your questions and comments at AlmostAwakened AT Gmail DOT Com and visit us at AlmostAwakened.org

Find us on Itunes, Stitcher, Google Podcasts, and other great third party Podcast apps. Also please check out our partner Red Roca Coffee, and if you place an order use the code AWAKE to get a 10% discount and and on orders of $30 or more you get free shipping!!!

Mekael and Bill are the hosts of the Almost Awakened Podcast. They have spent a ton of time diving into human development, human behavior, having deconstructed unhealthy systems and communities and what they have learned from that. As they have built with others, a vibrant healthy community where authenticity and vulnerability matter, they want to share with you what they have learned, point you to good books, provide you with the tools and resources to help you awaken, and share with you their experiences in doing shadow work and recognizing ego and working to reduce unhealthiness in our lives.

Our new logo was designed by Kelsey Jones!!! And We Love It!

RESOURCES:

We are hard wired to connect

When two souls collide

The Science behind human Connection

Improving connection with Others

Types of Intimacy

Need for Intimate Touch

Platonic Sensual Touch

Sexuality vs Sensuality

Sensuality and Touch

Today we tackle the Top 5 Catalysts for Awakening. Those would be Meditation, Reading or deep profound learning, Travel, Psychedelic Substances, and Existential Crises. We also throw in a surprise 6th towards the end. We hope you enjoy. Please email us your questions and comments at AlmostAwakened AT Gmail DOT Com and visit us at AlmostAwakened.org

Find us on Itunes, Stitcher, Google Podcasts, and other great third party Podcast apps. Also please check out our partner Red Roca Coffee, and if you place an order use the code AWAKE to get a 10% discount and and on orders of $30 or more you get free shipping!!!

Mekael and Bill are the hosts of the Almost Awakened Podcast. They have spent a ton of time diving into human development, human behavior, having deconstructed unhealthy systems and communities and what they have learned from that. As they have built with others, a vibrant healthy community where Authenticity and vulnerability matter, they want to share with you what they have learned, point you to good books, provide you with the tools and resources to help you awaken, and share with you their experiences in doing shadow work and recognizing ego and working to reduce unhealthiness in our lives.

RESOURCES:
Science Says That Travel Changes You
How Travel Changes You
How Traveling makes you a better person
Ways Traveling Scientifically Changes Your Personality For The Better

Meditation helps you awaken
How Meditation Taps The Subconscious Mind
Meditation as a tool
Mindful Awakening

The Spirituality of Psychedelic substance Users
Awakening – The Relationship With Psychedelic Drug Experiences
Magic Mushrooms change brain connections
psychoactive drugs- the self is an illusion
Magic Mushrooms lead to open mindedness
MDMA as a treatment for PTSD

Benefits of Reading A
Benefits of Reading B

Signs You’re Having An Existential Awakening
Spiritual Crisis to Spiritual Awakening
Dark Night of the Soul
What an Existential Crisis looks like

In Episode 3 we tackle vulnerability. What is vulnerability, when is the risk worth being vulnerable, what do safe space look like, how to lean into it, and so much more. We talk about vulnerability with your sacred stories, with your sexuality, and with who you are at your core. We hope you enjoy. Please email us your questions and comments at AlmostAwakened AT Gmail DOT Com and visit us at AlmostAwakened.org

Find us on Itunes, Stitcher, Google Podcasts, and other great third party podcast apps.

Mekael and Bill are the hosts of the Almost Awakened Podcast. They have spent a ton of time diving into human development, human behavior, having deconstructed unhealthy systems and communities and what they have learned from that. As they have built with others, a vibrant healthy community where Authenticity and vulnerability matter, they want to share with you what they have learned, point you to good books, provide you with the tools and resources to help you awaken, and share with you their experiences in doing shadow work and recognizing ego and working to reduce unhealthiness in our lives.

RESOURCES:
How To Embrace Vulnerability As Your Greatest Strength
Your Flaws Are Probably More Attractive Than You Think They Are
How Vulnerability Can Make Our Lives Better
The Power of Vulnerability TED TALK


Opening Song is Live in the Moment by: Portugual the Man
Closing Song was Brave by: Sara Bareilles

Part two of the “Almost Awakened Podcast” We dive into parts of the book Sapiens written by Yuval Noah Harari. Specifically speaking about how humans evolved to move from tribes whose cohesive mechanism was Intimate Connection to sightly larger groups based on Gossip and eventually onto Myth. We discuss how other great apes use Grooming in place of Gossip and myth and how an Almost Awakened community seeks to get back to Intimacy, Authenticity, and Vulnerability as the binding force.

Mekael and Bill are the hosts of the Almost Awakened Podcast. They have spent a ton of time diving into human development, human behavior, having deconstructed unhealthy systems and communities and what they have learned from that. As they have built with others, a vibrant healthy community where Authenticity and vulnerability matter, they want to share with you what they have learned, point you to good books, provide you with the tools and resources to help you awaken, and share with you their experiences in doing shadow work and recognizing ego and working to reduce unhealthiness in our lives.

Resources:

https://www.skyword.com/contentstandard/storytelling/myth-history-and-religion-and-why-they-matter-for-your-brand-story/

https://www.stenudd.com/myth/ https://fs.blog/2016/01/yuval-noah-hararri-on-why-we-dominate-the-earth-myth-making/

http://www.bbc.com/earth/story/20150227-where-did-gossiping-come-from

http://www.sirc.org/publik/gossip.shtml

http://www.bbc.com/earth/story/20150227-where-did-gossiping-come-from

https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/out-the-ooze/201601/gossip-is-social-skill-not-character-flaw

https://socialsci.libretexts.org/Bookshelves/Sociology/Book%3A_Sociology_(Boundless)/6%3A_Social_Groups_and_Organization/6.5%3A_Group_Dynamics/6.5A%3A_Effects_of_Group_Size_on_Stability_and_Intimacy

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Intimate_relationship

The Book discussed in today’s episode was “Sapiens” by: Yuval Noah Harari
Closing song was “Tarzan Boy” by: Baltimora