Awaken Your Myth

What does it take to rewire your brain for happiness, and what does neuroscience tell us about the path to awakening?In this conversation, I sit down with Dr. Rick Hanson—psychologist, New York Times bestselling author, and Senior Fellow at UC Berkeley's Greater Good Science Center—to explore the intersection of neuroscience, Buddhism, and the practical path toward inner peace.Rick shares his personal journey from a lonely, nerdy kid who entered UCLA at 16 to one of the world's leading voices on neuroplasticity and contemplative practice. We go deep on what separates a genuine healing path from spiritual bypassing, the seven qualities of awakened beings (and the neuroscience behind each), and why small, ordinary moments may be more transformative than dramatic breakthroughs.In this episode:

• Why meditation "works" and what Rick noticed even as a young, scattered meditator
• The difference between kensho (sudden awakening) and gradual cultivation
• The "Let Be, Let Go, Let In" model for healing
• How to build inner stability when the world feels like it's coming apart
• The loneliness epidemic and what actually helps
• Why you are responsible for the shape of your own mind, and how that's empowering, not harshRick's books include: Buddha's Brain, Hardwiring Happiness, Neurodharma, and ResilientRick Hanson's website (free talks, meditations, courses): https://rickhanson.comBeing Well podcast with Rick & Forrest Hanson: https://rickhanson.com/being-well-podcast/Find free resources for awakening (and sleep) at https://erikireland.comhttps://erikireland.comErik's book, Awaken Your Myth, comes out on March 31, 2026. You can order it at https://aymbook.com

I'd been wanting to meet Alma ever since I saw her in an interview on Angelo Dilullo's YouTube channel. That interview actually gave me my first real taste of awakening. In this conversation, Alma shares her journey from years of spiritual seeking and anxiety to a genuine awakening at 19, guided in part by the teachings of Jeff Foster and a pivotal encounter with Angelo.We talk about the heat that builds before awakening, the role of inquiry, shadow work, facing fear without turning away, and what it actually looks like to live this out in an ordinary life.This one goes deep. I hope it finds you at the right moment.Topics we explore:How both of our journeys began (including cults, atheism, and a Costco that nearly ended my awakening)Jeff Foster, Angelo, and the teachers who pointed the wayThe inquiry process and how it actually worksShadow work — what it is and why it takes so longFear, dissociation, and the choice to turn toward what's realThe Hero's Journey as a map for awakeningFind free resources for awakening (and sleep) at https://erikireland.comMy book, Awaken Your Myth, comes out on March 31, 2026. You can order it at https://aymbook.comDisclaimer:Hi there! I’m a certified mindfulness teacher, and I create these videos to support anyone seeking clarity, presence, and connection with their true nature. While the practices and reflections I share are intended to inspire and guide your journey, they are not a substitute for therapy, medical care, or professional advice.The insights and meditations offered here can bring about profound shifts in how you experience yourself and the world. If you’re currently navigating a mental health challenge or feel overwhelmed, please prioritize your well-being and reach out to a licensed therapist, counselor, or trusted resource for support. If you’re in crisis or at risk of harming yourself or others, contacting a suicide hotline, a trusted professional, or emergency services is the best step to take right now.These teachings are a gentle invitation to explore your inner world, not a prescription for how to live. Take what resonates, move at your own pace, and always approach this work with kindness toward yourself.Wishing you peace on your journey. 💛Erik

In this video, we dive deep into the life and transformative journey of Eshwar, a good friend of mine who struggled with addiction, and ultimately experienced a profound spiritual awakening. His story isn’t just about survival—it’s about transformation, surrender, and seeing beyond the mind.We talk about:🔥 The comfort of the known vs. the courage to let go🔥 The dark night of the soul and the journey beyond addiction🔥 The illusions of identity and the surrender into truth🔥 The role of anger, resentment, and self-compassion in awakening🔥 Why the unknown is where true freedom liesIf you’re feeling stuck, struggling, or searching for deeper meaning, this conversation is for you.📌 Follow Eshwar🌍 Website:https://sensewithoutmind.com📺 YouTube: @SenseWithOutMind 00:00 Introduction01:24 Eshwar's Early Life in Guyana03:55 Transition to Life in the United States05:52 Struggles with Addiction09:37 Seeking Help14:59 The Process of Healing and Awakening21:03 Understanding and Managing Anger28:24 Self-Compassion and Identity33:21 A Journey Inward34:22 Seeking Answers in Spiritual Teachings36:00 A Profound Realization40:01 The Aftermath of Awakening43:28 Living with a New Perspective48:41 The Nature of Experience and Insight56:49 Guidance and Community01:05:50 Final Thoughts and Contact Information✨ Discover how to live more mindfully with these resources: • The Gentle Trail to Presence: A 5-day course to help you navigate your inner world with clarity and ease. Start your journey athttps://gentletrail.com • The Cabin: Join gentle mindfulness for natural awakening community to connect with others on their journeys. Explore The Cabin athttps://awakenyourmyth.com • 1:1 Coaching: Need support untangling from unhelpful thought patterns? Book a coaching session with me:https://erikireland.com📬 Discover more resources and inspiration:Find free tools and learn more athttps://erikireland.com.Disclaimer:Hi there! I’m a certified mindfulness teacher, and I create these videos to support anyone seeking clarity, presence, and connection with their true nature. While the practices and reflections I share are intended to inspire and guide your journey, they are not a substitute for therapy, medical care, or professional advice.The insights and meditations offered here can bring about profound shifts in how you experience yourself and the world. If you’re currently navigating a mental health challenge or feel overwhelmed, please prioritize your well-being and reach out to a licensed therapist, counselor, or trusted resource for support. If you’re in crisis or at risk of harming yourself or others, contacting a suicide hotline, a trusted professional, or emergency services is the best step to take right now.These teachings are a gentle invitation to explore your inner world, not a prescription for how to live. Take what resonates, move at your own pace, and always approach this work with kindness toward yourself.Wishing you peace on your journey. 💛

What if awakening is simpler than we’ve been told? In this episode, I sit down with Dr. James Cook, neuroscientist, author, and researcher, to discuss the nature of consciousness, shadow work, and awakening. Dr. Cook shares his incredible journey from a teenage awakening to his groundbreaking work bridging science and spirituality.

In this episode, we explore the delicate interplay between belonging and becoming, using my recent experience of starting a public Facebook group as a launching point for discussing how we navigate fear, intuition, and personal transformation.

Key Topics:

Core Concepts Discussed:

Three Pillars of Mindfulness Practice:

Mindfulness as a Lens:

Practical Applications:

Resources Mentioned:

New Facebook Group: "Awaken Your Myth, A Journey to Belonging and Becoming"

Main Takeaway:

True belonging and becoming emerge not from pushing away our fears or trying to be perfect, but through bringing gentle curiosity and compassion to our present moment experience. This approach allows us to move beyond our conditioned patterns and connect with our authentic nature.

Join our community at the Awaken Your Myth Facebook group for ongoing discussions about mindfulness, personal mythology, and the hero's journey.

https://www.facebook.com/groups/awakenyourmyth

In this reflective guided meditation and talk, you'll immerse yourself in a practice of gentle curiosity and present-moment awareness where you'll learn to:

Gain valuable insights into observing your thoughts, emotions, and sensations without attachment. Integrate these practices into your daily life for a more profound connection with your true self. Explore the power of being present and the transformative effects of curiosity and awareness.

For a deeper dive into mindfulness and personal growth, join The Cabin, our vibrant online community at https://awakenyourmyth.com.

In this transformative guided meditation, you'll embark on a journey of self-inquiry and present-moment awareness, discovering how to:

If you've ever felt trapped by your personal narrative, struggled to find peace amidst mental chatter, or yearned for a deeper connection with your authentic self, this meditation offers a path forward.

By learning to observe your thoughts with compassionate curiosity and ask questions about your identity, you can unlock the transformative power of self-inquiry and present-moment awareness.

I guide you to connect with your breath, thoughts, and the spaciousness of open awareness. You'll gain valuable tools and perspectives for:

Remember, developing a strong practice of self-inquiry is a gradual process of learning to rest in the simplicity of what is, beyond the stories we tell about ourselves. By approaching this exploration with gentleness, curiosity, and compassion, we create the conditions for profound insight and transformation.

This meditation is an excerpt from a recent live Campfire Gathering, where we dive deep into the hero's journey of personal growth and self-discovery through mindfulness and awakening our personal myths.

If you feel called to explore the depths of your inner wisdom and unlock your potential for presence and authenticity, I welcome you to join our vibrant online community. In this safe and supportive space, you'll find the tools and guidance to navigate your own hero's journey and transform your life from the inside out.

To learn more, visit https://awakenyourmyth.com

In this powerful guided meditation, you'll embark on a journey into the present moment, discovering how to:

If you've ever felt overwhelmed by the complexity of life, struggled to find peace in the present moment, or yearned for a deeper connection with your authentic self, this meditation offers a path forward.

By learning to settle into the simplicity of your immediate experience with compassionate awareness, you can unlock the transformative power of present-moment consciousness and self-acceptance.

I guide you connect with your body's wisdom and the spaciousness of awareness. You'll gain valuable tools and perspectives for:

Remember, developing a strong connection to present-moment awareness is a gradual process of learning to rest in the simplicity of what is. By approaching this exploration with openness and patience, we create the conditions for profound insight and transformation.

This meditation is an excerpt from a recent live gathering in The Cabin, where we dive deep into the hero's journey of personal growth and self-discovery through mindfulness and awakening our personal myths.

If you feel called to explore the depths of your inner wisdom and unlock your potential for presence and authenticity, I welcome you to join our vibrant online community. In this safe and supportive space, you'll find the tools and guidance to navigate your own hero's journey and transform your life from the inside out.

To learn more, visit https://awakenyourmyth.com

In this powerful episode, we explore the intersection of trauma and mindfulness, offering both insight and practical tools for healing. I share a personal experiences and guide listeners through the landscape of trauma responses and how mindfulness can help. We end with a guided meditation practice that you can use when you're facing a trauma response in your own life.

Key points covered:

Join us for this transformative journey into mindfulness and trauma, and discover how to find calm amidst the storm of past experiences.

For more support, join us at The Cabin, our online community with the tools and support to help you awaken to your full potential: https://awakenyourmyth.com

Join us as we dive into the theme of overthinking and explore how mindfulness can help us break free from the cycle of constant mental chatter. In this excerpt from a live gathering in The Peace & Prosperity Circle at https://awakenyourmyth.com, you'll discover how to:

• Understand the somatic and cognitive aspects of overthinking

• Greet your thoughts with curiosity and gentleness

• Use mindfulness to ground yourself in the present moment

• Shift from mind identification to a holistic awareness of your experience

If you've ever felt trapped by your thoughts, struggled with anxiety, or found it challenging to stay present, this video offers practical insights and techniques to help you navigate these experiences. By learning to greet your overthinking with compassionate awareness, you can start to break the cycle and find greater peace and clarity.

I also lead a mindfulness meditation designed to help you connect with your body and bring awareness to your thoughts. You'll gain valuable tools and perspectives for:

• Recognizing the physical sensations that accompany overthinking

• Using mindful awareness to shift out of the overthinking loop

• Embracing the present moment with all its sensations and experiences

• Developing a more compassionate relationship with your mind

Remember, overcoming overthinking is a journey, and each step you take towards mindful awareness helps you build a more peaceful and present life. By approaching this practice with openness and patience, you create the conditions for deep insight and transformation.

This video is also part of the Overthinking Challenge, which you can dive into at https://challenges.awakenyourmyth.com. It’s a self-guided journey designed to help you break free from the cycle of overthinking at your own pace, unlocking a gateway to mental clarity and inner peace.

If you feel called to delve deeper into mindfulness and learn how to navigate your inner landscape with greater ease, I invite you to join our supportive online community. In this safe and nurturing space, you'll find the tools and guidance to embark on your own hero's journey and transform your life from within. To learn more, go to https://awakenyourmyth.com.