AWONDERJUNKIE

In this conversation, Ryan Anderson interviews Steven Viola who retired after 30 years as a command master chief of the Navy SEALs. They discuss topics such as curiosity, mindset, leadership, and the importance of breathwork. They also touch on the challenges of transitioning from military life to civilian life, the need for decompression and mental health support, and how to integrate. The conversation explores the themes of personal discovery, the impact of war, and the use of plant medicines for healing. It delves into the importance of set and setting in psychedelic experiences as well as some of the issues and dangers of the commercialization of these substances and misuses of power. The conversation emphasizes the importance of integration and the recognition of the shadow side.The conversation explores the importance of addressing the root causes of problems rather than just treating the symptoms. The conversation also highlights the significance of protecting oneself, one's community, and the human experience. The power of breathwork and its ability to regulate the nervous system. The importance of playfulness, humor, and having fun in life is emphasized.  Steve is a psychedelic transformational integration coach with Being True To You and emphasizes his compassion for helping veterans and others who are struggling with mental health. Steve has a huge heart and is always learning and evolving. 

https://beingtruetoyou.com/get-a-coach/

https://www.jsomonline.org/Interviews/20172151Pennardt.pdf

https://www.linkedin.com/posts/mission-within_were-thrilled-to-announce-that-steve-viola-activity-7132877917641981952-arhj/

Keywords

Navy SEALs, adversity, curiosity, consciousness, leadership, reinvention, military, decompression, mental health, corruption, personal discovery, impact of war, propaganda, plant medicine, set and setting, commercialization, responsible use, integration, shadow side, cultural sickness, questioning authority, addressing root causes, curiosity, enlightenment, military veterans, protecting oneself, protecting community, human experience, breathwork, compassion, navigating uncomfortable experiences, playfulness, humor, having fun

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Connection

01:19 Curiosity and Reinvention

04:26 Evolution of Leadership Styles

08:05 Challenges of Transitioning from Military to Civilian Life

13:21 Decompression and Mental Health Support

20:31 The Power of the Breath

29:20 Creating a Supportive and Healthy Culture

33:12 Personal Discovery and Shifting Perspectives

38:47 The Role of Plant Medicine in Healing

41:27 The Importance of Set and Setting

53:47 The Dangers of Commercialization and Misuse

56:19 Integration and Shadow Work

01:05:21 Questioning Authority and Cultural Sickness

In this conversation, Robin Rothenberg shares her journey and story of discovering the importance of breath and some of the common misunderstandings of the elements of breathing.  She has been a Yoga therapist for decades and has written an important book called Restoring Prana.  Robin shares her life story and some of the injuries and issues she has cured by finding a deeper understanding of the mind body connection.  She highlights the importance of strength training, core engagement, and proper alignment in yoga practice. In this conversation, Robin and Ryan discuss the importance of breathwork and its impact on overall health and well-being. They explore the concepts of breathwork and some of the core principles that they feel are commonly misunderstood. 

Robin Rothenberg is an internationally respected yoga therapist specializing in supporting people with respiratory, immune, and structural imbalances to regain their health through the combined tools of yoga and therapeutic breathing practices. Since the pandemic, Robin has particularly focused her work on assisting people with Long-COVID and is considered one of the top yoga therapists in the field on respiratory conditions. In addition to working with clients one-on-one, she trains yoga teachers and therapists to be better equipped to work with students with Long-COVID. Restoring Prana, along with its practice companion The Svadhayaya Breath Journal, act as training manuals for her 15-month Restore Your Prana Training Program for yoga teachers, therapists and health-care professionals. Robin has been interviewed on multiple podcasts regarding her knowledge of the breath.

https://essentialyogatherapy.com/about-robin-rothenberg

https://buteykoclinic.com/breathing-exercises/

#yoga, #breathwork, injuries, strength training, core engagement, alignment, bandhas, kumbhakas, balanced approach, mindful, breathwork, yoga, root lock, Uddiyana bandha, pelvic floor muscles, transverse, breath suspension, training, education, self-care, joy

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Background

14:25 Revisiting the Yoga Tradition

32:49 Understanding Bandhas and Kumbhakas

38:06 Balancing Breathwork and Mindfulness

40:21 Unlocking the Power of the Breath

43:18 Challenges of Introducing Breathwork to the Yoga Community

45:09 The Buzz and Reactions to Breathwork

48:44 The Value of Not Talking and Making Sound

50:30 Breathing Less for Better Health

54:58 A Simple Breath Practice for Connecting with the Power of the Breath

01:06:35 The Difference Between Yoga Therapy and Yoga in General

01:09:11 The Importance of Self-Care for First Responders

01:15:31 Finding Joy and Appreciation in Life

01:18:55 The Importance of Self-Care and Filling Your Own Vessel

https://oxygenadvantage.com/

Breathe4Flow.com

Intro and exit music used: Strange the dreamer by Savfk - www.youtube.com/@savfkmusic

Summary

In this conversation, Mark, the creator of the YouTube channel After Skool, discusses his journey as an artist and animator. He talks about how he got started in art and animation, his experience in art school, and his transition to freelance animation. Mark also shares his creative process and the inspiration behind his videos. He mentions his podcast and collaborations with thinkers like Rupert Sheldrake and Graham Hancock. The conversation touches on topics like consciousness, spirituality, and the importance of self-reflection. Mark also discusses his upcoming role as a father and how it will influence his content creation. The conversation explores the topics of educating children about harmful things, the dangers of repression, the power of indifference, the impact of belief systems, the importance of experiences and creativity, the influence of social engineering, the significance of facing death, and the role of gratitude.

Takeaways

Mark's journey as an artist and animator began at a young age, and he has always been passionate about creating art.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Background

Keywords

#art, #animation, #creativity, #podcasting, #consciousness, #spirituality, #selfreflection, #fatherhood, #educating #children, #beliefsystems, #experiences, #creativity, #social #socialengineering, #death, #gratitude, #socialengineering, 

Intro and exit music used: Strange the dreamer by Savfk - www.youtube.com/@savfkmusic

Find Marks work below:

https://www.youtube.com/@AfterSkool

https://www.afterskool.net/

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC5S-og4jjdFo8FqoM8D42DA

Jane and Ryan discuss the Art Life and the upcoming workshop at Echo Dharma in October 2024. Jane shares how the name Art Life came to her and what it means to her. She explains that Art Life is about bringing creativity into all aspects of our lives and recognizing that art is intrinsic to all of us. The workshop aims to guide people into their creativity by helping them relax, play, and let go of inhibitions. Jane emphasizes the importance of unlearning and remembering our innate creativity. The workshop also focuses on building community and creating together as a way to heal and transform our lives and the world. The conversation explores the integration of experiences and the importance of living differently. It emphasizes the need to maintain the components of a transformative experience and stimulate emotional responses for change.  The concept of guiding rather than teaching is highlighted, focusing on supporting individuals to recall and reignite their own creativity. The conversation concludes with the importance of never giving up, exploring life, and tapping into curiosity, wonder, and creativity.

Keywords

Art Life, creativity, workshop, Echo Dharma, relaxation, play, inhibitions, unlearning, remembering, community, healing, transformation, integration, living differently, transformative experience, emotional response, change, community, guiding, teaching, creativity, never giving up, exploring life, curiosity, wonder

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Connection

https://www.artlifecreation.com/classes-workshops

Intro and exit music used: Strange the dreamer by Savfk - www.youtube.com/@savfkmusic

Gary Nabhan discusses his work in sacred plant biocultural recovery and the importance of conserving relationships between humans and plants. He emphasizes the need for empathy and collaboration. Nabhan highlights the value of informal education and the role of mentors in shaping his understanding of the natural world. In this conversation, Gary Paul Nabhan discusses his experiences with traditional plants and spiritual ceremonies, including the use of plant medicines. He shares how these experiences have helped him understand his own capabilities and disabilities, and how they have taught him about his own mind. He also talks about the importance of accepting and embracing our true selves, as well as the root of suffering being the lack of self-acceptance and self-understanding that can come through contemplative practices. . Nabhan emphasizes the need for contemplative practice and creating spaces for stillness and reflection. He expresses his concerns about the ongoing conflicts in the world and the importance of finding ways to bring peace and reconciliation.

Takeaways

Conserving relationships between humans and plants is crucial for the well-being of both

Empathy and collaboration are essential in healing the wounds caused by social and environmental issues

Informal education and mentorship can be powerful tools for learning and personal growth

The war on drugs has had unintended consequences and has led to the exploitation of indigenous cultures and plant medicines

The revival of interest in psychedelics should prioritize the rights and traditions of indigenous communities

Plant patenting raises ethical concerns and threatens the rights of farmers and indigenous people Traditional plants, and spiritual ceremonies can provide valuable insights and understanding of oneself and one's mind.

Accepting and embracing our true selves is essential for personal growth and overcoming suffering.

Contemplative practice and creating spaces for stillness and reflection can help us face and heal from painful experiences.

There is a need for peace and reconciliation in the world, and it requires individuals to take responsibility and work towards it.

Chapters

03:54 The Power of a Photo: Changing Consciousness

11:16 Healing the Wounds of the Border Wall

15:31 Finding Common Ground through Collaboration

23:16 The Ethics of Plant Patenting

24:13 The Imbalance of Profits in the Food Industry

27:23 Navigating the Revival of Psychedelics

29:49 Protecting Sacred Plants and Indigenous Rights

31:18 The Unintended Consequences of the War on Drugs

33:45 The Importance of Storytelling and Empathy

35:37 Conserving Relationships: Humans and Plants

37:32 Challenging the Traditional Education System

39:26 Navigating the Intersection of Science and Storytelling

44:10 The Power of Mentors and Non-Traditional Education

45:43 Curiosity, Learning, and the Nature of Consciousness

50:04 Exploring the Power of Traditional Plants and Spiritual Ceremonies

58:44 Embracing Self-Acceptance: A Path to Personal Growth

01:00:22 The Transformative Nature of Contemplative Practice

01:08:16 Seeking Peace and Reconciliation in a Troubled World

Intro and exit music used: Strange the dreamer by Savfk - www.youtube.com/@savfkmusic

https://www.garynabhan.com/

Richard Rohr

https://cac.org/about/our-teachers/cac-founder-richard-rohr/

Susane Sumard https://suzannesimard.com/

Robin Kimmerer

https://www.robinwallkimmerer.com/ 

Pattiann Rogers https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poets/pattiann-rogers

Allen Weisman http://worldwithoutus.com/about_author.html

Paul Stamets https://paulstamets.com/

Cassandra Quave  https://humanhealth.emory.edu/people/faculty-bios/quave-cassandra.html

Alison Hawthorne Deming https://alisonhawthornedeming.com/

Andrew Weil https://www.drweil.com/

Wade Davis https://daviswade.com/

Mark Plotkin https://markplotkin.com/

This conversation is a heartfelt and intimate exploration of Roshi Sanchi Reta Lawler’s life path and her work in the field of death and dying. I met Sanchi Reta through her brother Don Howard Lawler. They both became very close to me and have had a huge impact in my life. I felt it was important to share her essence through this recorded conversation. Sanchi Reta shares her journey beginning with her grandmother's role as a midwife and herbalist in rural Kentucky. She then discusses her own experience of overcoming advanced breast cancer and her life long devotion to Zen Training. Sanchi Reta also shares her encounters with ayahuasca and how it influenced her understanding of death. The conversation highlights the importance of accepting death and being present with the dying process and explores the interconnectedness of all beings and the importance of embracing our particularity while recognizing our interconnectedness of everything. It highlights the importance of being present, curious, and open to new experiences. The conversation delves into the themes of love, appreciation, and grief, emphasizing the need to grieve and feel deeply in order to fully experience life. Sanchi Reta has a wealth of knowledge and wisdom. Her trademark trainings are Coming Full Circle "The art of death and dying". And The Art of Engaged Living. Sanchi was fully ordained as a Zen Buddhist nun by Eido Shimano Roshi and has led contemplative retreats and Zen Session around the county for decades. Her professional teachings and offerings have been I creative arts, Transpersonal Psychotherapy and shamanic practice. Chapters 00:00 Breathing Together: Connecting with the Present Moment 08:33 Understanding the Reciprocity of Giving and Receiving 13:08 Being Present with Death: Compassion and Openness 27:31 Ayahuasca and Huachuma: Plant Medicines and Transformation 35:36 Integrating Plant Medicines: Ayahuasca and Huachuma 40:56 Living from the Heart: Serving Others with Love and Compassion 44:04 The complexity of Manifestation and the balance of letting go. 49:21 The Power of Presence 59:31 The Role of Grief 01:18:51 Cultivating Love and Appreciation Sanchi Reta’s Website:  ⁠https://www.bouldermorningstarzencenter.com/⁠ Book/ author reference: ⁠Joanna Marcy https://www.joannamacy.net/main⁠ Stephen Jenkinson: ⁠https://orphanwisdom.com/⁠ Spirit quest sanctuary: ⁠https://www.biopark.org/Connect with Ryan AndersonInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/awonderjunkie/awonderjunkie.comBreathe4Flow.comRumble https://rumble.com/user/awonderjunkie

#ayahuasca #DonHoward #hospice #dying #grief 

Summary

Barbara shares her journey of spiritual exploration and personal growth, starting from her childhood experiences with dreams and conversations about the universe with her father. She pursued studies in various areas, including culture, religion, and dream work. Barbara eventually met Stan Grof and trained with him in breathwork. She then focused on the field of thanatology, studying death, dying, grief, loss, and bereavement. Throughout her life, Barbara has been driven by a desire to serve and help others minimize suffering. Barbara shares her journey of self-discovery and transformation. She talks about reclaiming her name and the birth of her authenticity. Barbara also discusses feeling different from those around her and the influence of her parents' expectations on her identity. Barbara emphasizes the importance of connecting with something bigger than oneself and the power of love and service. The conversation explores the power of breathwork and the role of the sitter in facilitating transformation. It highlights the importance of breathwork as a tool for healing and the impact of Stanislav Grof's work in bringing it to the West. The conversation also delves into the concept of God and the idea that God is not separate from us but is present in everything. It discusses the role of choice and willpower in personal transformation and the importance of taking responsibility for our lives. The conversation concludes with a discussion on grief and the need for community support and vulnerability.

Takeaways

Barbara's spiritual journey started in childhood with dreams and conversations about the universe with her father.

She pursued studies in various areas, including culture, religion, and dream work.

Barbara trained with Stan Grof in breathwork and focused on the field of thanatology.

Her life's purpose is to serve and help others minimize suffering. Reclaiming one's name can be a powerful act of self-empowerment and authenticity.

Feeling different from those around us can be a sign that we are meant to embrace our true selves.

Caring for a loved one during their final years can be challenging but also an opportunity for healing and growth.

Connecting with something bigger than ourselves, whether it be spirituality or a sense of purpose, can provide strength and guidance in difficult times.

Love and service are powerful forces that can bring meaning and fulfillment to our lives.

Traveling and experiencing different cultures can expand our perspectives and help us appreciate the preciousness of life.

Engaging in practices like breathwork and meditation can deepen our understanding of ourselves and our connection to the world.

Meeting and learning from wise teachers and mentors can profoundly impact our personal growth and spiritual journey. Breathwork is a powerful tool for healing and transformation.

The sitter plays a crucial role in facilitating breathwork sessions.

Stanislav Grof's work has been instrumental in bringing breathwork to the West.

God is not separate from us but is present in everything.

Choice and willpower are essential for personal transformation.

Taking responsibility for our lives is key to personal growth.

Grief requires community support and vulnerability.

Chapters

00:00 Meeting Barbara at Jody's Zen Garden

11:42 Meeting Influential Teachers and Mentors

37:54 Carving Away the Unessential

53:27 Connecting with Something Bigger in the Face of Death

01:14:43 The Power of Breathwork and Healing

01:23:16 Choice and Responsibility in Personal Growth

01:33:10 Embracing and Understanding Emotions

Intro and exit music used: Strange the dreamer by Savfk - www.youtube.com/@savfkmusic

In this conversation, Robert Forte discusses his deep dive into the phenomena of sacred plants and psychedelics, as well as his involvement with key figures in the psychedelic renaissance. He highlights the importance of understanding history. Forte also shares his critical perspective on the mainstream narrative of the psychedelic Renaissance and the commercialization of psychedelic drugs. He delves into the influence of the CIA and big corporations in the field of psychedelics as well as the dark side of American history represented by figures like Alan Dulles. The conversation explores various themes, including the influence of Nazi intelligentsia, Aldous Huxley's Brave New World, weapons of mass distraction, the education system and social engineering, Solomon Ash's experiments on conformity, the power of individual influence, and the healing potential of psychedelics. The chapters delve into the historical context, societal implications, and personal experiences related to these topics. The conversation explores various themes related to the psychedelic movement, including the integration of psychedelic experiences, psychedelic evangelism, the narrative of psychedelic history, the negative aspects of the new psychedelic movement, the impact of MKUltra, the loss of control of democracy, the influence of the CIA in the music industry, corruption in Indian mysticism and yoga, and the importance of appreciating the miracle of life.

Takeaways

The study of history contains both the best and worst aspects of humanity.

The psychedelic Renaissance has been influenced by various elements, including healing,  control, transformation, spirituality and profit.

The CIA played a significant role in introducing psychedelic drugs into modern society, with some individuals within the organization having different agendas. MkUltra -operation mind control is one of the many programs that were created to influence the culture.

Understanding the post-World War II era and the formation of the CIA is crucial to comprehending the current state of psychedelics. The formation of NASA and the CIA involved the recruitment of defected Third Reich Nazis, highlighting the influence of Nazi intelligentsia on post-war institutions.

Aldous Huxley's Brave New World serves as a cautionary tale about a future society controlled by a small elite through social engineering and the use of a drug called soma.

The attention economy, driven by social media platforms like TikTok, has led to an epidemic of mental health issues, particularly among young people.

Solomon Ash's experiments on conformity reveal the tendency of individuals to defy their own senses and conform to group opinions, highlighting the importance of cultivating an internal locus of control.

The education system has been designed to promote compliance and obedience, often neglecting the development of critical thinking and individuality. John Taylor Gatto Describes this in many of his books including Weapons of Mass Instruction.

Psychedelics have the potential to enhance creativity, gain insight into oneself, and facilitate healing, but their effects are influenced by the environment, set and setting as well as the individual's personality.

The psychedelic movement has both positive and negative aspects, with some individuals using psychedelics to promote personal growth and others exploiting them for power and control.

Individuals have the power to influence change by coming alive, questioning authority, and cultivating meaningful connections with others. It is important to integrate psychedelic experiences and consider how they impact our behavior and actions in society.

Psychedelic evangelism can overlook important aspects and criticisms of the psychedelic movement.

The narrative of psychedelic history often oversimplifies the role of individuals like Timothy Leary and overlooks the political agendas at play.

The new psychedelic movement should be critically examined, and the negative aspects and potential dangers should be acknowledged.

The deployment of MKUltra and its impact on the anti-war movement and society should be explored.

The influence of the CIA in the music industry and the corruption in Indian mysticism and yoga should be recognized.

Appreciating the miracle of life and being present in the moment is a valuable psychedelic experience in itself.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Background

09:15 Questioning the Mainstream Narrative

12:09 The Dark Side of Psychedelic Renaissance

33:48 Exploring the Underbelly of Social Engineering

38:03 Post-World War II Era and the Formation of the CIA

39:57 Alan Dulles and the Dark Side of American History

40:44 The Influence of Nazi Intelligentsia

44:22 Aldous Huxley's Brave New World

52:13 Weapons of Mass Distraction

58:54 The Education System and Social Engineering

01:05:12 Solomon Ash's Experiments on Conformity

01:09:07 The Power of Individual Influence

01:16:36 Psychedelics and Healing

01:20:08 The Good and Bad of Psychedelic Movements

01:22:00 Integration of Psychedelic Experiences

01:22:49 Psychedelic Evangelism and Criticism

01:23:44 Questioning Authority and Psychedelic History

01:25:22 Negative Aspects of the New Psychedelic Movement

01:26:14 The Narrative of Psychedelic History

01:27:08 Psychedelics and the Anti-War Movement

01:28:00 Psychedelics and the Assassination of John F. Kennedy

01:29:26 Questioning Authority in the Modern Psychedelic Movement

01:30:15 Deployment of MKUltra and its Impact

01:31:11 Loss of Control of Democracy

01:34:13 Weird Scenes in the Canyon and CIA's Influence on the music industry

01:35:20 Corruption in Indian Mysticism and Yoga

01:46:14 Appreciating the Miracle of Life

• Timothy Leary: Outside Looking In edited by Robert Forte

Intro and exit music used: Strange the dreamer by Savfk - www.youtube.com/@savfkmusic