Why do we experience a deep fear of relationships, even when we long for closeness? Too often, love feels like a battleground where our needs conflict with another's, making us wonder if true connection is even worth the pain.

In this episode, we explore the psychology behind the fear of relationships, centering our discussion on the essay ‘Release the Hounds’ from the book “Alchemists of Suburbia: A Course in Miracles, Psychology, and the Art of Integration”.

We dive deep into 'The Obstacles to Peace'—a core section from the text of “A Course in Miracles” (ACIM)—to uncover the hidden ego motivations, projections, and maneuvers at play when we argue with loved ones. By understanding these spiritual and psychological dynamics, you can overcome the unconscious anxiety that keeps you distant and shift your relationships into a path for healing, personal growth, and true companionship.

CHANNEL OVERVIEW
Reflections, commentary, and practical teachings on "A Course in Miracles" (ACIM), blending spiritual text with psychology, philosophy, and creative insights from artists of all persuasions.

🔗 WEBSITE: https://www.stephaniepanayi.com

📚 BOOKS: amazon.com...

Most changes in life happen gradually. We are changing every day. Some changes, however, involve a stark demarcation. A line is drawn in the sand between the way things have been, and how they are now. Our foundations rocked, we can feel like things are falling apart. Rather than be a sign of regression, this desolate experience announces a time of gestation for rebirth and renewal. Borrowing a phrase from "A Course in Miracles": 'In crucifixion is redemption laid' (T-26.VII.17:1).This podcast includes a reading of the essay 'When Things Fall Apart,' from "The Farthest Reaches of Inner Space: A Course in Miracles and the Postmodern World," along with excerpts from Australian basketball legend Lauren Jackson's memoir, highlighting the kind of descent and renewal process common to all of us along life's way.WEBSITE: https://www.stephaniepanayi.comBOOKS: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Stephan...

Most people embark on a spiritual path expecting it to provide inner peace. It can be startling, therefore, when for a time our pains, relationships, and anxieties seem to become worse.

This podcast addresses two main sources of this experience according to "A Course in Miracles". We begin with a reading of ‘Before the Dawn’ — an essay from "Reflections on A Course in Miracles: Volume One" — and conclude with a look at ‘The Branching of the Road’ section of the Course.

We also refer to the work of psychoanalyst Erik Erikson, known for his theory of psycho-social development across the lifespan. Erikson suggested that the final stage of development, beginning beyond midlife, involves navigating two opposing psychological tendencies — integrity and despair. As people reflect on their life, they either feel a sense of fulfillment (‘integrity’), or experience disappointment and regret (‘despair’). While wisdom is the gift of integrity, disdain toward others is the outcome of despair and is the result, said Erikson, of self-contempt projected outward.

We relate Erikson’s thoughts to what a ‘life well-lived’ means in terms of "A Course in Miracles", and show how approaching the past from this perspective is critical to moving beyond the pain associated with spiritual growth.

WEBSITE: https://www.stephaniepanayi.com

BOOKS: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Stephan...

The ego’s judgement would always have us weaving plans of defence. According to the ego, the world is a threatening place in which our needs compete with those around us. Into this nightmarish ‘Hunger Games’ scenario, the quiet and gentle voice of the Holy Spirit can be heard if we are willing to question our judgements. His presence speaks of the Atonement principle, which says we haven’t left our Source; the nightmare isn’t real.

The comforting nature of the Atonement principle can be thought of as Mother; a refuge when the world is too much with us. This motherly aspect of God is the focus of this podcast. It centres on a reading of ‘Let It Be,’ from “The Bridge of Return: A Course in Miracles as a Western Yoga,” and includes a discussion of Carl Jung’s thoughts on the Mother Archetype and his own mother’s ‘two voices.’The importance of the two aspects of ‘mother’ is discussed considering Parsifal’s heroic task in the Fisher King Grail myth, and with respect to our propensity to listen to the ego’s catastrophic interpretations of life’s events.

WEBSITE: https://www.stephaniepanayi.com

BOOKS: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Stephan...

Why do we cling to feelings of smallness and unworthiness when our true nature is so vast? In this episode, we examine why we actively choose "littleness" over our divine reality. Drawing from the spiritual framework of A Course in Miracles, we examine shame and ego defences through the lens of literature, historic events, and psychology, including: • Burning Down the House: A reading of Stephanie Panayi’s essay on the 2023 felling of England's iconic Sycamore Gap tree.

• The Temple of the Golden Pavilion: Analyzing the internal friction and obsessive complexes of Yukio Mishima’s central character.

• John Milton’s Paradise Regained: How Satan tempts Jesus in the wilderness by trying to lure Him into the path of littleness.

• ACIM Workbook Lesson 135: Exposing the direct link between our constant future planning and our hidden belief in vulnerability.***CREDITS & RESOURCES:• 'Burning Down the House' is an essay featured in the book The Bridge of Return: A Course in Miracles as a Western Yoga by Stephanie Panayi.• WEBSITE: https://stephaniepanayi.com • BOOKS: https://amazon.com

Is there a link between personal authenticity and spiritual growth? This podcast begins with a reading of ‘On Mystics and Artists,’ an essay from The Farthest Reaches of Inner Space: A Course in Miracles and the Postmodern World, which addresses this question. We discuss the commonality between mystics and artists, and how this illuminates what it means for each of us to be authentic. Case studies include the life and careers of singer Linda Ronstadt, and writer J.D. Salinger.

WEBSITE: ⁠https://www.stephaniepanayi.com

⁠BOOKS: ⁠https://www.amazon.com/stores/Stephan...⁠

What is the creation myth of our modern era? As renowned Jungian analyst Robert A. Johnson wrote in He: “Often, when a new era begins in history, a myth for that era springs up simultaneously. The myth is a preview of what is to come, and it contains sage advice for coping with the psychological elements of the time.”

In this episode, we explore how “A Course in Miracles” (ACIM) functions as a modern creation myth and psycho-spiritual curriculum uniquely designed for our psychologically sophisticated age.

While historical myths use symbolism to map out our profound emotional and spiritual struggles, this podcast examines the specific historical context of A Course in Miracles, placing its birth within Western society's evolution to illuminate its purpose and our potential.

This episode also features a reading of the essay ‘The Age of Communion,’ from the book The Farthest Reaches of Inner Space: A Course in Miracles and the Postmodern World.

CHANNEL OVERVIEW
Reflections, commentary, and practical teachings on "A Course in Miracles" (ACIM), blending spiritual text with psychology, philosophy, and creative insights from artists of all persuasions.

🔗 WEBSITE: https://www.stephaniepanayi.com

📚 BOOKS: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Stephan...

How do we relate to the turbulent times in which we live and to the prospect of our own "end time"? This podcast includes a reading of the essay 'End Time', taken from "The Farthest Reaches of Inner Space: A Course in Miracles and the Postmodern World", showing how fear and concern around the prospect of endings can be transformed into happiness for what is available to us in the present.

WEBSITE: ⁠https://www.stephaniepanayi.com⁠

BOOKS: ⁠https://www.amazon.com/stores/Stephan...⁠

We explore the concept of spiritual vision from the perspective of “A Course in Miracles,” and include a reading of ‘The Turning Point,’ from “The Bridge of Return: A Course in Miracles as a Western Yoga.”

WEBSITE: ⁠https://www.stephaniepanayi.com⁠

BOOKS: ⁠https://www.amazon.com/stores/Stephan...⁠

What is the difference between concentration and attention, and does it really matter? For being truly creative — letting it flow — the answer is a resounding “Yes!”

This podcast explores the difference between concentration and attention as discussed by J. Krishnamurti. It includes a reading of ‘Wholeness and Attention,’ from “Reflections on A Course in Miracles: Volume One,” some thoughts on meditation, and a reading of Workbook Lesson 267 from A Course in Miracles.

WEBSITE: ⁠https://www.stephaniepanayi.com⁠

BOOKS: ⁠https://www.amazon.com/stores/Stephan...⁠