In January 2015, my mind experienced a huge shift, where I perceived everything as God. In that experience, I had what felt like, a download of knowledge or understanding of the truth. I also felt an inner voice telling me that there was more to be revealed and understood, so I continued to give time to silence so that more could be illuminated. Over the following six months, my mind experienced many deeper understandings, and the teachings of A Course in Miracles were linked up in my mind in a way that I could express them to other students, which seemed to be helpful.

From that inner illumination, I have kept vigilance to ensure that no false ideas enter my mind and distort truth to any student. I was guided to start an online group and share what was illuminated, to anyone that would like to hear.  My main teaching is that our brother is holy and innocent... and in that perception, our mind heals of its belief in sin, guilt, and fear. I teach others how to apply this "Christ Blessing" to all brothers as a way to a clear and happy peaceful mind. What ACIM calls... The Mind of God.

 	Website: categrieves.com
 	Facebook page
 	YouTube channel

Discussion of this interview in the BatGap Community Facebook Group.

Transcript of this interview.

Interview recorded January 8, 2022

Video and audio below. Audio also available as a Podcast.



YouTube Video Chapters:

 	00:00:00 - Introduction to Buddha at the Gas Pump
 	00:04:46 - A Desperate Search for Truth and Healing
 	00:09:59 - Devoting Myself to Self-Improvement
 	00:15:10 - Revelatory Experience of Peace
 	00:20:08 - Awakening to the Illusion of Self
 	00:25:33 - The Tiny Mad Idea of Separation
 	00:30:59 - Asking for Help and Shifting Perception
 	00:35:41 - Surrender and Letting go of Attachments
 	00:39:58 - Letting go of identity with the body
 	00:44:52 - Rediscovering the Inner Center
 	00:49:38 - The importance of personal time for inner connection
 	00:54:26 - Overcoming the Obstacle of Death
 	00:59:16 - A Transformational Experience
 	01:03:42 - The Origin of A Course in Miracles
 	01:07:45 - Struggling with the Course in Miracles teachings
 	01:11:42 - Advancements in Spiritual Journey
 	01:16:10 - Recalling Past Lives
 	01:20:21 - The Song with God
 	01:25:09 - Being a Newbie on the Block
 	01:29:18 - Healing the Body with the Mind
 	01:34:08 - Being the One Christ Mind in the World
 	01:38:45 - Anchoring in Peace and Love
 	01:43:35 - Speaking from Love
 	01:47:25 - Finding Joy in Painting and Being Present with Love
 	01:52:19 - Experiencing Grief and Seeking Comfort
 	01:56:28 - Allowing Emotions to Flow
 	02:00:43 - The Beauty of Iambic Pentameter and the Course in Miracles
 	02:05:05 - Finding Your Own Spiritual Path
 	02:09:18 - Finding Hope in Times of Desperation
 	02:13:39 - Finding Meaning and Seeking the Truth
 	02:17:46 - Farewell and Future Communication

629. Cate Grieves

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Constance Casey, MDiv, is an author and teacher providing spiritual guidance for those interested in living a gentle and peaceful life.

Constance offers guidance for those entering deeper practice into the nature of reality and adjusting to a shift in consciousness. Her awakening occurred in 2008.
She has been practicing in the contemplative arts for over 40 years-- first through her years in recovery, and then, as she deepened in Buddhist practice in 2007—which she shares in her memoir.

She’s a graduate of the Spirit Rock Community Dharma Leader Program. Some of her teachers include Trudy Goodman and Jack Kornfield.

Constance obtained a Master of Divinity focusing on religious studies and went on to do hospital chaplaincy work. As an interfaith hospital chaplain, she offered compassionate care for patients and families while embracing the spectrum of human experiences. She is also authorized by Naropa University to teach meditation.

Constance’s practice is primarily informed by the suttas in Theravāda Buddhism where she has developed her own online classes, the most recent one is called Clearing Skies: Dispelling the Clouds that Hinder Us, and she leads support groups for dedicated meditation practitioners.

Through her experience she respects and values your unique spiritual practice and journey while supporting you to find balance and significance in the face of adversity. Constance will encourage you to attune toward being more mindful and aware for release and serenity.

Her first book called Time for Awakening: A Memoir shares her story of awakening and deeper meditation practice and is what brings her to our meeting today.

 	She can be found at her website.
 	On Substack
 	On Instagram
 	On Facebook
 	And on Youtube 

Discussion of this interview in the BatGap Community Facebook Group

Transcript of this interview

Interview recorded March 30, 2024

Video below. Audio coming soon.


YouTube Video Chapters:


 	00:00:00 - Welcome to Buddha at the Gas Pump
 	00:05:13 - The Levels of Receptiveness to the Dharma
 	00:09:13 - "Just Who Do You Think You Are?"
 	00:13:05 - A Snowy Awakening
 	00:16:54 - Healing and Bonding with My Sons
 	00:20:17 - Parenting as a Spiritual Practice
 	00:24:11 - A Fly on the Wall
 	00:28:09 - Tools of Recovery
 	00:31:31 - Ethical Structure in Spiritual Circles
 	00:35:14 - The Vicious Cycle of Repressed Discomfort
 	00:40:09 - Seeking Further
 	00:43:44 - Simplifying and Finding Fulfillment Within
 	00:47:39 - Expressing Experiences Through Art
 	00:51:17 - Finding Balance in Self-Care
 	00:54:59 - Honoring the Need for Rest and Balance
 	00:58:35 - The Power of Meditation and Personal Growth
 	01:01:38 - Constance's Carpentry Journey
 	01:04:44 - The Importance of Speaking Out and Trauma (Conversation)
 	01:07:29 - Seeing the Teacher as a Human Being and the Absence of Hierarchy
 	01:10:27 - The Indescribable Experience of Awakening
 	01:14:19 - Following the Way
 	01:18:32 - Psychological, Theological, Sociological Perspectives
 	01:22:14 - The Power of Kindness in Movies
 	01:26:42 - The Intimacy of Stream Entry
 	01:30:45 - The Support of a Teacher
 	01:33:33 - The Association for Spiritual Integrity
 	01:37:43 - Factors of Enlightenment and the Hindrances
 	01:41:38 - Hindrances in Meditation Practice
 	01:45:49 - Cultivating Tranquility and Equanimity in Meditation
 	01:49:05 - The Benefits of Meditation and Inner States of Being
 	01:51:48 - Closing Remarks

703. Constance Casey

Neil Theise is a professor of pathology at the NYU Grossman School of Medicine. Through his scientific research, he has been a pioneer of adult stem cell plasticity and the anatomy of the human interstitium. Dr. Theise’s studies in complexity theory have led to interdisciplinary collaborations in fields such as integrative medicine, consciousness studies, and science-religion dialogue. He is a senior Zen student at the Village Zendo in NYC. His life long Jewish practice has involved both traditional observances and formal academic study. In recent years, (to his surprise) he has also undergone shamanic initiation.

Books: 

 	General Audience: 

 	Notes on Complexity: A Scientific Theory of Connection, Consciousness, and Being


 	Of academic interest:

 	Awakening: Exploring Spirituality, Emergent Creativity, and Reconciliation
 	Transforming: Applying Spirituality, Emergent Creativity, and Reconciliation



Website: neiltheiseofficial.com

Discussion of this interview in the BatGap Community Facebook Group

Summary and transcript of this interview.

Interview recorded March 9, 2024

Video and audio below. Audio also available as a Podcast.


YouTube Video Chapters:


 	00:00:00 - Introduction to Buddha at the Gas Pump
 	00:04:25 - Complexity Theory and the study of life
 	00:08:34 - Dynamic Healing of the GI Tract
 	00:12:40 - Artificial Life and Complexity Theory
 	00:17:26 - Awakening through the Koan "Mu"
 	00:22:41 - The Fascinating Idea of Biocentrism and Organizing Complexity
 	00:25:45 - Discovering Complexity Theory
 	00:28:37 - The Illusion of Materiality and the Nature of Pure Awareness
 	00:33:37 - The Non-dual Fundamental Awareness
 	00:37:38 - Complementarity in Quantum Physics and Beyond
 	00:42:36 - The Quantum Field of the Body
 	00:46:29 - Direct experiences of quantum level reality
 	00:49:14 - The True Nature of Conscious Reality
 	00:53:25 - The Illusion of Reality
 	00:56:56 - The Mechanism of Human Consciousness
 	01:01:23 - Challenging Empirical Science and Promissory Materialism
 	01:04:51 - The Intimacy of Subject and Object in Quantum Science
 	01:08:53 - The Limitations of Mathematics and Empirical Science
 	01:13:30 - Gödel and Turing's Implications for Mystical Exploration and Consciousness
 	01:17:33 - Shifting Paradigms and the Nature of Consciousness
 	01:21:20 - Self-Organization and Complexity in the Universe
 	01:24:44 - Negative and Positive Feedback Loops
 	01:29:02 - The Adjacent Possibles and Creativity
 	01:32:16 - The Subtle Dimensions of Living Beings and the Universe
 	01:35:26 - Language Limitations and Perspective
 	01:39:02 - Awakening through Traumatic Experiences
 	01:42:35 - Wondering about Luck and the Beloved Name
 	01:45:28 - The Universe's Construction and Spiritual Practices
 	01:48:30 - The Divine Feminine and Unconditional Love
 	01:52:57 - The Nature of Reality and True Compassion
 	01:55:56 - Conclusion

702. Neil Theise

Kimberley Theresa Lafferty is a seasoned teacher-practitioner specializing in constructive adult developmental psychology and Indo-Tibetan Buddhism. She completed over 12 years of intensive Indo Tibetan study including the required retreats. She leads both open and advanced adult educational cohorts aligning developmental psychology and Buddhist theory. Kimberley co-leads, with Terri O’Fallon, the penultimate Minds I year-long developmental course of Stages International. She is an active Board member for the Association for Spiritual Integrity. Kimberley is also a householder as a wife and mother, living in a remote valley of the North Cascades of North America which deeply impacts her worldview and practice.

Website: The Confluence Experience | Making sense of what doesn't make sense

Discussion of this interview in the BatGap Community Facebook Group.

Summary and Transcript of this interview

Interview recorded February 10, 2024

Video and audio below. Audio also available as a Podcast.


YouTube Video Chapters:


 	00:00:00 - Introduction and Welcome
 	00:03:33 - Finding Peace in the Forest
 	00:06:27 - A Blissful Awakening
 	00:11:15 - Deep Inner Resources and Spiritual Experiences
 	00:15:10 - Connecting with our Ultimate Selves
 	00:18:26 - The Wave and Ocean Metaphor
 	00:23:24 - Diving into Indo-Tibetan Buddhism
 	00:27:59 - Tantric Retreats and Solitary Meditation
 	00:32:26 - Experiences on the Retreats with Vajrayogini
 	00:35:33 - The Red Lady and the Retreat
 	00:40:01 - The Lesson of Treating Practice Seriously
 	00:44:18 - The Precious Gift of Tibetan Buddhism
 	00:47:58 - Spirituality and Integration
 	00:51:02 - Understanding the Intersection of Waking Up and Identity Change
 	00:55:31 - The Evolution of Perception and Consciousness
 	01:00:08 - Supporting Spiritual Teachers
 	01:03:59 - Shadow Work and Holistic Development
 	01:07:16 - The Integration of Wisdom and Compassion
 	01:10:57 - Waves of Human Becoming and Non-Duality in Daily Life
 	01:14:06 - Anomalous Experiences: Exploring the Extraordinary
 	01:18:57 - Anomalous Experiences and Meaning Making
 	01:23:49 - Anomalous Experiences and the Search for Answers
 	01:28:03 - The Cautionary Use of Psychedelics and the Self
 	01:32:01 - The Need for Spiritual Integrity among Teachers
 	01:35:58 - The Preciousness of a Spiritual Life
 	01:39:58 - Realizing Inner Bliss
 	01:43:44 - Experiencing Fulfillment in Tantra
 	01:47:41 - Finding Your Path in Spiritual Practice
 	01:52:16 - The Role of Spiritual Psychotherapists
 	01:56:28 - Strengthening Ourselves Psychologically and Spiritually
 	02:00:00 - Continuing the Conversation with Kimberly

701. Kimberly Lafferty

After receiving his doctorate in the sensory neurosciences from The Ohio State University, Bob Davis, Ph.D., served as a professor for the State University of New York for over thirty years, where he conducted research in the behavioral and neurosensory sciences, taught, and held many high-level administrative roles. He published his research in over 60 articles in scholarly journals, and presented numerous lectures worldwide, which included invited lectures at Harvard, Cambridge, and Peking University. Bob was also awarded numerous grants by the National Science Foundation and The National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health to conduct research in sensory neuroscience.

Following retirement, Bob published several articles in the Journal of Scientific Exploration and Edge Science and presented lectures at national and international conferences on consciousness, spiritually transformative experiences, and unidentified aerial phenomena. Bob has also published three highly popular books:

 	The UFO Phenomenon: Should I Believe?
 	Life after Death: An Analysis of the Evidence, and,
 	Unseen Forces: The Integration of Science, Reality and You.

More recently, he has turned his recent book, Unseen Forces, into a planned documentary entitled - The Consciousness Connection - with Emmy Award winner Dave Beaty of Dreamtime Entertainment and Wilson Hawthorne of Eyeland Telemedia.

 	Website: bobdavisspeaks.com
 	Bob Davis is an administrator of the Facebook Site called: The Consciousness Connection Facebook group.
 	Bob's email
 	Bob says, "If you'd like to learn more about the film project or consciousness in general, please subscribe to the Consciousness Connection YouTube channel.

Summary and Transcript of this interview

Discussion of this interview in the BatGap Community Facebook Group

Interview recorded February 3, 2024.

Video and audio below. Audio also available as a Podcast.


YouTube Video Chapters:


 	00:00:00 - Introduction to Buddha at the Gas Pump
 	00:04:35 - Types and Evidence of Extraordinary Human Experiences
 	00:08:03 - A Profound Shared Death Experience
 	00:12:21 - A Spiritual Awakening and Kundalini Awakening
 	00:15:53 - The Misdiagnosis of Spiritual Awakening
 	00:19:27 - The Unstoppable Spread of Information
 	00:23:58 - The Need for a Paradigm Shift in Understanding Consciousness
 	00:27:49 - The Evidence of White Crows in DMT Experiences
 	00:31:40 - Exploring Consciousness Beyond Traditional Science
 	00:36:04 - The Relationship Between Science and Spirituality
 	00:40:27 - Brain Development and Spiritual Transformation
 	00:44:35 - Humans as Light Beings and Quantum Mechanics
 	00:48:22 - Veridical Perceptions in Near-Death Experiences
 	00:52:34 - Near-Death Experiences and Perception
 	00:56:44 - Novel Interactions in the Brain
 	01:01:02 - Consciousness and the Bohmian Paradigm Shift
 	01:05:16 - Ego Dissolution and Positive After-Effects
 	01:09:03 - Spiritual Practices and Physiological Treatments
 	01:12:56 - Quantum Mechanics and Premonition
 	01:16:55 - ESP and Autistic Savants
 	01:21:20 - Photonic Emissions and Healing Abilities
 	01:26:00 - The Power of Spiritual Practice
 	01:29:26 - Personal Transformation and Spreading the Word
 	01:32:32 - Transformation in Beliefs and Experiences
 	01:36:00 - The Importance of Spiritual Development
 	01:38:40 - Tapping into the Language of Nature
 	01:42:11 - Conclusions about UFOs and their Spiritual Implications
 	01:45:57 - The Mystery and Wonder of the Universe
 	01:50:26 - The Long-Term Nature of Spiritual Development
 	01:54:04 - The Power of Changing Perspectives

700. Bob Davis

Brad Laughlin is the author of Living with Enlightenment—A Journey of Love, which is about his 25-year life-partnership with Leslie Temple-Thurston, a teacher of enlightenment, and the profound spiritual transformation he experienced. With Leslie, he is co-author of two books, The Marriage of Spirit—Enlightened Living in Today’s World and Returning to Oneness—The Seven Keys of Ascension.

Brad is dedicated to finding innovative ways of helping people to awaken spiritually and to find love, joy and inspiration during these times of great change. Using ancient Truth teachings, yogic practices and spiritual psychology, he offers simple yet powerful practices for dissolving old, limiting ego structures that keep us trapped in negativity, pain and fear. Brad’s transformative events are based on the principles of integration and unity consciousness, which help us to know our own inner Divinity—who we truly are.

Brad and Leslie are co-founders of the nonprofits, CoreLight.org and Seeds of Light.org, CoreLight’s humanitarian arm, serving marginalized communities and AIDS orphans in South Africa. Brad has a bachelor’s degree from Duke University. He is an American by birth, considers himself a global citizen and lives in both South Africa and the United States.

Anna Breytenbach is an internationally acclaimed professional interspecies communicator with over 20 years’ experience. Native to South Africa and currently based in Europe, she mentors and consults globally. Her focus is exclusively with wild places and beings, facilitating peaceful interventions and greater understanding. This includes predator research, wilderness protection, anti-poaching assistance, reforestation initiatives, wildlife management and rehabilitation. She is currently taking a sabbatical from her usual teaching and public appearances to write a book.

Anna’s passion is raising awareness and advancing the relationships among human and nonhuman animals, on both the personal and spiritual levels. Her work is the subject of the documentary movie "The Animal Communicator”, watched by tens of millions of people (and a few of their pets), available on YouTube.

 	Anna's website: The Animal Communicator | AnimalSpirit
 	YouTube Channel
 	Anna's first BatGap interview

Discussion of this interview in the BatGap Community Facebook Group

Summary and transcript of this interview

Interview recorded January 28, 2024

Video and audio below. Audio also available as a Podcast.


YouTube Video Chapters:


 	00:00:00 - Introduction to Buddha at the Gas Pump
 	00:03:56 - Introduction and Background
 	00:07:26 - From Cheetah Handler to Animal Communicator and Author
 	00:11:55 - Following Your Inner Calling
 	00:16:10 - Holding Space for Elephants
 	00:20:35 - Collective Consciousness and Communication
 	00:23:42 - The Collective Expressions of Consciousness and Earth Energies
 	00:27:34 - The Joy of Whales Breaching
 	00:31:16 - Rediscovering the Intelligence of Nature
 	00:34:08 - The Importance of Functioning with Intelligence in Society
 	00:38:08 - The Intelligence of Stones and Non-Moving Beings
 	00:42:05 - Cruelty to Vegetables and Choosing Love for Animals
 	00:47:06 - An Evergreen Online Course on Interspecies Communication
 	00:51:36 - Valuing Different Paths in Life
 	00:56:41 - Profound Mystical Experiences and the Search for Answers
 	01:01:07 - The Ball of Light and Healing Energy
 	01:05:42 - Transitioning into a Higher State
 	01:11:02 - Pure Joy and Presence
 	01:16:50 - Quantum Entanglement and Communication
 	01:19:46 - Perception and the Importance of Clearing Ego Noise
 	01:24:03 - Rethinking Human Love for Animals
 	01:27:32 - Animals' Compassion and Journey to Loving Humans
 	01:31:00 - Communicating with Plants and the Tragedy of the Rabbits
 	01:33:40 - The Oak Trees' Compassion and Rabbit Friendships
 	01:36:49 - The Sensitivity of an Enlightened Being

629. Cate Grieves

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