Illuminated Mind®

Hey, everyone, welcome back to the podcast and welcome to part two of how A Course in Miracles can brighten your life. So we left off in the last episode with Matthew Brownstein talking about this idea of suffering, right, and how we all suffer in our life, because of this disconnect from our Creator. Now, however you see God, whatever you call that, right, this idea of a higher power, a higher being a creator of this life that we live, all suffering comes from this separation from that source. We're here on Earth, thinking that we are on our own, right, that we're alone, and that we're left to deal with our life. And this is what creates all of the different types of suffering in the world by thinking that we are having to take it all on ourselves, and whatever you might be feeling whether it's fear, or pain, or guilt, or shame, or any of the other negative feelings that arise, really out of the base emotion of fear stems from this fear of being alone. And so this is really what Matthew is talking about. And we're gonna pick right back up into the conversation. And yeah, there's just so much to learn. So I really hope you're enjoying these episodes. I really appreciate you listening. And if you haven't already, please make sure you leave us a rating and review on iTunes. Let us know what you think about the show. And if you have any ideas for topics that you'd like us to cover, let us know that as well. All right, let's get right into it.

Hey, everyone, welcome back to illuminated mind, I really appreciate you being here. And today we're going to be talking about A Course in Miracles again. So we did an introduction to A Course in Miracles back on episode four, I believe. And it was really fascinating because this is something that, you know, I've come across multiple times in my life, and especially recently in my, my spiritual progress in my journey, you know, but this, this idea of a course, or a practice that you can do every day to really help you come from a place of love, and sort of reframing the way that you look at things that happened in your life. This, this, of course, in miracles, for those that don't know, you know, it's a book that was channeled. And basically, the idea is that it wasn't of human origin. This is what Matthew explained to me that he doesn't believe it was from, you know, from anyone particular person. However, one lady did transcribe what she was channeling the information she was receiving, but it's really powerful. And it's broken down basically into 365, daily lessons, or steps. And you, you just follow these lessons, and you go through the course. And it helps kind of break down and deconstructs your mind and your ego and the way that you look at things. And it gives you a new perspective, you know, a healthier perspective, a way to come from a place of love, as opposed to being afraid and in fear all the time. And I think right now that this information is really relevant, and I think it's really important. In this episode, we're actually going to go back and listen to a previous conscious community recording again, where Matthew is teaching a class on a course in miracles, and how it relates to hypnotherapy and the work that we do as hypnotherapists and sort of just some of the parallels and what we can pull from A Course in Miracles to help our clients get over some of the issues that they're dealing with in their life, right and move past some of the trauma to heal that and to move forward and see again live in a new way, a new healthier perspective. And so if you're dealing with anything right now that that is a little bit frustrating for you or you've got some you know, some things that you'd like to work out. Or if you're just looking for some ways that you can help your clients you know, as a hypnotherapist or hypnotist, or therapist, or whatever it is that you might be doing. If you're working with people to help them better their lives, right and to create a happier, healthier existence, that I think you're really going to enjoy this episode. So because this is a longer class, again, I'm going to break this down into two parts. The first part will be about an hour, and it might end a little abruptly. But we'll come back next week with part two to finish up this conscious community recording. However, I highly suggest that you listen to the introduction from Episode Four, as well as both of these episodes here because, again, this information this course, it really is a miracle and what it can do for you and your life. It really is truly transformative. Let's go ahead and jump into it. I hope you enjoy this episode. 

Today we're picking up on part two of this idea of peace under all circumstances. So in part one, Matthew led us through a really beautiful meditation. And if you haven't had the opportunity to check that out, I would suggest going back and listening to that episode first. Because that meditation is really powerful in helping you understand sort of the frame of mind that really allows you to find that peace, regardless of what your external environment looks like. And kind of regardless of what's going on in your head, it's this idea of being the observer to your life, as opposed to actually being the life itself, if that makes sense. And if not, again, go back and listen to that first episode, because it really is powerful to get your mindset right, and to establish this seat of the witness, if you will, this seat of the observer. So today, we're going to pick up on part two, and Matthew is going to continue on with some of these different questions that you can ask yourself, I love this idea of being able to find peace under all circumstances, especially right now with the way that the world is. I think that this information is super crucial for just peace of mind and giving you some tools and resources that you can use to help you find peace in your life. So yeah, so this episode is part two of a two-part series. I really hope you enjoy this and thank you so much again for listening to  Illuminated Mind. Today's sponsor: HypnotherapySites - Save 20% on a done-for-you website https://hypnotherapysites.com/illuminated

Today's episode starts off a little different than some of the other ones, you'll notice that the energy is a little bit different. That first clip that you just heard is actually from a meditation that is included towards the end of this episode. And it's a meditation that Matthew facilitates, that really is going to help us find peace and calmness in any circumstance that we might be experiencing right now in our life. You know, and I think that this episode is really important right now, with the current times that we're in, because we're living in a difficult world right now, you know, no matter where you are in the world, there's a lot that's going on, that we probably have never had to deal with before some of the decisions we're having to make some of the things that we're having to deal with, it can seem like it's unfair, or just doesn't make sense, why we're having to deal with some of the things we're dealing with. But anyway, the main theme of this episode is looking into the space between what's real and what's not real, and kind of separating the truth from the illusion, you know, who are you versus Who do you think you are? It's a really deep concept, it's a deep question. And Matthew does a great job of breaking it down. So I really recommend that you set aside some time and give yourself a place to really sit down and just kind of focus in on this material, while actually going through the meditation and maybe not, you know, doing other things while listening to this one. I know that usually with a podcast, you're kind of listening passively while you're doing other stuff. Maybe you're working, maybe you're driving, that's totally cool. Obviously, you can listen to this while doing those things. But you'll get the maximum benefit if you set aside some time, and actually allow yourself to go deep into the meditation, and to really internalize and sort of ask the questions, do the exercises that Matthew presents, give yourself the space and the time to really see what comes up? I think it's going to be really eye-opening and enlightening for you. I know it was for me. And I think that this concept of you know, who am I versus who do I think I am, is again, it's really deep, it's really profound. And it helps us get to a place where we can be peaceful, and we can be calm, and we can really truly become happy, regardless of what's going on around us. So anyway, that's my schpeel we're gonna jump right into it. And I really think you're going to enjoy this one.

In today's episode we're carrying on from last week when we talked about clearing karma with hypnotherapy. And today is going to be a really special episode for you, we're actually going to be going through an exercise, Matthew is going to lead an exercise that's going to help you get to the bottom of maybe where some of your negative and positive karma is actually coming from. So I will set a disclaimer, you know, when you're listening to this episode today. And towards the end, once we get to the exercise, I want to make sure that you are able to focus and you're able to not have to worry about what's going on around you. So if you're driving, or if you're maybe at work and doing some other tasks. While listening to this podcast right now, I might recommend that you, I mean, you can certainly listen to it. But just be careful, don't go through the exercise while trying to do something else. Okay, so maybe listen to it once and then set some time aside later. So that you can come back to this episode. And really focus in and just give it your 100% attention. Because what you will find and some of the changes that are possible through this exercise are going to be profound. If you've never done this type of work before, you're going to be really pleasantly surprised. Just to recap, you know what we're talking about here today. It's really all about karma, right? What is karma? Why is it there? And how can you become free of it and get in line with what's called your Dharma, right? your actual flow and the things that you really are meant to do here in this life. And another interesting idea that we're going to talk about is this idea of, you know, does doing good deeds help free you from your bad karma? Like, can you overcome bad karma by trying to do good things? Hold this question in your mind as you listen today. Because if, if you don't already know the answer to that, then this is going to be really enlightening for you.

Today's show is all about karma. You know, what does karma mean? What is it actually? And why would it be beneficial to clear it? Is karma actually something that exists? And if it does, where does it exist? Or when does it exist? It seems to have something to do with this idea of time, right? If I do something today, then my karma is going to get me tomorrow. Well, is time even real? You know? Do we have any influence over karma? Can we change it? Is it possible that karma is actually internally created? Or is it just an external process, an external sort of law that's being imposed upon us, you know, this idea of judgment, right, I've done something wrong or bad. So therefore, I should be punished. And this is going to be my karma. That statement might hold the key to what karma is. And in today's episode, we're going to dive deep into this idea of karma and just, you know, talk about some of these questions and start looking at them from different angles. Today's episode is another conscious community class recording that Matthew gave. And it's really, really eye opening and empowering when you start to think of these different ways that karma might actually exist in the world and within us for that matter. So make sure you listen to the end, because I think that you're going to gain a lot of insight, and possibly the ability to change anything that you don't like about your life and any negative karma that you think you might be experiencing. So enjoy this one. And I'll catch you at the end of the show.

I'm really excited to introduce today's episode because I had the opportunity to interview Dani Fox, who's the chief operating officer of the Institute of interpersonal hypnotherapy. She's also a lead instructor, she happened to be my instructor, as well as the North Carolina location director. 

Dani is just an amazing woman, she has so much incredible experience, and has really seen and done so much in her life. And honestly, we are all honored to have her on the show. I really hope you enjoy this interview, I'm going to be asking her some questions revolving around the idea of happiness, you know, what is happiness? What does it take to be happy in life? And how can we start to change our perception of certain things that we see and deal with to actually become happier in just our daily experience? And so that's what this interview is kind of wrapped around. 

But we talked about a lot of different things. So I really just want you to kind of sit back, enjoy this one. It's a little bit longer, but a really, really fun interview. And again, you know, Dani, if you're listening, I just want to say thank you so much. 

Actually, at the time of this recording, I am now graduated, I am officially a certified clinical hypnotherapist, and thank you to you for all of your amazing training and leadership, and guidance through this program. It really has been one of the most rewarding things that I've ever done in my life. 

I really, really appreciate you, and thank you for coming on the show. For everyone listening. This interview was actually recorded about a month ago. So prior to my graduation, so a little bit back and forth in the timeline here, but I just wanted to share this one with you. I really hope you enjoy it. So sit back and enjoy the interview.

This is part two of our series on "Was Jesus a hypnotist?" And if you haven't caught the first part yet, I suggest you go back to the last episode and listen to that one first. Because today, we're going to catch up on the rest of Matthew's Conscious Community Class, and this is where he's teaching past graduates of our institute about different and really interesting topics. 

In this section of the class, Matthew is going to talk about the different beliefs that are required to be an effective hypnotherapist in today's world, and draw the parallels between what we're doing with this belief system that we have, and obviously the belief that Jesus must have had when he was performing his miracles back during his life. 

Matthew is going to talk about some different stories and sort of how Jesus would teach through parables and how that's similar to metaphor therapy that we do today. Just really, why all of this stuff works, and what's required in order to allow it to work. 

Then you're gonna want to listen till the end, because Matthew actually gives a recount of one of his personal sessions, that was really interesting, where there was this entity attached to his client. And well, I don't want to ruin the story, because it's really, really fascinating. So just make sure you listen to the end. And, and you'll catch this really cool story. 

Today, we're gonna be talking about something that could be considered a little edgy, a little controversial, if you will. And that is the question was Jesus a hypnotist? Now, quick disclaimer, this episode is not about religion. And we certainly on the show are not interested in trying to press on anyone's particular belief system. 

We're not saying what's right and what's wrong, what did or what didn't happen. We're simply asking questions. And again, looking at things from a new perspective, a new angle. And so we want to draw some parallels between the supposed miracles that Jesus was performing during his lifetime. And what we're able to do today through hypnotism, and through hypnosis and creating altered states of reality within someone's mind. And so today's show is a previous recording of another conscious community class, where Matthew shares his insight and perspective on what he thinks was going on back then, in the time of Jesus, and what he thinks may be similar to what we're doing today with hypnosis. So he's going to talk about, you know, this idea of hypnotism and where it started, because back then, honestly, they didn't have a word called hypnosis. They didn't, you know, they weren't hypnotists, they definitely weren't practicing as hypnotists or hypnotherapists, but there may have been something called mesmerism. 

You know, he's going to talk about this guy Mesmer, and sort of this idea that he was playing around with, with, you know, transferring these different life forces between people and, and, you know, Matthew is also going to look into these different stories that were in the Bible talking about how people were in these different levels of sleep, and sleep states. He's also going to define, you know, what hypnotism actually is, and what a hypnotherapist is, and then just give his perspective, again, on whether or not Jesus was a hypnotist, and really, more importantly, what Jesus was doing when he was creating these miracles right when he was performing these miracles on people. And how is that similar? or How can that be compared to what we're able to do today. And so I really hope you enjoy this show, it's very fascinating information. 

Again, this is going to be part one of a two-part series, this class ran a little over an hour and a half. And I want to keep these episodes to under an hour. So I went ahead and cut this one down in half. This is part one, and you'll get Part Two next week.

Hey, everyone, welcome back to illuminated mind. This is your podcast for exploring some of the deeper ideas about what it means to be human in today's complex world. I'm your host, Corey Benschop. And I really appreciate you tuning in today. So I've personally been on this journey of spiritual development and discovery for the last couple of years. And something that's been popping up on my radar recently, is this book called A Course in Miracles. Maybe you're familiar with it, but if not it, from what I understand, it's basically the self study manual that includes 365 daily lessons that you can follow, that help you move into a way of being that just is more peaceful and fulfilling. It seems like it helps you go from this ego centric sort of fear based mindset into more of a vibration of love, and coming from a place of spirit. And as I've been going through my hypnotherapy training, and learning more about Matthew Brownstein and his teachings, I've heard him talk about this book called A Course in Miracles. Now, he's referenced it many times. And so I wanted to bring him on and ask him to explain to me and to us, what is a course in miracles? And you know, why should we be paying attention, I really am a firm believer that if something enters your life, once, you know, it could be happenstance or whatever, it could be chance, if it enters your life twice. Well, maybe that's a coincidence, but I really don't believe in coincidences. But the third time it comes knocking, you really need to start paying attention. And so of course, in miracles has now knocked on my door a number of times, and I think now is the time to give it the attention that it deserves. So in today's episode, we're gonna dive in deep into what A Course in Miracles is, where it came from, how it can help us move into this space of love and come from a place of spirit. And Matthew is going to give us his explanation. And he's going to tell us how he got introduced to it as well. So I really hope you enjoy this conversation. And at the end, I'll tell you how you can actually get access to this book, if you're interested in learning more. So enjoy. And I'll see you at the end.