This one is for anyone who’s ever felt broken, disconnected, or like they’ve just been surviving instead of living.

Today’s guest, Jonathan Labman, knows what that’s like—because he’s lived it. A survivor of childhood abuse and religious cults, Jonathan turned his trauma into a path of deep healing and spiritual awakening. For over 24 years, he’s been helping others do the same—guiding people out of anxiety, burnout, and emotional pain into a more peaceful, present, and connected life.

In this powerful conversation, Jonathan shares not only his incredible story but also the wisdom he’s gained along the way—from understanding ego and emotional patterns to discovering what it really means to "wake up." This episode is full of real talk, soul-level insight, and practical tools for anyone who’s ready to stop chasing and start healing.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Spiritual Awakening and Transformation

03:00 Understanding Spiritual Awakening and Ego Death

06:00 The Journey from Pain to Healing

08:55 Overcoming Childhood Trauma and Abuse

11:57 The Impact of Cult Experiences on Identity

15:04 Finding Hope and Healing Through Therapy

18:01 The Role of Spiritual Practices in Recovery

20:57 Integrating Psychology and Spirituality

24:03 Reflections on Healing and Ongoing Growth

26:13 Healing from Trauma: A Personal Journey

30:05 Understanding Trauma and Its Effects

34:06 The Process of Healing and Self-Discovery

38:02 Practical Tools for Managing Trauma Responses

44:37 Finding Hope and Support in Healing

What We Talk About:

• What it was really like growing up in a religious cult—and what it taught Jonathan about true spirituality
• How he turned trauma into transformation (and how you can too)
• Why we burn out trying to succeed—and what “success” looks like when you’re awake
• The simple, powerful basics of being human (and why we forget them)
• How to stop believing every thought and start trusting your deeper self
• The role of the body, breath, and energy in healing from trauma
• How Jonathan stays grounded—even in a chaotic world
• What he would say to someone who feels like they’ll never feel whole again

A Few Soul-Stirring Quotes:

“You are the divine in a body.”
“Nobody ever taught us how to feel our feelings.”
“If I can do it, so can you.”
“You don’t need another self-help book—you need to come home to yourself.”

Mentioned in the Episode:

• Jonathan’s book: Being Human and Waking Up
• His column: Simply Awake
• Recommended read: The Body Keeps the Score by Bessel van der Kolk

Learn more about Jonathan & his work:
🌐 simplyawake.com

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