In this deeply grounding episode of The Awareness Podcast, Jody Agard sits down with bestselling author and spiritual teacher Alan Cohen for a heartfelt conversation about identity, awakening, peace, and the freedom that comes from no longer trying to hold together a false sense of self.

Together, they explore what Alan calls The Crucial Identity Shift — the movement from living through conditioning, pressure, and self-image… into a more authentic, peaceful, and spacious way of being.

This conversation gently points beyond striving, self-improvement, and spiritual efforting — and toward the recognition that what we truly are has never been broken or separate from peace.

In this episode, Jody and Alan explore:

• How conditioning shapes the false sense of self
• Why so many people feel exhausted trying to “be someone”
• The connection between suffering and identity
• Living from truth while fully participating in ordinary life
• Awakening in the middle of work, parenting, relationships, and responsibility
• Why joy, gentleness, and lightness matter on the spiritual path
• The subtle trap of turning spirituality into self-improvement
• Letting go of striving and relaxing into what has always been here

Alan also shares insights from his upcoming two-part teaching series with the Center for Awakening, The Crucial Identity Shift, beginning June 8th.

Rather than trying to become someone new, this conversation invites you to remember what has always been true beneath the noise, pressure, and conditioning.

What if the struggle you’ve carried isn’t actually who you are? What if beneath the roles and expectations placed upon you… there remains something untouched, whole, and waiting to be remembered?
In his new two-part series, Alan Cohen guides a compassionate yet profound return back to the truth of who you’ve always been. Through practical insight and grounded spiritual guidance, you’ll explore how to live from that deeper identity in everyday life — navigating challenges with greater clarity, peace, and presence. As this deeper identity becomes more embodied, even ordinary moments begin to feel different. This series offers a practical path for bringing spiritual truth fully into daily living. 
👉🏼 Click here to learn more and reserve your spot.

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This podcast is brought to you by the Center for Awakening, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting the journey of awakening to our true nature — and the natural peace and happiness that is always present. Explore courses, events, and resources at: centerforawakening.org