The Gary Zukav Podcast

Underneath Reactions


Listen Later

Every moment of emotional discomfort presents a powerful opportunity: the chance to respond consciously instead of reacting automatically. In this episode, Gary Zukav explores what lies beneath our reactions—those unconscious, habitual patterns that often mask deeper pain and fear. He invites listeners to consider how they’ve learned to avoid emotional pain throughout their lives and how that avoidance leads to compulsive behaviors like addiction, perfectionism, judgment, or withdrawal.


Rather than labeling reactions as right or wrong, Gary reframes them through the lens of cause and effect. Every reaction—rooted in fear—generates painful consequences that repeat until we choose differently. He introduces the idea that emotional awareness is the first step toward creating authentic power: the ability to pause, feel, and respond with intention rather than reenact the past. Through emotional literacy and conscious choice, we reclaim the power to create differently.


The solution? Learn to recognize your emotional experiences in the moment and choose a loving response rather than react from fear. This shift transforms unconscious behaviors into conscious creation, and leads to deeper connection, healing, and spiritual growth.


Please do not take anything that Gary or Linda share as true just because they say it. If it resonates with you, experiment with it in your life. If it doesn't, let it go.


What You’ll Discover in This Episode:

  • (00:15) — How shutting out pain creates unconscious, addictive, or compulsive behaviors
  • (01:40) — Why reactions repeat: the cycle of emotional pain and automatic reacting
  • (03:05) — The universal law of cause and effect (not right or wrong) behind every choice
  • (04:30) — The difference between reaction and response—and how awareness shifts everything
  • (06:20) — How manipulation shows up in power struggles and emotional expression
  • (08:15) — The courage to feel your pain fully and choose a new, loving response


    Embrace the Soul Step Challenge:

    Take a few moments today to reflect on your reactions. Can you identify a recent moment when you reacted automatically—perhaps with anger, withdrawal, or judgment? Pause and ask yourself: What was I trying to avoid feeling in that moment? Can I stay present with the discomfort without acting on it? Next time you feel triggered, challenge yourself to respond instead of react. Let love—not fear—guide your choice, and notice what changes in you.

    Are you ready to live Beyond the Five Senses? Learn how HERE.


    Let’s Connect:

    Gary Zukav | Website

    Gary Zukav | Instagram

    Gary Zukav | Facebook

    Gary Zukav | Books

    Gary Zukav | YouTube

    Gary Zukav | X (Twitter)

    ...more
    View all episodesView all episodes
    Download on the App Store

    The Gary Zukav PodcastBy Exploring The New Consciousness

    • 4.9
    • 4.9
    • 4.9
    • 4.9
    • 4.9

    4.9

    51 ratings


    More shows like The Gary Zukav Podcast

    View all
    Sounds True: Insights at the Edge by Tami Simon

    Sounds True: Insights at the Edge

    1,834 Listeners

    Oprah's Super Soul by Oprah

    Oprah's Super Soul

    31,910 Listeners

    Deepak Chopra’s Infinite Potential by Infinite Potential Media, LLC

    Deepak Chopra’s Infinite Potential

    2,430 Listeners

    Eckhart Tolle: Essential Teachings by Oprah and Eckhart Tolle

    Eckhart Tolle: Essential Teachings

    3,791 Listeners

    The Gathering Room Podcast by Martha Beck

    The Gathering Room Podcast

    659 Listeners

    21 Days of Abundance - Meditation Series by Deepak Chopra

    21 Days of Abundance - Meditation Series

    550 Listeners

    Next Level Soul Podcast with Alex Ferrari by Alex Ferrari

    Next Level Soul Podcast with Alex Ferrari

    851 Listeners

    Dear Gabby by Gabby Bernstein

    Dear Gabby

    6,066 Listeners

    AT HOME with Byron Katie • The Work of Byron Katie® Podcast by Byron Katie International, Inc.

    AT HOME with Byron Katie • The Work of Byron Katie® Podcast

    871 Listeners

    Michael Singer Podcast by Michael Singer

    Michael Singer Podcast

    1,367 Listeners

    Know Thyself by André Duqum

    Know Thyself

    574 Listeners

    Take Back Your Mind by Michael B. Beckwith

    Take Back Your Mind

    730 Listeners

    Why Isn't Everyone Doing This? with Emily Fletcher by Emily Fletcher

    Why Isn't Everyone Doing This? with Emily Fletcher

    471 Listeners

    The Art of Awakening by Dr. Sue Morter

    The Art of Awakening

    64 Listeners

    The Oprah Podcast by Harpo

    The Oprah Podcast

    1,412 Listeners