Ultraculture With Jason Louv

Ep. 172: Meeting the Shadow on the Spiritual Path With Connie Zweig, Ph.D.

Aug 21, 2023

Dr. Connie Zweig, author of 'Meeting the Shadow on the Spiritual Path,' discusses the interplay between spiritual longing and the shadow self, exploring the journey of spiritual awakening, challenges of betrayal, reclaiming spiritual authority, recovering from spiritual abuse, and the lives of renowned spiritual teachers. She also shares cautionary tales of contemporary spiritual leaders, emphasizing that meeting the shadow is an inevitable stage on the path to spiritual maturity.

01:12:34

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Episode guests

Connie Zweig

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Episode notes

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Quick takeaways

Healing from religious abuse involves reclaiming projected qualities, engaging in critical thinking, and seeking support from therapy or group work.

Examining and reevaluating one's concept of the divine can aid in spiritual recovery.

Recognizing patterns of abuse and cult dynamics can help individuals avoid harmful situations and promote healthier spiritual engagement.

Deep dives

Reclaiming Lost Parts and Critical Thinking

In order to heal from religious abuse or spiritual disillusionment, individuals can work on reclaiming the parts of themselves that they have projected onto spiritual leaders, such as light, compassion, and knowing. This involves allowing authentic feelings and bodily sensations to arise, as well as questioning beliefs and engaging in critical thinking. Support from therapy or group work can be helpful during this process.

Introduction

5min

Exploring the Shadow and Leaving Transcendental Meditation

12min

Exploring the Defense of Denial Within Spiritual Communities

2min

Uncovering Manipulative Behaviors of Spiritual Teachers

20min

Healing from Religious Abuse and Spiritual Disillusionment

15min

Exploring Spiritual Abuse and Power Dynamics

9min

Exploring Cult-like Behaviors and Normative Culture

10min

Finding More Information and Farewell

2min

Connie Zweig, Ph.D., author of "Meeting the Shadow on the Spiritual Path: The Dance of Darkness and Light in Our Search for Awakening," joins us in an enlightening conversation that delves into the complex interplay between spiritual longing and the shadow self. This episode explores the journey of spiritual awakening, the challenges of betrayal and disillusionment, and the path to rekindling spiritual inspiration.

In this intimate discussion, Dr. Zweig explains why we are drawn to charismatic leaders and what we unconsciously give away to them. She sheds light on how to reclaim our inner spiritual authority and how to recover from spiritual abuse. Through the practice of psychology and shadow-work, she guides us in breaking free from denial, projection, and dependency.

We explore the lives of renowned spiritual teachers such as Sufi poet Rumi, Hindu master Ramakrishna, and Christian saint Catherine of Siena, whose spiritual journeys were marked by both ecstatic experiences and painful encounters with their shadows. Dr. Zweig also shares cautionary tales of contemporary spiritual leaders who acted out their shadows in destructive ways, leaving their followers traumatized and lost.

Dr. Zweig emphasizes that meeting the shadow is an inevitable and painful stage on the path to spiritual maturity. Join us as we explore the dance of darkness and light in our search for awakening, and discover how to rekindle the flame of longing and engage in fulfilling spiritual practice once again. Don't miss out on this profound conversation that offers guidance for both inspired and disillusioned seekers!

Show Links

Connie Zweig's Amazon Page

Meeting the Shadow on the Spiritual Path: The Dance of Darkness and Light in Our Search for Awakening, by Connie Zweig

Magick.Me: Unleash Your True Self at Our School for Magick, Meditation and Mysticism