Shaman Jo Bowlby joins the podcast to discuss embracing stillness and wisdom. They explore the roles of shamans, detoxing our minds from limiting beliefs, the power of mindfulness, finding clarity in a modern world, embracing our shadow selves, and seeing beauty in everyday moments.
The modern world forces us to move through life incredibly quickly, but embracing stillness can help us reconnect with our human essence.
Understanding and nurturing our inner world can reduce suffering and transform our lives.
Embracing our shadow selves and accepting imperfections can lead to living more authentically and developing empathy and compassion.
Deep dives
The Role of a Shaman: Exploring Wisdom
In this podcast, Fern Cotton interviews Joe Bolby, the first shaman ever featured on the show. Joe explains that shamans of old were the guides and healers of their tribes, offering wisdom and helping people understand the nature of life. Today, spirituality and wisdom are often overlooked in the modern world, where intellect and the pursuit of analytical knowledge take precedence. Joe encourages listeners to rediscover the value of stillness and imagination, which are often associated with laziness in today's fast-paced society. By embracing stillness, reconnecting with nature and practicing mindfulness, individuals can find meaning and purpose in life.
The Importance of Embracing the Inner World
Joe emphasizes the significance of understanding and nurturing our inner world. She highlights the connection between the mind and our experiences, insisting that the stories we tell ourselves about life are within our control. By exploring the landscape of our minds and letting go of limiting beliefs, we can reduce suffering and transform our lives. Joe explores the concept of 'beginner's mind,' inviting listeners to see the world with fresh eyes and open themselves up to the magic and beauty that surround them.
The Shadow Self: Embracing Darkness and Light
Joe encourages listeners to embrace their shadow selves, which encompass the parts of ourselves we may deem undesirable or keep hidden. By recognizing and befriending our shadows, we can live more authentically and develop empathy and compassion for others. Joe explains that the pursuit of perfection is flawed and emphasizes the importance of pursuing excellence and accepting the flaws and imperfections within ourselves and others.
The Illusion of Reality: Breaking Free from Distractions
Joe challenges the notion of reality as an objective concept and encourages listeners to question the illusory nature of their own realities. She explains that our perception of reality is influenced by our thoughts and beliefs, which can limit our experiences and happiness. By breaking free from distractions, practicing presence, and adopting a beginner's mind, individuals can reconnect with the present moment and experience life in its true essence.
Connecting with Spirituality and Nature
Joe speaks about spirituality as a means to reconnect with ourselves and the world around us. She believes that spirituality is not limited to religious or traditional practices, but is a way of understanding the inner world and the nature of life. By appreciating the interconnectedness of all things and finding stillness in nature, individuals can cultivate a sense of meaning, purpose, and connection. Joe encourages listeners to prioritize their inner selves and explore the profound wisdom found in ancient traditions.
We are not living at a natural pace. The modern world forces us to move through life incredibly quickly; Shaman Jo Bowlby helps people slow down and embrace stillness.
In this chat with Fearne, Jo explains why we should be pursuing wisdom rather than just intellect, why quieting our analytical mind can help us get back in touch with our human essence, and how to rid ourselves of self-limiting beliefs.
A Book For Life: 10 Steps to Spiritual Wisdom, a Clear Mind and Lasting Happiness is out now.