Sebene Selassie, an Ethiopian-born immigrant, discusses the mystery of human connectivity, finding one's place in the world, and the concept of suffering in Buddhism. They explore intuition, the sacred, and the interconnectedness of the energetic and material worlds. They also touch on Indigenous focusing oriented therapy for complex trauma, ancestral wisdom, and the connection between contemplative practice, creativity, and healing.
Trauma can be viewed as a catalyst for transformation and change, guiding us in finding our true purpose and interconnecting with ourselves, others, and nature.
Indigenous focusing-oriented therapy reconnects individuals with ancestral wisdom, offering a path to healing and resilience and empowering individuals to transform their inner world and affect positive change in the outer world.
Deep dives
The Gift of Trauma and Embracing Change
Trauma is not trouble, but a gift from our ancestors alerting us to needed change. Shifting our orientation towards trauma can be liberating. Inner work is essential for personal growth and societal change. In indigenous cultures, the great mystery is revered, and embracing it allows us to recognize the interconnection of all things. Ancestral wisdom is accessible to everyone through creativity, curiosity, and contemplative practices. Cultivating intuition can lead to deeper knowing and connection with the sacred. Trauma can be viewed as a catalyst for transformation and change. Embracing the mystery and the sacred can guide us in finding our true purpose and interconnecting with ourselves, others, and nature.
The Power of Indigenous Focusing-Oriented Therapy
Indigenous focusing-oriented therapy, rooted in indigenous cultures and combined with focusing, helps address generational, cultural, and racial trauma. It reconnects individuals with ancestral wisdom and offers a path to healing and resilience. Trauma is seen as an opportunity for personal growth and change. The therapy respects interconnection and the sacred, helping individuals tap into their intuition and embodied awareness. It creates space for curiosity, creativity, and inner work, empowering individuals to transform their inner world and affect positive change in the outer world.
The Role of Creativity and Contemplative Practice
Creativity and contemplative practices play a vital role in personal transformation and societal change. They help individuals tap into their intuition, embrace the mystery, and access ancestral wisdom. Contemplative practices such as meditation, yoga, journaling, and art foster embodied awareness and open channels for creativity and intuitive knowing. Cultivating curiosity and engaging in creative pursuits like dance, cooking, or spending time in nature enhance our connection to ourselves, others, and the world around us. Inner work fueled by creativity and contemplation holds the potential to bring about positive, transformative shifts in our lives and communities.
Embracing Inner Work for a Connected World
Embracing inner work is pivotal for personal and collective well-being and fostering a connected world. It entails recognizing the interconnectedness of all beings and honoring the mystery and sacredness of existence. Engaging in practices that cultivate intuition, curiosity, creativity, and embodied awareness empowers individuals to navigate trauma, tap into ancestral wisdom, and effect positive change. By integrating contemplative practices and creative pursuits into our lives, we develop a deeper understanding of ourselves, our communities, and our place in the world. Inner work done with a higher purpose and the intention to contribute to the well-being of all can ripple out and create a more compassionate, interconnected world.
Tara sits down with Sebene Selassie, an Ethiopian-born immigrant who has devoted decades of work to teaching and writing on the study of Buddhism, indigenous and mystical traditions. The two explore the mystery of human connectivity and realizing your true knowing, as well as finding your place in the world and embracing it.