Layman Pascal is an author, speaker, and body-mind-soul at large in the Integral and Metamodern scenes.  In this episode we dive into Layman's 'integration surplus' model of spiritual practice. This model offers an integrative lens through which to view all transformative practices. Through my work at the Monastic Academy I developed a startlingly similar 'harmonization model' of spiritual practice, which forms the conceptual basis of the curriculum for the Willow Intensive. You can learn more about that in this companion episode with John Vervaeke. In this conversation with Layman we explore some of the deeper ramifications and affordances of this way of looking at transformative practice.  If you'd like to explore this way of approaching practice more deeply we are offering two online courses: October 19 - November 9 at 11:30 a.m. ET: Intro to Harmonization: A New Ecology of Practices Register: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/intro-to-harmonization-a-new-ecology-of-practices-tickets-182786668847 October 22 - November 12 at 6:00 p.m. ET: Jade Method Meditation Course Register: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/jade-method-meditation-course-tickets-182814672607 -------------------------- In this conversation Layman and I speak about: - How the harmony model arose out of Layman’s spiritual & philosophical practice - That all spiritual practices can be framed in terms of harmonization, and why that is so significant - Why it’s important that this model is ‘ontologically agnostic’ - The common confusion between harmony and unison - The role of meeting conflict in order to reveal a deeper harmony - The four fundamental proto-skills to help us harmonize any system - How super abundant harmony can help us identify what is valuable and good in any context - The value and limitation of awakening, and why it can sometimes lead to unskillful behavior

Layman Pascal, a collaborator focused on metamodern politics, shares his insights on the tumultuous political landscape following the recent election. He discusses how to approach the complexities of differing political views without blame and emphasizes valuing nonrational collective intelligence. Pascal critiques the Democratic Left and questions the traditional notions of revolution. The conversation delves into the emotional fallout of election results and the importance of diversifying media consumption to foster a more open discourse.

Integrative thinker Layman Pascal explores God from a metamodern lens, discussing surplus cohesion, 2nd person relations, and communicating across memetic structures. They dive into God as dynamic becoming, problematizing the 'Creator' image, and the metamodern sort of God. The conversation touches on the divine other, pluralistic mysticism, and the concept of God as love.

Layman Pascal, an author with a keen interest in G.I. Gurdjieff and modern spirituality, shares insights from his new book. He discusses the relevance of Gurdjieff’s teachings in today’s metamodern context, exploring themes like sincere irony and the integration of pluralities. Pascal unpacks Gurdjieff as a trickster figure, blending humor and depth in spiritual growth. He emphasizes the importance of myth in spirituality while advocating for a humanized approach to personal growth, merging ancient traditions with contemporary practices.

The podcast delves into Nietzsche's philosophy and its relation to integral and metamodern frameworks. It explores the nuances and contradictions in Nietzsche's work, power dynamics, revaluation of values, and the path to spiritual development through revelry and virtue.