Almost Awakened

Today we discuss Pride Week in our local community. We discuss the recent local controversy where significant push back in our community over the numerous Pride Flags being put up to bring awareness to the cause and celebrating the week. We then talk about Pride week itself including the the “Dragalicious” Drag Queen show we attended last night. This takes us to discussing Bill’s own Homophobia and Mekael’s effort to be a safer space for others who do humanity differently. We discuss Bill’s “Asian” Massage and his masturbation experiences and end committed to try harder to be a better human. RESOURCES: https://www.abc4.com/news/southern-utah/rainbow-banners-advertising-southern-utah-pride-week-become-politicized/ https://www.thespectrum.com/story/news/2019/09/20/lgbtq-rights-pride-flags-policy-change-st-george-utah-laws/2369774001/ https://fox13now.com/2019/09/18/st-george-city-leaders-receive-backlash-over-pride-banners/ https://www.thespectrum.com/story/news/2019/09/14/st-george-pride-week-kicking-off-flags-controversy/2316007001/ Roots of HomophobiaTen Ways Homophobia Affects ‘Straight PeopleUnderstanding Homophobia and HeterosexismHow the Mind Rationalizes HomophobiaThe science of homophobia and how to cure itLasting Effects of HomophobiaValuable Principles That Will Make You Treat People BetterRespect May Be Even More Crucial than Love Don’t for get to check out our sponsor RED ROCA COFFEE and type in the code AWAKE for a discount on your order. Our logo Concept was created by Kelsey JonesSubscribe on Itunes, Stitcher, and other third party apps. And be sure to leave us a positive review. You can donate to the podcast by Clicking Here

You know those times there is conflict between you and your lover. One of you behaved in a way that annoyed or hurt the other and one of you lashes out in telling the other to knock off their behavior. Before you know it one of you is is being ultra defensive and the other is on the attack trying to fix their partner. and 1 hour later one of you is on the couch and one or both of you are deeply hurt and even crying. Well today is the day we try to start a new pattern. Today we sit down with Family therapist Tim Birt and discuss healthy communication. We discuss the tool needed to have a healthy conversation. We discuss how to slow the conversation down and to focus on “I” statements and to share feelings without attacking behavior. We discuss consent and reasonable requests. When it is all done we only have scratched the surface. This practice, this work, requires you to take the ball from here and begin to take seriously your relationships and begin to do the hard work. Timothy Birt, has a MS in Counseling and Psychology from Troy University, is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC- AL & GA), a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT – AL & GA), a Nationally Certified Counselor (NCC), a Certified Clinical Mental Health Counselor (CCMHC), and an AAMFT Clinical Fellow. Tim provides individual counseling, couples and family therapy, and group counseling. He works with children, adolescents, adults, couples, and families in Columbus, GA or Auburn, AL. He also provides home-based counseling in Lee, Russell, and Chambers counties in AL and Troop and Muscogee counties in GA. RESOURCES:Tim’s Recommended ResourcesExpression / Understanding SkillsSkillfull / UnSkillfull Communication SkillsHere’s How Experts Define Healthy Communication In A RelationshipHow Can We Communicate Better?Effective CommunicationThe Key to Healthy CommunicationCommunication Skills for Healthy RelationshipsHow to Improve Your Relationships With Effective Communication Skills

Today we tackle our first interview with Author and runner Cory Reese. We talk about running and how it ties into life and being present. Please email us your questions and comments at AlmostAwakened AT Gmail DOT Com and visit us at AlmostAwakened.org Find us on Itunes, Stitcher, Google Podcasts, and other great third party Podcast apps. Also please check out our partner Red Roca Coffee, and if you place an order use the code AWAKE to get a 10% discount and and on orders of $30 or more you get free shipping!!! Mekael and Bill are the hosts of the Almost Awakened Podcast. They have spent a ton of time diving into human development, human behavior, having deconstructed unhealthy systems and communities and what they have learned from that. As they have built with others, a vibrant healthy community where authenticity and vulnerability matter, they want to share with you what they have learned, point you to good books, provide you with the tools and resources to help you awaken, and share with you their experiences in doing shadow work and recognizing ego and working to reduce unhealthiness in our lives. Our new logo was designed by Kelsey Jones!!! And We Love It!RESOURCES: The Untethered SoulThe Power of NowNowhere Near First: Ultramarathon Adventures from the Back of the PackInto the Furnace: How a 135 Mile Run Across Death Valley Set My Soul on FireCory ReeseFast Cory Blog

Today we talk about FEAR. Is Fear healthy? How do we cope with fear? What are some interesting things about fear such as does fear have a smell? Please email us your questions and comments at AlmostAwakened AT Gmail DOT Com and visit us at AlmostAwakened.orgFind us on Itunes, Stitcher, Google Podcasts, and other great third party Podcast apps. Also please check out our partner Red Roca Coffee, and if you place an order use the code AWAKE to get a 10% discount and and on orders of $30 or more you get free shipping!!! Mekael and Bill are the hosts of the Almost Awakened Podcast. They have spent a ton of time diving into human development, human behavior, having deconstructed unhealthy systems and communities and what they have learned from that. As they have built with others, a vibrant healthy community where authenticity and vulnerability matter, they want to share with you what they have learned, point you to good books, provide you with the tools and resources to help you awaken, and share with you their experiences in doing shadow work and recognizing ego and working to reduce unhealthiness in our lives. Our new logo was designed by Kelsey Jones!!! And We Love It!RESOURCES: Eight Facts You Didn’t Know About Fear10 Things You Never Knew About Being TerrifiedTop 10 Fascinating Facts About Fear3 Interesting Facts About FearWhat Happens In The Brain When We Feel Fear13 Of The Most Unusual PhobiasThe Psychology Behind Fear7 Things You Need to Know About Fear

Today we talk about Swearing and Cursing. Is Swearing a sign of an ignorant mind? Does it make someone sound ignorant? Is cursing good for you? Why are some words untouchable and become deeply taboo and way more than other swear words? What is your favorite Swear Word? Are humans the only species that swears?   Please email us your questions and comments at AlmostAwakened AT Gmail DOT Com and visit us at AlmostAwakened.orgFind us on Itunes, Stitcher, Google Podcasts, and other great third party Podcast apps. Also please check out our partner Red Roca Coffee, and if you place an order use the code AWAKE to get a 10% discount and and on orders of $30 or more you get free shipping!!! Mekael and Bill are the hosts of the Almost Awakened Podcast. They have spent a ton of time diving into human development, human behavior, having deconstructed unhealthy systems and communities and what they have learned from that. As they have built with others, a vibrant healthy community where authenticity and vulnerability matter, they want to share with you what they have learned, point you to good books, provide you with the tools and resources to help you awaken, and share with you their experiences in doing shadow work and recognizing ego and working to reduce unhealthiness in our lives. Our new logo was designed by Kelsey Jones!!! And We Love It!RESOURCES: Benefits of SwearingBenefits of Cursing Swearing is Good For YouPeople Who Swear May be HappierHealth Benefits of Swearing7 Best Reasons For wearingScience Behind SwearingSurprising Benefits of Swearingpsychological benefits of swearing

Today we talk about The Purpose of Life. Is there one Universal Purpose? Does being good matter? Is there First half of life purpose and second half of life purpose.   Please email us your questions and comments at AlmostAwakened AT Gmail DOT Com and visit us at AlmostAwakened.orgFind us on Itunes, Stitcher, Google Podcasts, and other great third party Podcast apps. Also please check out our partner Red Roca Coffee, and if you place an order use the code AWAKE to get a 10% discount and and on orders of $30 or more you get free shipping!!! Mekael and Bill are the hosts of the Almost Awakened Podcast. They have spent a ton of time diving into human development, human behavior, having deconstructed unhealthy systems and communities and what they have learned from that. As they have built with others, a vibrant healthy community where authenticity and vulnerability matter, they want to share with you what they have learned, point you to good books, provide you with the tools and resources to help you awaken, and share with you their experiences in doing shadow work and recognizing ego and working to reduce unhealthiness in our lives. Our new logo was designed by Kelsey Jones!!! And We Love It!RESOURCES: Book Hope For The FlowersWikipedia description of Hope For The FlowersFirst Half vs Second Half of LifeSecond Half of LifeHow Atheists Find Meaning and PurposeWhere do Atheists Get MeaningThe Absurdity of Meaning MakingHow to create meaning in life

Today we talk about Dying and Death. What do we believe about Death and Dying. Thoughts on coping with such.  What happens at death? How to support someone who has lost a loved one?  How to arrive at peace over your own future death?  Please email us your questions and comments at AlmostAwakened AT Gmail DOT Com and visit us at AlmostAwakened.orgFind us on Itunes, Stitcher, Google Podcasts, and other great third party Podcast apps. Also please check out our partner Red Roca Coffee, and if you place an order use the code AWAKE to get a 10% discount and and on orders of $30 or more you get free shipping!!!Mekael and Bill are the hosts of the Almost Awakened Podcast. They have spent a ton of time diving into human development, human behavior, having deconstructed unhealthy systems and communities and what they have learned from that. As they have built with others, a vibrant healthy community where authenticity and vulnerability matter, they want to share with you what they have learned, point you to good books, provide you with the tools and resources to help you awaken, and share with you their experiences in doing shadow work and recognizing ego and working to reduce unhealthiness in our lives. Our new logo was designed by Kelsey Jones!!! And We Love It! RESOURCES: How to Deal With DeathCoping With Death12 suggestions for Coping with DeathCoping with LossDealing with Death as you AgeStages of Grief Kubler RossStages of Grief Kubler Ross Model 2Elisabeth Kubler-Ross facing her own death has a change of mind on God and end of life care

Today we talk about Human Connection. What does human connection look like? What levels of intimacy is appropriate with various types of relationships? How do vulnerability and authenticity come into play? And what can we do to extend ourselves in healthy ways into deeper connection with both starbngers and people we love? Please email us your questions and comments at AlmostAwakened AT Gmail DOT Com and visit us at AlmostAwakened.org Find us on Itunes, Stitcher, Google Podcasts, and other great third party Podcast apps. Also please check out our partner Red Roca Coffee, and if you place an order use the code AWAKE to get a 10% discount and and on orders of $30 or more you get free shipping!!! Mekael and Bill are the hosts of the Almost Awakened Podcast. They have spent a ton of time diving into human development, human behavior, having deconstructed unhealthy systems and communities and what they have learned from that. As they have built with others, a vibrant healthy community where authenticity and vulnerability matter, they want to share with you what they have learned, point you to good books, provide you with the tools and resources to help you awaken, and share with you their experiences in doing shadow work and recognizing ego and working to reduce unhealthiness in our lives. Our new logo was designed by Kelsey Jones!!! And We Love It! RESOURCES: We are hard wired to connectWhen two souls collideThe Science behind human ConnectionImproving connection with OthersTypes of IntimacyNeed for Intimate TouchPlatonic Sensual TouchSexuality vs SensualitySensuality and Touch

Today we tackle the Top 5 Catalysts for Awakening. Those would be Meditation, Reading or deep profound learning, Travel, Psychedelic Substances, and Existential Crises. We also throw in a surprise 6th towards the end. We hope you enjoy. Please email us your questions and comments at AlmostAwakened AT Gmail DOT Com and visit us at AlmostAwakened.orgFind us on Itunes, Stitcher, Google Podcasts, and other great third party Podcast apps. Also please check out our partner Red Roca Coffee, and if you place an order use the code AWAKE to get a 10% discount and and on orders of $30 or more you get free shipping!!!Mekael and Bill are the hosts of the Almost Awakened Podcast. They have spent a ton of time diving into human development, human behavior, having deconstructed unhealthy systems and communities and what they have learned from that. As they have built with others, a vibrant healthy community where Authenticity and vulnerability matter, they want to share with you what they have learned, point you to good books, provide you with the tools and resources to help you awaken, and share with you their experiences in doing shadow work and recognizing ego and working to reduce unhealthiness in our lives. RESOURCES: Science Says That Travel Changes YouHow Travel Changes YouHow Traveling makes you a better personWays Traveling Scientifically Changes Your Personality For The BetterMeditation helps you awakenHow Meditation Taps The Subconscious MindMeditation as a toolMindful AwakeningThe Spirituality of Psychedelic substance UsersAwakening – The Relationship With Psychedelic Drug ExperiencesMagic Mushrooms change brain connectionspsychoactive drugs- the self is an illusionMagic Mushrooms lead to open mindednessMDMA as a treatment for PTSDBenefits of Reading ABenefits of Reading BSigns You’re Having An Existential AwakeningSpiritual Crisis to Spiritual AwakeningDark Night of the SoulWhat an Existential Crisis looks like

In Episode 3 we tackle vulnerability. What is vulnerability, when is the risk worth being vulnerable, what do safe space look like, how to lean into it, and so much more. We talk about vulnerability with your sacred stories, with your sexuality, and with who you are at your core. We hope you enjoy. Please email us your questions and comments at AlmostAwakened AT Gmail DOT Com and visit us at AlmostAwakened.org Find us on Itunes, Stitcher, Google Podcasts, and other great third party podcast apps. Mekael and Bill are the hosts of the Almost Awakened Podcast. They have spent a ton of time diving into human development, human behavior, having deconstructed unhealthy systems and communities and what they have learned from that. As they have built with others, a vibrant healthy community where Authenticity and vulnerability matter, they want to share with you what they have learned, point you to good books, provide you with the tools and resources to help you awaken, and share with you their experiences in doing shadow work and recognizing ego and working to reduce unhealthiness in our lives. RESOURCES:How To Embrace Vulnerability As Your Greatest StrengthYour Flaws Are Probably More Attractive Than You Think They AreHow Vulnerability Can Make Our Lives BetterThe Power of Vulnerability TED TALKOpening Song is Live in the Moment by: Portugual the ManClosing Song was Brave by: Sara Bareilles