Almost Awakened

today we talk with TikTok sensation Matt Hershberger, whose interests lie in Nihilism, Anti-Natalism, and the Dark Arts. resources:https://betterstrangers.substack.com/https://www.tiktok.com/@betterstrangersbooks

Explore the transformative ideas that could lead to a healthier human society. Discussions range from new ethical commandments focused on respect and community to the complexities of gun laws and their societal implications. The importance of personal space and innovative healing practices, including psychedelics, are emphasized. Delve into the impact of AI on moral evolution, and consider how community and conversation can foster personal growth outside traditional religious boundaries. Engaging insights aim to inspire a kinder world.

We sit down with Jonathon Streeter, founder of the Blog and Youtube Channel “Thoughts On Things And Stuff” to discuss the manipulative tactics of High Demand Religions and how to spot them immediately. RESOURCES:https://thoughtsonthingsandstuff.com/https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVTCFh3uDMH0GZlwl1JOoHQhttps://www.facebook.com/ThoughtsOnThingsAndStuff/

In This Week’s episode of the Almost Awakened Podcast, Hartley and Reel peek behind the curtain of Zen Buddhism to discuss the rampant sexual misconduct happening there. We are so used to hearing about sexual abuse with Catholicism or Mormonism or the Jehovah’s Witnesses but while sort of unexpected, Buddhist circles are also deeply affected by these atrocious acts. We sit down with TikTok’r @LifeAfterZen to discuss this sensitive issue and to learn how we can better be aware of and address the such problems. RESOURCES:https://www.shilohproject.blog/sexual-misconduct-and-buddhism-centering-survivors/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rzoMdW8GEVI&list=PLpxqAk60QqWrlqnlVVWr4IvLyv1GtBw5I&index=2https://www.religionandsexualabuseproject.org/https://tricycle.org/magazine/sexual-abuse-in-buddhism/https://www.thedailybeast.com/the-shocking-scandal-at-the-heart-of-american-zenhttps://tricycle.org/magazine/sex-sangha-again/https://www.lionsroar.com/openletteronabuse/

The discussion dives into Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs, spotlighting the often-overlooked concept of self-transcendence as a crucial sixth stage. Emotional reflections on true crime reveal the complexities of societal impacts, while a controversial incident involving the Dalai Lama raises questions about boundaries in spirituality. Personal journeys through faith reveal the struggle for identity amidst restrictive beliefs. Ultimately, the conversation challenges listeners to think about motivation, fulfillment, and the importance of community in personal growth.

Hartley and Reel sit down TikTok Sensation Jordan The Grey Witch, an Atheist Witch to discuss what it even means in 2023 to be a witch and how being a witch plays out. https://www.tiktok.com/@jordanthegreywitch

Today we sit down with Dr. Lisa Miller author of “The Awakened Brain” and “The Spiritual Child”. The discussion centers around spirituality and awakeness and what the science and research says about both. How can we humans be our best healthiest selves? How can we thrive while also progressing as a species to achieve our potential? Lisa Miller, Ph.D., is the New York Times bestselling author of The Spiritual Child and a professor in the clinical psychology program at Teachers College, Columbia University. She is the founder and director of the Spirituality Mind Body Institute, the first Ivy League graduate program in spirituality and psychology, and for over a decade has held joint appointments in the department of psychiatry at Columbia University medical school. Her innovative research has been published in more than one hundred empirical, peer-reviewed articles in leading journals, including Cerebral Cortex, The American Journal of Psychiatry, and the Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry. She lives in Connecticut with her husband and three children.a.i. chat gpt was used to arrive at the following answers Some potential solutions for world peace may include: Building strong international partnerships: Countries can work together to establish partnerships and collaborations aimed at achieving common goals, such as reducing poverty, addressing climate change, and promoting human rights. Promoting diplomacy and conflict resolution: Diplomacy can play a critical role in resolving conflicts and preventing violence. International organizations, such as the United Nations, can facilitate diplomatic negotiations and promote peaceful solutions to disputes. Encouraging tolerance and understanding: Education and awareness-raising programs can help promote tolerance and understanding between different cultures and religions, reducing the risk of conflict. Investing in economic development: Economic development can promote stability and reduce the risk of conflict by creating job opportunities, improving infrastructure, and reducing poverty. Strengthening human rights protections: Protecting human rights can help prevent conflict by reducing inequality, promoting social justice, and ensuring that individuals are treated with dignity and respect. Ultimately, achieving world peace requires a sustained and coordinated effort from individuals, communities, and governments around the world. It is important to recognize that there is no easy solution or quick fix, but rather a long-term commitment to promoting peace and cooperation. Global climate change is a complex and urgent issue that requires a comprehensive approach at all levels of society. Here are some steps that can be taken to address and solve global climate change: Reduce greenhouse gas emissions: This can be achieved by transitioning to renewable energy sources, increasing energy efficiency, and reducing the use of fossil fuels. Implement carbon pricing: Implementing a carbon pricing system can help incentivize companies and individuals to reduce their carbon emissions. Increase investment in research and development: Developing new technologies and innovations, such as carbon capture and storage, can help reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Encourage sustainable agriculture and land use practices: Promoting sustainable agriculture practices and reducing deforestation can help mitigate the impact of climate change. Educate and raise awareness: Educating people about the causes and impacts of climate change can help build support for climate action and encourage individuals to take action in their own lives. Encourage international cooperation: Climate change is a global problem that requires a coordinated effort by all countries. Encouraging international cooperation and agreements, such as the Paris Agreement, can help ensure that all countries are working together towards a common goal. Addressing and solving global climate change will require significant effort and action from individuals, businesses, and governments around the world.

Hartley and Reel take on a conversation around the book “The Four Agreements” by Miguel Ruiz. Reel has read the book 4 times but Hartley is tackling the content for the very first time. This will be the backdrop of this incredible conversation. “The Four Agreements” is a self-help book written by Don Miguel Ruiz. It offers a code of conduct based on ancient Toltec wisdom that can help transform one’s life by breaking free from self-limiting beliefs and behaviors.The book’s insights can be summarized in the following four agreements:Be impeccable with your word – Speak with integrity, say only what you mean, and avoid using your word to speak against yourself or others.Don’t take anything personally – What others say or do is a projection of their own reality and has nothing to do with you. Don’t take things personally or make assumptions about others’ motives.Don’t make assumptions – Avoid misunderstandings by asking questions and clarifying things. Don’t make assumptions about others’ thoughts, feelings, or intentions.Always do your best – Give your best effort in everything you do, regardless of the circumstances. Focus on the process, not the outcome.These agreements can help you improve your relationships with others, free yourself from limiting beliefs and self-judgment, and live a more authentic and fulfilling life. One of the deepest insights of the book is the idea that much of our suffering comes from our own thoughts and beliefs, which can be changed through conscious awareness and a commitment to personal growth. The book encourages readers to take responsibility for their own happiness and to create their own reality through their thoughts and actions.

Brian McLaren has proposed 10 reasons to stay inside Religion and 10 reasons to leave Religion. Hartley and Reel dive into this list and share their thoughts and contemplate how much weight these reasons might have and what these reasons bring up within them.

Britt runs solo this week exploring a course for Teens she has created. The conversation will delve into what that course looks like and who it is designed for and will share several facets of Gen Z Spirituality.