Elevating Consciousness

Daljeet Peterson is an astrologer, Human Design analyst, and author exploring how ancient and modern systems of meaning can guide us through times of transformation. His work bridges astrology, Human Design, and the Gene Keys as complementary maps of consciousness—tools for aligning with one’s deeper purpose and participating more consciously in the collective evolution of our species. A former television editor turned cosmic cartographer, Daljeet brings a storyteller’s sensibility to the study of archetypes, weaving together myth, history, and contemporary culture. He’s the author of Collective Souls: Generations, Astrology, and the Future of America, which explores how generational astrology reveals the hidden cycles shaping our nation’s destiny—and the emerging potentials of a new Aquarian era. You can find his writings and upcoming offerings on his Substack called Mutable Fire.In this episode, we explore how astrology was discovered, its foundational principles, common misconceptions, and how to distinguish good astrology from bad astrology. We also touch on Human Design, & the Gene Keys, and how they tie into Astrology. Finally, Daljeet shares some of the main ideas from his new Book Collective Souls, advocating for intergenerational communication and understanding of time that is chronological and astrological.🔗[Links & resources] 🔗Daljeet’s siteSubscribe to Daljeet’s SubstackCollective Souls by Daljeet PetersonDaljeet’s Astrology 101: Blueprint of the Soul seriesCosmos & Psyche by Richard Tarnas🕰️[Time stamps] 🕰️0:00 - Introduction 4:38 - Daljeet’s journey into astrology8:22 - How astrology was discovered 16:27 - Is astrology a religion?21:55 - Common misconceptions of astrology 26:06 - How to distinguish good astrology from bad astrology 28:58 - The foundational principles of astrology39:52 - What is the mechanism behind planetary effects?45:00 - The limits of falsifiability, science, and left-brain ways of knowing 51:22 - Unpacking Human Design & Gene Keys 1:01:56 - Holding modalities with curiosity and humility 1:06:27 - Collective Souls: Generations, Astrology, and the Future of America1:13:00 - The unique gifts & challenges of the four generations (Baby boomers, Gen X, Millennials & Gen Z) 1:20:51 - Calls to action for the four generations*Subscribe to my YouTube channel to watch the video versions of the Elevating Consciousness Podcast *Subscribe to the Insighter Substack to get in-depth articles on the theory and practice of human transformation through a post-conventional lens

Natureza Gabriel is an ancestral neuroscience pioneer, the developer of Autonomics, and the founder of Hearth Science—an organization & community offering tools, trainings, and practices that help people cultivate nervous system fluency and deepen their experience of well-being.At the heart of his work is Autonomics: an animist cartography of living autonomic physiology. This framework has been shaped by over three decades of collaboration with more than one hundred mentors and advisors across 25 healing traditions and 24 cultures, many indigenous. It is considered one of the first accurate maps of the living Autonomic Nervous System in modernity. His Autonomics trainings have been sought out by the United Nations, a division of NATO, global social and ecological movements, and elite firms in executive coaching and leadership development.He is the author of many books, including Restorative Practices of Well-Being, Finding Home in Your Nervous System, Autonomic Triage, and The Neurobiology of Connection.In this episode, we speak about the origins of Gabriel’s autonomic model and how it diverged from Polyvagal Theory, the 13 autonomic states, what entails a healthy nervous system, the limits of HRV and the future of diagnostics, practices to rebalance the nervous system, the limitations of modernity, and pathways towards civilizational wellness.🔗[Links & resources] 🔗Gabriel’s personal site Gabriel’s autonomic trainingsGabriel’s clinicRestorative practices portalThe Neurobiology of Connection by Natureza GabrielGround: How Modernity Disconnected from the Earth, Why it Matters & How to Fix It by NaturezaFinding Home in Your Nervous System by Natureza GabrielAwakening Human Connection by Natureza Gabriel🕰️[Time stamps] 🕰️0:00 - Introduction 3:52 -  The origins of autonomics (bridging neuroscience and autonomic physiology) 7:53 - Stephen Porges, polyvagal theory and moving beyond a two-system autonomics 21:44 - The 13 Autonomic States 31:31 - Neuroception, Neurology & Neurochemistry 34:55 - What is a healthy autonomic nervous system?42:39 - The limits of HRV and the future of autonomic diagnostics 49:17 - The importance of restorative practices 52:00 - How to rebalance a hyper-activated nervous system 1:01:09 - How to rebalance a shut-down nervous system 1:05:47 - The importance of community in healing and processing grief 1:11:45 - The limitations of modernity 1:14:55 - Ground: How modernity disconnected us from the Earth 1:24:10 - The challenges of running a company in a culture of domination 1:33:52 - How do we bridge power & wisdom? (Becoming a mycelium network)1:45:10-  The disconnection that underlies the techno-optimist worldview1:48:33 - Pathways towards civilizational wellness*Subscribe to my YouTube channel to watch the video versions of the Elevating Consciousness Podcast *Subscribe to the Insighter Substack to get in-depth articles on the theory and practice of human transformation through a post-conventional lens

In this discussion, Pema Dragpa, an ordained Tibetan Buddhist Lama and author, dives into the intersection of traditional wisdom and modern life. He shares insights on balancing spirituality with financial responsibilities and critiques approaches like Ken Wilber's integral theory. Dragpa emphasizes Vajrayana Buddhism as a method for navigating turbulent times and discusses the importance of integrating Western psychology with Tibetan practices. He advocates for a community-focused approach to spiritual engagement in politics while preserving unique traditions.

Peter McEwen, an ordained Nyingma yogi and meditation coach, shares his rich background and insights into Tantra, Tummo, and deity yoga. He reflects on his transformative awakening experiences and the balance between personal, relational, and spiritual growth. Peter describes how Tantra thrives in everyday life, urging practitioners to engage with complexity while utilizing psychological tools for integration. He also emphasizes customizing meditation practices to individual development, and advises householders on blending awakening with daily challenges, making spirituality accessible.

David Rug, a metaphysician and civilizational theorist, shares his journey of turning childhood wounds from social fragmentation into solutions. He discusses Project Liminality, which reshapes communication to foster unity. David explores the interplay of ancient wisdom and modern technology, emphasizing the importance of authentic storytelling. He introduces the innovative 'InterBrain' system, which aims to bridge knowledge and collaboration, advocating for a collective shift towards transparency and communal healing.

Dr. John Churchill is a psychologist and dharma teacher, known for founding Planetary Dharma, which merges contemplative traditions with psychodynamic healing. He discusses the concept of the Fourth Turning, emphasizing a cultural synthesis in spirituality. John shares insights on balancing tradition with progressive approaches, critiques of past teachings, and the importance of self-image and imaginal practices. He also touches on the role of psychedelics in spiritual development and plans for creating a new contemplative culture through an academy.

Ali Tataryn is a counselor, somatic educator, and coach who guides clients through somatic-emotional release and helps them map their internal emotional landscapes for healing and self-development. She is the founder of Relational Dojo, a welcoming space where kind humans come together to co-create curious and courageous conversations. Ali is also the co-founder of Sacred Somatic Events, a sober somatic dance experience that warmly invites participants into full-spectrum self-expression.Her primary training is in Counseling, Expressive Arts, and Somatic Education. Ali has completed over 260 hours of Kundalini Yoga Teacher Training and is a trained as T3 Circling Facilitator through the Integral Center. She is also a meditation teacher certified under Upasaka Culadasa and Junpo Roshi, with extensive personal practice in the Namgyal-Kagyu tradition under teachers such as Lama Lodro, Lama Sidney, Lama Rodney Devinish, and her mother, Dr. Darlene Tataryn. Ali proudly collaborates with her father, clinical psychologist Dr. Douglas J. Tataryn, facilitating and coaching through his Bio-Emotive Framework.In this episode, we explore Ali’s journey growing up with parents deeply immersed in emotional and spiritual work, her path as an actress and how acting became a form of spiritual practice, navigating identity as an artist, the Bio-Emotive framework and the art of emotional processing, how relational, emotional, and spiritual work come together and so much more. 🔗[Links & resources] 🔗Ali’s personal siteThe Bio-Emotive FrameworkFollow Ali on SubstackFollow Douglas Tataryn on SubstackHow to Process Emotions with Douglas Tataryn on the Elevating Consciousness PodcastDiane Musho HamiltonLeonard CohenWhat is Circling by Artem Zen🕰️[Time stamps] 🕰️0:00 - Introduction 4:00 - Growing up with cycle breakers 7:06 - Good enough parenting and an imperfect life10:08 - Navigating the self vs other polarity 16:18 - How does a bodhisattva deal with a narcissist?22:00 - Reconnecting to the good, true, and the beautiful 24:50 - Acting as a spiritual practice vs acting as a career 37:45 - Becoming aware of suffering 40:27 - The thin line between awakening & Psychosis44:25 - Navigating identity as an Artist 57:02 - The Bio-Emotive Framework & the art of emotional processing 1:08:07 - Emotions are not logical but they are lawful 1:10:57 - Balancing intellectual with emotional and relational development 1:15:49 - Circling (relational work) vs emotional processing vs deconstruction 1:31:43 - What is between me and love/truth?*Subscribe to the Insighter Substack to get in-depth articles on the theory and practice of human transformation through a post-conventional lens*Add me on Facebook

Delson Armstrong is a maverick meditation teacher and author. At the age of 16, disillusioned with conventional life, he embarked on a pilgrimage to the Himalayas, where he spent 6 to 8 hours a day practicing various forms of meditation, studying sacred texts, and receiving guidance from masters across multiple lineages.Through this intensive training, Delson developed the rare ability to enter nirodha-samāpatti—a meditative state marked by the complete cessation of perception and feeling—for extended periods of time. These claims have been rigorously examined through neuroscience research, with findings published in a 2023 paper titled Cessation of Consciousness in Meditation.He is also the author of A Mind Without Craving and a five-volume series on dependent origination. Delson currently teaches the Optimal Mind System, a synthesis of diverse practices designed to align the body, mind, energy, heart, and consciousness to catalyze deep insight and transformation.Although deeply informed by traditional models of awakening, Delson takes a universal approach and does not adhere to any single doctrine or path. He believes that idealized systems rooted in specific cultural norms and structures must be reimagined and innovated to meet the needs of our modern world.In this episode, we explore Delson’s experience working with and integrating different traditions and spiritual practices, how coming across integral theory has helped him recontextualize the spiritual path, whether it’s possible to end suffering, the relationship between psychedelics & meditation, the pro’s and con’s of being open about spiritual attainments, creating healtheir dynamics with spiritual teachers and going beyond spiritual idealization. 🔗[Links & resources] 🔗Delson’s personal siteListen to Delson’s Dharma talks on his YouTube channelA Mind Without Craving by Delson ArmstrongDependent Origination series by Delson ArmstrongDelson Armstrong, Guru Viking interviewsTales from Nibbana with Dor Konforty & Delson ArmstrongEnding Guru Worship for True Liberation by Delson Armstrong📝[Show Notes] 📝0:00 - Introduction 2:43 - Artem’s experience following Delson’s journey 7:02 - Sutra, Tantra, and going beyond traditional teachings 13:29 - The impact of cultural context on spiritual practices22:28 - The fallacy of the superior path 27:50 - Letting go of idealistic views 33:31 - The Impact of Integral Theory (Integrating no self and true self) 37:12 - Is there an end to suffering?50:47 - Delson’s desire to master and integrate a wide variety of teachings56:42 - Rigpa vs Cessation 1:02:38 - The micro-phemenology of cessation 1:04:21 - The relationship between psychedelics, spirituality, and meditation 1:22:00 - The pros and cons of being open about spiritual attainments 1:29:11 - Creating healthier dynamics between spiritual teachers and students 1:37:44 - Final message*Subscribe to the Insighter Substack to get in-depth articles on the theory and practice of human transformation through a post-conventional lens*Add me on Facebook

Dor Konforty is a neuroscientist, entrepreneur, investor, and awakening teacher dedicated to distilling the first principles of the dharma and bringing them to every aspect of human life. He spent most of his twenties conducting interdisciplinary brain research in academic settings, and his thirties as an entrepreneur and CEO in the decentralization space—applying his neuroscience background to envision more collaborative, non-zero-sum human networks. In parallel, he has devoted thousands of hours to meditation practice as well as growth and relational modalities, training closely with pragmatic dharma teachers such as Culadasa, Daniel Ingram, and Delson Armstrong, and personal development coaches like Joe Hudson and Kim Barta. He is the founder of The Awakening Fund, a venture that invests in technologies aimed at making meditation unnecessary. Dor is also the author of The Heart Illuminated, a spiritual successor to Culadasa’s The Mind Illuminated. Drawing on over fifteen years of multidisciplinary experience, the book lays out a clear and systematic path towards awakening through a completely modern lens.In this episode, we explore Dor’s book The Heart Illuminated, his time studying with pragmatic dharma teachers—Culadasa, Daniel Ingram, Delson Armstrong, and Dan Brown—and dive into topics such as integrating emptiness with fullness, investing in awakening technologies that aim to make meditation unnecessary, aligning artificial intelligence with dharma, and navigating the complexities and controversies that can arise in relationships with spiritual teachers.🔗[Links & resources] 🔗Dor’s personal siteThe Heart Illuminated by Dor KonfortyDor’s investment venture, The Awakening FundFollow Dor on Twitter/XThe Mind Illuminated by CuladasaMastering the Core Teachings of the Buddha by Daniel IngramDelson ArmstrongDan Brown📝[Show Notes] 📝0:00 - Introduction 3:43 - Dor's journey into meditation 7:09 - The unique contribution of “The Mind Illuminated”10:04 - Working closely with Culadasa and inspiration for writing “The Heart Illuminated” 21:49 - The iterative writing process and gathering feedback from community 24:58 - Understanding the multiplicity of the mind (sub minds, parts, agents, modules, and coordinators)  31:32 - Integrating awakening (emptiness) with healing (fullness) 39:22 - Is awakening about creating a better life?47:00 - Meeting Daniel Ingram and doing a 23-day Fire Kasina retreat under his guidance 55:30 - The Power of dark retreats and sensory deprivation 57:40 - Friendship with Delson Armstrong1:01:20 - Sutra, Tantra, metasystemicity, and stages of development 1:12:16 - The contributions of Dan Brown and Dustin Diperna 1:16:43 - Investing in awakening technologies and making meditation unnecessary 1:26:02 - Aligning artificial intelligence with Dharma 1:36:18 - Navigating the Culadasa controversy *Subscribe to the Insighter Substack to get in-depth articles on the theory and practice of human transformation through a post-conventional lens*Add me on Facebook

Daniel Thorson, a former monastic and insightful coach, shares his journey from avoidance to deep intimacy. He discusses the importance of community in personal transformation and the dangers of hyper-rationality. The conversation delves into secure attachment, emphasizing emotional awareness and loving-kindness during challenges. Thorson also critiques modern Buddhism, advocating for inclusive practices and genuine connections, while introducing innovative meditation techniques to foster secure attachment. Their exploration encourages embracing difficult emotions as part of the growth process.