

The Spiritual Forum
The Spiritual Forum
Welcome to The Spiritual Forum, a space curated by Rev Carol Saunders for extraordinary conversations that explore the realms of spiritual living. Join us weekly for heart-to-heart dialogues with captivating individuals, delving into themes like love, faith, awakening, forgiveness, healing, spiritual practices, and divine encounters. These transformative narratives aim to inspire, fostering a deep connection to the profound experiences that shape our lives. Rev Carol’s guests include authors, filmmakers, experts, and everyday individuals who authentically share their journeys toward wholeness. These discussions transcend the ordinary, offering insights into navigating the complexities of our current world with authenticity and grace.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Aug 22, 2022 • 49min
Episode 172 - Child Sex Slavery Survivor Anneke Lucas and Her Quest for Love
Anneke Lucas is an author, speaker, advocate for human trafficking victims and creator of the Unconditional Model. Her work is based on her decades-long healing journey, after surviving being sold by her family as a child sex slave into a murderous pedophile network in Belgium. In this episode we learn about Anneke’s journey through mind control, abuse, a near death experience and healing. We discuss the psychology of the pedophile perpetrator and why it is so hard for people to contemplate this widespread, but hidden reality. Anneke’s message is one of hope and healing as she also shares her experience of extreme Divine aid, influx of Christ consciousness, and awareness of Light in the depth of her darkness. Extremely intuitive as a child, she was able to see beyond the masks of her perpetrators to their own suffering -- a spiritual understanding that is incredibly inspiring. Anneke has shared her life experience in a TedxTalk and four-part YouTube interview series, and she recently published a book titled, Quest for Love: Memoir of a Child Sex Slave (see excerpts below).
US link to book: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0B4FV3982
International links to book: https://annekelucas.com/book
Website: www.annekelucas.com
TEDx talk: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tLp5LM18wIU
Four part Interview Collective Evolution: https://explorerlounge.one/programs/elite-pedophilia-sex-rituals-anneke-lucas
NOTE: In our conversation we mention John Paul Rice. I had a deep conversation with him in Episode 159 on Forgiveness, Reconciliation and the Inner Child.
We also talk about the Dutroux case in Belgium where 30 scheduled witnesses mysteriously died. Here are some links about that:
https://pedogate.world/cases/dutroux-affair/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S6eBpZAhf3w

Aug 15, 2022 • 1h 3min
Episode 171 - Exploring the Common Core of the World’s Religions
Gary Beckwith is a solar system engineer, certified hypnotherapist and writer. Out of personal interest, he studied comparative religion, focusing his research on similarities. Searching for a simple book that outlined the common teachings shared by the world’s major religions and unable to find one, he decided to write The Message That Comes from Everywhere: Exploring the Common Core of the World’s Religions and Modern Science. The book is a useful tool to learn about spirituality and promote peace from an inclusive perspective. In this episode we discuss the commonality among the world’s major religions and how we can benefit from their cross fertilization. We also discuss the application of the scientific method to theological questions, the myth of God in the sky, the significance of the Dead Sea Scrolls and more.
To order the book from The Harmony Institute (discount price for Spiritual Forum listeners):
http://theharmonyinstitute.org (you'll see a big button on the home page that links to the special for podcast listeners)
To order from Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0970112564
Spirituality Discussion Group on Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/groups/spiritualitydiscussion/
The Harmony Institute Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/harmonyinstitutevt
Contact Gary personally: gary.beckwith@theharmonyinstitute.org
If you love this podcast please rate and review! https://ratethispodcast.com/thespiritualforum

Aug 8, 2022 • 1h 12min
Episode 170 - The Choice Between Two Paths: Nature or Transhumanism
Born into a family of seekers and artists at a commune in Baltimore, Maryland, Maré Hieronimus spent her childhood surrounded by mystical teachings, a reverence for the earth, and a love of dance. An artist and dancer by training, Mare has kept traditional aspirations at arm’s length, instead listening to the call of her soul to live a creative life. At this pivotal time of transition, Maré believes we are being asked to choose between two paths – nature/divine and transhumanism/anti-divine. In this episode we discuss these two paths as well as the natural technology of the body, cultural structures around motherhood, how to connect to the wisdom body, our crisis in imagination, the importance of learning family stories, the need to retain our individual, sovereign nature, and more.
Maré is the author of three books: Path of Remembrance - Vision for a New Earth, Systems of Indoctrination and The Wild Rose of the Soul, and Majesty of the Wild - Writings on Freedom.
Website: https://thesacredbody.earth/
Ceremonies: https://thesacredbody.earth/womens-ritual-and-ceremony
Embodied movement and healing sessions: https://thesacredbody.earth/embodied-movement-and-healing

Jul 29, 2022 • 1h 15min
Episode 169 - From Fugitive to Devotee: The Spiritual Path of Gregory David Roberts
“Sometimes the universe/God taps you on the shoulder ands says you know what? You might want to change the direction you are in. And then you get a shove from behind, and if you ignore that, sooner or later you get a big whack with a 2x4.” – Gregory David Roberts, TSF Episode 169
Former heroin addict/bank robber/fugitive turned best-selling author/musician/devotee, Gregory David Roberts has quite a story to tell. He is most known for his critically acclaimed best-selling novel Shantaram, which sold over 7 million copies and was hailed “a masterpiece” by critics. It has been translated into 44 languages and is sold in over 116 countries. Roberts recently authored the book, The Spiritual Path, a personal journey of wonder and insight into science, belief, faith and devotion, which catalogues his experience over six years in spiritual practice blowing the conch shell (an Indian practice) in devotion to the Divine. In this episode, we talk about what gives life meaning, the power of intention, humbling the self, the unconditional nature of Faith, offering ourselves to the Divine, and more. He also has a bright message for anyone who is currently suffering from addiction. There is a lot of wisdom in this remarkable man, who turned his life around after his first year in solitary confinement in an Australian prison.
website: https://gregorydavidroberts.com
Instagram: gdr_shantaram
You like this podcast? Let us know at https://ratethispodcast.com/thespiritualforum

Jul 25, 2022 • 58min
Episode 168 - Bringing Light to Darkness/A Mystical Healing From Suicidal Thoughts
Anissa Amason’s awakening journey became the focus of her life in 2018 after a mystical experience silenced her incessant suicidal thoughts. She spent the last five years researching and exploring the nature of the presence that brought such peace and love into her awareness and experimenting with many tools and modalities to tap into that inner mystical reality. In addition to Anissa’s fascinating story of her struggle with suicidal thoughts and her ultimate healing, we also talk about surrendering, humbling ourselves, removing blocks, life purpose and being authentic in the workplace. Anissa is the founder of The Meditation Lounge™, a sacred space for women exploring and cultivating their own capacity for healing and gaining clarity and connection to their unique soul guidance. She’s a gifted intuitive channel, energy healer and a National Board Certified Health & Wellness Coach.
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/anissaamason/
Contact: anissa@themeditationlounge.org
Healing transmission meditation: subscribepage.io/uwzkAn
You like this podcast? Let us know at https://ratethispodcast.com/thespiritualforum

Jul 7, 2022 • 1h 4min
Episode 167 - Make Space for Magic/The Art of Receiving
Why doesn't the Law of Attraction always work? That's the million dollar question and in this episode, Patty Lennon helps us understand the answer. Patty is an ex-corporate banker turned intuitive coach. She cared for aging parents, worked through grief and racked up significant debt in the midst of starting a new business. A big shift that brought magic into her life happened once she started to “surrender” her heavy obligations and hold faith that the Divine truly had her back. Patty has been featured in Forbes, Fast Company, Daily Worth. She is the founder and CEO of The Receiving School and the author of the new book Make Space For Magic.
https://www.pattylennon.com/
https://patty-lennon.mykajabi.com/the-receiving-school
https://www.amazon.com/Make-Space-Magic-Abundance-Universe/dp/195480119X

Jun 26, 2022 • 1h 14min
Episode 166 - Unleashing Ferocity and Unconditional Freedom
Padma Menon is a dancer and philosopher. She is a pioneer in reviving the ancient practice of dance contemplation. Padma helps those seeking to reclaim their sacred selves by generously sharing her lifetime knowledge of sacred Indian dance, philosophy and ritual—so that they can experience unconditional freedom, taste their true essence and move in this world in a sacred way. In this episode we learn about spirituality as a moving, sensory experience that opens us to a consciousness beyond time and the illusion of separation. We learn how dance – not the choreographed type - allows us to express our inner ferocity, experience of an unknowable dimension, and connect to the essence of animal consciousness, all things that western theology has discouraged for centuries.
website: https://www.movingarchetypes.com.au/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/movingarchetypes (weekly practices)
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVrNn67qCzCW7Bq4HdFeBnA (weekly practices)
Reclaiming your Sacred Self program (available online internationally) https://www.movingarchetypes.com.au/individual-program

Jun 10, 2022 • 1h 6min
Episode 165 -Living in Divine Romance with God/Source/Spirit
Having studied Yang-style Tai Chi intensively during his years in the Boston area under Grandmaster Gin Soon Chu and his son, Master Vincent Chu, Levi Ben-Shmuel moved to Israel in 1991. During his ten years there, Levi began teaching Tai Chi, met his Kabbalah teacher, and co-created Sulam Chi. Sulam Chi means Ladder of Life Force Energy and is a graceful and powerful set of movements that integrates the energies of Tai Chi and Kabbalah’s mystical Tree of Life. He returned to the US in 2001 and is currently a teacher of Tai Chi, Kabbalah, and Ayurveda. Levi authored the book, Living Wisely, a collection of wisdom topics which guide the reader in exploration and self-inquiry.
https://thespiritualforum.org/podcast/livingindivineromance
website: https://www.levibenshmuel.com/
book: https://www.amazon.com/Living-Wisely-Levi-Ben-Shmuel/dp/1935604570
Sulam Chi online class: https://www.levibenshmuel.com/online-classes

May 30, 2022 • 1h 14min
Episode 164 - Spiritual Wisdom From India
Kashish Gambir is a spiritual guide who teaches karma, divine love, the path back to Source, the inner journey of the soul, and infinite peace of mind and bliss. As a guide/intuitive, she is able to transfer Divine Energy to people through meditation sessions and consultations, awakening aspects of the soul. She also leads peace meditations in Delhi, India as well as online. In this episode, Kashish tells the fascinating story of her search for God and meaning since childhood, and finding a spiritual teacher who helped her gain a quantum jump on her spiritual awakening. She and Rev. Carol have a lively conversation about all sorts of things including world religions, transcendent experiences, karma, and reducing suffering in the world.
https://karmicbuzz.com/

May 12, 2022 • 1h 2min
Episode 163 - Whole Body Prayer - Harnessing Qi to Heal Your Body Temple
Raised under harsh conditions during the Cultural Revolution in Maoist China, Yan Ming Li learned early on that he was born with a spiritual gift. Tucking himself away under his parents' bed in a tiny apartment, Li found solace in a mysterious and powerful force he called the Light. He learned to use this Light to heal people including his paralyzed mother, and has dedicated his life to teaching people the power they hold inside to heal themselves. The Whole Body Prayer is a meditation and healing technique which thousands have used to cure themselves of stage 4 cancer and other 'terminal' illnesses, while awakening to the spiritual energy of the Light/God. Li tells his fascinating story in a recently published memoir called, Whole Body Prayer - The Life Changing Power of Self-healing. He does not speak English so his conversation in this podcast is lovingly translated by his wife Sandra and son Alex.
If you would like to see the uncut video and Whole Body Prayer demonstration, you can watch it here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AzAv3iShhRc
website:https://mywholebodyprayer.com/
book: https://www.amazon.com/Whole-Body-Prayer-Life-Changing-Self-Healing/dp/B09XVKZN3G
whole body prayer stance: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UcQISA-bisQ