Living Myth

Change is often resisted, even when desired. The podcast explores the psychological and mythological reasons behind this resistance. Unconscious forces can create an internal struggle, where intentions clash with hidden oppositions. Understanding one's 'fatal flaw' can illuminate personal growth obstacles. The journey of the soul emphasizes discovering unique essence while overcoming forgetfulness of one's true potential. Resistance to change can ultimately lead to meaningful spiritual development, turning struggles into opportunities for transformation.

Ancient myths reveal how humanity confronts turmoil and existential fears. One tale illustrates the journey from despair to inner buoyancy by letting go of what no longer serves us. A dialogue contrasts theoretical knowledge with practical wisdom, emphasizing real experience as a compass in life's storms. The importance of surrendering to uncertainty is showcased, guiding each individual to profound self-discovery. Amid darkness, the divine presence can shine through, reminding us that small creative actions can foster healing and connection.

On this episode of Living Myth the deep-seated feeling of empathy is viewed in several contexts: as it appears in a traditional story, as it occurs in personal experience, how it is currently being attacked as “toxic and sinful” and how as "suicidal empathy” it is being called “the existential threat to Western civilization.” The idea that truly caring about other people could end civilization is a new extreme in this era of extreme beliefs and what appears to be an endless onslaught of unprecedented ideas and events. As people become increasingly uncertain about the future of the world, they also become more easily divided against each other. Uncertainty can not only cause financial markets to plunge, it can also cause people to become more extreme and absolutist about religious beliefs, secular ideologies, and personal opinions. As collective feelings of fear and uncertainty grow they can be used by self-negating ideologies, not just to claim that we are truly separate from each other, but also to insist that some of us are essentially better than others, and therefore count for more even in God's eyes. In times of cultural upheaval, even empathy and compassion can be weaponized in order to turn those who simply seem “other” than us into those who are enemies to us. Meanwhile, the hidden message of suffering and tragedy in this world involves the sense that we can empathically feel and thereby know the pain that others suffer, precisely because it reflects our own suffering and losses. Just as charity and understanding begin at home, empathy involves being compassionate towards ourselves. It is our mutual fate to be alive at a time in which we are in a struggle between suffering ever greater and more tragic divisions in life, or else awakening to the ways in which we are all interconnected. Rather than something toxic or suicidal, genuine empathy can be an indication of authenticity and psychological understanding. It can also be a source of hope and a deep resource which can help reveal the inner aim of our lives as well as more mutually inclusive and more wisely sustainable ways to live together.   Thank you for listening to and supporting Living Myth. You can hear Michael Meade live by joining him for two upcoming events: his free online event “Surviving Uncertainty by Growing Your Soul” on Thursday, May 22 and his new online workshop “Paths of Awakening” on Saturday, June 14.   Register and learn more: mosaicvoices.org/events    You can further support this podcast by becoming a member of Living Myth Premium. Members receive bonus episodes each month, access to the full archives of over 675 episodes and a 30% discount on all events, courses and book and audio titles.   Learn more and join this community of listeners at patreon.com/livingmyth.   If you enjoy this podcast, we appreciate you leaving a review wherever you listen and sharing it with your friends. On behalf of Michael Meade and the whole Mosaic staff, we wish you well and thank you for your support of our work.

What is the soul? It's described as the essential connecting force of life, bridging the physical and spiritual realms. Each soul is on a unique adventure, facing challenges that awaken inner creativity and nobility. We explore our original soul agreements and how societal influences shape our journeys. Discover the importance of reconnecting with our inner guide for true happiness and personal transformation. Through life's crises, we learn about spiritual awakening and the bonds that connect us to eternity.

Dive into the ancient tale of Pandora's Box and uncover its true origins, focusing on the impulsive nature of Epimetheus. Explore how this myth reflects today’s societal anxieties and the folly of so-called strong leaders. The contrast between blind ambition and foresight highlights the chaos unleashed by human actions. Discover how authentic hope can emerge from confronting despair and embracing creativity. Finally, recognize your unique purpose in healing the world and supporting collective renewal.

Explore how our personal stories intertwine with the world's great drama, revealing deeper connections to nature and myth. Discover how fear can catalyze awakening but can also isolate us. Unearth archetypal themes of creation and renewal through ancient myths, emphasizing the divine feminine's role in fostering unity. Navigate the dynamics of duality, recognizing how chaos can inspire creativity. Finally, reconnect with your inner essence and the cosmos, as collective transformation unfolds amidst personal journeys.

Explore the vital role of elders in guiding wisdom and leadership, emphasizing their significance as cultural and spiritual guides. Discover how traditional societies revered elders for their deep insights, contrasting it with today's often undervalued authority. Delve into the concept of the 'inner elder,' highlighting the difference between mere knowledge and profound, heart-based wisdom. Listeners are encouraged to awaken their inner elder to navigate life's challenges with greater perspective and maturity.

A teacher sparks controversy by standing firm on inclusive classroom posters, championing her students' rights amidst societal pressures. The discussion dives into the conflict between institutional policies and educators' beliefs in fostering a nurturing environment. It highlights the essence of true education, advocating for creativity and individuality over conformity. Additionally, hear a touching story of a grandmother sharing magical crystals with children, emphasizing connection, kindness, and the pursuit of authentic values in our busy lives.

The discussion kicks off with the historical evolution of propaganda, tracing its origins and transformation into a tool for manipulating public opinion. It highlights the challenges of navigating truth amidst misinformation in our polarized world. Emotional and psychological effects of rapid-fire propaganda are explored, revealing its goal of sowing division. The conversation also emphasizes reconnecting with our inner nobility and wisdom to counter negativity, suggesting that these timeless truths can withstand the noise of modern narratives.

In a world swirling with chaos, the discussion highlights the importance of self-awareness and inner guidance as essential tools for resilience. Delving into the relationship between radicalization and identity, insights from Rumi illustrate personal growth amid despair. The exploration of a deep self reveals a universal connection that aids in understanding during turbulent times. The podcast also addresses the struggle between ego and essence, advocating for shedding the ego to embrace transformation and inner wisdom for meaningful growth.