

Essentia Readings
Nadia Hassan
Hosted by Lebanese artist Nadia Hassan, Essentia Readings podcasts high-quality but accessible essays on philosophy of mind, metaphysics, cosmology, psychology, mythology, foundations of physics and much more. This podcast is produced by Essentia Foundation (www.essentiafoundation.org).
Episodes
Mentioned books

Apr 23, 2023 • 38min
How Idealism saved Leo Tolstoy’s life
Today’s article sheds light on the personal journey of one of the world’s most renowned authors, and the impact of idealism on his development and growth. It shows us what joins humanity together in its suffering, but also what joins it in the potential for collective healing. The power is within all of us, quietly showing us the way.

Mar 19, 2023 • 43min
The march towards Eastern idealism
Today’s article dives into the Western world’s history with consciousness and its still evolving relationship with this subject. It goes on to chart a seeming progression within this region towards Eastern idealist thought, while drawing what the author sees as key similarities and differences in these far-flung disciplines.

Jan 8, 2023 • 24min
How can you be me? The answer is time
Today’s article explains, in a very elegant manner, how universal consciousness can indeed present as individual alters, simultaneously. With the help of a few real life examples, a powerful metaphor takes shape, allowing us to visualize how dissociation fundamentally occurs, and how the interplay of our individual perspectives is basically self-talk, from across timelines.

Nov 13, 2022 • 24min
Whirlpools in Universal Consciousness
Explore the power of metaphors in conveying profound truths. Discover the whirlpool metaphor that illustrates the balance between universal consciousness and individual identity. Delve into classic Indian images like the rope-snake and gold-ornament, showcasing non-duality. Hear how metaphors promote interconnectedness while contrasting idealism with materialism. Learn the characteristics of effective metaphors and enjoy cross-cultural examples from Sufi traditions. This journey highlights the elegance and depth that metaphors bring to understanding our reality.

Oct 2, 2022 • 31min
The Copernican Revolution of the human mind
A call for a revolution in understanding the human mind takes center stage. Drawing parallels with Copernicus, the conversation critiques how our perspectives distort self-awareness. Discover how emotions operate beneath consciousness, pushing the boundaries of traditional reasoning. The discussion reveals the limitations of scientific methods for introspection and emphasizes the power of firsthand experience. Anticipate an exciting shift where intellect humbly aligns with our larger selves, paving the way for a new paradigm in self-conception and understanding.

Aug 28, 2022 • 30min
There is no personal self
Challenging conventional beliefs about the self and consciousness, the podcast delves into the interconnected nature of mental factors and the concept of consciousness as a shared experience. It explores how experience shapes our existence, discussing nirvana and the synthesis of self and world from Buddhist and Idealist perspectives. Additionally, it examines how philosophy and religion contribute to harmonizing human experiences within a community, and delves into the role of meditation in understanding personal identity.

Jul 24, 2022 • 36min
Dissociation and complexity: A psychiatrist’s perspective
Dive into a fascinating exploration of dissociation and its everyday implications. The discussion reveals how common dissociation is, extending beyond disorders like DID to a spectrum of experiences. From understanding the mind as a complex, non-linear system to exploring the nuances of partial dissociation and its links to creativity, the conversation highlights how modern life and education can stifle our vital energies. Personal anecdotes and metaphoric language provide rich insights into the adaptability of the mind and the importance of studying these intricate processes.

11 snips
Jun 19, 2022 • 42min
Contact with universal consciousness
Exploring limitations of human perception through hypnosis and emotional states, cosmic origins of human consciousness, and the shift from scientific competition to humanitarian collaboration. Delving into Maya as a grand illusion, parallels between Solaris and Jung's shadow self, and contact with universal consciousness.

May 12, 2022 • 27min
Is the human brain a model of the universe?
Explore the captivating parallels between the structure of the human brain and the cosmos. Discover how insights from neuroscience could illuminate cosmic mysteries and vice versa. Dive into the interconnectedness of existence, where ancient wisdom meets modern science. Consider the profound relationship between consciousness and the universe, raising thought-provoking questions about self-awareness and its role in understanding the grand tapestry of life and reality.

Apr 10, 2022 • 36min
The Three Minds: A framework beyond biopsychosocial medicine
The article I’ll be reading today shines an important light on the field of medicine, allopathic medicine in particular, and questions the largely biomedical approach underpinning mainstream practice. It argues for a more connected and balanced view, one in which the role of mind is paramount in understanding illness, and the process of healing.


