The MindThatEgo Podcast

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sanyasa.sai.ra Website: www.SanyaManzoor.com   Sanya Manzoor is a Holistic Expansion Coach, a poet, a philosopher, a meditation teacher, an artist, and much more. Sanya’s creativity and endless wisdom is a huge inspiration. She’s my lover, my friend, and someone I’m incredibly fortunate to explore the journey of heartfulness with. After three years of discussing the possibility of recording a podcast, we finally did it, and it’s worth the wait.  The metaphor of music and sound extends throughout our talk, from learning the ability to harmonise your energy with others, listening to the whisper of the heart, or silencing the noise of cultural conditioning and media messaging. This is a vast conversation that explores the journey of becoming through all areas of consciousness — live music, suffering, overcoming fear, expanding with courage.  Sanya eloquently composes understanding around the symphony of being — the song of the heart — that inspires us to live truly and deeply, to play our unique instrument, to risk disrupting others, in order to live our truth. From teenage years spent listening to live music, to performing her own melodies and supporting others’ transformation with intuitive sound healing, this is a soundtrack for the soul, and a playlist for personal growth. It’s a vibrant, varied, and inspired conversation that mixes all genres and styles, from jazz to punk rock, offering a rich insight into what a dynamic, beautiful soul that Sanya is.

Ancient Greek philosopher Plato’s Theory of Forms captures the idea that, beyond the physical reality of the senses, there resides a non-physical World of Ideas. Within this world there are pure forms, or essences, that are perfect in nature. There are many types of form, from phenomena, objects (such as trees), to concepts and abstract ideas, including virtues. Plato considered that the role of a Philosopher King or Queen was to integrate these perfect ideas into the physical world. For example, the pure essence of wisdom resides in the World of Ideas, and a wise person is able to integrate this perfect form, increasingly so, by conscious direction. In his dialogue, Memo, Plato explains how we inherently respond to the discovery of knowledge of this dimension, in a recollection process. That’s because the deepest essence of our being — the soul — resided in the World of Ideas before being manifest into the physical reality. For Plato, the World of Ideas is the true reality. The physical reality we perceive is just a shadow of this reality. Plato uses the Allegory of the Cave, in which prisons, chained and stationary, mistake shadow’s projected on the cave’s as reality, when it is only a tiny fragment of reality. Bethany Butzer returns to the podcast to explore this theory, its relevance to modern thinking, and its practical benefits. Our discussion looks at Carl Jung’s theory of Archetypes, psychic patterns that were inspired by Plato’s work, synchronicity, the relationship between mind and matter, and the quantum potentials of order from chaos. Are humans the bridge between the imaginal, and the manifest? What is our special relationship to integrating these essential forms? What is the role of metaphor and myth in the unfolding of reality and the subjective experience? And is sacred geometry and patterns that repeat to scale, from the atomic to the cosmic, evidence of an underlying, fundamental reality, in the way Plato suggested? Resources: BethanyButzer.com. Bethany’s Instagram. MTE Podcast: Synchronicity And The Nature of Reality. Title music: Monday Morning Wake Up Call by David Birch

This is an exploration of faith, uncertainty, and facing the unknown. In moments of challenge, it's tempting to try and find certainty, to think our way through, to come up with solutions. But some of life's biggest moments don't have quick solutions. They're questions, not answers. They're a process, and usually, there has to be time spent tolerating the discomfort of uncertainty. When we choose to try and control, we cause more suffering. What what if we let go, and embrace life's mystery? Faith is a reminder that, even if unseen, even if lost, we are still on track in the grand scheme of things. Faith is having the humility to be guided, without knowing the final destination. Faith is having confidence that, at some point in the future, the process and the path will make sense, with a deeper purpose slowly coming into view.

My friend and mentor Nick Kettles joins me to discuss the stages of the spiritual journey. I’ve worked closely with Nick for a few years now. Nick is an incredible guide and teacher, who draws upon his wealth of experience and knowledge across multiple fields of development — from Advaita Vedanta, coaching, breathwork, and Jungian psychology. Having worked with 1000s to support their awakening and integration, Nick noticed a trend in the different stages that appear to be consistent. What I find most valuable about our talk is that it offers guidance for those who are, in a sense, spiritual rebels. Without choosing any set discipline of philosophy, the amount of choice can feel overwhelming. Here, we share a map that will help find direction and guidance on the path of personal growth. The stages are: Window Shopping: an early stage of exploring portals to new realities and different types of energy. Narrowing of the Path: the choice to focus on one practice in order to make progress. There may be a separation from other life experiences in order to cultivate a deeper connection. Disenchantment: when life circumstances start to get in the way, and the initial inspiration to practice can lead to a sense of disillusionment with the practice itself. However, this is a great opportunity for the reality within to flourish. Integration: this is the point of “non-doing” where life operates through you, and the practice itself becomes more spontaneous, as you become more grounded and connected. No Discernable Practice: this is the stage where life itself is the practice. Links: Thresholds of the Soul Coaching – https://thresholdsofthesoul.com Title music: Monday Morning Wake Up Call by David Birch

I'm joined by Steve Taylor to discuss the micro and macro qualities of awakening, and what Steve calls the panspirits worldview. Steve is a senior lecturer in psychology at Leeds Beckett University, and the author of several best-selling books on psychology and spirituality. These include Back to Sanity, The Leap, Spiritual Science, and his new book, Extraordinary Awakenings: When Trauma Leads to Transformation. Eckhart Tolle has described his work as ‘an important contribution to the shift in consciousness which is happening on our planet at present.’ It's clear to why — the world desperately needs a different approach to nature, the self, and spirituality, in a way grounded in science. I found Steve's work early on in my awakening process and was inspired and relieved by the discoveries in science and psychology that support awakening. I've wanted to talk with him for years, and I was delighted to get the opportunity. The discussion covers the signs of awakening, including guidance for those on the path, as well as the research and discoveries of science that support these non-ordinary states, from NDEs to psi and beyond. Key talking points: What is transpersonal psychology? Steve explains his personal journey of awakening and how he thought he was crazy before discovering this new field of psychology. The definition of an awakening experience and the transcendence of separation. Connection as a fundamental reality. How trauma can lead to the dissolution of ego and transformation into a "higher self". Why the material worldview is a belief system based on unfounded assumptions. How this worldview impacts the environment and cultural nihilism. How scientism leads to cognitive bias and dismissal of evidence of findings outside of that worldview. The link between consciousness, quantum physics, and spirituality. How connection can help shift depression. Reassurance that spiritual experiences are not pathological, but normal. A few thoughts on the evolution of consciousness and how its manifesting in the world today. Links: Website: https://www.stevenmtaylor.com/ Extraordinary Awakenings (book): https://www.stevenmtaylor.com/books/extraordinary-awakenings/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/stevetaylorauthor Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stevetaylorauthor/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/SMTaylorauthor Title music: Monday Morning Wake Up Call by David Birch

🔊 Video version available on YouTube!   --- Show description:   I’m joined by David Paul Kirkpatrick, an American film producer, studio executive and writer, to discuss creativity and depth psychology. David’s experience certainly makes him an expert of the subject, both through his personal journey, and his work with leading creatives. He was production chief at Walt Disney Pictures and President of Paramount Pictures, where he oversaw over two hundred films including Top Gun and franchises including Indiana Jones, Star Trek, Friday the 13th, and Beverly Hills Cop. He is a Golden Globe award-winning independent film-maker with pictures including Big Night, and the HBO Television Miniseries, Rasputin. David founded the MIT Center for the Future of Storytelling in 2008 and the Story Summit in 2019. He has authored several books, including The Address of Happiness, The Dog (written with Steven James Taylor) and The Adventures of Merlin, to be published in 2023. ---- Key talking points:   02:00: Background on David’s creative upbringing, including playfulness, archetypes, and reading Man and His Symbols aged 15.   09:00: How enchantment led to David’s work at Disney, inspired by creating a video as a child that was watched by Walt himself.   17:00: The nature of the daimon and creative genius, the importance of artists breaking through “the system,” and the trouble with making art for money.   20:00: What Jim Henson’s funeral taught about imagination, playfulness, and challenging rigidity.   28:00: The shadow of creativity, in particular the often unbearable “tension” of the creative process.  33:00: Managing yourself as an artist, which includes respecting the daimon, showing up, and allowing for the extraordinary experience of flow. 41:00: The hardest part for artists is the waiting time, which is often interpreted as “something being wrong.” This calls for more discipline and rituals to set the context for creative work.   51:00: How to share your message, and your creative work, whilst ignoring the self-critic.   1:00:00: Lila, the divine play, and the transcendent nature of acting.   1:02:00: An alternative view of magic and transformation. Plus, moving beyond duality with meditation.   1:05:00: The need to raise consciousness, and the importance of existential gratitude.   ---- David’s links:   Website: www.davidpaulkirkpatrick.com  David’s Medium page: https://thegoodage.medium.com    IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0456712   Instagram: www.instagram.com/dpk51 How To Train Your Daimon: https://betterhumans.pub/this-is-how-to-train-your-daimon-for-the-most-out-of-life Intentional Dreaming: https://betterhumans.pub/how-to-master-intentional-dreaming-for-a-satisfying-life-af96b99179b7 --- Title music: Monday Morning Wake Up Call by David Birch

Leanne Whitney, an independent scholar in depth psychology and consciousness studies, dives deep into the fusion of Jungian psychology and Patanjali’s yoga. She explores how the concepts of pure consciousness and Jung’s views on the psyche intersect. The conversation highlights the differences in their approaches to knowledge and reality, and the therapeutic potential of blending these philosophies. Whitney also touches on shadow work, the importance of personal experience in healing, and the connection between Earth's frequencies and human emotions.

I’m joined by Stephan Bodian to discuss the difference between authentic awakening and spiritual ego. Stephan is a licensed therapist and spiritual teacher who has pioneered the integration of Western psychology and Eastern wisdom. He is the author of numerous books, including Wake Up Now, Beyond Mindfulness and Meditation for Dummies, which has sold half a million copies since its launch in 1998. Stephan has practiced for many years with masters in the non-dual wisdom traditions of Zen, Dzochen and Advaita Vedanta, and received Dharma transmission from Adyashanti in 2001. Since 2007 he has led an intensive program in spiritual transformation, known as the School for Awakening, and dawns on decades of experience as a therapist and teacher to offer specialised guidance for those on the path of awakening. Stephan explains the skill of spiritual discernment. When do you trust spiritual teachers? What are the red flags of spiritual narcissism? This discussion delves into the nuances, from psychological projection, the trouble with gurus and positions of power, the freedom of authentic teaching, and the value of knowing your shadow. How do you trust you’re on the right path? This conversation shines a light on the ego traps and attachments to concepts that can lead to unhealthy relationships or self-denial. Stephan’s heart-felt understanding of psychology and ancient wisdom acts as a shining light on how to “wake up” authentically. Stephan dispels a few myths around the mainstream teaching of “McMindfulness,” the role of emotions throughout awakening, the genuine practice of meditation, and how to expand awareness whilst embracing humanity. This is a valuable discussion for anyone at any stage of the journey of spiritual growth. Links: Stephan’s website: https://www.stephanbodian.org/ Article: Reflections on the Integrity of Spiritual Teachers Article:  How Do Narcissists Become Spiritual Teachers? Talk: Entering The Gateless Gate (SAND 2019)

When the mind is scattered, and we become easily distracted, what's the solution? Here I break down the difference between impulse and action, and offer a few techniques in refining focus and not becoming caught up in "chasing" thoughts as they arise.  There's some influence from meditative practices along with "urge surfing" from Russ Harris' Happiness Trap, based in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy.

In this enthralling episode I'm joined by Bethany Butzer, PhD, to discuss her upcoming paper in the Journal of Consciousness Studies: Does Synchronicity Point Us Toward The Fundamental Nature of Consciousness? Our discussion is as personal as it is scientific, and Bethany's knowledge and wisdom is matched by her enthusiasm and heart. The more I understand synchronicity, the more I see it as a communication between mind and matter. I could write a thousand words on this, but the universe decided to speak on my behalf. Immediately following the talk I received an astounding synchronicity linked to Michelangelo's painting of Adam and God, which we discuss in the show. I don't wish to share spoilers, so I encourage you to tune in to find out. Then re-visit this page to see the screenshot in question. The video, which you can watch here, was published on the BBC website the same day as our discussion and contains information which is relevant to our talk. I was blown away and needed to walk around the block to ground myself! Later in the day, I saw another article linked to the show's discussion: Can physics prove if God exists? This was also published on March 2nd. As you'll hear in the show, "re-search" and synchronicity around matching dates is relevant. This is pure evidence of synchronicity's life-affirming potential. Aside from the universe's approval of the show (can you get a better endorsement?) we discuss: The difference between confirmation bias and synchronicity. Adaptive vs. maladaptive pattern detection. How synchronicity provides "breadcrumbs" to follow your path. The link between synchronicity and mystical experiences, such as oneness and transcendence. How contemplative practices such as meditation and yoga invoke synchronicity. What synchronicity teaches about fundamental nature of consciousness. The spiritual vs. the scientific approach to wisdom and knowledge. The re-enchantment of matter and reverence for the Earthly. How synchronicity boosts well-being, meaning, and general happiness. The link with Jung's unus mundus, collective unconscious and archetypes. The nature of knowledge, re-search, and how the inner "Daimon" uses synchronicity. Resources: For more on Bethany's work, visit her website or follow her on Instagram or Facebook. Watch Bethany's popular TED Talk, Stop Trying So Hard. Achieve More By Doing Less. Bethany's book, The Antidepressant Antidote: Five Steps to Get Off Antidepressants Safely & Effectively, is available on Amazon. Bethany is also a lecturer for the Alef Trust MSc program in Consciousness, Spirituality & Transpersonal Psychology. Title music: Monday Morning Wake Up Call by David Birch