Diving into the meaning of existential kink, Dr. Carolyn Lovewell joins Chris Grosso to discuss unlocking our unconscious desires.

Today’s podcast is brought to you by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/beherenow and get on your way to being your best self.

This time on The Indie Spiritualist, Chris and Dr. Lovewell discuss:

• The meaning of existential kink
• The practice of orgasmic meditation
• How vulnerability and truth can lead to more sensation
• Considering what our unconscious desires may be
• Practicing enjoying what is already happening
• Realizing the darkness / pain we may be attracted to subconsciously
• Themes within the myth of Persephone
• The power addictions hold over us and admitting powerlessness
• A guided meditation from Dr. Carolyn
• Living as characters in God’s dream
• Becoming aware of our own wholeness and non-dualism
• Sleep Over Mystery School and the heart of western mysteries

About Dr. Carolyn Lovewell

Dr. Carolyn Lovewell (formarlly Elliott) is an American scholar, author, and occultist. She is the author of the book Existential Kink which focuses on shadow integration as a means for creating positive change in the self. She obtained a doctorate in Critical and Cultural Studies at the University of Pittsburgh. Check out Dr. Lovewell’s podcast, Sleep Over and learn more on her website.

If you are interested in integrating the opposites in the psyche, join the 9 month program with Dr. Lovewell at the Sleep Over Mystery School

“Existential kink is the idea that pretty much all of us human beings have an unconscious attraction to painful things. We’re all kinky, we’re all in a sadomasochistic relationship with the universe. The universe, God, whatever we want to call it is a dom that has no safe words. It just keeps coming, all the time. We can learn to make those unconscious attractions to painful or negative patterns conscious. When we do that, we liberate all sorts of energy that had been unconsciously stuck. Existential Kink is a deep tool for change.” – Dr. Lovewell

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Reflecting on our ability to peacefully coexist, Nina Rao and Krishna Das join Chris Grosso to talk politics, practice, and more.

This week, Chris, Krishna Das, and Nina all converge upon:

• Maharaj-ji’s response to being visited by politicians
• Keeping the heart calm and open regardless of what is happening around us
• Recognizing everyone as a part of our own selves
• Coexisting with all beings, human and non-human
• Living out our karma and doing the best can to not harm anyone
• Considering feelings about the upcoming election
• How it took returning to the west for Nina to connect to devotional practice
• Finding a way to unlock the love that lives within us
• Connecting to the guru even after they have left the body
• The ways we are born programmed by our culture, parents, etc.
• Chris’ experience with Ketamine therapy for his mental health
• Chanting as self releasing rather than self expressing

About Krishna Das:

Layering traditional Hindu kirtan with instantly accessible melodies and modern instrumentation, Grammy nominee, Krishna Das has been called yoga’s “rock star.” With a remarkably soulful voice that touches the deepest chord in even the most casual listener, Krishna Das – known to friends, family, and fans as simply KD – has taken the call-and-response chanting out of yoga centers and into concert halls, becoming a worldwide icon and the best-selling chant artist of all time. His album ‘Live Ananda’ (released January 2012) was nominated for a Grammy in the Best New Age album category.

Krishna Das now travels the world sharing his kirtan practice and wonderful stories of his life, of Maharaji-ji, of his life on the Path and discusses bringing chanting into our lives through retreats and workshops. To date, KD has released 15 well-received albums, most recently Trust in the Heart released in October 2017. For more on Krishna Das events, music, and other offerings visit: KrishnaDas.com

About Nina Rao:

Nina Rao is a devotional singer. She tours with Krishna Das, playing cymbals, singing, and acting as his business manager. Nina has two of her own albums, “Antarayaami – Knower of All Hearts” and “Anubhav”. Nina regularly leads kirtan, workshops, and retreats in her hometown of Brooklyn, New York and beyond. Together with Chandra and Genevieve Walker, Nina operates the 21 Taras Collective. You can keep up with Nina on her website or find her on Instagram @nina_rao and on Facebook @NinaRaoChant.

“If people’s hearts are open and calm and connected to other people, the chances of doing things that are destructive is much less. You have to try to get to the deepest place inside and then who could you hurt because everybody is part of your own self.” – Krishna Das

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Calling attention to the healing properties of psychedelics, author and therapist Sean Lawlor talks with Chris about his new book, Psychedelic Revival.

Grab your copy of Psychedelic Revival: Toward a New Paradigm of Healing HERE

Today’s podcast is brought to you by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/beherenow and get on your way to being your best self.

In this episode, Sean and Chris reflect on:

• Sean’s inaugural experiences with psychedelics
• Accessing altered states of mind
• Integrating psychedelic experiences into daily life
• Chris’s journey with treatment-resistant depression and psychedelic therapy
• Changing the ongoing damage from the war on drugs
• What psychedelics are and what they can do
• Breaking out of our habituated thoughts patterns
• Enduring the challenging parts of a psychedelic journey
• The different types of psychedelics and their pros and cons
• The amazing effect of placebo and having intentions
• Plant medicines versus more western psychedelics

About Sean Lawlor:

Sean is an author, therapist, and developer of online course content. He received his Masters of Fine Arts from Chatham University and completed a 3-year Master’s program in Mindfulness-Based Transpersonal Counseling at Naropa University. Sean’s new book, Psychedelic Revival: Toward a New Paradigm of Healing, is currently available in print and digital formats. Learn more about Sean on his website.

“A theory that I do believe in is that everything that comes up in the (psychedelic) experience can be helpful for one’s own healing journey, even if it is really challenging and dark.” – Sean Lawlor

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