EP16 Excommunicado Part #1

EP16 Excommunicado Part #1

"I was spiritually canceled—literally canceled in the middle of a profound meditation retreat." In this episode of The Metaphysician: Meaning Beyond Medicine, we return after a month long hiatus with a deeply personal and thought-provoking episode. Joined by co-host Ren, The Metaphysician shares the shocking story of being abruptly ejected from a 20-day vipassana meditation retreat in the tradition of S.N. Goenka. What began as a journey of deep spiritual practice turned into an unexpected confrontation with the assistant teacher, accusations of dishonesty, and ultimately, a dramatic exit—waiting on the side of the road in the rain. This episode dives into: * The strict orthodoxy of the S.N. Goenka vipassana tradition and its challenges. * The host's reflections on the tension between tradition and personal growth. * Insights into the broader history of vipassana meditation and its lineage. * The emotional and spiritual impact of being "spiritually canceled" after 23 years of practice and service. * Lessons learned and silver linings from this jarring experience. Whether you're a seasoned meditator or curious about the complexities of spiritual practice, this episode offers raw honesty, humour, and valuable takeaways for anyone navigating the path of self-discovery. Keywords: Vipassana, S.N. Goenka, meditation retreat, spiritual practice, mindfulness, personal growth, Buddhism, ethical dilemmas, spiritual community. Music Credits: * Music by Ryan O’Flaherty [https://open.substack.com/pub/darksequinsoftheheart] Follow Us: * Twitter: @themetamd * Website: themetamd.com [https://www.themetamd.com/] Tune in for Part 2 next week, where the story continues and deeper insights unfold. If you enjoyed this episode, please share, subscribe and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or your preferred platform. Until next time, take good care! 🚨Disclaimer: The views expressed in this episode are based on personal experiences and opinions. Listeners are encouraged to do their own research and form their own conclusions. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.themetamd.com [https://www.themetamd.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1]

EP15 Barbie, Ken and The War of The Sexes

"The boss babe message has left so many women, relationshipless, childless, unhappy, and lonely." In this captivating episode of The Metaphysician: Meaning Beyond Medicine, we embark on a thought-provoking journey through the recent movie "Barbie [https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1517268/]," using it as a springboard to delve into the complexities of modern feminism, the patriarchy, and gender dynamics. We begin by analyzing the film's critique of societal norms, focusing on the portrayal of the patriarchy and the role of male feminists, particularly Ryan Gosling [https://www.vanityfair.com/style/2016/06/ryan-gosling-thinks-women-are-better-than-men?srsltid=AfmBOorMY0bF4w54zo2OgYbKx-hz8fec1es2qAsILilNbtcPSkSIHmVo]. Key Discussion Points: * 🎬 Movie Review and Themes: The episode kicks off with an in-depth review of "Barbie," highlighting its critique of societal norms and the patriarchy. The hosts discuss how the film uses humor and stereotypes to address serious issues, setting the stage for a deeper exploration of gender dynamics. * 💭 Ren's Perspective: Ren shares her mixed feelings about the movie, expressing nostalgia for Barbie while critiquing modern feminism as toxic. Her insights provide a personal touch, revealing the emotional impact of the film and its themes. * ⚖️ Gender Dynamics: The conversation then shifts to an examination of Ken's character, portrayed by Ryan Gosling. The hosts discuss how Ken's overly feminized and codependent nature serves as a commentary on modern relationships, highlighting the challenges faced by both men and women in today's society. * ❌ Missed Opportunities: The hosts critique the movie's failure to present a balanced resolution between genders, arguing that it perpetuates the war of the sexes rather than offering a meaningful solution. This discussion underscores the need for media to promote mutual respect and understanding. * 🔍 Ryan Gosling's Background: Delving deeper, the hosts explore Ryan Gosling's [https://www.thelist.com/1543791/ryan-gosling-troubled-childhood/] personal background, revealing how his strained relationship with his father and experiences of bullying [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ryan_Gosling#:~:text=He%20%22hated%22%20being%20a%20child,at%20other%20children%20during%20recess.] may have influenced his portrayal of masculinity. This insight adds a layer of complexity to the discussion, connecting the actor's real-life experiences to his on-screen roles. Conclusion: The episode wraps up with a call for mutual respect and understanding between genders, highlighting the need for balanced portrayals in media. The hosts leave listeners with a sense of hope and a challenge to embrace both masculine and feminine qualities in their own lives. Music Credits: * Music by Ryan O’Flaherty [https://open.substack.com/pub/darksequinsoftheheart] Follow Us: * Twitter: @themetamd * Website: themetamd.com [https://www.themetamd.com/] Thank you for tuning in! Join us next week for another insightful episode. If you enjoyed this episode, please share, subscribe and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or your preferred platform. Until next time, take good care! 🚨Disclaimer: The views expressed in this episode are based on personal experiences and opinions. Listeners are encouraged to do their own research and form their own conclusions. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.themetamd.com [https://www.themetamd.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1]

EP14 Beware of The Light: The Anglerfish Effect in Spiritual Practice.

"Spiritual technology is incredibly powerful and should not be trifled with; it can lead to great transformation or devastating consequences." In this follow-up episode to Episode 11 [https://www.themetamd.com/p/ep11-yogi-bhajan-the-rise-and-fall?r=1rz8bt&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=false] of The Metaphysician: Meaning Beyond Medicine, we delve deeper into the Yogi Bhajan scandal and the disintegration of the Kundalini Yoga community, focusing on the documentary "Breath of Fire [https://www.hbo.com/breath-of-fire]" (2024). This episode explores the impact of Guru Jagat and the RA MA Institute, revealing the dark undercurrents within the spiritual community. Key Discussion Points: * Documentary Insights: The hosts discuss their reactions to the HBO documentary "Breath of Fire," highlighting its high production quality and unsettling content. * Guru Jagat's Journey: Ren shares her empathy for Guru Jagat, acknowledging her entrepreneurial spirit and the challenges she faced, including posthumous criticism. * Yogi Bhajan's Legacy: The episode revisits the disturbing revelations about Yogi Bhajan's abusive practices, particularly affecting second-generation students. * Darkness in Spirituality: The hosts explore the concept of spiritual darkness, drawing parallels to mythological archetypes and cautioning against the seductive power of ego and influence. * Personal Reflections: Ren and The Metaphysician reflect on their own experiences within the Kundalini Yoga community, discussing the transformative yet potentially dangerous nature of spiritual practices. * Cautionary Tales: The episode serves as a warning to spiritual seekers about the risks of blindly following charismatic leaders and the importance of addressing core wounds and psychological issues. Final Thoughts: This episode is an impactful exploration of the complexities within the Kundalini Yoga community, offering valuable lessons for spiritual seekers. It emphasizes the importance of discerning the true intentions behind spiritual teachings and the dangers of unchecked ego and influence. Additional Links: * EP11 The Rise & Fall of a Guru [https://www.themetamd.com/p/ep11-yogi-bhajan-the-rise-and-fall?r=1rz8bt&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=false] - Part 1 * Breath of Fire [https://www.hbo.com/breath-of-fire] - HBO Documentary * RA MA [https://ramayogainstitute.com/] - Institute of Applied Yogic Science & Technology Music Credits: * Music by Ryan O’Flaherty [https://open.substack.com/pub/darksequinsoftheheart] Follow Us: * Twitter: @themetamd * Website: themetamd.com [https://www.themetamd.com/] Thank you for tuning in! Join us next week for another insightful episode. If you enjoyed this episode, please share, subscribe and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts/Spotify/Your Preferred Platform. Until next time, take good care! 🚨Disclaimer: The views expressed in this episode are based on personal experiences and opinions. Listeners are encouraged to do their own research and form their own conclusions. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.themetamd.com [https://www.themetamd.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1]

EP13 The Great Fast

"Since my mom passed last year, I've gone back to church more regularly and feel really appreciative of her introducing me to these practices." In this captivating episode of The Metaphysician: Meaning Beyond Medicine, we delve into the profound practice of Lent, exploring its rich origins and sharing our deeply personal journeys. Lent, derived from the Old English word "lencten" meaning to lengthen, as in - lengthening days (i.e., Spring), signifies a period of preparation for Easter in the Catholic tradition through self-denial and fasting. Together, the host and Ren embark on a challenging fasting regimen, consuming only broth and liquids, and discuss the spiritual benefits they are reaping, such as repentance, humility, and a sense of cleansing. The host and Ren draw fascinating parallels between Christian and Buddhist practices, highlighting the universal importance of self-denial and spiritual purification. As they reflect on the trials and triumphs of Lent, they eagerly anticipate Easter and the host's upcoming 20-day Vipassana retreat, promising listeners an insightful and transformative journey. Tune in for an episode that blends heartfelt memories, spiritual insights, and the promise of renewal. Additional Links: * Minimalism for Lent [https://youtu.be/XAWXeR8I_A0?si=S75GatfuOdTfOJe5] with T.K. Coleman and Fr. Ambrose Criste * The Great Fast [https://theabbotscircle.com/the-great-fast-join] - Join the program! Music Credits: * Music by Ryan O’Flaherty [https://open.substack.com/pub/darksequinsoftheheart] Follow Us: * Twitter: @themetamd * Website: themetamd.com [https://www.themetamd.com/] Thank you for tuning in! Join us next week for another insightful episode. If you enjoyed this episode, please share, subscribe and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts/Spotify/Your Preferred Platform. Until next time, take good care! 🚨Disclaimer: The views expressed in this episode are based on personal experiences and opinions. Listeners are encouraged to do their own research and form their own conclusions. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.themetamd.com [https://www.themetamd.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1]

EP12 Spiritual Bypassing: John Welwood's Legacy

“Spiritual Bypassing often adopts a rationale based on using absolute truth to deny or disparage relative truth.” - John Welwood In this episode of The Metaphysician: Meaning Beyond Medicine, we delve into the concept of spiritual bypassing, a term coined by psychotherapist and Buddhist practitioner John Welwood in 1984. In it we explore the pervasive nature of spiritual bypassing in various spiritual communities and practices, emphasizing that it is an inevitable phase in any spiritual journey. In addition, we discuss the formal definition, causes, symptoms, and potential benefits of spiritual bypassing, as well as its impact on personal relationships and mental health. This episode also highlights the importance of balancing spiritual practice with psychological self-awareness and development. Through personal anecdotes and examples, we illustrate how spiritual bypassing can lead to maladaptive behaviours, such as avoiding pain, unrealistic relationships, and emotional dissociation. We also stress the significance of seeking professional help and integrating psychological insights with spiritual teachings to achieve a holistic and healthy spiritual practice. Listeners are encouraged to recognize the signs of spiritual bypassing in themselves and others, and to approach their spiritual journey with a nuanced understanding that incorporates both absolute and relative truths. This episode is a must-listen for anyone engaged in spiritual practice, offering valuable insights and practical advice for navigating the complexities of spiritual growth. Additional Links: * Toward a Psychology of Awakening [https://a.co/d/i7TCxpD] by John Welwood * Human Nature Buddha Nature: On Spiritual Bypassing, Relationship and the Dharma. [http://www.johnwelwood.com/articles/TRIC_interview_uncut.pdf] An Interview with John Welwood by Tina Fossella * A Phenomenology of Spiritual Bypass: Causes, Consequences, and Implications [https://www.researchgate.net/publication/322111006_A_phenomenology_of_spiritual_bypass_Causes_consequences_and_implications] - Picciotto, Gabriela & Fox, Jesse & Neto, Félix. (2017). Music Credits: * Music by Ryan O’Flaherty [https://open.substack.com/pub/darksequinsoftheheart] Follow Us: * Twitter: @themetamd * Website: themetamd.com [https://www.themetamd.com/] Thank you for tuning in! Join us next week for another insightful episode. If you enjoyed this episode, please share, subscribe and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts/Spotify/Your Preferred Platform. Until next time, take good care! 🚨Disclaimer: The views expressed in this episode are based on personal experiences and opinions. Listeners are encouraged to do their own research and form their own conclusions. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.themetamd.com [https://www.themetamd.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1]