From Carmelite Mysticism to Life After the Monastery: A Conversation With Kimberly Braun

From Carmelite Mysticism to Life After the Monastery: A Conversation With Kimberly Braun

What happens when a deep, cloistered spiritual life expands beyond the monastery walls? Former Carmelite nun Kimberly Braun joins the conversation to discuss divine intimacy, modern mysticism, and the profound transition of finding spiritual freedom outside of traditional religion. From childhood mystical experiences to her monastic life and her current work in spiritual leadership, we cover a lot of ground! In this episode, we discuss: Divine intimacy and her childhood experiences of bliss The role of community in spiritual growth Integration of mystical traditions across cultures Chapters 0:00 - Introduction of Kimberly Braun 2:31 - Welcome to the Shattering Place Podcast 3:05 - Discussion on Kimberly’s Books and Experiences 8:28 - Heart Opening and Intimacy with the Divine 13:11 - Near-Death Experience and Spiritual Growth 20:07 - Monastic Life and Mystical Experiences 27:54 - The Power of Prayer and Community 42:07 - Transition from Monastic Life to the World 49:21 - Broadening Spiritual Perspectives 62:26 - Integrating Spirituality with Everyday Life Want to go deeper into the architecture of the New Human? Before the interviews of Season 2, there was the solo narrative of Season 1—a journey exploring the somatic dimensions of psychic phenomena, ancestral frequencies living in your cells, and how to actually ground your body when the world feels like it’s collapsing. Catch up on the foundational framework and read the complete Season 1 Episode Guide here: IKONA the novel This podcast was inspired by the multidimensional themes in the novel IKONA by M.D. Dixon. Purchase your copy and explore the visionary world behind the transmission here. PRINT (support independent bookstores!): https://bookshop.org/p/books/ikona-dixon-m-d/dee9264de74aa206?ean=9781764345149&next=t [https://bookshop.org/p/books/ikona-dixon-m-d/dee9264de74aa206?ean=9781764345149&next=t] ALL Other Purchase Links: https://books2read.com/ikona [https://books2read.com/ikona] Join my Substack community, the Stillpoint: Where the inner work becomes the transmission for the whole. This is for the individual who is spiritually awake and refuses to look away. Who doesn’t want to choose between a meditation cushion and genuine anger about the state of the world. https://michelledixonwriter.substack.com/p/the-stillpoint-members-community [https://michelledixonwriter.substack.com/p/the-stillpoint-members-community] (Note for Aussie listeners: New digital privacy laws require proof of being over 18 to join Substack! If Substack asks you to verify your age, logging into a free google account will bypass the glitch!) IN PRACTICE: WORKING WITH MD Dixon 90-Day 1-1 Program. A Return to Self: A Somatic, Psychic, and Creative Repatterning This is a three-month, high-depth 1-1 container designed to make you you again—the most multidimensional, authentic version of yourself. Through a synthesis of Evolutionary Astrology and evidence-based somatic modalities, we map the deeper architecture of your life to move you beyond safety and into your role as a lighthouse in order to align your nervous system with your soul’s mission. The Window: As the podcast expands, I am protecting the quality of this deep work. I likely won’t be offering this level of 1:1 depth beyond 2026. If you feel the pull, now is the time to jump in! 👉 Secure your spot here: https://evolutionary-soul-map-bundle.systeme.io/ [https://evolutionary-soul-map-bundle.systeme.io/] Deep Dive: References & Further Reading The Book of My Life by St. Teresa of Ávila offers a profound look into the autobiography of a soul navigating intense spiritual awakening. To explore further into these classical mystical states, read The Collected Works of St. John of the Cross. For those interested in the fierce feminine archetype and tantric transformation, look into Radical Healing: Goddess Kali Rising by Dr. Rudolph Ballentine, which beautifully articulates the integration of intense energetic shifts and consciousness. The historical and poetic foundations of divine intimacy can be found in the sacred biblical poetry of The Song of Solomon (Song of Songs), while the experiential frameworks of embodied consciousness are deeply rooted in the non-dual lineages of The Philosophy and Practice of Śaiva Tantra. Finally, for a contemporary bridge between postmaterialist science and experiential mysticism, explore the global community and resource hub SAND (Science and Nonduality) online at scienceandnonduality.com. About Our Guest: Kimberly Braun is a mystic adventurer and has been a guide and friend to others on their path of awakening for more than 25 years. Her mystic and unitive experiences began consciously at the age of 5 and formed a dynamic cosmology that continues to deepen. These experiences have led her to live as a Carmelite monastic nun for more than ten years, obtain her masters in theology and seminary training at the Washington Theological Union, become attuned as a Reiki Master, publish 3 books and 3 CDs, create online community and courses, lead retreats and offer her services as a spiritual director, intuitive guide, keynote speaker and meditation coach. Find her here: Everything that Kimberly presently offers can be found here: https://kimberlybraun.com [https://kimberlybraun.com] Join her online community for FREE or just 11/month for extra perks: https://patreon.com/c/kimberlybraun/ [https://patreon.com/c/kimberlybraun/] Kimberly Braun’s Books - https://www.amazon.com/s?k=kimberly+braun [https://www.amazon.com/s?k=kimberly+braun] The Art of the Quantum Jump Course - https://kimberlybraun.com/quantum-jump [https://kimberlybraun.com/quantum-jump] Kimberly Braun’s Website - https://kimberlybraun.com [https://kimberlybraun.com]https://michelledixonwriter.substack.com/p/the-stillpoint-members-community [https://michelledixonwriter.substack.com/p/the-stillpoint-members-community] Get full access to Trauma, Growing Up, Waking Up at michelledixonwriter.substack.com/subscribe [https://michelledixonwriter.substack.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_4]

On the Other Side: A Conversation with Cameron McClean On Grief, Authenticity, and Mediumship

What happens when psychotherapy meets the unseen world? In this episode, psychic medium and psychotherapist Cameron McLean joins us to explore the nature of spirit, life after death, and how our bodies act as an interface for the soul. Drawing from his unique journey from engineering to mediumship, Cameron explains how somatic awareness and authentic emotional alignment sharpen our intuitive capacity. We dive deep into the connection between body intelligence, spirit communication, ancestral grief, and collective human evolution. Tune in to discover how grounding into your physical vessel can unlock profound multidimensional healing and help you navigate times of collective transition. Want to go deeper into the architecture of the New Human? Before the interviews of Season 2, there was the solo narrative of Season 1—a journey exploring the somatic dimensions of psychic phenomena, ancestral frequencies living in your cells, and how to actually ground your body when the world feels like it’s collapsing. Catch up on the foundational framework and read the complete Season 1 Episode Guide here: https://michelledixonwriter.substack.com/p/the-shattering-place-podcast-season [https://michelledixonwriter.substack.com/p/the-shattering-place-podcast-season] IKONA the novel This podcast was inspired by the multidimensional themes in the novel IKONA by M.D. Dixon. Purchase your copy and explore the visionary world behind the transmission here.Books.org PRINT [https://bookshop.org/a/121421/9781764345149](support independent bookstores!). ALL Other Purchase Links: https://books2read.com/ikona [https://books2read.com/ikona] Something to Share on the Shattering Place, Season 2? Apply here: https://forms.gle/PU2qDkstjX1Hnhvr5 [https://forms.gle/PU2qDkstjX1Hnhvr5] Join my Substack community, the Stillpoint: https://michelledixonwriter.substack.com/p/the-stillpoint-members-community [https://michelledixonwriter.substack.com/p/the-stillpoint-members-community] IN PRACTICE WORKING WITH MD Dixon 90-Day 1-1 Program. A Return to Self: A Somatic, Psychic, and Creative Repatterning This is a three-month, high-depth 1-1 container designed to make you you again—the most multidimensional, authentic version of yourself. Through a synthesis of Evolutionary Astrology and evidence-based somatic modalities, we map the deeper architecture of your life to move you beyond safety and into your role as a lighthouse in order to align your nervous system with your soul’s mission. The Window: As the podcast expands, I am protecting the quality of this deep work. I likely won’t be offering this level of 1:1 depth beyond 2026. If you feel the pull, now is the time to jump in! 👉 Secure your spot here. [https://evolutionary-soul-map-bundle.systeme.io/] Connect With Cameron McClean Psychic Medium Here: https://www.instagram.com/cameronpsychicmedium/ [https://www.instagram.com/cameronpsychicmedium/] Get full access to Trauma, Growing Up, Waking Up at michelledixonwriter.substack.com/subscribe [https://michelledixonwriter.substack.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_4]

Grief, Trauma Healing, and Multidimensionality with Tricia Baxley

In this episode, we sit down with coach and grief worker Tricia Baxley for a courageous conversation about the aftermath of her husband’s suicide. This is an exploration of how we live alongside profound grief as a lifelong, evolving journey. Tricia shares how her path through the crucible of grief became an unexpected portal, allowing her to revisit childhood wounds and open up to multidimensional experiences. We approach this topic with deep sensitivity, honoring the fact that every journey is unique. There is no spiritual bypassing here—only a raw, honest look at how tragedy can, for some, lead to a life of immeasurable depth and reclaimed value. In this episode, we discuss: * Navigating Suicide Loss: The unique complexities of the aftermath and the long-term journey of healing. * Grief as a Crucible: Moving beyond the idea of “finding a gift” to acknowledging the intense transformation of the grieving process. * Healing Childhood Trauma: How profound loss can act as a catalyst for revisiting and integrated earlier life wounds. * Expanding Consciousness: Tricia’s journey into multidimensionality and finding a new sense of meaning. Want to go deeper into the architecture of the New Human? Before the interviews of Season 2, there was the solo narrative of Season 1—a journey exploring the somatic dimensions of psychic phenomena, ancestral frequencies living in your cells, and how to actually ground your body when the world feels like it’s collapsing. Catch up on the foundational framework and read the complete Season 1 Episode Guide here: https://michelledixonwriter.substack.com/p/the-shattering-place-podcast-season [https://michelledixonwriter.substack.com/p/the-shattering-place-podcast-season] IKONA the novel This podcast was inspired by the multidimensional themes in the novel IKONA by M.D. Dixon. Purchase your copy and explore the visionary world behind the transmission here.Books.org PRINT [https://bookshop.org/a/121421/9781764345149](support independent bookstores!). ALL Other Purchase Links [https://books2read.com/ikona] Something to Share on the Shattering Place, Season 2? Apply here: https://forms.gle/PU2qDkstjX1Hnhvr5 [https://forms.gle/PU2qDkstjX1Hnhvr5] Join my Substack community, the Stillpoint: https://michelledixonwriter.substack.com/p/the-stillpoint-members-community [https://michelledixonwriter.substack.com/p/the-stillpoint-members-community] IN PRACTICE WORKING WITH MD Dixon 90-Day 1-1 Program. A Return to Self: A Somatic, Psychic, and Creative Repatterning This is a three-month, high-depth 1-1 container designed to make you you again—the most multidimensional, authentic version of yourself. Through a synthesis of Evolutionary Astrology and evidence-based somatic modalities, we map the deeper architecture of your life to move you beyond safety and into your role as a lighthouse in order to align your nervous system with your soul’s mission. The Window: As the podcast expands, I am protecting the quality of this deep work. I likely won’t be offering this level of 1:1 depth beyond 2026. If you feel the pull, now is the time to jump in! 👉 Secure your spot here. [https://evolutionary-soul-map-bundle.systeme.io/] About Our Guest: Tricia Baxley Tricia Baxley is a Certified MBTI Practitioner and Life Coach dedicated to helping others navigate deep transformation. With a background in both finance and psychology, she brings a unique, grounded approach to human behavior and soul-work. Tricia is a proud member of the International Coaching Alliance and a devoted mother who finds her own medicine in mission work, intentional travel, and the steady rhythm of running. Connect with Tricia: Find her here: apath4healing.com [http://apath4healing.com] Her books: The Stories We Tell Ourselves: The Soul Journey to Uncovering the Hidden Scripts That Define Us [https://www.amazon.com/dp/1636804896?ref_=ppx_hzsearch_conn_dt_b_fed_asin_title_6] Rewriting the Stories that Shape Our Lives: A Guided Workbook to Identify, Challenge, and Transform Limiting Beliefs Into Lasting Change [https://www.amazon.com/dp/1636804926?ref_=ppx_hzsearch_conn_dt_b_fed_asin_title_6] Deep Dive: References & Further Reading For those looking to explore the themes of today’s episode further, we recommend the following resources: It’s OK That You’re Not OK by Megan Devine: A modern manual for navigating grief that refuses to pathologize the natural human response to loss. The Wild Edge of Sorrow by Francis Weller: An essential guide on the sacred work of grief and the importance of ritual in renewal. Letting Go: The Pathway of Surrender by Dr. David R. Hawkins: A technical and spiritual exploration of the mechanism of surrender and moving through the map of consciousness. A Course in Miracles: A foundational text on shifting from a thought system of fear to a thought system of love. Join the Conversation If this episode touched you, please consider sharing it with someone who may be navigating their own crucible. You can subscribe to the podcast on Substack [https://michelledixonwriter.substack.com/s/the-shattering-place-podcast], Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/show/4ekEsijx9vT35R2Z1RC7LW?si=e7bb60e77b5546ba], [https://open.spotify.com/show/4ekEsijx9vT35R2Z1RC7LW?si=e7bb60e77b5546ba] and Apple Podcasts [https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/the-shattering-place-podcast/id1877247690] to stay updated on future episodes exploring the intersections of trauma, healing, and multidimensionality. Disclaimer: This episode discusses suicide and its aftermath. If you or someone you know is in crisis, please reach out to your local emergency services or a crisis support line. Get full access to Trauma, Growing Up, Waking Up at michelledixonwriter.substack.com/subscribe [https://michelledixonwriter.substack.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_4]

Healing the Nervous System for Psychic Growth

In this episode, Dixon dives into the intersection of energy healing and trauma recovery with Chris Wasko, a spiritual counselor, energy healer, and psychic medium specializing in trauma recovery and nervous system regulation. They explore how reading the body’s story through the chakra system can lead to profound nervous system regulation and soul-level healing. Want to go deeper into the architecture of the New Human? Before the interviews of Season 2, there was the solo narrative of Season 1—a journey exploring the somatic dimensions of psychic phenomena, ancestral frequencies living in your cells, and how to actually ground your body when the world feels like it’s collapsing. Catch up on the foundational framework and read the complete Season 1 Episode Guide here: https://michelledixonwriter.substack.com/p/the-shattering-place-podcast-season [https://michelledixonwriter.substack.com/p/the-shattering-place-podcast-season] IKONA the novel This podcast is a companion to the novel IKONA by M.D. Dixon. Purchase your copy and explore the visionary world behind the transmission here: * Books.org PRINT [https://bookshop.org/a/121421/9781764345149](support independent bookstores!) * Books.org EPUB [https://bookshop.org/a/121421/9781764345163] * Amazon [https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FXXKB81R] * ALL Other Purchase Links [https://books2read.com/ikona] Something to Share on the Shattering Place, Season 2? Apply here: https://forms.gle/PU2qDkstjX1Hnhvr5 [https://forms.gle/PU2qDkstjX1Hnhvr5] Join my Substack community, the Stillpoint: https://michelledixonwriter.substack.com/p/the-stillpoint-members-community [https://michelledixonwriter.substack.com/p/the-stillpoint-members-community] IN PRACTICE WORKING WITH MD Dixon 90-Day 1-1 Program. A Return to Self: A Somatic, Psychic, and Creative Repatterning This is a three-month, high-depth 1-1 container designed to make you you again—the most multidimensional, authentic version of yourself. Through a synthesis of Evolutionary Astrology and evidence-based somatic modalities, we map the deeper architecture of your life to move you beyond safety and into your role as a lighthouse. We begin with the ancestral and soul blueprints of your life via your birth chart. Then, we ground a personal healing journey + future vision in evidence-based somatic modalities—powerful tools that shift you from survival to transmission. The Mission: To align your nervous system with your soul’s mission. The Window: As the podcast expands, I am protecting the quality of this deep work. I likely won’t be offering this level of 1:1 depth beyond 2026. If you feel the pull, now is the time to jump in! 👉 Secure your spot here. [https://evolutionary-soul-map-bundle.systeme.io/] ABOUT Chris Wasko Chris Wasko is a spiritual counselor, energy healer, and psychic medium specializing in trauma recovery and nervous system regulation. She is the author of An Old Soul’s Journey, a guide to inner child healing, and the creator of Spicy Old Souls®, a program for deep-level soul healing. Chris focuses on reading the chakra system and facilitating healing by listening to the story the body wants to share. Find her here: chriswasko.com [https://www.chriswasko.com/] Resources & References The Works of Barbara Marciniak A key voice in channeled wisdom, Marciniak’s work focuses on the evolution of consciousness and our connection to celestial lineages. Bringers of the Dawn: Teachings from the Pleiadians (1992) A foundational text exploring our cosmic heritage and the process of reclaiming human power during a time of global transition. Earth: Pleiadian Keys to the Living Library (1994) An exploration of Earth as a “Living Library” and the role of emotions as the key to unlocking our multidimensional potential. Family of Light: Pleiadian Tales and Lessons in Living (1998) Insights into navigating the shifting paradigms of reality and understanding our place within a larger celestial family. Path of Empowerment: New Pleiadian Wisdom for a World in Chaos (2004) Practical guidance on maintaining frequency and personal sovereignty during times of intense collective change. Galactic Lineages Starseeds: In popular culture, a “Starseed” refers to an individual whose soul originated in another star system, galaxy, or dimension before incarnating on Earth. They are often characterized by a deep sense of not belonging here, a strong urge to fulfill a specific mission or purpose, and an innate sensitivity to energy and shifts in collective consciousness. The Pleiadians: Described as a collective of multidimensional beings from the Pleiades star cluster who serve as older siblings to humanity, assisting in the spiritual evolution and activation of human DNA. The Anunnaki: Ancient star beings often associated with Mesopotamian mythology and ancient astronaut theories; they are frequently discussed in the context of early human history and genetic intervention. They are often viewed as complex, self-interested, and capricious. Many believe they are advanced extraterrestrial beings who engineered humanity for labor. Get full access to Trauma, Growing Up, Waking Up at michelledixonwriter.substack.com/subscribe [https://michelledixonwriter.substack.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_4]

Psychic Evolution & Deep Trauma Healing: A Conversation with Beth Kromer on Plant Medicine

Can plant medicine accelerate deep nervous system repair or even evolve collective consciousness? Dixon explores the intersection of trauma healing, plant intelligence, and collective evolution with Elizabeth Kromer of FieldGuide9. Want to go deeper into the architecture of the New Human? Before the interviews of Season 2, there was the solo narrative of Season 1—a journey exploring the somatic dimensions of psychic phenomena, ancestral frequencies living in your cells, and how to actually ground your body when the world feels like it’s collapsing. Catch up on the foundational framework and read the complete Season 1 Episode Guide here: https://michelledixonwriter.substack.com/p/the-shattering-place-podcast-season [https://michelledixonwriter.substack.com/p/the-shattering-place-podcast-season] IKONA the novel This podcast is a companion to the novel IKONA by M.D. Dixon. Purchase your copy and explore the visionary world behind the transmission here: * Books.org PRINT [https://bookshop.org/a/121421/9781764345149](support independent bookstores!) * Books.org EPUB [https://bookshop.org/a/121421/9781764345163] * Amazon [https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FXXKB81R] * ALL Other Purchase Links [https://books2read.com/ikona] Something to Share on the Shattering Place, Season 2? Apply here: https://forms.gle/PU2qDkstjX1Hnhvr5 [https://forms.gle/PU2qDkstjX1Hnhvr5] Join my Substack community, the Stillpoint: https://michelledixonwriter.substack.com/p/the-stillpoint-members-community [https://michelledixonwriter.substack.com/p/the-stillpoint-members-community] IN PRACTICE WORKING WITH MD Dixon 90-Day 1-1 Program. A Return to Self: A Somatic, Psychic, and Creative Repatterning This is a three-month, high-depth 1-1 container designed to make you you again—the most multidimensional, authentic version of yourself. Through a synthesis of Evolutionary Astrology and evidence-based somatic modalities, we map the deeper architecture of your life to move you beyond safety and into your role as a lighthouse. We begin with the ancestral and soul blueprints of your life via your birth chart. Then, we ground a personal healing journey + future vision in evidence-based somatic modalities—powerful tools that shift you from survival to transmission. The Mission: To align your nervous system with your soul’s mission. The Window: As the podcast expands, I am protecting the quality of this deep work. I likely won’t be offering this level of 1:1 depth beyond 2026. If you feel the pull, now is the time to jump in! 👉 Secure your spot here. [https://evolutionary-soul-map-bundle.systeme.io/] ABOUT ELIZABETH KROMER Co-founder of FieldGuide9 [http://fieldguide9.com/], a spiritual community and retreat organization where plant medicine is used as a sacrament. Beth leads the organization and has overseen hundreds of retreat weekends over the past several years, designing and guiding curated ayahuasca and psilocybin journeys with strong preparation and integration support. Her work centers on translating powerful inner experiences into lasting change, particularly in areas such as trauma, menopause, anxiety, depression, and deeper questions of purpose and life achievement. She brings deep familiarity with Shipibo ayahuasca traditions, psilocybin work, and the growing body of research around psychedelic-assisted healing. Her approach draws from Jungian psychology, Internal Family Systems (IFS), and belief inquiry practices, with a strong emphasis on integration. Prior to FieldGuide9, she led the people function for major U.S. companies, developing organizational cultures, coaching leaders, and mentoring executives. She has presented at conferences, consulted for organizations, and written extensively about leadership as a way of being. Her broader service includes work as a hospice volunteer, Chairperson of the Board of the San Francisco Renaissance Entrepreneurship Center, Certified Mediator with the Chicago Bar Association, and Peace Corps volunteer in Ecuador. She brings a grounded perspective that bridges leadership, psychology, spirituality, and the real-world responsibilities of running a retreat center in today’s rapidly evolving psychedelic landscape. Resources on Plant Medicine & the Shipibo To deepen your understanding of the topics discussed—Shipibo ceremony, the integration of plant medicine, and the broader context of ancestral resonance—we recommend the following resources: * Blog Post: FG9 on Shipibo Ceremony [https://fieldguide9.com/blog-1/f/why-less-is-more-much-more-in-ceremony?blogcategory=Plant+Medicine] A thoughtful perspective on why “less is more” within the ceremonial container. * Documentary: The Nature of Ayahuasca (2019) The Nature of Ayahuasca (2019) Documentary [https://youtu.be/6j0_glRnJxI] — A foundational film exploring the traditional, holistic applications of Ayahuasca in the Amazon, including the importance of setting, intention, and the crucial integration phase. * Book: Fellowship of the River by Dr. Joe Tafur Available via the Resources tab on the Nihue Rao website [https://nihuerao.com/]. This work provides an essential bridge between modern medicine and the healing arts. * Reading: The Cosmic Serpent by Jeremy Narby Recommended for those looking to deepen their view of the biological and spiritual intersection in plant medicine usage. Get full access to Trauma, Growing Up, Waking Up at michelledixonwriter.substack.com/subscribe [https://michelledixonwriter.substack.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_4]