Wide Awake in Babylon

Ep. 79: The Joyful War - 2010 Lecture

"That Is a joyful war, one where the only casualties are your self-importance and your over-fed ego. Lay down your fears and smile, Life is on your side." If you've been down, and wanted to feel joy, then you are already fighting the joyful war. If you always appear to be in a good mood and smiling, but it isn't always real, then you too are a part of the joyful war. Anywhere on the spectrum, if you are seeking a genuine state of well-being, and not always finding it, you are engaged in battle between the forces in you through which you seek joy and well-being, and the forces in you(and outside influences you let affect you)which send you to your own personal hell.This joyful war is a war you begin winning with a genuine smile, smiling with your whole body, instead of a creepy false smile that doesn't touch the eyes. You've seen that one, perhaps even in yourself. Even with a true, genuine smile as a starting point, the war continues, because things come up. Life Continues, situations present themselves. Some are easy, some seem difficult, but how you go about doing what's in front of you determines the outcome of the next battle in the joyful war...................This Lecture took place on 9/10/10

Ep. 78: Blast of The Infinite - 2010 Lecture

If we are lucky, or perhaps just paying attention, at some point in each day there is an opportunity to be blown away by the mysterious workings of the universe. A moment arrives that forces the mind to be quiet, and the blast of the infinite washes over us. The blockage between you and your connection to life itself is suddenly lifted, and a sense of clarity and wonder sweeps you towards a higher level of consciousness, away from boredom and expectations of more of the same.What happens to dissipate that feeling and bring the blockage back in full force, or stronger than before? How can we be more welcoming of awe and wonder at this blast of the infinite, and less prone to drift back to blah and endless chatter? Please join us as Chris Douglas goes into this topic, revealing how close we are at any moment to the blast of the infinite, and the connection to life itself.

Ep. 77: Arising of a New Lineage

An interview with Chris Douglas from 2009, apprentice to Carlos Castaneda in the final years of Castaneda's life. Interview covers Chris' early life and the beginnings of his forays into the beyond, including his time with Carlos Castaneda.

Ep .76: Boundaries, Understanding, and the Dance of Relationships

Volney joins this episode to explore the deep personal and spiritual journey of becoming your most authentic self. Him and Chris discuss: * Trusting your inner guidance and letting go of the need for outside validation * Embracing courage, individuality, and the warrior spirit to face life's challenges * Releasing negative energy and outdated identities * Understanding the difference between consensus reality and your unique truth * The soul’s guidance and its role in personal transformation * The importance of love, empathy, boundaries, and connection in relationships * Learning through imperfection, taking responsibility, and practicing self-care * Reflecting on reality, choice, and the evolving nature of the spiritual path—especially during the difficult “third decade” of growth

Ep. 75: No Gurus Needed

Covered Topics: * The origin and evolution of a 20-year friendship rooted in growth and authenticity * Building and sustaining intentional community without control or dogma * The power of being real: authenticity over spiritual performance * “The Truth Game” — an unfiltered practice of radical honesty and accountability * Understanding identity vs. the sensing, living self within * Lessons from nature and plant medicines on personal and spiritual transformation * The role of mothers and Mother’s Day reflections on nurturing, challenge, and gratitude * Energetic awareness: where your energy goes and how it’s consumed * Shifting consciousness: navigating between dimensions of perception * How presence and wellbeing emerge when we drop the need to control * Relationships as mirrors: learning through conflict, love, and vulnerability * Stories of community living, spiritual experiences, and witnessing the unseen * Humor, humility, and the importance of not taking yourself too seriously