March 29, 2022

Awakening, enlightenment, and self-actualization

In this episode of the Psychedelic Therapy Frontiers podcast, Dr. Steve Thayer and Dr. Reid Robison explore the concept of psychological and spiritual awakening. Is awakening the same as enlightenment or self-actualization? Does it happen gradually or all at once? How does one know if and when you're enlightened? What role can psychedelic medicine play in the process of awakening or enlightenment? We discuss these questions and so much more in today’s episode:

(1:54) Are awakening and enlightenment the same thing?
(3:22) Sam Harris
(5:29) Effective altruism
(6:25) The illusion of self and looking for the looker
(12:42) Becoming awake to many things vs THE awakening
(14:10) Joseph Goldstein, imperfect gurus, and balance
(19:46) Psychedelic experiences and awakening
(21:53) Attachments and other obstacles to awakening
(25:50) Waking up to shame, fear, and your internal parts (Dick Schwartz)
(31:08) Teachings about enlightenment from various religions and ideologies
(34:15) Non-separation, the best and worst of humanity, and loving awareness
(38:23) The difference between doing and being
(40:37) Ayahuasca and ketamine experiences
(44:58) Sexual awakening and the body as a vehicle to enlightenment
(49:10) Abraham Maslow, self-actualization, and Transcend, by Scott Barry Kaufman
(54:21) Getting stuck in the healing process
(57:18) The value of ceremony and ritual in the healing process
(01:04:09) Stages to enlightenment
(01:06:11) Wake Up Now, by Stephan Bodian
(01:07:19) After the Ecstasy, the Laundry, by Jack Kornfield
(01:07:52) Awareness, by Anthony De Mello
(01:07:56) Letting Go, by David R. Hawkins
(01:08:16) The Power of Now, by Eckhart Tolle
(01:08:31) No Bad Parts, by Richard Schwartz

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Disclaimer: The content of this podcast does not constitute medical advice or mental health treatment. Consult with a medical/mental health professional if you believe you are in need of mental health treatment.