It would be nice to hear some Duncan Trussel. I know he’s not your classic shaman but he is like Charon in Greek Mythology ferrying people to the other side lol. Much peace and love! Hare Krishna
Some of Joseph's suggestions in this talk about how to be with thought and emotion represent a radical departure from my usual reactive tendencies. He says "don't be bothered by thoughts, do not add judgment and resistance to thoughts.... not to be disturbed by thoughts, the point isn't to stop thinking." The point is to notice, discern. And if we're struggling with an emotion, not to make the struggle a problem, but to take it as feedback. And when noticing unskillful thoughts, not to make a moral judgment against ourselves, but just to notice we're afflicted with an afflictive emotion, know it's there, discern that it doesn't lead to peace and happiness, and abandon it. No role in that equation for harsh judgment against ourselves for being afflicted with afflictive thoughts or emotions! Wow! When the more unskillful aspects of mind present themselves, *remember* to add lovingkindness, and to see them as mind states, not me, not mine, not myself. Truth! and so incredibly freeing. __/\__