Changeable Podcast

EP260: My conversation with Razmik on the Brand New Thought podcast

Mon Jul 24 2023

PsychologySpiritualityPersonal Growth

Description

This episode is a conversation between Dr. Amy Johnson and Rasmic on the brand new thought podcast. Dr. Johnson shares insights on breaking habits, ending anxiety, and the nature of change. The conversation explores the human tendency to get identified with thoughts and lose sight of our formless nature. They discuss how we are energy and sometimes that energy feels dense or free, and it's valuable to feel into that energy. Dr. Johnson explains her shift from clinical psychology to coaching based on insight instead of willpower. She sought answers about the human experience beyond what psychology or religion could provide. The principles she discovered in coaching helped her merge spirituality and psychology in her work.

Insights

Thought as a Projector

Thought acts like a projector, coloring and determining what we see. It has different layers, including narrative thinking and the thought that gives meaning to things. Recognizing thought as just another sense, like sight or smell, allows us to be connected with a deeper intelligence beyond excessive thought.

Separating Feeling and Thought

Separating the feeling as a thing of its own and acknowledging it can help us fully experience and acknowledge our emotions. The mind often tries to make sense of the feeling by bringing in memories, stories, and judgments, but welcoming these mind stories softens them.

Trusting Ourselves and Staying Curious

Trusting ourselves and staying curious is important when dealing with anxieties. Checking in with our bodies and feeling into the energy can provide wisdom and guidance. Listening to ourselves matters more than what experts or books say.

Summary

Transcript

Introduction

00:00 - 07:37

This episode is a conversation between Dr. Amy Johnson and Rasmic on the brand new thought podcast.
Dr. Johnson shares insights on breaking habits, ending anxiety, and the nature of change.
The conversation explores the human tendency to get identified with thoughts and lose sight of our formless nature.
They discuss how we are energy and sometimes that energy feels dense or free, and it's valuable to feel into that energy.
Dr. Johnson explains her shift from clinical psychology to coaching based on insight instead of willpower.
She sought answers about the human experience beyond what psychology or religion could provide.
The principles she discovered in coaching helped her merge spirituality and psychology in her work.

Understanding Thought

07:08 - 14:25

The three principles understanding reveals that everything is just as it should be and we have endless health, vitality, and thriving.
Humans often get identified with their thinking and lose sight of their formless nature.
The mind tends to create concepts and forget the sense of peace or resonance that originally resonated with us.
To guide people out of this trap, it is important to notice how they feel and explore from a place of curiosity and openness.
When the mind tries to turn the understanding into something concrete, it creates rules and limitations.
Being in a space of not knowing opens up possibilities for amazing insights.
The principle of thought in the three principles community refers to seeing the essence of thought rather than describing it in specific terms. It is about recognizing that external reality doesn't have a feeling attached to it and our thoughts act like projectors.

Layers of Thought

13:58 - 21:03

Thought is like a projector that colors and determines what we see.
Thought has different layers, including narrative thinking and the thought that gives meaning to things.
Narrative thought is not necessary and doesn't help us in most cases.
We can function perfectly without constant commentary in our heads.
Thought is everywhere and affects how we feel and perceive reality.
It's possible to be connected with a deeper intelligence beyond excessive thought.
The ego tricks us into believing its voice is our own.
Thought should be seen as just another sense, like sight or smell.
We've never actually needed all the thought that runs in our minds.

Intellect vs Wisdom

20:42 - 28:01

There is a misunderstanding that our intellect is responsible for making decisions, but in reality, there is something deeper within us guiding us.
The yoga sutras of Patanjali recognize the difference between intellect and wisdom or transcendence.
We tend to lean towards negative thoughts even if we recognize they are not helpful.
Our identification with negative thoughts makes them feel true and important, even if they are repetitive and painful.
The gripping nature of negative thoughts shows that they are not who we truly are.
Instead of trying to make negative feelings go away, we should acknowledge and welcome them as a way to understand ourselves better.
Acknowledging and feeling our emotions, even the uncomfortable ones like insecurity or grief, can bring relief and a sense of truth.
Separating the feeling from the story or circumstance associated with it allows us to fully experience and acknowledge our emotions.

Sensing Thought and Emotion

27:36 - 34:52

Separating the feeling as a thing of its own and acknowledging it
The mind tries to make sense of the feeling by bringing in memories, stories, and judgments
Welcoming the mind stories softens them
Stress is often attached to the body in mental health approaches
The body shows where emotion and thought are felt
Thought and emotion are sensed in a sensory way
The body is where feedback comes from
There is no real separation between mind, body, and thought
Being in the body allows for better understanding of thought and feeling
Understanding eliminates the need for specific techniques but using techniques can still be helpful
Do whatever feels right and do not attach to any specific technique or practice

Integration and Personal Growth

34:23 - 41:44

Integration of meditation techniques with daily life is important for ultimate understanding
The power of thought can both help and hinder our well-being
Uncertainty and suffering can be portals for spiritual change
Circumstances may be tough, but our ability to awaken is independent of them
Genuine curiosity and desire contribute to having insights about our nature
Willingness to not know and let go of what we think we know is important
Fear often drives the need for certainty in knowing

Being Open to Feeling

41:18 - 48:22

The willingness to not know and be in any feeling is important for personal growth.
Being open to feeling anything can lead to insights and awakening.
Suffering can be a catalyst for seeking truth and understanding.
Changing habits is often misunderstood, with too much focus on behavior or thought.
Feeling the desire for change and being open to new possibilities is powerful.
Physical and mental aspects are interconnected, so addressing addiction requires understanding the whole person.
Being able to be present with any feeling, regardless of its intensity, is key to overcoming challenges.

Recognizing the Power of Feeling

47:55 - 54:59

Feeling is an equalizer that shows we are bigger than any feeling
Leaning into feelings and recognizing that we are not defined by them
Starting where we are and being with what's showing up is the only thing to do
People often make a case for why their habit is different, but it cannot be the truth
Approaches focused on surrender and feeling have not been completely embraced in personal development and psychology
The mind wants to grab onto something it can do, but surrender is beyond the mind
There is a quiet peace beyond the mind that becomes obvious as we feel into it
Getting quiet and feeling that space is more powerful than just learning or thinking about it
Common spiritual pitfalls include bypassing what's fresh and alive in favor of making plans or seeking external sources of awakening, overlooking what's here, and getting caught up in intellectual curiosity rather than being with what's present

Trusting Ourselves and Staying Curious

54:31 - 1:00:20

Sometimes we overlook what's right in front of us and think that principles don't work for us.
The Little School Big Change is a live training course that has been running for six years.
There is also a self-study version of the course available.
Amy also trains coaches and is open to new possibilities in her work.
Checking in with our bodies and feeling into the energy can provide wisdom and guidance.
Trusting ourselves and staying curious is important when dealing with anxieties.
Listening to ourselves matters more than what experts or books say.