94. Touching the Heart of Meditation with Amanda Gilbert

Explore the "technology of the Sacred", essential practices for self-development and integration through the work of Dr. Stan Grof and his exploration of consciousness. These technologies include breathwork, psychedelics, movement and sound. Learn how these tools can help you access expanded states of consciousness, integrate experiences, and connect with the spiritual dimensions of life. Subscribe for updates on breathwork, mindfulness, and integration practices at bluemagicelevate.com

Join host Jonathan Schecter in a special 'retro' episode of The Vital Point Podcast, where he revisits the first integration journal recording from early 2024. This episode introduced a new format aimed at genuine, raw sharing of his personal journey - and was previously only posted to the Blue Magic Alchemy youtube channel.  This episode reflects on the progress and changes in Jonathan’s goals and shares insights into the continuous process of self-improvement. Jonathan also discusses his transition from focusing solely on psychedelics to broader aspects of personal development, inviting listeners to join him on their own transformative journey.  Subscribe for updates and more on breathwork, mindfulness, and integration practices at bluemagicelevate.com 00:00 Welcome to the Vital Point Podcast 03:01 Changes and Future Direction 04:39 Expanding Beyond Psychedelics 05:29 Invitation to Join the Community 06:30 Introduction to Elevate Program 09:42 Testimonial from Elevate Participant 11:40 Launching the Integration Journal Series 13:55 Setting Goals and Taking Action 15:50 Personal Reflections and Challenges 31:24 Embodying the Higher Self 34:23 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

In this milestone 100th episode of the Vital Point Podcast, host Jonathan Schecter shares his transformative journey living for a year in Tibet. He reflects on Buddhism and several transpersonal experiences during this period influenced his personal evolution and integration practices. Jonathan delves into the importance of faith and fearlessness, recounts intimate stories of his time in remote Tibetan monasteries, and discusses the impact of his experiences on his life trajectory. Tune in for a deep dive into the intersections of spirituality, personal growth, and the significance of continuous practice. Jonathan Schecter is a breathwork facilitator and integrative specialist. Get 3 weeks of free online breathwork at https://bluemagicelevate.com⁠⁠⁠⁠ 00:00 Introduction to the Vital Point Podcast 00:24 Reflecting on a Year in Tibet 03:33 Discovering Buddhism and Transpersonal Experiences 10:03 Journey to Tibet and Unexpected Encounters 13:24 Challenges and Lessons in Tibet 24:29 Returning Home and Life Changes 27:59 Reconnecting with Meditation and Personal Growth 47:02 Conclusion and Future Podcast Plans

Take a deep dive into transformational breathwork and somatic healing as I welcome back breathwork expert and nervous system coach Connie Biesalski. Join us as we explore the balance between cathartic practices and nervous system regulation, share insights on the benefits of  combining modalities for personal growth and trauma recovery, and share our experiences learning to become Somatic Experiencing Practitioners. Connect with Conni at https://www.breathworkalchemy.co/ And on IG @breathwork.alchemy 00:00 Introduction to the Vital Point Podcast 01:09 The Journey of Breathwork and Personal Development 02:06 Connie's Influence and Inspirations 04:01 Navigating Personal and Professional Growth 08:26 The Power of Somatic Experiencing 15:59 Integrating Somatic Experiencing with Breathwork 22:46 The Importance of Slowing Down in Healing 37:44 Balancing Cathartic and Regulating Practices 43:04 Exploring Healing Approaches 44:29 Personal Journey and Client Experiences 49:22 The Role of Dissociation 53:35 Mindfulness and Somatic Practices 01:04:54 Combining Modalities for Trauma Healing 01:08:06 Trusting Your Body's Signals 01:16:07 Upcoming Projects and Reflections 01:20:14 Conclusion and Future Episodes Connect with Jonathan: Jonathan Schecter is a breathwork facilitator and integrative specialist. Get 3 weeks of free online breathwork at https://bluemagicelevate.com⁠⁠⁠⁠

Shannon Duncan is the author of 'Coming Full Circle: Healing Trauma with Psychedelics.' Explore Shannon's transformative journey with psychedelics and their impact on conditions like depression, anxiety, PTSD, and addiction. Understand the differences between trip sitters and qualified psychedelic guides, and the importance of set, setting, intention, and somatic practices. Learn about the renaissance of transformational medicines, and potential risks from unqualified sources. Connect with Shannon http://shannonduncan.com Coming Full Circle: Healing Trauma with Psychedelics is available on amazon https://www.amazon.com/dp/1959254049  Connect with Jonathan: Jonathan Schecter is a breathwork facilitator and integrative specialist. Get a free guide to Breathwork for Integration at ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://bluemagicelevate.com 00:00 Introduction to Self-Development 00:59 Meet Shannon Duncan: Author and Entrepreneur 01:37 The Psychedelic Renaissance and Healing Trauma 03:17 Breathwork: A Key to Psychedelic Integration 04:54 Mindfulness Practice 09:15 Diving Deep into 'Coming Full Circle' 11:59 The Importance of Qualified Psychedelic Guides 17:33 Navigating the Psychedelic Experience 33:20 Preparing for Deep Medicine Work 41:44 Understanding the Purging Process 43:21 The Role of the Guide 44:44 Challenges of Becoming a Guide 46:57 The Dunning-Kruger Effect in Psychedelic Work 50:44 The Importance of Somatic Work 56:03 Integration and the Concept of Canaries 01:00:14 Daily Practices for Mindfulness 01:02:16 The Future of the Psychedelic Renaissance 01:13:02 Closing Thoughts and Reflections

Dive into the world of microdosing with Adam Bramlage, founder and CEO of Flow State Micro. Learn about the transformative potential of microdosing, dosage levels, integration protocols, and the rich history of microdosing in human evolution. Discover how microdosing can aid mental health, creativity, and performance, and hear about the upcoming Microdosing Facilitator Training Program, featuring experts like James Fadiman, Laura Dawn, and more. Plus, get practical tips on building a mindfulness practice and integrating these practices into your daily life. To sign up for the Microdosing Facilitator Training Program go to: https://www.flowstatemicro.com/microdosing-facilitator-training Connect with Jonathan: Jonathan Schecter is a breathwork facilitator and integrative specialist. Get a free guide to Breathwork for Integration at ⁠⁠⁠⁠beacons.ai/bluemagicalchemy 00:00 Episode Intro 03:05 Mindfulness Practice 07:00 Welcome Adam! 09:38 Historical Context of Microdosing 14:57 Modern Applications and Mental Health Benefits 23:33 Challenges and Future of Psychedelics 38:00 Understanding Microdosing Dosages 38:59 The Benefits of Microdosing Over Time 41:47 Popular Microdosing Protocols 43:52 Combining Psilocybin with Other Mushrooms 46:12 The Role of Macrodosing 48:49 Microdosing in Daily Life 58:51 Microdosing Facilitator Training 59:52 The Importance of Integration 01:10:53 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Join integration coach and Breathwork facilitator Jonathan Schecter, in this solo episode where he shares his personal journey of overcoming alcohol addiction. Jonathan delves into the importance of integration and self-development, highlighting the role of mindfulness, journaling, therapy, and intentional psychedelics in his transformation. He recounts the challenges he faced, including the influence of his social environment and unprocessed emotions, and offers practical insights and methods to help others on their journey towards change. Tune in to explore actionable steps, from journaling prompts to mindfulness practices, aimed at helping you evolve and bring your dreams into reality. Connect with Jonathan: Jonathan Schecter is a breathwork facilitator and integrative specialist. Get a free guide to Breathwork for Integration at ⁠⁠⁠⁠beacons.ai/bluemagicalchemy

Join me in a profound discussion with renowned Buddhist teacher, David Nichtern. We explore the fundamentals of self-development through practice and self-evolution, emphasizing the significance of basic goodness and warrior attributes. The conversation delves into integrating mindfulness, meditation, and ancient Buddhist wisdom with modern challenges. David discusses responsibility, accountability, and the balance between cultural traditions and contemporary practices in spiritual teachings. We also touch upon the implications of psychedelics and the importance of understanding karma, spiritual discipline, and cultivating curiosity. David has an upcoming free zoom to talk about the upcoming Dharma Moon Mindfulness Meditation Teacher Training Program go to https://www.dharmamoon.com/role-of-the-teacher-may-2024 to learn more and sign up. 00:00 Unlocking Your Potential: A Journey of Self-Development 01:04 Introducing David Nichtern: A Multifaceted Meditation Master 03:01 Exploring the Warrior Path and Mindfulness Meditation 03:57 Deep Dive into Mindfulness and Meditation Teacher Training 05:05 Conversations on Basic Goodness and Human Nature 07:59 The Vital Role of Psychedelics in Modern Spirituality 43:18 Navigating the Complexities of Karma and Basic Goodness 47:38 The Power of Practice and Transformation 48:39 Recognizing the Fruits of Spiritual Practice 49:23 Navigating Spiritual Materialism and Authenticity 50:04 The Challenge of Compassion and Understanding 50:55 Exploring the Nature of Evil and Compassion 52:13 The Role of Karma and Personal Transformation 53:50 The Warrior's Path: Fearlessness, Gentleness, and Curiosity 01:00:38 The Richness of Dharma and the Journey of Teaching 01:09:17 The Importance of Authentic Engagement in Spiritual Practice 01:14:56 Reflections on Legacy, Responsibility, and Community 01:25:25 Closing Thoughts: The Journey of Practice and Exploration Connect with David at https://www.dharmamoon.com/ Connect with Jonathan: Host Jonathan Schecter is a breathwork facilitator and integrative specialist. Get a free guide to Breathwork for Integration at ⁠⁠⁠⁠beacons.ai/bluemagicalchemy⁠⁠ and go to ⁠https://breath.tricycleday.com to get a sample of his course on psychedelic breathwork.

Exploring the transformative power of meditation and mindfulness with meditation teacher Amanda Gilbert. A meditation practice is one of the best things you can do for your mental health. It can also feel overwhelming figuring out where to begin.  Amanda and I discuss common misconceptions, and the value of a consistent practice. We also discuss the benefits and importance of mindfulness in daily life, in the workplace, and the journey of self-discovery through observation and returning to the present moment with awareness, patience, and self-compassion. ​​Amanda Gilbert is a meditation teacher, speaker, and the author of Kindness Now: A 28-Day Guide to Living with Authenticity, Intention and Compassion. She’s led meditations for leading businesses as well as colleges like USC.  Connect with Amanda: IG: @amandagilbertmeditation https://www.instagram.com/amandagilbertmeditation/  FB: https://www.facebook.com/amandagilbertmeditation   Website: www.amandagilbertmeditation.com  Connect with Jonathan: Host Jonathan Schecter is a breathwork facilitator and integrative specialist. Get a free guide to Breathwork for Integration at ⁠⁠⁠⁠beacons.ai/bluemagicalchemy⁠⁠ and go to ⁠https://breath.tricycleday.com. to get a sample of his course on psychedelic breathwork.

Connect to this captivating conversation with musician and meditation teacher Michael Kammers as we discuss the importance of self-acceptance, mindfulness, and creativity. Discover how you can cultivate kindness, navigate the nuances of attention, and use music as a shared language to embrace life's challenges. Key Discussion Points: Embracing Your True Self: Explore how mindfulness helps you accept who you are, recognizing and nurturing benevolent energy within. Mindfulness as a Foundation: Learn why mindfulness is fundamental for cultivating attention and how it unlocks other practices like loving-kindness (metta) and visualization. Music as Shared Language: Michael shares his passion for using music as a bridge between mindfulness, meditation, and community-building. Navigating Gaps and Groundlessness: Understand how meditation helps you identify pauses in the egoic mind, leading to grounded awareness. Connect with Michael Kammers: Explore his work at Dharma Moon https://www.dharmamoon.com/ or via https://www.mkmkmk.com/ Follow Michael's music journey through social media, https://www.instagram.com/mkforpresident Connect with Jonathan: Host Jonathan Schecter is a breathwork facilitator and integrative specialist. Get a free guide to Breathwork for Integration at ⁠⁠⁠⁠beacons.ai/bluemagicalchemy⁠⁠ and go to ⁠https://breath.tricycleday.com. to get a sample of his course on psychedelic breathwork.