Escape the Demon of Approval

One of the first mistakes the ego makes is to confuse approval with love. From early childhood, we learn to feel good when we’re praised and uncomfortable when we’re not. Without noticing, we start organising our lives around being approved of rather than being true to ourselves.That’s how we end up:· People-pleasing instead of setting boundaries· Staying small instead of taking risks· Needing others to respond a certain way before we can feel okayI call this the demon of approval.And you can’t be free of it until you can clearly see it.Tonight I’m running a free live session on this — how to see the pattern clearly, feel what comes up when you stop feeding it, and begin acting from something deeper than the need for approvalIf this resonates, you’re very welcome to join - register here: ESCAPE THE DEMON It starts at 7pm UK time and I will start with a short meditation to show how approval keeps the ‘me mind’ hooked. There will also be plenty of time for questions. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This is a conversation with the author of Notes on Nothing - The Joy Of Being Nobody.The author - J - experienced a shift that prompted him to write his excellent book, which describes awakening beautifully.I read it before and after my own kensho - and invited the author on to discuss what a shift is like from both our perspectives.Work with me - free 15 minute 1:1 consultation: https://calendly.com/simon-wgw/simon-mundie-intro-callRegister for my free webinar on Tuesday April 21st @ 7pm UK time: https://zoom.us/j/97714908602?pwd=8lnBbAIMp8bFS4YGeZrBABYqG1eF11.1Substack: https://simonmundie.substack.com/For a gift of 30 free meditation sessions on Henry Shukman's meditation app 'The Way' - click here: https://the-way.app.link/simonGet the book: https://www.as-is-press.com/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Overthinking is a sign we are avoiding our feelings. When I was young, I remember thinking 'I don't know why I don't feel sad'. And the reason was - I had gone into my head to stop from feeling. This is the first way we all learn to escape from our experience, causing a split and beginning the process of self-abandonment.Work with me - free 15 minute 1:1 consultation: https://calendly.com/simon-wgw/simon-...Substack: https://simonmundie.substack.com/For a gift of 30 free meditation sessions on Henry Shukman's meditation app 'The Way' - click here: https://the-way.app.link/simonWatch on YouTube: http://youtube.com/watch?v=ZkugHKi39O0&lc=UgzMqdI4sGKNW3Q8KyB4AaABAg Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

I've recently seen three clients have an awakening by stopping abandoning themselves. I didn't know it was coming, and nor did they - but it was a privilege to witrness.Doing this work really can take you all the way (or more accurately return you) to the peace and love of your true nature.Work with me - free 15 minute 1:1 consultation: https://calendly.com/simon-wgw/simon-mundie-intro-callSubstack: https://simonmundie.substack.com/For a gift of 30 free meditation sessions on Henry Shukman's meditation app 'The Way' - click here: https://the-way.app.link/simon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This short episode reflects on the Louis Theroux manosphere documentary and what it reveals beneath the surface. Rather than judging behaviour, I explore the underlying pattern of avoidance—how we push away sensitivity and what that does to our sense of self. Drawing on my own experience, this points toward a more honest form of masculinity—and ultimately, a path of awakening through integration, not rejection.Free 15 minute coaching consultation: https://calendly.com/simon-wgw/simon-mundie-intro-callYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@IAmSimonMundieSubstack: https://simonmundie.substack.com/For a gift of 30 free meditation sessions on Henry Shukman's meditation app 'The Way' - click here: https://the-way.app.link/simonFor more information on The Way head here: http://thewayapp.com/simon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Self-inquiry is one of the most potent tools for spiritual awakening - but only if you know how to use it properly. Here are 4 things that actually make it work.When Am I? A Self-Inquiry QuestionWhy self-inquiry questions confuse the mindWhere am I? the experiential InquiryWhy we feel located in the headIntention in Self-InquiryHow Self-Inquiry Can lead to AwakeningFree 15 minute coaching consultation: https://calendly.com/simon-wgw/simon-mundie-intro-callYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@IAmSimonMundieSubstack: https://simonmundie.substack.com/For a gift of 30 free meditation sessions on Henry Shukman's meditation app 'The Way' - click here: https://the-way.app.link/simonFor more information on The Way head here: http://thewayapp.com/simon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Overthinking can feel relentless. In this episode I share four simple things that help calm a busy mind, from grounding and breathing to reconnecting with the body and nature. Then I explore the deeper reason we overthink — and why the mind often spins when we’re avoiding a feeling.Free 1:1 coaching consultation: https://calendly.com/simon-wgw/simon-mundie-intro-callTools I mention:Shakti Mat: https://www.shaktimat.co.uk/collections/allWeighted blanket: https://snoozetherapy.co.uk/collections/shop-allThe relaxator breath trainer: https://breathandbalance.uk/products/the-relaxator-breath-trainerAyurvedic Abhyanga massage oil: https://naissance.com/collections/massage-oils-1Other links:My book: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Champion-Thinking-Success-Without-Yourself/dp/1526626497/ref=tmm_hrd_swatch_0YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@IAmSimonMundieSubstack: https://substack.com/@simonmundie?utm_source=user-menuFor energy work with Alex: [email protected] Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

People pleasing often looks kind on the surface. But over time it can lead to exhaustion, resentment - and burnout. In this episode, I explore why people pleasing develops in the first place and why it’s rooted in a childhood strategy to secure love and approval. More importantly, I share a different way of working with the pattern. Instead of trying to force yourself to “stop”, the real shift comes from recognising the deeper fear driving it and learning how to meet that feeling directly. When you do, something surprising happens: the pattern begins to soften, and the approval you’ve been chasing outside yourself becomes far less important. If you struggle to say no, overcommit, or feel responsible for other people’s emotions, this episode will help you understand why - and what actually leads to lasting change.To explore this work more deeply, you can book a free 15 minute 1:1 consultation here: https://calendly.com/simon-wgw/simon-mundie-intro-call Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Why does it sometimes feel like something's still missing - even after deep insight?In this short episode, Simon explores the hidden motivations behind the search for awakening, the role of self-worth in seeking, and why surrender matters more than chasing another breakthrough. To explore this work more deeply, you can book a free 15 minute 1:1 consultation here: https://calendly.com/simon-wgw/simon-mundie-intro-call Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, Alex and I share a five-month update since my awakening experience - and how it’s actually showing up in our relationship. One of the biggest misconceptions about spiritual awakening is that it removes triggers or makes you permanently peaceful. That hasn’t been our experience.We talk honestly about what’s changed, what hasn’t, and how old relational patterns still surface - but are met differently. We also share some news about upcoming retreats and what we’re building next.Free 15 minute 1:1 coaching consultation: https://calendly.com/simon-wgw/simon-mundie-intro-callWatch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vnHCpGupiasFollow Alex: https://www.instagram.com/iamalexandrawilby/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.