{"id":482,"date":"2020-01-14T18:04:03","date_gmt":"2020-01-14T18:04:03","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/resources2.soundstrue.com\/?page_id=482"},"modified":"2021-03-04T17:19:09","modified_gmt":"2021-03-04T17:19:09","slug":"blog","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/resources2.soundstrue.com\/blog\/","title":{"rendered":"Blog Home"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t<div data-elementor-type=\"wp-page\" data-elementor-id=\"482\" class=\"elementor elementor-482\" data-elementor-settings=\"[]\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-section-wrap\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<section class=\"elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-5f3ca7f elementor-section-stretched elementor-section-full_width elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default\" data-id=\"5f3ca7f\" data-element_type=\"section\" data-settings=\"{&quot;stretch_section&quot;:&quot;section-stretched&quot;}\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-row\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-ff70da3\" data-id=\"ff70da3\" data-element_type=\"column\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-column-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-fc88a74 elementor-widget elementor-widget-post-slider\" data-id=\"fc88a74\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"post-slider.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\n\n\n<div class=\"elementor-sounds-true post-slider\">\n\n    <div\n        class=\"progression-studios-post-slider-main progression_elements_slider_arrow_visiblity_hidden progression_elements_slider_dots_visiblity_visible\">\n        <div id=\"progression-elements-progression-flexslider-fc88a74\"\n            class=\"flexslider\">\n            <ul class=\"slides\">\n                                <li class=\"progression_animate_up\">\n                    \n\n\n<div id=\"dynamic-header-text\" class=\"progression-elements-slider-background light-text\"\n                style=\"background-image:url('https:\/\/resources2.soundstrue.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/Person-reflecting-on-inner-fears-and-healing-through-self-compassion-1400x700.png')\" >\n    \n    \n    <div class=\"slider-elements-display-table\">\n\n        <div class=\"slider-text-floating-container\">\n            <div class=\"slider-content-max-width\">\n                <div class=\"slider-content-margins\">\n\n                    <div class=\"slider-content-align-ment\">\n\n                        \n                        <div class=\"slider-category-list\">                            <span>\n                                <a href=\"https:\/\/resources2.soundstrue.com\/category\/self-compassion\/\">\n                                    Self-Compassion                                <\/a>\n                            <\/span>\n                                                        <span>\n                                <a href=\"https:\/\/resources2.soundstrue.com\/category\/spirituality\/\">\n                                    Spirituality                                <\/a>\n                            <\/span>\n                                                    <\/div>\n                        <h2 class=\"progression-blog-slider-title\">Feeding Your Demons: Lama Tsultrim Allione on Turning Toward What We Normally Avoid<\/h2>\n\n                        \n                        \n\n                        <p class=\"progression-blog-slider-smallest-title\">Fear, self-doubt, and emotional pain have a way of showing up uninvited, and most of us spend enormous energy trying to push them away. What would shift for you...<\/p>\n                        \n                        \n                        <h4 class=\"progression-blog-slider-sub-title\"> <strong>Written by:<\/strong><br \/>\n\n                                                                                    <a\n                                href=\"https:\/\/resources2.soundstrue.com\/contributor\/amy-burtaine\/\">Amy Burtaine<\/a>\n                                                         &                             <a\n                                href=\"https:\/\/resources2.soundstrue.com\/contributor\/michelle-cassandra-johnson\/\">Michelle Cassandra Johnson<\/a>\n                            \n                        <\/h4>\n                        \n\n                        <div>\n                            <a class=\"post-slider-button\" href=\"https:\/\/resources2.soundstrue.com\/blog\/feeding-your-demons\/\">\n                                Read Now                            <\/a>\n             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has-post-thumbnail hentry category-shamanism category-spirituality category-subtle-energy contributor-amy-burtaine contributor-michelle-cassandra-johnson slider-tags-blog\">\t\n\t<div class=\"progression-studios-default-blog-index \">\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"progression-studios-feaured-image\">\n\t\t\t                                            <a href=\"https:\/\/resources2.soundstrue.com\/blog\/\"\n                                                class=\"pro-post-list--post-type-label blog\">blog<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/resources2.soundstrue.com\/blog\/alberto-villoldo\/\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"450\" src=\"https:\/\/resources2.soundstrue.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/Alberto-Villoldo-teaching-shamanic-healing-and-energy-medicine-800x450.png\" class=\"attachment-progression-studios-blog-index size-progression-studios-blog-index wp-post-image\" alt=\"Alberto Villoldo teaching shamanic healing and energy medicine\" srcset=\"https:\/\/resources2.soundstrue.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/Alberto-Villoldo-teaching-shamanic-healing-and-energy-medicine-800x450.png 800w, https:\/\/resources2.soundstrue.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/Alberto-Villoldo-teaching-shamanic-healing-and-energy-medicine-300x169.png 300w, https:\/\/resources2.soundstrue.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/Alberto-Villoldo-teaching-shamanic-healing-and-energy-medicine-1024x576.png 1024w, https:\/\/resources2.soundstrue.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/Alberto-Villoldo-teaching-shamanic-healing-and-energy-medicine-768x432.png 768w, https:\/\/resources2.soundstrue.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/Alberto-Villoldo-teaching-shamanic-healing-and-energy-medicine-1536x864.png 1536w, https:\/\/resources2.soundstrue.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/Alberto-Villoldo-teaching-shamanic-healing-and-energy-medicine.png 1920w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"blog-floating-comments-viewcount\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"blog-meta-comments\"><i class=\"fa fa-comments\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i> 0<\/span>\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"blog-meta-views\"><i class=\"fa fa-eye\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i><div class=\"post-views content-post post-26278 entry-meta load-static\">\r\n\t\t\t\t<span class=\"post-views-icon dashicons dashicons-chart-bar\"><\/span> <span class=\"post-views-label\">Post Views:<\/span> <span class=\"post-views-count\">42<\/span>\r\n\t\t\t<\/div><\/div>\t\t\t\t\t<\/div><!-- close .blog-floating-comments-viewcount -->\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div><!-- close .progression-studios-feaured-image -->\n\t\t<!-- close video -->\n\t\t\n\t\t<div class=\"progression-blog-content\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"blog-meta-category-list\"><a href=\"https:\/\/resources2.soundstrue.com\/category\/shamanism\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Shamanism<\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/resources2.soundstrue.com\/category\/spirituality\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Spirituality<\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/resources2.soundstrue.com\/category\/subtle-energy\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Subtle Energy<\/a><\/div>\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<h2 class=\"progression-blog-title\">\n\n\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/resources2.soundstrue.com\/blog\/alberto-villoldo\/\">\n\t\t\tAlberto Villoldo on Shamanic Healing: The Light Body a...\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<\/a><\/h2>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"progression-post-meta\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"blog-meta-author-display\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/resources2.soundstrue.com\/contributor\/amy-burtaine\/\">Amy Burtaine<\/a>\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<br>\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/resources2.soundstrue.com\/contributor\/michelle-cassandra-johnson\/\">Michelle Cassandra Johnson<\/a>\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"progression-meta-mdash\">&mdash;<\/span> <span class=\"blog-meta-date-display\">August 3, 2026<\/span>\t\t\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<div class=\"progression-studios-blog-excerpt\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>What would change if healing began not with symptoms, but with the energy beneath them? Alberto Villoldo has spent decades exploring that question, and the answers have shaped some of the most compelling teachings in modern shamanism.<\/p>\n<p>At Sounds True, we have been sharing the voices of respected spiritual teachers since 1985, when our founder Tami Simon set out to preserve the living wisdom of those with something real to offer the world. Today, our library holds more than 3,000 titles spanning audio programs, digital courses, and conversations that meet seekers wherever they are on their path.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>This post walks through Villoldo&#8217;s core teachings on shamanic healing, the light body, and energy medicine, and how these practices connect to lasting personal growth.<\/p>\n<h2><strong>Key Takeaways:<\/strong><\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Healing Through Ancient Wisdom:<\/strong> As Alberto Villoldo, shamanic healing is a practice rooted in indigenous traditions from the Andes and Amazon that works with energetic patterns to restore balance and a deeper sense of wholeness.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Your Light Body&#8217;s Hidden Influence:<\/strong> The light body is an energetic field that may shape how we feel and respond daily. Energy medicine works by identifying and clearing the imprints that lock us into familiar, limiting patterns.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Energy Medicine, Everyday Practice:<\/strong> From the Four Winds Society to the Munay Ki rites, Villoldo&#8217;s teachings lay out concrete pathways for living with greater awareness, all supported through Sounds True&#8217;s courses, podcasts, and programs.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.soundstrue.com\/collections\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/resources2.soundstrue.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Discover-the-Power-of-Daily-Meditation-and-Inner-Stillness.png\" alt=\"Discover the Power of Daily Meditation and Inner Stillness\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1080\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<h2><strong>Alberto Villoldo and the Foundations of Shamanic Healing<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>Alberto Villoldo is a medical anthropologist and psychologist who spent years living among indigenous healers in the Andes and the Amazon basin. What he witnessed there reshaped his sense of what healing could be. Shamanic healing holds that our energetic patterns shape our experience just as powerfully as physical ones do.<\/p>\n<p>These traditions teach that recurring emotional struggles, persistent patterns, and illness may have roots in the energetic field surrounding the body. A shamanic healer works beneath the visible wound by tending to memories and imprints. Villoldo&#8217;s fieldwork led him to synthesize indigenous Andean and Amazonian wisdom with contemporary frameworks for personal growth, making these teachings accessible to all students.<\/p>\n<p>We have been honored to share his voice alongside many others through our <a href=\"https:\/\/www.soundstrue.com\/a\/resources\/podcast\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Insights at the Edge Podcast<\/a>, a weekly conversation series where healers, scientists, and spiritual teachers speak honestly about consciousness, transformation, and the practices that have shaped their lives.<\/p>\n<h2><strong>Understanding the Light Body Through Energy Medicine<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>One of the most distinctive ideas in Villoldo&#8217;s work is the concept of the light body, an energetic field said to interpenetrate our physical selves. This luminous layer carries the imprints of past experiences, emotional wounds, and inherited patterns that may influence how we feel, respond, and relate to others.<\/p>\n<p>According to Villoldo, energy medicine works with this field. Practitioners learn to identify and clear the imprints fueling recurring challenges, drawing on Andean cosmology, Amazonian healing lineages, and Villoldo&#8217;s own background in neuroscience and psychology. What makes this perspective compelling is the shift in agency it invites. Healing becomes something we actively participate in, a relationship we tend rather than an outcome we wait for.<\/p>\n<p>Those drawn to these ideas can continue their journey through our <a href=\"https:\/\/www.soundstrue.com\/collections\/subtle-energy\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Subtle Energy collection<\/a>, where teachings on the energetic body and holistic healing are gathered from a wide range of respected voices and traditions.<\/p>\n<h3><strong>Uncovering The Origins of These Teachings<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>The wisdom Villoldo draws from spans thousands of years and several distinct indigenous cultures. Andean shamanism carries a rich cosmology centered on the relationship between human consciousness and the natural world. Practitioners work with the four directions, elemental forces, and archetypal energies as partners in the healing process, a view that places us in genuine relationship with something far larger than our individual concerns.<\/p>\n<h2><strong>How Shamanic Healing Supports Lasting Transformation<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>Shamanic healing asks us to become active participants in our own growth. Villoldo speaks of the importance of shifting the energetic stories we carry, going deeper than surface circumstances. When the root pattern changes, the outer experience tends to follow. Practices that support this path include:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Guided Visualization and Ceremony:<\/strong> These create a structured, safe space for moving through emotional or spiritual material. A visualization practice might invite you to meet a part of yourself carrying a wound and offer it compassion and release. Many practitioners find this builds greater emotional clarity, steadier presence, and a more grounded relationship with life.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Compassionate Self-Reflection Practice:<\/strong> Shamanic teachings place great weight on honesty and self-awareness. Examining the recurring stories we tell about ourselves, our relationships, and our limitations is central to the path. This kind of clear-eyed witnessing opens the door to real, lasting change.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Meditation and Breathwork:<\/strong> These practices cultivate the inner stillness from which insight can arise. Even brief, consistent sessions can make the patterns held within the light body more visible and the process of releasing them more accessible, even for those new to these practices.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><strong>The Four Winds Society&#8217;s Living Mission<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>Alberto Villoldo founded the Four Winds Society in the 1980s to preserve and pass on the wisdom he received from Andean and Amazonian elders. The organization offers training in energy medicine and shamanic healing to students from many different backgrounds.<\/p>\n<p>Their guiding values include honoring the sacredness of life and respecting the cultural origins of these traditions. Students are trained in technique as well as the ethical responsibility that comes with this kind of work.Central to the Four Winds curriculum is the Munay Ki rites, nine traditional initiations drawn from Andean shamanic lineages. The word &#8220;munay&#8221; in Quechua carries the combined meaning of love and will. Each rite is transmitted heart to heart between teacher and student.<\/p>\n<p>These themes resonate with many of the teachings we gather through our <a href=\"https:\/\/www.soundstrue.com\/collections\/spirituality\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Spirituality &amp; Awakening collection<\/a>, where many paths come together in service of greater consciousness.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.soundstrue.com\/collections\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/resources2.soundstrue.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Awaken-Your-Inner-Healing-Power-Your-Wellness-Journey-Starts-Now.png\" alt=\"Awaken Your Inner Healing Power: Your Wellness Journey Starts Now\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1080\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<h2><strong>Bringing the Light Body and Energy Medicine into Everyday Life<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>A shamanic perspective holds that healing belongs in everyday life, woven through small choices and simple moments.<\/p>\n<h3><strong>A Morning Grounding Practice<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>Begin the day with a few quiet minutes, ideally seated in a calm, dedicated space or with feet on the earth. Shamanic traditions speak of connecting to the natural world as an anchor for energetic balance. Even five minutes of conscious breath can shift the quality of the day ahead and help you move with greater presence from the very first hour.<\/p>\n<h3><strong>Gratitude as Energetic Medicine<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>Gratitude runs deeper than a fleeting mood. From a shamanic view, it actively shifts the quality of the energetic field we move through the day. Starting or ending the day with genuine appreciation for the body, for those we love, for simple beauty, changes how we relate to life at a fundamental level.<\/p>\n<h3><strong>Meeting What Arises\u00a0<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>Shamanic healing encourages meeting challenges with curiosity. Asking &#8220;what is this experience here to show me?&#8221; transforms daily life into a practice of ongoing growth and self-knowing, a small but powerful reframe that accumulates into real change.<\/p>\n<p>At Sounds True, we are proud to bring voices like Alberto Villoldo&#8217;s to this community alongside many other respected teachers, including Jack Kornfield, Pema Ch\u00f6dr\u00f6n, and others featured through our <a href=\"https:\/\/www.soundstrue.com\/blogs\/authors\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">All Teachers &amp; Authors<\/a> page.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.soundstrue.com\/collections\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/resources2.soundstrue.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Discover-how-your-mind-really-works.png\" alt=\"Discover how your mind really works\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1080\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<h2><strong>Final Thoughts<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>Alberto Villoldo&#8217;s teachings remind us that healing is an ongoing journey. Shamanic healing, the light body, and energy medicine are accessible to anyone willing to engage with them, carrying an invitation extended across thousands of years: a call to remember that we are more than our symptoms, more than our stories, and far more capable of transformation than we may have believed.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>At Sounds True, we are honored to walk alongside teachers who carry this kind of wisdom and to share it with seekers at every stage of their path.\u00a0<\/p>\n<h2><strong>Frequently Asked Questions About Alberto Villoldo on Shamanic Healing<\/strong><\/h2>\n<h3><strong>What is Alberto Villoldo best known for?<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>Alberto Villoldo is best known for his work as a medical anthropologist, psychologist, and teacher of shamanic healing. His teachings combine indigenous wisdom with contemporary perspectives on personal growth and well-being.<\/p>\n<h3><strong>How does shamanic healing differ from conventional healing practices?<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>Shamanic healing focuses on restoring energetic and spiritual balance alongside physical and emotional well-being. It is intended to complement personal growth rather than replace professional medical care.<\/p>\n<h3><strong>Is the light body connected to a specific spiritual tradition?<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>The concept of the light body appears in several spiritual traditions, although Alberto Villoldo teaches it through the lens of Andean and Amazonian shamanic practices and energy medicine.<\/p>\n<h3><strong>Can anyone learn energy medicine?<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>Many teachers, including Alberto Villoldo, believe that energy medicine practices can be learned through study, guidance, and consistent practice. Some techniques are suitable for beginners, while others require more advanced training.<\/p>\n<h3><strong>What are the Munay Ki rites?<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>The Munay Ki rites are a series of traditional initiations that are intended to support spiritual growth, deepen self-awareness, and strengthen one&#8217;s connection with nature and compassionate living.<\/p>\n<h3><strong>How can energy medicine become part of a daily routine?<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>Many people incorporate energy medicine through meditation, mindful breathing, gratitude practices, visualization, or spending intentional time in nature as part of their daily spiritual practice.<\/p>\n<figure><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"898\" height=\"1306\" src=\"https:\/\/resources2.soundstrue.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Amy-Michelle-Photo.png\" alt=\"\" loading=\"lazy\" \/><\/figure>\n<p><b>Michelle Cassandra Johnson<\/b> is an author, activist, spiritual teacher, racial equity consultant, and intuitive healer. She is the author of six books, including <i>Skill in Action<\/i> and <i>Finding Refuge<\/i>. <b>Amy Burtaine<\/b> is a leadership coach and racial equity trainer. With Robin DiAngelo, she is the coauthor of <i>The Facilitator&#8217;s Guide for White Affinity Groups<\/i>. For more, visit <a href=\"https:\/\/www.michellecjohnson.com\/wisdom-of-the-hive\" target=_blank\">https:\/\/www.michellecjohnson.com\/wisdom-of-the-hive<\/a>.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t<\/div><!-- close .progression-blog-content -->\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t<div class=\"clearfix-pro\"><\/div>\n\t<\/div><!-- close .progression-studios-default-blog-index -->\n<\/div><!-- #post-## -->                                                    <\/div><!-- close .progression-studios-isotope-animation -->\n                    <\/div><!-- close .progression-masonry-padding-blog -->\n                <\/div><!-- close .progression-masonry-item -->\n                                <div\n                    class=\"progression-masonry-item \">\n                    <div\n                        class=\"progression-masonry-padding-blog  progression_elements_post_list_video_play progression_elements_post_list_excerpt\">\n                        <div class=\"progression-studios-isotope-animation\">\n\n                                                        \n\n\n\n<div id=\"post-26272\" class=\"post-26272 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail hentry category-personal-growth category-self-compassion category-spirituality contributor-amy-burtaine contributor-michelle-cassandra-johnson slider-tags-blog\">\t\n\t<div class=\"progression-studios-default-blog-index \">\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"progression-studios-feaured-image\">\n\t\t\t                                            <a href=\"https:\/\/resources2.soundstrue.com\/blog\/\"\n                                                class=\"pro-post-list--post-type-label blog\">blog<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/resources2.soundstrue.com\/blog\/matthew-fox\/\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"450\" src=\"https:\/\/resources2.soundstrue.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/Matthew-Fox-teaching-original-blessing-through-creation-spirituality-800x450.png\" class=\"attachment-progression-studios-blog-index size-progression-studios-blog-index wp-post-image\" alt=\"Matthew Fox teaching original blessing through creation spirituality\" srcset=\"https:\/\/resources2.soundstrue.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/Matthew-Fox-teaching-original-blessing-through-creation-spirituality-800x450.png 800w, https:\/\/resources2.soundstrue.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/Matthew-Fox-teaching-original-blessing-through-creation-spirituality-300x169.png 300w, https:\/\/resources2.soundstrue.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/Matthew-Fox-teaching-original-blessing-through-creation-spirituality-1024x576.png 1024w, https:\/\/resources2.soundstrue.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/Matthew-Fox-teaching-original-blessing-through-creation-spirituality-768x432.png 768w, https:\/\/resources2.soundstrue.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/Matthew-Fox-teaching-original-blessing-through-creation-spirituality-1536x864.png 1536w, https:\/\/resources2.soundstrue.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/Matthew-Fox-teaching-original-blessing-through-creation-spirituality.png 1920w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"blog-floating-comments-viewcount\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"blog-meta-comments\"><i class=\"fa fa-comments\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i> 0<\/span>\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"blog-meta-views\"><i class=\"fa fa-eye\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i><div class=\"post-views content-post post-26272 entry-meta load-static\">\r\n\t\t\t\t<span class=\"post-views-icon dashicons dashicons-chart-bar\"><\/span> <span class=\"post-views-label\">Post Views:<\/span> <span class=\"post-views-count\">32<\/span>\r\n\t\t\t<\/div><\/div>\t\t\t\t\t<\/div><!-- close .blog-floating-comments-viewcount -->\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div><!-- close .progression-studios-feaured-image -->\n\t\t<!-- close video -->\n\t\t\n\t\t<div class=\"progression-blog-content\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"blog-meta-category-list\"><a href=\"https:\/\/resources2.soundstrue.com\/category\/personal-growth\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Personal Growth<\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/resources2.soundstrue.com\/category\/self-compassion\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Self-Compassion<\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/resources2.soundstrue.com\/category\/spirituality\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Spirituality<\/a><\/div>\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<h2 class=\"progression-blog-title\">\n\n\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/resources2.soundstrue.com\/blog\/matthew-fox\/\">\n\t\t\tMatthew Fox on Original Blessing: Why You Were Born Go...\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<\/a><\/h2>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"progression-post-meta\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"blog-meta-author-display\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/resources2.soundstrue.com\/contributor\/amy-burtaine\/\">Amy Burtaine<\/a>\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<br>\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/resources2.soundstrue.com\/contributor\/michelle-cassandra-johnson\/\">Michelle Cassandra Johnson<\/a>\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"progression-meta-mdash\">&mdash;<\/span> <span class=\"blog-meta-date-display\">August 3, 2026<\/span>\t\t\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<div class=\"progression-studios-blog-excerpt\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>What if the first step on your spiritual path wasn&#8217;t about fixing something broken in you, but about recognizing how whole you already are? Matthew Fox has spent decades asking this question, and his answer, rooted in the teaching of original blessing, invites us to begin our spiritual lives with wonder rather than with shame.<\/p>\n<p>At Sounds True, we are dedicated to sharing the living wisdom of trusted spiritual teachers through immersive podcasts, digital courses, and transformational programs that support personal growth and awakening.<\/p>\n<p>Here, we&#8217;ll walk through Matthew Fox&#8217;s teachings on original blessing, creation spirituality, the influence of Meister Eckhart, and how these ideas offer a grounded, compassionate path forward for anyone who longs for a more reverent relationship with life.<\/p>\n<h2><strong>Key Takeaways:<\/strong><\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Learn Why You Were Born Good:<\/strong> Original blessing reframes the spiritual journey by centering humanity&#8217;s inherent goodness, offering a life-affirming path rooted in wonder rather than shame.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Creation as Sacred Ground:<\/strong> Creation spirituality teaches that the divine is woven into nature, community, and everyday life, inviting us to meet the sacred right where we are.<\/li>\n<li><strong>The Mystic Who Shaped Fox:<\/strong> Meister Eckhart&#8217;s vision of a God present in all things continues to shape Matthew Fox&#8217;s teachings on creativity, compassion, and sacred connection.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.soundstrue.com\/collections\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/resources2.soundstrue.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Awaken-Your-Inner-Healing-Power-Your-Wellness-Journey-Starts-Now.png\" alt=\"Awaken Your Inner Healing Power: Your Wellness Journey Starts Now\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1080\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<h2><strong>Matthew Fox and the Meaning of Original Blessing<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>Many spiritual traditions begin with the idea that humanity arrived in this world already broken, separated from the divine through original sin. Matthew Fox gently but firmly challenges this starting point. His teaching of original blessing asks us to return to the very beginning, to the opening pages of Genesis, where something far warmer is waiting.<\/p>\n<p>In the first chapter of the Bible, God&#8217;s spirit hovers over the waters like a brood hen watching over her eggs, nurturing and alive with creative energy. Fox sees this image as living, not static. God here is a verb, a dynamic creator who calls all of life good. This reading opens with vitality, growth, and a love that precedes any misstep. When we begin from goodness, the spiritual journey takes on a different quality.<\/p>\n<p>Readers who feel called to go deeper into this kind of spiritually grounded inquiry will find our <a href=\"https:\/\/www.soundstrue.com\/collections\/spirituality\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Spirituality &amp; Awakening collection<\/a> brings together teachings that help cultivate that sense of sacred connection in daily life.<\/p>\n<h3><strong>Original Blessing as an Original Sin Alternative<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>The original sin alternative that Fox offers is a reorientation, not a rejection of accountability or depth. Original blessing invites us to arrive in this life carrying a gift to live, and to let that gift be the foundation. This shifts the entire atmosphere of the spiritual journey.<\/p>\n<p>When we start from goodness, compassion flows more naturally. Responsibility becomes something we can embrace openly. Care for the Earth, for one another, and for ourselves becomes an act of reverence. Fox honors the full complexity of being human. His invitation is simply to stop making the hard parts the foundation.<\/p>\n<h2><strong>What Is Creation Spirituality?<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>Creation spirituality teaches that the sacred is woven into creation itself, present in a forest, in a conversation, in a piece of music that stops you mid-step. The divine isn&#8217;t something we reach only by turning away from the physical world. This path invites us to encounter God within it.<\/p>\n<p>Fox describes creation spirituality as a recovery project, a return to the awe that the earliest humans felt standing inside a world too vast and beautiful to explain. That sense of wonder is still available to us. Readers drawn to practices that cultivate this kind of felt presence may find resonance in the teachings within our <a href=\"https:\/\/www.soundstrue.com\/collections\/subtle-energy\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Subtle Energy collection<\/a>, which opens pathways into the deeper dimensions of human experience.<\/p>\n<h3><strong>Fall Redemption vs Creation Spirituality<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>The conversation around fall redemption vs creation spirituality highlights two distinct starting points. The fall\/redemption framework begins with human failure, emphasizing original sin and the need for rescue. Creation spirituality begins with God&#8217;s creative energy already alive and generous in the world. While one starts in the wound, the other starts with the gift.<\/p>\n<p>In fall redemption theology, faith centers on trust in an external authority to restore what was lost. Creation spirituality offers something complementary: faith as trust in the aliveness already present within you and around you. Compared to the fall redemption theory, creation spirituality is feminist and gender-balanced. To hear this conversation in Fox&#8217;s own voice, visit our <a href=\"https:\/\/www.soundstrue.com\/a\/resources\/podcast\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Insights at the Edge Podcast<\/a>, where he and other teachers speak openly about these ideas in conversation with host Tami Simon.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.soundstrue.com\/collections\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/resources2.soundstrue.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Uncover-Hw-Your-Mind-Really-Works-With-Sounds-True.png\" alt=\"Uncover Hw Your Mind Really Works With Sounds True\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1080\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<h2><strong>How Meister Eckhart Shaped Matthew Fox&#8217;s Teachings<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>Few thinkers have shaped Matthew Fox&#8217;s work as deeply as Meister Eckhart, the 14th-century German Dominican mystic whose writings continue to stir spiritual imagination centuries after his death. Eckhart taught that the divine is not remote or indifferent but present at the very ground of every soul, a living God who dwells within all things.<\/p>\n<p>Fox engaged with Eckhart as a living guide. He saw in Eckhart&#8217;s teachings a confirmation of what creation spirituality already sensed: that the sacred pervades the world, that creativity is a form of prayer, and that every person carries a spark of the divine. Fox&#8217;s deep engagement with Eckhart helped bring these 700-year-old ideas to contemporary seekers in language they could feel and act on.<\/p>\n<p>Those who want to learn more about Matthew Fox and the many teachers whose work touches these themes can visit our <a href=\"https:\/\/www.soundstrue.com\/blogs\/authors\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">All Teachers &amp; Authors page<\/a> for a full look at the voices in our community.<\/p>\n<h2><strong>Living Original Blessing Through Creation Spirituality<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>Receiving original blessing isn&#8217;t a single moment of insight. Living it is an ongoing practice, a way of meeting each day with a different set of assumptions. Fox&#8217;s vision of creation spirituality gives us language for that practice and a few grounded ways to begin.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Start the Day with Gratitude:<\/strong> Pause before the mental inventory of what needs fixing. Acknowledge what is already here: your breath, the light, the life moving through you. This is a choice to place goodness at the center of the day before anything else takes over.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Let Nature Be a Teacher:<\/strong> Creation spirituality invites us to treat the natural world as a living text. A walk outside, a moment watching clouds shift, or tending a small garden becomes an act of communion. Fox&#8217;s work reminds us that the Earth participates in the sacred, and that paying attention to it is itself a form of prayer.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Create Without an Agenda:<\/strong> Fox views creativity as one of the most direct expressions of divine energy available to us. Cooking, drawing, writing, singing, building \u2014 any act of making can become a form of spiritual practice when approached with presence and care.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.soundstrue.com\/collections\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/resources2.soundstrue.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Discover-the-Power-of-Daily-Meditation-and-Inner-Stillness.png\" alt=\"Discover the Power of Daily Meditation and Inner Stillness\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1080\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<h2><strong>Final Thoughts<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>Matthew Fox&#8217;s teachings ask us to do something both simple and radical: begin with ourselves as good. From that foundation, creation spirituality opens into a way of living that honors the sacred in everything, in other people, in the natural world, in the creativity and care we bring to ordinary days. The influence of Meister Eckhart runs through all of this as a reminder that this longing to find the divine close has deep roots.<\/p>\n<h2><strong>Frequently Asked Questions About Matthew Fox on Original Blessing<\/strong><\/h2>\n<h3><strong>What is Matthew Fox best known for?<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>Matthew Fox is a spiritual teacher, theologian, and author known for developing creation spirituality, a path that emphasizes the sacredness of creation and humanity&#8217;s inherent goodness.<\/p>\n<h3><strong>Why did Matthew Fox write about original blessing?<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>Matthew Fox introduced the concept of original blessing to encourage a more life-affirming view of spirituality. His teachings invite people to begin with gratitude and sacred connection instead of focusing on human faults.<\/p>\n<h3><strong>Is original blessing a religious belief?<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>Original blessing is a spiritual perspective that can resonate with people from many faith traditions. It emphasizes the goodness of creation and encourages a deeper relationship with the divine through everyday life.<\/p>\n<h3><strong>How does creation spirituality relate to environmental care?<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>Creation spirituality teaches that the natural world is sacred. This perspective encourages respect for the Earth and inspires people to care for the environment as an expression of their spiritual values.<\/p>\n<h3><strong>Who was Meister Eckhart, and why is he important?<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>Meister Eckhart was a Christian mystic whose teachings emphasized experiencing the divine within. His writings continue to influence spiritual thinkers, including Matthew Fox.<\/p>\n<h3><strong>What can readers gain from Matthew Fox&#8217;s teachings?<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>Readers often find a renewed sense of purpose, compassion, and connection with the world. His teachings encourage a spiritual practice rooted in gratitude, creativity, and reverence for life.<\/p>\n<h3><strong>Why does Matthew Fox emphasize creativity?<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>Matthew Fox views creativity as a reflection of the divine. Artistic expression, problem-solving, and innovation can all become meaningful spiritual practices that celebrate the gift of creation.<\/p>\n<figure><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"898\" height=\"1306\" src=\"https:\/\/resources2.soundstrue.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Amy-Michelle-Photo.png\" alt=\"\" loading=\"lazy\" \/><\/figure>\n<p><b>Michelle Cassandra Johnson<\/b> is an author, activist, spiritual teacher, racial equity consultant, and intuitive healer. She is the author of six books, including <i>Skill in Action<\/i> and <i>Finding Refuge<\/i>. <b>Amy Burtaine<\/b> is a leadership coach and racial equity trainer. With Robin DiAngelo, she is the coauthor of <i>The Facilitator&#8217;s Guide for White Affinity Groups<\/i>. For more, visit <a href=\"https:\/\/www.michellecjohnson.com\/wisdom-of-the-hive\" target=_blank\">https:\/\/www.michellecjohnson.com\/wisdom-of-the-hive<\/a>.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t<\/div><!-- close .progression-blog-content -->\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t<div class=\"clearfix-pro\"><\/div>\n\t<\/div><!-- close .progression-studios-default-blog-index -->\n<\/div><!-- #post-## -->                                                    <\/div><!-- close .progression-studios-isotope-animation -->\n                    <\/div><!-- close .progression-masonry-padding-blog -->\n                <\/div><!-- close .progression-masonry-item -->\n                                <div\n                    class=\"progression-masonry-item \">\n                    <div\n                        class=\"progression-masonry-padding-blog  progression_elements_post_list_video_play progression_elements_post_list_excerpt\">\n                        <div class=\"progression-studios-isotope-animation\">\n\n                                                        \n\n\n\n<div id=\"post-26266\" class=\"post-26266 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail hentry category-health-and-healing category-personal-growth category-psychology contributor-amy-burtaine contributor-michelle-cassandra-johnson slider-tags-blog\">\t\n\t<div class=\"progression-studios-default-blog-index \">\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"progression-studios-feaured-image\">\n\t\t\t                                            <a href=\"https:\/\/resources2.soundstrue.com\/blog\/\"\n                                                class=\"pro-post-list--post-type-label blog\">blog<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/resources2.soundstrue.com\/blog\/brainspotting\/\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"450\" src=\"https:\/\/resources2.soundstrue.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/Brainspotting-therapy-session-focused-on-eye-position-and-trauma-healing-800x450.png\" class=\"attachment-progression-studios-blog-index size-progression-studios-blog-index wp-post-image\" alt=\"Brainspotting therapy session focused on eye position and trauma healing\" srcset=\"https:\/\/resources2.soundstrue.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/Brainspotting-therapy-session-focused-on-eye-position-and-trauma-healing-800x450.png 800w, https:\/\/resources2.soundstrue.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/Brainspotting-therapy-session-focused-on-eye-position-and-trauma-healing-300x169.png 300w, https:\/\/resources2.soundstrue.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/Brainspotting-therapy-session-focused-on-eye-position-and-trauma-healing-1024x576.png 1024w, https:\/\/resources2.soundstrue.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/Brainspotting-therapy-session-focused-on-eye-position-and-trauma-healing-768x432.png 768w, https:\/\/resources2.soundstrue.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/Brainspotting-therapy-session-focused-on-eye-position-and-trauma-healing-1536x864.png 1536w, https:\/\/resources2.soundstrue.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/Brainspotting-therapy-session-focused-on-eye-position-and-trauma-healing.png 1920w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"blog-floating-comments-viewcount\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"blog-meta-comments\"><i class=\"fa fa-comments\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i> 0<\/span>\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"blog-meta-views\"><i class=\"fa fa-eye\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i><div class=\"post-views content-post post-26266 entry-meta load-static\">\r\n\t\t\t\t<span class=\"post-views-icon dashicons dashicons-chart-bar\"><\/span> <span class=\"post-views-label\">Post Views:<\/span> <span class=\"post-views-count\">26<\/span>\r\n\t\t\t<\/div><\/div>\t\t\t\t\t<\/div><!-- close .blog-floating-comments-viewcount -->\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div><!-- close .progression-studios-feaured-image -->\n\t\t<!-- close video -->\n\t\t\n\t\t<div class=\"progression-blog-content\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"blog-meta-category-list\"><a href=\"https:\/\/resources2.soundstrue.com\/category\/health-and-healing\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Health &amp; Healing<\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/resources2.soundstrue.com\/category\/personal-growth\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Personal Growth<\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/resources2.soundstrue.com\/category\/psychology\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Psychology<\/a><\/div>\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<h2 class=\"progression-blog-title\">\n\n\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/resources2.soundstrue.com\/blog\/brainspotting\/\">\n\t\t\tWhat Is Brainspotting? David Grand on Using Eye Positi...\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<\/a><\/h2>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"progression-post-meta\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"blog-meta-author-display\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/resources2.soundstrue.com\/contributor\/amy-burtaine\/\">Amy Burtaine<\/a>\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<br>\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/resources2.soundstrue.com\/contributor\/michelle-cassandra-johnson\/\">Michelle Cassandra Johnson<\/a>\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"progression-meta-mdash\">&mdash;<\/span> <span class=\"blog-meta-date-display\">August 3, 2026<\/span>\t\t\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<div class=\"progression-studios-blog-excerpt\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>What happens when healing needs to go deeper than words can reach? For many people, the most profound emotional experiences resist easy articulation. Brainspotting is a therapeutic approach developed by David Grand that uses specific eye positions to access what the brain and body hold onto, even when language falls short.<\/p>\n<p>At Sounds True, we&#8217;ve spent more than 40 years sharing trusted teachings from therapists, authors, and spiritual teachers whose work nurtures healing, personal growth, and lasting transformation. From online courses and in-depth programs to podcasts and digital resources, we bring the voices that matter most directly to you.<\/p>\n<p>We cover what brainspotting is, how David Grand developed the approach, the role of eye position in trauma therapy, and how brainspotting compares with EMDR.<\/p>\n<h2><strong>Key Takeaways:<\/strong><\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Healing Beyond Words:<\/strong> Brainspotting uses specific eye positions to access unresolved trauma and emotional experiences stored in the brain and body, creating a path forward that doesn&#8217;t require verbal storytelling alone.<\/li>\n<li><strong>David Grand&#8217;s Path to Healing:<\/strong> David Grand developed brainspotting after observing that a client&#8217;s eye position reflected deeper emotional processing during trauma treatment, giving rise to an approach built around the brain&#8217;s natural capacity to heal.<\/li>\n<li><strong>EMDR vs. Brainspotting:<\/strong> While both approaches help people process trauma, brainspotting and EMDR differ in structure and session style. The right fit depends on your history, goals, and therapeutic relationship.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.soundstrue.com\/collections\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/resources2.soundstrue.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Discover-the-Power-of-Daily-Meditation-and-Inner-Stillness.png\" alt=\"Discover the Power of Daily Meditation and Inner Stillness\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1080\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<h2><strong>What Is Brainspotting?<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>Brainspotting is designed to help people access and process unresolved trauma through focused attention on specific eye positions. The method rests on the idea that where a person looks can correspond to where difficult experiences are stored in the brain and body. Staying with a brainspot while remaining aware of physical sensations and emotions, people can work through material that language alone might not reach.<\/p>\n<p>Since David Grand developed this approach, brainspotting therapy has been applied broadly, with athletes, artists, business leaders, and survivors of large-scale events, among others. Grand also offers an online course through Sounds True that walks through the core principles behind brainspotting therapy, available to those who want to learn directly from the source.<\/p>\n<p>His insights align with the conversations we host on the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.soundstrue.com\/a\/resources\/podcast\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Insights at the Edge Podcast<\/a>, where therapists, teachers, and practitioners share what healing really looks like from the inside out.<\/p>\n<h2><strong>David Grand and the Development of Brainspotting Therapy<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>Brainspotting therapy came out of a significant clinical observation. During trauma treatment, David Grand noticed that a client&#8217;s eye position seemed to shift when deeper emotional material surfaced. That moment became the foundation for a method built around the brain&#8217;s own capacity to process and release what it has long held in place.<\/p>\n<p>Since its introduction, brainspotting therapy has been used by clinicians around the world to help people facing trauma, anxiety, grief, chronic stress, and performance-related challenges. Grand&#8217;s work continues to shape the field by drawing attention to the connection between the brain, the body, and emotional healing.<\/p>\n<p>Sounds True is home to teachers like David Grand alongside hundreds of other practitioners, healers, and visionaries whose work spans a wide range of healing traditions. Those who want to trace that full breadth can visit our <a href=\"https:\/\/www.soundstrue.com\/blogs\/authors\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">All Teachers &amp; Authors<\/a> collection, where every teacher&#8217;s body of work is gathered in one place.<\/p>\n<h3><strong>Trauma Therapy Eye Position and the Brain-Body Connection<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>Trauma therapy eye position describes the relationship between where someone directs their gaze and what emotional or physical experiences become accessible as a result. During a session, a therapist guides the client to a specific visual point and invites them to notice what arises in the body as they hold that focus. Sensations, emotions, and memories can surface as the nervous system begins to process material it has held in place for years.<\/p>\n<p>The body carries what the mind sometimes can&#8217;t articulate. A shift in eye position can open access to experiences held below conscious awareness, gently creating conditions for the nervous system to complete what was once interrupted. Healing, in this way, becomes a process the whole person takes part in, not just the thinking mind.<\/p>\n<p>The teachers and practitioners gathered in our <a href=\"https:\/\/www.soundstrue.com\/collections\/health-healing\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Health &amp; Healing collection<\/a> share this same orientation: that real healing often begins when we learn to listen to what the body already knows.<\/p>\n<h2><strong>How the Brainspotting Technique Uses Eye Position to Access Trauma<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>The brainspotting technique begins with identifying an eye position linked to an emotional or physical response. From there, the therapist invites the client to rest their attention on that visual point while remaining aware of what arises in the body. The process creates space for the nervous system to do what it naturally knows how to do, without demanding that memories surface on command.<\/p>\n<p>A concrete example might be this: someone working through anxiety tied to an experience might start by calling that experience to mind. As the therapist slowly moves a pointer across their field of vision, the client notices a position where a physical sensation intensifies, perhaps tightness in the chest or a change in breath. That&#8217;s the brainspot. The session then focuses there while the client tracks what unfolds internally, allowing the nervous system to process what it has previously stored.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.soundstrue.com\/collections\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/resources2.soundstrue.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Awaken-Your-Inner-Healing-Power-Your-Wellness-Journey-Starts-Now.png\" alt=\"Awaken Your Inner Healing Power: Your Wellness Journey Starts Now\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1080\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<h2><strong>EMDR vs Brainspotting: Understanding the Key Differences<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>EMDR follows a standardized eight-phase protocol and uses bilateral stimulation, typically through guided eye movements, sounds, or tapping, to help the brain reprocess traumatic memories. Brainspotting focuses on identifying one significant eye position and following the client&#8217;s internal experience from there. Sessions tend to be more open-ended, allowing the individual&#8217;s nervous system to lead.<\/p>\n<p>Neither method is universally better than the other. A qualified therapist can help determine which fits a person&#8217;s history, goals, and comfort level. Many clinicians receive training in both and draw on each as the situation calls for it.<\/p>\n<p>Those who want to go deeper into trauma healing and related practices can find immersive learning through our <a href=\"https:\/\/www.soundstrue.com\/collections\/in-depth-programs\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">In-Depth Programs<\/a>, where experienced practitioners bring both clinical knowledge and heart to each course.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.soundstrue.com\/collections\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/resources2.soundstrue.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Discover-how-your-mind-really-works.png\" alt=\"Discover how your mind really works\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1080\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<h2><strong>Final Thoughts<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>Brainspotting offers a distinctive perspective on trauma healing, one that trusts the body&#8217;s capacity to know where attention is needed. Working with eye position rather than narration alone, this approach creates conditions for healing to happen at the body&#8217;s own pace.<\/p>\n<p>As David Grand has shown through decades of clinical work, healing is often less about forcing change and more about creating the conditions for it to unfold. That belief is at the heart of what we do at Sounds True. We share the work of practitioners and teachers who honor the full range of human experience, including the places where language falls short, and the body quietly holds the way forward.<\/p>\n<h2><strong>Frequently Asked Questions About Brainspotting<\/strong><\/h2>\n<h3><strong>Is brainspotting backed by research?<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>Brainspotting is supported by a growing body of clinical research and case studies. While research continues to evolve, many mental health professionals use it as part of trauma-informed care for emotional and psychological concerns.<\/p>\n<h3><strong>Who can benefit from brainspotting?<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>Brainspotting may benefit adults and adolescents experiencing trauma, anxiety, grief, stress, or performance-related challenges. A qualified mental health professional can determine whether it is an appropriate approach for an individual&#8217;s needs.<\/p>\n<h3><strong>Do I have to talk about my trauma during brainspotting?<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>Not necessarily. While some people choose to discuss their experiences, brainspotting can also focus on physical sensations and emotions, allowing processing without requiring detailed verbal storytelling.<\/p>\n<h3><strong>Can brainspotting be combined with other therapies?<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>Yes. Many therapists integrate brainspotting with other evidence-based approaches, such as cognitive behavioral therapy, mindfulness practices, or somatic therapies, to create a personalized treatment plan.<\/p>\n<h3><strong>Is brainspotting only used for trauma?<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>No. Although it is widely recognized for trauma treatment, brainspotting is also used to support people dealing with anxiety, creative blocks, chronic stress, and performance enhancement in sports, music, and public speaking.<\/p>\n<h3><strong>What should I expect after a brainspotting session?<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>Some people feel calm or relieved after a session, while others may continue processing emotions or physical sensations for a short time. Therapists often recommend rest, hydration, and self-reflection between sessions.<\/p>\n<h3><strong>Is brainspotting suitable for everyone?<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>Brainspotting may not be the best fit for every individual or situation. A licensed therapist can evaluate your mental health history and recommend the most appropriate treatment approach.<\/p>\n<figure><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"898\" height=\"1306\" src=\"https:\/\/resources2.soundstrue.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Amy-Michelle-Photo.png\" alt=\"\" loading=\"lazy\" \/><\/figure>\n<p><b>Michelle Cassandra Johnson<\/b> is an author, activist, spiritual teacher, racial equity consultant, and intuitive healer. She is the author of six books, including <i>Skill in Action<\/i> and <i>Finding Refuge<\/i>. <b>Amy Burtaine<\/b> is a leadership coach and racial equity trainer. With Robin DiAngelo, she is the coauthor of <i>The Facilitator&#8217;s Guide for White Affinity Groups<\/i>. For more, visit <a href=\"https:\/\/www.michellecjohnson.com\/wisdom-of-the-hive\" target=_blank\">https:\/\/www.michellecjohnson.com\/wisdom-of-the-hive<\/a>.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t<\/div><!-- close .progression-blog-content -->\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t<div class=\"clearfix-pro\"><\/div>\n\t<\/div><!-- close .progression-studios-default-blog-index -->\n<\/div><!-- #post-## -->                                                    <\/div><!-- close .progression-studios-isotope-animation -->\n                    <\/div><!-- close .progression-masonry-padding-blog -->\n                <\/div><!-- close .progression-masonry-item -->\n                \n\n            <\/div><!-- close #progression-blog-index-masonry-71c53d8  -->\n        <\/div><!-- close .progression-masonry-margins -->\n\n\n\n        <div class=\"clearfix-pro\"><\/div>\n\n\n        \n        \n        \n\n\n    <\/div><!-- close .progression-studios-post-list-main 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href=\"https:\/\/resources2.soundstrue.com\/customer-favorites\/\">See All\n                                        <i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right\"><\/i><\/a>\n                                                                    <\/div>\n                            <\/div>\n                        <\/div>\n                    <\/div>\n                <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n    <\/section>\n    \n    <!-- NOTE: Beginning of Progression Post Element -->\n\n    <div class=\"progression-studios-post-list-main\">\n\n        \n                \n\n        <div class=\"progression-masonry-margins\">\n            <div id=\"progression-blog-index-masonry-9c2a679\">\n\n                                <div\n                    class=\"progression-masonry-item \">\n                    <div\n                        class=\"progression-masonry-padding-blog  progression_elements_post_list_video_play progression_elements_post_list_excerpt\">\n                        <div class=\"progression-studios-isotope-animation\">\n\n                                                        \n\n\n\n<div id=\"post-6110\" class=\"post-6110 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail hentry category-health-and-healing category-spirituality tag-timeless-classics contributor-adyashanti\">\t\n\t<div class=\"progression-studios-default-blog-index \">\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"progression-studios-feaured-image\">\n\t\t\t                                            <a href=\"https:\/\/resources2.soundstrue.com\/blog\/\"\n                                                class=\"pro-post-list--post-type-label blog\">blog<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/resources2.soundstrue.com\/blog\/life-awakening-adyashanti\/\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"450\" src=\"https:\/\/resources2.soundstrue.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/10\/The-End-Of-Your-World-800x450.jpg\" class=\"attachment-progression-studios-blog-index size-progression-studios-blog-index wp-post-image\" alt=\"\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"blog-floating-comments-viewcount\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"blog-meta-comments\"><i class=\"fa fa-comments\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i> 161<\/span>\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"blog-meta-views\"><i class=\"fa fa-eye\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i><div class=\"post-views content-post post-6110 entry-meta load-static\">\r\n\t\t\t\t<span class=\"post-views-icon dashicons dashicons-chart-bar\"><\/span> <span class=\"post-views-label\">Post Views:<\/span> <span class=\"post-views-count\">213,621<\/span>\r\n\t\t\t<\/div><\/div>\t\t\t\t\t<\/div><!-- close .blog-floating-comments-viewcount -->\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div><!-- close .progression-studios-feaured-image -->\n\t\t<!-- close video -->\n\t\t\n\t\t<div class=\"progression-blog-content\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"blog-meta-category-list\"><a href=\"https:\/\/resources2.soundstrue.com\/category\/health-and-healing\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Health &amp; Healing<\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/resources2.soundstrue.com\/category\/spirituality\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Spirituality<\/a><\/div>\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<h2 class=\"progression-blog-title\">\n\n\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/resources2.soundstrue.com\/blog\/life-awakening-adyashanti\/\">\n\t\t\tLife After Awakening, with Adyashanti\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<\/a><\/h2>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"progression-post-meta\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"blog-meta-author-display\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/resources2.soundstrue.com\/contributor\/adyashanti\/\">Adyashanti<\/a>\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"progression-meta-mdash\">&mdash;<\/span> <span class=\"blog-meta-date-display\">October 13, 2013<\/span>\t\t\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<div class=\"progression-studios-blog-excerpt\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div>\n<p>Friends, I wanted to share with you a free chapter from <a href=\"https:\/\/www.soundstrue.com\/shop\/authors\/Adyashanti\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Adyashanti<\/a>&#8216;s inspiring (and very provocative) book <a href=\"https:\/\/www.soundstrue.com\/shop\/The-End-of-Your-World\/2348.pd\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">The End of Your World: Uncensored Straight Talk on the Nature of Enlightenment<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>More and more people are waking up spiritually. And for many of them, the question becomes: Now what? \u201cInformation about life after awakening is usually not made public,\u201d explains Adya. \u201cIt\u2019s most often shared only between teachers and their students.\u201d\u00a0<em>The End of Your World<\/em>\u00a0is his response to a growing need for direction on the spiritual path. Consider this Adya&#8217;s personal welcome to \u201ca new world.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p><strong>Here is the excerpt, entitled &#8220;Exploring Life <em>After<\/em> Awakening.&#8221;\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>There\u2019s a phenomenon happening in the world today. More and more people are waking up\u2014having real, authentic glimpses of reality. By this I mean that people\u00a0seem to be having moments where they awaken out of their familiar senses of self, and out of their familiar senses of what the world is, into a much greater reality\u2014into some- thing far beyond anything they knew existed.<\/p>\n<p>These experiences of awakening differ from \u00a0person to person. For some, the awakening is sustained over time, while for others the glimpse is momentary\u2014it may last just a split second. But in that instant, the whole sense of \u201cself \u201d disap- pears. The way they perceive the world suddenly changes, and they find themselves without any sense of separation between\u00a0themselves and the rest of the world. It can be likened to the experience of waking up from a dream\u2014a dream you didn\u2019t even know you were in until you were jolted out of it.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<p>In the beginning of my teaching work, most of the people who came to me were seeking these deeper realizations of spirituality. They were seeking to wake up from the limiting and isolated senses of self they had imagined themselves to be. It\u2019s this yearning that underpins all spiritual seeking: to discover for ourselves what we already intuit to be true\u2014 that there is more to life than we are currently perceiving.<\/p>\n<p>But as time \u00a0has passed, more \u00a0and\u00a0 more \u00a0people are coming to me who have already had glimpses of this greater reality. It is because of them that I am giving the teachings in this book.<\/p>\n<p><em>The Dawning of Awakening<\/em><\/p>\n<p>This discovery I\u2019m talking about is traditionally referred to as spiritual awakening, because one awakens from the dream of separation created by the egoic mind. We realize\u2014often quite \u00a0suddenly\u2014that our \u00a0sense of \u00a0self, which\u00a0 has \u00a0been formed and constructed out of our ideas, beliefs, and images, is not really who we are. It doesn&#8217;t define us; it has no center. The ego may exist as a series of passing thoughts, beliefs, actions, and reactions, but in and of itself it has no identity. Ultimately all of the images we have about ourselves and the world turn out to be nothing but a resistance to things as they are. What we call ego is simply the mechanism our\u00a0mind uses to resist life as it is. In that way, ego isn\u2019t a thing as much as it is a verb. It is the resistance to what is. It is the pushing away or pulling toward. This momentum, this grasping and rejecting, is what forms a sense of a self that is distinct, or separate, from the world around us.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<p>But with the dawn of\u00a0 awakening, this outside world begins to collapse. Once we lose our sense of self, it\u2019s as if we have lost the whole world as we knew it. At that moment\u2014 whether that moment is just a glimpse or something more sustained\u2014we suddenly realize with incredible clarity that what we truly are is in no way limited to the small sense of self that we thought we were.<\/p>\n<p>Awakening to truth or reality is something that is very hard to talk about because it is transcendent of speech. It is helpful, nevertheless, to work with some sort of a guidepost. The simplest thing one can say about the experiential knowledge of awakening is that it is a shift in one\u2019s perception. This is the heart of awakening. There is a shift in perception from seeing oneself as an isolated individual to seeing oneself, if we have a sense of self at all after this shift, as something much more universal\u2014everything and everyone and every- where at the same time.<\/p>\n<p>This shift is not revolutionary; it\u2019s the same as looking in the mirror in the morning and having an intuitive sense that the face you are looking at is yours. It is not a mystical experience; it is a simple experience. When you look in the mirror, you experience the simple recognition, \u201cOh, that\u2019s\u00a0me.\u201d When the shift of perception that\u2019s called awakening happens, whatever our senses come into contact with is experienced as ourselves. It\u2019s as if we think with everything we encounter, \u201cOh, that\u2019s me.\u201d We don\u2019t experience ourselves in terms of our ego, in terms of a separate someone or separate entity. It\u2019s \u00a0more a feeling of the One recognizing itself, or Spirit recognizing itself.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<p>Spiritual awakening is a remembering. It is not becoming something that we are not. It is not about transforming ourselves. It is not about changing ourselves. It is a remembering of what we are, as if we\u2019d known it long ago and had simply forgotten. \u00a0At the moment \u00a0of this remembering, if the remembering is authentic, it\u2019s not viewed as a personal thing. There is really no such thing as a \u201cpersonal\u201d awakening, because \u201cpersonal\u201d would imply separation. \u201cPersonal\u201d would imply that it is the \u201cme\u201d or the ego that awakens or becomes enlightened.<\/p>\n<p>But in a true awakening, it is realized very clearly that even the awakening \u00a0itself is not personal. It is universal Spirit or universal consciousness that wakes up to itself. Rather than the \u201cme\u201d waking up, what we are wakes up from the \u201cme.\u201d What we are wakes up from the seeker. What we are wakes up from the seeking.<\/p>\n<p>The problem with defining awakening is that upon hear- ing each of \u00a0these descriptions, the\u00a0 mind creates another image, another idea of what this ultimate truth or ultimate reality is all about. As soon as these images are created, our\u00a0perception is distorted once again. In this way, it\u2019s really impossible to describe the nature of reality, except to say that it\u2019s not what we think it is, and it\u2019s not what we\u2019ve been taught it is. In truth, we are not capable of imagining what it is that we are. Our nature is literally beyond all imagination. What we are is that which is watching\u2014that \u00a0consciousness which is watching us pretending to be a separate person. Our true nature is continually partaking of all experience, awake to every instant, to each and every moment.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<p>In awakening, what\u2019s revealed to us is that we are not a thing, nor a person, nor even an entity. What we are is that which manifests as all things, as all experiences, as all personalities. We are that which dreams the whole world into existence. Spiritual \u00a0awakening reveals that\u00a0 that\u00a0 which is unspeakable and unexplainable is actually what we are.<\/p>\n<p><em>Abiding and Nonabiding Awakening<\/em><\/p>\n<p>As I\u2019ve mentioned, this experience of awakening can be just a glimpse, or it can be sustained over time. Now, some would say that if an awakening is momentary, it is not a real awakening. There are those who believe that, with authentic awakening, your perception opens up to the true nature of things and never closes back down again. I can understand\u00a0 this perspective, since ultimately the \u00a0whole spiritual journey does lead us to\u00a0 a full \u00a0awakening. Full awakening simply means that we perceive from the perspective of Spirit\u2014from the view of oneness\u2014all the time.<\/p>\n<p>From this awakened perspective, there isn\u2019t any separation anywhere\u2014not in the world, not in the universe, not in all the universes everywhere. The truth is anywhere and everywhere, at all times, in all dimensions, for all beings. It is a truth that is the source of everything that will ever be experienced\u2014in \u00a0life, after life, in this dimension or any other dimension.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<p>From the perspective of\u00a0 the ultimate, literally every- thing\u2014be it at a higher or lower dimension, here or there, yesterday, today, or tomorrow, everything\u2014is but a manifestation of Spirit. It is Spirit itself that wakes up. So, ultimately, the trajectory every being is on, whether they know it or not, is a trajectory toward full awakening\u2014toward \u00a0a full knowing, toward a full experiential knowledge of what they are, toward unity, toward oneness.<\/p>\n<p>But the moment of awakening may or may not result in a permanent seeing. As I said, some people will tell you that unless it\u2019s permanent, the awakening is not real. What I\u2019ve seen as a teacher is that the person who has a momentary glimpse beyond the veil of duality and the person who has a permanent, \u201cabiding\u201d realization are seeing and experiencing the same thing. One person experiences it momentarily; another experiences it continually. But what is experienced, if it is true awakening, is the same: all is one; we are not a particular thing or a particular someone that can be located in a particular space; what we are is both nothing and every- thing, simultaneously.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>So, as I see it, it doesn\u2019t really matter whether an awakening is instantaneous or continuous. It matters in the sense that there is a trajectory\u2014nobody\u2019s heart will be totally fulfilled until that perceiving from the point of view of truth is continuous\u2014but what is seen is an awakening, whether it is sustained or not.<\/p>\n<div>\n<p>This glimpse of awakening, which I call nonabiding awakening, is becoming more and more common. It happens for a moment, an afternoon, a day, a week\u2014maybe as long as a month or two. Awareness opens up, the sense of the separate self falls away\u2014and \u00a0then, like the aperture on a camera lens, awareness closes back down. All of a sudden that person who had previously perceived true nonduality, true oneness, is quite surprisingly now perceiving back in the dualistic \u201cdream state.\u201d In the dream state, we\u2019re back in our conditioned sense of self\u2014in a limited, isolated sense of being.<\/p>\n<p>The good news is that once a moment of this clear seeing has actually taken place, the aperture of our awareness can never completely close down again. It may seem like it has closed down completely, but it never quite does. In the deep- est part of yourself, you don\u2019t ever forget. Even if you\u2019ve only glimpsed reality for a moment,\u00a0 something within you is changed forever.<\/p>\n<p>Reality is nuclear; it\u2019s incredibly powerful. It\u2019s unimaginably potent. People can experience a f lash of reality in the time it takes to snap your fingers, and the energy and the force that enters into them as a result is life altering.<\/p>\n<p>Just one moment\u00a0 of awakening begins the dissolution of one\u2019s false sense of self and, subsequently, the dissolution of one\u2019s whole perception of the world.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<p><em>Awakening Is Not What You Imagine It to Be<\/em><\/p>\n<p>In a very real sense, it is much more accurate to talk about what we lose upon awakening rather than what we gain. We not only lose ourselves\u2014who we thought we were\u2014but we also lose our entire perception of the world. Separation is only a perception; in fact, when it comes to our world, there is nothing but perception. \u201cYour world \u201d is not your world; it is only your perception. So while it may seem negative at first, I think it\u2019s much more useful to talk about spiritual awakening in terms of what we lose\u2014what we awaken from. This means we\u2019re talking about the dissolution of the image we have of ourselves, and it\u2019s \u00a0this dismantling of who we thought we were that is so startling when one wakes up.<\/p>\n<p>And it is indeed startling: it\u2019s not what we think it\u2019s going to be like at all. I\u2019ve never had a single student come back and say, \u201cYou k now, Adya, I peered through the veil of separation, and it\u2019s pretty much what I thought it would be. It measures up pretty closely to what I\u2019ve \u00a0been told.\u201d Usually they come back and say, \u201cThis is nothing like what I imagined.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>This is especially interesting since many of the people I teach have been studying spirituality for many years, and they often have very intricate ideas about what awakening is\u00a0going to be like. But when it happens, it is always different from their expectations. In many ways, it is grander, but also in many ways, it is simpler. In truth, if it is to be true and real, awakening must be different from what we imagine it to be. This is because all of our imaginings about awakening are happening within the paradigm of the dream state. It is not possible to imagine something outside of the dream state when our consciousness is still within it.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<p><em>How Does Your Life Change after Awakening ?<\/em><\/p>\n<p>With awakening there also comes a total reorganization of the way we perceive life\u2014or at least the beginning of a reorganization. This is because awakening itself, while beautiful and amazing, often brings with it a sense of disorientation. Even though you as the One have awakened, there is still your whole human structure\u2014your body, your mind, and your personality. Awakening can often \u00a0be experienced as very disorienting to this human structure.<\/p>\n<p>So it is the process that happens after awakening that I want to explore. As I\u2019ve said, for a very few people, the moment of awakening will be complete. It will be final in a certain sense, and there will be no need for a continuing process. We might say that such people had an extraordinarily light karmic load; even though they may have experienced extreme suffering before awakening, one can see that their karmic inheritance, the conditioning that they were dealing with, wasn\u2019t too deep. This is very rare. Only a few people in\u00a0a given generation may wake up in such a way that there\u2019s no further process to undergo.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>What I always tell people is this: don\u2019t count on that person being you. Better to count on being like everyone else, which means that you will undergo a process after an initial awakening. It won\u2019t be the end of your journey. What I will attempt to do here is to point you in a direction that may be useful and orienting as you embark on that journey. As my teacher used to say, it\u2019s like getting your foot in the front door. Just because you\u2019ve gotten your foot in the front door doesn\u2019t mean you have turned the lights on; it doesn\u2019t mean you have learned to navigate in that different world that you\u2019ve awakened to.<\/p>\n<p>I\u2019m very happy that this book, which is based on a series of \u00a0talks I\u2019ve given, offers \u00a0me the opportunity to\u00a0 address this subject\u2014the question of what happens after \u00a0awaken- ing. The information that exists on life after awakening is not usually made public. It\u2019s most often shared only between spiritual teachers and their students. The problem with that approach is that, as I\u2019ve said, a lot of people are now having these moments of awakening, and there is very little coher- ent teaching available for them. In that sense, this book is meant to be a welcoming to that new world, that new state of oneness.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t<\/div><!-- close .progression-blog-content -->\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t<div class=\"clearfix-pro\"><\/div>\n\t<\/div><!-- close .progression-studios-default-blog-index -->\n<\/div><!-- #post-## -->                                                    <\/div><!-- close .progression-studios-isotope-animation -->\n                    <\/div><!-- close .progression-masonry-padding-blog -->\n                <\/div><!-- close .progression-masonry-item -->\n                                <div\n                    class=\"progression-masonry-item \">\n                    <div\n                        class=\"progression-masonry-padding-blog  progression_elements_post_list_video_play progression_elements_post_list_excerpt\">\n                        <div class=\"progression-studios-isotope-animation\">\n\n                                                        \n\n\n\n<div id=\"post-8712\" class=\"post-8712 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail hentry category-meditation tag-gold-tara tag-health tag-meditation contributor-rachael-wooten slider-tags-blog\">\t\n\t<div class=\"progression-studios-default-blog-index \">\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"progression-studios-feaured-image\">\n\t\t\t                                            <a href=\"https:\/\/resources2.soundstrue.com\/blog\/\"\n                                                class=\"pro-post-list--post-type-label blog\">blog<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/resources2.soundstrue.com\/blog\/golden-tara-to-who-helps-manifest-and-fulfill-purpose\/\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"450\" src=\"https:\/\/resources2.soundstrue.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/BANNER-Golden-Tara-800x450.png\" class=\"attachment-progression-studios-blog-index size-progression-studios-blog-index wp-post-image\" alt=\"banner\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"blog-floating-comments-viewcount\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"blog-meta-comments\"><i class=\"fa fa-comments\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i> 0<\/span>\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"blog-meta-views\"><i class=\"fa fa-eye\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i><div class=\"post-views content-post post-8712 entry-meta load-static\">\r\n\t\t\t\t<span class=\"post-views-icon dashicons dashicons-chart-bar\"><\/span> <span class=\"post-views-label\">Post Views:<\/span> <span class=\"post-views-count\">43,157<\/span>\r\n\t\t\t<\/div><\/div>\t\t\t\t\t<\/div><!-- close .blog-floating-comments-viewcount -->\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div><!-- close .progression-studios-feaured-image -->\n\t\t<!-- close video -->\n\t\t\n\t\t<div class=\"progression-blog-content\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"blog-meta-category-list\"><a href=\"https:\/\/resources2.soundstrue.com\/category\/meditation\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Meditation<\/a><\/div>\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<h2 class=\"progression-blog-title\">\n\n\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/resources2.soundstrue.com\/blog\/golden-tara-to-who-helps-manifest-and-fulfill-purpose\/\">\n\t\t\tGolden Tara to Who Helps Manifest and Fulfill Purpose\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<\/a><\/h2>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"progression-post-meta\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"blog-meta-author-display\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/resources2.soundstrue.com\/contributor\/rachael-wooten\/\">Rachael Wooten<\/a>\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"progression-meta-mdash\">&mdash;<\/span> <span class=\"blog-meta-date-display\">January 6, 2021<\/span>\t\t\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<div class=\"progression-studios-blog-excerpt\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Meditating on Golden Tara shifts your sense of identity away from the smaller self that experiences itself as a separate being. When you identify with Tara in meditation and throughout the day, you realize that you are always in relationship with a fantastic, complex universe. Your energy increases because you no longer feel alone. You have Tara\u2019s help, the help of friends, and countless other beings as well.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">On the one hand, you are an infinitesimally tiny part of the grand whole. On the other hand, you have a role to play in the continuing creation of this complex universe. As you deepen and stabilize your inner Tara consciousness, your actions are imbued with love and compassion, arising from your understanding that you are an integral part of whatever you seek to change.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Remembering Tara also helps preserve your energies when you encounter unexpected obstacles; her golden light reveals the treasures hidden in the unwelcome stumbling blocks of life. Difficult challenges hold keys to awakening. Tara helps you approach problems as an inherent part of the journey, supporting you as you move toward them to uncover wisdom they might offer. They often provide a wake-up call to send you in a new direction, offering greater clarity about your life purpose.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This inclusive attitude creates more health in your personal ecosystem as well as the universal ecosystem. Ask Golden Tara to transform your challenging emotions into love and to increase your energy for discovering meaning and purpose in your life.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Tara\u2019s Appearance<\/b><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Golden Tara appears as the life-giving female buddha in a body of radiant golden light. She embodies the light of life itself. The vase in Golden Tara\u2019s hand contains the power to increase our life energy, power, and material and spiritual resources. These resources support us in times of ease and times of difficulty, enabling us to discover and fulfill the purposes of our life on a moment-to-moment basis and over the arc of our lives.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">For centuries, artists have created statues and thangka paintings of Tara, always adorned with jewelry. These sacred paintings, usually done on fabric and surrounded by brocade, portray the qualities of their subjects and convey teachings as well. Thus we take special note of Tara\u2019s adornments. A crown rests atop her head. Necklaces of varying lengths cascade from her neck to her waist. Bracelets encircle her wrists. All have been crafted from gold with deep red and blue jewels woven into the designs.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Gold has been the preferred precious metal of jewelry makers for thousands of years. Gold is malleable; gold doesn\u2019t tarnish. Golden light is associated with increasing life-force, healing, and holiness. Holy people of many faiths are often painted in an aura of golden radiance.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Many years ago, I heard a teaching that Tara\u2019s jewels represent her experiences over lifetimes on her way to enlightenment and buddhahood. Profound understanding of the Buddhist teachings and her experiences as a woman led Wisdom Moon to vow to attain enlightenment as a woman and to persevere toward her goal. Tara\u2019s life events were surely difficult and awe-inspiring, ordinary and phenomenal. All of them were precious contributions to her journey, which has benefited countless beings over hundreds of years.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>The Mantra<\/b><\/p>\n<p><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Om Tare Tuttare Ture Sarva Ayur Punye Pushtam Kuru Soha!<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u201cOhm Tahray Tootahray Tooray Sarwah Ahyoor Poonyay Pushtahm Kooroo Soha!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">When you recite the mantra of Golden Tara, you are urging (<\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">kuru<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">) Tara to increase (<\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">pushtam<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">) your life energies (<\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">ayur<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">) and merit (<\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">punye<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">), your contributions to adding positive energy to beings around the world, near and far. Mantra recitations need not be limited to formal practice. Use them throughout the day to slow down and focus on whatever task is at hand.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>The Practice<\/b><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">First, visualize the entire mandala of Green Tara emerging into the space in front of you. You are surrounded by your friends, loved ones, and supporters, and she is surrounded by your teachers and all the twenty-one emanations. After the opening prayers, imagine Golden Tara coming into the foreground of the mandala. Recall her praise while visualizing golden rays of light streaming from her heart as well as the golden vase in her right hand, which rests on her right knee, palm open in the gesture of supreme giving.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">As you recite her mantra, <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Om Tare Tuttare Ture Sarva Ayur Punye Pushtam Kuru Soha<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, imagine that you are absorbing this light and that other beings and other places are receiving the light of Tara as well.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Kuru<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, which appears in seven of the Tara mantras, carries a particularly bold tone. You\u2019re not meekly asking Tara to help\u2014you\u2019re putting your whole heart and body into this request. \u201cTara, please <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">do <\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">this for me. Remove blockages so more energy flows into my life and work! I\u2019m counting on you!\u201d The same tasks that feel overwhelming in one moment seem entirely possible in the next.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Tara can help you discern the wisdom inherent in the obstacles you encounter in your life and practice. Meditate on the continuity in your life\u2014the joyful moments, the extremely painful moments, and everything in between. Your experiences are not meaningless fragments. Imagine a mosaic forming as you piece the fragments together into a beautiful coherent pattern. Invoke Tara\u2019s wisdom to give you greater clarity about your life purpose and the means to fulfill it.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Recite the mantra at least 21 times or 108 times whenever possible. Then rest in the vibrational field created by your chanting. Allow frustration and doubt to dissolve, releasing energy for healing. You become richer in inner resources, which leads to enriched outer resources as well, both material and spiritual. Affirm your connection to all life forms in the universe. Know that the benefits of your heartfelt wishes and efforts will flow from you into the world.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">As you bring the session to a close, visualize Golden Tara receding into her place among the twenty-one emanations. See the whole mandala dissolve into radiant light, which flows into you and merges with your inner light. Dedicate the merit or positive potential generated by the practice to the healing of all beings\u2014with no exceptions.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This is an adapted excerpt from <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.soundstrue.com\/products\/tara\"><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Tara: The Liberating Power of the Female Buddha<\/span><\/i><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> by Dr. Rachael Wooten.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-8642 alignleft\" src=\"https:\/\/resources2.soundstrue.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/Wooten-Rachael-\u00a9TeresaPorter-2019-200x300.jpg\" alt=\"rachael wooten\" width=\"200\" height=\"300\" srcset=\"https:\/\/resources2.soundstrue.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/Wooten-Rachael-\u00a9TeresaPorter-2019-200x300.jpg 200w, https:\/\/resources2.soundstrue.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/Wooten-Rachael-\u00a9TeresaPorter-2019-681x1024.jpg 681w, https:\/\/resources2.soundstrue.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/Wooten-Rachael-\u00a9TeresaPorter-2019-768x1154.jpg 768w, https:\/\/resources2.soundstrue.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/Wooten-Rachael-\u00a9TeresaPorter-2019-1022x1536.jpg 1022w, https:\/\/resources2.soundstrue.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/Wooten-Rachael-\u00a9TeresaPorter-2019-1363x2048.jpg 1363w, https:\/\/resources2.soundstrue.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/Wooten-Rachael-\u00a9TeresaPorter-2019-scaled.jpg 1703w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 200px) 100vw, 200px\" \/><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><b>Rachael Wooten, PhD,<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> is a Z\u00fcrich\u2014trained Jungian analyst and psychologist who has been in private practice as a therapist for more than 40 years. An enthusiastic interfaith activist, she has studied and practiced in Buddhist, Jewish, Christian, and indigenous traditions throughout her adult life.<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Rachael has been mentored by spiritual teachers such as her Tibetan root guru Lodro\u0308 Tulku Rinpoche and Rabbi Zalman Schachter-Shalomi. She has taught Tara practices under the authorization of Lodr\u00f6 Rinpoche for more than 20 years. Rachael has offered Tara workshops through the Resource Center for Women and Ministry in the South, ALEPH: Alliance for Jewish Renewal, and C. G. Jung Society of the Triangle. She currently teaches a monthly Tara meditation group at Pullen Memorial Baptist Church in her hometown of Raleigh, North Carolina. To learn more, visit <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/rachaelwootenauthor.com\/author\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">rachaelwootenauthor.com<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-8714 alignleft\" src=\"https:\/\/resources2.soundstrue.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/BK05851-Tara-3D-cover-1-225x300.png\" alt=\"book cover\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" srcset=\"https:\/\/resources2.soundstrue.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/BK05851-Tara-3D-cover-1-225x300.png 225w, https:\/\/resources2.soundstrue.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/BK05851-Tara-3D-cover-1-768x1024.png 768w, https:\/\/resources2.soundstrue.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/BK05851-Tara-3D-cover-1-1152x1536.png 1152w, https:\/\/resources2.soundstrue.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/BK05851-Tara-3D-cover-1-1536x2048.png 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 225px) 100vw, 225px\" \/><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><b>Learn More<\/b><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.soundstrue.com\/products\/tara\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Sounds True<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> | <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/Tara-Liberating-Power-Female-Buddha\/dp\/1683643887\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Amazon<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> | <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.barnesandnoble.com\/w\/tara-rachael-wooten-phd\/1131430673\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Barnes &amp; Noble<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> | <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/bookshop.org\/books\/tara-the-liberating-power-of-the-female-buddha\/9781683643883\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Bookshop<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> | <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.indiebound.org\/book\/9781683643883\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Indiebound<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t<\/div><!-- close .progression-blog-content -->\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t<div class=\"clearfix-pro\"><\/div>\n\t<\/div><!-- close .progression-studios-default-blog-index -->\n<\/div><!-- #post-## -->                                                    <\/div><!-- close .progression-studios-isotope-animation -->\n                    <\/div><!-- close .progression-masonry-padding-blog -->\n                <\/div><!-- close .progression-masonry-item -->\n                                <div\n                    class=\"progression-masonry-item \">\n                    <div\n                        class=\"progression-masonry-padding-blog  progression_elements_post_list_video_play progression_elements_post_list_excerpt\">\n                        <div class=\"progression-studios-isotope-animation\">\n\n                                                        \n\n\n\n<div id=\"post-8640\" class=\"post-8640 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail hentry category-meditation category-mindfulness tag-black-tara tag-meditation tag-mindfulness contributor-rachael-wooten slider-tags-blog\">\t\n\t<div class=\"progression-studios-default-blog-index \">\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"progression-studios-feaured-image\">\n\t\t\t                                            <a href=\"https:\/\/resources2.soundstrue.com\/blog\/\"\n                                                class=\"pro-post-list--post-type-label blog\">blog<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/resources2.soundstrue.com\/blog\/black-tara-who-destroys-all-negativities\/\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"450\" src=\"https:\/\/resources2.soundstrue.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/BANNER-Black-Tara-800x450.png\" class=\"attachment-progression-studios-blog-index size-progression-studios-blog-index wp-post-image\" alt=\"\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"blog-floating-comments-viewcount\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"blog-meta-comments\"><i class=\"fa fa-comments\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i> 0<\/span>\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"blog-meta-views\"><i class=\"fa fa-eye\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i><div class=\"post-views content-post post-8640 entry-meta load-static\">\r\n\t\t\t\t<span class=\"post-views-icon dashicons dashicons-chart-bar\"><\/span> <span class=\"post-views-label\">Post Views:<\/span> <span class=\"post-views-count\">37,096<\/span>\r\n\t\t\t<\/div><\/div>\t\t\t\t\t<\/div><!-- close .blog-floating-comments-viewcount -->\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div><!-- close .progression-studios-feaured-image -->\n\t\t<!-- close video -->\n\t\t\n\t\t<div class=\"progression-blog-content\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"blog-meta-category-list\"><a href=\"https:\/\/resources2.soundstrue.com\/category\/meditation\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Meditation<\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/resources2.soundstrue.com\/category\/mindfulness\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Mindfulness<\/a><\/div>\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<h2 class=\"progression-blog-title\">\n\n\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/resources2.soundstrue.com\/blog\/black-tara-who-destroys-all-negativities\/\">\n\t\t\tBlack Tara Who Destroys All Negativities\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<\/a><\/h2>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"progression-post-meta\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"blog-meta-author-display\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/resources2.soundstrue.com\/contributor\/rachael-wooten\/\">Rachael Wooten<\/a>\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"progression-meta-mdash\">&mdash;<\/span> <span class=\"blog-meta-date-display\">December 17, 2020<\/span>\t\t\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<div class=\"progression-studios-blog-excerpt\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In the fall of 2010, our monthly Tara practice began at sundown at the end of Rosh Hashanah, the beginning of the Jewish new year, 5771. The days between Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur are known as the Days of Awe. During these ten days, observant practitioners reflect on the past year to repair harm they may have inflicted on friends, family, or members of the greater family of the planet. They apologize to others and seek to do <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">t\u2019shuvah<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> to make amends if possible. People work consciously to repair and let go of past negativity and set intentions for the coming year to prevent further mischief.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Black Tara Who Destroys All Negativities was on the calendar for that night. We appreciated the synchronistic timing of the two events. I noted that Tara protects us from negativity, internal and external, and helps us release the effects of negative energies we\u2019ve encountered or generated. This protection occurs in part from remembering our connection to the Whole\u2014that we are nurtured and contained by a multilayered universe. When we help another, we are helped. If we harm another, we harm ourselves. Perhaps harder to grasp\u2014if we harm ourselves, we harm the whole universe.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The teaching centered around the meaning of the mantra, which refers explicitly to ingrained behaviors operating outside of consciousness that wreak havoc in interpersonal relationships. Negative energies transferred from one individual to another are potent and destructive, and often have lasting effects.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Tara\u2019s Appearance<\/b><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Black Tara appears with her mouth wide open in a fierce expression. Like all the wrathful emanations, she sits on a fiery sun disc, which rests in the center of her lotus throne. The sun disc replaces the usual soothing moon disc. She holds a black vase, which contains the power to overcome even the most destructive and negative powers. In this aspect, Tara is known as the Destroyer of All Negativities.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>The Mantra<\/b><\/p>\n<p><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Om Tare Tuttare Ture Sarva Vidya Avarana Ye Bhye Phat Soha!<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u201cOhm Tahray Tootahray Tooray Sarwah Veedyah Ahvahrahnah Yay Bay Peyt Soha!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This mantra sheds more light on the meaning of the practice, when you might need to use it, and how to align your own intentions with those of Tara. It insists that Tara remove mental obstacles that block insight into your complexes or the emotional forces that obscure your understanding. <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Avarana<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> refers to the causes underlying negative tendencies in yourself or others. These instincts, imprints, or potencies are ingrained, influencing behavior outside of awareness. They are unconscious, unquestioned, and unprocessed. They have been denied, repressed, or avoided. You or others around you might struggle to bring them to consciousness or have no wish to do that whatsoever.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">As with many words in Sanskrit, <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">vidya<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> has multiple meanings depending on the context. <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Vidya<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> often means \u201cwisdom\u201d; in this instance, it means \u201cintentions,\u201d particularly negative intentions. <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Bhye phat <\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">urges Tara to destroy these obstacles or difficulties!<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The mantra asks Tara to overcome the negative intentions of the enemy. Use it when you want her complete protection in order to fully grasp the difficulties in your situation. Watch for signs that you are being infected or possessed by internal negativity, which would be a natural response to the energy coming at you. Don\u2019t be naive about actual outer dangers you might be facing; you have to remove yourself from harmful situations.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>The Practice<\/b><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Visualize the entire mandala of the twenty-one Taras arising out of vast space in front of you. Green Tara appears in the center in her radiant body of green light. Imagine your teachers surrounding her and all her other emanations in the background behind them. Finally, invite your friends and supporters and all beings you wish to receive the blessings of your practice. Recite the preliminary prayers. Then imagine that Black Tara Who Destroys All Negativities moves into the foreground, seated on her lotus throne with a sun disc in the center. She holds a black vase, which contains the power to destroy even the most virulent forces in the universe. See light streaming out of her heart and from her seed syllable <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Tam<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (\u201cTahm\u201d) standing on a moon disc inside the vase. Just as a seed contains the entire essence of the plant it will become, the seed syllable <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Tam<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> contains the entire essence of Tara\u2019s infinite powers.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-medium wp-image-8641 aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/resources2.soundstrue.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/Screen-Shot-2020-09-11-at-12.33.12-135x300.png\" alt=\"tam\" width=\"135\" height=\"300\" srcset=\"https:\/\/resources2.soundstrue.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/Screen-Shot-2020-09-11-at-12.33.12-135x300.png 135w, https:\/\/resources2.soundstrue.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/Screen-Shot-2020-09-11-at-12.33.12.png 180w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 135px) 100vw, 135px\" \/><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If visualizing a Tibetan syllable proves difficult initially, simply visualize light streaming out instead. The light destroys all malice and negativity.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Invite Black Tara to protect you from the negative intentions and actions of others. Set your own intentions to release the shock of the impact of such energies on your body, psyche, and spirit. Ofer Tara all of your dark emotions; ask her to protect you inside and out as you engage with our imperfect world in which aggression and hatred are too easily encountered.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Recite the mantra, <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Om Tare Tuttare Ture Sarva Vidya Avarana Ye Bhye Phat Soha<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, at least 21 times or 108 times whenever possible. Then rest in the subtle vibration created by the mantra recitation. Notice the qualities of the energy around you. Remember and be grateful for the inherent goodness in the universe that is continuously giving birth to positive impulses inside of you and other beings in the world.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Black Tara brings you back to the radiant spaciousness at the core of your being. As she dissolves obstacles created by negativity, try to identify the signs of true knowing versus the cynical and damaging commentary of the complex. Learn to distinguish what\u2019s coming from inside, what\u2019s coming at you from outside, and how the two are related. Reach out to the cosmic Mother Protector in the form of Tara. Reach inward to her indwelling presence and open yourself to access wisdom and compassion, which offers the greatest protection no matter the circumstances.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">As you bring the meditation to a close, visualize Black Tara receding into the background among all the other emanations. See the light streaming out of the entire mandala and then allow the mandala with all its beings to dissolve into space. The light flows into your body and heart, vivifying and stabilizing the essence of Tara within you, and then disperses into the universe. Dedicate the positive potential of the practice to the healing and awakening of all beings everywhere, with no exceptions.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This is an adapted excerpt from <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.soundstrue.com\/products\/tara\"><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Tara: The Liberating Power of the Female Buddha<\/span><\/i><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> by Dr. Rachael Wooten.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-8642 alignleft\" src=\"https:\/\/resources2.soundstrue.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/Wooten-Rachael-\u00a9TeresaPorter-2019-200x300.jpg\" alt=\"rachael wooten\" width=\"200\" height=\"300\" srcset=\"https:\/\/resources2.soundstrue.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/Wooten-Rachael-\u00a9TeresaPorter-2019-200x300.jpg 200w, https:\/\/resources2.soundstrue.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/Wooten-Rachael-\u00a9TeresaPorter-2019-681x1024.jpg 681w, https:\/\/resources2.soundstrue.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/Wooten-Rachael-\u00a9TeresaPorter-2019-768x1154.jpg 768w, https:\/\/resources2.soundstrue.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/Wooten-Rachael-\u00a9TeresaPorter-2019-1022x1536.jpg 1022w, https:\/\/resources2.soundstrue.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/Wooten-Rachael-\u00a9TeresaPorter-2019-1363x2048.jpg 1363w, https:\/\/resources2.soundstrue.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/Wooten-Rachael-\u00a9TeresaPorter-2019-scaled.jpg 1703w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 200px) 100vw, 200px\" \/><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><b>Rachael Wooten, PhD,<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> is a Z\u00fcrich\u2014trained Jungian analyst and psychologist who has been in private practice as a therapist for more than 40 years. An enthusiastic interfaith activist, she has studied and practiced in Buddhist, Jewish, Christian, and indigenous traditions throughout her adult life.<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Rachael has been mentored by spiritual teachers such as her Tibetan root guru Lodro\u0308 Tulku Rinpoche and Rabbi Zalman Schachter-Shalomi. She has taught Tara practices under the authorization of Lodr\u00f6 Rinpoche for more than 20 years. Rachael has offered Tara workshops through the Resource Center for Women and Ministry in the South, ALEPH: Alliance for Jewish Renewal, and C. G. Jung Society of the Triangle. She currently teaches a monthly Tara meditation group at Pullen Memorial Baptist Church in her hometown of Raleigh, North Carolina. To learn more, visit <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/rachaelwootenauthor.com\/author\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">rachaelwootenauthor.com<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-8643 alignleft\" src=\"https:\/\/resources2.soundstrue.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/BK05851-Tara-3D-cover-225x300.png\" alt=\"tara 3d cover\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" srcset=\"https:\/\/resources2.soundstrue.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/BK05851-Tara-3D-cover-225x300.png 225w, https:\/\/resources2.soundstrue.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/BK05851-Tara-3D-cover-768x1024.png 768w, https:\/\/resources2.soundstrue.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/BK05851-Tara-3D-cover-1152x1536.png 1152w, https:\/\/resources2.soundstrue.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/BK05851-Tara-3D-cover-1536x2048.png 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 225px) 100vw, 225px\" \/><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><b>Learn More<\/b><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.soundstrue.com\/products\/tara\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Sounds True<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> | <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/Tara-Liberating-Power-Female-Buddha\/dp\/1683643887\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Amazon<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> | <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.barnesandnoble.com\/w\/tara-rachael-wooten-phd\/1131430673\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Barnes &amp; Noble<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> | <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/bookshop.org\/books\/tara-the-liberating-power-of-the-female-buddha\/9781683643883\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Bookshop<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> | <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.indiebound.org\/book\/9781683643883\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Indiebound<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t<\/div><!-- close .progression-blog-content -->\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t<div class=\"clearfix-pro\"><\/div>\n\t<\/div><!-- close .progression-studios-default-blog-index -->\n<\/div><!-- #post-## -->                                                    <\/div><!-- close .progression-studios-isotope-animation -->\n                    <\/div><!-- close .progression-masonry-padding-blog -->\n                <\/div><!-- close .progression-masonry-item -->\n                \n\n            <\/div><!-- close #progression-blog-index-masonry-9c2a679  -->\n        <\/div><!-- close .progression-masonry-margins -->\n\n\n\n        <div class=\"clearfix-pro\"><\/div>\n\n\n        \n        \n        \n\n\n    <\/div><!-- close .progression-studios-post-list-main -->\n\n<\/div><!-- .customer-favorites -->\n\n\n<script type=\"text\/javascript\">\njQuery(document).ready(function($) {\n    'use 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elementor-section-height-default elementor-section elementor-inner-section\"  data-element_type=\"section\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-row\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element elementor-column elementor-col-50 elementor-inner-column\"  data-element_type=\"column\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-column-wrap  elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element  elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\"  data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t<h3 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default post-list-title\">Timeless Classics<\/h3>\t\t\n            <\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element  elementor-column elementor-col-50 elementor-inner-column\" 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href=\"https:\/\/resources2.soundstrue.com\/blog\/\"\n                                                class=\"pro-post-list--post-type-label blog\">blog<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/resources2.soundstrue.com\/blog\/5-neurosculpting-practices-for-lasting-brain-change\/\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"450\" src=\"https:\/\/resources2.soundstrue.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/5-Neuro-1-800x450.jpg\" class=\"attachment-progression-studios-blog-index size-progression-studios-blog-index wp-post-image\" alt=\"\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"blog-floating-comments-viewcount\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"blog-meta-comments\"><i class=\"fa fa-comments\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i> 0<\/span>\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"blog-meta-views\"><i class=\"fa fa-eye\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i><div class=\"post-views content-post post-4185 entry-meta load-static\">\r\n\t\t\t\t<span class=\"post-views-icon dashicons dashicons-chart-bar\"><\/span> <span class=\"post-views-label\">Post Views:<\/span> <span class=\"post-views-count\">11,719<\/span>\r\n\t\t\t<\/div><\/div>\t\t\t\t\t<\/div><!-- close .blog-floating-comments-viewcount -->\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div><!-- close .progression-studios-feaured-image -->\n\t\t<!-- close video -->\n\t\t\n\t\t<div class=\"progression-blog-content\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"blog-meta-category-list\"><a href=\"https:\/\/resources2.soundstrue.com\/category\/mindfulness\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Mindfulness<\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/resources2.soundstrue.com\/category\/psychology\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Psychology<\/a><\/div>\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<h2 class=\"progression-blog-title\">\n\n\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/resources2.soundstrue.com\/blog\/5-neurosculpting-practices-for-lasting-brain-change\/\">\n\t\t\t5 Neurosculpting Practices for Lasting Brain Change\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<\/a><\/h2>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"progression-post-meta\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"blog-meta-author-display\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/resources2.soundstrue.com\/contributor\/lisa-wimberger\/\">Lisa Wimberger<\/a>\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"progression-meta-mdash\">&mdash;<\/span> <span class=\"blog-meta-date-display\">April 8, 2019<\/span>\t\t\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<div class=\"progression-studios-blog-excerpt\">\n\t\t\t\t<p>Incorporating these five best neuroplasticity practices can open the doors to a more graceful, resilient, and lasting experience of change.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t<\/div><!-- close .progression-blog-content -->\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t<div class=\"clearfix-pro\"><\/div>\n\t<\/div><!-- close .progression-studios-default-blog-index -->\n<\/div><!-- #post-## -->                                                        <\/div><!-- close .progression-studios-isotope-animation -->\n                      <\/div><!-- close .progression-masonry-padding-blog -->\n                  <\/div><!-- close .progression-masonry-item -->\n                                    <div class=\"progression-masonry-item \">\n                      <div class=\"progression-masonry-padding-blog  progression_elements_post_list_video_play progression_elements_post_list_excerpt\">\n                          <div class=\"progression-studios-isotope-animation\">\n                              \n                                                                \n\n\n\n<div id=\"post-4172\" class=\"post-4172 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail hentry category-health-and-healing category-spirituality tag-feminine tag-mirabai-starr tag-timeless-classics tag-wild-mercy contributor-mirabai-starr\">\t\n\t<div class=\"progression-studios-default-blog-index \">\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"progression-studios-feaured-image\">\n\t\t\t                                            <a href=\"https:\/\/resources2.soundstrue.com\/blog\/\"\n                                                class=\"pro-post-list--post-type-label blog\">blog<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/resources2.soundstrue.com\/blog\/the-way-of-the-feminine-to-save-the-world-mirabai-starr\/\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"450\" src=\"https:\/\/resources2.soundstrue.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/The-Way-of-the-Feminine-to-Save-the-World--800x450.jpg\" class=\"attachment-progression-studios-blog-index size-progression-studios-blog-index wp-post-image\" alt=\"\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"blog-floating-comments-viewcount\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"blog-meta-comments\"><i class=\"fa fa-comments\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i> 8<\/span>\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"blog-meta-views\"><i class=\"fa fa-eye\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i><div class=\"post-views content-post post-4172 entry-meta load-static\">\r\n\t\t\t\t<span class=\"post-views-icon dashicons dashicons-chart-bar\"><\/span> <span class=\"post-views-label\">Post Views:<\/span> <span class=\"post-views-count\">2,563<\/span>\r\n\t\t\t<\/div><\/div>\t\t\t\t\t<\/div><!-- close .blog-floating-comments-viewcount -->\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div><!-- close .progression-studios-feaured-image -->\n\t\t<!-- close video -->\n\t\t\n\t\t<div class=\"progression-blog-content\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"blog-meta-category-list\"><a href=\"https:\/\/resources2.soundstrue.com\/category\/health-and-healing\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Health &amp; Healing<\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/resources2.soundstrue.com\/category\/spirituality\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Spirituality<\/a><\/div>\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<h2 class=\"progression-blog-title\">\n\n\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/resources2.soundstrue.com\/blog\/the-way-of-the-feminine-to-save-the-world-mirabai-starr\/\">\n\t\t\tThe Way of the Feminine to Save the World\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<\/a><\/h2>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"progression-post-meta\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"blog-meta-author-display\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/resources2.soundstrue.com\/contributor\/mirabai-starr\/\">Mirabai Starr<\/a>\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"progression-meta-mdash\">&mdash;<\/span> <span class=\"blog-meta-date-display\">April 4, 2019<\/span>\t\t\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<div class=\"progression-studios-blog-excerpt\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\n\n<p>You feel special. Sometimes this feels like a curse. Like no one will understand you. Ever. Like you will always be an alien walking among regular humans, pretending to blend in. You have learned to live with this gulf, but what you really crave is community. You long to belong to the human family. To Mother Earth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Participating in the human condition can be bewildering. It is just not always cozy and easy\u2014rather, it\u2019s humbling at best, downright humiliating when it is not flowing. It can seem so much simpler to ride solo, slaying your own dragons and singing the ballads you wrote about yourself. Collaboration can be tedious, and the prevailing masculine value system may have conditioned you to feel like you are giving away your power when you share it with others.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>So what? <strong>Give it away<\/strong>. The time of the singular sage bestowing his unique wisdom is over. That was a method devised by the men in charge who sought to regulate wisdom. They taught us to suffer alone in the desert for forty years, collecting our insights in a secret box called \u201cEsoteric Knowledge.\u201d Then, we were supposed to dispense those insights stingily to those who proved themselves worthy by also suffering alone for the requisite forty years in the desert.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It turns out that the world is filled with special beings, grappling our way through the anxiety of solitary conundrums and tasting the occasional reprieve of connection. <strong>When you realize this, your body lets out its breath and relaxes<\/strong>. The curse lifts. You come in from the cold. You hold out your cup, and some other special being fills it with sweet, milky tea spiced with fragrant herbs. You drink.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Our way, <strong>the way of the feminine<\/strong>, is to find out what everyone is good at and praise them for it and get them to teach it to one another. Maybe you know something about the hidden meaning of the Hebrew letters, or how to build a sustainable home from recycled tires and rammed soil, or loving-kindness meditation. You, the one who knows the Islamic call to prayer, climb this minaret and call us all to prayer. You, the one who knows how to sit quietly at the bedside of the dying, show us the way to bear witness. You, the one who knows how to get us to wake up to the shadow of privilege, <strong>please wake us the #*#@ up<\/strong>. It will be chaotic, all this community building, but your cooperation will save the world.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Besides, it will be <strong>fun<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t<\/div><!-- close .progression-blog-content -->\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t<div class=\"clearfix-pro\"><\/div>\n\t<\/div><!-- close .progression-studios-default-blog-index -->\n<\/div><!-- #post-## -->                                                        <\/div><!-- close .progression-studios-isotope-animation -->\n                      <\/div><!-- close .progression-masonry-padding-blog -->\n                  <\/div><!-- close .progression-masonry-item -->\n                                    <div class=\"progression-masonry-item \">\n                      <div class=\"progression-masonry-padding-blog  progression_elements_post_list_video_play progression_elements_post_list_excerpt\">\n                          <div class=\"progression-studios-isotope-animation\">\n                              \n                                                                \n\n\n\n<div id=\"post-4017\" class=\"post-4017 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail hentry category-health-and-healing tag-health-healing tag-timeless-classics contributor-christine-day\">\t\n\t<div class=\"progression-studios-default-blog-index \">\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"progression-studios-feaured-image\">\n\t\t\t                                            <a href=\"https:\/\/resources2.soundstrue.com\/blog\/\"\n                                                class=\"pro-post-list--post-type-label blog\">blog<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/resources2.soundstrue.com\/blog\/i-did-a-40-day-rest-cleanse-and-heres-what-happened\/\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"450\" src=\"https:\/\/resources2.soundstrue.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/12\/I-Did-a-40Day-Rest-Cleanse-and-Heres-What-Happened-800x450.jpg\" class=\"attachment-progression-studios-blog-index size-progression-studios-blog-index wp-post-image\" alt=\"\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"blog-floating-comments-viewcount\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"blog-meta-comments\"><i class=\"fa fa-comments\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i> 3<\/span>\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"blog-meta-views\"><i class=\"fa fa-eye\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i><div class=\"post-views content-post post-4017 entry-meta load-static\">\r\n\t\t\t\t<span class=\"post-views-icon dashicons dashicons-chart-bar\"><\/span> <span class=\"post-views-label\">Post Views:<\/span> <span class=\"post-views-count\">4,612<\/span>\r\n\t\t\t<\/div><\/div>\t\t\t\t\t<\/div><!-- close .blog-floating-comments-viewcount -->\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div><!-- close .progression-studios-feaured-image -->\n\t\t<!-- close video -->\n\t\t\n\t\t<div class=\"progression-blog-content\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"blog-meta-category-list\"><a href=\"https:\/\/resources2.soundstrue.com\/category\/health-and-healing\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Health &amp; Healing<\/a><\/div>\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<h2 class=\"progression-blog-title\">\n\n\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/resources2.soundstrue.com\/blog\/i-did-a-40-day-rest-cleanse-and-heres-what-happened\/\">\n\t\t\tI Did a 40-Day Rest Cleanse and Here\u2019s What Happened\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<\/a><\/h2>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"progression-post-meta\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"blog-meta-author-display\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/resources2.soundstrue.com\/contributor\/christine-day\/\">Christine Day<\/a>\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"progression-meta-mdash\">&mdash;<\/span> <span class=\"blog-meta-date-display\">December 7, 2018<\/span>\t\t\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<div class=\"progression-studios-blog-excerpt\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">For 40 days, I had the most soulful rest. And I did it in the comfort of my own home, with a full-time job, a family, and a social life.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Every day I awoke around 5:30 am and tiptoed to my Rest Cave (set up in a corner of our spare room). I laid on my back on an exercise mat (under my favorite blanket with a sleep mask) and plugged earbuds into my phone. Then I hit play on Karen Brody\u2019s <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Daring to Rest<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> yoga nidra meditation and let her soothing guidance lull me into a state of deep rest\u2014or as Karen puts it, a return to myself. If you\u2019re not familiar with yoga nidra, it\u2019s a meditative practice for entering one of the deepest states of relaxation imaginable. And you do it lying down.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">I\u2019m not a morning person, but getting up to lie down (ironic, right?) was lovely. The stillness of the early morning quickly became my friend.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">For the first 15 days, I listened to the Rest Meditation (20 minutes) to shed physical exhaustion, followed by 15 days of the Release Meditation (30 minutes) to let go of limiting beliefs. The last 10 days consist of the Rise Meditation (40 minutes), allowing life purpose exhaustion to lift, so that you can hone in on your true-hearted desires. Every five days I read a chapter in the book itself, <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Daring to Rest<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, for insight into what I was experiencing and supportive practices.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Gradually these aspects of my life began to shift\u2014providing a depth of experience new to me, and oh so, beautiful.<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><b>An underlying sense of sweetness in my day.<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> I discovered a natural flow to my day, felt light and at ease in my skin, and second-guessed myself less.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><b>Deep intuition.<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Karen guided me to breathe in through my heart, then follow my breath, see where it landed, and listen for what she calls a \u201csoul whisper\u201d\u2014a word or image that offers a clue to how you\u2019re really feeling. Some days all I could think about was my to-do list or obsess over a worry. But when my soul whispers did arrive, they were often crystal clear and I journaled about them.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><b>Patience and connection.<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Mornings were less frantic. When my seven-year old son had stressful moments getting ready for school, I felt calmer and more present for him. When we walked to the bus stop, my awareness of the outdoor world was more acute\u2014the blue sky, cloud formations, the crescent of a morning moon.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><b>Craving control.<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> On days when I felt overwhelmed or anxious, my inclination to relieve those feelings with a glass of wine or binging on television lessened. Sometimes I would simply sit, gaze outdoors, and do nothing more. In those moments, I loved not feeling the need to do anything\u2014not clean, not sort the mail, not check Facebook. I began to understand rest outside of my Rest Cave.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><b>A connection to beyond.<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> This was a big one. Karen calls it your \u201ccouncil of women\u201d and teaches you to summon it for love and support. It can be women in your circle, women who have passed, even women you don\u2019t know personally. I saw my grandmother (who died before I was born) looking at me lovingly and felt my sister-in-law, who I\u2019ve known since I was a baby, standing beside me. At times the feeling of these and other women was so strong that tears ran down my cheeks.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">While my life became deeper and rosier, it was not until I went cold turkey for a few weeks that I realized just how powerful this rest cleanse was. \u00a0I\u2019ve always been someone who can go the distance, then neglect the sustaining part, like training for a half-marathon but not running for months after the race. And it\u2019s so easy to fall back into old habits.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">So now I\u2019m learning how to translate this cleanse into an ongoing practice, for which <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Daring to Rest<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> offers sound insights. My Rest Cave is an essential element. It\u2019s not only a dedicated space for yoga nidra, but one for self-care in general\u2014to journal, to listen to music, to just be.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Karen ends every yoga nidra meditation with the words, \u201cBe good to yourself.\u201d And in that spirit, I invite you to download her free <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/soundstrue-ha.s3.amazonaws.com\/pdf\/Daring%20to%20Rest%20Cave%20Guide_by%20Karen%20Brody%20%282%29.pdf\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Rest Cave Guide<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> to create your own. And once you do, I dare you to rest and see what happens!<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Christine Day has been a member of Sounds True\u2019s sales and marketing team for more than five years and loves diving into our books on a personal level to learn both theory <\/span><span style=\"font-size: inherit;\">and practice. She also works on Sounds True\u2019s children\u2019s books and enjoys doing storytimes at her son\u2019s elementary school.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-4021 alignleft\" src=\"https:\/\/manyvoices.soundstrue.com\/manyvoices\/wp-content\/uploads\/Christine-Sounds-True-Daring-to-Rest.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"150\" height=\"242\" data-id=\"4021\" \/><\/p>\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t<\/div><!-- close .progression-blog-content -->\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t<div class=\"clearfix-pro\"><\/div>\n\t<\/div><!-- close .progression-studios-default-blog-index -->\n<\/div><!-- #post-## -->                                                        <\/div><!-- close .progression-studios-isotope-animation -->\n                      <\/div><!-- close .progression-masonry-padding-blog -->\n                  <\/div><!-- close .progression-masonry-item -->\n                                    \n                  \n              <\/div><!-- close #progression-blog-index-masonry-48c2560  -->\n          <\/div><!-- close .progression-masonry-margins -->\n                  \n          \n          \n          <div class=\"clearfix-pro\"><\/div>\n          \n      \n            \n                \n                \n          \n          \n      <\/div><!-- close .progression-studios-post-list-main -->\n\n      <\/div><!-- .timeless-classics -->\n      \n      \n      <script type=\"text\/javascript\"> \n      jQuery(document).ready(function($) {\n          'use strict';\n          \/* Default Isotope Load Code *\/\n          var $container48c2560 = $(\"#progression-blog-index-masonry-48c2560\").isotope();\n          $container48c2560.imagesLoaded( function() {\n              $(\".progression-masonry-item\").addClass(\"opacity-progression\");\n              $container48c2560.isotope({\n                  itemSelector: \"#progression-blog-index-masonry-48c2560 .progression-masonry-item\",\t\t\t\t\n                  percentPosition: true,\n                  layoutMode: \"masonry\" \n               });\n          });\n          \/* END Default Isotope Code *\/\n          \n                    \n          \n                    \n          \n                    \n      });\n      <\/script>\n      \n  \n  \n            \n  \n      \t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Health &amp; Healing Parenting &amp; Children Lavender Rose Chocolate Truffles Lavender Rose Chocolate Truffles From the book, Whole Girl by Sadie Radinsky INGREDIENTS: 1\/2 cup coconut cream, from the top of a chilled 13 1\/2-ounce can of full-fat coconut&#8230; Written by: Sadie Radinsky Read Now Most Recent See All blog 0 Post Views: 61 Health [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":33,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_expiration-date-status":"","_expiration-date":0,"_expiration-date-type":"","_expiration-date-categories":[],"_expiration-date-options":[],"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-482","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v26.5 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>Blog | Sounds True<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Discover blog at Sounds True. 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