In this podcast episode, we discuss issues around food and diet in a body-obsessed culture. The topic of food is examined from a cultural and psychological perspective as well as through the lens of Chinese Medicine. Not only are we what we eat but also how we eat is a window into how we are. For an in-depth guide to Chinese Medicine for the layperson, here are two book recommendations: Prince Wen Hui's Cook: Chinese Dietary Therapy by Bob Flaws and Honora Wolfe and Between Heaven And Earth by H...
Feb 05, 2019•23 min•Season 1Ep. 45
This podcast episode discusses the unconscious, automatic, and habitual programming that can exist in our psyche. These habits, which are due to our wounding, and the resultant masks we wear need to be made conscious. A simple awareness tool to become conscious of these habits and to retrain the conscious mind is presented. www.AbdiAssadi.com
Jan 08, 2019•12 min•Season 1Ep. 44
This podcast episode continues the discussion of softening and surrendering the over-identification with “I” and the ego’s story. The possible pitfalls in this process and the continuation of hypnosis under the guise of awakening are examined. This episode was recorded in Upstate New York. www.AbdiAssadi.com
Apr 27, 2018•20 min•Season 1Ep. 43
In this podcast episode, we discuss the anxiety and fear that invariably will arise as we delve into our spiritual path. Their full eruption, though never comfortable, is a sign of our progress. Our becoming conscious of the unconscious material is part and parcel of the work. All that needs to be done is for us to make room for and learn to tolerate the discomfort of it all. This episode was recorded in Upstate New York. www.AbdiAssadi.com
Feb 10, 2018•23 min•Season 1Ep. 42
In this podcast episode, we discuss the loneliness that can occur on the spiritual path as we progress and release outgrown relationships. The concurrent sense of loss or lack of purpose is also examined. Lastly, the often overlooked idea of inviting in and holding joy while deepening into spiritual serenity is discussed. This episode was recorded in Upstate New York. www.AbdiAssadi.com
Nov 17, 2017•20 min•Season 1Ep. 41
In this podcast episode, we discuss the current state of affairs. We all have a part to play in the social healing that needs to take place. This can only occur if we mobilize from center and internally access our truth. www.AbdiAssadi.com
Feb 11, 2017•14 min•Season 1Ep. 40
In this podcast episode, we discuss the topic of judgment. An unexamined and reflexive behavior, judgment of others has tangible negative consequences. We are all being asked to up our game and clean our backyard. Examining the act of judgment and healing its root causes is a powerful step towards that end. The act of judging as well as dealing with the painful emotions of being judged is discussed. Here is an invitation to lessen the load on ourselves and the burden carried by those around us b...
Sep 23, 2016•19 min•Season 1Ep. 39
In this podcast episode, we discuss some pointers on the issue of helplessness. There are points in our spiritual evolution when we are overcome by deep feelings of helplessness. We can feel paralyzed and face tremendous anxiety, fear as well as confusion. The old ways do not work, and the new has not revealed itself. Here is a gentle reminder that this, in fact, is part and parcel of the path. Learning to surrender into the feelings of helplessness by holding space for ourselves is a solid way ...
Oct 23, 2015•17 min•Season 1Ep. 38
In this podcast episode, we discuss the seismic shift that is affecting all aspects of our lives. Look within to know what can stay, what has to be released, and what needs to enter your life. This energy requires nothing less than total surrender. Wake up and live. To read the transcription of this episode, please click here . www.AbdiAssadi.com
Jun 28, 2015•14 min•Season 1Ep. 37
In this podcast episode, we discuss spiritual bypass and the use of spiritual practice as a substitute for doing psychological work. The history of the split between spirituality and psychology is discussed as well as the disconnection between intellect and emotions. This is followed by examples in our lives. The three books discussed are: Psychotherapy East And West by Allan Watts, Cutting Through Spiritual Materialism by Chögyam Trungpa, and Awakening The Heart by John Welwood. www.AbdiAssadi....
Mar 08, 2015•33 min•Season 1Ep. 35
In this podcast episode, Kayte Ringer and Abdi discuss the ways and places we hold emotional and physical stress, the ways we can release them, and inhabiting our body as a direct spiritual path. Kayte has been a bodyworker for over 35 years, trained in dance, Rolfing, and ideokinesis, she imparts her knowledge in a profound poetic language. Break out an anatomy book and learn about yourself. www.AbdiAssadi.com
Feb 21, 2015•58 min•Season 1Ep. 34
This podcast episode offers an intimate view of one woman’s healing journey over a decade and a half. It examines the work and process involved in identifying and moving from an unconscious and dissociated space into a conscious and embodied life. www.AbdiAssadi.com
Oct 04, 2014•47 min•Season 1Ep. 33
In this podcast episode, we discuss the masks we wear and the psychic toll they exact from us. The confusion of these masks with our true self (and the stories they entail) steals much life force. The servicing of these stories lead to more pain than is visible at first glance. www.AbdiAssadi.com
Jul 04, 2014•25 min•Season 1Ep. 32
In this podcast episode, we discuss the method of being present with ourselves as a way of processing uncomfortable emotional states. www.AbdiAssadi.com
Mar 08, 2014•21 min•Season 1Ep. 31
This lecture was recorded on January 12, 2014, at The Shala Yoga House in NYC. www.AbdiAssadi.com
Jan 26, 2014•51 min•Season 1Ep. 30
In this podcast episode, we discuss dealing with loss. “Invest in loss” was a term the late Cheng Man-ch'ing used to describe the benefits of surrender as a learning tool when practicing the art of T'ai Chi Ch'uan. Ego softening can come out of loss if it is approached from this perspective, which is outside of our normal reactive self. www.AbdiAssadi.com
Nov 17, 2013•29 min•Season 1Ep. 29
This podcast episode was recorded in Upstate New York during a beautiful rainstorm. It starts out as a torrential downpour, but quiets to a soothing shower in the background. In keeping with the spirit of the last several episodes, use the sounds of nature to connect with your Self. Allow consciousness to expand beyond the hypnotic identification with the bodymind. www.AbdiAssadi.com
Oct 10, 2013•20 min•Season 1Ep. 28
The theme of this podcast episode centers around the title: how to make friends with ourselves and step out of our egocentric prisons. Common issues around rapid awakening are also discussed. www.AbdiAssadi.com
Sep 17, 2013•23 min•Season 1Ep. 27
In this podcast episode, we discuss observations on the nature of souls and personalities, the concept of awakening, leaving the body instead of being embodied, relationships, how to stay centered in the midst of chaos, and the importance of self-care in times of rapid growth. This episode was recorded in Upstate New York on June 23, 2013. www.AbdiAssadi.com
Jun 26, 2013•24 min•Season 1Ep. 26
In this podcast episode, the main topic of discussion is our idealized self-image and our profound suffering around its unconscious service. This lecture and Q&A session was recorded on February 18, 2013, at Norma Kamali's Wellness Cafe in NYC. www.AbdiAssadi.com
Mar 04, 2013•1 hr 20 min•Season 1Ep. 23
In this podcast episode, Tanja Andrejasic Wechsler and Abdi discuss the state of modern society and its effects on our consciousness. Specifically, the roles of advertising and media in informing our relationship to Self are examined. Our relationship to the divine feminine as well as the state of education and food is also discussed. This episode was recorded on February 11, 2013, in NYC. www.AbdiAssadi.com
Feb 20, 2013•56 min•Season 1Ep. 22
In this podcast episode, Tanja Andrejasic Wechsler and Abdi discuss the state of modern society and its effects on our consciousness. Specifically, the roles of culture, commercialism, and media in informing our relationship to Self are examined. This episode was recorded on January 7, 2013, in NYC. www.AbdiAssadi.com
Jan 14, 2013•56 min•Season 1Ep. 21
In this podcast episode, Barry Fleming and Abdi discuss ritual and ceremony, sacred space, shamanism, dealing with fear, dreams, and sacred medicines. The use of these tools and their ability to help connect us with Self or potentially deepen disconnection under the guise of connection is also discussed. This episode was recorded on November 19, 2012, in NYC. www.AbdiAssadi.com
Nov 30, 2012•1 hr 11 min•Season 1Ep. 19
In this podcast episode, Barry Fleming and Abdi discuss ritual and ceremony, setting intentions, shamanism, sacred space as well as the use of sacred medicines. The use of these tools and their ability to help connect us with Self or potentially deepen disconnection under the guise of connection is also discussed. This episode was recorded on September 26, 2012, in NYC. www.AbdiAssadi.com
Sep 30, 2012•1 hr 2 min•Season 1Ep. 18
In this podcast episode, Tommy Smith interviews Abdi. They cover topics ranging from violence, racism, art, sexuality, relationships, and the need to be in relationship with our Self. This episode was recorded on August 27, 2012, in NYC. www.AbdiAssadi.com
Aug 30, 2012•59 min•Season 1Ep. 17
In this podcast episode, Graham Brennan interviews Abdi. They cover a wide array of topics including the present state of affairs and the fear it can bring up in relationships, caretaking, and vulnerability as spiritual practice. This episode was recorded on June 26, 2012, in NYC. www.AbdiAssadi.com
Jul 01, 2012•1 hr•Season 1Ep. 16
In this podcast episode, Poppy de Villenueve interviews Abdi. This episode was recorded on April 23, 2012, in NYC. www.AbdiAssadi.com
May 01, 2012•28 min•Season 1Ep. 15
This lecture and Q&A session was recorded on February 6, 2012, at The Shala Yoga House in NYC. www.AbdiAssadi.com
Feb 24, 2012•1 hr 34 min•Season 1Ep. 14
For many seekers, the spiritual path is considered to be a movement toward “the light” and does not include the equally important process of delving into, identifying, and integrating repressed aspects of our psyche (the shadow). In this podcast series, we will explore this often overlooked aspect of spiritual work and examine how we often fool ourselves using spirituality to hide our shadow from ourselves and others, rather than honestly facing ourselves. Through lecture, experiential exercises...
Jan 29, 2012•48 min•Season 1Ep. 13
For many seekers, the spiritual path is considered to be a movement toward “the light” and does not include the equally important process of delving into, identifying, and integrating repressed aspects of our psyche (the shadow). In this podcast series, we will explore this often overlooked aspect of spiritual work and examine how we often fool ourselves using spirituality to hide our shadow from ourselves and others, rather than honestly facing ourselves. Through lecture, experiential exercises...
Jan 21, 2012•1 hr 11 min•Season 1Ep. 12
