Awakening: Why We Waited 150 Episodes to Talk About It

Overview

This episode delves into the concept of awakening, exploring its multifaceted nature and why it has taken 150 episodes to address it directly. The discussion covers the different types of awakening (head, heart, and gut), the pitfalls of making awakening a goal, and the ongoing evolution that follows such experiences. The hosts also examine how awakening manifests in daily life, its challenges, and its integration into human experiences like emotions, relationships, and meditation.

Notable Quotes

- If your mind can think of it, it isn’t it. – Joe Hudson, on the ineffable nature of awakening.

- Every epiphany is a new rut. – Brett Kistler, on the continuous evolution of awakening.

- Before awakening, daddy issues. After awakening, daddy issues. – Joe Hudson, on the persistence of human challenges post-awakening.

🌟 What Awakening Is (and Isn’t)

- Awakening is described as a shift in identity from the personal to the universal, leading to symptoms like peace, reduced self-criticism, and dissolving problems. (Joe Hudson)

- It is not a finish line or a permanent state of bliss; emotions and challenges persist.

- Awakening evolves differently for everyone, with unique paths and experiences.

🧠 Head, ❤️ Heart, and 🫃 Gut Awakenings

- Head Awakening: Involves deconstructing the concept of I through meditation, intellectual inquiry, or seeing through thoughts. (Joe Hudson)

- Heart Awakening: Arises from dis-identifying with emotions, leading to boundless love and relational insights. (Joe Hudson)

- Gut Awakening: Linked to the nervous system and a deep sense of safety, often accessed through pleasure or flow states. It can be risky if approached improperly. (Joe Hudson)

🎯 The Pitfalls of Making Awakening a Goal

- Striving for awakening can slow the process, as it reinforces the ego’s need to achieve. (Joe Hudson)

- Awakening is a natural evolution, akin to learning to walk or talk, and should not be forced.

- Many people get stuck post-awakening by identifying with the experience, e.g., I’m the awakened person.

🧘 Meditation: Path or Trap?

- Meditation can lead to awakening but may also become a tool for dissociation if used to manage or avoid emotions. (Brett Kistler, Joe Hudson)

- Effective meditation involves vulnerability, impartiality, and enjoyment rather than control.

- The hosts emphasize welcoming all experiences—thoughts, emotions, and sensations—as a key to deeper awakening.

🌌 Integration and Challenges Post-Awakening

- Awakening can be disruptive and even frightening, as it challenges one’s identity. Resistance often amplifies discomfort. (Joe Hudson)

- Post-awakening, individuals may become more sensitive to misalignments in their lives, leading to discomfort with old habits.

- The journey doesn’t end with awakening; it requires ongoing integration and healing of unresolved emotional or relational issues. (Joe Hudson)

- Support systems and guidance are crucial for navigating the aftermath of awakening experiences.