The Abdi Assadi Podcast

The first part of this podcast episode discusses some of the questions that were recently submitted regarding the difficulties that can arise in the awakening process. The second part covers the emerging communication with our inner voice in the spiritual process. We also delve into the difference between the survival instinct of the personality and the desire to live freely from a soul perspective.www.AbdiAssadi.com

This podcast episode discusses the issues that can arise when we are faced with serious illness of another person. The importance of truly holding space in the face of such suffering is examined. Some specific do’s and don'ts are offered as well.www.AbdiAssadi.com

This podcast episode discusses the issue of "fixing” others. This is a deeper level of unhealthy caretaking that negatively affects both parties. The inability to tolerate uncomfortable feelings in ourselves can lead to projecting those feelings onto others. The consequences of attempting to "fix" another (instead of healing ourselves) are examined.To read the transcription of this episode, please click here.www.AbdiAssadi.com

This podcast episode discusses the peddling of spiritual practices to prop up our idealized self-image. These masks that we all wear are tonified by things such as the promise of personal success. The counterpoint to such false paths is the variety of losses that we suffer in life. The gift of suffering is that it tears down the idealized self-image and gives the true self an opportunity to shine through.www.AbdiAssadi.com

This podcast episode discusses some of the misunderstandings that one can have when dealing with the spiritual process as well as the teachers one encounters. As always, we must remember to keep our wits about us and listen internally as we enter into such relationships.www.AbdiAssadi.com

This podcast episode discusses the concept of target fixation - a behavior in which one becomes so focused on an object that they head towards it unconsciously. This phenomenon, which can have dire consequences, is examined through the lens of emotional wounding and negative pleasure, as well as conscious awareness as a salve.www.AbdiAssadi.com

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 Harriet Beinfield and Efrem Korngold.www.AbdiAssadi.com

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

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

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

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

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

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 by stepping back from this toxic behavior.www.AbdiAssadi.com

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 to navigate through this dark night of the soul.To read the transcription of this episode, please click here.www.AbdiAssadi.com

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

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.com

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

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

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

In this podcast episode, we discuss the method of being present with ourselves as a way of processing uncomfortable emotional states.www.AbdiAssadi.com