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Our Developmental DesiresWith the world in such a state of change—especially as we approach another election—I find myself thinking about what really drives us at different stages of life. It’s not just about individual wants; it’s about how these core desires we hold shape our development, connect us generationally, and ultimately steer the future we’re building together. As I explore these concepts for my book, The Quantum Age: The Future of Humanity Right Now, I wanted to share how our evolving desires can tell us a lot about where we’ve been and where we’re headed.This episode dives deep into a framework I’m developing around these “developmental desires”—needs that seem universal across generations. For those of you who like reading in-depth, I’m laying out much of it here, but I invite you to listen to the full episode to get the nuanced context and backstory behind each insight. If these topics resonate, consider becoming a premium subscriber to support and join these ongoing explorations. Note: Premiu

This article’s voiceover was created with ElevenLabs.In my ongoing journey of self-coaching using ChatGPT, I've been diving deep into the Gene Keys system—a complex, esoteric framework that, at times, can feel overwhelming. The beauty of this journey, though, is that I can take it one thread at a time, asking questions and exploring concepts as they arise. This approach has allowed me to dissect and explore far-sightedness, a gift from Gene Key 17, which arises when we move beyond the shadow of opinion. But recently, a question has been on my mind: What is the difference between far-sightedness and anxiety?This question came to the forefront after my wife and I watched Inside Out 2, a movie that touches on the theme of anxiety. It got me thinking: Anxiety often involves future pacing, planning, and a desire for control. It’s easy for someone with anxiety to say they’re being “far-sighted” because they’re thinking ahead. But is it really the same thing?So, I asked ChatGPT, and through our conversation, I began

As I’ve been navigating midlife myself, I’ve started to reflect on what it means to be a Millennial in this phase of life—especially as we begin to reckon with the emotional undercurrents that have shaped our experiences. It feels like we’ve been handed a world that’s shifting under our feet, with expectations placed on us by Baby Boomer parents while we’re also raising Gen Alpha children. And in the midst of all of this, I’m realizing that the real work—at least for me—isn’t about trying to change the world externally, but more about coming to terms with my own internal world.Uncovering the Shadows We’ve InheritedGrowing up, many of us had to emotionally parent our Baby Boomer parents. I know for me, there was this constant sense that their emotions needed managing, and it wasn’t always clear who was going to take care of mine. This has created a generation hyper-aware of emotional nuances, mental health, and boundaries—but also, we’ve been left feeling a bit anxious about our own emotional needs.Now, it’s e

In the world of personal growth, we often focus on eliminating what we consider "negative" parts of ourselves. We think if our ego shows up differently each day, something must be wrong. But development isn't linear, and we all host multiple ego states that serve unique purposes depending on our circumstances. This is especially clear through the lens of developmental psychology, particularly models like the Stages model and Spiral Dynamics.Both theories shed light on our evolving selves: Spiral Dynamics frames development within a collective and anthropological context, while the Stages model focuses on individual growth through different perspectives. If you’re familiar with both, you probably understand the complexity of ego states we navigate daily. And while it may seem overwhelming to honor all these inner voices, recognizing their purpose allows us to ease internal conflict.Why We Should Embrace Multiple Ego StatesFrom childhood to adulthood, we develop different "voices" that align with our growth sta

Today, I want to talk about something deeply personal, and something that I feel compelled to release—my relationship with moral superiority. It’s a topic that’s been occupying my mind for a while now, and it feels like the right moment to dive into it, especially since this reflection ties into asking for something that doesn’t come easily to me: help.For a long time, I’ve struggled with the idea of surrender, particularly the kind of surrender that feels like giving up or being defeated. But lately, I’ve been realizing that surrender doesn’t have to mean defeat. It can be about trust—trusting in a process, in something bigger than myself. It can also be about asking for help, something that challenges my instinct to handle everything on my own.The Weight of Moral SuperiorityMoral superiority has been a recurring theme in my life. I’ve found myself struggling with the feeling of needing to be "better" or "right" in certain situations, often triggered by those who seem to hold a rigid moral high ground. I’ve

Faith is a word loaded with meaning. For some, it evokes images of religious devotion—rituals, prayers, and sacred texts. For others, especially atheists or non-theists, it might feel like a distant concept, tied too closely to religion to be useful. But what if faith is more than belief in a higher power or adherence to religious doctrine? What if faith is something we all need, regardless of our spiritual orientation?Whether you’re deeply religious or firmly non-religious, faith plays a critical role in how we navigate life. And yet, many people—especially those who believe they are walking in faith—may not realize they’re lacking it. In contrast, others who identify as non-theists might unknowingly be grappling with the same issue from a different angle. This is where faith in existence, as opposed to faith in faith, becomes a transformative idea.Faith in Faith vs. Faith in ExistenceMany of us, consciously or unconsciously, place our faith in faith itself. We believe that if we think or pray hard enough, t

Releasing the Victim ComplexI've been on quite the journey lately, diving deep into the waters of victim consciousness and narcissism. It’s been the lens through which I’ve viewed everything recently, not just in others but within myself too. It’s one of those topics that becomes clearer the more you explore it — because the more you see it in yourself, the more you see it in others. And let me tell you, it’s everywhere.We often think of narcissism and victimhood as opposites, but they’re not. They’re actually two sides of the same coin, both deeply rooted in the same foundation: a superiority complex. It sounds counterintuitive, I know. We think of the narcissist as someone who inflates themselves, and the victim as someone who shrinks. But when life is always happening to you, when everything feels like an affront or a problem, you’re actually putting yourself at the center of the universe. That’s what makes it a superiority complex — it’s a separation from humanity, from the collective experience.The Victi

Show Notes:* Exploring how narcissism and victimhood dynamics impact gender relations and future generations* Understanding the psychological roots of narcissism and helplessness* Healing narcissism to foster healthier relationships between men and women* The generational impact of unresolved trauma and narcissism* How self-love can break the cycle and support the development of conscious, healthy children* Bridging the gender and political divide with compassion and understanding* Reach out to me for coaching support to explore how these dynamics may be affecting you and your relationshipsIn this episode, we delve deep into a topic that affects not only our personal relationships but also the future of our children and society as a whole: healing narcissism and helplessness. Narcissism, often fueled by deep-rooted trauma and shame, isn't just an individual issue—it’s a psychological pattern that, if left unresolved, gets passed on from generation to generation. In particular, we look at how these patterns cr

In today’s fast-paced world, feelings of loneliness and isolation are more common than ever. But what if your loneliness is rooted in the very idea that you’re “special”? In this article, we dive into the connection between narcissism, victimhood, and complex trauma, uncovering how shame spirals keep you trapped in cycles of self-sabotage. If you’ve ever felt alone, stuck, or consumed by shame, this might just be the key to understanding why.The Narcissism-Victimhood Paradox: Why You’re Not SpecialAt first glance, narcissism and victimhood seem like opposites. However, both are tied to a deep sense of self-focus that stems from trauma. When someone has experienced significant shame or rejection, they may develop a superiority complex or a persistent sense of victimhood. This isn’t about ego—it’s a defense mechanism born out of trauma. As we fixate on our pain, we reinforce the idea that we’re “special,” that our suffering is unique. But this kind of self-focus leads to feelings of isolation.Shame Spirals and

Something I love about wrestling is that it creates this ability to look at a character, a person, and especially as a younger person, see yourself in that character. There are different personalities, expressions, stories, presentations, body types, colors that represent the person, pyro, theme music, and styles of wrestling - grapplers, brawlers, high flyers, agile people, ground and pound, etc. There are so many different types of characters that someone can go to a show and resonate with.When I took my kids to a wrestling show, my stepson in particular was really excited to basically try on every single character that came out. He saw them doing some sort of symbol or gesture or hand movement and he just tried them on, kept "putting on outfits to see what fit him." I recognized in myself the ability to do that when I was a kid - with video game characters, people on TV shows and movies. There's this exploration of "what do I resonate with?" This comes through sports too, seeing someone performing at a hig

In recent episodes, I've explored the intricate concept of victim consciousness—a mindset that subtly keeps us stuck, preventing growth and self-actualization. While discussing this topic, I delved into the triggers that figures like Jordan Peterson and Elon Musk evoke in me. Not personally knowing them, it's fascinating how their public personas stir something deep within, bringing to light the narratives I've carried for years.Victim consciousness is not merely a matter of feeling sorry for oneself; it's a complex psychological dance. It's about recognizing how certain beliefs and stories we've told ourselves over time hold us back. It's an internal narrative where we convince ourselves of our inadequacies, often manifesting as a fear of failure. This fear, in turn, keeps us from pursuing opportunities that could lead to growth and success.One striking realization is how this consciousness can create a superiority complex. It's paradoxical but true. The belief that we're not good enough, not lovable, or inc

The voiceover is produced in Eleven Labs.I'm currently processing The Victim Identity, which is not a Matt Damon film but a concept I learned from Eckhart Tolle. In this video, he describes it as a superiority complex disguised by inferiority—a tricky paradoxical complex. It’s worth watching if this concept connects with you.The Victim Identity takes moments or times in one’s life where they experienced being a victim and held onto it as a narrative for why things aren’t going how I’d like them to go now. The past becomes an excuse more than it becomes a natural karma. Eckhart uses the common example of attractiveness as an easy narrative to grasp why someone isn’t successful, hasn’t found a partner, or is struggling in some other way. It often arises when nothing happens in someone’s life because the ego needs something to grab onto as an identity, so it digs into the past for some sense of self. This differs from someone who has been a victim and/or healing, which involves releasing having been a victim to

Show Notes:* Examining the millennial generation's struggle with commitment in relationships, projects, and personal growth.* Understanding the paradox of choice and how it contributes to a lack of commitment.* Discussing the balance between discipline and surrender in the journey of commitment.* Introducing separate publications on Substack focusing on different aspects of personal development.Let’s dive deep into the theme of commitment that has been surfacing in my life lately. As I navigate various stories and personal experiences, I've been contemplating our generation's challenges with committing to relationships, projects, personal health, and overall growth.The narrative surrounding millennials often portrays us as a generation unable to pay attention or commit to anything. However, I believe this stems from a paradox of choice – the overwhelming abundance of options available to us, making it difficult to fully commit to any single path. We find ourselves waiting for the perfect situation, the ideal

Today, I’m exploring the multifaceted topic of intimacy, a subject that touches upon the very core of our experiences as individuals and as members of the collective human experience.Show Notes:* Intimacy is a vast and intricate concept, encompassing various aspects of our lives, including sexuality, creativity, and personal connections.* Understanding the interplay between admiration and boundaries is crucial for cultivating respect and nurturing healthy intimate relationships.* The pursuit of intimacy is often intertwined with our existential quest for meaning, purpose, and a sense of belonging in the face of our temporary existence.* Navigating the spaces between connection and separation, individuality and union, is a delicate dance that requires self-awareness and a willingness to embrace uncertainty.* Releasing the attachments to blame, shame, and guilt can pave the way for more authentic and fulfilling intimate experiences.Intimacy is a vast and layered topic that touches on various aspects of our live

Show Notes / Key Listening Points:* Countering common fear-based narratives about climate change, AI, war, and global events* The importance of not diminishing my optimism and willingness to see multiple perspectives* How fear can limit our thinking and block us from considering positive outcomes* Using imagination to conceive better outcomes, not just worry about worst-case scenarios* The adaptability and resilience of humanity in the face of drastic changes and challenges* Potential positive impacts of AI, technological advancements, and problem-solving innovations* Cyclical thinking vs. linear thinking, and embracing the natural ebb and flow of human existence* Finding gratitude, connectedness, and a sense of purpose amidst significant shifts and lossesMy friends, in a world often dominated by fear-based narratives surrounding climate change, artificial intelligence (AI), war, and global events, it can be challenging to maintain a sense of optimism and openness to different perspectives. However, as I pass

Show Notes:• Exploring the concepts of projections (unconscious agency) and introjections (unconscious receptivity) from the Stages model• Understanding the split ego state and how it relates to childhood development and trauma  • Recognizing unhealthy patterns of being more of a "taker" than a "giver" in relationships and life• Working on reciprocity, boundaries, and being more altruistic by offering value without expectationThe Unconscious Dance of Projections and IntrojectionsI recently came across a fascinating idea - that projections are an unconscious use of agency, while introjections are an unconscious form of receptivity. This stems from my recent dive into the Stages model and the three forms of shadow identified by Kim Barta: projections, introjections, and split ego states.Projections are qualities about ourselves that we place onto others, often showing up as judgments. Introjections are taking on qualities, feelings, or traits that aren't truly ours. A split ego state occurs when a childhood tra

This episode is a difficult realization manifest in a long winding investigation into not just a wounding but an uncheck node in my internal system. Using the STAGES model created by Kim Barta and Terri O’Fallen I’ve been able to pinpoint where I need some important work, and how I’ve been undermining myself, misusing my intelligence, and not setting proper boundaries for myself. This episode shares that process and some real-time realizations about my impact on others and how this young childhood trauma has impacted my development into today.Show Notes:Introduction:* Christian Rivera shares insights from his personal journey of self-discovery and growth, drawing from Gene Key 50 and other developmental models.Main Points:* Body as Beloved Pet:* Rivera likens the body to a cherished pet, emphasizing the importance of nurturing and loving it for optimal health and happiness.* Exploring Personal Development:* Reflecting on personal growth, Rivera delves into the discovery of internal corruption and its impact o

I’m testing Wednesday Wisdom as a series of thought meditations to calm the mind from various angles to focus on presence and breath. If you enjoy this series let me know in the comments below. You can also now book a support session with me if you need more.I’ve been uncovering a Saviorism within myself. I need to prove myself disguised as confident and all-knowing of what people need to be doing with their lives. Lately, I’ve seen that this is an abrasive attempt to prove my value as a human by overdoing, overstepping, and forcing others who aren’t prepared to grow into a growth path, which usually only halts their natural growth. Forcing extra water on a plant because it needs to grow faster will only drown it. So, I’m learning to back off, not force my contribution, and put emphasis on both acceptance of presence with everything being perfect as it is and to also support the expansion of the light of human consciousness with my work as a garden to tend to as opposed to a belief to peddle. In my own explor

Relevant Links:* The One-Sided Victim Story: Dive into the complexities of the victim narrative here.* The Victim/Entitled Balancing Act: Explore the balance between victimhood and entitlement here.* Discovering Your Brand Message: Uncover the essence of your brand with this course here.Welcome, thinkers and wanderers, to a journey of self-discovery and transformation with your guide, Christian Rivera. Today, we delve into the paradox of victimhood and its potential to either chain us to the past or propel us toward personal triumph. Strap in for an exploration of survival instincts, psychological resilience, and the path to self-sovereignty.The Paradox of VictimhoodVictimhood, while inherently linked to suffering, carries an unexpected power—the power to transcend. Yet, as we navigate from physical survival to psychological battles, the real challenge emerges: not allowing our stories of victimhood to define us but instead using them as stepping stones to empowerment and creation.Journey Through Psychologica

What makes you adaptable? The podcast episode is a wonderful compliment to this prompt, so give it a listen before you journal to see what comes out for you. Also, consider what might hinder your adaptability and what might be in your way. Take 5 minutes to journal unfiltered and share your insights in the comments below!Episode Summary: In this insightful episode of DOPEamine, Christian Rivera delves into the concept of adaptability through the evolution of whales, inspired by a PBS Nova documentary. This scientific marvel becomes a metaphor for human adaptability, exploring how we, unlike our animal counterparts, use intelligence and innovation to navigate our environment and challenges.Key Points Discussed:* Discovery of Whale Bones in the Desert: The episode kicks off with a fascinating look at the PBS Nova documentary's findings in the Northern Sahara, challenging our perceptions of evolution and adaptability.* Human Adaptability Versus Genetic Evolution: Christian distinguishes between slow genetic evol