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TitreDateDurée
Leading From the Deep by Diego Ugalde - Psychedelics and Spirituality26 Nov 202401:07:43

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Diego Ugalde - Leadership From the Deep - Conversation About Psychedelics and Spirituality

In this episode, Adam and Steven welcome former Navy SEAL and renowned coach Diego Ugalde as their special guest. Diego shares his transformative journey from being a Navy SEAL to becoming a leadership coach who specializes in spiritual and psychedelic healing. The discussion delves into Diego's experiences with Ibogaine, his book 'Leading from the Deep,' and the profound insights he has gained through elevated states of consciousness. They explore themes of fear, spiritual bypassing, the power of psychedelics in mental health and self-awareness, and the similarities between psychedelic and meditative awakening. Diego also talks about his work with The Trident Approach and Warriorside, initiatives dedicated to helping veterans and civilians connect and heal through storytelling and psychedelic experiences.

The Trident Approach: https://thetridentapproach.com/

00:00 Hi Adam. Hi Stephan.
00:40 Introducing Diego Ugalde
01:52 Diego's Background and Achievements
04:39 Discussing Diego's Book and Psychedelic Healing
05:28 Diving into Ibogaine Experience
11:20 The Healing Power of Psychedelics
18:57 Spiritual Bypassing and Psychedelics
28:36 Facing Fear and Divine Guidance
34:26 Striving for Acceptance
35:25 The Cost of Fearlessness
36:29 Awareness and Muscle Memory
37:26 Balancing Fear and Combat
38:45 Insights from a True Story
43:22 Flow State vs. Dissociative State
45:31 Meditation and Psychedelics
59:36 The Core Truth of Love
01:03:17 Upcoming Projects and Final Thoughts

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Staying Centered In Crazy Times - Postcard #125 Nov 202400:19:35

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In this episode of the 'Letters to the Sky' podcast, Adam and Stephan introduce a new, shorter format called 'Postcards'. They discuss strategies for staying grounded amid the turmoil of the recent U.S. presidential election and how to find inner peace despite external chaos. Join them as they share insights on the importance of looking within, meditation techniques, and personal reflections on life; a candid conversation about navigating today's challenges with mindfulness and compassion.

00:00 Introduction and New Setup
00:24 Introducing Postcards: Shorter Format
01:47 Staying Grounded in Crazy Times
04:07 Inner Peace and Mass Consciousness
11:31 Breathing Techniques for Relaxation
18:57 Final Thoughts and Farewell

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Wanting Enlightenment Is a Big Mistake26 Jan 202300:39:06

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John joins Adam and Stephan after a long hiatus to discuss Zen Master Seung Sahn's book Wanting Enlightenment Is a Big Mistake, a great exploration into Korean Zen and the life of this extremely influential Zen teacher.

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Maimonides' Via Negativa12 Jun 202200:46:43

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Adam and Stephan bring back John for a deep conversation into the power of naming what God is NOT, discussing Maimonides' Guide for the Perplexed.

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Enlightened Vagabond01 Mar 202200:50:36

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Adam and Stephan discuss the amazing  Patrul Rinpoche, an enlightened 19th-Century Tibetan master who roamed the plateaus dressed as a vagrant, teaching wherever he went.

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Rumi's Little Book of Life14 Dec 202101:01:16

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Adam and Stephan explore the life of Jalaluddin Rumi, his teacher, and the role of love and humility in spiritual awakening.

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The Way of the Bodhisattva - Chapter 330 Sep 202100:49:01

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Adam and Stephan discuss the third chapter of the Way of the Bodhisattva by Shantideva - Taking Hold of Bodhicitta - and reflect on the practical importance of generating compassion for the suffering of ourselves and others.

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Science vs Religion24 Aug 202101:08:08

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Adam and Stephan begin a long conversation about the limitations, merits, intersections, and differences between Science and Religion.

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Saint Teresa of Avila's Interior Castle29 Jun 202101:09:55

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Adam and Stephan discuss a Christian mystic's masterpiece on prayer and meditation with many analogous ideas in Hinduism.

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Marcus Aurelius's Meditations02 Jun 202101:02:12

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Adam and Stephan discuss one of the mainstay texts of modern Stoicism - Marcus Aurelius's Meditations. The private journal of one of the greatest emperors to live - Meditations is full of beautiful philosophy to live by every day.

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Hakuin Ekaku's Wild Ivy16 Apr 202101:00:05

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Adam and Stephan discuss Zen and the spiritual autobiography of Zen Master Hakuin Ekaku, translated by Norman Waddell.

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Sushila Blackman's Graceful Exits25 Feb 202100:50:41

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Sushila Blackman, Author and Hindu practitioner wrote a moving tribute to the amazing and often times hilarious deaths of many spiritual masters only to be diagnosed with lung cancer and pass away herself a month and a half after finishing the book. We dedicate this to her.

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Ram Dass's Polishing the Mirror23 Sep 202401:07:25

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Join Adam and Stephan discussing one of the 20th century's pioneers in bringing Eastern thought to Western minds. 

In Polishing the Ram Dass reflects on a life of practice and awakening. Adam and Stephan discuss the nature of truth and devotion.

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Spalding's Life and Teaching of the Masters of the Far East16 Feb 202100:56:45

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Adam and Stephan discuss one of the foundational book series of "Western Esotericism", Baird T. Spalding's "Life and Teaching of the Masters of the Far East". Filled with stories of miracles and instruction to lead practitioners to the hidden truths of our universal powers and consciousness.

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Richard Smoley's Forbidden Faith29 Dec 202000:47:25

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Richard Smoley, author and philosopher, in his book Forbidden Faith, writes about the secret history of Gnosticism. We learn why this set of beliefs was considered 'the great heresy' of Christianity and dive into its pervasiveness in the American mythos and psyche. We explore everything from Madame Blavatsky and the new age movements to Philip K Dick's Blade Runner and its gnostic influences.

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Chogyam Trungpa's Cutting Through Spiritual Materialism Part 228 Oct 202000:55:33

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Adam and Stephan dive into the inner workings of Buddhism to further explore spiritual materialism. This is a continuation of our first episode on Chogyam Trungpa.

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Karen Armstrong's Muhammad07 Oct 202000:54:56

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Karen Armstrong delivers a wonderfully balanced and insightful portrayal of the life of one of the world's most well known iconoclasts, the Prophet Muhammad. We go over her message and its relevance in our ever-changing modern world.

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Chogyam Trungpa's Cutting Through Spiritual Materialism11 Aug 202001:01:15

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Chogyam Trungpa was a controversial yet undeniably influential Tibetan Buddhist teacher who brought the essence of Tibetan Buddhism to the West. His book outlines the spiritual path and the pitfalls commonly found along the way.

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Bart Ehrman's Misquoting Jesus12 Jul 202000:48:34

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Bart Ehrman, a New Testament scholar and Professor of Religious Studies, became convinced of contradictions and discrepancies in biblical manuscripts that could not be reconciled. We discuss his book "Misquoting Jesus" which dives into these and other controversial topics.

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Alan Watts' The Book02 Jul 202000:49:32

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Alan Watts was an iconoclast through and through. He took a huge step in bringing Zen and other eastern philosophical ideas to the west before and during a time when the United States was undergoing a huge cultural shift in the 60s and 70s. We explore one of his pivotal books here, aptly named "The Book on the Taboo Against Knowing Who You Are."

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Friedrich Nietzsche's Three Metamorphoses08 Jun 202000:51:12

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Nietzsche had a huge impact in the world on Philosophy, Spirituality and Religion. In this first episode of the series we explore one of his classics, Thus Spoke Zarathustra and explore Nietzsche's map of spiritual evolution.

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The Disappearance of the Universe22 Jul 202400:53:02

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Stephan and Adam discuss the bestseller The Disappearance of the Universe: Straight Talk about Illusions, Past Lives, Religion, Sex, Politics, and the Miracles of Forgiveness by Gary Renard.

This book tells the incredible story of ascended masters revealing great truths to an everyman - Gary Renard, and documents years of conversations about what's really going on behind the scenes of our reality.

Link to buy the book:  https://tinyurl.com/mrxr3cvu

Sign up for our newsletter on our website for extras about our episodes and to learn how to join Stephan and Adam on live calls every month!
https://letterstothesky.com/

Watch us as talking heads on the YouTube version of the episode. Don't forget to subscribe and like.
https://youtu.be/8yKEzEr3nBg

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Pema Chödrön's When Things Fall Apart10 Feb 202401:14:09

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Do you ever feel like everything's crumbling around you and you've lost all control? Have you ever gone through some traumatic event that's left your heart closed off from the world? Pema Chödrön has the antidote for you. 

This short, pithy book sparks a deep and honest conversation about the limitations of our humanity and the infinite power of our hearts to transform our lives.

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Proof of Heaven by Eben Alexander22 Dec 202300:59:01

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Stephan and Adam discuss the impossible true story of a neurosurgeon who had one of the most descriptive and profound near-death experiences put to words.  Is consciousness a product of the brain or is the brain an interface for something larger? Why do Christians see Christian beings when they die, and Buddhists the Buddha? What does it mean to be perfect and whole?

Link to buy the book:  http://tinyurl.com/mv7jwnw9

Sign up for our newsletter on our website for extras about our episodes and to learn how to join Stephan and Adam on live calls every month!

https://letterstothesky.com/



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On Becoming an Alchemist by Catherine MacCoun21 Nov 202301:18:17

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Adam and Stephan discuss the inner and outer magic found in the hermetic teachings of Alchemy.  Starting with Nicolas Flamel in the Middle Ages, Alchemy has fascinated the Western mind with the promise of turning lead into gold. Dive deep into the inner world of alchemists and the secrets to unlocking your own, inner gold, in this episode.

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ALIENS!! (can teach us a lot about ourselves). American Cosmic by D.W. Pasulka06 Nov 202301:01:57

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Adam & Stephan discuss the topic absolutely no one is tired of hearing about:  Nonhuman intelligence. Aliens. Extraterrestrials. Whatever you call them...they're out there, and their existence is an opportunity to teach us about how we view ourselves and our lives.

Diving into the book American Cosmic by American academic D.W. Pasulka, your beloved hosts regale listeners with incredible stories of technology and other beings living alongside us.

Support us by subscribing to our divine newsletters, blogs, and meditations at https://www.letterstothesky.com or by emailing letterstotheskypodcast@gmail.com.

Sign up for our mailing list at the link above to be notified of new episode drops, monthly live calls with Adam and Stephan to discuss the month's book, and more.

The Book (Amazon):  https://a.co/d/9kV1gON
David Grusch's Opening Statement: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lcrCMLVk614
Paul Hellyer: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paul_Hellyer


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October 2023 Update - Letters to the Sky is Growing!13 Oct 202300:03:52

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Stephan and Adam bring a small update. Letters to the Sky is expanding past just a podcast! 

Sign up for our new newsletter at https://letterstothesky.com/ to get exclusive info on upcoming episodes, guided meditations, and other good stuff. 

We're also excited to share starting in November we'll be having live calls monthly in addition to the podcast! We'll share details of dates and topics via our newsletter  - don't forget to sign up.

Upcoming episodes include:

Aliens (coming later in October!)
Alchemy and Magic 
Near Death Experiences
Psychedelics
Shamanism

PS - Stephan will be in Frankfurt for the Buchmesse next week. If you're one of our beloved Frankfurters and want to meet up, reach out to Stephan on Instagram - @stephandownes (fair warning - it's mostly pictures of wild mushrooms he forages).

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AI and Spirituality06 Jul 202300:45:11

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Adam and Stephan return to kick off a new series of recordings. Today they discuss the upcoming "emergency" of General AI and its impacts on religion and spirituality.

Please see the video below which Adam and Stephan referenced:
https://youtu.be/bk-nQ7HF6k4

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The Courage to Be Disliked: How to Stop People-Pleasing & Live Freely - Postcard #606 Jan 202500:27:05

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This week, Adam and Stephan dive into the concepts of validation and self-worth, inspired by the book 'The Courage to be Disliked' by Ichiro Kishimi and Fumitake Koga. They explore the importance of not seeking external validation and the challenge of finding inherent self-worth. With personal anecdotes and deep philosophical insights, this episode aims to provide listeners with a sense of freedom and ease. Don't miss this thought-provoking discussion!

00:00 Introduction 
03:05 Book Discussion: The Courage to Be Disliked
04:10 Validation and Self-Worth in the Medical Profession
07:11 Personal Reflections on Validation and Achievement
09:49 Inherent Self-Worth and External Validation
19:30 The Power of Self-Validation
26:42 Conclusion and Gratitude

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Mastering Your Life by Facing Fears - Postcard #530 Dec 202400:23:03

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If you're new here, we're Stephan and Adam. We bring the greatest wisdom of the past into everyday life.

Adam and Stephan dive deep into how beliefs shape our reality. With personal anecdotes about facing fears around firearms they explore the transformation that occurs when engaging with fear rather than avoiding it. They also highlight the impact of social media algorithms on our belief systems and share practical steps for uncovering and shifting limiting beliefs. Tune in to discover how to turn fear into opportunities for growth and healing.

00:00 Introduction and Catching Up
01:00 Diving into Beliefs and Spirituality
02:39 Facing Fears: A Personal Journey
08:30 Social Media Shows Us Our Beliefs
12:42 There is No Objective Reality
15:09 Addressing Limiting Beliefs and Meditation
21:02 Practical Takeaways

Contact us directly at letterstotheskypodcast[at]gmail.com to chat, recommend a book, leave feedback, or to get signed up for our newsletters.

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How To Beat the Holiday Blues in 2024 - Postcard # 420 Dec 202400:24:32

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We're now on YouTube! Check out our channel with videos of our episodes, and don't forget to like and subscribe!

https://www.youtube.com/@letterstotheskypodcast


In this special holiday Postcard, Stephan and Adam share personal stories and insights on how to navigate the emotional challenges of the holiday season. They discuss the importance of being present, setting intentions, and creating space to process emotions. The episode emphasizes the power of non-judgment, awareness, and inner work as tools for healing and finding peace during what can often be a difficult time. They encourage listeners to share their own practices for dealing with holiday stress and highlight the significance of accepting the holiday experience as it is.

PS: Stephan's microphone is breaking and not consistent. We'll fix it ASAP.

Let us know your practices to get through the holidays in the comments! Thank you to our amazing viewers and listeners.

00:00 Holiday Greetings
01:37 Setting Intentions for the Holiday Episode
03:35 Understanding the Holiday Blues
04:30 Family Dynamics and Holiday Challenges
09:14 Coping Strategies for Holiday Stress
14:08 The Power of Presence and Non-Judgment
18:57 Creating Space and Managing Expectations
22:54 Final Thoughts and Holiday Wishes

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LET GO OF CHASING SUCCESS: Life Lessons From a Doctor - Postcard #316 Dec 202400:20:59

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In this heartfelt episode, Adam and Stephan connect over their evolving lives, sharing personal breakthroughs and profound realizations. Adam dives deep into his recent experiences with meditation, achieving a moment of clarity and love that reshapes his perspective on self-worth and validation. Through a touching story involving visions of great spiritual teachers, Adam learns the importance of loving others and himself without the need for titles or positions. Join them in this reflective conversation about meditation, inner peace, and the journey towards self-acceptance.

00:00 Welcome Back!
00:53 Adam's Turn to Share
01:21 A Meditation Experience
06:07 The Power of Meditation
08:19 Discussing the Enneagram
11:41 The Importance of Mental Hygiene
19:27 Final Thoughts and Takeaways

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Healing Relationships Through Intention - Postcard #215 Dec 202400:24:21

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In this week's episode of the Letters to the Sky podcast, Stephan opens up about a profound realization regarding his relationship with his wife, which sparked a deep discussion with Adam. They explore how relationships serve as mirrors that reflect our subconscious triggers and the power of sitting with strong emotions for healing. 


Through personal anecdotes, Stephan shares the transformative impact of awareness and communication in overcoming emotional challenges, highlighting the significance of intention in navigating relational dynamics.


00:00 Introduction to This Week's Podcast

00:25 Stephan's Realization and Its Impact

02:15 Understanding the Mirror Concept in Relationships

05:51 Practical Example: Teasing Incident

08:25 Healing Through Awareness and Communication

19:48 The Power of Intention in Relationships

24:06 Conclusion and Final Thoughts



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Effortless Presence: Insights on Spiritual Integration and Letting Go - July 3, 202503 Jul 202500:55:47

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Effortless Presence: Insights on Spiritual Integration and Letting Go - July 3, 2025


Join Adam and Stephan in a deep and heartfelt conversation about their recent experiences and revelations after reading 'Effortless Being' by David Bingham. They discuss the profound impact of the book on their spiritual journeys, the process of integrating new insights, and the concept of living life with zero resistance. Through personal anecdotes and philosophical explorations, they touch upon themes like the dissolution of self, trusting the present moment, and the pitfalls of seeking wholeness through the ego. This episode is a rich tapestry of wisdom, vulnerability, and practical advice for anyone on the path of spiritual awakening.

Email us at letterstotheskypodcast[at]gmail.com to get in touch and request topics or give feedback!


00:00 Reconnecting After a Long Break

00:31 The Power of Improv and 'Yes, And'

00:45 Life Updates and Inner Work

02:31 The Book That Changed Everything

04:30 Effortless Being and Spiritual Integration

08:18 Trusting the Experience

12:02 Zero Resistance and Trusting the Moment

22:15 The Role of the Mind and Problem-Solving

28:36 Embracing Life's Tasks with Joy

31:10 Embracing the Flow of Life

31:57 The Power of Siestas

35:22 Understanding Pain and Suffering

39:54 The Illusion of Control

47:31 The Search for Wholeness

52:58 The Nature of Definition

53:54 Listener Appreciation and Conclusion



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Drop All Resistance To Your Life the Way It Is - Zen Enlightenment17 Jul 202500:49:07

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Email Stephan and Adam at letterstotheskypodcast[at]gmail.com. We love to hear from you and hear your ideas for episode topics.

Well, here we go again! Stephan keeps trying to lock Adam in the basement, but somehow he always escapes. Join the delightful duo as they navigate formalities and dive into the incredible origins of Zen. This episode unfolds the mind-blowing history of Bodhidharma, the first Zen Patriarch, who spent nine years staring at a wall (seriously, nine years!) and also helped shape Shaolin Kung Fu. The journey continues to Sengcan, the third patriarch, and the profound depth of the Hsin Hsin Ming. Stephan and Adam ponder the nuances of preferences, tension in existence, and how to naturally flow through life like a river. Is there any resistance in this moment? Well, let's find out together. Plus, discover meditative practices and brainwave science with a sprinkle of Adam's doctorly insight. 

Email Stephan and Adam at letterstotheskypodcast[at[gmail.com

Ram Dass reading the Hsin Hsin Ming: https://www.ramdass.org/ram-dass-reads-the-third-chinese-patriarch/

Ziran (the natural, spontaneous way): https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ziran

00:00 Introduction and Banter
00:32 Starting the Episode
01:13 Discussing the Third Zen Patriarch
01:53 Origins of Zen and Bodhidharma
04:10 Zen vs Tibetan Buddhism
06:10 Bodhi Dharma's Teachings and Legacy
08:41 The Profound Teachings of the Shin Shin Ming
12:37 Exploring Preferences and Awareness
15:58 The Role of Preferences in Enlightenment
25:19 Naturalness and Spontaneity in Action
27:10 Understanding Preferences and Misinterpretations
27:31 Natural Actions and Harmony
29:06 The Grind vs. Natural Flow
32:11 Meditative Practices and Brainwaves
36:16 Exploring Resistance and Allowing
38:40 The Metaphor of Layers
45:26 Final Thoughts

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How to Turn the Mind into a Sword of Awakening11 Jul 202500:19:26

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Hey everyone, it's Stephan here! Ever wondered how to use your mind as a tool for awakening? Dive deep with me as I share insights, personal experiences, and some practical tips to train your mind on this incredible journey. From discussing the paths of devotion and meditation, to emphasizing the importance of dissolving beliefs, this video tackles the discomforts and blissful moments of the path to enlightenment. Get ready to cut through false beliefs and embrace a greater understanding. No beliefs are ultimately true, but some can be more useful than others on this journey. Join me and let's start cutting!

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Ruin Everything With These Two Simple Steps! - July 10, 202510 Jul 202500:48:07

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👀 Join Adam and Stephan as they dive deep into the spiritual journey with a sprinkle of humor and a whole lot of wisdom. Beating their previous record of six months of not recording they’re back after only a week to unpack the secrets of doing the most damage to your spiritual path with the least amount of effort. They've even got book recommendations and analogies stacked on analogies for days. So come for the laughs, stay for the enlightenment, and remember, take it easy!

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The Work that Reconnects - A Tribute to Joanna Macy25 Aug 202500:53:30

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Honoring Joanna Macy: Love, Grief, and the Dance of Life

Welcome back, folks! Join Stephan and Adam as they dive into a heartwarming tribute to the incomparable Joanna Macy. They chat about her life, her profound contributions to spiritual ecology, and her legacy of promoting interconnectedness and compassion. Explore grief, love, and how we can be Shambala warriors, embracing powerful, love-driven action in today's world. Shoutout to Dayton for the episode inspiration!

If you have an episode recommendation on a book or topic related to awakening and spirituality, and to sign up for our email list, email us directly at:

letterstotheskypodcast [ at] gmail.com



00:00 Introduction and Welcome
00:54 Tribute to Joanna Macy
01:26 Joanna Macy's Life and Work
03:04 Emotional Connection and Grief
04:16 Spiritual Ecology and Interconnectedness
14:41 The Shambala Prophecy
22:52 Taking Action from Love
29:09 Misconceptions About Awakening
30:16 The True Meaning of Awakening
31:24 Mind-Made Weapons and Their Undoing
33:35 The Power of Love Over Hate
35:36 Feeling Without Pathologizing
47:47 Joanna Macy's Reverence for Life
51:49 Final Thoughts and Call to Action

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Copyright 2025 by Letters to the Sky

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