Show notes
In today's episode, I'm thrilled to share with you a truly extraordinary human being, John Perkins. My conversation with John felt like a personal gift to me and I'm certain that he is a true gift to this world.
In this conversation, he shares some of his incredible and unique life experiences in both the shamanic ways of indigenous people in the Amazon jungle and also as a chief economist at a major consulting firm where he advised the World Bank, United Nations, Fortune 500 corporations, US and other governments. We speak about many of the ideas that he presents in his new book, Touching the Jaguar, and how he bridges those two worlds to present to us a new way of thinking and of living in this world.
As John says, our perception creates our reality. So, if we shift our perception, we can shift our reality and the systems and structures we currently assume are the way things need to be. He first had this realization when he was near death in 1969 in the depths of the jungle and a Shaman healed him. Later, as a chief economist he had a realization that many of the economic principles he had been taught, and that he thought he was using to do good in the world, were in fact false and sending our society into unsustainability and chaos. He calls that the "death economy". In his new book, and during this interview, John makes the case for what he calls a "life economy" and I can't wait for you to listen to the inspiring vision he has for the collective and for us as individuals!
"Our perceptions create our reality. There are no countries. There is no religion. There are no businesses. There's nothing until we perceive these things, and when enough people accept the perception, that's when it becomes reality." ~ John Perkins
John speaks directly to issues causing upheaval and uncertainty in the world today, namely climate change, the coronavirus pandemic, and the worldwide protests against systemic racism. He acknowledges that all of these are very important issues independently, but also argues that they are all symptoms of an even deeper problem - the "death economy", which is focused on short term profits instead of long term health and sustainability.
John also shares his daily practice that he uses for himself to stay focused and create the world he wishes to see, and also encourages all of us to do it as well. It includes 5 questions he asks himself each morning to make sure he is still on the right track and using his time and energy wisely.
It was truly amazing to witness his intensity, youthfulness, and passion. At age 75, he is an inspiration. As John says, "If we do what gives us satisfaction, we'll always be successful. That is what gives us vitality."
I will take this conversation with me into the future and I hope that you will too. He leads us while standing beside us, and inspires us to go and ask for what we want and to remind us of our power to create the reality that we desire. His message is one of change and also hope and optimism, which I believe we all are needing so much right now. I hope this conversation inspires you to take some kind of action today to walk toward the future that we all deserve.
If you are needing support during this pandemic, I invite you to join my free Facebook Group that I have created for you. It is so important to me that we are ready to exit the Waiting Room when it's time to re-enter our new lives on the other side of this.
More About John Perkins
John Perkins is an author and activist whose 10 books on global intrigue, shamanism, and transformation including Touching the Jaguar, Shapeshifting and the classic Confessions of an Economic Hit Man have been on the New York Times bestseller list for more than 70 weeks, sold over 2 million copies and are published in 35 languages. As chief economist at a major consulting firm, he advised the World Bank, United Nations, Fortune 500 corporations, US and other governments. He regularly speaks at universities, economic forums, and shamanic gatherings around the world and is a founder and board member of the nonprofit organizations, the Pachamama Alliance and Dream Change.
You can connect with him via his website, Twitter, and Facebook.
Things We Mention In This Episode
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