Life, Death & The Space Between with Dr. Amy Robbins

Latest Episodes:

Balancing Conventional & Sacred Medicine with Dr. Lissa Rankin Apr 14, 2022

Show notes

BALANCING CONVENTIONAL & SACRED MEDICINE with LISSA RANKIN, MD

“I am not in the scientific materialism camp, and I am not in the new age camp. I am trying to be the camp of no camp. There is no reason we need to choose either conventional medicine or sacred medicine.” – Dr. Lissa Rankin [11:01]

“Be on the lookout for agendas dressed up in a holy drag.” – Dr. Lissa Rankin [26:30]

Episode Summary:

Have you ever wondered what really makes us sick? And how we really heal? Why do some people with the healthiest lifestyles get tragically, chronically or terminally ill? While others with bad habits get a disability free life until they’re 100?

In this episode, we talk with Dr. Lissa Rankin, MD, a medical doctor who has asked and deeply reseached all those questions in her new book, Sacred Medicine: A Doctor's Quest to Unravel the Mysteries of Healing. Dr Rankin is a mind body medicine physician, author of seven books, and the founder of Whole Health Medicine Institute in the San Francisco Bay area of California, for physicians and health care providers who seek a transformative complement to traditional medical education. She researches radical remission, trauma informed medicine and spiritual healing.

Her TEDx talks have been viewed over 5 million times and she starred in two national public television specials, Heal Yourself: Mind Over Medicine, and The Fear Cure. Lissa interest in the link between loneliness and disease has led her to spearhead her latest project, Heal At Last, a not-for-profit organization, which aims to bring effective trauma healing, and spiritual healing methods to anyone ready for the deep dive of healing.

Listen in to hear Dr. Lissa Rankin bridge between conventional medicine and sacred healing.

Topics We Discuss:

[4:33] Dr. Rankin experiences led her to her research. Her father was a medical doctor invested in conventional medicine, and her mother was a, religious and fundamentalist. Her own medical education was academic, dogmatic and rigorous.

[11:17] Trauma treatment can heal physical disease.

[19:21] No fault trauma. No blaming the victim. Even the people who traumatized you were traumatized themselves. The paradoxes of healing – you’re not responsible for your disease and you are in charge of your healing. It’s nuanced.

[21:30] Thoughts do influence our reality but do not control our reality. Distorted magical thinking is a trauma system.

[26:30] Why Dr. Rankin warns, “Be on the lookout for agendas dressed up in a holy drag.”

[31:45] How can we know when we are pushing our own agenda vs. tapping into higher level intuition of the wise, divine self?

[37:40] Emotions are full of energy and information. For example, anger can protect and defend boundaries.

[39:39] Spiritual bypassing. Falsely spiritualizing conflict avoidance. Using spirituality to avoid trauma and suppress pain. Misusing altered states. Often practiced by the boundary wounded.

[47:14] Premature forgiveness. Critical thinking in and around forgiveness. Legitimate forgiveness can follow if accountability and justice, results in genuine remorse and regret. But that is uncommon.

[50:01] Abuse in the self-help industry and alternative healing arena. The importance of critical thinking when evaluating practitioners.

[55:57] The power of sacred sites. Reference renegade scientist Rupert Sheldrake. Morphic resonance.

[1:04:13] Dr. William Bengston’s rigorous scientific research using hands-on healing to cure cancer in mice under controlled laboratory conditions.

[1:08:44] A ghost story embedded in an episode! Dr. Rankin’s own extraordinary experiences around her own mom’s funeral.

[1:18:45] Dr. Rankin answers Amy’s speed round questions:

Spirituality means…
What is something most people don’t know about you?
What are you looking forward to right now?
What is one thing you are deeply grateful for?
What book is on your nightstand?
What is your favorite spiritual or healing practice?
What is the most transformative experience of your life?

[1:21:16] The many modes of healing available to mental health and other struggles…

FOLLOW DR. LISSA RANKIN

Find Dr. Rankin’s titles wherever books are sold. You can follow Dr. Rankin at her website.

SUPPORT DR. AMY ROBBINS:

If you’re enjoying the podcast and finding value in guest interviews, ghost stories, and the content I share, please consider supporting the show by becoming a Patreon member for as little as $5 a month at Patreon.com/DrAmyRobbins

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Is Your Anxiety Really Grief? with Claire Bidwell Smith Apr 07, 2022

Show notes

IS YOUR ANXIETY REALLY GRIEF? with CLAIRE BIDWELL SMITH

“Grief and joy often walk hand in hand.” – Dr. Amy Robbins

Episode Summary:

We have all experienced loss. Therefore, we have all experienced grief, in one form or another.

In this episode, we talk with renowned grief expert Claire Bidwell Smith, a therapist and the author of three critically acclaimed books, already published in 19 countries:

The Rules of Inheritance
After This: When Life is Over Where Do We Go?
Anxiety: The Missing Stage of Grief

Claire strives to provide support for all kinds of people experiencing all kinds of grief. Claire offers online programs for grief in addition to working with people one-on-one.

The Rules of Inheritance is currently optioned for television rights. In addition to having given dozens of talks on grief, Claire has written for The New York Times, Scientific American, The Washington Post, Goop, The Huffington Post, Salon.com, Slate, Chicago Public Radio, The Guardian, Psychology Today, Yoga Journal, and BlackBook Magazine.

Her insights have been featured on MSNBC, Good Day LA, Today.com, The Atlantic, the Los Angeles Times, The Chicago Tribune, NPR, Forbes, Conde Nast Traveler, the San Francisco Chronicle, the Minneapolis Star Tribune, Oprah Magazine, Self Magazine, Shape Magazine, and dozens of radio shows and podcasts.

People want to hear from Claire!

We grieve throughout our lifetimes, not for a person we have lost. Listen in to understand how grief impacts us all, and how unprocessed grief can actually show up as anxiety.

Topics We Discuss:

[4:00] Claire’s experiences with the very early loss of both of her parents, and a series of secret conversations with a close college friend as she approached death. Asking herself, “What is the meaning of all this?” Seeing mediums, priests and rabbis, shamans, doing past life regressions, exploring alternative therapies…

[10:00] Grief in the context of the two COVID years. How we grieve more than just the death of a loved one. COVID brought so much change. Grief is about loss, but loss is always about change. Since the COVID years brought about an unprecedented amount of change, we are all grieving.

[12:40] The interconnection of anxiety and grief. Claire found anxiety as a missing element of the grief conversation. Unprocessed grief can manifest as anxiety.

[20:44] What people can expect as they move through grief. Sadness, fear, anger, overwhelm, guilt, regret, betrayal. We grieve in whatever way we live, and our grief will be different depending on the nature of the loss. Processing grief: sitting with grief, opening up to the feelings that arise, retraining your brain, being in the present moment.

[27:33] What sort of counselor to look for to process anxiety and grief.

[29:10] Claire’s upcoming grief and loss course for mental health professionals: coaches, therapists, teachers, counselors, nurses, doctors.

[34:18] After years of research, what Claire believes happens when we die.

[36:08] Claire answers Amy’s speed round questions:

Spirituality means…
What is something most people don’t know about you?
What are you looking forward to right now?
What is one thing you are deeply grateful for?
What book is on your nightstand?
What is your favorite spiritual or healing practice?
What is the most transformative experience of your life?

FOLLOW CLAIRE BIDWELL SMITH

Find Claire’s books wherever books are sold. You can follow Claire, and find out more about her upcoming class for professionals on her website.

SUPPORT DR. AMY ROBBINS:

As a member you’ll get more say in the content we cover and exclusive access to behind-the-scenes goodness!

Stay Connected with Dr. Amy Robbins:

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

How YOU Can Embrace Death with Judith Johnson Mar 31, 2022

Show notes

HOW YOU CAN EMBRACE DEATH with JUDITH JOHNSON

“If you are uncomfortable talking about death, you are under the influence of The Death Taboo.” – Judith Johnson

Episode Summary:

Have you ever thought about why death is such a taboo subject in our day to day lives? We all know everyone is born, and everyone dies. Obviously. So why is a birth a reason for joyful celebration and a death seen as a tragedy? How are you feeling right now just hearing about the concept of inevitable death?

In this episode, we talk with Judith Johnson, author, mentor, and educator. Her work draws on degrees in social psychology, spiritual science and business, and wisdom teachings from around the world.

As a mentor, Judith guides clients in dismantling dysfunctional mental and emotional patterns so they can choose to live with profound authenticity and confidence. She also mentors the dying and their loved ones dealing with end-of-life issues.

A deathbed promise to her mother to write about aging and dying in a society with a powerful death taboo, Judith’s third book, Making Peace with Death and Dying: A Practical Guide to Liberating Ourselves From the Death Taboo has just been published. It addresses causes, dynamics, and antidotes to the death taboo.

Listen in to understand how YOU can learn to embrace the concept of death, and live a more joyful and meaningful life as a result.

Topics We Discuss:

[4:04] The “Death Taboo” in current Western society and where it originated historically. Ask yourself how you feel when you hear the word death. Do you feel a contraction? Resistance? Discomfort?

[11:00] You don’t have to be old to talk about death! If you are 18 years or older, you can “get your ducks in a row”. Health care proxy is key.

[18:10] Neurosurgeon Eben Alexander began to shift Western imagery/thoughts around death after having his own spiritually transformative near death experience. (Reference Life, Death and the Space Between episodes #16 and #17, dated 7 February and 11 February, 2019.)

[23:15] Tell-tale signs you’re uncomfortable around death, and what to do about it. Check out DeathCafe.com. Primarily: accept the reality of death.

[25:50] How the fear of death has infiltrated our collective consciousness because of COVID. Death became more real.

[29:01] Exercises to help you desensitize yourself to the concept of death. Ask yourself:

What really matters to me deep in the core of my being?
What are the 5 most fervent beliefs that inform how I live my life?
Am I pleased with myself as a human being?
What is the most profound purpose of my life?
Do I think life is precious? Why or why not? How is that apparent to how I live my life?

[34:59] Legacy journaling to help kids know where they come from, and fortify their mental health.

FOLLOW JUDITH JOHNSON

Find Judith’s books wherever books are sold. You can follow Judith, and find many of her articles about consciousness, relationships and end of life on her website.

SUPPORT DR. AMY ROBBINS:

As a member you’ll get more say in the content we cover and exclusive access to behind-the-scenes goodness!

Stay Connected with Dr. Amy Robbins:

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Afterlife Frequency with Mark Anthony | Part 2 Mar 24, 2022

Show notes

THE AFTERLIFE FREQUENCY with MARK ANTHONY

“There's so much depth in the meeting of science and spirituality.” – Dr. Amy Robbins

Episode Summary:

Ever wonder what a true, talented psychic experiences when seeing spirits? Care to hear about that experience in the context of brain science? Heavy stuff -- but we promise – this is a digestible conversation!

In this episode, we talk with Mark Anthony, JD, aka the Psychic Explorer aka the Psychic Lawyer. He is the author of The Afterlife Frequency, Never Letting Go, and Evidence of Eternity. He is an Oxford-educated attorney, world-renowned psychic, nationally recognized legal analyst, headline speaker at international conferences and universities, and favorite guest on TV and radio shows. He cohosts The Psychic & The Doc on Transformation Network and is a regular columnist for Best Holistic Life magazine.

Dr. Amy Robbins says of his newest book, The Afterlife Frequency, which has already been submitted for a Pulitzer Prize, “It is a phenomenal book… and it beautifully ties together science and spirituality.”

Listen in to understand how Mark Anthony describes his psychic abilities in a scientific context, and how anyone can hone their own psychic abilities.

Topics We Discuss in Part 1:

[4:20] Trusting your gut. Trusting your intuition. Trusting your feelings. Women’s intuition. Gut instinct. Tuning into the vibrational frequency giving you information.

[5:35] Mark inherited his psychic abilities from both the maternal and paternal sides of his family. He feels it was in his genes. His mother’s side with Italian heritage considered it a “gift from god”, and called it “the gift of sight”. Bishops and cardinals consulted with his maternal great grandmother for her psychic abilities. Mark’s dad was a Navy Seal and later a NASA engineer with his own psychic abilities, inherited from his family line.

[7:30] How his parents clicked when they met, and early on were each compelled to confess to each other they could see spirits. Wow!

[10:10] At age 3 Mark started talking to his “imaginary friends” like so many kids do. Only his parents saw them, too! His mom was thrilled; his dad not so much. Mark’s dad warned him not to share his abilities outside the house, because of a tragic experience back in the day. Mark’s psychic aunt was diagnosed as schizophrenic, forced out of her home in a literal straight jacket, and subjected to electro shock, etc.

[13:10] Mark sees psychic ability as a double edged sword, with benefits, burdens and responsibilities.

[14:40] Anyone can develop psychic ability. Some are more naturally talented than others, some less.

[16:10] The “cold chills and tingles”, electrical sensations, indicates spirit activity to Mark. How he received a monumental message from his parents, who are both in spirit. The message prompted The Afterlife Frequency.

[17:20] Mark’s RAFT technique: Recognize the message from spirit. Accept the message. Feel it without over-thinking, without fear. Trust the message. His book goes into explaining how anyone – no matter whether or not you were born with extra psychic abilities – can have a mediumistic experience.

[21:00] Differentiating messages from ego vs spirit. Ego messages carry: anger, bigotry, hatred, violence. Spirit messages direct toward: love, healing, resolution, protection.

[22:10] Mark defines The Afterlife Frequency using an analogy: of AM vs. FM radio, or two coexisting energetic systems. AM radio is like the earthy experience - slower, denser frequencies. FM radio is like spirit frequencies. We can raise our frequency. Mark offers exercises in his book.

[24:00] What Mark defines as the electromagnetic soul (EMS). Pure consciousness. Spirit.

[26:07] Biophotons. Our cells emit light invisible to the human eye. Electromagnetic energy containing information. A century ago, Einstein is quoted as saying we are light beings.

[28:48] Why spirits appear to be transparent. In order for you to see them, spirits project an energetic impulse you can understand.

[32:30] What various spirits look like to Mark.

Topics We Discuss in Part 2:

[2:29] Brainwave frequency levels. Psychic and mediumistic activity occurs at the border between theta and alpha levels. Most spirit communication is in the sleep state. Mediums can enter that alpha/theta state voluntarily and while conscious.

Gamma – ultra high functioning mental activity
Beta – normal awake state
Alpha – meditation, relaxation
Theta – dream
Delta – sleep, little mental activity, cellular rebuilding

[5:10] Collective consciousness communication – interfacing with the afterlife frequency. For example, Mark was doing a group reading event where he saw a group of spirits of young men who had died by suicide. This contact with meaningful to several people in the audience.

[12:38] And example of how spirts seem to be able to perceive what we call the future.

[15:15] Energetically we are all interconnected. Molecules are made of atoms, atoms are made of subatomic particles, in turn made of quanta of electromagnetic energy. Reference quantum physics. People who have had near death experiences sense this interconnectedness.

[17:00] Buddha, Jesus, and quantum physicists all say we are interconnected. Mark sees no conflict between science and spirit.

[17:50] Defining spacetime, multidimensions. Why it’s so hard for us to wrap our heads around these concepts. See Mark’s book for a digestible, understandable description of spacetime ala quantum physics. A century ago Werner Heisenberg, one of the fathers of quantum physics said, “When you think you understand quantum physics, you really don’t.”

[20:30] In a 1926 interview Nicola Tesla predicted cell phones. Fun fact: the character Sheldon on The Big Bang Theory is based on Nicola Tesla.

[22:45] Spacetime: on the quantum level – we are all energy and interconnected. We think time exists as a linear construct because we are born, age, die. On the subatomic, quantum level, scientists have theorized that time does not exist.

[24:25] Every great spiritual teacher says, “God always was and always will be.” Which is what the laws of physics and thermodynamics teach us today.

FOLLOW Mark Anthony

You can find Mark Anthony books here. Follow Mark online, and hear about his media appearances:

Website

SUPPORT DR. AMY ROBBINS:

As a member you’ll get more say in the content we cover and exclusive access to behind-the-scenes goodness!

Stay Connected with Dr. Amy Robbins:

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Afterlife Frequency with Mark Anthony | Part 1 Mar 17, 2022

Show notes

THE AFTERLIFE FREQUENCY with MARK ANTHONY

“There's so much depth in the meeting of science and spirituality.” – Dr. Amy Robbins

Episode Summary:

Listen in to understand how Mark Anthony describes his psychic abilities in a scientific context, and how anyone can hone their own psychic abilities.

Topics We Discuss in Part 1:

[4:20] Trusting your gut. Trusting your intuition. Trusting your feelings. Women’s intuition. Gut instinct. Tuning into the vibrational frequency giving you information.

[5:35] Mark inherited his psychic abilities from both the maternal and paternal sides of his family. He feels it was in his genes. His mother’s side with Italian heritage considered it a “gift from god”, and called it “the gift of sight”. Bishops and cardinals consulted with his maternal great grandmother for her psychic abilities. Mark’s dad was a Navy Seal and later a NASA engineer with his own psychic abilities, inherited from his family line.

[7:30] How his parents clicked when they met, and early on were each compelled to confess to each other they could see spirits. Wow!

[10:10] At age 3 Mark started talking to his “imaginary friends” like so many kids do. Only his parents saw them, too! His mom was thrilled; his dad not so much. Mark’s dad warned him not to share his abilities outside the house, because of a tragic experience back in the day. Mark’s psychic aunt was diagnosed as schizophrenic, forced out of her home in a literal straight jacket, and subjected to electro shock, etc.

[13:10] Mark sees psychic ability as a double edged sword, with benefits, burdens and responsibilities.

[14:40] Anyone can develop psychic ability. Some are more naturally talented than others, some less.

[16:10] The “cold chills and tingles”, electrical sensations, indicates spirit activity to Mark. How he received a monumental message from his parents, who are both in spirit. The message prompted The Afterlife Frequency.

[17:20] Mark’s RAFT technique: Recognize the message from spirit. Accept the message. Feel it without over-thinking, without fear. Trust the message. His book goes into explaining how anyone – no matter whether or not you were born with extra psychic abilities – can have a mediumistic experience.

[21:00] Differentiating messages from ego vs spirit. Ego messages carry: anger, bigotry, hatred, violence. Spirit messages direct toward: love, healing, resolution, protection.

[22:10] Mark defines The Afterlife Frequency using an analogy: of AM vs. FM radio, or two coexisting energetic systems. AM radio is like the earthy experience - slower, denser frequencies. FM radio is like spirit frequencies. We can raise our frequency. Mark offers exercises in his book.

[24:00] What Mark defines as the electromagnetic soul (EMS). Pure consciousness. Spirit.

[26:07] Biophotons. Our cells emit light invisible to the human eye. Electromagnetic energy containing information. A century ago, Einstein is quoted as saying we are light beings.

[28:48] Why spirits appear to be transparent. In order for you to see them, spirits project an energetic impulse you can understand.

[32:30] What various spirits look like to Mark.

Topics We Discuss in Part 2:

[2:29] Brainwave frequency levels. Psychic and mediumistic activity occurs at the border between theta and alpha levels. Most spirit communication is in the sleep state. Mediums can enter that alpha/theta state voluntarily and while conscious.

Gamma – ultra high functioning mental activity
Beta – normal awake state
Alpha – meditation, relaxation
Theta – dream
Delta – sleep, little mental activity, cellular rebuilding

[5:10] Collective consciousness communication – interfacing with the afterlife frequency. For example, Mark was doing a group reading event where he saw a group of spirits of young men who had died by suicide. This contact with meaningful to several people in the audience.

[12:38] And example of how spirts seem to be able to perceive what we call the future.

[15:15] Energetically we are all interconnected. Molecules are made of atoms, atoms are made of subatomic particles, in turn made of quanta of electromagnetic energy. Reference quantum physics. People who have had near death experiences sense this interconnectedness.

[17:00] Buddha, Jesus, and quantum physicists all say we are interconnected. Mark sees no conflict between science and spirit.

[17:50] Defining spacetime, multidimensions. Why it’s so hard for us to wrap our heads around these concepts. See Mark’s book for a digestible, understandable description of spacetime ala quantum physics. A century ago Werner Heisenberg, one of the fathers of quantum physics said, “When you think you understand quantum physics, you really don’t.”

[20:30] In a 1926 interview Nicola Tesla predicted cell phones. Fun fact: the character Sheldon on The Big Bang Theory is based on Nicola Tesla.

[22:45] Spacetime: on the quantum level – we are all energy and interconnected. We think time exists as a linear construct because we are born, age, die. On the subatomic, quantum level, scientists have theorized that time does not exist.

[24:25] Every great spiritual teacher says, “God always was and always will be.” Which is what the laws of physics and thermodynamics teach us today.

FOLLOW Mark Anthony

You can find Mark Anthony books here. Follow Mark online, and hear about his media appearances:

Website

SUPPORT DR. AMY ROBBINS:

As a member you’ll get more say in the content we cover and exclusive access to behind-the-scenes goodness!

Stay Connected with Dr. Amy Robbins:

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Woman in a White Dress - A Ghost Story Mar 14, 2022

Show notes

The Woman in a White Dress – A Ghost Story

“There is always the possibility for magic to happen in your life.” [6:15] – Dr. Amy Robbins

Episode Summary:

An incredible story from a woman who connected the dots between seemingly unrelated – and otherworldly -- experiences which happened many years and many miles apart. It’s a short story, but Amy called it “too ghosty to pass up”.

Tune in to this story shared by a “Life, Death and the Space Between” listener who is absolutely convinced she has seen her guardian angel, a woman in a white flowy dress and a blonde bob haircut. She is convinced the otherworldly being has been with her, supporting her, and keeping her safe since she was a little girl.

Do You Have a Ghost Story?

Ghost Stories is a way for listeners to tell their amazing stories. If you have a great story to tell, a relationship you have with your loved one who has passed, or another mystical experience, please reach out: Team@DrAmyRobbins.com. Tell me your story so we can feature it on the show.

SUPPORT DR. AMY ROBBINS

As a member you’ll get more say in the content we cover and exclusive access to behind-the-scenes goodness!

Stay Connected:

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Transformational Power of NDEs with PMH Atwater Mar 10, 2022

Show notes

The Transformational Power of NDEs with PMH Atwater

“Near Death Experiences (NDEs), like any spiritually significant experience, have tremendous potential to transform our lives.” -- Dr. Amy Robbins

Episode Summary:

Focused on Near Death Experiences (NDEs) since the 1980’s, PMH Atwater asserts that the near death phenomenon is not an anomaly, but rather part of a larger genre of transformations of consciousness. She has combined her experiences in the 1960’s and 70’s - experimenting with altered states of consciousness, mysticism, psychic phenomena – with her NDE investigation.

Her books, A Manual for Developing Humans, and Forever Angels are out now.

Topics We Discuss:

[3:32] PMH Atwater’s three near death experiences within three months at age 39. What she calls “the heavenly sledgehammer effect”.

[5:59] The metaphysical abilities PMH experienced in childhood. What it was like living as a differently-able child during WWII years.

[9:40] Hearing a voice during her third NDE, telling her to write three books.

[12:20] PMH Atwater observes NDE changes how an individual interacts with the world.

[17:30] How to help kids live with their experience after an NDE.

[24:55] PMH Atwater answers Amy’s speed round questions:

- Spirituality means…? What is something most people don’t know about you?

- What is one thing you’re looking forward to?

- What are you grateful for right now?

- What book is on your nightstand?

- What is your favorite healing practice?

- What is the most transformative experience of your life?

FOLLOW PMH Atwater

You can find her writings wherever books are sold. You can follow her here:

Website

SUPPORT DR. AMY ROBBINS:

As a member you’ll get more say in the content we cover and exclusive access to behind-the-scenes goodness!

Stay Connected with Dr. Amy Robbins:

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A Journey Through Lifetimes with Dena Merriam Mar 03, 2022

Show notes

A JOURNEY THROUGH LIFETIMES with DENA MERRIAM

“To make steel, you have to go through fire.” – author Dena Merriam, on growth through challenges

“The foundation of the Universe is love.” – author Dena Merriam

Episode Summary:

Today we talk about past lives, past lives, and past lives!

Dena Merriam is an author, storyteller and founder of the Global Peace Initiative for Women -- bringing spiritual resources to address critical global challenges, such as conflict, social justice, and ecological scarring of the earth.

Her first book “Journey Through Time, a Spiritual Memoir of Life, Death and Rebirth” takes us on a journey back through seven consecutive lives, revealing the intricate patterns that emerge as one life leads into another.
Her second book, “The Untold Stories of Sita, an Empowering Tale for Our Time” takes us back to a much earlier age, several thousand years BCE to a pre-patriarchal era when humanity had not fully separated itself from the natural world.
Her third book, “When the Bright Moon Rises: The Awakening of Ancient Memories”, is currently out.
She has a fourth book in the works.

Listen in to hear how Dena came to know all of her previous lives and the tapestry of interconnectedness between them.

Topics We Discuss:

[3:55] Dena’s spontaneous recollection of 7 previous and interconnected lives, and her investigation in today’s world to validate her memories. Recalling pre-war Russia and WW2 in Europe while trying to navigate her current life. Being skeptical at first, Dena traveled to those locations to confirm that her memories were valid.

[7:18] How patterns, aspirations and desires emerged like a beautiful mandala interweaving lives.

[8:10] there's no set timeframe on how long you have to wait to come back into a new incarnation. The flexibility of time in non-[physical dimensions. When the conditions are right, we “take life”.

[9:55] How people and places stimulate her ancient memories.

[11:20] Visiting a temple in India caused spontaneous recollection of a painful experience of love lost. A time without warfare. A time of simple pleasures and peaceful, joyful life.

[14:52] Recalling a life in China, the wisdom of the Tao, and a great spiritual depth.

[16:21] Spiritual lessons, knowledge, wisdom, awakenings. How her experiences changed her relationship with death, which she calls the next frontier of science. Along with acknowledging other dimensional beings – beings we don’t see. Understanding consciousness separate from the material form, separate from the body.

[18:52] An exercise: take down the highlights of this life – the best and the worst of it.

[19:40] The foundation of the universe is love. The mind boggling patience and love that is poured from these other realms.

[20:56] The alignment for Dena to found the Global Peace Initiative for Women with lessons from previous lives. Recollections from previous pre-patriarchal times. The contribution to create more gender balance.

[27:31] Future life memories, or life blueprints, or likely scenarios, or potentialities. How we can tap into and create our future.

[30:50] Exercise: what is left undone for you?

[32:06] Most people are creating unconsciously; reacting to circumstances vs consciously creating.

[32:38] The two reasons to reincarnate: karma, or service. (Reference “Life, Death and the Space Between” episode #231 “Being Ram Dass”.)

[35:46] The complexity of karma. Process of learning, awakening, rectifying imbalances. Our own thought and behavior habits/patterns. Western misunderstanding of the concept of karma.

[38:44] Dena’s biggest takeaways... The power of love from the great teachers and the guidance we receive. The overwhelming outpouring of love from beings that we cannot see.

[41:01] Dena’s most significant lifetimes. The biggest moments of transformation.

[42:33] A fully awakened person remembers all their lifetimes and history. Akashic records.

[43:51] Many people have glimpses of past lives. Self-reflection plus meditation is a path toward remembering. We just need ask for help.
[44:30] Dena answers Amy’s speed round questions.

FOLLOW Dena Merriam

You can find Dena Merriam’s writings wherever books are sold.

You can find out more about the Global Peace Initiative for Women here: Website

SUPPORT DR. AMY ROBBINS:

As a member you’ll get more say in the content we cover and exclusive access to behind-the-scenes goodness!

Stay Connected with Dr. Amy Robbins:

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Freud Meets Buddha with Mark Epstein, MD - Part 2 of 2 Feb 24, 2022

Show notes

FREUD MEETS BUDDHA with DR. MARK EPSTEIN (Parts 1 & 2)

“Therapists are part voyeur, part gossip.” – psychiatrist Dr. Mark Epstein,

Episode Summary:

Another rock star guest!

Dr. Amy Robbins has been admiring Dr. Mark Epstein’s work for years.

Mark is an MD and psychiatrist in private practice in New York city and the prolific author of books about the overlap of Buddhism and psychotherapy, including:

Thoughts Without a Thinker: Psychotherapy from a Buddhist Perspective,
Going to Pieces without Falling Apart,
Going on Being: Life at the Crossroads of Buddhism and Psychotherapy,
Open to Desire: Embracing a Lust for Life,
Psychotherapy without the Self and The Trauma of Everyday Life.

His newest work, The Zen of Therapy: Uncovering a Hidden Kindness in Life is out now.

Mark received his undergraduate and medical degrees from Harvard and is currently clinical assistant professor in the post-doctoral program in psychotherapy and psychoanalysis at New York University. We’re talking credentials!

Because this conversation was so juicy and ran long, we present it in two parts.

Topics We Discuss in Part 1:

[4:05] Healing occurs when therapy acts as a holding environment where anything that needs to be talked about is talked about. A spiritual friendship.

[5:20] Dr. Epstein’s early interest in Buddhism, studying for years in Asia before he entered Harvard medical school with the interest in psychiatry.

[8:09] Dr. Epstein’s foray into writing books to translate or interpret Buddhist psychological thought into Western psychodynamic language. And sharing his personal experiences to illustrate that bridge.

[10:50] Free association may be Freud’s version of meditation. Or maybe meditation is Freud’s version of free association.

[13:31] Dr. Epstein stretches the interpersonal boundaries of traditional psychotherapy, sees it as a “spiritual friendship”. While valuing boundaries as important elements of healthy psychotherapy. The delicate balance.

[18:07] Anger as a stepping stone to love. The normal parent-child emotional dance around anger and love.

[24:23] Western culture can be an obstacle to absorbing the benefits of meditation. What meditation could or should can do for us.

[29:39] Amy’s own struggle with her mind wandering during meditation. And Dr. Epstein’s response to her very normal struggle.

Topics We Discuss in Part 2:

[1:43] Dr. Epstein sees the division between real life and meditation as artificial.

[4:20] The importance of answering the question, ““How are we not living life fully?” Therapy opens people to themselves.

[4:50] The three components to an insight meditation.

Concentration practices
Observing awareness, mindfulness
Insight stages; “who am I”? Letting the ego take a rest.

[11:28] A Buddhist perspective on grief and loss: every minute with your object of love is precious.

[17:25] Dr Epstein’s long term acquaintance with Ram Dass, formerly Richard Alpert. (Guru Ram Dass was the subject of recent Life, Death and the Space Between podcast Episode #231.)

[24:55] Dr. Epstein answers Amy’s speed round questions…

Spirituality means…?
What is something most people don’t know about you?
What is one thing you’re looking forward to?
What are you grateful for right now?
What book is on your nightstand?
What is your favorite healing practice?
What is the most transformative experience of your life?

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Freud Meets Buddha with Mark Epstein, MD - Part 1 of 2 Feb 17, 2022

Show notes

FREUD MEETS BUDDHA with DR. MARK EPSTEIN (Parts 1 & 2)

“Therapists are part voyeur, part gossip.” – psychiatrist Dr. Mark Epstein

Episode Summary:

Another rock star guest!

Dr. Amy Robbins has been admiring Dr. Mark Epstein’s work for years.

Mark is an MD and psychiatrist in private practice in New York city and the prolific author of books about the overlap of Buddhism and psychotherapy, including:

Thoughts Without a Thinker: Psychotherapy from a Buddhist Perspective,
Going to Pieces without Falling Apart,
Going on Being: Life at the Crossroads of Buddhism and Psychotherapy,
Open to Desire: Embracing a Lust for Life,
Psychotherapy without the Self and The Trauma of Everyday Life.

His newest work, The Zen of Therapy: Uncovering a Hidden Kindness in Life is out now.

Because this conversation was so juicy and ran long, we present it in two parts.

Topics We Discuss in Part 1:

[4:05] Healing occurs when therapy acts as a holding environment where anything that needs to be talked about is talked about. A spiritual friendship.

[5:20] Dr. Epstein’s early interest in Buddhism, studying for years in Asia before he entered Harvard medical school with the interest in psychiatry.

[8:09] Dr. Epstein’s foray into writing books to translate or interpret Buddhist psychological thought into Western psychodynamic language. And sharing his personal experiences to illustrate that bridge.

[10:50] Free association may be Freud’s version of meditation. Or maybe meditation is Freud’s version of free association.

[13:31] Dr Epstein stretches the interpersonal boundaries of traditional psychotherapy, sees it as a “spiritual friendship”. While valuing boundaries as important elements of healthy psychotherapy. The delicate balance.

[18:07] Anger as an stepping stone to love. The normal parent-child emotional dance around anger and love.

[24:23] Western culture can be an obstacle to absorbing the benefits of meditation. What meditation could or should can do for us.

[29:39] Amy’s own struggle with her mind wandering during meditation. And Dr. Epstein’s response to her very normal struggle.

Topics We Discuss in Part 2:

[1:43] Dr. Epstein sees the division between real life and meditation as artificial.

[4:20] The importance of answering the question, ““How are we not living life fully?” Therapy opens people to themselves.

[4:50] The three components to an insight meditation.

Concentration practices
Observing awareness, mindfulness
Insight stages; “who am I”? Letting the ego take a rest.

[11:28] A Buddhist perspective on grief and loss: every minute with your object of love is precious.

[17:25] Dr Epstein’s long term acquaintance with Ram Dass, formerly Richard Alpert. (Guru Ram Dass was the subject of recent Life, Death and the Space Between podcast Episode #231.)