138 Living in Imagination vs. Life? Dr. Amy Johnson on Thought, Self & Presence | Amy Johnson

What if so much of what we think is “real” is actually just imagination?In this conversation, my friend and colleague Dr. Amy Johnson explores the nature of thought, the illusion of self, and the felt truth of what’s here beyond the mind.We talk about the subtle (and not-so-subtle) ways we live in imagination—how our minds narrate, label, and interpret life in ways that keep us removed from its raw, direct beauty. Amy shares how her understanding has shifted over the years, moving from helping people with habits and anxiety to now pointing more directly to truth… which, as she says, isn’t really something you can describe—but it can absolutely be felt.Together we explore what it means to follow sensation, allow what is, and surrender to the mystery that’s always here when we stop trying to manage or figure it all out.This isn’t a conversation about concepts. It’s an invitation to be in life, as life. And to rediscover what’s real—not in thought, but in presence.I’m so grateful to share this one with you.SHOW NOTES[00:00] - Introduction and Personal Connection[04:30] - The Nature of Thought and Reality[10:05] - Experiencing Life Beyond Thought[15:46] - The Role of Sensation in Understanding[22:50] - Meeting Emotions Without Resistance[27:38] - Exploring the Concept of No Self[35:01] - The Journey of Inquiry and Curiosity[40:35] - Embracing What Is and Aliveness[51:13] - Exploring the Nature of Reality[52:09] - The Illusion of the Personal SelfSHOW LINKSVisit Amy’s WebsiteFollow Amy on InstagramListen to the Changeable Podcast