#69: Non-Dual Wisdom and the Path of Heart with Stephan Bodian

Stephan Bodian is a psychotherapist, spiritual teacher, and pioneer in the integration of nonduality and Western psychology. He leads an annual spiritual transformation program, the School for Awakening, and is the author of several books, including Meditation for Dummies and Wake Up Now. Following our last interview five years ago, Stephan returns to discuss the themes in his latest book, Infinite Awakening: A Guide to Non-Dual Wisdom and the Pathless Path.We explore the difference between direct and progressive paths, the risk of ‘trying to be mindful,’ why sudden awakening requires lifelong integration, trauma work in the context of non-duality, the multiplicity of the self and “parts,”psychological pathways from IFS to Jung, and the necessity of an open heart and awakened ego.Going deeper into awakening territory, we address misconceptions about emptiness and detachment, love’s essential role in the yoga of relationships, Buddhist non-attachment vs. attachment theory, and the taboo of sexuality. What is the role of eros in non-duality? How do we confront the sexual shadow? And what can tantric approaches offer for healthy integration of sexual energy?