The Vital Point JONATHAN SCHECTER

Join me in a profound discussion with renowned Buddhist teacher, David Nichtern. We explore the fundamentals of self-development through practice and self-evolution, emphasizing the significance of basic goodness and warrior attributes.

The conversation delves into integrating mindfulness, meditation, and ancient Buddhist wisdom with modern challenges. David discusses responsibility, accountability, and the balance between cultural traditions and contemporary practices in spiritual teachings.

We also touch upon the implications of psychedelics and the importance of understanding karma, spiritual discipline, and cultivating curiosity.

David has an upcoming free zoom to talk about the upcoming Dharma Moon Mindfulness Meditation Teacher Training Program go to https://www.dharmamoon.com/role-of-the-teacher-may-2024 to learn more and sign up.

00:00 Unlocking Your Potential: A Journey of Self-Development
01:04 Introducing David Nichtern: A Multifaceted Meditation Master
03:01 Exploring the Warrior Path and Mindfulness Meditation
03:57 Deep Dive into Mindfulness and Meditation Teacher Training
05:05 Conversations on Basic Goodness and Human Nature
07:59 The Vital Role of Psychedelics in Modern Spirituality
43:18 Navigating the Complexities of Karma and Basic Goodness
47:38 The Power of Practice and Transformation
48:39 Recognizing the Fruits of Spiritual Practice
49:23 Navigating Spiritual Materialism and Authenticity
50:04 The Challenge of Compassion and Understanding
50:55 Exploring the Nature of Evil and Compassion
52:13 The Role of Karma and Personal Transformation
53:50 The Warrior's Path: Fearlessness, Gentleness, and Curiosity
01:00:38 The Richness of Dharma and the Journey of Teaching
01:09:17 The Importance of Authentic Engagement in Spiritual Practice
01:14:56 Reflections on Legacy, Responsibility, and Community
01:25:25 Closing Thoughts: The Journey of Practice and Exploration

Connect with David at https://www.dharmamoon.com/

Connect with Jonathan:
Host Jonathan Schecter is a breathwork facilitator and integrative specialist. Get a free guide to Breathwork for Integration at ⁠⁠⁠⁠beacons.ai/bluemagicalchemy⁠⁠ and go to ⁠https://breath.tricycleday.com to get a sample of his course on psychedelic breathwork.

Exploring the transformative power of meditation and mindfulness with meditation teacher Amanda Gilbert.

A meditation practice is one of the best things you can do for your mental health. It can also feel overwhelming figuring out where to begin. 

Amanda and I discuss common misconceptions, and the value of a consistent practice. We also discuss the benefits and importance of mindfulness in daily life, in the workplace, and the journey of self-discovery through observation and returning to the present moment with awareness, patience, and self-compassion.

​​Amanda Gilbert is a meditation teacher, speaker, and the author of Kindness Now: A 28-Day Guide to Living with Authenticity, Intention and Compassion. She’s led meditations for leading businesses as well as colleges like USC. 



Connect with Amanda:

IG: @amandagilbertmeditation https://www.instagram.com/amandagilbertmeditation/ 

FB: https://www.facebook.com/amandagilbertmeditation  

Website: www.amandagilbertmeditation.com 



Connect with Jonathan:

Host Jonathan Schecter is a breathwork facilitator and integrative specialist. Get a free guide to Breathwork for Integration at ⁠⁠⁠⁠beacons.ai/bluemagicalchemy⁠⁠ and go to ⁠https://breath.tricycleday.com. to get a sample of his course on psychedelic breathwork.

Connect to this captivating conversation with musician and meditation teacher Michael Kammers as we discuss the importance of self-acceptance, mindfulness, and creativity.

Discover how you can cultivate kindness, navigate the nuances of attention, and use music as a shared language to embrace life's challenges.

Key Discussion Points:


Embracing Your True Self: Explore how mindfulness helps you accept who you are, recognizing and nurturing benevolent energy within.


Mindfulness as a Foundation: Learn why mindfulness is fundamental for cultivating attention and how it unlocks other practices like loving-kindness (metta) and visualization.


Music as Shared Language: Michael shares his passion for using music as a bridge between mindfulness, meditation, and community-building.


Navigating Gaps and Groundlessness: Understand how meditation helps you identify pauses in the egoic mind, leading to grounded awareness.

Connect with Michael Kammers:


Explore his work at Dharma Moon https://www.dharmamoon.com/ or via https://www.mkmkmk.com/
Follow Michael's music journey through social media, https://www.instagram.com/mkforpresident

Connect with Jonathan:


Host Jonathan Schecter is a breathwork facilitator and integrative specialist. Get a free guide to Breathwork for Integration at ⁠⁠⁠⁠beacons.ai/bluemagicalchemy⁠⁠ and go to ⁠https://breath.tricycleday.com. to get a sample of his course on psychedelic breathwork.

Drop into a deep exploration of the profound impacts of breathwork on personal development and authentic living. Host Jonathan Schecter and Steven Jaggers, the founder of Somatic Breathwork, engage in a deep dive discussion of integrating breathwork for our physical and mental health. 

Steven explains the concept of "somatics," emphasizing the connection between body awareness and emotional health. They discuss the physiological and psychological benefits of somatics and breathwork, such as improved nervous system regulation, trauma release, and enhanced presence and mindfulness.

The episode closes with a guided breathwork practice led by Steven for you.

A Few Themes from the episode:

- The Importance of Practice: Both guest and host highlight the significance of regular practice in harnessing the transformative power of breathwork. They emphasize that while breathwork can offer immediate relief and insights, its long-term benefits in emotional regulation and resilience are achieved through consistent practice.

- Breathwork as a Tool for Healing: Steven shares his insights on how breathwork serves as a powerful tool for healing and personal growth, as founder of Somatic Breathwork. He discusses its role in processing emotions, reducing stress, and navigating personal challenges.

- Philosophical and Practical Insights: The conversation also delves into philosophical discussions about the nature of being human and how breathwork can connect individuals to a deeper sense of self and to the broader human experience.

This detailed exploration into somatic breathwork with Steven Jaggers offers listeners both practical advice and philosophical insights, making it a valuable resource for anyone interested in personal development or seeking alternative methods for managing stress and emotional well-being.

Connect with Steven Jaggers:

https://www.somaticbreathwork.com/

IG: https://www.instagram.com/jaggersjr/

Host Jonathan Schecter is a breathwork facilitator and integrative specialist. Get a free guide to Breathwork for Integration at ⁠⁠⁠⁠beacons.ai/bluemagicalchemy⁠⁠ and go to ⁠https://breath.tricycleday.com. to get a sample of his course on psychedelic breathwork.

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Dive into the transformative effects of music with renowned musician East Forest.

Since 2008, East Forest has been crafting music that facilitates introspective journeys, combining genres like ambient, neoclassical, and indie pop, often inspired by guided mushroom ceremonies.

The discussion covers East Forest's use of music as a tool for emotional and spiritual exploration, especially in combination with psychedelics like mushrooms and ketamine, as well as in breathwork sessions.

East Forest also shares insights on several of my favorite songs, maintaining creativity, the integration of transformative experiences, and the beneficial role of meditations and breathwork practices in the listener's transformation journey.

Connect with East Forest at https://www.eastforest.org

Host Jonathan Schecter is a breathwork facilitator and integrative specialist. Get a free guide to Breathwork for Integration at ⁠⁠⁠beacons.ai/bluemagicalchemy⁠ and go to https://courses.tricycleday.com/courses/high-on-your-own-supply to learn more about his course on psychedelic breathwork.