Unseen Beings

Erik Jampa Andersson
  • 5.0 (2)
  • NATURE

Hosted by Erik Jampa Andersson, author of 'Unseen Beings: How We Forgot the World is More than Human' (Hay House, 2023), Unseen Beings takes listeners on a journey of natural recovery, unravelling our lost threads of enchantment with the living world to uncover what it really means to be human in a more-than-human world. The human-centred story is killing us. In addition to wreaking havoc on the natural environment, it makes us both miserable and unsafe. It is a corrupted story - born out of a pursuit of dominance, not of knowledge and wisdom. We *need* new (and old) perspectives. We need to explore different ways of understanding and responding to the challenges and crises of the Anthropocene. 

Episodes

  1. 05/20/2024

    Lian Brook-Tyler: Being Mythical (E09)

    In this episode, host Erik Jampa Andersson sits down with Lian Brook-Tyler, a shamanic healer and co-founder of the Be Mythical Academy. They discuss the importance of living a soul-led, heart-centred, and sovereign path, reclaiming our wildness, and actualsing our deepest gifts. They explore the limitations of modern spirituality and the need to integrate relational dynamics into our spiritual practice. They also touch on the challenges of language in recognising the personhood of non-human beings, the never-ending nature of the spiritual path, and the impact of neurodivergence on spirituality. The conversation touches on the need to move away from a monolithic and homogenous view of humanity (and nature) and embrace the richness of individual differences. They also explore the idea of "living mythically" and its relation to being in relationship with the many others in our more-than-human world. Takeaways Living a soul-led, heart-centered, and sovereign path is essential for reclaiming our wildness and actualizing our deepest gifts.Modern spirituality often overlooks the importance of relational dynamics and the recognition of personhood in non-human beings.Language plays a significant role in how we perceive and relate to the world around us.The spiritual path is an ongoing journey of growth and exploration, with no fixed destination.Neurodivergence can impact our relationship with spirituality, both positively and negatively. Neurodivergent individuals may have a unique relationship with the spiritual realm due to their different ways of experiencing the world.Embracing neurodiversity and recognizing the value of diverse perspectives is important.It is essential to move away from a monolithic and homogenous view of humanity and embrace the richness of individual differences.Living mythically involves living one's own true story and recognizing the enchantment and interconnectedness of the world.Being in relationship with others and the natural world is a fundamental aspect of living a fulfilling and meaningful life.Learn More about Lian Lian's Website: https://www.bemythical.com        Lian's Podcast: https://www.bemythical.com/podcast        Courses: https://www.bemythical.com/godeeper      Lian's Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/bemythical  Free Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1694264587546957       Lian's YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@BeMythical    Lian's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/be.mythical/ Subscribe to Erik Jampa's Substack - https://erikjampa.substack.com On Unseen Beings and Erik Jampa - https://www.unseen-beings.com Shrīmāla - https://www.shrimala.com

    1h 22m

  2. 03/19/2024

    Mike Fiorito: For All We Know (E08)

    In this episode, we are joined by author and journalist Mike Fiorito to discuss his upcoming book, 'For All We Know' (now available for pre-order), and to chat about UFOs, enchantment, spirituality, music, and the manifold ways that humans metabolise extraordinary and anomalous experiences.  Mike is a freelance journalist and the author of The Hated Ones, Falling from Trees, Sleeping with Fishes, Call Me Guido, Freud’s Haberdashery Habits and Hallucinating Huxley. His most recent book, 'Mescalito Riding His White Horse,' received the 2024 Independent Press Distinguished Book Award (in the Spiritual category), and *Falling from Trees* received the 2022 Independent Press Distinguished Book Award (in the Short Story category).  Episode contents: 5:19 - Mike’s work as a music journalist and sources of inspiration. 8:17 - Connection with Peter Rowan. 10:00 - Approaching UFOlogy through philosophy and literature. 14:39 - *For All We Know* as a book about enchantment. 15:30 - UFOlogical approaches to anomalous phenomena. 22:08 - UFOs and ‘us.’ 23:10 - Anthropocentrism and UFOlogy. 26:50 - The ethical and metaphysical implications of UFOs.  29:11 - UFOs and the Structure of Scientific Revolutions 31:55 - Our discomfort with not knowing. 37:00 - On seeking other-than-human intelligence. 42:56 - On the notion of ‘paranormal’ and ‘supernatural.’ 49:00 - On bringing lightness and humour into the narrative. 51:00 - Relating to plants and fungi as beings. 58:00 - ‘Nature’ is not good or bad. 59:00 - On the power and enchantment of music. 1:11:45 - The power of music and stories to inspire compassion. 1:18:40 - Disenchantment as a tool of the oppressor. 1:20:55 - For All We Know as a book about enchantment. 1:24:45 - Influence of J.R.R. Tolkien and fantasy literature. For more about Mike and his work, please visit: www.mikefiorito.com Subscribe to Erik Jampa's Substack - https://erikjampa.substack.com On Unseen Beings and Erik Jampa - https://www.unseen-beings.com Shrīmāla - https://www.shrimala.com

    1h 35m

  3. 02/25/2024

    Anna Raithel: Ritual and Embodiment (E07)

    In this episode, Erik is joined by his good friend Anna Raithel, an emotional intelligence coach and ritual arts specialist in the Tibetan Buddhist tradition. They discuss the potency of ritual to create rhythm and spaciousness in our lives, to engender authentic relationship with a wide range of 'others,' and to foster a deeper sense of embodiment in one's spiritual practice. They also discuss the power of ritual to transform our perception of simple and mundane things into something sacred and deeply enchanting, allowing us to recover a sense of wonder and what it means to be human (in a more-than-human world). Anna Raithel lived and worked for many years at Tara Mandala, a residential Tibetan Buddhist retreat centre in Colorado, where she trained in ritual arts under Khenpo Ugyen Wangchuk and numerous other lamas and chöpöns (ritual masters). She currently serves as Tara Mandala's head chöpön, leading ritual activity and teaching the wider community how to hold the form-realm of practice. Anna is also an emotional intelligence coach, working with clients and organisations to develop mindfulness and self-awareness. Chapters 00:00 - Introduction and Background 02:38 - The Complexity of Ritual Arts 08:03 - Anna's Journey into Ritual Arts 20:35 - Ritual as Embodied Practice 23:25 - Ritual as Enchantment and Magic 32:13 - Breaking the Duality of Mind and Body 40:50 - Finding Enchantment in the Material World 45:27 - The Importance of Relationality and Ritual in Engaging with Nature 48:10 - The Significance of Mundane Rituals in Buddhist Practice 49:08 - The Relational Paradigm and the Rights of Non-Human Beings 54:30 - Rituals as a Means of Engaging with the Environment and Non-Human Beings 56:23 - The Need for Reciprocity and Relationship in the Anthropocene 01:04:06 - Recognising Humans as an Aspect of Nature 01:08:44 - Mindfulness and Emotional Intelligence in the Modern World 01:14:07 - Anna's work as an Emotional Intelligence Coach More info about Anna's Emotional Intelligence work: https://www.beyondei.inc Subscribe to Erik Jampa's Substack - https://erikjampa.substack.com On Unseen Beings and Erik Jampa - https://www.unseen-beings.com Shrīmāla - https://www.shrimala.com

    1h 25m

  4. 02/18/2024

    Tatyanna Wright: Meeting the Nāgas (E06)

    In this episode, I'm joined by Tatyanna Wright, a spiritual transformation coach, author, and host of The Conscious Diva podcast, for an enchanting discussion about nature spirits, Nepali shamanism, and the lived experience of being in relationship with unseen beings. A former television producer, Tatyanna now supports clients around the world to spiritually transform their lives through meditation and deep healing. After decades of study in the Vedic tradition of Kashmir Shaivism, Tatyanna now work in the Khaas Nepali Shamanic tradition, and is a student of Bhola Nath Banstola, a Jhankri Shaman from Nepal. She is also currently writing her first book (details forthcoming). The Conscious Diva - https://www.theconsciousdiva.com Our Patreon -  https://www.patreon.com/erikjampa On Unseen Beings and Erik Jampa - https://www.unseen-beings.com Subscribe to Erik Jampa's Substack - https://erikjampa.substack.com On Unseen Beings and Erik Jampa - https://www.unseen-beings.com Shrīmāla - https://www.shrimala.com

    1h 44m

  5. 02/11/2024

    Dr. Jack Hunter: Greening the Paranormal (E05)

    In this episode of the Unseen Beings Podcast, we are joined by Dr. Jack Hunter, an anthropologist exploring the borderlands of consciousness, religion, ecology and the paranormal. He is a tutor with the Sophia Centre for the Study of Cosmology in Culture, University of Wales Trinity Saint David, and teaches on the MA in Ecology and Spirituality and the MA in Cultural Astronomy and Astrology. He is also a tutor with the Alef Trust on their MSc in Consciousness, Spirituality and Transpersonal Psychology. His PhD at the University of Bristol took the form of an ethnographic study of contemporary trance and physical mediumship. He studied Secondary Religious Education at the University of Chester, completed a Permaculture Design Course at Chester Cathedral in 2017 with Sector39, and worked on the One School One Planet project between 2016-19 to develop an inter-disciplinary permaculture curriculum for schools. Jack is also a musician and an ordained Dudeist Priest, and lives in the hills of Mid-Wales with his family.  Erik and Jack discuss an array of topics, including animism, spirits, the intersection of ecology and spirituality, and transcending anthropocentrism in the realm of the paranormal.  3:18 - Jack’s Early Interest in Spirituality and Religion 6:29 - Exploring Spiritualism and Mediumship 10:42 - Challenging Perceptions of Extraordinary Experiences 15:58 - Transcending Anthropocentric Constructs in Paranormal Experiences 21:09 - Shifts Towards an Animistic Orientation 24:48 - The Role of Stories in Shaping Our Worldview 27:27 - Expanding and Clarifying the Concept of Animism 30:30 - The Natural State of Animism and Conditioning 34:50 - Animism as a Relational Ontology 36:50 - Animism and Stories 38:06 - The Primordial Nature of Animism 41:58 - Expanding the Notion of Consciousness in Non-Humans 43:12 - The Limitations of Categorizing Consciousness 45:52 - The Impact of Animism on Behaviour and Ecology 47:42 - The Connection Between Emotional Connection to Nature and Pro-Environmental Behaviours 49:11 - The Ecological Utility of Animism 51:07 - ‘Personal’ Approaches to the World 53:30 - Biodiversity and Psychodiversity 56:03 - The Intrinsic Value of Trees 57:29 - Going Beyond Anthropocentric Environmentalism 50:22 - Creating Change on Personal and Social Levels 54:34 - The Transformative Power of Myth 56:51 - Fantasy and the Non-Human 58:47 - UFOs, UAPs, and ‘Extra’terrestrial Phenomena 1:08:51 - The Projection of Sentience onto AI 1:13:15 - Jack’s Work at the Sophia Centre 1:15:42 - Jack’s Upcoming Books Subscribe to Erik Jampa's Substack - https://erikjampa.substack.com On Unseen Beings and Erik Jampa - https://www.unseen-beings.com Shrīmāla - https://www.shrimala.com

    1h 18m

  6. 11/07/2023

    Religion, Myth, and Belief

    A solocast about the complex interweavings of religion, myth, and belief, and their roles in addressing the so-called 'big questions' of life.  Subscribe to Erik Jampa's Substack - https://erikjampa.substack.com On Unseen Beings and Erik Jampa - https://www.unseen-beings.com Shrīmāla - https://www.shrimala.com

    17 min

  7. 10/18/2023

    Coming to Terms with our Ecological Diagnosis

    In this episode, Erik Jampa discusses the first section of his book, Unseen Beings, which approaches the 'diagnosis' of our complex and multi-faceted ecological crises. He discusses the terminology used to discuss our crisis, and breaks down some of the key arguments and criticisms of the so-called 'Anthropocene' designation.  In order to begin to understand the root causes of our climate crisis, and in order to establish an effective method of treatment, we first must come to terms with what truly ails us. Reductive approaches will leave us with mere bandages for the symptoms of our disease - we need deeper and more critical inquiry if we want authentic 'recovery.' Subscribe to Erik Jampa's Substack - https://erikjampa.substack.com On Unseen Beings and Erik Jampa - https://www.unseen-beings.com Shrīmāla - https://www.shrimala.com

    40 min

  8. 05/01/2023

    Re-Enchantment and Ecological Recovery

    In this episode, Erik Jampa discusses the notion of ecological 'recovery,' and the ways that stories can draw us deeper into enchantment or deeper into delusion. With reference to J.R.R. Tolkien's seminal essay 'On Fairy-Stories,' Erik talks about the three functions of 'fairy-stories' - Recovery, Escape, and Consolation - and how the process of enchantment can help us recover a sense of what it means to be human in a more-than-human world. Please visit https://www.unseen-beings.com to pre-order your copy of Unseen Beings: How We Forgot the World is More Than Human, coming out May 30th.  Subscribe to Erik Jampa's Substack - https://erikjampa.substack.com On Unseen Beings and Erik Jampa - https://www.unseen-beings.com Shrīmāla - https://www.shrimala.com

    22 min

  9. 02/21/2023

    Introduction to Unseen Beings with Erik Jampa

    In this short introduction to the Unseen Beings podcast, author Erik Jampa Andersson talks about his upcoming book, Unseen Beings: How We Forgot the World is More Than Human, and some of the ways that our human-centred worldview has blinded us to the fundamental root causes of our climate crisis.  Episodes will be coming this Spring, so please subscribe and stay tuned for a new kind of 'environmental' conversation. Join us as we venture into the wondrous and perilous domain of the more-than-human world.  Subscribe to Erik Jampa's Substack - https://erikjampa.substack.com On Unseen Beings and Erik Jampa - https://www.unseen-beings.com Shrīmāla - https://www.shrimala.com

    18 min
  • 9 Episodes

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
2 Ratings

About

Hosted by Erik Jampa Andersson, author of 'Unseen Beings: How We Forgot the World is More than Human' (Hay House, 2023), Unseen Beings takes listeners on a journey of natural recovery, unravelling our lost threads of enchantment with the living world to uncover what it really means to be human in a more-than-human world. The human-centred story is killing us. In addition to wreaking havoc on the natural environment, it makes us both miserable and unsafe. It is a corrupted story - born out of a pursuit of dominance, not of knowledge and wisdom. We *need* new (and old) perspectives. We need to explore different ways of understanding and responding to the challenges and crises of the Anthropocene. 

Information

  • Creator
    Erik Jampa Andersson
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2024
  • Episodes
    9
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2024 Erik Andersson
  • Show Website
    Unseen Beings