DOPEamine Christian A. Rivera

Show Notes:
* Examining the millennial generation's struggle with commitment in relationships, projects, and personal growth.
* Understanding the paradox of choice and how it contributes to a lack of commitment.
* Discussing the balance between discipline and surrender in the journey of commitment.
* Introducing separate publications on Substack focusing on different aspects of personal development.
Let’s dive deep into the theme of commitment that has been surfacing in my life lately. As I navigate various stories and personal experiences, I've been contemplating our generation's challenges with committing to relationships, projects, personal health, and overall growth.
The narrative surrounding millennials often portrays us as a generation unable to pay attention or commit to anything. However, I believe this stems from a paradox of choice – the overwhelming abundance of options available to us, making it difficult to fully commit to any single path. We find ourselves waiting for the perfect situation, the ideal partner, or the guaranteed path to success and security, often leading to a state of arrested development.
I explore the concept of "Limerence," where we manufacture emotional connections or fantasies about someone without their consent, potentially stemming from a lack of commitment in our existing relationships. This can be a way to stave off loneliness or a desire for a different path, highlighting the importance of establishing and respecting emotional boundaries.
As I contemplate the journey of commitment, I recognize the tension between discipline and surrender. Discipline is often associated with forcing ourselves to adhere to specific actions or behaviors, while surrender involves trust and faith in the chosen path, even when we cannot see the entire journey ahead. I propose that commitment lies at the intersection of these two concepts – a conscious choice to dedicate ourselves to a particular direction while embracing the courage to move forward despite our fears.
In this episode, I also share the exciting updates I've made to my Substack publications. I've separated different aspects of my work into distinct publications, each focusing on a specific area of personal development:
* The Mood: Delving into mental health and the exploration of the self.
* The Spiral: Examining human development and personal growth.
* Personality Strategy: Utilizing personality types and the Enneagram for self-discovery.
* The Optimist: Highlighting positive news stories, emerging technologies, and societal advancements (a new addition!).
I extend an invitation to join me on this journey of commitment and personal growth. Subscribe to the publications that resonate with you, and let's embark on this path together, embracing the courage to commit and the optimism of what lies ahead.
So, sit back, press play, and let's dive into the depths of commitment, purpose, and the pursuit of a fulfilling life.


This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit dopeamine.substack.com/subscribe

Welcome to today’s episode where we explore CNote’s innovative approach to mental wellness and his four-quadrant strategy.

The episode delves into the challenges of feeling diagnostically stuck and the journey towards clarity and self-understanding.

Main Themes:

Comprehensive Mental Wellness: We discuss CNote’s holistic strategy for mental wellness, focusing on overcoming the feeling of being directionless through personality profiling and alternative methods.

The Emotional Roots: A deep dive into how fear, blame, shame, and guilt can impede personal growth and the importance of addressing these emotions to foster understanding.

Fear and the Future: Analysis of fear’s connection to future uncertainties, survival instincts, and larger global issues such as climate change and the impact of billionaires.

Societal Implications of Emotions:
The cultural phenomenon of “canceling” as a social shaming practice.
The evolutionary purpose of shame in maintaining social norms.

Relationships and Self-Perception:
The destructive effects of shame and guilt on personal relationships and self-image. The call for self-acceptance and recognizing the healing nature of shared human experiences.

Personal Connection:
CNote shares his own struggles with guilt and the crucial role of self-forgiveness. The value of ongoing self-reflection in maintaining personal connections and combating loneliness.

Seeking Guidance:
An invitation for listeners to engage with CNote for personalized sessions.
The goal of helping individuals explore personal values, purpose, and fostering a deeper self-connection.

Conclusion:

Summarizing CNote’s message on the importance of inner work and self-discovery in achieving mental wellness. Encouragement to reach out for support and the promise of personalized help in navigating the complexities of the human emotional landscape.

Call to Action:

Listeners are encouraged to connect with CNote for tailored support and to start their journey towards a clearer understanding of themselves and their place in the world.

Final Thoughts:

Reflecting on the profound impact that addressing deep-seated emotions can have on one’s overall mental health and well-being. A reminder that you are not alone in your experiences and that reaching out for help is a brave and vital step towards healing.

-----------------

Christian Rivera creates videos and courses that support INTP personality type growth. These videos are for entertainment, self-diagnosis, self-assessment, self-experimentation, and expressions of Christian's own personal process and development. He is not a mental health professional so any actions taken from the content of these videos is the responsibility of the viewer. Any advice given is from the lens of personal experience and self-acquired knowledge.

INTP Support Courses:
http://www.udemy.com/user/christian-a-rivera

Get a Free INTP eBook for joining the e-mail list:
http://www.linktr.ee/cnotestudio

------------------

Personality Hacker Personality Test: https://ca157.isrefer.com/go/phpt/letsgocnote/

Truity Labs Test: https://www.truity.com/?a=3234637


---

Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/happychemicals/message

This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit dopeamine.substack.com/subscribe

Today, I’m exploring the multifaceted topic of intimacy, a subject that touches upon the very core of our experiences as individuals and as members of the collective human experience.
Show Notes:
* Intimacy is a vast and intricate concept, encompassing various aspects of our lives, including sexuality, creativity, and personal connections.
* Understanding the interplay between admiration and boundaries is crucial for cultivating respect and nurturing healthy intimate relationships.
* The pursuit of intimacy is often intertwined with our existential quest for meaning, purpose, and a sense of belonging in the face of our temporary existence.
* Navigating the spaces between connection and separation, individuality and union, is a delicate dance that requires self-awareness and a willingness to embrace uncertainty.
* Releasing the attachments to blame, shame, and guilt can pave the way for more authentic and fulfilling intimate experiences.
Intimacy is a vast and layered topic that touches on various aspects of our lives - sexuality, creativity, personal connections, and more. In this thought-provoking episode, we explore the nuances of intimacy through the lens of admiration, boundaries, and respect.
You'll hear personal anecdotes and insights on navigating the complexities of intimacy, from the existential anxiety underlying our desire for connection to the importance of self-love and releasing attachments to blame, shame, and guilt.
We dive into the delicate dance of individuality and union, physical and emotional intimacy, and the role boundaries play in cultivating meaningful relationships. There's also an examination of how our pursuit of intimacy is intertwined with finding purpose amidst the temporary nature of existence.
The discussion provides a refreshing perspective on intimacy that goes beyond just the physical, inviting you to reflect on your own experiences and challenges. Prepare for an intimate look at intimacy itself, filled with philosophical musings and wisdom on self-discovery, admiration, and the beauty of uncertainty. By the end, you may rethink what true intimacy means to you.
Once you listen to the episode come back and let me know what you think. Is there something I missed? Something you’d to add? A lesson learned or story you’d like to share? Become a premium member of DOPEamine for $5/month and become a part of the discussion and also gain access to premium content with our multiple newsletters…The Mood, The Spiral, The Optimist, DOPEamine, and Personality Strategy.
Can’t wait to hear from you!


This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit dopeamine.substack.com/subscribe

Show Notes / Key Listening Points:
* Countering common fear-based narratives about climate change, AI, war, and global events
* The importance of not diminishing my optimism and willingness to see multiple perspectives
* How fear can limit our thinking and block us from considering positive outcomes
* Using imagination to conceive better outcomes, not just worry about worst-case scenarios
* The adaptability and resilience of humanity in the face of drastic changes and challenges
* Potential positive impacts of AI, technological advancements, and problem-solving innovations
* Cyclical thinking vs. linear thinking, and embracing the natural ebb and flow of human existence
* Finding gratitude, connectedness, and a sense of purpose amidst significant shifts and losses
My friends, in a world often dominated by fear-based narratives surrounding climate change, artificial intelligence (AI), war, and global events, it can be challenging to maintain a sense of optimism and openness to different perspectives. However, as I passionately argue in this thought-provoking podcast episode, it is crucial that we do not diminish our optimism or willingness to consider multiple sides of these complex issues.
I acknowledge the validity of fears surrounding these concerns, but I also emphasize the importance of not allowing fear to limit our thinking or blind us to potential positive outcomes. I encourage you to use your imagination not just to worry about worst-case scenarios but also to conceive better, more hopeful possibilities.
One area where I see promise is the development of AI and technological advancements. Rather than succumbing to fears of job displacement or a Terminator-esque takeover, I highlight the potential benefits of AI, such as reducing human workloads, enabling safer exploration of inhospitable environments like Mars, and facilitating problem-solving innovations that could address issues like climate change.
I also emphasize the adaptability and resilience of humanity in the face of drastic changes and challenges. Throughout history, we humans have migrated, adapted, and found creative solutions to survive and thrive in new environments and circumstances. I believe that, even in the face of significant shifts or losses, we possess the capacity to find gratitude, connectedness, and a sense of purpose.
Moreover, I encourage a cyclical perspective on human existence, recognizing the natural ebb and flow of eras, ideas, and ways of being. Just as previous generations have faced upheavals and transitions, I argue that we are currently experiencing a transitional phase, which, though challenging, also presents opportunities for growth, innovation, and the emergence of new positive possibilities.
While acknowledging the importance of facing fears head-on and not invalidating legitimate concerns, my message to you is ultimately one of hope and empowerment. I urge you to tune into the accuracy of your fears, distinguishing between valid, immediate threats and conceptual worries that may limit your ability to imagine and work towards better outcomes.
By embracing optimism, considering multiple perspectives, and harnessing our innate adaptability and creativity, I believe we can navigate the challenges of our time and shape a future that not only endures but thrives. Join me in fighting for optimism and embracing the positive possibilities that await us.
Once you listen to the episode, consider leaving a comment and becoming a premium subscriber to support DOPEamine.


This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit dopeamine.substack.com/subscribe

Show Notes:
• Exploring the concepts of projections (unconscious agency) and introjections (unconscious receptivity) from the Stages model
• Understanding the split ego state and how it relates to childhood development and trauma  
• Recognizing unhealthy patterns of being more of a "taker" than a "giver" in relationships and life
• Working on reciprocity, boundaries, and being more altruistic by offering value without expectation
The Unconscious Dance of Projections and Introjections
I recently came across a fascinating idea - that projections are an unconscious use of agency, while introjections are an unconscious form of receptivity. This stems from my recent dive into the Stages model and the three forms of shadow identified by Kim Barta: projections, introjections, and split ego states.
Projections are qualities about ourselves that we place onto others, often showing up as judgments. Introjections are taking on qualities, feelings, or traits that aren't truly ours. A split ego state occurs when a childhood trauma causes part of our psyche to become walled off or unconsciously carried into later stages of development.
The idea of projections being "unconscious agency" is striking. Agency implies self-authored action and creativity, but when it's unconscious, we aren't realizing the impact of our behaviors. The world then reflects that unconsciousness back to us through triggers and reactions we project onto others.
Introjections, being "unconscious receptivity," represent the flip side. We're taking in messages, media, or even trauma without realizing how it permeates our psychology and behavioral patterns. The 1.0 stage of pure receptivity in infancy is often where introjections begin.
For me personally, I'm seeing how much I've operated from an unconscious drive to "take" rather than give - seeking friendship, intimacy, or even business in manipulative ways to get my wants met. It links back to developmental lacks around boundaries, reciprocity, and valuing myself enough to just offer value without expectation.
The 2.0 stage is all about learning boundaries, negotiating wants, and developing that critical theory of mind and social perspective-taking. If we get stuck in an earlier stage or experience a "shadow crash," we can react from that younger, more selfishly motivated ego state.
My work now is noticing those taking/manipulative tendencies, setting healthier boundaries, and figuring out how to genuinely give and be altruistic - through content, skills, presence, and service to others. Not from a depleted place, but from truly valuing what I have to offer the world.
It's an insightful model for doing powerful inner work. If any of these concepts resonate, I invite you to explore the Stages model further or leave me a comment with questions. I'll do my best to offer more generous perspectives as I muddle through these realizations myself.


This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit dopeamine.substack.com/subscribe

This episode is a difficult realization manifest in a long winding investigation into not just a wounding but an uncheck node in my internal system. Using the STAGES model created by Kim Barta and Terri O’Fallen I’ve been able to pinpoint where I need some important work, and how I’ve been undermining myself, misusing my intelligence, and not setting proper boundaries for myself. This episode shares that process and some real-time realizations about my impact on others and how this young childhood trauma has impacted my development into today.
Show Notes:
Introduction:
* Christian Rivera shares insights from his personal journey of self-discovery and growth, drawing from Gene Key 50 and other developmental models.
Main Points:
* Body as Beloved Pet:
* Rivera likens the body to a cherished pet, emphasizing the importance of nurturing and loving it for optimal health and happiness.
* Exploring Personal Development:
* Reflecting on personal growth, Rivera delves into the discovery of internal corruption and its impact on development.
* Stages Model and Perspective:
* Rivera discusses the Stages model, which applies vertical models of human development to a more relatable perspective of first, second, and third-person viewpoints.
* Perspective Evolution:
* Expanding on the Stages model, Rivera explores higher perspectives, highlighting the process of unraveling constructs and expanding worldviews.
* Releasing Victim Identity:
* Rivera shares his journey of releasing the victim identity, delving into the complexities of personal narratives and their influence on behavior.
* Ego States and Shadow Work:
* Exploring ego states and shadow work, Rivera discusses how childhood experiences can shape behaviors and perceptions, leading to the development of corrupted patterns.
* Gene Key 50:
* Rivera relates his journey to Gene Key 50, emphasizing the importance of rooting out corrupted programs and achieving equilibrium for personal growth.
* Embracing Equilibrium:
* Rivera discusses the significance of maintaining inner equilibrium amidst life's challenges, highlighting the power of gratitude and self-reflection in fostering harmony.
* Boundaries and Relationships:
* Rivera reflects on the importance of setting boundaries and fostering harmonious relationships, acknowledging the need for balance between giving and receiving.
* Moving Forward:
* Rivera concludes by expressing gratitude for the listener's support and shares his commitment to continued growth and self-discovery.
Conclusion:
* Rivera expresses gratitude for the listener's engagement and support, emphasizing the ongoing journey of self-improvement and growth.
Support Information:
* Rivera encourages listeners to subscribe to his Substack and consider supporting his work through Patreon to facilitate ongoing content creation and personal development exploration.
Closing Remarks:
* Rivera extends love and gratitude to the audience, encouraging them to embrace gratitude and self-reflection in their own journeys.


This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit dopeamine.substack.com/subscribe