The Seekers Forum

Mindfulness

Waking Up in the Dream: An Interview with Andrew Holecek

Mark Matousek on January 11, 2023

Andrew Holecek is one of the world's experts on lucid dreaming. He explains how spiritual practices, such as Buddhism, dovetail with scientific discoveries about the mind.

Andrew Holecek is one of the world's experts on lucid dreaming. He explains how spiritual practices, such as Buddhism, dovetail with scientific discoveries about the mind.

Confidence

Mother Knows Best: Listening to Ayahuasca

Mark Matousek on November 18, 2022

The American ayahuascero Eli Rechtschaffen was taken to the jungles of Brazil at 17, and later initiated as Yaje medicine man. He says that we need the Mother now more than ever.

The American ayahuascero Eli Rechtschaffen was taken to the jungles of Brazil at 17, and later initiated as Yaje medicine man. He says that we need the Mother now more than ever.

Confidence

The Edge Walker: How Sally Kempton Bridges Worlds

Mark Matousek on October 13, 2022

Sally Kempton evolved from being a literary "It Girl" to becoming a world-renowned spiritual teacher. Her discovery of transpersonal psychology and philosophy changed everything.

Sally Kempton evolved from being a literary "It Girl" to becoming a world-renowned spiritual teacher. Her discovery of transpersonal psychology and philosophy changed everything.

Anxiety

What's In a Name? Identity in the Age of Self-Branding

Mark Matousek on August 15, 2022

A Personal Perspective: Our current obsession with pronouns, labels, and identity politics is creating personal and social havoc.

A Personal Perspective: Our current obsession with pronouns, labels, and identity politics is creating personal and social havoc.

Trauma

When Children Remember Past Lives

Mark Matousek on July 14, 2022

Personal Perspective: In her debut novel, Barbara Graham raises important questions about what to believe when children report memories of past lives.

Personal Perspective: In her debut novel, Barbara Graham raises important questions about what to believe when children report memories of past lives.

Happiness

Disorienting Dilemmas: How to Find Your Purpose and Act on It

Mark Matousek on May 18, 2022

Author Stephen Cope talks about how our "disorienting dilemmas" are necessary to draw out our greatness.

Author Stephen Cope talks about how our "disorienting dilemmas" are necessary to draw out our greatness.

Environment

The Pitfalls of Denying Our Animal Nature

Mark Matousek on April 22, 2022

Bestselling author, researcher, and poet Melanie Challenger talks about the disastrous results of denying our creature nature.

Bestselling author, researcher, and poet Melanie Challenger talks about the disastrous results of denying our creature nature.

Relationships

Fierce Wisdom for Our Times: Self-Blessing Can Heal You

Mark Matousek on April 6, 2022

When we learn to bless ourselves, says author and theologian Matthew Fox, we heal the wounds of separation from others, and deepen our capacity for self-love.

When we learn to bless ourselves, says author and theologian Matthew Fox, we heal the wounds of separation from others, and deepen our capacity for self-love.

Post-Traumatic Growth

The Optimism Bias

Mark Matousek on March 2, 2022

We are born with an "optimism bias" that has enabled us to survive as a species. This bias makes it possible to maintain hope even in terrible circumstances.

We are born with an "optimism bias" that has enabled us to survive as a species. This bias makes it possible to maintain hope even in terrible circumstances.

Gratitude

When It Is Dark Enough, You Can See the Stars

Mark Matousek on January 11, 2022

When it is dark enough, you can see the stars. When life deals you the hardest lessons, they come with commensurate insight. This gives you courage to move through liminal times.

When it is dark enough, you can see the stars. When life deals you the hardest lessons, they come with commensurate insight. This gives you courage to move through liminal times.

Trauma

The Myth of Normal: Speaking to Gabor Maté

Mark Matousek on January 4, 2022

Gabor Maté talks about the myth of normal in a crazy culture, and how trauma and addiction are fed by toxic systems of self-doubt.

Gabor Maté talks about the myth of normal in a crazy culture, and how trauma and addiction are fed by toxic systems of self-doubt.

Empathy

Enough Is a Feast: The True Meaning of Radical Self-Care

Mark Matousek on January 3, 2022

Shelly Tygielski is an expert in radical self-care and the creator of Pandemic of Love. She explains that authentic self-care stems from a connection to the community.

Shelly Tygielski is an expert in radical self-care and the creator of Pandemic of Love. She explains that authentic self-care stems from a connection to the community.

Relationships

Love Is the Masterpiece of Nature

Mark Matousek on December 25, 2021

Love is an elemental power, like gravity and electricity, philosophers tell us. When we appreciate this transpersonal aspect of love, it frees the heart and elevates the spirit.

Love is an elemental power, like gravity and electricity, philosophers tell us. When we appreciate this transpersonal aspect of love, it frees the heart and elevates the spirit.

Aging

Aging Is a Curriculum: How to Shift From Role to Soul

Mark Matousek on September 21, 2021

Jungian analyst Connie Zweig talks about aging as a curriculum for the soul; a heart-opening process of healing and increased creativity.

Jungian analyst Connie Zweig talks about aging as a curriculum for the soul; a heart-opening process of healing and increased creativity.

Trauma

Family Practice: How to Love Without Hurting So Much

Mark Matousek on July 30, 2021

Mark Wolynn, the bestselling author of 'It Didn't Start With You,' talks about healing inherited trauma and spending time with the people who may drive you the craziest.

Mark Wolynn, the bestselling author of 'It Didn't Start With You,' talks about healing inherited trauma and spending time with the people who may drive you the craziest.

Attachment

Becoming Secure: The Science of Healthy Relationships

Mark Matousek on May 18, 2021

Dr. Amir Levine talks about how to create healthy relationships based on attachment, security, and understanding our biological needs.

Dr. Amir Levine talks about how to create healthy relationships based on attachment, security, and understanding our biological needs.

Relationships

Natalie Goldberg Falls in Love: The Seductive Power of Haiku

Mark Matousek on February 22, 2021

After surviving a cancer diagnosis, the renowned author of 'Writing Down the Bones' discovered the transformative art of haiku, which helped to heal her body and soul.

After surviving a cancer diagnosis, the renowned author of 'Writing Down the Bones' discovered the transformative art of haiku, which helped to heal her body and soul.

Emotion Regulation

Rupert Spira: The Direct Path to Freedom

Mark Matousek on November 10, 2020

Rupert Spira is a renowned teacher of the direct path, an ancient practice of self-inquiry and spiritual awakening. The direct path is precisely what we need today.

Rupert Spira is a renowned teacher of the direct path, an ancient practice of self-inquiry and spiritual awakening. The direct path is precisely what we need today.

Relationships

Cassandra Was Right: Trusting the Prophetic Power of Women

Mark Matousek on October 27, 2020

A bestselling author, activist, and member of Oprah Winfrey's SuperSoul 100 talks about how listening to women's voices can radically change the human story.

A bestselling author, activist, and member of Oprah Winfrey's SuperSoul 100 talks about how listening to women's voices can radically change the human story.

Anxiety

Taming the Chaos: The Promise of Real Change

Mark Matousek on October 26, 2020

In her new book, mindfulness pioneer Sharon Salzberg explains why lasting change requires attention and the willingness to release our fears.

In her new book, mindfulness pioneer Sharon Salzberg explains why lasting change requires attention and the willingness to release our fears.