The broad intent of this podcast is to explore identity AND move beyond into a bigger view – that of interconnection, across humanity, generations, even species, living and non. (Interconnection, for the purposes of this podcast, is defined through an ecological, spiritual, and quantum physics lens).

However, many of our identities are culturally made and handed to us by family and/or culture without self reflection – how do we define those identities, do they fit, have they changed over the course of our lifetime?

In this episode, the listener will explore layers of identity via a guided meditation. If you as a listener are new to meditation, there are recommendations made within the podcast to assist you.

It is my hope that with this meditation, the listener will take away wonderment. Wonder at identity, how we define them, if they fit, what we are under these layers, and at the spiritual brilliance that makes you, the listener, you. Identity, ideally, should be a source of wonder, not a weapon or source of separation.

For information on Neem Karoli Baba and Bhakti yoga, please see https://nkbashram.org/ or https://www.ramdass.org/ (Ram Dass is the most well known student of Baba’s). Although Kashi Atlanta has since closed, listeners can access the founding teacher’s content here https://swamijayadevi.com/ Please note that my experience of identity, spirit, and Baba’s teachings will likely differ from that of others, as they should…..my experience is based on just that – my being. Yours will likely differ, as will that of others. Revel in your unique experience.

*Please take care of your body, with positioning and breathing needs. By participating in this meditation, the listener/participant assumes all risks. Note that this meditation is crafted with the beginner/intermediate practitioner in mind. If you can tolerate longer silences between guidance, please do pause the recording to allow for longer processing time. *

Additional guided meditations are currently being created for release in the near future.

For transcripts of this show, please email [email protected] with ‘Transcripts’ in the subject line and/or check your favorite podcast provider, as oftentimes they supply transcription services.

If you are interested in book recommendations related to topics discussed, including spirituality and diversity, please see Allison’s bookshop on Bookshop.org Purchasing books through Bookshop offers greater support to authors as well as curators, such as Allison. Allison reads over 150 books a year, mostly nonfiction, and many of these books are phenomenal resources for common life considerations and needs, such as meaning-making, relationships, and social justice.

If you are interested in participating in a future podcast, which involves thoughtful, caring, and connecting conversations to encourage proximity and a sense of interconnection, please email [email protected] with ‘Participate’ in the subject line.

To learn more about Ignite Well-being, in the suburbs of Chicago, and/or the host, Allison, please see their website, Patreon, or Substack page. Deepest bow to the paid supporters on Patreon, who make this work more financially sustainable.

Sincere apologies for sound artifacts resulting from impaired WiFi connectivity from a major communications carrier.

Thank you to Pixabay and SergePavkinMusic for the song used in the podcast. And thank you to cloudconvert and Audacity for making podcasting more accessible.