The Living Conversation

In our dialogue, we engage with Veronique Ory, who elucidates the significance of establishing sacred boundaries within our daily routines. Central to this discourse is the notion of cultivating a "beginner's mind," which emphasizes the importance of self-awareness and balance amid the chaos of modern life. Ory advocates for a deliberate detachment from digital distractions, particularly in the formative hours of the day, and encourages practices that promote connection to a deeper source of inspiration and creativity. We delve into the pivotal role of self-care in maintaining one’s energy and clarity, thus enabling a more authentic engagement with the world. Ultimately, this conversation invites listeners to reflect on their practices and the profound interconnectedness that underpins our shared human experience. The discourse presented in this episode unfolds the intricate relationship between self-awareness and the cultivation of a beginner's mind, as elucidated by our esteemed guest, Veronique Ory. The conversation navigates the significance of establishing sacred boundaries in our daily lives, particularly during the dawn hours when the mind is fresh and receptive. Veronique articulates a compelling practice of maintaining a deliberate distance from digital devices upon waking, suggesting that such a practice fosters a profound connection to one's inner self and the universe at large. This connection is further enhanced through mindful activities such as meditation, breathwork, and the appreciation of nature's splendor, particularly during the tranquil moments of sunrise. Moreover, the episode delves into the profound implications of curating our daily experiences, emphasizing the necessity of engaging in activities that elicit joy and creativity. Veronique shares her approach to intuitive movement, whereby individuals are encouraged to transcend rigid practices and embrace a fluid expression of their physicality. This practice not only liberates the individual from the constraints of perfectionism but also fosters a deeper connection to the creative energies that flow through us all. The conversation culminates in a poignant reminder that each moment is an opportunity for renewal, urging listeners to embrace their journey with a sense of wonder and an open heart, thereby igniting the potential for transformation in their lives.Takeaways:In the podcast, Veronique discusses the importance of creating sacred boundaries in daily life, particularly in the context of morning routines.The practice of connecting to one's breath and source is emphasized as a vital component of personal well-being and spiritual growth.Veronique shares her personal journey of awakening to oneness, highlighting the significance of community and connection in overcoming divisive societal forces.The conversation explores the transformative power of reducing media consumption to foster a more positive and centered mindset.Listeners are encouraged to adopt a beginner's mind, allowing for a fresh perspective each day as they engage with the world around them.Veronique emphasizes the importance of embodied spirituality, advocating for a connection to source that transcends physical limitations and societal labels.

The conversation embarks on a profound exploration of the art and significance of journaling, led by our insightful guest, Kristen Swan. Kristen unveils her innovative journal, 'Spaghetti on the Wall,' a tool designed to facilitate self-reflection and emotional clarity. She recounts her own transformative journey with journaling, which commenced during a particularly challenging phase in her life. Through the act of writing, she discovered a method to articulate her innermost thoughts and feelings, thereby fostering a deeper understanding of herself. The discussion emphasizes the therapeutic nature of journaling as a practice that not only allows individuals to document their experiences but also encourages them to engage with their emotions in a non-judgmental manner. Kristen describes her journaling approach as one that enables users to observe their daily lives through the lens of a compassionate observer, thereby cultivating a sense of awareness that can lead to personal growth. The dialogue evolves to examine the structural elements of Kristen's journal, which consists of two primary components: the initial documentation of daily experiences followed by a reflective evaluation. This dual approach empowers individuals to identify moments of joy and discomfort, thus encouraging a balanced perspective on life’s events. Kristen posits that recognizing these moments is essential for personal development, as it fosters a greater understanding of one’s needs and aspirations. The conversation further highlights the interplay between personal and professional identities, as both Anthony Wright and Adam Dietz share their reflections on how journaling has influenced their writing practices and creative endeavors. They advocate for an integrated approach that acknowledges the interconnectedness of personal narratives within professional contexts. As the episode draws to a close, Kristen articulates a vital takeaway: the journey of self-exploration is not about altering one’s essence but rather about embracing authenticity. The tools provided in her journal serve to guide individuals toward self-acceptance and a deeper trust in their unique journeys. By fostering a spirit of curiosity and introspection, individuals are encouraged to align their actions with their core values and intentions, ultimately enhancing their contributions to their communities and relationships. The episode encapsulates a rich tapestry of themes surrounding identity, creativity, and the human experience, leaving listeners with an invigorated sense of purpose and the encouragement to engage more fully with their own life narratives.Takeaways:Maintaining a journal serves as an invaluable tool for self-reflection and personal growth.Kristen Swan emphasizes the importance of recognizing and celebrating genuine moments of joy in daily life.The concept of a non-judgmental observer is pivotal for effective journaling and self-discovery.The discussion highlights the necessity of integrating humanity into business practices for holistic success.Writing can be a transformative experience, allowing individuals to express their creative selves.The conversation underscores the significance of aligning personal values with professional endeavors to foster authenticity.Companies mentioned in this episode:KristenSwan.com

In this episode of The Living Conversation, we continue our conversation with Banya Lim—a spiritual acupuncturist and energy coach—about how emotions become energetic blockages in the body, and how healing starts with awareness rather than self-judgment.Banya explains how repeated thoughts can “feed” sensations in the body past the famous 90-second window, why blockages aren’t enemies (they’re trying to help), and her four pitfalls that keep patterns stuck: identifying, judging, suppressing, and trying to get rid of the thought/emotion.We also explore a practical grounding technique for anxiety and public speaking: bring attention to the hara / dantian (chihai)—and even place a hand there, press, or tap to gather energy and settle the system. Finally, Banya connects the Five Elements to house directions and emotional clearing—like cleansing the east side for wood/liver/anger—as a simple way to “move energy” in daily life.Guest: Banya Lim (Spiritual Acupuncture + Energy Coaching) Website: banyalim.com Offer: Free clarity session for listeners (via her website)Chapters / timestamps00:00 Energy coaching + “no accidents” 01:05 Emotions → blockages → the body “speaks louder” 03:00 Awareness first, then build a new relationship with the blockage 05:25 The “four things” that keep thoughts stuck 06:10 The 90-second emotion principle (and why humans keep re-feeding it) 10:25 “Blockages have a zip code” in the body 12:20 Clearing space + beginning-of-year energy 14:20 Five Elements + directions in the home (east/wood/anger etc.) 16:40 Forgiveness + rephrasing the inner story 21:05 Public speaking anxiety: ground in the hara/dantian (chihai) 24:00 Final takeaway: body tells truth + body helps dreamsTopics we coverEnergy coaching + acupuncture meridiansSomatic therapy + stored “energetic packages”Thought loops and emotional reinforcementForgiveness as an energetic practiceFive Elements + emotions + directions in the homeHara/dantian grounding for anxiety and performancespiritual acupuncture, energy coaching, traditional Chinese medicine, five elements, meridians, emotional blockages, somatic therapy, forgiveness practice, dantian, hara, chihai, grounding technique, anxiety relief, public speaking nervesHashtags: #acupuncture #TCM #FiveElements #somatics #energyhealing #mindbody #qigong #meditation #healingjourneyNote: This episode is for educational purposes and is not medical advice.

In this episode of The Living Conversation, we’re joined by Dean Graves, who shares a framework drawn from his ongoing contact with a non-incarnate teacher described as a social memory complex. We explore the Law of One (“all is one”), the idea that consciousness is “creativeness intoxicated with free will,” and how the spiritual path is a gradual sobering back into unity.We also move into practical terrain: emotional baggage as “unfinished lessons,” why meditation is the inversion of awareness, and how to take the meditative mind “back into the village” — real life, relationships, and responsibility.Guest: Dean Graves Website: deangraves.org (DeanGraves.org)In this conversationWhat a social memory complex is, and how “individuality” changes as consciousness evolvesThe Law of One and why “all of consciousness is conceptual” “Free will intoxication” (the whiskey metaphor) and the enlightenment path as sobering up A provocative take on emotion: one spectrum (like/dislike), applied thought-by-thought Awakening as turning awareness inward and seeing how the “false self” perpetuates unhappiness Service to others vs service to self as a critical evolutionary choice Why meditation works, why it’s hard, and how motivation shifts from “running from the stick” to “chasing the apple” Bringing practice back into the village: maintaining inner freedom while living ordinary life Closing takeaway: “Be the change you want to see in the world.” 00:00 Intro + Dean’s ongoing contact with his teacher 01:05 Social memory complex + archetypes / structure of the universe 05:20 “Intoxicated with free will” + Creator / subject-object framing 10:03 Emotional baggage + what “emotion” is 12:07 Awakening = inverting awareness inward 15:46 Service-to-others vs service-to-self (polarization) 20:46 Meditation + “bite of the apple” + healing 23:11 Bringing meditation “back into the village” 25:39 One thing to practice: Gandhi / be the change Law of One, social memory complex, free will, consciousness, meditation, mindfulness, awakening, emotional baggage, service to others, spirituality, nonduality.

In this episode of The Living Conversation, hosts Anthony Wright and Adam Dietz sit down with Dean Graves—author, podcaster, keynote speaker, mental health counselor, and meditation/mindfulness guide—to explore his map of awakening and the evolution of consciousness. Dean begins with what he calls an awakening experience: that moment when we realize that conventional success isn’t making us happier. From there he unfolds a cosmology in which our enduring self is a metaphysical consciousness pattern that lives through thousands of incarnations, evolving across different “densities” of consciousness. According to Dean, humans currently inhabit third density, learning responsibility and awareness in a particularly intense range of consciousness. He describes how chakras function as “assessment points of consciousness” at both the metaphysical and incarnate levels, and why stages like the terrible twos and the turmoil of adolescence are so chaotic: new levels of awareness open before we have the information or maturity to meet them. Dean also reframes free will as the perception of separation—the originating “distortion” that allows creation to unfold and beings to experience themselves as autonomous. Over many lives, he says, the evolutionary path is a gradual surrender of that separation into a sense of unity, ultimately moving toward what he calls a “social memory complex,” where many once-separate beings share one consciousness. Along the way, Adam connects these ideas with Confucianism and modern science—heaven, star-stuff, and our destiny to bring harmony into our particular web of relationships. They compare Dean’s view of incarnation to John Lennon’s “instant karma” and the hero’s journey, and Anthony draws out implications for trauma, illness, and the way the mind shapes the body. Dean also touches on:The idea that our metaphysical self has already lived thousands of incarnations with specific learning purposesFirst and second “densities” as the consciousness of inorganic matter, fire, plants, and animals, laying the foundation for human experienceThe archetypical mind as a blueprint of how we process thought and build a sense of selfWhy different children in the same family can be so radically different, based on their metaphysical developmentThe feeling that humanity is in “Groundhog Day” and his claim that this is actually our fourth planetary cycle Throughout, Dean returns to awakening not as a one-off mystical event, but as taking responsibility for our own evolution—stepping out of automatic repetition and actively participating in the path of awareness, love, wisdom, unity, and stillness. Connect with Dean Graves: Website: ddeangraves.org — books, podcast, and contact info

In this episode of The Living Conversation, hosts Anthony Wright and Adam Dietz sit down with Fran Bailey, a lifelong dancer who became an energy healer, to explore how movement, intuition, and subtle awareness can become pathways to healing.Fran shares how dance was her first language: a way to “speak through the body” without words, growing up in a musical and metaphysical Christian Science home with ballet classes in the barn. From there, she trained in dance at Ohio University, then gradually realized she could sense and work with energy in others, a realization that eventually led her to study with healers like Rosalyn, John Friedlander, and Gloria Hemsher, and to twelve years at the Alliance Institute for Integrative Medicine.In this episode, we talk about:How dance and movement opened Fran’s awareness that “everything is energy”Working at the Alliance Institute as an energy healer alongside MDs and acupuncturistsSeeing and feeling energy in clients: cords, resistance, and patterns in the fieldUsing the Enneagram to understand “head types,” “body types,” and how people disconnect from their own felt senseHow stored memories and fear patterns show up not just in the mind, but in the energy field—and how to gently work with themThe importance of permission in healing, and why clients have to do their own inner work for changes to stickA striking story of a therapist with a herniated disc whose pain and diagnosis unexpectedly shifted after an energy sessionNavigating the “woo-woo factor” with physicians and psychologists, and staying humble about where people are on their journeyFran also introduces The SHEVA Method, developed after receiving the word “SHEVA” in meditation as an acronym for Seeking Harmony in Energy, Voice, and Action: and she shares how this method has continued to refine over years of teaching and client work.Connect with Fran Bailey:Website: franbaileyhealer.com (free meditations, her book, and more resources)

Grit vs. Good Fortune: College, Careers, and Who We BecomeIn this episode of the SSU Philosophy Club series, Sonoma State philosophy students join hosts Anthony Wright and Adam Dietz to talk honestly about work, school, and the stories we tell ourselves about “making it.” Colette, Andrew, and Peter share real experiences from jobs and internships, some great, some pretty rough, and explore how those moments shape character, confidence, and direction.Along the way, we keep circling one live question:How much of who we become is really up to us, and how much is given by luck, opportunity, or privilege?We don’t land on a simple answer, but we do try to name what feels true from the inside of college life right now.In this episode:Why certain jobs and internships feel “character building” (and when that’s just code for bad conditions)How grit, persistence, and showing up actually play out in real student livesThe role of luck and opportunity: who gets access to which doors, and whenHow our stories about being “self-made” affect the way we see ourselves and othersWhat philosophy can offer when you’re trying to choose a path that’s not just about money or statusThe tension between gratitude for what you’ve been given and the desire to claim your own effort and growthThis conversation is part of an ongoing collaboration with the SSU Philosophy Club, exploring what philosophy looks like when it’s lived, not just studied.

In this special crossover episode, we launch The Way Between Podcast from within The Living Conversation.Adam introduces The Way Between as a more flexible, long-form space to explore East–West philosophy in a story-driven way: how thinkers like Socrates, Confucius, Laozi, and Hui Neng emerged, how their ideas shaped cultures, and how their influence still reaches our lives today.From there, Adam, Anthony, and guest Dr. Nick Egan dive into:Socrates’ image of the wise sea captain and why philosophy is the “art of navigation” in lifeHow Adam’s Philosophy 101 class planted the seed that led him to change his major and devote his life to this workThe Tibetan Buddhist framework of view, path, and result—and how “view” quietly shapes everything we doDr. Yi Wu’s integral life philosophy and his triangle of reality, practice, and theoryZen stories of Hui Neng and how a single exchange between teacher and student can become the most important moment in the universeNick’s experience of a Zen Roshi responding, “This is Nirvana,” and how that answer cracked ordinary thinkingTibetan pointing-out instructions on the nature of mind, and why we may glimpse it many times without recognizing itHow our “story” about reality locks us into patterns—and how Socratic questions can loosen that storyAdam’s time teaching freshman philosophy, planting the first seeds of “examining your life” in students who may not even know what philosophy is yetJung’s sense of the hero’s journey and the challenge to actually cultivate the soul in ordinary lifeAlong the way, they explore Zen, Tibetan Buddhism, Confucianism, and Western philosophy as different ways of pointing toward the same question:How should I live?And they return again and again to the idea that philosophy is not just a subject—but a daily practice of view, conversation, and self-cultivation.Connect with our guest:Dr. Nick Egan – nickeganphd.comShift Leadership Group – shiftleadership.groupConnect with the hosts:Adam Dietz – “The Way Between” on Substack (search: The Way Between Substack)Email Adam: dietzadam@gmail.comAnthony Wright – theonaut.comIf this conversation resonates, you can follow The Way Between Podcast on your favorite podcast app and keep listening to The Living Conversation on 'Attunement' on KWMR and wherever you get your podcasts.