The Human Condition is an audio series featuring me, you and a conversation about everyday experiences, made simple.

The human condition is defined as "the characteristics, key events, and situations which compose the essentials of human existence, such as birth, growth, emotionality, aspiration, conflict, and mortality".

Episode #37 talks about three states of consciousness, resiliency, self-efficacy, meta-cognition, and variances between man and animal and the mind/body connection. 

References:

Adams, W. (2010-2018). Creativity and Consciousness. Retrieved from: http://www.rosejourn.com/index.php/rose/article/view/187

Bandura, A. (1994). Self-efficacy.  Retrieved from: https://www.uky.edu/~eushe2/Bandura/BanEncy.html

Campbell, J., Moyers, B. (1991). The Power of Myth. (pp. 285, 286). Print. 

Chick, N. (2018). Metacognition. Retrieved from: https://cft.vanderbilt.edu/guides-sub-pages/metacognition/

Coombs, Chelsey, (2015). Do animals have consciousness? Retrieved from: http://scienceline.org/2015/03/do-animals-have-consciousness/

Dalai Lama. (2006). Living Wisdom. Introduction. Print. 

Jung, C. (1971). The Portable Jung. (pp. 87). Print. 

Koch, C. (2018) What Is Consciousness? Retrieved from: https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/what-is-consciousness/

Mehta, N., Ph.D. (2011). Mind-body Dualism: A Critique from a Health Perspective. Retrieved from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3115289

Schumacher, M. (2018). What is Consciousness? Retrieved from: https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/what-is-consciousness/

Soul, Body, Yoga. (2011). The Meaning of “AUM”. Retrieved from: http://www.soulbodyyoga.com/sby-blog-mobile/item/the-meaning-of-aum

Weinberg, J. (2018). Mind-Body Connection: Understanding the Psycho-Emotional Roots of Disease. Retrieved from: https://chopra.com/articles/mind-body-connection-understanding-the-psycho-emotional-roots-of-disease

Whitman, Walt. (1983). Song of Myself. Leaves of Grass. Print.

#37 The Human Condition with Susan Marie (What Is Consciousness?)

"look how it twists and turns"

look at how it twists and turns
the bend, the ridge, 
in nature -
like your words, 
sharp, razorlike,
sharks’ teeth in my skin
that you once held lovingly 
tenderly

that you once held 
you did 
hold me in your heart 
and kept me there safe 
as I did you 
in purity and bliss
like nature

how she holds dear each season 
each delicate leaf
as it falls from her womb 
to an early death 
beauteous 
wondrous 
full of color 
devoid of life 

like you 
struggling to maintain 
some semblances of control 
over your own 
ego 

like waves 
crashing 
we met 
a breath of fresh air 
you said
earnestly 
empathically 

our souls met and danced 
like lovers 
past lives 
volcanic
we were 
are 
exactly that 
and you 
cannot remember 
nor care to 
it seems 
rather focus on yourself 
needs 
wants 
desires 
and cast out those 
who you see as beneath 
who are truly above 

and like each delicate rush of seasons 
the ones who refuse to leave when new ones enter 
your insecurity roars like a lion 

my energy is erratic 
due to your lack of integrity 
honesty
authenticity
maturity
and trauma 

Oh, your poor, sad unhealed inner child . . . 

and on that bend
with the twists and turns
where we met again 
in this life now 
you have chosen to follow 
the curves and winding roads 
of confusion 
darkness
toxicity
where you feel 
most comfortable 
scared to move
change 
grow 
be
something other than 
those that accept 
this mask you wear
claiming to be 
someone
I know I recognized 

that was our purpose 
that is the message 
that is the bond 
eternal, 
unfortunately 

and you chose to break that
by judging me 
this innocent 
this beautiful creature set before you 
that you did not deserve 
in this lifetime 
and in most likely the last 

and I thank you

my lessons I have long learned 
struggled 
pained 
fought and bled for 
you criticized 
like a microscope 
holding your own imperfect lens 
to my majestic growth 

you failed to open your eyes 
although I witnessed them working just fine 

you are your own eternal damnation
your worst curse
and I believe 
somewhere deep
within the mask you so proudly wear
there is a mirror 
reflecting 
all the souls 
of those before you 
ones you hurt 
lied to 
shamed
judged 
criticized 
discriminated against 
and threw right under 
the bus 

and one day soon 
hopefully right now 
you feel my wrath 
out of love 
always out of love 
although you deserve none of mine 
not anymore 

and are blinded profusely 
by that mirror 
and fall onto your knees
in humble grace 
before the setting sun 
before the rising dawn 
in the sand and snow
grains, dirt, and earth 
with feet muddied, bleeding and bare 
until the crevices of mountains 
you so adore 
begin to bite you back 
as you have so bitten others 

and when mountains crumble and quake 
beneath your feet
unsettled
may you feel within your chest 
a thousand thrushes 
waiting to be set free 

and in this moment 
may you hear my voice 
see my face 
feel the softness of my skin 
hear my laughter 
and the brightness in my eyes 
that you so dimmed 
after creating

and when you place your feet
upon that foothold 
of life
may you hope by then 
I have wished upon you 

peace.

© Susan Marie

look how it twists and turns

Every St. Patrick's Day, I put this out, a fine Celtic Rock Band, my dear brothers, all of them, in rare performance with The Ruffians at their last South Buffalo Irish Feis. I recorded, engineered, edited and mixed this live at Cazenovia Park in the dark behind all those boards and this includes the most mind-blowing version of "Black and Tans" at 3:00 with Danny from The Ruffians rattling his bones. Be safe, enjoy, and Slainte!

Artwork © David Moore, Audio © Susan Marie and Jackdaw 

Jackdaw with The Ruffians "Black & Tans" [Slainte!]

    The wind screeches thunder
    like my
    breath
    caught,
    a doe
    in headlights

    Your eyes
    deep as night,
    the velvet silken touch of eve -
    your skin,
    olive, tanned,
    muscled arms,
    around me
    wrapped,
    ever so loving

    My legs
    slender, tight
    gripping your
    heart
    beats
    fast
    for the sun to rise
    and rise
    and shine
    like Valhalla

    I hear the Valkyries
    scrying wondrous wishes
    upon the backs
    of great golden eagles
    flying across heaven
    as kamikazes
    bringing us
    golden majestic
    cirrus dreams
    of reams and streams
    of years
    of walking barefoot
    together,
    apart,
    hand in hand
    mouth to
    lips
    to
    neck to thighs
    to the middle of my
    third eye
    wide
    open

    The birds sing sweetly
    for us,
    the grass grows tender
    as roses in November,
    and the seasons bestow upon us
    burnt sienna skied sunrises

    And the sand in our eyes
    is glitter on New Years Eve,
    when the clock strikes midnight
    and a new year births itself
    between my legs -
    your most holy mouth,

    sighs

© Susan Marie 

Your Most Holy Mouth

“Summers on Neptune” produced and arranged by Free Henry! is an 11 track masterpiece recorded at Introspec Studios.  

Free Henry! -> Bob Buckley: vocals, lyrics, acoustic guitar, piano / Derek Presti:  bass guitar, piano / Alex Foote:  electric/acoustic guitars, piano and Pat Mannella:  drums and percussion.  

Free Henry! began a revolutionary intensity redefining rock and roll, jazz, blues and pop.  They took what was, created what needed to be, and melded that into their own sound.  

They are no longer together as a full band but this interview is priceless. 

© Susan Marie  & Free Henry!
https://www.facebook.com/freehenrymusic/?fref=ts

One Hour with Free Henry! [Live Music]

Our Lady Peace is: Raine Maida: vocals, lyricist, Duncan Coutts: bass, Jeremy Taggart: percussion, and Steve Mazur: guitar.

Our Lady Peace produced their seventh album, "Burn Burn" released on Warner Music's Independent Label Group. This album is their first since 2005, self produced by the band at Raine's home studio in L.A. Our Lady Peace surpassed Platinum sales status in Canada, sold over 5 million albums worldwide, won four Juno awards, The Much Music Awards and have shared the stage with Jimmy Page, Robert Plant, The Rolling Stones, Van Halen, Faith No More, The Goo Goo Dolls, The Ramones, Stone Temple Pilots and Alanis Morrisette.

© Susan Marie, Our Lady Peace 
http://www.ourladypeace.net/

One Hour with Raine Maida of Our Lady Peace [Live Music]

(There is a buzz on Jane's landline, before the days of current technology, but it goes away. I am unable to get rid of the buzz no matter how I edit this clip) 

In 2009, I had the pleasure of speaking to Jane Elliott, internationally known teacher, lecturer, diversity trainer, and recipient of the National Mental Health Association Award for Excellence in Education, exposes prejudice and bigotry for what it is, an irrational class system based upon purely arbitrary factors. And if you think this does not apply to you. . . you are in for a rude awakening.

In response to the assassination of Martin Luther King, Jr. over thirty years ago, Jane Elliott devised the controversial and startling, "Blue Eyes/Brown Eyes" exercise. This, now famous, exercise labels participants as inferior or superior based solely upon the color of their eyes and exposes them to the experience of being a minority. Everyone who is exposed to Jane Elliott's work, be it through a lecture, workshop, or video, is dramatically affected by it. 

http://www.janeelliott.com/

One Hour with Jane Elliott [Blue Eyes/Brown Eyes exercise]


You are my sweetest downfall,
my setting sun,
the new dawn, exuberant,
my oceanic tides, rising,
the sweet caress
of the gentle breath of wind,
and oxygen sustaining life,
to my limbs, lungs, my brain,
neurons transmitting thought
across satellites and skylines,
messengers of existence,
this universe,
found within
words shared —
words spoken —
energy given and received —
intensely, inhumanly, human, bold, electric —
my spirit speaking to your own,
immortal.

This time,
is precious.

My lungs bellow to this thunderous, angry sky
grey and blurred,
shaking foundations of Earth,
brick buildings, skyscrapers,
ancient caves painted
with the livelihood of humankind,
renewing dirt and roots,
pounding upon rooftops
causing tables to turn, geologic,
senses muddied and marred,
like some wicked wild woman, crazed
fully alive, dancing for you, only you,
a wild man, masculine, softhearted and assured,
insanity abound, alive and aroused
in glory.

Dear friend, lover, love,
relish your beloved human heart, beating,
your muscles, expanding and contracting.

Let the mad onlookers point and stare,
for they wish they were us,
encumbered and enlightened,
by this strange yet glorious existence,
of human, spirit soul-speaking,
ultimate.

You are my sweetest downfall,
from distances,
close, my heart,
it sings praises and supplications,
and the piano-man sees
upon ivory keys —
soft pads of fingertips
dancing as silhouettes,
tip tapping gently,
vibrations of compositions of frequency
far across lakes, surpassing the speed of sound,
defying physics, science,
and placed distant,
waiting, here,
for the slightest songs
of Springtime,
coming.

Michelangelo knew,
he understood that meadows could not exist
without hillsides that rise and fall
with ecstasy and arrival,
like the body, human and remarkable,
like the luthier, diligent and precise,
stretching string upon string,
upon figures, shapely,
fine-tuned and taut,
in his palms,
delicate,
pure.

Like cherry blossoms ready to bloom,
the nature of life, beauty and vitality,
transience, impermanent permanence,
like my right arm raised
elbow slightly bent,
wrist acting on its own accord,
delicate horse-hairs in hand,
canvas tilted before me —

Your body I shall paint with colors that have yet to exist.

My dear soul, how innocent this love is.
You hold dear my every weakness
and exalt within my illustrious morning glories.

Come, come with me now —
let us rejoice and explore
the forests and woods,
the waters and lakes,
the crevices and caves,
the leaves and limbs,
the sun and moon.

Let us upturn rocks and minerals,
where salamanders tend to hide,
and take pleasure in now,
in utter simplicity.

Let us run barefoot through mud and grass,
toes melding with Mother Nature,
both of us, separate and together,
hair whipping, furious and in flight,
wild eyed and awake,
as Dear Earth contends
with her one true lover,
the sky, majestic,
beauteous.

Let us be one
apart and close,
crazy and sane,
simultaneous.

Let go of my hand.
Do it now.
I dare you.

Push me from the ledge.
Into you, to myself.

Free us from shackles and bars
that attempt to hold
the spirit hostage,
and I shall hand you keys
that unlocks most holy doors,
from this illusion,
this reverie,
this reality,
this absolute rapturous
knowing.

Let go of my hand, love,
yet hold me close.

Let us dance
naked,
for the trees,

eternal.

© Susan Marie 

Published in Rebelle Society: http://www.rebellesociety.com/2016/01/12/susanmarie-dance/

Image © Cosmic Timetraveler https://unsplash.com/photos/ALXBUzVcruQ



Let Us Dance


The wind
howls,
magnificent and shrieking,
like some wild woman,
unabashed and naked.

Her brow wet
with brine,
upturned to the most holy sky,
arms raised
in supplication
to a dying world,
embracing,
all that is.

And she
cross-legged,
beneath Gods and Goddesses,
hair whipping wind,
eyes brazen,
brown and soft.

A touch of
madness and desire,
no human soul
comprehends.

Her howling
becomes one with the wind,
distress signals to the raiment,
the ancient raiment
that poets and sages
sat under and above
for millenniums.

Legs stretched
in front of her,
toes uncurled,
she lays back
flat -
allowing to be cleansed
by the pelting rain,
the dying Winter,
the oncoming of Spring,
a rebirth of births,

a eulogy to the past,
a welcome to the present,
an embrace to the future.

What it holds
is of no concern,
for she knows
where home is,
away from this society,
away from the busy-ness of life,
away from monotony
and dramatics,
away from this life
consumed,
with triviality.

She is here
now,
waiting for you,
to set you free
from chains
you have bound yourself with.

Whip your shoulders back,
allow them to fall.
Feel the weight,
vanish.

Grab her hand, willing
loving,
kind,
calm,
pure and desirous.

Show her
how your soul
shines,
show her
how your eyes light up,
show her how you have released
from your very soul,
all the toxicity
of existence.

She is Earth, dirt
Rocks and stones,
limbs of trees,
mighty oaks and maples,
the birch and elm.

She is the silt of fault lines
holding this globe
together.

She is the mighty maelstrom,
every season,
without apology.

She is you,
me.

Come, come and relish this moment,
even if only once.

Dine as a human starved.

Sing of the grace bestowed upon you
for you are born to be supreme,
you are born with the ability to fly,
you are born with the gift to see
with six senses,
seven.

You are powerful in your wildness,
in your pure soul self.

She is here to tell you
to scream and cry,
until there is no speech,
to the skies,
to the clouds,
to the falling rain.

Let it wash upon you
like a sweet cool dream,
and come, come my dear soul.

Do not wait.
No hesitation.
Moments are fleeting.

She is here,
now,
with you,
yet not eternal. 

Hurry, hurry, dear!

She will share secrets with you,
teach you how to see
with eyes,
that have no place
in the land of humankind.

Each blade of grass,
leaves of the trees of her mane,
like a thoroughbred racing, wondrous,
eyes staring, mad,

There is no finish line
only now, here.

This moment.

Disrobe beneath this day.

Give thanks to the Great Creator,
to Mother Nature.

To the spirits that speak to you
in your dreams. 

To the souls that have guided you
to this place,
this patch of Earth,
this precious time.

Bow your head in prayer,
dear soul.

For you are in the presence
of divinity. 

© Susan Marie 


Eulogy

Live from a Dojo after a Reiki treatment and guided meditation, with Ruben Zukowski, DJ, musician and Reiki Master, specializing in global fusion and sound healing. I speak of my experience this evening. 

This is a precious conversation that covers the basic tenements of Reiki,  various healing modalities with a special focus on Ruben's musical talents. 

We feature live bells, gongs and bowls that reverberated throughout the dojo. 

Zuk is full of life and throughout this interview, we are laughing hysterically while speaking of deep spiritual truths, the power of thoughts, words, music, chakras, arts, and culture. 

You can listen to Zuk's music here: https://www.reverbnation.com/zukova

This interview was conducted during the early stages of both of our spiritual journeys. I will treasure this always. 

Image © Ruben Zukowski  - Grayn [grain] music 

The book we mention is here: Dr. Emoto http://www.masaru-emoto.net/english/emoto.html

Live From a Dojo: Reiki, Music, Healing, Laughter

I am always blown away by the beautiful people I meet and share [as I upload to my website] interviews that blow my mind. This is 25 minutes with Tenzin Phenthok, a Buddhist monk from Drepung Loseling Monastery http://www.drepung.org/ in India. We discuss the basics of Buddhism, history of China, Tibet, energy, meditation, and the continuum of the human mental state. I remember being awestruck standing right here in this moment and I hope you do too.  I will treasure this always 

Image © Drepung 

Please check out: http://www.drepung.org/

Tashi delek! 

Drepung Loseling Monastery, History of Tibetan Buddhism

There's a message in the madness

utter
sadness

crystal tears form gleaming paths of the bleeding hearts of artists
where ages of fearless voices echo in words
spray painted upon subway sedimentary rock

the message is the madness

the howling rabid dogs as humans
running virile and naked
down city streets
yielding tear gas masks and vinegar soaked
hand
ker
chiefs

the bullets hurt when they hit the skin
piercing within
the gentle flesh that God made

Why are we insane?
 
humanity please
drop to your knees
we are a species diseased

The madness is the mind

too much shouting
not speaking
not enough thinking
or reaching
the masses of millions
of people
that still live in fear
of technology and TV

please let us
back
space

NO!
we need to keep going

i am confused
again

messages are madness

they run through my brain day and night
no control over this
new age proto type
a simultaneous regeneration
of neurons attempting to escape
back to a time

when
life
was
good

we are history books

that is the madness
that is the message

so speak
stand
smile
fight
hug
love
cry
sleep
wake
up

wake
up
wake
up
please
wake
up

wake
up

please

wake
up.

© Susan Marie 2012 

A Message in the Madness

This poem is read forward then backward :

The Reformation and Degradation of Humanity

I am caught
in the turbine
the windmill
the tsunami the earthquakes

the wars and drones
the dropping bombs
on
innocent souls

humanity has taken me
its breaking me
into this
now

the world
going wrong
and right

my heart bleeds
on bloodied knees
begging you
to take this weight
replace it with no hate

make the world see
through my eyes

through the trees
ancient limbs
lost in bundles of bodies
strewn
in graveyards
of thought
and rhyme
of time

this time

Our time is now

the simultaneous

reformation
and
degradation

of humanity


© Susan Marie 2012

The Reformation and Degradation of Humanity

I am
that which
cannot be caged,
tamed, tried,
understood, included,
deluded, or left.

Misunderstood.

I am the fairy-tailed children
asleep beneath blankets
on a cool summers eve,
books in palms,
eyes shut tight,
warding off monsters
in closets
underneath the bed.

The angelic presence
in dreams,
the dark rising depths,
present in the time
between night and day.

I am the bleeding hearts
of artists,
music flowing
like manes
of thoroughbreds.

Strings and violins,
concertos and preludes,
the rise and fall,
of notes,
the voice
of the oppressed,
painting alone,
writing alone,
speaking to the masses
standing in front
of sculptures
in galleries,
half-numb
from having their soul
placed on a public platter,
picked apart
and critiqued.

I am the constellations,
the stars,
the ancient raiment
of the majestic
velvet night,
coaxing solitude,
and creation,
rendering you
sleepless
with desire.

The great God
contemplating existence,
tossing magic
and medicine,
electrified
towards earth,
teaching lessons to the
mere human soul.

I am.
Woman.
Man.
Child.
Mother.
Father.
Brother.
Sister.

I am a lover,
loved,
loving.

I am the volcanic rumblings
of every tired soul,
and every smile
and tear.

I am an argument
and agreement.
The birds that birth
in your
crown chakra.

Their song
is mine.

All creatures,
earth, dirt, silt
gems, stones,
twigs, and trees.

Every root and crevice,
all footholds and paths,
the waving branches
pregnant with leaves.

Every rock and shell,
the waves and oceans,
all bodies of water,
feathers, flight,
the bees that buzz
around the new bud,
the hand that guides
a sprout from seed.

The secrets the wind
whispers.

The fierce embrace
of winter,
the warmth upon
your face,
heart, body, soul,
and the sweet cool
calming waters
of life.

I am death.
Wild.

I am woman.
Here.
Now.

I am every element.

All emotions,
every fable told
by firelight,
Every word written,
spoken, uttered,
screamed and sighed.

The true Goddess,
the wild soul.

I am that
which cannot
be kept,
nor set free.

I exist
without logic,
in rational conscious
thought,
in esoteric
holy nakedness.

I am the rich man
and beggar,
the king and the jester.

I am the grass,
all species,
and the sky.

Kaleidoscopes
of spectrums.

I am good
versus
evil,
versus
self,
versus
sentience.

I am a conundrum
unto myself,
a human shell
existing
as pure
ether.

I am heaven
and hell.

I am the destroyer
and creator

simultaneous.


© Susan Marie

From "Shahada" --> https://www.amazon.com/Shahada-Susan-Marie/dp/1975992024/ref=asap_bc?ie=UTF8

I Am

You threw me away
like a second hand
used shoe
human being
with a heart

You threw me away
like tears
that fall from heaven
when clouds burst
volcanic
drenching us all
in divinity

But you,
you just threw me away

Like a rusted rim
rolling down the highway
some dusty remnant
of past
of lives lived
moments of
existence 
now lying there
thirsty
beneath the ever so often
searing sun

Like waves that crash
endless upon the shore
you threw me up there too
and I became driftwood
floating
in uncharted territory

Like trees
that shed leaves
without emotion
or care
I fell
colorful and vibrant
Oh, so utterly alive
to the dirt and worms
to the dank silt of Earth

And you threw me there

Tossed me like a coin
flipped me upside my head
to my tail
over and over
and in your hands
I did not land
because you

You threw me away

And I landed not bent
broken or bruised
bur safely within wings
of the most holy angels

Because you threw me away

I rose

And you

are left still staring
where a coin used to be
held lovingly within your palm
safe
beneath that searing sun
the rainclouds and thunder
floating endless upon your own waves
landing on other shores

And because you threw me away

My dear soul,
My sweet loved
lover
loving -

Because
you
threw
me
away

I
thank
you.

© Image and words Susan Marie

I Thank You

My hands shake
beneath this precious dawn,
not for myself,
but for the fate of humankind,
a land I do not belong,

for my eyes see the peaks of Himalayas
in the tips of pine trees,
where bluejays perch,
contemplating their next flight,
and the grass,
as Whitman pondered,
this precious gift, otherworldly,

No, I do not belong down here, 
yet I am grounded,
for my spirit is in flight
with the hawk,
scrying above,
screeching solitary,
as a murder of crows
attempt to take it down
from the most holy sky,
yet fail,
again and again.

I see this world like a child,
wondrous and wide-eyed,
an explorer of my own soul,
the new dawn shines upon my chin, upturned,
and the breeze,
she tussles my long mane,
like a lover,
splaying my legs,
ever so gently,
apart,
to the virgin skies.

I belong in the waves,
meeting the shore,
the crashing of tides   
beneath the moon, full.

I exist in the limbs of trees and the sound of my feet
bearing down upon this sweet Earth.

My soul longs for completion, 
for respite from the dying world,

for I exist in both,
in a land where my voice is unknown 
to the language of humankind. 

© Photo & Words Susan Marie

Like Lovers Do

you are shining

a beacon offshore
the lighthouse
blazing against the undertow

the vicious waves
sharks teeth
biting and gnawing
at the calves
of the weary

a great golden Valkyrie
standing sentinel
salt stinging your eyes
as your hands reach down
palms upturned
gently, so gently
raising souls
from the darkest depths
of the underworld

and they gnash their own teeth
in awe and shock
eyes open wide
cold and drenched
with fear   

Yet you do not falter
beacon, you are

Your mighty feet
are like mountains
moving through the waves
splintering slate
and driftwood
reaching those
scared to reach
themselves. 

© Susan Marie

Beacon

The Human Condition is a weekly 10-12 minute audio series featuring me, you and a conversation about everyday experiences, made simple.

The human condition is defined as "the characteristics, key events, and situations which compose the essentials of human existence, such as birth, growth, emotionality, aspiration, conflict, and mortality".

Episode #15 covers pride, gender and orientation, focusing on the reason for Pride Month, Stonewall, the Pride Flag, history and several films and documentaries, terminology associated with the spectrum, including becoming involved with PFLAG & The Trevor Project. June is Pride Month. 

Resources:

PFLAG: https://pflag.org/

The Trevor Project: https://www.thetrevorproject.org/

Gender Spectrum definitions: https://www.hrc.org/resources/glossary-of-terms

Gender: The Spaces Between: https://www.cbsnews.com/video/gender-the-space-between/  

Gender Revolution: https://www.netflix.com/title/80186731 

Queer Eye: https://www.netflix.com/title/80160037 

POSE: https://www.fxnetworks.com/shows/pose

Queer as Folk: https://www.hulu.com/series/queer-as-folk-a9e832ab-e715-438c-bd62-fbc6acc961b7 

Milk: https://www.netflix.com/title/70100084 

Dallas Buyers Club: https://www.netflix.com/title/70275751

Philadelphia: https://www.amazon.com/Philadelphia-Tom-Hanks/dp/B000I9YV12 

Please share, subscribe and follow on iTunes, YouTube, Soundcloud, Google Podcasts, and Amazon Podcasts. 

Peace,

Susan Marie

#16 The Human Condition with Susan Marie (What is Pride? Gender and Sexual Orientation)

The Human Condition is a weekly 10-12 minute audio series featuring me, you and a conversation about everyday experiences, made simple.

The human condition is defined as "the characteristics, key events, and situations which compose the essentials of human existence, such as birth, growth, emotionality, aspiration, conflict, and mortality".

Episode #18 covers the weight of being human, weightlessness, existential therapy, being and nothingness and finding enlightenment in everyday experiences with personal experience. 

Resources:

Theory and Practice of Counseling and Psychotherapy by Gerald Corey:
https://yuliaaziz09.files.wordpress.com/2015/06/theory_and_practice_of_counseling_and_psychotherapy.pdf

Being and Nothingness by Sartre:
https://www.the-philosophy.com/being-nothingness-sartre-analysis

Tim Denning: The Only Rules for Being Human: 
https://medium.com/the-mission/the-only-rules-for-being-human-dc8a12f932e2

Jack Kerouac: The Golden Eternity: 
https://www.brainpickings.org/2014/03/12/jack-kerouac-golden-eternity/

Peace,

Susan Marie

#18 The Human Condition with Susan Marie (The Weight of Being Human with Personal Experience)

The Human Condition is a weekly 10-12 minute audio series featuring me, you and a conversation about everyday experiences, made simple.

The human condition is defined as "the characteristics, key events, and situations which compose the essentials of human existence, such as birth, growth, emotionality, aspiration, conflict, and mortality".

Episode #20 covers pain, suffering, growth and empowerment. The Four Noble Truths are discusses, along with the ACE test and how the dark night of the soul, the storm, the suffering, serves a purpose.

References:

The Painful Part of the Human Condition: 
https://www.irishtimes.com/news/science/the-painful-part-of-the-human-condition-1.473159

Eight Ways You Can Grow Through Suffering:
https://www.drtoddhall.com/post/8-ways-you-can-grow-from-suffering

ACE Test: https://www.npr.org/sections/health-shots/2015/03/02/387007941/take-the-ace-quiz-and-learn-what-it-does-and-doesnt-mean

Peace, 

Sue

#20 The Human Condition with Susan Marie (Pain, Suffering, Growth & Empowerment (ACE Test)

The Human Condition is a weekly 10-12 minute audio series featuring me, you and a conversation about everyday experiences, made simple.

The human condition is defined as "the characteristics, key events, and situations which compose the essentials of human existence, such as birth, growth, emotionality, aspiration, conflict, and mortality".

Episode #21 covers the predicament of the human condition, hitting rock bottom, emotionally, mentally, spiritually, physically, recognizing that you have hit rock bottom and what that signifies, as well as my own personal experience with rock bottom.

References: 

7 “Rock-Bottom” Myths and the Truth Behind Them: 
https://drugabuse.com/7-rock-bottom-myths-and-the-truths-behind-them/

Do I Have to Hit Rock Bottom Before I Get Help?:
https://drugabuse.com/rock-bottom-myth/

5 Reasons Why Hitting Rock Bottom Can Change Your Life for Better:
https://medium.com/@payamban/5-reasons-why-hitting-rock-bottom-can-change-your-life-for-better-1c29c8168564

10 Things To Remember When You’ve Hit Rock Bottom:
https://www.lifehack.org/433401/10-things-to-remember-when-youve-hit-rock-bottom

How to Find Your Bliss: Joseph Campbell on What It Takes to Have a Fulfilling Life:
https://www.brainpickings.org/2015/04/09/find-your-bliss-joseph-campbell-power-of-myth/

Peace, 

Susan Marie

#21 The Human Condition with Susan Marie (Hitting Rock Bottom)

The Human Condition is a weekly 10-12 minute audio series featuring me, you and a conversation about everyday experiences, made simple.

The human condition is defined as "the characteristics, key events, and situations which compose the essentials of human existence, such as birth, growth, emotionality, aspiration, conflict, and mortality".

Episode #22 covers what an empath is, the differences between empathy, sympathy, understanding the empath, understanding if you are an empath, emotional intelligence, compassion fatigue, and ways to ground, center and protect your energy and emotions to avoid compassion fatigue in order to utilize your sensitivity for an ultimate purpose.

References:

17 Survival Tips For Empaths And Highly Sensitive People:
https://www.aconsciousrethink.com/2746/17-survival-tips-for-empaths-and-highly-sensitive-people/

AEA Coping Tips for Empaths: https://americanempathassociation.com/f/coping-tips-for-empaths

17 types of Empaths recognized by the AEA: https://americanempathassociation.com/

Empaths Guide to Shielding and Energy by Doreen Virtue: https://www.empathdestiny.com/empaths-guide-clearing-shielding-energy/

Dr. Judith Orloff’s Protection Strategies for Empaths: https://drjudithorloff.com/5-protection-strategies-for-empaths-2/

What Is an Empath? by the AEA: https://americanempathassociation.com/f/highly-sensitive-people-hsp

Chopra Center Free 21 Day Meditation: https://chopracentermeditation.com/?_ga=2.162363775.2132810174.1568347671-2147421727.1568347671&sso_code=eyJpdiI6Ik15S3dBSGNSTEk1MmIycHdVckNiNVE9PSIsInZhbHVlIjoiVjFLSVNob3NaTU52SG1VREh1SStROStpQjdJVDhpbHJjNXdvRkhaVEdmdm1BN2lBaW9mT3NqYmkwZjczQmRaWEVRV05KajJUXC9LZkJWaE9JYVVTblNwWkxxdmxNXC9Ra09WdFFGU2tjNVVNTT0iLCJtYWMiOiJmOTgwNTcwODllMTc5MmFkZmZkMGFkZDYzOGJkNjllNDVlMmQxYzMzNmQ4Y2I1NWFjMzZjMzBhMGZlYmQ1MTdlIn0%3D

Peace,

Sue

#22 The Human Condition with Susan Marie (What is an Empath? Types, Self-Care & Self-Test)

The Human Condition is a weekly 10-15 minute audio series featuring  me, you and a conversation about everyday experiences, made simple.

The  human condition is defined as "the characteristics, key events, and  situations which compose the essentials of human existence, such as  birth, growth, emotionality, aspiration, conflict, and mortality".

Episode #23  covers anxiety as a mood disorder, as an awakening, with physical response, deep relaxation breathing, tips, triggers, how to get help, destigmatization and GAD-7 Screening. 

References: 

Generalized Anxiety Disorder 7 Screening (GAD-7): https://www.hiv.uw.edu/page/mental-health-screening/gad-7 

Deep Breathing Exercises to Reduce Anxiety:  https://www.verywellmind.com/abdominal-breathing-2584115 

Video: 3 Deep Breathing Exercises to Reduce Stress & Anxiety: https://youtu.be/sJ04nsiz_M0

Depersonalization: This Common Anxiety Symptom Makes Me Feel Like Reality Is Slipping Away: https://www.healthline.com/health/mental-health/derealization-anxiety-symptom-makes-reality-melt-away#3 

Therapy for Anxiety Disorders: https://www.helpguide.org/articles/anxiety/therapy-for-anxiety-disorders.htm

Finding Help:  https://adaa.org/finding-help/treatment/medication#Patient-Assistance%20Programs%20for%20Prescription%20Drugs

Calm.com: https://www.calm.com/

Peace,

Susan Marie

#23 The Human Condition with Susan Marie (Anxiety, Awakening, Treatment & GAD-7 Screening)

The Human Condition is a 10-15 minute audio series featuring me, you and a conversation about everyday experiences, made simple.

The human condition is defined as "the characteristics, key events, and situations which compose the essentials of human existence, such as birth, growth, emotionality, aspiration, conflict, and mortality".

Episode #25 covers the shadow self, facing the unconscious, understanding shadow work and recognizing that regardless of what you discover, that you are indeed, supremely worthy. 

Please share, subscribe and follow on iTunes: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-…ie/id1455068968

Google Play Music: play.google.com/music/listen#/ps/…xqb4t2goivrphpfoa

Spotify: open.spotify.com/show/2a8dhXBEkVwbgnVFGj5WsC

Soundcloud: @susan-marie

Subscribe to my weekly newsletter with audio: https://suemarie.substack.com/


References:

Adreanna Limbach: http://adreannalimbach.com/

Mark Nepo: http://marknepo.com/index.php#

Full Text from Internet Archives of The Portable Jung, edited by Joseph Campbell: 
https://archive.org/stream/ThePortableJung/The%20Portable%20Jung_djvu.txt

Shadow Work Guide PDF: https://scottjeffrey.com/wp-content/uploads/Shadow-Work-Guide.pdf

Joseph Campbell: Jung and the Shadow System: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GzYsi3SV1bY

Peace,

Sue

#25 The Human Condition with Susan Marie (Facing Your Shadow Self)

The Human Condition is a 10-15 minute audio series featuring me, you and a conversation about everyday experiences, made simple.

The human condition is defined as "the characteristics, key events, and situations which compose the essentials of human existence, such as birth, growth, emotionality, aspiration, conflict, and mortality".

Episode #28 covers end of year reflections, not resolutions, self-accountability, and the Jungian Typology Personality Test. 

Please share, subscribe and follow on iTunes: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-…ie/id1455068968

Google Play Music: play.google.com/music/listen#/ps/…xqb4t2goivrphpfoa

Spotify: open.spotify.com/show/2a8dhXBEkVwbgnVFGj5WsC

Soundcloud: @susan-marie

Subscribe to my weekly newsletter with audio: https://suemarie.substack.com/

References:

Open Extended Jungian Type Scales 1.2 Personality Test: https://openpsychometrics.org/tests/OEJTS/

16 Personality Types Explained: https://www.personalityperfect.com/16-personality-types/

Matt Kahn, True Happiness: https://mattkahn.org/blog/true-happiness/


Peace,

Sue

#28 The Human Condition with Susan Marie (Reflections, Not Resolutions, Jungian 1.2 Test)

The Human Condition is a 10-15 minute audio series featuring me, you and a conversation about everyday experiences, made simple.

The human condition is defined as "the characteristics, key events, and situations which compose the essentials of human existence, such as birth, growth, emotionality, aspiration, conflict, and mortality".

Episode #29 covers how energy, words, intention and thoughts hurt and/or heal ourselves and others via the studies of Dr. Emoto and his findings on water, words and sound, along with a personal experiment for you to try with another adult or yourself. 

Please share, subscribe and follow on iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-%E2%80%A6ie/id1455068968

Google Play Music: https://play.google.com/music/listen#/ps/%E2%80%A6xqb4t2goivrphpfoa

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2a8dhXBEkVwbgnVFGj5WsC

Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/susan-marie

Subscribe to my weekly newsletter with audio: https://suemarie.substack.com/

References:

Results of Dr. Emoto’s studies, photographs of crystallized water subjected to different words and sounds: https://www.masaru-emoto.net/en/crystal/

Dr. Emoto’s book, The Hidden Messages in Water: https://www.amazon.com/Hidden-Messages-Water-Masaru-Emoto-ebook/dp/B004V3WPUA

What the Bleep Do We Know? (Dr. Emoto): 
https://whatthebleep.com/water-crystals/

Peace,

Sue

#29 The Human Condition with Susan Marie (The Healing & Destructive Power of Words, Dr. Emoto)

The Human Condition is a 10-15 minute audio series featuring me, you and a conversation about everyday experiences, made simple.

The human condition is defined as "the characteristics, key events, and situations which compose the essentials of human existence, such as birth, growth, emotionality, aspiration, conflict, and mortality".

Episode #31 covers life meaning and purpose, self-efficacy, resilience, and Nietzsche’s Thought Experiment. 

Please share, subscribe and follow on iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-%E2%80%A6ie/id1455068968

Google Play Music: https://play.google.com/music/listen#/ps/%E2%80%A6xqb4t2goivrphpfoa

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2a8dhXBEkVwbgnVFGj5WsC

Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/susan-marie

References:

Please support this podcast on Patreon: www.patreon.com/SueMarie/membership

APA on Resilience: https://www.apa.org/topics/resilience

Nietzsche and John Kaag: https://www.brainpickings.org/2018/12/19/hiking-with-nietzsche-john-kaag-eternal-return/

Into the Wild 30 second audio copyright: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0758758/, Director: Sean Penn, Writers: Sean Penn (screenplay), Jon Krakauer (book), Emile Hirsch (actor)

Peace,

Sue

#31 The Human Condition with Susan Marie (Self-efficacy, Resilience, Nietzsche’s Thought Experiment)

The Human Condition is a 10-15 minute audio series featuring me, you and a conversation about everyday experiences, made simple.

The human condition is defined as "the characteristics, key events, and situations which compose the essentials of human existence, such as birth, growth, emotionality, aspiration, conflict, and mortality".

Episode #32 covers lessons I learned from watching birds, from a sparrow, regarding the middle way, mindfulness, crisis, compassion, kindness and facing self and others with authenticity. 

Please share, subscribe and follow on iTunes: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-…ie/id1455068968

Google Play Music: play.google.com/music/listen#/ps/…xqb4t2goivrphpfoa

Spotify: open.spotify.com/show/2a8dhXBEkVwbgnVFGj5WsC

Soundcloud: @susan-marie

References:

Pandemic Resources: https://jackkornfield.com/pandemic-resources/

Meditation: Compassion in the Time of Coronavirus: https://jackkornfield.com/compassion-in-the-time-of-coronavirus/

The Bodhisattva Response to Coronavirus: https://jackkornfield.com/the-bodhisattva-response-to-the-virus/

Peace, 
Susan Marie

#32 The Human Condition with Susan Marie (Lessons From A Sparrow)

The Human Condition is an audio series featuring me, you and a conversation about everyday experiences, made simple.

The human condition is defined as "the characteristics, key events, and situations which compose the essentials of human existence, such as birth, growth, emotionality, aspiration, conflict, and mortality".

Episode #33 covers COVID-19, my experience with it, I am currently diagnosed with Moderate COVID and this podcast includes rational data, my personal experience so far, advice from my doc, unusual symptoms to watch for, and helpful things for all of us to keep us healthy. There may be a Part II to this, I am now on Day 6 and days 4-10 are the test to see if things get better or things get worse. Prayers and support much appreciated. 

Please share, subscribe and follow on iTunes, Google Play Music, Spotify and Soundcloud. Just search "Susan Marie, The Human Condition. As a creative professional, if you are so inclined, there is a donate button on Soundcloud: https://www.paypal.me/SusanMarieNY

References:

Dark Night of the Soul: https://healthypsych.com/navigating-the-dark-night-of-the-soul/

Breathing exercises, maintaining lung function: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5IHDtpp0MqA&feature=youtu.be

CDC Self Checker: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html

Peace,
Susan Marie

#33 The Human Condition with Susan Marie (COVID+ Moderate 101, Yeah, this is me)

The Human Condition is an audio series featuring me, you and a conversation about everyday experiences, made simple.

The human condition is defined as "the characteristics, key events, and situations which compose the essentials of human existence, such as birth, growth, emotionality, aspiration, conflict, and mortality".

Episode #34 is Part II, please listen to Episode #33, Part I: https://soundcloud.com/susan-marie/33-the-human-condition-with-susan-marie-covid-moderate-101-yeah-this-is-me first. 

This is my ongoing experience with Moderate COVID-19 and this podcast includes rational data, my personal experience so far, advice from my doc, unusual symptoms to watch for, and helpful things for all of us to keep us healthy. There may be a Part III to this, I am now on Day 10. Prayers and support much appreciated.

Please share, subscribe and follow on iTunes, Google Play Music, Spotify and Soundcloud. Just search "Susan Marie, The Human Condition." 

As a creative professional, if you are so inclined, there is a donate button on Soundcloud: https://www.paypal.me/SusanMarieNYwww.paypal.me

References:

Coronavirus symptoms: 10 key indicators and what to do: https://www.cnn.com/2020/04/15/health/10-key-coronavirus-symptoms-wellness/index.html

Breathing exercises, maintaining lung function: www.youtube.com/watch?v=5IHDtpp0M…&feature=youtu.be

CDC Self Checker: www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html

Peace,

Susan Marie

#34 The Human Condition with Susan Marie (Part II: COVID+ Moderate 101, Day 10)

The Human Condition is an audio series featuring me, you and a conversation about everyday experiences, made simple.

The human condition is defined as "the characteristics, key events, and situations which compose the essentials of human existence, such as birth, growth, emotionality, aspiration, conflict, and mortality".

Episode #35 is Part III, please listen to Episode #33 & 34:

Part I: https://soundcloud.com/susan-marie/33-the-human-condition-with-susan-marie-covid-moderate-101-yeah-this-is-me

Part II: https://soundcloud.com/susan-marie/34-the-human-condition-with-susan-marie-part-ii-covid-moderate-101-day-10

This is my ongoing experience with Moderate COVID-19 and this podcast includes rational data, my personal experience, advice, unusual symptoms, aseptic technique, differences between COVID testing/Antibody testing/Convalescent Plasma, How Micro droplets suspend in air and helpful things for all of us to keep us healthy. This is the last podcast I am doing on my personal experience.  Thankfully, I recovered. Not everyone is so lucky. 

Please share, subscribe and follow on iTunes, Google Play Music, Spotify and Soundcloud. Just search "Susan Marie, The Human Condition."

References:

Cytokine Storms: https://www.webmd.com/lung/news/20200417/cytokine-storms-may-be-fueling-some-covid-deaths

Blood Clotting: https://www.reuters.com/article/us-health-coronavirus-usa-blood/alarmed-as-covid-patients-blood-thickened-new-york-doctors-try-new-treatments-idUSKCN22421Z

https://www.washingtonpost.com/health/2020/04/24/strokes-coronavirus-young-patients/

Effects on the Brain: https://www.wired.com/story/what-does-covid-19-do-to-your-brain/

Mental Health: https://www.medscape.org/viewarticle/927485

Micro droplets suspending in air video: https://vimeo.com/402577241 

CDC Mask Info: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/diy-cloth-face-coverings.html

Aseptic Technique: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lumZOF-METc 


Peace,

Susan Marie

#35 The Human Condition with Susan Marie (Part III: COVID+, Day 20)

Poetry and Spoken Word by me. I have missed writing, taking a break from my podcast to be creative.

On the Backs of Beasts

a threshold, she stood,
feet, bare, body clad,
in white cotton raiment
swirling about her ankles,
as the wind
sang like a lute,
upon the still night sky.

a woman's song
carried upon the breeze,
playing with the edges
of light and dark,
night and day,
the precious time,
between
dusk and nightfall.

her ravensong
burst forth
from mouth,
wide open in awe,
chin upturned,
jawbone outlined,
tears precious
gifted in humble grace,
against the light
of the coming
of fresh eve.

the lyrics
danced around her shoulders,
tickling them just so -
tussling hair,
three feet long -
burnt sienna skied tresses.

a dreamcatcher
she was,
weaving lives
within lives,
connecting the dots,
with her fingertip raised
pointed at stars,
moving them
across Father Sky -
to meld into one another -

just
like
lovers.

this is her solace -
the ancient firmament
where Gods and Goddesses exist,
eternal,
where celestial wars rage,
she pulls both arms outward
with heart, full -
like some majestic holy crucifixion
and met the maelstrom head on -

for this
is
all
she
knows.

- forward -

and she jumps
happily,
into this rebirth,
this knowing and unknowing,
learning and unlearning,
growing and dying,
smiling while screaming inside -

to lead
not only herself
but others  -
into the great abyss,
the infinite chasm,
the unknown universe,
the holy grail,
the swan songs of birds,
the most precious calling
to the wild souls of nature,
beyond all
that
is.

a threshold, she stood
feet, bare, body clad,
in white cotton raiment
swirling about her ankles
as the wind
sang like a lute
upon the still night sky.

Words & Audio © Susan Marie
Artwork © Cate Parr 
https://www.pinterest.com/cateparr/

ravensong

The Human Condition is an audio series featuring me, you and a conversation about everyday experiences, made simple.

The human condition is defined as "the characteristics, key events, and situations which compose the essentials of human existence, such as birth, growth, emotionality, aspiration, conflict, and mortality".

Episode #36 talks about the stress response, trauma, the nervous system, self-care, building  resilience, calming strategies, mindfulness, emotional intelligence, and how to realistically manage self-care habits.

References: 

Resilience and Self Care Basics by Dr. Sam Himelstein: https://courses.centerforadolescentstudies.com/course/resilience-and-self-care-basics-for-helping-professionals/

Tupac Shakur: The Rose That Grew From Concrete: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/151809.The_Rose_That_Grew_from_Concrete

Dave Pelzer: A Child Called “It”: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/60748.A_Child_Called_It

Deep Breathing Relaxation Videos: 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FV4n555lQ3o
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vca6DyFqt4c
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wemm-i6XHr8

On iTunes, Soundcloud, Amazon Music and Audible. 

Peace, 

Sue

#36 The Human Condition with Susan Marie (Self-Care, Breath Manipulation, Stress, Trauma)

I had the pleasure of speaking with Ray Manzarek from The Doors.

In this one hour live interview, Ray and I talk about The Doors, play live music, tap into his jazz and blues influences, various keyboards and methods and educate the public about his work as an author.

Ray speaks of Dorothy, his grandchildren, his life with The Doors, of Jim and Pam and of his own future.

Upbeat and lively, Ray and I were laughing and joking throughout the entire interview interspersed with a few of his most beloved Doors' tunes.

Take an hour with me, in tribute to Ray and listen for when he slides his chair back ever so slightly. That is when we begin to talk about cosmic consciousness.

My peace to you Ray, and also, to Dorothy.

© Susan Marie & Ray Manzarek 

One Hour With Ray Manzarek From The Doors

"The Human Condition with Susan Marie" is a 10-15 minute audio series featuring conversations about everyday experiences made simple. The human condition is defined as "the characteristics, key events, and situations which compose the essentials of human existence, such as birth, growth, emotionality, aspiration, conflict, and mortality".

Broadcast Journalist, Author, Poet, LMHC, LPC, NYSCPS

Susan Marie

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