Bernardo is an author, scientist, philosopher, and the Director of the Essentia Foundation. He holds two PhDs - one in philosophy and the other in engineering. His work has been leading the modern renaissance of metaphysical idealism, the notion that reality is essentially mental. 

In this conversation, you’ll learn:

— How the life of Friedrich Nietzsche can be thought of as a microcosm of a cultural macrocosm we are currently experiencing

— Why life is inherently sacrificial and how understanding this can provide a rich and deep source of meaning in our lives

— Bernardo’s concept of the “Daimon” and how to harness it to live a life of service and let nature work through you.

And more.

You can learn more about Bernardo’s pioneering work by going to https://essentiafoundation.org. 

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Dr Bernardo Kastrup is the executive director of Essentia Foundation. His work has been leading the modern renaissance of metaphysical idealism, the notion that reality is essentially mental. He has a Ph.D. in philosophy (ontology, philosophy of mind) and another Ph.D. in computer engineering (reconfigurable computing, artificial intelligence). As a scientist, Bernardo has worked for the European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN) and the Philips Research Laboratories (where the ‘Casimir Effect’ of Quantum Field Theory was discovered). Formulated in detail in many academic papers and books, his ideas have been featured on Scientific American, the Institute of Art and Ideas, the Blog of the American Philosophical Association and Big Think, among others. Bernardo’s most recent book is Science Ideated: The fall of matter and the contours of the next mainstream scientific worldview. For more information, freely downloadable papers, videos, etc., please visit https://www.bernardokastrup.com.

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Interview Links:

— Dr Kastrup's website: https://www.bernardokastrup.com/

— Dr Kastrup's books: https://amzn.to/45TaC8T

Sacrifice, Meaning, Nietzsche, Consciousness & The Daimon — Dr Bernardo Kastrup, PhD

Professor Steven Hayes and Professor Matthew Johnson. 

Although they work in widely different fields, with Matt being a leading researcher in psychedelics at John Hopkins, and Steve being the co-developer of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, both have reached similar conclusions about the psychological processes underneath mental health and wellbeing - so I thought it might be interesting to bring them together for this conversation. 

You’ll learn: 

— How a behaviourist perspective has been advantageous for Matt and Steve in their research

— How and why psychedelics may promote “psychological flexibility” 

— Steve and Matt’s thoughts on the origins of spirituality

— Their views on consciousness and the “hard problem”.

And more. 

You can follow Matt on X @Drug_Researcher and learn more about Steven’s work by going to https://stevenchayes.com. You can also check out the PsychFlex App by visiting: https://psychflex.com/signup.

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Steven C. Hayes, PhD, is a professor of psychology at the University of Nevada, Reno. The author of forty-three books and more than six hundred scientific articles, he has served as president of the Association for Behavioral and Cognitive Therapy and the Association for Contextual Behavioral Science and is one of the most cited psychologists in the world. Dr. Hayes initiated the development of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and of Relational Frame Theory (RFT), the approach to cognition on which ACT is based. Most recently, he has been focused on developing Process Based Therapy along with Prof Stefan Hofmann.

Dr. Matthew W. Johnson, PhD, is a distinguished Professor of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at Johns Hopkins University. He is internationally renowned for his prolific research on the human effects of psychedelics and his groundbreaking work in the behavioral economics of drug use, addiction, and risk behavior. In 2008, Dr. Johnson published psychedelic safety guidelines, contributing to the resurgence of psychedelic research. He led groundbreaking studies on the psychedelic treatment of tobacco addiction and cancer distress, as well as investigating psilocybin for opioid dependence and PTSD. Dr. Johnson’s research extends beyond psychedelics, with influential studies on various psychoactive substances. As President of the International Society for Research on Psychedelics and a respected NIH-funded Principal Investigator, he continues to be a leading figure in the field. 

Learn more at www.hopkinsmedicine.org/profiles/details/matthew-johnson.

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Interview Links:

— Dr Hayes' website - https://stevenchayes.com/

— Dr Hayes' books - https://amzn.to/3MQlJbV 

— Dr Johnson's Profile - http://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/profiles/details/matthew-johnson 

— Dr Johnson's Twitter - https://twitter.com/drug_researcher?lang=en

Consciousness, Psychedelics, & Psychological Flexibility - Dr Steven Hayes & Dr Matthew Johnson

Described as “The Einstein of Consciousness”, Ken Wilber is a fascinating character, who began a zen meditation practice at the age of 11. An intellectual prodigy as a child, Wilber briefly attended Duke University, before dropping out to immerse himself in a rigorous and multidisciplinary self-education. With an IQ of 175, he is the most published philosopher alive, and his 25 books have been translated into 30 languages. 

His work attempts to integrate all fields of human knowledge into one “theory of everything”, which he calls Integral Theory. This draws connections between fields as far ranging as: systems theory, evolutionary biology, anthropology, quantum mechanics, Jungian psychology, neuroscience, sociology, and eastern mysticism. I could go on, but I think you get the picture. 

One of the core frameworks in Wilber’s Integral Theory is The 4 Quadrants, which this interview focuses on. If you’re interested in a “deeper dive” after listening to this, you can learn more about Ken’s work by going to https://integrallife.com.

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Ken Wilber, a visionary thinker of inspired genius, is the developer of an integral “theory of everything” that embraces the truths of all the world’s great spiritual, scientific, and philosophical traditions. He is the most widely translated academic writer in America, with 25 books translated into some 30 foreign languages. Ken Wilber currently lives in Denver, Colorado, and is still active as a philosopher, author, and teacher, with all of his major publications still in print. Often referred to as the"Einstein of consciousness studies", Ken Wilber is a preeminent scholar of the Integral stage of human development.

He is also the founder of the Integral Institute, which is the first organization fully dedicated to advancement and application of the Integral Approach in relation to contemporary global issues. It was formed in collaboration with over 200 scholars and experts, specializing in education, politics, business, medicine, psychology, spirituality, as well as, law and criminal justice. In 2007 Wilber co-founded Integral Life, a social media-hub dedicated to sharing the integral vision with the world wide community, as well as documenting and catalyzing the progress of the integral movement.

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Interview Links:

— Ken’s website: https://integrallife.com/who-is-ken-wilber

— Ken’s books: https://amzn.to/3uJYx9a

Becoming a Multidimensional Thinker - Ken Wilber

🌟 Join us as Kenneth Sørensen delves into transcendent states and the psychosynthesis approach in this enlightening interview by Valentina Fratu.

✨ Explore how transcendent experiences and spiritual journeys can serve as a call to freedom, seamlessly integrating personal trauma with spiritual growth. Discover the power of transpersonal psychology in bridging the gap between our personal self and Higher Self, making spirituality a practical part of daily life.

Kenneth writes:
"Valentina Fratu, an MA in Sociology, just interviewed me for her research program into transcendent states of consciousness, which I have never been interviewed about before. The experience of being Nothing or Nobody in an Advaita context and the spiritual encounter of Christ passing through my aura were some of the past recollections we went over.

Some of the essential points I took away from the interview were an insight into the deep interconnection between the experiences in the heights and the transformative process with my traumas in the depth. Trauma and Transcendence are connected. Any spiritual encounter, whether a superconscious experience of omnipresent love or the momentary experience of yourself as a cosmic witness, must be grounded and embodied in daily life for it to be realized. We are often only capable of integrating a tiny fragment of our experience because of the distance between the consciousness of the personal self and the Higher Self. There is an abyss between them, but a tiny thread becomes woven between them each time we reach the ground of our Being."

📚 Learn more about her research program at https://sites.google.com/view/evolveconscious/home

#psychosynthesis #selfmastery #transcendence #spiritualdevelopment #assagioli

🔗 LINKS MENTIONED IN THE VIDEO

📘 "The Soul of Psychosynthesis" By: Kenneth Sørensen
🔗 https://kennethsorensen.dk/en/product/the-soul-of-psychosynthesis/

📄 Read the Article "What is Psychosynthesis" here
🔗 https://kennethsorensen.dk/en/psychosynthesis/

📘 "Integral Meditation" By: Kenneth Sørensen
🔗 https://kennethsorensen.dk/en/product/integral-meditation-en/

🧘 Get my 7 FREE meditations for your spiritual growth and practice
🔗 https://kennethsorensen.dk/en/get-my-seven-meditations/

📖 Get my free e-book "Subpersonalities" - A collection of articles by Roberto Assagioli
🔗 https://kennethsorensen.dk/en/product/subpersonalities-a-collection-of-articles/

MORE ABOUT KENNETH SØRENSEN AND PSYCHOSYNTHESIS:

🔗 Discover everything by Kenneth Sørensen here (linktree): https://linktr.ee/psychosynthesis_selfmastery

🌐 Kenneth Sørensen Website: https://kennethsorensen.dk/en/

📖 Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/PSselfmastery/

🛒 Kenneth Sørensen - Webshop: https://kennethsorensen.dk/en/shop-en/

📘 FREE E-BOOK "PARAPSYCHOLOGY": https://kennethsorensen.dk/en/product/psychosynthesis-and-parapsychology/

📗 FREE E-BOOK "CONFLICTS, CRISES AND SYNTHESIS": https://kennethsorensen.dk/en/product/conflicts-crises-and-synthesis/

TRANSCENDENCE AS A CALL TO FREEDOM- An interview by Valentina Fratu

Embark on a soulful journey through this enchanting musical composition. Let the ethereal melodies guide you into the depths of your consciousness, transcending ordinary perception. Close your eyes, surrender to the music, and explore the boundless expanse of your inner world.

20/04/2024

Sacred Visions

Echoes of Self

Perceptual Data is a hypnotic journey into the mind, where belief systems, memories, and perceptions come together like an neural network. This track dives deep into the idea that the brain is a living library a vast collection of data that shapes the way we perceive and interact with the world around us .

With driving beats , arpeggios, and deep, resonant basslines, the soundscape feels like stepping into a digital dream. It’s a fusion of organic thought and technological energy.

This song invites you to reflect on the unseen patterns of your consciousness. The beliefs and memories stored like data, constantly shaping your reality. Whether it’s fueling late night dancefloors, guiding introspective meditations, or accompanying moments of quiet awe, this track is designed to evoke a sense of connection to something larger.

Let the rhythm pull you deeper into the layers of perception, where thought transforms into energy and energy unfolds into sound.

Perceptual Data

Blue Warm Fuzzy is an immersive instrumental compilation carefully curated to guide listeners through the depths of a psilocybin journey. 

This is an invitation to explore consciousness, a vessel for deep introspection, and a reminder of the shared heartbeat of humanity.

Blue Warm Fuzzy

🎙️Welcome to Psychosynthesis Conversations with Kenneth Sørensen, MA 🌟

Dive into the transformative world of psychosynthesis self-mastery through engaging conversations with leading practitioners from around the globe. Each episode of our podcast offers a unique perspective on the practical application of psychosynthesis in personal and spiritual development.

✨ Psychosynthesis is more than just a practice; it's a vision of all the great things you can achieve and be by applying your will, love, and awareness wholeheartedly.

🌈 Psychosynthesis is a psychospiritual practice that offers to provide you with the tools necessary in order to unfold your capabilities, personally as well as spiritually.

🔍 Why Listen to Psychosynthesis Conversations?

🌍 Global Insights: Hear from a diverse group of psychosynthesis practitioners who share their experiences and techniques from various cultural backgrounds.

🧘 Deepen Self-Awareness: Explore methodologies that enhance self-understanding and conscious awareness through dynamic discussions.

💪 Master Self-Restraint and Will: Learn from real-life applications on harnessing willpower, determination, and self-governance to positively transform your life.

🚀 Explore Self-Actualization and Transpersonal Development: Engage with concepts that guide individuals toward achieving their highest potential, including the integration and infusion of the soul.

Psychosynthesis Conversations moves beyond the theoretical, providing listeners with real-world examples of how self-discipline, self-determination, and self-mastery are actively cultivated.

🌌 Our episodes delve into spiritual perspectives that help harmonize internal conflicts, uncover painful traumas, and heal accompanying wounds. Each conversation offers practical insights into navigating the journey of personal evolution and spiritual fulfillment.

📢 Join Our Global Listener Community

Be part of our discussions that not only inspire but also challenge the conventional boundaries of psychotherapy and personal growth. I hope you will enjoy listening to these conversations as much as I enjoy having them. Subscribe, like, and share to join a community committed to profound personal change and collective well-being.

Much love, Kenneth

MORE ABOUT KENNETH SØRENSEN AND PSYCHOSYNTHESIS:

🔗 Discover everything by Kenneth Sørensen here (linktree): https://linktr.ee/psychosynthesis_selfmastery

🌐 Kenneth Sørensen Website: https://kennethsorensen.dk/en/

📺 Youtube channel: https://youtube.com/channel/UCmEs4zO-lW8iYVUORwufC9w

📖 Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/PSselfmastery/

🧘 7 Free Meditations: https://kennethsorensen.dk/en/get-my-seven-meditations/

🛒 Kenneth Sørensen - Webshop: https://kennethsorensen.dk/en/shop-en/

📚 FREE E-BOOK "SUBPERSONALITIES": https://kennethsorensen.dk/en/product/subpersonalities-a-collection-of-articles/

📘 FREE E-BOOK "PARAPSYCHOLOGY": https://kennethsorensen.dk/en/product/psychosynthesis-and-parapsychology/

📗 FREE E-BOOK "CONFLICTS, CRISES AND SYNTHESIS": https://kennethsorensen.dk/en/product/conflicts-crises-and-synthesis/

🎙️Check out my other podcast "LET'S TALK SELF MASTERY" for more on psychosynthesis and Roberto Assagioli

AstralJashn is an electronic music producer based in Bergen, Norway, creating tracks that shift between introspective stillness and immersive intensity. His sound blends influences from Minimal and Melodic Techno, Psy Trance, Progressive House, and Synthwave, shaped by both quiet moments and bursts of energy.

While many of his pieces are grounded in atmosphere and subtle evolution, they aren’t limited to calmness. Some tracks build with deep, hypnotic momentum, while others unfold into bold, climactic passages, like Fly Agaric, which grows into a vivid, almost hallucinatory peak. That sense of contrast is central to his approach: tension and release, restraint and power, reflection and propulsion.

AstralJashn draws inspiration from nature, memory, solitude, and movement, translating these into layered rhythms, shifting textures, and melodic elements that feel alive and evolving. His process often begins with a simple emotional idea or sonic fragment, then grows organically, allowing the track to find its own path.

Recent releases on SoundCloud like Dunes & Dust, Mi Mad, and Fly Agaric offer a glimpse into this evolving sound. Dunes & Dust is a teaser for an upcoming Minimal Techno album, built on focused rhythm and space. Mi Mad and Fly Agaric, part of an upcoming EP, explore more psychedelic and trance-driven terrain, blending collaboration with personal expression.

The Weekend University aims to make the best psychology lectures available to the general public.

To do this, we organise 'lecture days', on the last Sunday of each month, where you get a full day of talks from leading psychologists, university professors and authors.

This podcast features in-depth interviews with our speakers, so you can learn more about their work.

For more information, please see: http://theweekenduniversity.com

New tracks tagged #ConsciousnessExploration