This thought-provoking episode delves into the intriguing question: “Do we choose our parents, partners, jobs, and life experiences before we are born?” Our exploration begins by removing the blinders and stepping outside the proverbial box. As we climb higher, we gain new perspectives—some remain within their boxes, while others soar with wings made from their unique blend of experiences.

We discuss the interplay between individualized consciousness and pre-birth planning. One perspective involves memories of a guide assisting in shaping an individual’s path for growth and wisdom. But what about our own existence? How much agency did our soul have in orchestrating our life’s journey?

As we ponder these questions, we encounter moments of déjà vu—a glimpse into our future selves. Join us as we explore the intricate dance between choice, planning, and authenticity, inviting listeners to consider their vantage points and the tapestry of experiences shaping their lives.

This podcast is hosted by Jenn Shepherd and produced by Bolts of Love http://boltsoflove.com

I appreciate your support through commenting, liking, subscribing, and sharing. Thank you also to those who share a coffee via http://buymeacoffee.com/boltsoflove

Ep 15 Pre - Birth Choices And LIfe Experiences

Christian Sundberg talk at Unity in Edinboro 5/19/19 on "Letting Go."

2019 05 19 Christian Sundberg at Unity- Letting Go

Spiritual conversations often emphasize the importance of overcoming our resistance and accepting the world for what it is, exactly as it is. However, there are times when we don’t need to overcome our resistance, we need to fully inhabit our resistance. We can’t simply accept what is, we need to put ourselves on the line for what can and should be. 

How can we bring more mindfulness, skillfulness, and embodiment to our resistance, even while seeing everything as always-already perfect? And what is the role of violence in protest culture? Is some degree of violence necessary in order to create real social change? When is violence appropriate, when can it help your cause, and when can it only work against your cause?

These are not easy questions to answer. Which is why Ryan and I wanted to talk with our good friend Justin Miles about all this. Justin stands in an extraordinary confluence of spiritual, political, and cultural lineages — he is an avid Integralist, a practicing Shambhala Buddhist, an active member of the Black Panther Party, a local community leader, the founder of a Black Power Meditation group in Baltimore, and a prolific hip hop artist. All of these divergent and sometimes conflicting influences have given Justin a unique full-spectrum perspective on the #BLM protests we see erupting all across the country. Watch as Justin shares his own views on this new wave of social resistance and gives voice to the incredible pain, trauma, and frustration that black Americans have been living with for generations.

One important note — although we talk openly in this episode about the possible role(s) of violence in protest culture, in no way are we actually condoning violence. Attempting to understand violence — even asking whether some degree of violence might be necessary in order to overcome our social inertia and get the gears of social transformation moving — is very different from actually justifying violence. And of course there is a fairly wide spectrum of violence, from physical assault to property damage to resisting arrest to self-harm, not to mention the accumulated interior violence of discrimination, disenfranchisement, and dehumanization. All resistance is inherently violent, on some level — but how much violence is necessary in today’s resistance movements? This may very well be one of the best measures of just how functional and healthy a society is — how much violence is required in order to enact social change? — in which case, our hope is “as little as possible”.

Inhabit: Your Resistance

Jenn Shepherd is the Co-Founder of Bolts of Love, Spiritualist Minister and Spiritual Leader of Unity in Edinboro. At its core Bolts of Love is a message of sharing the ultimate reality of a universe grown and run through and with unconditional love. When we choose to cultivate that we recognize the Spirit in all.

Ep 15 Pre - Birth Choices And LIfe Experiences

Bolts Of Love

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