The Seekers Forum
The Seekers Forum
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Eros and Thanatos: Longing, Risk, and Letting Go
Human nature is shaped by two competing forces: the push toward life, abundance, cooperation, and creativity (Eros), and the magnetic pull of destruction, darkness, conflict, and entropy (Thanatos). In this talk for The Seekers Forum, Mark Matousek explores the fascinating tension between these two powers and how they play out in our lives. Why is the so-called “death instinct” an essential part of the seeker’s journey? When does the “life instinct” interfere with the process of self-realization? How do sexuality and love depend on both, and how can we bridge these opposing energies in meaningful relationships? Only by honoring both Eros and Thanatos is it possible to be fully, unashamedly human, and drop the futile attempt to run from our own shadows.
The Seekers Forum is an online community founded by author and teacher Mark Matousek, known for his Writing to Awaken method of self-inquiry as well as his two award-winning memoirs and other books. At The Seekers Forum, topics related to creativity, spiritual practice, and ethical well-being are explored through writing and discussion. Find out more at theseekersforum.com
Переглядів: 44

Відео

Magdalena Fosse on Polyamory
Переглядів 9021 день тому
In this interview for The Seekers Forum Mark Matousek explores polyamory with sex therapist Magdalena Fosse. The Seekers Forum is an online community founded by author and teacher Mark Matousek, known for his Writing to Awaken method of self-inquiry as well as his two award-winning memoirs and other books. At The Seekers Forum, topics related to creativity, spiritual practice, and ethical well-...
Sharon Salzberg: Moments of Enlightenment, Many Times
Переглядів 473 місяці тому
In this interview with Mark Matousek for The Seekers Forum, Sharon Salzberg describes bringing the mind back to awareness again and again as the way to navigate life in an enlightened way. About The Seekers Forum The Seekers Forum is an online community founded by author and teacher Mark Matousek, known for his Writing to Awaken method of self-inquiry as well as his two award-winning memoirs an...
Stabilizing the View, With Mark Matousek
Переглядів 583 місяці тому
Though we may know what is best for us, the human mind is characterized by the tendency to contradict its own best intentions, to split off from what it knows to be right, and to create conflicts where none exist. This self-sabotage makes progress difficult and can weaken a seeker’s resolve. What are the tools at our disposal for mastering balance in spiritual life? How can we end the ongoing b...
Embodying the Transcendent, With Andrew Harvey
Переглядів 1083 місяці тому
In this interview with Mark Matousek for The Seekers Forum, Andrew Harvey shares his remarkable encounter with the Dalai Lama, and his own advice on how to embody the transcendent. About The Seekers Forum The Seekers Forum is an online community founded by author and teacher Mark Matousek, known for his Writing to Awaken method of self-inquiry as well as his two award-winning memoirs and other ...
Take Off the Mask: Ending Imposter Syndrome
Переглядів 1653 місяці тому
Many of us move through life feeling less than authentic, semi-real, and secretly ashamed of what we are hiding. Trained to conform, we sacrifice originality, hiding our unique, unconventional selves beneath layers of whitewashed appearance. This leads to self-doubt and terror of exposure, as well as an unwillingness to drop our façades. But what happens when we take off the mask? Revealing to ...
Discernment in Choosing a Spiritual Teacher, With Polly Young-Eisendrath
Переглядів 313 місяці тому
About The Seekers Forum The Seekers Forum is an online community founded by author and teacher Mark Matousek, known for his Writing to Awaken method of self-inquiry as well as his two award-winning memoirs and other books. At The Seekers Forum, topics related to creativity, spiritual practice, and ethical well-being are explored through writing and discussion. Find out more at theseekersforum.c...
Eros and Awakening
Переглядів 3403 місяці тому
Spirituality is often confused with a make-believe quest to silence desire. Yet desire is the lifeblood of an awakened life; without it, we lose our hunger to grow beyond our own limitations. Curiosity, perseverance, and love - all forms of joie de vivre - depend on the muse of desire for cultivating purpose, conviction, and strength. But how do we locate our deepest desires? How do we overcome...
Byron Katie on The Work and How It Works
Переглядів 3133 місяці тому
"As long as the mind is at war with itself, we'll have war in the world," Byron Katie says in this interview for The Seekers Forum. What we think and believe is all the pain that we suffer. About The Seekers Forum The Seekers Forum is an online community founded by author and teacher Mark Matousek, known for his Writing to Awaken method of self-inquiry as well as his two award-winning memoirs a...
When You Awaken, the Natural Response Is a Buddha Laugh
Переглядів 1413 місяці тому
Sages tell us that when a person awakens - seeing reality and ourselves for what we truly are without distortion - the natural response is a Buddha laugh. As the great master, Ramana Maharshi, said, “What is on the day of laughter is also now.” Still, it is hard to imagine living life that way, with illuminated buoyancy and freedom. In this talk for The Seeker's Forum, Mark Matousek talks about...
The Art of Asking: Humility, Connection, and Freedom
Переглядів 963 місяці тому
Many of us have trouble expressing our needs and asking for what we want, yet the ability to be humble, and to reveal our most vulnerable selves, is a great liberation. When we learn to be open, simple, and honest - transcending pride and pretense - we make way for connection and intimacy with others. But how do we learn the art of asking? Where do we begin? The Seekers Forum is an online commu...
Humans Are Storytelling Apes
Переглядів 354 місяці тому
Human beings are homo narrans, the storytelling ape, the only animal in all of creation that survives by creating a conceptualized self, an “I” apart from the flesh and blood creature, to help it navigate through the world. To cope with mystery, we create story, and realizing that our stories are not us is a watershed moment in self-realization. How are we changed by this recognition? How do li...
V (Formerly Eve Ensler) on How We Create Our Lives With the Stories We Tell
Переглядів 434 місяці тому
In this interview for The Seekers Forum, V (formerly Eve Ensler), talks with Mark Matousek about storytelling. About The Seekers Forum The Seekers Forum is an online community founded by author and teacher Mark Matousek, known for his Writing to Awaken method of self-inquiry as well as his two award-winning memoirs and other books. At The Seekers Forum, topics related to creativity, spiritual p...
Self-Deception: The Universal Lie of the Mind
Переглядів 974 місяці тому
Philosophy centers on the love of truth, and the emancipating force of authenticity. In this talk for The Seekers Forum, Mark Matousek looks at the universal “lie of the mind” that prevents us from knowing the truth about who we are, and the central purpose of our existence. Till this core dishonesty is dispelled, we remain trapped in our mistaken identity, caught in the limiting stories, fears...
Richard Schwartz on Internal Family Systems
Переглядів 5144 місяці тому
In this interview for The Seekers Forum, Richard Schwartz, founder of Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy, outlines key concepts of the therapy and answers viewers' questions. About The Seekers Forum The Seekers Forum is an online community founded by author and teacher Mark Matousek, known for his Writing to Awaken method of self-inquiry as well as his two award-winning memoirs and other boo...
Negativity Bias: Why Humans Are Born to Say No
Переглядів 404 місяці тому
Negativity Bias: Why Humans Are Born to Say No
Life Lessons From Seymour Bernstein
Переглядів 714 місяці тому
Life Lessons From Seymour Bernstein
Venus and Mars: Why Women and Men Choose Differently
Переглядів 435 місяців тому
Venus and Mars: Why Women and Men Choose Differently
Heaven Is Here-but It's Hidden by Spells, With Mary O'Malley
Переглядів 1295 місяців тому
Heaven Is Here-but It's Hidden by Spells, With Mary O'Malley
Roshi Pat Enkyo O’Hara on the Earthiness of Spirituality
Переглядів 435 місяців тому
Roshi Pat Enkyo O’Hara on the Earthiness of Spirituality
The Virtue of Vice: Paradox and Desire in Everyday Life
Переглядів 515 місяців тому
The Virtue of Vice: Paradox and Desire in Everyday Life
Mirabai Starr Discusses Caravan of No Despair: A Memoir of Loss and Transformation
Переглядів 1255 місяців тому
Mirabai Starr Discusses Caravan of No Despair: A Memoir of Loss and Transformation
Who Am I? Meeting the Authentic Self
Переглядів 755 місяців тому
Who Am I? Meeting the Authentic Self
Elizabeth Lesser Discusses Marrow: A Love Story
Переглядів 2925 місяців тому
Elizabeth Lesser Discusses Marrow: A Love Story
Playing With Power: Authority, Competition, and Self-Respect
Переглядів 7815 місяців тому
Playing With Power: Authority, Competition, and Self-Respect
Rethinking Power, With Peter Buffett
Переглядів 405 місяців тому
Rethinking Power, With Peter Buffett
The Green-Eyed Monster of Envy
Переглядів 1075 місяців тому
The Green-Eyed Monster of Envy
In Praise of Self-Help
Переглядів 565 місяців тому
In Praise of Self-Help
The End Is the Beginning
Переглядів 865 місяців тому
The End Is the Beginning
Redefining Happiness, With Mark Matousek
Переглядів 766 місяців тому
Redefining Happiness, With Mark Matousek

КОМЕНТАРІ

  • @gordgor9172
    @gordgor9172 3 дні тому

    wow this is quite rare . just found this video and it has very little views yet its all very familiar , even the dark path thing to extend.

  • @nicholastippins3543
    @nicholastippins3543 16 днів тому

    Beautiful

  • @annevonaichinger2075
    @annevonaichinger2075 17 днів тому

    ❤🙏🏻❤ Thank you dear Sally.

  • @windrock
    @windrock 20 днів тому

    A beautiful moment Vale Sally kempton wisdoms Thank you Mark

  • @SylviabombsmithUjhy75bd34
    @SylviabombsmithUjhy75bd34 28 днів тому

    dem stories..... frank is filled with so many great stories and such great wisdom!!!! he utters it with every breath!

  • @KayteKay-f8b
    @KayteKay-f8b 28 днів тому

    Thanks very much to you both - great interview ❤❤❤

  • @DrPat-mx9nn
    @DrPat-mx9nn Місяць тому

    Deepest desire ❤ TY

  • @simonFellows-p3c
    @simonFellows-p3c Місяць тому

    Try Feldman-Barrett labs How Emotions are Made the secret life of the brain and Andy Clarks The Experience Machine how our minds predict and shape reality. All mammals predictively process, looking like all vertebrates too.

  • @Thelittle-kiwi
    @Thelittle-kiwi Місяць тому

    “Truth limits your choices” no truer word spoken. ❤

  • @karinazan
    @karinazan 2 місяці тому

    Thank you for this deep conversation ❤️‍🩹

  • @VennaSimons
    @VennaSimons 2 місяці тому

    Thank you so much ❤

  • @bille77
    @bille77 2 місяці тому

    Aaand... who's the wise old frump with the wig on...? 😂😂😂✨️❤️

  • @monicagraff
    @monicagraff 2 місяці тому

    An excellent and much-needed message for me. Thank you!

  • @SebDeSto
    @SebDeSto 3 місяці тому

    "Nothing is permanent": this is buddhist. Reincarnation goes against the teachings and can't be. All the Tibetan bullcrap was just meant to maintain the legitimity of the theocracy and tibetan elites. What's more, all science claims go against anything "surviving" after death or reincarnation, and none goes for. The only things in favor of reincarnation are just claims. One must consider they have only one shot to get free and shall not expect any other life to "try again".

  • @EarInn
    @EarInn 3 місяці тому

    I really like this talk. Some key points: Genuine confidence is focused on connection to our source. Confidence is not strictly personal (not based on ego-based belief in self, dependent on outside factors). Hence real confidence is always humble; it's connected to a power greater than you are. "Confidence" comes from the Latin meaning "with faith." This is why real confidence is based on an "internal locus of control" (Bandura). Stating these ideas in terms of human attachment and relationships, one might say that life requires you to trust your inner knowing (=God, the invisible) more than other people, including your family. And yet everyone is born into this world utterly dependent on the people around them. That is why we do need "why" questions as well as "how" questions -- to sort through the maze of relationships here in samsara (to navigate to an internal locus of control).

  • @lanararosen2928
    @lanararosen2928 3 місяці тому

    Beautiful

  • @roseparade_
    @roseparade_ 3 місяці тому

    Thank you for blessing us with this conversation! So thought-provoking

  • @evaseilitz6063
    @evaseilitz6063 3 місяці тому

    I love this - so revealing of the deep mystery of life! Thank You!!!

    • @evaseilitz6063
      @evaseilitz6063 3 місяці тому

      You´re such a great teacher of the Divine!!!

  • @SGH1111
    @SGH1111 3 місяці тому

    AMEN! To what Caroline says about Jesus, I talk about "Christ Consciousness" Jesus is our model.

  • @SGH1111
    @SGH1111 3 місяці тому

    Love listening to video's like this because as a holistic nurse, this is the way I speak to people. I say "We are Consciousness" and then go into my own spiel. So listening to video's like this helps me realize I'm not the only one that thinks like this.

  • @peacefulisland67
    @peacefulisland67 3 місяці тому

    The "fall" is, misapprehending my origins and orientation; redemption is indeed bringing me back to my natural state. I have become "dis-eased" and then am cured or corrected. Missing the mark is human; redemption is divine.

  • @n4dsn579
    @n4dsn579 3 місяці тому

    Cuties. Thanks for posting

  • @peacefulisland67
    @peacefulisland67 3 місяці тому

    People can "awaken" under any set of conditions. Actually, many if not most have their moment right when pushed to what they believe is their limit. And yes, also, my idea or version of humanity succeeding or "arriving" may have nothing to do with the ultimate conclusion. We know sitting in bliss is a wonderful sensation, but that's only because we have the opposite to compare it to. Once challenge is gone, a little bit of upheaval or chaos, how long before the average human being will become restless and unfulfilled?

  • @toriajustice605
    @toriajustice605 3 місяці тому

    🤍🙏🏻

  • @Godél-p4e
    @Godél-p4e 3 місяці тому

    ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤ love you from buddha

  • @andrewfrench6850
    @andrewfrench6850 3 місяці тому

    Good interview, largely due to the thoughtful questions!

  • @MaximilianoCambiasso
    @MaximilianoCambiasso 3 місяці тому

    Anyone knows where i can contact Dr Schwartz? I have some answers for the questions he have not finding yet like why the mind is multiple and why the Self knows how to heal. May be we, i mean all the community collaboration, can complete the best model of mental heath we have today

  • @evaseilitz6063
    @evaseilitz6063 4 місяці тому

    I love your reflections!😍🙏

  • @Honestly100
    @Honestly100 4 місяці тому

    🙏thank you

  • @unclebearsrodeo1997
    @unclebearsrodeo1997 4 місяці тому

    Of all the therapeutic modalities I've worked with, IFST has been the most effective for me. I highly encourage everyone to try it and keep with it for awhile.

  • @BeckCaesar-r8l
    @BeckCaesar-r8l 4 місяці тому

    Clark Larry Lopez Susan Lee Ronald

  • @loveofinquiry8067
    @loveofinquiry8067 4 місяці тому

  • @terjepedosk
    @terjepedosk 4 місяці тому

  • @ЕленаИванихина-я9э
    @ЕленаИванихина-я9э 4 місяці тому

    💬🤔💬💬💬

  • @forest2319
    @forest2319 5 місяців тому

    I thought this was an audiobook. I struggle with living and working and fighting off the foolish and ignorant energy. But I am learning to understand that I have to endure. Good talk... Well sought out. 👀

  • @evettekeller1231
    @evettekeller1231 5 місяців тому

    Thank u so much. I ❤ the way u teach

  • @bealreadyhappy
    @bealreadyhappy 5 місяців тому

    It’s all about one’s disposition. One’s body-mind disposition dictates results, even dictates karma and future destiny.

  • @WillyMouna
    @WillyMouna 5 місяців тому

    This is from when?

    • @happylifeSteph
      @happylifeSteph 3 місяці тому

      Further down he says it’s from 2020

  • @vanessaware1272
    @vanessaware1272 5 місяців тому

    Wonderful thanks! ❤

  • @firouz256
    @firouz256 5 місяців тому

    Madonna brought me here!

  • @paulwharton1850
    @paulwharton1850 5 місяців тому

    I think you asked some really, really great questions - Thank you for making & uploading this interview Sir.

  • @evegutwirth4163
    @evegutwirth4163 5 місяців тому

    Thanks!

  • @ronnyrithu
    @ronnyrithu 5 місяців тому

    Big fan of Natalie! Long time reader of her work.

  • @ioxka
    @ioxka 5 місяців тому

    WoW Thank you so much Rinpoche WoW🙏❤🙏

  • @naamamiller4694
    @naamamiller4694 5 місяців тому

    Caroline Myss…You Rock!!!❤️

  • @tonykwok9763
    @tonykwok9763 5 місяців тому

    LOVING WHAT IS.....😇

  • @dakinilover
    @dakinilover 5 місяців тому

    Beautiful talk. Thank you for reminding us all about our humanness. I remember that I was puzzled by the fact that Nisargadatta Maharaj was smoking tobacco. How is it possible for a realized master to be addicted to nicotine? When asked about it during his talks Maharaj said, that even after realization some conditioning remains. 🚬❤

  • @MysticJournaler
    @MysticJournaler 5 місяців тому

    🌻Wow! This is exactly what I needed when I needed it.. Thank you so very much, Mark. I am a student of a two of your courses, and I am delighted to have found this.. as supplement between them. Thank you for your generous heart, wisdom, and more. 🌻🌟☯️🙌🏾

  • @BobSmith-wi4dv
    @BobSmith-wi4dv 5 місяців тому

    You're wrong because Neolithic communities were unbelievably violent, and modern tribes are the same way

    • @AutisticVegan
      @AutisticVegan 5 місяців тому

      yeah "power" is liberal that's what liberals want

    • @bossmusic6969
      @bossmusic6969 4 місяці тому

      Violence won assimilated guile and subtrefuge science and maths. The war turned on hiding those abilities and focusing on being dwarven and digging too deep.

  • @a.n.4470
    @a.n.4470 5 місяців тому

    Hope one Day you will visit us!