Spiritual leadership is a skill. You can think of it as the ability to create conditions that are conducive to the development of consciousness in others, using our intentions, speech and actions. No other skill is so important, yet we scarcely recognise it as a skill unto itself. The skill of spiritual leadership is not just for those in designated roles – it will make you a better parent, partner, friend, neighbour, manager, colleague, and overall contributor to society. It is an arcane...

Exploitative control dynamics exist at all levels in our culture - between individuals and across organisations. Everyone is affected by them whether or not they realise. So whether you've had an encounter with a narcissist, exploited at work or joined a group that turned out to be a cult, you are in the majority. But recognising it as such, overcoming it and leveraging the experience for growth - that is unusual. In this episode I discuss the exit and recovery process - whether from an...

The Five Phases of Codependency can help an individual understand where they are in an abusive relationship or exploitative cult, as well as gain insight into a previous situation. The model can be used to understand the challenges, risks and opportunities at each phase, and inform decision making on how to resolve the situation and integrate the experience. The idea is to provide a model based on what is happening in the mind, as opposed to what a narcissist/abuser is doing, to serve as a...

Mind control is a real phenomenon. Whilst some would like us to believe that “you” are completely in control of your own thoughts, speech and actions, the truth is more nuanced, and you won’t be surprised to know that it involves the unconscious mind. In this episode I discuss the various techniques of psychological manipulation, using Steven Hassan’s BITE Model as a guide. My hope is that by understanding the principles of mind control, that you can equip yourself to see it for what it is,...

Narcissism is not necessarily a judgement. It is an observable phenomenon. Our cultural aversion to being seen as judgemental is creating great challenges in our society, which are showing up in the form of pervasive narcissism and other normalised pathologies. In this episode I discuss the phenomenon of narcissism from a psychospiritual perspective. My hope is that by understanding the principles of narcissism, that you can equip yourself to see it for what it is, in whatever new and...

Most cults do not look like cults. Exploitative group dynamics are way more common in today's society than most people realise, and anyone can become involved in a cult. In fact, most people have, often without realising something is amiss. In this episode I discuss the phenomenon of exploitative cults from a psychospiritual perspective, so that you can best equip yourself to spot exploitative cults of all kinds. As part of this I discuss some key cult myths, my own experience of cults,...

In this episode I describe empathy from a psychospiritual perspective and discuss why true empathy is essential for spiritual growth. Most can agree on the importance of empathy, yet there is still quite some disagreement on what empathy actually is.  As part of this I explore the why true empathy doesn't always 'look like' empathy, why false empathy often does, the different ways empathy can show up, the Persona, what true empathy looks like and some red flags to be aware of when discerning...

In this episode I continue on the theme of - what is spirituality? I examine what modern psychology misses about spiritual growth, and why a ‘life practice’ that permeates all aspects of life is necessary to grow spiritually.  As part of this I explore: what is individuation and why it matters, Carl Jung and his contribution to psychology, the cornerstones of any spiritual practice, the multiple ways spiritual disinterest shows up in modern culture, and an introduction to The Seven Habits of...

In this episode I continue on the theme of - what is spirituality? I examine what religion misses about genuine spiritual growth and the role of the unconscious mind. As part of this I explore: the changing patterns of religiosity around the world, what value we can take from religion and how they can become a spiritual trap, how modern psychology helps, "participation mystique," ethical conduct, mental discipline and the importance of understanding the unconscious mind. This episode will...

In this first episode of the Make It Conscious podcast, I answer the question - what is spirituality? As part of this I explore: why spirituality matters, the difference between spirituality and religion, Carl Jung, the role of the unconscious mind, how spiritual disinterest is causing havoc in our society, Materialism and the alternative of Idealism. This episode will set the foundation for further discussion of psychospirituality and for sharing the techniques to help you develop your...