Navigating The Dark Night and Shifts In Identity With Neuroscientist Mona Sobhani
A conversation on transformation in perspective and identity coming from the field of Science
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One of the hardest parts about inner transformation work is shedding old identities.
Whether we know it or not, a part of us derives value in its perceived role in the world. This is why so often we’re reluctant to let go of our roles, labels, and self concepts even when a deeper part of us knows it’s time to move beyond them.
Today’s guest is a fascinating and inspiring example of expanding beyond an old identity to step into something deeper.
Mona Sobhani was a hard-charging neuroscientist who at one point looked at spirituality as a coping mechanism for people who couldn’t cut it in the real world.
Through an unforeseen series of direct experiences and deep exploration of the scientific evidence, she gradually transformed her worldview and began to embrace the ineffable mystery that is spiritual life.
Her book Proof of Spiritual Phenomena shares her experience as well as the mountain of scientific evidence that substantiates what many ancient wisdom teachings have been saying all along.
In this conversation, we talk a lot about the interplay of dogged scientism and spirituality. Some interesting talking points for me include:
Why much of the science community continues to overlook or turn away from the compelling evidence surrounding spiritual phenomena and their potential impacts on the human experience
How to skillfully navigate shifts in identity and transformational conflicts
Making it through a dark night of the soul
Finding your tribe as you make these changes
How Science and spirituality can exist harmoniously
In today’s world, it takes a lot of courage to share this part of your experience in contexts where these parts of life are usually put to the side.
I feel that big time in my own journey as I’ve increasingly started to share more about spirituality with my business community on LinkedIn. A friend recently messaged me that I was “f*cking crazy” for talking about some of the things I have been posting there. I think it’s crazy to walk around hiding the most meaningful part of my life from everyone around me.
I give Mona a lot of props for openly sharing her transformation story with the world and her community. When we take leadership by sharing more of ourselves, it creates space for others to do the same.
I hope her story can inspire you in your own journey.
Love and blessings,
-Scott
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Dude, great podcast. You seem to be on a very similar brainwave as myself. Certain things you say and how you react remind me...of me. As if from a similar consciousness. I appreciate what you do. Keep it up!
Damn it’s interesting but also so FRUSTRATING. Why dont you ask her first about what happened to her , what experience she had?! It’s like talking about the impact and consequences of visiting a country without even mentioning which one!