Uploaded December 2023 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
John Vervaeke and Vivian Dittmar discuss the integral yet overlooked role of emotions and affect in spirituality and the cultivation of wisdom. Vivian, with her diverse background that includes experiences in traditional cultures, Far Eastern philosophy, and shamanic traditions, outlines a framework differentiating physical sensations, biological instincts, social feelings, unprocessed emotions, and transcendent abilities. She emphasizes practices that help process difficult emotions to develop wisdom rather than escape into spiritual bypassing. John explores resonances with Greek philosophy's link between virtue, emotion, and reason. Their rich conversation hints at deep connections between rationality, wisdom, and spirituality, signaling more still to unpack.
Glossary of Terms
Transrational Wisdom: Beyond traditional rational thinking, incorporating intuitive and holistic understanding.
Conscious Release: A practice for processing and releasing emotional baggage.
Ecology of Practices: A framework for integrating various spiritual and mindfulness practices.
Vivian Dittmar
Website: viviandittmar.net/en
Facebook: facebook.com/AuthorVivianDittmar
John Vervaeke
Website: johnvervaeke.com
Patreon: patreon.com/johnvervaeke
Facebook: facebook.com/VervaekeJohn
X: twitter.com/vervaeke_john
YouTube: youtube.com/@johnvervaeke
Resources and References
The Vervaeke Foundation: vervaekefoundation.org
Be the Change Stiftung: be-the-change.de
Books, Articles, and Publications
The Emotional Backpack - Vivian Dittmar: viviandittmar.net/en/the-emotional-backpack-book
Your inner GPS - Vivian Dittmar: viviandittmar.net/en/your-inner-gps
How the West Really Lost God: A New Theory of Secularization - Mary Eberstadt: amazon.com/How-West-Really-Lost-Secularization/dp/1599474662
Emotion Focused Therapy: emotionfocusedtherapy.org
Quotes
"Discussing spirituality and rationality can bridge gaps in our understanding of emotions." - John Vervaeke
"Emotional baggage shapes our perception and rationality in profound ways." - Vivian Dittmar
Chapters with Timestamps
[00:00:00] Introduction
[00:01:41] Vivian’s Background and Early Insights
[00:11:01] Exploring Emotions and Rationality
[00:20:01] The Practice of Conscious Release
[00:30:01] Transrational Wisdom and Spiritual Practices
[00:40:01] Concluding Thoughts
Timestamped Highlights
[00:00:00] Introduction of the episode and guest, Vivian Dittmar, by John Vervaeke.
[00:17:00] Discussion on the confusion surrounding emotions and feelings in Western thought.
[00:21:11] Vivian introduces her concept of five different kinds of sensations.
[00:23:39] Discussion on the importance of addressing emotional baggage and integrating transpersonal wisdom for appropriate emotional responses and personal growth.
[00:28:52] Vivian talks about how becoming a mother influenced her spiritual practices.
[00:33:08] Addressing the concept of spiritual bypassing and the need for genuine transformative practices.
[00:37:01] Description of the conscious release practice and its significance in emotional processing.
[00:41:00] Discussing the importance of catharsis in self-realization and wisdom acquisition.
[00:43:59] John and Vivian explore the deeper aspects of suffering and inner peace.
[00:47:14] Delving into the relationship between rationality and spirituality.
[00:52:42] Vivian's final thoughts on embracing the darker aspects of our psyche for growth and wisdom.
[00:53:43] John reflects on the inward journey illuminated through the conversation.
[00:53:53] Conclusion of the episode with an invitation for further exploration in future discussions.
John Vervaeke and Vivian Dittmar discuss the integral yet overlooked role of emotions and affect in spirituality and the cultivation of wisdom. Vivian, with her diverse background that includes experiences in traditional cultures, Far Eastern philosophy, and shamanic traditions, outlines a framework differentiating physical sensations, biological instincts, social feelings, unprocessed emotions, and transcendent abilities. She emphasizes practices that help process difficult emotions to develop wisdom rather than escape into spiritual bypassing. John explores resonances with Greek philosophy's link between virtue, emotion, and reason. Their rich conversation hints at deep connections between rationality, wisdom, and spirituality, signaling more still to unpack.
Glossary of Terms
Transrational Wisdom: Beyond traditional rational thinking, incorporating intuitive and holistic understanding.
Conscious Release: A practice for processing and releasing emotional baggage.
Ecology of Practices: A framework for integrating various spiritual and mindfulness practices.
Vivian Dittmar
Website: viviandittmar.net/en
Facebook: facebook.com/AuthorVivianDittmar
John Vervaeke
Website: johnvervaeke.com
Patreon: patreon.com/johnvervaeke
Facebook: facebook.com/VervaekeJohn
X: twitter.com/vervaeke_john
YouTube: youtube.com/@johnvervaeke
Resources and References
The Vervaeke Foundation: vervaekefoundation.org
Be the Change Stiftung: be-the-change.de
Books, Articles, and Publications
The Emotional Backpack - Vivian Dittmar: viviandittmar.net/en/the-emotional-backpack-book
Your inner GPS - Vivian Dittmar: viviandittmar.net/en/your-inner-gps
How the West Really Lost God: A New Theory of Secularization - Mary Eberstadt: amazon.com/How-West-Really-Lost-Secularization/dp/1599474662
Emotion Focused Therapy: emotionfocusedtherapy.org
Quotes
"Discussing spirituality and rationality can bridge gaps in our understanding of emotions." - John Vervaeke
"Emotional baggage shapes our perception and rationality in profound ways." - Vivian Dittmar
Chapters with Timestamps
[00:00:00] Introduction
[00:01:41] Vivian’s Background and Early Insights
[00:11:01] Exploring Emotions and Rationality
[00:20:01] The Practice of Conscious Release
[00:30:01] Transrational Wisdom and Spiritual Practices
[00:40:01] Concluding Thoughts
Timestamped Highlights
[00:00:00] Introduction of the episode and guest, Vivian Dittmar, by John Vervaeke.
[00:17:00] Discussion on the confusion surrounding emotions and feelings in Western thought.
[00:21:11] Vivian introduces her concept of five different kinds of sensations.
[00:23:39] Discussion on the importance of addressing emotional baggage and integrating transpersonal wisdom for appropriate emotional responses and personal growth.
[00:28:52] Vivian talks about how becoming a mother influenced her spiritual practices.
[00:33:08] Addressing the concept of spiritual bypassing and the need for genuine transformative practices.
[00:37:01] Description of the conscious release practice and its significance in emotional processing.
[00:41:00] Discussing the importance of catharsis in self-realization and wisdom acquisition.
[00:43:59] John and Vivian explore the deeper aspects of suffering and inner peace.
[00:47:14] Delving into the relationship between rationality and spirituality.
[00:52:42] Vivian's final thoughts on embracing the darker aspects of our psyche for growth and wisdom.
[00:53:43] John reflects on the inward journey illuminated through the conversation.
[00:53:53] Conclusion of the episode with an invitation for further exploration in future discussions.
