Uploaded February 2025 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
Join John as he answers questions about his new course on The Lectern, Realizing the Imaginal!
See the course trailer here:
youtu.be/IciZ143SX28?si=0HJWYZEBUX009qaS
You can enrol for the course here:
lectern.teachable.com/p/rti
Course begins Feb 7th, Every Friday, 10AM EST
Join John as he answers questions about his new course on The Lectern, Realizing the Imaginal!
See the course trailer here:
youtu.be/IciZ143SX28?si=0HJWYZEBUX009qaS
You can enrol for the course here:
lectern.teachable.com/p/rti
Course begins Feb 7th, Every Friday, 10AM EST

![Exploring the Transrational: A Journey into the Realms of Consciousness with Vivian Dittmar
In their second dialogue on Voices with Vervaeke, John Vervaeke and Vivian Dittmar explore transrational thought, emotions, and transformative practices, embarking on a profound journey into human experience. Vivian introduces a map of five distinct sensations, illuminating the practice of conscious release for personal growth, emotional maturity, and integrating higher consciousness with shadow aspects. Their discussion delves into pre-rational, rational, and transrational modes of thought, emphasizing the importance of integrating various forms of thinking to navigate modern cognitive landscapes effectively. This intellectual and experiential exploration offers valuable perspectives on human consciousness, emotional work, and the potential of transrational thought to enrich our self-understanding and worldview.
Vivian Dittmar, a globally influenced author, speaker, and wisdom teacher, has dedicated two decades to enhancing holistic development. Her diverse upbringing inspired her to explore beyond conventional education, delving into various cultures wisdom. Through her books and the Be the Change Foundation, Dittmar seeks to redefine prosperity, focusing on emotional intelligence, ecological sustainability, social justice, and spiritual fulfillment, aiming to address the crises facing modern society.
Glossary of Terms
Transrational: Going beyond or surpassing human reason or the rational; nonverbal; nonlinear; abstract.
Pre-rational: Preceding the development of intelligence.
Rational: A state of consciousness characterized by logical, linear, and verbal thinking.
Conscious Release: A practice developed by Vivian Dittmar that fosters the integration of higher states of consciousness with shadow aspects.
John Vervaeke
Website: https://johnvervaeke.com/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@johnvervaeke
Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/johnvervaeke
X: https://twitter.com/vervaeke_john
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/VervaekeJohn/
Vivian Dittmar
Website: https://viviandittmar.com
YouTube: https://youtube.com/@viviandittmareng
Resources:
Join our new Patreon
https://www.patreon.com/johnvervaeke
The Vervaeke Foundation - https://vervaekefoundation.org/
Awaken to Meaning - https://awakentomeaning.com/
Voices with Veraeke: Exploring Emotions and Transrational Wisdom with Vivian Dittmar https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IQWLfOFe0lo
The Emotional Backpack: How to release unhealthy feelings - Vivian Dittmar https://viviandittmar.net/en/the-emotional-backpack-book/
Your Inner GPS: Find Clarity with the Five Ways of Thinking - Vivian Dittmar https://viviandittmar.net/en/your-inner-gps-book/
Workshop: “How Big Is Your Emotional Backpack?” https://signup.lebensweise.net/free-backpack-workshop
Online Course: “The Emotional Backpack” ► https://campus.lebensweise.net/o/the-emotional-backpack-online-course/
Rational Intuition: Philosophical Roots, Scientific Investigations - Lisa Osbeck, Barbara Held https://www.amazon.com/Rational-Intuition-Philosophical-Scientific-Investigations/dp/1316621219
Quotes
One of the things that became really clear to me is that the transrational by nature has a very difficult stance in todays world because it speaks to us in a way that is nonverbal, nonlinear, abstract. - Vivian Dittmar [00:16:00]
“The ancient world had a whole faculty and term for nous and noesis, and that was all lost with the loss of our Neoplatonic heritage. - John Vervaeke [00:16:18]
We have a transrational faculty that is also proactive, that is not receptive, and thats intention. It’s really challenging for people to understand in our cultural framework because we very quickly confuse intention with a goal. - Vivian Dittmar [00:57:43]
Chapters
[00:00:00] - Introduction and Overview of the Poly Crisis and Emotional Intelligence
[00:04:00] - Differentiating Sensations, Emotions, and Consciousness
[00:11:13] - Pre-rational, Rational, and Transrational Distinctions
[00:25:00] - Intuition, Inspiration, and Transrational Wisdom
[00:38:45] - Heart Intelligence
[00:47:50] - Reevaluating Rationality and Embracing Intuitive Integration for Decision-Making
[00:56:17] - Intention and Shaping Agency in Transrational Knowing
[01:03:40] - Bridging Phenomenology, Transrational, and Transpersonal Dialogues Exploring the Transrational: A Journey into the Realms of Consciousness with Vivian Dittmar](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/KSObTcQ6_Bg/mqdefault.jpg)

![Unveiling the Self: A Philosophical Journey | Philosophy of Meditation #2 with Pierre Grimes
In the second episode of the Philosophy of Meditation series, hosts John Vervaeke and Rick Repetti welcome Pierre Grimes, a profound figure in the world of philosophical counseling. This episode delves into Grimes journey, starting from his transformative experiences in WWII and leading up to his significant contributions in philosophical midwifery. Grimes shares insights from his encounter with divine illumination and explores the critical distinction between the light of being and the one in philosophy and Buddhism. The discussion also touches upon the integration of rational thought and spiritual practice, the concept of logos, and the transformative power of realizing the one within oneself. Listeners will gain an in-depth understanding of the interplay between Eastern and Western philosophical traditions, as well as the practical applications of these philosophies in personal growth and self-understanding. This episode offers a rich exploration of philosophical and meditative practices, providing invaluable insights for anyone seeking deeper self-knowledge and enlightenment.
Pierre Grimes, Ph.D., a distinguished philosopher and founder of the Noetic Society, has revolutionized the Socratic dialectic with his development of philosophical midwifery, a cornerstone of contemporary philosophical counseling. His influential work, particularly in the United States since the 1960s, is encapsulated in his book, Philosophical Midwifery. A board member of the American Philosophical Practitioners Association (APPA), Grimes has been pivotal in integrating Neoplatonism with Zen Buddhism, showcasing his mastery of Eastern and Western philosophies. His role as a Dharma teacher and successor in the Korean Chogye Buddhist order further illustrates his profound impact on philosophical counseling and spiritual development, contributing significantly to both personal and collective enlightenment.
Resources and References
John Vervaeke:
Website: https://johnvervaeke.com/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@johnvervaeke
Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/johnvervaeke
X: https://twitter.com/vervaeke_john
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/VervaekeJohn/
Rick Repetti:
Website: https://www.rickrepetti.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rickrepetti/
X: https://twitter.com/rickrepetti
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/philosophicalpractitioner/
Pierre Grimes:
Website: https://www.noeticsociety.org/
Join our new Patreon
https://www.patreon.com/johnvervaeke
The Vervaeke Foundation - https://vervaekefoundation.org/
Awaken to Meaning - https://awakentomeaning.com/
John Vervaeke YouTube
After Socrates
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZOwjmZx12gk&list=PLND1JCRq8Vuj6q5NP_fXjBzUT1p_qYSCC
Books, Articles, and Publications
Socrates and Jesus: A Dialogue in Heaven - Pierre Grimes https://www.amazon.com/Socrates-Jesus-Dialogue-Pierre-Grimes/dp/B0CP5ZQLSK
Philosophical Midwifery: A New Paradigm for Understanding Human Problems With Its Validation - Pierre Grimes, Regina L. Ulianan https://www.amazon.com/Philosophical-Midwifery-Paradigm-Understanding-Validation/dp/1667878352/
Routledge Handbook on the Philosophy of Meditation - Rick Repetti
https://www.amazon.com/Routledge-Handbook-Philosophy-Meditation-Repetti/dp/036764746X
Quotes
Real philosophy needs a language. Greek has the language. - Pierre Grimes
Every person is a problem, brings forth a problem. - Pierre Grimes
Philosophy can subsume within itself all religious traditions, spiritual systems. - Pierre Grimes
Our problem is that we have imported a philosophy that doesnt do us any good. - Pierre Grimes
Chapters with Timestamps
[00:00:00] Introduction and Guest Background
[00:03:07] Insights from Military Service and Education
[00:11:40] Pierres Spiritual Awakening and Exploration
[00:33:32] Integration of Eastern and Western Philosophical Traditions
[00:51:00] The Nature of Self and Enlightenment
[01:00:00]Philosophy as a Tool for Personal and Collective Transformation
[01:17:12] Concluding Thoughts Unveiling the Self: A Philosophical Journey | Philosophy of Meditation #2 with Pierre Grimes](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/LBID1be2BPk/mqdefault.jpg)

![Chronic Pain, Trust, and Ethics: A Conversation with Terri Dentry and Nate Kinch
In this episode of “Voices with Vervaeke,” Terri Dentry and Nate Kinch join host John Vervaeke to explore the intersection of chronic pain, dialog, reasoning, and socio-technology ethics. Drawing from Nates personal experience with chronic pain and his background in organizational design, the conversation delves into the challenges corporations face in exhibiting benevolence and integrity, the biopsychosocial nature of trust, and the importance of understanding ones perspective in navigating chronic pain journeys. The discussion also highlights the need for a shift in language and models to better understand and address chronic pain, as well as the potential of the 4E model in changing the conversation. With a focus on empowering individuals and fostering equal partnerships in dialogue, this episode encourages listeners to share their lived experiences and contribute to a transformative understanding of chronic pain.
Guest Bio and Links:
Terri Dentry is a distinguished PhD graduate in interprofessional practice, dedicated to bridging the gap between traditional medical practices and holistic wellness approaches. With a keen focus on patient empowerment and integrated health solutions, Terri advocates for a healthcare model that values dialogical reasoning and personal journey understanding, aiming to transform patient care into a collaborative, multidimensional experience.
Nathan Kinch, a sociotechnology ethicist, combines personal passion with a decade of experience in leading global transformations, focusing on ethics and trustworthiness within organizations. His work emphasizes aligning practices with core values and fostering environments of trust.
Listeners can learn more about:
Terri Dentry on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/terridentry/.
Nate Kinch at his website, http://www.trustworthyby.design/ on LinkedIn, https://www.linkedin.com/in/nathankinch/ and on his Substack, https://trustworthy.substack.com/
If you’d like to reach out to Terri to share your own personal story or thoughts, please feel free to email her at terri@thinkred.com.au.
Resources:
Join our new Patreon
https://www.patreon.com/johnvervaeke
The Vervaeke Foundation
https://vervaekefoundation.org/
Awaken to Meaning
https://awakentomeaning.com/
Voicecraft https://www.voicecraft.io/
Kinch, N. (2023, December). Whats trust got to do with it? The RSA. https://www.thersa.org/comment/2023/12/whats-trust-got-to-do-with-it
Kinch, N. (2023, October). Three reasons why AI ethics is struggling. The RSA. https://www.thersa.org/comment/2023/10/three-reasons-why-ai-ethics-is-struggling
Sull, D., Sull, C., & Chamberlain, A. (2020). When It Comes to Culture, Does Your Company Walk the Talk? ResearchGate. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/343179780_When_It_Comes_to_Culture_Does_Your_Company_Walk_the_Talk.
A Spirit of Trust: A Reading of Hegel’s Phenomenology - Robert B. Brandom https://www.amazon.com/Spirit-Trust-Reading-Hegels-Phenomenology/dp/0674976819
Quotes:
My work is defined as sociotechnology ethics. I examine the relationship between our values, various aspects of the civilizational stack, and how we design different technologies. This covers a wide range of areas, including machine learning, AI, synthetic biology, and medical and clinical contexts. - Nate Kinch [00:02:58]
Part of that journey is very personal, as people must look at how they view their own experiences. We want to help them see how others go through it and learn from their journeys. - Terri Dentry, [00:01:23]
Thinking of trust primarily as a psychological trait is to fundamentally misunderstand it. - John Vervaeke [00:16:57]
Glossary of Terms:
Biopsychosocial Model: An approach to healthcare that integrates biological, psychological, and social factors.
Chapters:
[00:00:00] - Overview and Introduction to Guests Terri Dentry and Nate Kinch
[00:04:20] - Navigating the Complex Terrain of Trust, Transformation, and Ethical Re-architecture in Modern Organizations
[00:34:40] - Bridging Dialogues: Empowerment and Understanding in Healthcare and Beyond
[00:48:41] - Nate’s Personal Journey of Healing and Discovery
[01:07:13] - Beyond Healing: Integrating Spirituality and Meaning
[01:18:00] - Concluding Thoughts: Wisdom, Healing, and Collective Insight
Connect with John:
Website: https://johnvervaeke.com/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@johnvervaeke
Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/johnvervaeke
X: https://twitter.com/vervaeke_john
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/VervaekeJohn/ Chronic Pain, Trust, and Ethics: A Conversation with Terri Dentry and Nate Kinch](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/Lzug-jtx1PA/mqdefault.jpg)




