About this episode
Mike Jenkins trained as an actor and has worked in theatres in London and around the UK. He later worked as a performing arts teacher and customer services trainer and now creates and manages websites to help people connect with their audience. He has written two stage plays, a growing collection of poetry, and has always been drawn to expressing his own perception and perspectives and exploring those of others, through the creative arts. Mike loves to talk, sing, walk, read, write, cook, eat, sleep, and to help others feel and know the deep joy, grace, and peace at the centre of all life. After many years of mental and emotional distress in his 20's and a diagnosis of cancer at the age of 29, Mike began an intense spiritual search that led him to teachings on nonduality that sparked a series of awakenings and set him on a journey to integrate those shifts into everyday life. Website: heartofpresence.co.uk Books: The Nonduality Diary: A journal of awakening happening The Escape Artist's Handbook: Re-discovering the simple joy of being Transcript of this interview Interview recorded 5/6/2017 YouTube Video Chapters: 00:00:00 - Introduction to Buddha at the Gas Pump 00:04:59 - Series of Awakenings 00:09:19 - Awakening and Dissolving of Concepts 00:13:54 - The Intense Longing 00:18:24 - Making Peace with Death 00:22:55 - The Freedom of Letting Go 00:26:54 - The Toll on Mental Health and the Path to Spirituality 00:30:37 - The Horrific Record of Organized Religion and the Catholic Church 00:34:29 - Sexuality and Understanding 00:38:07 - Dealing with personal issues through awakening 00:41:46 - Stereotypes and Misconceptions about Sexuality and Spirituality 00:45:29 - Stereotypes and Misconceptions about Being Gay in Society 00:49:01 - Redefining Gender Identity 00:52:46 - The Power of Imagination and Meeting Others in Absolute Reality 00:56:43 - Freedom from Labels in Identity 01:00:20 - Living a Life of Peace and Joy 01:04:07 - Experiencing the Essence 01:07:50 - Stories of Instant Awakening 01:11:15 - Finding Light in the Darkness 01:14:55 - The End of Feeling Unfulfilled 01:18:27 - Being in the World or Creating 01:21:58 - The Unfolding Layers of Truth 01:25:44 - Thoughts and Conclusion 01:29:22 - Less Investment in Thoughts and Opinions 01:32:55 - Awakening and Surrendering in Creativity 01:36:15 - Living in an Awakened Space 01:40:06 - Balancing Being and Action 01:43:32 - The Creative Capacity 01:47:10 - Divine Intelligence in the World 01:50:51 - A Conversation with Mike Jenkins 01:54:41 - Farewell and Gratitude Save Save