S2-E05 | Prem Falling Off the Spiritual Cliff How to Cope When Your Awakening Turns into a Nightmare

The Crucible:Conversations for the Curious

Highlight

"I had an identity imposed upon me, one which I swallowed hook, line and sinker at the time. I was taught like we all are to identify with who I am by society standards, by external validations, basically. So I studied law, I became a barrister. I worked in the criminal justice system for over two decades, got married, had two wonderful boys, became an addictions therapist in between all of that somehow."

Summary

Prem shares her journey from successful barrister to spiritual seeker and coach. She discusses her unexpected spiritual awakening in Corfu and the subsequent "thud" she experienced when that connection was lost. Prem opens up about her struggles with societal expectations and her path to authenticity. She reveals the impact of her son's mental health challenges, including addiction and suicidal ideation, which led her to temporarily return to alcohol as a coping mechanism.
Throughout the conversation, Prem emphasises the importance of self-discovery, breaking free from external validations, and the ongoing nature of spiritual growth. She underscores the courage required to embrace one's true self as she builds a new future focused on helping others find their own paths to healing and connection.

About Prem
Website - https://www.21stsanctuaryretreats.co.uk
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/angela-jouanneau-851a3540/
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/21stsanctuaryretreats

Takeaways

• You are not alone in your struggles.
• Identity can be imposed by societal expectations.
• Spiritual awakening can lead to profound realisations.
• Coping mechanisms can sometimes lead to unhealthy choices.
• Letting go is essential for personal growth.
• Spirituality can provide guidance and clarity.
• The journey of self-discovery is ongoing.
• We are all connected to a greater energy.
• Life experiences shape our understanding of spirituality.
• Embracing the flow of life leads to fulfilment.

Sound Bites

• "You are not alone. You can get through this."
• "I had an identity imposed upon me."
• "I was almost floating."

Chapters

00:00 -Introduction and Background

19:01 - Navigating Societal Expectations and Finding Authenticity

22:58 - The Impact of Addiction and Mental Health on Personal Well-being

29:04 - Exploring Spirituality and Our Connection to the Universe

30:44 - Near-Death Experiences and the Veil of Forgetting

32:03 - The Importance of Self-Acceptance and Self-Love

33:27 - Introduction and Conditioning

34:05 - Being Present for Others' Journeys

34:23 - Recognising Signs and Paying Attention to Guidance

39:40 - Letting Go of Unhealthy Coping Mechanisms

42:46 - Building a Spiritual Coaching App and Center

49:05 - Following the Flow and Listening to Intuition