<p dir="ltr">Our guest argues that looking back on those who came before us can help us understand who we are and why we do the things we do. Plus, a very special request from Dan.</p> <p dir="ltr"><a href="http://springwasham.com">Spring Washam</a> is a well-known teacher, author, and visionary leader based in Oakland, California. She is the author of <a href="https://www.hayhouse.com/a-fierce-heart">A Fierce Heart: Finding Strength, Courage and Wisdom in Any Moment</a> and her newest book, <a href="https://www.springwasham.com/the-spirit-of-harriet-tubman">The Spirit of Harriet Tubman: Awakening from the Underground</a>. Spring is considered a pioneer in bringing mindfulness-based meditation practices to diverse communities. She is one of the founding teachers at the <a href="https://eastbaymeditation.org/">East Bay Meditation Center</a>, located in downtown Oakland, CA and has practiced and studied Buddhist philosophy in both the Theravada and Tibetan schools of Buddhism since 1999.</p> <p dir="ltr">In this episode we talk about:</p> <ul> <li>How Spring came to write about Harriet Tubman's life</li> <li>Her work with plant medicine and the shamanic tradition</li> <li>The dream and the "conversations" Spring had with Tubman</li> <li>Why we are all so interested in ancestry</li> <li><span> How we can deepen our relationship with our ancestors</span></li> <li>Family Constellation Therapy as a modality for doing ancestry work</li> <li>Spring's own family history</li> <li>Why she is still processing the experience of writing her book about Harriet Tubman</li> <li>What she means by the "inner underground railroad" and how it is alive today</li> <li>And, how, in the inner underground railroad, freedom equates to nirvana </li> </ul> <p dir="ltr">Content Warning: mentions of suicide</p> <p dir="ltr">This episode originally aired in February 2023, and we're re-airing it today for two reasons: first, because it's awesome; and second, because Spring needs help. A few months ago, Spring was hit by a delivery truck while crossing the street in Atlanta. She suffered extensive injuries and has been largely unable to work since then. As a result, she's been experiencing some financial distress between her mounting medical bills and her inability to be fully employed. </p> <p dir="ltr">We've teamed up with the meditation teachers Jack Kornfield and Trudy Goodman to start a <a href="https://www.gofundme.com/f/support-spring-washams-healing-journey"> GoFundMe page</a> to help Spring raise a little bit of money. Jack, Trudy and Dan have all contributed. If you can make a contribution, please do. No amount is too small. </p> <p dir="ltr">You can find the GoFundMe here: <a href="https://www.gofundme.com/f/support-spring-washams-healing-journey">https://www.gofundme.com/f/support-spring-washams-healing-journey</a></p> <p><strong> </strong></p> <p dir="ltr">Related Episodes:</p> <ul> <li><a href="https://www.danharris.com/p/the-dharma-of-harriet-tubman-spring-f95?r=4o5o&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=false"> The Dharma of Harriet Tubman | Spring Washam</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.danharris.com/p/spring-washam-what-was-creating-all-4bf?r=4o5o&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=false"> Spring Washam, 'What Was Creating All This Suffering?'</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.danharris.com/p/everything-you-wanted-to-know-about-710?r=4o5o&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=false"> Everything You Wanted To Know About Meditation Retreats But Were Afraid To Ask | Spring Washam (And Dan's Close Friend, Zev Borow)</a></li> </ul> <p><strong> </strong></p> <p dir="ltr">Join Dan's online community <a href="http://www.danharris.com">here</a></p> <p dir="ltr">Follow Dan on social: <a href="https://bit.ly/3tGigG5">Instagram</a>, <a href="https://bit.ly/3FOA84J">TikTok</a></p> <p dir="ltr">Subscribe to our <a href="https://bit.ly/3FybRzD">YouTube Channel</a></p> <p><strong><br /> <br /></strong></p> <p dir="ltr">To advertise on the show, contact sales@advertisecast.com or visit <a href="https://advertising.libsyn.com/10HappierwithDanHarris">https://advertising.libsyn.com/10HappierwithDanHarris</a>.</p> <p> </p>
Actionable Insights
1. Commit to Spiritual Path for Freedom
Commit to a spiritual path, understanding the four noble truths (suffering, cause of suffering, letting go) and the Eightfold Path, to move from despair to freedom and empowerment. This journey requires effort, similar to the historical Underground Railroad.
2. Reckon with Ancestors
Take a deep look at your own ancestors and reckon with the people who came before you, as their actions can impact you negatively and in unseen ways. This helps address unexplained unhappiness and suffering.
3. Heal Ancestral Karmic Lineage
Work on your family tree to heal the karmic lineage by becoming conscious of ancestral programs and conditions, which can lead to greater happiness, joy, and a feeling of lightness. This involves understanding the causes and effects inherited from your lineage.
4. Build Relationships with Ancestors
Start a relationship with your ancestors by speaking to them, forgiving them, understanding them, and doing conscious healing work on their behalf. This acknowledges their continued presence and helps resolve their unresolved karma.
5. Utilize Therapeutic Modalities for Ancestors
Engage in ancestor work through modalities like Internal Family Systems (IFS) or family constellation therapy to dialogue with ancestral patterns and energies alive within you. This can open a doorway to the heart and foster compassion.
6. Practice Forgiveness in Lineage
Actively practice forgiveness towards ancestors, especially for past traumas or actions, to ‘put love in our lineage’ and promote healing for both the living and the departed.
7. Abolish Inner Suffering
Engage in ‘inner abolitionism’ by working to abolish the programs of greed, hatred, and delusion within yourself, thereby seeking to end personal suffering.
8. Stand Up to Injustice
Practice ‘outer abolitionism’ by standing up to injustice in society and refusing to participate in cruel or uncompassionate acts, embodying non-cooperation with greed, hatred, and delusion.
9. Verify Claims Through Experience
Do not take claims at face value; instead, check them out for yourself and verify them through your own experience. This approach is recommended by the Buddha for spiritual truths.
10. Practice Willing Suspension of Disbelief
Adopt the attitude of ‘willing suspension of disbelief,’ as recommended by Samuel Coleridge, to remain open-minded to claims that might initially seem unbelievable.
11. Practice Buddhist Meditation
Engage in Buddhist meditation practices, as they have been shown to make a significant difference in personal well-being and are supported by modern research.
Cultivate inner strength and courage by reflecting on the actions and resilience of inspiring figures like Harriet Tubman, using their example to motivate and overcome personal challenges.
13. Support Spring Washam’s Recovery
Contribute to the GoFundMe page set up for Spring Washam to help her with mounting medical bills and financial distress following a serious accident. A link is available in the show notes.