"The Work" of Byron Katie is a method of inquiry that helps us get in touch with reality instead getting caught up in the stories in our mind. It is a powerful practice for improving our relationship to ourselves, others, and the world.
Sarah Climenhaga is a dedicated facilitator of The Work. She began her career as an environmental advocate in the nonprofit sector before later running for mayor of Toronto with a vision of a free, inclusive, and beautiful city. After the turmoil of the pandemic, she experienced firsthand how much pain came with fighting reality, and how acceptance of even the biggest challenges profoundly affected happiness and peace both for her and for those around her. That led to her decision to embark on a professional career to help others find freedom from suffering. She now guides clients through the practice of The Work in one-on-one sessions and workshops, both online and in person.
In this episode, we discuss:
-Living in reality versus believing the thoughts and stories that dominate our experience of the world.
-The similarities and differences between The Work and psychotherapeutic interventions such as CBT.
-Dealing with despair over the planet.
-How the world is a mirror of our thoughts.
-How The Work impacts our relationships.
-Why The Work is not a denial of what is happening in the world but helps us be more effective agents by "cleaning up" our own thoughts first.
-Sarah's question/practice around "what is getting in the way of being happy right now?"
-The inner conflict of whether we can be happy when the world is suffering.
-Sarah guides me through the practice of The Work (~45:00 in the episode).
Sarah Climenhaga's website: https://sarahclimenhaga.ca/
The Work of Byron Katie: https://thework.com/
Have comments or questions on this episode? An idea for a future guest? I'd love to hear what you liked, agreed/disagreed with, and what you'd like to hear more of. Comment or contact me through: matthewgoodmanphd.com
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