Listener Feedback: Jonathan Crowley's Meditative Odyssey, An Intimate Exploration of Self-Discovery
The following listener feedback was shared by Preena Patel, regarding our recent podcast episode with Jonathan Crowley. If you would like to offer your own feedback to a podcast you heard, you may do so here.
“These revelations set the tone for an authentic and introspective discussion that resonates with anyone who’s undergone the transformative power of meditation. As I listened to the opening, I was immediately captivated.”
Are you on a quest for a podcast episode that transcends the ordinary, delving into the heart of mindfulness and spiritual transformation? Look no further than Joah and Jonathan's recent conversation, a compelling journey through their personal experiences with Vipassana meditation.
Unveiling Personal Epiphanies:
The episode opens with Joah reminiscing about the aftermath of his initial meditation course, confessing, "It had turned everything on its head that I thought I knew about who I was and what I wanted to be and exposing certain defilements and, liberation from those. And I remember, and I just didn't know how to integrate it, I was so confused as to how to put this into who I was and integrate it." Jonathan, adding to the candidness, reveals, "I'll turn back a little bit just to say what was happening to me before my first 10-day course… I was educated in an independent school in New York, and it was very high pressure. And it was sort of a conveyor belt school to Ivy League schools. And when I came out of that, I was really disillusioned. And probably because I didn't feel like I knew myself… I took a vow… I'll never put myself through that kind of educational experience!"
These revelations set the tone for an authentic and introspective discussion that resonates with anyone who's undergone the transformative power of meditation. As I listened to the opening, I was immediately captivated. Joah's sharing of his personal meditation journey drew me in with a sense of authenticity. His confession about the confusion and the struggle to integrate newfound insights resonates with me on a personal level, evoking memories of my own moments of introspection and self-discovery. Jonathan's addition to the narrative further deepens the connection as he unveils his disillusionment with the educational system. The contrasting paths they've taken set the stage for a compelling exploration of identity.
Ethics Woven into Spirituality:
What makes this conversation stand out is the exploration of ethics intertwined with spiritual practices. Joah reflects, "Ethical living had some bearing on the spiritual experience… I wouldn't say that I was living a hedonistic life at the time… because the intention was not fun, wasn't just to be young and have a crazy time, the intention with everything I was doing then was to learn more about myself and go deeper into myself and understand what the world was and how to have a fulfilling life. But I just didn't understand that ethical component and that was the thing that Theravada meditation, Theravada Buddhism, the Vipassana meditation, the Goenka discourse… that whole experience, turn the light on of what of where we're following ethics, is integrated and plays into the greater spiritual path. And that was something that, that sent me out on that. " Jonathan elaborates, "I was already on a healing path, looking at holistic health and addressing issues from my family of origin… I didn't want to go to a traditional university or college because I didn't want to live in dorms and that culture that I knew was a big part of it. So I was already taking a couple of years off, by the time I went on my first 10-day course… And it was in some ways a very simple monastic, but lay lifestyle, and I was living in a cabin without electricity, and running water, and I was just biking to work… it was also intensive for me, it was still really super hard. And I think that's why the questioning afterwards was like, okay, so what does this mean, where am I going?... What is the purpose of my life?… And then another three months later, I was living at the centre."
This part really touched me because Joah and Jonathan shared their own stories of figuring out who they are. Joah mentioned how he didn't quite grasp the importance of being ethical in his spiritual journey at first. Jonathan took a different path, choosing a simpler life away from the usual college scene. Their stories feel very real, and I can relate to their struggles and the deep questions they have about life. The mix of ethics, spirituality, and going against the norm makes their stories interesting and relatable.
A Deep Dive into Transformation:
As the conversation unfolds, Joah says, "Goenka Vipassana experience, what it does, to many people, certainly, to me, and it sounds like to you as well, is you go in thinking, I'm this kind of person, I believe in this kind of thing, I have this kind of value. And it just strips away those labels… For me, it started feeling like there is no label, it's removed all context and labelling… The initial experience, the shock of that, really strips away what one thinks one is. And in that silence, and then that technique, it sounds like these first two courses were kind of like all these other things in the world. But when you go and sit in serve living at the centre, you're becoming something new, not just touching and experiencing but becoming a part of this organization and technique. And it's becoming a part of you."
Jonathan mirroring the sentiment, reflects, "I was searching for pathways... considering various educational programs… not following a traditional four-year college route. I was following my heart and my sense of idealism… I was going to do sort of intensive theatre training… I chose to go to the centre, and live there for eight or nine months… I began a journey of, in those days to sit serving program, you would sit at a 10-day course, and then you would serve one or two, and then you would sit another 10-day course… back-to-back retreats from September to May, I began identifying myself as being a server… Managing courses in the kitchen and taking on course management responsibilities, I represented the tradition to folks who are newer… I was getting to know that world and that time certainly had a very deep conditioning and experience on me."
This segment of the conversation is truly fascinating. Joah's skilful probing encourages Jonathan to share the core of his journey, and Jonathan's admission of searching for pathways and identifying himself as a server adds a layer of depth to the narrative. Joah's reflection, echoing the sentiment, beautifully captures the transformative aspect of their experiences—how entering with preconceived notions peels away labels, leaving an indelible mark on one's identity. It conveys a powerful message about self-discovery and the profound impact of these journeys on shaping who they have become. This glimpse behind the curtain of the meditation centre unveils the responsibilities and internal shifts that occur when one immerses oneself in spiritual service.
In the Spirit of Compassion: A Plea for Support Amid Myanmar's Turmoil
As we conclude this profound journey into self-discovery and meditation with Joah and Jonathan, we are faced with a stark reality. The ongoing struggles in Myanmar, marked by political unrest and human rights violations, require our attention and support.
Joah, with utmost sincerity, expresses the discomfort of seeking donations, acknowledging it as an unavoidable yet necessary task. It's a plea to ensure that the platform bringing us stories from post-coup Myanmar can continue its vital mission.
If the insights shared in the episode resonated with you, consider the broader impact of supporting this work. Your generosity can contribute to a wide range of humanitarian and media missions, aiding communities affected by the military coup. Donations support causes like the Civil Disobedience movement, families of deceased victims, IDP camps, food for impoverished communities, and much more.
This call to action is not just about financial contributions; it's an invitation to join a collective mission for positive change. Visit the Insight Myanmar website or Better Burma's platform to learn more about ongoing projects and upcoming needs. Your support, whether in currency or other forms, directly impacts those in need and helps maintain the momentum of this critical work.
As we engage with the transformative narratives of Joah and Jonathan, let's extend our compassion beyond words and into tangible action. The uncomfortable act of asking for support becomes a shared responsibility, a gesture of solidarity with the people of Myanmar facing unprecedented challenges.
Whether through direct donations, purchasing handicrafts, or spreading awareness, each contribution adds to the resilience of communities affected by the military coup. Let's turn this uncomfortable task into a meaningful opportunity for positive change.
Thank you for your kind consideration and support. Together, we can be a beacon of hope in the face of adversity, fostering a brighter future for Myanmar and its resilient people.