Show Notes
In this episode, I’m joined by Tom Davies — author of Self Obsession — for a profound exploration of why we suffer and how to stop. We unpack how our fixation on identity — career, relationships, even personality — traps us in anxiety, grief, and striving. Drawing from both Western psychology and Eastern spirituality, Tom offers a clear and compassionate path toward freedom: letting go of false identification and realising what we really are.
Key Themes Highlighted Self-Obsession & Identity: How our suffering arises from clinging to a sense of self that’s always under threat. The Trap of Identification: Why tying our worth to external roles or internal narratives makes us vulnerable. East Meets West: Blending psychology’s tools with spiritual insight for a more complete approach to healing. Tom’s Personal Story: From anxiety and burnout as a medic to insight and clarity through inquiry and presence. Meditation & Self-Inquiry: Practices that help dissolve the illusion of a separate, fixed self. Impermanence & Clinging: Why resisting change and chasing stability only deepens suffering. Beyond Self-Improvement: The trap of always trying to fix ourselves — and the freedom of radical acceptance. Non-Dual Awareness: Realising our essence as awareness itself — not a separate self, but Being.
If you want to work on living in presence with me book a 1:1 session here: https://calendly.com/simon-wgw/find-your-flow-intro-chat My YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@IAmSimonMundie
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THE SHIFT HAPPENS RETREAT WITH SIMON & ALEX (October 3rd in London): https://shift-happens-retreat.subscribepage.io/