You can also download this episode as an MP3. Or, stream it in the media player below.
In this episode I speak with Erick Godsey. Erick describes himself as a student of the psyche, myths, and dreams. He draws on cognitive, evolutionary, and Jungian psychology as well as mythology and dreams to approach the question of how to “be” in the world. Given his eclectic approach, I was naturally curious about his perspective.
Erick believes that life is essentially a story we are telling ourselves. He believes that each of us has an overarching story, or myth, that we are acting out in our lives (either consciously or unconsciously) and that in order to manifest our potential and live in the world effectively we need to:
Understand the kind of myth we are telling ourselves.
Become consciously engaged in the telling of that myth.
Learn how to adjust our myth in a way that is beneficial for us and also for the world.
In our conversation, we explore the scientific, psychological, and metaphysical significance of myths and stories. We touch on some of the ideas I’ve been thinking and writing about for the past six months or so, few of which I’ve shared publicly. It was one of my favorite conversations to date and it helped me clarify some of my own thoughts and ideas surrounding this topic. I hope you enjoy it.
I also highly recommend checking out his Instagram page, which has some of the most insightful captions I’ve ever read.
Topics & questions covered
How Erick became interested in mythology and the psyche
Erick’s experience with psychedelics
The importance of dreams
The significance of cultural myths
How our implicit metaphors shape the way we act
How to discover your personal myth
Depth psychology vs Cognitive Behavioral Therapy vs Logotherapy
The significance of The Hero’s Journey
The misconception most atheists (and modern religious people) have about religion
Erick’s myth
Notable quotes from Erick
Only visit the past when something there is keeping you from moving forward in the present.
I’ve realized that my ego and intellect are not the masters of my life. They are servants to my intuition.
Each of us has an inner myth that, if manifested, could help guide us and heal us. But we cannot arrive at this myth through the intellect.
I personally think that the way we can best help the problems in the world is to become what it is we’re meant to be.
Selected links & resources
Erick’s podcast
Carl Jung’s main ideas
Jordan Peterson’s Self-Authoring program
If you liked this episode, check out…
Ep. 13: Dr. Rubin Naiman - Rethinking Sleep and Dreams with Clinical Psychologist Rubin Naiman
Ep. 39: Psychologist Rebecca Ray On Dealing With Unworthiness, Fear, and Limiting Beliefs
What did you think?
Leave me a review on iTunes with your biggest takeaway (I read them all). Or, drop me a comment below. I appreciate your feedback!
Ruben Chavez is a writer, personal development educator, and host of The Think Grow Podcast. He has created a community of over 3 million readers across his collective platforms, including his popular Instagram page ThinkGrowProsper. Along with this blog, these platforms are his way of inspiring and connecting with thoughtful, creative, and ambitious people just like you.