381. Marianne Williamson

Marianne Williamson is an internationally acclaimed spiritual author and lecturer. Marianne has been a popular guest on television programs such as Oprah, Larry King Live, Good Morning America, Charlie Rose & Bill Maher. Seven of her twelve published books have been New York Times Best Sellers. Four of these have been #1. The mega best seller A Return to Love is considered a must-read of The New Spirituality. A paragraph from that book, beginning “Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure…” is considered an anthem for a contemporary generation of seekers. Marianne is the founder of Sister Giant, an annual conference dedicated to forging a deeper conversation about what is happening in America today – and what we can do to change it. Speakers have included Senator Bernie Sanders, Thom Hartmann, Jean Houston, Robert Thurman, and many more. The event is livestreamed. Marianne’s other books include: The Law of Divine Compensation: On Work, Money, and Miracles Age of Miracles: Embracing the New Midlife Everyday Grace: Having Hope, Finding Forgiveness, and Making Miracles A Woman's Worth Illuminata: A Return to Prayer Healing the Soul of America: Reclaiming Our Voices as Spiritual Citizens A Course in Weight Loss: 21 Spiritual Lessons for Surrendering Your Weight Forever The Gift of Change: Spiritual Guidance for Living Your Best Life A Year of Miracles: Daily Devotions and Reflections Tears to Triumph: The Spiritual Journey from Suffering to Enlightenment Marianne is a native of Houston, Texas. In 1989, she founded Project Angel Food, a meals-on-wheels program that serves homebound people with AIDS in the Los Angeles area. To date, Project Angel Food has served over 10 million meals.  Marianne also co-founded the Peace Alliance. And she serves on the Board of Directors of the RESULTS organization, working to end the worst ravages of hunger and poverty throughout the world. Website: marianne.com Marianne gives weekly talks in New York City, based on A Course in Miracles … every Tuesday night at 7:30pm, at Marble Collegiate Church, Fifth Avenue and West 29th Street. The talks are Live Streamed and so are available to everyone, everywhere. Register at marianne.com. Transcript of this interview Interview recorded January 7, 2017 YouTube Video Chapters: 00:00:00 - Introduction to Buddha at the Gas Pump 00:02:59 - Marianne's View on Politics and Spirituality 00:05:50 - The Symbolic Three Days and Forty Years 00:08:30 - Addressing the Suffering of Other Sentient Beings 00:11:12 - The Path of the Heart 00:13:30 - Correlation of Spirituality with Politics 00:16:02 - The Mistake Hillary Made 00:18:42 - Navigating the Dark Night of the Soul 00:21:03 - The Spiritual Responsibility to Heal the Nation and the World 00:23:43 - The Need for Change and Persistence 00:26:13 - The Impact of the Healing Crisis 00:28:31 - Love and Leadership in the Spiritual Community 00:31:06 - The Power of Love and Political Activism 00:33:36 - Inner Work and Public Engagement 00:36:17 - Collaboration and the Great Resistance 00:38:44 - The Game of Economic Disparity 00:41:44 - The Desire for Entrepreneurship and Capitalism Among College Students 00:44:20 - Tapping into Our Inner Resource 00:46:51 - Emotional Discipline in Great Athletes 00:49:41 - Hope and Optimism in a Troubled World 00:52:06 - The Fall of Empires and Depletion of Resources 00:54:50 - The Possibility of Bernie Winning 00:57:24 - The Transition to an Enlightened Society 01:00:01 - Responding to Exxon and the Need for Action 01:02:49 - Psychotherapy's Failure to Provide Comfort and Inspiration 01:05:30 - The Desensitization to Suffering 01:07:59 - Connecting with Inner Happiness through Meditation 01:10:33 - The Power of Meditation and Eclectic Practices