489. Miranda Macpherson, 2nd Interview

Miranda Macpherson began her spiritual journey at the age of thirteen when, amidst a period of clinical depression, she was spontaneously opened into a profound state of boundless love. That experience initiated a lifelong dedication to spiritual practice, psychological depth, and the study of the world’s wisdom traditions. Her travels took her from her native Australia to the United Kingdom, where after completing seminary training, she founded the OneSpirit Interfaith Foundation in London, at the request of her teacher. Over the next decade, Miranda trained and ordained more than six hundred interfaith ministers and spiritual counselors. In 2005, a seismic shift occurred that changed the course of Miranda’s life. While meditating in a cave in India that was once home to the revered sage Sri Ramana Maharshi, she experienced a direct transmission of the true nature of reality that required total surrender. In the wake of this, Miranda found herself again moving to a new continent, this time the United States. There, in the years it took to integrate this opening, a body of teachings on Grace and Ego Relaxation began to emerge that brings ancient wisdom alive for our changing times. Today, Miranda is known for her depth of presence and gift for guiding others into direct experience of the sacred. Miranda leads the Living Grace sangha in Marin and Sonoma counties, holds retreats internationally, and offers online programs through the Shift Network. Unapologetically feminine, joyful, and down to earth in her way of being, Miranda is dedicated to loving people all the way back into the freedom and wholeness of their true nature. She lives in the San Francisco Bay Area with her husband Bob Duchmann. Books: The Way of Grace - The Transforming Power of Ego Relaxation (Book) Boundless Love: Transforming Your Life with Grace and Inspiration CDs: The Way of Grace - The Transforming Power of Ego Relaxation (CD or audio download) Meditations on Boundless Love 'The Heart of Being' - Mantra CD 'Awakening the Soul' - Meditation CD Website: http://mirandamacpherson.com First BatGap interview with Miranda. Miranda in SAND Panel Discussion on Sexual Misconduct, Money, Power, Trauma & Ethics in Spiritual Communities Discussion of this interview in the BatGap Community Facebook Group. Summary and transcript of this interview Interview recorded February 4, 2019 YouTube Video Chapters: 00:00:00 - Introduction to Buddha at the Gas Pump 00:03:57 - The Relevance of Ancient Wisdom 00:07:52 - Ego Relaxation and the Sense of Time 00:11:39 - Introduction and Bio of Miranda Macpherson 00:15:25 - Awakening to the Fullness of Being 00:19:37 - The Infinite Ways of Realization 00:23:28 - The Window Panes of Ultimate Reality 00:27:11 - Healing and Transformation through Grace 00:31:19 - The Sweet State of Ego Relaxation 00:35:24 - Living in Alignment with Grace 00:39:38 - The Blessings of Grace 00:43:32 - Opening ourselves to beings of higher consciousness 00:47:27 - Perpetual Ascension and Spiritual Ego 00:51:23 - The Paradox of Spiritual Practice 00:55:04 - Cultivating Virtues: Trust and Humility 01:00:00 - The Fulfillment of Life and the Richness of Life 01:03:08 - Surrender and Accountability 01:06:54 - The Challenge of Surrender and Relaxation 01:10:57 - Surrendering to the Way 01:14:57 - Moving with Life 01:18:38 - Finding Stability in Uncertain Times 01:22:12 - Placing Faith in Humanity 01:26:13 - Relaxing into Truth 01:30:05 - The Partnership between Horse and Man 01:33:59 - The Healing Power of Forgiveness 01:38:02 - Right Action from Being 01:41:44 - The Paradox of Ego and Passivity 01:45:46 - Recognizing and Befriending Our Primal Drives 01:49:38 - Practical Meditation Techniques and Practices 01:53:07 - Resources and Online Courses 01:56:42 - Music Intro