On July 21, 2022, Optimization Coach and Kundalini Yoga Teacher Kara Bitar and I spoke about Kara’s journey from high powered lawyer to ill health to healing to teaching and coaching:
I hold a J.D. from Duke University School of Law and practiced high-stakes corporate litigation at one of the largest law firms in the Southeast. I planned my whole life to be an attorney. I graduated summa cum laude from Siena College. I went to Duke University School of Law on an academic scholarship and then was recruited by and did accept a job offer at one of the largest law firms in the southeast. I had success at the firm, I was respected by my colleagues, I was on partnership track. I had everything I thought I wanted, everything I planned and worked so hard for – money, success, the beautiful home. Despite my success, I was unhappy. It was the hardest decision I ever made, but I eventually left the firm and left behind everything I had worked so hard for. I did not have a plan as to what my future would hold, but I wanted answers. Did success have to come at a price? Was living in states of depletion, stress and overwhelm just normal? Did we have to watch our bodies deteriorate? Was joy something that we experienced only in moments here and there? I took me a number of years, a lot of research and experimentation, and many dark moments. But I eventually found what I was looking for and transformed my life and I now help others do the same. I do this through Optimization Coaching, Programs I developed, and Kundalini Yoga.
I could have returned to the practice of law, but I now that I know we can live lives where we revel in ourselves and our own creativity, lives of fulfillment and joy – I have made it my mission to share how to do this with others.
As a former litigator I am well spoken and I am passionate about what I now do, which comes across in interviews. Some of the things I can share with listeners: my story; how one can live an Optimized Life, a life where one is fulfilled, abundant, and healthy, even in this high-pressure fast-paced experience; the benefits of Kundalini Yoga and how this practice can fit into even the busiest of lifestyles; and how everyone has their own unique gifts and talents and how when one knows these and utilizes these one can live in states of energy and abundance.
We also speak to:
the quest for finding answers about the possibility of feeling and experiencing life and self differently
feelings of guilt, failure and doubt
particulars of Kara’s early healing journey including much study and many modalities and irony of feeling worse
Kundalini yoga
I ask what is the kundalini snake and what do we do with it?
the immediate transformation of Kundalini yoga:
especially in relational areas of life
increased energy (for living), inspiration, worthiness, clarity of mind
some of the mystery of the subtle energetic realms and science of how Kundalini yoga works
insights on what did and didn’t work via retrospect and why
[correction on video version: Abhidhamma hasn’t been around for thousands and thousands of years, Wikipedia says from 3rd Century BCE]
what Kundalini yoga is including breath work, asana, sound currents, mantra, hand and eye positions, relaxation and meditation, kriyas to work on multiple levels including, emotional, energetic, mental, psychological, etc.
Optimization
Kara’s optimization programs in order to have such a different experience than states of overwhelm, monotony, grind, dis-ease, fear, worry and unworthiness by learning who you are and how to function
identifying, awakening and fostering unique gifts, talents, abundance, energy, thriving, the inner teacher/internal guidance
how to tame and direct the mind to serve us not the other way around
This podcast anonymously presents two simple questions I put to various folks, “what is light and how do you know?” The main content is all unedited except for the last response which I include the outtakes of on this/the blog post. There’s also audio snippets I didn’t record but grabbed from public sources. One other response I got (from a youngster) was something along the lines of, “light helps me see. [I know because] my eyes don’t fail me.”
Pretty much all considering joining this already know they’d like to gossip less so let’s dig into some teachings to really drive home the importance of quashing our gossip as we interactively share questions, feedback, contemplate, reflect and explore solutions
Not full of cr*p. For those (interested in) practicing the Four Sublime Abidings of loving-kindness, compassion, vicarious joy/rejoicing & equanimity join this Mettāsahagata Sutta (SN 46.54) sharing where we penetrate into even higher release by examining various modes of repugnance & lack thereof
Not so much specifics on how to directly discern deception but looking at the importance of doing so then going deeper and broader than the surface manifestations of deception along with a blast of categories and techniques to illustrate ubiquity while providing reference points for further study
[9/12/2022 UPDATE: After three attempts I’ve received zero response from Andrew’s team for scheduling another chat. If you guys found this valuable, continue to chime in in the comments to say so and say what you’re interested in please. In one of the attempts I proposed walking around and showing downtown St Louis while doing a live read on the energies, histories, etc. I’m open to most anything to aid and assist the highest good of the many]
June 9, 2026 Update on the guidestones video:
Another vast mix of topics with the Galactic Historian Andrew Bartzis recorded 7/27/22 this time without show notes, at least for now, to release the show quicker and maybe give the prediction algos a run for their money
This grab bag of higher level, non-mundane perceptional phenomena include: central suns, Maldek, Blue flames, temples, subsurface facilities, future earth, atmospheric modifications, star gates, parasites, etc. plus more worldly topics like what science gets right, community evaluation and advice, the Georgia Guidestones, tomatoes, and how to honor indigenous people
Also, now that it’s gone can any and all written and verbal contracts, vows and agreements public and private involving the GA Guidestones be released and verified? Why (not)? And can complete and full duration of raw unedited video of the time capsule dig be released? Why (not)?
Could there be something weirder like a false flag psyop to foment more ideological warfare? Could those who are glad for the bombing give the allowance to those who put up the GA guidestones to retaliate a la "Oh, you support blowing up our vision? Then we can destroy yours"?
On July 6 musician and healer Mark Romero played guitar a couple of times one for opening to higher levels of mastery, magnificence, remembering and unlimited potential and the other for grounding. We also talked about:
Mark’s abandoning being a money making machine
Starting music privately in high school
NASA’s discovery — via Dr Ronald Jones — of the healing tones in Mark’s music
Learning from scientists about how environmental toxins like wi-fi, 5G, chemicals in air, food, and water impact our health, energy and consciousness
The visible and measurable effects Mark’s music has on (specific) audience members
His music tunes and harmonizes bio-field/aura and environment
Being afraid of our power
Results of being muscle tested with and without Mark’s CD on his body
Power of intent
Our own limiting beliefs being the most powerful energy disrupter and how certain music with intent can override this
Testing of Mark’s wi-fi router energy work to help with health
How music can (bypass the left brain and) activate the right brain
the vibrational universe
mirroring effect of energy field
the higher effectiveness of internal change over external change
Mark’s musical channeling and creational processes
Story about the profound impact a musical piece on forgiveness had on a woman’s life
Mark’s upcoming edited six week course Healing Your Life At The Speed Of Sound
The futility of achieving significant lasting change with the political process
A last note not on the podcast: I would love to see our collective consciousness level reach a point where we are no longer creating detrimental technology and poisoning our environments
On July 8th, 2022, Rich Lewis and I talked mostly about the Centering Prayer.
While appearing a tad over-smiley it was a great reminder of actually what a joy it is to have plenty of differences yet the mutual interest and time spent on the commonality of inner practice allows honor and respect to flow so effortlessly.
Despite an ambulance, trash truck and airplanes this still very listenable podcast recorded July 14th joins an in real life caffeinated conversation already underway between David Hults and I about a wide variety of topics including:
nature
environment
fear
destruction
separation
unity
negativity bias
stewardship
self-responsibility
power
trauma
pain
four great elements (in the body)
aether
sacred geometry
architecture
Buckminster Fuller
fourth phase of water
expanding water to move it
photonic nature of light
(the rapidly arising and passing) ultimate materiality
urging science to use concentration and consciousness (in double blind experiments) in addition to instruments
quantum (everything)
time crystals
two truths
the requirement of seeing and knowing truth / reality for oneself
comparing and contrasting perception and “this is my truth”
Question What some say is the truth, Others say is false. So they argue, disagreeing; Why don’t the ascetics teach one truth?
Buddha Indeed the truth is one, there’s not another, about this the One who Knows does not dispute with another, but the Samaṇas proclaim their varied “truths” and so they speak not in the same way.
Why do they speak such varied truths, these so-called experts disputatious— Are there really many and various truths Or do they just rehearse their logic?
Buddha Indeed, there are not many and varied truths differing from perception of the ever-true in the world; but they work upon their views with logic: “Truth! Falsehood!” So they speak in dualities.
Based on what is seen, heard, On precepts and vows, or what is cognized, They look down on others. Convinced of their own theories, pleased with themselves, They say, “My opponent is a fool, no expert.”
They consider themselves expert for the same reasons That they despise their opponent as a fool. Calling themselves experts, they despise the other, Yet they speak the very same way.
And since perfected in some extreme view, puffed with pride and maddened by conceit, he anoints himself as though the master-mind, likewise thinking his view’s perfected too.
If their opponent says they are deficient, They too are of deficient understanding. But if they are wise and knowledgeable, Then there are no fools among the ascetics.
“Anyone who teaches a doctrine other than this, Has fallen short of purity and perfection.” This is what followers of other paths say, Passionately defending their very different views.
“Here alone is purity,” so they say, “There is no purity in the teachings of others.” This is what followers of other paths strongly assert, Each entrenched in their own different path.
Strongly asserting their own path, What opponent would they take to be a fool? They would only bring trouble on themselves By calling an opponent a fool of impure teachings.
Convinced of their own theories, Comparing others to oneself, They get into more disputes with the world. But by leaving behind all theories, They don’t have any problems with the world.
Despite dropping the recording device, airplanes, an ambulance and trash truck, the recording is still very listenable
identifying current communities and envisioning and planning ideal communities for ourselves, those closest to us, on up to larger levels while respecting each other’s sovereignty and those choosing segregation while allowing equal opportunity to do so and still maintain interconnectedness
trust
faith
risk management
voluntary contributions based on skill sets
allotting more money to community than war
non-aggression principle
non-harm
David’s withdraw from signing up for military
military industrial complex and intel tactics
trying to find non-violent media
black ops
black budgets
accusations of making stuff up based on movies
pentagon and intel agencies consulting on movies
environmental, societal, psychological, energetic impact of de-littering spaces
communication as life fulfillment instead of a chore
how would your life change if you became an exceptional communicator?
*for me, as of now, the answer seems to be: more effectiveness in all areas of life which is a reminder of the power of speech and how important it is for speech to come from wise, skillful and wholesome views and intents*
the most profound thing we’ll ever do is speak with another human being
non-verbal communication
“it’s not about what you’re doing it’s all about how you’re being with other people”
tips for podcasters:
a daily five minute practice question drill for guests to be proactive instead of reactive by asking yourself one question someone may ask about your expertise
for hosts the pre-show is the show — creating the environment. “How can I make this the best interview you’ve ever had in your life?”
hearing one’s voice played back to them
unlearning:
communication as a chore and it being mandatory in school
appointed topics in school and not being allowed to present much on things of interest
presentations being tied to punishment
make a list of top five people who support you (and send them a short thank you video message)
regaining interest in learning
a tiktok about Tylor Swift mentioning the future woman of the year and subsequent youngest woman of the year Billie Eilish matching Swift’s mention then extrapolated to the next (unknown) Elon Musk spurring Brenden’s inspiration to become the best communications coach to unlock the genius in all to advance the human race at lightning speed
service work
becoming soft by becoming addicted to convenience (of texting) and not wanting to challenge ourselves
dating culture reflecting this and how it can lead to stifling advancement and fulfillment
great communication deescalates or abolishes arguments
mindfulness of speaking:
Buddha:
true
kind
helpful
right time
necessary
Brenden:
reframe of empathy as communicating not to who we are but to who we used to be
since many listeners are wondering if they can even be great communicators Brenden skips advanced tips to focus on inspiration
using mirroring and energetic adaptation to add ease to interaction and serve audience
creating relationship vision to create willingness to be mindful
contemplating what ideal relationships look like by sitting down and exploring questions around this to inner/over/understand perspectives
focusing on one’s response in challenging situation instead of unconsciously matching another’s energy
instead of sidestepping as a cute question spend five to fifteen minutes answering the question: How would (the world and/or) your life change if you were an exceptional communicator?
While I reference some non-Buddhist material most everything in the notes and podcasts for this series on The Iddhipāda-Vibhaṅga Sutta are solely my effort to relate considerations, questions, experiences, explorations, suggestions, interpretations and practices involved and associated with this sutta.
This series comes via seven categories/blog posts/podcasts:
In more detail, the four Iddhipāda — sometimes translated as bases of psychic power, basis of psychic power, bases of power, base of spiritual power, wings to success, paths of accomplishment, accomplishments, or roads to power — are:
chanda: desire; enthusiasm; purpose; wish
viriya: persistence; determination energy; effort; will
vīmaṃsā: investigation; inquiry; discernment; discrimination; reason; interest; intelligent curiosity; [(perhaps a new contribution, or for chanda:) balanced and helpful enthrallment, fascination]; feedback and fine tuning, adjustment; learn from doing; circumspection
Along with aiding our even mundane accomplishments and mastery, perhaps the Iddhipāda play a significant role in approaching will — the way one decides on and initiates action — and at the core of The Iddhipāda-Vibhaṅga Sutta is an analysis of will along with instructions for its training, development, and use.
Perceptions of Night, Daytime and Light
nemo malux felix — “The treacherous can not withstand the daylight”
The first two portions of this podcast are without notes. [There I mention all actions involve intent. I guess some exceptions in the mundane sense could be instincts and “temporary insanity”.]
The last part of the podcast references my notes, mainly regarding the following portion of the “The Iddhipāda-Vibhaṅga Sutta — An Analysis Of The Bases Of Power”:
“And how does a monk dwell by night as by day, and by day as by night? There is the case where a monk at night develops the base of power endowed with concentration founded on desire & the fabrications of exertion by means of the same modes [permutations] & signs & themes that he uses by day, and by day he develops the base of power endowed with concentration founded on desire & the fabrications of exertion by means of the same modes & signs & themes that he uses by night. This is how a monk dwells by night as by day, and by day as by night.
“And how does a monk—by means of an awareness open & unhampered—develop a brightened mind? There is the case where a monk has the perception of light, the perception of daytime [at any hour of the day] well in hand & well-established. This is how a monk—by means of an awareness open & unhampered—develops a brightened mind.
[The above discussion is then repeated for persistence, intent, & discrimination.]
or translated:
“And how does a mendicant meditate as by day, so by night; as by night, so by day? It’s when a mendicant develops the basis of psychic power that has immersion due to enthusiasm and active effort, with the same features, attributes, and signs by day as by night. And they develop it with the same features, attributes, and signs by night as by day. That’s how a mendicant meditates as by day, so by night; as by night, so by day.
And how, with an open and unenveloped heart, does a mendicant develop a mind that’s full of radiance? It’s when a mendicant has properly grasped the perception of light, and has properly grasped the perception of day. That’s how, with an open and unenveloped heart, a mendicant develops a mind that’s full of radiance.”
[above portion repeated three more times, but swapping out “enthusiasm” for “energy,” then swapping out for “mental development,” and finally for “inquiry”]
I practiced with the former translation which contains more specific detail than the latter.
Three groups of bigger and primary questions:
Why these instructions? See later parts in this series for my speculation
How exactly does one meditate as by day, so by night; as by night, so by day to develop “the basis of psychic power that has immersion due to enthusiasm and active effort, energy and active effort, mental development and active effort, and inquiry and active effort”? or the translation desire & the fabrications of exertion; persistence & the fabrications of exertion; intent & the fabrications of exertion; & discrimination & the fabrications of exertion. BTW, if you haven’t noticed, the Buddha was big on exertion and effort.
For contemplation and meditation: What are the various (relative) perception(s)(, processes and dynamics) of: day; night; night and day; day and night; light; darkness; varying degrees and amounts of light and darkness together; (and how about the uncommon perceptions of daytime during night; nighttime during the day; light when dark; and darkness when light)? How about more metaphorical perceptions for light such as awakening, knowledge, realization, benevolence, vision, illumination and for darkness such as ignorance?
How do we discern and detect day (and night) (in the body)?
Some examples of modes [permutations], signs, themes, features, and attributes for day:
sunlight
activity, energy
(mass) movement
sounds of birds
warmth
depending on season and location, elements of earth (physical objects) and air (movement) may be more prevalent during the day
numerous, albeit superficial connections amongst fellow human beings
Some examples of modes [permutations], signs, themes, features, and attributes for night:
protection
rest
comfort
sleep
stillness
sounds of insects and night creatures
depending on season and location, elements of fire (warmth/coolness) and water (bathroom at night and more challenging to find) may be more prevalent at night
fewer, but deeper, more intimate connections
Night — Milwaukee, 2020Day — Seattle, 2019Light — (Chem/)Sun dogs & Moon dog
How do we connect with perceptions? Perhaps via contact, feeling or sensing, and active thought.
To what significant extent are consciousness and energy involved with this? How are they involved?
Light’s role in the snake/stick perception/misperception
Holding in awareness (one or various) perceptions of light and day during night and (one or various) perceptions of night during day as meditation objects for these two time periods.
Stark, and sometimes intense, exploration in/of polarity
Can there be jhanas with/using: “by day he develops the base of power endowed with concentration founded on desire & the fabrications of exertion by means of the same modes & signs & themes that he uses by night” or “immersion due to enthusiasm, and active effort, with the same features, attributes, and signs by day as by night” as the meditation object since immersion and concentration is involved?
How does/would prolonged and consistent meditation and dwelling “by night as by day, and by day as by night” influence those one lives with and/or near? Are practical measures needed with this? If so, what and why?
Audio: Studying And Practicing With “The Iddhipāda-Vibhaṅga Sutta — An Analysis Of The Bases Of Power”: Perceptions Of Night, Daytime And Light (5 of 7)
Out of this placement of King and Priest as the highest offices of this world emerged the restatement of the ancient ritual of establishing two pillars at the entrance of every temple, oriented to the rising sun (rising son = Horus Rising or Horizon) coming over the horizon on the first day of spring on the vernal equinox. These two pillars represent the Line of the King and the Line of the Priest, who established their lineages to control the Land and the Law throughout history to the present time.
…
The storyline of the Isis and Osiris mystery cult is simple and quite instructive. There are nine godheads in the primary Egyptian Pantheon known as the Ennead. Anu sits at the top of the Council of Nine (the Ennead). Below him are two sets of brother/sister twins (husband and wife) that embody the physical Earth in its primordial elements: Earth, Air, Fire and Water. Out of these emerge another two sets of brother/sister twins (husband and wife), representing the polarity of dark and light in the false light matrix of the hologram containment field. These are Isis and Osiris on the light side, from who emerges the prodigal Sun/Son Horus, who rises in the east at the Horizon (Horus Rising). Set and Nephthys counter the light as it is extinguished on the western horizon by Set as he removes the light of the day at Sun-Set and gives it over to his sister/wife to cover the Night. Light and Dark, Black and White, the never-ending polarity, displayed for all to see on every Masonic temple floor, in Westminster Abbey and many more.
The description for this now heavily edited version of the July 7th Insight Timer live event:
There is the training precept to refrain from misusing sexual energy. This event aims to not do much more than list topics and categories for later investigating and discerning, “what is sexual energy and how does it work”
