Woke to Awakened: Cory Katuna's Guide to Breaking Free

Higher Density Living Podcast

Cory Katuna is a vibrant and influential figure in the world of personal development and spiritual growth. As an IPC-trained professional coach and the co-founder of The Light Touch, Cory has dedicated her career to facilitating transformative experiences. Through her work, she offers a range of impactful mentorships, retreats, and workshops, including the popular Breakthrough Boot Camp. Additionally, Cory extends her reach and impact by co-hosting the "Mirror Talks" podcast, a platform that further showcases her commitment to guiding individuals toward truth, self-realization, and service. Her efforts in these areas have not only garnered her recognition but have also made a substantial difference in the lives of many. We highly encourage everyone to explore her podcast and consider subscribing for a deeper dive into her insightful discussions.

In a recent episode on Higher Density Living, Cory shared insights into her personal journey and the evolution of her spiritual practices. Interestingly, she recounted a period where she explored veganism and engaged in what she initially perceived as consumeristic spiritual practices. This phase of experimentation and exploration was crucial in her path towards genuine spirituality. Cory's transition from exploring superficial layers of spirituality to embracing a more authentic and profound connection with her spiritual self-highlights a common journey many face. The distinction she makes between "fake" spirituality and a more genuine, deeply-rooted practice provides a fascinating glimpse into her evolution as both an individual and a professional coach. Cory's story serves as an inspiration for those navigating their own spiritual paths, encouraging a shift from external validations to inner truth and growth.

Before delving into spirituality, her journey was deeply entrenched in his university days at the University of Colorado Boulder, a place celebrated for its unique mix of hippie and entrepreneurial vibes. It was in this environment that she found himself drawn to the nascent stages of what is now widely recognized as wokeism. This period in her life was marked by a passionate advocacy for a plethora of progressive causes, including anti-patriarchy, anti-capitalism, feminism, anti-white supremacy, veganism, and environmentalism. His commitment to these causes was so profound that he even spearheaded a group trip from New York to participate in a climate march, the details of which might be fuzzy now, but the fervor she felt at the time is still vivid.

At that time, Cory was utterly convinced of the righteousness of her beliefs to the extent that considered anyone who disagreed to be ignorant, naive, and part of the problem. This conviction was so robust that he distinctly remembers a conversation with his father where he expressed incredulity that anyone could possibly question these ideals. Her father, employing the Socratic method, challenged him to scrutinize the weaknesses in his arguments, a process that began to plant seeds of doubt in his previously unassailable beliefs.

This unwavering belief in wokeism persisted for a couple of years until a significant shift occurred when he began to delve deeper into the concept of personal responsibility. This exploration signified the start of his spiritual journey, greatly influenced by Landmark Education, an entity renowned for its personal development programs. This transition was not abrupt but was a gradual evolution that took place alongside his professional life. Addressing the specific context of false beliefs among women, and by extension in coed environments through programs like the Breakthrough Boot Camp and Living True Mentorship, it's evident that certain misconceptions persistently emerge, especially within Western culture. These beliefs often revolve around self-worth, the right to speak and be heard, and the internalized pressure to conform to societal expectations that dictate a woman's role and value.

This period of introspection and development led her to recognize the distinct paths her life was taking—straddling the intensity of her activism and her burgeoning interest in fostering a positive organizational culture. It became evident that these were not mutually exclusive paths but rather complementary facets of her journey towards grasping the intricate dynamic between societal change and personal growth. Her early advocacy for social issues set the stage for a more extensive exploration of how to elicit the best in people, both in the broader societal context and within the microcosm of the workplace.

Reflecting on a transformative moment in her life was deeply influenced by prior engagement with the concepts of responsibility and victim mentality. This understanding came to fruition during my tenure at a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering youth. We organized extensive trainings in New York and globally, aiming to nurture a new generation of activists equipped to challenge patriarchy, white supremacy, and capitalism.

The training sessions we organized were designed to be inclusive and transformative. We welcomed a diverse group of young individuals, each bringing their unique perspectives and experiences. Initially, our activities, such as exercises intended to air grievances and identify microaggressions, seemed promising. However, what started as an attempt to foster unity and understanding quickly devolved into division and discomfort. Participants formed cliques, engaged in blame-shifting, and struggled with guilt over their identities and the historical actions of their ancestors. This was especially evident when participants from backgrounds associated with historical oppression, like a girl from the UK, felt overwhelming guilt simply for their national heritage.

This turning point was a stark realization for me. Witnessing the retreat's atmosphere deteriorate from hopeful collaboration to a breeding ground for guilt and division made me question the direction of our efforts. It became clear that the path we were on was not leading towards the freedom, awakening, unity, or the resolution of political issues we had envisioned. Instead, it was exacerbating the problems we sought to address. This epiphany led Cory to resign from my position within weeks, recognizing the need for a new approach.

The experience underscored the dangers inherent in diving too deeply into ideologies that emphasize victimhood and microaggressions without offering a path forward. It reminded me of historical instances where fear and suspicion led to irrational accusations and societal divisions, such as witch hunts or the demonization of the 'other' for personal misfortunes. This reflection has significantly informed my coaching philosophy, emphasizing the importance of moving beyond victimhood to empower individuals to live authentically and with purpose. It's a reminder that while acknowledging pain and injustice is crucial, fostering resilience, understanding, and proactive change is equally important for individual growth and societal progress.

Moreover, ideologies underscores the idea of victimhood, self-pity, and the transformative power of facing triggers in personal development and coaching. Victimhood encompasses any state of mind that deviates from feeling completely free and whole, often manifesting through insecurities or a reluctance to embrace one's full potential. The approach to addressing this involves encouraging individuals to fully express their feelings of victimhood, thereby exposing its inherent contradictions and lack of a solid foundation. This process is not about agreement but about challenging the person to delve deeper into their experiences and beliefs, facilitating a self-deconstruction of their victim mentality.

The discussion then shifts to the concept of triggers, which are viewed as opportunities rather than obstacles. Triggers are described as access points to underlying false beliefs and narratives that individuals hold about themselves, such as feelings of unworthiness or unlovability. The strategy involves confronting these triggers head-on, not through therapeutic regression to their origins, but by examining and challenging the beliefs that give them power. This approach is likened to alchemy or spiritual transformation, where confronting and resolving these beliefs can lead to rapid healing and personal growth. The underlying message is that healing and overcoming victimhood and triggers is not as daunting as it is often made out to be. It emphasizes the potential for rapid transformation through the direct confrontation and resolution of the beliefs underlying personal triggers. This process is portrayed as accessible and straightforward, challenging the notion that deep, personal change requires extensive therapy or is inherently difficult, with the right approach, individuals can quickly move past their limitations, transforming their challenges into opportunities for growth.

Gender dynamics also play a compelling role in psychological patterns among many women: an underlying inferiority complex that paradoxically manifests itself as a form of superiority or dismissiveness. This defensive posture can take various forms, such as annoyance at seemingly trivial matters or an over compensatory feminist stance that lacks humor and polices the behavior of others. These reactions are not merely expressions of personal preference or ideological commitment but are indicative of deeper feelings of insecurity and a need for safety in social contexts.

The move towards adopting what are traditionally seen as masculine traits—such as overt anger, a rejection of motherhood in favor of career progression, or the emulation of male work patterns—is another manifestation of this complex. It's suggested that these behaviors might be protective mechanisms, a way for women to navigate a world where they feel constantly vulnerable. This vulnerability is not necessarily about physical safety, though that can be a component, but is more about social insecurity: a fear of not being seen, validated, loved, or free to be oneself.

This issue is further compounded by the pressures of social media and societal expectations, where women often feel they must present a version of themselves that is inauthentic or exaggerated to be accepted or respected. The suggested remedy lies not in adopting a persona or compensating for perceived inadequacies but in embracing one's authentic self. Engaging in activities that truly interest and fulfill, expressing one's genuine thoughts and feelings, and allowing for natural expressions of identity can lead to a more nourishing and positive experience of the world. Thus, the path to overcoming these insecurities is through authenticity and self-regulation. By relaxing into their natural selves and engaging in what genuinely draws and nourishes them, women can create a more positive feedback loop for themselves. This shift away from a "tense compensation loop" towards genuine self-expression and self-acceptance is crucial. It underscores the universal need for individuals to confront internal voids and seek fulfillment through authenticity rather than through external validation or mimicry of perceived norms.

Authenticity is central to both relationships and spiritual growth, fostering a natural overflow of generosity and love. In our mentorship programs, we stress that authentic alignment with oneself is the bedrock of genuine acts of kindness and service, devoid of expectations. In romantic relationships, there's a fine line between idealizing our partners and embracing their true essence. When we impose our expectations onto them, we're consuming rather than creating a genuine connection. True surrender in relationships entails cooperation and honesty, rooted in mutual purity.

Yet, maintaining authenticity poses challenges in today's digital age, where filters and personas often obscure true identities. It requires introspection and courage to confront the illusions we create, both online and offline, as we strive to align with our deepest truths and transcend societal norms.

Exploring the hierarchy of truth reveals layers ranging from empirical evidence to spiritual enlightenment. While the emotional guidance system offers insights into how emotions shape our perception, true self-realization surpasses all illusions, leading us to a nondual truth beyond conceptual frameworks. The more genuine you are, the higher vibrational frequency, bringing closer to self-realization. Awakening experiences tend to occur in peak states, underscoring the vital role of authenticity in spiritual evolution.

As we delve further into this exploration, we become committed to unraveling the intricacies of authenticity and truth, recognizing their intertwined nature in the pursuit of self-realization. Learn more about Cory Katuna by visiting her official website and social accounts: Facebook, Instagram, X, Medium, and TikTok.

As always, Higher Density Living reserves no dogma because only the truth prevails in the universe. History is judged by enlightened communities, and the Higher Density Living podcast is committed to the same cause. You are the center of the universe. Thank you for joining us on this cosmic journey, and we look forward to sharing more fascinating topics with you in the future. Stay tuned for more episodes where we delve into the profound principles that shape our existence. Remember to like, share, and subscribe for more mind-expanding content! 🚀🌠 #HigherDensityLiving #GeniusMinds #CosmicDownloads

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