Spirituality Vs mainstream medicine... How could they work together? - Dr. Daniel M. Ingram
This week's show is with Dr. Daniel M. Ingram, MD MSPH, a retired emergency medicine physician who works to improve the global relationship of science, clinical practice, mental health and the public to the phenomena that might be referred to as spiritual, meditative, energetic, mystical, psychedelic, magical, and related phenomena.
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To those ends, he is currently the founder, philanthropic supporter, and volunteer CEO and Board Chair of the Emergence Benefactors registered charity, and chief organizer and co-founder of the global Emergent Phenomenology Research Consortium.
He is currently involved in neurophenomenological research of advanced meditative states with colleagues at Harvard and has been a participant in numerous fMRI and EEG studies of advanced meditators, including at Harvard, Yale, U Mass, and Vanderbilt. He has published scientific articles in Pediatrics, Child Abuse and Neglect, and the Journal of Medical Toxicology. He is the author of Mastering the Core Teachings of the Buddha, co-author of The Fire Kasina, and co-founder of the Dharma Overground. His work has been featured in The New York Times, Esquire, Vice, Wired, BBC Radio 4, Evolving Dharma, American Dharma: Buddhism Beyond Modernity, Dan Harris’ 10% Happier Podcast, Slate Star Codex Blog, Buddha at the Gas Pump, Meaning of Life TV, Deconstructing Yourself, Spiritual Explained website, Guru Viking, Buddhist Geeks, Cosmic Tortoise, Startup Geometry, Imperfect Buddha Podcast, and many others.
In this conversation, Daniel and Lian explored the intersection of magic, spirituality, science, and healthcare. Daniel shares his personal journey and the three aspects of himself that led him to explore this integration within and without via the work of the Emergent Phenomenology Research Consortium, which aims to bridge the gap between the clinical mainstream and the emergent world.
The conversation explores the importance of understanding phenomenology, establishing diagnostic categories, and conducting epidemiological studies.
As well as the topics of neurodivergence and shamanic sickness, highlighting the need for understanding and support in these areas, and the challenges of recognising and relating to unusual experiences, as well as the tension between regulation and accessibility in alternative healing practices. Finally, Daniel shares his vision for the future, where knowledge and capabilities in these areas are equitably distributed and supported by scientific research.
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What you’ll learn from this episode:
The integration of magic, spirituality, science, and healthcare can lead to transformative experiences and intentional healing.
Understanding phenomenology and establishing diagnostic categories are crucial for bridging the gap between the clinical mainstream and the emergent world.
Epidemiological studies can provide insights into the impact of transformative experiences on mental wellbeing and society.
Special projects related to military, security, space, and big data require careful consideration and ethical approaches. Normalization and connection with others who have had similar experiences can be healing and provide support.
Understanding and support for neurodivergence and shamanic sickness are important in the context of spiritual and mystical experiences.
Recognizing and relating to unusual experiences can be challenging, but pattern recognition and training can help healthcare professionals provide better care.
There is a tension between regulation and accessibility in alternative healing practices, and it is important to find a balance that allows for both safety and inclusivity.
The vision for the future includes a global clinical mainstream that has a sophisticated understanding of alternative healing practices and the ability to provide equitable access to knowledge and support.
Resources and stuff that we spoke about:
If you want to focus on my scientific work related to spirituality and the organization I help support:
If you want to focus on my work related to meditation practice and its effects:
For Books:
Fire Kasina: The Fire Kasina Meditation Site for books and more on meditation
Daniels Personal Website: Integrated Daniel
Daniels Online Community: The Dharma Overground
Join UNIO, the Academy of Sacred Union. This is for the old souls in this new world… Discover your kin & unite with your soul’s calling to truly live your myth.
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Thank you!
Lian & Jonathan