In this episode, I explore what it really means to build resilient happiness in a world that constantly overstimulates our nervous system and pulls on our attention.

I talk about the quirky mix of human animal and eternal soul, and how our instincts, brain chemistry, and modern capitalism can team up to keep us stuck in emotional numbing, low level discontent, and addictive chemistry hits. I share how our emotional set point can narrow over time, so we end up stewing in familiar feelings like frustration, helplessness, or mild depression instead of allowing deeper emotions, like grief, to move through.

I look at how a chronically activated fight or flight response, combined with endless opportunities for distraction and quick dopamine, makes it hard to register the quieter, sustainable forms of happiness. I also talk about miswanting and hedonistic adaptation, and why chasing big spikes of chemistry through intense relationships, major purchases, or peak experiences is not a reliable path to feeling well in everyday life.

From a shamanic and practical perspective, I offer ideas for:

• Calming your nervous system and lowering your fight or flight baseline

• Noticing where you are numbing out instead of feeling what is actually present

• Letting emotions move through so your emotional matrix is not gummed up

• Recognizing when you are chasing extreme chemistry instead of true fulfillment

• Diversifying your sources of happiness so your well being is not tied to one thing

• Stacking small, attainable joys into a stable foundation of contentment

My intention is to help you understand your design with more compassion, so you can partner with both your human animal and your soul. When you address emotional numbing and nervous system overload first, it becomes much easier to feel and trust the subtle, authentic happiness that is already available in your life.

Want to support my work and be supported by my team of guides?  Check out my membership offer: https://www.patreon.com/practicalshamanism

Want more audio content from me? Check out my online academy at https://academy.handsoverheart.com/ 

Sound editing by Kev Young.  You can reach them at kyoung.keviny@gmail.com

DISCLAIMER: The suggestions and information provided here are intended for personal growth and exploration. The content of this podcast is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice or psychological treatment. Please seek the advice of your doctor or other qualified health care provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical or mental health condition.  

To learn more about me and my work, please visit my website at https://handsoverheart.com