What if the thing triggering you right now is actually a gift? What if shame, guilt, and fear around your body aren't personality flaws—they're just human patterns you can interrupt?

In this raw, honest conversation, Aaron Mandelbaum—philosopher, tantra facilitator, and transformation guide—breaks down the invisible blocks keeping us from pleasure, presence, and authentic connection.

We explore:

• Why triggers are information, not punishment (and how to use them)
• The nervous system hack animals use that we've forgotten
• How to find your real yes and no (versus the ones you think you should have)
• The two magic words that create clear consent: "may I" and "will you"
• Why most of our sexual and relational wounds come down to three core beliefs
• How ritual brings intention beyond talk therapy
• The energetic body as your early warning system
• Why being "divine" doesn't mean bypassing your very human reactions

This isn't theory—it's practical wisdom from someone who's guided thousands of people worldwide through shame, trauma, and transformation. Whether you're exploring tantra, healing triggers, or just want to stop repeating the same patterns, this episode gives you tools to choose a new path.

Content note: This episode includes frank discussion of sexuality, trauma, and healing practices.

Key Themes & Topics

• Transformation & healing
• Triggers as information
• Nervous system regulation
• Shame, guilt & fear around bodies and sexuality
• Tantra & neo-tantra
• Consent & boundaries
• The energetic body
• Ritual & intention
• Finding your yes and no
• Clear requests ("may I/will you")
• Aftercare & relationship agreements
• Embodied vs. intellectual healing

Resources Mentioned

Books:

• Tantra Illuminated by Christopher Wallace
• The Recognition Sutras by Christopher Wallace
• Urban Tantra by Barbara Carrellas

Workshops & Training Programs:

• Wheel of Consent training
• ISTA (International School of Temple Arts)
• Liberation Childhood/Adolescent Experience
• Landmark Education
• Emergence Brotherhood
• Barbara Carrellas events
• Shamanic Kink (Francesca Gentile)
• Conscious Kink Training (Seani Love)
• Aaron's "Voyage Into Presence" (3-day intensive)

Connect with Aaron:

• Instagram: @aaronmstagram
• Website: https://aaronmandelbaum.com/

Connect with us:

• Instagram: @gardenofbecomingpodcast
• Email: hello@gardenofbecoming.com

Garden of Becoming explores the messy, beautiful work of becoming whole. New episodes drop weekly every Tuesday. Subscribe and follow for conversations that go beneath the surface.

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