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The Spiritual Body: Our Connection to Food

In this second blog of a four-part series on the body, Susanne van Doorn explores the connection between the spiritual body and food. Discover how our relationship with food, influenced by early experiences and the Mother Wound, shapes how we nourish and care for our bodies. From childhood comfort foods to the struggle with unhealthy food relationships, this blog delves into how food and nourishment are deeply linked to our sense of identity and connection to Mother Earth. Learn about the impact of food on health, body image, and self-acceptance as we embrace the spiritual body in harmony with nature’s cycles.

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Nightmare and Dreams: a presentation for Rivas

Nightmares, though often seen as unsettling, can be blessings in disguise. Research suggests that 6% of the population regularly experiences nightmares, but these dreams carry profound messages. They urge us to make changes, both symbolically and literally. During my presentation for the Dutch Rivas Organisation, I shared insights on the power of dreams and nightmares, and how they connect with waking life.

Nightmares, as unsettling as they can be, often carry a transformative power. They prompt us to confront inner fears or unresolved emotions. My own experiences, as well as those of others, show how dreams—especially nightmares—can serve as catalysts for self-reflection and change. From Kenneth Parks’ tragic case of sleepwalking to the symbolic imagery found in films like Nightmare on Elm Street, nightmares explore the boundary between the waking and dreaming worlds.

Through mindfulness and creative visualization, we can gain control over our nightmares, giving them a better ending and harnessing their power for personal growth. If you’re curious about the deeper connections between dreams, psychology, and the brain, I invite you to explore my online courses on Mindfunda. Together, we can delve into the mysteries of the dream world and transform our nightmares into powerful allies.

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International Women’s Day

On International Women’s Day, I celebrate the women who have uplifted me through creativity, dreams, and friendship. From dream experts like Laura Atkinson and Jean Campbell to inspiring artists like Brenda Ferrimani, and writers like Jean Raffa and Elaine Mansfield, these women have contributed wisdom, support, and love to my life and Mindfunda. Together, we create a circle of connection, healing, and inspiration through our hearts and dreams.

Read on to meet the incredible women who’ve shaped my journey.

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The Mentalist: the New Hero

The Mentalist: The New Hero? Tragic Past, Unavailability, and a Sherlock Archetype

Patrick Jane in The Mentalist reflects a new archetype of hero—a brilliant yet anti-social man with a tragic past. This pattern echoes other beloved characters like Gregory House and Sherlock Holmes (Elementary), where genius comes with personal struggles and emotional unavailability. Supported by strong women, these heroes remain extraordinary, battling their inner demons while solving external mysteries.

Why do we love this archetype, and what makes The Mentalist stand out? Dive into the parallels between these iconic series and uncover the secrets of the modern hero.

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Life is a Balance Act

Explore the power of dreams and balance in life with Mindfunda’s latest blog about a recent presentation at the Kenniscafe in Haarlem. Discover how balancing emotions, rational thinking, and intuition can unlock creativity and personal growth. Learn practical tips for using dream incubation, lucid dreaming, and emotional integration to restore your inner harmony and achieve a more balanced life. Find out how dream journaling and paying attention to your emotions can bring clarity and insight.

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The Redeeming Dark

In this guest blog on Mindfunda, Elaine Mansfield explores the ancient myth of Inanna’s descent—a profound journey into darkness, grief, and rebirth. Inanna, the Sumerian Goddess of Heaven and Earth, listens to the call of the Great Below, symbolizing the necessity of facing life’s darkness to find wisdom, compassion, and renewal. Drawing on her own experiences of loss and grief after her husband’s death, Elaine shares how the descent mirrors the cycles of life, death, and rebirth that we all endure.

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Inanna: myth of descent

In today’s guest blog, Dr. Jean Raffa explores the myth of Inanna’s descent as a powerful metaphor for psychological and spiritual transformation. Life’s descents—whether caused by grief, existential crises, or personal conflict—mirror Inanna’s journey to the underworld, where she is stripped of her illusions and reborn with wisdom and balance. Discover how descent myths like Inanna’s offer guidance, healing, and renewal in times of darkness.

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Myth stories: mythological musings #3: Shamain or halloween

Discover the rich mythological origins behind Halloween and its connection to the Celtic culture, as explored in Mindfunda’s blog series. Delve into the history of Samhain, the ancient Celtic festival, and its transformation into Halloween. Understand the deep-rooted rituals that link the Celtic, Roman, and American traditions, and how these mythologies continue to shape our celebrations today. From the Celtic gods to the Roman Lemuralia, and the American evolution of trick-or-treating, uncover the fascinating layers of meaning that make Halloween more than just a holiday.

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Living the dream

Explore the power of dreams in achieving your personal ideal of “Living the Dream.” In this Mindfunda transcript of Susanne van Doorn’s presentation to the Societas Studiosorum Reformatorum Eindhoviensis (SSRE), discover how dreams can guide you in love, career, and health. Learn practical techniques like reality checks and dream incubation to enhance your life. Through inspiring stories, such as Einstein’s dream of relativity and Rita Dwyer’s life-saving dream, see how dreams can guide us toward our desired futures. Understand the intersection of psychology, neuroscience, and philosophy in dreaming and how dreams can offer profound personal breakthroughs.

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Lucid dreaming plain and simple

Mindfunda had the honor of interviewing Robert Waggoner about a new book he has written together with Caroline McCready: “Lucid dreaming plain and simple”.

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Moon tribute: Connie Kaplan about ‘The woman’s Book of Dreams’

Discover how the moon influences your dreams with Connie Kaplan, author of The Woman’s Book of Dreams. In this enlightening interview, Connie shares her journey of spiritual awakening through dreams, the 13 types of dreaming, and the transformative power of silence in dream circles. Learn how to re-dream the past, envision the future, and embrace your life’s purpose. Watch the full interview on Mindfunda’s YouTube channel and explore the spiritual depth of dreaming.

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Anne Baring Dream of the Cosmos: 4 Intriguing Questions

“I must learn that the dregs of my thoughts, my dreams, are the speech of my soul. I must carry

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10 Dream books you should read

I have been working with dreams for several years now, and I read a lot of dream books. But sometimes

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Find out more about Tarot, Archetypes and Dreams

Tarot represent the archetypical energies of life. Let Mindfunda help you use the tarot with a greater understanding of archetypical energies and how they shape your life. Nikki de Saint Phalle has lived the tarot; she dedicated her life to the tarot garden in Tuscany Italy. An impression from the grounds by Mindfunda.

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Three steps to a good night sleep

Looking for a good night’s sleep? Discover the natural recipe that supports your sleep cycle with the right foods. Learn how Tryptophan, Serotonin, and Melatonin work together to ensure a restful night, from choosing the right foods to improving gut health. This guide gives you 3 simple steps to enhance your sleep, along with a bonus step to eliminate sugar and create lasting healthy habits. Achieve the best sleep ever by following these simple, science-backed steps for better rest and well-being.

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