Solstice, Christmas, and the Journey to True Happiness and Joy

This YouTube video features Jon Rasmussen discussing the winter solstice and Christmas, connecting them to spiritual concepts of joy, peace, and soul protection. He emphasizes the distinction between fleeting happiness and deeper, enduring joy rooted in a connection to a higher power. Rasmussen shares his personal experiences with spiritual practices and the role of faith in overcoming challenges, particularly referencing Jesus as a powerful being who absorbed the burden of guilt to help protect others' souls. He encourages viewers to find peace and joy despite life's difficulties, offering a perspective that integrates spiritual beliefs with personal experiences. Ultimately, the message promotes self-reflection and the pursuit of inner peace during the holiday season.

Transcript

SPEAKER_01 0:00

Welcome to our deep dive, everybody. Um today is December 21st, 2024.

SPEAKER_00 0:05

Oh wow.

SPEAKER_01 0:06

And we are approaching the winter solstice.

SPEAKER_00 0:09

Yeah.

SPEAKER_01 0:09

And you know, we're always looking for something interesting to kind of uh explore around this time of year. And uh we came across this video from shaman John Rasmussen.

SPEAKER_00 0:20

Okay.

SPEAKER_01 0:21

And uh he had some really cool ideas about finding joy.

SPEAKER_00 0:25

Yeah. I I loved that finding joy.

SPEAKER_01 0:27

Especially during this season.

SPEAKER_00 0:28

Absolutely, yeah. It's it's so needed, I think.

SPEAKER_01 0:31

Yeah.

SPEAKER_00 0:31

Especially like you said with the solstice and everything.

SPEAKER_01 0:33

Yeah, and he ties in some really unexpected things.

SPEAKER_00 0:35

Okay.

SPEAKER_01 0:36

So we've got his video as our source material today.

SPEAKER_00 0:39

Okay, cool.

SPEAKER_01 0:40

He uh ties together solstice, Christmas, uh joy.

SPEAKER_00 0:46

Wow.

SPEAKER_01 0:46

And even superheroes.

SPEAKER_00 0:48

Okay, now that's interesting.

SPEAKER_01 0:49

I know, right. Yeah. So uh how he's gonna tie all those together.

SPEAKER_00 0:52

Right. So Rasmussen starts off by talking about happiness versus joy.

SPEAKER_01 0:57

Okay.

SPEAKER_00 0:57

Um, and he he really emphasizes that happiness can be kind of fleeting.

SPEAKER_01 1:02

Right. It comes and goes depending on what's happening.

SPEAKER_00 1:04

Yeah, yeah. Like it's dependent on um you know, external things.

SPEAKER_01 1:09

Exactly. Yeah. But joy, he says, is something different. Okay. He calls it a deeper connection, a soul-level experience.

SPEAKER_00 1:17

So that's a good distinction.

SPEAKER_01 1:19

Yeah. And a lot of psychologists talk about this too.

SPEAKER_00 1:21

We do, yeah.

SPEAKER_01 1:22

Happiness versus meaning and purpose. Right. You know, it's more internal.

SPEAKER_00 1:25

Happiness is very external and joy is very internal.

SPEAKER_01 1:29

Exactly.

SPEAKER_00 1:29

Yeah.

SPEAKER_01 1:30

And he uses this really vivid description. He talks about joy as this like childlike feeling of awe.

SPEAKER_00 1:37

Oh, I like that.

SPEAKER_01 1:38

That's hard to explain.

SPEAKER_00 1:39

Yeah, but I I think we've all felt that.

SPEAKER_01 1:41

We have. Yeah. It's just that pure sense of wonder and connection.

SPEAKER_00 1:45

Yeah. And it makes me think about um what makes the holidays so special for people. Yeah. Like, do you think that it's maybe that connection with joy that people experience during the holidays?

SPEAKER_01 1:56

I think so. Especially, you know, when we focus on connection.

SPEAKER_00 1:58

Right.

SPEAKER_01 1:59

Generosity, yeah. Gratitude.

SPEAKER_00 2:02

You're really tapping into these things.

SPEAKER_01 2:03

Um, but then he goes on, and this is where things get really interesting.

SPEAKER_00 2:07

Okay.

SPEAKER_01 2:07

He talks about the soul needing protection.

SPEAKER_00 2:10

Okay.

SPEAKER_01 2:11

Just like our physical bodies.

SPEAKER_00 2:12

Interesting.

SPEAKER_01 2:13

So we protect ourselves from like, you know, bad weather, crime.

SPEAKER_00 2:17

Right, things like that.

SPEAKER_01 2:18

Physical threats.

SPEAKER_00 2:20

Exactly. But he says there are other types of attacks that can impact our souls. Oh wow. And that's where his perspective as a shaman comes in.

SPEAKER_01 2:30

Right. Yeah. Like he's bringing in that lens of the unseen.

SPEAKER_00 2:33

Yeah. And it made me think about all those times when you just feel drained by negative energy. Totally. Whether it's from other people or just like challenging situations. It's like your energy is being affected.

SPEAKER_01 2:44

Yeah. Yeah.

SPEAKER_00 2:45

Maybe even your soul, he says.

SPEAKER_01 2:47

Wow.

SPEAKER_00 2:48

And he says the biggest vulnerability is actually guilt.

SPEAKER_01 2:51

Guilt.

SPEAKER_00 2:52

Guilt.

SPEAKER_01 2:52

Okay, so he's saying that guilt can actually like weaken us in a way. Yes. Make us more vulnerable.

SPEAKER_00 2:59

Yes.

SPEAKER_01 2:59

Okay, that's interesting. And psychologically. Yeah. You know, there is a link between guilt, shame, right. And a lot of different uh mental and emotional struggle.

SPEAKER_00 3:11

For sure. So it's interesting how he's tying those together.

SPEAKER_01 3:13

It is.

SPEAKER_00 3:14

Okay.

SPEAKER_01 3:15

Now, for the part that might surprise you, he presents this really kind of unconventional view of Jesus focusing on his sacrifice as a way of taking on humanity's guilt.

SPEAKER_00 3:26

That is interesting. So he's connecting like an ancient story with his understanding of the soul.

SPEAKER_01 3:31

Yes.

SPEAKER_00 3:31

Okay.

SPEAKER_01 3:32

And he even says, and this is a direct quote if you go through this sacrifice, you will save everyone from guilt, protect their soul. Do you want to do that? Wow. And according to Rasmussen, this act of sacrifice frees us from the consequences of guilt, allowing for soul level protection and ultimately that deep joy even in the midst of hardship.

SPEAKER_00 3:53

That's powerful.

SPEAKER_01 3:54

Right.

SPEAKER_00 3:55

Yeah. Even if you don't um subscribe to like the religious aspect of it.

SPEAKER_01 3:59

Right.

SPEAKER_00 3:59

Just the idea that someone would take on that burden for us is kind of a beautiful thought. It is. Yeah.

SPEAKER_01 4:04

And, you know, thinking about the symbolism of the winter solstice, you know, light emerging from the darkest point of the year.

SPEAKER_00 4:11

Right.

SPEAKER_01 4:11

It's interesting how he ties that to the potential for renewal and overcoming challenges.

SPEAKER_00 4:18

Yeah, definitely. I'm wondering though, how does he suggest we actually apply this idea of soul protection?

SPEAKER_01 4:24

Well, he goes on to talk about practices like communion.

SPEAKER_00 4:28

Okay.

SPEAKER_01 4:28

Taking in the body and blood of Christ. Right. But he emphasizes it's not just a religious ritual.

SPEAKER_00 4:33

Okay.

SPEAKER_01 4:34

He sees it as a symbolic way to internalize the sacrifice, connect with the source of strength.

SPEAKER_00 4:40

Yeah.

SPEAKER_01 4:40

Remember that we're not alone in facing our challenges.

SPEAKER_00 4:43

Aaron Powell It sounds like he's really highlighting the importance of gratitude. Yes. And finding ways to connect with something larger than ourselves. Exactly. Like whether it's through a spiritual practice or community. Yes. Maybe even just finding your purpose. Those things can be really powerful, especially during challenging times.

SPEAKER_01 4:59

Yes. And it's like he's saying that even amidst the darkness. Yeah. Both literally as we approach the shortest day of the year.

SPEAKER_00 5:09

Right.

SPEAKER_01 5:09

And metaphorically, in terms of the challenges we all face, there's this potential for finding light and joy.

SPEAKER_00 5:17

And that's a really hopeful message.

SPEAKER_01 5:19

It is.

SPEAKER_00 5:19

But I'm also curious, does he acknowledge that like not all guilt is bad? Like, you know, there's healthy guilt that can help us learn from our mistakes and become better people.

SPEAKER_01 5:30

Right.

SPEAKER_00 5:30

How does he address that?

SPEAKER_01 5:31

Well, yeah, that's a great question.

SPEAKER_00 5:33

You know, it seems like he's talking about the kind of guilt that weighs us down and keeps us stuck.

SPEAKER_01 5:38

Yeah.

SPEAKER_00 5:38

You know, prevents us from moving forward and experiencing joy.

SPEAKER_01 5:41

The kind that like just eats away at you. Yes. Yeah.

SPEAKER_00 5:44

And he doesn't really get into specifics of different types of guilt.

SPEAKER_01 5:48

Okay.

SPEAKER_00 5:49

But he does talk about the importance of, you know, facing our mistakes and learning from them.

SPEAKER_01 5:54

Yeah, like if we're constantly just beating ourselves up over past actions, it's hard to be present.

SPEAKER_00 6:00

And and find that peace that he's talking about.

SPEAKER_01 6:03

And he even uses this analogy. He compares Jesus to a superhero.

SPEAKER_00 6:07

Okay, now that's an image I wasn't expecting.

SPEAKER_01 6:09

I know, right.

SPEAKER_00 6:10

But I can see how it would resonate with people. Yeah. Superheroes often represent hope.

SPEAKER_01 6:16

Yes.

SPEAKER_00 6:16

And like the triumph of good over evil.

SPEAKER_01 6:19

And it's interesting how he to ties this back to the idea of soul protection.

SPEAKER_00 6:23

Right.

SPEAKER_01 6:23

It's like by accepting this act of sacrifice, we can tap into a source of strength that helps us resist these attacks on our souls.

SPEAKER_00 6:33

So it's not just about escaping guilt, finding a way to move through it and ultimately become more resilient.

SPEAKER_01 6:40

Yeah, it makes me think about post-traumatic growth.

SPEAKER_00 6:42

Oh, yeah.

SPEAKER_01 6:43

You know, where people have experienced significant challenges and they come out stronger.

SPEAKER_00 6:48

Absolutely. Yeah.

SPEAKER_01 6:49

It's like what doesn't kill you makes you stronger, but on a soul level.

SPEAKER_00 6:52

Exactly. And maybe that's what he's trying to convey with this superhero analogy, like finding that inner strength to overcome obstacles and emerge transformed.

SPEAKER_01 7:03

I wonder if it also relates to the symbolism of the winter solstice.

SPEAKER_00 7:06

Oh, yeah. How so?

SPEAKER_01 7:08

You know how the shortest day of the year represents a turning point from that moment of darkness. Yeah. The light begins to return. Right. It's a reminder that even when things feel bleak, there's always potential for renewal and growth.

SPEAKER_00 7:23

I think you're really onto something there. Yeah. It's a powerful metaphor for facing our inner darkness and finding that strength to move towards the light.

SPEAKER_01 7:32

Rasmussen also talks about the importance of ritual and gratitude as ways to connect with this source of strength.

SPEAKER_00 7:38

Interesting.

SPEAKER_01 7:39

And he specifically mentions communion.

SPEAKER_00 7:42

Right.

SPEAKER_01 7:42

But not as a strictly religious practice.

SPEAKER_00 7:45

Okay.

SPEAKER_01 7:45

He sees it as a symbolic act of remembering and giving thanks.

SPEAKER_00 7:50

I can see how that ties into his message. Yeah. It's about intentionally engaging in practices that remind us of our interconnectedness and the things that we're grateful for. Yes. Even simple rituals like taking a moment each day to appreciate something beautiful or express gratitude can really shift our perspective and boost our well-being.

SPEAKER_01 8:10

You know, I've been trying to incorporate more gratitude into my own life lately.

SPEAKER_00 8:15

Oh, yeah.

SPEAKER_01 8:15

And I have to say, it really does make a difference.

SPEAKER_00 8:17

I think so too.

SPEAKER_01 8:18

It's so easy to get caught up in the negativity.

SPEAKER_00 8:20

Right.

SPEAKER_01 8:21

Especially with everything going on in the world right now.

SPEAKER_00 8:23

Oh yeah, for sure.

SPEAKER_01 8:24

But focusing on what's good. Yeah. Even just the small things can really help shift that energy.

SPEAKER_00 8:30

And gratitude has been shown to have some pretty amazing benefits too. Yes. Both mentally and physically.

SPEAKER_01 8:35

Yes.

SPEAKER_00 8:35

It's a really simple yet powerful tool for cultivating joy.

SPEAKER_01 8:40

And Rasmussen shares this really touching story about a kid with cancer who radiates joy even in the midst of immense suffering.

SPEAKER_00 8:49

Wow.

SPEAKER_01 8:50

So this child is going through chemo, multiple surgeries, all kinds of pain.

SPEAKER_00 8:55

Yeah.

SPEAKER_01 8:56

And yet still manages to find a sense of peace and even ask others how they're doing.

SPEAKER_00 9:00

That's amazing.

SPEAKER_01 9:01

It's so powerful.

SPEAKER_00 9:02

That story really drives home his point about the nature of true joy. It's not about being happy all the time or pretending that everything is okay. Yeah. It's about finding that deep inner peace that can sustain us even when things are incredibly tough.

SPEAKER_01 9:18

And it makes me wonder what is it about this child that allows him to experience that level of joy in such a difficult situation.

SPEAKER_00 9:30

Yeah. What can we learn from him?

SPEAKER_01 9:32

What can we learn from him?

SPEAKER_00 9:34

That's a great question.

SPEAKER_01 9:35

Right.

SPEAKER_00 9:35

And I think it's something worth pondering. Yeah. Maybe it's his ability to focus on the present moment, appreciate the simple things, or to find meaning and purpose even in the face of adversity.

SPEAKER_01 9:49

Maybe it's all those things. Yeah. It's like he's tapped into a source of strength that goes beyond his physical circumstances.

SPEAKER_00 9:56

And maybe that's the key takeaway from Rasmussen's message. Joy isn't something we find out there in the world. It's something we cultivate within ourselves. Yes. It's about recognizing that even in the darkest of times, those long winter nights, we have the power to choose how we respond, to find that inner light that can guide us through.

SPEAKER_01 10:15

I love that.

SPEAKER_00 10:16

Yeah.

SPEAKER_01 10:16

It's such a powerful reminder.

SPEAKER_00 10:18

It is.

SPEAKER_01 10:18

Especially as we approach the new year and all the uncertainties that come with it.

SPEAKER_00 10:22

I agree. It's a message of hope and empowerment.

SPEAKER_01 10:25

It is. You know, it's amazing how Rasmussen takes these like ancient concepts and makes them feel so relevant.

SPEAKER_00 10:32

Yeah.

SPEAKER_01 10:33

You know, to our lives today.

SPEAKER_00 10:34

Yeah. I I think what really struck me is how he's reframing the whole idea of Jesus and sacrifice. It's not about like blind faith or dogma. Right. He's presenting it as someone who offers like a path to freedom from guilt and a connection to something much greater than ourselves.

SPEAKER_01 10:53

It's like he's saying, hey, even if you're not religious, there's something powerful here.

SPEAKER_00 10:58

Yeah.

SPEAKER_01 10:59

A message of hope and resilience that can benefit everyone.

SPEAKER_00 11:02

Absolutely. And I think that's what makes this conversation so fascinating.

SPEAKER_01 11:05

Yeah.

SPEAKER_00 11:06

He's drawing on these ancient traditions and finding ways to apply them to like modern life, especially during these challenging times.

SPEAKER_01 11:14

And let's be honest, we've got plenty of challenges in December 2024. Oh, yeah, for sure. The whole world can feel pretty overwhelming at times.

SPEAKER_00 11:22

Absolutely. It's easy to get caught up in the negativity and lose sight of the good.

SPEAKER_01 11:26

Yeah. And that's what makes Rasmussen's message so timely.

SPEAKER_00 11:29

Right.

SPEAKER_01 11:29

He's not pretending everything is fine.

SPEAKER_00 11:31

Right.

SPEAKER_01 11:31

But he's offering a way to navigate these difficulties with more resilience and grace. Trevor Burrus, Jr.

SPEAKER_00 11:38

It's like he's saying, look, things might be tough.

SPEAKER_01 11:41

Yeah.

SPEAKER_00 11:41

But you don't have to let the darkness consume you. Right. There's another way, a path towards inner peace and joy, even amidst the chaos.

SPEAKER_01 11:50

And that path, according to Rasmussen, starts with acknowledging the things that weigh us down.

SPEAKER_00 11:56

Right.

SPEAKER_01 11:56

Like guilt and shame and finding ways to release them.

SPEAKER_00 12:00

And that's where his idea of soul protection comes in.

SPEAKER_01 12:02

Yes.

SPEAKER_00 12:03

It's about building up our inner strength so we can better withstand those attacks that drain our energy and steal our joy.

SPEAKER_01 12:10

You know, he really emphasizes that joy isn't about ignoring the hard things or pretending everything's perfect. It's about finding that inner peace that can sustain us through difficult times.

SPEAKER_00 12:24

Yeah. Like that child with cancer, despite going through so much pain, he still radiates joy.

SPEAKER_01 12:31

It's such a powerful example of the resilience of the human spirit.

SPEAKER_00 12:35

Absolutely.

SPEAKER_01 12:36

And thinking back to the winter solstice.

SPEAKER_00 12:37

Right.

SPEAKER_01 12:38

It's like a reminder that even in the darkest time of year, the light always returns.

SPEAKER_00 12:43

Yeah.

SPEAKER_01 12:44

There's a natural cycle of death and rebirth, darkness and light that we can tap into.

SPEAKER_00 12:48

It's a beautiful metaphor for finding hope and a renewal, even when things feel bleak. Yes. And Rasmussen's message really resonates with that idea that even amidst the challenges, we have the power to choose joy. Yes. To find that inner light that can guide us through.

SPEAKER_01 13:03

It's been such a thought-provoking deep dive.

SPEAKER_00 13:06

It has.

SPEAKER_01 13:06

As we wrap up. Is there anything that particularly stands out to you about Rasmussen's perspective?

SPEAKER_00 13:12

You know, I think for me it's that reminder that true joy isn't a fleeting emotion. It's a state of being that we can cultivate through practices like gratitude, forgiveness, connecting with something larger than ourselves.

SPEAKER_01 13:27

Yes.

SPEAKER_00 13:28

It's a journey, not a destination.

SPEAKER_01 13:30

I love that.

SPEAKER_00 13:31

Yeah.

SPEAKER_01 13:31

It's not about achieving some perfect state of happiness.

SPEAKER_00 13:35

Right.

SPEAKER_01 13:35

But about embracing the ups and downs of life with a sense of peace and resilience.

SPEAKER_00 13:40

Exactly. And that's a powerful message to carry with us. It is. Not just during the holiday season, but throughout the year.

SPEAKER_01 13:46

Aaron Powell Well, thank you for joining us on this deep dive into Shaman John Rasmussen's unique perspective.

SPEAKER_00 13:52

Aaron Powell Yeah, this was a great conversation.

SPEAKER_01 13:54

We hope you found it as insightful and inspiring as we did. Yeah. We'd love to hear your thoughts.

SPEAKER_00 13:58

Yeah, let us know what resonated with you.

SPEAKER_01 14:00

What resonated with you most. Until next time, keep exploring, keep learning, and keep diving deep.