{"href":"https://api.simplecast.com/oembed?url=https%3A%2F%2Fstories-about-stories.simplecast.com%2Fepisodes%2Fchapter-23-shaman-heal-thyself-dF7z4I2M","width":444,"version":"1.0","type":"rich","title":"Chapter 23: Shaman, Heal Thyself","thumbnail_width":300,"thumbnail_url":"https://image.simplecastcdn.com/images/cc6c5df2-7621-41b0-9e28-b987825b67b3/95906411-102a-467c-854e-ad40efae0c35/24.jpg","thumbnail_height":300,"provider_url":"https://simplecast.com","provider_name":"Simplecast","html":"","height":200,"description":"We hear a lot about self-esteem and self-image. We have entire sections of the bookstore devoted to self-help. We may uproot our lives to go “find ourselves.” \n\nTheoretically, our “self” is that part of us that tells us what we believe we are capable of—and not—thus creating a “self-fulfilling prophecy.” Also, the “self-made man” we hear of.\n\nBut what is the self? I would argue - nothing but a composite of stories added to the predisposition of personality. \n\nAs a concept, a reflection, even a perspective of consciousness, there is nothing materially real to our “self.” The hard science folks agree—our “self” cannot be found. If we are only a combination of brain synapses creating ideas and images that project themselves into our selves… sounds like a scam, doesn’t it..."}