Michael McRay came to know shame in early childhood, and it nearly killed him. In this episode of Redeeming Disorder, he bravely shares the story of his close encounter with death, and of the immense outpouring of love he found after attempting suicide. Michael's vulnerability gives me the courage to finally share that I was suicidal for a period of time in the summer of 2011, and if you find yourself in a dark place, I hope it gives you courage as well. May the story instill faith, in all those who need to hear it, that there is light at the end of the tunnel. You are not alone.
The storytelling of this episode is beautiful, thanks to Michael's skills as an orator and writer. In his most recent book, I Am Not Your Enemy, he visits Israel, Palestine, Northern Ireland and South Africa interviewing activists, peacebuilders and former combatants about their personal stories of conflict, justice, and reconciliation. As Michael puts it, "we need stories that cultivate empathy and tell the truth. We need stories to save us from our fear."
You can find I Am Not Your Enemy and the rest of Michael's work on his website
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#48: Unlearning to Know Love — Nykia Herron Ash
#47: Plants and Ancestral Wisdom — Catherine Melissa Calva Carrión
#46: Personal Shadows, Cultural Shadows — Nick Pharazyn
#45: Beginner's Mind — Maya Choi
#44: Happy World Mental Health Day! — Kailey O'Connor
#43: Eternaculture, Permaculture and the New Earth — Phil Larstone
Happy Summer Solstice and Father’s Day from this Crazy Ayahuasquero
#42: The Importance of Feeling Understood — Ṣadé (Elizabeth) Kammen
#41: Letting Down the Emotional Walls — Frank Ferrare
#40: Surviving Narcolepsy, Cataplexy and Sexual Assault — Nikki Moon
#39: Practicing Gratitude — Jonas Otsuji
#38: Living through Natural Disaster — Nicole Moore
Redeeming Redeeming Disorder
#36: Age and Perspective — Devon VillaCampa
#35: Philosophy, Belief and Truth — AJ Mass
#34: What is Illness? — Dr. Amanda Rabinowitz
#33: What is Medicine? — Dr. Eric Maisel
#32: Dreams, Addictions and New Beginnings — Todd Herzog & Kailey O’Connor
Guided Meditation 12: Review (40 min.)
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