The Journey On Podcast: Episode with Todd Perlmutter

Release Date: August 31, 2024
Host: Warwick Schiller

Introduction

In this compelling episode of The Journey On Podcast, Warwick Schiller welcomes Todd Perlmutter, a transformative public speaker and author renowned for his works such as Aloneness to Oneness and Finding Your True Self. Todd shares his profound journey from a high-powered New York City advertising executive to a spiritual seeker who spent nine years immersing himself in diverse spiritual traditions around the world.

From New York Ad Exec to Spiritual Seeker

Todd begins by recounting his former life as a creative director in New York City's advertising scene, reminiscent of the culture portrayed in Mad Men. He describes a lifestyle filled with excessive drinking, smoking, and the relentless pursuit of pleasure, which ultimately led to addiction and mental health struggles.

Notable Quote:
“I was a big drinker and addicted to smoking and stress, and just all of those things that come from that corporate lifestyle combined with just being a young person who thought that happiness meant always doing something pleasurable.” [06:00]

Catalyst for Change: The Miraval Resort Experience

A pivotal moment in Todd's transformation occurred during a visit to the Miraval Resort in Arizona, where he participated in horse-assisted therapy. He realized that the horses reflected his own energy, teaching him that his reactions—fear, aggression, or presence—directly influenced his relationship with them.

Notable Quote:
"We were working with the horses, and what we learned was that it's not actually about the horse. The horse is going to be a horse. It will do everything in a horse's nature." [12:32]

This experience inspired him to leave his corporate career behind and embark on a journey to India to delve deeper into spiritual practices.

Immersive Journey in India and Asia

Todd spent approximately nine years traveling across India and various Asian countries, residing in ashrams and Buddhist monasteries. His time in these spiritual havens involved intense practices such as chanting, meditation, and selfless service (seva), which profoundly impacted his understanding of inner peace and the human condition.

Notable Quote:
"At the ashrams, it's a lot of chanting and meditation and sometimes it's more singing than chanting... It's a very powerful experience to allow the mind to not have so much chaos going on and to really simplify." [16:39]

He contrasts the more mythologically rich ashrams with the scientifically focused Buddhist monasteries, highlighting how the latter deepened his appreciation for meditation and the science of the mind.

Exploration of Shamans and Indigenous Wisdom in South America

After Asia, Todd ventured to South America, particularly Chile and Peru, to explore indigenous spiritual practices. Here, he encountered shamans who possessed an uncanny ability to perceive deeper truths about individuals, often guiding them through personal transformations.

Notable Quote:
"Non-duality, oneness are just really in my mind the same thing, basically. I think it's inevitable when you expand your consciousness." [51:24]

Todd emphasizes the universal wisdom shared across diverse cultures, noting the shared practices and insights that transcend geographical boundaries.

Life-Changing Meditation Retreat in New Zealand

One of the most transformative experiences Todd shares is his 50-day solo meditation retreat in the forests of New Zealand. Equipped with a tent and essential supplies, he spent nearly two months in isolation, meditating for up to 12 hours a day. This period of intense introspection led to profound realizations about the nature of the mind and the importance of controlling one's consciousness to overcome suffering.

Notable Quote:
"It was the discovery that the mind is everything, that we are the source of whatever we are experiencing." [62:01]

This retreat solidified Todd's understanding that peace emanates from within and that controlling one's focus and awareness is key to a fulfilling life.

Insights on Non-Duality and Oneness

Throughout the conversation, Todd delves into the concept of non-duality, explaining it as the recognition that the separation between subject and object is an illusion created by the mind. He relates these spiritual insights to scientific principles, noting that emerging scientific discoveries increasingly support the interconnectedness of all things.

Notable Quote:
"Non-duality is a way of seeing the world as allowing us to focus not just on the stuff, but on the space in between, on the silence that allows the noise to arise." [52:14]

Todd argues that embracing non-duality can lead to a deeper understanding of oneself and the universe, fostering a sense of oneness that transcends individual identities.

Writing and Teaching: Sharing the Journey

After his travels, Todd dedicated himself to writing and public speaking, aiming to share the wisdom he acquired. He has authored eight to nine books that bridge Eastern spirituality and Western science, providing accessible insights into personal growth and mental well-being.

Notable Quote:
"Aloneness to Oneness... covers the east and the west and the science and the spirituality. And I think that this holistic view is like a great place to start for people." [70:17]

He also hosts his own podcast, Path to Peace with Todd Perlmutter, where he discusses various topics related to spirituality and personal development.

Recommendations and Advice

When asked about the worst advice in his profession, Todd criticizes the notion that being a "good person" guarantees only good outcomes. He emphasizes that while suffering is an inevitable part of life, spirituality can help mitigate the suffering by fostering resilience and inner peace.

Notable Quote:
"With spirituality, there's still pain, but suffering is optional." [78:33]

Additionally, he debunks the myth that spirituality is solely about crystals and horoscopes, advocating for a deeper, more scientific understanding of the mind and consciousness.

Personal Practices for Stress Relief

Todd shares his strategies for managing stress, which include meditation, physical exercise (especially swimming and hiking), and deep breathing. He highlights the importance of connecting with one's breath to activate the body's relaxation response and maintain mental clarity.

Notable Quote:
"Whenever I'm in the moment and feeling stressful... making sure I'm doing deep breathing naturally turns on that relaxation." [83:36]

Warwick relates this to his own experiences with depression, underscoring the universal applicability of these practices in achieving mental well-being.

Conclusion and Contact Information

The episode concludes with Todd encouraging listeners to embrace oneness and integrate spiritual practices into their daily lives to overcome suffering and achieve lasting peace and joy. He emphasizes the interconnectedness of all beings and the importance of fostering empathy and compassion.

Contact Information:
Listeners can find Todd through his website East West is Our Foundation, his social media handles (@ToddPerlmutter on Instagram), and his podcast, Path to Peace with Todd Perlmutter. His books are available for purchase online, providing further insights into his transformative journey.

Final Thoughts

This episode of The Journey On Podcast offers a profound exploration of Todd Perlmutter's transformative journey from corporate life to spiritual enlightenment. Through his experiences in ashrams, monasteries, and indigenous tribes, Todd provides listeners with valuable lessons on meditation, non-duality, and the power of inner peace. His insights bridge the gap between spirituality and science, making his teachings accessible and relevant to a modern audience seeking personal growth and mental well-being.

Recommended Listening:
For a deeper dive into Todd Perlmutter's teachings, consider reading his book Aloneness to Oneness and tuning into his podcast, Path to Peace with Todd Perlmutter.