Gail Brenner, Ph.D. is a psychologist, author, speaker, and lover of the nondual teaching with a fire that burns brightly. She is an expert in healing from early trauma and brings to this work years of experience with individuals and groups. Her work lovingly illuminates our everyday humanness with the deepest spiritual truths, and she is known for creating the safe space needed for inner exploration.
Gail has special expertise working with older adults and their families in the transitions of aging, death, and dying. She was an assistant clinical professor at the University of California San Francisco where she trained physicians and maintained a clinical practice. She has published numerous professional articles on coping with stress and chronic medical illness and is the author of the award-winning The End of Self-Help: Discovering Peace and Happiness Right at the Heart of Your Messy, Scary, Brilliant Life and Suffering Is Optional: A Spiritual Guide to Freedom from Self-Judgment and Feelings of Inadequacy. She loves exploring different cultures through international volunteering.
First BatGap interview with Gail
Website: gailbrenner.com
Transcript of this interview.
Interview recorded January 16, 2022.
Video and audio below. Audio also available as a Podcast.
YouTube Video Chapters:
00:00:00 - Introduction to Buddha at the Gas Pump
00:03:53 - Personal and Professional Growth
00:07:54 - Tapping into the Beyond
00:11:40 - The Release of Old Patterns and Conditioning
00:15:33 - Embracing Openness and Compassion
00:19:00 - Exploring the Nature of True Self and the Overshadowing of Experience
00:22:41 - The Separation of Identity
00:26:00 - The Impact of Unmet Needs and Coping Strategies
00:29:37 - The Healing Power of Meditation
00:33:11 - The Healing Power of Meditation
00:36:39 - The Power of Attention
00:40:07 - The Importance of Paying Attention and Self-Scrutiny
00:43:38 - Numbing out to avoid discomfort
00:47:15 - Investigating conditioned patterns and healing trauma
00:50:54 - The Neurophysiology of Trauma and Healing
00:55:13 - Tools for Relaxation and Rest
00:58:32 - Inner Awakening and House Cleaning
01:02:09 - The Recognition of Timeless Being
01:06:01 - Healing and Growth in a Nurturing Environment
01:09:27 - Living in Bigger Questions and Non-Duality
01:12:28 - Letting go of control and being present
01:15:38 - Listening Deeply and Bringing Compassion
01:19:30 - Being Present with What Arises
01:22:57 - Working with Unworthiness Issues
01:27:05 - The Power of Being with Emotions
01:30:51 - Beyond Limitations and Identification
01:34:48 - The Profoundness of Being Together in Unity
01:38:19 - Contemplating People
01:41:58 - Finding Meaning and Satisfaction in Life
01:45:28 - Going Deeper and Discovering Meaning
01:49:00 - Thank you for Listening
