In this episode, Connie, an experienced educator and sociologist, shares her profound insights into self-inquiry and transformative learning. We explore her extensive teaching career, highlighting the importance of authentic connections and presence in the classroom. Connie discusses her philosophical journey from Western religious studies to Eastern thought, emphasizing self-observation as a critical tool for personal growth.

As the conversation unfolds, she addresses the impact of modern culture on consciousness, advocating for mindfulness and active engagement to combat passive perception. Connie offers practical advice for nurturing compassion and empathy in academic settings and introduces the idea of "consciousness salons" for collective explorations of personal growth. This episode serves as an invitation for listeners to embark on a transformative journey guided by Connie's rich experiences in education and spirituality.0:04 Introduction to Self-Inquiry0:40 The Journey of Teaching7:41 Discovering Spiritual Paths12:35 The Importance of Self-Inquiry16:46 Understanding the Ego18:40 Embracing the Truth20:27 The Challenge of Silence23:34 Changing Perspectives on Conditioning27:03 Breaking Free from Conditioning30:23 From Reaction to Response33:03 Exploring Gurdjieff's Teachings36:40 Bridging Science and Spirituality39:17 The Power of Dialogue43:49 Finding Compassion in Academia48:13 Meeting the Teacher54:19 Continuation of LearningConstance A. Jones, Ph.D., is a sociologist of religion who does research on spiritual teachers as well as Hindu and Buddhist movements around the world. Beginning with her doctoral dissertation on the caste system in India, she has pursued a long interest in the cultures and religions of the East, including the adoption of Hindu and Buddhist beliefs and practices in the West.Throughout her career in higher education, she has helped establish women’s studies departments and curricula in several colleges and universities and has published research on women’s status in India and feminist methods.She has been a member of a multidisciplinary team of scholars that investigates new religious movements around the world and has published articles on several movements that are based on Hindu and Buddhist beliefs and practices. Her work includes several scholarly positions, including Assistant Editor of Melton’s Encyclopedia of American Religions for Eighth through Tenth editions; International Advisory Board, Gurdjieff Institute for the Harmonious Development of Man (2017- present) Tbilisi, GEORGIA; Publications Committee, Krishnamurti Foundation of America (2018-present), Ojai, CA.