Author | Speaker | Wisdom Teacher

Vivian Dittmar is an author, wisdom teacher and founder of the Be the Change Foundation. Born in Germany, Vivian spent her childhood and youth on three continents, immersed in very diverse cultural and socio-economic contexts. This gives her a unique perspective on what it means to be human.

Through her books, lectures, seminars and online offerings, she has been committed to a holistic development of people, society, economy and consciousness for over two decades. Her books include “The Emotional Backpack”, “The Power of Feelings“ and “Your Inner GPS“.

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“In this book, I present a new, healing way of dealing with emotions. I outline how you can release emotional baggage in a safe and reliable manner. This enables you to choose how you respond to life, even in the most challenging situations.” – Vivian
Everyone carries an Emotional Backpack. It contains difficult, repressed feelings from the past which weigh us down in everyday life, in relationships, and at work, leading to inappropriate reactions and causing even harmless situations to escalate. But if you consciously embrace your emotional backpack, it can transform into a source of connection and wisdom.
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Free Workshop: How Big Is Your Emotional Backpack?

Don’t miss this free workshop, in which Vivian Dittmar introduces a formula for figuring out the size of your emotional backpack. She explains how three factors work together to determine the load you carry on your shoulders. Instead of being a burden, having a big emotional backpack can be one of your greatest assets. Click on the video to learn more.
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The Emotional Backpack Online Course introduces the practice of Conscious Release, which will enable you to safely and reliably release emotional baggage. This practice has completely transformed the lives of tens of thousands of people that Vivian has shared it with. Click on the link below to find out more about the course!

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Vivian and John Vervaeke

PART I:
John Vervaeke and Vivian Dittmar discuss the integral yet overlooked role of emotions and affect in spirituality and the cultivation of wisdom. Vivian, with her diverse background that includes experiences in traditional cultures, Far Eastern philosophy, and shamanic traditions, outlines a framework differentiating physical sensations, biological instincts, social feelings, unprocessed emotions, and transcendent abilities. She emphasizes practices that help process difficult emotions to develop wisdom rather than escape into spiritual bypassing. John explores resonances with Greek philosophy’s link between virtue, emotion, and reason. Their rich conversation hints at deep connections between rationality, wisdom, and spirituality, signaling more still to unpack.
PART II:
In their second dialogue on “Voices with Vervaeke,” John Vervaeke and Vivian Dittmar explore transrational thought, emotions, and transformative practices, embarking on a profound journey into human experience. Vivian introduces a map of five distinct sensations, illuminating the practice of conscious release for personal growth, emotional maturity, and integrating higher consciousness with shadow aspects. Their discussion delves into pre-rational, rational, and transrational modes of thought, emphasizing the importance of integrating various forms of thinking to navigate modern cognitive landscapes effectively. This intellectual and experiential exploration offers valuable perspectives on human consciousness, emotional work, and the potential of transrational thought to enrich our self-understanding and worldview.

Your Inner GPS

Find Clarity with the Five Ways of Thinking

What’s the difference between a daydream and true inspiration?
Is it good to make purely rational decisions, or should I go with my gut?
How do I listen to my heart, and is it really always the best guide?

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