James McCrae is an author, poet, creative guide, and meme-artist based in Austin, Texas. James is the author of two books: Sh#t Your Ego Says (Hay House, 2017), an autobiographical guidebook for quieting negative self-talk and reconnecting with intuition, and How to Laugh in Ironic Amusement During Your Existential Crisis (Thought Catalog, 2021), a book of poetry and memes about leaving your comfort zone to embrace the unknown. In his writing and art, he applies the principles of mindfulness and Eastern philosophy to modern life with humor and candor.    James’ articles on creativity have been published by outlets such as Forbes, HuffPost, and Yogi Times. His podcast The WAV (Words are Vibrations) explores the intersection of creativity, consciousness, and culture. He can be found on instagram at @wordsarevibrations and @starseedAF.  If You Enjoy The Thought Room Please Subscribe and Give Us a 5-Star Rating ★★★★★ and Review on Apple Podcasts. Special Offers:   Sign up for my free 5 Minute Meditation!  https://www.hallierose.com/meditation   This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp Online Therapy: Click here → https://betterhelp.com/thoughtroom  Coupon: THOUGHTROOM for 10% off your first month    $200 off Ayahuasca retreats at Soltara Healing Center with code THOUGHTROOM. Use link: http://soltara.co/thoughtroom 3rd Eye Cacao:    Click here —> https://thirdeyecacao.com/thoughtroom   Why cacao? As an excellent alternative to coffee, cacao is rich in theobromine, a native relative to caffeine. Theobromine's heart-opening effects energize the body and elevates mood.  Third Eye Cacao is organically grown, hand picked and sun-dried. Just boil water— Third Eye Cacao is easy enough for your morning ritual, and pure enough to be used for cacao ceremonies!   Use the coupon code “THOUGHTROOM” for 15% off! Topics Explored:    2:48 - Self-Care as Surrender and Nurturing our Soul  The busyness of self-care and how to distinguish when we’re enabling vs. when we’re in touch with the soul 13:56 - James’ divine journey from creative strategist to poet and meme artist How James manifested his first book and went from unknown and unpublished to best-seller  Embracing life’s detours 28:51 - Spirituality and tuning into your intuition How to keep energy moving when we feel heavy 53:08 - Ayahuasca and plant medicine How David Bowie saved James from the apocalypse How generational trauma is stored in our DNA 1:04:46 - Aliens, other universes, and disinformation 1:20:18 - James’ new book “How to Laugh in Ironic Amusement During Your Existential Crisis” The importance of telling people we love them  Resources: “Sh#t Your Ego Says: Strategies to Overthrow Your Ego and Become the Hero of Your Story” by James McCrae “How to Laugh in Ironic Amusement During Your Existential Crisis” by James McCrae Website | jamesmccrae.com The WAV podcast James on IG | @wordsarevibrations and @starseedAF The Philosophical Research Society “The Secret Teachings of All Ages: An Encyclopedic Outline of Masonic, Hermetic, Qabbalistic and Rosicrucian Symbolical Philosophy” by Manly P. Hall Song of Myself by Walt Whitman Subscribe to The Thought Room:  Apple | https://tinyurl.com/qp3mqnp Spotify | https://tinyurl.com/wxyzmdw Stitcher | https://tinyurl.com/wrxv39g     Connect with Hallie Rose: Thought Room IG | https://www.instagram.com/thoughtroompodcast/  Hallie Rose IG | https://www.instagram.com/hallie_rosebud/ Twitter | https://twitter.com/ThoughtRoomPod YouTube |http://bit.ly/ThoughtRoomYouTube  Website | www.thoughtroompodcast.com  Email | thoughtroompodcast@gmail.com    Sign up for the TRP Newsletter | www.thoughtroompodcast.com    HELP SUPPORT THIS SHOW!    → SUBSCRIBE:  Apple Podcasts +  Spotify + Stitcher +  Google Podcasts     → LEAVE A SHORT APPLE PODCASTS REVIEW:  Would you please consider leaving a typed review on Apple Podcasts/iTunes? Even a one or two words! It takes less than 60 seconds and really makes a difference in helping to la