In this episode of Chats and Tatts, host Aaron Della Vedova sits down for a deep conversation with Ian Gardner, an 'Urban Monk' and founder of The Finding Silence Project.   Ian shares his extensive journey in philosophy and spirituality. He discusses his exploration of different types of meditation and plant medicines, highlighting their importance in his life. Ian also reflects on his initiation into Transcendental Meditation and the profound experience of finding stillness, and silence, within himself. In the episode, Aaron and Ian delve into the role of the mind in creating separation from the truth. They explain that the mind's purpose is to maintain a sense of individuality and create divisions. The mind resists the discovery of truth as it threatens its existence. The speaker suggests that when we find the path that resonates with us, whether through reading, listening to talks, meeting certain individuals, or having specific experiences, we may have a moment of realization or "aha" where we deeply connect with the truth.  In the episode, the speaker mentions the practice of Vipassana, which involves sitting and observing thoughts. The purpose of this practice is to eventually reach a state of rest for the mind.  The goal is to cultivate mindfulness and develop a deeper understanding of the nature of the mind. Tune in for an insightful conversation on seeking and embracing one's spiritual path. The Chat Breakdown: [00:02:54] Ian Gardner's spiritual path. [00:03:27] Connectivity and maintaining relationships. [00:07:06] Spiritual awakening and DMT. [00:09:31] Becoming a spiritual seeker. [00:13:15] Taking a leap into yoga. [00:16:12] Kumela festival and sadhus. [00:19:19] Breatharianism and Soul Travel. [00:23:47] Spiritual realms and connecting with teachers. [00:26:58] Excommunication and starting anew. [00:30:17] Unfolding consciousness through meditation. [00:33:22] The journey into inner silence. [00:38:29] Spiritual awakening revolution. [00:41:36] Plant medicine awakening in the West. [00:43:07] Plant medicine and healing. [00:47:37] Eradicating suffering through human cooperation. [00:50:08] Humans and suffering. [00:54:02] Reincarnation in different religions. [00:57:46] Reincarnation and the universe. [01:00:57] The origins of existence. [01:03:30] Ancient civilizations and cycles. [01:07:08] The soul's journey through paths. [01:12:34] Different paths to enlightenment. [01:13:43] Vegetarianism and spirituality. [01:19:31] Golden dolphin and family. [01:21:17] Tattoos and personal connections. [01:25:25] Bringing meditation to others. [01:29:14] Pineal gland and meditation. [01:31:43] The effect of atmosphere.   Quotes:   "Oh, I've been looking in all the wrong places. That thing I've been looking for. It's not out there in all that stuff. It's right in here." "And I see people in society, people I work with professionally, or my children, or people in the community, all scrabbling and striving, like, like, like mice in a maze chasing after that little piece of cheese." "I believe that suffering can be easily eradicated with just human cooperation." "Each person has the power to resolve their own suffering if they choose to look and seek and apply the effort and the dedication." "Enthusiasm can get you through a lot."   Connect with Ian:    IG: https://www.instagram.com/findingsilenceproject/ The Finding Silence Project: http://www.findingsilenceproject.com/   Connect with Aaron:⁠   Website: http://www.chatsandtatts.com⁠ Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@chatsandtatts  IG: http://www.instagram.com/chatsandtatts Chats & Tatts YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/chatsandtatts Aaron IG:⁠ http://www.instagram.com/aarondellavedova⁠ Guru Tattoo: http://www.Gurutattoo.com