Category Archives: Chuck’s Blog

Welcome to Chuck’s Place! This is where Chuck Ketchel, LCSW-R, expresses his thoughts, insights, and experiences! Currently, Chuck posts an essay once a week, currently on Tuesdays, along the lines of inner work, psychotherapy, Jungian thought and analysis, shamanism, alchemy, politics, or any theme that makes itself known to him as the most important topic of the week. Many of the shamanic and psychological terms used in Chuck’s essays are defined in Tools & Definitions on our Psychotherapy page.

Chuck’s Place: The Shattering Shamanic Journey Of Now

From shattering and rising to the infinite…
-Artwork © 2025 Jan Ketchel

A shamanic journey is a journey into the unknown of the self, and beyond the self, into the quantum field of infinite possibility. The gateway between the known and the unknown is heavily guarded and must be shattered if we are to create the space needed to accommodate the ever-active growth imperative of our being. Now is the time of that shattering on a collective scale.

The works of Carlos Castaneda have been my spiritual mainstay for the past fifty years. My journey in that world reflects the journey our entire world is currently embarking upon.

When Carlos broke with the secrecy of all shamanic traditions in the early 1990’s, by coming out of hiding and giving away all of his hidden and protected ancient knowledge, my wife Jeanne and I jumped in and became saturated in the shattering practices of his shamanic line.

The threat of death hovered over Jeanne and me, as well as over Carlos and his shamanic line at that time. Jeanne was challenged with breast cancer, Carlos with severe diabetes, and his unique Toltec shamanic line with facing its end, as Carlos’s impending departure loomed. Shamans credit death as one’s true advisor and one’s supreme motivator in this life in human form.

Carlos had been told by his mentor, the nagual don Juan Matus, that his energetic configuration was only capable of endings, not continuation. However, Spirit had also shown don Juan that the world was on the precipice of a major shift and that it was time to hand over the wisdom of his shamanic line to the coming “age of information”, where it could inform and transform in new, modern ways.

Carlos’s teaching methods were radical and completely shattering of the social order. Many people gave up their careers, relationships, and even their names to make available space in their lives to dedicate themselves to the practices that prepared them to journey into infinity on demand.

If we want to grow, we must make space for growth. We must release, rather than hoard, old attachments to withered beliefs and lifestyles that preclude living life in the freedom of innocence and new possibility.

Jeanne and I were on this shamanic journey of preparation for infinity, as well as on a simultaneous journey for healing that would keep her in this world. Ultimately, it was her definitive journey into infinity that won out. She launched in her energy body in 2001, as her physical body gave way to death. Our preparation for this launch, through the shaman’s world, has led to a stupendous, ever-unfolding collaboration between worlds, continuing to this day.

Carlos himself left this world in 1998, and, though his students continued the trainings, in the organization he had established to disseminate his knowledge, that effort has largely lost momentum. In leaving this world, Carlos successfully closed the door on that old modality of transmission, much as don Juan had anticipated. The many thousands of practitioners who had participated in his trainings took their points of illumination forward into their own lives, evolving his line in unique and novel ways.

Personally, I took the shamanic practice of recapitulation into the consulting room, combining it with EMDR. Coming straight out of the shaman’s world, I worked with Jan, for three years, on her journey of recapitulation, which led to her complete healing from complex PTSD.

Jan detailed her journey of soul retrieval from sixteen years of sexual abuse in her five-volume Recapitulation Diaries series, gifting the world a detailed accounting of a shattering journey of total healing but also the realization of a comfortable access to life in infinity. Twenty-three years ago, Jan established regular communication with Jeanne, which she continues to document and publish on our website, as daily Soulbytes, or guidance from infinity.

Our new United States president, like Carlos Castaneda, resembles the trickster shaman, whose job it is to shatter the social order of the world. He was chosen by the majority.

I know that Gaia is a sentient being, quite capable of flicking from her skin anything that does not serve her own evolution. Gaia, as the Earth, is no victim. The current intent of the new government in some way is leading to her advancement.

It seems counterintuitive to have a male-dominated, oligarchical and materialist orientation dominating the world, and supposedly leading to positive evolution, but Gaia, like the subconscious mind, has her own path of heart, though it may come, at this stage of shattering, as the path of heartbreak.

I know that progress ultimately requires that this domination of the masculine ego, at the solar plexus chakra, must be shattered and rise to the heart center. I have confidence that the ways of Gaia will ultimately get us there.

Furthermore, I know that humanity’s next evolutionary step will incorporate greater access to, and integration with, infinity, the fourth dimension. As I learned in the shaman’s world, the refinement of materialism into spirit life, while still in human form, has the potential to vastly shift humankind’s relationship with the Earth, both through lightness of communication and travel. Telepathy and out-of-body travel require no fossil fuels.

Our collective shamanic journey of now is indeed at the stage of heightened shattering of all that we have known, but it is truly just clearing the way for a new foundation for our continued path of heart.

Hold this broader view as we fasten our seatbelts. And, finally, know that life never ends, it only changes vehicles.

With total optimistic innocence,
Chuck

Inspirational interviews that informed this blog:

David Whyte on the Tim Ferris Podcast

Nyei Murez, one of my former teachers in Carlos Castaneda’s world, on Guru Viking:
Episode 50: Scribe of Carlos Castaneda
Episode 54: The Art of Dreaming

Ky Dickens: Telepathy Tapes

Chuck’s Place: Being In The Wave

We are both particle and wave…
-Artwork © 2025 Jan Ketchel

We are composed of two options of being, a material body and a spiritual soul. Quantum physics calls our material, physical state of being a particle, where energy amasses and concentrates into a solid form. In our spiritual state, our energy is light and free flowing, wavelike, interconnected with everything.

Quantum physics has also discovered that when energy is observed in its wave form, it turns into a particle. Free flowing spiritual energy is so sensitive to human thought or presence that it immediately consolidates into the material form that is expected. This discovery, in human dynamics, shows the impact of observation, or judgment, upon the free flow and energetic possibility of our spirit.

When our spirit is put on the spot, it freezes or solidifies into material form. That physical form becomes our personality. Thus, what we believe, and what others believe about us, becomes who we physically are.

If we are filled with positive judgments, we manifest a positive personality and positive material existence. If we are filled with negative judgments, we freeze into a personality of deprivation and undeservedness. Mental health approaches seek to loosen or enhance our attachment to these cognitions that either further or inhibit the quality and fulfillment of our lives.

Our energetic sojourn in human life predisposes our spirit to life in the solid form of a physical body. In fact, we are all solid cells in the greater physical body of Gaia, the Earth itself. Our life in physical form is the main attraction of our present energetic existence. Our body and personality remain consistent, and therefore recognizable, as we take on the challenges and attachments of the human life cycle.

Nonetheless, though dominated by physical concerns, our beingness in free flowing energetic spirit form remains active and latently available to our conscious awareness. When we sleep, meditate or shamanically journey our spirit is freed from the rigid confines of our physically constructed selves. With intent we can collaborate with our spirit in the creative unfolding of our lives.

In order to change we must deconstruct the rigid constructions of self that solidly define us. When we are in the materially deconstructed state, of pure spirit form, we are in the land of possibility, called quantum reality. The seeds of all possibilities exist at this level. However, we are also highly susceptible to suggestions that can commandeer our intent.

Thus, a thought, if attached to in deep meditation, immediately transports one into a story that solidifies into thought, emotion and physical experience, as the brain treats the story as fact.

This can be of great benefit if, while in the quantum realm, one holds firmly to a specific intent one seeks to manifest. Intent will attract that energetic possibility, and the subconscious will then take up the task of manifesting it materially.

Frequently, however, judgments arise that then construct a polarized reality. Take, for instance, an image of Donald Trump at Jimmy Carter’s funeral. The cognitive dissonance of the world views of these two former presidents, though occupying the same office at different times, can lead one to seek refuge from this dissonant tension by attaching to the value of one versus the other. This attachment then solidifies the one-sided reality one lives in.

Alternatively, if one suspends judgment and attachment, one finds oneself in the presence of many worlds of possibility. Wholeness, or all that is, includes everything, however contradictory. Tolerating all facets of the contradictions inherent in this greater wholeness affords us a broader view into the greater intent shaping our world’s unfolding.

I would suggest, for instance, that Gaia herself is in the midst of a growth spurt, compelling us, as the cells that advance her evolution, to deconstruct and reconstruct a new reality.

I refer the reader to the podcast, The Telepathy Tapes, to experience the cognitive dissonance of non-speaking autistic children freely communicating, telepathically, at the spiritual wave dimension of quantum reality. This advanced non-material mode of communication is clearly the next stage of human evolution. One cannot arrive at this perspective if they prematurely succumb to exercising the judgment of limitation toward autism.

Similarly, if one views images of both Los Angeles and Gaza, leveled and in flames, one is sure to be provoked to judgments, which will physically register as powerful emotions, negative or positive. However, if one remains in the spiritual wave state of non-attachment—observing without judgment—one may once again be treated to another view of Gaia’s overarching intent.

The longer we can maintain our wave state of being, without judgment, the more we are shown, and the greater our clarity of everything will be. Of course, this does not cancel our exercising our own intent, at both the spiritual and physical dimensions of our being, but it does enable us to act from a more enlightened perspective.

Our current physical reality dream is in the midst of great deconstruction as it advances toward renewal and new life. Our most solid footing in this time of accelerated transition is, ironically, to remain solidly, in the wave.

Embodying the wave,
Chuck

Chuck’s Place: The Keys To The Quantum Kingdom

The Key to the Quantum Kingdom is on the Wings of Intent!
-Artwork © 2025 Jan Ketchel

I assign Quantum Kingdom to be synonymous with the word heaven; borrowing from Matthew 16:19: “I will give to thee the keys to the kingdom of heaven.”

The quantum is a field of energetic possibility that exists beneath the physical, at the subtle dimension of our human being. Quantum physics has demonstrated that human thought and intention influence energy at the quantum level to organize and materialize into physical reality. The quantum level of our being is the birthplace of creativity and change in our lives. Simply put: what we think and believe becomes who we are.

The subconscious mind is the assemblage factory in the quantum field. The suggestions we deliver to the subconscious mind, consciously or unconsciously, are materially constructed through the attractive power of the subconscious mind acting upon the latent field of possibilities available at the quantum level of reality. At that level, everything is possible.

Often, when we rest, we drift into a semi-conscious, hypnagogic state, at the quantum level, where we become characters in lives we know nothing about. If we remain passively conscious in this state, it’s like watching a plethora of coming attractions before the main attraction at the theatre. Here we are spectators, observing many possible lives to be lived.

As fascinating, or downright boring, as these vignettes might be, the first quantum key is in discovering this haven of creative possibility within. Typically, this resource is hidden from waking consciousness in order to protect us from abusing the power locked within it. The atomic bomb, with all its destructive potential, is a warning of the potential abuse of quantum power.

Human beings have been barred from focusing on the quantum field through a fixation upon material reality. If you believe that all that exists is physical, then life is all about acquiring or manipulating the physical to your best advantage. This, coupled with the hypnotic power of socialized suggestions, focuses one’s attention outwardly, onto physical reality, far from the quantum dimension within.

Nonetheless, when we focus on material reality we are still quite actively engaging the quantum field of potential within. However, it is being directed without conscious intention. The next key to quantum possibility is to arrive at the quantum entrance with clear intention, the suggestion that leads to manifestation.

The guard against accessing this key is what the shamans of ancient Mexico called the flyer’s mind. This predatory guard steals the lion’s share of our attention and energy by keeping us fixated upon an internal dialogue about our self-importance.

Feelings of unworthiness, shame, self-doubt, inadequacy, undeservedness, unlovability and unattractiveness can dominate one’s mental space. Conversely, inflated themes of one’s greatness and entitlement again focus consciousness upon self-importance.

Shamans focus upon freeing their energy from self-importance by learning to not be offended by the critical petty tyrants they encounter in their daily lives. This sound advice to all of us allows us to enter the quantum field without the prejudice of a hardened self-definition, available to new possibility.

Joe Dispenza addresses the issue of self-definition in his meditations by leading the journeyer to a purely energetic state, by shedding a time/space identity. Here we become a no one versus a someone; nowhere versus somewhere; in no time versus in some time. With this release of a solid identity, one holds a key to new possibility and deep change being initiated in the quantum dimension.

Bob Monroe suggested that journeyers put their judging mind in a strongly guarded box, to allow themselves the lightness to journey into quantum potential. He developed Hemi-sync® brainwave technology to enable that journey to reach the quantum field. After the journey, the mind is retrieved from the locked box, perhaps significantly changed by the gifts manifested in quantum reality.

Jack Schwarz offers the use of breathing patterns to achieve the deepened brainwave states that provide access to the quantum dimension.

The final key to quantum realization is to enter the quantum field with definite intention, allowing the imagination to take charge and experience the being one intends to become, filled with the emotion of manifesting that being, as opposed to the passive bystander who merely watches previews of quantum possibilities.

The opportunity of our time is to actualize these keys to the quantum kingdom to advance ourselves toward individual and collective health and  fulfillment.

Suspend judgment and intend,
Chuck

Meditations for the Holidays

-Photo by Jan Ketchel

We wish everyone, and our entire world, a happy Solstice, a beautiful and peaceful Holiday Season and a most prosperous New Year. May we all carry the light of gratitude and love within us as we enter into the season of joy and giving, festivities and celebration, and renewal. And may we all walk into the New Year full of hope and promise each day, still carrying that light within, eager and grateful to embrace new life to come. We share some calming practices below and will return to our normal weekly postings on Monday January 6, 2025.

Sending you love,
Jan & Chuck

MEDITATIONS
For Setting Intentions

Wake up to each new day (or any time) to an enlivening meditation with Dr. Joe Dispenza.

Most Powerful Morning Meditation – 35 minutes
You are the Placebo Meditation – 58 Minutes

LABYRINTH WALKS
For Grounding and Centering

Virtually walk around Jan’s Quartz Crystal Labyrinth in the woods on our property. Turn the volume up so you can hear nature in all its glory, in summer, the cicadas and crickets and in winter the crackling of leaves.

Walk the Labyrinth Summer-12 minutes 
Walk the Labyrinth Winter-9 minutes

Note: If you want to watch the videos on your phone you will have to get the Dropbox App. Once you sign in just skip through all the prompts and then come back to this page and click the link and it should open in Dropbox. If you watch on a computer or tablet it should open immediately in Dropbox.

MUSIC
For Peace and Healing

Listen to some Tibetan Chanting, Healing Handpan music or a medley of meditation music from the Monroe Institute.

Lama Gyurme-Rain of Blessings
Seeds of Growth (1111Hz) handpan music by Malte Marten
Healing Frequency (1111 Hz) by Malte Marten & Lynxk
Meditation Music from the Monroe Institute

MANTRAS
For Manifestation
(Originally published in Soulbytes December 9 – 13, 2024)

Monday Mantra: I am whole and perfect, strong and powerful, kind and loving, harmonious and happy, prosperous and successful in everything I do.

Tuesday Mantra: I embrace my fearless beauty, my stunning intelligence, my wild creativity, and my open heartedness. I am safe in my beauty. I am safe in myself.

Wednesday Mantra: I am no longer willing to be comfortable in my discomforts. I am changing my mind, my body, and my life. As I change my thoughts and ideas about myself, I face my fears. I am now fearless in my new approach to life.

Thursday Mantra: I am beautiful. I am in tiptop shape from head to toe. My body is energized, synchronized and harmonized to a new level of energy that is healing and radiant, radical and brilliant, whole and perfect.

Friday Mantra: I step into my splendidly beautiful self and radiate beautiful energy throughout the day. I am whole and perfect, strong and powerful, kind and loving, harmonious and happy, prosperous and successful in everything I do. I am fearlessly beautiful, stunningly intelligent, brilliantly creative, and my heart is open to this stupendous adventure that is my new life.

Chuck’s Place: The Golden Opportunity Of Now

Infinite relaxation…
-Artwork © 2024 Jan Ketchel

I completely daydreamed through grammar school. One day, a quantum thought presented itself to my consciousness. It started with the notion of a finite line, perhaps an inch in length.

I reasoned that if I were to keep cutting that line in half, though I might not have the instruments to do so, that that halving process would go on for infinity. As long as there was a thing, there could always be a half of it. With this realization, I discovered infinity in a finite 1-inch line.

Today, I find infinity in my finite physical body. If I tell my body to relax, I can feel it halve its level of tension in my musculature. Often I’ll do this in accompaniment with an exhalation. I then pause, no breath, and notice the newly reduced level of tension in my body. I then tell my body to hold that level as I inhale and further release upon exhalation, taking the tension level down another notch.

I find that there is no end to a deepening level of relaxation. In fact, at a certain level, the experience is no longer that of physicality but one of pure vibrant energy. Even at that level the deepening relaxation is endless, with a sound frequency that continues to rise in pitch as physicality continues to diminish.

At a certain level, we are all fundamentally infinite quantum-energy beings. When we reach that quantum energy level of our being, with consciousness, we are no longer limited by a mindset of physicality. We are now in an undefined state of pure fluid energy. Here, consciousness of the particle state of physical life shifts to its complementary wave state of pure energy.

Joe Dispenza defines this wave state as our fifth-dimensional realm of existence, the gateway to quantum opportunity. When we are freed from the confines of our defined physical being, we open to the infinite state of possibilities that are all simultaneously present in the quantum realm.

If with conscious intent, while in that realm, we imagine what we want, we set in motion its physical realization at the particle level of our existence, the realm of waking life. As John’s Gospel aptly begins: “In the beginning was the word, and the word was made flesh.” Our consciousness at the quantum level is the creator. The words we utter and the scenes we imagine are the suggestions that the subconscious mind will fashion into the flesh.

What typically interferes with this process is the entrenched hardwired beliefs that resist relinquishing their particle formulations in the mind and heart. Transmuting these solid holdouts is exemplified by the destructive action of The Tower card in the Tarot.

As the Tower card suggests, all new construction requires the complete breakdown and clearing of prior construction before a new building can be constructed. In our current world, even the appropriateness of the polio vaccine is being seriously challenged.  All the basic tenets of science and civilization are currently on the potential chopping block.

We are entering a science fiction novel, with characters from a Gotham-like city assuming control. I say this without judgment. This cartoon-like version of reality, with all its superpowers, is indeed forming into a solid reality. A quantum possibility is manifesting before our eyes.

What made this possible was the destruction of reigning beliefs about the nature of reality, coupled with the incessant repetition of words suggesting a potential new reality.

This incessant, destructive action upon the analytical mind is the entry point for all shamanic journeys into quantum reality. The golden opportunity of now is to employ this current collective energy of outer uncertainty inwardly, asking ourselves to suspend judgment as to what is possible, as we allow ourselves the largess to imagine a new life, freed of the limitation of prior habit.

I encourage saturation in listening to Joe Dispenza’s lengthy meditations as a practical path to quantum access. Repetition alone is extremely powerful, as modeled by the incoming president of the United States. Repetition can eradicate old beliefs and install new beliefs. As always, I suggest the intent in repetition be for the greater good.

I also suggest the practice of infinite relaxation to reach the quantum realm. The ability to relax is the smoothest exit strategy from the womb at birth.

The ability to completely relax is the smoothest transition attitude when it’s time to let go of physical life.

The ability to relax allows us the confidence and fluidity to become quantum creators of a fulfilled life.

Can we allow ourselves the divine freedom to create a new life, just as we are seeing mirrored before us in outer reality?

The year 2025 is the year of a quantum leap. Take advantage within the self to discover that everything and anything is indeed possible! Let there be no doubt.

With gratitude to all,
Chuck

Joe Dispenza Meditations:
Most PowerfulMorning Meditation – 35 minutes
You are the Placebo Meditation – 58 Minutes