Ken Martin on Addiction, the Relentless Ego and Immense Presence
I believe that we are all brought into this world with the inner knowing that there is something far greater than our physical existence. For some, that knowing is buried deep and may never be fully realized in this life. For others, it is strong and the process to find our way can be frustrating. In a world that does not foster the intuitive self, many of us get lost trying to figure out our authentic expression.
Looking for answers in the external world left Ken Martin anxious and alone while his inner knowing screamed to be expressed. His seeking turned to defiance and in dis-ease he chose drugs and alcohol to quiet his pain at a young age.
Performing well in school was not Ken's issue, in fact, academics and athletics came very easy to him. His struggle was in his search for more knowledge of what the Bhagavad Gita calls the big Self. The external world provided him with no answers and so he continued to use drugs and alcohol far beyond their efficacy. The very formula that Ken defines as addiction.
Ken grew up in a Catholic family with a spiritual mother. He says meditation was always a part of his process. He describes his ego as relentless but it is clear that his discipline to practice overrides his active mind. As Ken says, "What active mind wants to meditate?" On most mornings he notices that his mind does not want to meditate but he does it anyway. His understands that he does not have to succumb to the internal dialogue of the mind. He describes meditation as more difficult than getting sober.
Today we go deep. Ken opens up not only about his process of addiction and his search for truth but also the after-effects of a massive heart attack that he suffered just over five years ago. I'm honored to share our guest and his story with you today. Thank you so much for tuning in, supporting the show and further the YogiTriathlete mission to create a better world.
Join Our Free Trial
Get started today before this once in a lifetime opportunity expires.