Your Happiness Is Not a Product, It's Who You Already Are with Dean Graves | 134

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What if happiness isn’t something you chase but something you uncover by letting go?

In this introspective and eye-opening episode of Manders Mindset, host Amanda Russo sits down with spiritual teacher, author, and meditation guide Dean Graves. With over two decades of experience in mindfulness, Dean shares the profound insights that took him from a successful real estate career to a life rooted in awareness, inner peace, and metaphysical truth.

Together, they explore what it truly means to “wake up,” why stress is one of our greatest spiritual teachers, and how meditation can transform not only how we feel but who we believe we are. Dean introduces the concept of the "hierophant" a false self shaped by ego and expectation and offers listeners a path toward deeper healing through self-inquiry, presence, and radical self-responsibility.

For anyone feeling stuck, emotionally weighed down, or craving a sense of clarity, this episode offers a grounded yet deeply spiritual roadmap to reclaiming authenticity and joy.

🎙️ In this episode, listeners will learn:

🧘‍♂️ Why most people come to meditation running from pain and what shifts when we start moving toward peace
 🌀 How the “hierophant” (false self) forms—and why it keeps us from experiencing love and happiness
 💭 Why awareness is the ultimate healing tool—and how to begin using it in daily life
 💔 The hidden connection between emotional baggage and physical/emotional suffering
 💡 How stress serves as a wake-up call, pointing us toward deeper beliefs we need to examine
 💬 What it really means to “feel love”—and why it has nothing to do with giving or receiving it
 ⏳ Practical steps for starting a meditation practice that sticks—even if you feel too busy or distracted

🕒 Timeline Summary:

[1:39] – Dean introduces his metaphysical view of the self and the concept of consciousness
[6:21] – The moment he realized success wasn’t bringing happiness—and why that changed everything
[10:46] – Understanding stress as a guide, not a punishment
[13:42] – How false beliefs shape our experiences—and keep us stuck in suffering
[20:24] – A radical reframe of love as the presence of our authentic self
[27:35] – Why meditation is essential—and how it helped Dean and his wife through chronic illness
[32:06] – Emotional baggage as unlearned life lessons—and the powerful metaphor of the “concrete ball”
[39:01] – Tips for building a meditation routine (even if you’ve failed before)
[41:47] – Dean’s legacy, the Law of One, and his parting wisdom on self-responsibility and change

For those struggling with meditation, Dean offers practical guidance: schedule it like brushing your teeth, start with just five minutes, and recognize that consistency matters more than perfection. His straightforward approach strips away the mystique surrounding meditation, making it accessible to anyone seeking greater self-awareness.

To Connect with Amanda:

Schedule a 1:1 Virtual Breathwork Session HERE

📸 Instagram: @thebreathinggoddess

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To Connect with Dean: 

https://www.ddeangraves.org/