148 - Want Is NOT a Dirty Word!

In this episode, we explore the role of desire and wanting in the Alchemy journey. While some spiritual traditions teach desirelessness, Alchemy actually begins with igniting your passion and understanding what you truly want from life. This episode clarifies why wanting isn't something to transcend—it's the fuel that powers transformation. We discuss the Nine Stages of Alchemy, the concept of "un-peopling" for clarity, and why the Alchemists in the caves knew that the real work starts with ordinary human nature, not transcendent experiences.

Key Themes:

Desire as fuel, not the enemy Why Alchemy doesn't ask you to kill your passion Beyond the "spiritual bypass" The Alchemist caves and retreating from distractions Beginner's mind The Nine Stages of Alchemy as a roadmap Stage one: Is your life flowing or is it hard? Stage two: What are you guarding against? Stage three: What did you inherit? Why the fast track doesn't work (and why that's good news) The role of Wood energy in forward momentum What "un-peopling" means and why Alchemists needed it Free Meditation — Start Here What Do I Really Want? (20-minute guided meditation)

Access: AlchemyLearningCenter.com/want How to use: Do this meditation 2-3 times if nothing comes up the first time. There's no pass or fail. You're just slowing down and opening to what your heart truly wants. Homework for Listeners #1: Notice How You Reach

Catch yourself trying to skip ahead Are you looking for shortcuts or the fast track? Are you trying to bypass steps? No judgment—just observe #2: Name Something You're Still Guarding Against

Reflect on what you're protecting against You might think you already dealt with it (through therapy, meditation, etc.), but notice if you're still triggered Don't try to fix it; just admit it's there This observation is often the most important part of the work #3: Free Meditation

What Do I Really Want? (20 minutes, guided) Give yourself permission to want whatever you actually want If nothing comes up the first time, do it again There's no pass or fail—you're just slowing down Access: AlchemyLearningCenter.com/want Resources & Links Learning Programs & Courses From Seeker to Alchemist (Self-Paced Online Program)

A self-paced online program for anyone new to or deepening their alchemy practice Includes: Nine Stages of Alchemy, modules, and exercises you can do at home at your own pace Status: Almost complete (launching soon) Link: AlchemyLearningCenter.com/courses/from-seeker-to-alchemist Alchemy Life Strategy Sessions

1-on-1 sessions with Jaye Focus: Applying the Nine Stages to your life, building momentum, and discovering ease Learn more: AlchemyLearningCenter.com Alchemy Learning Center

Full catalog of courses, workshops, and resources Website: AlchemyLearningCenter.com Books Cultivating the Thirteen Ghost Points (by Leta Herman & Jaye McElroy)

Available: Soft cover edition (newly released for wider accessibility) Where to buy: Amazon and other major retailers Special campaign: Leave a review and receive Inspired Action Alchemy or Alchemy Learning Center swag (T-shirts, hats, mugs, including the limited edition "Gui Are People Too" tee) How to participate: Send review screenshot to leta@inspiredactionpodcast.com or jaye@inspiredactionpodcast.com Connecting Your Circle (by Leta Herman & Jaye McElroy) — FREE

What it covers: How to balance all Five Elements and become flexible and fluid in any situation Access: AlchemyLearningCenter.com/connecting-your-circle Also available: In soft cover on Amazon Other books by Jaye McElroy & Leta Herman: