Longing: A Pilgrimage Into Your Being and Finding Your Purpose Through Sacred Calamity with Christopher Sansone, PhD (Episode #155)

In this insightful conversation, Dr. Lynn Hellerstein speaks with Christopher Sansone, PhD, author, soul-centered coach and past-life regression guide, to talk about the deeper meaning behind longing, suffering, purpose, and spiritual awakening through his new book, Longing: A Pilgrimage to Your Quiet Power Within. This book invites readers to listen to the soul’s longing as a sacred signal—one that leads us inward to heal old wounds, loosen toxic shame and repeating patterns, and awaken a grounded, loving power that changes how we live.

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Understanding Why People Feel Stuck

Chris explains that many people feel stuck because they are disconnected from their deeper purpose or soul mission. Often, individuals become trapped in cycles of toxic shame, fear, self-doubt, or repeating emotional patterns. Without understanding the deeper meaning behind their struggles, life can feel con-fusing and directionless.

However, when someone begins to recognize that their experiences may hold purpose and meaning, transformation becomes possible. Rather than seeing suffering as pointless, they can begin to view it as part of a larger journey of growth, healing, and awakening.

The Sacred Calamity

One of the most powerful themes in the discussion is the idea that suffering can carry sacred signifi-cance. Chris suggests that painful experiences are not punishments but opportunities to grow into great-er self-awareness and compassion. He describes the importance of continuing through “the pit”—the difficult, gritty moments of life—instead of avoiding them. By courageously facing pain, individuals can uncover the richness and wisdom of their true being. Healing happens not by bypassing suffering, but by fully experiencing and learning from it.

Chris talks about “sacred calamities”—life-altering experiences that test us while also offering the pos-sibility of deeper consciousness and healing.

Stories of Transformation Through Adversity

The podcast highlights a couple of moving stories from Sansone’s work and interviews that illustrate the power of sacred calamities:

• A young woman who lost the caregivers she trusted most. In the depths of grief and uncertainty, she surrendered to Spirit, and through that surrender, her life gradually transformed for the better.

• A man who survived a devastating head-on collision and spent 90 days hospitalized in a coma. During his recovery, a woman visited him and told him, “This is gonna be good for you—you’re going to live in the present.” What initially appeared to be tragedy became a profound awakening.

Spiritual But Not Religious

The conversation also explores the growing identity of being “spiritual but not religious” (SBNR). Chris emphasizes that spirituality does not necessarily depend on organized religion. Instead, spirituality can be understood as an inward connection to something divine and meaningful.

He shares the belief that spirit exists within each of us and that there is a greater source or intelligence behind creation. This inner spiritual connection can guide individuals toward healing, purpose, and self-understanding.

Redefining Purpose

A central message from the episode is that purpose is not about accomplishments, status, or external success. True purpose is rooted in knowing and becoming who we authentically are.

Chris contrasts external striving with intrinsic fulfillment:

• “I will do, I will have, and I will be”

versus

• “I will be, I will do, and I will have.”

In this framework, being comes first. When individuals courageously embrace who they truly are, the actions they take and the life they create naturally follow. Purpose becomes less about measurable achievements and more about living in alignment with one’s soul.

Past-Life Regression and Inner Wisdom

The discussion also touches on Chris’ work in past-life regression. He explains that revisiting past-life experiences can help people reclaim forgotten strengths, heal unresolved wounds, and better understand recurring emotional patterns.

Chris views this process as a way of accessing the subconscious mind and tapping into a vast reservoir of inner wisdom without the use of psychedelics. Through curiosity, reflection, and self-love, individu-als can uncover insights that support healing and growth.

Curiosity, Connection, and Soulful Living

Another important theme throughout the conversation is the role of curiosity and connection in fulilling our purpose. Chris suggests that part of our spiritual journey involves remaining open to exploration, self-discovery, and deeper human connection.

When people approach themselves and others with soulfulness, compassion, and love, they create space for authentic transformation. Healing becomes not only personal but relational.

A Journey Inward

Longing: A Pilgrimage to Your Quiet Power Within invites readers to see longing not as weakness, but as a sacred signal calling them inward. By listening to that quiet inner voice, individuals can heal old wounds, release limiting patterns, and awaken a grounded sense of purpose and peace.

Ultimately, the conversation reminds listeners that life’s struggles may contain hidden wisdom—and that within every challenge lies the possibility of discovering the deeper truth of who we are.

About Christopher Sansone, PhD:

I am a life, leadership, spiritual coach, and past-life regression guide who has supported individuals for nearly three decades to align with their soul’s purpose and live with authenticity, clarity, and self-love. With a PhD in Human and Organization Development, coaching certification through the Co-Active Training Institute (CTI), and certification in past-life regression therapy, I blend psychological depth with spiritually grounded practice to help people transform stubborn inner patterns and reconnect with their quiet power within. He is the author of Longing: A Pilgrimage to Your Quiet Power Within.

I’ve been informed by my own trauma recovery work, as a researcher of human consciousness and as both a student and former teacher and coach of the transformational Hoffman Quadrinity Process. Most of all, it’s the hundreds of individuals and couples I’ve had the honor to teach and coach who have deepened my understanding of how we grow and thrive—mind, body, and soul.

A lifelong meditator grounded in nature, I find inspiration in somatic channeling, tai chi, watercolor painting, sculling on nearby McIntosh Lake, fly fishing for mountain trout, hiking the Rockies, and watching for migratory birds near my Colorado home. These experiences mirror my belief that every person, like the natural world, has the innate power to heal and flourish when aligned with their true essence.

Each day, I draw from my relationships as a husband and father and from my own spiritual practice—striving for empathy and insight within all aspects of my life.

Connect with Christopher Sansone, PhD:

Website | Facebook | Linked In | Instagram | YouTube | Insight Timer

Check out Christopher’s upcoming book: Longing: A Pilgrimage to Your Quiet Power Within

Early purchase here: https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/Longing/Christopher-Sansone-PhD/9781917704397

Release date: June 2, 2026

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Dr. Lynn Hellerstein, Developmental Optometrist, award-winning author and international speaker, holds powerful and inspiring conversations with her guests in the areas of health, wellness, education, sports and psychology. They share their inspirational stories of healing and transformation through their vision expansion. Vision Beyond Sight Podcast will help you see with clarity, gain courage and confidence. Welcome to Vision Beyond Sight!

Dr. Lynn’s books are available at Amazon.com and www.lynnhellerstein.com/shop.

Dr. Lynn is available for speaking engagements and consulting. For more information, visit www.lynnhellerstein.com.

To learn more about vision therapy or to find a doctor providing vision therapy in your area, visit: COVD.org.

To learn more about vision and the impact in concussion/brain injury, visit: Neuro-Optometric Rehabilitation Association.

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