Death on Your Left Shoulder: Carlos Castaneda and don Juan Matus
Explore the shamanic wisdom of Carlos Castaneda and don Juan Matus. Learn how keeping death on your left shoulder serves as a reality check and ultimate advisor.
Mejor cita de Death on Your Left Shoulder: Carlos Castaneda and don Juan Matus
Your problem is that you think you have time. When you realize death is right there, an arm’s length away, all that pettiness is dropped and you are forced to be present because you realize you don’t actually know if today is your last act on Earth.
Esta lección de audio fue creada por un miembro de la comunidad BeFreed
 why does my therapist say that I have to live like death is on my left shoulder like I have to always be aware because people are always not what they pray to be
Preguntas frecuentes
Living with death on your left shoulder is a metaphor from the teachings of don Juan Matus, a Yaqui shaman featured in the work of Carlos Castaneda. Rather than being a source of terror or paranoia, it represents the idea that death is a palpable entity always an arm's length away. This perspective serves as a constant reality check, reminding individuals that life is fleeting and helping them prioritize what truly matters in their daily existence.
Carlos Castaneda was an author who wrote about his apprenticeship with don Juan Matus, a Yaqui shaman. Their relationship centers on shamanic wisdom and unconventional metaphors for understanding reality. In the podcast Death on Your Left Shoulder, Nia and Lena discuss how don Juan used these intense concepts to guide his apprentice away from a morbid outlook and toward a more grounded, intentional way of living through unique spiritual advice.
According to the shamanic wisdom of don Juan Matus, death is the ultimate advisor because it provides perspective during moments of stress or overwhelm. When the world feels like it is collapsing, don Juan suggests turning to your left to ask your death for advice. This practice is meant to strip away petty concerns and provide a reality check, offering clarity by acknowledging that death is the only thing that truly matters in the grander scheme of one's timeline.
Descubre más
Practice detachment skills
This learning plan is essential for anyone struggling with anxiety, control issues, codependency, or emotional overwhelm in their personal or professional life. It's particularly valuable for those experiencing relationship difficulties, chronic stress from trying to control outcomes, or anyone seeking greater emotional resilience and inner peace. By developing detachment skills, you'll reduce suffering while paradoxically becoming more present and engaged with life.
Deepen mental awareness via quotes & dictums
In an era of constant distraction, mastering inner observation is essential for mental clarity and emotional resilience. This plan is designed for seekers and professionals who want to bridge the gap between ancient philosophy and modern mindfulness to achieve lasting peace.
How to not be sad about my upcoming death
This learning plan is designed for individuals seeking to transform existential dread into a catalyst for personal growth and peace. It provides a comprehensive approach for anyone looking to reconcile with mortality by blending modern psychology with ancient philosophical wisdom.
The Existentialist Guide to Choice
This guide is essential for anyone feeling overwhelmed by life's major crossroads or the weight of responsibility. It provides a practical philosophical framework for professionals and individuals seeking to transform decision-making anxiety into a source of personal empowerment.
At this point everything
This learning plan is designed for individuals facing existential transitions or seeking a deeper sense of peace beyond conventional success. It provides a philosophical roadmap for those ready to embrace impermanence and find liberation through the power of letting go.
Live Mindfully & Happily
In an increasingly distracted world, this plan provides a science-backed roadmap to mental clarity and emotional fulfillment. It is ideal for anyone seeking to reduce anxiety, find deeper meaning, and transition from surviving to thriving.
The Logic of Life Crossroads
This plan is designed for individuals facing major life transitions or career shifts who feel stuck in analysis paralysis. It provides the logical tools needed to balance practical needs with personal values when the path forward is unclear.
Finish Awareness by Anthony De Mello
This plan is essential for anyone seeking to break free from habitual suffering and mental fog. It is ideal for individuals interested in spiritual growth, mindfulness, and the profound psychological insights of Anthony De Mello.
Creado por exalumnos de la Universidad de Columbia en San Francisco
"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."
"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."
"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."
"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."
"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."
"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."
"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."
"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."
"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"
"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."
"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."
"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"
Creado por exalumnos de la Universidad de Columbia en San Francisco
"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."
"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."
"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."
"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."
"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."
"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."
"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."
"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."
"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"
"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."
"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."
"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"
"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."
"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."
"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."
"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."
"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."
"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."
"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."
"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."
"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"
"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."
"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."
"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"
"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."
"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."
"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."
"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."
"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."
"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."
"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."
"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."
"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"
"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."
"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."
"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"
