Foundational Truths to Embrace
As we navigate life, it's essential to return to certain fundamental truths that ground us. The most basic of these truths are:
- You are born and you will die. The time in between these two events is what we call your life.
- You are currently on a small planet, spinning in the vastness of space.
Let's delve deeper into these truths:
Consider that 1.3 million Earths can fit inside the sun. Imagine that: 1.3 million Earths. Now, on this tiny planet, you are rotating 360 degrees on its axis each day. Think about what you accomplished today – you completed a full rotation. Each year, you complete a grand orbit around the sun, one of which 1.3 million Earths can fit inside. Furthermore, our galaxy contains around 300 billion stars.
To put these numbers into perspective, if you were to count from 1 to 300 billion, one number per second, it would take you 100 lifetimes of 90 years each. And remember, you can't even count that fast. Yet, these 300 billion stars are just within our galaxy, and there are an estimated two trillion galaxies in the universe.
When you think about it, we exist on this minuscule speck of dirt, spinning around in the infinite emptiness of space, for a fleeting moment. Scientists estimate that the universe has been around for 13.8 billion years, while our lifespans average just a tiny fraction of that – 60, 70, 80 years, maybe 90.
Why is this perspective important? Because it helps us recognize the insignificance of our problems in the grand scheme of things. You simply landed on this planet, are spinning around for a brief period, and then you will leave. Many of our troubles stem from our inability to accept these fundamental truths. The discomfort with reality, the fear of death, and the trivial worries we hold onto – they all become insignificant when viewed from this cosmic perspective.
By embracing these foundational truths, we can learn to live harmoniously with reality. The next time you find yourself fretting over something, remember: you are a part of something much larger, and your time here is but a tiny blip in the vast timeline of the universe.
Embracing the Infinite Universe
To grasp the vastness of our existence, consider this: the universe is filled with as many mysteries as there are stars in the galaxies. You have your preferences—things you want to happen and things you don't—while existing on this tiny speck of dirt spinning in the middle of nowhere for just a few years.
One of the deepest spiritual writings is the "Treatise on Faith-Mind" by the Third Zen Patriarch. Its profound message begins with: "The great way is not difficult for those who have no preferences." Simply put, if you can live on this planet, spin around for a few years, and leave without preferences, you will not suffer. Enlightenment, or the great way, is straightforward for those without preferences. Conversely, it's extremely difficult for those who have them.
This truth is echoed in Buddha's teachings, encapsulated in the Four Noble Truths. The first truth is that all life involves suffering. Whether it's too hot, too cold, or filled with worries about relationships or possessions, suffering is universal. Rich or poor, young or old, everyone experiences suffering.
Buddha, who lived a sheltered life as a prince, ventured beyond the palace walls and saw the world's suffering. He sought to understand why everyone suffers, ultimately discovering the cause: desires and preferences. The second Noble Truth states that the cause of suffering is these desires. To end suffering, one must let go of desires, as outlined in the third Noble Truth. The fourth Noble Truth, the Eightfold Path, provides a guide to achieving this.
Buddha's insights remind us that life is a journey between birth and death. How you choose to live it is up to you. No one else controls your life. The question then becomes: do you want to suffer? By accepting the reality of our existence on this small planet, spinning in the vastness of space, we can find peace.
You're incredibly fortunate to be part of a generation that has sent probes to distant planets, revealing the uniqueness of Earth. No other planet we've explored has shown signs of life, making Earth a rare gem with its diverse flora and fauna.
In essence, understanding the scale of the universe helps us put our lives into perspective. Our problems seem insignificant when viewed against the backdrop of a universe filled with countless stars and galaxies. Embracing this cosmic perspective can help us live more harmoniously with the reality of our existence.
Related: Michael Singer 8 Week Course: Living From a Place of Surrender
Embracing Cosmic Reality and Human Preferences
In the vastness of the universe, stars explode, galaxies collide, and the cosmos unfolds in grand scale. On this small, protected planet, we enjoy a unique existence. Consider the James Webb Space Telescope, which requires shields to balance the intense heat of space to survive. Similarly, Earth’s atmosphere safeguards us, regulating the sun’s rays and maintaining breathable air. It’s a marvel of natural engineering, yet we often find ourselves complaining about trivial matters.
Human suffering, at its core, stems from preferences. We’ve created intricate systems of desires, each unique, yet all fundamentally similar in their quest for what we want and avoidance of what we don’t. Life, from birth to death, offers a singular chance to engage with the planet’s beauty and diversity.
Imagine taking a morning walk, hearing the harmonious sounds of nature. You’re living on what can be considered the Garden of Eden compared to the rest of space. With diverse flora, fauna, and endless opportunities, Earth is unparalleled.
Spirituality transcends specific paths or religions; it’s about understanding our brief existence. We’re born, we live, and we die. The choice of how to spend that time is yours. If you choose to focus on suffering, it’s a squandered opportunity. This perspective aligns with what many spiritual leaders, like Buddha, have taught: the cause of suffering is desire. To end suffering, we must let go of our preferences.
This brings us to the concept of the “truth table” in which our experiences fall into four quadrants:
- Getting what we want: Brings satisfaction and happiness.
- Not getting what we want: Leads to disappointment and frustration.
- Getting what we don’t want: Causes darkness and depression.
- Avoiding what we don’t want: Brings relief.
Life is a constant struggle to align reality with our desires, often leading to more suffering. True contentment, as ancient wisdom teaches, comes from releasing these preferences and accepting life as it is.
We’re incredibly lucky to inhabit a planet teeming with life and beauty. As space exploration reveals, no other planet matches Earth’s richness. This cosmic perspective underscores the insignificance of our daily complaints and preferences.
Ultimately, spirituality and contentment are about accepting our place in the universe, appreciating the present moment, and letting go of desires that lead to suffering. The vastness of the cosmos, with its innumerable happenings, reminds us of the folly in fixating on just one way things should be. Embrace the universe’s grandeur and find peace in the truth of our existence.
The Probability of Getting What You Want
In the grand tapestry of life, the chances of having everything exactly the way you want are remarkably slim. The universe unfolds independently of your desires, with countless variables shaping each moment. This realization is crucial in understanding why we often feel disappointed.
Consider this: out of all the possible outcomes, the probability that life will align perfectly with your preferences is exceedingly low. Your preferences, shaped by your mind, rarely match the complexity of reality. The weather, people's behavior, job conditions—everything is influenced by myriad factors beyond your control.
Before deciding what you want, did you consider reality? Likely not. Preferences are often arbitrary, disconnected from the world's unfolding events. You desire a certain outcome, but the universe operates on its own terms. This disconnect explains why those perfect moments, when everything goes your way, are so rare.
The truth is, life is a "happening place," constantly in flux. The probability that each moment will match your ideal scenario is minimal. Hence, those moments of pure ecstasy, when everything is just right, are fleeting and rare.
Consider the "truth table" of life:
- Getting what you want: Brings fleeting happiness.
- Not getting what you want: Leads to disappointment.
- Getting what you don't want: Results in frustration and pain.
- Avoiding what you don't want: Offers temporary relief.
These quadrants revolve around your preferences. Your happiness depends on aligning reality with your desires, a near-impossible task. The constant struggle to control outcomes leads to suffering.
Buddha taught that life is suffering because of desires. Our preferences create a narrow window for happiness and a broad scope for disappointment. Understanding this truth helps us navigate life more peacefully.
When reality unfolds contrary to your desires, it leads to disappointment, fear, and suffering. Recognizing that you cannot control the universe helps mitigate this pain. The probability of not getting what you want is high, leading to frequent dissatisfaction.
Life often presents us with scenarios we didn't want. These moments of hurt and trauma stem from unmet expectations. Even the thought of something undesirable can cause worry and anxiety.
Buddha's teachings provide a path to transcend this suffering. By accepting that preferences lead to suffering, we can work towards letting go of these desires. This doesn't mean passivity but rather a deeper understanding of life's nature.
You cannot control every moment. Trying to manipulate the world to fit your preferences is a futile endeavor. Instead, focus on the present moment, the only one you can truly interact with. Accepting reality as it is allows you to live harmoniously, reducing the grip of preferences and the suffering they bring.
Embrace the cosmic perspective. Life's unpredictability is part of its beauty. By letting go of rigid expectations and preferences, you can find peace and contentment in the present moment. This approach helps you enjoy the brief, precious time between birth and death, making the most of your journey on this spinning planet.
Shifting Focus from External Validation to Inner Work
The desire to please others and gain their approval often dictates how we dress, act, and speak. We worry about making the right impression and fear offending someone, as this might tarnish our reputation. This pursuit of external validation is an endless task, often ingrained in us by societal expectations and our upbringing.
However, there's another type of work that can lead to more profound results: understanding the foundation of our preferences. Many of our likes and dislikes are influenced by our parents and past experiences, but as conscious beings, we have the power to reflect on these influences. Psychologist B.F. Skinner suggested that humans are the sum of their learned experiences. While our psyche is shaped by these experiences, our consciousness is aware of them.
For instance, if you had a negative experience with someone named Harold, just hearing the name years later can evoke a strong emotional reaction. This highlights how deeply ingrained our past experiences are in our psyche.
Acknowledging that our thoughts and emotions are programmed by past experiences is crucial. We often don't decide how we feel or react; these responses are triggered by memories and associations. Realizing this can help us take a step back and understand why we have certain preferences.
The work that most people engage in involves trying to align the world with their preferences. They attempt to make things happen the way they want and avoid what they dislike. This constant struggle leads to anxiety, tension, and suffering. People hold onto hope that someday their dreams will come true, but this hope is often misplaced.
To break free from this cycle, one can engage in spiritual work. This involves questioning the origins of our preferences and recognizing that they are shaped by past experiences. For example, a traumatic experience may lead to strong aversions, while a peak experience can create intense desires. Both positive and negative experiences program our preferences.
Spiritual work means becoming aware of these preferences and understanding that they don't define us. We can observe our likes and dislikes without being controlled by them. This consciousness allows us to see that our true self is separate from the thoughts and emotions programmed by past experiences.
By doing this inner work, we can reduce the influence of our preferences and live more harmoniously. Instead of trying to control every aspect of our environment, we can accept things as they are and find peace within ourselves. This approach aligns with the teachings of Buddha, who emphasized that all life is suffering due to desires. By letting go of these desires, we can find true contentment.
Ultimately, the key to a fulfilling life lies not in external validation or aligning the world with our preferences, but in understanding and transcending these preferences. This inner journey leads to true freedom and a deeper sense of peace.
Related: Michael Singer's Living From a Place of Surrender Course
Understanding Consciousness and Inner Work
What truly interests me is how you know what you know—this awareness is your way out. Your consciousness often clings to your preferences, but it doesn't have to. Consciousness, or awareness, is the most critical aspect of your life, more so than relationships or health. You can still live without wealth or even health, but without consciousness, you cease to exist.
To grasp this, imagine altering any aspect of your life: gaining riches, losing money, experiencing happiness, or suffering. Despite these changes, your core awareness remains constant. However, if consciousness is taken away, nothing remains—no experience, no perceptions, nothing at all.
This realization brings us to spiritual work. Unlike trying to control external circumstances, which leads to anxiety and busy-ness, spiritual work focuses on cleansing the accumulated 'junk' within us. These are the old wounds and preferences from our past, which continue to affect our present even though they are no longer happening.
Reflect on this: if an event from your childhood still bothers you, it only does so because you allow it to. The past is not happening now, so why should it affect your life today? Holding onto past hurts is akin to consuming junk food and then wondering why you feel ill.
Inner work involves recognizing that you are the consciousness aware of these thoughts and emotions. You did not consciously decide your preferences; they were shaped by past experiences. Accepting this helps you to stop being controlled by these preferences.
Bad things happen—hurricanes, tornadoes, and unkind people. These events are part of the unfolding reality, not necessarily just or fair. They simply are. By focusing on the present and letting go of past grievances, you can live a healthier, more peaceful life.
Your mission is to stop letting the past dictate your present. This doesn't mean ignoring past traumas, but rather understanding that they no longer have power over you unless you give it to them. This shift in perspective is the essence of deep yoga and spiritual practice.
Ultimately, inner work is about maintaining awareness. Recognize when your heart feels heavy or light, when your mind is at peace or troubled. This consciousness is your true self, separate from the noise of past experiences and preferences. By focusing on this awareness, you can navigate life more harmoniously, free from the burdens of past pains.
Embracing and Releasing Inner Turmoil
Let's delve into a profound truth: the emotional burdens we carry shouldn’t reside within us. Why? Because these burdens are from past events that are no longer happening. However, they persist because we stored them inside, unable to handle them at the time.
Imagine you have no hands inside to push these feelings around. When you resist an internal experience, you essentially push it away and store it. But this doesn't make it disappear, just like building the Hoover Dam didn't stop the Colorado River—it merely held it back. Similarly, the emotions you stored will eventually resurface.
The key to inner peace is learning to handle these resurfacing emotions. As we grow, we gain the understanding and compassion needed to process past events. Whether it’s dealing with a difficult childhood or past relationships, the goal is to face these memories with newfound maturity.
When these past emotions resurface, you must allow yourself to experience and release them, rather than pushing them back down. For example, a smell from your childhood kitchen can trigger strong memories and emotions. Instead of suppressing these feelings, acknowledge and process them.
The process of letting go means not resisting these emotions when they return. They will come back with all the pain and fear originally stored with them. By accepting and experiencing these emotions now, you can finally release them.
Living with old emotional baggage is like accumulating junk food—unhealthy and detrimental. The inner work involves letting go of these stored experiences. When past memories trigger emotional pain, respond with the understanding that you couldn't handle it then, but you can handle it now.
Spiritual growth is about recognizing that you are the conscious observer of these emotions. You are aware of the emotional and psychological turmoil within you, but you are not defined by it. Your true self is the conscious being who can navigate through these internal experiences.
By continuously practicing this awareness and letting go of past burdens, you free yourself to live authentically and fully in the present. This inner work leads to true freedom, unencumbered by the preferences and neuroses that previously dominated your life.
Ultimately, the journey to inner peace involves embracing and releasing the past. It's not about renouncing or denying your preferences but understanding their roots and letting go. This way, you stop seeking external validation to solve internal issues. Instead, you address the core of your being, paving the way for a life filled with genuine joy and fulfillment.
Embracing the Present and Letting Go
Just as we grapple with past experiences, we project our preferences onto the future. We worry that things won't go as planned or get excited about the possibilities, only to face disappointment when expectations aren't met. This cycle can turn the precious time between birth and death into a whirlwind of stress and dissatisfaction, rather than a journey of joy and discovery.
To find peace, focus on self-work and relaxation. When old emotions resurface, learn to relax and not resist them. It may be painful, but just as physical exercise requires enduring some discomfort, inner work requires facing emotional pain. When someone massages a sore spot and you say, "Right there, that hurts, but it’s releasing tension," approach your inner work with the same mindset.
Learning to handle these resurgences is essential. Relax, lean away from the resistance, and let it flow through you. This process, though challenging, is transformative. My new book provides step-by-step guidance on building this capability, emphasizing that this is the most crucial and fulfilling work you'll ever undertake.
As you let go of the stored emotional garbage, you become less afraid of the world. You can observe life’s dualities—rattlesnakes and butterflies, good and bad—without being overwhelmed. This detachment allows you to enjoy life without it triggering your past pains.
With this newfound peace, you'll discover an incredible flow of energy within you. This river of joy is always present, but buried under the emotional debris we've collected. As you release this junk, you'll feel a rush of energy and joy for no apparent reason. This energy, once unblocked, becomes a permanent, uplifting force within you.
Even when external events attempt to disturb your peace, you'll find that letting go makes the energy stronger. Embracing your true self, free from preferences and past traumas, allows you to live in a state of ecstasy and well-being. This internal transformation is profound and continuous.
This inner joy and contentment make interactions with the world effortless and fulfilling. You don't engage with the world to manipulate or control it but to share your inner abundance. Relationships and work become expressions of your overflowing love and inspiration.
Ultimately, this practice leads you to explore the source of this boundless energy. In deep meditation, you'll realize that this flow comes from within—from your consciousness itself. This awareness is a state of eternal, conscious ecstasy. It's not about suppressing desires but understanding their root and letting go.
By consistently practicing relaxation and release, you align with the nature of consciousness, merging your individual awareness with the universal. This is the essence of spiritual enlightenment. Embrace this journey of daily letting go, and you'll find that the river of joy within you will nourish and sustain you forever.
Related: Living From a Place of Surrender with Michael A. Singer
