John forgets to do the dishes for the millionth time. Susie yells at John for not caring about the house. John yells at Susie for yelling at him.

And now we are off to the races in an endless effort to prove who is right. This is a sad way to spend time in a relationship, especially since the only result of this cycle is more blame. Maybe there’s a quantum leap out of the cycle.

Why does the cycle of blame happen?

Relationships are mirrors of our own souls. Your partner can only reflect what you have to offer. And they can only possess the qualities you are capable of seeing. When your worldview is dualistic or black and white, as it always is when fear is present, admitting you are the one in the wrong feels like a cataclysmic event.

Why do we get sucked in?

We’re living on a planet where those seen as “in the wrong” are often killed by those who think they’re right. This has been part of our way of life since time immemorial. The mere possibility of being seen as wrong often evokes powerful emotions. No one wants to be the one in the wrong. And we’d just as soon eliminate our accusers.

However, if either partner were to take the high road every single time, mutual fighting would become impossible. Yet, for the “high road” to be effective, you actually have to be on it and want to support your partner through their negative feelings toward you. You aren’t afraid of being blamed because you aren’t afraid to acknowledge mistakes. You realize the fear and anger you’re getting from your partner isn’t yours.

As Without, So Within

If you attract stress and anger in your relationship, parts psychology suggests that you have an angry part and a fearful part yourself. These parts have issues to resolve that have nothing to do with your partner. They don’t need others to act in certain ways. They need you, their source of compassion, to turn toward them.

The need for self-compassion is so great that merely acknowledging there are parts of you that need attention can bring a sense of relief. Now you know where to go to solve the problem.

Quantum Right and Wrong

A basic sense of rightness or wrongness - our moral compass - is not the problem between people.

It’s believing that right and wrong are zero-sum, that only one person can be right at a time, leaving the other necessarily wrong. The truth is that you are most likely both right and wrong simultaneously. That is all you need to accept in order to break free of the duality and the need to argue.

Quantum computing offers a powerful metaphor for breaking out of dualistic thinking. In classical computing, a bit is either a 0 or a 1, representing a rigid, either-or perspective. In contrast, a qubit in quantum computing can be both 0 and 1 at the same time. This ability to exist in multiple states allows quantum computers to perform many calculations simultaneously, vastly increasing their speed and efficiency.

Try this exercise:

With your partner or by yourself, list all of the ways each of you may be in the right, followed by a list of the various ways each of you may be in the wrong. Brainstorm the list until you can see at least three ways each of you is right and wrong.

That’s it. This is a safe way to realize that neither of you is perfect nor in danger of hellfire. If you can acknowledge your partner’s right moves and offer mercy for mistakes, even better.

Concept Introduction

• The episode delves into the philosophical notion that nothing is essential for the existence of something. The speaker uses the physical example of empty space around objects, suggesting that without empty space, individual objects would not be discernible as separate entities.

Importance of Empty Space

• The narrative explores how empty space defines objects. Without empty space, objects would merge indistinguishably into one another. The speaker emphasizes that the presence of empty space allows objects to exist independently and be recognized as unique entities.

Real-Life Application

• The concept is applied to everyday life, where managing physical spaces, like a garage, metaphorically illustrates the necessity of having 'space' to organize and manage life effectively.

Philosophical Implications

• The discussion extends into philosophical realms, connecting the physical concept of empty space to psychological and existential ideas. It suggests that just as objects require physical space to be perceived, thoughts and concepts require mental 'space' to be understood and processed.

Inner Reflection and Meditation

• The speaker encourages an introspective approach, advocating for meditation and reflection to appreciate the 'space' within one's mind. This mental space is crucial for clarity of thought and emotional processing.

Practical Exercise

• A suggested exercise involves recognizing and utilizing the mental and emotional spaces to allow thoughts to arise and exist without immediate judgment or reaction, promoting a healthier mental state.

Conclusion and Call to Action

• The episode concludes by emphasizing the importance of recognizing and respecting the space within and around us, not just for physical objects but for our thoughts and emotions, to foster a more organized, clear, and peaceful existence.

Introduction

• Mike introduces the episode, which started as a casual conversation with his friend Joe about parts psychology. It evolved into an in-depth coaching session on inner dialogue and managing cravings.

Key Concepts Discussed

1. Part Psychology

   • An overview of the concept of parts psychology, where the mind is seen as composed of different parts or sub-personalities, each with its own desires and functions.

   • Explanation of Freudian components: id (impulsive desires), ego (the self navigating reality), and superego (moral conscience).

2. Inner Conflict

   • Discussion on the common internal struggle between different parts of oneself, particularly the conflict between the id and the superego.

   • Impact of inner conflict on stress levels, immune system, and health habits.

3. Cravings and Emotional Eating

   • Joe shares his personal experience with food cravings, especially under stress.

   • Exploration of how emotional eating is often a coping mechanism linked to deeper psychological needs.

4. Physical Manifestation of Cravings

   • Joe describes how his cravings manifest physically, emphasizing that it's more about sensations in his muscles rather than stomach hunger.

   • Importance of recognizing these physical cues as signals from specific inner parts.

5. Communicating with Inner Parts

   • Mike introduces a technique for connecting with and understanding inner parts.

   • Steps include focusing on physical sensations, visualizing the craving part, and asking direct questions to understand its intentions.

6. Childhood Influences

   • Joe identifies a connection between his cravings and childhood experiences, specifically how his mother showed love through food.

   • The craving part is revealed to be a younger version of Joe, stuck in past habits and beliefs.

7. Updating Internal Beliefs

   • Discussion on the importance of updating outdated internal beliefs to align with current goals and realities.

   • Techniques for establishing a cooperative relationship with inner parts, allowing for more conscious decision-making.

8. Practical Steps for Change

   • Mike advises Joe to engage in an internal dialogue with his younger self to make food decisions together, fostering cooperation rather than conflict.

   • Emphasis on the need for respectful and intentional communication between different parts of oneself.

9. Broader Applications

   • The conversation expands to the idea that this technique can be applied to other areas of life beyond food cravings.

   • Encouragement to explore and address other internal conflicts using similar methods.

Conclusion

• Mike and Joe reflect on the potential for significant behavioral changes through improved inner communication.

• Plans for future discussions on part psychology and further exploration of internal dialogue techniques.

Takeaways

• Recognize the different parts within oneself and understand their intentions.

• Use inner dialogue to resolve conflicts and align past influences with current goals.

• Establish respectful and intentional communication with inner parts to foster cooperation and make conscious decisions.

Key Points

• Patient Inquiry: The episode underscores the importance of adopting a measured and respectful approach to understanding our own mental processes. It advocates for slowing down and genuinely paying attention to how thoughts and emotions unfold, rather than attempting to control or direct them forcefully. This gentle inquiry can lead to a deeper understanding of oneself.

• Asking Insightful Questions: The narrative encourages listeners to pose thoughtful, introspective questions to themselves as a means of opening up a dialogue with their inner consciousness. This process is depicted not as one of exerting dominance over one’s thoughts, but rather as inviting and listening to the deeper wisdom that one’s mind can offer.

• Mindful Awareness: Highlighting the practice of mindful awareness, the episode suggests that observing one’s thoughts and emotions without immediate judgment or reaction allows for a more nuanced understanding of personal mental patterns. This mindfulness can lead to unexpected revelations and a richer inner life.

• Revelations from the Mind: The speaker points out the potential for surprise and profound insights when one allows the mind to operate freely without the constraints of preconceived expectations. This openness can lead to significant revelations about personal desires, fears, and motivations.

• Value of Slowing Down: Emphasizing the benefits of decelerating the pace of one’s mental activities, the episode illustrates how a slower, more deliberate approach to mental engagement can enhance clarity and insight. This slowing down is contrasted with the modern tendency to rush and control outcomes, suggesting that true understanding comes from patience and presence.

• Respectful Engagement with the Mind: The discussion promotes a respectful and intelligent engagement with one’s thoughts, advocating for an approach that honors the complexity and depth of the human mind. By treating our mental processes with respect, we can foster a healthier relationship with ourselves and enhance our psychological well-being.

• Impact of Introspective Practices: The episode posits that regular engagement in introspective practices can fundamentally alter one’s relationship with oneself, leading to enhanced self-awareness and potentially transformative personal growth. It encourages listeners to embrace these practices as a routine part of their mental health regimen.

Conclusion

This episode serves as a gentle reminder of the power of slowing down and attentively listening to our own minds. Through patient inquiry and respectful engagement, we can access deeper layers of consciousness and uncover meaningful insights that can guide our decisions and enrich our lives.

The practice of introspective questioning and mindful awareness not only enhances personal understanding but also fosters a profound connection with the more subtle aspects of our existence.

Need help with this? Consider coaching.

Exploring Inner Conflict and the Path to Unified Consciousness

In this insightful episode, we delve into the profound concept of resolving inner conflicts to achieve a state of unified consciousness. Drawing from Carl Jung's theories on the collective unconscious, the discussion illuminates how personal inner conflicts are gateways to broader, ancient wisdom. Here’s an exploration of this transformative process:

The Nature of Inner Conflicts

• Inner conflicts represent universal psychological dilemmas where opposing internal forces vie for dominance.

• Common examples include indecision in relationships, career paths, or lifestyle choices, manifesting as a tug-of-war between what we desire and what we feel obligated to pursue.

• The root of many personal struggles, such as addiction, lies in such conflicts, where different parts of ourselves harbor conflicting beliefs about our actions.

Resolving Inner Conflicts

• The resolution of inner conflicts leads to unification within oneself, fostering a more integrated and harmonious state of being.

• This process is described metaphorically as opening an archetypal channel to the collective wisdom of humanity, suggesting that personal healing connects us to a deeper, universal knowledge.

• Achieving unified consciousness means transcending dualistic thinking and reducing life's complexities into a more straightforward, serene experience.

Practical Approaches to Inner Harmony

• The episode underscores the importance of recognizing and addressing these internal disputes to prevent them from manifesting as external problems or missed opportunities.

• Techniques like "parts work" are highlighted as effective methods for identifying and reconciling the disparate elements of our psyche.

• By engaging with our internal divisions constructively, we can initiate a healing process that benefits personal growth and enhances our connection to a collective human experience.

Reflections on the Process

• The journey toward internal unification is challenging yet vital for achieving peace and clarity.

• As we heal and integrate our inner selves, we potentially tap into a more profound, archetypal wisdom that influences our broader understanding of the world.

In summary, this episode offers a compelling look at how resolving internal conflicts can lead to a profound transformation that aligns us more closely with universal truths and a unified state of consciousness. Through such healing, we improve our personal well-being and connect with a deeper, collective wisdom that has been part of human experience through the ages.

Beliefs are versatile, acting either as fluid elements that adapt to circumstances or as rigid icebergs that resist change. They are fundamental in interpreting our world, influencing every decision and action, consciously or subconsciously.

The Glasses Experiment from NLP Training

The podcast introduces a thought experiment derived from NLP (Neuro-Linguistic Programming), which involves imagining wearing different pairs of glasses representing a unique belief about the world.

Exercise Description: Changing Perspectives

First Scenario: Wear glasses that view the world as a dangerous place, noting changes in perception and emotional responses.

Second Scenario: Switch to glasses that foster gratitude, observing the shift in focus towards positive elements.

Observations and Psychological Adjustments

The exercise demonstrates the profound impact beliefs have on our perception. Switching 'glasses' can dramatically alter how we perceive and interact with our environment.

Engaging with Inner Resistance

Encounters with inner resistance during the experiment highlight conflicting internal narratives. Dialoguing with these resistant parts can uncover their underlying reasons, facilitating deeper personal growth and understanding.

Practical Applications and Broader Implications

This method serves as a practical tool for adjusting perspectives in various situations, helping to manage emotions and reactions effectively.

Recognizing and addressing resistance is essential for true personal transformation and integrating new, constructive beliefs.

Concluding Thoughts

Both changing perspectives and encountering obstacles offer valuable insights and opportunities for growth.

Listeners are encouraged to reflect on their experiences actively and continually engage with their beliefs for ongoing personal development.

Show notes per ChatGPT4.

Introduction to Compartmentalization:

• The episode begins with an exploration of how our minds compartmentalize different self-concepts and internal narratives. This mental segmentation often manifests as conflicting inner voices that can either encourage or criticize us, impacting our actions and self-esteem.

Understanding Inner Voices and Self-Talk:

• The discussion centers around the inner dialogues that frequently haunt us, such as feelings of inadequacy or anxiety over capabilities like driving a car. These voices are not just noise; they represent deep-seated fears and learned behaviors that can prevent us from performing tasks we are physically and intellectually capable of.

The Role of Cognitive Dissonance:

• Cognitive dissonance plays a crucial role in how these compartmentalized parts interact. It occurs when contradictory beliefs cause mental discomfort, leading us to question our abilities despite evident competence. For instance, a person might know how to drive but still feels overwhelming anxiety due to negative self-talk.

Historical and Developmental Influences:

• The speaker suggests that many of these conflicting internal messages stem from childhood experiences and authoritative figures. For example, a critical remark from a parent can become a longstanding belief, influencing how we perceive our abilities and worth.

Mechanisms of Compartmentalization:

• Compartmentalization serves as a psychological defense mechanism that allows us to function despite these conflicts. By segregating contradictory beliefs into separate "compartments," we can manage daily tasks without constantly resolving these internal conflicts.

Strategies for Integration and Healing:

• The episode proposes that healing and integration involve recognizing these compartments and fostering communication between them. This process acknowledges the roots and reasons behind each internal voice, which can lead to a more harmonized mental state.

Conclusion on Personal Growth:

• The narrative concludes with a reflection on the importance of addressing these internal polarities to improve decision-making and quality of life. By sorting through the mental chaos and understanding the origin and impact of each compartmentalized part, we can achieve a more peaceful and productive mind.

Analysis

This episode offers a profound look into how our psyche manages internal conflict and the significant impact of childhood experiences on adult mental health. It underscores the necessity of self-awareness and proactive mental health strategies to reconcile internal conflicts, ultimately fostering a healthier, more integrated sense of self. The speaker's insights into cognitive dissonance and compartmentalization provide valuable tools for listeners to understand and improve their internal dialogues and overall mental well-being.

1. Higher Than Usual Level of Synchronicity

Synchronicity, a term coined by psychologist Carl Jung, refers to the occurrence of events that are surprising and meaningful to the individual but not related in a way that conventional science can explain.

For example, this morning, I received a long-overdue phone call while randomly thinking about the person who called. My thoughts and the actual phone call were synchronized.

When you experience surprising coincidences at a higher-than-usual level, it suggests a deepening alignment between your inner psychological state and the external world, commonly reported by those going through a spiritual awakening.

2. Spontaneous Healing

Spontaneous healing, a sudden and inexplicable recovery from a physical or mental health condition, challenges our conventional understanding of medicine and psychology. From a parts psychology perspective, such healing could be seen as the result of a profound internal shift within the individual's psyche.

This might involve resolving inner conflicts, significantly changing belief systems, or integrating previously disowned or unrecognized parts of the self. Spontaneous healing suggests that the mind and body are far more interconnected than we commonly understand.

3. Increase in Positive Energy Within

An awakening often accompanies an increase in positive energy. This positive, uprising energy surge might manifest as increased vitality, creativity, optimism, and a sense of deep inner peace and contentment. The newfound energy often inspires clear thinking, motivation, and even improved posture.

4. Heightened Sensory Experiences (Auras, Empathic Experiences, Connection to Nature)

This involves an acute awareness of the energies and emotions of others and the environment. Witnessing such phenomena can signify a deepening connection to the world beyond the physical, suggesting the expanded state of consciousness associated with spiritual awakenings.

Individuals may feel more attuned to the subtle aspects of their surroundings, experiencing a profound sense of unity with nature and the emotions of those around them.

5. Telepathic/Psychic Events with Others

Experiencing telepathic or psychic connections with others indicates a transcendence of conventional communication barriers, where thoughts and feelings are shared without verbalizing. This profound connection can foster a deeper understanding and empathy, highlighting the interconnectedness of all beings, and is a common sign of spiritual awakening.

6. Experience Non-duality

Non-duality refers to the understanding that there is no separation between the self and the universe, challenging the conventional perception of individual identity. This realization can bring about a profound sense of peace and unity with all existence, transcending the usual dualistic ways of seeing the world that often lead to conflict and isolation.

7. Seeing Life in a New Way

A significant shift in perspective and beliefs can occur, leading to reevaluating life values or what is most important to you. This transformation can result in seeing life through a lens of deeper meaning and interconnectedness, often accompanied by a desire to live more authentically and purposefully.

8. Feeling Detached or Isolated

Such feelings can arise as part of the transformative process, where the need for solitude becomes important for introspection and personal growth. This period can also involve fears of misunderstanding or judgment from others not sharing the same experiences.

9. Shift in Relationships

As one's perspectives and energies shift, there may be a natural reevaluation of relationships, leading to changes in social circles. This "detoxification" process involves moving away from relationships that no longer align with one's evolving path and seeking connections that are more resonant with one's true self.

These relationship shifts can be painful, as we suddenly find ourselves incompatible or less tolerant of people we have tolerated for a long time.

10. Spirituality Becomes More Important

An awakening to the role of spirituality in your life often accompanies spiritual awakenings, leading to a quest for deeper understanding and connection with the divine or the universe. This journey can become a central focus of one's life, guiding decisions and actions.

Interestingly, many people at this point choose to create an individual spiritual that is unique and avoid organized religion.

11. Less Need to Compare Your Path with Others

Spiritual awakenings help us recognize that each individual is on a unique journey. Therefore, there is less need to compare oneself to others and more room for curiosity and compassion. This encourages respect for others' autonomy and diverse paths, enhancing feelings of connection without sacrificing personal independence.

12. New Directions

The sensation of being called or guided towards a new path or purpose can be compelling, suggesting the presence of higher intelligence or the alignment of one's actions with a deeper, intuitive understanding of one's life mission.

13. Desires for the Greater Good

A shift towards altruism and a desire for the well-being of all beings reflect a profound expansion of consciousness and empathy, moving beyond personal desires to encompass a more universal perspective.

These points offer a glimpse into the multifaceted nature of personal and spiritual growth, indicating a deeply individual and universally connected journey.

14. Sense of Awe

Experiencing a profound sense of awe and connection with nature or the universe reminds us of the vastness and beauty around us. It signifies a moment of transcendence where personal boundaries blur, and one feels a part of something much larger than oneself. This connection can lead to a deeper appreciation for life and a renewed sense of responsibility toward preserving our world.

15. Presence of Spiritual Gifts

The emergence or strengthening of spiritual gifts, such as heightened intuition, suggests an increased sensitivity to the subtle energies and messages from the universe. This can manifest as a deeper understanding of one's own path, the ability to sense the needs and feelings of others, and a connection to guidance from higher realms.

16. Beings and Entities

Encounters with beings or entities from other dimensions or realms can be transformative, often carrying messages of guidance, reassurance, or wisdom. These experiences can challenge our understanding of reality and open us to the possibility of other forms of consciousness and ways of being.

17. Called to a Higher Purpose in Life

Feeling called to a higher purpose involves a compelling sense that one's life is meant to serve a greater cause. This may lead to significant career, lifestyle, or relationship changes as one seeks to align one's actions with one's perceived mission.

18. Decreasing Interest in Material Things

A shift in material values often accompanies spiritual awakening, with a decreasing interest in possessions and the conventional trappings of success. This can also extend to disengagement from mainstream cultural or societal norms as one seeks a deeper, more meaningful way of living.

19. Feeling as if Your Entire Life Has Been a Preparation

Reflecting on one's life journey with the understanding that every experience has led to this awakening or transformation can provide a profound sense of purpose and coherence, even in the face of challenges or past difficulties.

20. Interest in Energy Portal Sites

Attraction to places believed to be energy portals, vortexes, and sacred sites—areas with a high concentration of spiritual or natural energy— often accompanies a spiritual awakening. It reflects a desire to connect more deeply with the Earth's energies and the universe. Such sacred sites are often sought for meditation, healing, and spiritual practices.

21. Receiving Downloads

Receiving information (often ongoing and complex) that feels "downloaded" into your consciousness suggests an opening to direct knowledge or wisdom from higher realms, bypassing conventional learning processes.

22. Heightened Sensitivity to Nature

Increased sensitivity to natural environments, feeling more intensely the energies of plants, animals, and the earth, can enhance one's connection to the web of life, fostering a sense of unity and interdependence.

23. Opening Third Eye

The development of new abilities, such as psychic vision (associated with the "third eye"), signifies an expansion of consciousness and a deeper engagement with the subtler dimensions of reality. This unmistakable event is a solid sign of a spiritual awakening.

24. Deeper Elements of Your Self

Accessing memories or insights into past lives, future potentials, or deeper aspects of yourself suggests broadening consciousness beyond the linear timeline, offering valuable perspectives on life's challenges and lessons.

25. Mediumship - Connection to Heritage

Mediumship, or the ability to communicate with spirits, can deepen one's connection to ancestral heritage and provide insights into oneself and others' spiritual journeys. It highlights the continuity of consciousness beyond physical death, often becoming possible during a spiritual awakening.

26. Spiritual Rebirth

The theme of rebirth encapsulates the idea of undergoing a profound transformation that touches all aspects of one's being. This process often involves shedding old patterns, beliefs, and identities to create new ways of being that align more with one's true self and purpose. It's a spiritual renewal that can bring a deeper connection to the universe and an understanding of one's place in it.

27. Experience the Eternal Now

Accessing the eternal now is fully immersing oneself in the present moment, recognizing that past and future are constructs of the mind. This awareness can lead to a profound sense of peace and contentment as one learns to appreciate the richness of existence in its immediacy.

Permission to Be on the Path

Allowing yourself to embrace this spiritual path is crucial for growth. It involves overcoming doubts and societal expectations to embrace one's journey fully. This acceptance is a significant step toward self-love and acknowledging one's potential for transformation.

What all Spiritual Awakening Signs Have in Common

The signs listed here and many not listed have one thing in common: They all affect your identity - your ongoing sense of who and what you are. As you can imagine - identity transformation is a big deal. It’s disruptive. You will experience a new and different sense of self, which is always surprising.

Spiritual awakenings also involve the loss of your old self. This loss is real. As you become a new person, old ways of being vanish, leaving a new you who responds differently to the world. You may find yourself overwhelmed with grief or afraid of what is happening to you. You may also lose important relationships, which can alter everything else in your life.

Spiritual awakenings are not for wimps! They’re challenging because they are real.

A coach who’s been through it can be an invaluable resource! Check out my coaching offer, and let’s begin to understand what’s going on within you and plot an ideal course forward. There are so many possibilities!

The Futility of Self-Criticism:

• Self-criticism serves no constructive purpose and can hinder personal growth. Instead, focusing on lessons learned from failures and mistakes fosters a healthier mindset and encourages resilience.

Breaking the Cycle of Autopilot Critique:

• Often, the habit of self-criticism operates on autopilot, deeply embedded in our subconscious. This autopilot isn’t just a metaphor but a reflection of how our brains function, making decisions and judgments without our conscious input. By acknowledging this, we can actively decide to interrupt these patterns and redirect our energy toward more productive and self-compassionate endeavors.

Personifying and Communicating with Internal Critics:

• The episode delves into personifying the parts of ourselves that engage in self-criticism. We can engage in meaningful dialogues with them by visualizing these aspects as distinct personalities or sub-personalities. This approach not only humanizes these internal voices but also facilitates a deeper understanding of their origins and intentions, creating a pathway to reconciliation and healing.

Empowering the Healthy Adult Within:

• Central to overcoming the tyranny of self-criticism is activating the 'healthy adult' aspect of our psyche. This mature, compassionate presence within us can mediate internal conflicts and guide the more critical or wounded parts toward a place of understanding and peace. It’s about stepping into a role of self-leadership, gently but firmly guiding oneself towards constructive self-evaluation and growth.

Practical Steps for Internal Dialogue and Healing:

• The narrative encourages listeners to initiate a conscious, internal dialogue with their critical parts. This involves acknowledging the presence of these parts, understanding their motives, and addressing their concerns with empathy and respect. The process mirrors interpersonal communication, requiring patience, openness, and a willingness to confront uncomfortable truths about oneself for the sake of personal development.

Conclusion: This episode is a call to action against the internalized habits of self-criticism that many of us wrestle with. It offers a compassionate lens through which we can view our imperfections and a practical roadmap for engaging with the complex tapestry of our inner lives. By fostering internal dialogue and empathy, we can disarm the critics within and emerge more integrated, self-aware, and kind to ourselves.

There is a place outside of time where everything becomes one, the eternal moment.

All perception blends together: the inside, the outside, images, conversations, feelings, ad infinitum, plus the kitchen sink—melding together into a singular experience.

Being there is a strange form of effortlessness. Getting there is the voyage of a lifetime. You can’t do it unless you love yourself. Consider the eternal moment the crowning achievement of the journey toward enlightenment. It’s a threshold of sorts beyond which there is no such thing as achievement, only the purest form of awareness.

The eternal moment is enlightenment, the place where you see existence for what it is. And it is so peacefully quiet. But it’s’ also intense and raw. It’s every emotion blended into one, alongside everything else that exists, strangely aligned into a simple moment, which you know is eternal. That moment is always there. You are not.

You cannot live your life in the eternal moment. The experience is practically useless in and of itself. Nothing means anything there. The eternal moment lies beyond thought, beyond normal consciousness.

On the boundary of the eternal moment and self-consciousness, you squirm and dance joyfully. Cross over fully into the eternal moment, and time vanishes. You become the moment and, therefore, cannot think about the moment without popping back into time, which you may repeatedly do, back and forth, back and forth. Squirm, squirm! All this creates the pervasive, even chaotic joy of being fully alive, which only leads to more joyful squirming. It’s odd.

The eternal moment is meant to be visited, not inhabited.

Some feel worthy of the eternal moment – the right and the ability to show up at the epicenter of everything, which is to be truly alive. Others feel so personally broken and preoccupied with their angst that they’d have to rebuild the universe just to become fully present. Not holding back. Not afraid or worried or preoccupied or distracted; in full acceptance of every ounce of yourself, the light and the dark, as well as the abrupt world around you.

Even as many assure us that, no, you do not need to rebuild anything. Stop thinking. Stop doing. Let it all go and enter the present, which always awaits you. There is no need to conquer the universe, for fear cannot exist in the present.

As if entering the present were so easy!

Owning 100% of your experience while spontaneously allowing it to pass through you into nothingness, a total fluidity of self-acceptance. This is the entry fee to the eternal moment. It was never meant to be easy. It just is what it is, a singular experience at the end of a long voyage of tribulation. It is the promised land and there are wars to be fought to conquer the demons that so deftly prevent the crossing. Alas, most people never get to the eternal moment and never arrive at the promised land. And far too many do not possess the consciousness that this kind of place exists.

If you need to chase your fears until you overcome them, even if you must journey to the beginning of time and rebuild yourself, molecule by molecule, before you’re capable of merging with the Great Now, then find a way to do it. The reward is worth whatever it takes.