Introduction

Journey into Universal Connection and Awe

There are countless ways to approach the realms of psychology and spirituality, each offering its own insights and perspectives. However, in the spirit of Michael Singer's teachings, this exploration will not rely on the authority of psychological experts or the profound musings of great philosophers. Nor will it align itself with any one of the world’s major religions, for what we seek to understand transcends such frameworks. What we are discussing is something universal—something inherent within every individual.

This journey is not about adopting predefined doctrines or external systems of belief. Instead, it is about examining what is already present within us and exploring how the many aspects of our inner and outer worlds work together. At our core, we all share fundamental human experiences. We think, feel emotions, eat, experience moods, sleep, dream, and navigate the challenges and beauty of existence. These shared traits connect us and provide a foundation for meaningful exploration.

What I offer here is not a repetition of established knowledge or a regurgitation of others’ insights. Rather, I will present what I have come to understand from a fresh perspective—one that seeks clarity through direct observation and personal experience. By setting aside preconceived notions and tapping into the shared essence of our humanity, we can uncover truths that resonate deeply, not because they are handed down by authority, but because they are already alive within us. Let us embark on this journey together, with open minds and hearts, to discover how these dimensions of our lives interconnect and illuminate one another.

We are living in an era of extraordinary discoveries, a time when genuine wonder and awe have a profound place in our modern world. Take, for example, the awe-inspiring revelations of the Webb telescope. This remarkable instrument has unveiled billions of galaxies, each teeming with countless stars and planets—a cosmic time machine that allows us to peer into the ancient past of the universe itself. Its discoveries invite us to imagine the myriad life forms that might exist across these distant realms, so far removed yet tantalizingly possible.

The vastness and beauty of this cosmic mystery beckon us to pause and reflect on the grandeur of life. In the face of such boundless complexity and magnificence, we are reminded of our place in the universe and invited to anchor ourselves in a sense of profound awe.

Michael A. Singer

This exploration is deeply inspired by Michael A. Singer’s transformative works, The Untethered Soul (2007) and Living Untethered (2022). These profound masterpieces delve into the human experience, shedding light on the intricate nature of our thoughts, emotions, and the true essence of who we are. With clarity and grace, Singer offers a powerful invitation to transcend the restless confines of the mind and access the vast, boundless peace that resides within each of us.

Singer defines the "mind" as the mechanism that generates the constant inner voice—the stream of thoughts that narrates, analyzes, and often critiques our every experience. He suggests that many of us are captives to this relentless inner chatter, which creates stress, fear, and a sense of limitation. His work reveals how we can break free from this captivity by observing the mind rather than identifying with it.

Through his teachings, Singer provides practical tools and spiritual insights to help us release the emotional and mental burdens that weigh us down. He empowers us to let go of the attachments, fears, and habitual patterns that no longer serve us. By embracing this process of letting go, we open ourselves to the infinite flow of life, awakening to a state of freedom, joy, and possibility.

At its core, the message of The Untethered Soul and Living Untethered is a call to rediscover the profound peace and happiness that have always been within us. Singer’s wisdom shows us that by moving beyond our self-imposed limitations, we can live fully and authentically, unburdened by the constraints of the mind. These works are a beacon for anyone seeking to unlock their inner potential and embrace the limitless beauty of existence.

George Norwood

Let me share a bit about my journey. I grew up in the charming town of Petaluma, nestled in Northern California. My upbringing was deeply rooted in Catholicism, as my mother raised me in the faith. I attended mass and catechism classes diligently, fully embracing the teachings. As a child, I saw myself as a "good Catholic kid," cycling between moments of being in a state of grace—sins forgiven—and returning to the guilt-ridden "normal world."

Catholic doctrine shaped my early worldview. Any thought of sex was sinful, and even standing up for what I believed was right could feel like defiance against the rules. Yet, even as I tried to adhere to these teachings, I felt an internal conflict. Science, with its experiments, mathematical proofs, and tangible results, stood in stark contrast to religious teachings that seemed written long ago by someone claiming divine knowledge. I didn’t yet realize how I had been conditioned to feel guilt, only to be "saved" from it in an endless cycle.

As a teenager, my curiosity pushed me to explore beyond the confines of Catholicism. I visited every church in town and delved into books about what I saw as exotic and unfamiliar religions, such as Buddhism and Hinduism. While I held onto my Catholic faith, I was beginning to question its dogma and accumulate knowledge that challenged the absolutes I’d been taught.

When I was about twenty, I left home to study at RCA Institutes in New York City. It was an exciting leap into a world of calculus, physics, electronics, and computers. But the transition wasn’t easy—I struggled to understand what a computer even was and lacked the study skills to keep up. Before long, I found myself flunking.

In desperation, I turned to intense prayer, pleading with God for help. Instead of clarity, things seemed to spiral further out of control. It was only when I returned to basics—asking questions in class, seeking help, and putting in the effort to understand—that things began to improve. This experience left me questioning not just my approach to learning but also the broader frameworks of faith, knowledge, and personal growth.

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More About Me

Later in life, my spiritual journey expanded as I explored and joined various faiths. I participated in retreats with groups like Ken Keyes’ followers and the disciples of Swami Satchidananda. I embraced the identities of a Hindu, a Buddhist, a Baha’i, and a Unitarian at different points in my search for truth.

Each faith had its unique rituals and narratives, offering perspectives on what was considered true and right. Yet, while these experiences often left me feeling uplifted, I found myself yearning for something more. I wanted to understand how these teachings resonated within me—how they worked on a deeper, personal level. I longed for something grounded in proof, not just the comfort of blind faith.

More recently, in early 2024, I encountered a spiritual community that began to address this need for proof. I started attending the Agape Spiritual Center in Frisco, Texas. Like other religions, this community provided a sense of upliftment. But it also went a step further, offering insights into the workings of my inner life. It was here that I began to gain a deeper understanding of my internal experiences.

My background as a technical writer for over 40 years became an unexpected asset in this journey. My role required me to take complex systems and explain them clearly and effectively—whether through manuals or teaching materials. I had honed a skill for unraveling intricate processes and presenting them in a way others could understand.

Alongside my professional work, I pursued an education in psychology, attending the University of Texas at Dallas part-time. I graduated with a degree in psychology, achieving nearly an A average. This combination of technical expertise, an analytical mindset, and a passion for understanding human behavior gave me a unique perspective.

Looking back, it feels like all the pieces came together—a "perfect storm" of writing skills, a broad exposure to religious traditions, and a formal education in psychology. These elements converged to bring me to this point, enabling me to share my journey and insights. What you are reading now is the result of that confluence: a life shaped by curiosity, exploration, and a commitment to understanding how we work on the inside.