We are going to look at a new concept in how we work from the
aspect of our experience in life. There is also an oldness in this
perspective in that in the Buddhist tradition, particularly concerning
meditation, some of the puzzle was solved.
At some point along the journey of life, we come to a fork in the
road. We can enter a new quest for truth that would give us a greater
purpose in life or continue to live according to our conditioning and
beliefs passed down to us since childhood. If we choose the new quest,
the first question is how do we know it is really true and really
better? Instead of relying on authority, we can try it and see if it
works, and improves our life's journey.
If we experience true growth in terms of feeling happier in a
deep sense, if we feel we understand ourselves better, if we feel it
is easy to love our self, if we have fewer instances of feeling
disconnected and sad, and if we find our relationships improve, we
know we have found something of tremendous value.
Instead of turning to other sources such as conventional religion,
one of the many schools in psychology, or to a particular type of
philosophy, as we have done in the past, it is time for you to
discover your own truth through a more scientific method, simply by
observing. When we ourselves are observing, we become part of the
discovery of truth instead of putting our faith in an institution or
someone else's opinions. When we discover our own truth, we own it,
and can keep making it better. Religions in particular are frozen in
ideas of the past, and thus are not self-correcting.
Something happens when you discover that resonates with the deepest
part of your being. You can expect chills flowing down your spine, a
great joy in discovering the mechanisms in our inner world.
Method of Observation
There are two worlds: your inner world and your outer world. We
have eyes and other senses that allow us to perceive the outer world.
We learned how to do this at a very early age. As we took courses in
science, we discovered how to take careful, detailed notes. We
discovered how we could perform experiments to see what would happen
if we did this or that. We learned to coordinate our observations with
others. Our modern world, with all its gadgets and innovations, is a
testimony to how important this type of observation is.
When we observe our inner world, we can be blindsided by which part
of us is doing the observing. Some parts of us are primitive. For
instance, under great duress, our fear and anger can oversimplify
everything, reducing complex experiences to simple categories of good
or bad. Our observations can be distorted by hormones, by other
chemicals, and by automatic processes. If we are scared, sexually
aroused, or driven by the lust for power, our ability to observe
clearly is not as sharp as when we are calm and contemplative.
The first step in good inner observation is to rise above the lower
appetites and the lower states of consciousness.
So how do we do this? We need to step back from that inner
conversation we’re having with the voice in our head. That voice is
like a roommate that never stops talking. It comes from the mind, and
the mind is often reactive—too quick to judge, too eager to
exaggerate, too ready to worry. The key is to step back from the
entanglement with that voice and instead step into the space of our
true self—what some may call the soul. This is the place where we
naturally exist, where the deeper and more authentic decisions are
made.
The simplest way to enter this place—to move our consciousness into
the soul—is through meditation.
Meditation
The best way to reach a state of consciousness where this inner
observation becomes possible is through meditation. Meditation unfolds
gradually, not as a strict series of steps, but as a natural deepening
of awareness. In the beginning, most people encounter distraction and
restlessness. The mind is filled with thoughts, emotions, and
sensations that constantly pull attention away from the present
moment. It’s common to feel impatient or disheartened during this
early stage. But progress begins simply by noticing the distractions
without judgment and gently guiding your attention back to a chosen
point of focus, such as the breath or a mantra. Through consistent
practice, mental stability begins to strengthen.
As meditation becomes more familiar, concentration begins to
deepen. The mind becomes more cooperative. Although distractions still
arise, your ability to return to your focus improves. Moments of peace
begin to emerge, even if they are brief at first. Growth during this
phase comes from refining your focus, maintaining patience with your
process, and making meditation a regular part of your day. Even a few
minutes daily can accumulate into meaningful transformation.
With ongoing dedication, a deeper awareness begins to arise. You
begin to observe your thoughts more objectively, recognizing them as
temporary events rather than truths that require action. The inner
witness—the quiet presence within that sees without reacting—becomes
clearer. At this stage, your growth is supported not just by
meditation itself but by bringing that same mindful observation into
daily life. Watch your reactions. Pause before speaking. Notice your
thoughts without clinging to them. Meditation becomes a way to explore
the patterns of your mind and gradually loosen their control over you.
In time, and with sincere effort, you may reach a space of inner
stillness and quiet presence. The mind begins to calm on its own.
Silence is no longer something you chase—it gently arrives. Thoughts
may still come and go, but they no longer dominate your attention. At
this point, improvement is less about effort and more about surrender.
Letting go becomes the path. You rest in stillness and allow the mind
to settle. Trusting the process and opening to deeper states of being
becomes the practice.
Beyond that, some experience states of unity or non-dual awareness,
where the sense of separation between self and object dissolves. There
is often a powerful feeling of wholeness, of timeless presence, or
connection with all things. These states are not achieved through
striving but through consistent quieting of the mind and a release
from ego-driven thought. Rather than trying to make such states
happen, your role is to refine your awareness and release the need for
outcomes.
Eventually, meditation moves beyond the cushion and begins to shape
your everyday life. The awareness cultivated in silence begins to
influence your words, your decisions, and your responses to life. You
become less reactive, more compassionate, and more anchored in
clarity. At this point, the best way to continue growing is to live
consciously. Let your actions reflect the calm and insight you’ve
found in meditation. Speak with awareness. Listen without judgment.
Meet challenges with presence instead of habit.
At the heart of all this is a simple but powerful principle:
stepping back and observing. This shift in awareness is the doorway to
truth. Chanting can assist in this process. By occupying the mind with
sound, chanting frees consciousness to rise to a higher place where
clarity and perspective naturally emerge. A beautiful example is the
Buddhist Heart Sutra: “Gate, Gate, Paragate, Parasamgate, Bodhi
Svaha.” Here, "Gate" (pronounced gah-tay) means "gone." "Paragate"
means "gone beyond." "Parasamgate" means "gone completely beyond—to
the other shore." "Bodhi" refers to awakening or enlightenment, and
"Svaha" is a closing phrase meaning something like “so be it.”
Through meditation, chanting, and mindful observation, we begin to
discover truth—not someone else’s truth, but our own.
Who We Really Are
Many people believe they are defined by their name or their job
title. Some see themselves through the lens of their role within the
family. When someone insults or questions who we think we are, we
often react with anger. This reaction comes from identifying too
closely with the outer labels we’ve adopted. When we believe we are
our name, our work, or our role, it becomes easy to take offense. But
when we remain as the observer, anchored in awareness, we are not so
easily shaken.
Most people also mistake their talkative mind for their true self.
But if we can hear our mind talking, then clearly we are not the
mind—we are the one who hears it. The mind is a tool, useful for
solving problems, but it usually runs on its own, often without
guidance. Left unchecked, it can lead us into confusion, conflict, and
suffering.
According to Michael A. Singer, especially in his books The
Untethered Soul and Living Untethered, who you really
are is not your thoughts, your emotions, your memories, or your roles
in life. You are the one who is aware of all of these. You are
consciousness itself—the inner observer, the silent witness behind it
all.
Singer illustrates this through a simple but profound insight: you
can observe your thoughts, listen to the voice in your head, feel your
emotions, and notice sensations in your body. Since you can observe
all of these experiences, you cannot be them. The observer is always a
step behind the experience, calmly aware of whatever is happening.
This inner presence—the part of you that notices but does not
become entangled—is your true self.
Singer often puts it in the most direct way: “You are the one who
sees.”
Not your thoughts.
Not your emotions.
Not your body.
But the awareness behind all of it.
He encourages us to rest in this awareness and let go of the mind’s
constant chatter and the emotional turmoil that comes from clinging
and resisting. In doing so, we begin to live from the place of our
true Self—the seat of consciousness, which is naturally peaceful,
free, and whole.
Just Observing
By being fully present—right here, right now—we give ourselves the
chance to become new again and again. This is what real freedom feels
like. In this state, we begin to uncover a deep joy within us, a joy
that has always been there. Life, with all its ups and downs, becomes
easier to embrace. When we stop resisting what is and begin to truly
love life as it unfolds, happiness arises naturally. Beneath the
turbulence and behind all the noise, joy is quietly waiting.
When something unexpected happens—like losing a credit card—imagine
observing it like a scene in a movie. You're involved in the story,
feeling the emotions, but deep down, you know it's just a film. You
are seated in the theater. You are the one who watches. You live in
your body, in the theater of your own mind. And since you’re writing
the script, you can make it a story of growth, clarity, and even joy.
If someone does something that upsets you, you don’t have to hold
on to it. If someone calls you a name or criticizes you, it doesn’t
change who you are. Your intelligence, your essence—none of that is
touched. In fact, their words may reveal more about their own
understanding than about you.
At every moment, your attention is focused somewhere. Even when
nothing seems to be happening, the brain is still active. And wherever
your attention goes, your consciousness follows. If you fixate on the
chatter of the mind, you’ll start to believe that is who you are. But
that’s not your home. Your true home is the soul.
When we live from the ego, we become self-absorbed, building walls
that isolate us from others. But when we step back from the mind and
ego, we return to the center of our being. We return to the soul—our
true self. This is where consciousness naturally belongs. It is the
space from which real decisions emerge. From this place, you gain
access to the whole of your awareness. And as you return to this home
within, peace and stillness will meet you there.
Inside each of us is a deep well of energy. When we are open,
filled with love or inspiration, that energy flows freely and
effortlessly. But when fear or sadness takes hold, it feels as if that
energy vanishes.
To understand this more clearly, we look to the chakras—the centers
of energy that live within the body. The lower chakras govern
survival, sexuality, and power. The higher chakras open us to love, to
wisdom, to intuition, and to spiritual awakening. Every chakra plays
an important role.
In the heart chakra, for example, energy can become
blocked—especially when we lose someone we love. Our thoughts circle
endlessly, repeating the pain. The solution is to let that energy move
as soon as we can. The longer it stays stuck, the more it takes root.
Eventually, it can distort how we see the world, holding us back for
years.
Even the most beautiful energies—like love or inspiration—can turn
into obstacles if we cling to them. Holding on to what’s passed or
fearing what’s to come keeps us from living in the only time that
truly exists: the present moment.
This is how energy functions. It’s not a matter of belief. It’s
something we experience directly.
Loving yourself is where it all begins. When you love yourself,
something shifts. Others feel it, and they’re drawn to that joy. To
keep that love alive, it’s essential to keep stepping back—to observe,
to let go, and to return again and again to the quiet space within.
Website Organization
The menu at the top of the page allows you to select the following
pages:
Home:
Here, you can explore Deepermind and discover ways to optimize your
life. The Deepermind story takes you on a fascinating journey toward
personal growth and understanding. You can also visit deeperheart.com
to enjoy a poem about love and reflect on how God sees us. The site
offers discussions on purity, insights into the nature of love, and
the Sufi perspective on the heart.
A thought-provoking story contrasts the material and spiritual
approaches to life. The homepage also provides links to YouTube
chanting videos, Numberphile, Sadhguru, Firefox add-ons, and a
selection of music. Additionally, you can take control of a shortwave
radio in Denmark and operate it as if it were your own.
Introduction
This section reflects on the very page you are reading. I share a
little about myself and the church I attend. As an ex-Catholic, I once
believed that only certain things were holy, but now I see everything
as holy—an idea beautifully captured in Peter Mayer's song
Everything is Holy Now. Words can be tricky, as they tell stories
that may have nothing to do with reality. It is essential to
understand the difference between a word and the meaning it implies.
Often, words are just narratives with no real substance. This idea is
emphasized in General Semantics, where words are seen as mere pointers
to meaning, much like maps that represent but are not the actual
territory.
Validity
You can either believe in what others say or seek to understand
things for yourself. Religious dogma is just a collection of words
unless supported by real evidence. Science, on the other hand, relies
on careful observation and patterns found through experimentation.
Religion is based on faith, and many religious people carry guilt from
the idea of sin. Yet, sin is defined by human-made rules. While
individuals can make mistakes, so can religious institutions. For
instance, it is deeply problematic to believe in a God who punishes
people eternally or brings suffering upon the innocent. Rather than
accepting blind faith, we should seek faith that is verified through
experience. Practices like meditation and mindfulness offer real
insights into life. Instead of relying on unproven beliefs, we pursue
truth and explore methods to improve our lives. Don Miguel Ruiz's
Five Agreements provide a framework for ethical living and
truth-seeking. Science has revealed many truths, and several examples
are explored.
Inward Exploration
By observing our inner life through meditation, we quickly realize
there is a voice in our head that never stops talking. However, we are
not this voice—we are the observer, the soul, the true self that is
aware of awareness itself. The soul can question and evaluate the
thoughts generated by the mind. Through observation, we also recognize
the presence of inner energies, which are not the physical energy
derived from food but energies shaped by love, emotions, external
events, and the ego. These energies are mapped by the chakra system
and can become blocked due to life’s traumas.
Energy
In general, energy moves through seven chakras, where it can flow
freely, be stored, or become blocked. The lower chakras, particularly
those associated with fear, are linked to the Sympathetic Nervous
System, which triggers a chemical response that puts the body in a
state of emergency. If this state becomes chronic, it leads to
stress-related health issues. Conversely, when we are in a state of
peaceful rest, the Parasympathetic Nervous System takes over,
releasing chemicals that promote healing and well-being.
Emotions
Humans experience hundreds of emotions, ranging from happiness and
euphoria to fear, hatred, and despair. We often cling to positive
emotions while trying to suppress or block negative ones. However, we
are not our emotions; we simply experience them. By observing our
emotions without identifying with them, we can regulate them more
effectively. This regulation allows us to live happier, more balanced,
and more productive lives.
Techniques
This section explores practical ways to improve life through
action. While we may understand, in theory, how to create a perfect
life, actually achieving it requires more than just knowledge. If our
self-worth is based on changing others or the world, we will face
constant frustration. While we have control over our own possessions
and choices, the world at large—including the news and global
events—is beyond our control. Instead of immersing ourselves in
external distractions, we can turn inward. Through meditation,
mindfulness, and conscious awareness, we can gain a deeper
understanding of ourselves. By paying attention to our habits,
thoughts, diet, surroundings, and the people in our lives, we can
cultivate a more intentional way of living.
The Soul
Our true self is our soul. It defines who we are at the deepest
level. If we view the soul as a drop in the ocean of God, then it
becomes clear that we are part of something vast and interconnected.
This realization simplifies life, allowing us to make wiser decisions,
direct our minds consciously, and cultivate emotions rooted in love
and peace. As we align with our true nature, we become more resilient,
and our ego transforms into a reflection of our soul. This alignment
marks the beginning of enlightenment.
Other Authors
For additional insight and inspiration, you may explore the
thoughts and teachings of other authors who have written about these
topics. Their perspectives can offer deeper understanding and new ways
of thinking.
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. People have said what is revealed here goes
way beyond everything else they have experienced. It can be not
only an important way to get to the truth about things, but also
offers intense self-help techniques.
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.
A Possible Breakthrough Between Metaphysics and Physics
What could be a major breakthrough between real science and
metaphysics. It involves Quantum Physics and is very complicated
and mathematical. But I have written an article that explains it
in a non-technical way. I start out with a dust cloud.
More information: Metaphysics to the Brain: The Microtubule Connection
.
The Inner and the Outer Worlds
Human existence is shaped by the interplay of two distinct but
interconnected realms: the external world, described and explored by
science, and the internal world, which we actively use to navigate,
interpret, and respond to our experiences. These two worlds define our
reality, yet they are fundamentally different in how we engage with
them.
The external world is the physical reality that
surrounds us—a vast and intricate universe of atoms, forces, and
phenomena governed by natural laws. This is the realm that science
seeks to understand through observation, experimentation, and theory.
It is the world of galaxies and subatomic particles, of ecosystems and
human societies. Yet, despite its immensity and complexity, we do not
experience this world directly. Instead, our interaction with it is
mediated through the lens of our senses and the interpretive processes
of our brain.
The internal world, on the other hand, is deeply
personal and uniquely human. It is the world we "see," feel, and live
within—a rich tapestry of perceptions, thoughts, emotions, memories,
and dreams. It is this internal realm that shapes our understanding of
the external world and gives it meaning. The external world exists
objectively, but it is only through the internal world that it becomes
part of our lived experience.
Perception: The Brain as a Mediator
At the heart of this interaction is the process of perception. Our
eyes, ears, and other sensory organs act as conduits, gathering raw
data from the external world and transmitting it to the brain for
interpretation. For instance, the eye functions much like a camera,
capturing light and sending signals to the brain via the optic nerve.
Yet, what we "see" is not simply a mirror image of reality. The brain
processes this sensory input, filling in gaps, applying context, and
rendering the information into a coherent picture on what can be
thought of as our "internal monitor."
This process is both remarkable and inherently limited. The brain
uses shortcuts—patterns and assumptions—to make sense of the immense
amount of sensory data it receives. While these shortcuts allow for
rapid and generally accurate interpretation, they can also lead to
illusions when the brain misinterprets or
oversimplifies the information. Optical illusions, for example, reveal
the ways in which the brain can be "tricked" by patterns or contexts
that do not align with objective reality.
Despite these occasional missteps, the brain’s ability to construct
an internal model of the external world is extraordinary. This
internal model keeps us safe, enabling us to avoid danger and make
decisions based on an accurate representation of our environment. It
is a testament to the brain’s incredible capacity to take raw sensory
data and transform it into a world that is not only functional but
also deeply meaningful.
The Beauty of the Inner World
The internal world is more than just a reflection of the external;
it is a creative, interpretive space where meaning is constructed. It
is where we experience beauty, wonder, and emotion. The external world
might provide the raw material—a sunset, a melody, the smile of a
loved one—but it is within our internal world that these experiences
are imbued with significance. It is here that science meets art, and
observation meets feeling.
While the internal world strives to faithfully represent external
reality, it also allows for subjectivity and individuality. Each
person's internal experience is unique, shaped by their memories,
beliefs, and imagination. This individuality adds depth and richness
to our shared human experience, as no two internal worlds are exactly
alike.
The Truth and Beauty of Connection
When the brain successfully aligns its internal model with the
external world, it creates a profound sense of grounding and
connection. This truthful representation is not only
functional—keeping us out of trouble and enabling us to navigate
life—but also profoundly beautiful. It allows us to see the world not
as a chaotic collection of atoms and forces but as a harmonious system
filled with patterns, relationships, and meaning.
Science may describe the external world in precise detail, but it
is the internal world that allows us to marvel at its grandeur. A
telescope reveals the stars, but it is within our minds that we grasp
their beauty and feel the awe of the cosmos. A microscope reveals the
intricate patterns of a cell, but it is within us that those patterns
inspire wonder.
Striving for Balance Between Worlds
To live fully, we must learn to balance these two worlds. The
external world demands our attention and respect, as its laws govern
our physical existence. Yet, the internal world requires care and
cultivation, as it shapes how we perceive, interpret, and respond to
that reality.
By nurturing this balance, we can create an internal world that is
not only truthful but also a source of peace, joy, and creativity.
When grounded in the truth of the external world, the internal world
becomes a sanctuary—a place where understanding and imagination
coexist, where beauty is found not only in the world around us but
also in the act of seeing it.
In essence, the interplay between the inner and outer worlds is
what makes us human. It is in this dynamic relationship that we find
the capacity for science and art, for reason and emotion, for
understanding and wonder. Together, these two worlds form the
foundation of our existence, inviting us to explore, to question, and
to marvel at the profound mystery of being.
The Agape Spiritual
Center is where I first encountered the teachings of Michael A.
Singer, author of The Untethered Soul. This unique refuge,
located in Frisco, Texas, offers a haven of spiritual exploration
within a predominantly Christian cultural setting.
Founded in March 2009 by Senior Minister Rev. Lee Wolak, Agape
provides an inclusive and welcoming community for individuals seeking
to expand their awareness and live more consciously.
The Center holds in-person gatherings at 10:00 a.m. every Sunday at
the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Frisco. Rev. Lee incorporates principles
from The Untethered Soul into his teachings, emphasizing
practical spirituality as a pathway to a fulfilled and meaningful
life. His mission is to help people awaken to their potential by
teaching them how to live consciously, cultivate inner peace, and
align with their true selves.
Agape’s approach to spirituality is grounded in accessible and
transformative practices. The community embraces meditation,
affirmative prayer, affirmations, forgiveness, visualization, and
gratitude as tools for self-discovery and growth. These practices
encourage individuals to move beyond limiting beliefs and embrace a
life of openness, connection, and joy.
At its core, Agape Spiritual Center is more than just a place to
meet—it is a community dedicated to the journey of self-discovery and
conscious living. It offers a space where people can learn, practice,
and share their experiences as they seek to understand themselves and
the world around them. Through Rev. Lee's guidance, Agape fosters a
supportive environment for personal transformation and spiritual
awakening, rooted in the timeless principles of love, awareness, and
inclusivity.
Everything is Holy
There is a profoundly moving song by Peter Mayer called Holy
Now that never fails to stir deep emotions within me, often
bringing tears to my eyes. Its message is simple yet transformative,
reminding us of the sacredness of everything around us. The song
speaks to a shift in perspective—one where the extraordinary is no
longer confined to the rare or the ritualistic, but is instead found
in the everyday moments of life. It’s a call to see the world with
fresh eyes, to recognize that everything is holy, and that everything
is a miracle.
Mayer’s lyrics beautifully capture this awakening of awareness. He
reflects on how, in his younger years, holiness was something reserved
for specific objects, places, or rituals. Holy water, for example, was
rare and only found in the context of religious ceremonies. But as he
grew older, his understanding of holiness expanded. He began to see
sacredness not as something external and exclusive, but as something
inherent in every aspect of life. In his words, "Holy water was rare,
now it’s everywhere."
This shift in perspective resonates deeply because it challenges
the notion that the divine or the miraculous is distant, separate, or
confined to the extraordinary. Instead, Mayer invites us to see the
divine in the ordinary—to look at the world with a sense of awe and
reverence that transforms the mundane into something sacred. A drop of
rain, a blade of grass, a smile, or the sound of a bird singing—each
becomes a vessel of the holy when we take the time to truly see it.
The song’s refrain, "Everything is holy now," is a profound
reminder to live with gratitude and mindfulness. It speaks to the idea
that miracles are not rare occurrences; they are the fabric of our
existence. The rising of the sun, the beating of our hearts, the
connection we feel with others—all are miracles if we choose to see
them as such. Mayer’s song encourages us to let go of the idea that
holiness belongs only to specific moments or objects and instead
embrace the sacredness of all things.
Listening to Holy Now is more than hearing a song—it’s an
invitation to change the way we experience life. It encourages us to
slow down, open our hearts, and appreciate the beauty and
interconnectedness of the world around us. In a culture that often
prizes speed, consumption, and distraction, this message feels like a
much-needed reminder of what truly matters.
What makes the song so moving is not just its lyrics, but the
heartfelt way Mayer delivers them. His voice carries an authenticity
that makes the listener feel as though he’s sharing a deeply personal
revelation—a truth that he’s discovered and now wants to share with
the world. This sincerity, combined with the song’s gentle melody,
creates an emotional resonance that lingers long after the music
stops.
Ultimately, Holy Now is more than just a song; it’s a
meditation on life. It asks us to reconsider how we view the world and
to awaken to the sacredness that surrounds us. It’s a call to embrace
life with a sense of wonder and gratitude, seeing not just with our
eyes, but with our hearts. And in doing so, we may find ourselves
moved to tears, not out of sadness, but out of a profound recognition
of the beauty and holiness in everything.
General Semantics
As I grew older, I found myself yearning for a way to reconcile or
move beyond my Catholic belief system. I wanted answers that resonated
with truth and clarity. Finally, I stumbled upon a crucial insight:
the teachings I had been following were built on words—words that
claimed to convey divine truths. This realization sparked a deeper
investigation into the connection between words, truth, and meaning,
ultimately leading me to a subject called General Semantics.
General Semantics opened my eyes to a vital principle: words must
have real meaning, or they can lead us into blind faith and
misunderstanding. Words, to be valuable, must point to something
tangible and verifiable. Without a clear connection to reality, words
risk becoming empty symbols that mislead rather than guide.
To illustrate this, I turned to the concept of maps. Maps, much
like words, are constructed as representations of reality. They
translate the real world into symbols on paper: roads become lines,
towns become rectangles, and landmarks are represented by various
icons. A good map serves as a reliable guide, helping you navigate
from one place to another because it corresponds to the actual
territory it describes.
Similarly, when someone gives you directions using words, those
words act as substitutes for the objects and paths along the way. They
serve as a verbal map. But just as it’s possible to draw a fake
treasure map that leads to a pot of gold at the end of the rainbow,
it’s also possible to construct a story that misrepresents reality.
Words, like maps, can deceive if they are disconnected from what is
real.
The solution, as General Semantics teaches, is to verify the map
against the territory—to ensure that the representation matches
reality. It’s not enough to trust words or stories at face value. You
must "walk the walk" and see for yourself whether they hold true. This
practice of questioning and verification became a cornerstone of my
understanding, allowing me to approach beliefs, ideas, and systems
with a critical yet open mind. It taught me the importance of
grounding meaning in reality rather than in unexamined faith or
hearsay.
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.
Introducing the Author: 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.
