Spirituality That Works

Q: Is psychoanalysis the way to go for somebody to resolve mental health issues?

The answer is a qualified no, not in its classic form. Freud’s great contribution was his recognition that for deep change to occur, a person needs more than advice or willpower; they need a profound, felt insight like an “aha experience.” His idea was that by talking until unconscious patterns were made conscious, healing would naturally follow.

But, there are more efficient and direct ways to … Read More

Q: If somebody asked you, what’s one change I can make right now that will change my life the fastest, what can I do? What would you say?

At the top of the list of changes that can impact your life immediately is to have no contact with media of any kind. Outside of work, use no technology. That means no TV. No Internet. No computers, tablets, or cell phones. No emails. No texts. Put a stop to all of … Read More

Q: Does prayer actually work?

That depends on what you mean by work. If by “work” you mean that you get what you ask for, sometimes yes, sometimes no. If by “work” you mean that it changes something in you, then the answer is always yes.

The problem is that most people approach prayer like a cosmic vending machine. We put in a request (Code A23: Healing for a family member) and expect to get the exact result we … Read More

From the Hands of Many to the Hands of a Few 

At the beginning of human existence, back when we were on a level playing field with all other animals, our instinct for survival was extremely heightened and developed. This instinct was as necessary as any other sense. And because it was employed on a nearly constant basis, it was a dependably reliable means of acquiring information.

The survival instinct was used in much the same way any pack or … Read More

 Q: There are countless numbers of people who will agree with the basic spiritual ideas you talk about. They’ve read dozens of books; they share those values, but they’ve never been able to make the changes required to really transform their lives. And you’re suggesting that part of what happens when they read those books can actually be demotivating, because they find it soothing. It helps them feel better momentarily, reducing the pressure to change. But I think there’s something … Read More

Q: For someone to be able to make use of Inner Knowing do they have to have a certain degree of confidence in knowing that what they’re getting is from the Inner Knowing?

Practice is what helps build that confidence and provides validation over time. So it’s duration plus positive experience.

In the beginning, working with the Inner Knowing is like building a muscle. But this is a very different kind of muscle because it’s invisible and the results are, … Read More

I grew up on a farm with a menagerie of animals. I remember being fascinated by watching the farrier who’d come to work on shoeing our horses. He’d stick the horseshoe in the fire, then onto the anvil to strike it with his hammer. Back into the fire, then out again to test its metal—literally. All the while, he’d be hammering it into the shape he needed. It was a precise activity. Not one swing of the hammer was wasted. … Read More

Q: How do you lay the groundwork to live a spiritual life? Are there stages?

How much time do you have? (laughter) Seriously, though, this is a big question. I think we have time for a bird’s-eye view. Let’s use the analogy of progressing through school, where each stage builds on the last, and each one has its own lessons, challenges, and rewards.

Kindergarten: The Magical Thinking Stage

We all begin here. Anything feels possible. We set noble goals: “I’ll … Read More