Spirituality That Works

Q: I was reading today that one of the stages along the way to awakening is becoming silent. As someone who has a pretty powerful need to share what I’m thinking, am I in particular need of working on becoming a quieter person, listening more, and keeping to myself?

It’s true that once a regular sustained practice of meditation is established, silence is a natural outgrowth. That’s because once we are able to quiet our minds, the constant chatter and … Read More

We are born in a state of oneness—still aware of our pure connection with a greater knowing, a greater beingness and the all-that-is. But as soon as we are taught language, we begin being taught how to forget.

How is that possible? Let’s use the word “tree,” which is a language symbol for the image symbol for the thing itself. We’ve instantly been twice removed from pure reality. Much gets lost in the translation.

Each time we are indoctrinated into … Read More

Q: Let’s talk about right and wrong. From the non-dual perspective – the understanding that all of existence is fundamentally one interconnected whole – there is no right or wrong. There only is what is. Right?

Yes, there is only the totality of all that is. If there is no duality (no separation between things), there cannot be right and wrong, as these are dual concepts that require separation to exist.

The challenge people have with these concepts that cause … Read More

The Spark of AHA Moments

We often think of spiritual awakening as something difficult or painful – a process that requires extreme measures or pushing ourselves far outside our comfort zones. It can often feel intimidating enough that we feel discouraged from even starting.

Let’s shift that perception right now. Think of awakenings as stepping into a world of wonder—an adventurous scavenger hunt for hidden truths. We experience “aha moments” when something suddenly clicks into place. That aha moment feels … Read More

Q: Meditation is so often discussed as the central spiritual practice. So, why isn’t instruction in meditation much more widespread, especially when it comes to the education of our youth?

There are not enough adults who know how to meditate. So, how could they be aware of its benefits for their kids? Those who do try to meditate are often inconsistent. When there’s no consistency, the results are not immediate, so many tend to give up quickly. So, there’s a … Read More

Q: How do we make ourselves better able to embrace change and uncertainty?

You have a major opportunity right now. This national uncertainty we’re facing will continue intensely for quite a while before it levels out. Knowing that this is not going to go away quickly will prevent you from rushing back to the status quo. Most of this has to do with varying levels of acceptance: acceptance of certain emotional states, external world conditions, and so on. Once we … Read More

Life has a way of pulling us under its current. One moment we’re here, fully in the present. And the next, we’re swept away. A thoughtless remark, an unexpected email, a shift in the day’s plans, and suddenly our body tenses, our mind races, and the present slips through our fingers like water.

Here is a simple exercise to bring yourself back into the present anywhere, any time.

Step One: Pause
Stop. Just for a breath. Feel your feet against … Read More

Q: I’m reading the Krishnamurti book, and I had an understanding when they said to let go of all attachments. At first, I felt exhilarated. And then I went to, it’s not available to me.

Why did you go there? What was the thought on that?

Q: Because there are many significant things about myself I’ve tried to let go of for decades and haven’t.

But what was the understanding that you had, that brief moment of understanding that you … Read More